The next day, I headed to school as usual. In the end, it was too late yesterday to visit the other world. And today, since I’d be acting as Sayama-san's bodyguard again, I might not be able to go. I really need to resolve this stalker issue soon.
"By the way, do you two know about Yukari Sayama?"
During lunch break after morning classes, I asked Abe and Watanabe about Sayama-san. I had looked her up online when I got home yesterday, but I couldn’t gauge how well-known she was. Considering she had a fan club, I assumed she must be fairly famous.
"I’ve heard the name before."
"Wait, you both don’t know her? She’s super famous!"
Abe only recognized the name, while Watanabe seemed more familiar.
"Yukari Sayama is a member of Thank You Girls, the most popular underground idol group right now. She’s even sung as the center at times—it’s incredible!"
"I... see."
Watanabe's explanation was filled with enthusiasm, confirming her popularity.
"And she’s in our grade! She goes to Takamizawa High School nearby, so she’s pretty close to us!"
"That’s way too much detail!"
Wait, why does he even know which high school she goes to? It’s unlikely, but could Watanabe actually be the stalker? Having a friend who’s a stalker would be a nightmare.
"What are you talking about, Tachihara-kun? This kind of stuff is basic knowledge for anyone even slightly interested."
"Is it? I thought school info like that was supposed to be private?"
"Of course it is, but some overzealous fans dig it up and post it online. It’s really annoying."
…Is it okay to look up such information online?
Still, if Watanabe knows this, then detailed fans could easily access it too. The stalker might not even attend the same school.
"But why do you know about Yukari Sayama? You didn’t seem interested in underground idols before."
"Well, yesterday, I happened to pass through Shiomihara Park, and they were doing an outdoor performance on stage. I got curious and looked them up online."
"Oh, I see. There was a mini live there yesterday. I wanted to go, but I had club activities and was low on money."
"Wait, underground idols perform outdoors?"
"Haha, Tachihara-kun, you’re so clueless. Underground idols don’t mean they perform underground! It means they focus on live performances over TV appearances. They also hold handshake events and are closer to their fans. That’s just common knowledge."
Common knowledge? I glanced at Abe for help, but he quickly averted his gaze. Nope, Abe didn’t know either. It’s clearly just Watanabe’s "common knowledge."
"If you’re interested, how about we go to a live performance together sometime?"
"Sounds fun. Let’s check it out."
I’ve never been to a live show before, but I’m a little intrigued. Maybe there’s an idol group that performs in maid outfits?
"Me too! Honestly, I’ve always wanted to go to a live."
"Alright, let’s find a day that works for everyone."
It’s been a while since the three of us went out together. Watching Sayama-san’s group perform might not be a bad idea.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Tachihara-kun!"
"Not at all—I just got here myself."
After school, I met up with Kawabata-san at a different station. Sayama-san had another live show today, so we planned to head there together.
This feels nice—kind of like meeting up with a girlfriend. Thanks to this job, I even got Kawabata-san’s and Sayama-san’s contact info. Honestly, that feels like a bigger reward than the money.
"Still, I’m not looking forward to meeting Mogi-san."
"Don’t worry about him. You didn’t do anything wrong, Tachihara-kun."
True, but I might’ve gone a bit too far. He’s probably holding a grudge. Ideally, he’d just ignore me like Rozuhara and the others.
We arrived at the live venue. Unlike yesterday, it was in a large indoor hall. The live was already underway, so Sayama-san was on stage. Now was the perfect time to meet Mogi-san.
"Excuse me."
I knocked on the door to the waiting room before stepping inside. I had asked Kawabata-san to wait outside, but she insisted on coming with me.
"Hey, isn’t that the guy from yesterday?"
"Kyaa, it’s the handsome guy from yesterday!"
The room erupted with chatter. This is exactly why I wanted to meet elsewhere. Now, where’s Mogi-san…? Ah, there he is.
Sitting in a chair, he stared at me with a serious expression. Yeah, he’s definitely holding a grudge. Better apologize first to diffuse the situation.
"Mogi-san, I deeply apologize for yesterday. I was out of line and sincerely regret my actions."
I bowed deeply—a perfect 90-degree angle. It’s the kind of bow that screams sincerity. All those years of being bullied taught me how to apologize, even if it’s nothing to be proud of.
"…………"
The silent pressure was immense. He’s really mad, isn’t he?
"What are you saying, Aniki?! I’m the one at fault here! Please, raise your head!"
"……Huh?"
"No, seriously! I’m the one who’s sorry! I’ve been reflecting on my actions since yesterday!"
When I looked up, Mogi-san was bowing instead. Wait, what? I did hit his head yesterday—did I mess him up? Or did some weird skill activate on its own? Also, Aniki? What’s going on?
"After you beat me up yesterday, I thought about it for an hour! At first, I was furious because I felt humiliated, but then I realized something—why didn’t you dodge my final attack? You could’ve easily avoided it, but you chose to take the hit to protect the girls behind you, didn’t you? You’re not just strong—you’re a hero who protects women! That’s so cool! I totally respect you now!"
"…………"
No, I think everyone else realized that immediately.
"Plus, I’ve trained seriously in MMA, but I couldn’t follow any of your moves. You’re so strong! I’ve decided—I want to be your disciple! Please, let me call you Aniki!"
"Why?!"
This made no sense. I even slipped into casual speech despite Mogi-san being older.
Sure, his focus shifted from Sayama-san to me, but that’s not what I intended! Shouldn’t he be angry or resentful? What is this?!