What’s Inside My Heart?

Ever since Ryuji was discharged from the hospital and returned home, his relationship with his father has greatly improved. They would dine together every day and even talk about stuff, things they hadn’t done for a very long time.

At school, Sasaki would try to pester Ryuji at every chance she got, but thanks to Josiane, her friends, and Anthony, he has been leading a healthy school life.

One day, while on the rooftop having lunch with Anthony, the latter asked him, “ I haven’t seen you with Josiane lately. Did you fight? “

At the sound of the question, Ryuji responded awkwardly to his friend, “ What are you talking about, Anthony? Why would we fight? “

Feeling something was off with his behavior, Anthony pushed the matter further, “ If you didn’t fight, then why are you making that expression? You’re hiding something from me, aren’t you? Is it Sasaki again? Has she been pestering you again? If she had, then I will—------------- “

Before he could continue further, Ryuji stopped him and said, “ It’s not what you think, Anthony. Sakamoto-San and I haven’t fought. It’s just that after the incident at the hospital, I don’t know how to face her. “

?

Anthony was confused and unable to understand what his friend was saying. “ What do you mean? Could you be more precise in your explanation? “

—

Recalling the events at the hospital, Ryuji expressed himself shyly to his friend and said, “ I acted so shamelessly toward Sakamoto-San that now every time I see her, my chest hurts and my heart beats nonstop. “

Hearing the revelation of his friend, Anthony didn’t look all that surprised. Grinning slightly, he asked Ryuji straightforwardly, “ Why do you think your chest hurts when you’re in front of Josiane? Why does your heart beat nonstop? “

“ I don’t know why this is happening either. “ Ryuji honestly admitted to Anthony who asked further, “ Let me ask you this, even though you feel like this whenever you’re in her presence, will you stop seeing her and start avoiding her from now on? “

At the sound of all those questions, Ryuji couldn’t say a word and simply remained quiet which gave way to Anthony to continue.

“ I mean, if you stop seeing her, the pain in your chest and the loudness of your heart might just stop. What do you think? Wouldn’t that be the end to your issue and the perfect solution for it? “

—

“ No, I can’t stop seeing Sakamoto-San because of this. “ He uttered firmly to Anthony before continuing, “ Although I have no clue as to why I’m feeling like this, I want to keep being friends with her and see her every day, like now. “ While speaking to Anthony, he was joyfully glowing.

Listening to him, Anthony could only say, “ I’m sure you’ll figure it out soon enough, Ryuji. And once you do, you’ll be extremely happy. “

?

A week later, Josiane alongside the Martial Arts Club went on a camping trip to prepare for the upcoming Martial Arts Tournament.

Ryuji was unable to reach Josiane because she was out of range. After trying repeatedly, he put the phone down on the table and lay down on the bed.

Shutting his eyes, he recalled all the memories between them, starting from the moment he first encountered her to the last memory at the hospital.

He was so deep in thought that he didn’t hear someone knocking repeatedly on the door. It was only when he reopened his eyes again that he finally noticed.

Standing up, he headed toward the door to check who it was. He was slightly surprised when he saw his father standing at the door. “ Dad, you’re here! “

“ Yes, Son, it’s me. “ He grinned slightly before asking, “ Are you surprised to see me? “

Lost for words, he invited him in. Once the door was shut, Ryuji asked him, “ You came into my room so suddenly. Is there something you need? “

Sitting on the bed, his father joined him. Facing him, he said, “ I wanted to rekindle things between my son and me. I missed you so much all over the years. Due to the loss of your mother, I neglected you and buried myself in work. I went so far as to arrange a marriage between you and Sasaki, all so that the prestige of the Fujimiya name wouldn’t be tarnished. “

“ It was only when you ended up at the hospital that I finally realized how much you were important to me and how much I loved you. Ryuji, I know it took me a great amount of time to realize things, but I want to make things right. I’d like to regain your trust and love. I’d like to regain the two precious things I never cherished and took for granted. “

Apologetically looking at Ryuji, he asked him from the bottom of his heart, “ Ryuji, my son, will you forgive me for neglecting you all these years? Will you allow me to be in your life again? Ryuji, would you please give me a second chance? “

—

Listening to his father’s plea and recalling how much he’s been caring for him since the hospital incident, Ryuji suddenly embraced him. “ Of course, I forgive you, Dad. How could I be angry with you when you’ve been working so hard to regain my love and trust? “

Separating from his father, Ryuji said, “ You’re not the only one who should be apologizing. I should too, Dad. As a son, I never tried to understand you, and instead, I distanced myself from you when I should have been there for you from the very beginning. If you have to apologize for neglecting me, then I also have to apologize to you for not meeting your expectations and for disappointing you. I’m sorry, Dad. From now on, I promise to be more present and understand you more. “

Responding to the honesty his son had harbored, Mr. Fujimiya uttered, “ And I promise to also work hard to rekindle our relationship. “

After opening their hearts to each other for the first time in years, Ryuji and his father talked about all sorts of things, notably his school days. That day, Ryuji felt extremely happy for the first time in a long time. Having regained the love of his father, he slept soundly in his father’s arms.

Putting him to bed, Ryuji’s phone vibrated. Checking his phone, he saw a notification appearing and grinned while looking at his son. “ It’s only thanks to her that I was able to regain your love and trust. I should invite her over one of these days to formally thank her. “ He mumbled before stepping out of the room.

The following morning, Ryuji was delighted to see a message from Josiane as soon as he woke up. Grinning to his ears, a knock on the door interrupted him. A servant girl walked in to clean the room and change the sheets.

An hour later, Ryuji joined his father downstairs for breakfast. Delightfully embracing him, he sat beside him. Between their meals, the father asked, “ That girl, Josiane Sakamoto, could you invite her over? “

!

Ryuji, who was stunned by his father’s sudden words, asked, “ Why do you want me to invite her over? Is there something wrong? “

—

Being on the defensive, the father responded, “ Don’t give me that look! That girl helped us so much. If not for us, we wouldn’t have rekindled our relationship, so I think it’s only fair that we invite her over for dinner to properly thank her. Besides, I should take the chance to get to know her before things become official. “

?

“ Before things become official? What do you mean? “

Expressing his confusion, Mr. Fujimiya said bluntly, “ I know your feelings for that girl, so there’s no need to deny it so vehemently. “

Stunned even more, he asked, “ Feelings? Are you speaking of Sakamoto-San? “

“ Who else would I be speaking of if not her? “ He answered hypothetically, “ You have feelings for that girl and even I, your father could see it from a mile away. “

Blushing uncontrollably, Ryuji arbitrarily denied the feelings his father was speaking of toward Josiane. “ You’re wrong, Dad, I hold no such feelings for Sakamoto-San. Please don’t speak of this again! “

Instead of respecting Ryuji’s wishes and letting the matter go just as he asked, his father questioned him further, “ Why are you denying your feelings for her so strongly? At the hospital, it was more than evident that you loved her, so why won’t you admit it? “

Responding to his father’s allegations, Ryuji said, “ I admit that I feel something special for Sakamoto-San, but it’s not love. What I feel for her is gratitude. I’m grateful to her for being friends with me and for showing me a world I could ever dream of, but that’s it. I do not view her that way, so please drop the subject already! “

At the training camp, Josiane was training harder than usual. She looked as if she was trying to forget something.

“ Josiane, that’s enough, you should take a break. “ Patrici8a appeared with a bottle of water for her, but she didn’t stop and kept on training.

When Sabrina came, she abruptly stopped her fists, stopping her movements altogether. “ Josiane, you should seriously consider taking a break. “

Noticing the concern and care in her friends' eyes, Josiane grinned at them and said, “ You’re right, girls, I’ll heed your advice. “

Retiring inside her tent, Patricia and Sabrina looked at each other and wondered, “ What’s wrong with her? “

Later that night, the training coach made a sudden announcement, “ Tomorrow, you’ll be having a training match, so rest early! “