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

Chapter 152: The Problem Starts Here

Ah its truly wonderful.

Surrounded by lush, green trees emitting a fresh scent, we were making our way towards a hill on the south side of the park.

Haruka seemed more relaxed than I expected, enjoying the sight of ducks bathing in the pond and the fragrance of well-tended flowers.

But it surprised me. When I contacted you to apologize for last night, you turned around and said you wanted to apologize instead.

Thats I genuinely felt my behavior was rude and needed reflection. In times like that, one should definitely offer a proper apology.

Youre really earnest thats very much like the Shijouin I know.

Is that so? Was I like that even in high school?

Yeah, you were. Serious, a bit absent-minded, but kind to everyone. Thats the kind of girl you were.

Is that so?

When I gave my honest impression, Haruka turned her face away, looking a bit embarrassed.

Uh-oh. Maybe I was too honest, approaching this conversation with the attitude of dealing with high school-era Haruka.

As we talked, we stepped onto the hill, the most popular spot in this seaside park, and began to climb the long staircase.

Gradually, the scent of the sea mingled in, and the trees around us started to disappear.

Then, at the top of the long staircase

Wow!

Haruka let out a cheer at the sight before us.

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What stretched out before us was an endless expanse of azure sea.

Today, the weather was favorable, and the sea, illuminated by the brilliant sun, sparkled so much it was overwhelming.

Its beautiful

Gazing at the sea with a look of longing and admiration, Haruka seemed like a child being taken to the sea for the first time.

Ive experienced it myself, but grand natural features like mountains or the sea resonate with adults.

The beauty of such a vast scale not only highlights the insignificance of humans, but also heals our worries, reminding us that our troubles are small in the face of nature.

Its strange. Even though its a view I could have seen anytime for some reason, it feels so beautiful that I want to cry.

Thats good then. Since youre probably tired every day in the concrete jungle, I thought seeing a view like this might help you relax a bit Im relieved you feel that way.

The idea stemmed from my experience of going to the sea in the second loop.

Adults, fatigued by society compared to when they were children, find solace in natureIve felt that firsthand.

Hehe Youve become really good at considering others, Niihama-kun. Its quite nostalgic for me as someone who knew you back then.

Your way of saying that makes it sound like were long-lost relatives or something

Haha, but, Niihama-kun, youve truly become cool. I can vouch for that.

Perhaps due to the brilliance of the sun and the sound of the waves, the adult Haruka let down her guard and showed the most gentle smile she had so far.

Just seeing this smile, it would seem like she didnt have any problems at all.

However

Um thank you for meeting me again today. Im sorry for suddenly intruding with meddlesome things yesterday.

No, as I conveyed in my message, Im the one who should apologize.

As I broached the main topic, the cheerful smile faded from Harukas face, replaced by that sorrowful shadow I saw yesterday.

She had returned to that face I disliked so much.

I understood that you, Niihama-kun, were genuinely concerned about me and spoke with great conviction. Yet, in my thoughtless reflex, I not only rejected you outright but also left the scene It was truly impolite behavior.

From my perspective, its not something to apologize so profusely for, but Haruka lowered her head deeply in apology. This aspect of her is truly characteristic of Haruka

But even so I cannot accept Niihama-kuns proposal to step away from work.

With her head raised, Harukas previously gentle expression now seemed incredibly cold, overshadowed and utterly impassive. It was as if she was saying there was no room for negotiation.

The reason I proposed meeting with you directly today is twofold. First, I thought we should meet face-to-face so I could properly apologize for yesterday. And second, to reiterate that I cannot accept your proposal, Niihama-kun.

Speaking as if that was the main point, Haruka spoke fluidly. There was no emotion in her voice, just a matter-of-fact tone.

You must have seen people truly crushed by their work, Niihama-kun. Thats why I understand that you listened to me and were deeply concerned.

Haruka looked at me with eyes filled with cold determination. It was as if she was saying, I dont need your goodwill or concern.

However, I am fine, and I have no intention of changing who I am now. So, Niihama-kun, you dont need to allocate any more time to me. I wanted to make it clear by meeting face-to-face.

Though her choice of words was polite and orderly, it was an even more definite rejection than yesterday. It was a declaration of disconnection, saying there was no further room for discussion on this matter.

I see. I understand what you want to say.

To say I wasnt shocked by this declaration directly opposing my purpose would be a lie. However, I composed myself, feigning calmness, and responded quietly.

(I knew this was Harukas stance. The problem is what to do from here.)

Im quite familiar with Shijouin Haruka. Shes natural, dead serious, self-punishing, and has a gentle aura but a strong will.

So, getting flustered and trying to convince her strongly here would be a bad move.

What I should aim for is to find the factors that are keeping Haruka in this stance and crack them.