She Became Distressed After I Stopped Being Restrained and Started Interacting with Others - Chapter 31

I quietly return to my seat.

Placing the textbook on the desk, I flip through the pages randomly, but none of the content registers in my mind.

(…Why?)

Yuna-chan had distanced herself from Shiraishi-san once.

Certainly, at that time, the two of them should have drifted apart.

—And yet.

I saw the mark on Yuna-chan’s neck.

To have something like that from the morning. They must have been intimate enough to leave such a deep mark.

(…Impossible)

I unconsciously clench my back teeth.

My prediction was completely off.

Shiraishi-san has a sociable personality.

She can talk to anyone in class and is considerate of those around her.

That’s exactly why I thought she said she “wanted a little freedom.”

I assumed she found Yuna-chan’s possessiveness stifling and planned to spend some time alone or with people other than Yuna-chan.

—But.

(…That’s not it)

Rather than creating distance, it seems like they’re more connected than before.

(How frustrating…)

I definitely closed the distance with Yuna-chan at that aquarium.

She spent time with me, and though she looked lonely when remembering Shiraishi-san, she still smiled happily.

That’s why that day, I boldly called her “Yuna-chan.”

And Yuna-chan accepted it.

(I thought I was gradually fading Shiraishi-san’s shadow from her life)

But Shiraishi-san still holds such a strong place in Yuna-chan’s heart.

I clench my fists on my lap.

Gently applying pressure so no one will notice.

(Really, Shiraishi-san is unfair)

She’s the one who said she “wanted freedom,” yet she’s keeping Yuna-chan tied to her so strongly.

And Yuna-chan, who allows it, is also—

(Am I not good enough?)

Such words rise in the back of my throat.

But I swallow them down and exhale quietly.

(…Well, fine)

This isn’t over yet. In fact, the real battle starts now.

I slowly lift my face.

Yuna-chan still isn’t looking at me.

Her mind is completely filled with thoughts of Shiraishi-san.

(That’s fine too)

If Yuna-chan loves Shiraishi-san, then I’ll just take her, along with those feelings.

There’s no need to make her fall for me right away.

If I can steal “Yuna-chan who loves Shiraishi-san,” then that’s fine too.

(I want Yuna-chan)

In whatever form. By any means necessary.

(So, I won’t rush)

The anxiety and hesitation that arise when Yuna-chan is with Shiraishi-san.

I can slowly entangle myself with those feelings.

That way, Yuna-chan should realize.

Who truly fulfills her?

Who should really be by her side?

(I’ll show her the answer)

If Yuna-chan doesn’t realize it, I’ll make her realize.

Whether the person beside her is truly suitable, who can treasure Yuna-chan the most.

Right now, she might only be able to see Shiraishi-san.

But people’s feelings change.

Little by little, slowly, surely.

—Besides.

(Just because two people love each other doesn’t mean they can stay together forever)

In relationships, feelings alone aren’t enough to make everything work.

No matter how strong the emotions, if there are misunderstandings, anxieties, or doubts, the relationship becomes fragile.

In fact, Yuna-chan already wavered once.

(Which means—)

That a doubt about “staying with Shiraishi-san forever” was born within Yuna-chan.

That’s where I’ll strike.

“Even if two people love each other, there are countless ways to make them break up…”

It was a quiet voice.

A whisper so soft no one could hear it.

—The feeling of “love” alone isn’t enough to stay together forever.

When Yuna-chan realizes that, what will she do?

At that moment, I’ll gently extend my hand.

Saying, “It’s okay. I’m here.”

Yuna-chan will surely take that hand.

Letting go of Shiraishi-san’s hand, and reaching toward mine.