Chapter 37 The Day My Life Changed
#18ZenkouSeitoThe Day My Life Changed
Nakano’s face was deathly pale.
Irara stood directly in front of him, gazing intently.
When Nakano noticed her gaze, a look of anguish crossed his face.
“Akari…”
“Why did you say something like that? Something that would make everyone treat Kyogoku-kun even more like the culprit?”
“W-Well… I really thought it was suspicious. And I felt sorry for the girl whose knapsack was stolen, so I thought it’d be good if they found the culprit…”
“…I see. I’m not trying to deny how you feel, Yuya. But you know, saying things based on assumptions isn’t right. You knew, didn’t you? That if you said it in front of everyone, they’d all assume Kyogoku-kun was the culprit?”
“I… I know that…”
Nakano said nothing more.
No, he probably couldn’t say anything.
Even though he had cheated, Nakano still clung to Irara.
“I can’t forgive that. Not at all. Deep inside, I feel sick and restless. Kyogoku-kun is such a wonderful person… He doesn’t deserve to feel this kind of pain anymore.”
“!!!”
Irara told me I didn’t have to feel sad anymore.
That made me so happy.
In my entire life, there had never been anyone like Irara.
…Truly, there hadn’t been.
But Nakano’s expression twisted further as he muttered while looking down.
“…Do you care about Kyogoku that much?”
“Huh?”
Nakano spat the words out like venom.
“You were dating me until just a little while ago, but now it’s Kyogoku? I mean, why him of all people? What’s so great about a guy with such a villainous face?!”
Nakano snapped back to his senses and looked up.
For the first time, Nakano revealed his true feelings.
That was definitely his raw, undisguised truth—something he couldn’t show to others.
Nakano hates me.
…Well, of course he does.
I’ve always said what I wanted to him. I denied him.
To Nakano, who still clings to Irara, I’m nothing but an obstacle.
…But Nakano is an idiot. A complete jerk.
And he hurt Irara. That fact will never change.
“S-Sorry… Forget it.”
Nakano walked away as if fleeing the scene.
Irara watched his retreating figure with a somewhat sorrowful look.
“Irara… I’m sorry. I made you say things you didn’t want to say.”
“No, don’t apologize. I just said what I wanted to say. …Hehe, maybe I was influenced by Kyogoku-kun too.”
Irara smiled.
Even though she probably wasn’t feeling great herself.
Still, Irara smiled in a way that could bring happiness to those around her.
“…Really, Irara, you’re amazing.”
“Eh? What is?”
“Lots of things. …Anyway, thank you. No one’s ever stood up for me like that before. It made me really happy.”
“Y-Yeah… Hehe, you’re welcome.”
Irara gave an embarrassed smile.
Then, I turned my gaze to Kiriha, who had been watching over me silently the whole time.
“Kiriha, thank you too.”
“D-Don’t get the wrong idea! I wasn’t doing it for you… I just couldn’t stand how idiotic everyone else was acting. That’s all.”
“Haha, you’re as not honest as ever, Kiriha.”
“Huh?! Don’t get cocky! Ugh… You’re so annoying.”
Kiriha spat the words out while turning her face away, then walked away briskly.
She really isn’t honest with herself.
But Kiriha’s kindness comes through clearly.
Kiriha really is a kind girl.
I’m left alone with Irara.
Just as we’re about to say something to each other—
—We will soon begin the afternoon session. Students participating in the paired dance, please gather at the entrance gate.
“Looks like we have to go now.”
“Yeah.”
“Then, I’ll go put my jacket away! I’m already wearing my costume underneath. Well then, see you later…”
“Wait a second!”
I stop Irara as she begins to walk away.
She tilts her head and looks at me curiously.
Taking a deep breath, I put my feelings into words.
“Thank you so much, Irara. You really saved me.”
At my words, Irara’s face turned bright red for a moment before she covered her embarrassment with a radiant smile.
“Hehe, you’re very welcome!”
—On this day.
It might have been just a little, but I’m certain my life changed.
Suzaku-sensei, Kiriha—and Irara.
They stood by my side, breaking down the walls that had surrounded me for so long.
I’ll never forget today.
I’ll never forget it, no matter what.
The paired dance will begin soon.
The tension from earlier had dissipated after the incident, but my hands were still trembling from the lingering adrenaline.
“I-I’m so excited, Kyogoku-kun!”
“Y-Yeah.”
Beside me, Irara rubbed her palms together nervously.
She looked restless.
Could it be that Irara is nervous too…?
“…Ah.”
I notice Irara’s hands.
They’re trembling slightly, and she’s clenching her fists tightly as if trying to suppress it.
—And now…
The announcement echoes, and the other pairs stand up.
The girl I thought was so strong is trembling with nerves, sitting right next to me.
…Well, of course.
“Irara.”
Without thinking, I naturally reach out to Irara.
“It’s okay. Irara, you shine brighter than anyone. You’re even more dazzling than the sun. So—don’t worry, you’ll be fine.”
“!!!”
Irara’s face flushed a deep red.
Snapping back to my senses, I wonder what kind of cheesy line I just blurted out. Seriously.
…But.
“Come on… Let’s go.”
“…Yeah!!!”
Irara takes my hand.
Her touch is soft.
And warm, endlessly warm and kind.
Together, we dash toward the field.
The natural spotlight of the sun shines down on us.