Chapter 19: What If the Countdown Began?

But there is one concern.

「But something that big, we might leave a trail.」

『Of course we'll have to be careful about that. For example, first we make a burner email...』

After that, we ended up getting completely absorbed in our discussion.

But with this, we can definitely settle all our old scores.

『──That's the gist of it. Got it?』

「Yeah, it's perfect. With this, they're guaranteed to be ruined. Iyaa, I'm glad you're on my side. If you were my enemy, I would have been beaten to a pulp without being able to do a thing.」

『Did you just now realize how capable I am? But don't worry, that won't happen. I hate that bastard, and more than that, it feels wrong to just leave the people who hurt my buddy alone. I wanted to have a refreshing moment with you. Aren't you glad I'm on your side?』

「You're damn right I am. I'm counting on you from here on out.」

『Yeah, leave it to me.』

And so, the curtain finally rises on our play of revenge.

The day of execution is tomorrow.

...My soup's gotten cold, I should have made it after the call.

◇◇◇

The next day.

I left home early in the morning and was staking out the front of Kiyama's apartment building.

The sun was out, but it was still an hour when you wouldn't see a single salaryman.

I might have been a little too early.

In fact, they came out of there an hour after I started my stakeout.

Did I get too fired up? But since I didn't know when they'd come out, there's no harm in being careful.

I snap a picture the moment they emerge. A man and a woman coming out of an apartment this early in the morning. There's no way they can pass it off as just being acquaintances.

There's no harm in gathering a lot of evidence. I don't know if I'll actually use it, but it's a necessary price.

I keep taking pictures while confirming that they're walking towards me.

They don't seem to have noticed me. It's a hidden camera shot, so that's to be expected.

I activate the voice recorder with one hand and continue recording while moving through the shadows so they don't notice me.

Meari is linking her arm with Kiyama's, talking to him in a stupid voice.

「Heey, Sou-kun? We had a great time yesterday! I feel like we've finally become a real couple!」

「Me too. I never thought we'd end up in a relationship like this, but I'm truly happy. You really are the best girlfriend. You're my destiny.」

「Gosh! Say it moore~」

Uwaa... this is awful.

I've been recording their conversation for a while now, and every single bit of it is unbearable to listen to.

But that's convenient for now. I have to endure it with that thought in mind.

This conversation alone should be inescapable proof, at least no one would think they aren't a couple. It would be impossible for Kiyama to deny it.

I stop recording their stupid conversation and head to school the long way around.