I Was Abandoned by My Fiancé and Betrayed by My Best Friend—A Story from Rock Bottom - Chapter 28

One day during lunch break.

After organizing some documents on the secretarial department desk, I headed toward the company cafeteria.

Then, a cheerful voice called out from behind me.

“Miharu-senpai! Let’s have lunch together!”

When I turned around, it was Rindo Kaya—my colleague who joined the company at the same time as me and who I’m usually with.

It’s been a month since she joined the company, and she’s already become the mood-maker of the secretarial department.

“I’ve told you—we’re colleagues…”

“…But calling you ‘senpai’ just feels right to me!”

Well, I guess what she calls me doesn’t really matter…

Compared to how timid she was when she first joined, it’s hard to believe how her smile has now become her trademark.

She’s well-liked by senior colleagues and the male employees around us.

“Alright, fine. I’m in a good mood today, so lunch is on me.”

“Really? I’m so happy! Thank you for the treat~”

As she said that, she clung to my arm.

Seeing Rindo-chan’s sunny smile bursting with happiness, I couldn’t help but smile wryly.

“Wow! This looks delicious today!”

She seemed delighted with the luxurious A Lunch set.

We stood side by side to receive our lunches and sat down at a window seat.

We had just started eating when—

She suddenly turned serious and lowered her voice.

“Senpai… Can I talk to you about something romantic?”

“Romantic talk? …Sure, go ahead.”

“Well, you see… It’s about Saito-kun from the sales department—the one who joined at the same time as us. He’s been really kind to me lately.”

“Eh, Saito-kun… You mean the quiet one who’s good with numbers?”

“Yes, that’s him! I thought he was avoiding me, but he’s been helping me with document preparation and even bought me coffee… Do you think he might be interested in me?!”

Rindo-chan leaned forward over the table.

“Could it be… that you have feelings for him?”

Pushed by her sparkling eyes, I decided to probe her true feelings.

Then, she suddenly became more reserved.

“Actually… yes. That’s why I wanted to hear your opinion…”

She told me in a whisper.

—Bullseye.

I thought for a moment before answering.

“Well… judging from the situation, it seems pretty obvious, doesn’t it?”

At that, Rindo-chan’s sunny demeanor returned.

“Really? I knew it! …But I heard a rumor that Saito-kun used to like you, Senpai. So, I thought… maybe someone like me wouldn’t have a chance.”

“…Eh!? M-me!?”

That was so unexpected I nearly dropped my spoon.

I’ve never heard anything like that!?

“But maybe Saito-kun is being kind because of you, Senpai. You always brighten up the room and have a way of motivating people. Even in the sales department, they call it the ‘Udo-san Effect.'”

“Eh, they call it that!?”

No, no, no—that can’t be right.

“Yes. So, if Saito-kun and I start dating… you’ll be the first to know!”

Rindo-chan grinned and stuffed her mouth with fried chicken.

Her innocence made me smile too.

…I really hope things work out for her.

“In that case, I’ll support you all the way! If I ever run into him, I’ll talk you up as much as I can!”

At my words, Rindo-chan smiled even wider.

“Thank you. But that’s embarrassing, so please don’t overdo it.”

“What are you talking about? You have to go for it with someone you like! Nothing will start if you don’t express your feelings!”

I ended up getting carried away and giving a passionate speech…

Even Rindo-chan seemed a little taken aback…

—And then, I suddenly felt a sharp pang in my chest.

The words Kiryū-san said to me that day replayed in my head.

‘I like you.’

And here I am, still unable to give him an answer.

While listening to Rindo-chan talk about her love life, I was confronting my own uncertainties deep in my heart.