Chapter 2021 Problem Solver?

Chapter 2021 Problem Solver?

Having been caught babbling by her manager, Yue immediately tried to hide behind me as she threw in an excuse.

"That... I don't mean to tattle, Kaoru-nee. You see, Ruki is curious..."

So, she's going to push the blame on me, huh? But it's partly true though. She caught me deep in thought. She's just telling the secret for my sake.

It can't be helped then.

I straightened my back, secured my girl behind me, and bravely faced Kaoru-san's fierce gaze.

"I apologize, Kaoru-san. For breaching your privacy just because of my curiosity..."

I started.

Akane and the others would probably back me up here if I asked for their help. But it's unnecessary.

If Kaoru-san truly found it offensive, it's enough that I shoulder the responsibility.

Before the woman could reply, Yue whispered from behind me, "Ruki. She may look mad now but she's always wondering if there will ever be a solution to her problem. Kaoru-nee thinks that it's the reason she's always dumped by her past boyfriends."

This girl... Do I need to hear that tidbit? In the first place, I was only curious why she looked like she was escaping from my invitation earlier rather than just refusing me.

Is Yue hinting at me to help Kaoru-san out?

But I'm not a problem solver. Or at least, I know I'm not someone who will take the initiative to solve someone else's problem, it just so happened that to get closer to my targets before, I had always fallen into the method of understanding them deeply.

And recently, the girls getting involved with me just so happened to have some kind of problem whether it be personal or not...

But thinking about... I was actively helping them out...

Not counting my girls who sometimes would consult me with their issues...

There's Anzu-nee to whom I offered myself to take the place of someone that will appreciate her.

There's also Kaede who I befriended in order to bring back her enthusiasm.

And there's also Ohori-senpai. I helped her out initially through Aoi's request but I just recently declared that I'm now helping her out of my own volition.

Uh... Who else?

There's actually a lot more to list like Shiina and Sara. Heck, even Setsuna-nee and Hayashi-sensei.

... Alright.

I really am a problem solver, huh?

"Haa. It's fine. I'm not going to be mad at you. You're curious. But Asahi. Let's have a talk later, okay?"

Kaoru-san eventually replied to me but she simply waved off my apology and went straight back to the girl hiding behind me.

Yue's grip on my shirt tightened and she acted a little frightened.

I guess even though she's already used to Kaoru-san's strictness, she's still afraid of truly angering her capable manager.

Haa... I don't know...

"It must be bewildering to you that we're treating this seriously, Onoda-kun."

Saving me from falling into another cliff of overthinking, Kaoru-san took a sip of the tea and calmly opened up the conversation.

"I won't lie. Yes, it is. Yue and the others are probably baffled as well."

"Don't worry about that part. Asahi will inform them. That girl... This is possibly something she intentionally hatched."

Is that really the case? Didn't I start all of this? If I hadn't fallen into contemplation right there, Yue wouldn't have brought up Kaoru-san's issue.

Wait.

My girls know me better than myself. Can it be that they're already this clever to set this up?

Ah. I'll just ask the girl later.

"Uhm. Please enlighten me, Kaoru-san. And once again, I apologize for prying too much."

"It's fine. We're already here. There's no point mulling over spilled milk. Since you're curious I may as well tell you everything."

As Kaoru-san stated, continuing to apologize was really useless on this occasion.

And so, I shut my mouth and prepared to listen intently while occasionally sipping the refreshing green tea made by her mother.

"It's true. I criticize myself all of the time. I never stopped at it even with my job as Asahi's manager."

"In fact, when I failed to notice you at the station before you approached me, I also criticized myself for that failure."

"I already went to an expert and consulted about this condition of mine. Unfortunately, it's not really treatable through modern medicine or practical therapy. They said it’s an issue of my own mentality and I have to come to terms with it myself. But after all these years, I cannot find a solution."

Kaoru-san paused there before staring straight at me.

Her eyes trembled a bit before continuing, "In truth, Onoda-

kun, I've heard a lot of stories about you from Asahi. And she said... You might be able to help me out. My parents must've heard about it since we had that conversation in this very room.

"Now that I think about it, accepting Asahi's suggestion to bring you here today was poor me playing into her hand. She knew my passion for cooking so she expected me to take over the kitchen and personally prepare your meals..."

I waited for her to continue but it seems like she's gauging my interest to hear more. So, I opened my mouth and spoke out my earnest thoughts.

"I see. I don't know about me being able to help you solve that problem. I'm not an expert as you can see. Yue simply has this firm belief and trust in me when it comes to problem-

solving... And also, she's that concerned for you, Kaoru-san. She must've done this in good faith."

"Indeed... That's why, Onoda-kun. I won't ask you to help brainstorm a solution. Hearing me out should be enough to satisfy them."

"Alright. I'm all ears, Kaoru-san.

I decisively nodded, which brought the serious expression on Kaoru-san's face to ease up.

I don't know if I can even help her but there's no hurt to try, I guess? Since this was plaguing her all her life, she'd definitely feel better if we found a solution for it.