RYŪEN-KUN, KATSURAGI-KUN AND Ayanokōji-kun were circling around Keyaki Mall.
I spotted the three of them and quietly followed behind.
If I could gather any useful information, I'd report it to Sakayanagi-san.
Since she would handle examining the content, all I needed to do was to remember it.
Hidden in the shadows of a vending machine, I held my breath and closely listened in.
"I'm going to stop by Keyaki Mall now. What will you do? If you want us to hold hands and go on a date, I might consider it."
It was the domineering, typical Ryūen-kun.
The conversation they'd been having up until now was far more intense and intriguing than I'd imagined.
The contents of the three's conversation mentioned a few things, such as noticing the groundwork for the special exam in the third term, but what surprised me the most was Ayanokōji-kun's presence and the high opinion the other two had for him.
He had been an elusive figure since the school trip, and I was wondering who he really was.
Unfortunately, I didn't know what they had spoken about immediately after they met up, but could they have perhaps touched on that topic?
"Well then, I'll be off."
"Our match will be in the third year. Don't forget that."
Even while parting, Ryūen-kun was wary of Ayanokōji-kun and recognized him as a formidable opponent.
Even though I wanted to gather more information, I assessed that this was the right time to pull back.
Having a weak presence was my unique ability, but even that had its limits.
However, I wasn't worried. I slid my body into a position where I could be at ease.
All that was left was to erase my presence to the limit.
That was how I had always been prior to coming to this school.
No one could find me. No one would find me.
See, just by staying quiet, I won't be found by anyone this time either—
"What are you doing in a place like that?"
Closely above my head, there was Ayanokōji-kun, looking down at me with those always unchanging, colorless eyes.
"Eh!?"
Who is he talking to?
Me? There's no way.
There's no way anyone would see me.
But, I was made to realize immediately afterwards.
This person was… someone who could find me.