Kanya Sada fell silent after his earlier words, seemingly lost in painful memories, and didn't speak again.
Yukiko Fujimine was curious about his story but, seeing his reaction, held back from prying.
At that moment, Miss Nishikawa at Table 2 spotted something outside the window, abruptly stood, and hurried toward the door.
"Sorry, your bill…" Kogoro Mouri called after her.
In her rush, Miss Nishikawa pulled out her wallet, shoved a 10,000-yen note into Kogoro's hand, and said, "Keep the change," before dashing out.
"This…"
Kogoro walked to the counter, holding the money.
Shuichi Hayashi considered letting it go but, recalling Sada's account of Miss Nishikawa's hardships, spoke up. "Have Eri log it in the books. We'll give her the change next time she comes."
"Here I thought the extra was my tip," Kogoro grumbled, heading off to find Eri.
Yukiko nudged Shuichi with her elbow. "You've got a conscience after all."
"I'm always fair," Shuichi said, puzzled. "When have I ever not been?"
"This afternoon, upstairs, when you left me tied up—that was heartless!"
"Oh, really?" Shuichi nodded calmly.
Yukiko frowned at his mild reaction, then realized something was off. "Hey! You're saying I'm not human?!"
"Don't slander me," Shuichi said, chuckling. "I never insulted you. You're the one insulting yourself."
Yukiko puffed out her cheeks in anger. "Hayashi, tomorrow's class president election—I'm not losing to you!"
"Then I'll congratulate you on your victory in advance," Shuichi said nonchalantly.
"Heh, are you scared?" Yukiko tilted her chin up smugly.
"Terrified," Shuichi said, unfazed. "Here's to you claiming the class president throne and ruling Teitan High."
Yukiko's brows furrowed. "Hey, if you don't want to run, why'd you sign up in the first place?"
"It wasn't me," Shuichi explained. "Kogoro thought Eri and I should have some 'memorable high school moments,' so he signed us up without asking."
"He's not wrong," Yukiko said approvingly. "High school would be boring if it's all bland and uneventful."
"My life's already plenty eventful," Shuichi quipped. "Any more excitement, and we'd have more than one death a day."
Yukiko burst out laughing. "True. I've only known you a few days, and so much has already happened."
Sada watched their banter with a smile, then, seeing the time, stood, paid his bill, and left.
"What're you staring at?"
Shuichi noticed Yukiko watching Sada's retreating figure. "You're not seriously thinking of becoming a stripper, are you?"
"My goal is to be a star—Japan's, no, the world's biggest!" Yukiko huffed. "No way I'd do that! I just noticed Sada-san's a lefty."
"So?"
"Don't you read detective novels?" Yukiko said, frowning. "In those stories, left-handed people are often the killers."
"A killer?" Shuichi said skeptically. "Who'd he kill?"
"With that look he had, he's clearly got a story," Yukiko said, stroking her chin thoughtfully. "Maybe he really did commit a crime—maybe even murder."
"Look at me," Shuichi said, gesturing.
Yukiko obediently looked up, catching sight of his handsome face. Her cheeks flushed, and she stammered, "W-what?"
"Can you see a story on my face?" Shuichi asked.
"How could I?" Yukiko rolled her eyes.
"But I've got more stories than you can imagine," Shuichi said, his tone turning serious. "Don't make snap judgments based on first impressions or bits of gossip. Spreading rumors can hurt people."
"…Sorry, I'll be more careful," Yukiko said, realizing her mistake. Her curiosity got the better of her again. "So, what's your story?"
"Bedwetting till three months old, talking by one, walking by two…" Shuichi rattled off nonsense. "Pretty storied guy, right?"
"Go die!" Yukiko laughed, shoving him. "That's no story!"
At the cash register, Eri Hii watched Shuichi and Yukiko "flirting" from afar, her patience snapping. With a dark look, she called Kogoro over.
"What's up?" Kogoro asked, confused. "I've got a table waiting."
Eri scribbled furiously on a piece of paper, folded it, and shoved it into Kogoro's hand. "Give this to Shuichi!"
"Huh?" Kogoro's eyes widened. "You called me over to pass a note to Shuichi? Are you in elementary school?"
"Go. Now!"
"…Fine."
Seeing Eri's temper flare, Kogoro flinched and hurried to the counter. "Here, from Eri."
Shuichi unfolded the note, revealing two giant pig heads.
"Haha, glasses girl called you a pig!" Yukiko said, peeking at the note. "I've never agreed with her more!"
"You…" Shuichi sighed. "Maybe get your eyes checked at Mihama Central Hospital."
"What? My eyes are fine!"
"Okay, then how many pigs are on this?"
"Two…" Yukiko paused, then realized. "Damn it, that glasses girl insulted me too! Where's a pen? I'm fighting back."
"Can you guys just work properly?!" Kogoro groaned, slamming the order tickets on the counter. "You've got time for passing notes, but not for making these dishes? Customers are already chewing me out!"
Tomorrow was Monday, and despite the heavy customer flow, Shuichi opted to close early to avoid disrupting school. After tallying the night's earnings, it was just past 10:30 PM. The four locked up the shop and prepared to head home.
The atmosphere outside the izakaya turned tense.
Eri and Yukiko stood in silence, glaring at each other.
As per recent routine, Shuichi was supposed to walk the girls home, but their apartments were in opposite directions. Escorting one would inevitably upset the other.
As the izakaya's manager, Shuichi had to maintain harmony and avoid sowing discord among the staff.
Ugh, if only I hadn't let Reiko leave so early…
(End of Chapter)
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