A hero who wants to help others wants to live a normal life - Chapter 33

Chapter 33   Tea Party with Seniors

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“Huh? Isn’t that…?”

“Could it be Amamiya-san?”

We had just finished the clan briefing and left the gymnasium. The meeting, which started after lunch, went on until about the same time the regular school day ended. Given that not only Japanese clans but also those from around the world had participated, it was understandable, and honestly, it finished sooner than expected.

After the briefing, we were about to head back to our classroom when we noticed a crowd gathered in the hallway. Curious, we approached and saw someone we recognized—someone who had been on stage earlier—Touka Amamiya.

“What’s she doing here?”

She was sitting next to a bench with snacks laid out and sipping tea in a leisurely manner. If she had the time to do that, she might as well go home and enjoy it in her own room. The person standing next to her, probably her bodyguard, looked a bit awkward too.

“She’s probably here for the clan briefing, right?”

“Yeah, obviously, but you’d think she’d go home right after it ended. Isn’t that what she usually does?”

Normally, she’s the type to just casually listen to people, then leave the moment the event is over. That’s her style. There’s supposed to be some clan recruiting going on, but there’s no way she’d stay behind for something so trivial.

“Yeah, maybe. But… from here, she seems like a perfectly respectable person.”

“Yeah, right? Even earlier, she handled the briefing well, so it’s not like she can’t do it.”

From a distance, she seemed totally normal. The way she was drinking her tea looked pretty elegant, too.

As we were thinking this, a cheer rose from the students who had gathered to watch her. She was waving at us. Despite not being able to see, she somehow knew we were there. Oh, right—she’s probably using her powers. I could see a glowing halo above her head.

“She’s waving at us… So, she’s definitely calling for you, right?”

“Yeah, probably. But I really don’t want to go over there. It’s definitely going to attract attention.”

My goal in life is to avoid standing out. There’s no way I want to walk over there with everyone staring. If I go now, I’m guaranteed to be the center of attention.

But, if I try to dodge this, I feel like it’s just going to lead to more trouble later.

“Yeah, it’ll be pretty noticeable… But what if we make it look like I’m the main focus instead? Maybe that’ll help?”

“…Looks like that’s our only option. I could try running, but she seems like the type who’d just barge into the classroom if I did.”

That person would definitely do it. Normally, she’s lazy and avoid taking action, but the moment she finds something interesting, she gets involved enthusiastically. It’s a hassle.

With no other choice, we left the area, changed our shoes at the lockers, and headed toward Senpai.

On the way, I could hear people saying things like, “What are they doing?” or “Who’s that?” As expected, we were drawing attention. I figured most people would understand if I pretended I was just accompanying Inori, but there’d probably still be some jealousy. Dealing with that would only make things worse, so the only option was to ignore it. Still, this was a real headache, courtesy of Senpai.

“Hey, hey! How’ve you been?”

Without a care in the world, Senpai greeted us cheerfully, completely oblivious to my inner frustrations. With such an innocent tone, it was hard to even think about complaining.

“We talked on the phone just the other day.”

“Yeah, but talking on the phone and meeting in person are totally different! I wanted to see you face-to-face. Oh no, Sei-chan, don’t make me say such embarrassing things!”

She placed a hand on her cheek and looked at me with a shy expression.

But there’s no way this person was feeling that kind of emotion.

“It’s good to see your brain’s as fried as ever. I’m relieved.”

I was genuinely relieved. After seeing her earlier, I was starting to think she was completely different from her usual self—like I was imagining things or that something had gone wrong with her. But it turned out she was just putting on an act, and realizing that made me feel better.

“So mean!”

“Well, your speech earlier was so impressive that I was worried you weren’t the Senpai I knew. I’m glad I can put that fear to rest.”

“Really? Well, I’m glad you’re not worried anymore!”

“…Yeah, I guess so.”

Is this really the same person? She didn’t even catch the sarcasm.

“Hey, bro, she doesn’t realize she’s being insulted.”

“What can you do? That’s just how she is.”

It’s concerning that she doesn’t get it, but in a way, that’s what makes her herself, and it’s oddly reassuring.

“I can hear you, you know. If you’re going to talk behind my back, do it somewhere I can’t hear. Actually, don’t talk behind my back at all!”

She was clearly annoyed, with her brows furrowed, but the way she dragged out her words made it impossible to take her seriously.

“So, why are you here?”

“Didn’t I already say? I came because I wanted to see you! Oh, and I wanted to see Ino-chi, too.”

She called Inori “Ino-chi,” but it sounded like she was saying “life,” which was confusing. I really wish she’d stop, though knowing her, she probably understood Inori’s situation and was just messing around.

“Hmm, well, to be serious for a moment, I just wanted to tell you to be careful because something might happen.”

“Something? What exactly might happen?”

“I don’t knooow. I was just told to pass on the message, so if you want the details, ask Mochi here!”

“Mochi…?”

It was a name I’d never heard before, but she must be referring to the person standing next to her. I’d never seen them before, so they must be new.

Well, even though I say “never,” I haven’t known Senpai that long—about five years at most. We’re not always together, and we don’t meet frequently, so it’s only natural that I wouldn’t recognize everyone around her.

“Nice to meet you. I’ve recently taken on the role of this fool’s caretaker. My name is Yuri Momochi. You must be Seiji Sahara and Inori Sahara.”

“Yes, that’s right, but…”

“A caretaker… You mean you’re her bodyguard, right? What happened to the last one?”

Whenever I met with Senpai before, there was always someone else looking out for her, more like a caregiver than a bodyguard. I figured they must’ve switched shifts or something, so I asked.

But the moment I did, the carefree atmosphere around Senpai shifted. Her usual lightheartedness faded, replaced by a serious and sorrowful air.

I realized too late that I’d touched on a sensitive subject. Senpai gulped down the tea she’d been holding, set the cup down, and looked up at the sky.

“Oh, her? She’s dead.”

Her words were uttered so nonchalantly, as if she didn’t care, but I knew better.

“…I see.”

Seeing her behave so differently from usual, that was all I could manage to say.

“Yeah, that’s right. She was such an idiot. She was old enough to retire and enjoy the rest of her life, but instead, she ended up dying at forty. Too young to go, really.”

“And the cause was, of course…”

“Those fools who were targeting me, of course. But even if they had, it wouldn’t have killed me. I might’ve gotten a bit injured at most, but she went overboard protecting me and ended up dead. Such a fool.”

Senpai’s ability is said to allow her to see through everything in the world—people’s hearts, even the future. It’s an incredible power. Having her as an ally is reassuring, but as an enemy, there’s no greater threat.

That’s why I’d heard she’s often been targeted, and it’s likely true. Which is why Senpai rarely leaves her room.

Part of the reason she stays inside is because she’s a recluse by choice, but it’s also what both the government and her clan prefer.

Even though she’s standing right in front of me now, acting as though nothing’s wrong, this current situation is actually the rare exception.