I practiced as a monk alone in Japan.

Chapter 313 Belongs to You

"call."

"Breathe deeply"

"It's ok"

Gen Tsukino, pushing the wheelchair, watched with amusement as Mizuki Kiyono, who was taking deep breaths and trying to adjust herself, kept taking a deep breath in the wheelchair.

Are you that nervous?

Kiyono Mizuki looked up at the boy and said irritably, "Of course I'm nervous. I never thought this day would come. I still find it unbelievable."

This was the day that Kiyono Mizuki came to Kawakazuki Bunko to discuss publishing matters.

I had already told Tsukino Gen before, and the boy took it to heart. Today, he made a special trip and asked the school for a day off.

After all, we don't know if any editors will be working here when the weekend comes.

So I can only spend time with this girl during weekdays.

"There's nothing unbelievable about it, is there? Capable people will be discovered sooner or later, as long as you don't doubt yourself and firmly believe in yourself."

"I've always been a person who lacks self-confidence."

At this point, the girl looked somewhat dejected.

She wasn't born lacking confidence or appearing insecure.

It was after that car accident that things turned out this way. Physical defects will inevitably affect psychological factors.

Gen Tsukino patted the other person on the shoulder.

“You’re not someone who lacks confidence. Your eyes light up every time you talk to me about your novels. While no one is perfect or good at everything, people have an incredible level of perseverance when it comes to what they love. Those who work hard, strive, and stick to their beliefs deserve a medal.”

"Seriously, it's so cheesy to say this at a time like this."

She looked up, her eyes actually brimming with tears.

After all, she is a sensitive young woman, and she is more prone to emotional fluctuations, especially when she is nervous.

Gen Tsukino smiled and said, "Alright, let's go in. Don't keep them waiting too long."

"Um"

Before going inside, Kiyono Mizuki reached out and pressed firmly on the back of Tsukino Gen's hand, which was resting on the armrest.

"Stay with me."

She said so.

It's a bit strange to say something like this at this moment; it's like a little girl longing for promises and help.

Perhaps this statement has a deeper meaning.

But Tsukino Gen did not refuse.

He nodded. "I will always be with you."

"Ah."

They pushed the girl inside.

Kawakazuki Bunko was crowded today, and many people were curious about the identity of the beautiful girl in the wheelchair.

When they learned that she was a recently popular female writer, they were very enthusiastic and showed no prejudice or special treatment towards so-called disabled people, although being particularly enthusiastic could be considered one of them.

"Ms. Kiyono, our editor-in-chief is already waiting for you inside."

"Okay, can he come with me?"

Kiyono Mizuki was still asking silly questions.

The other person laughed and replied, "Of course, it's not an interrogation. You can be with whomever you want."

"it is good."

Kiyono Mizuki was finally relieved.

In fact, the whole process was very easy and simple, and there were none of the capitalist tricks and traps that Kiyono Mizuki had imagined.

Of course, this is mainly thanks to Tsukino Gen doing his homework beforehand.

He made it sound easy, like he was just accompanying the girl on a perfunctory trip, but in reality, Tsukino Gen had already done extensive research on publishing contracts.

So basically, the entire contract was reviewed by Tsukino Gen.

There were no problems, and with Kiyono Mizuki's support, the signing was completed smoothly.

Upon completing this task, Kiyono Mizuki's first emotion was not ecstasy, but rather a long sigh of relief.

As if completing some predetermined task, I finally made it ashore smoothly.

Tsukino Gen looked at the other person and said, "Why do you seem a little unhappy?"

Kiyono Mizuki shook her head. "No, not really. It's just that I really don't know how to be happy. I just feel like I've finally accomplished something, and then I feel relieved."

"That's true. After all, with your level of genius, you would have thought that this day would come sooner or later."

"Pfft, he's still praising me."

"Alright, where do you want to go now? It's still early."

Gen Tsukino was also implying to her that all the free time he had today would belong to her.

Kiyono Mizuki thought for a moment, "I want to go see my mom and dad."

"it is good."

This time, Tsukino Gen didn't let the other person take the subway. Instead, he had Kawakami Shinichiro call a driver to handle today's itinerary.

Kawakami has been quite busy lately, mainly because Shiramine Koyo seems to be finally going to make a move against those so-called elders, and Tsukino Gen can also glean some clues from the slightest hints.

After all, that kind of woman is ambitious.

Aside from herself, the man who could firmly suppress her and was outside the normal rules, she would regard anyone who tried to encroach on her power as a thorn in her side.

On the surface, she seemed to be mindful of the elders' feelings and the credit for supporting her rise to power.

In reality, it's just a smokescreen to lull people into a false sense of security; the real storm is always hidden deep inside.

Gen Tsukino was actually relieved; at least she had learned something, so it couldn't be said that she was completely useless.

We arrived at the cemetery.

Pushing the girl to the gravestone, which wasn't the first time they'd visited, there were still no signs of frequent visits. But Kiyono Mizuki no longer felt sorrow. She knew that a person's true demise was when no one in the world remembered them anymore.

But as long as she lives, she will remember them forever.

And now that there is someone by her side who remembers them, she feels gratified enough.

See you this time.

They no longer weep and wail in front of the tombstone, recounting how wronged, lonely, and tormented they have been these past days.

She can say it with a smile.

"Actually, I've been very happy lately, so you can rest assured about my life."

"My leg is almost healed, and my book is about to be published. All the things I've dreamed of will come true one by one. Mom and Dad, don't worry about me."

The girl, holding flowers in her hands, bent down with some effort to present the bouquet.

She smiled as she faced the tombstone.

That means he will never wake up again, never again touch his head and praise his dearest loved ones.

Thinking about it, there are still some things that make her feel disappointed and regretful, but she has grown up and has convinced herself long enough.

We know that what's past won't change, and those who have left won't come back.

So she was able to tell them with a smile.

"Don't worry, I will be happy, I will be very, very happy, right?"

She looked up at the boy beside her.

Gen Tsukino squatted down beside her, this time not looking at Mizuki Kiyono, but at the tombstone.

"I promised her."

Migratory birds fly across the sky.

In this already chilly season, although it's not yet time to wear a down jacket, even your breath feels cool.

I took Kiyono Mizuki out for a hot pot meal.

She was all smiles, as happy as a child being taken to an amusement park by their parents.

As I laughed and ate, tears involuntarily welled up in my eyes.

Gen Tsukino watched her quietly, offering no comfort but simply handing her a tissue.

She was just wiping away her tears while eating, which looked somewhat comical, but it was a scene that made people unable to laugh.

However, this persistence could not be sustained for long.

She put down her chopsticks, wiped away her tears, and sobbed alone in her seat for a long time.

She didn't make a loud noise, as if she was worried about disturbing the surrounding customers, even though many of them had already secretly glanced at the pitiful young girl.

Finally pausing for a moment, she looked apologetically at Tsukino Gen.

"I'm sorry. I tried to hold back, but I didn't expect that I still couldn't help it."

Gen Tsukino smiled and shook his head. "No, that's not true. Emotions need to be released. Suppressing them all the time isn't a good thing. I also hope you can be free. Free to laugh, and free to cry. There's nothing shameful about it or anything to apologize for."

She nodded gently, her eyes brimming with tears.

She spoke softly.

"They never had a hot pot meal with me while they were alive. I know that many things weren't that they didn't want to, but that they didn't have the time. So I don't blame them, I just feel regret. Some happiness comes too late, and some precious people don't even get to see happiness."

Gen Tsukino said softly, "I think they also hope that you are the one who can be happy. As for what has already happened, we can't change it, so let's face it and live your life well from now on."

"I will."

Kiyono Mizuki nodded vigorously.

After finishing the hot pot, Tsukino Gen didn't immediately take Kiyono Mizuki home.

Instead, he went back to the bustling parts of the city and took her to see the city at its most authentic night.

In the past, Kiyono Mizuki always avoided contact with these people and avoided appearing in these places, feeling out of place.

However, with Gen Tsukino's help, she became more and more natural, shopping as usual, looking at those dazzling cabinets, and even being able to be a little willful in choosing what she wanted and buying it.

He would look at the celebrities on the huge billboards in the bustling central square and say something.

"I think he's not as handsome as you. It would be much better to put you on top."

Gen Tsukino smiled and brushed it off, "That won't do, otherwise I'll become a heartthrob and I won't be able to handle it."

"Showing off~"

Even though she said that, she couldn't help but hold his hand tightly.

"You'll still have time to spend with me in the future, right?"

"of course."

"Just because my legs are healed doesn't mean you feel you have no responsibility or obligation towards me anymore, and you'll leave me because of that, right?"

"Will not."

"There are many things in the future that you will experience with me, right?"

"I'll be with you."

"How about we stay together tonight too?"

Is this a sudden request?
It seems not.

I had a feeling about it.

Previously, my attitude was very clear: I wouldn't do anything until a certain time was right, because I felt it would be abrupt and wouldn't be reassuring enough.

but now
Supported by a wheelchair, in the city center square.

It's a place you can go anywhere, from north to south.

He gripped the handrail tightly and let out a soft sigh of relief.

"I said I'd stay with you today, and I meant the whole day."

……

(End of this chapter)