Chapter 11: What If I Got Carried Away and Got a Stomachache?

「Fuu~ finally done. ...Sorry to keep you waiting, senpais. We're all done over here, so you guys can wrap it up nicely too. Yes, I'll show you the data later.」

Having finished copying the data, Yuu contacted the upperclassmen via the wireless device. His face looked refreshed, like he had just finished a big job.

「Alright, one more person. ...Taki, sorry for making you walk such a dangerous tightrope. Our work here is done for now, so come get the smartphone. And let me treat you to something later. Without you, we couldn't have even started. The MVP is without a doubt you.」

To think he even gave a wireless device to Taki, he's so well-prepared.

「Treating him goes by me. Let me do at least this much, I've left everything to others up until now.」

「Oh, is that so? Well, if it'll make you feel better.」

Could it be that this guy's most amazing trait is his ability to let others clear their conscience?

He has them do what they want so that there are no hard feelings later. I can see why he has so many friends.

A few minutes later, Taki arrived and we gave him the smartphone.

「This is sudden, but what's your favorite food, Taki?」

「Me? Hmm, I guess ramen.」

「Alright, it's decided.」

After hearing Taki's favorite food, I waited for him to finish his student council work and then took him to a new ramen shop that had opened in front of the station. Of course, I brought Yuu along too.

「This is the first time I've ever come to a place like this with anyone other than family. It's kind of exciting.」

「That's great. It was worth bringing you then.」

「Don't hold back, Taki. Order something big, like the chashu ramen. ...Hey old man, three bowls of chashu ramen!」

「You too. ...Well, that's fine. Consider it a pre-celebration, let's go all out!」

With the money I'd saved for a date with Meari, my wallet is flush right now. Which means I can spend without a care.

The three of us savored the chashu ramen. Even though my stomach was a mess, it went down smoothly.

Eating dinner with someone for the first time in a while, it really is a good feeling.

...But that damn Yuu, he casually ordered a seasoned egg. Well, whatever.

◇◇◇

「Uh! Maybe I overdid it a little.」

After leaving the ramen shop and parting ways, I was walking home alone.

While occasionally being struck by stomach pains.

I may have been feeling better, but ramen was probably a bit much? No, it was a good opportunity. It's not so bad to have a day like this once in a while.

It was while I was thinking such things, trudging along the dark night road.

I saw a familiar figure from behind, a woman's back──It was Meari.

Though I found it a pain, I decided to hide in the shadows and see what was happening.

She's holding her smartphone to her ear and talking to someone. Might as well listen in.

「...and then... from...」

That said, I can't hear everything.

「Ehh... Yeah… that's why...」

Her voice comes in fragments. All of it sounds serious, and I can tell it's not the kind of small talk I'm used to hearing from her. And from the bits and pieces of her words, I can guess the content of her conversation with the other person.

I activated the voice recorder that Yuu had given me as a good-luck charm.

I had asked if a smartphone app wouldn't work, but he said that a smartphone's audio inevitably picks up noise, so it's better to use something that can record directly.

It's small and hard to spot, records clearly, and can be activated with a single touch, so he said it's easier to use than a smartphone.

Incidentally, as is always the case with him, this was also something he'd borrowed, I think from the drama club?

Well, in any case, the preparations were now complete.

「...Yeah, thanks. I love you too, Sou-kun.」

Sou? Wasn't Kiyama's first name Souta? Does that mean the person she's on the phone with right now is him? But why is she on the phone on a dark road like this? She could just do it in her own room.

Hm? No, wait a minute.

Come to think of it, I've heard that Kiyama's apartment building is around here.

Is this woman on her way back from there?

「Okay, I get it. ...Talk to you later. Bye-bye~」

Meari hangs up and puts her smartphone in her pocket.

The look on her face was one of satisfaction after a moment with her lover.

「Tch...」

A click of my tongue escaped involuntarily. My good mood is ruined.

But this means I've obtained proof of the connection between Meari and Kiyama.

But it's still weak, it'd be great if I could record more of their conversations.

Putting the voice recorder in my pocket, I left the scene without Meari noticing.