Chapter 2179: Hiding nearby

Chapter 2179: Hiding nearby



As Kazuha-nee moved toward the door, I quietly slipped away from the kotatsu, careful not to make a sound, and tucked away the tangerine we hadn't finished eating.

I considered hiding on the balcony on the other side of her bed. It was where she jokingly threatened to throw me earlier and, admittedly, the ideal hiding spot. After all, Ogawa wouldn't have any reason to check there. He had no idea I was even in the room.

Nonetheless, instead of taking that option, I decided on something else. Something discreet while remaining nearby to sense the change in the atmosphere.

I followed behind Kazuha-nee and slipped into her partitioned workspace, sliding it open and hiding inside it.

It wasn't a separate room but the partitions were tall enough to prevent anyone from peeking inside from the top.

From here, I could remain unseen without the chill of the night air biting at me.

Ogawa would have no reason to check this corner since it's Kazuha-nee's workplace. This way, I could hear and observe the situation unfold from behind the thin divider.

Still, I could feel the slight adrenaline rush, knowing that at any moment, Ogawa might sense something was amiss.

If he caught me in here then... he'd have a choice whether to confront me or let it go, in consideration of Mami and Kazuha-nee.

Whichever the case, I doubt things will escalate enough for a conflict to happen. Besides, despite the possibility, I'll keep in mind to be careful.

Sensing my movements, Kazuha-nee turned around, catching me sliding the partition close. She shot a panicked glance in my direction before hurrying over to me, delaying her answer to the door.

"You... I never told you to hide there. There are better places!"Nôv(el)B\\jnn

She gestured subtly toward the balcony, her tone laced with frustration. Nonetheless, her helplessness was quite charming.

I couldn't help but grin as I enjoyed her flustered state. "Relax. I'll behave, Kazuha-nee. As long as I don't make any noise, he won't suspect a thing. Besides, this is a good spot. Just make sure he doesn't get too curious and peek over here."

Unconvinced, Kazuha-nee scowled at me but before she could protest, Ogawa knocked again, his voice growing louder.

She alternately looked at my playful smirk and the door before helplessly sighing.

"Geez. Fine. Just wait for me... and don't touch anything in there. It's all organized."

Before stepping away, Kazuha-nee gave me one last look, her eyes a mix of frustration and something else—something she couldn't voice at the moment. She seemed torn between amusement at my audacity and irritation at the situation.

But there was no more time to argue. A few more impatient knocks sounded from the other side of the door, and Ogawa's voice grew louder.

"Aneki? Are you there? I'm not disturbing you am I?"

With a soft exhale, Kazuha-nee composed herself. She straightened her dress, adjusting the parts that had gotten slightly disheveled in our earlier embrace, her fingers trembling just a little as she smoothed down her hair.

For a brief moment, the traces of what transpired between us were still represented by her flushed cheeks.

But as I watched from behind the partition, I could see her gathering her usual calm and confidence.

She was great at this. Hiding her emotions behind that cool, composed exterior.

I mean, the first time I met her, I was also a little overwhelmed by her strong presence. If I hadn't gotten the chance to meet and interact with her in the mall, I would only be nothing more than a boy that Hina is dating in her eyes.

That opportunity earned me the title of her 'little brother' even though I only became an accessory to her attempt to torment her real little brother.

As I heard her reach for the door, I sat down on her reclining chair in front of her workstation at the same time as made the sound of turning its knob. My heart pounded slightly as I perked my ears, listening closely to what was about to unfold.

"Oh. Don't peek inside my workspace. I'm doing something there. Go sit down at the kotatsu and keep her warm first. Tsk. You walked her in this cold night without even offering her a

coat."

Masked behind that reprimand was Kazuha-nee's sudden rush in her voice as though she had just remembered to forbid them from checking out this space.

Following that, I heard Ogawa acknowledging as their shuffling footsteps continued further

into the room.

Meanwhile, as I listened to the door closing and Kazuha-nee's approaching footsteps, I

couldn't help but stand up and approach the sliding entrance to this space. I opened it slightly

just enough to peek in front of it.

When Kazuha-nee was about to pass, I silently called out to her.

"Kazuha-nee..."

Given that she's conscious of my presence here. That didn't escape her notice. With a scowl,

she turned in my direction and then whispered in reprimand, "Y-you... What are you calling

me for? You said you'll behave."

"... Just a moment. Make an excuse or something."

"Eh?"

"Hurry."

What am I doing? I didn't know, but an idea had sprung to mind. Before I could stop myself, I

was already acting on it.

"Ugh... Fine." Giving up, she turned her head to Ogawa and Mami's direction and raised her voice slightly. "Wait a moment, Kazu-kun, Mami-chan. Go and eat some fruit for a while. I'll

organize something here first."

"Yes."

"I understand, aneki. Sorry for being like this."

Mami politely responded while Ogawa added an apology. But Kazuha-nee had no time to

reply to it anymore. As soon as she finished speaking, she slid the partition open and stepped

inside.

Before she could ask what was wrong, I pulled her into an embrace, my lips capturing hers

fueled by mischief.

In my defense, I want to help her relax her mind and reassure her that nothing will happen.

But who am I fooling here?