Chapter 151: The two adults meet up. |
“………………..”
Drenched in sweat, I awoke to the morning sun streaming through the window, wearing only a shirt and underwear, or at least that’s what I assumed.
(“What a dream I had…”)
Sitting up halfway in bed, I instinctively covered my eyes with my hands. The dream was vivid, as if I had walked right into a movie. Even in my wakeful state, it lingered in my memory.
(“Is this the manifestation of my deep-seated desires for an ideal youth?”)
If so, I was exasperated with my own indulgence. To dream so vividly of such a sweet and kind world… it felt like I was denying the hard work I was putting in now.
Suddenly, the words spoken by my teenage self in the dream resurfaced in my mind. Those words, and the pained expression I saw on the adult version of myself.
“What could my younger self possibly understand?”
I grumbled as I felt discomfort from my shirt, sticking to my skin due to sweat. I needed to work harder, much harder. I needed a stronger version of myself, not salvation from someone else.
But what if that dream came true? If I could have someone like the strong, kind, and dependable Niihama-kun by my side, just like in that dream.
Even though the past was unchangeable, if someone like him were with me, even now, comforting my lonely self…
“…………”
Realizing I was indulging in such fantasies, my cheeks turned hot with embarrassment. It made me recognize how much I longed for that youthful time in my life, despite it feeling foolish.
(What a foolish notion. The dream was probably just a result of meeting Niihama-kun again.)
As if to reassure myself, I muttered in my head, and naturally, the image of the adult Niihama-kun, whom I met yesterday, surfaced in my mind.
“I did behave quite rudely yesterday, didn’t I?”
As I considered this with my sober head, I couldn’t help but feel ashamed of how childishly I had acted.
Niihama-kun’s words were genuine, without any ulterior motives. He genuinely cared about my situation.
However, rejecting his proposal outright and leaving the way I did was impolite.
While I was on the bed, drowning in self-loathing…
A comical electronic jingle – the notification sound for messages on my smartphone – chimed.
(…Is it my father again?)
I sighed and reached for my phone, which I had left on the bedside table.
However, what I found on the phone was different from my expectations. It wasn’t a chat app, but rather a short message that could be sent with just a phone number.
The sender’s name was “Niihama-kun.”
Saturday morning.
I, Niihama Shinichirou, was standing in an out-of-town coastal park in my best shirt and slacks.
This place was a popular spot, not far from the bustling city, offering a view of the sea to visitors of all kinds, from couples to families.
(I didn’t expect that I’d be able to arrange another meeting so easily… It’s more than I could have hoped for.)
After waking up from that strange dream yesterday, I decided to take action to reconnect with the adult version of Haruka.
However, the journey ahead seemed challenging.
We hadn’t exchanged chat app contacts, the common way of building connections in this era. My attempt to get closer to her yesterday was met with rejection, and it was clear that our bond was now quite fragile.
I decided to send a message to the phone number I found on the business card I got from the bar, where I apologized for my behavior.
But the response I received was completely unexpected.
“No, I’m the one who needs to apologize for my terrible attitude yesterday. If possible, I’d like to meet in person to apologize.”
Surprised by this response, I quickly agreed.
(I never expected her to suggest meeting in person instead of settling things with a simple phone call… Well, it’s typical of Haruka, being so serious and polite.)
As a last resort, I had also considered hinting at informing Haruka’s situation to the Shijouin family.
“Most importantly, I’m glad I didn’t have to resort to what could have been a threat…”
(“…Informing the Shijouin family about Haruka’s current situation, huh? Well, I do understand that it’s the simplest and quickest way.”)
If Tokimune-san were to learn about Haruka enduring such severe workplace harassment, he would undoubtedly separate her from the workplace without a second thought. And with no means for Haruka to resist, my objective would be achieved quite easily.
(But… that probably wouldn’t work.)
When I first arrived in this first-week world, I thought simply keeping Haruka away from harassment would save her. But now… I can’t help but feel that it won’t solve everything.
“However… I can’t do that. If I take a step back, it’s all over for me. I can’t accept that.”
What comes to mind is Haruka’s clear refusal. Her words carried a resolute will, acknowledging my wish for her to quit but firmly stating her own determination.
(Haruka… she’s carrying something hardened within her heart…)
It’s not just because she’s too serious that she endures the harassment, but also because of the strong feelings in her heart that won’t let her escape.
A sense of impatience, or perhaps even obsession, seems to bind her. Unless I can dissolve it… the internal factors leading Haruka towards her own destruction will remain.
(Regardless, this is almost the last chance… It might be best to think there’s no turning back from here.)
The pressure bearing down on me feels like it’s constricting my organs. Strangely, though, there’s no overwhelming sense of urgency or anxiety.
(I guess it’s because I had such a nice dream… Haha, I’m really a simple guy, thinking that talking to Haruka in a dream would restore my energy.)
As I chuckle at myself, suddenly…
“I’ve kept you waiting, Niihama-kun.”
“…!”
There stood the adult Haruka, dressed casually.
The first thing that caught my eye was her blue maxi skirt. Its buttoned design covered her legs entirely, enhancing the image of a modest adult. There was an air of purity and modesty about it.
The top was a fluffy white vertical sweater, snugly highlighting her body, which had become fuller since high school… It was, well, quite captivating.
Including the bag she was carrying, her outfit was subdued, avoiding extravagance. Yet, it accentuated Haruka’s charm as an adult.
“Oh, no… I just got here too. I apologize for making you come out.”
“…? What’s wrong? You look a bit red…”
“Uh, well… to be honest, this is my first time meeting a woman like this. I’m not used to it.”
In truth, in the second-chance world, I had met up with Haruka many times. But it was genuinely my first time in this adult state, so it wasn’t a lie.
“Hehe, I’m quite similar. I don’t have anything flashy, so I was a bit indecisive about what to wear.”
I’m not sure how she interpreted my fluster, but Haruka chuckled with an amused expression. That spilled smile was just like in high school.
(…She’s more gentle than I thought?)
It’s true that she genuinely wanted to apologize for last night. Haruka Shijouin was a person who held an excessive sense of decorum.
However, considering the somewhat confrontational moment we had after that fight, I didn’t expect the atmosphere to become this cheerful…
(Hm…?)
I suddenly realized that Haruka was sending furtive glances towards my face. Her eyes seemed to hold a strong interest.
“Um… Is there something on my face? I did my best to tidy up, but…”
“Oh, no… It’s just that… the feeling is just like in the dream… No, not like that, but it’s just that your atmosphere has really changed from high school…”
“I see. Well, it’s true that compared to back then…”
Certainly, even if I, a 25-year-old office worker, were to meet Haruka like this in the second-chance world, I wouldn’t be able to speak so lightly.
Right now, what’s giving me strength isn’t just the regret of a lifetime that ended in the worst way possible. The happy days I spent with Haruka in the second-chance world are also adding fervor to my heart.
“In any case… I left the meeting place up to you, but this is a really nice place, isn’t it?”
Haruka looked around in amazement.
This coastal park was spacious, with enough room for cafes and barbecue spots within, and it was rich with greenery. It seemed like she really liked the atmosphere.
“Yeah, my family and I came here a long time ago. Since we’re here, should we take a little walk?”
“Yes… that sounds good. Shall we?”
The rustling of leaves in the wind was very soothing as we began to walk.