After we finished exploring the basement, we returned to the study room. Not to study this time, but to talk about the book I borrowed from Ayame-san.
For most of the story, I still hadn't fully grasped the plot. Honestly, it wasn't until Ayame explained the details that everything started making sense. After re-reading those parts, I finally began to appreciate how interesting the story actually was.
"Here, Ayame-san. Thanks for lending me the book. Finishing it feels like one of my biggest accomplishments."
"And? Did you enjoy it?"
"That's... hard to say, honestly. I'm not into reading, and I really struggled to understand everything."
"I see... well, thanks for returning it." — I could see a hint of disappointment in her eyes.
"But—do you know what I really enjoyed? Talking with you about the story."
"Eh!? What do you mean?"
"Like I said before—it's like gossiping about someone's life, even if it's fictional. And when you explained the hidden parts of the plot? That blew my mind. I really enjoyed that."
"Fufu~ then I guess it was worth recommending. So... do you want another book?"
"Yeah, of course!" — I answered without hesitation. No way I'd risk making her sad.
"Okay, I'll find something more suitable for you. Let me see—"
"Ayame-sama, Madam is calling you." — Sasaki-san appeared at the door.
"Understood. Tomoki-kun, feel free to use this room while I'm gone. I'll be right back."
"Sure. Don't worry."
As she left with Sasaki-san, I picked up the notes she had given me and started re-reading them. For some reason, I felt kind of motivated to study again.
"You're a diligent student, boy." — A familiar voice came from behind me. Elian-san.
"Not really, sir. I'm just trying not to waste all the effort Ayame-san put into helping me."
"It seems you really trust her... even after everything I told you. Or perhaps you don't believe me?"
"I believe you, sir. But even if everything you said is true, I won't suddenly change how I treat Ayame-san. It'd be rude, especially after all she's done for me."
"That's what worries me, Morikawa-san." — he said softly.
"..."
"I felt the same once. I truly believed Akane was kind and gentle... but I was wrong. She's selfish—and dangerous. By the time I realized it, it was already too late. The more I see you, boy, the more you remind me of my younger self. I just don't want to see you make the same mistakes."
When he talked about his past... yeah. There are definitely some similarities between us. He even explained the real reason behind the male scholarship. It's unsettling when you stop to think about it.
Maybe I'm just being naive? Ryuichi did say I'm careless sometimes. And given the situation in this world, I guess it's not a surprise.
But am I really the one the Edomae family is after? Just because I don't fear or mistreat women? Look at me—I wouldn't be surprised if I ended up disappointing them.
Still, no matter what Elian-san says, I'm not changing my view of Ayame-san.
"Sir, I still believe Ayame-san is an amazing person. Even if everything you told me is true, it doesn't change the fact that she helped me. I want to repay that someday."
"You really are like me when I was young. Then let me ask you—do you really know my daughter?"
"What do you mean?"
"Tell me—what do you know about her?"
"Well… she's beautiful, smart, and kind."
"Anyone could say that. Do you know her favorite food?"
"No, sir. I've never asked."
"What about what she was like before high school?"
"I… don't know."
"What does she enjoy doing?"
"That I do know. She likes reading."
"What kind of books?"
"Romance. She even lent me her favorite one."
"I see… by the way, do you like manga or light novels?"
That came out of nowhere. But to be honest, I think I'd find manga or light novels easier to enjoy than thick books full of plain text. However, since I don't usually read them, I can't say for sure.
"No, sir."
"Fufufu… then you really don't know anything about her."
"Excuse me?"
"Don't you get it? She's only showing you her best side, just like Akane did to me."
"Sorry, I don't follow."
"I heard she gave you a full tour of the house. But there's one place she didn't show you."
"And that would be…?"
"Her bedroom. Don't you think a real friend would show their room—hang out there, study, play games?"
"Well… for a man to enter a girl's room… it'd be kind of rude…"
"What do you mean?"
Oh. Right. Different worlds again.
"Never mind, sir. Just confused for a second."
"I'm telling you, you don't know anything about her. And before you realize it, you'll be caught in her trap. Trust me—I know my daughter. She's just like her mother. Besides, do you know how I heard about your classmate's confession? It was Sasaki—"
"Fa…ther…" — Talk about the worst timing.
"Hello, Ayame. I was just chatting with your friend. Since he's close to you, I thought he deserved to know the truth. Don't you agree?"
"…Why…"
"Anyway, I'll be leaving now."
And just like that, he walked out, leaving only Ayame-san and me in the room.
"Hey, Ayame-san… uh, is everything okay with your mom?"
"Eh!? Oh… yeah… yeah, hehe… it's all fine." — She tried to smile, but I could tell she was shaken. Her face had gone pale. What should I do?
"Nice, that's good to hear. You know, whenever my mom calls me, it's usually because I messed something up. Like eating the snacks she hid or forgetting to turn on the rice cooker she asked me to. Oh! Speaking of, remember when you gave me a ride? She totally scolded me for not messaging. Crap! The message!"
I quickly grabbed my phone and sent a text. I hope Mom forgives me.
After hitting send, I looked over at Ayame-san.
"..." — She remained silent.
Okay, let's keep going. Let's try.
"So, Ayame-san, do you want—"
"Sorry… I'm going to my room. Don't worry, I'll be back soon."
And then—of course—Sasaki-san showed up. Talk about the worst timing.
"Ayame-sama? Is something wrong? I can handle things here so you can stay with Morikawa-sama."
"I... I trusted you..." — she mumbled, her voice barely holding together.
"Sorry, Ayame-sama?"
"I trusted you!" — she yelled, crying, then ran off toward her room.
"Ayame-sama!"
Sasaki-san looked ready to run after her but hesitated, not wanting to leave me alone out of consideration.
"Morikawa-sama… did something happen?"
I told her only the part Ayame had overheard. I don't think sharing everything about Elian-san's story would help.
"I see. Thank you for telling me."
"No problem."
"Morikawa-sama, may I ask you a favor?"
"Of course."
"Could you talk to Ayame-sama?"
"Gladly."
She guided me to Ayame-san's room. Just as I was about to knock—
"If you do this, it's the point of no return, kid." — Elian's voice echoed from the hallway. — "Let me tell you one last time… you don't know anything about her."
I turned and gave him a small, calm smile.
"That makes two of us. None of you know anything about me either."
And I knocked on her door.
...
"Boy… you really underestimate the Edomae family's obsession."