Chapter 164: Interlude Another Future

Chapter 164: Interlude Another Future

I, Niihama Shinichirou, was a 25-year-old corporate slave.

After enduring a high school life as an otaku and a loner, I ended up working for a hellish black company, grinding away my mental well-being and lifespan for seven long years, like a bottom-tier existence.

Yes, thats how it was until just two months ago

(Why did things turn out like this?)

Oh, Niihama-kun, this Carpaccio is delicious! It goes perfectly with white wine!

Shijouin-san Isnt this a bit fast-paced?

In an izakaya bustling with after-work patrons in the evening, an incredibly beautiful woman sitting across from me tilted her glass, in high spirits.

With her long, lustrous hair and eyes that sparkled like stars, she was a goddess of beauty that made many men turn their heads when she walked down the streetShijouin Haruka.

Born into a prestigious family, she was a noblewoman with a wealthy background. Even though we were classmates in high school, I, an ordinary person from a humble background, was not someone who could easily approach such a woman.

Yet, here I was, out for drinks with her, just the two of us. And this wasnt the first time.

(Why did things end up like this again?)

I remember everything that led up to this point. Its just that I have no idea why I was able to go that far back then The determination and drive that surged through me at that time, propelling me to quit my job, which I hadnt mustered the courage to do before, and submit my resignation to that wretched company.

Not only that, I also took the initiative to reconnect with my family, with whom I had grown distant. I repaired the strained relationships.

(When I went back home during that time, Mom was in tears, overjoyed that I was escaping the clutches of the black company My younger sister, Kana, still looks at me with a strict eye, but she talks to me occasionally. Its a world of difference from before.)

Just getting to this point is unbelievable in itself, but my actions afterwards were even more out of character for the usual me.

By chance, I met Shijouin-san again, and sensing the severe mental anguish she was enduring at work, I started persuading her to quit her job.

Shijouin-san was stubborn, but I didnt give up. Eventually, I succeeded in persuading her. I managed to keep her away from the brutal bullying. But

(Inviting Shijouin-san out for a drink on the very day we reconnected, and persuading her to quit her job with such unwavering determination How did I become such a smooth-talker? And why did I push so hard for Shijouin-san to resign?)

I remember the impatience, the desperation, and the fierce determination I felt back then. But the reason why I pushed so hard remains erased from my memory.

(Well, whatever. Even though I dont understand what that sudden surge of energy in my heart was, it was undoubtedly an action based on my own will.)

If Shijouin-san knew the truth about the bullying she endured, even now, Im sure shed want me to quit the company immediately. I know very well that severe stress can easily destroy a person.

(But I absolutely cant say my true feelings. Even if I knew about Shijouin-sans situation, I would have been too scared of being seen as annoying or disliked to take any action Thats what I should have done.)

However, the fierce fire in my heart forcibly moved me, and now Shijouin-san is smiling in front of me. Freed from the chains that bound her, shes wearing the same cheerful smile as back then.

Wow, I feel so light after quitting my previous job! I feel like Ive grown wings and can fly in the sky!

Oh, I totally get that. When I escaped from that forced labor camp-like place, I felt so light, and the world that was once monochrome suddenly became vivid, like it was in color.

Yes, exactly! My sensitivity and composure have returned, and everything seems to shine. Even the food and drinks taste so much better! Oh, waiter! Ill have a Cassis Orange next, please!

With her cheeks slightly flushed from the alcohol, Shijouin-san, relaxed and at ease, laughed merrily.

Theres not a trace of the oppressive atmosphere from two months ago.

(Thank goodness Im really glad)

When I reunited with Shijouin-san, the girl I had admired in high school, and saw her living in society with a gloomy face, I felt intense sorrow and anger.

Now, after going through twists and turns, Shijouin-san, freed from the crushing burden on her heart, shows a different, natural smile than she did back then. Every time, I feel like Ive been saved from the depths of my heart.

Ah, thats right. This is how she should be.

But seriously, life is so unpredictable I never dreamed Id be working for a giant company like Chiaki-rou Bookstore.

Haha, were colleagues now, after all.

Reflecting on the drastic changes of the past two months, I took a sip of my beer.

After successfully persuading Shijouin-san to leave her job on that fateful day at the seaside park

We exchanged contact information on a chat app, and since then, weve been in touch frequently.

In the midst of it all, I learned that shortly after, Shijouin-san told her parents about what had happened at work and promptly resigned.

Apparently, Shijouin Tokimune, her father and the president of Chiaki-rou Bookstore, was furious upon learning that his daughter had been subjected to such terrible bullying.

Both Shijouin-san, who heard it, and I, who went on the rant, were blushing intensely, the destructive power of the bomb we had just detonated apparent on our faces.

Since she lost that natural barrier from high school, Shijouin-sans cheeks were now tinted a deeper shade of red.

Thats why Have confidence, Shijouin-san.

As if to cover up my embarrassment, I began to speak my true feelings.

Shijouin-san, youre a person of great value and incredibly charming. So, for me I just couldnt stand the fact that someone like you was suffering because of the trivialities of society.

Niihama-kun

Ah, thats right.

I still dont know what that flame-like motivation within me was at that time.

But the feelings that swelled up within me then are still here, unchanged.

The presence of Shijouin Haruka is a gem of my youth, and I absolutely cannot overlook it being tainted by the malevolence of the world.

Um, so What I mean is

?

And so, I must move forward with my own feelings. Whether Im an introvert, inexperienced in love, or just plain bad at lifeunless I take the initiative, I wont get what I want. Thats what the me from that day taught me.

So, um Youve invited me for drinks several times, but this time, could I be the one to invite you? Theres actually a restaurant I find a bit hard to go to alone, so it would be a huge help if you could come with me this Friday evening

!!

Sweating profusely, I extended an invitation that crossed a certain line. It was a decision made with as much determination as jumping off a cliff.

But in reality, it was reaching the limit of my patience.

Since Shijouin-san regained her brightness, she often initiated conversations with me and we shared private time like this several times.

Even though Im a wimp and have zero experience in love, the rekindled affection was burning like a campfire, and my feelings were on the verge of overflowing.

Y-yes, Ill go! Will it be by car? Or by train?

Uh, yeah. I was thinking of using my car

So itll be a little drive! Hehe, Im really looking forward to it!

Once again, Shijouin-san, now a goddess, laughed cheerfully, just like she did back in high school.

She didnt try to hide her exuberance, like an innocent child.

Uh, thanks. But are you sure about your schedule? I heard youve been getting along with the girls in your department recently, and if you have prior commitments

No, its okay. Everyone usually has lunch together during the weekdays, but many of them have families and dont gather in the evenings. Besides

Still wearing a delighted smile, Shijouin-san continued naturally.

I only ever invite Niihama-kun like this, so as long as we both dont have any plans, its totally fine!

B!

It was one of those natural airhead moments of Shijouin-san, a tendency that occasionally surfaced even in adulthood. It was impossible to know just how much it pierced a guys heart.

Hehe, talking like this and laughing so freely, it really feels like a dream.

Shijouin-san, who had regained the innocent side she lost upon our reunion, cherished this moment with great joy.

No amount of thanks will ever be enough. Everything Ive managed to regain is all thanks to you, Niihama-kun.

Shijouin-san

Her eyes, clear and untainted by any lingering fatigue, were directed at me.

So, from now on, please take care of me. I want to be friends with Niihama-kun forever and ever!

Saying this, Shijouin-san smiled.

It was something that the Shijouin-san of our reunion, who had become a radiant goddess, had lost. This smile of her heart, bright and pure like a blooming flower, was right there.

(TLN) Ooof, that friend comment. So I looked it up. Koukiri and Lantern8 have donated to finish the queue! Thank to both of them! All chapters will be released!