Theres a retail store outlet located on campus, as the brand it belongs to is a famous nationwide retail chain store that entered into a partnership with the school. As their only customers would be students, the store itself isnt very large. Even so, the store readily sold supplies that students may need on a daily basis as well as electronics that students may be interested in.

If Im remembering correctly, the repair service is located at the counter in the back.

Kushida seemed to have been here several times before, as she promptly remembered where to go and headed deeper into the store. Sakura and I followed behind.

I wonder if theyll be able to fix it soon

With an uneasy expression, Sakura tightly gripped the camera in her hands.

Youre really fond of that camera.

Yes Is that weird?

No, not at all. Instead, isnt it a good hobby? Well, thats just me assuming that I know what you use the camera for. Nevertheless, I hope theyll be able to fix it quickly.

Okay!

Theres where they take care of the repairs.

As there was a lot of merchandise inside the store, we were unable to see our surroundings properly. However, Kushida had found the repair center at the innermost section of the store.

Ah

Sakura stopped moving forward for some reason. From the side of her face, I could see that her expression had become one of blatant disgust, as though she had seen something unpleasant.

I followed Sakuras line of sight, but I couldnt find anything particularly out of place.

Whats wrong? Sakura-san?

Kushida also seemed to find Sakuras behavior strange, so she called out to her.

Ah, uh That

Though she seemed to have something to say, she ended up shaking her head and taking a deep breath.

Its nothing

After saying that, she put an earnest smile on her face and walked up to the receptionist at the counter of the repair center.

Kushida and I glanced at each other, but since Sakura said it was nothing, we followed after her.

Kushida spoke to the clerk and commissioned for him to repair the digital camera.

While that was happening, I took a look at the nearby electronics out of boredom.

However, the way Kushida conducted herself was rather fierce. She was talking to the store clerk, who she had only just met for the first time, as if they were old friends. Although Sakura was the owner of the camera who was seeking the repair service, she was only speaking up when she was being asked for consent.

That said, the clerk was in frightfully high spirits. He was energetically talking on and on with Kushida carrying a torrent of momentum. Based on the snippets of the conversation that I was able to overhear, it appears that he was asking Kushida out on a date to the movie theater to see the screening of an upcoming female idol concert. He seemed to be an exaggerated otaku, who was skillfully choosing his words to approach Kushdia with a wide range of topics, from how the elections were going to matters regarding idol magazines.

Since Kushida didnt show any signs of annoyance, he probably thought that he could smoothly tempt her into accepting his offer. However, I thought that he was doomed to fail, and that she found the situation distasteful instead.

The clerk seemed to be emotionally excited about being around a cute girl, so the conversation hadnt progressed at all.

As expected, Kushida felt that the situation was crude and pushed the conversation forward, urging Sakura to present him with the digital camera.

The clerk opened the camera and made a simple check inside. He stated that some of the parts had been damaged by the impact of the drop, which prevented the cameras power supply from turning on properly. Fortunately, since the digital camera was purchased after entering the school, it was included under warranty and it was to be repaired free of charge.

All that was left was the process of Sakura filling out her personal information. Or at least it should be, but Sakuras hand came to a stop just before the paper.

Sakura-san?

Kushida thought something was strange and spoke up. Sakura appeared to be hesitating about something.

I wasnt planning on interjecting, but the way she was acting worried me.

Besides- I looked at the clerk.

The clerk, who had been indulging in conversation with Kushida, was now staring at Sakura.

As both Sakura and Kushida were focused on the form in front of them, they were unaware that the clerk had a terrible look in his eyes that would even make men shudder a little.

Hold on a second, okay?

Eh?

I stood next to Sakura and motioned for her to hand over the pen she was holding.

Looking uneasy, as she didnt understand what I was doing, she handed the pen over to me nonetheless.

Please contact me when you finish the repairs.

W-Wait a minute sir. Shes the owner of the digital camera, right? Its kind of-

There were no problems verifying the manufacturers warranty and proving the sale and purchase date, and there shouldnt any legal issues either. Besides, there shouldnt be any issues if the person filling out the form is different than the original purchaser, right?

I began listing the required information, such as my name and dorm number, before he could even reply.

Or is there a reason why it has to be her?

I added on, without shifting my attention off the form.

N-No. I understand sir There wont be any problems.

Shortly after, I finished filling out the form and handed it over to him along with Sakuras camera without a hitch. Sakura breathed a sigh of relief.

It would take about two weeks for the cameras repairs to be finished. Looking very disappointed with this, Sakura hung her shoulders in frustration.

Mr. Shop Assistant was really terrifying The way he was talking on and on was so imposing that it made me feel a little anxious.

The way he was talking so incessantly was a little gross, wasnt it?

Well, I didnt personally mind it. Do you know him by any chance? The salesclerk?

Sakura gave a small nod. It seems that she met the clerk back when she bought the camera.

What do you think, Ayanokouji-kun?

Kushida asked for my opinion.

Well, I guess he may have had a somewhat unapproachable temperament. Especially with girls.

There was a situation where he tried to speak with me before Because of that, I was afraid of going to get the repair done alone

Kushida made a small sound as if she had realized something and turned towards me with wide eyes.

Is that why you did that then, Ayanokouji-kun?

Its because shes a girl. I thought that she might be hesitant to write down her personal information such as her address or phone number.

Whereas, as a male, there wouldnt be anything to worry about if he had my information instead.

Th-thanks Ayanokouji-kun. Youve really done me a great favor

No, it was nothing really. All I did was write down my address. Ill get in touch with you when Im notified that the repairs are completed.

Sakura nodded happily. I felt sorry thinking that was all that it took to make her happy.

Youre watching over Sakura-san pretty closely.

Thats misleading. To be exact, I was watching the distinct mannerisms of the shop assistant. How do I put it He gave off an atmosphere that screamed pervert, didnt he?

Ahaha Thats for sure.

It must have been pretty tough on the defenseless Sakura; even Kushida had enough of him.

Because Kushida-san was with me today, he didnt focus all of his attention on me. Thank you.

If Sakura had faced the clerk one on one, she might have ended up running away.

If its something like this, Im totally willing to lend you a hand. Sakura-san, are you a fan of digital cameras?

Yeah though it wasnt a passion of mine when I was younger. I slowly came to like them after my father got me one before I got into middle school. That being said, I just like to take pictures, I dont know anything about how cameras work at all.

Understanding how cameras work and enjoying photography are two different things. I think its great to be passionate about something.

If Im remembering correctly, you said that you usually like to take pictures of landscapes right? Do you take pictures of other stuff, like people?

Ehh!?

Sakura backed up quickly, in the blink of an eye. Did I ask an inappropriate question?

I thought that I had asked her something completely natural. Does she take pictures of something else, or is her specialty in taking pictures of scenery or landscape only?

Sakura opened her mouth in shock as her body stiffened.

S-Secret.

I see. She doesnt want to give a detailed answer to someone like me.

T-That, thats because its very embarrassing

Sakura blushed and looked away in shame as she spoke. Is she taking pictures of something embarrassing?

It was a situation where my imagination ran wild with the possibilities, but it wouldve been rude to let that show on my face, so I had to bear with it.

Is that so? Anyways, sorry for this, but can I take a quick look around the store?

Are you looking for something?

I dont know if theres something Im looking for, or if theres just something on my mind.

Its fine if the two of you take a look around as well.

Then lets all go together. Right?

Y-Yes. Its my bad for having you come out and accompany me so I also have some free time.

It appears that both of them ended up deciding to come with me, though I was hoping they wouldnt.

Kushida and Sakura. Looking at the two of them walking side by side, I feel like the distance between them has shortened significantly over the course of today alone. I wish Kushida would share the secrets of how to do that with me.

The two of them engaged in some sort of girls talk, and in order to avoid disturbing them, I decided to make a check for what I was looking for. I opened up the contact list on my phone.

I had been exchanging my contact information with others recently due to a gambling thing that Ike occasionally forced me to participate in.

Though the number of contacts may be few, theres no doubt that my number of friends has been steadily increasing.

I went down to the S line in my contacts, selectedSotomura (The Doctor), and started a call.

Doctor, do you have a minute?

Hm? Tis quite unusual to be phoned by Ayanokouji-dono. What can I do for you?

The one on the other side of the call was Sotomura, nicknamed The Doctor. While his nickname makes it seem like he has a good head, in reality, hes just a passionate Otaku. He gathers information on a daily basis, covering a broad range of topics, from the latest bishoujo games to anime and manga.

That notebook computer youre always using was bought with points from the school, right?

It is so. I parted ways with 80,000 points. But what of it?

Theres something Im looking to buy in the electronic appliance store on campus.

I told him that I was already in the store and gave an outline of what I was looking for. I explained that although there were many similar products in front of me, I didnt know which one to pick.

While I think it would have been faster to just ask the clerk, that would have been met with various difficulties.

Ayanokouji-dono do you figure me as well acquainted with things of that nature?

Its fine if you dont know.

Wait a moment!

He called out to me as I was about to cut the call.

I do know. I used to have two of those things back at my parents house.

No way. You were making mischief like that back in middle school?

Dont misunderstand. At the time I was experimenting for the sake of foreign language studies.

Well then, if it turns out that I need it, is it fine for me to ask you to set it up?

Fufu, It has been entrusted. Someday, it might come to light that I, too, am in need of your assistance.

He was the right person in the right place. For things where I hold no expertise, theres always another person with detailed knowledge to fill the gap. I ended the call and turned to Kushida and Sakura.

Sorry, Ive kept you both waiting.

Youre already finished?

Im just previewing things today. I dont have enough points to buy any electronics anyways.

Huh?

Kushida abruptly stood still and stared at Sakuras face.

Sakura-san, have we ever met somewhere before?

Eh? N-No Not that I can remember, but-

Sorry. For some reason, when I looked at you just a second ago, I vaguely felt like I had seen you someplace before. Erm, if its alright with you, would you mind taking off your glasses?

Eeeh!? T-This is a bit! My eyesight is so bad that I cant see anything

Sakura refused Kushidas request while waving her hands from side to side in front of her.

Hey, lets get together sometime, Sakura-san. Not just you and me, but with other friends as well.

Thats

Sakura began to say something, but her words trailed off and she didnt make it to the end of her sentence.

It appeared that Kushida also felt it would be troublesome to ask again, so she didnt say anything in particular. No- perhaps she couldnt press the issue anymore?

Eventually, we ended up back at the spot where we met up in the beginning.

Um Thank you very much for today. Youve really become my savior.

No, no. Its not anything you need to be that thankful for. Moreover, Sakura-san, if its alright with you, could you speak normally? Its strange to use honorific language with classmates.

Sakuras choice of words definitely arent the type one would use with other classmates of the same grade.

However, this wasnt a very simple matter for Sakura, who appeared to be overwhelmed.

Im, not really doing it on purpose am I strange?

Im not saying youve done anything wrong. However, Id be happier if we could just speak casually.

Ah, y-yeah Understood- I mean I get it. Ill try my best.

Id expected her to refuse Kushidas suggestion, but Sakura ended up giving a response that made it seem like she had come to terms with it.

I wonder if this is how people get on good terms with one another, one step at a time.

Even against someone like Sakura, who barely left herself open to others, Kushida had managed to steadily shrink the distance between them.

You dont have to push yourself if you dont want to.

I-Its okay. Because I also

Sakura cast her eyes downwards as her words quietly trailed off, unable to reach my ears. However, she didnt appear to be feeling discomfort.

Kushida smiled in satisfaction and left things like that without pushing the matter any further.

I guess that was a tactful place to stop.

From the standpoint of someone whos weak at socializing, it would be appreciated for someone to be willing to take the lead and show them what to do, but on the other hand, if it becomes annoying or if you push them too much, they may end up pushing back.

Well then, see you guys at school.

Kushida spoke up and began moving the conversation towards ending things there for the day. However, unexpectedly, Sakura didnt move at all.

Hey!

Sakura raised her voice a bit and looked directly at both of us. When we returned her gaze, she quickly looked away.

About that thing with Sudou-kun As a thanks for today, I havent been completely honest but if its alright with you

She once again paused for a moment, and then clearly spoke the words.

About Sudou-kun. I, I may be able to cooperate

Sakura personally stated that she was an eyewitness of the incident.

Kushida and I exchanged glances with each other.

Sakura-san, are you saying that you saw Sudou-kuns fight with the other students?

Yeah I-I saw the entire thing. Even though I just happened to see it by chance it really is unbelievable, isnt it?

Thats not true. However, why are you bringing it up now? Its a completely wonderful thing to discuss, but I dont want you to overdo it. I didnt set things up today to make you feel like you owe us something.

Sakura seemed to be at a loss for words and shook her head from side to side.

The fact that shes chosen to speak up now of all times might be evidence that Sakura cares about Sudous situation more than anyone. It made me wonder if she wanted to cooperate and come forward with information to get a foothold on the situation.

Is it really okay? Youre not forcing yourself here, right?

Kushida asked the same thing that I had wanted to ask. She seemed to be thinking along the same lines that I was.

Sakura understood that Kushidas question came from a place of concern, so she nodded apologetically.

Its alright I think, I may end up regretting it if I keep silent. I also I dont want to be a burden to my classmates. But, if I was to speak out as an eyewitness, I would end up standing out anyway I just hate it Im sorry.

After offering many regret-filled apologies, Sakura promised Kushida that she would testify.

Thank you, Sakura-san. Sudou-kun will definitely be pleased to hear this!

Kushida grabbed hold of Sakuras hands, and Sakura responded to Kushida with a smile.

Was a new friendship born, right here and now? I wonder.

In any case, it was the moment Sudou had been hoping for. A witness had finally been found.