Living with the Arrogant Queen from High School is Surprisingly Not Uncomfortable

[Hayashi POV]

***

During the days when I was constantly bruised, I often thought about meeting Akari again. I wanted to talk about the past with her. She was my best friend. That’s why I wanted her to soothe my wounds, to help me. I thought about this a lot.

But on that day, I was helped by a man, and that led me to reunite with Akari.

And then, I learned about Yamamoto and Akari’s past.

I didn’t know. I had no way of knowing that Akari and Yamamoto were in a relationship.

“…You often bring men into your home, don’t you?”

Now that I know this and think back to our recent reunion, I realize something.

“Ah.”

That must have been a wonderful love that the two of them had, one that everyone around them would envy.

“Ahaha. Even in high school, Yamamoto-kun’s odd behavior wasn’t uncommon.”

Those two, they must have been connected by a bond so strong that I couldn’t find any cracks to enter.

…When I found out from Akari that the two of them were dating…

The emotion that welled up within me was jealousy.

I couldn’t forgive them for getting along well without me knowing.

I couldn’t forgive them for forming a bond without consulting me.

And above all, I couldn’t forgive myself for feeling such wicked emotions towards the two of them, who were like saviors to me.

I’m sure that’s why I’m feeling down about everything now.

The fact that I was betrayed by Akari and Yamamoto.

And the fact that I judge their precious relationship as a betrayal.

I can’t sort out my own weak heart, and I can’t lift my face.

…I know what people used to call me in high school. Even if I didn’t want to know, it would come into my ears unbidden.

Presumptuous.

Arrogant.

Queen.

…What a queen.

I worry about such things.

I cause trouble over such things.

I get depressed over such things…!

Where in me now is the “queen” they’re talking about?

“Should I… leave this room after all?”

That line was a sign of my weakness, coming out now that I was in this self-punishing state.

After saying that, I couldn’t look at Yamamoto’s face anymore.

I was able to escape from that guy because I was able to reunite with Yamamoto.

He got arrested, and I’m now able to walk freely outside because Yamamoto helped me.

I was able to reunite with my old friend because Yamamoto helped me regain my daily life.

I’m allowed in this room now because Yamamoto wants to help me…!

Yamamoto’s kindness that I didn’t know in high school. Since reuniting, I don’t even know how many times I’ve been saved by his kindness.

And yet, I complained again…!

I made a statement that tramples on his kindness…!

…I even said it in a cowardly way.

I don’t need Yamamoto’s permission to leave this room. If I really want to leave this room, I can just leave a note and leave while he’s sleeping.

But I asked Yamamoto if I could stay in this room. I pushed the responsibility onto him.

…I took advantage of his kindness.

I wanted him to tell me to leave.

I don’t want to see your face.

I still love Akari.

I wanted him to judge me and kick me out of here.

…He.

Yamamoto.

But he probably wouldn’t do that. I knew that too. Including that, I am… truly, the worst woman.

“What do you want to do, Hayashi?”

“Huh?”

“I’m asking about your feelings. Do you want to leave this place?”

“…Why?”

Yamamoto’s words, as always, were twisted. He said the thing I least wanted him to say at that moment. My emotions were raging inside me.

“This isn’t your room. So, whether or not to shelter a lodger is not your decision to make.”

And then, I blurted out my complaint.

“…Ah.”

Yamamoto scratched his head, seeming a bit troubled. Guilt squeezed my heart. It was my idea to leave this room. Pushing this responsibility onto Yamamoto… it’s absurd in the first place.

Despite that, Yamamoto… didn’t show any signs of condemning my appalling behavior.

As always, he… with his twisted words, was trying to save me.

“…I’ve told you many times. I am a self-centered person.”

No. The self-centered person… is me.

“It’s terrible, isn’t it? At first, I thought I wouldn’t mind if you went back to your ex. I thought I had done my best. I thought it would be good if I could say that.”

“…That’s not true.”

He seems to label it as callous, but isn’t that just normal?

Our relationship at that time was merely that of former classmates. Nothing more, nothing less. There should have been no reason for him to take on any risk to help me.

Yet he helped me…!

He saved me…!

“…Don’t you understand?”

Yamamoto… scratched his cheek shyly.

“In other words, a self-centered person like me is asking for your opinion instead of giving mine… That means… that means… I want you to stay here. That’s what I’m saying.”

…Now.

“I want you to stay here. But I won’t force you if you don’t want to. I don’t want you to do anything you don’t like. …That’s why I asked for your opinion.”

Looking at the man who, with a red face, didn’t dare meet my eyes.

I realized.

…When I found out that Akari and Yamamoto were dating.

I was jealous. I thought they had betrayed me. Even though I had no right to feel that way, I was consumed by ugly emotions.

I couldn’t accept that my friend and lifesaver had a relationship I knew nothing about.

But, I was wrong.

I was wrong. The feeling inside me now…

…Because.

Now, I…

Looking at Yamamoto, who can’t even meet my eyes due to shyness, my heart was filled.

But when I think about the fact that Yamamoto was once happy with another woman, I felt almost crazy with jealousy.

I was happy that Yamamoto comforted me in my heartbreak.

It was painful to see Yamamoto getting along well with Akari.

I wanted to stay in this room forever.

I wanted to be with Yamamoto.

“…Why?”

My voice was shaking.

“Why are you so kind…?”

“Huh, are you crying seriously…?”

Yamamoto was taken aback by my tears. I was shocked that I had shown him my disgrace.

“Uwaaan. Uwaaaan.”

Finally, I broke down in tears, chilling my hands.

“Eh…? Eh… Eh eh?”

Yamamoto approached me, confused but still holding the Vaseline, to comfort me.

While being comforted by Yamamoto, despite my crying… I realized I felt fulfilled.

Now, I’ve realized.

And I’ve also realized that I can’t make excuses anymore.

…That guy.

Yamamoto.

Just him being by my side makes me feel fulfilled.

Just knowing a side of him that he doesn’t know makes me sad.

I want to be with him forever.

That was a completely different feeling than when I started dating my previous boyfriend.

…A feeling I’ve never had before, feeling shy, avoiding eye contact, wanting to cling to him forever.

The first time I’ve ever felt this way. I knew intuitively what this was.

This is love.