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After confirming that the class had started, I quietly left the academy. In the end, the Shimotsuki sisters wouldn’t tell me about the family’s January plans. Just what is waiting for me there? It’s worrying, but this was a necessary sacrifice.

“I guess instead of asking Hadzuki’s help for that, I should ask for the Shimotsuki family’s instead.”

Either way, I need one of the twelve families’ cooperation for my plans for the new years. Considering the task, help from any one of them should do fine. It’s not too complicated, after all. Without this, shaking off the bodyguards will be difficult.

“Worryingly enough, they’ll probably help just because it sounds fun.”

It should be better than owing a debt to Hadzuki. Even if I owe the Shimotsuki family for the help, I have a hunch that I can pay it back during January’s affairs. I’m really curious what they’re up to, but there’s no way to know until it happens.

“I just wanted to visit, why is it so crowded?”

It’s already past noon. The cafe shouldn’t be packed at this time. Entering inside, I see the customers are full of familiar people. They’re mainly neighbors and people who run businesses in the shopping district. In that case, I can guess why it’s so packed.

“Owner. It seems like we’re flourishing.”
“Thanks to the news. Everyone came to ask about it, so we’ve been crowded since morning. Saori and I were shocked when we saw it.”
“You mean Kaori’s big stage moment?”
“Was that your doing, Kotone?”
“There’s no way that Kaori would initiate something like that on her own, is there? I was also dragged into that mess like her, though. Anyhow, I’ll help out.”

I originally planned to come as a customer, but I can’t just watch quietly in this situation. Waving at my acquaintances, I head to the cafe’s back room. There, I see Saori bustling all around preparing food.

“Seems like you’ve caused mischief.”
“Major mischief at that. As a result, I had to leave early.”
“We’ll hear the details later. Kaori told us it would be faster to hear from you.”
“I was really hoping she would have explained.”

How many times do I have to explain what happened in just one day? Still, I guess talking only about the theme park incident should be enough for the owner and Saori. That’s the only part Kaori got involved in, after all. But for now, we need to handle the customers. I put on my apron and head out.

“Eh!? Why is Kotone here?”
“Why indeed. Your orders are?”

I can’t discuss the details, so I shrug it off. I take orders, set the table, and answer any questions asked. I was also captured with the choir club in the news coverage, so the topic naturally came up.

“It’s finally break time.”
“They come so often even though they have their own shops. I’m glad you came to help, Kotone. But what happened that forced you back home?”
“Let’s call Mrs. Saori as well. Also, can I have something to eat? I hope it’s not too much to ask.”

Just calorie-mate isn’t enough for me. While eating my meal, I explained what happened at the theme park. Initially, they were surprised, but by the end, they were appalled and stared at me with cold gazes.

“That’s stupid.”
“It is stupid.”
“I was stupid.”

Stupid chain combo. I know what I did was nothing but stupid. That’s how I am when I’m riding high. I end up thinking it’s fine to be stupid if it’s fun, even if it’s not appropriate for Kotone’s current status.

“I really thought you were more meek and behaved.”
“Really? Honestly, I saw her as gutsy and outgoing.”

The image the owner, who knows how I act within the cafe, and Saori, who doesn’t, have of me is quite different. Still, I don’t recall acting too wild at work. It’s probably due to my interactions with Isami and the gang.

“Still, Kotone singing. Personally, that’s the part I find hard to believe.”
“I’ve heard her sing before. Those who know your voice will definitely realize Unknown’s true identity.”
“I wasn’t thinking about anything at that time. I just… prioritized doing what I thought would be fun.”

That’s why I was sure that my old friends, the owner, and Saori should have figured out that I’m Unknown. The media will eventually figure it out too. But so what? Making that public would be the same as picking a fight with the twelve families.

“So, when are you debuting?”
“I won’t. I still don’t have the freedom to think about my future.”
“Freedom? You seem relatively free to me.”
“At the very least, I don’t intend to think about the future until I settle things with my father.”

Regarding Kotone’s future, I’ll think about it when the time comes. Besides, if I succeed in what I’m planning to do, maybe the real Kotone could come back. If that happens, I’ll no longer be needed and it’ll be my turn to disappear. Because that’s how it should be.

“Kotone, you’re thinking about something weird, aren’t you?”
“I sensed that too. I’m pretty sure it’s nothing good.”
“What’s with the sudden sharp perception?”

Naturally, I feel reluctant about leaving my present life. It wasn’t even a full year, but I don’t want the relationships I’ve built to disappear. And I’m worried that the original Kotone might not be able to manage these relationships. After all, I don’t think the meek Kotone can act the way I do.

“It’s all on the news.”