His Dancer

Chapter 46

Someone once said we should learn from our mistakes rather than regret them, and so far, that is only fitting for everyone else, not me. Yet, even if it's been years, I still regret the day that changed my future, the day that I gave up on her and broke her trust.

Right at that moment, seeing a mask cover her broken expression and eyes filled with sorrow, and internally yelling for her not walk away as I watched part of her disappear from my life. It was as if a giant abyss appeared, creating distance between us. She trusted me with her fragile, damaged heart, and I was foolish enough to throw it away for another girl who could never replace the happiness I once had in my grasp.

At first, everyone in the host club couldn't look me in the eye, and I couldn't blame them, considering I was still disappointed in myself, which gave them the right too. As for Ren, she would brush me off every time I tried to speak to her until she told me that she needed time to recover and only to approach her about club topics. I'll take it even if all I can speak to her about the Club's numbers and event plans. The distance between us stayed, but Ren still talked to me, or at least only business-wise. Even though my heart wanted to beg for her forgiveness and ask for a second chance, I accepted her terms and left her alone for a month until she approached me, permitting me to talk to be a friend again at least.

Once we started hanging out again, Emiko was thrilled to learn that Ren and I made up, which caused her to show more affection publicly to the point people would just walk away once she started. Was that likely her way of telling others that I was taken? Likely. I noticed Ren would cringe a bit whenever Emiko would do it and walk away to talk to Renge during club hours, which is surprising to see her voluntarily go to Renge.

Over time, we got back to our comfortable atmosphere, and things escalated with Emiko to the point that she kept thinking Ren and I would try to get back together then would tell me to stop talking to her. Given that Emiko didn't know Ren's true identity, I said to her that there was nothing between us while ignoring my feelings. What made it easier was finding out Ren was dating Ryuu; she deserves happiness, and if she can find it is with him, then may it be.

We continued through high school as friends, better than some exes' relationships, and went our separate ways for college; she pursued a dance scholarship in America and major in photography with business. We said our goodbyes on graduation day before keeping in contact during that time in college and during our career paths.

I would occasionally see her on social media or hear about what she was up to from people I knew, then later found out that she was engaged to Ryuu by the wedding invitation sent to my home.

Silence filled my ears as I dropped the invitation on the table and ran a hand through my hair as my mantra kept yelling in my head, fighting my thoughts.

He's her happiness, be happy for her!

She found someone to catch her, better than leaving her with no one to be there to catch her.

That could've been us, but it isn't.

She only wants me there to rub it in my face that she's happy.