Chapter 69: Check It Out in Practice

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On the way home, I started to think about what I should do next.

The first thing I need to do is talk to Kurebayashi-san about Kenzaki-san. It’s crucial that we arrange a meeting—it could be a game-changer for my future.

I also need to ask Kurebayashi’s mom, Misa-san, if she knows what happened to Okutsu and what he’s doing now. Given that Okutsu might have sent that hateful letter to Kenzaki-san, I want to avoid any unnecessary splatter on my rosy future.

So, I couldn’t wait and called Misa-san from the train to check on Okutsu.

“I don’t know.”

“…Huh?”

“I did warn Ando—I mean, Okutsu—that if he continued to stalk Mii, he might end up naked and abandoned in the streets.”

“That’s not a warning; that’s a threat. You know he could sue us, right?”

“Yuuta-sama, are you perhaps inspired by Iris Ohyama?”

“…”

I decided not to argue since it seemed pointless. Somehow, I felt that Misa-san might be clean-shaven.

“By the way, why did you ask about that 9 cm guy?”

“It’s not even an issue, really. Anyway, I was just curious about what Okutsu is up to.”

“Well, if anything happens, I’ll let you know.”

“Thanks. By the way, did you know that Kenzaki-san, the senior I mentioned, was invited to our university’s Spring Festival?”

“Yes, I know Kenzaki Asuka, who works under the stage name KYOKO.”

So, she knew that much. Now for the most important part:.

“KYOKO asked to meet Kurebayashi-san personally.”

“…Why is that? Why are you involved?”

Oops, she seemed suspicious. Of course, she wouldn’t know about my connection with Kenzaki-san.

… I didn’t think of an excuse. I’ll wing it.

“Uh, a senior from the new student committee mentioned it, and since I’m in the same department as Kurebayashi-san, they asked if I could help arrange it.”

“I see. But for what purpose?”

“Well, apparently, she wants to apologize directly.”

“…”

Misa-san fell silent, clearly thinking it over. Considering how Kurebayashi-san apologized to me, I think she might be open to it.

“Well, I don’t know the details, but it’s not every day a celebrity visits. It’d be great if Kurebayashi-san could make time, for the sake of future gatherings too.”

“Gatherings?”

“I mean, for the future.”

Whew, that was close. Ad-libbing always leaves room for slip-ups. Preparation is key.

“However, I can’t force anything; it’s up to Mii’s feelings.”

Her motherly instinct was clear—she wasn't ready to commit. I considered explaining why Kenzaki-san had taken Okutsu from Kurebayashi, thinking it might change her mind. But if I did that, she'd start questioning my connection with Kenzaki-san.

“Please…”

“If Yuuta-sama speaks to Mii directly, there’s a better chance she’ll agree.”

“…What?”

“Mii is home right now. If you don’t want a long call, you can come over.”

“…”

“Please persuade her directly.”

I had a bad feeling about this.