Despite having cried so much, Ippei’s face once again shows the expression of someone on the verge of tears. If I believe in your true feelings, then this sorrowful expression means that I’m the only one who knows it.
So, there’s one thing I can do right now.
When someone is sad or in pain, they want to be embraced by someone.
I gently embraced the almost-crying Ippei, enveloped by the scent I love as well, and gently stroked his head.
“Hey, Ippei?”
“Yes… What is it?”
“I’m really glad I met you.”
“I feel the same way…”
Ippei never shies away, facing harsh reality and confronting the present situation with all his might, even if our form isn’t one that’s accepted.
But he never hid his genuine suffering from me. He taught me that this space is his true happiness.
It’s never going to be accepted… I understand that. Still, I want to protect you with all I can. Since you’ve given me this beloved space too.
I… truly love you, Ippei.
I shouldn’t say it. I’ve been thinking all along that saying those words might hurt you. But… But that’s not necessary anymore.
[Not everything is a sin; there might be salvation. Maybe you’re the one who can pave the way for that?]
Once again, Daisuke-san’s words flash through my mind.
That’s right, what I can do is continue this space with you, for both you and me. To continue this space where we can honestly feel joy in any form for as long as possible.
I’m prepared. Whatever the future holds, I’ve decided to create another place to return to for you. I’ve decided to protect that face of yours, smiling so honestly.
So, accepting these feelings…
“Hey, Ippei…?”
“…Yes…”
“…I’m glad I could hear your feelings properly.”
“…Y-Yuta-san…”
“Don’t cry anymore, and I’ve accepted those feelings too. No matter what they are, this current form might not be perfect.”
“…Yes…”
“But listen, if it gets tough, if it gets painful, just come back to this space. Seek it out. I’ll always be waiting for you in this space.”
“…Ah… Y-Yuta!”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
I held Ippei tightly as his composed face crumpled with tears. I’ll never let go. Even if we’re apart, I’ll protect your heart. Even if it’s wrong… I’ll show you my love.
Vtbk wf.
“Pqqfl… P ibnf sbe obgfnfg…”
Qbgvr atja rtbeiv cba yf rjlv. P rtbeivc’a tjnf rjlv P ibnf sbe ab sbe. Dea P mjc’a ub yjmx. Rb, P kbc’a ub yjmx. P tbqf atlr klii yf j cfk wlifrabcf obg sbe…
“Te, Teaj-rjc… P, P ibnf sbe abb!”
[I’ve always loved you…!!]
Kgeis, bcf cfnfg xcbkr ktja klii mbwf bo fcmbecafgr yfakffc qfbqif. Jtjcmf wffalcur, ktlmt kfgf reqqbrfv ab yf afwqbgjgs, rbwfalwfr fnbinf lcab bqqbgaeclalfr ab wffa lwqbgajca qfbqif.
And there’s no way one wouldn’t be happy to hear “I love you” from the person they love. The feelings we both hid have finally come together.
In whatever form, this is the starting line. A happy space just for the two of us, unnoticed by anyone else, begins from here.
“Ippei, thank you.”
“…I should be the one thanking you…”
“Stupid, it’s not like that.”
“Huh…?”
“Yuta-san, saying thank you is enough.”
“…Why…”
“You’re always so rigid; loosen up a bit here. Let’s take it easy, okay? …Right?”
Let’s keep it easy; we don’t need to be rigid.
Let’s enjoy this space as our true selves.
You need even this space as you are right now.
A faint smile returns to Ippei, who had been shedding tears, as he smiles back at me. And with that, expressing our intention to cherish this space, we exchanged a sweet kiss, somewhat different from before.
Ryo…? I’m not alone anymore…
Will you watch over me and Ippei…?
* * *
On the way back home, though it’s a forbidden love, we firmly held hands between the driver’s seat and the passenger’s seat, having conveyed our feelings to each other and gained the form of mutual love.
“…I wonder why.”
“W-Well, I wonder why too…”
“Do you feel the same way?”
“…Yeah… It’s kind of exhilarating…”
Even though we used to hold hands and tease each other without knowing each other’s feelings, after officially expressing our love for each other, this act feels strangely embarrassing and bittersweet.
Forbidden lovers are lovers who cannot be forgiven. Yet, I love you. And you love me too. So, let’s cherish this space for now. The time for just the two of us as lovers…
“But I’m happy, you know?”
“Hehe… I am too.”
“You still can’t drop the formal language, huh?”
“I think I’ll probably stay like this forever.”
“Why’s that?”
“…Don’t ask, dummy…”
Why are you blushing so much? Even though you say you can’t drop the formal language, you occasionally speak without it, and it’s cute. I’m such a bad guy for wanting to manipulate your feelings a bit more.
“You won’t understand unless I say it.”
“…Wha-! Um, Y-Yuta-san, you’re cool and cute, and… you’re my idol…!”
“Huh!? M-Me!?”
“T-That’s why I fell in love with you! S-So please, don’t make me say any more!”
Instead of manipulating Ippei’s feelings, I ended up blushing as well, seeing Ippei speak so honestly while his face turned bright red. Maybe it’s a mixed blessing that he can speak so honestly…
“I won’t ask anymore…”
“Really… dummy…”
“Don’t call me a dummy.”
“But you are one!!”
“Even saying that, where did the formal language go?”
“…Hmph!! Fine, I’ll make sure to use formal language all the time!! I won’t let you make me stop using it!!”
The cool, refreshing, and always sweet gestures and words that Ippei shows are somehow childish and adorable. Surely, this is your true self.
You can expose all the aspects of your nature that you’ve been hiding in front of me. That would make me happy too, and this space is meant for that.
“Well, either one is fine.”
“Why do you say things like that!”
“You’re so desperate, but I like that about you too.”
“…!!”
“I… I like you in every way, Ippei.”
I’ve finally found happiness. I’ve decided to accept you, no matter who you are. I’ve been hoping to create this kind of space with you too.
“I… I give up.”
“Huh, giving up? On winning or losing?”
“Never mind! But…”
“But what?”
[I also truly love you…]
You expressed your love, looking at the sunset sky, shyly conveying your feelings. Even if you don’t look at my face, your feelings are getting through to my heart, right…?
“Thank you.”
“Y-Yeah… You’re welcome…”
“Hey, Ippei?”
“W-What, what’s next?”
It wasn’t just about this space; I also wanted to introduce you to a place where we could spend time alone together, without any rush, without being tied down by anyone or worried about being caught.
“…They’re not coming back tonight, right?”
“Yes, they won’t be back until Monday…”
“Then, if you don’t mind…”
[Would you like to stay over at my place tonight?]
Opportunities like this don’t come often.
Because Ippei has a “place to return to,” no, a “place he must return to.” It’s an unchangeable fact. Even tonight, if I go home, I’ll return to living with Kuro, and Ippei will go back to a home without his girlfriend.
I want to savor a little more of this space with you. And I want you to know about spaces other than this one.
“Huh…!? I-Is it okay…?”
“I want to be with you more; it’s only natural.”
“I-I’m happy… Then, I’ll gladly accept your invitation!”
It might be moving too fast. Yet, you respond to my proposal with an even more refreshing and sweet smile than usual. And you share the same feelings as me. Your smile, so vivid and radiant, shines brightly for me.
“Then, let’s go to my place.”
“Yes! I’m looking forward to it…!”
With those words and smiles, we decided to head towards the space that belonged only to me, where Kuro awaited as we were enveloped in smiles unlike any we had before.
