"Each time, I refused them. Even when they explicitly said to forget the past and start anew, I just pushed them away. I don't want to get involved with them."
To share such an embarrassing story... it was just childish whining. I did wrong and was punished, but I hate and resent both myself for my wrongs and you for punishing me—it was a petulant child's tantrum. But this was the burden of Lucien's heart.
"That's the kind of person I am, Professor. I'm stubborn, petty, and I push away people who try to help."
At that moment, spring embraced me. Or perhaps, I fell into it.
The warm scent of floral perfume and sun-baked fabric enveloped my senses. I stiffened.
"It's okay."
Amy had wrapped her arms around my shoulders, pulling me into a tight, warm hug. She gently patted my back. Each soft touch sent a vibration that stirred the deepest, most exhausted parts of my heart.
"It must've been so hard, Lucien," she whispered.
"…."
"I'm sorry for not understanding sooner."
"…."
