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

Chapter 144: The Mission to Skillfully Lead Away the Fragile Beauty

Niihama?

Huh

She remembers me?

In the second loop, maybe, but in the first loop world, the socially awkward guy with a barely-there presence?

You remember me?

Yes, of course. When we were library committee members you recommended a light novel to me.

She spoke, reminiscing about what was my most beautiful memory.

I havent been able to read much lately but back then, I got really hooked. So, I was grateful to you, Niihama-kun.

With those words, Haruka quietly smiled.

It wasnt the lively smile from our high school days, but a smile tinged with a hint of melancholy

(She remembers me)

I felt like tears were about to well up.

She remembered that precious memory, framed in my recollections, not just me but Haruka as well.

That fact was the greatest solace in that grey youth.

Um Im really sorry about earlier. I thought a stranger was trying to approach me, so I responded pretty coldly Its been a long time.

Ah, no, its only natural! You bumped into me by chance, and if a guy approaches you on the street at this hour, its only natural to be on guard!

Although it was the only option I had to approach her on the street, I was aware that it was a situation where she could scream.

And of course, chance was an outright lie.

Hehe it seems like youve become brighter, Niihama-kun. But, when flustered, your expression is just like back then.

With an adult charm different from back then, Haruka chuckled.

By the way, it really is a coincidence Are you working around here, Niihama-kun?

Yeah, not exactly nearby, but its in the same city. Well, its a pretty tough place.

I deliberately didnt mention that I had quit from there today. I followed up with a self-deprecating smile.

Im a bit embarrassed to admit it, but its actually quite a black company. And Im not in the good graces of my boss, so they intentionally piled on work at the last minute, and every day, theyd say things that felt like an attack on my personality. So, Im worn out every day.

As I disclosed this, Haruka showed a noticeable reaction.

The reason needed no imagination.

Haruka was being tormented day and night just like this.

So I understand, Shijouin-san. You must be going through a lot at work, right?

Wha!?

She gasped loudly, taken aback by my earnest inquiry.

Is your body also acting up in various ways? Feeling short of breath just from sitting down, being tired but not able to sleep at all

Why why would you!?

Because Ive seen plenty of people at work who were pushing themselves too hard. Just by looking at their complexion, I could tell roughly how bad it was. Its not just today or yesterday thats been tough. Im guessing its become a daily struggle for you.

Of course, I could say this with confidence because I knew in detail what had happened to Haruka.

However, even if it hadnt been the case, I would have been able to sense the oppressive atmosphere surrounding Haruka.

The agony seeping through her face was nothing but that of someone who had been relentlessly torn apart, someone I knew all too well.

(Now, from here)

With sweat dampening my nervousness, I gazed directly at the adult Haruka.

Just for this moment, I needed to weave reality and fiction together to establish a connection with her.

If we parted here as old classmates, there would be no future beyond this.

Hey, Shijouin-san. I know this is sudden and I apologize, but would you join me for a meal?

Huh!?

Harukas eyes widened in surprise at my casual suggestion.

That was only natural. If we were still students, it might be one thing, but now that we were both adults, this invitation was quite forward.

I just spoke to you on a whim, thinking about the old times. I didnt really plan on getting too involved. I just wanted to talk a bit about back then and say goodbye.

This was a lie. I knew Harukas current situation.

However if this wasnt the future I knew, but a world where Haruka was living happily, I would ultimately respect that happiness.

But seeing you like this, Shijouin-san, I cant just leave it at that. Thats what I feel. Youre wearing such a troubled expression.

Huh

Just like I said earlier, Ive seen plenty of people with the same expression who ended up going off the deep end. Each and every one of them their endings were tragic.

This was my honest feeling.

No matter what, I wanted to save this adult Haruka, who was imprisoned in a gloomy darkness. I absolutely couldnt allow her to be swept away into a future of destruction!

And arent you keeping it all to yourself, Shijouin-san? You havent seriously talked about your pain with your family or anyone else, right?

Haruka, who had been struck close to the truth, gasped, but this was something I already knew as well.

If Haruka had communicated her pain to her family her parents, who cared so deeply for her, wouldnt leave her be in such a state.

Im just a classmate you happened to run into on the street. Tomorrow, Ill be a stranger again. Sono matter how meddlesome it might beI think its necessary for you right now to let it out.

Niihama, you

Haruka called out my name, bewildered.

In her voice, there seemed to be a change in her recognition of my existence.

So, please, Shijouin-san. Just for today, with the familiarity of those days, wont you accompany me?

In the night street filled with darkness, I earnestly made my request, illuminated by a streetlight.

Though I repeated my words no matter what, the two of us were adults of opposite sexes. It wouldnt be strange for Haruka to think that what I was saying was a pick-up line. How would she react?

and that expression

?

I was most concerned about vigilance and rejection, but in the voice that Haruka let slip, there was a strangely curious tone.

W-Whats going on? In the end, what feelings does Haruka hold right now?

Then, Ill gladly take you up on your offer.

Huh

While this was the response I had hoped for, it was also unexpected.

To draw out those words so quickly

I just want to talk a little more with you, Niihama-kun.

The smile that appeared on the face of the adult Haruka was, as expected, so beautiful that it captivated.

However, at the same timethere seemed to be a lingering shadow, a terribly fleeting one.