Chapter 34: The Truth We Faced (Part 1)

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Translator: Soafp

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“If you show this, you should be able to get through.”

Sunday afternoon.

Before heading to meet Sugawara-senpai, I first met up with the detective.

From him, I received a plastic card about as thick as a credit card, a paper bag, and several small items.

“To be honest, arranging things to this extent falls into a bit of a gray area for us, so please keep this strictly confidential.”

“Yes, of course. Thank you for accommodating such a difficult request.”

The detective had initially been reluctant, but after I increased the reward, he finally agreed.

After parting ways with him, I mentally reviewed the steps he had explained and headed to the meeting place.

Same as last time—the station front.

I arrived fifteen minutes early, but senpai was already there.

“Did I keep you waiting?”

“No, not really. About thirty minutes?”

“…That's quite a long wait.”

“I'm joking. I just got here too.”

In truth, she had probably been waiting for about thirty minutes.

Lightly holding the hem of her sleeveless white dress, she said,

“Sorry. Even though it's a date, I'm wearing the same outfit as last time.”

“No, you look beautiful.”

“Once I get paid, maybe I'll buy some new casual clothes. I don't want you to think I'm the kind of girl who always wears the same thing.”

With her model-like figure, she'd probably look good even in rags…

But she was still a girl—of course she'd care.

And honestly, being able to see her in different looks would just be a bonus for me.

“So, where are we going today?”

“It's a bit early, but how about we eat first? Think of it as a late lunch and dinner. I've made a reservation.”

“Alright, let's do that.”

“But the place is a bit far. Is that okay?”

“Of course. Oh—but I have one condition.”

“A condition?”

Sugawara-senpai grinned and took my hand.

“Since it's a date, act like we're a couple. I'm expecting you to escort me properly.”

“I'm not very confident…”

“You've had a girlfriend before, haven't you? Yuzuki Kitayama, was it?”

“When did you find that out…? Well, we were childhood friends, so it was kind of a special relationship…”

“I see… Then just do for me what you did when you went on dates with your childhood-friend ex.”

For some reason, she was bolder than usual today—more forward.

I didn't mind it.

But I couldn't figure out why, and that made me a bit uneasy.

After about an hour on the train, we arrived at the largest entertainment district in the area.

“This way.”

“Huh? Isn't this place really expensive?”

“It's fine. I'll pay.”

We entered a restaurant in a towering skyscraper that stood out even among the crowded buildings.

After giving my name to the waiter, we were quickly guided to a table for two by a full glass window.

As she sat down, senpai said,

“If I keep eating at places like this, my sense of money is going to get messed up…”

“Should we go somewhere cheaper next time?”

“Yes, that'd be better. Oh, nicely done, Fukagawa-kun.”

She smirked and took a sip from her wine glass filled with water.

“Smoothly securing a promise for the next date. And making it feel so mature that guys our age seem lacking in comparison.”

“The way you say it makes me sound like some kind of playboy.”

“At least to me and Nodoka Komori, isn't that the case?”

Why bring up Nodoka here?

As I tilted my head, unsure what she meant, the waiter approached and handed us the menu.

“What would you like?”

“…I don't really understand these complicated dishes, so just pick something for me.”

“Then let's go with this dinner course.”

“You're ordering something that costs tens of thousands of yen per person as casually as a set meal.”

“It's just a restaurant that happens to be a bit expensive.”

“Only someone at your level of wealth would think that.”

I had chosen the place for its reputation and atmosphere, but she seemed overwhelmed by the price instead.

If we came here again, I'd need to consider that.

After ordering, I took a sip of water.

Now came the important part.

“Senpai, there's actually something I'd like you to wear. Is that okay?”

“Clothes? You went out of your way to buy them?”

“Yes. They're a bit revealing, so if you don't like them, you don't have to wear them.”

I placed the paper bag from the detective on the table.

They were necessary for what came next.

She smiled faintly and took the bag.

“I wonder what kind of naughty outfit is inside. I should go change now, right?”

“Yes, please.”

She headed to the restroom with the bag.

By the time the appetizers arrived, she came back out.

A deep red dress held up by thin straps.

The deep V-neck emphasized her chest, highlighting the elegant line from her delicate shoulders to her collarbone.

The long skirt reached her ankles, with a bold slit that revealed her pale legs with every step.

(She really does look like a model…)

Despite the revealing design, it felt elegant rather than vulgar.

Like a model walking down a runway.

And it wasn't just me who thought so.

Other guests—and even the waiter—kept stealing glances at her.

“Well? Does it suit me?”

“Yes, very much. But… are you okay with something this revealing?”

“Do you know what kind of clothes can't be worn in this world, Fukagawa-kun?”

“What kind?”

“A mascot costume in summer.”

“….”

Had she actually done that kind of part-time job before?

Just imagining it sounded like heatstroke waiting to happen.

“Besides, I'm confident in my figure. Even I think my ch*st is just the right size and shape. Don't you think so?”

“Don't ask me that. Whether I agree or disagree, it's awkward.”

“Fufu, and yet you're the one who made me wear this. So this kind of design is your taste, huh? I'll keep it in mind when I buy new clothes later.”

Actually, the detective picked it…

But since I honestly thought she looked great, I kept quiet.

As she scooped up shrimp tartare with her fork, she continued,

“What was it again? If a wealthy unmarried man exists, it's only natural he'd want a wife… Does that apply to you too, Fukagawa-kun?”

“…”

That line was originally meant as satire using irony, though…

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After finishing the meal, we stepped back out into the entertainment district.

As night fully fell, the streets took on a shady heat, and the number of people increased.

Sugawara-senpai gently took my hand and wrapped herself around my arm.

“…Senpai, you're pressing against me.”

“I'm doing it on purpose.”

“Should I say thank you?”

“Then I'll say you're welcome.”

We walked straight toward our destination.

Eventually, we entered a multi-tenant building.

The interior was maze-like, but I had memorized the map the detective gave me.

“Fukagawa-kun, where exactly are we—”

“Senpai, sorry. From here on, don't talk unnecessarily.”

I took out a small spray and applied it to my clothes.

Soon, a faint smell of alcohol drifted around me, as if I had been drinking.

With that scent on me, we descended into the basement.

In front of a fire door, I lingered for a moment.

“Senpai, from here on, we're pretending we met at a club—as customer and hostess. Got it?”

“Huh…?”

That's why I had her wear such a revealing outfit—to make her look like someone who worked at that kind of place.

The detective had used the same method to get in.

I felt a bit guilty making her dress like this and play along with it, but…

Just as I thought it was about time—

“Hey, you two. This area's off-limits to unauthorized people.”

A man approached us with a rough voice.

Just as instructed, I handed him the plastic card.

Then I pulled Sugawara-senpai closer by the waist.

“She said there's something interesting here, so I followed her. Is that a problem?”

“Oh, I see. My apologies. Please, go ahead.”

The man opened the door and let us in.

Inside was a dim, long hallway lined with small rooms.

“Enjoy yourselves.”

There were no doors to the rooms, making everything visible.

People were gathered around tables, gambling with cards and chips.

As expected, confusion filled Sugawara-senpai's face.

She had no idea why I brought her here.

“Stay close.”

“O-okay…”

She clung tightly to my arm—not teasing this time, but clearly frightened.

(Which room is he in…)

I slowly walked down the hallway, checking each room.

According to the report, her father came here every weekend to play blackjack.

He preferred games with some level of decision-making, like mahjong, rather than pure luck games like baccarat.

(There he is.)

Second room from the back.

Across a green table sat two men.

One was a neatly dressed dealer in a white shirt and black vest.

The other—

A middle-aged man in such a shabby state it was hard to look at.

I subtly pointed him out at waist level and whispered,

“Senpai… look over there.”

“…Huh?”

Her face stiffened instantly.

Then, her lips parted as she whispered,

“D-dad…?”