The next morning, Haruka and Yuto found themselves at the local police station, recounting the events of the previous day to a stern-looking officer. Haruka handed over her phone, showing the threatening text she had received.
"This isn't the first time, correct?" the officer asked, his pen poised over his notepad.
Haruka nodded. "No… but I thought it had stopped after Hiroshi was institutionalized."
The officer exchanged a glance with a colleague before addressing them again. "We'll run a trace on the number. In the meantime, it's important that you remain vigilant. If you notice anything suspicious, contact us immediately."
Yuto placed a reassuring hand on Haruka's shoulder. "Thank you, officer. We'll be careful."
As they left the station, Haruka sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I thought all of this was over. Why does it feel like it's starting all over again?"
Yuto stopped walking and turned her to face him. "Listen to me. You're not alone in this. We'll figure it out, and I won't let anything happen to you."
Haruka looked into his eyes, finding strength in his unwavering determination. "Thank you, Yuto. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Back at the office, the mood was lighter as everyone focused on their tasks. Haruka tried to push the morning's events from her mind, throwing herself into work. Takumi called her into his office mid-morning to finalize the candidate selection for his secretary, and the distraction was welcome.
"This one," Takumi said, pointing to a résumé, "seems like the best fit. What do you think?"
Haruka studied the résumé. "She does have a lot of relevant experience. I think she could be a good addition to the team."
Takumi nodded. "Let's set up a final interview and make a decision by the end of the week."
As Haruka returned to her desk, Yuto was waiting for her, holding two cups of coffee.
"Thought you could use this," he said with a smile, handing her one.
"You read my mind," she replied, taking a sip.
The day passed without incident, but as Haruka was packing up to leave, her phone buzzed again. Her heart skipped a beat as she glanced at the screen.
**"You didn't think it would be that easy, did you? I'm closer than you think."**
Her hands shook, but this time, she didn't hesitate to show the message to Yuto.
"We need to take this to the police again," Yuto said, his voice firm.
Haruka nodded, but a creeping fear settled in her chest. Whoever was behind this wasn't going to stop—and the thought of what might come next sent a chill down her spine.
Later that evening, Haruka sat on the couch in her apartment, staring at her phone in silence. The ominous message replayed in her mind, filling her with unease. Yuto was pacing the room, his phone pressed to his ear as he spoke with Takumi.
"Yeah, Takumi, this isn't just a prank or a coincidence anymore. We went to the police this morning, but now it feels like things are escalating," Yuto said, his voice steady but tinged with concern.
Haruka hugged her knees to her chest. "What if they're already watching us?" she murmured to herself, though Yuto heard her.
He ended the call and knelt in front of her, gently placing his hands on her shoulders. "Hey, don't spiral. We're taking this seriously, and I promise you, we'll figure it out."
Haruka looked at him, her eyes filled with worry. "It's just... every time I think this nightmare is over, it comes back. I don't know how much more of this I can take, Yuto."
"You don't have to face this alone," he said, his voice firm. "I'm here. Takumi's here. And the police are getting involved. You have a whole team on your side."
There was a knock at the door, making both of them jump. Yuto immediately moved to check through the peephole. He relaxed when he saw who it was.
"It's Takumi," he said, unlocking the door.
Takumi stepped inside, his expression grim but composed. "I thought it'd be better to discuss this in person," he said, setting a folder down on the coffee table.
"What's that?" Haruka asked.
"It's information on Hiroshi's release schedule," Takumi said, flipping the folder open. "I spoke with a friend who has contacts at the institution. Hiroshi hasn't been allowed out, but that doesn't mean he isn't behind this. Someone might be acting on his behalf."
Haruka's blood ran cold. "Acting on his behalf? But why would anyone else target me?"
"Obsessions like his can spread to enablers or people he manipulates," Takumi explained. "We can't rule out the possibility that he's been communicating with someone."
Yuto's jaw tightened. "So, we're not just dealing with one person. Great."
"We need to stay alert," Takumi continued. "I've already arranged for additional security at your workplace, and I think it's a good idea for Haruka to avoid being alone for the time being."
Haruka nodded, though the thought of needing so much protection made her feel even more trapped.
Later that night, as she tried to sleep, Haruka found herself staring at the ceiling. Yuto was in the living room, keeping watch. She thought of the life she'd started to build—the joy she found in her work, the budding relationship with Yuto, and the peace she had begun to feel after Hiroshi's institutionalization. Now, all of it seemed so fragile.
In her heart, she resolved to face whatever came next with courage. She wouldn't let fear rob her of the happiness she was finally beginning to embrace.
Unable to shake her restless thoughts, Haruka quietly got out of bed and made her way to the living room. The soft glow of the television illuminated Yuto, who was sprawled on the couch, flipping through channels but clearly not paying attention to anything.
"Yuto," she called softly, her voice breaking the silence.
He turned to her, concern immediately etched on his face. "Haruka, what's wrong? Can't sleep?"
She shook her head, fidgeting with the hem of her oversized sweater. "I keep thinking about everything. It's... overwhelming." She hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Can I stay here with you tonight? Just for a bit? I think I'll feel safer."
Yuto's expression softened, and he sat up, making room for her on the couch. "Of course. You don't even have to ask."
Haruka hesitated for a moment before settling down beside him. Yuto grabbed a spare blanket draped over the armrest and spread it over them both.
As they sat there in the dim light, Haruka leaned her head on Yuto's shoulder. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"For what?" he asked gently.
"For being here. For everything."
Yuto wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer. "I'll always be here, Haruka. You don't have to face anything alone."
The steady rhythm of his heartbeat began to calm her frayed nerves, and for the first time that night, she felt herself relax.
"Yuto," she murmured, her eyes growing heavy, "I think I'd be lost without you."
"And I'd be lost without you," he replied softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
As sleep finally began to claim her, Haruka realized that even in the midst of chaos, she had found a safe haven in Yuto.
The next morning, Haruka woke up to the faint sound of birds chirping outside and the soft warmth of sunlight streaming through the living room window. She blinked a few times, disoriented at first, before realizing she had fallen asleep on the couch—snuggled against Yuto, who was still asleep beside her.
She smiled to herself, appreciating how peaceful he looked, his usual sharp demeanor replaced with a rare vulnerability. For a moment, she let herself soak in the quiet comfort of the scene.
But the calm didn't last long. Her phone buzzed on the coffee table, breaking the serenity. Carefully, she disentangled herself from Yuto and reached for it.
It was a message from Takumi:
**"Morning, Haruka. Don't forget we have interviews today. Be at the office by 10."**
Haruka groaned softly. She had almost forgotten about the interviews. She glanced at the clock—it was already 8:15.
Behind her, Yuto stirred. "What time is it?" he asked groggily, rubbing his eyes.
"Almost 8:30," Haruka replied, standing up and stretching. "I need to get ready. Takumi scheduled those interviews today."
Yuto sat up, running a hand through his messy hair. "Want me to make you some breakfast while you get ready?"
"That would be amazing," Haruka said with a grateful smile.
As she hurried to her room to change, she couldn't help but feel a little lighter. Despite the stress and chaos of recent events, Yuto's presence had become an anchor for her—a constant reminder that she wasn't alone.
By the time she emerged, dressed and ready, Yuto had set the table with toast, eggs, and coffee.
"Quick breakfast, but it'll keep you going," he said, gesturing for her to sit.
"Yuto, you're spoiling me," Haruka teased as she took a bite.
"Get used to it," he replied with a grin, sitting across from her.
As they ate, Haruka found herself glancing at Yuto, feeling a warmth she couldn't quite put into words. Life was still complicated, but with him by her side, she felt ready to face whatever came next.
"Wish me luck," she said as she grabbed her bag and headed for the door.
"You don't need it," Yuto said confidently. "You've got this."
With a final smile, Haruka left for work, her heart feeling a little fuller than it had in a long time.
At the office, Haruka found Takumi already waiting in the conference room with a neat stack of resumes in front of him. He glanced up as she entered, offering a small smile.
"Right on time," he said.
Haruka nodded, setting her bag down and taking the seat across from him. "I'm ready. Let's do this."
Takumi handed her a few resumes. "We'll go through these together. I've narrowed it down to five candidates. Let me know if you have any thoughts during the interviews."
The first candidate walked in shortly after, a nervous-looking woman in her late twenties. Haruka offered her a polite smile as Takumi introduced himself.
Throughout the interviews, Haruka found herself noting subtle details—how each candidate responded to pressure, their enthusiasm for the role, and their ability to handle multitasking. Takumi occasionally glanced at her for input, and she offered her honest opinions.
By the time the last candidate left, Haruka leaned back in her chair with a sigh. "That was...intense."
Takumi chuckled. "You did well. I appreciate your input. Any favorites?"
Haruka flipped through her notes. "The third candidate, Kanae Tanaka, stood out the most to me. She seemed confident and experienced without being overbearing."
Takumi nodded in agreement. "I thought so too. I'll finalize things with her and HR. Thanks for your help, Haruka."
As they stood to leave, Takumi hesitated. "By the way, about Yuto..."
Haruka blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift. "What about him?"
"I've noticed how much closer you two have gotten," Takumi said, his tone lighter than usual. "I just wanted to say I'm glad you've found someone you can trust. Yuto's a good guy."
Haruka smiled, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. "Thank you, Takumi. That means a lot."
As she walked back to her desk, Haruka couldn't help but replay Takumi's words in her head. His approval, though unexpected, gave her a sense of reassurance.
Later that day, as she wrapped up her tasks, her phone buzzed with a message from Yuto:
**"Dinner at my place tonight? I've got something special planned."**
Haruka smiled, her heart skipping a beat. **"Sounds perfect,"** she replied.
As the workday ended, Haruka left the office feeling lighter. Life was slowly settling into something resembling normalcy, and for the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to fully embrace it.
That evening, Haruka arrived at Yuto's apartment, greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of home-cooked food. She stepped inside, removing her shoes and looking around. Yuto was in the kitchen, wearing an apron, and busy plating a beautiful spread of dishes.
"You've been busy," Haruka said, impressed.
Yuto turned, flashing her a proud smile. "I told you it was something special. Take a seat; dinner is almost ready."
She settled at the small dining table, watching him move effortlessly between the stove and counter. Moments later, he brought over a platter of roasted chicken, a side of grilled vegetables, and a fresh salad.
"This looks amazing," Haruka said, her stomach growling in approval.
"I figured you deserved something nice after all the stress you've been dealing with," Yuto said as he poured her a glass of sparkling water.
As they began eating, Haruka couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the warmth and effort Yuto put into making the evening perfect.
"So, how was the secretary hunt today?" Yuto asked between bites.
"Exhausting," Haruka admitted with a laugh. "But we found a great candidate. Takumi was really supportive, which helped."
"That's good to hear," Yuto said. Then, his tone softened. "You've been through a lot lately, Haruka. I just want you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what."
Haruka set her fork down, meeting his gaze. "Thank you, Yuto. I don't think I say it enough, but you've been my rock through everything. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Yuto reached across the table, taking her hand in his. "You don't have to face anything alone anymore. I've got you."
The sincerity in his voice made her chest tighten with emotion.
After dinner, they moved to the couch, sharing stories about their day and laughing over small anecdotes. Haruka leaned her head on Yuto's shoulder, feeling a sense of calm she hadn't experienced in weeks.
As the night deepened, Haruka found herself thinking: **Maybe this is what happiness feels like—being with someone who truly cares.**
Yuto gently kissed the top of her head, breaking her thoughts. "You seem deep in thought," he teased.
"Just thinking about how lucky I am," Haruka said softly.
Yuto chuckled, wrapping an arm around her. "I think I'm the lucky one."
For the first time in a long while, Haruka let herself believe in the possibility of a future filled with love and peace.
The next day, Haruka and Yuto arrived at the office together, drawing the usual playful teasing from their colleagues.
"Ah, the lovebirds are here!" one of their coworkers called out, earning a round of laughter.
Haruka's face flushed as she waved dismissively, while Yuto smirked and casually placed a hand on her shoulder. "Jealous much?" he teased back, which only fueled the good-natured ribbing.
As they settled into their respective desks, Haruka noticed an email from Takumi in her inbox, reminding her about the orientation for the new secretary later that day. She sighed, mentally preparing herself for another busy day.
"Something wrong?" Yuto asked as he set down a cup of coffee on her desk—a sweet gesture that had become a part of their morning routine.
"Just a packed day," Haruka replied, smiling at him. "But thanks for this. You're the best."
"I try," Yuto said with a wink before heading to his own desk.
The morning passed quickly as Haruka tackled phone calls and paperwork. Around noon, Takumi popped his head into her workspace.
"Ready for the new hire's orientation?" he asked.
"Of course," Haruka replied, grabbing her notebook and following him to the conference room.
The orientation went smoothly, with Takumi taking the lead while Haruka chimed in with helpful tips for the new secretary, Ms. Sato. She was a polite and capable woman in her late twenties, and Haruka felt a sense of relief knowing Takumi's office would be in good hands.
By the time Haruka returned to her desk, she was ready to take a break. As if on cue, Yuto appeared with a mischievous grin.
"Lunch?" he asked, holding up two bento boxes.
"You're spoiling me," Haruka said, laughing as she followed him to the break room.
"Someone has to," he teased, pulling out a chair for her.
As they ate together, Haruka couldn't help but feel grateful for how much brighter her days had become with Yuto by her side. Even amid the chaos of work and lingering anxieties, moments like these reminded her that she wasn't facing anything alone.
When lunch ended, and they headed back to their desks, Haruka caught herself thinking, **Maybe, just maybe, things are finally starting to fall into place.**
The rest of the afternoon passed in a flurry of tasks, but Haruka felt strangely energized. With Yuto's quiet yet steady support, even the most mundane parts of her workday seemed manageable.
By the time the office began to empty out, Takumi stopped by Haruka's desk. "Good work today. Ms. Sato seems like a solid addition," he said, nodding approvingly.
Haruka smiled. "I agree. She caught on quickly. I think she'll do well here."
"Good. Now go home and get some rest. Both of you," Takumi added with a meaningful glance at Yuto, who was waiting nearby.
"Yes, sir," Haruka said with a small laugh as she grabbed her bag and walked toward Yuto.
"Ready?" Yuto asked, falling into step beside her.
"Ready," she replied.
As they left the office, the cool evening air greeted them, and Haruka instinctively leaned closer to Yuto for warmth. He glanced down at her with a soft smile but said nothing.
The walk back to her apartment was quiet but comforting. When they reached her door, Haruka hesitated before turning to face Yuto.
"Thanks for today," she said.
Yuto tilted his head. "For what?"
"For being there. For always being there," she clarified, her cheeks tinged with pink.
He grinned, leaning slightly closer. "That's my job now, isn't it?"
Haruka chuckled, lightly pushing his shoulder. "Don't get cocky."
"Too late," Yuto teased, stepping back with a wink. "Text me if you need anything. Sleep well, Haruka."
"You too," she replied, watching as he walked away.
Once inside, Haruka set her bag down and collapsed onto the couch. The exhaustion of the day finally caught up with her, but so did a sense of peace. She knew life wasn't perfect—there were still uncertainties and challenges ahead—but for now, she allowed herself to breathe, to appreciate the small joys, and to trust that she didn't have to face everything alone.
**Maybe things really are starting to look up,** she thought as she drifted off to sleep.
The next morning came with the promise of a fresh start. Haruka woke up feeling surprisingly rested, her thoughts still lingering on Yuto's reassuring presence.
As she made her way to the office, the usual hum of activity greeted her. She noticed Ms. Sato diligently settling into her new role, already earning smiles and nods of approval from colleagues. Haruka felt a twinge of pride, knowing she'd helped find the right person for the job.
"Morning, Haruka," Yuto's voice cut through her thoughts as he appeared beside her desk.
"Morning," she replied, smiling up at him.
"Takumi asked if we could both meet him in his office after lunch. Something about a new project," Yuto informed her.
Haruka raised an eyebrow. "Another project? He's not wasting any time, is he?"
Yuto chuckled. "You know how he is. Always planning something."
The rest of the morning passed quickly, and before she knew it, Haruka found herself seated in Takumi's office with Yuto. Takumi leaned back in his chair, a faint smile on his face as he shuffled some papers.
"I'll get straight to the point," Takumi began. "We're considering expanding Love 119's reach. There's been interest in setting up a second branch in Osaka. It's still in the planning stages, but I want you two to be involved in the preliminary discussions."
Haruka exchanged a glance with Yuto, her curiosity piqued. "What kind of involvement?" she asked.
"You'll be gathering feedback, analyzing what works here, and proposing ways to replicate that in a new city," Takumi explained. "It's a big responsibility, but I trust you both."
"Osaka, huh?" Yuto mused. "That's a big step."
"It is," Takumi agreed. "But if anyone can handle it, it's you two. Think of it as a chance to shape the future of Love 119."
Haruka nodded slowly. "We'll do our best."
"Good. I'll send you the details by the end of the day," Takumi said, dismissing them with a wave of his hand.
As they left the office, Haruka felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. "What do you think?" she asked Yuto.
"I think it's an amazing opportunity," Yuto replied. "And I think we'll make a great team."
Haruka couldn't help but smile. For the first time in a long while, she felt like she was stepping into something new and exciting—not just professionally, but personally.
Maybe, just maybe, life was finally starting to fall into place.
The rest of the day flew by as Haruka and Yuto dived into their usual tasks, their minds occasionally drifting back to Takumi's announcement. By the time they left the office, the sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the city.
As they walked side by side toward the station, Haruka broke the silence. "Do you think we're ready for something like this? I mean, this project could change so much."
Yuto glanced at her, his expression soft but confident. "I think we're as ready as we'll ever be. Besides, you've been managing challenges here for years. This is just a new challenge in a different city."
She laughed lightly. "You make it sound so simple."
"It is when you're working with someone you trust," Yuto said, giving her a reassuring smile.
His words struck a chord, and Haruka felt a surge of gratitude. She hadn't realized how much she'd come to rely on him—not just as a colleague, but as someone who genuinely had her back.
By the time they reached the station, Haruka felt her earlier nerves begin to settle. As they boarded the train, Yuto leaned closer, lowering his voice. "You know, if we ever do end up spending more time in Osaka, I wouldn't mind exploring the city with you."
Haruka blinked, her cheeks warming. "Are you saying you'd want to go sightseeing on a work trip?"
"Maybe," he said, grinning. "Or maybe I'm saying I wouldn't mind seeing more of the world—with you."
Haruka turned her gaze to the window, hiding her smile. Despite her initial doubts, she realized she wasn't just excited about the project; she was excited about the possibilities it could bring for them.
When they finally reached their stop, Yuto walked her to her apartment like always. Before saying goodbye, he paused, his expression uncharacteristically serious.
"Haruka," he said, meeting her eyes. "I know you've been through a lot lately, and I just want you to know... whatever comes next—work, life, anything—I'm here for you. Always."
Her heart swelled at his words, and for a moment, she was at a loss for what to say. "Thank you, Yuto. That... means a lot."
He smiled, giving her hand a gentle squeeze before stepping back. "Get some rest tonight. We've got a big day tomorrow."
As she watched him walk away, Haruka felt a rare sense of peace. Maybe, just maybe, things were finally looking up—not just for her, but for them.
The next morning, Haruka woke up feeling refreshed. She glanced at her phone and saw a message from Yuto.
**Yuto:** *Morning, Haruka! Don't forget Takumi wants us to review the final draft of the Osaka proposal before lunch. Also, coffee's on me today.*
She smiled at the screen and quickly replied.
**Haruka:** *Good morning! Thanks for the reminder. I'll meet you at the café.*
By the time she arrived at the small coffee shop near their office, Yuto was already there, holding two steaming cups. He waved her over with a grin.
"Good timing," he said, handing her one of the cups. "I figured you could use an extra boost today."
"Thanks," she said, taking a sip. The rich aroma and warmth were just what she needed. "Ready to dive into the proposal?"
"Always," he replied, his tone light but focused.
When they got to the office, Takumi was waiting for them in the conference room. The proposal drafts were spread out on the table, and he gestured for them to take a seat.
"This is it," Takumi said, his tone serious but with a hint of excitement. "If we nail this presentation, the Osaka branch is as good as ours."
Haruka and Yuto nodded in unison. For the next two hours, they worked through every detail, fine-tuning the language, adjusting visuals, and brainstorming potential questions from the board.
By lunchtime, Takumi leaned back in his chair, looking satisfied. "This is good work. I'll present it to the executives this afternoon. You two take a breather—you've earned it."
As they left the conference room, Haruka let out a sigh of relief. "I can't believe we finally finished."
Yuto chuckled. "You've been saying that for every stage of this project. But look—we're almost there."
She smiled, her spirits lifted by his optimism. "Lunch? My treat this time."
"Deal," Yuto said, matching her grin.
Over lunch, they talked about everything except work—movies, upcoming holidays, and even silly childhood stories. Haruka found herself laughing more than she had in weeks, the stress of the past few months melting away in Yuto's presence.
As they walked back to the office, Haruka glanced at him and hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Yuto, thank you. For everything. I know I say it a lot, but I mean it."
He looked at her, his expression soft. "You don't have to thank me, Haruka. I'm just glad I get to be by your side."
Her heart skipped a beat at his words, but before she could respond, their phones buzzed simultaneously.
A message from Takumi: *Executive meeting moved up. Presentation starts at 2 PM. Let's do this!*
Yuto raised an eyebrow. "Well, looks like lunch break's over."
Haruka nodded, steeling herself for the next challenge. As they headed back to the office, she felt a sense of determination. With Yuto by her side, she was ready for whatever came next.
The buzz of activity in the office seemed amplified as Haruka and Yuto returned from lunch. Takumi was already pacing in his office, going over last-minute notes and instructions.
Haruka settled at her desk, quickly scanning her email for any updates or changes to the presentation. Yuto joined her, pulling up a chair next to hers.
"Anything we missed?" he asked, leaning slightly toward her screen.
"Just a few clarifications from Takumi on the financial projections," she said, pointing to a highlighted section. "I'll make sure we emphasize this during the Q&A."
Yuto nodded. "Good. And let's not forget to touch on the sustainability plans—they were a big sticking point last time."
They worked seamlessly, refining their strategy and rehearsing potential responses to questions from the board. By the time 2 PM rolled around, the trio was confident and ready.
In the executive conference room, the atmosphere was tense but professional. Haruka sat to the side, taking notes and tracking responses, while Yuto and Takumi delivered the main presentation.
Takumi's voice was steady and persuasive, his years of experience shining through as he outlined the plan. Yuto complemented him perfectly, answering technical questions with clarity and confidence.
When the presentation ended, there was a moment of silence as the executives exchanged glances.
The chairwoman finally spoke. "This is an impressive proposal. We'll discuss further and notify you of our decision soon."
As they left the room, Takumi exhaled deeply. "I think we nailed it."
"Absolutely," Yuto agreed, clapping him on the back.
Haruka smiled. "Great job, both of you. Fingers crossed for good news."
Later that evening, as the three of them shared a quiet drink at a nearby bar, Takumi raised his glass. "To hard work and teamwork. Whatever happens, I couldn't have done it without you two."
Haruka clinked her glass with his. "Here's to hoping all that effort pays off."
Yuto grinned. "And to not having to tweak another presentation for at least a month."
They laughed, the tension of the day finally giving way to relief and camaraderie.
As Haruka returned home later that night, she reflected on how far she had come—not just in her career, but in her personal growth as well. Yuto's unwavering support, Takumi's mentorship, and her own determination had brought her to this moment.
Her phone buzzed with a message from Yuto:
**Yuto:** *Goodnight, Haruka. I'm proud of you.*
She smiled, typing a quick reply before setting her phone aside. "Maybe," she thought, "things are finally falling into place."
•~• End of 14 •~•