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

Chapter 165: Her father came to pick us up for our first date.

When I woke up on this chilly morning, I was in very high spirits. You see, today is the day of a special big event my first date with Haruka.

Why, going out i-is that what a date is!? A-ah, yes Im coming, Im coming! Please take me with you, Shinichirou-kun!

In response to my invitation the other day, Haruka, while surprised and blushing, accepted it with an adorable smile.

And now, the much-awaited day of our date has arrived. I had planned to go to the meeting place with plenty of time to spare, but

(Why how did this happen!?)

Im currently sitting in the backseat of a luxurious car. My stomach is twisting with anxiety over this surreal situation.

Is something the matter, Niihama-kun?

The driver who responded to my voice was none other than Harukas father, Shijouin Tokimune, the president of a nationwide bookstore chain.

W-why did you go through the trouble of driving for me? When you were waiting in front of the house like that, my heart felt like it was going to jump out

Yes, thats right. I left the house all excited, but waiting for me was this overprotective president in a luxury car.

Frozen like a stone in the doorway, Ive arrived at this point after being told, Youre meeting Haruka, right? Ill drive you, and getting into the car.

So, I just wanted to talk with you a little. I heard its your first date with Haruka today, so I decided to play chauffeur.

N-no, you didnt have to play chauffeur! What kind of absurd situation is this?!

The last time I saw you was that night when Haruka had recovered. I received a call from Fuyumi-kun and hurried home with my wife

Tokimune-san spoke calmly as always, but its even more terrifying, and my body wont stop trembling.

When I arrived home, the scene that greeted me was Haruka, who had regained her health, embracing you. I didnt know whether to be moved to tears by the sight of my daughter back to normal, or to explode in anger at you, embracing my daughter before us, her parents. My emotions were all over the place.

U-um

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As Tokimune-san continued his narrative, my shirt grew increasingly damp with cold sweat.

Ugh I want to escape!

By the way, heres the problem. When a father, who cherishes his daughter more than anything else, is informed with a flushed face, I have a date tomorrow! and ends up in a one-on-one situation with her date, what do you think the father is thinking?

Uh maybe something like, I cant let a guy like you have my daughter!?

Haha, zero points, Niihama-kun. The answer is Where should I bury this guy?'

Eeek!?

Even though hes speaking in a calm tone, hes still angry! Hes definitely angry!

Haruka said she had a dream while she lost consciousness.

Huh

Suddenly, Tokimune-san lowered his voice.

Its a strange story to have a dream when she wasnt even in a coma Anyway, in that dream, Haruka kept seeing her adult self and you, who were desperately trying to help her.

With a wry smile, Tokimune-san continued.

She said she was guided by your figure and voice, and managed to break free from the deep darkness. When I heard that, I felt completely deflated. Subconsciously, what Haruka sought wasnt her parents who had been watching over her since birth, but a boy she had just started interacting with for about half a year.

A deep sigh escaped the father who loved his daughter, resonating within the car.

But at the same time, I thought. Haruka is no longer a child, shes expanding her world outside the home. Ultimately, even the doctors dont know why Haruka ended up in that state but if it werent for you, she might not have returned to us.

Looking at me through the rearview mirror, Tokimune-san spoke these sincere words to me.

So, I want to thank you, Niihama-kun. Thank you for thinking of Haruka and for being there for her.

N-no, its not I

I hadnt expected the conversation to take such a turn, and I found myself at a loss for words. Tokimune-san chuckled at my reaction and went on with his story.

Listen, Niihama-kun. Has your resolve changed?

Huh?

I already know that the feelings you have for Haruka are not just some carefree high school crush. But thats precisely why Im asking. Has your resolve changed?

With a smile on his lips, Tokimune-san asked me as if he was emphasizing the importance of my answer. It was as if he was completely sure of what my answer would be.

No, it hasnt changed.

In response, I spoke my honest feelings clearly. To be honest, I didnt have any other answer in mind.

Ive finally achieved my long-cherished wish to walk alongside Haruka-san. From now on, as long as Haruka-san doesnt grow tired of me, I want to stay by her side.

Hmm, youre as unreserved as ever. You really dont have the typical cuteness of your age, right from the first time I met you.

Despite his words, Tokimune-sans smile deepened, clearly pleased.

So, from now on, prove it. Prove that youll cherish Harukas feelings and take care of her.

Huh

I was taken aback by the words he gently spoke.

He forgave me?

The man who clearly loves his daughter, Tokimune-san, is willing to accept me, a man, walking alongside Haruka in the turbulent journey of life?

This man, who loves his daughter so much, the president of this major corporation who has faced the ups and downs of life with a keener eye than anyone elsehas recognized that I have the right.

The joy that surged from my chest at this fact was beyond words.

I finally gained this mans approval

Yesss! I will definitely make Haruka happy! And someday, Ill do my best to call you Dad!

What the heck are you talking about?! Youre getting ahead of yourself, you idiot!

With my ideal future inadvertently slipping from my lips, Tokimune-san got angry.