CH 42

Does everyone have someone they like?

As for me, there is someone I like. I’ve had a crush on her since my freshman year in college, and before I knew it, I had fallen in love with her.

She is an amazing person. She has a great personality and excellent grades. She is respected by both students and teachers, to the point where she is considered the top student in the university.

During our recent nursing practice, an elderly patient even complimented her, saying “If I could be taken care of by you, I could happily go to heaven.” I agree with that sentiment.

Rumors have it that her father is the director of a major hospital. I don’t know if that’s true, but even if it is, she has never acted arrogant or snobbish.

Not only is she beautiful on the inside, but she is also physically stunning.

Of course, she is very popular and even has the nickname “angel” because of how much she is liked. She is so popular that men from other universities even come to confess their feelings to her.

But I can understand why they would go through all that trouble, because I have fallen for her as well.

However, there are rumors going around that she is not interested in men because she has turned down all the previous confessions she has received.

As a result, some people have even speculated that she might be a l*****n, but that is not true. It’s just that the men who were rejected spread rumors to get revenge.

It must be difficult to deal with so much jealousy and attention, but she has never shown any sign of displeasure. She is truly an amazing person.

Right now, she is quietly studying alone in the library after school. She doesn’t show off her hard work to anyone.

I was impressed by her diligence as she continued to quietly write with her pen.

It’s strange how you can fall in love with someone. I took a deep breath and walked over to her, trying to act as if everything was normal.

“Is it okay if I sit next to you? Mio-san.”

“Huh?”

Her jewel-like beautiful eyes turn towards me, surprised by my sudden approach.

“…Yuuto-kun. It’s not a problem, it’s a public space, right?”

“That’s right. Thanks. You always work hard studying.”

“Studying is a student’s job. I can’t afford to slack off.”

Unfortunately, Mio-san and I are not classmates. We’re the same age, but in different classes.

We were able to talk after I spoke to her a little while ago.

We’re in a friend-like relationship now… or at least, that’s what I’d like to say, but it’s probably different for Mio-san.

When I sat next to her, she immediately moved her chair slightly to keep some distance from me. It’s a sign that she’s wary of me.

I think to myself, “The man who can dispel Mih-san’s guard must be really happy…” Because there must be a side of her that she only shows to special people.

“I heard you had a fever yesterday. Are you okay?”

“I’m sorry for making you worry. I’m fine. I had my own… exclusive nurse taking care of me.”

“Personal… nurse? As expected of Mio-san.”

(Does that mean her father is a hospital director or something if they have a housekeeper?)

If you don’t have money, you can’t hire a housekeeper. That’s a natural way of thinking.

But why did she emphasize the “my exclusive” part?

“Anyway…what about you, Yuuto-kun?”

“Um, well…first of all, I’m sorry for disturbing your studying, Mio-san.”

“Don’t worry about it. I can concentrate again, so it’s fine.”

Mio-san said this with a natural expression, but everyone, including me, knows how difficult that is.

She’s really a kind person.

“Mio-san, do you have any plans for today?”

“I’m sorry, but I do have plans.”

She answered immediately.

But…I can’t give up. Mio-san is alone. This is a great opportunity to invite her somewhere.

“I, um, just want a little bit of your time. Lately, I’ve been really into bars and I want to recommend a place to you, Mio-san. I remember you talked about alcohol before?”

“It’s not good to eavesdrop, Yuuto-kun.”

“I overheard it by accident!”

Mio furrowed her perfectly groomed eyebrows, and I became flustered.

My eavesdropping had been exposed because of my invitation. There was no doubt that I left a bad impression. However, I won’t be discouraged by this. I made up my mind to invite Miho out today and searched for her.

“So, what do you think? It’s my recommended bar.”

“By the way, may I know the name of the bar?”

“It’s called Shine. Do you know it? It’s said to be a hidden gem.”

“Haha, I know that place. It’s a good bar. The staff there are kind and thoughtful.”

“You know it!? That’s exactly right!!”

Once again, Miho emphasized the word “staff.” This is not just my imagination.

Mio is likely to have some intention behind her words, but I don’t understand anything.

“So, come with me to that bar. Let’s go there today!”

“I’m sorry. I don’t like alcohol, and I have other things to do, remember?”

“I’ll figure something out! But, wait, didn’t you talk about alcohol before?”

“About alcohol… What about it?”

“Ah, uh, haha…”

Mio softened her expression gently, without laughing.

As if saying “Don’t ask any more,” she emitted a certain pressure.

I couldn’t help but laugh awkwardly, unable to resist her aura.

“How about going to a cafe then? I’ll treat you to a parfait or something!”

“I’m not good with sweet things. I’m also conscious of carbohydrates.”

“But they have coffee and stuff there! I’m sure you’ll be happy too!”

“I’ll pass.”

“How about going to the movies then? Or we could take a walk! Just a little bit!”

I was getting desperate. I wanted to hear Mio’s voice saying “yes” somehow.

Mio has refused every man’s invitation so far. I wanted to be the first man she said yes to.

But it was foolish to hold onto that idea.

“Yuuto-kun, I’m telling you that I already have plans scheduled.”

“Wh-what!?”

I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Mio-san, with a suspicious expression… no, that’s not right. Mio-san looked angry.

“If our business is finished, I’m going back to my studies.”

“W-wait! Why? Why don’t you ever accept invitations from anyone?”

I was getting upset and, in that moment, I was still immature enough to spread false rumors about Mio-san just to get her to agree to go out with me.

“I’m happy to receive invitations.”

“…………”

But that was a lie. She didn’t show any emotions at all. It was too obvious.

Why… why did she refuse invitations so stubbornly? It became clear in her next statement.

“But I think he would feel uncomfortable. He’s my treasure, and I don’t want to do anything that would make him uncomfortable.”

“Eh…”

That was a sudden bombshell. I… I froze like a pole.

“I- I heard you say ‘him’ just now…?”

My mind went blank. The word ‘him’ was uttered by Mio-san.

“Eh, um… does that mean Mio-san, you have a boyfriend…?”

“Hehe, don’t pry too much… I might start gushing about him,” she said, with a sly smile.

“T- That’s… That’s…”

I found out the truth that I didn’t want to know.

Mio-san had been turning down my invitations and confessions because she had a boyfriend… This was not a lie. She was now showing her girlish side…

Unfair… Mio-san’s boyfriend was unfair… To see such a face every day…

“I’m going home now…”

“Okay, see you tomorrow.”

I was in such shock that I didn’t even reply to Mio-san and just left the library…

***

“’He’ is a pronoun that’s often associated with men, so it can be misunderstood.”

In the now-empty space, Mio looks up at the ceiling and speaks to herself.

(All I can think about now is Toma-kun…)

She closes her eyes and vividly recalls what happened yesterday.

She kissed Toma-kun, and the sensation of that moment.

And then…he retaliated.

“Mio-san…I’m a guy, you know. Please don’t tease me like that.”

He suddenly pushed me onto the bed while he was soaking my feet. His dignified face and sharp gaze filled my vision.

At that time, I should have hugged him.

But I was too captivated by Toma-kun, and I couldn’t bring myself to think about that option. I really regret it now.

“I-I’m sorry…for what I did.”

It felt like it lasted over a minute to me, but in reality, it was only a few seconds. Toma-kun muttered apologetically and got up.

“I’m going home now… I can’t hold back anymore… I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable anymore,” he said.

…

“He can’t hold back” – those words refer to his self-control.

I have three regrets…

When he gently pushed me down, I should have said “It’s not unpleasant.”

I should have stopped him by saying “Wait”…

And I should have kept Toma-kun from leaving my house…

If I had done those things, not only could we have crossed the line, but I could have spent more time with Toma, whom I love even more.