- 17.
Г
I thought I’d never see Elijah again.
But I ran into him on the street.
He wore a clean shirt, his hair neatly cut.
He walked toward me, his eyes gentle.
“Mary, you’re really alive.”
I tried to leave, but he hugged me.
“I know you hate me. I’m sorry, but can we
talk?”
“I used my remaining lifespan to see you.”
I was surprised and didn’t struggle.
He released me, saying bitterly, “The system
told me everything. I know I broke your heart.”
“I was a jerk for eight years!”
“When I fell for you, you no longer loved me.
It’s cruel fate.”
His eyes welled up.
“Elijah, there’s no need to say more.”
“We can’t go back.”
“Your heart really doesn’t hold any place for
me anymore?”
く
He stared at me, searching for an answer.
“There is still…”
He became hopeful.
“But I don’t want to be with you.”
“Elijah, we’re not right for each other.”
“I’m sorry.”
He cried, clutching his chest, trembling.
“I regret treating you that way. I lost someone
who truly loved me.”
“Mary, there’s something I didn’t tell you.”
“That night, I knew it was you. I called Raina’s
name because I was afraid you’d be angry.”
I froze.
“What… do you mean?”
He smiled, “I think I loved you then. Some
feelings can’t be detected by the system.”
“I don’t understand the complexity of human
emotions. If only I’d realized my feelings
sooner.”
He handed me the ring.
“Next life, I’ll marry you.”
His body faded.
Only the ring remained.
I didn’t pick it up; I turned and walked away.
Elijah, let’s end this.
