Chapter 25: Lie

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Translator: Soafp

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[Toma Side]

“Don't worry, I made sure to lock up properly… Yeah, yeah, I understand. Then do your best at work.” (???)

“Senpai?” (Toma)

“Yeah. Whenever he goes on a business trip, he's like this. Even though he’s not a child anymore.” (???)

“In such dangerous times, it’s important to be cautious about locking up.” (Toma)

How many times has it been that I’ve been called when my senpai is away?

He's someone from my company who has been very caring ever since I left home to live alone. He probably never imagined that his wife would take care of me at night.

After graduating from industrial high school, Toma joined the renowned Agusa Motors in Japan. After a three-month training period, he was assigned to a factory for their luxury car brand series and moved to a coastal city in Aichi Prefecture.

“Seriously, it's just ridiculous.” (Toma)

The environment was fine as long as you just worked, but it seemed like a remote place with no recreational options for a young Toma.

The main source of frustration for Toma in this situation was ‘women.'

Known for his love of women, Toma had never had trouble finding them and had never considered serious relationships. In fact, Toma believed he had never been in a serious relationship with a woman.

“Hey, Toma-kun, how long are you going to sit there?” (Someone’s wife)

“Oh, sorry. Also, you should probably stop calling me by my first name. It could be problematic if you let it slip in front of senpai.” (Toma)

“Right, sorry. Would you like to take a shower first, Imai-kun?” (Someone’s wife)

“No, I’ll stay like this.” (Toma)

Toma always kept a safety margin. He had created a false relationship with Akiho, who was a casual partner, after being seen by Natsuki.

Akiho was perfect in looks and body but had a troublesome personality. For Toma, Akiho was just a classmate from the neighborhood. Naturally, he had no romantic feelings for her.

When he learned of Haruto's feelings, he laughed it off. Toma, who preferred flashy attire, stood out prominently at school. He attracted attention from classmates, seniors, and teachers alike.

One of the people Toma set his sights on was Haruto, who, for some reason, was well-regarded by teachers. Being with Haruto helped reduce the suspicious looks from the teachers.

To make Haruto trust him, Toma had manipulated Akiho into confessing to Haruto.

[Thanks to Toma, I was able to start dating Akiho.] (Haru)

Haruto was grateful to Toma for setting things up for him.

[Good for you.] (Toma)

It was just a whim. Toma didn't care what happened between the two of them. He had no interest in other people's affairs.

Therefore, he felt no guilt for having slept with Akiho or for abandoning her.

He was never interested in Akiho from the start.

“Grass is always greener on the other side.” (Toma)

That's all it was.

It wasn't calculated malice towards Haruto's girlfriend.

If anything, it was simply because he wanted to.

What happened to Akiho or Haruto was of no concern to him. They weren't significant enough to impact his life.

Just a pebble by the roadside.

To Toma, childhood friends were merely that.

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“Toma, take me to the aquarium.” (Someone’s wife)

I was dragged to the aquarium by a colleague I had gotten close to at the welcome party, and there I unexpectedly ran into Haruto and Natsuki.

“Toma, who was that girl just now? You're not two-timing, are you?” (Someone’s wife)

“Two-timing? What are you talking about? Why are you acting like you’re my girlfriend after just one time?” (Toma)

“Wh-what? The way you're talking… You're the one who asked if we were dating.” (Someone’s wife)

“I never said that. I don't like smart or troublesome women. Just take the train home.” (Toma)

“Hey, wait a minute!” (Someone’s wife)

Ignoring the complaints from the woman, I left the aquarium.

“Haa, even though we're in different departments, I need to make sure to handle this properly.” (Toma)

Normally, I would have taken a more efficient approach, but I was a bit irritated.

“I didn't expect Haruto and Na-chan to be together. And Na-chan is still as troublesome as ever.” (Toma)

Toma, who had learned to navigate social situations from a young age, could manipulate adults as well.

But even for someone like Toma, there was one person he found difficult.

Natsuki, his two-years-older childhood friend.

He disliked her gaze, which felt like she was peering deep into his heart.

On that Christmas night.

If it hadn't been Natsuki, he wouldn't have mentioned dating Akiho. That was the easiest way to escape the situation.

His parents already knew about his involvement with Akiho. Fortunately, they hadn't discovered that he had taken her from someone else. Since he had no plans to return home, the issue would likely fade over time.

“I came to a different place to escape the past. Having people from my hometown around is a hassle.” (Toma)

Haruto and Natsuki had become troublesome figures for Toma.

“Well, if it comes to that, I'll just have to silence them forcefully.” (Toma)

“Just like with Akiho.” (Toma)