The Person Who Gave Me An Extraordinary Life Was You, A Beautiful Executive Secretary - Chapter 10

Episode 10: The Woman from the Past

All of the members of my section gathered in a conference room with a table and chairs for ten.

The team consisted of our section chief Ogaki-san, veteran employee Tsukahara-san, Yamagata, newcomer Kinetsuka-san, and me—five in total.

It was quite rare for the five of us to be together in one place.

We were often scattered across the office, the laboratory, or on business trips. Additionally, remote work had become more common lately, so we often participated in meetings or worked from home.

This setting was not just for discussing work but also served as a valuable communication opportunity.

Our team was composed mostly of young employees with less than three years at the company, so we relied heavily on the guidance of Ogaki-san and Tsukahara-san.

“Yamagata-kun, you look sleepy.”

“Weren’t you at a drinking party with a girl from the General Affairs Department last night?”

For some reason, Kinetsuka joined the casual conversation between Ogaki-san and Yamagata. Being outed about his private plans after work, Yamagata flinched for a moment.

“I’m totally fine. My head’s working just fine.”

That’s Yamagata for you—always bright and never letting anything interfere with his work, earning him trust from both supervisors and peers.

Yamagata then gave me a meaningful look.

“Speaking of last night, Kousaka—”

“Whoa, ahem!!!”

I quickly raised my voice to interrupt before he could finish.

He was probably going to mention something about Shiraishi-san…

“Oh, Kousaka-kun, did something happen too?”

Ogaki-san turned his friendly smile towards me, showing interest.

“No, it’s nothing, yes!”

After saying that, I glared at Yamagata, who looked back at me with an innocent smile.

I appreciated the relaxed atmosphere, but I couldn’t let any weird rumors about Shiraishi-san spread and cause trouble.

Once the room’s mood warmed up, Ogaki-san started talking.

“By the way, I need to ask for a favor. Chief Kureibayashi wants either Yamagata-kun or Kousaka-kun to accompany him for a presentation to Managing Director Isayama. Are you two available?”

What is that?

This was completely unexpected for me.

I’m not that good at talking to people, but when I was in front of someone who looked like a heavenly being, I don’t know how to speak properly.

This is probably where Yamagata shines, both in terms of ability and character.

“When is it?”

“Tomorrow afternoon.”

“Ah, sorry. I’m on a business trip to a parts manufacturer that day.”

When Yamagata answered, Ogaki-san’s eyes turned his gaze to me.

“I see. Kousaka-kun, how about you?”

Unfortunately, my schedule was open. Even if I tried to think of an excuse, none came to mind.

“I’m available…”

“Okay. I’m sorry, but can you schedule it? I’ll let the chief know myself.”

“Understood.”

Although I answered that, I think that Chief Kureibayashi probably wanted to take Yamagata with him.

It was probably a fair call since we both worked on the presentation materials.

Fine. I’ll just stay quiet and get through it.

After sharing updates on our respective projects and challenges, we received advice from Ogaki-san and Tsukahara-san.

The meeting was always amicable, making it not too burdensome to attend.

“Kinetsuka-san, you’re getting better at writing reports. Keep up the good work.”

“Thank you! It’s thanks to Yamagata’s excellent teaching!”

Kinetsuka, a Yamagata fan, praised him, to which he responded with a wry smile.

I knew he stayed late often to help her with her reports, providing one-on-one guidance. Teaching juniors seemed tough, and I felt a bit sorry for him.

After the meeting, we all returned to our desks, only to be called again by Chief Kureibayashi’s loud voice.

“Hey, everyone in the Second Development Division, gather around.”

When we turned to look, we saw an unfamiliar man and two young people in what looked like recruitment suits standing by the department head’s desk.

As the members of the division gathered, the man began to speak in a clear voice.

“Sorry to interrupt. We have new hires in the Sales Department. They’ve been training at the stores until now, and starting today, they’ll be working here. Introduce yourselves.”

Prompted by the man, a nervous-looking young man introduced himself and bowed deeply.

Next, the young woman turned to us with a bright smile.

She had long, light brown hair and silver earrings, giving her a sophisticated appearance.

Her distinct eyebrows and features were highlighted by her slightly bold makeup.

Honestly, she was beautiful… but…

Hey, wait a minute…

A chill ran down my spine, and I gulped.

“Nice to meet you all. I’m Azusa Uenoyama, assigned to the Sales Department’s Second Section. I look forward to working with you.”

What kind of twist of fate is this?

I couldn’t call it good luck. Not now.

I turned my face down as much as possible so as not to meet her eyes.

Praying for the moment to pass quickly.

“Well then, sorry for the disturbance,

The man said, likely the Sales Department chief, as he started to leave with the newcomers.
The three passed right by where I was standing and headed to another floor—where they were supposed to.
“…Kousaka-kun…?”

The voice was lower in tone than during the self-introduction earlier. The new female employee was looking at me with her big, beautiful eyes.

“……”

“Aren’t you Hazumi Kousaka?”

She asked again, and I couldn’t ignore it.

“…Yes.”

“I knew it… Wow, it’s been a while. You’re working here too!”

“What, someone you know?”
The chief of the Sales Department looked at me, surprised.
“Yes, we were acquaintances in university.”

Her statement drew the attention of everyone in our division to the two of us.

“I’ll contact you later, Hazumi.”

She whispered in my ear before leaving with the others to the adjacent floor. Immediately, Yamagata makes a comment.

“Hey, Kousaka, you know that girl?”

“…Well, kinda…”

“Oh, she’s a pretty girl, isn’t she? Looks like you can’t ignore her anymore.”

“It’s not like that. If you’re interested, why don’t you do whatever you like?”

“What? What do you mean?”

God, I’m glad you’re giving me something out of the ordinary.

Isn’t this really overkill…?

Memories of the past flashed in my mind, both pleasant and unpleasant, all mixed up.

Azusa Uenoyama, a college classmate.

We were in different departments, but we happened to sit near each other at a freshman welcome party, and she started a conversation with me. We became friends.

Eventually, we started dating, but then she broke up with me harshly.

At the night theater where I watched a revival movie, she was sitting right next to me when we first saw that film.

My once quiet workplace and life now felt tinged with unease.