A Mysterious Encounter with Money-san: Final Chapter

A Mysterious Encounter with Money-san: Final Chapter

A Future Woven by Trust and Gratitude

“Hey, hey! Listen to this!”

She started talking excitedly over the phone, her words tumbling out in a rush. It was a habit of hers, though tonight, something about her tone felt different.

“I have some amazing news!”

“Oh, really? What happened?”

“You know that project I’ve been working on since autumn? The one I’ve been complaining about because I had to deal with my annoying boss all the time? Well, it turns out it’s been getting some incredible feedback!”

“Wow, that’s fantastic! Congratulations! You worked so hard for this.”

“Yeah, it wasn’t easy working with that boss. But you know, just being able to talk to you every night really helped lighten my load. I can’t thank you enough.”

Hearing those words of gratitude from her surprised me a little. She wasn’t the type to express her thanks so openly, which made her words hit all the more deeply.

“No, no. You were the one who worked hard. I could see that.”

“And guess what else…”

She paused, as if building up to something big.

“I’m getting a bonus! A big one! Isn’t that amazing?”

“Seriously? That’s awesome! You totally earned it.”

The words came out naturally, a genuine celebration of her achievement. Normally, I might have felt a twinge of envy, but not tonight.

“Oh, and remember how your oil heater broke recently? I’m going to buy you a new one!”

“Wait, no, it’s fine. I already got one.”

“Really? Then at least let me cover the cost!”

“No, no. You should use it to treat yourself to something nice.”

Even though her offer made me so happy I could barely contain myself, I reflexively turned it down.

But then she said:

“You know, the old one—didn’t you buy that for me? Because I hate air conditioning? And you got it with your first bonus, too. Honestly, it made me so happy. But I didn’t say that back then. I just acted like it was no big deal, and I’ve regretted it ever since. I’ve been wanting to make it up to you. And besides, this time, I really couldn’t have done it without you. This recognition—it’s yours, too.”

Her voice was warm and gentle, carrying a kindness that enveloped me completely.

With those words, how could I refuse?

“Actually, one of the projects I was banking on fell through…”

“I figured. Work hasn’t been easy for you lately, has it? And I’ve been going on and on about my problems whenever we talk… I haven’t been there for you when you’re struggling. I’m sorry. Until things settle down, I’ll do everything I can to support you, okay?”

Her words struck something deep within me. Gratitude and humility surged in my chest, and tears welled up without warning.

“Thank you. It really means a lot.”

I worked hard to hide the tears as I spoke, pouring all my sincerity into those words.


We kept talking after that, as if we’d been transported back to the early days of our relationship. The conversation flowed effortlessly, and before I knew it, the clock read 10:20 PM. Both of us had work the next day, so we reluctantly said goodnight and ended the call.

After hanging up, I sat down at my desk, my eyes falling on the credit card bill I had left there earlier. I stared at it for a moment.

“A sign, huh? Maybe this is something I can handle, one step at a time.”

The words came out unbidden, even surprising myself.

The bill, once a symbol of my anxiety, now felt different. It seemed to carry a message—a quiet hint, urging me to look deeper. That shift in perspective left me feeling a little lighter, as if warmth had begun to spread through my heart.

And then it happened.

“Karin.”

A bell-like chime rang out, clear and serene, breaking the silence of the room. I froze. It was my phone—though it was usually on silent mode, the sound had somehow slipped through.

Puzzled, I picked up the phone and saw the time displayed: 22:22. A notification banner appeared on the screen.

“From Okane-san: You faced one of your fears. Congratulations!”

The words made my breath catch. My lips moved before I could think.

“Thank you…”

That simple phrase, filled with emotion, hung in the air, dissolving into the quiet warmth of the room.

To be continued.