My stepmother's burden is my ex-girlfriend.

Page 134

"To put it bluntly, this is just a matter of chance, nothing more than a coincidence, isn't it? If I had met Dongtou instead of you first... I probably wouldn't have dated you."

"……Too."

Because there is no need for this.

If he already has a classmate in Dongtou, there's no way I can get involved in their relationship.

"But the reality is—it was you I met."

Mizuto told me clearly in his tone.

"It's just a simple musical chairs game, first come, first served. If I had to give a reason, that's about it... Are you satisfied?"

"……Um."

Musical chairs, first come, first served.

It's just because I met him earlier.

No problem, that's good.

Because—this is probably what people call destiny.

"It's almost time."

"Um?"

"A long-cherished wish fulfilled after two years, isn't it?"

For me, it's been a long time since I've had this opportunity for a year.

Last summer vacation, I clung to a sliver of optimistic hope, but he never appeared by my side.

He was the one who found me when we got separated during our date at the aquarium in April.

But today—it was my turn to find him.

No one would question this.

In other words, Irido Yume has actually surpassed Ayai Yume.

At eight o'clock sharp.

The trip was not delayed.

In the center of the night sky, colorful flowers bloom.

A deep "thud" reverberated throughout my entire body.

I and the water, bathed in the vibrant light, were imbued with rich colors.

The successive explosions of fireworks possessed an unimaginable power.

I see. It seems this old shrine is a prime location known only to Mizuto.

Knowing full well the location where the most beautiful fireworks can be seen, I never tell anyone, gazing at this magnificent and splendid sky alone every year.

But—oh dear, you're in big trouble now.

Starting this year, this place will no longer be yours to enjoy alone.

"Finally—we can watch it together, right?"

I playfully told him about it while looking at his profile illuminated by the colorful lights.

Seriously, it's really hard to understand.

Troublesome, difficult to deal with, and stubborn.

I have to guess what he's thinking, otherwise I'll know nothing. It's neither written on his face nor expressed in words. Honestly, I can't believe someone like him has ever had a girlfriend.

It's no surprise that it won't last long.

A year and a half is already considered a long time.

Unless we become family, there's really no way I can continue staying with this man.

"…………yes…………"

However, thanks to this.

It allowed me to see an expression I had never witnessed since I met this man.

"……………………yes……………………"

The groaning sounds were drowned out by the explosions of fireworks.

Similarly, the flashes of fireworks, so intense and vivid, painted the darkness within the territory white, mirroring his expression.

Therefore—it's impossible to know unless you're here.

We have to stay here together.

He sat down beside me, keeping two fists' distance between us.

It has to be this spot, where I can see his profile at extremely close range—

Only then will you notice the water droplets sliding down your cheek.

Ah, I remember now.

I don't know how many times I've said discouraging things in front of him, or cried in a shameful way.

In contrast, have I ever seen him cry?

Therefore, what visits my heart is a fresh feeling.

There was no fluttering in my chest like a deer's.

No gentle feeling of happiness welled up from the bottom of my heart.

I wasn't tense up, nor did I blush; my mood remained calm and normal.

It felt like receiving a hug, a warm current flowing through my entire body.

In a calm state of mind, desires begin to stir.

Yes, that's desire. It's human instinct.

Therefore—I must confirm.

The fireworks display didn't last long.

The lights that adorned the night sky disappeared, and darkness returned.

Eyes accustomed to the light made the darkness seem even deeper, blurring even the silhouette of the person so close at hand.

So, unlike last time, I said it directly:

"Hey...look over here."

"Um?"

His head turned.

Ah—how could we be so unprepared?

Such carelessness... even if someone eats you up, you can't blame anyone else, right?

I used both hands to hold the head of the water bucket steady.

"You—"

I won't let you continue.

It doesn't matter.

Even in the darkness, I know the place of your lips just as well.

The nostalgic touch revived on my lips.

His face was slightly turned to the right.

I won't be so clumsy as to let my teeth collide again.

The usual three-second breathing interval is no longer necessary this time.

Because I don't want you to escape.

Four seconds—to reclaim lost time.

Five seconds—from the time we stopped contacting each other a year ago until now.

Six seconds—August, September, October.

Seven seconds—birthday, Christmas, New Year.

Eight seconds – Valentine's Day, White Day, graduation ceremony.

Nine seconds—and we became step-siblings.

Ten seconds—even though we've already broken up, I'm still infatuated with you. I slowly released my lips.

The time that should have been there has been completely filled.

I've caught up with the present—

—Yet, the heartbeat in my chest was calm and steady.

Desires have been fully satisfied.

(Illustration 013)

He made up for all the satisfaction he couldn't get during that period.

The burning longing in my chest... is no more.

The eyes have become accustomed to the darkness.

I saw the surprised and frozen expression on Mizuto's face from very close range.

Yes. Be surprised, confused, and rack your brains.

For you, this might still just be a lingering attachment.

It was just a past relationship.

This is fine for now. Just enjoy yourself and have some fun with the past.

but.

No matter how much you like Yui Ayai—

—Irito Yume (this lady), I will definitely win you over.

This kiss is a formal declaration.

Not as Ayai Yume, but as Irido Yume.

My second first kiss in my life, a declaration of war against you.

(Illustration 014)

When you dumped your classmate from the east end, you mentioned that the single seat in your heart—

—I declare that I will definitely kick that woman sitting there down.

I chuckled softly, then dropped the water bucket that had been frozen in place and stood up from the steps.

Then, his eyes turned toward the shrine that he had been turning his back to until now.

I never imagined that I would fall in love with the same man twice.

Is this also a trap set by God—that is, fate?

Damn God.

...Only at this moment do I feel a little grateful to you.

"Let's go back, Mizuto."

I reached out my hand to the water bucket that was sitting still. He blinked and gently touched his lips.

"Huh? No...?"

"Hurry! Mom and the others will be worried about us!"

I took the hand of the water bucket that was still grinding mushrooms and forced him to stand up.