She Became Distressed After I Stopped Being Restrained and Started Interacting with Others - Chapter 52

“Won’t you be mine, Yuna?”

Shiori’s voice fell quietly.

Her voice sounded as if she was leaving the choice to me.

But deep in her eyes, contrary to her words, showed she had no intention of letting me go at all.

“I—”

My voice came out hoarse.

I couldn’t speak properly.

There was a sensation of my throat being squeezed.

(…Maybe it would be better if I just dated Shiori)

That thought crossed my mind, but was immediately dismissed.

No matter what, Honoka’s face came to mind.

I couldn’t imagine a future where Shiori stood by my side instead of Honoka.

“Yuna”

When I looked up at the sound of her voice, Shiori was gazing at me with a serious expression.

I felt almost overwhelmed by her direct gaze, but I clenched my fist tightly and stared back into her eyes.

“…I can’t date you, Shiori”

I said this and let out a small breath.

“…Why?”

Shiori asked in a low voice. Her voice was quiet and calm, but trembling slightly.

“What about me don’t you like, Yuna? I’ll try harder, you know”

As she said this, Shiori gripped my hand. Her grip was strong enough to hurt a little, but I remained silent without saying anything.

“Hey, tell me?”

Whispered as if pleading, I lowered my eyes.

Shiori is kind, and I feel calm when I’m with her. She stayed with me when I was troubled too.

I know she cares about me deeply.

—But.

“…I’m sorry”

“I see…”

Shiori’s voice sounded slightly lonely. But she immediately lifted her face and smiled. Her eyes looked somewhat hollow, yet still appeared strong.

“I won’t give up”

After saying this, Shiori slowly brought her face closer.

“Huh…?”

I couldn’t help but let out a confused sound.

“Yuna”

Shiori gently grabbed both my shoulders.

Her eyes seemed to contain a mixture of hesitation and determination.

“…!”

I almost stepped back instinctively.

“You know, I really do like you, Yuna”

At the same time as Shiori’s words, the distance between us closed dramatically. Close enough to touch cheeks. Our noses almost brushed against each other, and my heart leaped strongly.

I almost closed my eyes instinctively—but at that moment, what clearly appeared in my mind was Honoka’s face.

That beloved smile. The feeling of her soft, warm fingertips. And her gentle voice calling my name. All of it came clearly to mind.

(…After all, I—)

The moment my resolve solidified clearly within myself, I was already pushing Shiori’s shoulders away firmly.