Volume 1 - CH 3.9

Chapter 3: This is not a date

Part 9

“But…Is that really okay? The link might spread, or someone other than the invited person might join?”

“Concerning that, I have already checked the personality of the consultant, I have countermeasures ready. And then, I change accounts and addresses every time. Also diversions when I see fit. With this, the secret will never leak. For extreme cases, I have blackmail materials prepared.”

[TN: So basically, account spammer, internet bully, blackmail…]

“Scary… Aren’t you a demon rather than an angel?” She pulled away.

“That’s rude. But, originally, Cupid isn’t exactly an angel.”

The images were similar, but angels are servants of God, while Cupid is the god of love himself. Well, not like most people would care.

“Then, why ‘Angel’?”

“Euphony. There’s nothing to call me besides the name. It would be lengthy if it’s Cupid, no?”

“This is unexpectedly complicated…” she groaned.

Ah, I’ve been called complicated. And she did have a point. It boils down to my personality, those kinds of things are.

“Ah…”

“Hn? What’s wrong?”

“Sorry… I just realized. What should I do in return for the consultation?”

“Ahh, you’re worried about that.”

Yeah, we hadn’t really settled this properly. Well, it has been like “Anything” was our condition, so I completely forgot about it.

“Like when or what for the compensation? A gift, money, or…”

“Stupid. If there’s something like that, I’d have told you from the start.”

“Eh? Then…?”

Then, of all things, she embraced herself coyly. The same as last time, her body pulled back, cheeks dyed red.

Please, stop that thinking already.

“I don’t need anything. Normal consultations are like this too.”

“O-oh? But, why?” She looked at me questioningly. “Even though it should be a lot of trouble…”

“It’s a bunch of trouble, yes. But I’m doing this because I want to. Besides, not asking for anything in return is actually convenient, all things considered.”

“How?”

“If I got something in return, we’re even, right? But if I got nothing, then the party will forever be indebted to the Angel. At the very least, they would think twice about telling others about the Angel. If I’m in deep water, I can ask for their help too.”

For example, if my identity is on the line, or when I need something sorted out.

“And hence, people who are indebted to the Angel are quite considerable. The more people the more reassuring, yeah?”

“Afterall, you’re the devil.” She shook her head as if to say “good grief”. How insolent.

“Well then, are we leaving yet?” She asked after we had checked once more time in the Purikura machine.

[TN: Purikura, Japanese-styled photo booth]

She bickered a bit, but I’ll leave out the details. The result was the same.

“Yup, you’re free to go. I still have something to do here, but you can leave here.”

“Oh, is that so?”

“Yeah, I’m watching a movie.”

“Hmm… A movie.”

The evening slot of the film I wanted to watch was about to start soon. There was no point in making her wait, so I let her go home first.

“Well then, thanks for today. Have a safe trip back.” I waved.

But she didn’t budge. “Hey…”

“Hm?”

“Can’t I… go with you?” 

She looked at me with pleading upturned eyes.

Like before, the destructiveness was interminable. Worse, it was with glasses version.

“By that you mean… to the movie?” I repeated.

“Y-yeah I’ve been all the way here… I haven’t been to a theater for quite some time.”

“It’s romance…”

“I thought the same… Yup, I want to.”

“It’ll be late. You don’t have a curfew?”

“I’m fine, I don’t have one anyway.”

“Okay…”

That was surprisingly lax. MInato herself was so upright I thought it was because of her family…

And with that, the two of us rode the elevator to the floor with the cinema.

We got seats next to each other, and watched the previews and advertisements in a daze.

“I don’t know if it’s good or not, just so you know.”

“I don’t mind.”

“And then, there’s probably those scenes.” It’s probably too late, but better warn her.

“Ngu! W-whatever. I can’t refund now anyway…”

“‘Kay”

“But… don’t look this way, will you?”

“Should I?”

“No! Never! Understood?!”

“Got it. Got it.” She’s fun to tease as ever.

“Hmph…” She turned away.

In the end, this is just like any date.

◆　◆　◆

On the station platform.

“That was quite good.” 

“Yeah,” she agreed.

“You cried,” I noted.

“Na?! I told you not to look!”

“I didn’t, but I can hear you sniffling.”

“Don’t listen too!”

Is that possible…

“By the way, I was thinking…”

“What!” she interjected.

“Have you fallen in love with actors and celebrities?”

“Eh… Umm. No, I suppose… Yeah, no.”

Hmm… This might be another important hint.

Well, falling in love with someone on TV, that should be too peculiar, even for her.

“Tomorrow, let’s give it our all.”

“Yeah.”

But, her tone as she replied was somehow gloomy.