My Childhood Friend Who is My Girlfriend was Stolen by My Best Friend. From Now on, I'll Flirt with My Ex-Best Friend's Little Sister! - Chapter 8

Surveillance from The Family Restaurant

“Good luck with your part-time job, Toshi-kun.”

“Yeah, see you tomorrow.”

I wave my hand in the air, and Airi waves back at me in the same way.

If I head right at this intersection, I’ll reach my part-time job at my parents’ wagashi shop.

Airi’s house is just a left turn from here. This is where we usually part ways.

With a soft smile, Airi heads home. As I watch her walk away, I hide in the shadows and pull out my phone.

‘–where are you now?’

I send a brief message.

Immediately, I get a reply.

‘I’m near the arcade by the station. Can we meet up now?’

‘Yeah, I’ll head over.’

I turn around to meet up with Rinka-chan.

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“Senpai, over here.”

I hurry back to the station…but instead of going to the arcade, I go to a nearby family restaurant.

This family restaurant is like an oasis for students, they offer cheap Italian foods.

I find Rinka-chan seating at a window-side corner sear.

Sitting across her, I put my bag on the seat beside me.

“What about the second person?”

“He’s still inside the arcade. Probably playing the drum game or something.”

‘The second person’ refers to my former best friend. Shintaro, who is also Rinka-chan’s older brother.

Since we are acting as detectives right now, we decide to avoid calling our investigation targets by their real names.

Well, Rinka-chan is really into this whole thing. I’m just reluctantly going along with it.

“Well, let’s wait here for now.”

“Yeah. Would you like some anpan?”

(TN: Anpan is a Japanese sweet roll most commonly filled with red bean paste.)

“Did you forget we’re in a family restaurant?”

“But aren’t detectives only supposed to eat anpan?”

“Then what’s that half-eaten doria in front of you?”

(TN: is a type of rice gratin popular in Japan.)

“This is…ah! Senpai, would you like some too?”

“It’s fine. I’ll order something myself.”

“Don’t be shy. Here, ahh.”

Rinka-chan scoops up a bite with her spoon and brings it close to my mouth.

Blushing, I shake my head and call the waiter instead.

“Hmm. Senpai, are you worried about an indirect kiss? Even elementary school kids don’t care about that these days.”

“S-Sorry for being that guy. I happen to care a lot about stuff like that.”

“Well, that’s very cute and typical of Senpai.”

“S-Stop looking at me and watch outside. What if he leaves the arcade while you’re not paying attention?”

Rinka-chan, resting her chin on her hand, looks at me with an amused expression on her face.

Feeling embarrassed by her gaze, I quickly look away.

Soon after, the waiter arrives.

I decide to order from the drink bar, avoiding further awkwardness.

“I’ll go grab a drink. Do you want anything, Rinka-chan?”

“Okay, I’ll have iced tea.”

“Got it.”

I return to the table with drinks for both of us.

I place the iced tea in front of her and a coke in front of me.

“Thank you, senpai.”

Rinka-chan says so, taking a small sip.

“He still hasn’t come out?”

“Nope. At this rate, it’ll just look like you and I are on an after-school date.”

Rinka-chan teased.

“Yeah.”

“‘Yeah’? Come on, give me a better reaction! I was hoping for some kind of exaggerated expression like, ‘A d-date!?’”

“Just how complicated do you think my character is…ah.”

I let out a small sound in surprise as I spot someone.

Rinka-chan follows my gaze.

It’s Airi who I have parted ways with about thirty minutes ago.

She is still in her school uniform, walking briskly into the arcade.

“It seems like they are having an affair behind your back after all, Senpai.”

“…but there’s still a chance that she just randomly decided to go to the arcade.”

“That’s true, but I guess we’ll find out soon enough.”

“…my chest is starting to ache.”

I clutch my chest, trying to bear the pain deep within my heart.

As if worried about me, Rinka-chan gently holds both of my hands.

“It’s okay. You’re not alone, senpai.”

“…yeah. Thanks.”

Her reassurance makes me feel a little better.

If I were doing this alone, I’m sure I would’ve run away long ago.

“Ah, look, senpai. They’re coming out.”

“They’re…holding hands, aren’t they?”

Airi and Shintaro come out of the arcade.

The two of them are walking side by side, at a distance only lovers would share.

“Anyway, let’s take a picture for now.”

Rinka-chan says so as she pulls out her phone and snaps a photo of them from a distance.

I’m just staring blankly at them.

Suddenly, the flash goes off in my direction.

“Why are you taking a picture of me?”

“Thought I might as well take a picture of you too, senpai.”

“Delete it right now.”

“No way! Ah, in return, you can take a picture of me as well.”

Rinka-chan makes a peace sign, preparing for her photo to be taken.

I sigh lightly and say,

“I’m not taking your picture. Besides, we need to go or we’ll lose track of them.”

“You’re right. Wait, senpai!”

“Huh?”

“Aren’t they…coming this way?”

I follow Rinka-chan’s gaze.

Sure enough, they are heading straight toward the family restaurant we are in.

“W-What should we do? We can’t escape now.”

“W-Well, luckily, we’re in a corner booth. If we just stay still, I don’t think they will find out about us…that’s my wishful thinking, at least.”

As Rinka-chan said, we are sitting in a corner booth.

As long as we don’t do anything conspicuous, I think the chances of being spotted by them are low.

Suddenly, the bell of the family restaurant’s front door rings.

I glance over and see Airi and Shintaro.

What should we do if we’re discovered…