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墨書 Inktalez
In early December 2009, the izakaya "AKI" in Yin Hu Qu was a favorite spot for employees of Nichido Planning.
While it couldn't be considered high-end, the food and service were top-notch, and the warm atmosphere allowed everyone to relax fully. The advertising headquarters where Haruna worked held a welcome party for new employees there that weekend.
It was extremely cold that day, and she wore the red wool coat that Okamoto had given her.
"Ah, this year's new hires are fewer than last year; it doesn't feel lively at all," the manager complained while sipping his beer halfway through the welcome party, grumbling that they should have gathered more people.
"Actually, having fewer people isn't so bad," Riiko, who had just joined Nichido Planning last year, took a sip of her juice. She glanced at her distracted colleagues and suddenly added, "Fujiwara-kun, Ming Tai-kun, why not invite your girlfriends?"
"Huh? That's a good idea! But Takashi, do you have a girlfriend now?" The moment this topic was raised, it immediately captured everyone's attention.
"Ah..." Fujiwara nodded shyly, stumbling over his words. "Yes, I've been dating her since sophomore year."
"That's great! Call her over!" Riiko said with a smile.
Haruna sat in a corner, and Yukiho suddenly chimed in on the conversation at the front table. She turned back to Haruna as if seeking confirmation and said, "This sounds good too, right?"
Haruna felt a bit unwell and nodded perfunctorily, sipping her hot cocoa in hopes of warming up.
About twenty minutes later, a girl in a deep blue coat appeared at "AKI."
It was clear at first glance that she was a beauty, with fair skin and large, bright eyes that hinted at a certain spirit, giving off an impression of rationality.
"This is my girlfriend, named Aki," Fujiwara said as he saw Aki push the door open and immediately rushed over to greet her. He leaned down to say a few words before leading her to the tables at Nichido Planning.
"So, it turns out Shintaro also likes tea ceremonies?" Riiko turned to Haruna. "Now you have someone to keep you company, Senpai."
Upon hearing her name, Haruna looked up immediately. When her gaze met Aki's, she nodded in acknowledgment.
Aki chatted with Haruna for a while, but the unease in her heart grew stronger. Eventually, she decided to stop the meaningless conversation and began checking her phone frequently instead.
However, she left a very good impression on Haruna. Aki's straightforward personality and nearly identical interests made Haruna genuinely fond of her.
"Is something wrong?" As soon as the words left her mouth, Haruna realized how abrupt it sounded, especially since they weren't familiar with each other.
"Actually..." Aki pressed her lips tightly together before fixing her gaze on Haruna as if making up her mind. "May I ask if Fujiwara has had any particularly bad interactions with anyone at the company?"
"No, not at all. He gets along well with everyone," Haruna replied.
"Since last week, I've been receiving threatening letters." At this point, Aki's face suddenly turned pale as she carefully scanned the surroundings. "Of course, I haven't let Takashi know, but it seems like he is the target."
Haruna, who had been feeling unwell and somewhat dazed, suddenly felt wide awake as if splashed with cold water upon hearing Aki's words.
She couldn't think of anyone who had a grudge against Fujiwara, but Fujiwara had always been favored by his superiors, so it wasn't impossible that someone might be envious of him.
"Now the other party is calling in the middle of the night, harassing him. Fujiwara has woken up several times because of it. I think I have to talk to him about it, but I really don't want to affect his work. If only I could solve this myself..."
Aki's voice grew quieter.
Haruna nodded, gradually realizing the seriousness of the situation, and she began to quietly observe her surroundings. Watching Aki, who wanted to help Fujiwara bear the burden, Haruna couldn't help but think of her own situation with Okamoto.
The strong desire to be of assistance surged within her.
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