I Just Want a Single Ending [62]
Ikuyo Kita glanced down at the large tub in her hands, looking a bit uncertain.
Since Kamigawa had barely touched it at the start, there was still quite a bit left, even after the movie ended.
Kamigawa suggested casually, "How about we find a nearby park and finish it while we chat?"
There was too much left to just throw it away, and bringing it home felt a bit unnecessary.
The best solution seemed to be sharing the rest together.
Plus, it would give him another chance to talk with Kita.
"Let's head to the park nearby, then." Kita agreed without hesitation.
After all, she'd planned this outing to thank Kamigawa, so it was only natural to go along with his suggestion.
Besides, she thought a stroll in the park with him sounded like it could be fun.
As they made their way toward the theater exit, they'd barely taken a few steps when Chihaya Anon appeared, walking toward them with a young couple by her side.
Judging by the family resemblance, it was clear the couple were her parents.
Kamigawa blinked in surprise and called out, "Anon?"
"Good morning."
Ikuyo Kita also paused, feeling a mix of emotions.
This was one of those awkward moments—being spotted by someone she knew while walking out of a movie theater with Kamigawa.
It was easy to misinterpret the situation as them being a couple.
Though she didn't mind the misconception personally, she didn't want it to create any weird rumors about Kamigawa.
"And… what's going on here?"
Chihaya Anon looked equally surprised, her gaze shifting back and forth between Kamigawa and Kita before settling on the large tub of popcorn in Kita's arms.
Unless she was mistaken, it looked like they'd just finished watching a movie together.
"We just finished watching a movie and were about to head out," Kamigawa replied truthfully, feeling like he'd seen this scenario play out somewhere before.
"I see."
Anon's eyes narrowed, a faint look of displeasure crossing her face.
She'd made peace with him spending time with Gotoh Hitori, given that they were helping each other out.
And yesterday, when he and Nagasaki Soyo had come to RiNG together, she'd accepted their explanation about being neighbors.
But now, here he was watching a movie with Ikuyo Kita. What could he possibly say about that?
A new girl every day? Never the same one twice?
Anon's father, noticing her chatting with two classmates, asked curiously, "Anon, who are these two?"
"This is Kamigawa Saku and Ikuyo Kita. They're both my friends and classmates."
Anon forced a smile, introducing them politely.
"Nice to meet you, and thank you for looking after Anon," her mother replied warmly.
Kita responded with a polite bow. "Not at all—if anything, Anon's been looking out for us."
"…"
"…"
"Well… we won't keep you any longer. We'll get going now."
After exchanging a few polite words, Kamigawa seized the chance to lead Kita away.
"Goodbye."
Even as they walked off, Anon hadn't asked why they were together.
With her parents nearby, she couldn't bring herself to question it.
But she felt certain they weren't dating—she knew their usual behavior well enough to be sure.
Even so, she couldn't shake the lingering frustration of seeing them go to a movie together.
It was impossible not to dwell on it.
A short while later, as she waited in line to buy popcorn, Anon noticed a couple ahead of her purchasing a "Super Value Combo."
She stared at the large tub of popcorn in the couple's hands—it was identical to the one Kita had been holding.
So, they even shared a "couple's popcorn"?
Super Value Combo?
More like a Couple's Combo!
Anon's frustration deepened.
---
Meanwhile, Somewhere Else
"Kamigawa-senpai, do you think Anon might misunderstand us?" Ikuyo Kita voiced her concern.
She hadn't found the right moment to explain their situation earlier, so she could only hope for another chance.
"She won't. Anon isn't the type to jump to conclusions about us being a couple," Kamigawa replied confidently. "And even if she does, I'll explain it clearly. Though if it comes to that, I'll need you to back me up."
Honestly, running into Chihaya Anon right after watching a movie with Kita had surprised him a bit.
For a brief moment, he'd felt like a boyfriend caught cheating.
Of course, that was just a fleeting, irrational thought.
Kamigawa quickly composed himself, staying calm and unruffled.
After all, he had nothing to hide.
He'd just gone to a movie with Kita, a friend, and bumped into another friend, Anon.
What was the big deal?
They were all just friends; there was no need to worry about misunderstandings.
It's not like he was some player dating multiple girls.
"If she really did misunderstand, we could just explain it to her together," he added.
Seeing his relaxed attitude, Kita's worries faded.
They made their way to the nearby park, found a bench, and sat down, setting the popcorn between them as they began to chat.
Their conversation was lighthearted, revolving around school rumors, band stories, and other everyday topics.
Just as they were fully engaged in their conversation, Kamigawa's phone vibrated in his pocket.
"Sorry, one sec—it's a message from Anon," he explained, glancing at the screen.
Isn't she watching a movie with her parents? How does she have time to message me? Maybe the movie hasn't started yet?
Curious, he opened her message.
Anon: What's going on with you and Kita? It doesn't seem like you're just "friends."
Kamigawa: We're just friends, nothing more.
Kamigawa sent his reply without a second thought and turned to Kita. "Give me a minute, Anon wants an explanation."
"Of course." Kita nodded quickly.
A few seconds later, Anon replied.
Anon: Just "friends" don't usually go to the movies together~
Kamigawa: Well, it's like this…
He sent back a few more messages, explaining about the movie tickets.
He didn't mind if people thought he was close with his friends, but misunderstandings, when avoidable, were better cleared up.
But Anon's response was unexpected.
Anon: Then why didn't you invite me? I wouldn't mind seeing a movie with you, you know.
---
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!
Posture and water check!
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