Chapter 51: Understanding a Person

In another corridor, Seto Saori and Higashiyama Rine walked side by side in silence for a while before Higashiyama Rine spoke up first.

"Did that guy plan to do this from the beginning?"

Although the words were somewhat unclear, Seto Saori understood.

"It seems so. After all, he asked me last night if I was willing to forgive you."

"Did he already know it was me at that time?"

"He probably did, but he didn't reveal your name. He just asked if I was willing to forgive the person who framed me."

"I see... What was your answer at that time?"

"My answer was 'I don't know.' After all, I knew nothing about the culprit, so I didn't know the answer to the question myself."

"Then why did you eventually agree?"

"Well, I'm not really sure. There wasn't any particular reason, and I didn't expect to gain anything from it. Maybe I just wanted to do it."

"..."

"But it seems like that guy knew a lot about you from the beginning, whether it was your actions, motives, or your true nature. And he also knew that I would eventually agree."

"Probably. After all, the principal's actions were most likely influenced by what he did. He had already realized something and decided to take responsibility for what he had done. But in the end, he completely disrupted it. He really knows everything, even though he's just a stinky otaku."

"Yeah, he's just a stinky otaku."

The two of them smiled at each other.

But someone innocent was unfortunately caught in the crossfire.

After the two of them disappeared around the corner, a girl with coffee-colored hair and snow-white skin appeared from a hidden place. This girl was the new president of the school's detective club, Katsuragi Remi. She was known as the modern-day Holmes.

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The scene returned to the meeting room.

Although Arashi Manami wanted to know how Amagi Ryuto managed to make Hito Jun do what he did, even if she asked, he probably wouldn't give an honest answer.

"When did Amagi-kun start to know that the culprit wasn't Seto-san?"

"When? Probably from the beginning."

"From the beginning?"

"It was just a coincidence. I saw her working somewhere while I was on the way."

What exactly was this emotion occupying her heart right now?

As she thought about it, her mouth naturally opened.

"Just because of that?"

"After all, she's the type who works diligently to earn money. Even if she needed money, she wouldn't take someone else's, so she must have earned it through work."

"So, the reason you didn't say it from the beginning was to confirm it further?"

"Ah, or maybe I was just hesitating. After all, I was just an observer... And if I didn't know anything, I wouldn't have the right to act. It would only harm the people around me and even lead to unimaginable consequences. After everything happened, I wouldn't be able to console myself with 'I didn't expect it to turn out like this.' I couldn't do that."

This feeling wasn't surprise, but something else, Arashi Manami asserted in her heart.

"So, how did you get to know her, Amagi-kun? You've only been in the same class for a few days."

Although she asked, she seemed to know the answer herself. She just couldn't say it. That's what Arashi Manami thought.

"It doesn't matter how long we've known each other because... to understand a person, you don't listen with your ears or see with your eyes. You see with your heart."

Seeing a person's true nature with your heart?

Then, maybe I... Arashi Manami couldn't help but think that, but she desperately suppressed her emotions at this moment.

However, my thoughts were suddenly interrupted.

"Oh, Manami Senpai."

"What is it?"

"I have something to ask you."

A few seconds later.

"There shouldn't be a problem with this, but why does Amagi want to do this?"

"Probably just to make up for it. After all, I lost her job, so I should find another job for her, and it has to be allowed by the school."

"So he wants her to work at the library part-time, and also catch up on her missed classes. Is that what Amagi wants?"

"Maybe."

Ryuto turned around and prepared to leave.

"Wait, Amagi, can I ask one more question?"

"......"

"Is the current Amagi really the original Amagi?"

Arashi Manami said something that didn't make sense.

Ryuto neither turned around nor looked back.

"Who knows."

Leaving only this plain statement, he left.

Arashi Manami, who remained in place, could only smile slightly with a hint of helplessness and softly said, lost in thought.

"It's really asking the obvious, isn't it..."

It seems that Amagi can see certain things that we can't.

Arashi Manami couldn't help but think this, but she was never surprised by it, as if she had known it from the beginning, understanding his thought process, actions, and the essence of Amagi Ryuto.