"But... but I thought about how we've been childhood sweethearts for so many years, and I... I just didn't know how to say no..."
She spoke haltingly, clearly feeling that this excuse wasn't very convincing even to herself.
Imaizumi Keita and Yanami Anna listened quietly to her words and exchanged a knowing glance.
Yanami Anna didn't respond but raised an eyebrow at Imaizumi Keita: Keita, it's up to you.
Imaizumi Keita sighed helplessly in his heart.
This woman was really getting better and better at ordering him around.
He contemplated for a moment, then turned his head to look at Shioyaki Lemon beside him. Instead of giving direct advice, he first asked:
"Lemon, what is your own view on this matter?"
"Eh?"
"Do you think that helping him deal with the relationship problems between him and his girlfriend will affect your own emotions?"
"It... probably won't?"
Shioyaki Lemon looked away, her voice sounding a bit hollow.
"When I see Mitsuki now, I... I don't get that heart-racing feeling I used to. So... it should be fine, right?"
She paused, then turned back and said, "Besides, we've been childhood sweethearts for so many years. He's in trouble now and came to me for help. If I just refuse him outright, it feels... a bit wrong."
As she spoke, she couldn't help but let out a dry laugh.
"Haha... right? I can't just stop being friends with him because of my own reasons..."
Seeing her like this, Imaizumi Keita sighed once more.
"Lemon." His voice was calm but carried a certain conviction. "This is exactly where you fail."
"Eh?"
"If you can, you can; if you can't, you can't. Hesitating like this is the worst possible attitude."
Imaizumi Keita looked at her, ruthlessly pointing out the core of the problem.
"On one hand, you lie to yourself saying you've 'let go,' but on the other, you can't bring yourself to refuse because of that pitiful 'childhood sweetheart' sentiment."
"This ambiguous attitude of yours is irresponsible to yourself and irresponsible to Ayano."
These words caused Shioyaki Lemon's cheeks to turn pale instantly.
"I... I just didn't know, so..."
Shioyaki Lemon struggled to voice her inner thoughts, but the words wouldn't come out.
"Keita, you're right... but... I really don't know what to do..."
Seeing Shioyaki Lemon in this state, Yanami Anna reached out her arms and hugged her, resting her chin on Lemon's shoulder.
"I understand."
Yanami Anna's voice was exceptionally gentle, filled with empathetic understanding.
"Anna-chan, I completely understand this feeling."
As she spoke, she looked up and cast a slightly reproachful glance at Imaizumi Keita across from her.
Keita, you're being too direct!
Can't you see Anna-chan is about to cry!
Hurry up and think of something!
Receiving the signal, Imaizumi Keita sighed helplessly in his heart once more.
Fine, fine.
Since his "girlfriend" had already set up the assist to this extent, as her "boyfriend," he couldn't just sit here and watch the show.
"In that case, how about Anna and I help you with this?"
"Eh?"
"Re-really?!"
Shioyaki Lemon's voice was full of surprise and anticipation. "You... the two of you are really willing to... help me?"
"Of course!"
Yanami Anna beat Imaizumi Keita to the punch, nodding vigorously with a warm smile back on her face.
"We're friends! When a friend is in trouble, of course we help!"
"That's wonderful!"
Shioyaki Lemon smiled through her tears, grabbing Yanami's hand with deep gratitude.
"Having your help is truly wonderful!"
Why were there no comments on the last two chapters? Did no one understand what happened in them?
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