The Person Who Gave Me An Extraordinary Life Was You, A Beautiful Executive Secretary - Chapter 11

Episode 11: A Nightmare from the Past

Still reeling from the shocking reunion, I somehow managed to calm my racing heart and began my work in the lab.

My current task involves evaluating and improving a product under development.

I’m testing samples of a new water purifier, checking if they meet performance targets by varying the filters and water quality.

Although there are other technicians on the same floor, the work is essentially solitary.

Measuring, recording, changing the experimental conditions, and repeating the process.

I analyze the results to identify the next improvement points.

After working through the lunch break, I returned to my desk for a rest and to summarize the results.

Glancing at the company chat log, I saw Azusa Uenoyama’s name.

―She’s already saying something right away.

“Long time no see, Hazumi. Can we talk somewhere?”

I wasn’t particularly eager, but she’s now a colleague at the same company. I couldn’t just ignore her.

“If now works, how about the break room on the 6th floor?”

I sent a quick reply.

The other night, I visited a revival cinema not just because the movie was interesting but also to reminisce about the past.

I thought about the thrilling times when she and I were close.

Back when I was more naive and less jaded.

But honestly, if someone asked if I wanted to meet her again, I’d say no.

Bad memories I thought I’d buried might resurface.

“I understand. I’ll be there.”

With her reply, I stood up and headed to the break room.

There were several tables lined up there, and in one of them, female employees were chatting with each other in a lively atmosphere.

I bought a canned coffee and sat down, trying to relax.

Soon, Azusa Uenoyama appeared, sat opposite me, and began to speak.

“Long time no see, Hazumi. It’s been about five years, hasn’t it? I never thought we’d end up at the same company. You never told me where you got a job.”

“…There’s no need to go out of my way to tell my ex-girlfriend who broke up with me and became estranged.”

“…Are you still angry?”

She asked, with a smile and eyes like black pearls glistening with curiosity, showing no sign of guilt.

“No, I’m not angry anymore. But I don’t even bother to think about it.”

“Right. What have you been up to since then?”

“Nothing much. I went to university and then joined this company.”

“No new girlfriend or anything?”

I feel a bit irritated that she’s saying this to me.

But there’s no point in saying it now.

“Not really. What about you?”

“No one right now. After I entered graduate school, I broke up with that guy and have been single since.”

“I see. That’s too bad.”

I replied dryly.

She spent two years in graduate school before starting work, so she’s technically two years behind me, though we’re the same age.
“After I broke up with him, I tried contacting you several times, but you never replied.”

“That was when I had just joined the company, and I was too busy. Besides, seeing you might make me think about unnecessary things.”

“…I still feel bad about it now.. Can I buy a coffee?”

She responded with a sincere look, stood up, and went to the vending machine.

She returned with a can of black coffee, opened it, and took a sip.

“At that time, I was young too. That bold guy seemed more appealing than quiet you.”

“I see. That’s fair. But you could have broken up with me in a more normal way.”

“I never expected you to come by then.”

“Well, maybe I shouldn’t have. But if I hadn’t, I might never have known. Maybe it was for the best.”

“Perhaps. It might have taken me longer to say goodbye.”

I hadn’t really thought about it, but talking about it now, those unpleasant memories started to resurface, tightening my chest.

“Well, I hoped you’d be happy with him. Why did you break up?”

“He cheated on me.”

So, that’s it. He was a typical player. Well, I guess it was mutual.

“That’s unfortunate. But if you were attracted to such a guy, it can’t be helped.”

“Maybe. If you had been more assertive, we might have lasted longer.”

“Are you saying I should have been more aggressive with you?”

I joked, making sure it was clear I wasn’t serious.

But it was true that was the major difference between me and that guy.

“Maybe. After six months of dating, you only held my hand. I started losing confidence. That’s when he appeared.”

She said, holding the coffee can with both hands, her eyes shadowed, clearly not finding it funny.

One day in our third year of university, it was Azusa’s birthday.

We had made plans from the morning, went out for a bit, and spent time at a restaurant we wouldn’t normally go to.

But for some reason, she said she had plans in the evening, and we parted ways early.

I took her home, then realized I had forgotten something as I rode the train. I forgot to give her the birthday present I had prepared.

I tried calling, but there was no answer.

It was her first birthday since we started dating. I wanted to give her a present that day.

Thinking I could just hand it over and leave, I went back to her apartment.

It was dark outside, and her south-facing room had lights on.

Nervously, I pressed the intercom button. No answer. I pressed again, and she responded. She opened the door slightly and peeked out.

“What do you want?”

Her cold words threw me off.

Maybe she was mad because I showed up unexpectedly.

“Sorry for the sudden visit. I forgot to give you this.”

I handed her the neatly wrapped box from my bag. My carefully chosen birthday present for her.

After a brief pause, she opened the door a bit more.

—Wait, something’s off.

I noticed her top was more open than when we had parted earlier.

“Thanks.”

She took the box and was about to close the door when.

“Hey, who’s there?”

A deep male voice came from inside. I later found out that the owner of the voice belonged to our senior.

That person stole Azusa from me.

I was devastated at the time, losing about five kilograms, but now I realize how naive I was.