I Was Abandoned by My Fiancé and Betrayed by My Best Friend—A Story from Rock Bottom - Chapter 38

The afternoon office.

As I was organizing documents, the intercom from reception rang.

“Ms. Udo, Reika Kujo is here to see you.”

At that announcement, my mind went completely blank for a moment.

Could it be that she’s come to the company again?

I hurriedly stood up and headed to the reception room.

When I opened the door, there was Reika-san, looking slightly more worn out than before.

Even so, she carried a somewhat dignified aura.

“…It’s been a while. I’m glad to see you’re doing well.”

When I bowed my head, Reika-san showed me a gentle smile.

“Good day. I wonder if that’s how it looks. It’s been busy every day, but I’ve finally reached a stopping point.”

“The Kujo Group sounds tough.”

When I chose my words carefully, she gave a small nod.

“With my sister’s situation, both the family and company have been in some turmoil. But just waiting for the storm to pass doesn’t suit my nature.”

Though she laughed gently, there seemed to be a shadow cast over her.

“So, today is…?”

“A greeting, and thanks. And, there’s something I wanted to talk about.”

Thanks?

When I tilted my head in confusion, Reika-san slowly lowered her gaze.

“…About Naoya.”

“Eh?”

Hearing that name, I unconsciously straightened my posture.

“Do you remember when he confessed to you?”

“O-of course, but…”

“Actually, at that time, I gave him a little ‘advice.'”

“…Advice?”

My chest felt unsettled.

Reika-san smiled somewhat bashfully.

“Your favorite scents, your clothing preferences, how you spend your days off… I subtly found out from you and passed it along to him.”

“Wh-whaaat!?!?”

Now that she mentioned it, I had felt something was odd about our SNS exchanges.

So that’s what it was…

And to think that behind those awkward dates, such exchanges were happening…!?

“Of course, his feelings for you were his own. I just gave him a little push.”

“…But why would you do that?”

Reika-san answered quietly.

“Watching him, I understood.

Naoya became ‘human-like’ for the first time after meeting you.

So, I wanted to support him so those feelings could become real.”

Unconsciously, warmth spread through my chest.

“…Reika-san, could it be from the beginning?”

“No. I thought of you as an enemy. At first.”

Saying that, Reika-san gave a small laugh.

But her eyes no longer held any jealousy or competitive spirit.

“But now it’s different.

Watching you made me feel like I was saved too.

I wanted to try believing in loving someone again, too.”

At Reika-san’s words, my chest tightened.

I couldn’t speak.

“Please take care of Naoya, Udo-san.”

“…Eh?”

“I can no longer stand by his side. But you—you can make that person smile.”

While smiling, she bowed her head just slightly.

“Thank you truly. For softening that person’s closed-off heart.”

“No, that’s not…”

“You don’t need to be modest. Do your best.”

Reika-san winked and turned on her heel.

With perfect posture and steady steps, she left the room.

I followed after Reika-san a moment later.

And I watched until her back disappeared beyond the door.

Left alone in the office, warmth gradually spread through my chest.

(Reika-san… she’s truly an amazing person.)

Her strength and kindness.

And her “bond with Kiryū-san” that went beyond romance.

—All of it was engraved in my heart.