Chapter 10: The Weight of Uncertainty
[Hayate Kurogane]
The day was quieter than usual, and I was trying to focus on what was in front of me. But, as always, my thoughts wouldn't stop. And this time, they were focused on Aoi.
She had changed—I knew that. She was lighter in some ways, more open. But at the same time, she seemed distant, as if she was carrying something she didn’t know how to deal with. And that made me uneasy. I wanted to help, but at the same time, I knew that forcing any kind of closeness could be a mistake. She needed space, but what exactly was she dealing with?
I never really understood people’s emotions. Human interactions always seemed too complicated to me. But with Aoi, it was different. Something about her made me want to understand. And I wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad thing.
I was lost in thought when I heard quick footsteps approaching. Aoi appeared at the door, her hair slightly messy and an expression I couldn’t quite decipher.
— Hayate, do you have a minute? — Her voice was quieter than usual, and her eyes avoided mine.
I nodded, feeling an inexplicable tightness in my chest. Something was going on—I could sense it. And for some reason, I was starting to think that the only way to understand what was happening with her was to listen, once again.
She sat in the chair next to me, without looking directly at me. That silence was uncomfortable, but I didn’t want to force a conversation. I knew that with Aoi, things needed to happen naturally.
— I... — She started, then stopped, as if searching for the right words. I could see the internal struggle she was going through. — I’m just… scared, Hayate.
I frowned. Fear? Aoi never seemed afraid of anything. She had always been so strong, so confident. But now, it was as if she was breaking down a wall I hadn’t even known existed.
— Scared of what? — I asked, trying not to sound too eager, but I really wanted to know what was going on inside her.
She looked at me, and for a moment, it seemed like she was going to say something, but her words got stuck in her throat. That silence lingered between us.
— I don’t know if I can tell you, Hayate. I really don’t know if I’m ready. — She finally said, her voice almost imperceptible.
I stayed silent, but inside, the fear of not being able to help her grew. I wanted to be the person she trusted, the one she could rely on. But if she wasn’t ready to share, I had to respect that.
— I won’t pressure you, Aoi. — I said, trying to stay calm. — But if you ever need someone to listen, I’ll be here, okay? No matter what it is.
She seemed to search for some kind of certainty in my words, and I could only hope she saw that I was being sincere. She didn’t have to tell me everything at once. I knew she had her own battles to fight, and I wanted to be the person who helped her through them, in her own way.
She was quiet for a few seconds, then, with a sigh, looked at me again.
— I know I can count on you, Hayate. — She smiled, but she still seemed a little unsure, as if she was trying to find the strength she needed.
I smiled back, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. She hadn’t told me everything she was holding in, but that small exchange of words gave me hope. It was a small step, but it was something.
— Everything’s going to be okay, Aoi. — I said, more to myself than to her.
She looked at me for a moment longer, as if she wanted to say more, but then stood up, adjusting her bag over her shoulder.
— I’ll try, Hayate. — She replied with a faint, yet genuine smile. — And… thanks for listening.
I nodded, feeling a wave of comfort seeing that smile, even if it was small. I knew she still carried a weight on her shoulders, but the fact that she had opened up, even just a little, was progress. She wasn’t alone, and I knew that, somehow, together, we could face whatever it was she was going through.
She walked out of the office, and I remained there, thoughtful. I knew that moment wasn’t the end. It was just the beginning of a journey I didn’t fully understand yet. But something inside me told me that no matter how difficult it got, I was willing to stand by her side. After all, wasn’t that what friends were for?
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[Aoi Tachibana]
As I left the office, I felt a sense of relief. I didn’t know exactly what had changed, but something inside me felt more at ease. Hayate hadn’t pressured me—he had just listened. And that, as simple as it was, made all the difference.
I knew the fear was still there, but somehow, his presence gave me a sense of comfort. He wasn’t trying to fix me or make me say what I was feeling. He was just there, and that made me feel that maybe, one day, I could open up completely.
But for now, I wasn’t ready. I needed more time. More time to understand what was happening inside me. More time to face my own feelings.
The only thing I knew was that, by Hayate’s side, I wasn’t alone anymore. And somehow, that gave me strength.
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End of Chapter 10
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