CH 44

Kanna is on cleaning duty + the committee.

So, for one reason or another, I was leaving school alone today…

”Hey, you don’t have a part-time job today, do you? I know because I heard it last time.”

Ugh, I got caught.

I got caught right in front of the station. I thought I was the fastest, but what was she doing here?

I was in a hurry to avoid this.

Because when I left the classroom, she was still sitting in her chair…

”So, you know, let’s go somewhere we haven’t been in a while. Our place.”

”Our place?”

”Santa Monica, of course.”

Damn… Karen, how did you get here so fast?

”Sorry. I’m in a hurry today. And I still don’t understand what Otsuka is saying.”

”Yes. You lied. I can always tell. It’s your habit.”

”Huh?”

Habit?

W-what… I have a habit? Eh?

”Forget about it. Let’s just go! Oh, by the way, your sister said she didn’t know of any cafes like that. Huh?”

” ….. “

That Kana…

Damn, I didn’t get it.

So, what’s the deal? What’s this thing I do when I lie?

”What are you doing? Otsuka…”

”Well, I don’t think I’m doing anything wrong. Hmm…”

No, no, that’s crazy.

Why did you suddenly put your arms around me and get so close to my body?

Even though there are few people here now, we’re in front of the station.

What are you thinking?

”People will see. You know, you’ve become popular as a model recently. It’s not good for Otsuka.”

”Oh, you know I’m a model. I’m so glad. You know what?　I’m on a roll right now because of a certain boy.”

”No, no, I don’t know. …… And you really should let go because people are coming.”

In fact, the first wave of students in our school uniforms who had also left school were already arriving in the distance…

”Well, then, let’s see. Come on, look me in the eye and call me Karen. Then I’ll let you go for now. Easy, huh?”

”What?”

”Well, there’s nothing wrong with me being seen. Besides, it won’t affect my character if I have a boyfriend, or it would be a downside if I don’t.”

No, no, it’s not good. Usually…

And what’s with that condition…

”Come on, call me. Sota, come on. The writing on your back today. They’re true. Did you know, Sota?”

And in such a sweet voice with a spoiled look.

I-it’s been a while. But it’s not good. This combo…

Since then, I’ve thought that this expression and voice from Karen, who usually seems so strong-minded, is a little really foul.

And the writing on her back today is…

”No, no, really, it’s just a little too much…”

”Hey, why don’t you look me in the eye, Sota? Come on, look at me. We’re really gonna attract people if you won’t. Are you okay?”

No, that’s not good.

Ugh…

”Okay, okay. I don’t know what that means but okay. Let’s go. Cafe.”

That’s all I can say…

”Oh, come on, why didn’t you call me? Well, for the time being, let’s go.”

Okay, but my arms…

”Uh, how about my hand?”

”Hmm? Of course, they’ll stay like this. Come on, seriously. They’re really coming. “

Sigh, do I have to do what she says here?

And what’s that? That carefree smile.

”No, I won’t let go of my arm. I’m not going to let you go. We have to go like this.”

”O-okay, okay.”

Yeah. Even though it’s close by, I don’t think I’d walk there like this.

But if we go there and we’re alone…

? What?　

No way?

”Ah… w-why?”

Hey, why are you here too!?

No, really.

I didn’t notice it, but how long have you been there…

Anyway, I changed my direction of travel, thinking that I had no choice but to listen to Karen for now…

I was surprised to see a familiar woman jump into my sight.

”Hmmm, what’s that? It’s Kazama and Otsuka! What’s going on? What an unexpected duo! “

I really don’t know why I didn’t notice her…

”No, no, that’s not it. Me and her, we’re on the …..”

Why are you really there? And since when…

H-Hirose…?

”Hmm? Huh, I didn’t see anything! “

No, that line…