Chapter 26: The Path Ahead

The Next Day

Haari was slowly recovering from his illness. His fever had broken, and he was beginning to regain his strength, thanks in part to Ashi's diligent care. Though still weak, he was determined to return to his routine.

As Haari entered the office, he was greeted by Rafta.

"Good morning, Haari," Rafta said, eyeing the mask on Haari's face with concern.

"Good morning, Rafta," Haari replied, his voice slightly muffled through the mask. He gave a faint cough.

"You should be resting, not working," Rafta said, his tone laced with worry. "You're still recovering. You need more rest."

"I'm fine," Haari insisted. "I'm almost fully recovered. It's just a bit of a lingering cold. There's no need to worry."

Oki, who had just arrived, joined the conversation. "Ah, Kichiro-san, you’re here. How is your fever? Are you still recovering?"

"Yes, there's just a slight cold left," Haari said, trying to sound as positive as possible.

"You really should be resting," Oki said firmly.

"No, I’m fine, It's just a lingering cold left" Haari replied.

"Are you sure you are alright?" Oki asked, her concern evident.

"Yes," Haari said. "By the way, I haven’t seen Nicawa-san today. Has she not arrived yet?"

Oki explained." Oh she go to submit some files today due to the sudden project thing their is lots of completed file which come to re-check hasn't been submit so she goes to submit them today."

"I see," Haari said, nodding in understanding.

**Evening**

When Haari returned to his apartment later that day, he noticed the three girls from the other day sitting at the old man’s shop.

“Hm? Aren’t these the girls who came by the other day?” Haari thought to himself.

The old man, who was behind the counter, greeted the girls warmly. "So, how is your college life going?" he asked.

"It’s going really well, Old Man," Aya said, taking a bite of her noodles.

"Every day at college is so much fun," Mina added enthusiastically.

"Yes," Nina chimed in. "Today we had a big party to celebrate our teacher’s farewell."

"I’m glad to hear that," the old man said, his eyes twinkling. "In celebration of your teacher’s farewell, would you like to try my special recipe?"

"Thank you, Old Man," Mina said with a smile. "But we’ve already eaten quite a bit. I don’t think I can manage another bite."

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"Yes, I agree," Aya said. "We’re quite full."

"Don’t worry," the old man said with a chuckle. "My special recipe always has a special place in customer belly."

"Eh? What do you mean by that?" Nina asked, intrigued.

"I mean that when you try my special recipe, it will fill your heart with joy from its taste," the old man explained with pride.

*Heart, belly?* Three of them confused.

"Thanks, Old Man," Nina said politely, "but we’re really tired today. We’ll definitely try your special recipe next time we visit, but right now we are tired, okay?"

"Alright, I’ll be waiting," the old man said with a smile.

As the girls left, Haari approached the old man’s shop.

"Hey, Old Man," Haari greeted.

"Oh, Haari! I see you’ve recovered," the old man said, his eyes lighting up.

"Yes, but I’m not fully back to normal yet," Haari replied.

"Your girlfriend must be quite talented," the old man remarked. "I noticed the delightful smell of curry coming from your apartment. She really knows how to cook."

"Hm? What are you talking about, Old Man?" Haari asked, puzzled.

"Don’t you remember? You ordered food from me yesterday," the old man said.

"Oh, right," Haari said, suddenly recalling.

"When I came to deliver the food, I could smell the strong, delicious aroma of curry coming from your apartment. When I peeked in, I saw your girlfriend cooking in your kitchen," the old man explained.

"You must be talking about Nicawa-san," Haari said.

"Ah, Nicawa," the old man said with a nostalgic tone. "What a sweet name."

"No, you’ve got it wrong," Haari said, shaking his head. "She’s not my girlfriend. She’s a colleague from the company. She came to check on me yesterday."

"Really? She’s just a friend, not a girlfriend?" the old man asked, looking slightly disappointed.

"Yes," Haari confirmed.

"She’s quite pretty though. Would you be willing to give me her number?" the old man asked, his expression hopeful.

"Why do you need her number?" Haari inquired, raising an eyebrow.

"Since she’s just a friend to you, I thought I might have a chance to make a move and confess to her," the old man said candidly.

Haari nearly choked on his food. "What on earth are you talking about, Old Man? Are you out of your mind?"

"Why should it concern you?" the old man asked, slightly defensive.

"Even if it doesn’t concern me directly, I’m still her friend. Besides, you’re married and quite a bit older. It’s rather inappropriate," Haari said firmly.

"Being a friend doesn’t mean you can stop people from approaching her. She’s a woman, and she’s beautiful. Many people will be interested in her and will want to confess their feelings at some point," the old man argued.

Haari was taken aback.

"If you really don’t want others to come near her, why don’t you make her your own?" the old man suggested.

"My own?" Haari echoed, surprised.

"I told you the same thing last time. Time is ticking, so you’d better decide what you want," the old man advised.

Haari stood in stunned silence, contemplating the old man’s words.

The Next Day

The morning light filtered through Haari’s curtains as he sat on his bed, deep in thought. The old man’s words from the previous evening lingered in his mind, causing him to feel uneasy. He had always considered Nicawa-san a friend, but now he wondered if there might be more to his feelings.

"Morning, Ashi," Oki said warmly. "How are you feeling today?"

"Good morning," Ashi replied, offering a tired smile. "I’m feeling much better now, thanks. Yesterday was just a bit overwhelming."

"Well, you did a great job," Rafta said, his tone appreciative. "How did the submission go?"

"All sorted," Ashi said. "I had to go over everything twice, but it’s done now."

Oki nodded. "That’s a relief. We were all a bit worried about you handling it alone."

Ashi’s smile widened. "I appreciate that. It was a lot, but I managed."

As the three conversed, Haari entered the office, his face still slightly pale from his recent illness. Oki noticed him and approached.

"Kichiro-san, you’re here early," Oki remarked. "How are you feeling today?"

"Better, thanks," Haari replied. "Just a bit weak, but I’m pushing through."

"You should still take it easy," Oki advised. "We don’t want you overdoing it."

"I’ll be fine," Haari insisted, though his voice betrayed his fatigue. "I just want to get back into the swing of things."

Rafta, overhearing the conversation, added, "If you need anything, let us know. We’ve all got your back."

Haari gave a grateful nod and joined his desk, where he found a stack of new tasks waiting for him. But despite that, Haari couldn’t shake the conversation he had with the old man yesterday.

"If you really don’t want others to come near her, so why don’t you make her your own?"

To be continue..........