I Should Have Liked That Smile

I have a childhood friend.

Her name is Ayaka Rindo, a girl of the same age who is good-looking, good at sports, and has excellent grades. She is a girl of the same age as me, with good looks, good sportsmanship, excellent grades, and even excellent communicative ability.

I was average or below average in appearance, academics, and athletic ability, and had nothing to be proud of.

But when we entered junior high school, Ayaka confessed her feelings for me.

I accepted it. I had hoped from the bottom of my heart that I could stay with her forever.

But…