The final chapter of Suzuki Ayaka. Her storyline ended.

Suzuki Ayaka let the warmth of the shower envelop her for a few more moments before turning off the water. Steam swirled around her as she stepped out of the bath, wrapping herself in a modest towel. The early morning light filtered through the small window, casting soft, muted shadows across the tiled floor. She sighed softly, running her fingers through her damp chestnut hair before gathering it into a loose bun.

Hikigaya-san mentioned the new job late last night, his words were vague but the urgency was unmistakable. It wasn't like her to sleep in, but the exhaustion of caring for her son, Kaito, had worn her down. Even now, she felt the familiar weight of her worries creeping back as she glanced at the clock. But she couldn't afford to dwell on that feeling—not today.

She quickly dressed in a simple, modest outfit: a long skirt and a high-collared blouse that concealed more than it revealed. Checking herself in the mirror, she adjusted her frameless glasses and smoothed her clothing, reinforcing the walls she had built around herself. Despite the fatigue etched on her face, a quiet elegance remained in her movements, a testament to the perseverance that had become her constant companion.

Stepping out of her small apartment, she was greeted by the sight of Hikigaya Hachiman leaning against a sleek, black car. His expression was as unreadable as ever, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. He didn't offer any words of comfort or small talk, and Suzuki wasn't sure if she appreciated the silence or found it unsettling.

"Let's go," he said, pushing off the car and opening the door for her.

Without a word, she slipped into the passenger seat, the faint smell of leather filling her senses. As the car pulled away from the curb, she glanced at Hikigaya from the corner of her eye, wondering—just for a moment—what kind of man he truly was. His presence was disquieting yet oddly reassuring, leaving her with questions she wasn't quite ready to ask.

The car moved through the quiet streets, and Suzuki couldn't help but wonder if this morning marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life or just another test of her resilience.

0000

I followed Hikigaya into the tall, nondescript building. The lobby was quiet, but there was an odd hum in the air that I couldn't quite place. Hikigaya led the way to the elevators, saying little, as usual. We ascended to the fourth floor, and when the doors opened, we were greeted by a bustling scene.

"Morning," Hikigaya mumbled to a few people passing by. He seemed strangely at ease here, but my attention was quickly drawn elsewhere. As I looked around, my heart skipped a beat. Cameras? Lighting rigs? Other strange pieces of equipment were scattered throughout the room.

"What... what kind of place is this?" I muttered.

Before I could get an answer, a woman with a clipboard approached us. "Suzuki-san, right? Please follow me."

I blinked, hesitating for a second, but I couldn't refuse. The woman led me past more intimidating equipment—massive cameras, blinding lights, strange backdrops. Everything screamed 'photo shoot.' I moved carefully, trying not to bump into anything; the last thing I wanted was to break some expensive equipment on my first day.

We finally stopped by a door, and the woman gestured for me to enter. "This is your room. You can change here."

"Change?" I asked cautiously.

"Yes, your clothes are inside. I'll let you get ready." She smiled briefly before closing the door behind her.

I stood frozen for a moment, staring at the rack of clothes in front of me. My eyes wandered to the full-length mirror on one side of the room, the soft lighting casting a strange, almost theatrical glow over everything. Slowly, I approached the rack, brushing my hand over the fabric of the outfits, but something felt off.

Then it hit me.

My legs gave way beneath me, and I collapsed to my knees in the middle of the small room. Panic and realization washed over me like a tidal wave.

"Hikigaya... he finally shows his true colors!" I gasped, my voice barely above a whisper as tears welled in my eyes. "He sold me off to become an AV star!"

Memories of the strange equipment I had passed on my way here flashed through my mind—the cameras, the bright lights, the hushed conversations that seemed too ominous to ignore. My thoughts spiraled as I imagined the worst possible scenario. How could I have been so naïve?

I sobbed, shaking my head, cursing myself for ever trusting Hikigaya. "I knew there was something off about him. That man... that evil mastermind."

I buried my face in my hands, the dramatic moment interrupted only by a soft knock on the door. "Suzuki-san? Is everything alright in there?"

I gulped, quickly wiping my eyes and scrambling to my feet. "Y-yes! I'm fine!" I called out, forcing my voice to remain steady, though inside I was screaming.

How was I going to get out of this?

My fingers trembled as I undid the last button of my blouse, my breath hitching in my throat. Each motion felt like it weighed a thousand pounds. I tried to steady myself, but the creeping dread refused to loosen its grip on my heart. The small dressing room, once an innocent space with soft lighting and a clothing rack, now felt like a prison. My mind spiraled.

This is happening, I thought, my eyes glassy with unshed tears. Hikigaya... How could he? My chest tightened as the thought of my son flashed through my mind. I'm doing this for Kaito... I have to survive, no matter how degrading.

Just as I was about to shed my last layer of modesty, a voice pierced through the fog of my despair.

"Suzuki-san, your first outfit is ready! A long-sleeved shirt, green pants, and black ankle boots."

I froze, my hands gripping the edge of my blouse. My breath caught, and I blinked rapidly as if waking from a nightmare. Long-sleeved shirt? Green pants? I glanced at the neatly folded clothes on the rack, confusion slowly overtaking my panic. I let out a shaky exhale, the realization not quite clicking yet, but the tension in my body began to loosen.

Wait... why would they give me normal clothes for this kind of... work?

Still trembling, I put on the outfit, every movement hesitant, waiting for some awful surprise. But the fabric was soft and comfortable, not at all what I had envisioned in my earlier spiral of terror. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, my hair slightly disheveled, my face still red and blotchy from crying. Yet here I was, dressed like any regular woman—a woman picking up her child from school, I mused, a sad smile flickering at the corner of my lips.

But doubt remained. This could still be some twisted setup, I thought, even as I was led back into the studio, my feet dragging as if weighed down by invisible chains.

The hallway stretched out before me, and my pulse quickened again as we passed more of the intimidating equipment I had seen earlier—the lights, the cameras. The stark contrast between my panic and the ordinary setting around me only made the surreal nature of the situation more overwhelming. Every fiber of my being screamed for me to turn back, to run, but I couldn't. I had to face whatever this was.

Hikigaya... why did you do this to me? My debt... This was his way of recovering his money.

Finally, they led me into the main studio. A green screen loomed at the back, towering like the backdrop of a dream—or a nightmare. Flower pots and garden tools were arranged carefully across the floor as if waiting for their role in some strange, otherworldly production.

The woman who had guided me smiled again, the warmth in her expression oddly out of place in what I believed to be the scene of my downfall.

"Alright, Suzuki-san," the woman began cheerfully, "you'll just bend over here to pick up the pots, okay? We want you to act naturally, as though you're tending to your garden."

I blinked. Slowly. My heart, racing furiously, seemed to stutter and then come to a screeching halt. "Huh?" The single word slipped out, my voice barely a whisper, caught between disbelief and the remnants of my fear.

The woman gave me an encouraging nod, entirely unaware of the internal storm raging within me. "Yes, just pick up the pots and tend to the garden. We'll capture a few shots, and you'll be done in no time."

It was as though time itself slowed. The words sank in, and each syllable unraveled the tangled knot of anxiety that had been building in my chest. My eyes darted from the pots to the green screen, to the cameras, and finally back to the cheerful woman.

Garden... Pots... Natural poses?

My legs wobbled slightly as I grasped the handle of a small watering can, my mind reeling. The realization struck like a thunderclap, freezing me in place.

This... this isn't a por~n (Not sure if I was allowed to use the term)!

I felt the heat rise in my cheeks, my earlier fear now twisting into sheer, overwhelming embarrassment. A modeling job? A simple, innocent modeling job—for gardening props, no less? I had imagined the worst, conjuring up a nightmare scenario, only to find myself tending to flower pots in front of a green screen.

I nearly laughed out loud, the absurdity of it all crashing over me. My body wanted to sink to the floor in relief. I forced myself to stay upright, gripping the watering can as if it could tether me to reality.

Behind me, Hikigaya watched the scene unfold, his expression unreadable, though his sharp eyes likely missed nothing. As I went through the motions of the shoot, my earlier thoughts seemed almost comical in the bright, professional setting of the studio.

With my face still flushed, I could only hope that Hikigaya never realized how close I had been to losing my mind entirely.

0000

Hikigaya leaned back in his chair, laughter filling the small, dimly lit café where we had planned to have lunch. His usual stoic demeanor was completely shattered as he wiped tears from his eyes, his body shaking with uncontrollable mirth. Across from him, I sat with my head down, my face burning with embarrassment, hands clenched tightly in my lap.

"I-I can't believe you… you thought—!" Hikigaya gasped between laughs, barely managing to speak. "An Adult film? Really? Me?"

My face grew even hotter as I squeezed my eyes shut, silently wishing the ground would open up and swallow me whole. I had never seen Hikigaya laugh like this—loud and unfiltered, his usual calm demeanor replaced by pure amusement. I bit my lip, resisting the urge to bury my head in my arms.

"It's not funny," I muttered, though even I couldn't deny how absurd it all sounded now. When I had mustered the courage to confess my misunderstanding, I hadn't expected this—Hikigaya, who rarely cracked more than a smirk, now doubled over in laughter, barely able to breathe.

"Oh, no… it's hilarious," he managed, finally calming down just enough to look at me. "You thought I—of all people—was involved in that kind of business? Come on, Suzuki-san. How could you even—?"

"I don't know!" I blurted, my embarrassment turning to frustration. "The cameras, the lights, the strange equipment—I didn't know what was going on! And you didn't tell me anything! You were so... so mysterious about the whole thing!"

Hikigaya chuckled, shaking his head. "Mysterious? I just said it was a modeling job. I didn't think I needed to explain that you'd be posing with garden pots, not... whatever you imagined."

I groaned, covering my face with my hands. "I thought you'd... sold me off or something. It was... stupid."

"Stupid doesn't even begin to cover it," Hikigaya replied, still grinning. "You were crying in the dressing room, weren't you? Oh man, I wish I could've seen your face when you realized."

My hands slid down from my face as I glared at him. "You're enjoying this way too much."

He held up his hands in mock surrender, still smiling. "Alright, alright, I'll stop. But seriously, Suzuki-san, you should've known I wouldn't do something that shady. You think I'm capable of running an AV business?"

I sighed, shaking my head. "I don't know what I thought. Everything was so overwhelming, and I guess I let my imagination run wild."

Hikigaya leaned back in his chair again, the grin still plastered on his face. "Well, that imagination of yours gave me the best laugh I've had in years. So, thanks for that."

I shot him an exasperated look, though I couldn't help the hint of a smile tugging at my lips. "You're impossible, Hikigaya-san."

"And you're full of surprises, Suzuki-san," he quipped.

The tension from before had melted away, replaced by lighthearted banter and shared laughter—even if it was mostly at my expense. As I finally picked up my fork and poked at my food, the sting of embarrassment still lingered, but so did a strange sense of relief.

Between bites, Hikigaya casually mentioned, "The photo shoot went well, by the way. They only took photos of the clothes, so your face won't show up in the catalog. It's aimed at older women and homemakers, anyway."

I paused mid-sip, a fresh wave of heat rushing to my cheeks. I slowly lowered my drink, eyes wide with realization.

"Older women? Homemakers?"

It all clicked—the reason I had been chosen for this job. Of course, I was the perfect model for the catalog's target audience: a mature, experienced woman. A single mother. The thought stung a little, but mostly, it made me blush even harder.

Hikigaya didn't seem to notice my inner turmoil as he continued eating. "Well then, I need to head back to change. I've got classes at the university in a bit."

I nearly spat out my drink, coughing violently as I set the cup down. "Wait! What? You're a university student?"

Hikigaya raised an eyebrow as if my reaction was strange. "Yeah. I'm a fourth-year."

I blinked rapidly, staring at him in disbelief. This man, the one orchestrating modeling gigs and dealing with all sorts of things, was still a student?

"You... you're still in school?" I asked, incredulous. "You're just a student?"

Hikigaya frowned slightly, a little offended. "What's that supposed to mean? I'm a student at Tokyo University. It's not like I'm a high school kid. I just... do a lot of other things."

I felt a mix of astonishment and embarrassment. All this time, I had thought he was some kind of businessman—someone much older. To find out he was still a university student was just... bewildering.

"You… you're running all these things, setting up jobs and shoots, and you're still a student?" I muttered, mostly to myself.

Hikigaya shrugged. "University doesn't mean you can't handle other responsibilities."

My blush deepened as I realized how little I truly understood him. How could someone so young be so composed, so capable of managing things I could never have imagined?

Still flustered, I lowered my head. "I... I see. That's... impressive."

Hikigaya smirked, sensing my discomfort but choosing not to push further. "Anyway, I should get going. Classes won't wait." He stood up, while I remained seated, too flustered to move.

As he turned to leave, he glanced back at me. "Don't worry about the shoot. You did great for a first-timer. I'll make sure to send you the catalog when it's out. You can show it off—without your face, of course."

I groaned, burying my face in my hands again as Hikigaya chuckled, walking out the door. Today had been a whirlwind, and the idea of seeing myself in a catalog for older women only made my cheeks burn even hotter.

0000

I stood at my apartment door, watching as two strikingly beautiful women walked away from Hikigaya's place next door. One had sleek black hair, the other was a slender blonde, and their elegance was unmistakable. My mind raced with curiosity, but before I could dwell on it, the door beside mine swung open.

Hikigaya stepped out, his usual calm, unreadable expression in place. He glanced at me, a flicker of amusement passing across his face. "Suzuki, good timing," he said casually. "Let's go. I've got a place to show you."

Without waiting for my reply, he led the way downstairs, and before long, we were seated in the black car that had become strangely familiar to me. As we drove through the bustling city streets, Hikigaya handed me a file. "Read this," he said, his eyes focused on the road ahead.

I opened the file to the first profile:

Aya Nakamura

Age: Early 20s

Appearance: Aya exuded elegance and sophistication, with long, flowing red hair that shimmered in the sunlight. Her piercing sapphire eyes held a depth of wisdom far beyond her years.

Personality: A sharp-minded psychology student, Aya was observant and noticed details others often overlooked. Though reserved, she was fiercely loyal to her friends.

I blinked, the description painting a vivid image of a refined, almost ethereal woman. I turned to the next page.

Yuki Tanaka

Age: 27

Appearance: Yuki had an aura of maturity and confidence. Her sleek black hair was pulled back into a neat bun, and her high cheekbones and sharp jawline gave her a polished, professional look.

Personality: A pragmatic and no-nonsense office lady, Yuki excelled as a marketing executive. She was highly organized and efficient.

I couldn't help but feel a little uneasy. These women seemed worlds apart from me—polished, professional, and beautiful in ways that only highlighted my insecurities. I flipped to the final profile.

Sakura Mori

Age: 16

Appearance: A high school student with striking blonde hair that cascaded in loose waves, framing her delicate features. Her emerald eyes sparkled with curiosity and intelligence.

Personality: Despite her youth, Sakura was cheerful and energetic, with a natural athleticism. Her infectious enthusiasm kept her constantly on the move.

My brow furrowed as I closed the file. "What is this?" I muttered, glancing at Hikigaya. His expression remained impassive as he continued driving.

Before I could ask any more questions, the car pulled up in front of a large, modern house. Its sleek, futuristic design featured clean lines and large windows. The house was luxurious yet inviting—a place where life could thrive.

We stepped out of the car, and Hikigaya gestured toward the house. "Those three women live here," he began, his tone matter-of-fact. "Aya, Yuki, and Sakura. They'll be moving back in soon."

"Moving back in?" I echoed, confused.

Hikigaya nodded. "I purchased this house from the original owner. It was torn down and rebuilt into what you see now. The three of them rent the place, but I want you to be the manager."

"Manager?" My voice trembled slightly, unsure of where this was heading.

"You'll be in charge of keeping the grounds neat, collecting rent, and cooking meals for them. Just make sure everything runs smoothly. It's a simple job, and I think you're perfect for it," he explained in his usual steady tone.

I stared at him, wide-eyed. "But why me?"

Hikigaya turned to face me fully, his gaze steady. "Because you're a single mother who knows the value of hard work. You've managed your household through difficult times, and I believe you can handle this responsibility. Plus," he added, "your son will benefit from the hot meals."

I was speechless. My mind raced with questions—why would he trust me with something like this? And why these three women? But despite my confusion, a small part of me felt hopeful. I wanted a stable job, a place where Kaito could have proper meals, and an opportunity to prove myself.

I glanced back at the house. The elegant structure loomed before me, overwhelming yet full of potential. I hadn't expected this, but it felt like a new beginning.

Hikigaya's voice broke through my thoughts. "So, what do you say?"

I looked at him, my heart pounding. "I… I'll do it."

A rare smile tugged at the corner of Hikigaya's lips. "Good. I'll introduce you to the girls when they return. You'll fit right in."

I nodded, still processing everything. As I stood in front of the house, I realized my life was about to change in ways I hadn't imagined.

For the first time in a long while, I felt like I was ready to face it head-on.

[break]

I stood outside the sleek, modern house once again, the morning sun casting long shadows across the quiet street. It was my first official day as the manager of the house Hikigaya owned, and I had spent the previous evening mentally preparing, still grappling with how my life had taken this unexpected turn. This wasn't just any job—it was a chance to build stability for myself and my son, Kaito.

I glanced nervously down the street, waiting for the three women who would soon arrive to move back in. The early air was crisp, a soft breeze rustling the trees. Hikigaya's casual words from yesterday echoed in my mind: *"They'll be back tomorrow. Just be here when they arrive."* And now, here I was.

My heart skipped a beat when I spotted movement in the distance. The first figure I recognized instantly—Sakura Mori, the energetic blonde, was sprinting toward the house with the kind of boundless enthusiasm only youth could have. Her blonde hair bounced with each step, and her laughter rang out as she waved energetically at me.

Behind her, walking at a much more leisurely pace, was Nakamura Aya. Her red hair shimmered in the morning light, her bored expression unchanged. She strolled with her hands in her pockets, as if time was of no concern to her. Her sapphire eyes briefly flicked toward me, glinting with disinterest.

The last to appear was Tanaka Yuki. She moved even more slowly, looking exhausted but still maintaining her composed professional aura. Her sleek black hair was pulled neatly into a bun, and despite the weariness in her eyes, she exuded quiet dignity.

As they approached, a wave of nervousness hit me. This was it—my first interaction with the women I'd now be managing. I wondered how they would receive me. Would they accept me, or see me as an intruder in their home?

Sakura was the first to reach me, her face beaming with excitement. "Good morning! You're here already!" she exclaimed, her voice as bubbly as ever. "I hope you're ready for us!"

I smiled, trying to keep my nerves in check. "Good morning, Sakura. Welcome back," I replied warmly, though my heart was racing.

Aya arrived next, giving a lazy wave. "Morning," she muttered, her voice laced with disinterest. She glanced at the house and then at me as if sizing me up.

Yuki arrived last, offering a polite nod. "Good morning," she said softly, her tone measured and professional despite her clear exhaustion. "Thank you for being here early."

I took a deep breath and smiled at them all. "Welcome home," I said, my voice calm despite the tension I felt.

Sakura's grin widened, and Aya let out a quiet chuckle, seemingly amused by the formality. Yuki, though tired, gave a faint smile, her expression softening in appreciation.

As the three women walked past me and entered the house, I lingered for a moment outside, letting the reality of the moment sink in. The nervousness that had gripped me earlier began to fade, replaced by a sense of quiet resolve. This was my new role, my new responsibility.

The day had only just begun, but as I stood at the entrance of the house, I felt a newfound determination. Whatever challenges lay ahead, I would face them—not just for myself, but for Kaito too.

That is the end of Suzuki Ayaka's story. I created Ayaka as a beautiful curvy character who hides her beauty and figure behind glasses and modest clothes. That beautiful mature woman next door trope that hides behind a wall of modest clothes and a pair of glasses. I wanted her to be my comical character. She was perfect to have many misunderstandings of Hikigaya.

Omake:

Suzuki Ayaka sat at the kitchen table of the shared house, the soft morning light filtering through the windows. She had just collected the rent payments from the tenants—a process she'd long since mastered after six years of managing the property. Carefully, she counted the money, confirming it matched her records, then slid the cash into an envelope. With a sigh, she pulled out her phone. She dialed Hikigaya Hachiman, her employer and a man who, despite all this time, remained something of a mystery to her.

After a few rings, his familiar voice came through the line. "Suzuki?"

"Hikigaya-kun," Ayaka began, her tone steady and professional. "I've collected the rent. When will you be by to pick it up?"

There was a brief pause before Hikigaya responded, his voice calm but carrying a hint of apology. "I'm sorry, I can't make it today."

Suzuki frowned slightly, recalling how busy Hikigaya had been lately. He used to stop by more often, but recently, his visits had become rare. After six years, she could tell when something was weighing on him. Still, it was unlike him to leave something as important as rent collection hanging.

"If you're too busy," she offered after a moment, "I can come to your place."

"No need," Hikigaya replied casually. "Just come to my workplace."

Suzuki glanced out the window, thinking it over. His office wasn't far, just a short ride away. "Alright," she agreed, her voice softening. "I'll bring it to you."

"Thanks, Suzuki," he said, his tone warming. "See you soon."

She hung up the phone, quickly grabbed her coat, and tucked the envelope into her bag. Stepping outside, she called for a taxi, her thoughts wandering as she waited. The past six years had been a journey—managing the house, getting to know the tenants, and slowly becoming a dependable part of Hikigaya's world. But despite their years working together, there was always a sense of distance. Hikigaya's life was one she could only observe from the outside.

The taxi pulled up, and Suzuki stepped inside, still mulling over Hikigaya's sudden increase in workload. She had no idea what awaited her at his workplace, but she hoped this visit would offer some clarity.

The taxi soon arrived at a towering skyscraper that left Suzuki momentarily breathless. She had always known Hikigaya was successful, but the scale of the building surprised her. The shimmering glass façade and sleek design gave the impression of a grand hotel rather than a typical office building. Stepping out of the car, she gazed up at the architectural marvel, a mix of awe and apprehension creeping in.

With a deep breath, she walked inside. The lobby was just as impressive as the exterior, with polished marble floors, gleaming steel accents, and a warm ambient light that gave the space an air of understated luxury. The buzz of professionals in crisp suits and the faint scent of expensive cologne filled the air, amplifying her sense of entering another world.

Approaching the receptionist, Suzuki composed herself. "Good morning. I'm here to see Hikigaya Hachiman. I have a package for him."

The receptionist, a young woman with a bright smile, typed Suzuki's name into the system. Her eyes widened slightly before she stood up and bowed deeply. "Suzuki-senpai, it's an honor to finally meet you."

Suzuki blinked, momentarily thrown by the greeting. "Senpai?" she echoed, unsure of how to respond.

The receptionist, realizing her mistake, quickly straightened up. "Yes, Suzuki-senpai. You were Hikigaya-san's first employee, right? He talks about your dedication often. We've been expecting you."

Suzuki's eyes widened as the realization hit her. Hikigaya wasn't just an employee here—he was the owner. The man who had hired her all those years ago had built this empire, and she had no idea. "Wait... Hikigaya is the owner?"

The receptionist nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, ma'am. You can take the elevator to the top floor. He's expecting you."

Still reeling from the revelation, Suzuki stepped into the elevator and rode it to the top floor. When the doors slid open, she found herself in a lavish corridor, the soft carpet and elegant artwork exuding luxury. Every step she took felt heavier, her thoughts racing as she tried to process the weight of what she had just learned.

Finally, she reached Hikigaya's office through the full office space. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open. Inside, the office was spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a stunning view of the city skyline. The room was filled with understated elegance—sleek furniture, minimalist décor, and a sense of power that radiated from every corner.

Behind a large desk sat Hikigaya Hachiman, his expression calm and welcoming. "Suzuki," he greeted her with a small smile. "I'm glad you could make it."

She hesitated for a moment before stepping inside. "Hikigaya-kun… I didn't realize you were the owner of this company. I'm sorry for not knowing."

Hikigaya chuckled softly, gesturing for her to sit. "No need to apologize. I should have mentioned it earlier. I prefer to keep things low-key. How have you been?"

Suzuki took a seat, still trying to wrap her mind around it all. "I've been well, thank you. It's been... interesting, managing the house all these years."

Hikigaya nodded, his gaze steady. "You've done a great job. I wouldn't trust anyone else with it."

Feeling a swell of pride, Suzuki smiled. "Thank you. I had no idea you were running this kind of operation behind the scenes."

He leaned back in his chair, a rare warmth in his eyes. "I've always kept my professional life separate, but you've been a big part of what's made it possible."

As their conversation continued, the initial shock began to fade, replaced by a sense of camaraderie. Hikigaya, despite his success, still had that same quiet, down-to-earth nature. Suzuki found herself relaxing, realizing that in this grand skyscraper, the connection between them hadn't changed.

As they wrapped up, Hikigaya stood and extended his hand. "Thanks for bringing the rent. I appreciate it."

Suzuki shook his hand firmly, smiling. "Of course. I'm happy to help."

Leaving his office, Suzuki walked back through the impressive building, her mind still buzzing with the events of the day. She had come here to drop off rent, but she was leaving with a deeper understanding of the man she had worked for all these years—and with a newfound sense of purpose for the future.