I Was Abandoned by My Fiancé and Betrayed by My Best Friend—A Story from Rock Bottom - Chapter 26.1

Whenever I recall that night, my face turns bright red.

And once the memory surfaces, the flashbacks are so intense I can’t focus on anything.

——The story goes back to when I received the confession.

“…I like you.”

Those words from Kiryū-san.

My legs gave out and I slumped to the floor.

Silence hung between us.

My heart was pounding, my mind went blank.

After that silent scream, I desperately tried to calm my emotions.

“…Um, well”

Words I finally managed to squeeze out.

I was happy about his feelings.

“…That… well. I’m happy about your feelings.”

But neither my mind nor my heart were prepared.

So, gathering my courage, I said this:

“But, how should I put it? I never even imagined that Kiryū-san would have feelings for me.”

“Ah, I see.”

“Honestly, I’m not mentally prepared.”

Kiryū-san lowered his eyes slightly, but still replied in a calm voice.

“…I understand. I’ll wait for your answer until Miharu-san has sorted out her feelings.”

At those words, my chest warmed with emotion.

“I’m really sorry.”

“…Don’t worry about it. More importantly, let me help you up.”

Kiryū-san said this matter-of-factly and slowly helped me to my feet.

Being held firmly in his strong arms made me feel a little more composed.

The relief of not being blamed, but simply being accepted.

Yet at the same time, I could feel something inside me beginning to stir profoundly.

“Thank you. I’ll give you my answer soon. So…”

Saying this, I offered to exchange social media contacts with Kiryū-san.

Kiryū-san readily agreed, and we exchanged contacts from our personal smartphones.

“That… I’m sorry for springing this on you so suddenly…”

“No… I’m actually relieved right now.”

“…Miharu-san”

Kiryū-san looked surprised.

“I’ll contact you when I’m ready to talk.”

“Yeah.”

Kiryū-san gently accepted my repeated, stumbling words…

◆◆◆

The next morning.

As I fixed my hair in front of the mirror, I reflected on yesterday’s events.

My heart still hadn’t settled down.

Why did this have to happen…?

But his eyes weren’t playful—that person was serious.

After finishing my hair, I applied eyeliner and finished my lashes.

But in my past, I carry the wound of being betrayed by someone I was engaged to.

And it wasn’t long ago, just about a month back.

I haven’t told Kiryū-san about that yet.

So, I don’t intend to give him an answer lightly.

When I recall Kiryū-san’s expression from that night, warmth spreads deep in my chest.

His clumsy, rough-around-the-edges yet earnest way of squeezing out those words.

…It made me happy.

——Undoubtedly, it made me happy.

But I still don’t have the courage to simply return his “I like you” with my own.

I need a little more time until my heart is ready…

After finishing all my preparations, I whispered softly to my reflection in the mirror.

“…Not yet. I’ll keep it deep in my heart for now.”

Having told myself this, I put on my secretary clothes for the day.

The beginning of a new day.

——But deep in my chest, there was definitely a different warmth than before.