I Planned My Escape Because I Knew Her Secret - Episode 30

After 11 PM, I started feeling sleepier and it became tough for me, so I decided to head back to my apartment.

As for me, I’ve decided to accept it, but since there are still various things we need to discuss, I thought it would be inappropriate to sleep together. We haven’t clearly said that we’re getting back together or registering our marriage yet.

So, I had Madoka sleep in my room, and I decided to sleep in the car.

I had Madoka take a shower first, and while waiting, I picked up the brown envelope that Madoka had brought.

The brown envelope that he carried with him everywhere was faded overall, and the creases were almost torn, so he must have really kept it close to him. It was easy to imagine from the way he hugged it tightly to his chest.

However, I still don’t know the kanji for “Guess.”

When Madoka came out of the shower, she noticed the brown envelope I was holding and started talking to me.

“That envelope was a talisman for me. Because it was the last thing Masa-kun gave me. The message written in it was a farewell, and at first, it was really painful. But as I started to follow Masa-kun’s footsteps, this envelope he left behind became dear to me. The envelope makes me feel Masa-kun’s presence. There were many times I almost gave up, but that envelope supported me. When I look at Masa-kun’s handwriting, I get fired up and think, ‘I will definitely see Masa-kun again!'”

The last message I left behind was probably both a curse and a hope for Madoka.

You searched for me for nearly five years without giving up, didn’t you?

During that time, I must have been told by various people to give up.

It’s not an ordinary level of obsession, is it?

When I think that the single envelope I left behind has tied Madoka down to this extent, I feel a wave of guilt.

But let’s stop for tonight.

As expected, I’m sleepy.

I quickly took a shower, grabbed a blanket, went to the car, and immediately fell asleep in the reclined passenger seat.

The next morning, I woke up at 5 o’clock, so instead of going back to my room, I stopped by the store.

When I went up to the second floor, the chef and the proprietress were already awake, so I briefly explained the situation.

My ex-fiancé, we started dating in our first year of high school, got engaged at 26, and were supposed to get married in May of 27.

I found out about her certain circumstances, and after worrying about it a lot, I skipped the wedding and ran away as a form of revenge.

For nearly five years, she continued to search for me, tracked me down here last December, quit her job by the end of January, moved out of her apartment, and came here yesterday.

We’ll discuss the future later, but I want to continue working at this shop as I am. She hopes to move to Okayama, and I’ve decided to accept that.

After listening to my story, the captain said, “Do as you like, Masaki,” and smiled broadly.

The landlady also said, “Getting back together is the best thing to do. This time, cherish each other.”

While we were talking, Yuko prepared two rice balls for us, so I took the rice balls and said, “I’ll come back later with her to greet you,” and returned to my apartment.

When I quietly unlocked the door and gently entered the room, it seemed that Madoka was still asleep.

I placed the rice balls I received on the table, sat next to Madoka who was sleeping on my futon, and gazed at her sleeping face.

Even without makeup, she still has a beautifully well-defined face.

If I didn’t say it, no one would guess that I’m almost 32.

Even compared to Yuko, who is three years younger, you look younger.

Today, we need to discuss various things.

Even the matter of Queen Hualien can’t be avoided.

There’s also the money issue. It would be quite bad to make them bear the full cancellation fee.

The rest is about our future life. We need to secure a place for Madoka to live, and once we settle down, we’ll probably need to find jobs.

And the most important thing is probably what we do about our relationship.

Madoka said she doesn’t care about marriage.

But, just saying “okay, I see” and ending it there is unacceptable, no matter what. For women, those five years from 27 to 32 are when many have already gotten married and had children. Naturally, Madoka had planned to do the same. She spent those crucial five years searching for me.

Given the determination and resolve Madoka has shown, I think the best way I can show my sincerity is by marrying her and staying by her side forever.

Huh? Wait a minute?

When discussing various things, doesn’t it make a huge difference whether you talk with the premise of marriage or decide to get married as a result of the discussion?

Before discussing Queen Hualien and money, should we first decide what to do about the marriage?

I decided to wake up Madoka.

“Madoka, wake up! It’s morning! Wake up!”

“Mmm~ Zzz”

“Wake up! We have something important to discuss!”

“Yeah~ Good morning, Masa-kun. Hehehe.”

Maybe he’s still half-asleep, but he looks kind of happy.

“Are you awake? You’re awake, right? I have something important to talk about, so please sit down.”

“Mm…”

“Madoka, do you want to marry me?”

“Hmm? Marriage… huh?”

Finally getting out of bed, Madoka’s hair is a bit messy from sleep, making her look adorably silly.

“So, Madoka is asking if I want to come to Okayama, marry her, and live together in Okayama.”

“Of course, that’s true… but will you marry me?”

“If Madoka desires it”

“…Isn’t it a bit too convenient all of a sudden? You told me to go home yesterday, remember?”

“I thought about it a lot too. If I want to show Madoka my sincerity, the best thing is to get married and always be by her side.”

“Hmm… I mean, is this really a story to hear right after waking up?”

“You’re right about that. Sorry, I got a bit too anxious. I suddenly decided to check and couldn’t help myself.”

“That’s fine, but you just told me yesterday that Masa-kun was calm and composed, so what’s going on today?”

“I don’t understand either.”

Somehow, I feel like I’m getting ahead of myself.

Suddenly, a lot of things started coming to mind, and I might be a bit panicked and not thinking clearly.