And That’s How I Was Abandoned by God
Spring break was nearing its end. Sorano Subaru walked alone, his bag slung over one shoulder. This season, just before meeting new classmates and starting a new semester, always brought a restless feeling. This year felt especially different. As he entered his second year of high school, Subaru had a vague sense that this spring might be a major turning point in his life—more significant than anything before.
As usual, Subaru had just finished browsing at the bookstore. Lately, he had been immersing himself in reading to distract himself from the uneasiness brewing inside him. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but he felt that his relationship with his girlfriend, Jinguji Kanon, had become slightly strained.
Subaru and Kanon had naturally fallen into a relationship. They were childhood friends who grew closer over time, and before they knew it, they were dating—it was that kind of relationship.
However, that day, as Subaru walked down his usual path, a fleeting scene he stumbled upon tore at his heart.
As he rounded the corner of the park, he saw Kanon and Tendou Reo, a fellow student from their high school. At first, Subaru couldn’t comprehend why the two of them were there together. But the scene unfolding before him was surreal, as though it denied the reality of his own existence.
Kanon was chatting with Reo, her shoulder brushing lightly against his as they smiled warmly at each other. Then, without a word, they gazed into each other’s eyes and slowly leaned in, their lips meeting. Subaru froze, his breath caught in his throat.
“No way…”
Pain shot through Subaru’s chest. Seeing Kanon and Reo being so intimate right in front of him left him speechless. He had always believed in Kanon. But in that moment, he could feel something inside him shattering.
The two of them continued kissing, completely oblivious to their surroundings. Subaru felt as though his body was growing heavier, rooting him to the spot, unable to move.
Yet, after what felt like an eternity, Subaru steeled himself and called out to them.
“Kanon…?”
His voice trembled. Kanon turned around in surprise. Her face reddened, but she spoke as if nothing had happened.
“Subaru-kun…? Why are you here?”
Her voice carried a cold undertone. Subaru felt a tightening in his chest as he struggled to suppress the storm of anger and sadness threatening to erupt within him.
“What… what’s going on?”
Subaru’s voice cracked, barely holding itself together. Kanon looked away slightly, sighed deeply, and finally spoke.
“Subaru-kun, the truth is… I’m dating Reo.”
Those words made Subaru’s mind go blank. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He had always trusted Kanon, and now… this.
“Wha…”
He couldn’t find the words. Staring blankly at Kanon’s face, he stood frozen in place. Kanon, however, continued speaking as if her words were the most natural thing in the world.
“I’m sorry, Subaru-kun. I don’t mean to hurt you, but Reo is different. He notices me and takes the lead. You’re kind, Subaru-kun, but… you never really thought about me deeply.”
Those words pierced Subaru’s heart like ice. He had always cherished Kanon, always put her first. But now, he wondered if his kindness had only been a burden to her.
Subaru’s vision blurred with tears as Reo, brimming with confidence, stepped forward to confront him.
“Hey, Sorano. Kanon is mine. How could you not realize?”
Reo’s words stabbed at Subaru like a blade. He stood there, paralyzed, unable to respond. He searched desperately for something—anything—to hold onto, but there was nothing.
“Man, you’re seriously annoying.”
Reo stepped closer and pointed at Subaru.
“A loner like you—skinny, gloomy, and pathetic—dating a girl as cute as Kanon? Unbelievable.”
Subaru gasped, shocked by the venom in those words.
“Wh-what are you saying…?”
“Let me make it clear: Kanon belongs to me.”
Reo smirked, his expression oozing triumph.
“Honestly, I can’t even begin to understand how someone like you managed to date a girl like her. But it’s over now.”
Kanon looked momentarily flustered but quickly hardened her expression.
“Reo… stop.”
“Why should I? I’m just telling him the truth.”
Reo’s voice was cold and unrelenting. His words cut into Subaru like daggers.
“You’re… despicable.”
Subaru’s voice was barely audible, a whisper of despair. Reo, however, only laughed, dismissive and cruel. For Subaru, everything felt meaningless. The time he had spent with Kanon, the bond they had shared—it all felt like an illusion.
And then, without a backward glance, Kanon and Reo walked away, hand-in-hand, leaving Subaru behind. He could only stand there, staring at their retreating figures. He said nothing. He did nothing. He was powerless.
Subaru’s mind raced, consumed by countless thoughts. What had his relationship with Kanon truly been? Why had Reo done this? And what had Subaru himself been doing all this time?
As he stood there, he felt utterly lost.
Time passed. The sky darkened, and the quiet park was filled only with the sound of the wind. Subaru remained unmoving, his vacant eyes reflecting the void within.
Then, a soft voice called out to him from behind.
“Are you… okay?”
Turning, Subaru saw Amane Maria standing there. Her gentle expression radiated concern as she looked at him.
In that moment, Subaru felt as though he had remembered his own existence, and he closed his eyes slightly, as if gathering himself.
“Amane-san…”
Maria, sensing his pain, softly placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
“Sorano-kun, you’ve been through a lot, haven’t you? If there’s anything you need to say, I’m here for you. I’ll always be on your side.”
Her words brought a faint warmth to Subaru’s heart. But the images of Kanon and Reo still lingered in his mind, refusing to fade.