I Was Abandoned by My Fiancé and Betrayed by My Best Friend—A Story from Rock Bottom - Chapter 29

The next day during lunch break.

On my way back from getting copies, as I turned the corner in the hallway.

“…Ah.”

I unexpectedly made eye contact with that Saito-kun.

His slender build stood about 175 cm tall. With smooth, silky hair and handsome features. I totally get why Rindo-chan would fall for him.

“Udo-san, could I have a moment?”

Not just his face, but even his voice was a beautiful, slightly high-pitched tone. His face appeared slightly flushed. His more serious-than-usual expression made me stop in my tracks without thinking.

Urged by him, we moved to a less crowded spot.

“W-what is it?” I made sure to keep my tone as normal as possible.

“Well… I’ve been thinking about this for a while. I… about Miharu-san—”

“STOP!!”

I instinctively spread both arms wide to block him. Saito-kun stood frozen in astonishment.

“Uh, umm… that…”

“Saito-kun, no more. Not me.”

“…Huh?”

I shook my head seriously. Could it be that he had feelings for me? —But I couldn’t accept that.

I looked directly into his eyes. Could it be that he still hadn’t realized?

“Saito-kun, isn’t there someone much nicer than me?”

“Someone for me?”

“Yes. Would you like to hear what I have to say?”

“Huh?”

His eyes widened dramatically.

“Who are you talking about?”

“I’ll tell you later. She seems interested in you too.”

“…R-really?”

“Mmhm. I think you two would make a perfect couple.”

At my words, Saito-kun looked dumbfounded.

“I won’t steer you wrong. Why not leave it to me?”

“…Just who is it?”

I leaned in slightly and whispered to him. I could almost hear his breathing.

“Nakatani Rindo-chan from the secretarial department.”

“Eh!!”

Instantly, he recoiled and became flustered.

“Wh-what, no way… She’s so bright and popular. Someone like me would never stand a chance.”

“That’s not true! Rindo-chan has been watching you closely.”

“Eh…!”

(Hehe. He’s the only one who hasn’t noticed. So typical…)

“So, what do you say? Want in?”

“Well, if that’s true, it would be amazing, but…”

“Don’t worry. Leave it to me. So, what’ll it be?”

After a brief pause, Saito-kun said to me:

“P-please.”

I responded with a beaming smile.

“Alrighty, deal sealed then. Looking forward to it.”

I gave him a thumbs-up.

◆◆◆

Afternoon, in the office break area.

I dragged Saito-kun over to where Rindo-chan was drinking coffee.

“Wh-what, Miharu-senpai!? Why are you two together…?”

“He said he had something important to tell you. Right?”

“Eh, ah… umm…”

Saito-kun nodded with his face bright red.

“Come on, you’re a guy, right? Just say it!”

When I gave his back a firm push, Saito-kun took a deep breath.

“…Rindo-san! Please go out with me!”

His straightforward words echoed through the break area. Rindo-chan’s eyes became perfectly round.

The next moment, her face turned bright red as she laughed.

“…Oh, you dummy. You finally said it.”

“Eh!? You knew?”

“I noticed a long time ago! But I was waiting for Saito-kun to say it.”

Rindo-chan, with her crimson face, formed her words. A sweet atmosphere gently flowed between the two of them. I couldn’t stop grinning.

“…So, is it okay then?”

“Mmhm. Please lead me properly.”

Seeing their hands naturally clasped together, I couldn’t help but applaud.

“Alrighty, success! And they lived happily ever after!”

“Udo-senpai, really… thank you so much!”

“Master, thank you!”

“Mmhm mmhm. Youth is wonderful. Wait, what? Master?”

Rindo-chan, with her beaming smile, declared to me.

“Senpai kept your promise. So from now on, instead of senpai, please let me call you Master!!”

Saying that, she bowed her head to me.

“Eeeh!! Master is so embarrassing, please stop. Senpai is fine.”

“No way. Udo Master is my benefactor. Senpai just won’t do anymore.”

“What did you say!”

At our exchange, Saito-kun gave an embarrassed laugh.

“I don’t know what’s going on, but Udo-san, you’ve been outmaneuvered here. You should probably just accept it.”

“Even you, Saito-kun! Seriously, acting like it’s someone else’s problem.”

While laughing sheepishly, I gazed at their happy faces.

Seeing them look at each other with blushing cheeks and exchange glances was heartwarming. Maybe I’m actually good at making these kinds of connections after all.

A gentle warmth spread deep in my chest.

“Next is Master’s turn. I’ll cheer for you to find a good person!”

Rindo-chan said with an overflowing smile.

“Wh-what are you saying? You two have just started dating. Focus on yourselves rather than me!”

“Yes! Leave it to us!”

Saito-kun answered with an energetic voice. The two began chatting happily.

—And so, quietly, a new master-disciple relationship was born.

As I watched their interaction, Kiryū-san’s profile suddenly floated into my mind.

But when it comes to my own love life, why does it never go so smoothly?

…No, I can’t think like that. I can’t afford to fall behind either.

—While blessing their smiling faces, I steeled my own feelings.