Waiting for You in the Rainy Garden - Chapter 17

The next morning, Hiyori came to my house earlier than usual.

The moment the doorbell rang, my heart jumped with a start.

When I opened the door, Hiyori stood there in her school uniform.

Her hair was neatly tied up, and her ponytail—pulled just a little tighter than usual—seemed to speak of her resolve.

Her eyes held a light free of hesitation, and their intensity made me catch my breath.

“Mashiro, today… I’m going to talk to the faculty advisor.”

Hiyori said this while looking straight at me.

Her voice didn’t tremble.

It was firm, so much so that it was hard to believe she had been crying just yesterday.

“Talk… about what?”

When I asked, Hiyori took a small breath and then said quietly,

“That I’m withdrawing from the tournament.”

My chest ached.

I knew how much track and field had meant to Hiyori.

She was always the first on the field every day and the last to leave.

For Hiyori, track wasn’t just a club activity—it was a precious place that had always supported her.

And now, Hiyori herself was saying “withdraw.”

The weight of it pressed heavily on my chest.

But Hiyori’s expression was clear.

As if yesterday’s clouds had been a lie, her eyes were pure and bright.

“Because of what you said to me yesterday, Mashiro… I was finally able to face my own feelings.”

Hiyori smiled, a little embarrassed.

That smile held a strength that only someone who had overcome yesterday’s tears could show.

“Hiyori…”

My chest grew warm.

I was happy, proud, and just a little sad that Hiyori was facing forward so bravely.

“I was scared to accept that I couldn’t run anymore. But… if you’re by my side, Mashiro, I feel like I can move forward.”

Hiyori’s voice was soft, yet it had a core of strength.

Her words resonated deep within me.

Hiyori had been fighting alone all this time.

Carrying the pain of her injury, her anxiety, her fear—all by herself.

But now, my presence could be her support.

That fact warmed the depths of my heart.

I took Hiyori’s hand.

Her hand was a little cold, but the strength with which she squeezed back was firm.

“I’ll support your decision, Hiyori.”

Hiyori smiled.

That smile was gentler and stronger than the morning light.

“Thank you. I’m glad you’re here, Mashiro.”

Those words soaked deep into my heart.

Hiyori’s voice was straightforward, without a single lie, and it settled quietly into the depths of my soul.

—I want to be by Hiyori’s side.

That feeling was much stronger than it had been yesterday.

The morning breeze blew softly, gently brushing between the two of us.

Somewhere far off, I thought I could hear the sound of a new day beginning.