The Matter of Starting to Live Together With a Long-Time Friend From High School After Becoming a Working Adult - Chapter 31: Migiwa's SIDE ~ An Empty Desk

The following week, Migiwa cheerfully came to the company.

“Arikura-san, good morning!”

“Did you recover from your fatigue?”

“Let’s work hard together again starting today!”

The members warmly welcomed her back to the office after a long time. As she happily headed to her desk, she noticed a small anomaly.

“Oh? Over there is…”

From her seat, she could see an empty spot in the far corner. According to Migiwa’s memory, that space was originally filled with various knick-knacks and stuffed animals, creating an area cluttered with personal belongings.

Now, it has turned into a remarkably empty desk.

When she looked around a bit, the person who was supposed to be sitting there was nowhere to be found.

“――That child is no longer here.”

While holding a cup of coffee, Nakajima spoke to her.

“Her actions came to light, and she was reassigned to a different department as a penalty.”

“Wow… that was quick.”

“Rather, it was strange that there had been no consequences until now. It seems that those who supported her behind the scenes also received appropriate punishments. Even the president didn’t overlook this time.”

“Well, well.”

The kouhai colleague has been winning over the higher-ups and covering up small disadvantages. She had a vague sense of this herself and even thought there was nothing she could do about it.

Therefore, she couldn’t help but be genuinely surprised by this result.

“Just between us… it’s said that it’s only a matter of time before Masuzaki resigns voluntarily.”

“Huh?”

“It’s a penalty. There’s no way she could have been promoted, and there isn’t a single person left in this company who would support her… If she had shown a willingness to reflect and start over from scratch, there might have been a chance for a comeback…”

“Was it impossible?”

“At this point, I can only think of it that way. It’s also questionable whether they have learned her lesson.”

“Wow.”

Migiwa was at a loss for words. However, at this point, there was no feeling of wanting to defend the kouhai.

“…I guess that kid really brought this upon herself.”

“That’s how it is. Since she’s an adult, she has to take responsibility for herself.”

“Indeed.”

Migiwa gives a wry smile. In response to her, Nakajima also smiles wryly, but for a different reason.

“You did a great job too. You’ve been dealing with that troublemaker for years. The president has also reevaluated the person known as Arikura Migiwa.”

“I don’t really think so…”

“That’s the level of achievement we’re talking about. It might sound strange, but…”

It’s true that it wouldn’t be surprising if they said it had a strange meaning. In fact, it wouldn’t be strange if they questioned why she kept silent. Saying she was too busy with various things is just an excuse; if she thought about it a little, there might have been one or two ways to handle it.

In that sense, she had to admit that Migiwa was still quite inexperienced.

Of course, since they are human, perfection does not exist, but they can still strive for it and make an effort.

However, Migiwa gave up early on.

As a result of deciding that anything she said was meaningless, she kept tightening the noose around her own neck without even realizing she was being cornered.

“It’s not something I should be saying since I couldn’t help you, but…”

Nakajima says while taking a sip of coffee.

“I think you should learn to rely on others a bit more, you know? There are more people who want to help you than you think.”

“Thank you. I’ll do that from now on.”

In response to Migiwa’s reaction, Nakajima slightly widened her eyes.

She knew she said it herself, but she found it unusual. Normally, she would just look away and say something like “Yeah…” but this time, she properly declared it with a smile.

Migiwa herself was completely unaware of it and reacted as if she suddenly remembered.

“By the way, changing the subject, how is the project going?”

“Huh? Ah… well, in that case, I’ve already taken care of it over here.”

Suddenly put on the spot, Nakajima answers while trying to cover it up.

“From now on, we’ll discuss that along with a meeting.”

“Got it!”

After saying that, Migiwa turned to her PC and began reviewing today’s tasks. She never noticed Nakajima tilting her head in confusion until the very end.

◇◇◇

Migiwa’s first day back was incredibly smooth.

After grasping the current situation in the meeting, she immediately sprang into action. She arranged an urgent appointment with the other party, went there, and apologized for taking an unexpected leave. Promising to put all her effort into the remaining recovery and final touches, the other party received her words with a strong smile.

The project, which was once said to be on the verge of collapse, has now reached a point where it can be completed without any issues.

It is said that Migiwa, who reported the matter, appeared particularly radiant.

No matter how busy she is, rest is important—this was more than enough to prove it.

That has also reached the president’s ears, and it makes her think they should reconsider the employee vacation system, but that’s another story.

“――I can’t believe it.”

The first thing Migiwa said when she returned to her seat was a remark full of surprise.

“I can’t believe work is progressing so smoothly… How many years has it been?”

“Rather, this is the norm.”

Nakajima approached with a wry smile. Then, she placed a warm canned coffee on Migiwa’s desk.

“With your level of skill, it’s only natural. Oh, that’s on me♪”

“Thank you… but, you know, if we can do it this easily…”

“Even the kids who used to complain about everything aren’t around anymore.”

Upon hearing that, Migiwa momentarily stops moving. However, she quickly opens the pull tab of the canned coffee and takes a sip.

“Indeed… it was very quiet.”

“Right? That kid’s presence was significant in a bad way too, and I feel like I’m only realizing it now.”

In other words, it was the “weight effect.”

Continuing to work while carrying the burden of being called a problem child, and then unleashing even more power once that burden was lifted. Migiwa had done just that without realizing it, achieving results that surprised everyone around her.

In that sense, being with the kouhai wasn’t a waste either.

It’s just a matter of hindsight, but…

“By the way, did you check the email from the section chief?”

“Yeah. I heard the launch date for the project has been decided.”

“Don’t get sick on that day, okay? It wouldn’t make sense without you there.”

“I know, I know♪”

She naturally responded with a smile. From Migiwa’s perspective, it was nothing special, but it was more than enough to surprise Nakajima.

And this time, Migiwa also noticed it and tilted her head.

“Huh? Is something wrong?”

“Well, um… I was thinking about it this morning too, but you really are… something…”

Nakajima was about to say something, at that moment――

“Arikura-san! I have something I want to confirm with you!!”

Whether it was good or bad timing, a magnificent interception was made.

“Okay, I’ll be right there!”

Migiwa, who instantly switched back to work mode, stood up from the desk. Then, with an apologetic smile, she turned towards Nakajima.

“I’m sorry, I’ll ask later.”

“Nevermind. It’s not a big deal.”

Without a word, Nakajima turned on her heel and walked away. Although she still didn’t understand what had just happened, she soon moved to answer her colleague’s question.

――After that, Migiwa was working with great enthusiasm.

Everything was going well, and no one could stop her anymore. She was in such a groove that it wouldn’t be surprising to say so.

When the end of the workday arrived, Migiwa left promptly and refreshingly.

No one could stop her.

So much so, that her steps were incredibly light.

In a good mood to the point of unconsciously humming a tune, her spirits lifted as she approached her apartment. As if to say, “I didn’t realize I was looking forward to going home this much,” Migiwa elegantly inserted her card key, deactivated the auto-lock, and stepped inside.

And then, taking the elevator to the upper floors, Migiwa arrived at her room.

With an endlessly happy expression, she uses the card key to unlock and open the door.

“I finally made it back… I’m home now♪”

However, there was no voice to respond. Looking at the pitch-black room, Migiwa finally remembered.

“Oh, right… Katase-kun isn’t here anymore, huh…”

The classmate returned to his home in Saitama after having decided that the support was over.