You’re Right, They’ll Expel Me if I Run into the Store with a Weapon!! - Chapter 64: Is My Outfit Weird?

“Sorry to keep you waiting… The Juicy Hamburger Curry goes to…”

“It’s me.”

“Y-Yes! Then here you go.”

The moment the waiter hesitated in his words was probably due to the surprise at Suzuko’s appearance. Still, he smoothly placed the plate on the table, inserted the bill into the tube, and completed his job before quickly disappearing.

…Yeah, sorry.

“I felt like apologizing to that waiter.”

“Why?”

Should I give this guy a chop for playing dumb?

While entertaining such a thought, I took the fork and knife in my hands.

“Well, never mind. But,”

I have to say this no matter what.

“I’m definitely going to make you buy some ‘normal’ clothes.”

“It’s okay. As long as I’ve got my hat and some dark sunglasses, I’m good.”

She desires a fashion that hides her face. Who does she think she is, a Hollywood actress? I felt like retorting. But if it means she’ll take off that parka, then I didn’t care anymore.

As I was thinking this and eating, suddenly, a call came through.

From Suzuko,

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay. But shouldn’t you answer that?”

At those words, Suzuko shrank a little.

“…Yeah… So I’m not going to answer… Absolutely not.”

Her voice carried a slight irritation, causing Hiroki to pause his meal.

“Documents? I don’t need them… It won’t change anything, so goodbye.”

The girl firmly ended the call with those final words.

“You seem upset, what’s wrong?”

Suzuko’s feelings were clearly showing. Hiroki asked her about it.

“I was asked by the school.”

“Asked?”

Well, I can guess, but I still want to know.

“They told you to come to school?”

“No.”

Huh, not that? I thought it was the usual call for a truant student, but it seems I was mistaken.

“They want me to participate in an event.”

“Promotion?”

“Yes. They want my abilities… But I don’t want to.”

It’s a high hurdle for a shut-in. Suddenly being thrust onto a big stage. If I were in Suzuko’s shoes, I would definitely refuse.

“Even if they send me detailed documents, it’s troubling…”

During that, Suzuko’s pocket vibrated with a notification.

“Seems like you’re really frustrated.”

Suzuko spoke while cutting the meat with her fork and knife again.

“I’m only doing the absolute minimum required of me, yet they still ask me for more…”

“It’s more like research than a mission.”

“My abilities are considered quite convenient, so I’m given corresponding recognition. But even so, I only do the bare minimum.”

She continued to express her intentions while munching on her food.

“I want to play games. But if even that time is reduced, I will go on a rampage.”

“Just don’t take it out on me.”

“If you play games with me, I won’t complain.”

Huh? Did we just establish a weird relationship?

“But recently, the school tried to assign me a peculiar mission, claiming I was the perfect candidate.”

“Mission?”

Not research, but a mission. A mission that they thought a shut-in like Suzuko was the best fit for. This piqued a bit of interest.

“What kind of mission was it?”

“Surveillance. Form a team with the target, move next to their home, build a friendly relationship, and watch to make sure they don’t do anything dangerous.”

“…Why would they choose you for that?”

I wondered why such a task would come to Suzuko. It seemed more fitting for a properly functioning person to handle it.

But before I could voice that thought, Suzuko spoke up.

“But now, I feel strongly that it was good to decline that mission.”

“Why?”

At that question, Suzuko lifted the corners of her mouth in a smile.

“Because I didn’t move, I have what I have now.”

“…Yeah, I don’t get it at all.”

Despite the mysterious way she spoke, Suzuko’s smile was undeniably charming.

“Besides, someone else has taken over that mission completely, so I won’t hear anything more about it.”

Satisfied with her statement, Suzuko stuffed an especially large piece of meat into her mouth.

“Mm… That means I can keep enjoying games with Hiroki as much as I want.”

“Wait a minute, that’s only when I’m free. Today is a special case, but usually, it’s a maximum of two hours a day.”

“A rule for kids? If that’s how it’s going to be…”

“If that’s how it’s going to be?”

“To Hiroki’s house…”

“Don’t even think about finishing that sentence!”

A weird chill ran through me, and I interrupted her. Is it my imagination, or has the lack of common sense in a shut-in somehow become endearing?

“But we’ve talked too much. Let’s eat before it gets cold.”

“There’s no need to rush.”

“Our time to choose clothes will decrease.”

Seemingly oblivious, Suzuko continued to chew slowly. Isn’t she moving even slower instead of hurrying up?

“This girl… Ahh, I’m going to the restroom.”

“Take care. Try to make it back before sunset.”

“How far do you think it is?”

Was this her idea of being playful? I became acutely aware that Suzuko was, for better or worse, a bit unusual.

For now, I responded to Suzuko’s jest and stood up from my seat.

“Make sure you’ve eaten two-thirds of it by the time I get back.”

“I’m not planning on becoming a competitive eater, you know.”

It really hit me how unique she was.

With that thought and a smile, I headed to the restroom…

…

◆

Without reacting to Suzuko’s question, Hiroki swiftly returned to his seat, burying his face in his arms and leaning heavily on the table.

“Hiroki, are you sleepy?”

“…Sorry, Suzuko. Please finish eating quickly.”

“Why?”

“Please. I’ll even hang out with you tonight.”

With those words, Suzuko began to move. Chewing vigorously, as if motivated by the promise of a later reward, Suzuko energetically engaged both her mouth and hands.

However, during this time, Hiroki didn’t touch his own plate at all. It wasn’t merely that he didn’t touch his plate; he was unable to.

“Why are you here… Shiori?”

In a whisper too soft for Suzuko to hear, Hiroki muttered to himself.