I Was Abandoned by My Fiancé and Betrayed by My Best Friend—A Story from Rock Bottom - Chapter 39

That night.

After finishing work and returning home, I sat at my desk later than usual.

My reunion with Reika and those words.

“I’m counting on you to look after Naoya, Udo-san.”

Her voice still lingered in my ears.

(…It’s amazing to be able to care about someone that much.)

After witnessing her strength and kindness, I could feel the hesitation deep in my heart gradually melting away.

Just then, my smartphone suddenly vibrated.

On the SNS screen was the name “Kiryū Naoya.”

<Can we talk for a bit now?>

That was all.

Yet my heartbeat quickened.

<Yes. That’s fine.>

A few seconds after I replied, the phone rang.

“Sorry for the sudden call.”

“…Good evening. Thank you for contacting me.”

“I’m glad it’s not a bother. Were you working overtime today?”

“Yes. I was organizing some documents.”

“I see. You’ve worked hard.”

A brief pause.

The silence through the phone was oddly comforting.

“…Udo. No, Miharu-san.”

“Y-yes?”

“Have you been feeling a bit tired lately?”

His voice was much softer than usual.

“Eh… how did you know?”

“I could tell from looking at your face today.”

It was so direct that I was at a loss for words.

Somehow, I felt a little embarrassed.

“I-I’m fine. Today, I just had some things to think about.”

“Things to think about?”

“Yes. I spoke with Reika-san a little.”

The other end of the phone went quiet for a moment.

“…I see. So, you talked about something.”

“Yes. Reika-san is a wonderful person, isn’t she?

To be honest, I didn’t like her at first.

But today, I understood a little.

That she also cared deeply about you, Kiryū-san.”

Silence.

But it wasn’t heavy.

It spread gently through the quiet night like waves.

“That’s right! I want to talk to you about something too.”

“Eh?”

“Back then, when I confessed to you I was actually scared.”

His voice trembled slightly.

“I was afraid of genuinely falling for someone.

I was scared of losing them, so I kept escaping into work.

But, watching you I started to change little by little.”

His words made my chest tighten.

“When you smile, I feel happy too.

When you’re in trouble, I want to help you somehow.

I couldn’t hide those feelings anymore.”

I quietly caught my breath.

“And I was afraid you’d reject me too.

But Reika encouraged me, saying it would be okay.

And, seeing how you always work so earnestly.

Thinking of that made me want to tell you my feelings no matter what.”

“Kiryū-san…”

“Admittedly, the timing might have been too early.

I’m sorry for startling you.

But I don’t regret telling you.”

I couldn’t speak.

But somewhere in my heart, the answer was already decided.

“…Kiryū-san.”

“Hm?”

“I… was scared too.

I was afraid to trust someone, and couldn’t take that step.

But now, I think I might be able to look forward a little.”

“…I see.”

Those words gently settled in my chest.

And then, unexpectedly…

“Miharu-san.”

“Yes?”

“On our next day off, could we meet again?”

My heart raced all at once.

“Eh, ah, yes…!”

“I want to continue where we left off. There are things I want to tell you in person.”

His voice carried an uncharacteristic shyness I’d never heard before.

I couldn’t help but smile.

“…Yes. I’ll look forward to it.”

“Yeah. Good night, Miharu-san.”

“…Good night.”

Even after the call ended, I remained motionless, clutching my phone to my chest.

“Kiryū-san… truly is a kind and strong person.”

I murmured to myself and looked up out the window.

The moon floating in the night sky seemed to shine more softly than usual.

—Love isn’t something to be afraid of.

It’s something that gives you the courage to believe and move forward.

Whispering that to myself deep in my heart, I smiled softly.