The Lie and What Follows

It was a late May Saturday, and I was at the station waiting for Riko-san. It wasn’t a date; Riko-san was meeting my sister Haruka for a talk.

I wasn’t optimistic about a harmonious outcome, feeling quite uneasy. Still, it was a necessary step for Riko-san and me to move forward.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Riko-san appeared, her usual bold makeup and attire somewhat subdued, as if she was heading to an apology meeting. Yet, she still looked lovely, and I couldn’t help but adore her.

“Yeah. Are you okay?” I asked.

She seemed restless despite her assurance. It was understandable, given Haruka’s unlikely easy acceptance.

“I love you, so there’s no question of breaking up.” I held her hand, trying to comfort her.

“Thanks. I don’t plan to break up either.”

We walked home together.

———————————-

Entering the house, I ushered Riko-san in.

“Please, come in.”

Riko-san entered with a subdued voice. Haruka, who was in the living room, greeted us.

“Welcome.”

Riko-san greeted back, shyly.

I tried to lighten the mood. “I’ll make some drinks! What would you like?”

Haruka interrupted, “Tooru, can you leave us alone for about an hour?”

Was she suggesting a private conversation between them? I worried about a potential physical fight, given their somewhat volatile nature.

“Is that what you mean?”

“Go,” Haruka insisted.

I looked at Riko-san.

“It’s okay. Talk to you later.”

Reluctantly, I left the living room.

———————————-

I heard the door close behind me.

“Why did he say ‘no fighting’? What does he think of us?” Haruka muttered.

Riko-san, in front of Haruka, had an air of grace and calmness.

“I’ve done terrible things to Tooru. I know about his past, and I’ve hurt him a lot. I’m sorry.”

Haruka responded, “I heard from Tooru. About the dare, your real feelings, and the misunderstandings.”

“I wanted to kill you when I saw Tooru hurt like that. I couldn’t forgive you for contacting him again.”

Riko-san accepted her condemnation.

Haruka continued, “Misunderstandings don’t excuse hurting him.”

“I don’t want you to be with Tooru. He’s my most important person.”

Riko-san understood Haruka’s feelings.

“I’ve always liked him. I just watched him from afar.”

Haruka sneered, “You should’ve just kept watching.”

“I couldn’t give up. I wanted to be near him.”

Haruka declared her love for Tooru but agreed to let Riko-san be with him, though she warned she’d be watching closely.

“I won’t hurt him.”

Haruka reluctantly agreed, “Don’t let Tooru get hurt again.”

“I won’t.”

“Idiot,” Haruka said softly.

“Go back to him.”

I found Tooru in the nearby park, sitting on a bench. Seeing him filled me with warmth.

“Tooru,” I called out.

He smiled at me. I embraced him, filled with love.

“Tooru… I love you.”

We sat side by side on the bench, our hands intertwined.

“I’m curious about your talk with Haruka.”

I shared just one thing with Tooru, “I told her I want to marry you.”

His surprised face made me laugh. I wanted to cherish him, having come so far with much help. I’ll never let him go again.