COTE: Horikita Is My Childhood Sweetheart

Chapter 136: Do you want to hear the story of the hairpin?

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Ichinose, her heart tangled with confused emotions, caught sight of the parasol in Matsuoka's hand.

"Matsuoka-san, you've already chosen your parasol, right? Let's go check out!"

Without waiting for a response, Ichinose grabbed Matsuoka's arm and pulled him away.

Rin didn't resist her tug. He followed her slightly hurried steps, leaving the area without protest.

As they walked, an unusual silence hung between them. Ichinose kept a firm grip on Rin's arm, as though it were her lifeline, holding on tightly and almost desperately.

When they reached the exit of the shopping mall, Matsuoka finally spoke. "Ichinose, I haven't paid for the parasol yet. I need to go to the counter."

"Ah! Yes!"

Startled, Ichinose snapped back to reality. Quickly, she pulled Matsuoka toward the checkout counter, her urgency hinting at her fear of unintentionally causing trouble or leaving without paying.

After Rin successfully completed the payment, Ichinose let out a deep sigh of relief. Her chest rose and fell visibly, her breathing heavy as if she had been holding it in the entire time.

Matsuoka noticed her reaction, his gaze subtly contemplative.

Ichinose, catching his expression, felt slightly embarrassed. She offered a sheepish smile. "I'm sorry, Matsuoka-san. You must think I'm acting strange."

"How should I put it? It's a little strange, but not too much."

Ichinose chuckled softly, amused by his honest response. The chaotic emotions stirred by the sight of the hairpin seemed to settle, her mood gradually calming.

"If you don't mind, Matsuoka-san, would you like to hear the story behind that hairpin?" Ichinose asked, gesturing toward the area they had left.

"Of course I don't mind," Matsuoka replied, his tone cooperative.

In truth, he was more than willing. His curiosity was piqued—how could a mere hairpin unsettle someone as cheerful as Ichinose?

Ichinose clearly had a story to tell, and even without a glass of wine, Matsuoka was eager to hear it.

"Let's find a place to sit and talk."

"Yeah," Ichinose agreed with a small nod.

The two walked toward a nearby bench situated on the side of the shopping mall. Shielded by lush, sprawling beech trees, the spot was comfortably shaded, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling mall.

"This should do," Matsuoka said, glancing around. However, noticing the steady flow of people nearby, he hesitated. "But there are a lot of people here. Should we find a quieter spot, maybe at a drink shop?"

"No, this is fine," Ichinose replied, her tone firm.

Since she didn't seem to mind the mild noise and occasional passersby, Matsuoka chose not to object.

Ichinose gracefully lifted the hem of her skirt and settled onto the bench, patting the empty space beside her.

"Come sit here, Matsuoka-san."

"Alright."

Matsuoka sat down next to her. The close proximity allowed them to catch faint hints of each other's scent in the gentle breeze, a quiet moment shared in the shade.

The scent emanating from Ichinose was incredibly fragrant—an unknown floral aroma, elegant and pleasant.

In contrast, Ichinose breathed in the scent of Matsuoka, a fresh, natural fragrance reminiscent of the earth after a rainstorm. The soothing aroma brought her an unexpected sense of peace and comfort.

Ichinose tilted her head slightly, her gaze falling on Matsuoka's profile. The boy's side view was strikingly handsome, with strong yet refined lines that carried a uniquely masculine charm.

At this moment, Ichinose found herself wanting to lean on Matsuoka's shoulder.

However, she quickly suppressed the impulse, knowing that such an abrupt action might startle the boy beside her.

"Matsuoka, what I'm about to share is my past. Please listen quietly and don't interrupt," she said.

"Don't worry, Ichinose. I promise not to speak until you've finished," Matsuoka replied earnestly.

"Hmm..." Ichinose nodded softly. Her sea-blue eyes grew hazy as she opened her lips, her voice low as she began to recall her past.

"I used to steal things."

Matsuoka's eyebrows rose slightly, though he remained silent. When he had first met Ichinose Honami, he had idly wondered whether she or someone she knew had ever stolen something. To his surprise, his earlier guess turned out to be entirely correct.

As she became immersed in her memories, Ichinose Honami continued to confess, piece by piece, the crimes she had buried deep in her heart.

Matsuoka played the role of a patient listener, sitting quietly as he absorbed her story.

By the time she had finished, having revealed everything about her past thefts without leaving a single detail unspoken, Ichinose felt an immense sense of relief. It was as though a heavy burden had been lifted from her shoulders.

For a long time, Ichinose had kept her criminal past a secret, and the weight of that secrecy had taken a toll on her, leaving her feeling anxious and uneasy over time.

Now, with Matsuoka by her side as a listener, she had finally shared the truth. Some of the pressure that had accumulated within her heart was beginning to dissipate.

"Matsuoka, the hairpin we saw earlier—it's the same one I once stole and later returned. That's why I lost my composure when I saw it," she explained softly, her voice trembling slightly.

As she spoke, Ichinose gently rocked her body side to side on the bench. Although the movement seemed casual, it was clear she was trying to inch closer to Shirafuchi.

If only my shoulder could 'accidentally' touch his arm, she thought.

"Matsuoka, do you despise me?" Her voice was barely above a whisper. "Do you think poorly of me because I was once a thief?"

Matsuoka turned his head to look at her. Ichinose Honami's eyes were lowered, her swaying motion now still.

He spoke softly, "Ichinose, do you remember when you asked me how I see someone who has stolen something?"

"Yes," she murmured, her voice faint.

"I told you then: no one can guarantee they won't make mistakes or commit wrongs in their lifetime."

He paused, his tone steady. "As long as you realize your mistakes and work hard to correct them, that's what truly matters."

"Ichinose, you know you were wrong, don't you?"

Ichinose raised her head, her gaze serious and unwavering. "I. Know. I. Was. Wrong," she said, her voice firm, each word emphasized.

"And you've tried hard to make things right."

"I'm working hard!" she replied earnestly.

Matsuoka's lips curved into a soft smile. "Then that's all that matters, isn't it?"

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