242: Her Trauma

Ten minutes passed.

The situation in the guest room remained unchanged, with Utaha still sitting by the bed.

However, she was no longer overwhelmed by intense emotions; her reason had begun to regain control.

She had calmed down somewhat and didn't even need to call Eriri to know how she should act next.

Yes, the top priority was not to sulk in her room but to understand the specific situation regarding the second girl Chisato had just mentioned.

However, she couldn't take the initiative now; she had to let Chisato take the first step.

Utaha held onto this thought.

It was only natural for those who had done wrong to make the first move.

Yet, having experienced those two dream lives, Utaha didn't intend to respond harshly with an unforgiving attitude.

She would express resistance without making the other person feel embarrassed.

Then she would reveal the matter and later discuss countermeasures regarding the two girls with Eriri.

All in all, there were theoretically many ways to resolve the current issues.

And the sulking behavior she was currently exhibiting was the most futile reaction.

After realizing this, Utaha felt a little calmer.

She looked toward the door, speculating that the reason Chisato hadn't knocked yet was that he was still processing his anger and contemplating how to apologize, or perhaps how to coax her.

It didn't matter; he had plenty of time. Chisato, take your time. 

No matter how you choose to speak when you come in later, I, Utaha, will turn this page in a way you won't expect.

I will do so easily and openly, without being as angry as I was just now. I won't let our relationship deteriorate in the slightest.

With this thought, Utaha sat by the bed and continued to wait, beginning to tidy her hair and adjust the neckline of her pajamas, whether intentionally or not.

Then, another ten minutes passed.

Why hadn't Chisato come in yet?

Sitting on the edge of the bed, she had shifted positions several times before finally deciding to lie on her side. 

Even in this situation, Utaha, wanting to showcase her graceful figure, began to feel a bit restless.

According to her expectations, Chisato should have knocked on the door and entered.

He would apologize, and she would respond generously. 

The uneasy atmosphere between them would dissipate, and they would return to the pleasant atmosphere they had before.

But why was there no movement at all?

Utaha felt perplexed.

Finally unable to calmly continue waiting, she hesitated. It seemed inappropriate to simply walk out, as doing so would somewhat signify her compromise, something she didn't want to do unless absolutely necessary.

Therefore, Utaha opted for a compromise, a choice that would allow her to maintain her position while still holding onto her attitude toward Chisato.

She got out of bed quietly and pressed her ear against the door, listening intently to the sounds outside.

The movements were extremely familiar; the skills she had experienced and displayed the last time Iroha visited were now being put to use again.

Fortunately, this time there was no Eriri to laugh at her, so the burden on her heart felt much lighter.

In the first ten seconds, Utaha didn't hear any movement, but soon she heard footsteps, accompanied by the sound of a door closing.

Did Chisato enter the room, or did he just come out?

Utaha tensed her body, ready to turn around at lightning speed and run to the bedside to sit down when she heard the footsteps approaching.

However, the sound that reached her ears pressed against the door panel was that of footsteps slowly fading away.

This meant that Chisato was moving away from the living room.

Going to the bathroom?

Utaha frowned, feeling a bit irritated.

Then, at that moment, a clearer "click" sound came to her ears.

What was that sound?

After thinking for only a moment, she instantly understood that it was the sound of the door lock at the entrance being locked or unlocked.

But what was Chisato doing at the entrance?

Utaha suddenly realized something, and her thoughts fell into an abyss of fear. 

She could no longer care about her so-called composure. It didn't matter who was right or wrong now.

The most important thing was what was happening right now!

The door to the guest room swung open quickly, and Utaha walked out hastily. Chisato was nowhere to be seen in the dim living room.

Her goal was clear, and she walked straight to the entrance.

Just as she expected, Chisato was there.

He was changing his shoes at the entrance, with Dark Wings resting on his shoulders and a bulging luggage bag next to him.

Utaha stood there, her delicate body trembling slightly, her beautiful burgundy eyes revealing her fear.

From what lay before her, it was easy to draw conclusions.

He wanted to leave, to abandon the home she and Eriri had built together.

Wait, what should I do?

No... I can't let him go.

If she wanted him to stay, she couldn't let him go, no matter what.

Utaha pursed her lips, moved her stiff body, and walked forward mechanically.

Under the astonished gaze of Chisato, she picked up the ajar door, locked it again, and put on the anti-theft chain, then pressed her back against the door without saying a word.

Her long, silky hair fell down, covering her face and obscuring her expression.

"Utaha…"

"Why are you leaving?"

Utaha interrupted Chisato with a trembling voice.

Her tone was as pleasant as ever, elegant and sweet like an oriole, but at that moment, it clearly conveyed a sense of obstruction.

The sound that came from her chest and white neck was like the cold wind of midwinter—cold and stiff.

"…"

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(5/22)

50+ advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta

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