Estimated reading time: ~5 minutes
Chapter 41
About five years ago, on a certain day.
After finishing work, Isamu gathers with three college friends at an izakaya for drinks, a rare reunion.
「Ahh, Isamu, you’ve got it good.」
One friend sighs, slumping onto the table after downing his beer in one go.
「Huh? What’s with that sudden comment?」
「Well, it’s just that everything seems to be going smoothly for you, you know? I’m seriously envious.」
「Yeah, becoming a section chief at 30! That’s impressive!」
「Plus, you’ve got an amazing girlfriend! Man, it’s so unfair.」
Yuya’s words are echoed by Kousuke and Takeru, who chime in agreement.
Isamu responds with a wry smile.
「Well, being a section chief isn’t that big a deal. My company isn’t that large, you know. It’s not that impressive. …Though I won’t deny the girlfriend part.」
Isamu works for a food manufacturing company with about 400 employees.
He’s in the sales department and was promoted to section chief six months ago, a result of his good performance and work ethic.
Yuka, the girlfriend they mentioned, is three years younger than Isamu and works at a bakery.
They met when Isamu was 26 and have been dating for four years now.
Of course, the three friends here have met Yuka several times and know her well.
「Damn it, you lucky bastard! …So, how’s it going? Isn’t it about time?」
「Ah, yeah. I’ve been thinking about that too, but I’m swamped with work right now. Plus, I want to save up a bit more money. Once things settle down, I’ll propose.」
「I see. Don’t make her wait too long. …Though I’m kinda hoping you’ll get dumped so I can have a chance!」
「Yeah! We’ll be here to comfort you if that happens!」
「Come join us on the single side already!」
「Shut up! Sorry to disappoint, but things won’t go the way you guys want!」
Isamu laughs as he responds to his friends’ joking remarks.
The conversation then shifts to other topics, and the four of them have a great time, thoroughly enjoying themselves.
☆
Several hours later.
「I’m home!」
Isamu calls out as he opens the door, having caught the last train home.
Suddenly, a door inside the apartment swings open and—
「Ah, welcome home, Isamu!」
A woman greets him cheerfully.
This is Nanasawa Yuka, Isamu’s live-in girlfriend.
She has long, sleek black hair and large, downturned eyes.
Her upturned mouth corners give her an adorable look, and she perfectly embodies the word 「demure」 with her cute appearance.
Always smiling, she’s bright and kind to everyone, with a generous heart like that of a saint.
Isamu feels that Yuka is 「too good for someone like me,」 but to others, they look like a well-matched couple of nice people.
「I’m back! Sorry I’m late.」
「No worries! How was it? Did you have fun?」
「Yeah, it’s been a while since we met, so we ended up talking for quite a bit.」
「I see, that’s great! Oh, I made some clam miso soup to help with your hangover.」
「Oh, thanks! I think I’ll have some right away.」
「Sure! Just sit down and wait!」
Yuka scurries off to the kitchen.
Isamu’s face softens at the sight of her endearing figure as he heads to the living room table.
As he checks tomorrow’s schedule on his smartphone, he hears Yuka’s voice along with the soft clinking of a bowl being set down.
「Here you go! Sorry for the wait!」
「Thanks! Well then, let’s eat!」
Isamu picks up the bowl, blows on it to cool it down, and takes a sip of the miso soup.
「Mm, it’s delicious!」
「I’m glad! There’s plenty more, so drink as much as you like!」
「Thanks. Tomorrow’s an important day, so I need to make sure I’m sober.」
「That’s right. I hope the new department head is a nice person.」
「…Yeah.」
(I’m worried…)
Tomorrow, due to personnel changes, a new department head is coming from another branch.
This person is the company president’s brother-in-law, hired through connections, and Isamu has heard some unfavorable rumors about him.
That’s why Isamu feels anxious.
The previous department head was admirable both as a boss and as a person, which had created a positive atmosphere in the department, making the change even more concerning.
「Isamu, is something wrong?」
Sensing Isamu’s unease, Yuka tilts her head and asks with a worried expression.
(Ah, I’ve made Yuka worry. That’s not good. No matter what kind of person the new head is, I just need to keep doing my best as always.)
Yes, for the sake of his future with his beloved Yuka.
Isamu pushes away his anxiety and smiles as he speaks.
「No, I was just thinking about how delicious this miso soup is. It really hits the spot… you know, because of the clams.」
「Haha, oh Isamu! Here, let me get you some more.」
「Thanks! Oh, by the way—」
After that, Isamu enjoys chatting with his beloved girlfriend for a while before they go to bed together.
As he looks at Yuka’s sleeping face, having dozed off first, Isamu reflects once again.
He has good friends he can rely on and a girlfriend with whom he shares mutual love.
At work, he’s blessed with great colleagues and has become a section chief at a young age.
Both his professional and private life are going well, and he truly feels like a lucky man.
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