Chapter 26
Ryosaku stands out at the venue.
His eyes then go to the spot where there was a bamboo tree with a message of love written by Mieko that day...
As Ryosaku hung his head and renewed his feelings of repentance towards Mieko, he heard a voice behind him.
Mieko's homeroom teacher Suzuki was standing there.
She stayed behind to clean up in the broadcast room of the gymnasium. And she was staring at him... Ryosaku from the window of that room on the second floor.
"...Takada-kun, let's go back to the classroom now."
However, Ryosaku did not want to leave the venue even though Teacher Suzuki urged him to do so.
"I understand exactly how Takada-kun is feeling right now. There are memories of Minegishi-san here. Precious memories..."
"Teacher...Mieko-chan is now..."
When Ryosaku started to speak, the teacher interrupted and stared at Ryosaku.
She knew exactly what he wanted to ask her.
"No, no, Ryosaku-kun. Not yet. Just leave her alone. You understand, right? Minegishi-san's emotional wounds have not yet healed."
...There were tears in the teacher's eyes.
And one stroke... it runs straight down the teacher's cheek.
"I understand. I'm sure that demons attacked Ryosaku-kun that day. But, if Ryosaku-kun and Minegishi-san met now, I think it would be even more painful for you two." ...? So, Ryosaku-kun, I want you to leave her alone for now. This is my request..."
Tears filled Ryosaku's eyes as well.
"It's okay, Ryosaku-kun. You can cry as much as you want. And please wait until Minegishi-san heals her emotional wounds. Time...I'm sure only time will heal this."
After saying that, the teacher hugged Ryosaku tightly.
Ryosaku burst into tears in Teacher Suzuki's chest, just as he did when he read Mieko's last message.
