Lonely Rock for the Blind.

"You're such a jerk."

Yamada Kyoichi suddenly laughed.

"Are you really thinking that while doing things you shouldn't be doing, it's all because of other people?"

"You didn't want to drink this, right? You only started drinking because someone tricked you into it, right? You're not wrong, are you? Is that what you think?"

"Can I guess? Can I guess what you're thinking right now?"

Yamada Kyoichi chuckled softly, then spoke.

"I really, really am a terrible person..."

I really, really am a terrible person...

Despite having done so much, it all seemed like I was being forced, wavering back and forth, uncertain and unsure. In the end, when things couldn't be salvaged, I hypocritically said, "I'll bear everything."

Isn't it disgusting? You act like you've suffered some terrible injustice. There are plenty of people who have suffered more than you. Can you please stop acting like you have no choice?

They were clearly so happy, but there wasn't much of a smile on their faces.

I'm happier now, and I like to laugh more, but sometimes I still feel troubled.

You rarely say anything useful. Do you only like talking to yourself?

A figure slowly stood on the empty chair in front of them.

The boy stood on the chair, his purple and black eyes staring at each other.

I hate the way you look, because you're blind.

As the boy spoke, Nekoyashiki Haru's breathing became rapid.

How did you get through that period of blindness? And what are you like now?

Compared to before? Compared to the beginning...

Can't you be a little more proactive... even if you're blind, can't you be a little more proactive?

That's an unreasonable request; I'm being forced to do it.

If you can't do it... if you can't do it...

You're just someone who only knows how to receive, but never gives anything in return...

A cat?

You're filthy, you're rotten, don't blame anyone, blame yourself. That way you'll build a high wall around yourself, and no one can hurt you. All your mistakes are because I'm a terrible person, so... you're not wrong...

This kind of thinking is disgusting.

Am I like that?

The boy asked the young man.

I am a... truly bad cat, not a "scumbag" trying to portray myself as pure and innocent, but a real scumbag!

Right? After all, are you blind?

You can't see anything, you can't see things clearly...

So, let's run away here.

Like a stray cat that's been chased away...

Or are you the kind of stubborn cat who will show hostility towards humans even if you get beaten up?

blind…

"... "

wrong…

No, no, no…

Click...

A faint cracking sound was heard.

Am I really that bad?

Telling yourself and everyone else that you are worthless—isn't that also building a high wall?

Because I am a bad person, leaving everyone is for everyone's good.

An escape under the guise of salvation?

That doesn't seem right.

That's definitely not right, is it?

I'm blind, but they aren't!

If they like me, then I'm definitely not a scumbag.

Because they don't like scumbags.

Maybe I really didn't do well enough... but that's no reason to wallow in self-pity.

Why should I be afraid of their love?

Why should I be afraid of not being able to respond?

I'm not going to run away anymore. Am I an ungrateful cat?

Where am I now?

What I need to do now...

Why, why did I have to think about it for so long...?

"...Can't you speak anymore?"

Kyoichi Yamada looked at Haru Nekoyashiki, who had remained silent.

Nekoyashiki Haru raised her head and looked at Yamada Ryo.

Yamada Ryoya lowered his head and, noticing Nekoyashiki Haru's gaze, looked at Nekoyashiki Haru.

Golden eyes are a rare expression of emotion.

That still blurry face, Nekoyashiki Haru could keep looking at.

As expected...

"As expected, I love you, Liang."

"?!"

Nekoyashiki Haru's expression froze.

Yamada Kyoichi, standing in front of him, also stared wide-eyed.

"Nekoyashiki-kun?!"

"Well, I'm here."

Have you thought about how to refute me?

Why refute it?

"You admit that you are what I said?"

"I don't admit it, I just can't change how you see me."

Nekoyashiki Haru smiled and tilted her head.

"I can't change your opinion of me with words, so there's no need for me to refute you."

"then you…"

"That's enough, Liang doesn't see me that way. That's all that matters."

Nekoyashiki Haru felt incredibly relaxed all over.

It felt like being in the clouds.

“I will make Liang happy, not only as a promise to you and your aunt, but more so as a promise to Liang. I don’t know how to make you believe me, but I can express my own will.”

There seemed to be cracks in Nekoyashiki Haru's black eyes.

"I'm prone to getting chilled, so please feel free to put me through all the tests and obstacles. But I will never give up, so please don't forget that."

"you…"

Kyoichi Yamada's words caught in his throat.

Yamada Kyoka looked at Nekoyashiki Haru.

"Nekoyashiki-kun... are you going to ignore our will like this?"

"If this is what Liang and I hope for."

Nekoyashiki Haru looked at Yamada Ryo, and it seemed that colorful light was overflowing from the cracks in his black pupils.

The girl left her mother's embrace and went to Nekoyashiki Haru's side.

"I hope so."

"Ah."

Nekoyashiki Haru nodded.

"That's how it is. I won't refute my uncle's words, but I also won't admit that I, whom they like, am absolutely not that bad. I don't believe my eyes are blind, but I believe theirs."

"...What...are you going to do...?"

"Fight against myself."

Nekoyashiki Haru bowed.

"Please let me take your daughter away..."

"You bastard!"

Kyoichi Yamada picked up a cup and threw it at Haru Nekoyashiki.

Snapped!