89 I'll never leave you behind

With Futaba around, it was fairly easy to persuade Ru. Currently, the two of them were in the bathrooms at a karaoke bar.

Still, her friend has gotten really pretty. She was pretty before she allowed all that bullying to get to her. But this is something else. She wondered what happened in France. Since when could Futaba smile so naturally.

Her gaze fell on Futaba, who was putting on lipstick. "Suro-kun is taking care of you very well. I am relieved."

"Ah yes."

It feels strange, this is Futaba, but at the same time, she feels like a completely different person. Her thoughts broke off when Futaba stretched her cheeks.

"Suchan, don't look at me like I am some type of stranger."

"Uh, sorry, it's just- something must have happened in France. You not only look different, but there is a positive vibe around you."

"That's true; you see, the guys in Quatro light helped me."

Ah, that's the band of the popular number one idol group. Her childhood friend's group?

"It was fun, but there was a time where it was just very tough. It felt like there wasn't anybody there that needed me."

At those words, her eyes widened. Ah, she made a mistake. She ought to have kept in touch.

"You don't have to apologize, Suchan. I understand why you didn't contact me; you wanted me to focus on my dreams. Moreover," She laughed weakly. "You probably thought you'd waver my resolve. Did you miss me?"

"I did; you know it's hard for me. I'm not very good with people. I have so many friends now, but they are mainly guys. There are some topics that I cannot discuss with them."

Futaba squeezed her hands. "Sorry for taking so long. You don't have to worry about me anymore. It was difficult. I struggled, but there are people who accept me for who I am and let me be myself, so I am very happy."

She truly sounds genuine. When Futaba left for France shortly after high school started, she was very worried. She almost went with her.

"You have gotten so strong; meanwhile, I am still weak."

"That's why I'm back; now it's my turn to help you, Succhan."

"Thank you."

"Oh, there is something important we have to discuss. I heard about it from the others, but Succhan, you had a boyfriend?"

Oh right, Futaba never met Sano. She was keeping Sano a secret for a while, so Futaba never met him.

"I did."

"I also heard he was a scumbag." Futaba's eyes twitched, annoyed as she smiled. "Now then, please give me more details. Such as his name, address, where he works."

Sumire's sweat fell seeing the dark aura around Futaba. Right, she was this type of person. The two of them have completely different personalities, but when it comes to fighting, they are oddly similar.

"Calm down; there is no use beating him up."

If that is all it will take to relieve her anger and pain. Then she would have done so when he was spouting that nonsense about having needs that she couldn't fulfill.

Would punching Sano have made her feel better? Even though she was angry. In the end, all she could do was cry.

At those words, Futaba hugged her. "Oh, Succhan, you suffered! I don't know who this guy is. The others told me to ask you. But if you're not saying anything, you must still like him."

Sumire blinked, hearing Futaba's analysis. Does she still like Sano? She never thought about it like that. During the time Sano dumped her, she received two confessions and met with Yuhi again. She hasn't had much time to think about the breakup.

Does she still like that person who trampled on her emotions so easily?

"Say Futaba, what does it mean to like someone?"

Futaba pulled away. "Eh?"

"I have a person I like, and while I was dating my boyfriend. I still liked that other person. Then, what feelings did I have for that man who held the title of my boyfriend for a year?"

"Succhan, you know. I think maybe you should focus on yourself first rather than fall in love."

"Focus on myself?"

"Yes. I thought with me gone, you and Suro-kun would get closer. I thought he would heal your heart. But Succhan, you still haven't gotten better. I think you've gotten worse."

Ah, Futaba hasn't changed at all. She still notices stuff about her that other people wouldn't.

Sumire felt her knees go weak, and she collapsed to the ground. "I- recently did something terrible. When I did it, I didn't think much of it. I even laughed. But as the days go by and I hear people talk about it on the news, and I see photographs. I realize how awful it was. I-how could I have done something like that."

There is something wrong with her. Is it like what Futaba said? Did she possibly get worse?

"I saw the news. I didn't think it was you. But I see." Futaba bent down and hugged her again. "Ssh, it's alright. You're going to be fine, Succhan."

"But I-"

"I'm not going to say that what you did was okay. Even if that man was despicable, we have no right to judge people outside the law. It's our job to bring those criminals to people who can judge. But, knowing you. You must have taken on another request." Futaba trailed off. "What's Aki-san doing? He should be careful about the jobs you accept."

"He didn't know."

Futaba's gaze softened. "You know Succhan, no matter what anybody says. I plan to stay by your side. I'll always be your ally."

"Even though you know there is something wrong with me?"

Futaba shook her head. "I never saw it that way. Earlier, when I said you've gotten worse, I didn't mean your mental state. I am talking about you closing your heart. Succhan, France, was truly difficult for me at the start. But, I realized that no matter where I went, I would encounter difficulties. If I want to achieve my dreams, I have to endure and overcome them. Succhan, do not close your heart to those who care so much for you. They will be the ones who will help you achieve your dream. You not alone."

At those words, Sumire burst into tears. She could no longer hold herself back.

"You have become too mature; that's not fair."

Futaba laughed. "I'll never leave you behind."