I Won't Be a Loser

Worried about the possibility of encountering her daughter when she returned home, Mai Kiyoura, unable to find any excuse or opportunity to go out, decided to go directly to Haruto's apartment after work.

The desire to see him had gradually taken root in her heart, and it sparked a focus and energy she usually didn't have. She finished all her work for the day, passed the remaining tasks to her employees, and left the office earlier than usual.

Leaving early helped her avoid the rush hour, and as the sun set, she found herself back on her street. She saw the lights on in her own house, which calmed her a little, then her gaze shifted to Haruto's apartment across the street.

"The lights are on. He must be home."

Still somewhat worried about running into her daughter, Mai decided to double-check and called home to confirm.

She took her phone out of her bag and dialed the number. After a short wait, the call connected.

"Setsuna."

"Mom?"

"I might be late getting back tonight. Could you start preparing dinner?"

"Are you working?"

"Mm, some work-related matters. You'll have to handle dinner tonight."

"I understand."

"Alright, then. Take care."

"Mm."

After hanging up, Mai, her mature and graceful face lit by a faint smile, walked slowly toward Haruto's apartment. She reached the door and rang the doorbell.

After Setsuna had left, Haruto spent some time thinking, then decided to start preparing his dinner. As he was rinsing the rice and putting it in the rice cooker, the doorbell rang, forcing him to put down the rice cooker and head to the door.

He opened the door and was surprised to see the charming, mature woman standing there. He hadn't expected Mai to visit at this time.

"Sorry to disturb you again, Miyamizu-kun."

"Mai… san, please come in."

"Sorry to bother you."

Once inside, Haruto went straight to the rice cooker to set the timer before turning back to greet his guest.

"Mai san, just finished work?"

Looking at her hair neatly styled and her makeup still in place, Haruto noticed the contrast with the more relaxed look she had when she visited yesterday. Today, she gave off a much more business-like, competent vibe.

Her appearance, with her sophisticated demeanor, left Haruto wondering if this "powerful woman" persona was something he preferred. Meanwhile, Mai felt a slight disappointment at his calm reaction.

"Mm, I was thinking about some things on the way home, so I wanted to talk with you, Miyamizu-kun."

"That's just right. I have something I'd like to ask Mai San as well."

After pouring a cup of tea, Haruto invited Mai Kiyoura to sit, and they both settled at the small table in the center of the living room, each ready to discuss the matters on their minds.

As Haruto looked at Mai across the table, her poised and elegant posture, he allowed his gaze to linger on her for a moment before quickly averting it to the tea cup before him, falling silent for a moment.

"Although it's just a small matter, Miyamizu-kun, if you have any questions, feel free to ask first."

"It's about Setsuna."

Without hesitation, Haruto voiced his lingering concerns.

"Yesterday, Mai San, you told me that you would try to persuade Setsuna after returning home, correct?"

Mai had already anticipated this question, but when she met Haruto's sincere, slightly troubled gaze, she couldn't help but avert her eyes for a brief moment.

"Yes… I did say that to you, Miyamizu-kun. After I returned home, I did talk to Setsuna about it, but... Setsuna has rarely liked someone. As a mother, I can't simply ignore her feelings..."

"So, Mai San, do you think Setsuna's feelings toward me will lead to a good outcome?"

At this point, Mai's expression became more serious as she fixed her gaze on Haruto.

"I do have some doubts about this as well. But I wonder, Miyamizu-kun, if you don't mind answering me?"

Originally, Haruto had been asking Mai the questions, but now, upon hearing hers, he didn't refuse. He remained silent for a moment, looking at the mature and graceful woman before him, then nodded slightly.

"Why is it, Miyamizu-kun, that you are so concerned about the future? You're already thinking about the outcome, even though you haven't reached the point where you need to consider it. You're being cautious as if you've lost something before, and you won't even take the first step?"

As Mai spoke, Haruto's face seemed to momentarily clouded with melancholy, as though the young boy before her had already experienced a tragedy, leaving a sense of sadness and pity.

"Miyamizu...kun?"

Mai's soft call pulled Haruto from his thoughts, and though his expression softened slightly, the sadness still lingered around him, a weight that even Mai could feel, making her mood turn heavy for a moment.

"Maybe it's just like you said, Mai San, I'm afraid of losing something... I'm just a coward, afraid of being hurt, so I don't want to take that step."

"Then why not just decisively refuse Setsuna?"

"If I do that, Setsuna will be hurt too, won't she?"

"You don't want to be hurt, but you also don't want to hurt others. Why not be brave and take that step?"

For a moment, Mai forgot her initial purpose for visiting and began comforting Haruto as a sisterly figure, offering him advice.

Seeing the vulnerable side of the pure and delicate boy in front of her, Mai's nurturing instinct kicked in, and now, all she wanted was to see Haruto smile gently, making her feel at ease.

"Date Setsuna…?"

"Setsuna has never liked a boy before, and as her mother, I'm also quite concerned. But if it's you, Miyamizu-kun, I have no worries. You're such a kind person. I fully support you two being together!"

Haruto looked at the encouraging woman before him, unsure how things had come to this point, but her words made perfect sense to him.

The best way to forget the past is to look ahead, to stop lingering in the past and focus on the future.

Was he the only one bound by the past, unable to move forward?

How much longer would he stay lost in this sorrow?

Slowly raising his head, Haruto met Mai's gaze, and with a soft nod, he spoke.

"Mai San…"