Chapter 193- Prank

[Koori’s POV:]

I felt excited. Yes, there was some anxiety, but the excitement was stronger.

Aaah! We’re meeting again!

It feels like so many days have passed.

I know Kasumi-san is always busy, so I thought she wouldn’t be able to see me anytime soon.

I had accepted that.

But even so, she still gave me attention and cared for me.

And every time I smiled at those gestures, I couldn’t help but compare her to Naoko.

I know I shouldn’t…but whenever Kasumi-san asks if I’ve eaten dinner or checks on my health, it really touches my heart.

One time, when I was suffering from period cramps and was alone at home, she sent chocolate and snacks straight to my place.

Another time, she stayed on the phone with me for hours since I was coming home late and felt nervous.

Naoko…never did anything like that.

He didn’t even know about my cycle, nor did he ever bother walking me home.

Most of the time, he barely spoke when we were together.

For a long while, I thought that was just his personality…but then I saw him talking so easily with Minoru-kun.

And then, I read his diary…

That’s when I realized he wasn’t quiet because he was shy around me. Naoko…actually never liked me.

I felt betrayed.

I felt crushed.

I really liked him. I cared about him. I cried over him.

But in the end…it was never a real relationship. It was just me clinging to a dream.

“Gah! What am I thinking right now!” I shook my head, pushing away those gloomy thoughts.

I was meeting Kasumi-san today.

She even told me to let my parents know I’d be returning late.

I usually never stay out late, so I had to text my best friend Aoi and ask her to cover for me if my mother called.

[Ehh~ lying to go out…who’s the lucky one?]

My cheeks burned at the thought of Kasumi-san, but of course I didn’t admit that. Instead, I said,

[It’s nothing, just meeting some old friends, so I might stay out late.]

[Alright, alright. No need to lie to me too. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.]

I smiled before closing the app—just then, my phone buzzed.

*Kasumi-san*

I almost dropped it, my heart racing like it might leap out of my chest.

“What should I do…what should I do?” I panicked for a moment. No—wait, I need to pick up!

I took a deep breath and answered.

“Heffo?”

I bit my tongue. Great.

[Koori? Are you okay?]

“Yes, yes. I’m ready. When are you coming?”

There was a short silence before she spoke again, her voice hesitant.

[Um…something came up, so let’s postpone today’s plan.]

For a moment, my mind went blank.

My lips parted, but no words came out.

I knew Kasumi-san was a busy woman.

She had her work, her responsibilities, and so many people depending on her.

Unlike me, who was mostly free, every single minute of hers was valuable.

I knew all this… I really did.

Yet…why?

Why did tears suddenly start slipping down my cheeks?

“I am such a bad woman.”

I flinched at the sudden voice.

Turning around in a hurry, I saw a familiar figure standing there, a helpless smile on her lips.

“K-Kasumi-san?”

H-how…eh?

My mind struggled to piece together what was happening.

Before I could speak further, another voice called from upstairs.

“Koori? Did something happen?” My mom’s voice.

My eyes widened as I glanced at Kasumi-san.

She leaned close and whispered, “Let’s go.” Then, without hesitation, she took my hand and gently pulled me along.

“I’m going!” I quickly shouted back, hoping to keep suspicion away.

I knew how reckless this looked—walking out of my own house with a woman no one knew. The neighbors must have seen us.

But at that moment, none of that mattered. All I could focus on was the warmth of the hand holding mine.

She led me to her car, opened the door for me, and I climbed inside. Moments later, the engine purred to life, and we drove off.

Silence filled the space between us.

I sat quietly, calmer than before, staring down at my lap.

“I’m sorry about the prank,” Kasumi-san finally spoke, reaching over to hold my hand resting there. “I never thought it would hurt you that much.” Her voice softened. “You look really pretty today, Koori. I’m sorry I ruined the mood.”

I shook my head. “It’s okay…I just… I’m sorry for being childish.”

Kasumi-san frowned. “No, that’s not childish, Koori. It’s your right to be upset with me if I cancel a plan at the last moment.”

Her words left me speechless.

The right to be upset with my partner… That thought had never once crossed my mind. Maybe because, in the past, I learned that showing my disappointment only pushed the other person further away.

I squeezed her hand gently and whispered, “I was…really heartbroken.”

Kasumi-san’s tone was soft, almost defeated, as she replied, “I promise, I’ll make it up to you.”