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

Chapter 126: Harukas Level Up (3)

Thank you very much! We look forward to your next visit!

I, Niihama Shinichiro, bid farewell to the group of university students who had finally left, wearing a perfect smile.

The negotiation with them, who had demanded the impossible, to prepare seats for twenty people, was truly a headache But in the end, I settled it by suggesting, We have a large park nearby. How about getting your drinks to go and spending time there?

(Ugh, it took so much time! Honestly, dealing with a group of elementary school kids would be a hundred times easier, damn it!)

I sent them off with a cheerful face as part of my job, but of course, I was full of exasperation inside. Someone like me, who came from the realm of introverts, gets significantly tired dealing with those party-loving types.

(Right, but more importantly, what about Haruka? If I dont go help her soon!)

Thinking of the girl who was struggling with the complainer, I excused myself from the other cashier.

Hurrying to the scene, but at present, it was the peak of customer traffic. Many were standing from their seats for book borrowing and return, making it difficult for me to reach Haruka.

(Haruka is weak against such strong complaints Well, of course, not many people are immune to shouting.)

Be it a child or an adult, when someone raises their voice angrily, its scary and painful, and you feel like crying. Ive experienced it to the point of hating it myself.

But Haruka is particularly vulnerable to such things. Because she herself rarely harbors anger or malice towards anyone, those who expose such feelings seem like incomprehensible monsters to her.

(Thats why, until she gets used to it, Ill be there to support Huh?)

Finally reaching the scene where Haruka was dealing with the complainer, I was met with an unexpected sight.

Yes, for me, the first volume is my absolute favorite Seeing Harry, who had a tough childhood, making friends from scratch just like me, makes me so happy

Yes, I understand very well because I didnt have any friends either! Being in such an unfortunate environment, its really nice to see friends increasing in a completely new world!

The elderly female complainer, who should have been raising her voice in a fearsome manner, and Haruka, who should have been teetering on the edge due to fear, were somehow chatting amicably.

Haruka had her usual 100% pure smile, and the old lady, as if being drawn in by it, was naturally wearing a smile too.

It was as if they were having a meeting of a mutual interest club. Both of them seemed genuinely happy.

(Did Haruka lead the situation like this? All on her own, without anyones support?)

Hastily considering how to intervene, I was simply amazed at what Haruka had accomplished. That girl, being able to chat amicably with the complainer, was truly astonishing.

That Im really sorry, young lady.

The elderly lady, now with a completely calm expression, began, looking like she found it difficult to say.

Its about the new release, you see. Now that Ive calmed down, I realize I said some terrible things. But lately, Ive been losing my temper so easily Its not just about being irritated, I think I just wanted the staff to pay attention to me

I understand, because I didnt have any friends either due to being in an unfortunate environment! So I think its really nice to see new friends being made in a completely different world!

The lady, now completely mild-mannered, confessed with a self-loathing expression.

I havent seen my child or grandchild in a long time, my spouse passed away a long time ago, and I dont have any friends I remained a poor old lady with a poor heart. But just by having a young person pay a little attention to me like this, I feel so good It really is like a cash infusion

(I see She was the type to complain out of loneliness.)

A case commonly seen in elderly people living alone, where they get irritated due to the deepening loneliness, and in order to get attention, they end up complaining to others.

What they want isnt an apology or compensation, but communication with others. Therefore, after a certain amount of conversation, the usual common-sense feeling often returns.

If its alright with me, lets talk again. I read various books too, so Im sure itll be enjoyable if we talk about them!

You You

The lady, who seemed to be overwhelmed by the words and smile that clearly came from an innocent heart rather than as a store employees duty, looked at Haruka with wide eyes.

Im really embarrassed I want to cool my head a bit today, so Im going home. Im really sorry for bothering you with my work, dear store employee

Saying that, the lady left with quiet steps.

As she was leaving the store, she bowed to us in a way that you wouldnt think she was the complainer who had raised her voice just a while ago. It was as if a spirit had been exorcised.

Whew I somehow managed to convince her! Oh! Shinichiro, since when were you here!? Did you resolve the issue over there!?

Ah, yeah. I managed to settle the matter with the university students who came in a group.

Upon realizing my presence, Haruka exclaimed in surprise, and I greeted her with a smile.

So I rushed over here to help But that was amazing, Haruka! You handled the elderly lady who was shouting perfectly!

Haha Honestly, I was a little close to tears at first

As I praised her wholeheartedly, Harukas cheeks flushed.

But in reality, this was quite an impressive feat. Calming down someone who had gotten completely agitated is quite challenging, even for adults.

Its not like I did it all on my own. Somehow, I remembered what you told me, Shinichiro

My words? Ah, I see. So thats how you realized that the lady was the type to complain out of loneliness.

Yes, but all I thought of was whether there was a topic that would make her happy I just talked about things I like in a normal conversation style with you, Shinichiro, and forgot about the purpose of calming her down

Haruka, looking embarrassed and smiling shyly, but it was probably because of her demeanor that the old lady quickly opened up her heart.

The pure smile devoid of any malice and the warm, kind words were more comforting than anything else for someone suffering from loneliness.

If this had been an action driven by calculated awareness of dealing with lonely customers, it might have been noticed, and she might have been met with even more anger in return.

But well, its impressive that you managed it on your own Haruka, I guess youre particularly bad at handling situations where you get emotionally cornered?

Since childhood and up until now, Haruka has been tormented by girls who envied her beauty and innocence. Perhaps because of this, she should be quite uncomfortable with people who complain loudly, like the complainer

Yes, I havent changed at all in that regard. If I have to deal with something similar, Ill probably break out in a cold sweat and end up freezing without being able to do anything.

Perhaps remembering the fear of handling complaints, Haruka wiped the pearls of sweat on her forehead with a tense expression still lingering.

But I thought it wasnt enough. It wont change anything if I keep running around scared forever.

Haruka

The girl who spoke so decisively seemed to look a little more mature than before.

So, Im thinking of gradually facing scary things and things Im not good at in my own way. I might face even scarier situations, but if I dont try, nothing will change.

Saying such strong words, the girl seemed to have changed even more than when we met again about half a year ago. Im not sure how to express this inner change, but somehow, she seemed to have become even more radiant and beautiful.

Ah, but I know that forcing it is no good! If things had gotten even more out of hand this time, I was fully prepared to run crying to the manager or someone else!

Ah, thats the right call.

I nodded to Haruka, who was by no means advocating recklessness.

Since she understands that much, theres really nothing more for me to say.

(Haha ever since I time-looped into this second-round world, Ive been busy meddling in things to make Haruka stronger)

At this rate, it can be said that most of my goal to strengthen Harukas heart has been achieved.

Shes no longer just a weak daughter whos crushed by malice. When its time to get angry, she gets angry, when its time to stand up, she does, and when its time to step back, she does. Shes starting to remember these things firmly.

(Maybe achieving one of my goals, which was to make Haruka stronger, is mostly complete. She probably wont need my support anymore)

Thinking this, a sudden, inexplicable loneliness welled up in me. Although I had wished for Harukas emotional growth, now that she might not rely on me anymore, my heart couldnt help but wither.

Hehe, but still, Im glad I managed to do it on my own! I know it was just a stroke of luck, but its all thanks to you, Shinichiro, for teaching me so many things!

Haruka beamed with innocent joy, shining a light into my downcast heart.

However, her words are probably a bit too much of an overestimation.

No, no, no, what I did was just giving some very basic advice. What happened today was especially the result of Haruka working hard.

Everything Ive done so far was really just talking about my own experiences and objective generalities. The truly amazing thing is Haruka, who earnestly accepts advice like mine and is trying to change herself.

The me from high school in the first round, I wouldnt have been able to change myself by even a millimeter, no matter what anyone said to me

No, thats not true! Because, since I started talking to you, Shinichiro, Ive been liking myself more and more!

Without missing a beat, Haruka returned with a straightforward smile, and for a moment, I forgot my emotions.

Like this, Im getting happier as I change myself for the better And thats definitely thanks to you, Shinichiro! So

Haruka seemed so happy that she couldnt contain the overflowing cheers in her heart, even though she was on duty.

So please stay with me from now on!

With a beaming smile full of overflowing joy and affection, the girl spoke.

The words were pure, and the smile was as lively and angelic as ever.

Faced with these, I could do nothing but blush like an inexperienced middle schooler.

(Ah, even though Im on duty My heart is overflowing with love)

Realizing that my romantic resistance hadnt grown at all, even though the person I cared for had become more mentally strong and her attractiveness as a girl had increased, I couldnt help but notice.

(TLN) This chapter smelled of getting close to the end. I dont know exactly when the last chapter is but it feels close. Bonus chapter 4/5