I (30), Who Works for a Black Company and Died While Regretting My Gloomy Life, Started Over From High School!
Chapter 130: Holding Hands in a World Dyed in Orange

“Phew, but seriously, this is really piling up…”

“Huh… piling up?”

Haruka was smiling like an angel, but then, as if she suddenly remembered something, she let out a troubled voice.

“Of course, I’m talking about returning the favor. You’ve helped me so much with various things, and recently you even helped out at work. And now, receiving such a gift on top of it… At this rate, I might…”

Just as I hadn’t anticipated any sort of return, the serious-minded Haruka started humming in thought, and then suddenly, her face brightened up.

“I’ve thought of something really great! We were planning to have a birthday party with the family tonight. Please, Shinichiro, I’d love for you to join us!”

“Huh!?”

That’s way too sudden! And wait, isn’t it obvious that it’ll be held at the Shijouin residence!?

(A birthday party at the Shijouin residence… That’s way too high-profile…! I’m going to be there as a sudden intruder, and then have to sing the birthday song next to the astounded Tokimune-san!?)

“Oh, no… I’m sorry. I got carried away and said something in the heat of the moment. Inviting you tonight all of a sudden would be rude, and there might be circumstances at your house too…”

Just moments ago, Haruka’s eyes were sparkling as if to say, ‘What a fantastic idea!’ But she immediately brought up practical concerns and her expression turned dejected.

“I’m sorry, I’ll think of a different way to repay you. If you could just come over and celebrate my birthday with me, it would be like a dream… I must have said something thoughtless out of sheer excitement.”

“…Go.”

“Huh…?”

Suddenly declaring this, Haruka’s response was a bit delayed.

“If it’s not a bother, I’d really like to accept your invitation.”

“Really!?”

As I said this, Haruka showed surprise but also a pleased expression.

“Y-yes, really. If it’s possible, I’d like to attend your birthday party, Haruka.”

“W-wow! Just wait a moment, please! Hello, mother? Actually, tonight—”

Haruka picked up her phone with vigor and started talking. From the other end of the line, I could hear Mrs. Akiko’s voice, filled with excitement, saying things like, “Ooooh! Seriously!? I’m getting all pumped up!” Then the maid, Fuyumi-san, said, “Well done, Miss…!”

Alright, I should call my parents right now.

“It’s perfectly fine at my house! Just as I thought, mother is absolutely thrilled and said you must come! And if father complains, she’ll take care of it!”

“My house is fine too. My mother was quite surprised, but she said it’s okay as long as I don’t cause any trouble.”

“R-really! Alright, that’s wonderful…!”

Like a child who just found out they were going to an amusement park, Haruka didn’t try to hide her overflowing joy.

She was so delighted that I, someone who would be attending the birthday celebration, could hardly believe it.

That’s why I have no regrets about my decision, but deep down, I was sweating bullets.

(My brain got ridiculously overheated, and I reflexively accepted the invitation…! Hahaha! The reaction from Tokimune-san, who will definitely be there, when he sees me will be soooo awkward!)

Due to the future prediction by the still rational part of my mind, a cold sweat trickles down my cheek.

Hahahaha! Seriously, I wonder what kind of expression I’ll greet that overprotective president with!

(Well, but it can’t be helped! I can’t bear to see Haruka looking so lonely, and I also want to be there to celebrate with her…! Yeah, it’s unavoidable, unavoidable!)

I’m definitely nervous, but as long as Haruka welcomes me, my resolve won’t waver. If someone says something, I’ll just boldly say, “Well, good evening! I’m here thanks to Haruka’s invitation!”

“Well then, let’s go to my place together, Shinichiro!”

With an excited voice, Haruka by my side calls out to me. Her heart is dancing, and she’s beaming with a radiant smile.

“Father seems to be running a bit late, but the preparations for the party seem to be all set! The evening will be here soon, so I want to hurry and spend as much time together as possible!”

Filled with joy, Haruka extends her white hand to me. I gaze at that hand, as white as a whitefish, and eventually, even though I feel a slight embarrassment, I take it.

“Alright then… let’s go, Haruka.”

“Yes! Good things come to those who hurry!”

Being led by Haruka, whose hand is incredibly smooth, I start running with the girl full of smiles.

Haruka, whose spirits have soared, pulls me along forcefully.

Our touching fingers intertwine as if our personal spaces have completely disappeared, and at this moment, it feels entirely natural.

And so, Haruka and I run through the streets, ready to etch another new memory.

In a world dyed orange, holding hands—feeling the warmth from each other.

[To All Readers]

I’m the author, Keino.

With this, the part-time job arc comes to an end.

Now, regarding the next and possibly final chapter… it’s been a challenging story for me, so I’m considering posting it after completing it without any flaws. Please understand that this might take a little time.

Also, I want to make it clear that I am a staunch believer in happy endings.

TLN: So uh… yeah. Thats it for now? I guess? Hahaha. Thanks to everyone for being with me. MTLing JP is much harder than CN. I do want to finish this series though. I might miss it so could someone message me if the chapter release