Deya was very upset about getting the scar, but after her conversation with Yuno, she realized it was a good opportunity to see who was who. After that talk, she decided to use it.
With that decision made, she started eating, tidied herself up, and resumed meeting with friends. The girl quickly realized that some of them had started to distance themselves, but what hit her hardest was that Rocky's attitude toward her was gradually changing.
Even though he tried not to show it, it broke the girl's heart, because this boy's sincerity and persistence had been her anchor. If her scar hadn't been a barrier to his feelings, he might have become her world.
She knew the love story of Lily and her brother, and it seemed to her like a beautiful fairy tale, albeit with a tragic ending. She understood that if Rocky hadn't shown his disgust now, she herself could have ended up in a similar fairy tale.
Deya wasn't a fool and thought she was ready for such an outcome, but when her worst fears came true, she still couldn't hold back her tears.
While the girl wept bitterly, the door to her room opened, and an unexpected guest appeared.
Her brother was brought in on his bed. Seeing his sister trying to turn away, Ray said:
"Who's the poor soul who made my beautiful little sister shed bitter tears?"
When Deya heard the word "beautiful," it seemed like mockery, and she said:
"Do you still think I'm beautiful?"
"Definitely, and I have no doubt about it. I know you're afraid of how people will look at you, what they'll say. I know how much you love basketball. Maybe you think you'll have to give it up now."
"But that's not true. People's words are worth as much as you let them affect you. Answer me one question: how important am I to you?" Ray asked.
"I think right now you're the most important person in my life, and honestly, I'm not sure that can change."
"One day, when you have children, that will change, but I'm glad to hear it. If the most important person in your life tells you you're still beautiful, why should you care about the opinions of others?"
"And as for Rocky, little sister, human life is too short, and finding true love is an incredible stroke of luck. Not everyone gets that lucky. Most people stay together as long as it's convenient."
"Our mother was incredibly beautiful, and I'm very glad her beauty passed to you. I'm sorry you had to find out this way, but it seems to me that for Rocky, you were something like a trophy and a way to boost his reputation. That person isn't worthy of you, and it's good you realized that now. Don't shed tears over that idiot — he doesn't know what he's lost."
"As for your future basketball career, I'm sure you have enough talent. If this scar doesn't stop you, you could become a source of inspiration and motivation for others."
"And one more question: would you mind if I moved into your room?" Ray joked.
"Brother, I will never mind your company."
"I think you'll be discharged soon. The girls will have a lot of work, so if you don't mind, you'll have to stay with Miku."
Deya still held a grudge against Miku, but she remembered that it was Miku who had allowed her to understand her brother better, so she nodded and said:
"Okay, I have no problem with that. But can I ask something?"
"Of course, you can ask me anything."
"Don't you have any resentment toward Miku after what she did?"
"No. I believe that if someone cheats on you, there are two reasons: either the person lacks something with you, and if you can't give it to them, then cheating happens; or you let someone close who doesn't consider you important enough. In both cases, cheating is your fault."
Hearing her brother's words, Deya thought and asked:
"Then why did Miku do it?"
"I think the age difference was to blame. We saw the world a little differently. She wanted vivid experiences, for me to be around, but I had obligations and couldn't afford that."
"From what you've told me, you're both at fault: you — because you couldn't give her enough attention, and she — because you weren't important enough to her to keep her from doing it."
"In my opinion, her fault is much greater. You weren't slacking off — you were working, and besides, at the time you had only her."
"My main mistake was starting that relationship in the first place. It was pretty obvious how it would end."
"Those relationships made her grow, but I know she regrets it, and that regret prevents her from moving forward. I hope that if she helps me now, she'll be able to let go of her regrets and move on. So even if it's hard, try not to hurt her."
"Don't worry, brother, I'll be a good girl, and her daughter is a very sweet child — I think we'll get along."