I Was Abandoned by My Fiancé and Betrayed by My Best Friend—A Story from Rock Bottom - Chapter 27

The next day.

The shock of yesterday’s confession still echoed deep in my chest.

I arrived at work and began preparing at my desk.

But the words on the documents wouldn’t register in my mind at all.

(…I can’t do this, I’m too conscious of it. To think it would come from Kirishima-san…!)

The more I thought about it, the faster my heart raced, and my face grew hot.

But I couldn’t bring myself to nod in agreement so easily, because I lacked confidence.

Past wounds, and the broken engagement from Hiroyasu.

In the end, I hadn’t sorted out my feelings enough to simply say “yes.”

◆◆◆

Afternoon.

Summoned by Kirishima-san, I headed to his office.

“Excuse me. It’s Udo.”

When I entered the room, Kirishima-san was waiting.

“Let’s get straight to it. Please have a seat.”

He gestured toward the reception sofa, and I sat as instructed.

My heart was pounding like a rapid drumbeat.

After that, Kirishima-san also sat on the sofa opposite me.

“My apologies. This seemed more convenient. There are no prying eyes here.”

“…Yes, you’re right.”

I looked up at Kirishima-san with my head slightly bowed.

I was worried my face might be bright red.

But I felt like Kirishima-san’s face was slightly flushed too.

A brief silence passed between us.

“About yesterday… Would you give me your answer?”

Amid the tension, Kirishima-san took the lead.

Though my throat felt tight with nerves, I mustered the courage to speak.

“…Yes. About that… my formal answer… Please give me a little more time.”

Kirishima-san’s eyes, which had been expressionless, shifted slightly.

“May I ask why?”

“Yes… Um, I’m… happy about your feelings.”

Choosing my words carefully, I desperately tried to convey my thoughts.

“But… I’m not mentally prepared yet.”

Kirishima-san listened to my words and nodded quietly.

To keep my words from faltering, I took a deep breath and let it all out.

“I haven’t mentioned this before, but right before I started working here—just recently, actually I was broken up with by someone I was engaged to. Because of that, when it comes to love… I haven’t sorted out my own feelings yet.”

When I said that, Kirishima-san showed a surprised expression I’d never seen before.

“Something like that happened… I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s not your fault at all. I haven’t told the chairman or anyone else.”

I took a moment to steady my breathing and continued.

“…But the fact that you shared your feelings with me… for me too…”

I trailed off there, lowered my gaze, and spoke again.

“I can’t give you an answer right away… but I think I can take small steps forward.”

“I see… I don’t mean to pressure you. There’s no need to rush your answer.”

His voice made my heart squeeze tight.

“And, there’s one more thing I’d like to ask.”

“…What is it? Go ahead.”

“Yes. At work, could we continue as we always have? I still want to do my best as your secretary.”

Seeing my words and expression, Kirishima-san nodded.

“Understood. I promise. I don’t intend to bring personal matters into work either. And I’ll be considerate so as not to make Udo feel uncomfortable.”

Judging by Kirishima-san’s tone and eyes, he didn’t seem to be lying.

“Thank you very much! I’ll work even harder than before, so please continue to guide me.”

Without thinking, I stood up and bowed deeply.

“Understood. Please sit down.”

Urged by Kirishima-san, I sat back on the sofa.

“Let’s discuss all personal matters via social media or outside the company. Is that acceptable?”

“Yes… Though, for the next two or three days, even if you contact me, I might not be able to give a proper response.”

I honestly confessed my feelings.

“Ah. I understand. I’ll wait until I hear from you.”

Kirishima-san’s expression seemed softer than before.

“I’m really sorry…”

—Kirishima-san is so kind, but I feel like there’s a bit of distance between us now—.

“But… no, never mind.”

Kirishima-san started to say something but swallowed his words.

The fact that he didn’t press further left me with a mix of anxiety and guilt.

◆◆◆

By the time I finished work and left the office.

My junior colleague Rindo-chan came running over innocently.

“Miharu-senpai~! Staying this late, did something happen?”

“Eh!? N-nothing!”

I shook my head in a fluster.

“Let’s walk to the station together.”

“…O-okay.”

I felt saved by her bright smile.

—But…

This restlessness in my chest, I want to tell someone about it.

Suppressing such feelings with all my might, I walked in step with Rindo-chan.

(I still can’t give an answer. But I have to face it little by little.)

—Clutching my wavering heart, even the neon lights of the night city couldn’t illuminate that answer for me.