Chongzong successfully passed the entrance exam for Donhon High School and got a score higher than expected. Usagi Yui also passed the entrance exam for Donhon High School, but with a lower score.
As for Eiji Hayamizu, he was also admitted to Riban Industrial High School as he wished, and his score far exceeded the minimum requirement for the school. In fact, his score was even good enough to apply for Donhon High School.
However, since he had already chosen Riban Industrial High School as his first choice, changing schools would be a hassle. Eiji Hayamizu, who wanted to avoid trouble, decided to stay at Riban Industrial High School. After all, if he switched schools, he might have to take another exam, and Eiji Hayamizu wasn't sure if he could perform at the same level as he did this time.
The exam season finally came to an end. Some people stayed together, while others went their separate ways, but everyone was still in Kyoto, so friendships were expected to remain strong despite attending different schools.
Afterwards, it was time to resolve the outstanding issues that had been left behind.
It was evening, and the place was a small ramen shop tucked away in an alley.
Chongzong and Eiji Hayamizu had been to this shop once before and happened to run into their teacher, Ayaki Mayumi, when they left.
Although the location was remote, the taste of the ramen was rich and it had been a well-established shop for over ten years.
The couple behind the cooking counter were still busy as ever.
"Boss, I'll have the usual."
"Boss, I'll have the same as him, but I want extra spring onions."
Chongzong, who was visiting for the second time, seemed like a regular customer. The elderly woman, with her silver hair, still had a good memory. She smiled and repeated the order to her husband, "Old man, two bowls of char siu pork bone ramen, noodles cooked firm and chewy, with two extra slices of char siu. One bowl with spring onions, the other without."
The couple worked in perfect harmony, and the old man shouted to show he had taken the order.
For them, who had become extremely skilled, they didn't need to write down the order; their strong memories were enough.
"Hayami, we've been forgetting something important... for a long time."
Chongzong glanced at the handwritten menu on the wall and spoke softly to Eiji Hayamizu.
"Oh yeah, we were too focused on the entrance exams."
Eiji Hayamizu, who also went along with Chongzong, didn't look at him and stared blankly ahead.
"I left enough food and necessities for that woman. After the exams, I visited her once and everything seems fine."
Upon hearing this response, Chongzong was genuinely shocked. He didn't expect Eiji Hayamizu, who had always been laid-back and casual, to handle this difficult situation so well, especially since he had made a mistake and had no hope left.
He couldn't help but glance at Eiji Hayamizu beside him, realizing that he might have underestimated this young man.
"Hahaha, what's wrong? You're so surprised you can't even speak?"
Eiji Hayamizu was very satisfied with Chongzong's surprised reaction and happily played with his cup.
After teasing him enough, he spoke slowly.
"Well, it's just because I'm used to taking care of that woman. It's become a habit, so I didn't really put much thought into it."
Sokui smiled cunningly, and Chongzong immediately understood.
"Two young gentlemen, two bowls of char siu tonkotsu ramen, one with scallions and one without. Please enjoy."
The old lady naturally handed over the two bowls of ramen in the gap between their conversation.
With the business concluded, the two of them began to happily enjoy the rare and delicious ramen.
After the meal, Chongzong and Eiji Hayamizu walked out of the alley together.
They didn't encounter Teacher Ayaki Majimi this time, but it reminded them of the previous incident. There was no progress in their conversation at the moment, and the air became silent, creating a somewhat awkward atmosphere.
They both had the same thought: say something quickly.
"Cough, well, the exams are over now. What are you going to do next, Mr. Uesugi?"
Sokui brought up the topic, partly to defuse the awkwardness, and partly because it was time to talk about that thing.
That thing had been weighing on his mind for a long time.
Sokui couldn't keep restraining that woman forever.
"Yeah, I was also planning to talk to you about that."
Chongzong subconsciously glanced around, saw nothing unusual, and then continued speaking with Sokui.
"Are you free tomorrow night, Sokui? Around seven-thirty...to eight-thirty?"
Sokui thought for a moment and replied.
"I don't think I have anything important. Yes, I'm going to see that woman too, right?"
"Yes, you're coming with me."
Upon hearing Chongzong's words, Sokui looked at him meaningfully.
"Okay, is there anything we need to prepare?"
"No, just make sure no one disturbs us. Thank you for your trouble."
"Geez, what's the point of saying thank you at this point? You weren't this polite before."
"See you tomorrow night then."
"Yeah."
At the intersection of the alley, the two of them went their separate ways.
Sokui proved to be reliable when needed.
Chongzong thought as he walked that he had underrated Sokui in the past.
Now, back to the main topic.
The interrogation of the woman of unknown origin had dragged on for a long time.
Partly because of time constraints, and partly because they lacked a means to solve this matter.
To that end, Chongzong decided to bring someone along for the interrogation.
This person was neither an expert interrogator...
Nor a psychology specialist...
Just an ordinary little girl.
Her name was Yuki Uesugi.
