You Were Stolen from Me, so I Will Live for Myself - Chapter 10

Successful Person and Childhood Friend

“You can even do something like this…amazing.”

The person in charge at our client’s company looks at me with admiration.

“Thank you very much.”

Sitting on the sofa, I smile gently.

By the time I graduated from university, I achieved a small success in the business world. At first, I was just helping my Senpai at his business, but gradually, I started to take action and built my own network.

I learned and practiced everything I need to know about business, including investments, connections and marketing. It’s enjoyable to see myself and those around me steadily improving in a positive direction.

I feel fulfilled.

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Five years has passed since I graduated from university.

A glittering night view spreads beyond the office window. The lights of the skyscrapers shine as if they’re symbolizing the path I have walked.

“…so this is what they call success.”

I find myself muttering so.

Money, status, and women. I have it all.

Right now, I stand in a world I could never have imagined a few years ago. A custom-tailored suit, a luxury-brand watch. I own multiple cars and live in an ultra-luxury apartment.

“President, I’ll be heading out now.”

My secretary gives me a slight bow before leaving the office.

“Ah, good work today.”

With a casual wave of my hand, the room is enveloped in silence.

I pour some whiskey into a glass and slowly take a sip. The smooth sensation as it slides down my throat feels pleasant. A fitting night for a successful person.

I should feel fulfilled.

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“Good morning, President!”

As I enter the office, my subordinates greet me with smiles on their faces.

“Good morning. Let’s do our best today without overdoing it.”

I greet them casually and sit down in my office chair. The high-quality leather feels comfortable.

A few years ago, I couldn’t have imagined a scene like this. But through relentless effort, I have become the person I am today.

“President, regarding today’s dinner party—”

My secretary picks up a tablet and checks my schedule.

“Got it. I’ll leave it to you.”

My secretary quickly takes notes and efficiently gives out instructions.

My business is going smoothly. New projects are constantly progressing, and the business is expanding. My company has now become a force in the industry that can’t be ignored.

My days are busy yet fulfilling. A life worthy of being called successful.

There is this latest business magazine on my desk.

An interview with me is published on the special feature page.

“The Journey of a Young Entrepreneur’s Success—”

That’s the title of the article.

I flip through the pages.

‘Hard work and strategy have brought me this far.’

My words are written there.

However—

What is this strange feeling?

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Night falls, and the time for the dinner party approaches.

A black car is waiting for me. I lightly adjust the sleeve of my suit.

Stepping out of the entrance, the city skyline stretches out before me.

“President, I look forward to tonight as well.”

An executive from a client company extends his hand with a smile. I reach out and shake his hand in return.

The same business setting as usual. A normal time for a successful person.

However, something suddenly crosses my mind—

What does success actually mean?

The unanswered question quietly stirs deep within my heart.

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A bar at night.

The dim, warm lighting creates a soft glow, and the amber liquid in my glass sways gently.

“President, you must be quite popular.”

My business partner says so jokingly with a glass of whiskey in his hand.

“How is it going? Anyone special in your life lately?”

I chuckle and twirl my glass with my fingers.

“Well, I’m enjoying myself.”

Beautiful women are all around me. They smile at me and talk to me with interest.

It’s as if it’s natural for me to be here.

Because I am a successful man.

Because I have money.

Because I am a winner in this world.

That’s why they flock to me.

A pleasant time.

However—

How much value does it actually have?

The taste of success is undeniably sweet. The moment I achieved it, everything felt fresh and exhilarating.

“President, your glass is empty.”

The woman sitting beside me peers into my glass.

“Then, I guess I’ll have another.”

I raise my hand slightly, signalling the bartender. Once again, the amber liquid is poured into my glass. The aroma is exquisite, and the taste is impeccable.

But no matter how fine the liquor is, it no longer gives me the same excitement it once did.

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Suddenly, a certain memory comes into my mind.

A memory about Yuki.

I didn’t mean to reminisce about her.

However, for some reason, I find myself thinking about her.

It’s been seven years since I broke up with Yuki…

For some reason, the whiskey tastes strangely bitter. Perhaps it’s because her image crossed my mind.

Maybe she has grown tired of me too.

Just like I’ve grown tired of this so-called success.

Looking back, I was fulfilled by just having Yuki by my side back then. We laughed over silly things and simply being together was enough for me.

But all that is in the past now. No matter how much I think about it, I can’t go back to that time.

I quietly tilt my glass.

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Maybe it’s because those thoughts have been lingering in my mind.

On a calm holiday afternoon, I meet her again.

It has been seven years since we last met.

That day, for the first time in a while, I wander around the city alone.

Lately, I’ve been so busy with work that I haven’t even had time to take a leisurely walk like this.

As I pass by a café, my eyes suddenly turn towards the shop window.

That’s when I see her.

A familiar figure in the crowd.

Yuki…?

For a moment, I thought I’m mistaken, but her way of walking, the atmosphere around her, I’m convinced that it’s her. It’s been a while since I last saw her, but her light steps, as if she is unsure of where to go. Having spent twenty years by her side, I recognize it immediately.

Before I knew it, I find myself heading towards her.

“…Yuki.”

Her name comes out of my mouth naturally.

Yuki turns around in surprise.

It has been a while since I last saw Yuki, she looks more refined now, dressed in a neat suit. Yet, despite her polished appearance, there is this shadow in her atmosphere, a stark contrast to the carefree, childish girl she is.

“…Yuto?”

Her eyes widen in surprise, but almost immediately, she averts her gaze, as if unsure of how to react.

It seems like she is hesitating to look me in the eye.

“It’s been a while.”

When I say so, I notice that Yuki’s fingers tremble slightly. She opens her mouth as if to speak, but then she hesitated. It’s like she is unable to find the right words to say.

I guess it’s only natural…after the way things ended between us.

I can’t help but think about that.

“…have you been doing well?”

I ask Yuki in a calm voice, as a childhood friend.

“…yeah. I’ve been doing my best.”

Yuki gives me a small smile.

I look at her face intently.

She looks back at me softly, as if wondering whether it’s okay to meet my eyes.

She’s not the same as she used to be.

I’m not the only one who has changed.

“…you’ve changed, Yuto. You’ve become even more handsome since back then.”

Yuki says so awkwardly.

“Is that so? You’ve become more beautiful too, Yuki.”

“…thank you.”

Suddenly, I notice that Yuki is holding a glasses case.

“Glasses? Since when?”

“Yeah, I’ve been straining my eyes a lot at work.”

“I see…”

A brief exchange.

Back then, we could talk for hours. But now, we choose our words carefully, both Yuki and I.

As if trying not to disturb something within each other. As if making sure not to get too close unnecessarily. Because we both understand that we are walking different paths now.

Yuki opens her mouth, as if she has something to say.

But in the end, not a single word came out of her mouth.

I take a quiet breath.

“Well then…take care of yourself, Yuki.”

With those words, I turn away.

“You too, Yuto…take care.”

Her voice reaches me from behind.

I don’t look back at Yuki.

However—

For some reason, my heart feels a little lighter.