Chapter 83: Five Seconds From Kidnapping

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Oh, right. I just remembered something important.

I need to fax the finalized timetable I got from Mizumoto-senpai to Kenzaki-san.

So, I borrowed the fax machine in Jones’s room to send it. Shortly after, my phone rang.

“Hello, this is Uemura.”

“This is Kenzaki.”

I already knew that when I saw the caller ID, but it was surprising how polite KYOKO-san was in these situations.

“I know. Were you just free at the moment? Your response was fast.”

“I just got back to the office. It’s a lesson day. I saw the fax. It’s fine. Sorry for the trouble.”

“Anything for the sake of a mixer.”

Hearing my usual cheeky reply, Kenzaki-san sighed on the other end of the line.

“I can’t understand your brain putting so much passion into a mixer.”

“Just so you know, my expectations have gone up.”

“Can I meet those expectations?”

“What do you mean by that?”

The conversation took an unsettling turn. I had to ask.

“I told you before that even though they’re with my agency, these are rookie models with no fame. They want to meet well-educated men as a backup plan for their future.”

“Yeah, I get that. But they’re still active models, right?”

“Active. That word doesn’t feel right. Anyway, do you think these models are prettier or cuter than me?”

“…”

I understood the reason for the unease. It’s hard to dismiss such self-awareness.

With her beauty and charisma, KYOKO would probably be more famous than a rookie model. She was a sensation from the start of her career.

Maybe realizing she might have lowered my motivation to help, Kenzaki-san continued to persuade me.

“Well, even if they’re not on my level, they’re definitely above average. You don’t need to worry about that.”

“Don’t worry. I know there aren't many on your level, Kenzaki-san. I'm not going to back out now. I'll see this through to the end.”

“Then… that’s good. So you do think I’m pretty, even without a swimsuit.”

Still holding a grudge about the ‘you're only pretty in a swimsuit’ comment from before?

“You already know you're stunning. And for the record, you're an ultra-rare class. There's no one around here like you.”

“Oh, really… thanks.”

Though she may be a Crazy Psycho Lesbian, she's still beautiful. Actually, that should be CSL, so CSLR—Crazy Psycho Lesbian Rare.

CPLR it is. I need to study English more.

Looks aren't everything, though. If asked if I'd date KYOKO, the answer would be no. What matters more is the feeling, as they used to say. At least, dating someone who isn’t a crazy psycho lesbian would save me some stress.

“I’ll let you know if there are any more changes.”

“Okay, thanks.”

“Wait, what?”

“Nothing! Just don't let your guard down. Bye!”

Click. Beep, beep, beep.

“What was that about?”

She hung up suddenly. I have no idea what had her so flustered.

KYOKO-san isn't acting like herself today.

—

After spacing out for a bit, I got a call from Jones-san.

“Hey, what's up?”

“Sushi in Ginza? We can talk about that later. I need to report on my conversation with Miss Kojima.”

I thought I might be getting treated to sushi, but his next words blew that thought away.

“Brace yourself. Miss Kojima’s father seems to be a member of an organized crime syndicate.”

“What?!”

“Good reaction.”

I reflexively responded, but I was genuinely shocked.

That explains a lot. Given that context, it makes sense why her life became so oppressive after her mom remarried.

“That's seriously a problem, isn't it?”

Knowing this makes the situation scarier. But Jones-san didn't seem fazed.

“Normally, yes. But we'll manage, from what I hear.”

“Are you serious?”

“Dead serious.”

Wow, Jones-san is amazing. I wouldn't mind getting with him.

“So, we'll be looking after Miss Kojima at our company. I can't go into details, but we won't just stand by and do nothing.”

“Thanks. So we're still set on dealing with Kojima's stepbrother?”

“Of course. We have connections, and we'll pressure him without breaking any laws.”

“No objections here.”

I felt a bit more sympathy for Kojima-san.    

This Spring Festival is going to be insanely busy.

If things get dangerous, I'll have to prevent Ange from coming…