Chapter 85
And so, after more than seven long years, Ryosaku and Mieko were able to have a truly emotional reunion.
After going through many twists and turns, the two of them confirmed their strong and unwavering love for each other.
However, Ryosaku felt an indescribable sense of guilt when he heard Mieko's next words.
"...You see, Ryosaku-kun... I have always, always thought of you, always alone. Many boys approached me. But I just couldn't forget about you... I never dated anyone, and rejected all of those boys' confessions and advances. And so I waited. I thought that one day you would come and pick me up, just like a prince on a white horse. Ryosaku-kun was the only lover I had. There was no one other than Ryosaku-kun who could make me happy. I think God granted my wish..."
Mieko said this and rubbed her cheek against Ryosaku's chest like a child clinging to her father.
Ryosaku once again felt sorry for Mieko.
At first glance, it seems that Ryosaku has apologized for his heinous actions that led to his and Mieko's tragic separation seven years ago.
However, Ryosaku knew that Mieko had suffered from bullying and had stopped going to school.
But Mieko continued to think of Ryosaku bravely... She didn't open her heart to any other boys other than Ryosaku, and waited solely for him. Meanwhile, Ryosaku himself was immersed in sweet days with Lisa, encouraged by Rika... and lost himself in watching movies with Rika... Wasn't he enjoying these "days of relaxation" to the fullest?
Ryosaku was mulling over such things as he stroked Mieko's hair.
While Mieko was suffering alone, Ryosaku, no matter what he said, was sitting back and content in his "safe zone," unable to save Mieko who was suffering alone, and simply living his life in peace and tranquility...
But even so, Ryosaku could not find the courage to mercilessly confront his beloved Mieko, who continued to rely on him, with the fact that during that time when Mieko was away, it was only thanks to the strong support of Lisa and Rika that he had been able to get to where he is today.
Of course, even if Mieko found out the truth, if Ryosaku honestly told her the whole story, she would surely laugh and forgive him.
However, Ryosaku himself wanted Mieko to acknowledge that he had always loved only Mieko, straightforwardly and with a pure, unadulterated love that left no room for anyone else's feelings.
And, if the next time he met Lisa or Rika... he must keep his meeting with cute Mieko a secret no matter what, he must not introduce Lisa or Rika to Mieko... that's how far he had thought.
Even as Mieko and Ryosaku were trembling with joy at their reunion, the dreaded "demon" and the "fickle god of time", lured by the guilty and dark side lurking in Ryosaku's heart, were quietly creeping up on them... ready to tear the two apart again.
