Chapter 5

"Se-n-pai"

Under the streetlight, Hanabi, who had been leaning against the wall of the park, straightened up with a burst of energy. She then approached me with a dramatic gait and attitude, a smile on her face that was unsettlingly bright.

"You're late, you know? I told you not to make detours, didn't I? Have you already forgotten? -- Hey! You can't just ignore me and walk past!?"

Hanabi stepped in front of me, spreading her arms as if to block my path. Sigh...

"What?"

"It's not 'what'! I was waiting for you, sempai!"

Come to think of it, Hanabi has always used this tone when she says she's "doing something for me." She does this to make me feel like I owe her something, like I should be grateful. But today, I don't feel that way. I never asked her to wait for me, and to be honest, I'm thoroughly annoyed right now.

Still, why does Hanabi keep clinging to me like this? It's not because she likes me and doesn't want to break up—there's a 100% chance that's not the case. Hanabi has always said she's only with me out of pity because I'm such a failure.

...So, I guess she just doesn't want to lose her punching bag when she's in a bad mood. That's the only explanation I can think of.

Really, why did I keep being her lackey and punching bag for so long...? It's not just Hanabi's fault; it's mine too. I sigh, disappointed in myself.

"Let me say this clearly again: we're strangers now. I don't like being treated like this."

"...What do you mean... Are you really going to break up with me?"

Hanabi's smile remains, but her eyes aren't smiling at all.

"Yes, I am."

"If you break up with me, sempai, you won't be able to live a normal life."

"I wasn't normal when I was with you."

"Poor sempai. Just because you were pampered a little today, you've lost your sense of self, haven't you? That's exactly what's wrong with you, sempai. People who judge you based on your looks and come near you are just scum. How are you going to live without me, when you can't even understand that? No one else will talk to you like this. Do you understand?"

I didn't completely open up to the classmates who approached me today. I know that much, even without Hanabi telling me. But I've been told by Hanabi since childhood that I'm worthless in every way, so being complimented on my looks made me genuinely happy.

I think that kind of thing is a starting point. From this new connection, I can gradually find someone I can trust. I want to make these decisions on my own, not just follow what Hanabi decides.

"Someone like you, a defective human, needs someone to give you instructions. How about apologizing quickly? You often irritate me with your clueless actions, so I'm used to it. Thanks to you, I've learned to forgive with a broad heart. But please apologize sincerely, okay?"

"That's impossible. I don't feel the slightest bit of regret."

"..."

Hearing this, her feelings only grew stronger. "I don't need Hanabi in my life."

Hanabi's large eyes widened in shock, then her face twisted into a vicious expression, and she let out a strained laugh.

"A, ahaha! Really, it's so annoying... I'll dump you, you piece of shit!"

"Good. Now we're on the same page, and we won't have to deal with each other anymore."

"..."

Hanabi, her hair disheveled, glared at me.

"That's enough. Move aside."

"I won't forget being humiliated like this. -- Remember that, sempai?"

Hanabi, perhaps feeling humiliated by being left behind in the hallway earlier, hurriedly left as soon as I showed any sign of leaving.

Of course, I didn't look back. By the way, I forgot her words "Remember that" in seconds.

But at least Hanabi has accepted the breakup, so that's good. I wrote this story about my childhood friend to vent my frustrations. If there's demand, I'll update daily.

If you think "There's demand" or "I'll read it," please scroll down to the ad below and give it a ★5. I'd really appreciate it.