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

Chapter 148: Meeting You in a Dream (2)

Phew, but Im glad I found you, Shinichiro-kun. It was getting a little boring being alone in this dream all the time.

Saying this with relief, Haruka separated herself from me, pulling away from our close embrace. While I felt reluctant to let go of the lingering warmth, there was something more pressing on my mind.

Hm? Youve been alone in this dream all this time?

Yes, thats right! At first, I found myself in a pitch-black dream, but then the scene suddenly switched, and it was like I was in a vivid movie.

A vivid dream like a movie This was exactly how I had described the dream I saw before accomplishing my second time leap.

Moreover, its got this really strange reality to it. Because its set in the future, the townscape is completely different from now! And for some reason, everyone walking around has these flat, tablet-like devices

(This cant be)

In the midst of my intense confusion, a hypothesis formed in my mind about the situation unfolding before me.

The reason high school Haruka lost her spirit was likely because information about the futures destruction was sent back to her in her high school days. In essence, it could be referred to as receiving future information.

If thats the case, then is Haruka receiving memories of a future thats currently changing through her dreams?

(And, judging by everything thats happened so far, it seems like dreams are particularly susceptible to paranormal occurrences. So the Haruka here might not just be a character in my dream, but the real)

With a cold sweat forming, I turned to look at Haruka. Her innocent face didnt show any signs of realizing the extraordinary state I was in. She just found the long dream a bit peculiar.

I see It really is a weird dream.

Yes, its definitely bizarre even if its my own dream It was tough to watch.

High school Haruka, in her school uniform, seemed to cloud up a bit as she talked about the future she had glimpsed.

As an adult, I felt incredibly lonely, and even when I smiled, I wasnt really happy. Its both sad and somehow, understandable. Ah, I could really become that kind of adult

Haruka

This Haruka doesnt know about that, but the adult Haruka, I could say with confidence, was the true history.

The Haruka before me was veering away from that path, but she still judged her potential future self based on that.

But! I wont turn out like that when I become an adult!

What!?

While she seemed melancholic just a moment ago, Haruka suddenly raised her voice and declared vehemently.

I understand how painful it must be! I know its even more excruciating than I can imagine right now! But to make such a despairing face and not ask anyone for help I just cant comprehend it! That kind of thing is not cool at all!

Although she was criticizing herself from the past, perhaps because it was herself, Haruka was angrily chastising the yet-to-be-seen future version of herself. Well, it was proof enough that this Haruka and that adult Haruka were walking very different paths

Hey, Haruka. About that adult version of you

Perhaps, this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance. As the thought flashed through my mind, I addressed Haruka.

Why do you think shes so stubbornly rejecting suggestions from the adult me? She must believe what I say is correct, right?

Huh? Um, well That adult version of me must have gone through a lot, so her way of thinking is quite different from mine. To be honest, I cant give a clear answer because of that

Haruka said with a troubled expression, and that was only natural.

After all, the me seven years from now would be an entirely different person from who I am now.

But if I were to describe it based on my impression, it feels like shes being driven by something That adult version of me, despite being a working adult, seems kind of like a child trying hard to be an adult.'

!

Harukas analysis brought enlightenment to me. Perhaps, it could be succinctly expressed as the adult Harukas obstinacy.

I see! If thats the case, then everything can be explained!

All right! Yes yes yes yes! If this is correct, then maybe this time itll work! Thanks, Haruka!

Having found a breakthrough in our current stalemate, I couldnt help but pump my fists in celebration.

Alright, with this, a glimmer of hope is finally in sight

Um, Shinichiro-kun.

Just as I was cheering internally, Harukas delicate voice reached me.

When I turned to look at the girl, the brightness that was there just moments ago had vanished, replaced by an expression filled with anxiety.

Shinichiro-kun, am I really a part of my dreams? Or rather the things Ive been seeing here are they really dreams?

Its different, isnt it? Theres no way things like my reality where I lost my spirit, or you going to a future where you might never return, could be true, right? Its just a dream overflowing with my overactive imagination from reading too many light novels, isnt it?

With an awareness of the excessive reality in her dreams, Haruka asked me, clinging to hope with a pale face.

From the looks of it, she had rapidly started feeling a sense of incongruity with the current situation, perhaps triggered by our contact. It was as if she was waking up from a dream.

Theres no need to worry, Haruka. Everything will be back to normal soon.

Without directly answering Harukas question, I reassured her with a light smile.

Or perhaps, I might not be in that returned-to-normal daily life.

If I think about it rationally, that possibility is far more likely.

But if

Hey, Haruka. If we ever meet in a place thats not a dream again, theres something I want to tell you. This time, properly.

Huh?

Well, it seems like its about time for you to wake up.

The view of the classroom gradually began to blur, and I was enveloped in the familiar sensation of waking up.

It was a strange dream, but thanks to it, I felt revitalized, my weakened spirits rejuvenated.

Now, all that remained was to think of a plan and execute it with all my might, just like usual.

Wait, Shinichiro-kun! Wait!

As the surroundings grew increasingly hazy, Haruka shouted after me.

Ah, Haruka.

Im sorry for making you look like youre about to cry.

But I have to go.

To prevent this story that began with my death from turning into a sad repeat of the future.

So please wait for me.

I will definitely save Harukas future.

The last thing imprinted in my vision was the sight of Haruka, reaching out to me with a pained expression.

With that image in my mindmy consciousness faded to black.

(TLN) Today is queue day! That means I will be filling up the queue for next weeks chapters tonight. If you want to be able to binge them all in one sitting, head on over to ko-fi in the morning tomorrow!