A story that doesn’t feel refreshing

Ever since Hayashi started freeloading in this room, the rapid-fire voiceovers of those so-called “satisfying” videos have been echoing daily. Those kinds of videos only convey the creator’s desperate need to tear someone down, and I absolutely despise them. Just hearing that voice makes my blood boil, so honestly, Hayashi’s change in behavior has been a relief.

But if Hayashi isn’t watching those “satisfying” videos anymore, what’s she been up to? Well, to put it simply… Hayashi’s been doing all sorts of things.

For one, she’s working part-time jobs. No matter how much I tell her not to worry about it, she insists on splitting the rent and monthly food expenses. To cover her share, she’s been throwing herself into work whenever she has a spare moment.

Another thing is studying. Hayashi once mentioned that she plans to earn several qualifications, including bookkeeping, to secure a job in the future. Right now, she’s cramming hard for an upcoming bookkeeping exam.

And finally, housework. I’m utterly hopeless at anything beyond cleaning. I mean, I’m the type to get obsessive once I dive into something, so maybe I’d get decent at it if I tried… but before I could even get started, I ended up with a freeloader who handles everything like a professional housekeeper, and I missed my chance.

“…Don’t you think you should take a break or something?”

Hayashi, wearing red-framed glasses and sitting cross-legged at a small desk with a textbook spread open, looked up from her studies.

“I’m not tired or anything.”

“Really? You’ve been running yourself ragged with work, studying, and housework. It’s like you’re always on the go.”

“Work, studying, housework—you’re doing all that stuff too, aren’t you?”

Convenience store job. Studying, including university lectures. Cleaning (housework).

“Fair point.”

Wait, why am I agreeing with her?

I shook my head to clear the thought.

Come to think of it, Hayashi’s voice sounded as calm as ever, but she kept her eyes glued to her textbook, not even glancing my way. I feel like we haven’t made eye contact in a while… or is that just my imagination?

Damn. This might be more serious than I thought.

“No, hold on. That’s not what I mean. Lately, you’ve been… how do I put it? You seem desperate, like you’re stretched too thin.”

“Is that a bad thing?”

“Of course it’s bad. Overworking yourself doesn’t do any good. …You need to rest properly.”

As someone who’s taken her in.

As someone who knows she was used and hurt by a past lover.

For now, I just want Hayashi to live a little more at ease, with moments of rest sprinkled in.

That’s my wish. Above all, I believe that’s the best way to heal the emotional scars left by domestic violence.

“I had months where I did nothing. During that time, everyone else moved forward, leaving me behind. If I don’t push myself now, when will I?”

“…Alright. Then at least take a break today. You can get back to it tomorrow.”

Even a single day off could lift her spirits and give her body a chance to recover.

But Hayashi just kept her head down.

…It’s not my style, but I owe her for everything she’s done around here. I have to do something.

“Hayashi, it’s okay.”

“Eek!”

I stepped closer and grabbed her by both shoulders.

…The moment our eyes met, she let out a small scream, and I felt a pang of guilt. Then it hit me—she must still have a fear of men because of the domestic violence. I’d gone too far and felt even worse.

But backing down now wouldn’t be right either.

“One day won’t hurt. I promise. If you want, I can even help you study. Believe it or not, I’m pretty sharp. I got into bookkeeping back in middle school and know the ropes up to level two. So leave it to me. Just take it easy for once.”

…Hayashi’s face was getting redder by the second.

Oh no, she’s mad.

Back in high school, she seriously hated my guts, so I can tell. Right now, Hayashi is absolutely furious.

She’s probably thinking something like, You’re interrupting my studying! or I can’t rely on someone like you! Something along those lines.

But I can’t back down.

After everything she’s been through, I just want her to have a little peace while she’s here.

I kept my gaze locked on hers.

Hayashi stared back at me, her face bright red… and then she swallowed hard.

“O-Okay, I get it. I get it, so…”

Huh? I thought she’d chew me out, but she’s… surprisingly agreeable?

“…Fine, since it’s you asking, I’ll listen. I’ll… listen.”

Reluctantly, Hayashi closed the textbook spread out on her desk.

“Thanks, Hayashi.”

I stepped back, feeling bad for startling her but not knowing how to bring it up. Instead, I turned back toward the TV.

For a while, we watched in silence.

I chuckled at some talk show, but Hayashi stayed quiet. Every now and then, I could feel her piercing gaze on me.

Too scary to look her way, so I kept my eyes on the screen.

After a bit, I heard the rapid-fire voice of a “satisfying” video coming from Hayashi’s side.

…If I’d known it’d come to this, I wouldn’t have bothered convincing her. In that moment, I regretted my actions just a little.