I Accidentally Saw Her Get Dumped — Now the Losing Heroine Senpai Won’t Stop Clinging to Me - Episode 2

“…Ah, crap. Sorry about that—I kind of lost it for a second.”

Shirakawa Chiharu-senpai took a step back and gave a quick bow.

Her voice was calm—almost eerily so, considering she’d just been bawling her eyes out moments ago. The contrast was wild.

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“A-Ah, no! It’s totally understandable, given the situation… And I’m really sorry for, uh… seeing all that.”

I bowed awkwardly, flustered. I definitely didn’t belong there—and to be honest, I was still quietly searching for a chance to escape.

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“It’s fine, seriously! Ahaha, I never thought anyone would be out here!”

She laughed, rubbing her eyes with the heel of her hand, trying to act cheerful.

But her eyes were still red.

She was forcing it—it was obvious.

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“…Hold it together, would you…”

I muttered under my breath without thinking.

She heard it—and giggled.

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“Heh. You’re right. Guess we should start with introductions, huh?”

Now?

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“I’m Shirakawa Chiharu. Class 2-3!”

“…I’m Ayase Haruma. First year… Class 1-1.”

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“Haruma-kun, right? Nice to meet you!”

She said it so casually, like we were old friends. The energy shift was too fast—I couldn’t keep up.

Is this really the same person who just got rejected?

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“Well, I mean, you’re pretty famous. Everyone knows Shirakawa-senpai.”

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“Aww, aren’t you sweet~!”

She smiled and flashed a peace sign.

She was like a real-life idol—well, basically one, with the way people adored her.

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“Sorry for the sudden ask, but… Haruma-kun, do you mind listening for a bit?”

“Uh—y-yeah, sure…”

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And just like that, I found myself sitting back down near the shed, without really thinking about it.

Senpai plopped down beside me, wearing that trademark bright smile everyone knew her for—as if the crying never happened.

But that smile… it was just a little off. Like it was bent at the edges by something she couldn’t hide.

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“Hey… Kamiyakun really is cool, huh?”

“…Yeah. I mean, he’s the ace of the soccer team.”

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“He’s smart too, and always so upbeat… Every time we talked, I’d get butterflies.”

“…I-I see…”

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“I’ve been agonizing over when to confess for like, two whole months. I finally decided to go for it after the cultural festival… And then, that happened.”

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“He said there’s someone else he likes… right?”

“Yup. He said it so easily, too. Like it was nothing. Ahaha…”

Her laugh was dry—and it hurt to hear.

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“But, thanks. For listening. I think I feel a little better.”

“Is this… really helping?”

“It is. You’re sweet, Haruma-kun.”

Those words made my heart skip a beat—just a little.

Even though I knew this wasn’t how you’re supposed to get close to someone.

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“…Sorry about today. I really didn’t want anyone to see that.”

“No, I’m the one who should apologize. I shouldn’t have been here.”

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“Hehe, then let’s just call it even.”

She stood up with a stretch.

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“Well, guess I’ll head home and cry some more.”

“…Huh?”

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“I’ll pretend I’m all better now, but… I’m really not. I haven’t run out of tears yet.”

She tried to joke, but it didn’t land. Not really.

As I watched her walk away, I couldn’t shake the thought.

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This is where it ends.

A one-day connection, born from a chance encounter and a failed confession.

That’s all it was ever meant to be.

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…Or so I thought.

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But it didn’t end there.

That strange little after-school moment…

was only the beginning for me and Shirakawa Chiharu-senpai.