Chapter 96: I’m Not Scared

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Today, KYOKO, also known as Kenzaki-san, is dressed in jeans. With those sunglasses, she might stand out even more. I wonder how she managed to get here.

But asking her that would be rude.

…

Come to think of it, KYOKO had long hair when she debuted. She chopped it all off about six months ago. Was it for work, or was it a personal change? I don’t know. Maybe I’ll ask her if I get the chance.

“For now, here. You've done a lot for me.”

As a gesture of gratitude, Kenzaki-san handed me a wrapped gift as soon as she entered my overcrowded apartment.

“What's this?”

“I was in Okinawa for a shoot until yesterday. It's a souvenir, ‘chinsuko’.”

I can tell she probably just grabbed it at the airport, but I should appreciate the thought from a celebrity.

“Thanks. You didn't have to.”

“Well, I'm grateful to you.”

I wouldn’t mind if she showed her gratitude by joining me for a party, but I accepted the chinsuko and glanced at Kurebayashi-san.

“It's best if you two talk alone, right?”

“That would be helpful.”

Kenzaki-san answered immediately, and Kurebayashi-san nodded silently.

“Okay, then we'll leave.”

With that, I led the still-dazed Kojima-san and my two family members out of the apartment, leaving the key behind. There’s less than two hours until KYOKO’s stage. That should be enough for them to sort things out.

Whether it turns into a tearful apology, a shouting match, or even a girl-on-girl showdown, it's not my concern. Just don't mess up my bed or futon, please.

Now, what should I do next? Heading to the Spring Festival sounds like a good idea.

Kojima-san tugged on my shirt.

“Huh?”

“Um, Yuuta, are you friends with KYOKO?”

Oh, she's curious about that.

Kojima-san is unrelated to the whole Kenzaki panic. Even though she got close to Kurebayashi-san, I doubt she knows about the connection between Kurebayashi and Kenzaki-san.

“Well, I helped with the Spring Festival committee, and that's how we met.”

“But knowing the apartment’s location seems a bit… much.”

“Oh, that's because Kurebayashi-san told her. They're childhood friends.”

“Really…?”

“Yeah, KYOKO's from our hometown too. They probably had a lot to catch up on. I just provided a private place for them to meet.”

“But…”

“Anyway, it doesn't matter. Kojima-san, did you sleep? The police must have questioned you about yesterday.”

“No… I didn't sleep, but I wasn't questioned by the police.”

“…What?”

Kojima-san had more questions, but I cut her off. Her lack of sleep was more concerning, as evident from the dark circles under her eyes.

“We can talk about that later. You should get some rest.”

“…”

“You need sleep, or your mind and body will suffer.”

“…Yeah.”

She finally agreed. I tried to lead her to the next room, but she tugged on my shirt again.

“…What now?”

“Can I ask you something…?”

“Depends on what it is.”

“I think I can sleep better if you’re nearby. Can you stay until I fall asleep?”

“…What?”

“Is that… okay?”

What a request.

Even considering everything, it's surprising. But looking back on recent events, I suppose it makes sense.

My family, like my mom and sister Ange, who's being restrained by Mom, are supportive. Kojima-san doesn't have anyone like that.

Alright, I've made my decision.

“Okay, I can do that.”

Though it's an unusual situation, I want Kojima-san to rest without fear of tomorrow.

—

So, here we are, in Kojima-san's apartment. It's still cluttered with unpacked boxes.

She collapsed onto the futon, clearly exhausted.

Meanwhile, Ange was curious about the Okinawan souvenir.

“Hey, big bro. What's chinsuko?”

“Chinsuko is a cookie-like snack from Okinawa. Haven't you tried it before?”

“No, it's my first time! Wow, Chinsuko, huh?”

“Well, let's enjoy it since we got it.”

“Yeah! Chinsuko, chinsuko… It's a funny word!”

“Don't say it too much. You might slip up and say something else.”

Chinsuko isn't something to joke about, especially with its suggestive sound.

Kojima-san, lying on the futon, squeezed my left hand when Ange wasn't looking. She still seemed anxious.

“Don't worry. Just sleep.”

“…Thanks.”

I'm glad I didn't pull my hand away.

Mom looked amused, but I'll deal with that later. Once she's asleep, I'll head to the Spring Festival.

Next time, finally heading to the Spring Festival!