Chapter 97

"Wait here for a moment, you might be noticed."

She makes Saya wait a little before the room. Surely, Mina is probably pressed against the other side of the door, straining to listen. Even without X-ray vision, I can somehow picture her there. Yuki approaches the door and calls out.

"Mina? Come out, we have a guest."

"Mountain"

"…River?"

"Spy! Everyone, attack!"

It’s noisy inside. It seems the password is wrong.

"The ice cream will melt."

At this, the door slowly and slightly opens, and a hand stretches out from the gap. It seems this is the correct password. Mina is probably signaling for the ice cream. However, Yuki takes the opportunity to push the door open and slips into the room.

Mina almost loses her balance from behind the door but quickly presses it shut with both hands. She then reaches into the convenience store bag, rummages through it, and pulls out a popsicle. She tears open the wrapper and takes a big bite, crunching away.

"Yuki, what's going on! Bringing a monster here!"

Sure enough, she treats her like a monster. I expected it, but it's harsh.

"It's not a monster, it's a friend, see?"

"Friend…? Huh, are you being bullied? Extorted?"

"That's not it."

More like she's the one extorting. Looking back, I realize I've made Kenta pay for various things.

"Got it, you were taken for an umbrella last time, right!"

"What are you talking about?"

The bullying suspicion hasn't been resolved in Mina's mind. She looks at Yuki's face, deep in thought, then suddenly gulps down the rest of the ice cream and raises her arm enthusiastically.

"Then I'll give it to you straight! I'll give it to you straight!"

She's probably going to cast some mysterious spell, but if it gets her out of the room, I'll let it be. Mina opens the door confidently and steps out, only to find Saya waiting right in front of her.

"H-hello… nice to meet you…"

Before Saya can finish her timid greeting, Mina slams the door shut. She then turns around silently and walks to the corner of the room, suddenly crouching and clutching her head.

"What's wrong?"

"It's a body reveal…"

"Body reveal?"

"She's in the same class! And sits right next to me!"

If that's the case, I thought she already knew. But I didn't know she was in Kenta's sister's class.

"Really? That's great then. You know her, right?"

"Knowing her is the problem! Why… what is this! Why is she here!"

I'm getting more confused. Does she think she's always showing her ugly side at home?

"Why… well, because she's a friend's sister."

"Ah, the sister of a monster is also a monster… a monster hunter."

"Stop saying nonsense. We can play together, right?"

"Yuki, please leave."

Mina, with a full smile, says in an unusually gentle tone. She only does this when she's trying to deceive or avoid something.

"Come on, at least say hello," Yuki pulls her arm, but Mina resists.

"Then carry me."

"Why?"

"Ombudsman Yuki."

"Do you even know what that means? You're just saying it because it sounds good, right?"

"Of course, I'm the crying Mina."

She says meaningless things while clinging to Yuki's back. Her tone is becoming lighter and more like Yui, which is a big problem. Dragging Mina out of the room, Kenta, who has been waiting impatiently, approaches.

"What's taking so long? We need to have today's strategy meeting…"

"Mina and Saya are in the same class and know each other."

"Really? No way."

Mina starts tapping Yuki's back like a drum, as if to say, "Don't talk about me." Meanwhile, Kenta gives Saya a puzzled look.

"What's this about? No wonder… You refused at first, saying 'I don't want to,' but when I mentioned her name, you suddenly got interested…"

Saya looks down, embarrassed. So, Saya knew Mina, but it seems Mina didn't. The situation is unclear. Kenta crouches and peers at Mina behind him.

"You said Saya is cute, but your sister is definitely cuter, right?"

"Mina… I'm used to her. Only Mina."

"That's so boring, like Yui! Don't be weird!"

Mina gives Yuki's butt a final slap and retreats back into the room. Kenta watches her go, looking puzzled.

"By the way, you're on a first-name basis with her. I always thought your sister was younger. But if she's that cute, I can see why you'd want to be with her all the time. Unlike someone else."

He says more than necessary. Saya avoids looking at Kenta, and I start to understand why he never brought up his sister before.

"But still, she's older! I can only see Maki now."

"Maybe you should see an eye doctor. Or a brain doctor…"

"I'm not talking about a horror movie."

At that moment, Kenta's phone in his pocket vibrates. He quickly takes it out and operates it with his fingers.

"Huh…"

His mouth hangs open, and he stares at the screen, frozen.

"What? What's wrong?"

"…The person I was supposed to go with suddenly can't make it… So today is off…"

The energy from a moment ago is gone. Kenta mutters in a low voice, clearly disappointed. After a moment of hesitation, I suggest:

"Then let's play Uno?"

"No way, why would I play Uno when I'm sad? I've already been hit with a Draw Four and had my color changed."

"Face blue?"

"Hahaha! Do you find that funny, idiot?"

I tried to make a joke to cheer him up, but he got angry. Kenta sighs deeply, his shoulders drooping.

"Ha… I'm going home. I suddenly lost all motivation. Your sister is scared of me and seems to think I'm in the way."

"Wait, what about Saya?"

"I don't care, she can go home by herself. She's not a little kid."

"That's a bit cold, isn't it?"

"Cold or warm, I don't have either."

He's so dejected after the cancellation. With a deadpan look, Kenta turns and shuffles towards the entrance.

* * *

And that's the end of the scene. ★★★★★