The day began like anyThe day began like any other for Haruka. The familiar buzz of her alarm roused her from sleep, and she groaned, reaching over to silence it.
Her mornings followed the same routine—fresh coffee brewing as she prepared a light breakfast and selected an outfit suitable for another long shift at the call center.
As much as she tried to compartmentalize her emotions, thoughts of Takumi and Aiko lingered in her mind, the events of the previous day still fresh.
Haruka arrived at work, slipping into her cubicle and adjusting her headset. Taking a deep breath, she logged in and braced herself for whatever stories the day would bring.
The first call came almost immediately.
"Thank you for calling *Love 119*. This is Haruka. How can I assist you today?"
The caller's voice was sharp but tinged with frustration. "I'm losing my mind over this guy. He's been my rival at school for years—always competing with me, always trying to one-up me—and now… now he says he has feelings for me. Can you believe that?!"
Haruka smiled slightly, already envisioning the situation. "That sounds… complicated. How do you feel about him?"
"That's the worst part!" the caller exclaimed. "I think I like him too, but it's so confusing. One minute I want to strangle him, and the next, I can't stop thinking about him. I feel like I'm betraying myself!"
Haruka chuckled softly, careful to keep her tone neutral. "It sounds like there's a lot of passion in your relationship—both the competitive kind and maybe something deeper. It's okay to feel conflicted. Sometimes, what starts as rivalry can grow into mutual respect and affection. The key is to communicate honestly about your feelings. It might not be as scary as you think."
The caller sighed, her voice softening. "Maybe you're right. Thanks for listening. I think I needed to hear that."
After ending the call, Haruka barely had time to log the details before her phone rang again.
This time, the caller spoke in hushed tones. "I'm in love with someone, but we can't be together. Our families… they'd never allow it."
Haruka listened carefully as the caller poured out their heart about a forbidden romance—a love that defied societal expectations and family pressures.
"It's hard when love feels like a battle against the world," Haruka said gently. "But love should also make you feel safe and supported. Have you talked to your partner about how you can navigate this together?"
"I'm scared," the caller admitted. "What if we lose everything?"
"You won't know unless you try," Haruka said softly. "If your love is strong enough, you can find a way forward—together."
The calls kept coming: a young woman desperate to escape an arranged marriage, a man heartbroken over a failed attempt at turning friendship into romance, and a caller who admitted to being admired by many but unable to feel romantic attraction toward anyone.
Haruka handled each call with patience and empathy, offering advice where she could and simply listening when words weren't enough.
As the day wore on, Haruka felt the familiar tug of exhaustion creeping in, but the sense of purpose she felt kept her going. When the phone rang again, she answered with practiced ease.
"Thank you for calling *Love 119*. This is Haruka. How can I assist you today?"
"Hey, it's me again," came Naoki's now-familiar voice.
"Naoki," Haruka said warmly, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You've been calling a lot lately. What's going on today?"
"Nothing serious," Naoki said quickly. "I guess I just wanted to talk. I've been thinking about everything you said, and… I think you're right. About being myself."
"That's good to hear," Haruka said encouragingly. "How's it going so far?"
Before Naoki could answer, the muffled sound of voices interrupted him.
Naoki shifted uncomfortably in his seat at the diner, his phone pressed to his ear as his friends hovered nearby.
Hiroto, Riku, and Sho had been pestering him all day about his mysterious phone calls, and he'd finally run out of excuses to get away from them.
"Who are you even talking to all the time?" Hiroto asked, leaning closer.
"No one," Naoki muttered, turning away slightly.
Sho smirked, clearly unconvinced. "It's definitely a girl. Look at him—he's blushing."
"I am not!" Naoki shot back, though his face betrayed him.
Hiroto reached over and grabbed Naoki's phone before he could stop him. "Hello? Who's this? Are you Naoki's girlfriend or something?"
Haruka, startled but composed, responded politely. "This is Haruka from *Love 119*. I'm here to offer advice and support."
"Wait, wait, wait," Hiroto said, his grin widening. "Naoki's been calling a love hotline? And the agent is a girl? No way!"
Naoki lunged for his phone, his face burning. "Hiroto, give it back!"
Hiroto dodged him, laughing. "Man, this is gold. No wonder you've been so secretive."
Haruka, still on the line, couldn't help but chuckle softly. "Naoki, it sounds like your friends are very curious."
Naoki finally wrestled his phone back, glaring at his friends. "Sorry about that," he muttered, his embarrassment evident.
"It's okay," Haruka said kindly. "But maybe you should tell your friends a little about what's going on. It might help them understand."
Naoki sighed, glancing at his friends, who were now watching him expectantly. "I'll think about it," he said reluctantly.
As the call ended, Naoki slouched in his chair, ignoring the teasing looks from his friends.
"So," Hiroto said, grinning, "you've been calling a girl for advice? Is she cute?"
Naoki groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Can you not?"
But despite his friends' teasing, Naoki couldn't help but think about Haruka. Her voice had become a source of comfort, and he realized just how much her advice meant to him.
Back at the call center, Haruka logged off her system, feeling the weight of the day settling over her. As she stepped out into the evening air, she couldn't help but wonder about Naoki.
His youthful honesty and eagerness to grow reminded her of how love often started—messy, uncertain, but full of potential.
Tomorrow, she thought, would bring more stories, more heartbreaks, and more hope. But for now, she allowed herself a small smile, thinking of all the lives she'd touched today—and the ways they had touched her in return.
•~• Naoki P.O.V •~•
After finishing their meal at the diner, Naoki and his friends grabbed their bags and headed back to campus. The lively chatter and teasing about Naoki's mysterious hotline call lingered in the air as they walked down the bustling streets, weaving through the afternoon crowd.
"Seriously, Naoki," Hiroto started, slinging an arm around his shoulder, "calling a *love hotline*? That's next-level romantic comedy stuff. You could've just asked us for advice, you know."
Naoki shrugged Hiroto off, his face still tinged with embarrassment. "It's not like that. I just needed… a different perspective, okay?"
"A *girl's* perspective, apparently," Sho chimed in with a smirk. "Come on, Naoki, we're your friends. Spill it—what's the deal with this Haruka chick? Is she nice? Does she sound cute?"
"Will you guys quit it already?" Naoki groaned, rubbing his temples. "She's just doing her job. It's not a big deal."
"But you keep calling her," Riku pointed out, raising an eyebrow. "That's gotta mean something."
Naoki sighed, realizing there was no way they were going to let this go. "Look, she gives good advice, okay? She actually listens and doesn't just mess around like you guys."
"Hey!" Hiroto feigned offense. "We're great listeners!"
"Sure, you are," Naoki replied dryly.
As they reached the school gates, the teasing shifted to lighter topics. The campus was alive with students milling about, heading to their next classes or relaxing on the grassy fields.
The warm afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the buildings, making the scene feel almost serene—if not for the occasional shouting of late students sprinting to their lectures.
The group made their way to the lecture hall, their banter softening as they settled into their seats. Naoki tried to focus on the professor's voice, but his thoughts kept drifting back to the hotline and Haruka's voice.
There was something about the way she spoke—calm, empathetic, and always just the right amount of encouraging—that stuck with him.
Next to him, Hiroto leaned over and whispered, "So, when are you gonna ask her out?"
Naoki shot him a glare. "She's not some random girl I met, Hiroto. She's a professional. That's not how it works."
"Sure, sure," Hiroto said with a knowing grin. "But don't tell me you haven't thought about it."
Naoki didn't respond, choosing instead to bury his face in his notebook. Deep down, he knew Hiroto was wrong—this wasn't some crush or romantic fantasy.
But he couldn't deny that Haruka had left an impression on him. Whether it was her voice, her kindness, or just the way she made him feel heard, Naoki couldn't quite shake the thought of her.
The rest of the lecture passed in a blur, and as the class ended, Naoki and his friends gathered their things, ready to head home.
"You know," Riku said thoughtfully as they walked out of the building, "maybe this Haruka lady isn't just helping you. Maybe you're helping her too. Ever think about that?"
Naoki frowned, the idea catching him off guard. He'd never considered that his calls might have an impact on Haruka. After all, she was just doing her job… wasn't she?
"Whatever," Hiroto interrupted, breaking the moment of reflection. "Next time, let us help you with your love problems, alright? We'll save you the phone bill."
Naoki rolled his eyes but laughed along with the others. As they walked into the sunset-drenched campus, he found himself glancing at his phone, wondering if he'd end up dialing *Love 119* again tomorrow.
As Naoki and his friends strolled across campus, their conversation gradually shifted to assignments, weekend plans, and the latest campus gossip. Yet, despite the casual chatter, Naoki's mind wandered back to Haruka.
Would it always be like this? Calling the hotline, sharing his thoughts with her voice on the other end, and then hanging up only to wish he could say more?
He absently pulled his phone out of his pocket, scrolling through his call history where the *Love 119* number sat at the top. His thumb hovered over it for a moment before he shook his head and slipped it back into his pocket.
"What's with the face?" Hiroto asked, noticing Naoki's far-off look.
"Nothing," Naoki muttered, brushing it off.
Sho smirked knowingly. "Bet he's thinking about Haruka again."
"Guys, drop it already," Naoki groaned, though his cheeks flushed.
As the group reached the courtyard, Naoki slowed his pace, letting his friends walk ahead. The lingering thought he'd been trying to suppress bubbled to the surface.
*What if I could talk to Haruka outside of the hotline?*
It was a ridiculous idea, he knew. Haruka was just doing her job, and it wasn't like they were friends. Still, the thought of being able to talk to her without the formalities of the hotline intrigued him.
He wanted to know more about her—the person behind the calm, soothing voice. Did she enjoy giving advice? Was she always so kind, or was it just part of her job?
More importantly, would she even want to talk to him if she didn't have to?
Naoki shook his head, trying to dismiss the idea. "Yeah, right," he muttered to himself. "Why would someone like her give her number to someone like me?"
But the thought stayed with him, even as he joined his friends at the campus library to study. As he stared at his open textbook, the words blurred together, his mind filled with what-ifs and imaginary conversations with Haruka.
He imagined dialing her personal number, hearing her answer with the same warmth she used on the hotline. He'd ask her about her day, maybe even make her laugh.
"Naoki," Hiroto said suddenly, snapping him out of his thoughts. "You've been staring at the same page for ten minutes. What's going on?"
"Nothing," Naoki said quickly, flipping the page even though he hadn't read a word.
Sho chuckled. "If he fails the test, we'll know why. Too busy daydreaming about Haruka."
Naoki glared at him but said nothing, his mind still stuck on the impossible idea of getting closer to her. For now, *Love 119* was all he had. But deep down, he couldn't help but wonder: would there ever be a way to cross that invisible boundary between them?
•~• Haruka P.O.V •~•
Haruka leaned back against her couch, a soft sigh escaping her lips. The dim glow of her apartment's overhead light cast a warm hue over the room as she scrolled through her phone absentmindedly.
The familiar beat of her favorite playlist played through her earbuds, a soothing backdrop to the quiet evening.
It had been another long day at work, filled with a whirlwind of emotions from the stories she'd heard. She was used to it by now—the heartbreak, the confusion, the hesitant hope—but there was something about today that felt heavier than usual.
Her thumb paused over her call log, where the *Love 119* number stood out prominently among a sea of missed calls and notifications. Naoki's name—or rather, the memory of his voice—lingered in her thoughts.
He was young, probably still figuring out life, but there was a genuine sincerity in the way he spoke, even if his questions often veered into unexpected territory.
Haruka smiled faintly as she thought about his latest call. *A rental girlfriend service? Really?* She shook her head, chuckling to herself.
Naoki had an innocent curiosity that made their conversations feel less like work and more like… something else.
She tapped her phone screen, pulling up her music app to switch to another playlist. As the song changed, her gaze drifted toward her phone's lock screen.
It was rare for her to receive personal messages or calls these days. Most of her time and energy went into her job, leaving little room for anything—or anyone—else.
Her mind wandered back to Aiko's harsh words earlier. The way Aiko spoke about Takumi, the bitterness in her tone, had unsettled Haruka more than she cared to admit. She wasn't sure how to handle the situation, especially with Takumi being so kind and supportive.
She sighed, closing her eyes for a moment and letting the music wash over her. Maybe she was overthinking everything—work, Aiko, even Naoki.
Her phone vibrated suddenly, pulling her from her thoughts. She glanced at the screen, half-expecting it to be a notification from work. Instead, it was a message from Takumi:
*"Hope you made it home safe. Don't forget to rest well tonight."*
Haruka's heart fluttered slightly as she stared at the message. Takumi had always been considerate, but after his unexpected confession, his kindness felt different—heavier, almost. She typed a quick reply, keeping it casual:
*"Thanks, Takumi. You too."*
Setting her phone aside, Haruka grabbed the throw blanket draped over the arm of the couch and curled up beneath it. She let the music fill the silence once more, her thoughts a jumble of Takumi's quiet concern, Aiko's pointed words, and Naoki's endless questions.
Tomorrow would bring more calls, more advice to give, and more emotions to navigate. For now, all she could do was let the day fade away and hope for a little clarity in the morning.
The soft morning light filtered through the curtains of Haruka's apartment as she stirred awake. For the first time in what felt like forever, she didn't have to rush out of bed to the sound of her alarm. It was her day off—a rare and precious reprieve from the constant hum of phone calls and emotional exchanges.
She stretched lazily, letting herself enjoy the quiet moment before sliding out of bed. Her small apartment felt unusually peaceful without the rush of her usual morning routine.
After a quick shower, she padded into the kitchen to make herself a proper breakfast—something she rarely had time for on workdays.
The smell of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling eggs filled the air, and she smiled to herself, already feeling more relaxed.
With her breakfast tray balanced in one hand, she settled onto the couch and turned on the TV, flipping through the channels until she landed on a lighthearted romance drama.
She half-watched the screen while scrolling through her phone, replying to a few texts and catching up on social media.
By mid-afternoon, Haruka decided to head out for a change of scenery. She slipped into a comfortable outfit, grabbed her bag, and made her way to her favorite café down the street. The cozy, quiet atmosphere of the place always helped her unwind.
As she sipped her latte and browsed a book she'd been meaning to finish, her mind began to wander. The drama at work with Aiko and Takumi still lingered in the back of her thoughts.
Aiko's words had been sharp, but Haruka had tried to brush them off. Even so, she couldn't deny that they'd struck a chord.
*Did Takumi really feel that way about me? And if he does, what am I supposed to do about it?*
Her thoughts were interrupted when her phone vibrated on the table. She glanced at the screen and saw an unexpected name: *Takumi.*
She hesitated before answering. "Hello?"
"Hey, Haruka," his warm voice came through. "I hope I'm not bothering you. I know it's your day off, but… I was wondering if you wanted to grab lunch or something? No pressure, of course."
Haruka hesitated, glancing down at her half-finished coffee. Spending time with Takumi outside of work wasn't unusual, but after his confession, everything felt more complicated. Still, she didn't want to seem rude.
"Sure," she said finally. "Where should we meet?"
A short while later, Haruka found herself at a small ramen shop Takumi had suggested. He was already waiting outside when she arrived, flashing her a friendly smile.
"Thanks for coming," he said as they entered and found a quiet corner booth.
As they waited for their food, the conversation flowed easily, much like it always had. Takumi talked about his plans for the weekend and shared a funny story about a clumsy mishap at work earlier in the week.
Haruka found herself relaxing, almost forgetting the tension that had been brewing between them.
But as the meal wound down, Takumi's tone shifted. "Haruka, I just wanted to say… I meant what I said the other day. About how I feel."
Haruka froze, her chopsticks pausing mid-air. She set them down carefully, meeting his gaze.
"Takumi…" she began, unsure of how to respond.
Before she could finish, Takumi held up a hand. "You don't have to say anything right now. I just wanted to remind you that I'm here, no matter what. As a friend, as… whatever you need."
His sincerity caught her off guard, and she managed a small smile. "Thank you," she said softly.
Later, as Haruka walked back to her apartment, her mind was a whirlwind of emotions. Takumi's words had been kind, but they left her feeling more conflicted than ever.
As Haruka reached her door and stepped inside, she spotted her phone buzzing on the coffee table. Setting down her bag, she grabbed the phone and answered, curious about the unexpected call.
"Good evening, Ms. Haruka," came the familiar voice of Ms. Nakamura, one of her colleagues from the hotline. "Sorry to bother you on your day off, but there's someone who wants to speak with you. He's been insistent, saying he doesn't want to talk to anyone else."
Haruka frowned, already running through the possibilities in her mind. "Really? Did they say why?"
"No, but he's adamant. I've tried to explain that it's your day off, but he refused to speak with anyone else. Would you be able to take this one call? If not, I'll let him know."
Haruka sighed, glancing at the clock. It wasn't too late, and she couldn't shake the curiosity about who it might be. "Sure, no worries. Put them on the line, Ms. Nakamura."
"Thank you, Haruka. I'll transfer him now."
There was a brief pause before the line clicked, and a voice she recognized immediately filled her ear.
"Haruka?" It was Naoki.
Her breath hitched slightly in surprise. "Naoki? Is everything okay?"
"Yeah… I mean, no," he stammered, sounding both nervous and relieved. "I didn't mean to bother you on your day off, but I didn't know what else to do. I—I just wanted to talk to you. Is that okay?"
Haruka's lips parted slightly, caught off guard by his directness. "Naoki, it's fine. I'm here. What's on your mind?"
There was a pause on the other end of the line before he finally spoke again. "I know this is going to sound weird, but… do you ever feel like you're just stuck? Like, no matter what you do, you can't figure things out?"
Haruka's expression softened. Despite the unusual circumstances, she could hear the vulnerability in his voice. "I think everyone feels that way at some point," she said gently. "But it's okay to feel stuck. It's part of figuring out where you want to go next."
Naoki let out a shaky breath, as though he'd been holding it in. "You always know what to say," he muttered.
Haruka smiled faintly, though she knew he couldn't see it. "That's what I'm here for. But, Naoki, why didn't you just wait until tomorrow to call the hotline? I'm sure one of my colleagues could've helped."
There was a beat of silence before he answered, quieter this time. "Because… it's not the same when it's not you."
Haruka's heart skipped a beat at his words. She didn't know how to respond to that. Before she could think of what to say, Naoki continued.
"I don't know what's wrong with me," he admitted. "I don't even know why I keep calling. I just… I feel like I can actually talk to you. Like you get it, you know?"
Haruka took a deep breath, her emotions swirling. "Naoki, I'm glad you feel comfortable talking to me, but… I'm just one person. You've got people in your life who care about you, too. Don't forget that."
"I know," he said quietly. "But it's different. Anyway… I'm sorry for bothering you. I just needed to hear your voice, I guess."
Her heart ached at the vulnerability in his tone. "It's okay, Naoki. I'm here if you need to talk. Always."
"Thanks," he whispered. "Goodnight, Haruka."
"Goodnight, Naoki."
As the call ended, Haruka set her phone down slowly, her mind racing. Naoki's words lingered in the air, leaving her wondering what it was about her that kept drawing him back.
She leaned back on the couch, staring at the ceiling. This day off had taken an unexpected turn, and she couldn't shake the feeling that things were only going to get more complicated.
Haruka woke up to the gentle sound of her alarm, its rhythmic chime pulling her from a restless sleep. She stretched under the covers, her mind still heavy from the events of the previous day. Naoki's late-night call lingered in her thoughts, his vulnerable words echoing in her mind.
Pushing the blanket aside, she forced herself to start the day. It wasn't her day off anymore, which meant another routine of work calls, advice, and navigating the emotional labyrinth of her clients' stories.
After a quick shower, she prepared a light breakfast, her phone sitting on the counter like an unspoken reminder of last night's conversation.
*Why does he always want to talk to me?* she wondered as she sipped her coffee. Naoki was kind, honest, and a little awkward—traits that endeared him to her, but it also felt strange.
She couldn't deny that his persistence was starting to blur the professional boundaries she'd carefully maintained.
By the time she left her apartment, the crisp morning air helped clear her mind. The walk to the call center was quiet and uneventful, and for a brief moment, Haruka let herself enjoy the peacefulness of the world waking up around her.
At work, the familiar hum of ringing phones and soft conversations filled the office. Haruka greeted her colleagues as she settled into her cubicle, her headset resting comfortably around her neck. As she logged into the system, Ms. Nakamura approached her with a clipboard in hand.
"Good morning, Haruka," she said with a small smile. "How was your day off?"
"It was… restful," Haruka replied with a polite nod, though she wasn't sure if that was entirely true.
"Good to hear," Ms. Nakamura said before glancing at her clipboard. "Oh, by the way, you've been getting quite a few requests lately—particularly from repeat callers. That's impressive. Keep up the good work."
Haruka smiled politely as Ms. Nakamura walked away, but her words only added to the knot forming in her stomach. She knew exactly which "repeat caller" she meant.
The morning passed in a blur of calls, each one a unique story. Haruka listened patiently as a young woman shared her frustration about being caught in an enemies-to-lovers situation, then advised an older man struggling with feelings for someone his family disapproved of.
There were moments of levity, like the lighthearted call from someone debating whether or not to confess to their lifelong best friend, and heavier moments, like the tearful confession of someone feeling trapped in an arranged marriage.
By midday, Haruka leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples. Her job was rewarding, but days like this reminded her of how emotionally draining it could be.
Just as she reached for her cup of tea, her phone rang again. The caller ID flashed a number she recognized instantly.
Taking a deep breath, Haruka answered. "This is Haruka. How can I help you?"
There was a pause before the familiar voice filled her ear. "Hey, Haruka," Naoki said, his tone lighter than last night.
"Naoki," she greeted, her voice steady. "What's on your mind today?"
"Nothing serious this time," he said quickly, almost defensively. "I just… wanted to check in. See how you're doing."
Haruka blinked, caught off guard. "How *I'm* doing?"
"Yeah," he said, a hint of nervousness in his voice. "You're always helping everyone else. I figured someone should ask you for a change."
Haruka couldn't help but smile faintly, though she shook her head. "I'm fine, Naoki. Thank you for asking."
"Good," he said, sounding relieved. "I just… I guess I wanted to make sure I wasn't making your job harder."
"You're not," she assured him gently. "But, Naoki, you don't have to worry about me. I'm here to help you, remember?"
"I know," he said softly. "But maybe someday I can return the favor."
Haruka's chest tightened at his words, but before she could respond, Naoki quickly added, "Anyway, I should let you get back to work. Thanks for taking my call, Haruka."
"Anytime, Naoki," she replied, her voice warm.
As the line went silent, Haruka set her headset down and stared at her monitor. Naoki's thoughtfulness had caught her off guard, and for the first time, she wondered if this connection—this growing bond—was something more than just professional.
She shook the thought away and reached for her tea, bracing herself for the rest of the day. But no matter how many calls she took, one thing was certain: Naoki's words would stay with her.
Haruka stretched her arms as she stood up from her chair, feeling the strain from sitting for hours. The buzz of phones and soft conversations filled the call center, but she needed a moment to clear her head.
She walked over to Ms. Nakamura, who was reviewing paperwork at her desk. "Ms. Nakamura, I'm going to take a quick break, if that's alright," Haruka said politely.
Ms. Nakamura glanced up with a smile. "Of course, Haruka. You've been working hard as usual. Take your time."
Haruka nodded her thanks and headed toward the small break room. The room was quiet, save for the faint hum of the vending machines.
She grabbed a bottle of water and sat down at one of the tables, letting out a soft sigh as she leaned back in her chair.
She pulled out her phone, intending to check her messages, but her thoughts kept drifting back to her recent call with Naoki. His words—especially his insistence on checking in with her—had caught her off guard.
It wasn't often that a caller turned the conversation back on her, and it left her feeling a strange mix of warmth and unease.
Haruka's phone buzzed suddenly, snapping her out of her thoughts. She glanced at the screen, half-expecting it to be a message from Takumi. Instead, it was a text from Aiko.
*"Don't think I haven't noticed Takumi spending more time with you. Just remember, he's been my friend long before you showed up."*
Haruka frowned, her fingers hovering over the keyboard. She considered replying but decided against it, slipping the phone back into her pocket instead. She didn't have the energy to deal with Aiko's pointed comments right now.
As she sat there, sipping her water and trying to clear her mind, the door to the break room opened. Takumi stepped inside, his usual warm smile lighting up his face.
"Hey, Haruka," he said, grabbing a coffee from the machine. "Taking a breather?"
"Yeah," Haruka replied, offering a small smile. "It's been a busy morning."
Takumi sat down across from her, his coffee in hand. "I figured. You've been handling so many calls lately. Don't overwork yourself, okay?"
Haruka nodded, appreciating his concern. "Thanks, Takumi. I'll be fine."
There was a brief pause before Takumi leaned forward slightly. "By the way, I wanted to ask… Are you free this weekend? I was thinking we could go grab lunch or maybe check out that new bookshop downtown."
Haruka hesitated, caught off guard by the casual invitation. She wasn't sure if Takumi's intentions were purely friendly or something more, especially after his recent confession.
"I'll have to check my schedule," she said carefully. "But I'll let you know."
"Sure," Takumi said easily, his smile unwavering. "No pressure."
As Takumi stood to leave, Haruka watched him go, her thoughts swirling. Between Naoki's unexpected vulnerability and Takumi's quiet persistence, her already-complicated emotions felt even more tangled.
With a sigh, she finished her water and stood up, preparing to return to her desk. The day wasn't over yet, and there were still plenty of calls to take.
Haruka returned to her cubicle, her headset resting comfortably on her ears as she logged back into the system. Almost immediately, the phone buzzed with an incoming call. She clicked to answer, her voice warm and professional.
"This is Haruka from Love 119. How can I assist you today?"
A hesitant voice greeted her. "Hi… um, I'm not sure if this is the right place to call, but I'm kind of stuck in a messy situation."
"That's okay," Haruka assured gently. "Take your time. I'm here to listen."
The caller sighed, clearly nervous. "So, I'm in this… situation. There's this guy I've liked for a long time—he's in the same class as me. He's sweet and always helps me with stuff. But recently, I found out that this other guy—he's in the next class over—likes me too."
Haruka's brows furrowed slightly as she began jotting down notes. "That sounds like a tricky situation. Do you have feelings for the guy in the next class?"
"I don't know," the caller admitted. "He's charming and funny, and he always finds excuses to talk to me. But I don't want to hurt my crush's feelings… or ruin things with either of them."
Haruka nodded, even though the caller couldn't see her. "It sounds like you're feeling caught in the middle. Have you had a chance to talk to either of them about how you feel?"
"No, not yet," the caller said quickly. "I'm scared. If I tell my crush how I feel, and he doesn't feel the same way, things will be so awkward. But if I give the other guy a chance, I feel like I'm betraying my crush."
Haruka thought for a moment before responding. "It's normal to feel torn in a situation like this, especially when both people mean a lot to you. But it's also important to think about what *you* want, rather than worrying only about how they might react. Do you see yourself with one of them more than the other?"
The caller hesitated. "I've always pictured myself with my crush, but the other guy… he's made me laugh more in the past few weeks than anyone else has in years. It's confusing."
"That's understandable," Haruka said gently. "Sometimes, the attention and care from someone new can make you question your feelings. But it's okay to take your time to sort through those emotions. You don't have to make a decision right away, and you don't owe anyone an answer until you're ready."
The caller let out a soft laugh. "I guess you're right. I've been putting so much pressure on myself to figure it out. Maybe I just need to let things play out a bit more before I decide."
"Exactly," Haruka said with a smile in her voice. "Listen to your heart, and when you're ready, be honest with them. The right people will understand."
"Thank you so much," the caller said, their tone lighter now. "I feel a little less overwhelmed."
"That's what I'm here for," Haruka replied warmly. "Take care, and don't hesitate to call back if you need more advice."
As the line disconnected, Haruka leaned back in her chair and exhaled slowly. Another tangled story of emotions, so similar yet so different from the others she'd heard.
Her mind wandered briefly to her own life. Though she wasn't facing a love triangle like the caller, there were certainly parallels—Takumi's steady presence, Naoki's growing connection, and even Aiko's harsh words.
With a soft shake of her head, Haruka refocused. The workday wasn't over yet, and there were still many more calls to take.
•~• Continuation 02 to 03 •~•