Chapter 9 Shuu (5)

Shuu (5)

I received information that Mari quit her job.

She also told me about the man she was having an affair with.

Apparently, Mari told him herself.

I’m really angry.

I don’t understand why she would betray her affair partner and want to rebuild our relationship.

I’m sure if I ask Mari about it, she’ll just say it’s because she loves me.

Every time I hear Mari say these words, I get sick to my stomach.

I tried to talk to some of my friends about it, but most of them just said,

Why don’t you forgive her?

Everyone makes mistakes.

She just lost herself for a moment.

She is deeply regretful.

They spoiled Mari with such irresponsible words.

Mari’s parents also bowed before me and asked me to start over with her.

They don’t even know why I no longer trust her love anymore.

I’m sure they cannot imagine the pain and fear of betrayal, and especially the emptiness of having their precious treasure destroyed.

After all, it is the opinion of a third party with no responsibility.

In a sense, it is an objective view, and in truth, it may be correct.

Even now, no matter how much I want to erase Mari from my mind, all I can think about is Mari, and they don’t know how painful that is.

It would be incredibly painful to start living with Mari again. No one else could possibly empathize with me.

I really don’t know…

I just don’t know.

How can I get Mari out of my mind?

While I’m wandering through the maze of thoughts with no way out, a voice I’ve become accustomed to hearing lately brings me to my senses.

“Shuu-niisan. I’m home.”

Aki-chan comes in with a carefree air as if it were her room, even though it’s mine.

“Welcome back. This is my room, though.”

I couldn’t help but give Aki-chan a friendly greeting.

Only when I talk to her do I forget about Mari.

Ironically, her resemblance to Mari is the tranquilizer that keeps my hatred and anger toward Mari from getting out of control.

“Today I’m going to make my specialty, omelet rice. Please look forward to it.”

I had the chance to try it several times, and it was an excellent omelet rice that Aki-chan herself said she was good at.

I watch Aki-chan as she starts cooking in the kitchen, a place she knows very well.

The sight of her reminds me of the old Mari.

It is the image of the happy times when I trusted and loved her more than anyone else…

“It’s ready, Shuu-niisan. Let’s eat.”

The omelet rice is put on the table.

When Aki-chan cuts the center of the egg for the final touch, it breaks cleanly and covers the rice.

“It’s always nice to see.”

“Hehe, I’ll write a heart on it too.”

Aki-chan takes the ketchup she brought and really makes a heart mark.

“What would you do in the end if you were in a maid cafe?” (tl/n: I thought he was talking about the magic spell the waiters in maid cafes usually cast at the end, like in anime.)

I say it jokingly.

“Oh, that’s not necessary, of course, because I don’t skimp on the secret ingredient to make it tasty.”

Aki-chan laughs back at me.

A peaceful everyday life that has become completely less in my mind.

I’m saved by a casual conversation.

I realize this when I take Aki-chan back to her room.

Before I knew it, I regretted leaving Aki-chan.

But I also understood that it was because of my distorted mind.

Somewhere along the way, I saw Mari and Aki-chan in the same light.

Even though I know that Aki-chan wouldn’t want it, I can’t help but see Mari’s existence overlapping with Aki-chan’s.

I was so depressed by Mari’s existence that I couldn’t help but feel that she was trying to undermine Aki-chan’s existence as well.

I want to settle everything as soon as possible.

I was so overwhelmed with mixed, confused, and resentful feelings.

And then, when my heart was about to reach its limit,.

Aki-chan, who had been by my side watching over me, said with a sad look on her face,

“Shuu-niisan is too pure. That’s why I can’t forgive Nee-san for not being able to love you. Even now, you still love Nee-san, and you can’t stop loving her.”

At first, I didn’t understand what she meant.

I really wanted to get rid of Mari.

“It’s okay, Shu-niisan... No, Shuu-san. Even if you replace me with Nee-san.”

But when I heard those words, I understood.

That I always wanted Mari.

Ah, I quickly snapped at myself for my unworthiness to make Aki-chan say such a thing.

“Aki-chan, I’m sorry. I can’t take advantage of these feelings right now… I’ll take care of myself first.”

“…I understand. But don’t forget, I will always be on your side.”

“Thank you, Aki-chan.”

Then I hugged Aki-chan once.

And then I immediately contacted a lawyer.