Novel Lived
Chapter 151: The two adults meet up.
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 thats 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.
(No, Im okay That dream, its just that)
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, didnt I?
As I considered this with my sober head, I couldnt help but feel ashamed of how childishly I had acted.
Niihama-kuns 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 wasnt a chat app, but rather a short message that could be sent with just a phone number.
The senders 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 didnt expect that Id be able to arrange another meeting so easily Its 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 hadnt 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, Im the one who needs to apologize for my terrible attitude yesterday. If possible, Id 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, its typical of Haruka, being so serious and polite.)
As a last resort, I had also considered hinting at informing Harukas situation to the Shijouin family.
Most importantly, Im glad I didnt have to resort to what could have been a threat
(Informing the Shijouin family about Harukas current situation, huh? Well, I do understand that its 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 wouldnt work.)
When I first arrived in this first-week world, I thought simply keeping Haruka away from harassment would save her. But now I cant help but feel that it wont solve everything.
However I cant do that. If I take a step back, its all over for me. I cant accept that.
What comes to mind is Harukas clear refusal. Her words carried a resolute will, acknowledging my wish for her to quit but firmly stating her own determination.
(Haruka shes carrying something hardened within her heart)
Its not just because shes too serious that she endures the harassment, but also because of the strong feelings in her heart that wont 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 theres no turning back from here.)
The pressure bearing down on me feels like its constricting my organs. Strangely, though, theres no overwhelming sense of urgency or anxiety.
(I guess its because I had such a nice dream Haha, Im really a simple guy, thinking that talking to Haruka in a dream would restore my energy.)
As I chuckle at myself, suddenly
Ive 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 Harukas charm as an adult.
Oh, no I just got here too. I apologize for making you come out.
? Whats wrong? You look a bit red
Uh, well to be honest, this is my first time meeting a woman like this. Im 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 wasnt a lie.
Hehe, Im quite similar. I dont have anything flashy, so I was a bit indecisive about what to wear.
Im not sure how she interpreted my fluster, but Haruka chuckled with an amused expression. That spilled smile was just like in high school.
(Shes more gentle than I thought?)
Its 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 didnt 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 Its just that the feeling is just like in the dream No, not like that, but its just that your atmosphere has really changed from high school
I see. Well, its 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 wouldnt be able to speak so lightly.
Right now, whats giving me strength isnt 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, isnt 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 were 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.