Chapter 14

…Um? No, that’s none of your business. What? Wait, who are you anyway?

(Ugh, fine, I’ll just leave Sena-kun on the phone with them for now. I have to focus on getting away from that mysterious kigurumi—)

(Huh?! The elevator isn’t working?)

(There’s no sign of any security guards, either, even though there’s all this commotion—How does security even work in this store?)

(Even if he’s just a kid, it’s hard to carry a whole person down a flight of stairs.)

(But, urrgh, beggars can’t be choosers!)

Wait. Where’re you going, stupid?

We can’t just get outta here all our own. There’s no point if Yuu-kun isn’t with me.

Oh, you’re right. We can’t leave Yuuki-kun behind.

It’s fine. I’ll definitely, absolutely get you two home safe.

Even if I do go home… It’s not like it’s some perfect paradise there, either.

But sure. I kinda want Mama and Papa to give me a big hug right about now.

Yeah, I’m sure you do. After all is said and done, the only people who will always have your back are your family, so you’ve got to cherish them.

Hmm, I guess it’s like that for you, huh Kunugi-senpai.

I’m jealous.

Seriously. I’m so jealous of you. And I’m sure Yuu-kun and the guy I just talked to on the phone feel the same way.

We’re jealous of how happy you look, Kunugi-senpai.

……

Akiomi! This way!

…?! Huh, Narukami-kun?

Why are you here? Didn’t I take you home?!

Save the lecture for later.

Is that an order?! Who do these kids think they are, adults?!

You pick and choose when you wanna be a grown-up or a kid too, Akiomi.

Th–this isn’t about me! Right now we have to get everyone, including you, to safety—!

Oh no, it’s fine.

I heard all about it from “Sena-senpai ♪” on the phone. Basically we just have to take down that kigurumi guy, right?

Take it down…? Whatever you’re planning to do, that’s a job for the police, got it?

Obviously I already called the police. They’re coming to the store now, so we just have to buy time until then.

How are you so calm in a situation like this?!

…I know, you don’t think it’s cute at all, huh.

But I’m glad you’re so reliable! How can we buy some time, though… What should we do? Actually, have you seen Yuuki-kun around anywhere?

No need to worry about “Yuuki-kun ♪” I told him to hide in some dresser until everything calmed down.

Why do you keep giving me that weird smile when you say their names? What does it mean?

Means I want you to think we’re getting along~

Huh?! As if. I hate you! It feels like you’re making fun of me!

Can you stop making everything so complicated? …Kids are so annoying, huh.

You’re a kid too y’know?! I’m gonna kill you?!

……

Shhhhh! Please be quiet! That kigurumi thing is going to find us!

What is that thing? Who are they?

Dunno. But when you hide your face like that, it means you don’t want people to know who you are, right?

Hmm? Do you think they’re a wanted criminal who needs to hide their identity?

Or someone we know.

……

…? The kigurumi is moving away from us? Are they giving up?

No… I don’t think so. This could be bad.

They’re headed to the dresser Yuuki-kun’s hiding in.

What? Yuu-kun’s in danger!

Guh—Quit struggling, Sena-kun!

Lemme go! I gotta protect Yuu-kun!

That’s really great of you, really!

But I–I should be the one to handle this! I’ll go save Yuuki-kun…!

No! I’m gonna save Yuu-kun!

Shut up! Just listen to what you’re told for once!

…!

Ahaha, Akiomi finally snapped ♪

You two, stay here and hide! Got it?

Stories where kids use their wits to defeat an evil adult are only fiction.

With our difference in size and experience—kids are just no match for a grown-up.

But I’m still older than you guys. I’m still a kid who hasn’t even finished school yet.

But I’m the only one who has a fighting chance against that kigurumi. I’m so glad my parents brought me into this world and raised me to have a healthy body.

I’ll sneak up on them from behind and surprise them. I’ll knock them down and use the cords from some appliances laying around to tie them up.

They shouldn’t be able to see that well since they’re in that kigurumi, so it should be okay as long as I’m careful.

Is there something I can do to help you, Akiomi?

I wanna be useful to you.

I wanna be helpful, and praised, and loved.

Yeah, fine! Whatever you’re doing, hurry it up! Yuu-kun’s in danger, remember?!

No, wait! The kigurumi guy’s checking all the dressers one by one! They’re gonna find Yuu-kun!

I’ll take care of things before that happens.

Even now I’m still asking myself why I’m going through with this, but I don’t really have a choice, do I? It’s just how it is!