Chapter 3 – Usami Masamune
Jiro and Usami met up at the place where it all started for the two of them at the cultural festival: the rooftop of building 2 at the school. Jiro thought back to how she was back then and came to the conclusion she had changed, through her own efforts.
Usami interrupted Jiro’s thoughts, and asked him if he could listen to her for a while – she asked him to come here to put an end to things between them. Usami revealed after seeing Jiro proposed to Subaru she decided there’s something she has to do as well. She decided to go and talk to her parents, this time face to face – Jiro could only have made it clear to Subaru by talking face to face, so even if she had said “just using texting is enough” she changed her mind. Jiro disagreed, saying it was only because of Usami asking him if he could do nothing when Subaru was on stage that he managed to stand up and convey his feelings – and he thanked her for that.
Jiro asked how did Usami get to see her parents, and she replied “by forcibly breaking in”. If they didn’t want to come and see her, then she will go to them instead. Jiro got the shivers and wondered if she’s a hitman or something. Usami says she did give them advanced warning that she’s coming – one minute before she broke into their building. Jiro thought that’s not advanced warning, more like a declaration of war - this a Hollywood movie plot or something? Usami was thankful those two works for the same company, so she only has to do this once. She considered bringing her motorbike to ensure her escape route, but decided against it. Jiro mentally snarked was she a terrorist in her pats life or something. Because of their reputation on the line (both of them are influential people in the company), the incident today will probably be smoothed over without media coverage or anything like that. Usami made her farewells to her parents, and promised she’ll repay them one day for what they have spent on her.
She does have one more person that she needs to settle things with though. Jiro knows it’s for him, and he feels guilty that he couldn’t return her feelings. He wanted to apologise, but Usami cut him off before that and gave him a forehead flick. Jiro complained that it hurt a lot, so she asked if he would prefer it if she rammed him with her motorbike instead. Jiro wanted to ask if she was joking, because even he will die if he’s rammed by a motorbike – then he remembered how he met her, and amended his thoughts – he’ll probably be fine even than.
Usami says Jiro has nothing to apologise for, he did nothing wrong. Even if he didn’t choose her or Kanade, none of them blame him for his choice. They like that part of him, being honest with himself. And after what he did in front of the entire school, even she felt like giving up.
Jiro still wanted to apologise – Usami looked very lonely right then. Usami flicked him on the forehead again, and Jiro wanted to complain about how hard she hits. After seeing her face however he lost all desire to complain. Usami looked so sad, like she is about to cry. (pic link here:
http://i991.photobucket.com/albums/a...okool/P111.png )
She held back her tears, and told Jiro “Don’t look down on her”. Usami admits she’s feeling miserable – she loves him, there’s no way she won’t be affected. But she can’t just stay sad forever. Shure mentioned life would not always be good to you, and Usami thinks she’s right. Being heartbroken can happen to anyone as long as they’re alive. Usami asked him does he really think she is weak enough that she won’t ever find happiness for the rest of her life after being rejected by him.
Jiro admits no, she’s not that weak. Usami has learned to get back up after being knocked down in life, and now is willing to confront her troubles instead of running away from them. She has changed from back when he first met her, when Usami had wanted to jump off of this building. Jiro apologised for being stupid, treating her as weak. Usami says she forgives him, because they’re friends. Jiro thought Usami is indeed strong, still being able to treat the person that rejected her, who didn’t return her feelings, as a friend.
Usami says Jiro better become a butler for the Suzutsuki family and make Subaru happy, or she will never forgive him. He rejected her, so he better have a good resolve. Jiro promised he will. Jiro says they better leave now, it’s getting cold and they better not catch a cold. Usami told him to wait and asked him to hold hands with her as they leave – they’re friends now, and friends can do these kinds of things. Jiro still thinks Usami’s not being honest with herself, she can be more upfront about it. He commented (out loud) that’s part of her charm though, and said it was nothing when Usami asked what did he just say. Jiro thought her hand was warm, though she’s holding onto his hand really tight, it’s a bit painful. He told her that, and she says it’s cold so holding it tighter is alright. Jiro agreed with her reasoning, and says it’s warm. She agrees.
Under the winter sky, Usami smiled happily. This was a smile that did not appear back in June at the culture festival. Jiro thought Usami is right that doing these things now and then is good – after all, they’re friends.