4 My Realization (2/2)

Time Limit:2 hr

Reward: 15 SP

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I sighed. ”Why don't you tell me to fly to the moon?”

I looked up and eyed the station square. My eyes were dry from the heat and it lacked any signs of hope. There were other people waiting with me as well, mostly guys who stood around possibly waiting for their girlfriends. Just when I was about to mock them for their stupidity and that no one will show up, their companions suddenly showed up almost simultaneously, leaving me standing alone.

I lowered my head in despair, acknowledging the fact that I am different from others. I'm not the best at socializing, thus I cannot expect others to actually keep a promise with me. For example, if Muria were to be invited by someone else, she would probably just ignore her date with me. That is true for everyone in this world.

Most likely, she invited me yesterday out of guilt. What if her guilt is suddenly alleviated and she no longer feels the need to compensate me? Since she doesn't have my contact information, she's unable to notify me about it and decided that I'm not worth the trouble of her heading out all the way here. That is highly likely.

I looked up towards the blue sky that is so blue that it appears to be mocking me for my stupidity.

Why the hell was I excited for this day anyways? I looked down at my outfit and self-mockingly chuckled, laughing at my own stupidity. The night before, I had spent a decent amount of time picking out clothes to wear, but in the end, it feels like it is a waste of time.

I checked the time on my phone and discovered that it is 3:15 PM. She's probably not going to show up now. Looks like I wasted my time.

I grinned, finally acknowledging my stupidity.

It's fine. There's nothing to be sad about. Just learn from your mistakes and don't fall for it again. So there's no need to cry. No need to cry.

With my hands in my pockets, I started for the entrance to the train station. My destination is home and nowhere else.

”There you are.”

A familiar voice caused me to halt in my progress. Muria stood there, her breast moved up and down with her rapid breathing. She seemed somewhat tired as she stood there, but it appears that she's trying her best to hide it.

”Muria?” I looked at her in surprise.

”Let's go.” She walked right past me, without turning her head back to check if I am following or not, almost as if she knows for sure that I'll follow behind her.

With no other choice, I followed after her, eyes captivated by her long black hair that's tied into a ponytail. As I trailed behind her, I noticed that she's not dressed in her school uniform. Instead, replacing the usual white button up shirt was a simple white cold top combined with a pair of black skirts. Instead of her usual school bag, she carried with her small black purse.

She...dressed up for this? That is impossible. I've always thought that Muria must have a nice taste in clothing, so this combination must've taken her only a few minutes to choose out, unlike me. Today to her is probably just like any other day.

I looked up towards the sky as I slowly walked behind her.

Yeah. It's just any other day for her. I'm not special to her at all. Rather, she's doing this to help relieve herself of her guilt. It's all because of this wound on my left hand.

I brought my bandaged hand up to my face and stared at it.

Without this, she'll most likely never even ask me out for the day. Yup, this is it. There's no special feelings laced into this day. It is more of a responsibility to her than enjoyment. She probably wants to go home right now. She probably is in a bad mood because of this. She doesn't want to be here, so I shouldn't force her.

”Muria,” I said, reaching out with my right hand to grab onto her wrist so as to stop her.

”What?” She looked back at me.

I knew it.

I smiled as I confirmed my suspicions.

In her eyes, I could sense little joy. Rather, I could feel a somewhat more complicated, negative emotion from within those eyes of hers. Combine that with her tone of voice as she speaks to me, I know my answer.

”I think...we should just call this off.”

Her eyes widened in surprise as I revealed to her my intentions.

That's right. Be happy. Feel the joy. You no longer have to be obligated to compensate me for this. It isn't your fault. My body moved on its own that day so it is my fault for getting injured. You don't owe me anything. If you're so unhappy, then just be happy. We don't have to do this.

I smiled, knowing that I've provided relief for both of us. More relief to her than to me actually, because to be honest, I was actually quite excited for today. But...I would rather her be happy than having to spend time with someone like me.

That mission assigned to me? That can be whatever. I have enough points to deduct so I'm not worried. You can't force things. Just gotta let things flow naturally. If I am to be secluded and avoided by all, then so be it. If no one enjoys my presence, then I'll just go away.

”So ugh,” I continued on, ”we can each go our separate ways now.”

I looked into her eyes, forcing a smile so as to make it seem like it is of my own will.

You don't have to be responsible for anything, my eyes seem to say. We can go our separate ways now.