Chapter 16 – Yandere and the Real Deal Part 4

The old lady meditated while holding the ornamental necklace around her neck. As she was, she slowly looked up into the air.

“I can see it, I can see it… However, am I allowed to speak of your feelings, young man?”

“It’s okay. Please make this fool understand reality.”

If Tsubaki knows that I have no feelings for her, she might be disappointed and give up. Even if she doesn’t give up, it would be nice if her enthusiasm is reduced.

“Fumu… From what I see, you have pity and envy for the young lady. It’s not the same as affection, but there is no denying that you are attracted to her as an object of observation.”

Pity? Envy? I don’t understand. The only thing I have for Tsubaki is discomfort, and I can’t imagine that I have such complicated feelings.

Since this old lady is a relative of Asai-sensei, isn’t she a phony too? I was just swallowed up by the atmosphere of the building and its appearance, and I guess I was thinking too highly of her.

Hah… I sighed and looked next to me. To my surprise, Tsubaki is nodding her head in a huff. I think Tsubaki’s inadequate eyes seem to shine brighter than usual.

“I agree with a lot of what you said about senpai’s behavior. I’m learning a lot.”

“Yes, I’m glad I could be of help.”

It was supposed to be about me, but it’s like I’m being left out…

By the way, where did Asai-sensei go? She sure takes her time making tea.

“Well, I hope you don’t have any more questions, since I don’t have too much time.”

“Yes. Thank you very much. I think I have a clue as to how to conquer senpai.”

The old lady didn’t make the slightest bit of sense, but Tsubaki’s got a clue. I’m not sure what to make of it, but if it’s for Tsubaki’s benefit, Asai-sensei must be very happy. I hope there will be some kind of reward for me who went out of my way to follow her.

“Well, then, take care on your way home. Be careful and don’t get lost.”

“Excuse us.”

In the end, I had to close the sliding door without knowing if that old lady was a real psychic. I like occult stories, but now that I’m in the middle of it, it’s unexpectedly uneventful. I can’t help but think of it as shady.

When I arrived at the entrance with a bewildered feeling, Asai-sensei appeared fluttering from the hallway across the hall.

“Asai-sensei! Where have you been all this time?”

“Hmm? I was only out for a little while. I’d like to stop by a family restaurant on the way home, if that’s all right.”

“If senpai is going, I’m going too.”

“Hah… Well, I’ll go.”

“It’s settled. I’m starving already.”

Asai-sensei did not greet the old lady, but walked straight out the gate, locking the front door behind her.

I didn’t think we would stay that long, but the sun was already starting to set. Somewhere in the distance, I could hear the crows cawing.

} { } { } { } { } {

Like on the way there, Asai-sensei had me and Tsubaki sit in the backseat of the car, and we drove along the highway. Tsubaki, perhaps having lost some of her nervousness, is lying with her body against the door, sighing in her sleep.

Like this, she’s just a little plain looking girl, but why is she so nasty while she is awake? I really don’t get it.

Asai-sensei, who’s driving the car, seems to be driving without a care in the world, not reproaching Tsubaki.

“Then again, your grandmother is an elusive person, isn’t she? I suppose she’s not a bad person.”

“Yes, she was very strict with me, but maybe that was because of her kindness. Before she died, it seemed like she kept a diary every time something happened to me.”

“Eh? Before she died?”

“Ah…”

When I forcefully leaned over and peeked into the driver’s seat, Asai-sensei was frozen with an “oops” expression on her face.

“What do you mean, before she died?”

“Um, now! I meant to say now!”

“It means exactly what it says. That old lady we talked to is no longer with us.”

“Tsubaki! You’re awake!”

When I looked next to me in surprise, Tsubaki was yawning seemingly carefree.

“Ah, yes. I didn’t want to say too much because my grandmother had told me not to, but Honjo-san is right.”

“Eh, then who were we talking to…?”

“She was just borrowing my body to talk to you. It’s called shamanism. Well, to my frustration, it wasn’t my power, it was my grandmother’s…”

“No, because surely, there was an old lady, right? She was in a kimono. No, was it a dress? Ah right! I was sitting on my feet, wait, did I see her feet?”

“Strange things happen in this world, don’t they?”

Tsubaki rubbed her eyes as if she didn’t care and went back to sleep. She’s afraid of dogs, but not ghosts? That’s one crazy value system.

“…Just kidding. Were you surprised?”

“Ah, you were joking!? Oi oi, Asai-sensei, you’re a terrible person too.”

“”Hahaha…””

“Look, I told you the helpers were coming too, remember?”

“Of course. I’m sure they’re not helpers sorting out her belongings, right?”

When I tried to make a joke, Asai-sensei returned to a straight face again. Eh, did I hit the bull’s-eye? Wait, just wait a minute. No way that’s true, right?

Yes, this must be Asai-sensei’s joke. I’m sure she’s joking. I can only vaguely recall the old lady’s face, but I guess my memory’s just not that good. Let’s just assume that’s the case.

Inside the silent car, only the sound of the engine and Tsubaki’s sleeping breath could be heard.