I (30), Who Works for a Black Company and Died While Regretting My Gloomy Life, Started Over From High School!

Chapter 104: The End of Summer, the Beginning of a New Season

In the school courtyard, Shijouin-san was in a state I had never seen before. She was crouched down, her face bright red, covering it with both hands. She trembled all over, unable to bear the embarrassment. But now that I knew the reason, I thought it was understandable. After all, the drunken Shijouin-san from two days ago had been quite something, and if she remembered all of it, its no wonder she was in such despair.

Oh um, Shijouin-san? You said you remembered what happened when you got drunk at the beach, but to what extent

After much hesitation about how to address her, I cautiously asked to confirm the current situation. If her embarrassing memories were limited to certain points, it might not be so bad

Its all I remember it all! Fooling around, hugging you, asking for a chase on the beach, complaining about your manners to Niihama-kun I remember everything uwaah!

Thats well

I couldnt find words to console Shijouin-san, who was crying out in desperation. Of course everything, huh?

Which is why Ive been unable to face Niihama-kun since this morning! I even considered skipping school seriously for the first time in my life!

While hugging the telephone pole, tears streaming down her face, Shijouin-san continued to lament. I could imagine just how difficult it must have been for her to meet me.

Well, dont worry too much about it. Ginji and the others were also drunk, and their memories of that time are vague too. Besides, the way you acted while drunk was kind of cute. Ive seen much worse drunk episodes, like a guy patting his bald boss on the head and shouting, Your baldness is astonishing, Chief! Lets make this place a curling venue for the next Olympics!'

Remembering the various drunken incidents involving adults, I honestly didnt think Shijouin-sans actions were that bad.

Uu that doesnt really make me feel better about how much of a failure adults are

Shijouin-san, who seemed quite rattled, spoke through her sobs in a drunken-like manner. Her sense of self-loathing due to the embarrassment (at least in her own mind) seemed intense.

Ah, well I actually found it quite heartwarming.

Huh?

Though it was a bit embarrassing to say, I scratched my head and confessed my true feelings. It seemed that Shijouin-san didnt understand the intention behind my words, as her teary eyes blinked in response.

You know, back then you scolded me saying I was too distant, right? Well, if that was your true feeling, it means I can be more open with you than I am now.

Ah

As if recalling when she scolded me at the beach, Shijouin-sans face grew even redder. Whether it was due to remembering her own drunken actions or something else, I didnt know.

Even though you might not want to remember it, your words when you were drunk were sincere. Thats why I felt happy.

Alcohol can loosen the tongue and reveal ones true feelings. In that state, Shijouin-sans words, though slurred, had shown me her genuine sentiments all along. It was something that made me happy.

Is that true? You really dont think of me as some drunk, embarrassing girl?

Shijouin-san looked up at me with teary eyes, her gaze almost childishly asking, Arent you mad? It was an endearing gesture that struck right at my heart. Suppressing my male instincts, I gave a confident nod, avoiding any overt display of emotion on my face.

Ah, yes, absolutely! If Im lying, Ill drink a thousand needles and work a hundred consecutive shifts!

Hundred consecutive shifts? B-but, if Niihama-kun says so Yes, I believe you.

Saying that, Shijouin-san staggered to her feet. While her cheeks remained flushed from embarrassment, it seemed that she had at least managed to come to some sort of resolution.

Uu, Im sorry I should be the one apologizing for avoiding you and making a fuss. Today, I was just being a sulky child I must have been such a bother.

Although Shijouin-san said that, as someone who knew various types of troublesome people, I could only say that Shijouin-san was as cute as ever.

But thanks to you, I feel much better. I finally realized I was scared that I had shown such an embarrassing side of myself and that you might dislike me.

Regaining her usual composure, Shijouin-san smiled and took a step closer to me. While the alcohol had caused an unintended incident, it seemed to have inadvertently led to a psychological closeness that came from relaxed interactions.

Um, its embarrassing, but everything I said at that time was true. Niihama-kun, youre always considerate of me, but its okay for us to talk more casually, like friends, right?

Ah, yes Ill try my best.

Uncertain how to react to Shijouin-sans bashful demeanor, I finally managed to reply in a slightly stuttering voice. Even though just a little while ago, she had been shrinking in embarrassment, now it was me who felt uneasy. Why was that?

Even though Im like this please take care of me from now on too, Shinichirou-kun.

!?

At the whispered sound of my name in my ear, my eyes widened.

When I looked, Shijouin-san was standing by my side, smiling gently.

The face of the girl who had spoken my name with nothing but genuine affection seemed to convey that the scene by the sea was a sincere reflection of her heart. It was slightly awkward, yet her quiet smile seemed to embrace the sound of her own words like she found it pleasant.

(Oh, right, thats how it is)

Not hesitating to show her affection was a characteristic of this natural-born young lady. I had thought that what happened on that beach was merely a fleeting effect of the alcohol, but

Ah, um well, I mean I feel the same way

Beneath the slightly alleviated summer sky, just like back then, I stumbled over my words.

Unlike Shijouin-san, I had more worldly desires in other words, I was acutely aware of my romantic feelings, making that single sentence not come out easily.

However, my desire to take our relationship to the next level gave me the courage to speak.

Um I feel the same way from now on, please take care of me too, Haruka.

Yes!

Harukas eyes sparkled as she nodded enthusiastically, her face lighting up with a smile full of joy.

It was a radiance even more beautiful and filled with vitality than a sunflower blossoming on a hot summer day truly the brilliance of the sun itself.