Once Trust Is Broken, It Can’t Be Regained – No Matter What You Say Now, It Won’t Affect Me

It takes time to build trust, but only a moment to break it. One day, Renya Tsukuyomi is accused of mol*sting a girl on his way home from club activities. Renya, who didn’t actually do it, thinks that the misunderstanding will be cleared up soon. However, the police, his family, friends, and club mates all refused to believe him. Even his childhood friends who he had known them for over ten years…. And so, Renya stopped believing in people. But after a while, it became clear that the mol*ster was falsely accused. Many people came to apologize, but no matter what they said now, it didn’t touch Renya’s heart…

Original Publisher

Unknown

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on *Once Trust Is Broken, It Can’t Be Regained – No Matter What You Say Now, It Won’t Affect Me* This novel presents an intriguing premise: a protagonist, Renya, grappling with the aftermath of a false accusation and the subsequent loss of trust from those closest to him. The story explores his decision to reject reconciliation and live a solitary life. While the initial setup hooked me, the execution seems to be a mixed bag. ### First Impressions The opening chapters paint a picture of Renya as an apathetic, distrustful individual. The multiple POV format, showcasing the perspectives of his former friends, family, and even strangers, offers a unique lens into his situation and the ripple effect of his experiences. I found myself drawn in by the potential for a nuanced exploration of trust, betrayal, and the challenges of rebuilding relationships. ### What Works Well I appreciate the realism the author attempts to inject into the narrative. The novel delves into the complexities of restoring trust, emphasizing that apologies alone aren't enough to undo past damage. The slow burn of Renya forming new connections, based on effort rather than forced reconciliation, felt like a more authentic portrayal of human interaction. The initial focus on misunderstandings and the awkwardness of characters trying to reconnect with Renya also resonated with me. ### Areas of Concern However, several aspects of the story seem to falter. The biggest issue appears to be the protagonist's characterization. Some perceive him as a pushover, easily swayed despite his supposed desire for isolation. The lack of consistent adherence to his established beliefs undermines the core concept of the story. Furthermore, the communication issues between characters, while initially realistic, seem to become contrived and frustrating. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning A significant point of contention revolves around a plot development involving amnesia. Apparently, Renya gets into an accident that conveniently erases his memories of the past two years, coinciding with the period of trauma. This plot device is criticized as lazy and trope-heavy, derailing the established pacing and character development. It feels like a forced attempt to initiate a redemption arc, potentially undermining the realistic tone the novel initially aimed for. ### Final Verdict *Once Trust Is Broken…* holds promise with its intriguing premise and exploration of complex themes. However, inconsistent characterization and reliance on questionable plot devices ultimately detract from the overall experience. While the initial chapters offer a compelling glimpse into the protagonist's world, the later developments raise concerns about the story's direction and execution. It's a mixed bag that may appeal to some, but others might find it frustrating and ultimately unsatisfying.