"...Since you have the Japanese Literature exam papers now, do you still want tutoring? If not, I can refund your points in full."Horikita Suzune cut straight to the point after a brief pause.
"I do."Shimizu Akira replied without hesitation. "But let's postpone it to next week—I've got a lot on my plate right now. We'll resume as scheduled after that."
His mind was already calculating:
He'd just fed Shiina Hiyori computer-related intel this morning—she'd likely contact him this week.
As for Japanese Lit? The leaked papers might save him this time, but future exams wouldn't be so forgiving. Better to build a solid foundation now.
As if on cue, his phone buzzed.
The caller ID confirmed his prediction: Shiina Hiyori.
"Shimizu-kun, are you free after school today? Could you accompany me to the electronics store near campus?" Her voice was soft, almost tentative.
"Sure."
"Then... let's meet at the store entrance at 4:00 PM?"
"Got it."
Hanging up, he checked the time—30 minutes until dismissal.
(Right on schedule.)
His misleading clues this morning had clearly steered her deductions off-course.
The Electronics Store
After a quick dorm break, Shimizu arrived at the largest electronics retailer on campus by 3:50 PM—a one-stop shop for everything from kitchen appliances to laptops, cameras, and phone repairs.
Shiina Hiyori was already waiting.
They barely stepped inside when a middle-aged, pot-bellied clerk intercepted them, his gaze lingering a beat too long on Shiina's silver hair and delicate features. His eyes widened slightly—equal parts awe and something less innocent.
Shimizu shifted half a step forward, blocking the man's line of sight.
"Eyes up here, old man. Don't forget your age."
"Y-You—" The clerk stiffened, unprepared for such bluntness. "I was just surprised by her hair color! It's... rare!"
"Sure." Shimizu's tone dripped with skepticism. "Let's find another clerk."
He guided Shiina deeper into the store, away from the man.
"Shimizu-kun, you..." Shiina blinked up at him, momentarily dazed.
"Don't mind the attitude. That guy had bad intentions." He slowed his pace, glancing sideways.
"Oh, I'm not upset." Her confusion melted into a warm smile. "I should thank you."
As a girl, she'd recognized the hunger in that stare instantly—but before she could react, Shimizu had shielded her effortlessly.
From helping her dissect the computer clues this morning to this swift intervention... he'd already done so much.
"You're quite the reliable assistant, Shimizu-kun."
"You're paying me," he deflected. "Equivalent exchange."
Yet a twinge of guilt pricked him.
His initial approach had been calculated—she was investigating the surveillance rental incident, after all.
But Shiina's gentle demeanor, her soothing voice (like a professional voice actor's), her calming aura that could pacify even the most irritable souls...
She was, in many ways, a true angel.
(Pity she's a detective.)
Spotting another clerk, Shimizu gestured ahead. "Let's ask them. Maybe we can pull purchase records for all students who bought laptops here since the term started."
Shiina nodded eagerly. "Right! The culprit's probably a first-year—they'd know the core members of all four classes best."
This time, a bespectacled young clerk greeted them politely. "How can I help you?"
"We'd like to see purchase records for first-year students' laptop buys since the term began," Shimizu stated. "Ideally with dates and buyer info. What's the price for that data?"
When the clerk hesitated, he added, "We can provide class verification and sign NDAs. Name your price."
The clerk fiddled with her tablet, weighing the request. "Let me check with the manager."
As she left, Shiina tugged Shimizu's sleeve. "I'll cover the points. Ryūen-kun gave me an investigation budget."
Shimizu arched a brow, amused.
(Well, well. A little rich girl with public funds.)