Tensura: New Beginning

Chapter 1

A life so normal that nothing can be said about it.

After leaving college, I joined a major general contractor firm and am living alone now at the age of 37. Having no girlfriend.

Filial duty left to my older brother, my life is essentially that of an independent, single noble.

Neither short of height, or wanting of a good face. Yet unpopular. I have tried exerting effort into finding a girlfriend – and have confessed thrice,but after being dumped, my heart is left shattered. Well, having reached this age, I can honestly say that this romance thing is naught but troublesome.

And although you could say that I am mostly busy with work, it’s not like I am troubled by not having one. It’s not like I am making excuses... really.

"Senpai! Sorry for keeping you waiting"

With a cheerful smile the young man approaches me. And, by his side – a beauty.

More specifically, the young man, Tamura, is a junior at the same company I work at; the one by his side is our company’s renowned Madonna, the receptionist Sawatari-san.

Yep, I have been asked by these guys to offer consultation on their upcoming marriage. And by the way, this is the reason why I started wondering about my own unpopularity.

The after-work rendezvous was held at an intersection, and there the two hoped to indulge my thoughtfulness and support.

"Yeah. So, what kind of advice are you looking for?"

I ask while greeting Sawatari-san.

"Hello, pleased to meet you. My name is Sawatari Miho. Although we have seen each other before, this would be the first time we are speaking, right? Makes me nervous, somehow. "

The nervous one is me, damn it! I mean, I am not that good with speaking to girls in the first place. Cut me some slack! With such words, I silently complain to myself.

And in the first place, with no apparent love experience, what kind of advice can I even offer? Aren’t you all just poking fun at me! It’s spite, isn’t it.

"Hello. I am Mikami Satoru. No need to be nervous or anything. Sawatari-san is famous with us, so I know who you are even without the introduction. About Tamura, we went to the same University, you know, so we’ve had lots to talk about. After which we naturally hung out a bit."

"What’s this about being famous? Are there weird rumors floating about?"

"Yeah."

It was all just teasing, of course. And although I intended these to be just some light jokes, Sawatari-san’s face turned bright red and she looked at me with watery eyes. Hate to admit it, but she looked adorable.

Well, my jokes lack both delicacy or tact, and I am often told to keep my mouth shut... but I end up saying them anyways.

Yep, failed again, huh? Yep, I am just bad with women.

And as if on cue, in steps Tamura, lightly tapping her shoulders.

Damn it, Tamura you bastard! It’s these situations where you riajuu should just all explode! I should shout this, right?