In a World of Reversed Chastity, I’m Surrounded by a Clingy Older Woman, a Walking Red Flag, and an Exhausted Office Lady - 33

Chapter 33: Aoi’s Ordinary Daily Life

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This is a story from when Aoi was a second-year high school student.

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“Ahh, summer vacation is surprisingly boring.”

Today, both Mom and Hina were out on errands, so I finally had some time to myself for the first time in a while. But since there had always been someone around me until now, the moment I actually had free time like this, I didn’t know what to do with it.

“Shizuku is probably busy, and Alicia (Shizuku’s friend from high school) is probably busy too.”

When I thought about it like this, I realized that although there were many people I talked to in the classroom, the only ones I could really call friends were those two. Thinking about how poor my communication skills were, and how bad I was at forming deep friendships, I almost felt like crying.

I could just laze around at home like this, but since it was the glorious summer vacation of a high school student, it felt like it would be more meaningful to go outside. So for now, I decided to get ready and head out.

That said, I wasn’t putting on makeup or anything, so I finished getting ready in about a dozen minutes and went outside. Since it was summer, the blazing sunlight tried to scorch my skin, but since I had sunscreen on, it didn’t bother me much. Still, there was nothing I could do about the heat.

I walked slowly, taking a leisurely stroll while making sure not to sweat. On the way, since I was already out for a walk, I decided to head toward the fairly large park in this city. When I arrived at the park, it was lively. Since it was summer vacation, children were playing around, and grandmothers were walking slowly just like me.

As I walked farther in, I saw a bench in the shade that looked cool and comfortable. And in contrast to the children, there was a woman in a suit staring blankly at the sky while tears spilled from her eyes. It was more than obvious that something must have happened to her, so I thought about leaving her alone. But my personality is troublesome like that. Before I realized it, I had bought some tea from a vending machine nearby and taken a handkerchief out of my bag.

“Here you go. And this too.”

“…Eh?”

The woman accepted the tea and handkerchief I offered, apparently without understanding why. She just held them in both hands and stared at me blankly.

“It’s hot today. And it looked like sweat was coming from your eyes, so I thought you could use the handkerchief.”

I figured it would be embarrassing for her if I pointed out that she was crying, so I said sweat instead. But it came out sounding a bit pretentious, and now I felt embarrassed at myself.

“I, is it really okay? You’re giving it to me, a woman?”

“…What are you talking about? Being a man or a woman doesn’t matter. I’d be happy if you accept it.”

“Thank you very much.”

After saying that, the woman started crying even more. She couldn’t stop crying for a while, so I took the handkerchief from her hands and wiped her tears. Since her nose was running too, I took some tissues from my bag and wiped that as well. After several minutes, she finally calmed down and lowered her head shyly.

“Um, well… thank you very much.”

“No problem. Your cute face was completely ruined by sweat, so I’m glad it’s back to normal.”

“!!! Eh, uh, ah…”

I always think this, but maybe it’s discriminatory to compare, yet it feels like there are more beautiful women in this world than in my original world. I wonder why that is.

While thinking about that, we sat together on the bench and relaxed for a bit. Then the woman spoke.

“…Um.”

“Yes?”

“Wo-would you listen to my story?”

“Sure. I might not be able to say anything helpful, but I can listen.”

“Thank you.”

The woman slowly began to talk. She told me that the company she had started recently wasn’t doing well. Because of that, the man in her life had left her. And various other stories about her struggles.

“…I’m sorry. I ended up telling you such a pathetic story.”

The woman lowered her head, looking sad and insecure, like a timid dog.

“You’re not a pathetic woman, Onee-san.”

“I am pathetic. Nothing is going well at all.”

“You’re an amazing person, Onee-san. And you’re a hard worker. I didn’t see it myself, but just from hearing your story, I can tell. You’re amazing.”

I wanted to do something for her. I wanted to cheer her up, so like I do with my little sister Hina, I gently patted Onee-san’s head.

“It’s because you’re properly facing all those painful things that you can think you’re pathetic. People who run away without facing them probably can’t even think that way. You’re an amazing person, Onee-san.”

“…Do you think so?”

“Yes. Even though we just met, I can already see how charming you are. I’m sure the people at your company want to support you too.”

“…Am I really amazing?”

“Yes, you are. And as for the man who abandoned someone like you, Onee-san, he just didn’t have good judgment. You should think that you’re the lucky one that he left. I’m sure you’ll find someone even better.”

“…Find someone… I found someone.”

“That’s why you should have more confidence, Onee-san. You’re hardworking, amazing, and adorable. You’ll be fine.”

I searched for good things to say and praised her, hoping it would help build her confidence and help her look forward at least a little. Perhaps my feelings reached her, because her face no longer looked as insecure as it had earlier.

“…Thank you. I’ll try my best again.”

“Yes. I’m cheering for you.”

“Can I keep this?”

“Yes, of course you can.”

When I said that, the woman hugged the handkerchief to her chest like it was something precious. She seemed to really like it, which made me happy too. As I watched her looking pleased, my phone suddenly rang.

When I checked it, it was Hina. Dozens of messages had arrived. Apparently she had come home and found me gone, and now she was panicking.

“Sorry, Onee-san. I have to go home now.”

“I-is that so?”

The woman looked a little uneasy.

“It’s okay. You’re hardworking and amazing, Onee-san. If things get tough, I’d be happy if you could remember my words when you use that handkerchief. Well then, goodbye.”

“O-okay.”

I stood up from the bench and started walking toward home.

“U, um…!”

When she called out, I turned around.

“May I ask your name?”

Oh right, I hadn’t told her yet.

“My name is Aoi.”

“…Aoi-kun.”

“Well then, goodbye.”

I had to hurry home. Not only was Hina messaging me, Mom had started contacting me too, and Alicia had even sent an invitation asking if I wanted to play a game together. I should get home quickly.

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I made sure to come here on this day every summer.

“So he’s not here this year either.”

I wondered many times if that day had been an illusion. But the handkerchief in my hand was definitely Aoi-kun’s. 

Because of this handkerchief and because of Aoi-kun, I am who I am today.

“I want to see him again.”

Where is my prince now, and what is he doing? Is he helping troubled women like me and making them fall for him, leaving wounds that will never fade? If that’s the case, then maybe he isn’t a prince but a little devil and a bad boy.

Even so, I still wanted to see Aoi-kun again.

“I’ve grown a lot. My company and my relationships are going well now. Everything is going smoothly.”

Sitting alone on the bench, I spoke to someone who wasn’t there. There was no reply, but when I did this, it felt like Aoi-kun might be sitting beside me.

Ah, I want to see him again. And when I do, I want to thank him, and I want to ask for his contact information.

『That’s why you should have more confidence, Onee-san. You’re hardworking, amazing, and adorable. You’ll be fine.』

I want him to pat my head one more time.

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