Report 89

Plot
Reminiscing about his time in his old company, Arata recalls telling Michiru he cannot bear not doing anything about the treatment she saw her subjected to. Though she was happy Arata felt that way she forbade him from stepping in for her since she was not hurt, and told Arata he needs to grow up. Michiru believed getting angry would only make the situation worse, but hearing the perpetrators of her harassment talk about what they were doing, Arata could not help but scold them. However, the harassment got even worse as a result of Arata's interference.

The president of the company addressed the employees after the police investigation had concluded. While Arata listened with feelings of doubt and regret about his interference in the harassment, the other people at the company were not taking Michiru's death very seriously. The men who had been harassing her were already dreaming of being promoted to the position she used to hold. Further, the president twisted the story to make Michiru look like an inspiring example of devotion, telling the employees that Michiru must have chosen the company to be the last place she was alive at because it was the only good thing in her life.

After the president ended his speech everyone just went back to their desks, but for Arata seeing everyone act like nothing had happened was the last straw. Yelling in the middle of the room he asked everyone how they can take everything so lightly. As his words had no impact on anyone he ran straight to his desk, wrote a letter of resignation and handed it to the president. While Arata tried to act politely in spite of everything, the president proceeded try to scare him into submission with the difficulties getting employed again he would be bound to have if he resigned so early into his employment in the company and to humiliate him, telling him to grow up just like Michiru had done. Thus began Arata's time as a NEET, also bringing about his loss of faith in himself as well as all other companies.

As Arata's thoughts are about to spiral into a depressing reflection on the consequences of the event, Ryō startles him by asking if everything is all right. Realizing that his attempt at a gesture of gratitude to Michiru had become simple wallowing in regret, Arata tells Ryō he is ready to go home. However, at that moment someone else arrives at the grave in front of them.