Yandere? Menhera? Bring It On, If You're Confident That I'll love You For Who You Are - Chapter 8

Securing Collaborators

“I see. Then, with Kanade-san…”

“Yeah, we broke up. There was no other choice.”

A few minutes later, having left the Chinese restaurant, we gathered in a nearby park. Needless to say, the purpose was to explain the situation regarding Rio’s actions.

At that time, the fruit knife gripped in Rio’s hand was unmistakably aimed at Kanade’s heart.

That was an unchangeable reality, and more than anything else, it was something that Yuuya and Hina, who were present here, had witnessed themselves.

At this point, there was only one thing I could do.

“So, you mean to say that Rio-chan now sees everyone but Minato-senpai as an enemy…?”

“If you want to put it dramatically, yeah, that might be the case. The doctor said that as long as we don’t provoke her unnecessarily, she won’t do anything strange.”

“…So, you mean that it’s probably because of the trauma from almost being killed by her uncle and the others, right?”

“Probably.”

I replied to Hina and Yuuya’s questions.

Of course, I couldn’t reveal that Rio had injured her own neck to get my attention, nor could I mention that Kanade’s schemes were behind it all. I simply gave them a reason they could accept.

Not everything was a lie… but yeah, more than half of it was.

“When you think about it, that makes sense. It’s only been a little over two months; there’s no way her emotional wounds could have healed so quickly. I’m sorry… for not realizing it sooner.”

“Don’t worry about it. I didn’t talk about it either. We’re even.”

Yuuya looked apologetic.

To the outside world, Rio would be someone who was almost killed by her own parents, albeit not by blood. It wouldn’t be unnatural for the emotional scars to lead to dependence and erratic behavior towards the only family she has left.

If things go well, they might just accept this explanation.

“Um… Minato-senpai. What about Asagami-senpai?”

“Regrettably, things have completely soured between us. Kanade can be surprisingly jealous. At first, she continued to interact with Rio as usual, but after I proposed the breakup, you’ve seen how it is.”

“Kanade-san, huh? No offense, but that’s unexpected. I had the impression that she was someone who would be considerate in such matters.”

Perhaps I was a bit too forceful? But it seems that they’re satisfied with that explanation.

It might tarnish Kanade’s image somewhat, but that can’t be helped. The main event starts now.

“I have a favor to ask the two of you… especially Yuuya. I think there will be times when I’ll have to talk with Kanade alone in the future. When that happens, could you help me align our stories? Hina is in the same class as Rio, and if it’s Yuyya, a guy, she’ll trust him.”

“Ah… sure.”

“I’ll help too.”

The Saotome siblings agreed to help, albeit with a hint of confusion.

It was a roundabout way, but I’d say it was a success in securing “allies.”

“Sorry to burden you with this. It’s risky meeting Kanade alone now; you never know when she might snap.”

“Man, you really are having a tough time…”

“I’m used to it. I should head back soon. I’m worried about leaving Rio alone right now.”

Though she had calmed down when we left the restaurant, I couldn’t rule out the possibility of something happening.

I started to walk away.

“Um… Minato-senpai!”

Hina suddenly raised her voice, and I turned to look at her.

Her expression was so pitiable that it almost made me feel guilty for looking at her.

“I know things must be tough with your uncle, Rio-chan, and Asagami-senpai. But please, don’t push yourself too hard. I… at least I will always be on your side, Minato-senpai.”

“…Thanks, I appreciate it.”

With a casual wave, I finally walked away.

Will this make things a bit easier for me?

I’m reluctant to exploit the goodwill of a friend who’s genuinely concerned, but the situation doesn’t allow me to worry about appearances.

“(After all, if I had told them the truth, they definitely wouldn’t have agreed to help.)”

Without stopping, I shook my head.

Hina’s figure was no longer there; only Yuuya stood alone, looking somewhat lost.

◆

“Sigh…”

After dinner, I—Asagami Kanade—return to my room.

The sun has already begun to set, and the sun, about to fall as it pleases, seems to mockingly illustrate my feelings. Or perhaps that’s just conceit on my part.

Dominating my thoughts is my childhood friend, who is also my “lover.”

I am somewhat aware of his complicated family situation.

Even as a child, I could sense how indifferent his parents were towards their own children. The death of the grandmother who had given him the most love.

And within such an environment, he also lost the sister he trusted most.

“(Truly, it’s unrewarding… isn’t it?)”

This isn’t about academics or sports. It’s always been this way.

He, who never cared about fear or backbiting, always remained true to himself, regardless of others’ opinions.

That’s something I could never have, and at the same time, I could sense the sorrow he harbored.

And yet, he chose me. He chose to be with me.

“Ehehe…”

A laugh escapes me inadvertently. Perhaps right now, I am making an incredibly sloppy face.

But that can’t be helped.

Lying on my bed, I look up at the ceiling.

It’s the same ceiling as usual.

The view that everyone sees when they go to sleep.

If I had to point out a difference, could I say it’s just an ordinary ceiling with countless photos?

Photos of him plastered all over the walls, the ceiling—it’s just an ordinary room.

“Ah… Hehehehe…”

I can’t help but let a smile spread across my face.

Yes, this empty room.

This room, no larger than about 20 tatami mats, was prepared just so I could feel his presence.

The one space that is allowed for me to occupy alone while he is not by my side.

His photo at the entrance.

His photos, firmly affixed to every inch of the wall.

His photos, densely covering the pure white ceiling.

Him, during the time we first met, looking as cute as a little girl.

Him, as a slightly cooler boy during our elementary school days.

Him, when he was engrossed in his dreams, wanting to show his beloved older sister.

Him, struggling in sudden despair.

Him, when he lost his family.

Him, when his heart was broken.

And finally, him, on the day he became mine.

Minato for me.

My Minato.

“Nnn… Haah…!”

Surrounded by precious memories of him, I clutch my own body with both hands as if to suppress the emotions welling up inside.

Otherwise, I might just leap up from the sheer excitement.

I pick up the smartphone lying next to me and open the photo folder.

Among the hundreds of his photos saved there—I tap on the photo taken on this day.

A newly created memory.

The photo of him protecting me.

“(You’re not honest, are you? Saying things like ‘I don’t love you anymore’… That really hurt me, you know. But, I was happy? That you protected me again.)”

The photo of him restraining the hand of that woman, who tried to take my life with an emotionless expression, his girlfriend. (tln : when did she…)

The more I look at it, the more my heart races.

Because that’s how it should be, right?

His true intention was anger towards “that woman” who tried to take my life—his girlfriend’s life.

“(I can’t give in… I can’t give in… I won’t give in…)”

But I can’t rely on him forever.

I must extinguish the sparks that fall upon me.

Hey, Minato.

I’m sorry, you must be tired now, right?

It’s okay, you can rest now.

Don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything.

I’ll eliminate anyone who gets in our way.

—This time, for sure, by my own hands.