The One He Wanted to Protect

After a brief silence, Koiyuki took the initiative to start a conversation. She slowly stroked the tattoo on Hakuji's arm with her delicate hand.

Hakuji instinctively pulled down his sleeve, trying to cover the tattoo on his arm. This kind of tattoo was hardly something pleasant to look at, and Hakuji did not want Koiyuki to see it.

Unfortunately, Hakuji was a little too late. Koiyuki had already taken in the tattoo on his arm. She did not mind his reaction in the slightest and instead shifted closer to him.

Worried about Koiyuki's condition, Hakuji moved closer as well, intending to support her.

By sheer coincidence, the distance between them closed to its smallest, so close that they could feel each other's breath.

"Hakuji, I want to know your story. Can you tell it to me...? Cough, cough..."

Koiyuki became somewhat agitated as she spoke and suddenly began coughing, which worried Hakuji. To keep her from talking too much, he began recounting his story in detail.

Since he was going to begin a new life, Hakuji no longer cared about the misfortunes of his past. He told Koiyuki everything about how he had stolen to buy medicine for his father.

Hakuji did not want to deceive Koiyuki, and he had prepared himself for her to hate him. Someone who stole so often could not possibly be likable, could they?

To Hakuji's surprise, Koiyuki did not show him the disgust he had expected. Instead, she slowly took his arm and gently encouraged him. "Hakuji, you're such a kind person. You're strong, and you know how to take care of others, too."

Hakuji's face reddened slightly. He had thought Koiyuki would despise him for what he had done in the past, but it seemed he had been wrong.

"Hakuji, from now on,