I Received an NTR V*deo - Episode 13

Two people walking side by side under one umbrella as rain gently falls around them.
I try my best to keep from brushing against her and shield her from the rain.
My shoulders are already soaked, but I don’t mind.
As long as Hoshina stays dry, that’s all that matters.
“Ah, a cat,” she says.
“You’re right. Poor thing, it looks cold.”
On the way home, we spot a cat curled up in the rain.
It’s hiding beneath the plastic awning of an abandoned storefront, but it’s clearly chilled.
Hoshina crouches down with concern on her face, watching the trembling feline.
“It’s hard not being able to touch them.”
“I could, but… there’s not much I can do. Maybe I can at least buy it some food.”
“I always feel so powerless… like I can’t really help anyone.”
Hoshina covers her mouth with her gloved hands.
Then, without warning, the cat dashes off into the rain and disappears.
“There it goes.”
“She’s probably tough. Knows how to survive on her own.”
Hoshina stands and glances over at me.
“I wish I had that kind of strength too… but I don’t.”
“I think you do. You’ve got a gentle heart, and that alone is a beautiful trait.”
“Kindness alone won’t save anyone.”
“But kindness does save people sometimes. I know it helped me. Your kindness has.”
She blinks.
“When did I help you?”
“You still are. It’s heartwarming to see someone who genuinely cares about others.”
“Don’t call me cute!” she says, flustered. “You always say things like that.”
Turning away, Hoshina starts walking again, ears noticeably red.
I follow close, careful to keep the umbrella over her.
Even her embarrassed expression is adorable.
“Do you have time today?”
“I’ve got lessons. Why, did you want to hang out?”
“I have lessons too. I was just curious. What kind of lessons?”
“Karate. My relative runs a dojo, so I’ve been training there.”
“Seriously? You don’t seem like the athletic type.”
She gives me a look of genuine surprise.
I get that a lot… I do look like an introvert.
“How about you? Do you take lessons?”
“Violin.”
“Violin?! That’s more surprising than my karate!”
“You think so? I don’t think it suits me much…”
She looks up at the rainy sky, laughing quietly, tinged with sadness.
“My parents made me start. Even if I want to quit, I can’t.”
“If it’s their decision, I guess that makes it hard.”
“Do you like your lessons, Yujiro?”
“At first I didn’t, but now… I kind of enjoy them.”
“…I still don’t know how I feel.”
She lowers her gaze, an air of melancholy settling over her.
She might look glamorous, but inside, she seems far more troubled.
You really can’t judge a person by appearance.
“If you don’t enjoy it, you can stop. But if you do, then keep going.
Your parents may mean well, but in the end, it’s your life.
Staying in something you hate just brings stress.”
“I wish I could live that freely… but it’s not how I was raised.”
We reach the station and she steps out from under the umbrella.
She didn’t get wet—mission complete.
If this were a game, I’d have earned an S-rank for that stage.
“Do you remember what we talked about before?”
“You mean… finding happiness?”
“Yeah. I never really answered you. But I want to try. I want to figure out what makes me happy.
And I want your help, Yujiro.”
Before, I thought it might be a hassle…
But now, I’m willing to help.
Megumi might not like it, but… I’ll keep it quiet.
I’m not doing anything wrong. And lately, I do want some distance from Megumi.
Even if things fall apart between us, I won’t regret this.
I want to live for my happiness.
And helping Hoshina might lead me there too.
“Sure, I’ll help. We’re playing this game of life together, right?”
“Thank you, Yujiro.”
She gives me a soft, warm smile that makes my heart skip a beat.
“Anyway, let’s talk more tomorrow. You said you had something on your mind?”
“Yeah… okay.”
Her smile fades a little as she glances down.
Something must be bothering her.
“Your shoulders are soaked.”
“It’s fine, really.”
“You’re kind, Yujiro.”
“Hmm?”
“Yeah. Netori was kind in his own way, but it always felt calculated.
I didn’t like that about him.”
She pulls a handkerchief from her bag and gently wipes my shoulder.
“But you’re kind in a genuine way. Oh no… I said it out loud!”
Her face turns crimson.
I’m surprised, but if she’s happy, that’s all that matters.
“I think you might be the kinder one, Hoshina.”
“Maybe. I’m not really sure myself.”
“Yeah… kindness is a tough thing to measure.”
She laughs, then zips up the handkerchief she just used on me.
“Am I that dirty?”
“No! It’s not that! It’s just… a habit.”
Even with her germaphobia, she made the effort to dry me off.
It’s kind of endearing, honestly.
“I should go. I’ll be late for lessons if I stay any longer.”
“Good luck.”
“Hoshina… if you find something you love, give it your all.
But if you don’t love it, it’s okay to stop.”
She gives a grateful “Thank you” and waves before heading off.