"Good work today."
As Yukino drowsily swayed and struggled to keep her eyes open, she heard Chisato's voice by her ear.
She instantly perked up and turned to look at him.
Since they were on a train, he had likely moved a little closer so as not to disturb others. He was speaking from quite a close distance.
"Not at all. If anything, it's you who worked hard today."
Yukino tried to calm the surprise in her heart.
"Actually, I want to ask a favor, Yukinoshita. Would it be okay if we told others that all the sponsorships we obtained were thanks to you? Just leave me out of it."
Yukino looked puzzled.
"Why would you want that?"
"Well… I guess I just don't want to attract trouble."
"Letting others know that these sponsored prizes were obtained thanks to you would make them feel grateful toward you. Is that kind of thing a hassle for you?"
Chisato didn't know how to explain.
"Well... I can only say that everyone has different thoughts."
Yukino clearly didn't accept this explanation. She shook her head to show her refusal.
"Sorry, but I can't agree to your request. After all, the reality is that it all went smoothly because of you. I barely did anything—everything was thanks to you.
What you did wasn't a bad thing, so there's no need to hide it."
"...Haa."
Seeing the determined look on Yukino's face, Chisato realized that saying anything more would be pointless.
He sighed and gave up.
Still, by starting the conversation, the drowsiness Yukino had been feeling had indeed faded. At the very least, she could now walk home steadily.
And once her mind was clearer, she noticed something she hadn't before.
It was right in plain sight. Given their height difference, it was perfectly aligned with her eye level.
"Um, Suzumiya-kun."
"Hm?"
"That on your neck... is it a wound?"
Yukino lightly touched her own neck near the collarbone to indicate the location.
Yesterday, when they took the train home together, she had also observed that same spot at a close distance.
She clearly remembered that there hadn't been any mark like what now looked like a bruise from blunt force or a burn.
Chisato, noticing her motion, suddenly realized and quickly buttoned up his collar.
What wound? That mark was something left by Eriri last night when things got a little too intense between them.
Still, in this situation, if Yukino had misunderstood because she didn't know the truth, then he didn't see the need to explain.
"Ah... Yeah, I accidentally hurt myself. It'll heal in a few days."
"If it's a burn, you should apply some burn ointment to prevent infection. If you need it, I have some at home—I can give it to you later."
"No, it's fine. I've got some at home. Thanks for your concern."
"No problem."
Since he said that, Yukino didn't press further.
For some reason, Chisato let out a small breath of relief.
But it was strange. They didn't have that kind of relationship, yet her noticing that mark had made him nervous. It was very odd.
After that, the two didn't speak for the rest of the way.
The train rocked through several stations.
They got off together, took the elevator together, walked out on the same floor, and then turned their backs to each other to open their respective doors.
"Good night."
"Yeah, good night."
The next morning, a little after 8 a.m.
After a night's rest, Yukino had recovered her energy. Since the burden she had been carrying was now lifted, she was in a good mood from the start of the day.
After an early breakfast, she happily sorted through the panda-themed merchandise the amusement park manager had given her the day before.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
She went to the entryway and peeked through the peephole. After blinking in surprise, she quickly opened the door.
"Good morning. Sorry to bother you so early."
When the door opened, Chisato greeted her first.
Yukino shook her head.
Only after opening the door did she realize she was still in her loungewear, which made her feel a bit self-conscious, but it was too late for regrets now.
"It's fine. Is something the matter?"
"Yeah, I need to trouble you with something. It's about the sponsored prizes we arranged with a few shops yesterday. Weren't they supposed to be delivered today?"
"Yes."
Yukino nodded. That was indeed the arrangement.
"At the time, I didn't think much and just gave them my home address for convenience, thinking it would be easier to tally things later.
But now, something's come up, and I have to go out for a while. I might be back quite late, so if it's not too much trouble for you, Yukinoshita-san..."
By this point, Yukino naturally understood what Chisato meant.
"I got it. Just tell the delivery person to bring them to me. I'll sign for it."
Chisato let out a breath of relief.
"Thanks, that's a huge help."
"It's nothing."
Yukino shook her head.
Compared to what Chisato had done yesterday, this favor was trivial.
After saying goodbye, Chisato left the apartment, hailed a taxi by the roadside, gave the address of his agency's office, and leaned back in the seat to rest with his eyes closed.
Last night, not long after getting out of the bath and lying down, he received a phone call from Ryo.
As soon as the call connected, she tearfully complained about how their new manager had been acting like a demon lately, saying if he didn't come check on them, they probably wouldn't last much longer.
Even over the phone, Chisato could tell she was exaggerating, but considering that he did bail on them yesterday, he decided to show up at the office first thing in the morning as promised.
It had been a while since he'd checked on how Kesshoku Band was doing under the supervision of Seika.
Also, he needed to verify whether the situation was really as desperate as Ryo had sobbed about: "We're not gonna last much longer, waaaahhh…"
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50 advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta
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