Chapter 66: I Know the Circumstances

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“Hello?”

I answered the phone quietly, making sure Sakamoto-senpai wouldn’t notice.

“Sorry for calling out of the blue. Is this a bad time?”

“It’s not really a good time…”

“Oh…?”

Of course, KYOKO has no idea about my situation. She hasn't contacted me in a while, so why the sudden call now? Keeping my voice low, I quickly explained the paparazzi situation near my apartment.

“I don’t care if they write an article about me. It would be all lies anyway, and I wouldn’t be bothered by it.”

“I would be bothered. Besides, the reporter nearby is probably someone you know.”

“Who?”

“Do you remember Sakamoto-sensei from high school?”

“…”

Wow, KYOKO seems more shocked than I expected. Did something happen between her and Sakamoto-sensei?

“Wait, why is Sakamoto there?!”

“Apparently, he quit teaching and became a magazine reporter.”

“What?! And how do you know Sakamoto? You went to different high schools!”

“Oh, he was a senior at the karate dojo I used to attend.”

“What a small world.”

It seems like I’m not the only one getting caught in the waves of convenience.

“So, you need to be careful.”

“Well, if it’s Sakamoto, it’s fine.”

“Fine how?”

“He knows about my preferences. He should be able to figure out that rumors about me meeting a boyfriend are false.”

“Wait, what?!”

She's a hardcore lesbian, to the point that she was well-known even back in high school. Amazing. Truly the queen of yuri.

“Actually, this might be convenient. I have something to discuss. Can you come to my workplace now? Bring Sakamoto too, if possible.”

“Huh? Why me?”

“There’s a mixer with models.”

“I’ll be right there.”

Men are weak creatures. There’s no denying it.

—

I briefly explained to Sakamoto-senpai that KYOKO and I are acquainted; she called me, and we agreed to meet. We drove to her workplace in Ichigaya in his beat-up Wagon R.

Naturally, Sakamoto-senpai was surprised by the coincidence. However, being from the same hometown, it wasn't entirely impossible.

Upon arrival, a kind manager let us into KYOKO’s dressing room. The manager seemed to have a lot on their plate; I felt a bit sorry for them.

So now, we were in a position to have a private conversation, or rather, a verbal battle.

“So, the rumor about you having a lover was false after all. I couldn't imagine someone as obsessed with cute girls as you, Kenzaki, suddenly switching to men.”

“Could you not, Sakamoto? You created the photography club just so you could take pictures of us. What were you trying to capture?”

“Coming from the girl who tried to control the student council in her first year to create her own yuri harem, that's rich. The teachers were relieved when you lost the election.”

“Oh, and now they can boast about not choosing the future superstar? Impressive judgment.”

Their exchange of jabs was intense. Their relationship, once teacher and student, now felt more like a rivalry.

If this kept up, it would waste too much time. I decided to step in.

“KYOKO, why did you call us here? We didn't come to run errands.”

“Are you aware of that, or are you just here for the mixer?”

Finding fruit milk nowadays is tough, so I ignored her joke.

“Just kidding. For some reason, I feel like bossing you around. Anyway, there's something I need to show you.”

Ignoring her tease, I waited for her to get to the point.

She placed a letter on the table, looking disgusted as she did so. She wanted us to read it clearly. I opened the letter.

“Why did you reject my invitation to the university entrance ceremony to attend the Manyo University Spring Festival? Is it because you have a lover at Manyo University? I won’t allow it. Cancel your plans immediately. KYOKO is mine, mine, mine, mine, mine, mine.”

Creepy!

“What the hell is this?!”

“I've received several threatening letters telling me not to attend your university's Spring Festival.”

“Have you identified the sender?”

“Not yet. But after hearing your story, I think there might be a connection. So, Mr. Former Teacher turned mediocre photographer, where did the rumor come from that I was at Dashimura’s apartment?”

So that's why she called us here. Now it all makes sense.

… It looks like the Spring Festival is going to be quite eventful. But let's avoid anything too risqué.