Come, Towards the Sound of Applause (2)

(…Why, did it end up like this?)

(I got lost along the way after Kuguri-san slipped out of my sight for just a split second. All because I dropped my phone…!)

Hey, are ya listenin’? You’re the person who bumped inta me! I’ll make ya pay double!

(I’m getting caught up in something again…!)

We’ve been eatin’ out too much, so we’ve drained Big Bro’s Pay¹ account balance down to zero. At this rate, we’ll end up havin’ to walk all the way back to Chiba. Isn’t that a reaaaal shame?

Th-that’s probably better for your health…

(He grabbed my arm, and there’s no one around to call for help… This isn’t good.)

(I need to get out of here, but I’m at a 2v1 disadvantage–)

That’s enough. Can’t you tell you and your wild behavior is ruining the city’s scenery?

Huuuh? The hell’s up with you? Get the fuck outta my way!

Oh my, it seems like you’re deaf too.

Or are you doing this on purpose to annoy me?

Hah? Don’t spout nonsense you–gh!

Wh…?! My punch… he caught it? Wh-what’s with this guy… h-he didn’t even flinch!

Fine. If that’s how you want it… I’ll stick around until you’re blubbering and begging for mercy.

There’s lots of ways to tame a dog. Maybe after “shake”, I’ll teach you to “sit”?

Tch… Fine, I’ll give ya back your phone! Next time I see you, you’d better pay up!

Don’t you forget that!

What a cliche way to say goodbye. If you’re going to throw around insults, at least make it more exciting.

(Did Kuguri-san just… come to my rescue?)

Oh? What are you doing here, cica²?

Do not act like you haven’t noticed I’ve been following you this whole time.

Fufu… Once I saw your lovely face I really couldn’t help but play along.

Congrats on reaching your goal. Are you going to return that handkerchief to me now?

(So you really did drop it on purpose!)

It was so much fun being under your careful gaze, cica. What a nice date.

How about a real date?

Huh?

Consider it my way of saying thank you for returning what’s mine. I’ll take you somewhere nice. Now, come.

Hey, w-wait…!

(I didn’t think there’d be a bar in a place like this. The ambiance and interior design are so nice.)

Welcome back, Domeki-sama.

Hey there. As usual, table for two.

(I wonder if he’s a regular here. Seems like he knows the owner…)

I’ll treat you to a glass of my favorite Hungarian wine today, cica.

Th-that’s alright. I can pay for it myself.

(Kuguri-san treating me… is kinda scary…)

Hey… Kuguri-san, your arm is hurt.

Oh. I had maintenance³ done on it today, but I suppose it’s because of those delinquents from earlier.

This isn’t a big deal. Having scratch marks left on your body is like having a cute way to resist.

…It’s because you protected me. I’m so sorry.

Not only that, but I haven’t thanked you for that yet either. So, thank you for helping me.

Hm. I’m not so sure I know what you’re talking about.

If you’re trying to say that I was injured because of you… then you should be able to accept me treating you, no?

…I guess so. I’ll accept it then.

Thanks for waiting. There you go, enjoy.

Thank you… Ooh, this is really good！

Isn’t it? Tokaji⁴ wine has a smooth flavor and it’s quite easy to drink.

This bar certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to Hungarian wine.

(Today was a rollercoaster… but I think I’ve seen a different side of Kuguri-san that I couldn’t see before.)

…Fufu.

Wh-what is it?

You were looking for hidden gems in HAMA today, weren’t you?

I’ve tried to share a few places myself… but I find this particular bar to be my favorite.

You can show it off all you’d like, but let’s keep the wine as our little secret, alright?

G-got it.

(Oh. Wait a second.)

(Kuguri-san knew what I was up to this whole time?! I didn’t tell anyone about my research!)

Mhm, delicious. Tonight’s drink seems especially exquisite.

(…Nevermind. Kuguri-san really is a mystery.)