“By the way, during the match with Mogi-san earlier, you could have avoided that last punch, right?”

“Ah… yeah.”

I figured someone sharp enough would notice. I dodged the first two punches effortlessly, but deliberately took the last one head-on.

“You did that on purpose to protect us, didn’t you?”

“…Yeah, that’s right. But I’m surprised you realized.”

In the first two punches, I had my back to the wall. For the final punch, though, Sayama-san and Kawabata-san were standing behind me.

Even if I had dodged it, I wasn’t sure Mogi-san would stop. With the pile of luggage on the floor, there was a good chance he’d trip and crash into them. It wouldn’t make sense to injure my clients during a trial job as their bodyguard.

“Anyone who was there, except for Mogi-san, probably noticed.”

“Yeah, I agree. The way you blocked the last one was pretty obvious.”

“Guess I embarrassed him pretty badly. I’ll have to apologize when I see him next.”

Since he’s involved in costume design, I’d likely bump into him during the bodyguard work. While I don’t think I did anything wrong, I’ll still apologize when the time comes.

“You really don’t need to. He’s the one at fault.”

“Exactly. Someone who attacks without listening doesn’t deserve any courtesy. By the way, Tachiara-kun, have you trained in mixed martial arts as well as judo?”

Gulp. A tough question. I need to dodge this smoothly.

“Well, the basics of defense are pretty universal across martial arts, you know? That’s why my stance and punches were so sloppy.”

“Ah, I see. That makes sense; your stance wasn’t like a professional’s.”

“By the way, Tachiara-san, have you ever thought about joining the entertainment industry? You’re so strong and cool—you’d become more famous than me in no time! I could introduce you to our group’s producer if you’d like.”

The topic shifted—thankfully—but me in the entertainment industry? Ha, that’s not even funny as a joke.

“No way I’d fit in. Cute girls like you, Sayama-san, are the ones who shine.”

“Wh-what?!”

“Come to think of it, Kawabata-san, have you ever considered becoming an idol? You’re just as cute as Sayama-san and would totally fit the role.”

“C-c-cute?!”

Huh? Why are they both blushing and going quiet? They’re way more used to being called cute than someone like me, right?

“Well, I’ve never really been interested in the entertainment world. Besides, I don’t think I’d be any good at it.”

“I don’t think that’s true at all.”

I could easily imagine Kawabata-san in an idol costume, singing and dancing. But becoming an idol isn’t just about wanting to; it takes a lot more. Besides, personal motivation matters most.

After finalizing tomorrow’s schedule, we wrapped up for the night.

“Thank you for everything today! Looking forward to working with you starting tomorrow!”

“Sure, see you tomorrow, Sayama-san!”

“Yukari, see you tomorrow!”

After leaving the restaurant, Kawabata-san and I escorted Sayama-san to her apartment complex. It was a relatively new building with auto-locks, so once she was inside, her safety seemed assured.

“You really didn’t need to escort me.”

Kawabata-san’s station was conveniently on my way home, just two stops from mine. I’d just run home from there.

“It’s already dark. I’ll at least walk you to the main road.”

The area was dimly lit, and some parts near the station felt unsafe. While I understood she wouldn’t want me to know her exact address, I could at least accompany her partway.

“Thanks, Tachiara-kun. By the way, can I ask you something?”

“Sure, what is it?”

“Did you make Mogi-san look like the bad guy on purpose? Was that for Yukari’s sake?”

“……”

“Ah, so I was right. That’s so like you, Tachiara-kun.”

“…How did you know?”

“Normally, you’d adjust the power difference in a fight, making it seem closer—like a 4-to-5 or 3-to-5 gap. But this time, you completely overwhelmed him.”

It’s true. Initially, I thought of winning narrowly to make Mogi-san back off. But after seeing his selfish nature, I doubted he’d give up so easily. Worse, he might even hold a grudge against Sayama-san.

“So I figured it was better for his anger or fear to be directed at me than at Sayama-san.”

No matter how many connections he has in the entertainment world, they don’t affect me. And if he tries to harm those around me, I’ll crush him and his connections without hesitation.

“That’s why you asked me to record the match on my phone.”

“Yeah, as a backup. If things escalated, I’d have evidence. Worst-case, I could use the footage to threaten him into backing off.”

Positioned people are more vulnerable to public shame than intimidation.

“Honestly, Tachiara-kun, you’ve changed a lot physically, but deep down, you’re still the same.”

“…Huh?”

“We’re classmates now, but even before, back in middle school, I always admired your courage. Like when you reported Mitsumoto-kun’s bullying, even though you risked becoming a target yourself.”

Mitsumoto was bullied before me. When I reported it to our teacher, the bullies turned their attention to me. While I don’t regret helping him, I haven’t spoken to him since.

“No, really, it’s nothing. Anyone would’ve done the same.”

“No, they wouldn’t. That kind of bravery is rare. I’ve respected you ever since.”

Her words made my heart swell with an unfamiliar warmth.

“Thank you, Kawabata-san. Hearing that means a lot to me.”

“W-well then, this is far enough! See you at school tomorrow!”

“Alright, see you tomorrow!”

She hurried away, her face flushed. Did I do something strange? Was it the smile? Ah, whatever. Better not overthink things.