The Letter
Chapter 12
In the letter, she said:
"If you've found this letter, it means… I can't tell you how silly and selfish I am.
Okay, let's put that aside.
To be honest, I came here from a nightmare — a place so dark that if I had stayed there, I could never have experienced this peace and happiness.
I can't ever repay the love you all gave me — especially you.
You gave me care, warmth, attention to my needs… love.
Every moment with you was so beautiful that even now, I don't know what to write and what to leave unsaid.
But within those moments, I grew one feeling…
And that feeling is love.
But there's no possibility that we can be together.
Do you know why?
Because I am not your friend.
I am your personal maid — the person your mother bought to take care of you.
I know you're probably angry now.
I'm sorry for hiding all this.
I was afraid. Afraid to be separated from you.
I never had the courage to say these things out loud… and I don't think I ever will.
So I'm writing this —
In the hope that one day, you'll know my true feelings for you.
And if you find this… please, let me know your answer.
Maybe, by then, I'm still with you.
Maybe I'm not.
But I have only one wish —
I always want to stay by your side, until the day I die.
Will you stay with me?
I'm sorry for everything…
And thank you for everything you gave.
Yours,
Your one-time friend,
"Scynthia"
I read the letter and started to cry, thinking:
"If she hadn't saved me, what would I have done to myself then?"
⸻
Past
After reading the newspaper and realizing everything, I rushed to the rooftop. Seeing me run, Sumaya also ran after me. Just as I was about to jump, she tightly hugged me and stopped me.
Once I calmed down a little, she slapped me and said,
"What are you trying to do, bastard?!"
I explained everything—except that I loved Akari.
She looked at me and said,
"I have no words for that… but you know what? You're never alone. I'm with you. Always. I've been with you whenever you needed someone. And to be honest… I've loved you from the beginning. From the moment you saved me. From every moment you cared for me, helped me, hugged me, comforted me… every moment has been the most valuable thing in my life."
I was shocked, trying to say something, but she stopped me.
"Don't say anything now. I'll wait for your reply. Just always remember—there's one person waiting for your answer. Never think you're alone in this world."
She took my hand and led me away from the rooftop. She smiled and said,
"I'll always be waiting for my answer. Remember that."
I stayed silent.