Chapter 40: Volume 1 - CH 8.1

Epilogue

[Three days’ suspension!]

Fujimiya sent me the message as if it was something to be celebrated.

Still worried about her, I called. I flopped down on the bed and waited. She picked up soon after and began her tale grudgingly and happily, if those two emotions could coexist.

–“Whyyy, why only meee–. There’s a proprietor right there! Ahhh, I was used, why wouldn’t anyone pity mee.”

I covered the phone’s microphone and sighed, Fujimiya better not hear that. “You did a good job covering me, thanks…”

–“That was rough too, hmph! The interrogating guidance teacher was real scary, like, dude.”

“How did you even get away…” Really, this girl amazes me.

–“That’s where I, Fujimiya, the woman of steel, comes in! Besides, the broadcast got rid of the rumors on their behalf, good for them.” I could feel her pouting.

“Oh, lucky. God bless their understanding.”

–“I kindly ask you to appreciate my hard work and suspension from school more.”

“‘Kay, ‘kay. Thanks, Fujimiya.”

In any case, if I got caught too, that would be real pain…

Or it could be all for naught if that bitch Yamabuki tattles. Better hope that blackmail was enough.

“You talked to Minato?”

–“Already. Another round of crying, ahaha. We’ve made up, maybe?”

“Hm, good for you.”

–“She’s skipping school to play at my place during suspension. Keep an eye for us, yeah?”

“Yeah,” I said without delay. That way, she could have her long awaited rest.

–“Thank you, Io”

“You too.”

–“We’re comrade, right? Minato Elite Guard Squadron.”

“When did I sign up?”

–“Address your colonel properly.”

“Will you listen to me…”

◆　◆　◆

I went to school the next day. From the lack of attention, my cover was still up. Hello there, I’m Akashi Io, nobody of import.

The damp, stagnant brooding of the rumor completely vanished. There was still gossiping, but none about Minato.

“You got to hear the broadcast yesterday? That was crazy!”

I appreciate your sentiment, but, uh, have you been listening to the contents?

“Never thought it would be real. No, not ‘it’, he, right? I hadn’t imagined that ore in the end, right? If so, then do you think he’s a student or one of the staff?”

[TN: Yep, the ore and watashi thingy again]

F… why are you guys so obsessed with pronouns I use… Hmph, I need to watch my every word, don’t I? Also, didn’t I tell you not to search for my identity?

“I can’t tell over the voice change, that cracking the static was awful.”

Hm? Sorry for your inconvenience, but I need that voice change precisely because of people like you.

When I reached the hallway, I noticed another crowd. I stood on my toes and got a better look. On the bulletin board, several sheets of paper were pinned. From a distance, it appeared to be similar to club advertisements…

Some strange announcement?

Ah…

[To Angel. We’ve got this!]

[Consider the rumor gone!]

[We’re all at your command, Angel.]

…

Don’t we all have a secret to keep? Are you guys an idiot…?

Hmph, but thanks anyway. Thank you.

Noticing my own smile, I pressed my lips together and quickly went down the hall. Can’t afford anyone noticing that…

Ah, I need to apologize to Makino about the doomed confession, don’t I…

◆　◆　◆

Three days later, Minato send me this message, [I’m at Akashi-san’s cafe]

I already had a shift today, so I’d have gone there nonetheless though.

I spotted a familiar figure at our usual table, so I headed there first. Minato was wearing the same clothes as the day we went to Kyoto. Bring back memories.

“Yo.”

“Hi”

Somehow, I felt like she was avoiding looking this way. The pace at which she drank her cider was also fast, as if agitated.

Wait, she’s drinking cider?

“I have something to tell you.”

“That is?”

“…”

She cleared her throat and turned to the side. Her mouth was twitching a little as she forced her eyes to look my way.

She was blushing.

“The Falling-in-love Peculiarity, it’s gone.”

“What…?” Wait, what’s she saying?

“I said! It’s gone! The consultation’s over now!”

“Huh, but, no… Really? That easy? How did you even–”

She cut over me. “Just trust me! It’s my mind, I know it’s really gone!”

“Didn’t I tell you love isn’t about conscious thoughts only… I’ll check, give me your cheek.”

“N-never!! Don’t you ever!!” She scrambled away from my reaching hand.

“Hey, at least–”

“I said no!! That’s all for today! I’m going! Dummy!”

She drank the remaining cider in one go and hastily paid the bill. The next moment, she was rushing away from the cafe.

I let my still outreached hand drop “What…”

And what’s with the “dummy” in the end? Is it really gone?

“Io–” Yukito called out to me with his usual smirk.

“Yeah?”

“Your shift, get to work.”

“Got it, got it” I grudgingly stood up.

“And then.” He flashed a knowing smile. “You’ve got to move on yourself too.”

Just the usual nosy cousin.

“I know…”

I know… But people have their own pace, right? I just have to go slower.

Besides, I’m still busy pushing someone else’s back.

That’s what being the Angel of Kuze High means.

End of volume 1