Chapter 82: Realize It, Fool

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I patiently watched as Kojima-san calmed down. Her lonely sobbing evoked a sense of sympathy in me.

‘People like her can’t consult anyone, even if they have troubles,’ I recalled the words of the pervert. He was right. This situation benefits no one.

At this age, without anyone to rely on, the options are either to have extraordinary mental strength or end up choosing self-destruction, either by literal means or by falling into reckless behavior.

Either way, it’s a death flag—whether for oneself or others.

Despite her efforts to find part-time jobs, I hoped she had some sense of positivity left.

Jones-san, who had been waiting for her to stop crying, seemed to get impatient, or maybe he couldn’t bear seeing her miserable sobbing anymore. Amidst her sobs, he began discussing an important matter.

“Miss Kojima, if you’re serious about moving forward, I could help support your life in exchange for some cooperation. Specifically, I can assist with your living arrangements and income.”

Kojima-san’s sobbing subsided a bit.

“But you’ll have to work for my company. I’ll make sure you’re paid well, and Yuuta here is also planning to work part-time there, so you won’t be alone. If things get bad at home and you need a place to stay, we can set up this apartment as a company dormitory while you’re in college.”

Her sobbing stopped.

“Additionally, regarding the compensation claim against your stepbrother, I can negotiate favorable terms for you.”

She looked up.

“Th-that’s…”

“Ha, it’s no big deal. Yuuta and I discussed what we could do to help. Everyone deserves a chance at happiness.”

Wow, Jones-san is quite the charming older guy. Kojima-san’s eyes were welling up for a different reason now. I wondered if her frigidness was starting to thaw.

If things went well, this could solve all of Kojima-san’s problems.

But if she moved into the apartment next door, there might be other issues, though nothing as severe as life-or-death situations.

“Yuuta…”

Kojima-san, after some thought, looked at me, seeking confirmation.

“What?”

“Are you okay with this?”

“If I weren’t, I wouldn’t have discussed it with Jones-san or brought you here. There are definitely challenges ahead, but please stop making rash decisions on your own. It just causes unnecessary worry.”

“…”

“As I said before, it’s not just you who suffers. Others around you get affected too. So, change. Stop being so reckless and aim for happiness. At least, don’t drag others into your problems.”

I sounded pretty pompous, but I didn’t care. While it hadn’t been long enough to forgive her completely, I couldn’t blame her entirely for betraying me.

“Th-thank you…”

This time, Kojima-san bowed her head and cried tears of gratitude.

However…

She didn’t know that Jones-san and I had talked about sharing any compensation money with me. I figured it was fair enough, given what she’d put me through.

So, for my bonus, Kojima-san, do your best. Consider it payback for betraying me.

—

Kojima-san was set to go with Jones-san to his office, which would likely be empty due to the holiday. He had also called a lawyer, so there’d be various discussions to handle.

“Yuuta, thank you.”

“I didn’t do anything. It’s all thanks to Jones-san’s generosity. We’re in this together now, so please don’t shoulder everything on your own.”

Her gratitude made me uncomfortable, but I reiterated my point. For once, she nodded sincerely.

“I promise.”

“Good. Now, go with Jones-san and do your best.”

“I will.”

For the first time since our reunion, she looked genuinely relieved. I understood that sometimes you need to be a bit forceful with people like her.

After she got into the car, she waved at me through the window, and her demeanor completely changed.

I felt relieved that she was less likely to choose suicide or fall into the sex industry. Worrying about NTR (netorare) is far worse than thinking about fondling tits for my mental health.

—

When I get the compensation from Jones-san, maybe I’ll spend it on fondling tits.

I’m suddenly in the mood to fondle some tits. I wonder if shouting about it would make a cute girl my girlfriend.

Well, whatever. I’ll look forward to the next mixer.

—

Why did I want a girlfriend in the first place? Was it just to get the right to fondle, or was it something more?