Chapter 5: Jealousy

I, Yui, have someone I secretly harbor feelings for.

That person doesn't talk to people much and isn't good at sports, but he has overwhelming drive and kindness that I lack, and he's someone I can truly respect.

Fukuda Rei-kun─he's is the same class, and is my childhood friend.

I don't remember when I started thinking of him with these feelings.

But being next to him feels incredibly reassuring.

When we were in elementary school, he often spoke to shy little Yui.

Maybe it's the accumulation of such things.

When entering middle school, Yui changed she could stand beside him.

I quit being shy and smiled kindly at everyone.

I desperately tried to become like an angel.

Thanks to that, the world changed completely in a single day.

When I entered the classroom, greetings came back immediately, and people began gathering around Yui's desk.

So many smiles began to gather.

That's when Yui probably got carried away.

I strongly wanted him, Rei, to be my boyfriend.

Trying somehow to make him look my way, I ignored him, and hinted at other guys.

His face when I replied coldly... I still can't forget it.

However, that was a mistake.

This summer, he stopped chasing me.

Thinking back now, I had been terribly spoiled by the fact that he would always be the one to talk to me.

There were hardly any times when Yui talked to him first.

And with all contact information blocked, I spent a summer break without him for the first time in ages.

──It was incredibly boring.

No matter who I hung out with, no matter where I went, a world without him seemed to have lost all color, looking ridiculous and worthless.

So Yui decided to change again.

This time, to be able to sit beside him forever.

Being more honest, talking to him more from Yui's side.

That's right. In the morning, I'll say "Good morning" to him.

Then surely, surely... surely.

So this morning, I was waiting on the route he always takes to school, but...

──Why, why are you next to him, Runa?