Kono Monogatari O Kimi Ni Sasagu - Volume 1 Chapter 2.16

“So, you think you don’t have talent because of the guilt you feel towards me, right? But, nii-san, you couldn’t use that as an excuse. You’re kind and stubborn like that, trying to take all the responsibility yourself.”

But then, Haruka continued,

“It’s impossible that you don’t have talent, nii-san. I’ve known that more than anyone because I’ve been listening to your stories since I was little. Your talent is amazing.”

Haruka spoke with a gentle smile, and Yuto found himself at a loss for words. It was like peeling off a scab, as his self-deception slowly came off with a slight sting.

“Do you know? Each word in your novels, they touch the reader’s heart. When they’re happy, it multiplies that happiness, and when they’re sad, it gently comforts them. When they’re struggling, it gives them the strength to move forward.”

Yuto felt embarrassed to hear such high praise.

“No, that’s a bit too much…”

“No, it’s not! It might be even more than that. Look.”

Haruka said this and then moved to get out of her wheelchair.

“W-wait, Haruka?”

Yuto panicked at her sudden action.

But Haruka, ignoring Yuto’s concern, broke into a slight sweat and gripped the armrests of her wheelchair.

With a short breath,

Haruka stood up on her own legs.

She spread her arms for balance, taking one shaky step after another towards Yuto.

Though unsteady, she slowly walked to Yuto.

“Haruka, you can walk now…!”

Yuto grabbed Haruka’s arm as she neared, steadying her.

“Yeah, through rehabilitation, I’ve been able to walk a little. And like today, I can watch plays and read novels and films again.”

“Haruka… you worked hard…”

Yuto was at a loss for words. He couldn’t even imagine how hard it must have been. Treating and rehabilitating a psychosomatic illness is different from handling physical issues. It requires patience and careful attention since the symptoms are hard to see or measure.

“Yeah, I worked hard.”

Haruka nodded.

“But I was able to do it because the many stories you told me, Nii-san, supported my heart.”

“My stories…”

Yuto muttered, dazed. Normally, he couldn’t imagine his stories having such power. But Haruka’s sincere words resonated in his heart, making him believe it might be true.

“Hey, I’ve found a dream.”

“A dream?”

“Yeah, while going through rehab, I’ve been thinking a lot, and watching your play today made me decide.”

Haruka’s eyes sparkled with determination as she looked at Yuto.

“I want to become a scriptwriter.”

Yuto’s eyes widened. Hearing such words from Haruka, who once couldn’t even handle stories, filled him with emotion. And knowing that it was his script that gave her that final push made it even more so.

But Haruka’s next words caught Yuto off guard.

“While I want to write original scripts, I also want to adapt your novels into scripts someday.”

“Haruka, that’s…”

“So, I want you to write novels again.”

Haruka’s serious eyes made it clear her words were no joke.

At that moment, Kotoha, standing beside them, looked at Yuto with a joyful smile.

“A request from your cute little sister, you can’t refuse, right, Senpai?”

“Shut up, stop grinning like that.”

Yuto didn’t know how much of this Kotoha had planned, but everything had gone her way, which was annoying. However,

“Well, yeah.”

It was clear that resolving the misunderstanding with Haruka was thanks to Kotoha. So, he might as well grant her wish. It aligned with Haruka’s request too, so there was no reason to refuse.

“Really, you’ll write again!?”

Kotoha’s voice echoed with excitement.

“…Yeah. I can’t promise it will be good.”

“Yes! Thank you so much, Senpai!”

Her joy was so palpable that it was almost embarrassing to watch as she jumped up and down like a child.

“Let’s first turn this play into a novel!”

“No, that won’t work. It’s a work commissioned by the drama club.”

“I already got the permission from Watanabe-senpai!”

Yuto was startled by Kotoha’s response.

“Permission? When did you…?”

“When I first got the script commission, I secretly negotiated it.”

That was the time when Yuto’s harsh critique of the drama club’s play led to him taking on the scriptwriting task.

Yuto was more amazed than surprised by her thoroughness.

Haruka chuckled softly.

“Nii-san, I’m looking forward to your novel.”

Yuto nodded.

“Haruka, shouldn’t you sit back in the wheelchair now? You must be tired.”

“Yeah, you’re right. I might be a bit tired.”

Supported by Yuto, Haruka walked back to her wheelchair and sat down.

“Thank you, nii-san.”

Feeling like a burden had been lifted, Yuto nodded.

It felt like time had finally started moving again.

Yuto thought,

If Kotoha hadn’t found him and pushed him to write the script, this moment wouldn’t exist.

Yuto sighed, turned, and spoke.

“Kotoha, can you help me again?”

Kotoha looked at Yuto with wide eyes.

“Do you mean I can be your editor for Fuyutsuki Haruhiko’s novels? That I can work with you on your novels?”

“Yes. I’ve realized your talent. I’m counting on you. Will you do it?”

“Of course! I’ll do anything! Should I jump off a bridge again?”

Kotoha clasped her hands in front of her chest, looking emotional.

“No, please don’t do that…”

Yuto said with a wry smile when suddenly,

Kotoha’s body swayed.

Like a marionette with its strings cut, she collapsed.

The next moment, a dull thud echoed as her body hit the floor.

“…What?”

Yuto could only watch, unable to react.

Kotoha lay on the cold wooden floor, motionless.

Yuto stared in shock, unable to comprehend what had happened.

Just moments ago, she was happily celebrating.

What had happened?

Blood flowed from Kotoha’s head, spreading across the floor.

The bright red was so stark that everything else seemed monochrome.

“Kotoha-san!”

Haruka’s scream brought Yuto back to reality.

He rushed to Kotoha, who lay on the floor.

“Kotoha! Are you okay!?”

He called her name, placing his hands on her shoulders.

But Kotoha only breathed heavily, with no response to his calls.

Her face was pale, and the blood kept spreading.

“Hey, Kotoha! Hey! Damn it, we need an ambulance…!”

Yuto fumbled with his smartphone, his hands shaking and stained with blood, making it difficult to operate.

“I’ll call an ambulance!”

“Oh, please! Kotoha! Kotoha!”

Yuto desperately called her name, but his voice only echoed emptily in the room.