Interlude: Yuki's Feelings

I am, as usual, packing items at the secondhand bookstore.

"Today, I have to confront Yuuki-san. How could he possibly know the color of my underwear?"

Well, Yuuki-san is at that age, so it can't be helped. But even so, delicate topics like this are unacceptable. Still, I wonder if I'll eventually do such lewd things too? I wouldn’t know since this is my first boyfriend, but Yuuki-san is a boy, after all.

"No. Right now, I need to focus on packing. I’ll think about it when Yuuki-san arrives."

I silently continue with my packing. To avoid damaging the books, I wrap them in plastic, line the box with sponge padding, and place the books so they're surrounded by the sponge. Once done, I seal the box with tape.

"Before I knew it, it's already evening. Yuuki-san should arrive soon, so I’ll take a break at the counter."

Just as I thought this and stood up, my phone rang.

"Who could it be?"

The screen showed that it was from Hinata-san. In that case, I need to answer.

"Hello, this is Yuki."

"I’m glad I could reach you, Yuki."

"What’s the matter?"

"Brace yourself and listen carefully."

"What is it?"

"Yuuki was hit by a car and is currently unconscious. I don’t know all the details yet, but the hospital contacted me earlier to inform me."

I felt like the world had gone completely dark before my eyes. I prayed it wasn’t true, that it wasn’t Yuuki-san. Such thoughts raced through my mind.

"Is... is that true...? This must be a lie, right?"

"I wish it were a lie, but it’s all true. Shino is on her way to pick you up. Go to the hospital with her."

"I understand..."

I quickly closed the bookstore, grabbed the essentials, and waited for Shino-san’s car, trying to suppress my growing anxiety.

"...Sorry. Did I keep you waiting?"

"It’s fine. Let’s go."

"Alright."

I got into the car and listened to what Shino-san had to say.

"Will Yuuki-san be alright?"

"I don’t know... but I believe he will."

Yes... I suppose I’m the one who’s the most unsettled. There’s no point in panicking, yet I find it hard to calm my emotions.

"...I’m not calm either. Deep down, I’m panicking."

"As expected of you. You read my feelings perfectly."

"...It’s my job as a counselor. Everyone feels uneasy."

Even though we haven’t known each other for long, it’s amazing how easily she can understand my emotions. Thanks to her, I felt a little more at ease.

---

"...We’re almost there."

"Understood. Deep breaths... In... Out..."

I take a deep breath to steady myself, ready to face whatever awaits. No matter the outcome, I vow to stay by Yuuki-san’s side until the end.

"We’re here."

"Let’s go."

Shino-san and I rush into the hospital. After asking a nurse about Yuuki-san’s location, we head toward his room.

Standing in front of the door, I take a deep breath.

"Excuse me."

When I enter the room and see Yuuki-san’s condition, I gasp.

"...! What is this..."

"You’ve arrived, I see."

"Hinata-san..."

I look at Hinata-san, wanting to know the details, but I’m too shocked to speak.

"Yuuki’s condition is as follows: his left arm is broken, one of his ribs is fractured, and his lung is damaged. He also suffered bleeding from his head. Thanks to appropriate treatment, his life isn’t in danger, but full recovery will take a long time."

"I see..."

I don’t know how to react. Should I be relieved that his life was saved? Or...

"I’m sorry..."

"Eh...?"

It’s then that I notice a girl sitting in a chair, her head hanging low.

"Who is this girl?"

"Hmm. It’s a bit of a long story, but I’ll explain Yuuki’s accident."

"Please do."

Hinata-san explains the situation, and I finally understand everything.

Yuuki-san saved the girl sitting before us and was hit in her place. Her name is Kirishima Kaori. It seems she didn’t notice a car running a red light and only realized it after Yuuki-san pushed her out of the way.

The car fled the scene immediately after, but many witnesses saw it. It seems the perpetrator will be caught soon.

"I see... I’m glad Kirishima-san is safe."

"But I..."

"It’s okay."

Kirishima-san isn’t at fault. I gently embrace her to keep her from being crushed by the guilt.

"I... I..."

"You did well. It’s okay now."

I gently pat her head.

"I’m so sorryyyyyyy! Waaaaahhhhhhh!"

Kirishima-san bursts into tears in my arms, but I hold her tightly, unbothered. She must have been holding it all in until now.

"It’s okay. There, there..."

After a while, she stops crying and falls asleep. She’s quite a lovely girl. Yuuki-san never expresses his emotions so openly.

"Hinata-san, could you bring a chair over? It’s tough staying crouched like this."

"Got it."

Hinata-san places a chair beside me, so I sit down and let Kirishima-san rest on my lap.

"Sorry, Yuki."

"For what?"

"For leaving Kirishima Kaori in your care."

"It’s fine. She’s such a sweet girl."

I gently adjust Kirishima-san’s hair.

"What do we do next?"

"Well, now that we know Yuuki-san is safe, let’s take turns watching over her."

"I’ll leave it to you. Shino and I will report to the school."

"Understood."

Shino-san and Hinata-san leave the room, leaving only me and the sleeping Kirishima-san.

"Yuuki-san... You bear a heavy responsibility for making a girl cry."

I patiently wait for them to wake up.

---

Author’s Note:

It’s been a while! I’m surprised by the sudden rise in ratings. Also, we’ve surpassed 200 favorites! Thank you so much!!

This time, I wrote from Yuki’s perspective. I hope it came out well...

Thank you for reading, and I look forward to your feedback!

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