I Was Abandoned by My Fiancé and Betrayed by My Best Friend—A Story from Rock Bottom - Chapter 31

The next morning.

As I was sitting at my desk, someone unexpectedly spoke to me.

“You stayed late yesterday… until quite late.”

When I turned around, it was Kiryū-san.

Though his voice was matter-of-fact, I felt there was a certain softness mixed in.

“Y-yes. I was just organizing some materials…”

“Udo, don’t push yourself too hard.”

Those words warmed my chest.

“Th-thank you.”

But immediately, he averted his gaze and returned to his usual self.

Still not ready.

And I myself can’t work like I used to before that day.

I don’t make mistakes or anything, but there’s a somewhat unsettled feeling about me.

—What should I do?

I feel like if things continue like this, I’m going to fall apart…

◆◆◆

Afternoon.

I accompanied Kiryū-san to a client meeting.

He spoke calmly, and the business discussion progressed.

However, at a crucial moment, the client’s representative suddenly became emotional.

The discussion was temporarily interrupted.

In the tense atmosphere, I unintentionally spoke up.

“…If you’ll allow me to organize the discussion points, I think it would become clearer.”

“What would a mere secretary know?!”

“If I’ve offended you, I apologize. As Kiryū has stated, our company is positively considering this matter. Please, calm down.”

I bowed my head and carefully chose my words.

Then, the other party’s expression softened, and the conversation resumed.

“I’m sorry for raising my voice. Your words resonated with me.”

“Thank you as well.”

During that exchange, Kiryū-san glanced at me from the side.

Our eyes met for a moment.

Just for a few seconds.

But my heart raced.

Did I do something unnecessary again…?

◆◆◆

In the car on the way back.

As I was organizing documents in the passenger seat, his voice suddenly came.

“You handled the business discussion well. Thank you.”

—I was praised.

I was useful.

“N-no, not at all. I should be the one… sorry.”

My face must be bright red…

I hope he doesn’t notice.

Ignoring my state, Kiryū-san said one thing.

“…Yesterday, I heard you had lunch with Kaya.”

“Huh? Ah, yes. Rindo-chan invited me for lunch.”

“I see.”

A brief, solitary reply.

But just for that moment, his tone felt slightly lower.

As if—somehow, he was concerned.

“…Um, is something wrong?”

“Well… would you have lunch with me sometime too?”

“Huh?”

“Is that no good…”

“N-no, it’s fine. It’s just, if we’re seen together just the two of us…”

I’m worried about what others in the office might think.

“That’s true. Then how about having it in the managing director’s office?”

Kiryū-san glanced at me and proposed.

“Ah, that would be fine. Shall I make a bento and bring it?”

If it’s just occasionally, I can do that too.

“Is that okay?”

“Well, as long as it’s not every day. I want to make sure I have days to eat with Rindo-chan too.”

Kiryū-san seemed relieved at my words.

“Understood. In that case, I’ll leave the scheduling to you.”

Kiryū-san said that with a faint smile.

“Understood. I’ll send you a message tonight or something.”

After that, the conversation stopped, and only the engine sound echoed in the quiet car.

Gazing at the cityscape outside, I bit my lip slightly.

(…Is he concerned about me? Or is it just a coincidence…?)

I can’t see the answer.

Carrying that restless feeling in my heart, I followed the lights outside the window.