[Invasion II]

The roar was short-lived as an avalanche of people entered the living room of the guest room. 

Apart from Ohno's men, who were waiting at the front of the room. They were men of unknown identity, their faces hidden by gas masks. They were all dressed differently, some in suits, others in jeans and down jackets. 

A few of them carried backpacks. 

The common denominator, it was the pistol in each of their hands. 

Positioned in a circle around Nishino and the others, the group pointed their gun at them without hesitation. 

"Hey, hey, what's going on all of a sudden!" 

"Mr. Nishino ! " 

Screams went up from the mouths of the Chairwoman and Ohno. They were surprised by the action-movie-like turn of events. 

In contrast, Nishino, sitting opposite Shimizu, did not seem in the least bit disturbed. 

He went out of his way to cross his legs and responded with a calm and composed manner. 

"Chairwoman, please don't worry. There's no need to be alarmed." 

"But, the, the, the gun......." 

"It would be rather dangerous if they made a bad move. Ohno, you too." 

"Well, I, Ohno already believe in you, sir, so...." 

Some time ago, a man rushed out ahead of him in a similar situation. 

Reflecting on that time, Nishino took it more slowly than usual. He was trying to appeal to both of them that there was nothing wrong with the situation. As a result, he behaved in a very pretentious manner, which caused the other party to feel aggrieved. 

Without a pause, a shot. 

A series of high-pitched bangs followed. 

The Chairwoman, moving instantly, kicked the seat and hid behind the sofa on which she herself was sitting. Nishino and Ohno are startled as they catch a glimpse of his flowing body movements out of the corner of their eye. The pantyhose exposed was white with lace. 

Shimizu, who has been in so many dangerous situations recently, had no choice but to hesitate. She is desperate to live in the moment and must protect herself. Keeping her head down, she begins to look around her to see if she can find anything useful.

"Sir, what the hell is this......" 

Ohno, on the other hand, was horrified and braced himself with a look of astonishment on his face. 

All the bullets fired at them were stationary in a fixed position. They stopped in mid-air, as if trapped in a spider's web. The bullets that were fired remained clean, and not a single shot fulfilled its duty. 

"Stay where you are." 

"Well, that's it, I won't take one more step!" 

The person in the front of the room made a small wave of his arm toward the back of the room. 

Of those who entered the living room in response, several who were carrying backpacks rustled around and made small movements. Immediately afterward, gases began to gush out of their backs with great force. A shuffling sound echoed from the bottom of the backpacks. 

Colorless and transparent, there is no visual change to be seen. 

However, there seems to be no doubt that some gas is being emitted. 

"Mister Nishino, gas! It looks like gas!" 

"It's okay, don't worry" 

115 

"I believe you! I believe you, sir! "

Ohno looks at the Futsumen with a prayerful glance. 

The Chairwoman, on the other hand, held her breath. 

At the same time, she leans out from behind the sofa and picks up the pot that was placed on the low table. 

Then, facing the windowpane facing the living room, she throws it using her whole body. At the same time, she covers the pot's spout with the palm of her hand, so she is not covered by the hot water. 

Although her whole body shudders as she is hit by the boiling water, the adrenaline that is rapidly beginning to be secreted takes away the sense of pain from Shimizu's body.  

As if with a clear shot, the hard part of the bottom hits the center of the window. 

With a loud clang, the glass shatters. 

Nishino and Ohno are surprised again.

This JK is just plain annoying, was the latter's honest thought. 

Stimulated by her survival instincts, the Chairwoman was desperate to survive the moment. 

This was followed by a reaction from the Futsumen. 

Sitting on the sofa, he muttered to himself, not speaking to anyone. 

"The Chairwoman's anxiety is understandable. Let's check on the gas that was sprayed." 

Everyone in the room looked at him, saying, What the hell is this guy talking about? Why is he still sitting on the sofa in the first place? And at this point, he starts playing with the phone he took out of the pocket of his pants.

On the screen is the weather for tomorrow. Sunny.

But those doubts quickly dissipated in the wake of the events that followed. 

Immediately after, the gas masks of the intruders popped off. 

Without a single exception, the masks that had been stuck to their faces were removed. 

Everyone begins to panic when they see it fall at their feet. 

The gas that filled the room attacked the mucous membrane sites of the intruders with precision. 

Moreover, the mask that fell on the living room floor somehow froze and stuck to the floor with a crackling sound. I can't even pick it up. Those who reached out for it had no choice but to watch as their fingertips were swallowed into the liquid, along with the mask. 

Screams begin to rise from everywhere. 

The momentum and leadership that had been present at the beginning of the raid was completely lost on the enemy side. 

Watching such a scene from under their noses, however, Nishino and his group were not harmed by the gas. It was as if there was some kind of invisible wall between them and the men who were slumped over with tears in their eyes, just as they had prevented the bullets from hitting the gas. 

"..... Tear gas... Weird." 

The Futsumen muttered as they looked at the men. 

The other party could not hide their annoyance. A number of bullets were fired in rapid succession. But, as before, they were blocked by an invisible wall and could not reach their targets. Furthermore, not only the mask, but also the pistol and the hand that gripped it were all frozen. 

"Sir, this is great. ......! " 

"Well, this leaves us with no choice but to eat dinner somewhere else." 

"I'm so sorry for allowing the outsiders to invade." 

"Can I leave this place to you ? " 

The Chaiworman hides behind the sofa, desperately holding her breath. While glancing at him, the Futsumen speaks. Nishino was reluctant to do anything about the men in front of his classmate. 

116

"Noted. We will take appropriate action." 

"Sorry about that." 

"It's such an annoying thing. I was rather helped too, so..." 

"Perhaps the police will be late. Are you sure you have the manpower?" 

"I have men standing by in the vicinity. No need to worry." 

"I see." 

After confirming Ohno's reply, Nishino finally stood up. 

He picks up the Chairwoman's belongings, which were on the sofa in front of them. It is a well-used bag with the school's designation and a luxury brand handbag containing a forgotten scarf and a gift from the Kuro gal. 

Finally, the Chairwoman face begins to turn red, and she looks up at Nishino in protest. 

"............"

"Chairwoman, you can breathe."

Is this true? she wondered, but indeed Nishino and Ohno were speaking to each other normally. As she was checking on them, she responded with a loud puff of air, aided by the fact that she was nearing her limit by now. 

Repeated breaths showed no effect of the gas. The Chairwoman, who has now figured out the characteristics of the gas, said that when she looked at the men suffering from holding their eyes, noses, and other mucous membrane parts, it seems that the gas does not affect this side. 

"...... I'm kind of tired of all this stuff, and I'm not sure if it's worth the trouble to keep track of it." 

"Then it's better not to worry about it. I'd rather just move to a different location." 

"I knew it would happen......." 

Understanding that she was leaving the elegant room, Shimizu felt a sense of disappointment.

◇ ◆ ◇ 

Immediately after Nishino and the Chairwoman escaped the hotel, there was a visitor to the same place. 

It was Takeuchi, the handsome man in Class 2A . 

Nishino had told Francisca via Marquis, and she had called him to confirm his whereabouts. The time was almost dusk. He had left school early today, changed into his casual clothes, and was waiting at home. 

It was about an hour before he left home after receiving the call. 

He picked up a cab and came straight to the hotel. 

What greeted Takeuchi was the yellow tape that stretched across the entrance. The tape, with No Trespassing printed on it, could be seen everywhere. Also, there are police officers in uniform standing everywhere.

" ... Seriously?" 

Francisca instructed him to go to the Royal Suite on the top floor. 

He didn't expect to be able to enter. 

Still, he decided to give it a try and headed for the elevator. 

Then, without a moment's pause, he was stopped by a stern-looking police officer. 

"You, where do you think you're going?" 

"Um, I have an acquaintance staying in this room here......" 

"Sorry, you're not allowed in here right now." 

"What's going on? " 

"There was a gas explosion in the guest room."  

"...... Oh, I see." 

117

The police officer's words had a force that made him unable to say a word. Even wearing a uniform, he seemed more like a yakuza than a policeman. When I took a look at him, he was attracting the attention of the other police officers who were there. 

I don't think they would have been able to force their way through. 

Moreover, Francisca had told him not to rely on the police in the future, no matter what happened to him. At this point in time, being stared at by a strong police officer made him sit up, even though he had done nothing wrong. 

"I'll try to contact them by phone." 

"Oh, I hope you do." 

As if to get away from the situation, Takeuchi left the entrance.

By the time he exits the building, he is pale. 

His steps are also rushed. 

He is a handsome man who now understands that the situation to which he has exposed himself is rather unexciting. Having escaped the police day, he pulls his phone out of his pants while blending in with pedestrians on the street.

Quickly, he calls Francisca. 

But no matter how many times he waited for the call, he could not get through. 

After a while, a ring tone cut off on its own. 

Restraining himself from annoying feelings, he tries to call repeatedly.

Two times, three times. 

But no matter how many times he tried to call, the line never connected. 

" ... Seriously?" 

Looking extraordinarily pale, Takeuchi muttered to no one in particular.

Thinking of his family, he is a good-looking man who is unwilling to return to his home.

◇ ◆ ◇

After parting with Ohno, Nishino and the Chairwoman were walking down the street on their feet. 

It was past dusk and the sky was already dark. 

Even the security of the hotel, which was considered to be the best in the country, could not prevent the entry of the hostile party. Whether this was a result of being led or forced entry, there is no way to tell. However, such facts were troubling the Futsumen over where to stay today. 

Furthermore, everywhere we went, we could see police officers. 

Their uniforms, more numerous than usual, are busy patrolling here and there. The frequency of seeing police cars and motorcycles on the streets had also increased. They were patrolling in circles all over the place, not caring if a vehicle was illegally parked or disregarded a stop sign.

"Nishino-kun, this is really ... " 

"Most likely, the Chairwoman has it right." 

"That's ... " 

The Chairwoman's face tightens in response to Nishino's casual mutterings. 

Incidentally, the latter is currently wearing glasses and tying her hair up. Her makeup is also quite dark, as instructed by the Kuro gal. It seems quite difficult for someone who knows her normally to judge her as a Chairwoman at a glance. 

It was a makeover done in a great hurry just before leaving the hotel. 

"But please rest assured." 

"How can you possibly feel safe in this situation?" 

"I will surely return the Chairwoman to her former life. I assure you." 

"........" 

118

And so is the former in disguise. 

The handsome guy, whom she witnessed at the host club the day before yesterday, is walking right next to the Chairwoman. And since he is making direct eye contact with her while spouting off smelly lines like this, it is a situation that Shimizu would like to have a break. 

The face I had been trying so hard to forget is now in a position where I can reach out and touch it. 

"What's wrong? Chairwoman." 

"No, nothing ! " 

Makeup is so unfair, was the honest thought that came to her mind. 

She turned away with a buoyant smile and somehow managed to calm herself down. 

The other guy is Nishino, the other guy is Nishino, she repeatedly told herself. 

"Sorry, by the way. I just need to make a little contact with someone else." 

"Contact ? " 

"I hadn't told the Chairwoman, but I was supposed to meet up with Takeuchi at that hotel. But under the circumstances, that would be difficult. So we need to set up a new meeting point. I need to talk to Francisca about this." 

"Eh ... " 

"I'm sorry, but would you mind walking with me down the street?" 

The Chairwoman reacted to the sound of Takeuchi-kun, which he heard unexpectedly. 

She did not expect to hear his name at this point in time. 

"Nishino-kun, I didn't expect you to get Takeuchi-kun involved too......." 

"It seems that Takeuchi's name was included in the report that Francisca sent to her boss. Didn't we have a lot of stuff going on in our previous work experience at the hospital? It has been pointed out to me that his name is likely to have been passed on to his pursuer because of that relationship." 

" ....... " 

That being said, the Chairwoman had to shut up. She had been involved herself in the commotion at the hospital and understood that the person in front of her was not at fault. On the contrary, the person on the scene was in a position to help her and Takeuchi. 

119

After making sure Shimizu was silent, Nishino picked up the phone. 

With a skilled hand, he dialed Francisca's number. 

However, no matter how long he waited, there was no response on the other end. 

As he continued to wait, the call eventually reached its maximum number of calls, and the call was terminated without even connecting the line. As it was an urgent matter, he pressed the call button again to the same number, but the result was the same. 

Without uttering a single word, Nishino lowered the phone to his ear. 

Looking at him, the Chairwoman spoke to him with an anxious look on her face. 

"..... Not answering?" 

"Yeah, looks like it." 

"Is everything okay over there?" 

"I'm not certain of the situation over there. But with Rose and Gabriella as escorts, it's unlikely to happen. Our priority should be Takeuchi's safety. I'm sorry, but please allow me to contact you as we walk this way." 

"Um, I'll call him then......." 

"I'm sure Ohno has already told you this, but the Chairwoman's phone is susceptible to location detection. These days, even with GPS-related functions turned off, the latest models are sending location information all over the place somehow."

"Is Nishino-kun okay? I've always been in airplane mode." 

"I have a little work to do to prevent that kind of function from working. Still, they might at least know the cell stations you're using, but with so many people, it's not going to be enough to identify you personally."

"......"

So said, it was inevitable, and t Chairwoman responded with a pout. 

As for the all-important Takeuchi-kun's contact information, it was Nishino, who had obtained it through the commotion surrounding the break-dancing club. He was a little nervous about the call, receiving a very adolescent opportunity to make a phone call to a schoolmate. 

However, the call did not connect to Takeuchi's number either. 

The information echoed in Nishino's ears, stating that he was out of range or that the power was turned off. 

"Oh, perhaps Takeuchi can't join us?" 

"Apparently it seems" 

"Wait a minute! That means......" 

"Chairwoman, I want you to calm down. It is not a good idea to assume that at this point in time. It is possible that he is in airplane mode as well as the Chairwoman. Being the smart Takeuchi, if you have confirmed the hotel occupied by the police, it is not surprising that you would respond in that way." 

"But are you going to leave it alone ?" 

"Let's leave this to Ohno. That man has a lot of people at his disposal. The search can be carried out more efficiently than we can move. If we make a poor move, there is a possibility that the other party will change their priority to Takeuchi. If that happens, it's an unnecessary end to the matter." 

" ... Really ? " 

"Yeah, it's true. I'll get in touch with them right away." 

As told to the Chairwoman, Nishino calls Ohno. 

And this time the line was immediately connected. 

The futsumen was so happy to hear from him and told him what he had just described. The person on the other end of the line gave his approval with a quick two-word reply. They replied that they would return the call as soon as they found the person. Having also informed them of Takeuchi's appearance, the immediate response is complete. 

120

The call was over in a few minutes. 

"This should be okay" 

"When I see Ohno makes me feel uneasy." 

"I'm not saying that there is zero chance that that man will betray us. But that can be said of anyone. In terms of likelihood, I'm rather suspicious of Francisca. And these kinds of assumptions are annoying to think up." 

"Is that so?" 

"In any case, it's not worth thinking about now." 

More than that, the Futsumen speaks up to change the subject. His gaze points to the hand on the opposite side of the bag Ohno gave her. It is the palm of Shimizu's right hand, twisted slightly so that the back of the hand is facing front and the palm is hidden behind. 

"Chairwoman, how's your hand?" 

"Eh ...? " 

"When you threw the pot, you held the mouth of the pot with the palm of your hand." 

"..........." 

The Chairwoman was taken by surprise by the perceptive Futsumen only at such times. 

While he usually speaks and acts in a dismissive manner, only in situations where she is really in trouble does he say something strangely smart. This gap, combined with the good-looking guy disguised by makeup, hit Shimizu's emotional state today. 

"Let's go to the pharmacy there and buy the tools we need to treat you." 

"No, it's okay! I'll be fine!" 

"But if you underestimate the burns and leave them alone, then this is going to be something......" 

As he does so, Nishino's phone unexpectedly shakes with an incoming call. 

A buzzing, vibrating sound reaches the Chairwoman's ears. 

The Futsumen picks it up and turns to the display, expecting a call back from Francisca. What was displayed there were the word Igarashi. It was a colleague with whom he had worked in the past when he had a part-time job at a maid cafe. 

The Chairwoman , who glanced at the screen, also voices her doubts. 

"...... Maybe that's the person who was at the host club the day before yesterday?" 

"Oh, apparently it seems." 

Nishino declined to speak to the Chairwoman and received a call from a self-proclaimed saba saba girl. 

The voice they heard belonged to the person they assumed. 

"Ah, Nishino-kun ? " 

"Yes." 

"I'm Igarashi. Can I talk to you for a minute?" 

"What's the matter? Did you leave something at the store?" 

"Nishino-kun, maybe you're in a bit of a pickle right now?" 

"...... What are you talking about?" 

"I just got a call from Yamanobe-chan, the hotel you guys were staying at is off limits because of a gas explosion, it's all over the news. She wanted to get in touch with Nishino-kun, but she don't have your number, so she called me."

"Did Igarashi contact Yamanobe ?" 

"We were at a club together the other night, remember? That's where we exchanged contact information." 

"Oh, I see." 

If he recalls, the contact to Nishino was made via the host club from the beginning. The self-proclaimed saba saba girl story made sense to me, since I am a Futsumen who does not recall exchanging contact information with the Kuro gal or Yukky. 

121

It was Nishino, with whom Igarashi had exchanged contact information through a part-time job. 

"So, here's a suggestion, Nishino, why don't you come over to my place?" 

"...... What do you mean?" 

"You're in a bit of a pickle over where to go, aren't you? I'll let you stay over tonight if you want." 

" ....... " 

After receiving the unexpected invitation, Nishino is hesitant to respond to the question. 

◇ ◆ ◇

According to the self-proclaimed saba saba girl, the luxury hotel where Nishino and his friends were planning to stay was currently restricted to visitors because of an explosion in the facility. The fact that it is a well-known hotel also helped, and it is apparently newsworthy in its own right. 

As the Chairwoman, who understands the actual situation, this was surprising. Along with the presence of police officers who had flooded the city, they were frowning at a glimpse of how much influence the person who had attacked them had over the world. 

This made Nishino hesitant to refuse Igarashi's proposal. 

Considering the mental state of Shimizu, who was accompanying him, it seemed urgent for him to secure a place where she could lie down in peace. And even if it was on the top floor of a luxury hotel, once the other party was allowed to enter, there would be no significant difference in terms of security no matter where he stayed. 

If that were the case, the Chairwoman would feel more comfortable at the home of a person she knew. 

With this in mind, Nishino decided to accept Igarashi's suggestion. 

The transportation is by cab. It helped that he had visited the place himself in the past, and was able to head there without hesitation. On this occasion, he also made a stop at a pharmacy on the way to treat the Chairwoman's burns. 

This is how we arrived at the home of the self-proclaimed saba saba girl. 

"Nishino, are you wearing makeup today? Were you working?" 

"No, as I explained earlier, I had to hide my face. " 

"Hmm? Oh, Shimizu, those glasses look good on you too." 

"Thank you." 

Welcomed by the house owner, Nishino and the Chairwoman are sitting around a small chabudai (tea table) in a six-tatami-mat Japanese-style room, and the three of them are engaged in a chat. On the table are bento boxes and side dishes purchased at a nearby convenience store, along with a stop at the pharmacy on the way home.

There is also another cup of tea Igarashi brewed for them, steaming in a mismatched cup. 

"By the way, Nishino, you're being chased by the police, and that's annoying to me, too. " 

"If you feel uneasy about it, you can kick me out right away." 

"No, no, no, I can't do that. Take your time." 

"You sure?" 

"You've been a big help to me. And I'd like to help, too." 

"...... Sorry to give you so much trouble. I appreciate it." 

Even before contacting Nishino, the self-proclaimed saba saba girl had confirmed from the Kuro gal, to some extent, the situation they were in. The fact that the Chairwoman had almost been kidnapped on her way to school, that she had been holed up in a hotel room in connection with the incident, and various other things.

With the help of such circumstances, the two were welcomed into her apartment as soon as the fugue explained the situation to them. For the Chairwoman, she was deeply moved that she had accepted her so well. No matter how much he remembered taking care of her, it was too dangerous an act.

"By the way, do you mind if I use your bathroom?" 

"Uh, yeah. It's right outside the room." 

"Okay." 

122

Sitting up from his cushion, the Futsmen headed out of the living room and into the hallway. 

The sound of a door being opened and closed echoed through the quiet room. 

As Nishino, a mutual acquaintance, excuses himself from his seat, the conversation in the living room dwindles. 

For the Chairwoman, Igarashi is someone she met just the day before yesterday. Moreover, they had only talked briefly at a host club. Moreover, since Igarashi is older than the Chairwoman, she is nervous when she is invited to herhouse. 

I sat upright on the cushion. 

My back was straight. 

Perhaps seeing my appearance, Igarashi called out to me.

"Shimizu, you can relax more." 

"No, but ... " 

"As you can see, it's a cheap apartment. Just make yourself at home." 

Igarashi speaks as she gazes at the living room. 

As she said, the place is difficult to compliment. The layout of the room is one room of six tatami mats with a bathroom and toilet together, and it is thought to be about 20 square meters in size. The living room is covered with tatami mats, while the kitchen and hallway are board rooms. This is a world of difference from the hotel where we had spent the day. 

In the room, a chabutai (tea table), a makeup table, and a silver rack that fits household items can be seen. In addition to the closet, clothes were hung on black plastic hangers that were given to us when we returned from the dry cleaning service, and hung on a sticking rod that was passed from wall to wall in the room. 

There was also a set of futons, carefully folded and placed in the corner of the room. 

Because of the small size of the room, one could see things here and there, giving the impression of a very cramped space. Still, there are no clothes undone or dirty dishes left unattended. The small, neat and tidy appearance of the room gave the impression of an ordinary-looking personality. 

"See, I'm a saba saba girl.." 

"Oh, thank you......" 

In response, the Chairwoman shrinks her shoulders and bows her head in a delegated manner. She looks uncomfortable, helped by the situation in which she is being taken care of unilaterally. The house owner took the initiative to broach the subject, probably in view of her appearance.

"Anyway, Nishino-kun, he is surprisingly good at what he does, isn't he?" 

" What do you mean ? " 

"He has a good relationship with Rose and Gabriella, but he's making a move on Shimizu, isn't that annoying? Or is it possible that Shimizu is the one approaching him?" 

"Why are you bringing this up?" 

"Because he cares about you a lot." 

"No, it's not just about me......." 

The fact that the person in question was standing in the bathroom helped, as well as the straightforwardness of the matter. 

The unexpected change of topic made the Chairwoman impatient. 

However, his panic at Nishino's name was short-lived, and she was surprised by the words that followed. 

"What can I say, I envy you, Shimizu."

"Eh ... " 

The Chairwoman looks at the self-proclaimed saba saba girl with an annoying expression on her face, wondering what part of what she just said was to be envied. It's as if she can't believe what the person in front of her is saying. She also wonders if she is making a fool of herself. 

Having exchanged words with the Kuro gal and Yukky, Shimizu understands that there are some people in the world who can get along with Nishino. The disapproval on campus does not resonate outside of the school. But when it comes to further emotions, the story is very different. 

123

"I don't think so ... " 

"Does Shimizu like Nishino-kun ? " 

"Of course I don't like him! " 

"Really? I think he's rather nice." 

" ... " 

The Chairwoman's exclamation is immense in response to the honest declaration. 

Naturally, the face of an atmospheric handsome man pops into her mind. 

While trying her best to put this out of her mind, she gives a single nod of the head. 

"Well, is that so ?" 

"Yeah, that's true. Are you surprised ?" 

"No, that's ..." 

Her brain is ringing a whistle against the person in front of her, wondering if this person is the same type as some blonde Lolita. Shimizu's whole body tensed up undeniably, since she has seen the pain of unintentional approach in the past. Her back stiffened extraordinarily. 

However, such tension was slightly eased by the ensuing complaint.

"But he got Rose next to him, right?"

"Eh ? Ah, yes ... " 

"There's no room for me to get in. Well, it's like that." 

"...... " 

It is a storytelling style that appears weak for a younger student opponent.

Seeing Igarashi with a bitter smile on her face, Shimizu changed her own perception that she apparently did not need to be as alarmed as Rose. At the same time, she was again surprised by the fact that an ordinary person, who seemed not so different from herself, had gone so far as to say this. 

Because the self-proclaimed saba saba girl is a woman with a certain look and feel. 

She is comparable to Risa, although in a different direction. 

It is hard to believe that she is lacking in men. 

Of course, with Nishino as her partner, she was not balanced. 

"Oh, this is a secret to him ? And it's probably annoying to Rose." 

" ... Yes." 

124

In addition, apart from such sentiments, the Chairwoman felt a sense of bitterness toward the person in front of her as she looked at Igarashi, who even went to the trouble of raising her index finger to speak. She is the kind of person who, for someone who calls herself a saba saba girl. 

Meanwhile, Nishino comes back from the restroom. 

From then on, the three of them sat around the dining table and spent some time together. It was too early in the day to go to sleep. Igarashi suggested that they play cards and a card game was held. She, who has always called herself a saba saba girl, has few friends and was hungry for this kind of game. 

Nishino, who lacks friendships for the same reason, immediately concurred. 

When this happens, the Chairwoman can't help but go out with her. 

Playing cards at an acquaintance's house. 

From the Futsumen perspective, this was also a very adolescent experience. 

◇ ◆ ◇

One night has passed since Nishino and Shimizu visited the cheap apartment where Igarashi lives. 

The two women are peacefully sleeping on a pair of futons laid out on the tatami mats, in a space set aside from the chabudai (tea table). Both of them have their hands and feet sticking out over the edges, but their torsos are generally tucked under the quilt. 

Just beside them, sleeping with his back against the wall of the room, is Nishino. 

Initially, the self-proclaimed saba saba girl  suggested that Nishino-kun and Shimizu-chan use the room together. The Chairwoman, with his cheeks twitching at this, stubbornly insisted that he could sleep anywhere on the tatami mats. Naturally, Futsumen also declined. 

And so it came to the present arrangement. 

From Shimizu's point of view, Nishino's pretentious sleeping posture is annoying. 

There was no way he could sleep while sitting down.

He is also bent over as if holding one leg up and tilting his head back with his arm resting on his erected knee. It was like posing like a cartoon or anime character. 

For him, it is an everyday occurrence, often passing the night in a place where he is uncomfortable. 

In contrast, Shimizu went to sleep believing that she was dressed up in front of the opposite sex. 

She was in the middle of a dream in which she was making it difficult for Nishino, who was dressed up and sleeping. 

It happened at a time when the sky was beginning to turn white. 

Outside the cheap curtains that had been closed, a strong glow emanated outdoors through the window glass. At the same time, there was a deafening explosion. The impact was as if it had been rained on in the yard. 

The roar, which could not be compared to the alarm of an alarm clock, echoed through the room as well. 

Without a moment's pause, the Chairwoman and Igarashi jumped out of bed. 

On top of the futon, they both raised their upper bodies and started to look around the room in a great hurry. However, there was no change in the room. The room was no different than it had been before the girls fell asleep.

Futsumen speaks pensively in response to this. 

The eyes that had been closed quickly opened and moved to glimpse outdoors. 

"Looks like we have a visitor." 

"Well, there was a great sound ? What happened this time ? " 

"They probably threw a stun grenade into the house." 

He responds to Shimizu's question in a nonchalant manner. 

125

As the Futsumen said, it was originally supposed to be thrown into the house, breaking the glass. However, it had been stilled in front of the windowpane and exploded outdoors due to the mysterious power that Nishino had put up in advance. 

Hearing his explanation, the Chairwoman felt a chill run down her spine. 

It's not like an action movie, she thought honestly. 

"If they'd thrown in a grenade or something, it would have been a different story......." 

"Don't be stupid, we have to get out of here, don't we?" 

Shimizu stood up in a great hurry. She takes off her pajamas and begins to change, even in Nishino's presence. As for her nightclothes, she had borrowed them from Igarashi. While the Futsumen had slept in his plain clothes without removing his makeup, the Chairwoman had taken a thorough shower and changed her clothes. 

"No, with a room of this size, even if they were to launch a missile, it would not be a problem. It might get a little noisy, but in terms of waiting to hear from Francisca, I wouldn't be that concerned."

"Nishino, are you serious about that?" 

It was definitely out of character for the Chairwoman. 

The Futsumen in front of me looks like he's lying and annoying. 

The self-proclaimed saba saba girl is also wrapped in a quilt, shaking with tears in her eyes. She is pulling on her pajamas, protecting her head with both hands. Shimizu, who is thinking, Eh, what's with this person, but at the same time has been induced to be protective, is in a complicated mood as well. 

The difference in experience with the unusual created a difference in awareness between the two. 

"Unlike a hotel, there are people around. The other party will back out soon enough. "

"But... " 

Sitting with his back against the wall of the living room, the Futsumen speaks plainly. 

His gaze drifts from the Chairwoman's changing clothes to the bright side of the room. 

He is a gentleman in an annoying way. 

Happily, Shimizu finishes changing into his plain clothes. The embarrassment is annoying. More to the point, it was frustrating. However, thinking of what would happen if he were to be evicted from this place, he could not take the option of staying in his nightclothes. 

It would be even more embarrassing to run around in pajamas in the traffic under the sun. 

And her fears were immediately realized. 

"Shimizu, well, isn't there smoke outside the window?" 

"Eh ... " 

Looking outdoors through a gap in the curtains, Igarashi raised her voice. 

The Chairwoman was in a great hurry and went to check beyond. 

She flipped a little around the corner of the rail and became aware of the outdoors. 

Then, as the self-proclaimed saba saba girl said, black smoke was billowing up from a fairly close distance. It seemed to be rising from the building and rising into the sky as if driven by the wind and flowing onto the street where the apartment faced. 

Moreover, in the corner, there is a slight but orange shimmer. 

"A fire, a fire, a fire, a fire!" 

"No way!" 

The screams of the Chairwoman are followed by screams from Igarashi's mouth. 

When this happens, it seems that Nishino cannot be left alone. 

He became as if he was biting a bitter bug and muttered abhorrently. 

"You're here to set me on fire......" 

"We need to get the hell out of here! Igarashi-san, gather your valuables!" 

126

"Uh, yeah ! I understand !" 

At the Chairwoman's urging, the self-proclaimed saba saba girl began to move about in a great hurry. She rushes around the room with her bag in hand, opening the sliding doors of the closet and rifling through the drawers of the dressing table. All this while dressed in her pajamas, forgetting to change her clothes. 

By using his mysterious powers, the Futsumen is able to protect Igarashi's room in its entirety. He is still protecting it now. But not for very long. The presence of the unnaturally burned-out part of the room will be spread to the world through the Internet. 

If they continue to be caged in, they too will be exposed to the world. 

In addition, if they were rescued by the fire department, what awaits them afterwards is a police interview. In this light, staying in the same place was not an option. 

"Chairwoman, if possible, cover your face with a towel......." 

The Futsumen, who had stood up, also spoke up to Shimizu. 

The intercom rang as if to interrupt his such mannerisms. 

The sound of a ding dong echoed through the living room. 

"Oh, you have a visitor?" 

"It looks like that." 

Nishino, walking ahead of me, heads for the front door. 

He checked outside through the door scope. 

There, standing there, was someone he recognized as well. 

It was Yuya, an employee of the host club where he had worked until just last week, the ace of the club, and a successful host. He was standing at the door, his expression hardened as he rang the intercom repeatedly, ping-pong-pong-pong. 

Nishino unlocks the door and opens the front door. 

Without a pause, a shrieking voice came from the other side. 

"Nishino! Fire! Let's get the hell out of here! " 

"Yuya, what are you doing here?" 

"Don't tell me you haven't noticed the smoke? I'll explain all that later. Come on! Come on! I've got a car parked right over there on the street! You can bring the ladies in this room with you, okay?" 

For a moment, Nishino suspected that it might be a trap set by the other party. However, he eliminated that possibility when he saw where Yuya-kun was pointing, a minivan parked on the street, and Sumika-chan sitting in the driver's seat. 

There was no way the person in front of him would put Sumika-chan in danger. The only other possibility would be if both of them were being threatened by someone, but then they could not choose not to accompany him, and so on. He quickly comes to a conclusion and agrees. 

"Yeah, I get it." 

"Nishino, that guy was at a host club before ......" 

"A reliable helper came to help me." 

"This is no time for jokes! Hurry up!" 

As Yuya-kun hurried them out the door, Nishino and the others escaped through the front door. 

Immediately after leaving the apartment, tears came to the eyes of the self-proclaimed saba saba girl as she looked back at her house. What she saw in her eyes was her home, which had begun to burn. The fire was raging, and even to the untrained eye, it seemed as if it would be impossible to escape the total destruction of the house. 

It would be hopeless to rescue the household goods and clothing that had to be left unattended. 

"My, my house ... " 

"I'm so sorry! I am so sorry!" 

The Chairwoman immediately apologized. 

She had done nothing wrong, but seeing the stunned Igarashi, her mouth naturally moved. Shimizu is racked with guilt, saying that if they had not come to her, she would not have had her house burned to the ground. 

127

"It's nothing really!" 

After receiving a genuine apology, Igarashi mended herself in a great hurry. 

Then she smiled and tried to be strong. 

"It's rented anyway, and besides, I'm a saba saba girl!"

" ....... " 

Wiping her eyes with the sleeve of her pajamas, Igarashi speaks in a nonchalant manner. 

The Chairwoman found the woman in front of her to be more of a softie than she had imagined. 

◇ ◆ ◇

Although it was just after dawn, many curious observers had gathered around the apartment building in response to the fire. Everyone had a phone in hand and a camera pointed at them. Such publicity probably helped, but there was no subsequent approach from the other side to Nishino and the others as they fled from the room. 

The three of them got into a minivan and left in front of the apartment, with Sumika driving. 

The positions of the three were as follows: the third row was occupied by the Chairwoman and Igarashi, the second row by Nishino, Sumika in the driver's seat, and Yuya in the passenger's seat. In the middle of the third row is a bag containing valuables that the self-proclaimed saba saba girl took from home.

"I'm sorry, Yuya. I've even caused you some trouble to Sumika-chan." 

Inside the car shortly after it started running, the Futsumen said to him. 

Yuya-kun responded to this by looking back at the backseat. 

"That's fine. Because Sumika came up with the idea on her own." 

"Because I've had a lot of help from Nishino-kun too!" 

Sumika, who was at the wheel, responded as well. 

Apparently, like Igarashi, she had rushed to the scene after learning of the predicament Nishino and the others were in. However, even so, there was no end to the doubts surrounding the Futsumen. It was as if she had planned this visit. One after another, words of doubt leaked out of his mouth.  

"But how did they know where we were?" 

"I heard from Yanagida, who was there right after you left." 

"I see, no wonder he came at such an hour. ...... " 

"I left the club as soon as I heard from his girlfriend about your situation, but I didn't think you were on fire. What kind of person do you have to fight with to get into a situation like this? I'd be told by Mr. Ohno to stay away from the police." 

"Sorry, but it's hard to explain well. This is for Yuya's sake." 

" ... You're probably worse than Mr. Ohno" 

"It's annoying that you think that way." 

"Well, well, for our part, we're just glad you guys are okay!" 

Due to his past history, Yuya-kun decided to refrain from pursuing the matter further. 

Then, when the conversation ceased between the two of them, the interior of the car instantly became quiet. 

There was no music playing, not even this one. 

Everyone's gazes crossed each other in the minivan as it started down the road. In the midst of all this, after Yuya and Sumika, Nishino's attention turned to the self-proclaimed saba saba girl. He calls out to her, who is in the last row, right next to Shimizu.

"I have done something awful to Igarashi. Please allow me to take the opportunity to apologize again." 

"No, no, don't worry about it, okay? It's a rental anyway." 

"Even if that's the case, it won't bring back the burned-out house property. It's all a loss caused by our naivete. I don't believe that money is the only thing that can be recovered, but as soon as the situation settles down, please let me apologize and compensate you. "

"Don't worry about it. More importantly, you two are okay." 

128

Under everyone's attention, Igarashi tried desperately to be a saba saba girl. 

It was rather pathetic, and even Nishino, who is usually so cynical in his words and actions, hesitated at the word Igarashi said. If the other party had been Rose or Francisca, he would have slapped one of his light-hearted words without hesitation. 

Thanks to that, it's a bit annoying. 

"...... I'm really sorry about all this." 

"Hey, hey, hey, don't do that!" 

Igarashi was flustered when she realized that she herself was being looked at with pity. 

Being cared for by a younger boy gave her an embarrassing boost to her self-esteem. 

It was Yuya-kun who came to her rescue. 

"By the way, can we talk about where we're headed?" 

"Oh, yes! I think it would be good idea." 

Everyone's attention turned to Yuya-kun. 

It was Nishino who continued to speak up. 

"Do you already have a plan?" 

"Mr. Ohno told me to bring you to the store anyway." 

"No way, we can't burn down the store. We'll think of somewhere else." 

"After seeing that apartment, I'd definitely prefer your idea." 

"Nishino, and can I get on the highway for now?" 

"Oh, please." 

Words begin to be exchanged among the three over future moves. 

Watching them, Shimizu has mixed feelings. 

Yuya-kun is no less handsome than Takeuchi-kun. Sumika is also quite good-looking, although she is a bit older. Such a person has risked so much to come here for yhe Futsumen, whom she has only just met. 

It was, from the Chairwoman's point of view, an impossible event. 

" ................ " 

At the same time, I find myself gradually accepting over the past few days that such a thing may be true. However, to allow this to happen is tantamount to a total denial of one's own values up to this point.

The Chairwoman's mental state becomes increasingly confused. 

As she was doing so, a voice came from Sumika, who was holding the steering wheel. 

"Yu, Yuya-kun, the truck behind me is approaching." 

"What? " 

Everyone's attention, not just Yuya's, turns to the rear windshield. 

What comes into view is a truck so close that the license plate number is obscured. It is a large aluminum van vehicle. There is no paint visible on the front of the vehicle indicating its affiliation. A man wearing a mask and sunglasses can be seen in the driver's seat. 

It is a stone's throw from the minivan in which Nishino and the others boarded. 

"It's bad ... " 

Futsumen muttered to no one.

Immediately after, the tip of the nose of the truck lightly pokes the butt of the minivan. 

There was a rattling noise. 

The car body shakes greatly, and a screams leak from everyone's mouth. 

129

"What should I do ? Yuya-kun ! " 

Sumika is sitting in the driver's seat, with tears in her eyes. 

Screaming voices echoed through the car. 

The truck repeatedly approached them, which was beyond the scope of agitated driving. The truck shook the minivan again and again with a continuous thumping sound. Each time, the bodies of everyone in the car shook loudly. 

Sumika stepped on the gas pedal and tried to keep her distance. 

However, the truck, which was stuck firmly in the back, never left. 

"That damn truck, you have the limiter turned on." 

Nishino, who had gotten up from his seat, peeked behind the wheel and muttered to himself. 

As he pointed out, the meter was already exceeding the speed limit. 

"Wait a minute, Nishino, I have no idea that's what you're talking about. ...... " 

"Sumika, I want to take over driving." 

"Eh ! ? " 

Nishino is being weird again, the Chairwoman thought. 

At the same time, something might be a little annoying. 

Everyone in the car stared at Futsumen in surprise. 

What is this guy talking about? He didn't care about those stares, and spoke to Sumika-chan. 

"The license is a legitimate one. This is my first time driving on the left side of the road, but I think I can handle it. I want everyone to sit deep in their seats and buckle up. I'm going to have to fly a little bit."

The only thing he said was really annoying. 

This guy is definitely going to have an accident, she thought. 

Today, however, Nishino was wearing makeup. 

He was disguised as a handsome man with a good-looking atmosphere. 

And Sumika loved younger boys. 

Boys around 20 years old are the best. If I could touch an eighteen-year-old who was also on the edge of the Youth Protection Ordinance, I couldn't stand it. If they told me it was a current high school student, oh, what would I do?.

I would whisper in his ear, so close that it would take his breath away to know. 

Even if her face was a little bit doubtful, Sumika felt her heart soar. 

"Okay!" 

"Hey, hey, hey, Sumika? Are you serious about that?"

"I want you to slide your seat as far back as you can. This one slides in from the top. The gas pedal will stay where it is until the driver gives the order. You can forget about the truck. Just think about staying on the road." 

"Yeah ... " 

Beside Yuya-kun, who was upset in the passenger seat, Nishino moved. 

Sumika nodded her head honestly at his powerful words that did not say whether or not she was there. It was a cram school teacher who was feeling uplifted by the critical situation. The fact that she was being told one-sidedly by an underage boy was also a high point for her. 

It's an experience that women don't get around to after they pass their thirties. 

"Nishino, you, wait a minute! " 

"Yuya, I'm sorry, but I need you to switch places. I need space in the passenger seat." 

"Are you serious? Are you stupid? Do you have a death wish?" 

"Ohno doesn't move because madness. Am I wrong?" 

" I get it! " 

By mentioning the name of the yakuza, she got her boyfriend's approval. 

Futsumen moved to the driver's seat. 

130

Seeing off from the back seat, Yuya speaks loudly. 

"If you have an accident, I won't forgive you, okay?" 

"Don't worry. I'll drive you safely to our destination." 

Futsumen's mumbling echoed in the car, as if he felt groundless. 

◇ ◆ ◇

The swap between Nishino and Sumika was swift. 

It was not that difficult, helped by the fact that the minivan had relatively ample space, and furthermore, the former had a bean sprout body shape. However, the two bodies touched each other, and the whole process was just like a game of Twister. 

Sumika-chan was unintentionally thrilled. 

Yuya, on the other hand, was irritated. 

He was so anxious and annoyed that he felt like he was losing his mind. 

Meanwhile, from behind, there is a constant approach from a truck that is following them. With each guttural poke, a short scream escapes the mouth of the self-proclaimed saba saba girl. The Chairwoman, who holds one hand on her shoulder and quietly endures the situation. 

Unbeknownst to them, the rear bumper has already shattered and fallen off. 

The back door is also banged up. 

Sumika, out of the driver's seat, pulls straight backward and settles into the second row of seats. Right next to her is Yuya, who has moved from the passenger seat. In the third row of seats.

All of them put on their seatbelts. 

"This may be a little shaky, but please bear with me." 

The Futsumen muttered after making sure everyone was seated. 

Immediately after, he stepped on the gas pedal with a gulp. 

In response, the minivan began to accelerate briskly. 

"Hey, hey, Nishino-kun?"

"Hey Nishino ! " 

The sudden acceleration brought a shout from the Chairwoman and Yuya-kun. 

The sensation of their backs being pressed against the backrests is nothing but annoying when they think that it is Nishino who is holding the steering wheel. Yuya's honest thought was that he must have mistaken it for a racing game at the arcade or something. 

Even the mere act of unbuckling his seatbelt and cramming himself into the driver's seat is terrifying. Out of the corner of your eye, out of the side glass, the cars in front of you pass one by one behind you. They are going nearly twice the speed limit. 

Despite the annoyance of such faces, the minivan goes on. 

It passed the vehicle in front one after another, weaving back and forth between the travel lane and the passing lane. The overtaking is extremely rough driving, using even the smallest distance between vehicles without limit. Even so, there is no change in the driver's expression as he handles the wheel without hesitation. 

"Why is it a heavy truck ... " 

"Most likely to clean up the mess afterwards with the reason that it was a runaway driver caused by drunkenness or something. With a body that big, the other cars would have left on their own. If it's amateurs chasing them, the choice makes plenty of sense." 

"I see." 

Yuya gazes out, and beyond the rear windshield, a rough truck can be seen. It was a sight to behold as it forcefully chased after us, scraping its bumper against other cars driving nearby. Several of the cars had already hit the guardrail and come to a stop. 

131

"By the way, Yuya, can I have this coffee?" 

The Futsumen said, indicating the cups left in the holder. 

There were two cups with the logo of a major coffee shop on them, which Yuya and Sumika had purchased before visiting Igarashi's apartment on the outward journey. Perhaps they were not too thirsty, but the one on the driver's side was more than half full. 

"What? I don't mind..." 

"That's helpful." 

With Yuya's approval, Nishino's hand reached for his cup. 

Hydration in this situation? was the rush that came to the minds of everyone present in the car. However, contrary to everyone's thoughts, Futsumen did not move the cup in his hand toward his mouth, but passed it from his left hand to his right. 

At the same time, he lowered the driver's window. 

The sound of the roaring wind began to echo through the car. 

"Oh, hey, hey, no way. ......" 

"It accelerates a little bit. Sorry, but I need you to hold the assist grip." 

The Futsumen's arm moved just as the truck approached. 

He threw the cup he was supporting with his right hand out of the window. 

It hit the windshield of the truck, just as he had aimed. The pitch black coffee covered the front of the driver's seat. He did not expect the drink to hit him, and the huge body of the truck shook wildly from side to side. 

In time, Nishino stepped on the accelerator. 

The minivan accelerated all the way up to the upper limit of the speed limit. 

The truck moved its windshield wipers to maintain visibility.

In just a few seconds, a few dozen meters had opened up between the two. It was a the Futsumen aiming for a section of road with few other passing vehicles. The large truck, with its inferior acceleration and maximum travel speed, could not keep up with this. 

".............."

Yuya-kun was immensely impressed by his driving, which was not typical of a minor. 

If he had been asked to do the same thing, there was nothing he could not do. But when it was done by a boy in his mid-teens, surprise preceded surprise. Even more so when you consider the wonders that loomed behind him. 

132

As far as coffee throwing goes, practice in advance is also a must for this handsome guy. 

However, after one difficulty, another one came. 

One more automobile approached them from behind. 

This time it was a full-size foreign SUV with a luxurious feel. Compared to the minivan that Nishino and the others had entered, it had a somewhat more powerful body. Combined with the emblem, which is not often seen in Japan, it caught Yuya's eye. 

"Hey, Nishino, you got a minute?" 

"What ? Yuya-kun" 

"There's something else that looks bad......." 

The SUV accelerated out of the passing lane and got in front of the minivan. 

It is quite a bit of speed. 

Like the truck, the limiter seems to have been removed. 

Immediately in their face, a flicker and hazard lights flash. 

"...... Looks like what I asked for has arrived." 

The Futsumen murmured, confirming a series of reactions. 

Yuya's questioning voice leaked out of his words and actions, which showed no sense of urgency. 

"Huh? What the hell is that?" 

"We can safely assume that they're our friends." 

"How can they be our friends in this situation?" 

"I contacted them last night to prepare for this." 

"I see." 

Thereafter, the minivan driven by Nishino followed the SUV down the road from the nearest junction. There was no sign of the truck following behind. It appeared that the pursuers had completely swept by. 

Then the two cars drove side by side for a while. 

They arrived at the parking lot of a convenience store.

Nishino and the others got out of the car first, and the driver's door of the SUV was opened. The legs extended from the floor and reached the ground in a single breath, without going through the steps. His shiny black leather shoes stomped on the asphalt. 

Standing at the head of the group, Nishino looked at them and muttered. 

"It's not often that you personally come to me for help." 

"Under the circumstances, I didn't know who else I could trust." 

It was Marquis who emerged from the driver's seat of the SUV. 

The faces of the people present were all tense at the sight of the nearly two-meter-high hulking man. His muscular, dark-colored body made them imagine the thickness of his chest plate and the thickness of his limbs even over his clothes. The carefully shaved skinhead also added to this. 

Furthermore, he was wearing sunglasses and a black suit, including a tie. It is hard to believe that he has a legitimate job. Even more so in comparison to Ohno, who once upon a time appeared to be a very difficult opponent.

In response to him, the Futsumen tries to be cynical in a tame manner. 

This makes everyone annoying. 

Even in the next moment, they fear that Nishino will be beaten up.

The Chairwoman is no exception to this. 

However, despite the concerns of those around them, the exchange between the two is lighthearted. 

"How did you know where to find me?" 

"I tracked the location of your phone." 

"I remember now." 

133

This is the same device that had been used in the past to rescue Tarosuke. 

It seems that he was checking the location of the Futsumen, which was moving impatiently along the highway, and moved to the rear of the truck, aiming for an opportunity to make contact and refrain from doing so. It was the Marquis who approached him in this way, as Nishino had passed to a safe distance. 

"But was it really that good?" 

"Good for what? 

"You were never good at exposition, Marquis." 

"If it was a mistake in the field, it's hard to believe that woman would fail at this kind of work. And if she's got her friends in on it, then I don't have to wonder which side of the bet she's on. Am I wrong?" 

"...... Yeah, I say let them make money at best." 

The environment could not be better set up, and cynicism overflows from Futsumen's mouth. 

If you only look at the person with whom he exchanges words, he is a stern, handsome black man, just like a Hollywood actor. If it had been Yuya standing right next to him, instead of Nishino, who was exchanging words with him, the scene would have looked different. 

However, today's Nishino is not a Futsumen, but a handsome man with a good-looking atmosphere. 

Continuing from last night, he has makeup plastered on his face. 

" ............ " 

I don't know, it's not as annoying as usual. 

The feeling that suddenly comes to mind in her chest confuses the Chairwoman's mental state. 

Trying to deny the fact, she removes Nishino's figure from her sight in a great hurry. However, his voice still comes through her ears. The more she tried not to be aware of it, the more the voice became more annoying.

"Things have changed since last night. I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to ask you three over there to do the same." 

"Can you send them somewhere?" 

"Can you keep them safe until we hear from her? " 

"You want me to keep them safe?" 

"Yeah, I'm willing to pay your price." 

" ... Well, that's fine." 

The Futsumen says, pointing with his gaze at Yuya-kun, Sumika-chan, and Igarashi. 

Marquis responded with a curt nod. 

"Wait a minute, Nishino. Don't you have an explanation for us?" 

"Nishino, I'm just saying that I'm a little bit worried about it too......." 

As the person who was entrusted with custody without permission, her voice naturally rose. 

However, as far as Igarashi was concerned, she had lost her home to which she should return, and she felt like she had nine lives to live. She was a homeless woman who had no other choice but to become a refugee from the Internet, even if she was thrown out of this place. Without having anything to say, she watched the events unfold with a prayerful look in her eyes. 

"You can rest assured. I apologize for the short notice, but could you please follow this man's lead for a while? We will not let it be a loss. As soon as the situation settles down, we'll get back to you." 

"What's the deal with you and him? This is too sudden." 

"We're business partners." 

" ... That's right." 

The Futsumen tries to sound blissfully serious. 

He must have understood that the other person was in no way joking. Hearing the cynical complaint conveyed without hesitation, Yuya-kun was at a loss for words to continue. His partner's annoying appearance also helped his reaction. . 

134

Eventually, when they were quiet, Marquis moved. 

He removed a package from the back seat of the automobile and offered it to Nishino. 

"Oh, and that thing you asked for." 

"Oh, thank God." 

In his hand was a black leather Boston bag. 

It was presented to him with a giggle, and Nishino tried to accept it with one hand, but he couldn't hold it in one hand, so he took it with both hands while pulling his arms out. When he placed it at his feet, on the asphalt, there was a loud clanking sound. 

"II regularly get asked to do this. " 

"You don't have to worry" 

"Well, as long as it makes money for me, I'm not complaining." 

"That's all I have to say. I want you to get to work right away." 

"What are you going to do ? " 

"Move to another location with the Chairwoman using public transport" 

The Futsumen responds to Marquis' question. 

In response to that statement, the Chairwoman raised her voice. 

"Hey, Nishino-kun, why am I the only one with you? " 

"The priority of the other party is probably higher than that of Yuya and the others for the Chairwoman. In some cases, it will be difficult to protect even the man there. I'm sorry, but could you please get your act together for a little while longer? I will protect you to the end, no matter what else I have to do." 

"........" 

Nishino's expression becomes crisp and serious, and his voice speaks loudly. 

The last line of his speech, was like a confession to others. 

I was the only one who was not counted earlier, and I felt that something was a bit annoying, the Chairwoman think. She had no idea that she would be on the run with Futsumen in the future. The atmospheric handsome man, whom she had desperately driven out of her consciousness, immediately filled her brain. 

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