I Was Abandoned by My Fiancé and Betrayed by My Best Friend—A Story from Rock Bottom - Chapter 25

The next day in the secretarial office.

As I was organizing documents at my desk, Kiryū-san unexpectedly spoke to me.

“…Do you have plans this weekend?”

“Eh…?”

It was so sudden I nearly dropped the papers in my hands.

“If you don’t have particular plans… there’s somewhere I’d like you to come with me.”

“Co-come with…!?”

The other secretarial staff around us started whispering excitedly with quiet “Eeeek!” sounds.

I hurriedly added more words.

“Th-this is work-related, right!? It is, isn’t it!?”

“…I’ll give you the details later.”

With just those words, Kiryū-san returned to his office.

I hadn’t gotten an answer, but with everyone watching, the atmosphere didn’t allow for refusal.

What is this…!?

Is this what Reika-san meant by “open and aboveboard”!?

“Miharu-chan, was that maybe a date invitation?”

Senior Ohara Natsuko asked me with keen interest.

“No way~. There’s no way that stiff, work-focused Kiryū-san would do something like that~”

“Is that so. How boring~”

No way, something like that couldn’t possibly happen.

Later, I received a detailed message.

《Saturday at 14:00. Meet at Ueno Park exit ticket gate.》

Typical Kiryū-san’s brief message.

We exchanged a few more messages after that, but he wouldn’t give me more details.

However, I got a general idea about what to wear and such.

◇ ◇ ◇

And then the weekend came.

I hesitated over pink but settled on a pale-yellow dress.

I chose elegant-looking earrings and a necklace.

On my right wrist, an ultra-small smartwatch.

I packed only my phone and the bare essentials into a small black leather bag.

Just a tiny bit of the perfume “Rin” that Reika-san had recommended.

Even if this was work-related, it might be a bit noticeable, but it shouldn’t leave a bad impression.

I kept my makeup natural and left home a bit early.

I arrived ten minutes before our scheduled meeting time of 14:00.

Kiryū-san was already at our meeting spot.

“Ardō, over here.”

His voice was slightly louder than usual.

Instead of his usual suit, he was wearing a jacket in a subdued color.

He was smiling differently than usual as he looked my way and called out.

I couldn’t help but blink.

“Hello. Sorry to keep you waiting.”

A soft fragrance of perfume drifted around me.

Kiryū-san was looking at me with a refreshing atmosphere about him.

“Ah, you’re early. Shall we go then?”

Just like usual or so I thought, but there was a slight restless feeling about him.

What is it…? Am I imagining things?

“Yes, where are we going today?”

“The metropolitan art museum. There happens to be a good exhibition right now. I thought we’d go there.”

“…Y-yes”

…Wh-what is this—the destination is an art museum!?

The art museum was about a ten-minute walk from our meeting spot.

It was quite a large building, a proper art museum.

Kiryū-san escorted me as we entered the museum.

But something felt different from usual.

“This painting is…”

He launched into rapid explanations that didn’t register at all.

“Um… Kiryū-san?”

“What is it? Are you thirsty?”

“…N-no”

Our conversation wasn’t connecting.

After the museum, he took me to a famous walking path.

What in the world is this?

Kiryū-san occasionally made eye contact and spoke matter-of-factly.

We ended up walking nearly three kilometers there.

“What’s wrong? Are you hungry?”

“No, I’m completely exhausted and can’t walk anymooore~”

If I’d known we were going walking, I would’ve worn walking shoes…

My feet are screaming in protest…

“…My apologies. I wasn’t considerate enough.”

That’s not really the issue though…

We sat down on a white bench that happened to be empty.

But wait a minute… this feels exactly like a date course so far!?

—Kiryū-san today is definitely acting strange!

He’s not saying anything, and when I ask he dodges the question, and I have no idea what he’s thinking…

◆◆◆

The final place he took me was a hilltop overlooking the city’s night view.

Kiryū-san remained silent for a while, gazing at the nightscape.

Unable to bear it any longer, I spoke up.

“Um… Kiryū-san? About why you brought me around today…”

Kiryū-san turned to face me directly.

Then he took about three steps closer to me.

Combined with the glittering city neon lights, my heart leaped.

What is this uncomfortable feeling deep in my chest?

Even though we’re at our usual distance, the atmosphere is different.

Kiryū-san took a deep breath and slowly opened his mouth.

“…Mi… Miharu-san”

At that form of address, my chest involuntarily jumped.

He always calls me “Ardō”… why only now?

“Yes?”

Followed by… silence?

What? What is this?

“…W-would you…”

Yes? Would you?

“…um, da… da-date me?”

“…Huh?”

The sound escaped before I could think.

I couldn’t believe my ears.

But Kiryū-san, his face red, continued further.

“I… li… like… you”

My mind went completely blank.

“Eh… EEEEEEEH!?!?!?”

I unintentionally staggered, my strength leaving me.

Then I collapsed right there on the spot.

“Wh-wh-wha… wh-what are you saying!? Kiryū-san!!”

Kiryū-san averted his gaze from me just slightly, still serious as he said:

“…That’s all.”

My heart was pounding. My head was about to explode.

“Wh-what did you saaaaaaaay!!!!”

I remained collapsed on the ground, screaming toward the night view…

◇ ◇ ◇

After returning home.

With Kiryū-san’s help, I somehow managed to get back.

Having been seen in such an embarrassing state, I felt pathetic and ashamed.

I buried my face in my futon, hugging my pillow as I rolled around.

“Wh-what should I do… what should I do what should I do!!!”

Kiryū-san’s voice wouldn’t leave my head.

『…I like you』

“Hyaaaaaaa!!!”

I screamed and pressed my flushed face into the pillow.

—This is a ‘confession,’ right?

The depths of my chest felt hot and painful, and I didn’t think I could sleep.

All the blood in my body was boiling, and my heart felt like it might burst any moment.

“I’m not mentally prepared for this at aaaaaall!!”

—And so, my world began moving dramatically once again.