As the ring slipped over her knuckles and settled onto her finger, tears welled up in Nanako’s eyes. She quickly bowed her head, wanting to hide her emotions from Charlie. Her feelings for him ran deep, but she was determined not to burden him with her vulnerability.


    Deep down, Nanako understood that Charlie’s visit to Kyoto was not solely driven by affection. Instead, it stemmed from a sense of empathy and pity for her situation.


    She could rte to Charlie’s feelings; as a fellow martial artist, she recognized the bond of empathy that connects individuals who share simr experiences. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It’s akin to a racer witnessing a fellowpetitor suffer a devastating ident—his empathy for that racer would be more profound than that of an everyday observer.


    Likewise, a soldier witnessing hisrades injured in battle would inevitably feel a strong sense of empathy for them. Charlie must have felt something simr for her.


    Charlie had seen her endure injuries duringpetitions, possibly even needing to be pulled from the field by an ambnce. His concern for her must have grown stronger as a result. Moreover, he had the means to heal her, which is why he took the time to visit her in Kyoto—to help mend her wounds.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    Thus, Nanako realized that although Charlie treated her with kindness, much of it stemmed from his sympathy and understanding.


    For a girl who held deep feelings for him, thest thing she desired was pity. In fact, she longed for love above all else, rejecting anything less than that.


    At that moment, Charlie was oblivious to Nanako’s inner turmoil; his focus was on her fingers. Noticing that the ring seemed slightly toorge, he gently removed it, confirming with the salesperson, “I’m sorry, but it appears to be a bit small.”


    “Of course, sir,” the salesman replied, taking the ring to make the necessary adjustments.


    At that moment, a wave of sadness washed over Nanako. She had known all along that the ring would eventually be taken off, but the reality of it stung her heart like a knife.


    Yet, she didn’t want Charlie to see her distress. As he engaged with the salesman, she quickly eximed, “Charlie, I need to use the bathroom!”


    Without waiting for his reply, she rushed away, tears brimming in her eyes, too overwhelming for her to contain. She didn’t want Charlie to witness her tears, as she aimed to keep his focus intact. She had never intended to disrupt his life or his marriage, especially after all he had done for her.


    As she walked away, her heart echoed with thoughts: “Tonight, Charlie will leave Japan, returning to his family, to his wife…”<fn6c75> Checktest chapters at find?novel</fn6c75>


    “Who knows when he wille back again…”


    “These hours are thest moments I will spend with Charlie…”


    “I must keep my emotions in check and avoid cing any burden on him…”