Chapter 88 Self-Inflicted Injury

Self-Inflicted Injury

It doesn’t stop.

“Basically, it was your decision to marry my father and adopt me, even though we are not related by blood, right? If you didn’t like it, you should have said no. Just because it didn’t work out, you blame me and my father. You’re acting like a victim…it’s all your own fault.”

Takeshi’s bitter words poured out one after another.

In response, Hana-san——

“Takeshi…”

——Nothing, she does not answer.

She doesn’t seem to be hurt by Takeshi’s words.

If anything, Hana-san’s eyes when she looked at Takeshi…were like looking at a stray dog injured in an accident with such sympathetic eyes.

(At least for the end, say whatever you want. I’ll listen to whatever you have to say.)

It was as if she was telling him that.

Even in such a situation, she still tries to accept Takeshi’s dissatisfaction like a mother.

“Weak-mindedness and carelessness are no excuses. Your life is the result of your will. Neither I nor my father intentionally made you unhappy…Just make sure you understand that.”

And even in that situation, Takeshi still spat out all kinds of insults without noticing Hana-san’s kindness.

He really is a hopeless person.

Looking at it from a bird’s eye view, I see. I think I understand Hana-san’s feelings a little.

But farewell to the important person who raised you, I can’t believe Takeshi can’t do anything but shower her with this abuse.

It was too…pathetic.

“Phew…I’m angry that I was betrayed, but it’s okay. If I got this much money instead of losing my mother and sister…it’s not a bad deal for me.”

These words also sound like excuses.

I can only sense that he is desperately trying to convince himself.

“Excellent. Finally, I don’t have to feel poor. I can play freely without looking at your face. I don’t have to listen to your complaints and I don’t have to take care of Ichika. I feel refreshed…You’re right. I’m free.”

After that, Takeshi shut his mouth.

There is silence for a few seconds. Then Hana-san finally speaks.

“…Have you said all you wanted to say?”

Is there anything you didn’t say?

(I’m sorry.)

If you still feel that way, I’ll listen to you——maybe that’s what Hana-san wanted to say to him.

She really is a nice person.

Until the very end, Hana-san is trying to find (a reason to forgive Takeshi one day).

Something might happen one day…Takeshi might contact Hana-san. Hana-san wants a reason why it would be okay to meet him in that case.

But of course those thoughts——won’t reach him.

“Go away. I’ll never see you again…I’m ashamed to have been your child. At best, don’t make Ichika unhappy…like me.”

Just curse until the end.

After hearing these words, Hana-san gave a small nod.

“Yes, I understand…I’m sorry for being such an ashamed parent. But I will still cherish the time I spent with you.”

“I don’t know how you can say that now, but wow, how can you say that to me, who was abandoned before I was an adult?”

“…then, goodbye.”

The farewell was so bad.

Like the moment when it was confirmed that Hana-san and Takeshi’s lives would never cross again.

Takeshi…you will regret this one day.

When you are more mature, when you are more at ease than you are now, when you look back on your life, you will probably miss…Hana-san and Ichika.

I know because we’ve known each other since we were kids.

If you can grow up without losing your way…you’ll realize your mistakes one day.

Takeshi. You are not stupid. You are a human being too. You will realize it.

That’s why you regret this parting.

When I think of my childhood friend’s life, I can’t help…feeling sorry for him.

Well, yes.

He deserved it, though——