I walked back to the guest room at a brisk pace and found Horikita standing outside.
"What are you doing?"
"I was waiting for you."
"Me?" I
had a bad feeling about this, so I tried to feign confusion, but Horikita's expression was hard.
"You're mean as well, Ayanokōji-kun. You saw it, didn't you?"
"What are you talking about?"
"You were in the souvenir section earlier, weren't you? Normally, I would think it was just a coincidence that someone was nearby, but in your case, I tried not to think of it as such."
What an unnatural way of thinking. However, it was correct. If I ever took similar steps against Horikita in the future, I'll have to make sure she can't find me.
"You're thinking of trying to avoid being seen next time, aren't you?"
"...Well done."
I applauded her honestly and praised her for her astute reading.
"That's what Sudō asked me to do. He asked me to watch over him as he confessed."
"Even if that's the case, don't you think that's a lack of consideration for the woman's side - for me?"
"I don't think so."
"You're not being fair, Sudō-kun. I have to deduct points for you asking him to observe."
I was stunned, but she didn't seem that angry.
"So? Did you come all the way here to complain to me, a mere spectator?"
"Yes."
Again, she said it clearly and without reservation.
"I'm only half joking. The truth is, I really need to talk to you. But you seem to need to get into the room."
"It's not like that, but... If you don't mind, can we do it tomorrow?"
"Why?"
"I'm getting a lot of pressure from a different person. They're upset because I haven't dealt with them at all for the past two days."
"I see, so it's Karuizawa-san, is it?"
She was probably going to figure it out anyways.
"Tomorrow night then. I'll forgive you if you can promise to lend me your ear at that time."
"Okay, I promise."
I replied, as there was no other option at this point.
I left the key with Kitō, who was in the room, and headed to meet Kei. Although we were already recognized by many as an official couple, we couldn't go everywhere like Ike and Shinohara.
We decided to meet up in an area housing several private baths.
I was scolded severely as soon as we met up, but I hugged her soon after and got her back in a good mood. We then spent some relaxing time together for a while.