Episode 20 - Summoning

As soon as I left the clothing store, I sighed and dropped my shoulders.

Since Shiori often shops at this store, I asked around, but the staff said they hadn't seen him. I wasn't expecting anything, but I was still disappointed.

Shiori had been acting strangely yesterday. And if he hadn't come to school today, he must be planning to do something rash. All I could do now was worry about Shiori's safety.

I continued walking around the town for a while, even though I had no destination in mind. The reason why people walking seemed so slow was because I was impatient. I wanted to see Shiori's face as soon as possible and feel at ease. I was willing to spare no effort to make that happen.

So when my cell phone rang, I was so surprised that my heart stopped.

I checked the display and saw that it was an anonymous caller.

Could it be--?

I answered the phone in a high-pitched voice.

"Hello! Shiori! Is it Shiori?"

--Hello. Are you ready? This is Touka Shoumei, the genius high school student of the century. Hahaha. Were you that happy to hear me call you? Well, I'm embarrassed.

"..."

I couldn't find the words.

--What's wrong? Did you want to hear my voice so badly that you were speechless?

Shomei continued to speak in a teasing tone. I was seriously thinking about rolling you up in a straw mat when this was over and throwing you into Tokyo Bay, and letting you die in the sea. It was too much trouble to even talk to you at this point, but I said "So."

"What do you want? I'm busy right now."

--I know. But you're pure, aren't you? I never thought you'd boycott so dramatically for her sake. You're a man I had high hopes for.

"N-no, it's because Shiori is making you worry..."

--Oh? I never said a word about your sister.

Shomei laughed in a muffled voice. What's with this guy? He called me about something so trivial. I should change the straw mat into a drum, fill it with concrete, add a hundred dumbbells, and sink it.

"If you're calling just for that, I'll hang up."

Shomei said with amusement.

--No, I'm not saying I don't need you. I wanted to help you with your little sister search.

Shomei's tone changed.

"Really? But your school..."

--Don't worry about it. We're best friends, aren't we?

He spoke casually, but I could feel his honest sincerity.

"Shomei... you..."

That's what they call an increase in my likability.

--Anyway, where are you now?

"Right now..."

I told him my current location.

Honestly, I was happy about this offer. It's better to have as many people as possible on my side. Even if I had to admit it, it's reckless to try to find someone in this big city.

--I see. Well, I'm going to go for a walk now. You do your best over there.

"Sorry... no."

This is not the place to apologize.

--Huh?

"Thanks, Lighting."

I thanked him briefly. That's right, our relationship isn't complicated.

It's fine if it's simple.

--Yeah. I'll contact you right away if anything happens.

For a moment, I thought Lighting's voice sounded ticklish.

"Please."

It was right after I hung up the phone. I received a new email.

I stared intently at the screen.