Come, Towards the Sound of Applause (1)

(I knew it. It really was a good idea to come to the city today. A lot of newer shops have opened since my last research trip here! I should gather information on hidden gems for HAMA Tours too…)

Alright, next stop— Huh?

(Over in the crowd there, is that… Kuguri-san?)

Oh! Kuguri-san, you dropped your handkerchief! …Aaand he’s gone.

(Actually, Kuguri-san has always been the type to disappear out of the blue. I don’t have any idea what he does on his days off.)

(Even on one of his more recent days off, Kuguri-san wasn’t around and nobody on the Evening Team knew where he was.)

Huh? You wanna know what Kugurin does on his days off? Chii’s got no clue. What about you, Taotao?

I don’t really know either… I look away from him for a second, and he’s gone.

Yeah. Not only that, but if you do ask him where he’s gone, he won’t tell you.

Commencing search for “Possible Activities on Domeki Kuguri’s Day Off”.

…Relevant information unavailable. I can conduct additional research if you’d like, Master.

(I’m really curious about what he’s doing… and I still need to give him back his handkerchief, so I’ll follow him!)

I think he went this way…

Oh, there he is! Heeeeey, Kuguri-saaaaan…!

(He should be able to hear me from here. That’s weird.)

Kuguri-san, wait uuuuup!

(He didn’t even bat an eye at me…)

Huh? I never knew there was a cafe here. I smell coffee…

Oh hello there, youngun. Are you out on a walk?

Yo, lány¹. You’re looking as lively as ever.

Oh, you know it! See for yourself, I’ve been doing my daily squats!

Anyhoo… you always look so lovely. Where do you buy your clothes?

That’s a secret.

You always seem to want to pry into my business every time you see me, lány. Have you perhaps… fallen for me?

Oh my! Don’t tease your elders now… How about some coffee? Would you like to stay for a while?

No, I have plans later. I’ll stop by to visit another time.

(Ah, he’s leaving. I have to catch up!)

This place…I’ve never been here before.

(Looks like there’s a bunch of stores selling handmade clothing and accessories here. I’m in awe just looking at them.)

Kyaaah! Kuguri?! I-I-I-I can’t believe we’re meeting in a place like this!

Crap, my phon–No, wait! Shouldn’t I admire him with my bare eye first?! Wh-wh-what should I do?!

Do whatever you’d like. What do you want to do to me?

I want to turn into a wall so that I can stare at you…!

(Subject aside, it looks like Kuguri-san can hold normal conversations with people.)

It’s time… See you later. Until fate brings us together again.

(This isn’t the time to stand around and be surprised. I need to catch up before I lose him!)

(Pant, pant…)

(I’ve been running around in so many circles… I’m starting to lose steam.)

(Not only that, but Kuguri-san walks so fast. I have to keep my stride or else I’ll lose sight of him…!)

(Oh, there! He’s looking this way. Maybe he finally noticed me this time…)

…Fufu.

(…No way. It was on purpose.)

(He noticed I was chasing him and he’s been running away on purpose this whole time!)