Chapter 64: Other Developments

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“By the way, Yuuta.”

Jones-san suddenly changed the subject.

“I noticed something while moving into this apartment. Why are there so many paparazzi around here?”

“Huh?”

“In such a rundown area, look at those parked cars. The men inside are all holding cameras. It’s obvious.”

Jones-san pointed it out as he opened the door, and that’s when I noticed it too. Now that he mentioned it, the parked cars have been pretty conspicuous lately…

No way. It can’t be.

Well, whatever. There’s no reason for KYOKO-san to come here anymore.

But how did this leak? Did Koichi-kun and his girlfriend spread it out of spite? That’s a real possibility, which is kind of depressing.

Ah, the Spring Festival is going to be packed with events. There’s McQueen, Palmer, Dobel, Bright, and Ryan, but my favorite real horse is Palmer…

Why am I pushing for Mejiro?

—

Anyway, even with the Spring Festival coming up, university lectures don’t stop. To fulfill my role as a student, I headed to the university and encountered an unexpected pair past the main gate.

“Good morning, Yuuta-kun!”

“…Good morning.”

Kurebayashi-san and Kojima-san. If you know the situation, it makes sense to see them together. I might as well greet them.

“Good morning, you two. It seems like you're getting along well.”

I just said what came to mind. Kurebayashi-san gave a wry smile, and Kojima-san turned her face away from me.

“Not really. We’re rivals, you know?” Kurebayashi-san replied, shifting her gaze from me to Kojima-san beside her.

I don’t know the details, but I guess living together under the same roof would help them understand each other. I have no intention of interfering with what seems like the beginning of a female friendship.

“So, is Kojima-san doing alright?”

“It’s better to have someone around.” 

“Oh, I see. Well, don’t push yourself.”

Compared to her panicked state before, Kojima-san seemed much calmer now. Still, seeing her walk with someone just after starting university was unexpected, even for someone as perceptive as me.

“Thanks.”

“Huh?”

“Thank you for worrying about me, Yuuta.”

“Oh, well…”

Her sincere gratitude caught me off guard. What's with this sudden humility?

“I’m really sorry for causing so much trouble.”

With that uncharacteristically modest apology, Kojima-san walked away from me at a brisk pace.

“Wait, Aki! See you later, Yuuta-kun.”

“Uh, yeah, see you.”

Kurebayashi-san hurried after her. Oh, are you calling her by her first name already? They must have gotten quite close under the same roof. I underestimated the power of proximity. Maybe they've bonded through shared experiences.

…

Though, considering they’re both b*****s, it's likely not just a pure friendship.

…

Speaking of same-sex friendships, I should probably inform Kurebayashi-san and my mom about KYOKO-san. Given the situation, it might be best to be straightforward. Saying something like, “KYOKO-san wants to talk to Kurebayashi-san at the Spring Festival. Could you make some time?” might work better than being roundabout. They'd figure it all out eventually.

My thoughts were interrupted by a vibration in my chest pocket.

A message from Ange?

“Onii-chan, the Spring Festival is almost here! Can’t wait for the fun!”

She used the kAnge for ‘fun’ in an odd way. It was probably a typo. I replied, “Yeah, looking forward to it.”

Her response was immediate.

“Just a reminder; it’s my safe day then!!”

Alright, alright, ignore that. What is my sister thinking with Jones-san living next door?

Seriously, women seem unable to control their libido once they awaken to it. Observing my surroundings makes it clear.

…

I should teach Ange about the downfalls of going down that path, using Kojima-san and Kurebayashi-san as examples. Maybe they can serve as a warning during the Spring Festival.