I Planned My Escape Because I Knew Her Secret - Episode 32

After walking along the sidewalk for a while, I arrived at the prefectural sports complex.

In the middle of the city, there is a large area that includes a baseball field, a stadium for track and field and soccer, and gymnasiums. It is a popular spot in the area, with many people walking, jogging, and practicing wind instruments among the abundant greenery.

“It’s cold, but there are so many people here since the morning.”

“People jog, walk their dogs, and there are also those who pass through on their way to work or school.”

“Oh, Masakun, you come here often too?”

“When I don’t have anything to do on my day off, I come here for a walk now and then.”

After walking for a while inside, I decided to take a break, saying, “I’ve sweated quite a bit, so let’s rest on a bench.”

“You’re tired, right? Are you okay?”

“Yeah. I’ve been jogging ever since I started feeling my age. I can still handle this much.”

“Oh, really? Madoka is jogging, huh?”

“Surprised?”

“Well, that’s true.”

But I want to say that I was even more surprised by Queen Karen’s unexpectedness, but I won’t say it yet.

Sitting on the bench while holding hands, Madoka started talking after taking a breath.

“Ah… alright! Masa-kun! Please listen to me!”

“What’s wrong all of a sudden? Why are you shouting like that?”

“I have to tell Masa-kun everything about my part-time job at the brothel. I think I can explain it properly now, so I want you to listen!”

“Here? Wait a minute! I intend to listen to that story properly, but first, there’s something I want to clarify.”

“W-What do you want to clarify…?”

“The marriage we were talking about earlier.”

“But if we talk about marriage first, you might get disillusioned by what I have to say and decide against marriage altogether, you know?”

I will take revenge for escaping about five years ago.

I’m done running away.

I won’t waste the chance for revenge that Madoka created for me.

“No, it’s the opposite. If I’m ready to get married, I can accept any story. Five years ago, I couldn’t do that and ran away, but I’m okay now. So, Madoka, will you marry me? Or is it such a serious story that it would shake my resolve?”

“I-I want to believe that such a thing is not possible… but, is it okay?”

“What’s with the ambiguity? Madoka, you’re not going to leave me, right? Then let’s just get married.”

“But…”

Ah!

For Madoka, is marriage a trauma because I ran away from her?

“Sorry! I kept talking about marriage and missed the important part! Madoka, I won’t run away anymore! I’ll always be by your side! Stay by my side!”

“Really? It’s a promise, okay?”

“I promise! I’ve told Madoka so many lies, so from now on, I won’t lie anymore. For the past five years, I’ve been living thinking, ‘I don’t want to lie anymore.’ So, my promise isn’t a lie, and I will definitely keep it. I’ll always be by Madoka’s side.”

“Ugh, I won’t hide anything or lie anymore. I’ll do my best to earn Masa-kun’s trust.”

“Yeah! Let’s both start from there!”

“Yeah. But what about the family register and the ceremony?”

“Let’s just go ahead and register our marriage. We can’t have a wedding right now, but once things settle down, we should at least register. We’re already this age, so we need to think practically instead of dreaming about a wedding.”

“Yeah, got it.”

“Alright! It’s settled!”

“Hehehe”

In the quiet morning forest of the sports ground, a bald-headed man was making a commotion with high energy, so everyone passing by was staring at him, but he didn’t mind at all.

With this, I was prepared to endure whatever story Madoka might tell me.

I’m not the same person I was five years ago.

Otherwise, it would mean that my entire life on the run was for nothing.

The life on the run that caused trouble not just for Madoka but for many others too, I absolutely can’t let it be in vain.

Because Madoka has shown determination and resolve, it’s my turn to show what I’ve got from here on out.

“Come on, Karen-sama! Bring it on!”