Jinsei ni tsukare tadoritsuita mura de, bijo-tachi ga ore o hanashite kurenai [Prologue] (Patreon)

“...Man, I’m just done with everything.”

I wouldn't go as far as saying I want to die, but honestly, it’s not just my body anymore—my soul is exhausted.

“...God dammit.”

I muttered the words and hurled the pillow sitting next to me.

I knew taking it out on my things was pathetic, but I felt like if I didn't, I was going to do something way worse.

“A ‘black company,’ huh...”

Why am I burnt out?

It’s because the place I’m working at right now is a total sweatshop—a shitty company that doesn't just grind your body down, but crushes your spirit too.

This was the first place I joined after graduating.

Even though I went to college, I didn't really have a dream or anything I specifically wanted to do. I just graduated with this vague sense of purpose and fell into a corporate job. Now, I’m kicking myself for not doing my homework before signing that contract.

“We can replace you in a heartbeat.”

“You should be grateful we’re even using a guy like you.”

“Mention quitting one more time and I’ll fucking kill you.”

“You’re incompetent. Nobody else would take you anyway.”

That’s all I ever get from my boss.

After all that piled up, I finally handed in my resignation a month ago, only for him to rip it up right in front of my face.

“And then... and then...”

God, this is bad. Just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes.

It’s not just the back-and-forth with my piece-of-shit boss that has me feeling this drained and miserable.

Even in a place like that, I had a senior I thought I could rely on.

Her name was Kanzaki—a beautiful woman four years older than me. She was always there for me, telling me to hang in there and staying by my side.

But then, I overheard them.

“Hey Kanzaki, you sure spend a lot of time babysitting that guy, don’t you?”

“Well, it’d be a pain if he quit, right? If all it takes is one little compliment to keep him working, he’s pretty easy to manage. It helps a lot.”

“That’s cold. So you don’t actually give a shit about him, do you?”

“Of course not. But for what it’s worth, he does his job. He actually gets results. Honestly, don't you think it's impressive he pulls it off in this environment?”

“Yeah, even that part of him is annoying. Whatever. At the end of the day, it’s better if he stays a convenient little workhorse—it suits a guy like him.”

“True. The clients like him too. If we play our cards right, we can make things even easier for ourselves.”

...I heard the whole thing.

The one person I thought was on my side was just like my shitty boss after all. I guess I really was just an easy mark.

I was already exhausted, already wanting to quit... but every time she gave me a kind word or brought me a coffee saying "good job today," I actually thought I could keep going. I must have looked so pathetic.

“Maybe I should just... drop everything and run.”

The words slipped out.

Forget the company, forget my shitty boss, forget Kanzaki... I want to forget it all and just disappear. I don't care where—I just want to get out of here and hide.

“I don't get along with my family, and I've got nobody else to turn to...”

Maybe it was because of that company, but I hadn't even made any real friends.

All the other people who started at the same time as me look like zombies every day... Man, I really can't help but wonder.

Why did I put up with this place for two whole years?

I’ve heard people say you should stay at a job for at least three, but if I stay here for one more year, I’m actually going to snap.

“...I'm not going back tomorrow. I don't care what they say or what they think of me anymore.”

I started tearing up everything—the business cards they made me when I joined, the documents I was supposed to use.

To me right now, this is how I cut ties with that company for good.

I ripped it all to shreds, venting every bit of frustration I’d bottled up.

My room was covered in scraps of paper, but sleeping in the middle of this mess was nothing to me now. I was way past the point of caring about something like that.

“...Sigh. So, where should I actually go?”

A trip with no goal. A journey with no destination.

Fortunately, I’d been way too busy to ever go out, and I didn't have any hobbies to blow my money on.

Basically, what I’m saying is—I’ve got a decent chunk of change saved up.

I guess I should be grateful for the high salary in that regard. I mean, they didn't pay a cent of overtime, but having money in the bank definitely takes the edge off.

“Whatever... I’ll let tomorrow-me deal with the rest.”

I hopped in the shower, grabbed a bite, and crashed on top of my covers.

“Man, though... is this really okay for a functioning adult?”

Walking out without a word is probably the shittiest thing a professional can do.

But then again, there’s the fact that I handed in my notice a month ago and watched it get shredded. Thinking about that, I felt like I could actually hold my head high while ghosting them.

“...Oh, right. I should wipe my contacts.”

I went through and deleted my piece-of-shit boss, Kanzaki, and every other person at that company who’d made my life miserable.

I wouldn't call it "peace of mind" exactly, but just seeing their names gone from my address book made me feel a hell of a lot safer. It definitely made my chest feel a little less tight.

“...I'm calling this a 'trip,' but where is it even going? What do I actually want to do... how do I even want to live? Am I really gonna find those answers?”

I was caught between the relief of not having to go to work and the crushing anxiety of what comes next.

“...Dammit.”

Lately, my mood just bottoms out at night. Actually, it hasn’t just been lately—it’s been like this for at least six months.

Whenever 10:00 PM hits, this sudden wave of dread feels like it's going to crush my heart.

I used to watch streamers before bed, but lately, I can't even find the energy to enjoy them. Even when I try to sleep through it, the anxiety just rushes in harder, keeping me wide awake.

“So it’s gonna be like this tonight, too?”

I don’t have to go to the office. I never have to look at those people again.

And yet, the feeling won't go away. Even if I run away from that place, will I ever actually be me again?

I was terrified. I was so damn scared I couldn't stand it.

***

The next day, I found myself swaying along to the rhythm of a bus.

The anxiety had stuck around last night, but I must have passed out eventually, because I didn't wake up until 9:00 AM.

I took my sweet time getting ready and finally left the house after noon.

Without a destination in mind, I just spent the day in a daze, hopping on and off buses at random.

Eventually, you have to get off.

There’s no such thing as a bus that runs forever, and I couldn't just sit there being a nuisance to the driver.

“...4:00 PM already?”

I spent an almost impressive amount of time on the bus today.

I figured I’d better hop off soon, so I got out at the next stop and just started walking.

“Where am I?”

I hadn't looked at my phone once today, and I’d been so spaced out I completely tuned out the bus announcements. I had zero info on this town—or maybe it was a village? I didn't even know its name.

“...There’s no way there’s a hotel around here.”

Forget hotels; I couldn't see a single tall building.

I’d noticed it from the bus window, but I’d really ended up out in the boonies.

It’s not like I planned to head for the countryside, but maybe my soul just wanted to get away from the noise of the city.

“I’ll try heading that way.”

I walked forward, focusing on the feeling of my feet hitting the pavement.

“...Wow. It's beautiful.”

Looking around, I was surrounded by a rolling chain of lush, green mountains.

Paddy fields stretched out everywhere, the sound of frogs echoing through the air. It really hit me just how deep into nature I’d gone.

“Oh, a bus stop.”

I don’t know how long I’d been walking, but I spotted a stop further up the road.

Unlike the last one, this one had a little wooden roof. My legs were starting to give out, so I figured I’d take a break there.

“...Wait, is that rain?”

Suddenly, it started to pour.

It had been clear just a second ago, but before I knew it, dark clouds had swallowed the sky.

I had a bad feeling about this and made a break for the bus stop. I was right—the sky opened up with a heavy downpour.

“Just my luck...”

I had a folding umbrella in my bag, but it was faster to just duck for cover.

I didn't care that the ground was getting soaked; I just scrambled into the shelter to stay dry.

“Whew...”

“Taking cover from the rain?”

“Huh?!”

I thought I was alone, but it looked like someone had beaten me there.

I looked toward the voice and saw a beautiful woman sitting there. She had a brown bob that just barely brushed her shoulders. She had these gentle, soft-looking eyes, and even through her cardigan, I couldn't help but notice she was quite well-endowed.

“........”

This town... or village, whatever it was.

She was the first person I’d run into since arriving, and I was honestly stunned that someone this gorgeous lived out here.

I don't have any weird bias against the countryside, but seriously—she was a total knockout.

“Um... hiding from the rain?”

“Oh, yeah... it just started coming down out of nowhere.”

...Looking at her reminded me of Kanzaki.

Whenever I see someone who looks that pretty and kind, I start getting cynical, wondering if they’re hiding something dark inside.

“...No, stop it. That's messed up.”

As I shook my head, trying to clear the rude thought, the woman patted the spot on the bench next to her.

“It’s really coming down out there. Why don’t you take a load off and wait it out with me?”

“...Uh, yeah.”

Like she said, the rain was relentless.

Even with an umbrella, I’d probably get soaked in seconds... Great. I haven’t even figured out where I’m staying tonight, and if this keeps up, I’m screwed.

All I could do was pray for it to stop—or at least let up enough for me to move.

“Here, have a seat.”

“...Thanks.”

I was a little thrown by how much she was pushing for me to sit right next to her, but it felt weirder to say no at that point.

I sat down beside her and let out a long breath.

Watching a storm like this felt like the universe was just kicking me while I was down, but honestly? It was still better than being at the office.

“........”

Actually... I could feel her staring at me.

Even though I knew she was burning a hole in the side of my head, it didn't feel creepy. Maybe it was because she was so striking, or maybe it was because there was something genuinely kind in her gaze.

“Um... is something wrong?”

“Oh! No... sorry for staring. I just realized I’ve never seen you around before. This is a tiny village, so I pretty much know everyone’s face.”

Right... the classic small-town vibe.

“Well... uh... how do I put this?”

I debated telling her the truth, but decided against it.

Explaining my whole life story to a total stranger would just make things awkward.

While I was trying to figure out what to say, I noticed a scrape on the back of her hand.

“Whoa, what happened there?”

“Huh? Oh, this?”

Now that I was looking, her hand wasn't just scraped—her clothes were a bit dirty, too. I hadn't noticed until I sat closer.

“I’m a bit of a klutz, honestly. I tripped over a ledge on my way here.”

“Ouch... that’s rough.”

Well, that explained it. I reached into my bag and pulled out a bottle of water and a pack of Band-Aids.

“Here, give me your hand.”

“Wait, what? Oh... okay.”

I poured a bit of water over her hand to wash away the dirt, then carefully applied the bandage.

I’d packed the Band-Aids on a whim, but I guess following your gut pays off sometimes.

“Wow... thank you.”

“Don't mention it. It’ll probably sting a bit when you jump in the shower later, though, so fair warning.”

“Ugh... you’re right. I’ll just pray it scabs over fast.”

She rubbed the bandage gently and gave me a soft smile.

“You’re really kind, aren't you?”

“Kind? I don't know... didn't you think it was a little weird? Most people wouldn't just grab a stranger's hand like that.”

“Maybe. But I think you're just a very kind person.”

“........”

Kind, huh?

It’s not a word I hear often, though Kanzaki used to say it to me back at the office.

I remember giving her a small gift once to thank her for her help, and she told me I was "kind." It made me so happy back then... and honestly, hearing it from the woman in front of me now made me feel a little spark of joy too.

“...Thanks.”

I knew my voice sounded gloomy, but I had no idea how else to react.

I tried to force the best smile I could muster to go with the thanks, but I’m sure it looked stiff and awkward to her. Still, that was the best I could do right now.

“It hurts just looking at that smile. I missed my chance to ask earlier, but... do you want to talk about it?”

“........”

When she called out my "pained" smile, I immediately looked away.

I’m sure she knew she was overstepping. Prying into a stranger's life like this is usually nothing but a nuisance.

...But maybe, just once, it wouldn't hurt to let it out.

I’d probably never see her again anyway. If she was the one asking, I figured I might as well tell her.

“I... I came here for no real reason.”

“No reason?”

“...To be honest, I was working at a black company. I finally hit my breaking point and decided I wasn't going back today. I just dropped everything and ran.”

“........”

“This town—er, village? I ended up here by pure chance. I just kept getting on and off buses until I landed here.”

“So... you mean you have nowhere to stay?”

“Yeah... embarrassing as it is.”

I had nothing left to hide, so I just nodded truthfully.

I couldn't tell what she was thinking as she stared at me, but this seemed like a good time to ask for directions.

“Is there anywhere I can stay—?”

The moment I started to ask, she gently took my hand.

It was so sudden I actually froze, my eyes going wide.

“If you're looking for a place to stay, I know the perfect spot.”

“Huh?”

“Come to my house. I live with my mother, and one more person won't be a bother at all.”

“........”

Whoa, hold on a second. What is this lady saying?

I mean, I appreciated the offer, and it would definitely save my skin... but there was no way I could just say yes to that.

“Don't be shy, okay? Honestly, after hearing that story, there’s no way I could just say 'see ya' and walk away.”

“I mean... normally, people try not to get involved.”

“Then I guess I’m not normal. But if I left you here, I wouldn't be able to sleep tonight. So please—for the sake of your mind and your body—won't you come stay with us?”

“........”

Is it just me, or is she being really pushy?

Under normal circumstances, I should probably turn her down, no matter how nice she's being. But it was getting dark, and I didn't exactly have a Plan B. Maybe I should just take her up on it for tonight.

“...Um, are you sure it’s okay if I intrude?”

The second I said it, her face lit up with a huge grin and she nodded.

“Of course!”

Just like that, my fear of sleeping outside vanished.

And as if on cue, the rain stopped, finally allowing us to step out from under the bus stop roof.

“Oh, I almost forgot. My name is Mina Anzai. I’m a teacher at the elementary school here in Minosato.”

“Oh... a teacher, huh? I’m Takuya Sumeragi.”

“Takuya, then. Please, just call me Mina. And you don't have to be so formal with me. We look about the same age anyway. For the record, I’m twenty-two.”

“I’m twenty-four... but I don't know about the name thing—”

“It’s fine! Come on, let me hear it.”

She seemed like the type who wouldn't budge an inch until I said it.

After a moment of hesitation—though it wasn't like I was that against it—I reluctantly muttered her name.

“...Mina-san.”

“There we go. And I’ll call you... Takuya-san.”

My name. Come to think of it, it had been a long time since anyone had called me by my first name.

It was always "you," "dumbass," or "useless" from my boss. Even Kanzaki and everyone else used my last name. This felt... new.

“Shall we go? If we’re too late, my mom will start worrying.”

“Okay, sounds good...”

“No formalities, remember?”

“...Right. Let’s go.”

“Hehe.”

And that’s how I ended up going home with the first person I met in the village—Mina.

Between the random encounter and the crazy proposal, I still wasn't sure what to think.

But at the time, I had no clue that this meeting would be the thing that changed my fate forever.