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It’s a bizarre morning where I’m eating cake for some reason, but it’s Ani and Ane’s fault. From an outsider’s perspective, I must look like some weirdo falling for traps she set for herself and becoming jumpy as a result. It’s not my fault, though.

“Yup, I should jog to clear my head.”

As the cold air serves as a reminder that spring has yet to fully arrive, I take a moment to cool my head. I was approaching my boiling point, after all. Instead of running aimlessly like Ani, I decided to retrace the original route Ani took. By doing this, I hoped to encounter a certain individual.

“Morning.”
“Well, this is rare, meeting up with Kotone.”

Ani genuinely chooses his route at random, so it’s rare for him to bump into Kaori in the morning. This time, though, I intentionally chose a route where I could meet her. Kaori knows my circumstances, and she’s a great person to consult with.

“And so, nice to meet you.”
“Ah, so it’s that. It was the same with Kotone, but you’re also pretty nonchalant about it.”

I’ve properly chosen who to conceal my situation from. And since Kaori knows both Ani and Ane, there’s no need to hide it from her. Rather, she’s also the only one I can complain to. Mostly regarding Ani and Ane’s surprise prank.

“Still, other than feeling a bit more feminine, I really don’t see much of a change.”
“Well, I am something like a fusion between Ani and Ane. There’s no change in my appearance at all, and there’s probably only a slight change in my personality.”
“In other words, you’re a powered-up version of the previous Kotone. Stop it, don’t drag me into trouble.”
“Please don’t talk like me causing trouble is a given. Also, even though I should be a powered-up version, I’ve been toyed around by them since this morning.”
“Just what did those two leave behind…”

I personally don’t intend to cause any incident. Others may have a weird impression of me due to Ani, but as long as I just continue living peacefully, that impression should fade away. The settlement of the unresolved problems might strengthen the impression, though.

“They set up pranks to wake me up in the morning. Ani’s was a lot nastier.”
“Let’s go to the park; I want to hear the details.”

Why is she so excited to hear about it? Is my suffering really that interesting? Or maybe she’s just curious about Ani and Ane’s antics? Ane aside, I’m sure no normal person can expect Ani’s antics.

“So, what did they do?”
“Ane gave some encouragement, like ‘Keep the good fight’ and stuff.”
“That’s so like her. And what about the problematic Kotone?”
“He used a bazooka and blood writings.”
“That idiot.”

Even Kaori was perplexed. The two of us are sitting on a park bench with drinks we bought from a vending machine. I don’t feel anything weird when talking to Kaori. It’s probably thanks to Ani and Ane that Kaori doesn’t feel like a stranger.

“Well, it’s quite in character for Kotone to pull antics up until the end. Still, that’s not something you’d do towards a newly born little sister. You’d think that he must’ve had a grudge or something.”
“If he were still around, I’m absolutely sure he’d be laughing. I’d probably do the same.”
“Cut from the same cloth, I see. Beyond redemption.”

At the end of the day, we are the same person. It’s no surprise that I have a similar mindset as Ani, and it’s only natural for me to share sentiments with Ane. There might be times when I lean more to one side, but that’s an issue of personal preference.

“Still, a little sister finally appears, huh. Your physiology is a real mystery as always.”
“Don’t you feel anything about this, Kaori?”
“Well, sure, I do feel sad. But it was their decision in the end, and they made sure to leave their very own selves behind, didn’t they?”
“Try to be in my shoes, burdened by the consequences of their actions.”
“You have my sympathy in that regard.”

They left their selves. I don’t know what Kaori meant when she said that, but let me just say for sure that leaving your future liabilities to a little sister is not right. Debt not in the financial sense, but in the form of problems that need to be resolved.

“What am I going to do with the principal’s wedding?”
“Well, you can only give it your all. I’ll cheer you on from the shadows.”
“Bear the brunt for me.”
“Absolutely no. I’ve already had enough of being roped into nonsense since the field trip.”

Kaori’s had enough with just that one incident, huh. If I recall correctly, it was relatively large in scale. If I was dragged into something like that, I would have reconsidered my relationships. With that in mind, it’s surprising that Kaori is still friends with me.

“You have to commit to your role as a cupid of love.”
“I don’t remember becoming one, nor do I remember doing anything that warrants the role. Therefore, I declare myself free of any responsibility.”
“If only the people there would let you off the hook with that.”
“I’m already pretty much cornered, I know.”

I know that people need me. And since Teacher Saeki is even trying to contact the rogue’s den, I have no escape left. If she borrows the help of the Satsuki family, it’ll be easy to get into contact with them.

“I need to prepare something to cover my face, or actually my whole body.”
“What do you even plan on wearing?”

I guess I should request Osamu’s help and borrow a mascot suit or something. I can even have a mic fit into it or whatever. I cannot let anyone know Unknown’s true identity. Mainly for my peace of mind.

“Come to think of it, Kaori, do you plan on changing how you interact with me?”
“Nope. You’re still you. I can accept some changes. Besides, that’s what the two of them would have wanted.”
“I appreciate it. But, how do I say this? You’ve changed, too, Kaori. At first, you couldn’t accept my changes at all.”
“I was still normal back then. Still, I guess it’s the side effect of going through a lot with you, Kotone. You can say I’ve gotten some tough nerves.”
“You’re one of the weirdos now, huh.”
“That, I absolutely refuse.”