My Childhood Friend Turned Yandere in the Apocalypse

Chapter 246: Ch 246: Working hard

Luckily, Mira did not take offense at being singled out for her work ethic. If anything, she had a smug look on her face, which Kyle seemed to be ignoring.

"Since we have a location, we have to choose when we are going to head toward it. So far, we do not know when the next task will start, so I would like to get this done before that."

Kyle pointed out the issue with undertaking such a huge task.

Rin agreed with him at this point. Not knowing the schedule of the tasks was a problem that could come back to bite them later.

’System, any idea when the next task will be held?’

He asked, hoping for an answer but not expecting one.

[Sorry, Rookie. But even if you are a full-time employee, such sensitive information cannot be revealed out in the open.]

[However, what I can advise you is to follow your heart.]

The system was subtly telling him that it would be fine for him to head out and check the location of this lab.

Rin decided to put his trust in the system and take its advice.

"I think it should be fine. Our settlement has stabilized enough to the point where they can take care of themselves. We can take the core team with us for a smoother journey, and the executives can handle the rest here."

Rin had faith in his people. They had managed to survive this far, so he was sure they would be able to handle the future as well.

Kyle looked conflicted, but he decided not to doubt Rin’s sincerity when it came to his people.

"You...if you are sure about it, then I will put my trust in your people as well. So, have you decided on a date when we can leave?"

Kyle asked, and Rin nodded.

"For matters such as these, the sooner we leave, the better. Let’s leave in 4 hours. That should give everyone enough time to pack their essentials. Of course, this will be a voluntary trip, so those who want to stay behind don’t need to come."

Rin said this for Amelia’s sake, and she seemed to know it as well. A grateful look appeared on her face as she played with her thumbs before getting up and following Reina out.

The others started to leave as well until only Shelly was left in the room with him.

"Are you not going to pack as well, Shelly?"

Rin asked, and Shelly shook her head.

"I already packed once and never unpacked my inventory. After all, it’s not like clothes get dirty in there. And this also helps me be ready for any sudden trips we might need to make. I also packed a set for you."

Shelly cheerfully replied, and it was Rin’s turn to shake his head at her behavior.

"I guess it never hurts to be prepared, huh? Since you are free now, then you should go and rest...is something wrong?"

Rin noticed the odd look on Shelly’s face. She still looked cheerful, but he had a feeling there was something she wanted to tell him.

"About our destination...would you be angry if I said that I knew this location? I even suspected that we might find something here one day, but ultimately decided not to risk coming here."

Shelly asked, and she seemed unable to meet Rin’s eyes.

This was news to Rin, but thinking back on it, it was not as surprising as he was making it out to be.

Shelly’s mother seemed to be connected to this mess, so it was only natural that she might have brought Shelly to her lab at least once.

Especially if his dream had been right and her mother had experimented on Shelly.

"That lab...Mother used to work there before the apocalypse. I used to visit her once in a while to keep up appearances, so I am confident I can lead the way properly. I am...just sorry that I kept this a secret from you all this time."

Shelly really did sound sorry for something that was not even her fault.

Her mother was the one who participated in this experiment and caused this mess. Shelly had nothing to do with any of it.

Rin did not like seeing her so torn up, so he pulled her into a hug. Shelly burrowed her face against his chest and remained like that for a while.

"None of this is your fault, Shelly. You did nothing wrong. Your mother is the one who caused this mess. There is no need to feel guilty about any of this."

Rin told her, and Shelly nodded slowly. She looked grateful that he had forgiven her, and Rin’s chest felt lighter as well.

__________

’Rin’s far too soft for his own good. I told him a sob story and he forgave me just like that and even gave me a hug. I guess Mother did come in handy once in her life.’

Unfortunately, the hug could not last forever, and Rin pulled back from her.

Shelly gave him a grateful look for trying to comfort her and make her feel better, and Rin instantly melted under that look.

It was concerning how tender-hearted he was. That meant it would be easy for him to fall for others who were not Shelly as well.

’I will need to keep a closer eye on Rin. I already have too many rivals. I don’t want to add Mira to the list. She’s exactly the type of girl that Rin would feel sorry for.’

Shelly was going to monopolize Rin’s love and attention. There was no room for anyone else in that equation.

At least, not for the moment.

The others slowly started to come back, and Shelly made sure to stake her claim on Rin by resting her hand on his back. It was her way of showing that Rin was hers and that others should not cross that boundary.

Reina and Teressa understood and even backed off. But Mira seemed to have no such common sense.

She did not even notice the looks Shelly was giving her when she skipped over to Rin and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Hey, make sure you lead us properly. I will listen to you just this one time and allow you to make use of me."

Shelly wanted to break Mira’s hand for touching Rin, but Kyle saved her by pulling Mira backward just in time.