Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/1177354054897729140/episodes/16816927861488687898
There was no one around, and only the cooling sound of the vending machine echoed through the air.
After Seiji and Karen left, Ayame sat down on a chair in the relaxation area and made a phone call.
Since she was talking to Itsuki, she wasn’t using her usual cat-like voice.
[…Heh, so that’s what happened.]
“Yeah, I was a little surprised…Karen was freaking out, and Nagamine kun was losing his temper.”
[Could this be part of the plan?]
“…I wonder?”
[Hahaha, you’re really a terrifying woman.]
“That’s rude. And calling a girl a ‘woman’ won’t make you popular, you know?”
[Of course, I only show my true self in front of you.]
“Oh? Are you trying to flirt with me? Unfortunately, I’m head over heels for Nagamine kun…I mean, Seiji kun.”
Ayame’s voice, mixed with flirtation, made Itsuki sigh audibly over the phone.
[Alright, alright…anyway, what should we do here? I can’t get in touch with Karen chan anymore, so I don’t know what to do.]
“Don’t worry, I’ve already thought of the next plan.”
[…I see.]
“So, I’ll try to get Karen to talk to Itsuki, so make sure to keep working on your relationship with her. It’s important for both of us to carry out the plan.”
[Got it. I’ll do what I have to do. But there’s one thing I want you to promise me.]
“Huh? What is it?”
[From what I’ve heard, Karen chan’s mental state seems to be quite dangerous. Of course, I’ll try to handle the situation without provoking her as much as possible.]
[So you too…please avoid doing anything reckless that could put yourself in danger.]
“…Haha, what’s with you, Itsuki? You’re being unusually concerned. Karen can’t do anything to me.”
[…! That kind of carelessness could lead to something irreparable…]
“I know, I know! I understand your feelings and will be careful. Are you my parent or something?”
[…Well, my father is calling me, so I’ll have to go. I’ll let you know if there are any developments with Karen chan.]
“Okay, okay, you be careful too, okay? Don’t accidentally slip up and get stabbed by Karen.”
[I’ll just say the same thing back to you…I always live my life with the utmost caution. Well, then.]
“What’s with Itsuki…”
Ayame felt a mix of annoyance and a slight sense of unease at Itsuki, who usually brushed off her own lighthearted remarks, but was unusually serious this time.
Ayame shrugged and stood up, returning to her own group’s room.
＊＊＊
A towering skyscraper stood out prominently in the bustling metropolis.
On the top floor, Arima Itsuki’s figure could be seen through the glass as the sun set.
From behind him, a tall man dressed in a suit—likely a servant of the Arima Group—called out to Itsuki.
“Master Itsuki, your father is calling for you.”
“…Alright, I understand.”
“Then, excuse me.”
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Itsuki made her way to the luxurious president’s office.
The furniture and wooden sculptures arranged neatly in the room were clearly of the highest quality.
An ordinary person would likely simply exclaim, “Wow !”
However, to Itsuki himself, it all seemed like nothing more than mundane clutter.
“…Itsuki, are you getting along well with Yoshizaki san’s daughter?”
Itsuki looked as though he had expected that topic to come up.
“Yes, is there something wrong with that, Father?”
He responded mechanically, trying not to let his irritation show.
But Itsuki’s father, Arima Tesshin, was displeased with her response, and his expression hardened.
“What are you playing dumb for…you know, don’t you? For the sake of our company’s development, you must marry the Yoshizaki family’s daughter no matter what. You understand that, don’t you?”
“…Yes, of course I understand.”
“That’s why I became your parent. I’m providing you with a life of comfort. At least fulfill your parent’s wish. If you defy my intentions…you know what will happen, right?”
“…”
Itsuki’s expression was lifeless.
Unable to bear it any longer, his father Tesshin sighed and stood up from his chair.
“Stop looking so gloomy. If you understand, then that’s enough. Get out. I have a dinner meeting after this. If you need anything regarding Yoshizaki san, ask Goto…”
“…Yes, I understand. Excuse me.”
He leaves the president’s office where his father is standing.
Outside the president’s office, the butler Goto is waiting, and when he makes eye contact with Itsuki, he bows deeply. Itsuki gets into the car driven by the butler from the basement of the building.
Even Goto can tell that Itsuki is wearing a gloomy expression.
“…Oh, by the way, Master Itsuki, they say the moon is beautiful tonight. It might be a shame to miss it while riding in the car.”
“Haha…I can’t compete with you…then, maybe I’ll walk home tonight.”
“Understood…I think it will clear your mind.”
“…Thank you as always. Well, I’ll be going now.”
“…It’s getting late, so please be careful on your way home.”
In response to Goto’s consideration, Itsuki ventures out into the night.
It’s not his style at all.
He just wants to be blown by the night wind and blend into the chaos.
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