Chapter 233 Eiji's Resolve

Eiji’s Resolve

I rejoin everyone and start eating dinner.

Tonight’s dinner is demi-glace hamburg steak and crab cream croquettes—a popular lunch favorite. The croquettes have a crispy, golden shell that gives way to a soft, fluffy center. The demi-glace sauce has been simmered to a deep, mellow richness, with a touch of fresh cream adding a smooth, velvety depth.

“It was delicious.”

Ai-san smiles contentedly. Rather than eating in the restaurant, we’re having our meal together in the kitchen. It feels more relaxed that way.

“I’m glad.”

When I smile, she nods.

I deliberately avoid bringing up our earlier conversation with Uncle Ugaki until we finish eating. It’s not that I want to hide anything—I just want us to enjoy this meal together.

“Hey—”

Just as I’m about to speak, Ai-san seems to sense it and speaks first.

“Senpai met my father, didn’t you?”

Her expression darkens, just slightly.

“You knew?”

“Not exactly. But while I was waiting at the shop, I saw my father’s car. Then Senpai came back almost immediately, so I had a feeling…”

“I see. Yeah, he stopped me on my way out and offered me a ride.”

Ai-san nods gently. I wondered if she might be upset, but it seems my concern was unnecessary.

“Do you remember what I said when we first met, Senpai? ‘Why now, of all times?’”

My chest tightens.

“Yeah… I remember.”

Back then, I assumed she had said it because I had intruded on her just as she was about to end her life. But now…

“My father had mentioned Senpai to me before. We’d never met, but he told me that his best friend’s son was a year ahead of me in school. He even showed me a picture once… I only vaguely remembered your face, but when I saw you, I knew you were connected to him.”

The pieces start falling into place.

“So that’s how it was…”

“At first, I thought you were just watching over me on my father’s orders. But I realized right away that wasn’t the case. No one could fake something like that. And when I listened to Senpai’s words… I remembered the rumors. That’s when I understood—it was just a coincidence.”

Hearing this, a small question forms in my mind.

“But… you never felt any hostility or suspicion toward me, did you?”

Ai-san lets out a small, self-mocking laugh.

“It’s strange, isn’t it? That day on the rooftop, the moment I saw your face… for some reason, I felt relieved. Even though I thought you might be connected to my father, I wasn’t afraid. It was odd. But now, after everything you’ve done for me, I finally understand. I… I didn’t want to die. I was just waiting for someone to reach out to me.”

Her words cut deep. And in that moment, I realize—

There’s something she hasn’t put into words. Or maybe… something even she hasn’t realized yet.

Maybe, just maybe…

Ai-san…

A part of her had been hoping—hoping that her father still cared about her. That, in some small way, he was still watching over her.

I can’t say for sure. But if that’s the case… then this misunderstanding is unbearably cruel.

“What did my father say?”

I don’t think I should say too much. Some things are meant to be spoken between them. It’s not my place to interfere.

“He was worried about you.”

Her eyes widen slightly. Then, after a moment, she lets out a quiet, wry laugh.

“Senpai, you’re too kind.”

I don’t know how much of it got through to her. But I want her to understand.

And so, I make my declaration.

“There’s still a story I haven’t finished writing. I’ll complete it as soon as I can. And when it’s done… will you be the first to read it?”

I don’t know if this will change anything. Maybe it won’t.

But if there’s even the slightest chance… this is the only way I know how.

—Ugaki’s Perspective—

The secretary glances at me through the rearview mirror.

“Are you sure you don’t want to see the young lady…?”

For a fleeting moment, I waver.

But then, I push the feeling down.

“It’s fine. I’ve entrusted Ai to the one person I trust most.”

Closing my eyes, I let old memories wash over me, then lock them away once more.

Tomorrow, the final battle begins.