"Hey, Nozomi, I heard Tachihara-san is here. Is everything okay? Are you not having trouble with Mogi-san?"

"Oh, Yukari! You're back from the live show. Um... if you ask whether there's trouble, well... yeah, there kind of is..."

"……What exactly is going on here?"

It seems the live show has ended, and everyone is returning to the waiting room. Dressed in their cute outfits, Yukari and the others enter the room, looking visibly tired. Meanwhile, on our side...

"Please, I beg you! Let me become your apprentice, Aniki!"

"No, as I said, I’m not that great. What happened yesterday was pure coincidence!"

"There's no way that's true, Aniki! Please, show mercy!"

This situation is far more exhausting than dealing with Yukari being stalked. Mogi-san clings to my leg, but honestly, having a guy do this is nothing but unpleasant. Someone, please help me!

"Uh, Mogi-san, you're making Tachihara-san uncomfortable..."

Thank goodness! Yukari’s stepping in to help. Surely, Mogi, who’s so infatuated with her, will regain his composure now!

"Yukari-san, I'm having an important discussion with Aniki right now, so please don’t interrupt!"

"What!? Oh, um... okay..."

Hey!! Your attitude completely changed overnight! Yesterday, you were casually calling her by her first name, and now it's "Yukari-san"? Why is this situation so chaotic? Somebody, anybody, fix this mess!

After a while, I somehow managed to calm Mogi-san down. I gave him my contact information, and only then did he finally let go of my leg. Yeah, this contact is going to get blocked the moment the stalker problem is resolved.

"…I guess this turned out okay in the end?"

"…At least it seems like Mogi-san won’t be pestering Yukari anymore."

"…I should be happy about that, but as an idol, I can't help feeling like I've lost somehow."

After dealing with Mogi, I escorted Yukari home with Nozomi. While the situation isn’t ideal, it seems like Yukari is safe now.

"Thank you so much again for today."

"Oh, no problem. Uh, I’m sorry, but I can’t act as your escort tomorrow because I have other plans. Will you be okay?"

"That’s perfectly fine! I shouldn’t be out too late tomorrow, anyway!"

"I don’t have any plans, so I’ll come around the same time as today."

"Thanks so much, Nozomi!"

"I’m really sorry about tomorrow. I’ll be free again after that, though."

"Don’t worry, Tachihara-san. You’re already helping out so much during your free time. See you again the day after tomorrow!"

"Yeah, see you then."

After making sure Yukari was safely home, Nozomi and I also headed back. Since it was still early, we parted ways at the train station.

I thought about heading to the other world tonight, but there’s still so much I need to research. I’ll have to put it off again. I really need to resolve this stalker problem so I can finally focus on other things.

The next day after school...

"Tachihara, I’ve got no club today. Want to stop somewhere on the way home?"

"Sorry, Abe. I’ve got something I need to do."

"Ah, bummer. Well, catch you tomorrow!"

"Yeah, see you tomorrow."

I apologized to Abe and got ready to head out. There’s someplace I need to be in a hurry today.

...The high school guy from the other day doesn’t seem to be here today. Yukari’s friend is here by herself. I’ll keep my distance so she doesn’t notice me.

But who is that guy anyway? What’s his relationship with Yukari? Mogi, the costume guy, was pestering her, but is it the same with him? Probably. Guys like him—good-looking types—are all trouble.

But don’t worry, Yukari! No matter who tries to hurt you, I’ll protect you from their malice! Even if I get caught, I’ll make sure you’re safe. Your safety means everything to me.

That’s right. I was ready to die that day, but meeting you gave me hope to keep living. My life was saved by you, so if protecting you means giving it up, it’s a fair trade.

"Excuse me."

Tch, a solicitor? What a nuisance. I’m busy watching over Yukari right now. I’ll just ignore them.

"Hello~?"

Persistent, aren’t they? Stop tapping me on the shoulder!

"Leave me alone! I’m busy. If this is about donations or something—"

……Wait. Why is he here?

The high schooler who’s always with Yukari is standing before me.

"Finally got your attention. I’d like to have a word with you about Yukari Sayama. Got a minute?"