Chapter 56: 56: Better Than Leading Little Nanami On (2)
Looking at the pitch-black sky, Akira lit a cigarette and sighed.
"Perhaps your family truly wasn't bothered, but that doesn't erase her guilt. With that lingering in her heart, it'll be hard for her to maintain a genuine friendship with your daughter.
This isn't just about social class anymore—it's about causing trouble for a friend and her family. That kind of guilt can create a painful divide."
Mr. Spencer was silent for a moment.
"I see… As expected, Mr. Ogiwara, you're very thoughtful. But forgive me—I have to ask. What kind of price do you intend to ask of Miss Kasumigaoka?
From what I know, your services aren't cheap. If it's money, she might not be able to afford it. If it's something else, I'd feel uneasy."
"It won't be money. And I won't make it too difficult for her. I do have my motives, but I have no interest in coercion or threats—that's beneath me."
Akira squinted his eyes.
"I'll discuss the details with her based on the situation. She's free to refuse. What matters now is whether you're willing to give her the chance."
"…My apologies. It seems I was overthinking things. Very well—let Eriri and Miss Kasumigaoka decide."
Mr. Spencer's tone became cheerful again, and after a few pleasantries, the call ended.
Akira flicked his cigarette ash and once again found this family rather likable.
About ten minutes later, his phone lit up again—caller ID: Kasumigaoka Utaha.
He picked up and asked, "So? Aren't you grateful to me?"
"I am," Utaha answered calmly. "So, Mr. Ogiwara, what price do you intend for me to pay?"
"A price, huh…"
Going straight to bed with her would be disproportionate to the favor.
Asking for some kind of service wouldn't be unreasonable, but unfortunately, Utaha was currently fixated on repaying her debts.
Until those were resolved, she would likely find such requests distasteful.
Besides, Akira himself found it a bit crude. Utaha's desire to repay him came from a sense of honor—asking for physical compensation didn't sit right with him.
Maybe it was odd to feel this way after their initial transactional relationship, but that's how he felt.
So something a little more wholesome?
"Fireworks festival," Akira finally said.
"I believe there's one at the end of August. If Miss Kasumigaoka is free, accompany me to see it."
"…"
"What? Got other plans?"
"No, just surprised. I thought you'd ask for something lewd—since my body's the only thing you're interested in."
Was that sarcasm or jealousy?
"I actually did consider that. But it just felt low. Unless you don't mind, of course."
"No, I'll choose the fireworks festival. But why that?"
"I heard it's lonely to watch fireworks alone. I tried once and realized it was true. Haven't gone since."
Lighting another cigarette, Akira said with some emotion, "But they're so beautiful."
Utaha then asked, "Shouldn't you enjoy something beautiful like that with your new lover?"
"I don't plan on getting married," Akira replied instantly.
"Wait, what does that mean?"
"Fireworks are too beautiful. People under fireworks tend to get swept up in the moment.
Nanami probably has a high initial affection level toward me.
She might get carried away. But I'm not planning to marry, not planning to take responsibility. So I'd rather not lead her on."
The phone was silent for a moment.
Then came a deep inhale.
"If you're at home, I suggest you calm down and lower your voice," Akira advised.
On the other end, Utaha let out a measured exhale. Then came a teeth-gritted reply:
"So it's fine to lead me on???"
"Yup!"
In contrast to Utaha's fury—so intense it could be felt through the phone—Akira sounded quite pleased.
"You know who I am. You're only paying a debt. And you're the 'good girl,' so having you accompany me to a fireworks show doesn't make me feel bad."
Utaha clicked her tongue in annoyance—a sign of reluctant acceptance.
"Besides, leading you on is still better than leading little Nanami on."
"You—!?"
This time, she couldn't control her volume.
Akira laughed wickedly as Utaha slammed the call shut.
She resisted the urge to kick the table—her foot would hurt. Instead, she collapsed onto the bed, hugged a pillow, and tried to cool down.
As her anger faded, her thoughts shifted.
Akira was going ghost-hunting tonight?
She didn't believe in ghosts, but Eriri's trembling voice on the phone had made her uneasy.
And even if Eriri was just spooked by her own imagination, surely her parents wouldn't join in unless something real had happened.
Eriri's father had even said hiring Akira was expensive—so something must've been wrong.
That thought made Utaha nervous.
Still, humans are curious by nature—it's a part of our evolutionary drive. As long as something isn't life-threatening, we often seek out thrills.
Extreme sports like bungee jumping are born from this impulse.
If there really was nothing, then fine. But if something truly was happening, wouldn't following Akira be the safest way to experience it?
Driven by curiosity, Utaha gave in to temptation and called him back.
"Mr. Ogiwara, can I come with you tonight?"
"No."
"I'm not scared, I just want to experience the atmosphere—it's valuable material for writing. Isn't that enough?"
"Nope."
"Why not? Even if I went around calling you a fraud, people would still believe you."
"No means no, Miss Kasumigaoka. Please stay home and get a good night's sleep."
Before she could argue further, Akira hung up.
Hearing the beeping tone, Utaha tossed her phone and rolled on her bed, making faint "mewing" sounds.
She'd picked that up from Kuro—the cat.
When scratched in a certain spot, Kuro would make that sound to signal displeasure. Keep going, and she'd scratch you.
Though it never really hurt—just a warning.
After sulking a bit, Utaha sat up again.
Even if she couldn't go inside, couldn't she at least wait outside?
It's not like ghost-hunting requires blocking off streets. If he hadn't asked for that, it had to be safe.
Thinking this, Utaha slipped on her slippers, got out of bed, and checked the three ofuda she kept in her jacket pocket.
That should be more than enough to stay safe.
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