Chpater 46: Sunset

Reading Settings

Translator: Soafp

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“Thank you all for coming to today's joint new car launch event.” (???)

“Na-chan.” (Haru)

“…Yes?” (Natsu)

“Don't worry. Just focus on your work, okay?” (Haru)

“Yeah, you're right.” (Natsu)

Your expression was filled with anxiety.

(I hadn’t even imagined such a situation.)

“Haruto?” (Akiho)

“What's up, Akiho-chan?” (Midori)

“There's someone who looks like my sister and a childhood friend.” (Akiho)

“Oh, that's quite a coincidence. For now, let's forget about it until the work is done.” (Ayumi)

“Oh, sorry. I'll focus.” (Akiho)

Toma, who was in the audience, also noticed Haruto, Natsuki, and Akiho.

“Seriously? They're all here. I'd prefer to avoid them if possible. And Akiho's near the models. I don't even know why she's here.” (Toma)

Toma, realizing that Akiho was likely in charge of the models’ makeup, understood that today's plan was falling apart.

“In that case, I need to get out of here before they notice.” (Toma)

As Toma tried to leave the venue, a colleague blocked his way.

“Hey, where are you going? The HR Director is here; it's risky to move around during the event.” (???)

“Just going to the restroom.” (Toma)

“Hold it in for a bit.” (???)

“Hey, Kobayashi-san, apparently the HR Director is strict about employees’ behavior at events.” (???)

“Seriously?” (Toma)

It seems that even for Toma, it would be a bad idea to leave a poor impression on the HR Director.

“Well, let's wait until the event is over and then we can talk. If you want, we can form a joint front.” (???)

“No, the situation has changed. I'll leave right after the event.” (Toma)

“Huh? What about the models?” (???)

“Can you cover for me?” (Toma)

“…It's going to be costly.” (???)

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[Akiho Side]

“Minami-san, thank you for your hard work.” (Akiho)

“Oh, thank you. Um.” (Minami)

“I'm Nimi. My name is Akiho Nimi.” (Akiho)

“Akiho Nimi-san, right? I'm looking forward to working with you again.” (Minami)

“Thank you for today.” (Akiho)

“Midori-san, I've finished tidying up here.” (Akiho)

“Great. I'm done too. Akiho-chan, since there's still time, why don't you go find your sister and the others?” (Midori)

“…Okay, I'll go check.” (Akiho)

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[Haru PoV]

“How about this one?” (Haru)

“It looks like it's aimed at women, but the trunk space is small and it seems hard for shorter people to store things.” (Natsu)

“Yeah, that's a minus.” (Haru)

“Maybe a light car is better?” (Natsu)

“If you’re driving it yourself, sure. But if you’re sitting in the passenger seat, you might want a car with more status.” (Haru)

“I see, briging you along was definitely the right choice.” (Natsu)

(You shouldn't have come.)

Well, it couldn't be helped.

“Hey, Onee-chan, Haruto.” (Akiho)

“…Akiho.” (Haru)

“It's been a while. The other day, Sakura came to our shop.” (Akiho)

“I'm the one who introduced her.” (Natsu)

“Haha, that sounds like you. I heard from the manager that she really likes you.” (Akiho)

“Akiho.” (Natsu)

“What?” (Akiho)

“You seem different.” (Natsu)

“I've been hearing that a lot lately.” (Akiho)

“More calm, maybe?” (Natsu)

“I've grown up, I guess. The workplace I'm in now seems to suit me well. I feel comfortable doing my job.” (Akiho)

“I see.” (Natsu)

“Haruto.” (Akiho)

“What is it?” (Haru)

“Well, um. It's a bit late, but I want to apologize for everything. I've been wanting to apologize a lot lately, so I'm glad we could meet today.” (Akiho)

“I see.” (Haru)

“Yeah. And—Toma-kun…” (Akiho)

“Eh?” (Natsu)

“Toma-kun is here. I can't forgive him.” (Akiho)

“Akiho? What are you going to do?” (Natsu)

“I'll follow her.” (Haru)

“Are you sure?” (Natsu)

“Probably. Na-chan, stay here and wait. You don't look well.” (Haru)

“Yeah, sorry.” (Natsu)

(I should have been with her.)

It could have been dangerous.

(Still! I wanted to be with her.)

“Everyone, thank you for your hard work today. I apologize for having you come here unofficially.” (???)

“Wow, the president himself is thanking us.” (???)

“Isn't that the media behind us? Was it okay for them to hear that?” (???)

“They probably understand. No one would dare to make a move on our president.” (???)

“Well, more importantly, I need to hurry up and–” (Toma)

“Long time no see, Toma-kun.” (Akiho)

“Too late. What do you want, Akiho?”

“Looks like even employees of the prestigious Koro Motors have a big attitude.” (Akiho)

“Not everyone is like that.” (President)

“Ara, President.” (Akiho)

“Our employees receive proper education. They should act with awareness even in their private lives.” (President)

“So, the interviewer has no eye for people.” (Akiho)

“…What do you mean?” (President)

“I was sexually assaulted by one of your employees over there, and I was threatened with photos. The statute of limitations hasn't expired yet, so I could still file a lawsuit. I believe there are still evidence photos on his smartphone and computer.” (Akiho)

“Koro Motors employees committing sexual assault? Miss, could you elaborate on that? This is Koyomi Sports, after all.” (???)

“Haha, what are you saying? None of our employees are such criminals. Hey, you. Unfortunately, I don't remember the faces and names of all our employees, but are you one of ours?” (President)

“No, no. I'm not. Totally unrelated.” (Toma)

If you stay silent, I'll overlook it.

Toma, judging that the president was implying that, denied the accusation.

“I see. Kobayashi, it seems he is no longer an employee. Please handle it promptly.” (President)

“Yes, understood. Well, if he's unrelated, then it's not my job.” (Kobayashi)

“Wha!” (Toma)

Toma, who was dismissed easily, showed his anger. His wrath turned toward Akiho.

“Akiho, you little!” (Toma)

“What? Are you blaming others for losing your job?” (Akiho)

“You've gotten too cocky! Look at what you've done to everything I built up!” (Toma)

“That's what you get.” (Haru)

“Hey, Haruto. I don't have anything to say to you.” (Toma)

“Even if you don't, it seems the media wants to hear about it. How about letting them listen to the audio data from before?” (Haru)

“Don't mess with me!” (Toma)

Toma barreled into Haruto, blocking his path, but they were on a cliff with only a railing. The momentum caused both of them to suddenly feel weightless.

“Haruto!” (Akiho)

Akiho's desperate cry echoed against the cliff.

“Emergency! Someone has fallen from the cliff! Call an ambulance! Also, contact the police!”

The commotion that suddenly enveloped the venue also reached Natsuki, who was resting.

“I wonder what's happening?” (Natsu)

Looking around, she saw people moving around in a panic.

“Oh! There she is! Akiho-chan's sister!” (Midori)

“Yes?” (Natsu)

“Your boyfriend! Your boyfriend has fallen from the cliff!” (Midori)