Chapter 192 The True Identity Of The Woman In The Wheelchair
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
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”Thank you for waiting,” Haruto said gently as he stepped into the room.
”I’m sorry to trouble you when you’re so busy,” the woman replied, bowing her head slightly.
Her voice was clear and calm. She looked to be in her early thirties—a strikingly beautiful woman. From appearance alone, she seemed about the same age as Haruto and Akane.
Haruto offered a polite smile. “So then, what would you like to discuss today?”
”W-Well… actually…” she began, then trailed off, her voice faltering.
She seemed nervous, her eyes darting around uncertainly. Normally, Haruto would have invited her into the treatment room where it was more private, but today he had decided against that. Instead, they remained in the waiting room.
”I-Is it… is it impossible for someone like me, in a wheelchair, to apply for the job!?” she asked suddenly, almost blurting the words out.
”Eh? Apply…?” Haruto repeated, taken aback.
”Y-Yes!” she said, nodding quickly. “I saw the posting at the job center, and I was really interested, but…”
Her gaze dropped to her knees. Though she had wanted to come, she hadn’t been able to push away the thought that her condition would disqualify her. Even so, she hadn’t been able to let go of the opportunity. That was why she had come all the way here—just to ask.
”I see,” Haruto said with a calm nod. “I don’t mind the wheelchair at all. So… how about we start with an interview?”
”R-Really!? Thank you so much! I’d love to!” she said, eyes lighting up with joy.
Still, she hadn’t expected to be accepted right away. She admitted she hadn’t brought a resume with her. She offered to return home, prepare one properly, and come back later that day. Haruto agreed—it was a good idea, especially since there were still other customers waiting.
”Then, I’ll be expecting you at three o’clock,” Haruto said with a smile.
”Yes! Understood!” she replied cheerfully, bowing her head once more before leaving the shop.
As Haruto watched her wheel herself toward the exit, he couldn’t help but wonder how she would get back. Just then, a car pulled up nearby, and a woman stepped out.
(…Her mother? No… too young. Maybe a sister?)
That thought crossed Haruto’s mind immediately. The woman who got out of the car was just as beautiful as the one in the wheelchair. She glanced in Haruto’s direction and gave a polite bow before getting back into the car and driving away.
(…She looks familiar somehow\… Ah—I forgot to ask her name.)
If he had asked, perhaps it would’ve come back to him. Still, she said she would return. Haruto decided to leave it at that and turned his attention back to the waiting customers.
＊ ＊ ＊
About fifteen minutes before the promised time, the woman in the wheelchair returned—this time accompanied by the beautiful woman from earlier.
”You’re a bit early,” Haruto said, meeting them at the entrance with a friendly tone. “But since there are no other customers at the moment, shall we begin the interview?”
”Ah, yes! That would be fine,” the woman in the wheelchair said with a nod.
”Um, will your companion be joining us as well?” Haruto asked, glancing at the second woman.
”If it’s not a bother… please,” she replied, her voice husky yet composed.
Something about her voice struck Haruto. It had a distinct, smoky quality—like a singer’s. In his mind, he compared it to artists like Utada Hikaru or Shiina Ringo. Or if it were a man, perhaps Tokunaga Hideaki or Kuwata Keisuke. He hadn’t kept up with recent singers, so no new names came to mind.
”Then, please follow me,” Haruto said, gesturing toward the back. “This way, please.”
”Excuse us,” the two women said politely as they followed him down the hall.
He led them to the manager’s office—a room rarely used, but prepared for moments like this. A desk and chairs were neatly arranged inside, and the lighting was calm and soft.
”I apologize for the late introduction,” Haruto said as he closed the door behind them. “I’m Ichijou Haruto, the manager here.”
”I am Akamoto Nana. It’s nice to meet you,” the woman in the wheelchair replied politely.
”I am Akamoto Suzume. Pleased to meet you as well,” said the other woman, bowing her head.
After exchanging greetings, Haruto accepted the resume that Nana handed to him. As his eyes scanned the document, something in the education section caught his attention.
(…Hokkaido… Nana… Wait. Could it be—?)
He looked up slowly, his eyes widening in realization. “I’m sorry if I’m mistaken… but were we in the same class in elementary school?”
Nana blinked in surprise, then smiled shyly. “Y-Yes… I’m Akamoto Nana. We were in the same class.”
Notes:
• Rin – Second-year member of the swimming club; currently experiencing a physical problem that Haruto may help solve.
• Nana – The one dating Haruto before she goes to Hokkaido.
• Suzume – Female. Nana’s companion, who is just as beautiful as Nana. She has a husky voice, which makes her age and relationship to Nana (sister) slightly ambiguous. She is supportive and polite, accompanying Nana to the job interview.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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