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So there was a reason behind it. What about my case? In the past, my step-mom had a hands-off approach regarding my future. “Just do what you want to do,” she said. Nowadays, with so many obstacles and obligations, I can’t even think about the future. I guess that’s why I’m half-hearted in everything I do.

“We’ve arrived.”

After that, there was more incoherent rambling about stuff that we definitely can’t have people overhear, but I don’t remember much of it. The car’s shaking had me extremely drowsy. But I can’t fall asleep until I at least have a taste of meat.

“That doesn’t look like a yakiniku place.”
“I thought the same at first. But their food is delicious.”

Well, this is a high-class restaurant I’m pretty sure I can’t afford to go to alone. Wait, is this the sort of place where the waiters cook for you instead of you cooking? As expected of a famed artist. This is an amazing place you’ve brought me to.

“Incidentally, they serve the food in courses, but feel free to order whatever catches your eye.”
“Courses for yakiniku?”

I understand sets, since I generally order additional sets when there’s not enough. But a course at a place like this is probably different from what I’m imagining. Upon seeing the meat brought to us, I was speechless. It looks completely different from the meat I usually use for cooking.

“How do I say this? You don’t act much like someone from the twelve families. You’re drooling, you know.”
“Sorry. It’s just been so long since I’ve had meat like this.”

Kotone has had this before. I can’t quite recall the actual taste, though. While I have the memories of the experience, I only have a vague recollection of the taste. That makes this feel fresh, so that doesn’t matter much.

“Think of it as payment for the trouble and eat as you like.”
“Thank you for the meal.”

Faced with food like this, I can’t hold back. I cooked the meat, ordered rice to go with it, and ate them together. It’s true that meat can just melt in your mouth. There’s not much need for chewing. The chewy parts are irresistible.

“You eat more than I expected. It’s a bit unsettling.”
“I only had a light dinner, so I can eat a lot.”

As I ordered my third bowl of rice, Sherry couldn’t help but comment. Because of all the needed revision work and practice, I could only have a light meal. So I’m actually both hungry and sleepy. Since she said it’s payment for the trouble, there’s no need for me to hold back.

“Do you understand what I meant earlier?”
“The payment for the trouble, yes? I can imagine that there will be a lot of media activity from here on. I’m aware that tonight’s plan was short-sighted and full of holes.”

I know the plan was pretty much a haphazard blitz due to my lack of sleep. There might have been better ways to go about it, but I was at my limits at that point. I’m dreading tomorrow’s news.

“A special event at a famous theme park with Sherry’s appearance, as well as another unidentified singer. Quite the news material.”
“Media people are everywhere, so the news will spread quickly. In fact, it seems like it’s already circulating on the internet.”

Looking at my smartphone, there’s indeed already an article about the earlier incident. They’re still investigating the details, so they might have the full story by tomorrow. I guess all that’s left is for posts on Twitter to spread.

“I’ll really appreciate it if this news overshadows the other one.”
“What else did you do?”
“I had a secret concert with EXIST. It’ll be problematic if that gets out as well.”
“It seems like there’s never a dull moment with you, Kotone.”

As long as the students and hotel staff who were present don’t talk, the performance with EXIST should be alright. Even if it gets reported eventually, it’ll likely take more time. For this recent event, however, there’s no stopping the flow of information.

“Still, it was a rough but fun field trip. I can’t deny that it’s completely different from a normal student’s experience, though.”
“There’s definitely something wrong when you’re forced to leave early during a field trip. If I were your mother, you would have a scolding waiting for you at home.”

That’s a reasonable reaction. After all, why the heck did I organize an event and end up getting ordered to go home? Sneaking out at night is still understandable, but you absolutely won’t find a student organizing a special event anywhere else.

“Phwah~ Still, doing something like this right after an all-nighter has been exhausting. With my stomach full too, I’m feeling insanely drowsy.”
“Youthfulness has its limits, you know.”

I let out a yawn. My eyes are heavy. Going from hungry to full from eating a lot of delicious food, I’m attacked by a strong wave of drowsiness. It’s just as Sherry says. No matter how young you are, it’s bad to overdo it. Ah, no more. I’m out.

—-　Sherry’s　side　—-

“She actually fell asleep. Well, it’s inevitable considering everything she has done without having proper sleep.”

In all honesty, I would have turned down the job if not for Kotone being here. I simply accepted it because I was curious about this girl whom my daughters are raving about.

“To pour out so much for the sake of others. Selflessness is a virtue, but pushing yourself too hard is not good either.” Defenselessly falling asleep before a person you’ve only met a few hours ago, that’s so reckless. If I were a man, you might even get assaulted. But since it’s this girl, she probably wouldn’t enter a private room with someone who would do that to begin with.

“I could tell from your singing, Kotone. You’re carrying too much by yourself.” Her song was a jumble of emotions. A great portion of it was joy, yes, but I could feel a mix of sadness and anger hidden under the veil. Her lack of care for her future doesn’t appear to be only rooted in the fact that she’s a member of the twelve families, it seems.

“She’s not much younger than my daughter, just what is pushing her to burden herself so much?” She’s caught my interest. However, I don’t believe I have the right to deeply involve myself in her problem. It would be rude to her parents if I were to intervene with their child. While I can give her guidance, there’s no point unless Kotone herself asks for it.

“She is undoubtedly an interesting child to watch.” I’ve become a fan of hers. I want her to be on stage with me again. It’s exciting to think of what kind of emotions she will have when that happens. Perhaps she might be a completely different person by then.

“Now then, it’s about time I actually think of our trip back. It wouldn’t be wise to take her home with me.” If I take her home, it’ll be troublesome to deal with my daughters’ questioning. Besides, it’ll be boring if this is how she fulfills her promise of coming to our home. It seems like she’s planning to visit during New Year’s; I just can’t have her not participate in that.

“Aya would probably be excited to have a friend along, and Rin relieved to have a scapegoat.” I would love to see how she’d react to waking up at our home, but I’ll restrain myself this time. Besides, I can just ask Akane where Kotone’s apartment is. I’m inviting myself to her room; I just can’t resist it.

“I’m really glad I’m not a direct member of the twelve families.” I don’t hold a candle to those unreasonable oddballs. With them, it wouldn’t be surprising if they slept with you at a hotel as a prank. Naturally, the fact that they’d do that is often a sign of trust.

“You look your age when fast asleep.” She really exudes a mature aura; I probably would have mistaken her age if I didn’t know about her beforehand. She conducts herself far differently from a normal student; I can only see her as a working adult. The mystery surrounding her is probably what caught my interest.

“Well then, I’m looking forward to the next time we see each other.” Watching her sleep peacefully doesn’t sound like a bad idea, but it’ll be late night if we don’t head home soon. With how deep her sleep is, even the loud sound of helicopter blades probably won’t wake her up. After that, I’ll just have the security team carry her home.

“Sleep well.”

Until we meet again.