I Planned My Escape Because I Knew Her Secret - Episode 26

The time had just passed 8:30 PM.

At this time around here, it’s either a family restaurant or fast food.

However, no matter how you think about it, it’s definitely going to be a conversation that you don’t want others to overhear.

Sigh

There’s only my room, right?

“It’s this late, so is it okay to go to my room?”

“Yeah”

I guided him to my room on the first floor of the apartment right next to the store.

While I was unlocking the front door, Madoka was staring intently at the blank nameplate next to the door.

When I entered the room and turned on the lights, I placed Madoka’s carry bag in the corner of the room, turned on the heater, tidied up the laptop on the table, and then said, “It’ll warm up soon, so could you sit down?” After she sat down, I went to the kitchen to boil water in the kettle.

In my room, there is neither a TV nor a kotatsu. Just a small table and a futon, and then there’s my portable laptop and a small cupboard left by the previous tenant.

So far, the only person I’ve let into this room is Yuko, and Madoka is the second.

That Yuko-san would bring over the laundry she had washed for me or some leftovers to share, and we would chat over tea.

While waiting for the water to boil, prepare instant coffee in two mismatched mugs.

After pouring the hot water, I picked up two mugs, said “Sorry to keep you waiting,” placed one in front of Madoka, and sat down across the table.

Madoka is staring at me intently without touching her coffee.

He seems calmer than before, but he has a look that suggests he wants to say something. Yet, he remains silent.

Phew

I guess I have no choice but to steel myself.

No matter how you look at it, it’s my fault.

I stepped back a bit, sat down properly in seiza, straightened my back, placed my hands on the floor, and bowed my head.

“I’m sorry for skipping out on the wedding and running away.”

“・・・・”

Since they won’t say anything, I wait quietly in a lowered posture without raising my head.

“Masakun, it’s not your fault… it’s all my fault.”

“No, it’s my fault for running away.”

Answer while keeping your head bowed.

“No, that’s not it. I was the one who cornered Masa-kun. I was the one who ruined Masa-kun’s happiness.”

“No, that’s not it. It’s my own fault. I ruined Madoka’s happiness.”

I kept my head bowed, denying Madoka’s words and continuing to confess my sins.

As their arguments remained at an impasse and silence fell once more, Madoka could be heard rummaging through her bag.

“Masakun, I’ll return this to you.”

When I looked up and saw the table, there was cash on it.

And in Madoka’s hand was the tea envelope that had been left on the table of the new house when they fled.

The tea envelope was tattered, and when Madoka noticed me looking at it, she hugged it to her chest.

“I’ve kept it close to me for almost five years. I plan to properly apologize and return this money when I see Masa-kun.”

“Why… it was just the venue cancellation fee.”

“I covered everything for the venue and stuff.”

“Huh? All of it?”

“On the day of the ceremony, no matter how long I waited, Masa-kun never showed up, and his parents were in a huge panic. But at that moment, I realized. Masa-kun isn’t coming today. I’ve been abandoned by Masa-kun.”

“I’m sorry…”

“No. I was always anxious. I was afraid that one day Masa-kun would leave me. I was always anxious, and the only time I felt at ease was when I was with Masa-kun. When I was extremely anxious, I would contact Masa-kun and tell him I wanted to see him, and he would come to see me right away. Even when he would drive me home after a date, I was really scared that once I got out of the car, I wouldn’t be able to see him again, and I was always anxious.”

“I had a feeling that Masakun’s attitude and behavior were gradually becoming strange. After all, I had been Masakun’s partner for over ten years. I understand Masakun better than anyone else.”

Ah, now that you mention it, that’s right.

About two months before the wedding, she wanted to meet frequently, and after our dates, she wouldn’t get out of the car until late. So she must have sensed what I was thinking back then.

So, that’s why you said on the phone the day before the ceremony, “Let’s always be together from now on.”

“So, on the day of the ceremony, when I heard that Masa-kun wasn’t coming and called him only to find out his phone was off, I thought, ‘Finally, this day has come.’ Then, Masa-kun’s father went to the apartment to check and brought back this envelope, bowing to me. But since I knew it was all my fault, I talked to both my parents and Masa-kun’s parents right there, apologized repeatedly, and took full responsibility for canceling the venue.”

Madoka started telling the story of the wedding day, crying uncontrollably halfway through.

I can’t verify whether it’s a lie or the truth, but it must be true.

I thought it was Madoka’s actions as I know her.

While listening to Madoka’s story, the image of Madoka in a wedding dress bowing her head alone to our family and friends kept coming to mind.