Chapter 161 - Natsumi-chan (1/2)
I don’t know how many times it has happened now, but once again, the time leap activated and I returned to my high school years.
I’ve changed the future multiple times now through trial and error, but the fact that Hiiragi-chan and I break up has remained unchanged.
Does that mean it’s something that’s inevitable just like how Sana is determined to work at a game company in the future?
“Thief-kun? Heeey?”
As I was in a daze, Natsumi-chan, who was in the seat next to me wearing a headset called out to me.
This is my last part-time day of the year for the HRG company.
“Today is the end of the year party, are you going?”
“I’m not going. I don’t really like being around a drinking party like that.”
“You don’t have to drink, you know?”
“I’m sorry, but I’ll pass.”
“Really, that sucks.”
I looked at the clock, and there was less than 10 minutes left on my part time shift.
“I feel like I’m not being cared for at all.”
“It’s because of your older sister.”
As expected, knowing that we break up in a few months makes me worried, sad, and pained. Even now, I don’t know what to do, and I can only do my best to respond.
That isn’t all.
“Eh? Did something happen!?”
Stop it with those shining eyes. It’s like you’re begging for people to tell you about their troubles.
“For now, nothing at all.”
That’s right, for now.
“Then, how about we have an end of the year party with just us? Haru-chan, Sana-chan, Ii-san, and the kid as well.”
“Well… I wonder.”
“Hmm? Normally, you would be pretty on board, but your response today is pretty negative.”
“It seems that Sana and Kanata noticed my relationship with Haruka-san.”
“Eh?”
I told Natsumi-chan about what happened after the Christmas party.
“Aaah, I see. I guess you guys were caught off guard… But, if things don’t take a turn for the worse, then isn’t it fine?”
“Is that really how it is?”
“We’re off work now, Thief-kun.”
“Aaah, yeah.”
“…You’re pretty unenergetic today.”
“Well, yeah.”
Since it’s the last day of work for the year, I did a little bit of cleaning around my desk. Natsumi-chan as well, followed along with me and did a bit of organizing.
“If Haruka-san were to say that she wanted to break up with me, what would be the reason?”
“Shishishi, is that supposed to be a joke?”
“Well, maybe.”
“It must be. She loves you way too much!”
“I guess? 10 points!”
“Yay!”
We had a light exchange as we finished our cleaning, and after giving our parting greetings to people that were still around, we got into the elevator.
“There isn’t a need for a greeting like that.”
“Of course it’s necessary, we’re proper adults. Even if it’s just a formality, we have to say it.”
Natsumi-chan grumbled and complained.
“Do you still have time today?”
“Of course, it’s not like I’m going to the end of the year party.”
“I see. Then, you want to go out on a short drive?”
It had become quite dark by the time I noticed, as our car proceeded down the highway.
“I’ve always wanted to try getting a hitchhiker one time.”
Natsumi-chan spoke jokingly while gripping the steering wheel. The day after her birthday, she went to driving school, and soon got her driver’s license after.
“I get it, I get it. I really get it when you feel like driving for no reason after getting a license.”
“You’re just acting like you know.”
Just like Hiiragi-chan, Natsumi-chan is also a safe driver. I feel no anxiety as I watch her driving.
The Hiiragi family driver that had lent the car was very troubled. He was worried in case something were to happen if he were to let her drive.
Natsumi-chan forced it through by insisting that everything would be okay. Quite the delinquent young lady. There is Hiiragi-chan as a precedent so they may have been a little more lenient.
The driver ended up calling another car and taking that one home.
“This is my first drive. I gave my first to you. Are you happy?”
“Yeah, very happy.”
“There’s no feeling in that statement.”