The detective who arrived at the scene was none other than Kousaka Daisuke. Trailing behind him was Ebina Hina, who had managed to escape earlier and actually went to call the police. But even she wasn't as fast as Hozuki Nozomi, who had practically cheated his way to the scene.
The five thugs who had been dealt a devastating blow—quite literally—were now awake and being interrogated separately. As it turned out, they were fugitives from a criminal organization that had escaped from Osaka. Each of them bore a snake tattoo, signifying their membership in the notorious Black Dragon Society. They had recently settled near the school, making a living by extorting protection fees and acting as hired muscle.
The person who had hired them was none other than Takayama Toshihiko, a senior from the football club—the same one whom Nozomi had knocked out cold.
When Nozomi tracked him down, Takayama had been secretly recording the entire scene with a hidden camera. He had likely intended to film the girls being harassed so he could use the footage to blackmail them later.
Kousaka Daisuke found himself in a difficult position. Takayama Toshihiko wasn't just any delinquent; he had a powerful background. He was the illegitimate son of the head of the Takayama family—a high-ranking chaebol with deep political ties. When Takayama regained consciousness, he immediately started making threats, arrogantly declaring that if he wasn't released, his father would make sure Daisuke lost his position as captain of the criminal investigation unit.
After all, his father wasn't just a businessman—he was a highly respected county councilor.
Kousaka Daisuke clenched his fists, his rage barely contained. If it weren't for his subordinates holding him back, he would have decked the smug bastard right then and there. In the end, though, there was little he could do. He could only detain Takayama for a single day before the councilor personally intervened to get his son released.
As for the five criminals? They weren't as lucky. Given their extensive rap sheet, their fates were sealed—they were sentenced to death.
At first, Daisuke felt somewhat relieved that he had let Takayama go when the councilor came to argue on his behalf. If he had tried to detain him longer, he might have been blamed for what happened next.
Because not long after his release, Takayama Toshihiko was dead.
Or rather, he disappeared. No body was ever found.
But that was a story for another time.
Back to the present.
After finishing his statement, Nozomi handed over Takayama's camera to Kousaka Daisuke as evidence. Soon after, he was released from the station.
Despite his rough demeanor, Daisuke was actually quite kind when dealing with innocent high school students. As a show of goodwill, he personally arranged for Yuigahama Yui, Ebina Hina, and Miura Yumiko to be escorted home in his private car.
Finally, only Nozomi and Shiina Mahiru remained.
Since they lived in the same apartment complex, it was only natural for them to be sent home together.
Before leaving, Takasaka Daisuke patted Nozomi's shoulder, a rare look of approval on his face.
"If you ever consider becoming a detective after graduation, come find me," he said. "I'll personally handle your recruitment."
Having watched the footage, Daisuke was thoroughly impressed by Nozomi's combat prowess and his calmness in the face of five armed criminals.
Nozomi, however, only gave him a polite smile in response.
"Ahaha, I appreciate it, but I think I'll pass."
Having to wear a suit, answer to a boss, and deal with piles of paperwork? No thanks.
Besides, his current life was already quite fulfilling.
As the detective's car drove off, a thought crossed Nozomi's mind.
"…Wait a minute. Takasaka Daisuke… Takasaka Kirino… Could they be related?"
Now that would be interesting.
After parting ways with the detective, Nozomi and Shiina Mahiru walked home together under the dim glow of streetlights.
Shiina remained silent, her delicate brows furrowed as she bit her lip in deep thought.
Though Detective Daisuke had refrained from disclosing the full details of the case to the girls—to avoid worsening their emotional distress—Shiina was no fool. The moment she had seen Takayama, she had put the pieces together.
She had unwittingly dragged her friends into this mess.
Suddenly, Nozomi came to an abrupt stop.
Shiina, caught off guard, turned to look at him.
"Nozomi-kun? What's w—mmph?!"
Before she could finish, Nozomi had pulled her into a tight embrace.
"I'm so glad you're okay, Shiina."
His voice was low and warm, filled with genuine relief.
Shiina's breath hitched.
She was about to instinctively push him away—but then she hesitated.
A deep blush spread across her cheeks, her amber eyes shimmering slightly.
This idiot…
His heartbeat was steady, his warmth seeping into her.
Shiina had been upset with him earlier—mostly because of what had happened the night before. But now, standing in his arms, she felt an overwhelming sense of security.
She found herself wanting to linger in this embrace just a little longer.
After a long silence, she suddenly spoke in a serious tone.
"Nozomi-kun, I want to know the truth. Can you tell me everything?"
Nozomi's face stiffened slightly.
During his private questioning, Takasaka Daisuke had disclosed certain details about the case—details he hadn't wanted to burden Shiina with.
"Tell me, okay?"
Mahiru looked up at him, her amber eyes shimmering under the soft light. She had let him hug her, hadn't she? Wasn't it only fair that he granted her this small request in return?
Nozomi sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Let's talk inside. It's not really the best place for this."
Mahiru's cheeks flushed slightly.
Not the best place? And yet he had hugged her without a second thought. This guy really was a hopeless flirt. There was no way he didn't have some interest in her.
The strangest part?
She didn't seem to hate it.
Upon returning to Sakurasou, Nozomi was immediately greeted by Ogihara Sayu. He casually told her that he and Mahiru had something important to discuss.
Sayu's gaze flickered between the two of them before she pouted playfully. "Mahiru, don't be so cold. If you need any... help, you can always ask me."
Mahiru's face instantly turned red.
What was that supposed to mean?!
She opened her mouth to protest, but before she could say anything, Sayu was already dashing off, leaving them alone.
Mahiru fidgeted, hesitating before finally muttering, "...Let's talk in my room."
Nozomi blinked. "Are you sure?"
She averted her gaze. "It's fine. You saved me, after all…"
Muttering under her breath, she quickly turned on her heel and led the way.
Inside Mahiru's room, everything was immaculately neat and tidy. The soft scent of vanilla and something uniquely her filled the space. Nozomi glanced around, noting how the furniture was perfectly arranged—everything had its place, just like the girl herself.
It was the kind of room you'd expect from someone like Mahiru—bright, cheerful, and put together. But Nozomi knew better. He had seen the loneliness hidden behind her composed exterior.
Before she could say anything, Nozomi took a step forward and suddenly pulled her into a warm embrace.
"Ah! Nozomi-kun, what are you—?!"
Mahiru's voice was flustered as her hands instinctively pressed against his chest, but she didn't push him away.
"Calm down," Nozomi said gently. "What I'm about to tell you might be a lot to take in. I just thought... maybe this would help."
Mahiru's breath hitched.
It was ridiculous.
She wasn't a kid. She didn't need to be hugged to hear the truth. But…
But being held like this, feeling his steady heartbeat against her cheek, she couldn't deny that the warmth was comforting.
She found herself relaxing against him, her fingers lightly gripping the fabric of his shirt.
Nozomi smirked. "Well, I guess that means I can start talking now."
Mahiru stiffened, but didn't move away.
"I think you've already figured it out, but… Takayama Toshihiko was the one who hired those thugs. After you rejected him, he wanted to teach you a 'lesson' by having them humiliate and record you. Miura Yumiko, Yuigahama Yui, and Ebina Hina got dragged into it because they were with you."
Mahiru inhaled sharply. Her hands clenched into small fists, gripping his shirt tightly.
Guilt.
That was the only word for what she was feeling right now. If it hadn't been for her, her friends wouldn't have been caught up in something so dangerous.
Seeing her expression, Nozomi gently ran his fingers through her silky hair.
"Don't blame yourself," he said softly. "The one at fault is Takayama. He's just a sore loser who couldn't handle rejection."
Mahiru's shoulders trembled slightly.
The moment his hand landed on her head, a strange warmth spread through her chest.
She didn't resist. Didn't brush him away. Instead, her grip on his shirt loosened, and before she realized it, she had leaned in closer, resting against him.
Her golden locks brushed against his neck, the soft scent of her shampoo filling the air.
Nozomi swallowed.
For all his bravado, he wasn't completely immune to moments like these. Mahiru was beautiful.
And right now, in this vulnerable moment, she was dangerously cute.
A light blush dusted his cheeks, but he quickly pushed aside any stray thoughts.
He had brought this on himself, hadn't he?