I (30), Who Works for a Black Company and Died While Regretting My Gloomy Life, Started Over From High School! - Chapter 170: Epilogue Part II A Vividly Colored World

I’ve heard some truly unbelievable stories…

Evening has fallen, and it’s already quite dark outside. On the train heading home, I find myself reflecting on the absurd statement Tokimune-san made just an hour ago.

(Really, me with only a little over a decade more of work experience than the average person, becoming the president of a major corporation? That’s absurd. Well, it seems like it’s a plan for about ten years down the line, and by then, Tokimune-san will probably have sobered up and chosen someone more competent.)

Well, leaving that aside, it’s rather interesting to be involved in large-scale projects and such, unlike in my previous life. ‘A rewarding job’ is a common phrase in the world of overwork, but I never thought I’d actually experience days where work feels rewarding.

Perhaps because I go by my maiden name to avoid special treatment at work, my relationships with colleagues are also good. It’s safe to say that my days now are peaceful, fulfilling, and more human than anything compared to my previous life.

(…Huh? Ah, looks like Kanako has released another video.)

I tap the message displayed on my smartphone, and it opens a link to a certain popular video-sharing site. There, displayed under the straightforward title ‘KANA Channel☆’, is my sister Kanako, who has grown into quite the beauty, smiling boldly in the thumbnail without hiding her face.

Impressed by her courage, I put on the wireless earphones I took out of my bag and tap the play icon.

‘Hello, everyone! It’s KANA! Are all you lost boys and girls watching? Alright, let’s get right into it, and take on some love advice today!’

While Kanako currently works as an OL (office lady) at an apparel company, she also manages to be a video creator. Her specialty? Love advice, as she boldly declares herself. It follows a format where she answers earnest concerns from listeners, like what to do when you’re not popular, or when the person you’re interested in likes someone else. She imparts practical choices for clothes and hairstyles, gives fervent encouragement for those having a hard time deciding, and if the problem is truly serious, she even contacts them off-screen to discuss it further. This passionate style caught on like wildfire, and she’s now a reasonably famous personality.

By the way, during her videos, she frequently talks about me, presenting me as an example of an ordinary guy who, through effort, won the heart of an aristocratic lady. Because of this, she’s often teased by fans with comments like ‘KANA-san has a brother complex’, and she’s seen fuming at her computer in response.)

(…Seriously, look at that happy face.)

Gazing at my sister’s lively smile in the video, I couldn’t help but let a small smile creep onto my face.

Unlike the first round, where we repaired our relationship in our teens, we’ve become adults now and still maintain a harmonious relationship. When we meet, we chat just like we did when we were students. This fact… makes me so incredibly happy that tears threaten to well up.

(As expected, it’s a big deal that Mom is doing well…)

The biggest difference for the Niihama family from the first round world is that Mom, who should have already passed away, is currently brimming with vitality.

Far from accumulating stress and falling ill, she’s still actively working, going on trips with friends, pursuing hobbies, and never losing her smile.

She’s even said things like, ‘You guys are completely independent now, and I’m thinking about trying my hand at finding love again…? Well, you know, after watching you, Shinichirou, I thought maybe it’s not a bad idea to give it a shot again.’

Whenever I see her living her new life so full of vigor every time she returns home, I can’t help but feel my eyes well up with tears.

“Hmm…?”

As I savor the happiness of having a family where both members are smiling, my smartphone displays a new message in our group chat.

“To the man on top of the world, Niihama. Don’t forget about the alumni reunion. Even if your days are sugar-coated, we’re all looking forward to seeing the nostalgic gang back together.”

This unique message came from the independent-minded girl with glasses, Mizuki Kazamihara.

After graduating high school, it seems she went to university, but she astonishingly won a light novel award and debuted as a writer while still a student. She’s now become a popular author, and her talent is nothing short of amazing.

(But well, her debut work… it’s a story about an ordinary, introverted high schooler, through effort and determination, winning over a talented and beautiful young lady who’s an heiress… Yeah…)

Back when it was released, I expressed my displeasure with a stern look, saying, ‘Hey… this… is this… a model…?’ But she skillfully avoided the topic, saying, ‘…This story is fiction. It has no connection to real people or organizations,’ and acted as if nothing had happened.

Honestly, no matter how old we get, she’s still an extreme free spirit.

“I’m looking forward to the alumni reunion! Man, those days, going to the beach, it was really a youthful time! Let’s catch up on all the piled-up stories!”

Next, the message sent to the group chat was from Mai Fudehashi, the lively girl.

Being a sports instructor at the gym seems to be her calling, as she seems to have fulfilling days. Even now, as an adult, she possesses a high schooler’s brightness and freshness in a positive way, and it seems she’s well-liked by both colleagues and clients.

However, it seems her coaching style becomes a bit more intense with a sports-like vibe towards students she sees potential in. This has led to her being nicknamed ‘Spartan Sensei’ by gym-goers, which isn’t exactly an honor.

“I’m a bit busy but I’ll be there too! It’s totally unexpected that I’m looking forward to a high school reunion so much!”

Following Mai, the next message was from Yamahira Ginji, my best male friend from high school.

“That Ginji guy has changed quite a bit from the first round world…”

In the first round world, Ginji ended up in a not-so-great company (slightly better than my crappy one), and like me, he spent his days lamenting his life’s failures.

Knowing this, I had been thinking if there was any advice I could give him to choose a slightly better path…

But then, during the winter of our second year in high school, he suddenly made a declaration.

“Shinichirou… I was kinda moved, you know. Even a gloomy, geeky guy like you proved that with effort, you can win over a girl like a princess. Thanks to you, my perspective on life changed a bit.”

Whether he was praising or mocking me, it was hard to tell. With a serious expression, Ginji continued.

“For some reason, I feel like if I continue like this, my life will end up just average, joining a mediocre company without a girlfriend. So, I started thinking I should learn from you and step up my game a bit.”

His words weren’t a lie. He threw himself into his studies, passed his first-choice university, and not only that, but he accumulated knowledge in IT and became a programmer. Now, he’s working at a major game company, a dream he’s had since forever.

I’m in awe of his power to change his own fate without any direct interference from me. Maybe he has far more inner strength as a human being than I do…?

“But well… it really hits home.”

A future where important family members and former classmates are living in harmony. Just knowing that close people are living healthy lives fills my heart.

This situation that was originally impossible is too much of a miracle, too dazzling, and too precious.

“Well, but…”

In the rattling train, I put my smartphone in my pocket and smile wryly.

“My current situation is probably the greatest miracle of all…”

Back when I used to take the train home in my previous life, I wished I’d never reach the station where I had to get off. Because, if I didn’t get off at the station, time wouldn’t move forward. I cursed my own routine with a head drained of vitality, hoping that the painful mornings would never come.

But now, I want to get home as soon as possible. Because, for me, the most precious happiness is waiting there.

One last episode! Called the final episode!