The Blind Love Life of the Returning Hero: The Companions I Lost in Another World Resurrect in the Modern Era and Indulge Me - Episode 24

Cardboard boxes containing computers, monitors, cameras, microphones, and various other  equipment were being delivered one after another to Hayato’s apartment. In the living room, a sizable pile of boxes had already accumulated.

“Hey, Hayato! Oh, it’s already here?”

“Yeah, it arrived just a little while ago.”

Riri looked at the equipment being carried in with eyes sparkling, as if she were gazing at treasure.

“Go is still looking for a base of operations. Until then, we’ll be doing the preparations here, right?”

“Yes. For now, we’ll push forward as much as we can. Let’s get started with the setup!”

“I’ll help.”

Rolling up her sleeves and straightening the hem of her clothes, Riri eagerly began opening boxes. Her movements were smooth and practiced, showing no wasted motion. Hayato joined her in unpacking.

Riri swiftly assembled the computer, connected the monitors, and set up the development environment, impressing Hayato with her efficiency.

“Now, just like this… okay, connection successful! Next, I’ll install the software…”

Once the setup was complete, Riri immediately began typing on the keyboard. Strings of code filled the screen, her fingers moving swiftly, almost like weaving a magical incantation.

Though Hayato had heard from Josuke that Riri was developing her own software and offering it to others, and despite all the things he’d been told, this was the first time he had actually seen her programming in action.

“That’s amazing. Do you understand all of this?”

“Yes. I’m still learning as I go, though.”

Riri responded without taking her eyes off the screen, her fingers still flying across the keys.

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Let’s see… could you help organize the data? Also, we’ll need to do some testing.”

Following her instructions, Hayato booted up another computer and helped organize file names, perform operation checks, and assist her development work.

From time to time, Hayato would prepare drinks and light snacks for Riri. When she was deeply focused, he wouldn’t say anything—just quietly placed them on a small table. As if sensing it, Riri would reach for them at just the right moments without a word.

That kind of daily routine continued for about a week.

Even today, Riri had come over to Hayato’s apartment and was working with intense focus. Hayato glanced out the window and noticed that it was already completely dark. Checking the time, he saw it was past 10 p.m.

“Riri, it’s already 10. It’s gotten pretty late.”

Hearing that, Riri looked up from the screen for the first time, visibly surprised.

“Oh! I didn’t realize it was that late.”

“It’s really late. I’ll take you home.”

“But I’m so close to finishing…”

She folded her arms and looked at him directly.

“Hayato, is it okay if I stay over tonight? I think I can finish if I keep going a bit longer. Tomorrow’s a day off anyway, and I’d really like to get this done.”

Hayato’s eyes widened slightly. While they had shared lodgings many times in the other world, letting a young woman stay overnight in this world required more caution.

“Wait, wait. Wouldn’t your parents be worried?”

“It’s fine. I’ll contact them right now.”

“Ah, hey—”

Riri took out her phone and began explaining the situation, asking for permission to stay over. Hayato stood by, unsure what would happen.

“They said it’s okay.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Do you want to talk to them yourself?”

“Uh, sure.”

She handed over the phone, and Hayato began speaking with her parents.

“Hello, this is Sato.”

“Hi, this is Takahashi.”

From the other end, he heard the voice of Riri’s mother, Elena. Hayato politely explained the situation: that Riri was working hard on something important, that she wanted to stay the night to finish it, and that he would make sure she was safe and well looked after.

Surprisingly, Elena didn’t sound shocked at all. In fact, she responded brightly.

“Riri has told us a lot about you. Don’t worry, I trust you. I’ll talk to her father as well. Please take care of our daughter.”

The response was so casual that it left Hayato a little bewildered. At the same time, it showed just how much trust Riri and her family had placed in him, and he couldn’t help but feel the weight of that responsibility.

“Thank you. I’ll take full responsibility for her while she’s here.”

After the call, Riri looked at him with hopeful eyes.

“How did it go?”

“She said it’s fine. Your mom really seems to trust me.”

“That’s great to hear.”

“Well then, let’s get ready for bed. There’s a guest room—you can use that.”

Riri tilted her head slightly.

“We’re sleeping separately? In the other world, we’ve even shared the same room. Why not tonight too?”

“Riri.”

Hayato said her name gently but firmly.

“This world is different from the other one. And I made a promise to your mother. I said I’d take full responsibility while you’re here.”

Blushing a little, Riri gave a small nod.

“You’re right. You’re absolutely right.”

It really was fortunate that Josuke had prepared such a large apartment for Hayato. Thanks to that, they could have separate rooms.

“I’ll make breakfast tomorrow, so rest well tonight.”

Riri smiled and nodded. She said goodnight and headed to the guest room. Watching her go, Hayato also turned in for the night.

The next morning, Hayato got up early to start making breakfast. He took out eggs, fish, and vegetables from the fridge and prepared them with practiced ease.

“Good morning, Hayato.”

Still a bit sleepy and fixing her bed hair, Riri greeted him.

“Morning. Breakfast is ready.”

“Wow, it looks delicious! Thank you.”

They sat at the table, said “Itadakimasu,” and began their meal. Morning light poured through the windows, wrapping the peaceful moment in warmth.

After breakfast, Riri returned to the computer.

“I got so close last night. I should be able to finish right away this morning.”

She began typing again with full concentration. About an hour later, she turned around with a satisfied smile.

“It’s done! This is just a prototype, but let’s test it.”

She set up the camera and microphone and motioned Hayato over.

“Sit here. I’ll sit beside you. Let’s try it together.”

“Alright, let’s do it.”

Sitting side by side in front of the camera, Riri operated the computer. Soon, two simple avatars appeared on the monitor.

“Try moving.”

When Hayato raised his hand, the avatar on the screen did the same. He rotated his arm, tilted his head—each movement was perfectly mirrored.

“This is incredible. It’s copying everything exactly.”

Hayato couldn’t help but let out an impressed remark. It felt like his digital self was truly inside the screen.

“The models are still basic. Once we import the designs from Seika’s contact, we’ll polish them into full avatars.”

Seika was in charge of the design. Apparently, she knew a famous illustrator—someone who had designed characters even Hayato recognized. It turned out the illustrator had once been Seika’s patient, and when asked, happily agreed to help.

“Seika’s connections are impressive.”

“Right? I’m really grateful for everyone’s help.”

Riri looked at the screen with satisfaction. The avatars even mimicked their lip movements—still simple in form, but destined to become the storytelling vessels of their journey.

“Looks like this phase of the project is done.”

“Yes, now we can take a break before the next step.”

Hayato looked out the window. It was a sunny holiday morning, the world bathed in soft light.

“Since it’s our day off, want to go out for a bit?”

They began getting ready to go out. Riri changed into her clothes from yesterday, and Hayato changed into a casual outfit.

When they stepped outside, a refreshing breeze greeted them. They spent the day leisurely visiting shopping malls, parks, and cafes.

Later, Hayato made sure to escort Riri back to her home and properly greeted her parents as well.