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

Chapter 143: Meeting the Grown-Up You

The time was evening.

As the streets filled with salarymen carrying their briefcases, I stood at a certain location near the heart of the city.

(Here we go Damn, Im getting nervous.)

My heart raced incessantly since I had finally decided to get to the main subject. After all, if I fail this, its all over.

(If I mess this up, the second worlds Haruka will remain the same. And eventually, this first worlds Haruka will suffer the same fate due to bullying.)

The weight of responsibility pressed down on me, the heaviest burden Id ever felt in my entire life.

But, none of that mattered. Who backs down just because the bar is set high? (TLN: Me. )

I was originally just an introverted, weak-willed guy, like a dime a dozen.

But now, in my heart, theres a resolute determination to achieve my goal, no matter the obstacles.

What fuels that determination is the insane regret I feel for the pitiful first life I led.

Ill never experience that kind of suffering again.

Ill crush the impending worst-case scenario no matter whatthats the resolve I hold.

(And now, its not just that)

What comes to mind are the scenes from the second world.

In my second youth as a high school student, I gained many things Id missed before.

Improvement in my relationship with my sister, a youth with everyone at school, an expanded circle of friends.

And above allforging a deep bond with Haruka.

I recall Harukas radiant smile, her eyes that reflected me, and the many moments we spent together.

The determination to protect the future of the girl I hold dear burns within me with a terrifying intensity.

(Dont underestimate the introvert who defies time! Im a dangerous individual whod even alter history to fulfill my own love!)

With this determination firmly set, I stopped in my tracks.

In the direction of my gaze, a six-story tall corporate building stood.

It was a major company in the local industry, with a fair amount of recognition due to TV commercials and the like.

This was the workplace where Haruka had continued to go. This detestable place, where they killed the heart of that innocent girl.

(As impressive as this renowned companys building is I guess the inside isnt necessarily clean after all)

In my previous life, when Haruka met her downfall, I, in my corporate slave days, read the article with a sense of disbelief, hoping it was some kind of mistake. I absorbed the content as if my life depended on it.

As a result, I came to intimately understand the grotesque extent of the ugly bullying that led to Harukas demise, leaving me with a lasting trauma. However, this also etched the name of the company responsible firmly in my memory.

And now, I stand in a position where I can see the entrance of that company, pretending to fiddle with my phone like a detective on a stakeout.

Im here to meet the adult Haruka who will soon come out from there.

(My sole purpose is one to avoid the worst-case scenario of Haruka becoming a shut-in.)

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And the concrete means to achieve this is surprisingly simple.

(Haruka continued to suffer severe bullying in the company, which ultimately led to her mental breakdown. So, just like I did today it would be best if Haruka also quits the company.)

But, convincing her will be quite challenging.

After all, in this first-world, Haruka and I have no more than the relationship of classmates in high school, and our contact is very sparse.

Haruka has probably long forgotten about me.

(But that doesnt matter I have to do it. Starting from a position almost as a complete stranger, it feels like I might cry, but first, I need to establish a position where I can talk to Haruka.)

With my determination firm, I, once again, focus on the companys entrance.

About two hours have passed since the standard quitting time, and theres been no sign of anyone coming out of the building.

Perhaps today is an off-site or somethingI thought.

Haruka

I muttered in amazement as the figure of a woman emerged from the companys entrance.

The now twenty-five-year-old Shijouin Haruka, the same age as me, was there.

First, what captivated me was her matured beauty.

Her beauty, already angelic back in high school, now combined the allure of an adult and the innocence of a girl, creating something that could only be described as goddess-like.

She wore a rather plain ladies suit, but having seen Haruka from high school until just recently, I was captivated by the contrast of this adult symbol.

Her eyes, like sparkling stars, her lustrous lips, and her long hair gleaming with radiance, all shone brighter than in high school, with no shadow on her beauty.

But

(Whats with that expression)

From the face of the adult Haruka, radiating mature charm, that radiant innocence had disappeared.

She seemed devoid of vitality, like a widow mourning a loved one, with only the profound fatigue evident.

Exhausted from being an adult, a woman stood there who had lost hope.

As someone who knew the blooming smile of Haruka in high school, I felt my chest tighten at this deeply wounded expression.

How much pain must she have endured to have that radiant sparkle disappear from her face?

(It hurts, but I cant think about it now. I just need to make contact with Haruka!)

With determination, I once again observe the companys entrance.

As someone who knew Harukas smiling face that bloomed in high school, my heart tightens at this deeply wounded expression.

To see that girl who was like the sun now with such a clouded face just how much pain must she have experienced?

(It hurts, but I cant think about it now. Anyway, I need to make contact with Haruka!)

With the chance presenting itself, I slowly approach Haruka.

What Im doing is nothing short of stalking, but for me at this moment, theres no other way to establish contact other than to approach her on the street.

Ex excuse me! Could I have a moment?

?

As I call out to her, Haruka slowly turns to look at me.

Her eyes are still as beautiful as jewels, but theres a shadow of deep exhaustion in their radiance.

(Its Haruka Truly, the adult)

When I look directly at her, I momentarily catch my breath at the aura and beauty she exudes.

The girl I love most in the world has grown up, and my heart cant help but race.

Uh, Im sorry for stopping you so suddenly. I am

I must decline.

The moment I try to say the prepared words, Harukas sharp voice descends on me like a cold shower.

I cannot entertain any invitations from you. Please understand.

Without showing any emotion, Haruka states it like a routine administrative procedure.

This dry and unemotional way of speaking, along with her expression, so different from the Haruka of high school, leaves me somewhat shocked and frozen.

Then, Ill take my leave.

Ah

With that, Haruka turns on her heel, intending to leave this place.

Shes leaving.

Haruka is disappearing from right in front of me.

The intense anxiety I feel at this moment isnt because the key to saving high school Haruka is moving away from meno, its not that.

Its because this exhausted Haruka is vanishing into the darkness beyond my reach.

Shes headed back onto a path of suffering that I cant see.

Riding on the tracks of a predetermined future, shes heading towards a future where her heart will shatter

The sight of this woman, wearing such a pained expression, returning to a path of anguish, fills me with a burning impatience that feels like my nerves are searing.

I wanted to say! Back in high school, I wanted to tell you all along!

In my efforts to get closer to Haruka, Id completely forgotten the words Id prepared.

Instead, what naturally spilled out were the feelings that had settled in my heart.

Because back then, I hardly ever talked to girls! That time, when you, Haru Shijouin-san, asked me for a recommendation for a light novel, I was so happy!

Huh?

As Haruka, who was about to leave, suddenly stops, her wide eyes turn toward me.

After that, even though you started conversations with me about light novels and stuff, I always got flustered! If I made you uncomfortable, Im really sorry! I just couldnt talk properly because I was so nervous!

Letting out all my feelings in one breath, I exhale roughly.

Damn it, what am I yelling about.

To me, this is the only beautiful memory in my introverted youth, but to Haruka, its probably just something like talking a bit with Mob Boy A. Its likely etched in her memory

Niihama, right?

Huh

As Haruka, unexpectedly, utters my name, my eyes widen in surprise.

TLN: Hey all! Im back and boi do we have a nice welcome back chapter! Sorry, it was my birthday on the 7th so I took a week off. But were back and Im filling the queue right now! Good news is that the author has been posting chapters consistently even if I havent so theres plenty of buffer!