Transmigrate inside a Web Novel as a Side Character.
Chapter 112: Chapter 112 The Hearts That Guide Part 03.

Near the Hoshizaka Middle School, there is a park used by the kids in the neighbouring place to play. It is also one of the places Hina and Kaede played when she was in kindergarten and elementary school.

Hina's former house or it was still held in their family name. The distance was not too far away from the park. This place brings back many memories. She cast her gaze sideways, looking at her surroundings while sitting on the swing that seems small for her current self.

After waiting about ten minutes, Kaede, who seemed hesitant to enter the park, peeked inside, and their eyes met accidentally. Kaede opened her eyes wide, then waved her right hand awkwardly. Hina, whose heart stirred upon her arrival, stiffened her face. She forced herself to lift her mouth and nodded.

Kaede stood 158 cm, with her long black hair tied in a ponytail, giving her a lively atmosphere. She wears a white one-piece that covers her body and a blue cardigan to shield her from the cold. While also wearing long blue jeans and sandals. She approached the place where Hina was.

"... It's been a while, Hina. How are you?".

"...I am good, thanks. …Why don't you sit first?".

"...Ahaha, you are right".

Hina, whose eyes followed Kaede's movement, saw her putting her bottom on the cold steel that made a creaking noise as it swayed.

"...Wow, it's been a while. The swing seems small. Do you think so too?".

"...Um, yeah".

After that talk, the two of their mouths were utterly mute as the sound of the passing breeze could be heard, mocking the awkward silence that hung in the park.

Hina cast her gaze down as her mind started to contemplate. She tries to open her mouth, but her thoughts and body seem unsynchronized, for she can't speak properly.

"...It's really been a while, right. Your image seems to have changed from what I know. You used to wear a prim and tidy outfit, but now…".

"...Ah, yeah, right. I started this fashion not too long ago".

"I see, you look cool in that outfit".

"Thanks, you too. The one-piece suits you".

"...Ehehe, thanks".

The conversation muted. Hina starts to recall some of her memories from her childhood when the two of them were playing, and their role was the opposite. Usually, Hina is the one who will start the conversation, and Kaede is the one who will respond. That role seemed to change for the current time.

Many negative thoughts emerge from her mind as Hina prolongs her stay in the place. Her stirred heart and mind began to create a black fog that covered her sight as her eyes could only see herself being restrained by an invisible chain.

Her stomach started to churn, and it brought unpleasant memories and feelings to her mouth. But upon her suffering, a single ray of hope began replicating in her mind. "...Why don't you meet her and ask her about the truth, from herself…".

The conversation they had that night in the trial gate started to resurface as Hina's clouded mind began to open up, revealing a single cascade that shone her way. "You are an idiot". "Brat". Those insults started to reverberate in her mind, which brought a twitch to her stiff body.

A visible vein appeared on her forehead, and her frozen face twitched in annoyance. Her stiff face turned knitted as the anger she felt that day started to burn away the dark place in her heart, giving her a light source to see in the dark.

Hina inhaled a deep breath before exhaling deeply. Kaede's body stiffened beside her, but Hina was unaware of Kaede's state and kept regulating her breath to regain her calm. Hina wiped her drenched face with her palms, then opened her mouth.

"...Seriously, what an idiot I am. Get a grip!…".

Kaede heard Hina talking to herself, making her worry about the cold sweat that had appeared earlier because she was in a completely nervous state. Her fingertips touched the chain in the swing, freezing as it trembled.

"...Kaede?".

"Hieek? Yesh".

"...At that time. I overheard your talk with another girl and said behind my back that you also think that I am changed and a bit arrogant".

With a clear voice, Hina spit all the words she painstakingly arranged into a single question.

Kaede, who heard that question from Hina. Her body turns rigid, the lively face she tries to maintain crumbles, and it collapses, turned ashen, revealing a grave and frightened face. The body temperature had dropped, and her body felt like it had been chilled in the north pole, shivering in fright of the incoming disaster.

The truth is Kaede already noticed that this meeting would be about that day Hina suddenly left school and moved to another place and school. She tries to visit her house, looking for her presence, but her house is empty before she realized it.

Kaede's body started to tremble. With her trembling hands, she wrapped her hand around her body to warm her up, but not to avail. She notices that her eyes turn blurry, and tears start streaming down her face.

Hina, who still didn't hear a single word coming from Kaede, raised her brows and turned her gaze to see Kaede had a pale face while wrapping her hands around like she was frozen. Her eyes were devoid of any light, brimming with tears.

"Kaede?!".

Alarmed, Hina shot up from her swing and crouched in front of Kaede, who showed an unnatural reaction. Seeing that her best friend Hina still showed her kindness even after what she had done to her crushed her heart to a million pieces. Kaede could no longer hold back her grief.

"...Uuu, I am sorry, Hina. I am sorry… Hic, I am sorry".

"Kaede…?".

In those cries, Hina could feel the sorrow, regret, pain, and emptiness she experienced. It seems the one who has suffered all these years was not Hina alone. Kaede also, after searching for an answer to why Hina disappeared. Then, found out the truth about it after she concluded. Kaede was haunted by regret and sorrow that she was bedridden with stress.

Hina, who saw Kaede's appearance, understands now. She felt that she was the one who was hurt the most, now finally beginning to understand that she was not alone. Her friend, who she thought was a betrayer, also suffered those years, the same as her.

If Hina, at that time, built her courage to face her head-on and ask her about the truth. They both wouldn't suffer like this and still could become the close friends they used to be. Suddenly, her sight turns blurry as tears start streaming down her cheeks. Hina dropped down to her knees while covering her face, which was getting wet from tears.

Her body began to quiver, and she let out a sob that startled herself.

The cries that she let out were filled with a bit of pain, anger, sorrow, and regret for not coming sooner to free Kaede and her from suffering.

"...I am sorry, Kaede…".

The two girls, who for the first time faced their feelings head-on, cried their hearts out. The pain, regret, sorrow and emptiness they held for the past years were washed away as the tears flowed finitely.