"Hidetomo."

"What is it, Sister?" Hidetomo looked up from the shelves where he was picking items.

"Nothing much."

Ruri watched expressionlessly as the person was led away outside the supermarket. She recognized them.

"Huh? Really nothing...?"

"Let's eat out tonight!"

"Eh? Not at home?"

"Brother won't be back for a while."

"...Is that so? Then let's go out! ...Hmm... that ramen shop! I haven't been there in ages!"

"Yo! If it isn't Chiyo-kun? Back for another police station visit?"

A scruffy-bearded middle-aged officer leaned out from his computer, grinning at me being escorted in.

"Officer Hisashiro, you know the real reason..." I said gloomily, pointing at Officer Tsukigawa ahead.

He shrugged helplessly.

I pursed my lips, glancing at his monitor as I passed.

—Tsk! Playing galgames again, as expected...

How does a cop glued to galgames all day keep his job here? Must be connections!

I thought bitterly. With colleagues like the gorgeous Officer Tsukigawa around, yet he wastes time on galgames—is he doomed to loneliness?

Soon, Officer Tsukigawa led me to a bare interrogation room, seating me at the far end.

I watched with a twitching eye.

What the hell?! Do I deserve this? I’m no criminal... Must they use an interrogation room just for my statement?!

...Though... in her eyes... I might be one.

Officer Tsukigawa sat behind the desk, pulling out pen and paper.

Beneath it, her crossed legs in black stockings gleamed under the dim light. I swallowed hard.

"Name?"

"Kamidou Chiyo."

"Gender?"

I gave her a pitying look.

Damn! Must she ask?!

"Female!"

"...Fe... what?!" She snapped her head up, shouting, "Obstructing official business, are you?!"

"Oh! Sorry, misspoke."

I brushed it off lightly. I’d done nothing truly awful—just a bit of tailing classmate Tsuchi.

...Hmm... tailing’s probably illegal too. Better keep quiet.

"Out with it! What were you scheming in that supermarket?!"

—Hey! Treating me like a real criminal?!

"I was just shopping with my brother Hidetomo. Ask him if you doubt me!" I said casually.

"Really?" Officer Tsukigawa eyed me suspiciously. "His contact?"

—Hey! Gathering evidence?! I’m no suspect!! You know my situation!!

I stayed calm-faced despite the mental rant. Hidetomo was there—he’d cover for me with his high opinion.

I pulled my phone from my chest pocket, opened contacts, and handed her Hidetomo’s number.

At the ramen shop, Hidetomo slurped noodles when his phone rang from his backpack.

"Hidetomo, your phone."

"...Mmm... Sister... get it for me..." he mumbled, mouth full.

Ruri dug into his bag, pulled out the phone, saw "Dear Onii-chan" on screen, and silently answered.

"Moshi moshi?"

"... ..."

"Yes. Speaking."

"... ..."

"Supermarket? I wasn’t with him."

"... ..."

"Understood." Ruri nodded blankly as the call ended.

"Sister? Who was it?"

"Just a wrong number."

She deleted the call log and stuffed the phone back.

"I see..." Hidetomo nodded, resuming his meal.

In the interrogation room, shock froze my face hearing Ruri’s voice on speakerphone.

After her words, I slowly closed my eyes.

—Oh god! Why did Hidetomo’s call go to Ruri?!

(A mysterious voice: "Your god is out of service. Please try later...")

"Anything to add?! Every word now is court evidence!!"

Officer Tsukigawa hung up, lifting her head with a razor-sharp gaze.

—I did nothing! Why court evidence?!

"Of... Officer Tsukigawa, I’m innocent! A truly good citizen!!"

I pleaded with a gloomy face. She seemed set on punishing me to feel satisfied.

—What sin earned me this cursed system?!

...

I stepped out of the police station late at night, released after the brutal interrogation under Officer Tsukigawa’s impatience.

I truly committed no crimes!

Gazing at the pitch-black sky, I shook my head and sighed deeply. Today’s mission failed utterly... Revolution unfinished... I must strive harder...

"...Sigh... Better head home, wash up, and sleep..."