32 - You were my savior

At that moment, I felt something strange in my heart. It was a sensation that made my heart race. At first, I thought it was just adrenaline surging through me because of the shocking news about the arranged marriage. But I was wrong— it was something more.

I’d never learned about it, but somehow, I knew. This feeling... it must be love.

I like Yuichi. A boy I had just met.

His eyes, so warm as they gazed at me, and his wide smile, trying to cheer me up even though I hadn’t shared my problems with anyone before... I felt like he was someone who could understand me.

I don’t believe in something called coincidence. My meeting with him must have been a fate that had already been written. God didn’t want me to be sad, so He tried to comfort me through this boy— or at least, that’s what I chose to believe.

"Shita-chan, let’s go inside! I’ll treat you! You can order whatever you like." Yuichi held my hand firmly, leading me into the restaurant with a gentle smile on his face.

I was momentarily stunned as I looked at his face and allowed him to pull me along. "O-okay..."

***

That day, Yuichi gave me the best gift I could ever receive in my life. He bought me a bowl of food at a small family restaurant that I had always dreamed of visiting with my parents. Although my dream had never come true, i think... This was enough. Going with a friend... yes, it made me happy.

The snowy atmosphere, combined with the sight of families eating together with their children, somehow warmed my heart.

Thanks to them, I could imagine what it would have been like if I had come here with my parents.

Aside from that gift, Yuichi also gave me so many lessons that were never taught to me by my private tutor. He teaches me about love, care, and affection. It might sound silly to some people, but honestly, I didn’t completely understand any of it. And Yuichi— he helped me grasp it all.

Yuichi’s eyes sparkled as he explained those things to me, speaking with so much enthusiasm. But behind those eyes, I could see the silhouette of someone else.

Maybe— Yuichi wasn’t someone who understood all those things naturally. He was like me. But the difference was, he had already found someone who could help him understand.

Even though I didn’t fully comprehend it yet, judging by the little things he did, it seemed Yuichi also had feelings for his "savior". Whether it was love or simply friendship— I couldn’t tell.

"Ah! Shita-chan!" Yuichi called my name enthusiastically after finishing his meal.

"Y-yes...?" I responded hesitantly.

"Would you like me to introduce you to Nagi? Maybe the three of us can be friends. He’s a really nice person!" Yuichi’s smile widened even more as he mentioned his friend’s name. It seemed the presence of this person called "Nagi" was like a miracle to him.

So, his savior's name is Nagi...? I couldn't help but feel curious about this person.

"Okay... Maybe if I have time."

"Promise?" Yuichi pulled my hand closer, linking his pinky finger with mine.

"..."

"I... Promise..."

At that time, you were my savior, and you will always be.

Time passed, and since that day, I grew closer to them. I was introduced to Nagi, befriended him, met Yuichi’s younger sibling— and eventually formed a SPIRITUAL GROUP. To be honest, I wasn’t too interested in things like that. I created the group intentionally, as an excuse to be closer to them.

Every small moment from those days bound me even tighter. I, who usually didn’t care about anything, slowly began to understand what "love" and "caring" truly meant.

But I was afraid that if I became too attached and removed the mask I always wore, I would only end up more hurt when the time for goodbyes came. I didn’t want that.

As I had feared, the time for goodbyes— eventually came.

When I turned twelve, my father decided to enroll me in a formal school instead of continuing with private lessons.

I had to hide this information from them. I didn’t want to see them sad because of my departure...

Bit by bit, I started distancing myself from them until I eventually disappeared without a trace.

***

One year later.

A long time had passed since then. Thanks to them, I started holding onto a glimmer of hope. Like the "fate" that brought me to Yuichi, I hoped that "fate" would also free me from this suffocating arranged marriage.

I began skipping lessons assigned by my father, stopped attending ballet classes, quit studying, and deliberately answered questions incorrectly during exams. It was my small rebellion against my father.

It might not mean much, but I wanted him to know that even in my final moments, I was still resisting this arranged marriage.

I hate this. Especially my fiance— Yamamoto Rion. He was a shameless person. I hated the fact that I had to attend the same school as someone like him.

HE WAS A SCUM.

Even though as a normal teenager we were just starting our puberty, he was already switching girlfriends every week as if it were normal. And this, despite having a fiancée. Even though I had no intention of agreeing to this arrangement, did he have no sense of shame?

"Whose shrimp brain did he inherit that from?" I muttered.

I stared blankly at the schoolyard while finishing the carton of milk I had bought. My mind was in chaos, and I felt dizzy just thinking.

"If only Yuichi-san and Nagi-kun were here..."

Ding-dong!

I sighed deeply.

It was time to head back to class. Break time was over. I hoped I wouldn’t run into anyone I knew on the way back.

As I headed down the stairs, I noticed a figure walking up. His white hair and glowing blue eyes in the dim light made it immediately clear who it was.

RION.

I clenched my teeth tightly, my fists curling up with tension.

"Rion-san," I called out his name.

"Hm..?" Rion glanced at me with his arrogant gaze, giving no definitive reply.

"What are you doing here?" I asked irritably.

"Mhm~ Obviously, to see my pretty fiancée," Rion replied nonchalantly. His steps stopped in front of the rooftop entrance as I blocked his way.

"Move, will you? Akane-chan~"

THIS GUY—!

Taking a deep breath, I tried to calm myself. My heart was still pounding, but I knew this wasn’t the time to lose my temper.

I had been carefully hiding in my secret base this whole time. How did he know where I was?

I’d even gone out of my way to bribe a teacher to give me the rooftop key and keep this place a secret.

My eyes widened.

COULD IT BE?

That teacher betrayed me?

I bit my lip in frustration. I had spent so much money on him. Damn it, I should’ve never trusted someone like that!

I glared sharply at Rion. There was no other choice. "Just get to the point. Why are you here, Rion-san? I want a serious answer."

Rion smirked slightly, his eyes fixed on me. He pulled his hand out of his pocket and pushed me against the wall with one arm. I tried to shove him away, but the difference in strength left me powerless.

"You...!" I tried to maintain a strong expression, but deep down, I was scared.

"Hm..? Eh?"

Rion burst into laughter as if he could read the meaning behind the look on my face. Without saying a word, he leaned close to my ear and whispered something.

"Akane-chan... I'LL TAKE WHAT’S RIGHTFULLY MINE." That’s what he said. I still remember those words clearly. A few years since then, this was the same words he uttered during our argument in front of Yuichi in the future.

THUMP-THUMP.

Adrenaline surged through me as I pushed him hard enough to make him fall. The extra strength it gave, provided a moment of satisfaction for me.

"WHEN DID I EVER BELONG TO YOU?!" I shouted, as I threw the milk carton I’d just finished drinking straight at his face. My throw managed to dirty his uniform and hair with milk. That, at least, gave me a sense of satisfaction for a few moments.

"Rude..." Rion stood up while dusting off his uniform.

"Akane-san."

"WHAT?!"

"Hmph. I only came here because my father asked me to. It seems he noticed the little acts of rebellion you’ve been pulling. Your father might not say anything, but— my father is annoyed by your behavior. He said you’re ruining the good reputation of the Yamamoto family."

What was that even supposed to mean? The reputation of the Yamamoto family? I wasn’t even part of the Yamamoto family yet! I was still a Yamashita!

"Don’t do anything more than this," Rion said before turning around without adding another word.

Even though it seemed like a weak threat, it was something that came from the Yamamoto family. It couldn’t be taken lightly.

The strength in my clenched fists began to fade, and my legs slowly lost their energy.

Do... Do I just have to surrender? This feeling of mine, the burden... I can't stand it anymore. I don't want to be hurt anymore... I just want someone... Someone to free me from this twisted fate.

Yuichi...

Help me.

TO BE CONTINUED.