In the end, Miyanoshita remained in the shop until my shift was over. "Oh, what a coincidence!" The sight of her poised outside the shop made me laugh more than it amazed me. And then, we walked home together. Perhaps because we've been spending so much time together lately, I no longer feel out of place with Miyanoshita. It feels normal for her to be by my side... In fact, I feel somewhat restless when she's not. "Muhaha." Suddenly, Miyanoshita lets out a mischievous laugh. "It looks like Yuuki-san is getting well-trained, doesn't it?" "A elementary schooler shoudn't say things like 'training'." "Yuuki-san seems totally used to my company lately, unlike before when you were a bit wary of the people around us." "That's..." "If things keep going this way, you might just upgrade. We will become a couple♪" "That won't happen." "You're so mean..." Miyanoshita looks downcast. But it's scary how accurately she's read the situation thus far. "By the way, Senpai-san, really is a nice person, right?" "Really? I'm not denying they're a good person, but that person tends to tease quite a bit. You've seen it too, haven't you, Miyanoshita?" "That's proof of affection." "It's a kind of affection I could do without..." "But I'm the main wife, okey?" "What are you talking about?" "A woman's magnanimity allows for concubines, but let's keep it to three at most, shall we?" "What are you even saying?" While having trivial conversations, we walk home. Spending time with Miyanoshita is somehow enjoyable, or rather comforting... Really, it's just so easy to be around her. How long will this relationship last, I wonder? That question suddenly crossed my mind. "... mm ..." Out of the blue, Miyanoshita stops walking and looks back. Triggered by her reaction, I turn around too, but there's nothing out of the ordinary. "What's up?"

"Um..." "Is it something hard to say?" "Well, it's whether or not you'll believe me..." "I'll believe you." "That was... immediate." "Of course." Anything, might be a bit too broad... But Miyanoshita is not one to make random remarks. "Miyanoshita, you may often joke, but you wouldn't tell pointless lies, that's for sure." "...Thank you." Normally, a joke would follow, but not this time. ...This is quite a serious conversation. I need to focus. "Lately... I've been feeling a gaze upon me." "A gaze?" "Like I'm being watched. It's... sticky and clingy. It's not all the time, but when I'm outside... And now, I felt that gaze, as if someone is following me." "That could be... a stalker, perhaps?" "I'm not sure..." "Hmm." I wouldn't say this to their face, but Miyanoshita is cute. I'd say cuter than child actors on TV. Her personality is a bit on the devilish side... But that's not apparent from afar. Maybe, some might even find that appealing. There's a good chance she's being followed by some unsavory characters. "Assuming you're being stalked, do you have any idea who it might be?" "I... I don't know. We don't have any solid proof yet..." "Yeah, that's true." I don't know who this guy is, but stalking a grade schooler? That's the mark of a perverted lolicon. ...Wait a second. In that case, will I also become a perverted lolicon? "What's the matter, Yuuki-san? You seem a bit down all of a sudden?" "No, it's nothing..." That was too much friendly fire. Anyway...

Just because she confessed doesn't mean I harbor any weird feelings. I'm not a pervert lolicon... at least I hope not. "Do you have any idea when it might have started?" "Let's see... I think it's been going on recently. I'm not sure of the exact day..." "Anything unusual happened lately?" "Not really... Well, there was the offline meeting with Yuuki-san." Does that mean the perpetrator was spurred into action because of me? Until now, he's been content just watching Miyanoshita from afar. But the appearance of another guy must have been too much, and he started tailing her. That could be it. "For now, I'll escort you home. And from now on, try your best not to be alone. If you're about to be on your own, feel free to call me." "Is that really okay...?" "Of course, aren't we friends?" "...Thank you very much." Yet, this is merely a remedial measure. If the perpetrator escalates to more drastic measures, I may not be able to safeguard Miyanoshita. After all, this isn't a step towards a real solution. Should I talk to the police? But as of now, we have no clues about the perpetrator. At most, I could increase patrols for her. So then... "Yuuki-san?" "Yes?" "Um... would it be okay if I hold your hand?" "Sure, here." "Thank you very much." The warmth of our joined hands was comforting. Miyanoshita's smile was one of genuine happiness. I can't think of a comprehensive strategy just yet. Let's just stay together for now. "Yuuki-san's hand is warm, isn't it?" "Miyanoshita's too." "People say that those with cold hands have warm hearts, right?" "Then, does that mean our hearts are cold?" "That might be the case. But I'm happy because it means I match Yuuki-san." "I see." Miyanoshita's expression softened, as if she was able to relax a bit.