"I believe in you more than anyone else in the world." "...Miyanoshita..." "So will you protect me?" "Absolutely." "Thank you... I love you so much ♪" With renewed determination, I resolved to protect Miyanoshita. However, my abilities are limited. As advised by my senpai, the first step is to contact the police. "Miyanoshita, I'm going to contact the police, that's okay, right?" "Yes, I trust you with this, Yuuki-san. However..." "However?" "We might need to come up with an excuse for our relationship..." "... Right." A high school student confessed to by an elementary school girl. It could easily turn into an incident. I might end up getting arrested before the stalker. "Maybe... we could say we're distant relatives?" "That would be easily uncovered upon investigation, especially since it's related to this case. I'm sure they'll look into it closely." "In that case, perhaps we should say we're a tutor and a student?" "Right... Yes. With that setup, there should be no problems. It's possible my parents will find out, but I'll take care of matching up the story for now." Miyanoshita deftly navigated through her smartphone. "All set. Shall we head to the police station?" "Agreed. Just to be safe, let's brace ourselves for any possible scenarios." I pray that no trouble will show up, but... If it does, I'm committed to protecting Miyanoshita no matter what. ―――――――――― We sought advice from the police. As senpai had mentioned before, the police don't immediately spring into action. It makes sense, considering the culprit is still unknown. And given the current system, they can't act until something actually happens. Still, they seemed to take the smartphone messages very seriously when we told them. They advised us to dial 110 without a second thought if anything happens. And to come back for further consultation if there's any development. They also promised to step up patrols on the route from home to school. "Whew... That consultation took up quite a bit of time." By the time I got back to Miyanoshita's place, roughly three hours had passed. I was cautious this time, so hopefully, no stalker saw me entering the house. Just talking has left me unusually drained. Perhaps I was more tense than I realized. "Well then, I'm heading home." It's already dark outside. If I stay at Miyanoshita's house any longer, I'll be a nuisance. "Oh, um...!" Miyanoshita speaks with an air of desperation. "... Could you stay over?" "Eh. No, but..." "Um... I got a call earlier, and it looks like my mom and dad are going to be away all night..." "Seriously?" "Indeed."

She doesn't seem to be lying. Or rather, she wouldn't tell such a lie. Miyanoshita might be a bit devilish, but she's not the type to inconvenience others. In the end, she's really a good kid. And a kind one, too. "Ah..." A high school boy spending the night at an elementary school girl's place. Scandal alert. I could get arrested if this comes to light? Despite these worrisome thoughts... I was concerned about Miyanoshita's situation. Being targeted by a nasty stalker. In such a state, spending the night alone must be quite terrifying. "......Okey." "Really!? Yay, I did it!!!" The fearful figure was nowhere to be seen. Miyanoshita beamed with a wide smile and even started hopping around to show her happiness. "...Aren't you scared?" "I am scared! But, but, I'm even happier about the idea of spending the night with you, Yuuki-san!!!" "Er..." "Let's make the most of it and stay up late tonight! And, I definitely want to sleep in the same bed! Also, I can't wait to try the token 'morning coffee' tomorrow!" ...I can't help but think that maybe I should just go home. It can't be helped, right? "Well then, let's start preparing immediately!" "Preparing... for what?" "For dinner, of course." It's said as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world. Because it's Miyanoshita, I assumed... "Oh my?" Miyanoshita gives a sly grin. "What were you imagining just now?" "... Nothing." "Really? When you heard about a sleepover with an elementary school girl, did you imagine something inappropriate? Were you having naughty thoughts? Hehe." "I should head home." "Ahhh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Please don't leave me, please don't go home!!" She clung desperately around my waist, trying to hold me back. Honestly... If only you were this honest from the start. But still. Because she's scared, I'm forcing myself to appear energetic... Considering that, I can't bring myself to get angry. "What should I do?" "Huh?" "You are going to make dinner, right? I can help a little if you want." "Ah... Yes! Let's make it together! A labor of love!" "Good grief..." Miyanoshita quickly puts on a smile. But I thought that Miyanoshita, like that, is genuinely and honestly cute. "Ehehe♪ Let's work hard and make dinner together, Yuuki-san! I'm sure we can make a really delicious meal together! Alright! I'm feeling motivated now, let's go!"