School is over.
Miyako was about to leave when I stepped forward and stood at the exit.
"Wait a minute.
She stopped.
She looked at me intently.
"Just a minute." I beg.
Silence.
Then a barely perceptible nod.
We went out into the courtyard.
There were almost no people.
"I'm not going to make excuses,— I began.
— I'm not going to say that everything is not as you thought.
You've seen it... and you have a right to be angry.
But I have to say it, even if you turn away.
She stood there in silence.
I could feel my fingers trembling.
"I'm an idiot.
I let the situation get out of control.
I let Sayo get too close because I didn't want to be rude.
And that was my mistake.
I took a step closer.
"But... even at that moment, when everything went wrong, I was only thinking about you.
Not about her.
Not about how to get out of the situation.
About you.
What will you think.
How you will feel.
Her lips twitched a little, but she didn't say anything.
— For me, you are not just "someone nearby."
You're the only one who makes me feel real.
I looked straight into her eyes.
— If you want, turn away.
If you can't forgive me, I'll understand.
But know this:
I still love you.
And I'll be there.
Even if I have to wait for you to believe again.
Miyako stared at me for a long time.
It's been too long.
Then…
—I do not know,— she said softly. —I... want to believe."
But it still hurts.
I nodded.
"I'll wait." As long as it takes.
She didn't leave.
And she didn't say no.
I just stayed standing there. Silently.
And this…
This time, it was enough.