Chapter 78: The Decisive Battle is on Sunday

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Translator: Soafp

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Sunday morning. The view outside the car window reflected the quiet, sleeping face of the city. The morning sun was reflected off the glass of the buildings, painting the entire city in a soft orange hue. The usually bustling streets were nearly empty at this hour, and even the flow of cars felt somewhat calm. As the car weaved through the endless gaps between the buildings, I sat in the passenger seat, absentmindedly gazing at the passing scenery.

Kyoko-nee, who was behind the wheel, drove with her usual calm demeanor. Every time we stopped at a light, she would steal a glance at me. Her gaze had the typical softness of an older sister, but as I looked at her again, I couldn't help but think how beautiful she really was, and I felt a little unsure of where to direct my eyes.

And then, thinking about today’s mission, I couldn’t help but feel a flutter in my chest. Where Kyoko-nee and I were headed was the luxury hotel that Koda had designated for Ranko. The room next to the one Koda arranged for Ranko was booked by Hizaki-san under my name. As an award-winning author of the Namiki Prize, the hotel had kindly accommodated the sudden request. Honestly, I never imagined my name would be used in a situation like this.

When Kyoko-nee casually said, “We’re almost there,” my body reflexively tensed up. My palms were slick with nervous sweat. The view outside the car window showed a luxury hotel with a glass exterior that gleamed under the morning sunlight. Just the sight of the place made me acutely aware of how out of place I was.

A sharply dressed doorman stood at the entrance, discreetly checking the cars and people passing by. Seeing him made me feel even more out of place. Perhaps sensing my discomfort, Kyoko-nee pulled me out of the car, saying, “Come on, get out,” almost forcefully.

As we stepped into the spacious lobby, the soft light from the chandelier rained down from above, and lavish decorations caught my eye. The thick carpet muffled our footsteps. In the background, there was a restrained piano performance, accompanied by hushed, elegant conversations near the front desk.

Kyoko-nee and I walked toward the front desk together. While she calmly checked us in, a soft fragrance suddenly wafted over from behind.

“Sensei!”

Along with the voice came a sensation of being hugged from behind. Startled, I nearly jumped, and when I turned around, there was Ranko.

She was dressed in something far more daring than her usual casual outfits—a bold outfit with plenty of skin showing. The white dress, layered with lace and chiffon, was as glamorous as if she were attending a nighttime party. The slit was so deep that I could almost see the garter belt beneath.

“Wh-what are you wearing…!”

Seeing my face turn bright red, Ranko chuckled softly.

“Sensei, you’re so cute.”

She pressed her body even closer, her ample ch*st pressing against my back. My mind went blank. My entire body felt like it was steaming, and I couldn’t think straight.

“T-this is no time for this!”

I tried to push her away, but Ranko responded with a sultry voice, “But I have to deal with a man I don’t even like after this, right? So can’t you indulge me a little?” She clung to me even more tightly.

Her words snapped something inside me back into focus. This was no time for fooling around. I grabbed her shoulders firmly and looked her in the eye with a serious expression.

“Are you really okay? You're not forcing yourself, are you?”

Even I could tell that this wasn't just an act. Ranko was smiling, but I couldn't ignore the fear and anxiety beneath her facade. The thought of something happening to her… just thinking about it made my heart tighten painfully.

Seeing my worried expression, Ranko gently stroked my cheek.

“As long as I know you're nearby, Sensei, I can do this. So, trust me.”

Her words were incredibly strong and kind. But—

“Alright, let’s go, Hajime.”

A spine-chilling voice suddenly echoed from behind me. When I turned around, there was Kyoko-nee, smiling… but her eyes were definitely not. She wrapped an arm around my shoulder and started dragging me toward our room.

“W-wait! I'm not—”

My protest was in vain as I was dragged along. Looking back, I saw Ranko waving at me. But I noticed her hand was trembling slightly, and the sight of it made me reflexively shake off Kyoko-nee's grip.

“Ranko!”

My footsteps echoed through the lobby as I ran back to her. Ranko looked startled, but her hand was still shaking. I grabbed her slender hand with both of mine. Her fingers were cold, and I instinctively squeezed them tighter.

“No matter what happens, I'll always be here with you…”

The words came from my heart, and I felt a warmth welling up inside me as I said them.

Ranko’s eyes widened for a moment, and a small tear welled up at the corner of her eye. It wasn't the usual teasing, playful Ranko—it was the face of a girl her age, vulnerable and uncertain. Even so, with a trembling voice, she smiled gently and said, “I believe you.”

For a moment, her fragile, beautiful smile made me wish this was just a scene from a drama.

…But.

“Alright, that’s enough. Hajime, we need to have a little talk later.”

A voice colder than the air from an open refrigerator door came down from behind me.

When I turned around, there was Kyoko-nee, wearing the same smile—except her eyes were those of a predator that had just caught its prey. The moment she grabbed me by the neck, I caught a glimpse of my near future.

“Th-this is…!”

Before I could come up with an excuse, Kyoko-nee wordlessly dragged me away. The guests in the lobby stared, wide-eyed, but I didn't even have time to notice.

“K-Kyoko-nee!?”

My final plea was in vain as I was pulled into the elevator by Kyoko-nee's overwhelming strength.