Chapter Thirty-Six: Kokomi Teruhashi’s Stalking Record (Part One)

Kokyo Shinmi wore a mask, tucked all her blue hair beneath the brim of a baseball cap, and hid her blue eyes behind sunglasses. Even her school uniform was concealed beneath a deliberately baggy tracksuit, making her look like a tabloid reporter as she quietly tailed Aoki Tsukasa.

When Aoki disappeared into the kendo hall, Kokyo refused to give up. With dogged determination, she found something to stand on and peered through the window at the edge of the hall, spying on Aoki from a distance.

Inside, Aoki seemed to be having an animated conversation with a bespectacled boy. After a while, the kendo club captain, Saeko Busujima, approached Aoki and started chatting with him.

“Damn it...” Kokyo instinctively narrowed her eyes, her heart pounding with alarm. She knew Saeko Busujima—an incredibly popular beauty in her second year, not only stunningly attractive and modest but also the ace of the kendo club, renowned for her strength.

Studying Saeko’s slightly upturned eyes and the mature, subtly seductive aura she gave off, Kokyo couldn’t help but smack the wall lightly in frustration. “That older woman...”

Then, recalling certain rumors about Saeko, Kokyo’s nerves eased a little. She’d heard that Saeko was always impeccably polite to everyone but kept a distance from all—surely, with Aoki, she was only making polite conversation.

But soon, Kokyo’s expression clouded once more.

After only a few words, Saeko and Aoki donned protective gear and started sparring. Aoki seemed to be struggling, but Kokyo was still taken aback. So Aoki was this highly regarded in the kendo club... Not just anyone could practice with the club’s captain!

As she watched Aoki and Saeko duel for several minutes, until Aoki sat on the floor, breathless, and Saeko kindly brought him warm water, both of them smiling radiantly, Kokyo’s eyes narrowed again.

No, something isn’t right... She felt a strange, uncomfortable pang deep in her chest—a flicker of jealousy, perhaps. The realization startled her: Could it be that I like this bald-headed guy?

Oh, heavens!

Kokyo’s mind was suddenly in turmoil. Why was she feeling this way? Could it be that she...

Impossible! Absolutely impossible! A perfect beauty could never have a boyfriend!

I’m just worried about him, that’s all! Yes, this is nothing but the compassion any perfect girl should possess!

Kokyo’s thoughts tangled themselves into a mess, and she stood there so long her legs grew sore, watching as Aoki finally set aside his gear and wooden sword and left the kendo hall.

She resumed her stealthy pursuit.

This time, Aoki headed straight into the supermarket.

“What? He buys groceries and cooks too?” Kokyo watched in amazement as Aoki navigated the bustling crowd of middle-aged women, selecting vegetables with practiced care, bargaining with a fierce look that earned him several discounts. It was obvious he did this regularly.

With mixed feelings, Kokyo watched Aoki head home. She lingered at his door for a long while, hesitated, then suddenly brightened as an idea struck her. She rang the doorbell.

The door opened with a soft click.

Aoki appeared, looking utterly bewildered at the sight of a girl in sportswear, water still dripping from his hands—he’d clearly been washing vegetables.

“And you are...?” Aoki asked cautiously.

Kokyo removed her sunglasses and mask, feigning surprise. “Oh? Aoki, you live here?”

“Uh...” Aoki blinked in confusion. “Is it strange that I’d live here?”

“No, no, isn’t this Kasugano’s house?” Kokyo’s face was the picture of innocent confusion, revealing nothing of her careful scheming.

Aoki nodded, curiosity piqued. “How did you know? Yes, this is the Kasugano home. I’m staying here for now.”

“We’re classmates with Kasugano!” Kokyo exclaimed as if just realizing it. “Didn’t you know, Aoki? And... what’s your relationship with Kasugano?”

Seeing the chilly air outside, Aoki invited Kokyo in before answering. As she took off her shoes, he explained, “For some reasons, I have to stay at the Kasugano house for now. Sora is kind of like a little sister to me.”

“Oh, I see... I just came by to check on Kasugano. She’s been unwell, and the teachers are worried about her studies,” Kokyo said with a bright smile, following Aoki into the living room. She glanced around at the tidy room. “Where are Mr. and Mrs. Kasugano?”

Aoki motioned for her to sit at the dining table and, opening the fridge, said politely, “Uncle is away on a business trip, and Aunt had to return to the countryside for a while. So it’s just me and Sora at home right now. Would you like orange juice, cola, or maybe some tea?”

“Orange juice is fine.” Kokyo discreetly surveyed the vegetables piled in the kitchen sink and suddenly asked, “So you’ve been looking after Kasugano all this time?”

“Yeah... though I wouldn’t call it looking after her, really. I just make breakfast and dinner for Sora, that’s all. She’s a good kid.” Aoki smiled politely. “You haven’t eaten yet, have you, Kokyo? Would you like to join us?”

“Of course!” Kokyo, who had planned for this all along, answered without hesitation, making Aoki’s expression a little odd—he usually didn’t cook for three, but since they had enough ingredients, he could easily prepare an extra dish.

“Oh, right, you’re here to see Sora. I’ll go ask if she wants to come down,” Aoki said, placing the orange juice in front of Kokyo before heading upstairs to knock on Sora’s door.

“Sora, Kokyo Shinmi is here to see you. Why don’t you come down and say hello?” No sooner had Aoki spoken than the sound of a crash and Sora’s pained yelp came from inside the room.

“Sora? Are you okay?” Aoki knocked anxiously.

“I’m fine...” Inside, Sora clutched her shin where she’d bumped into the table, her eyes red with pain and her face pale with panic. Why is she here?

If Aoki finds out I’ve been investigating him behind his back...

Will he hate me for it?

Sora’s face drained of all color.