Chapter 121: Not Running Away… but Walking Toward Me?

The black car melted completely into the night, its taillights vanishing in an instant at the end of the street.

Xiao Chun Miura stood by the roadside, shivering as a sudden gust blew past.

She tightened her Uniform Jacket around herself, but her gaze drifted unconsciously to the other side of the road.

That was the direction Kiyono Arisa had left earlier.

If she ran, there was no way to catch up now.

Xiao Chun Miura sighed.

Though a surge of curiosity urged her to chase after, she knew perfectly well it was impossible to reach Kiyono Arisa.

Besides, even if she did catch up, what could she say?

She couldn’t exactly ask why she was crying.

After a moment, Xiao Chun Miura turned around, her eyes falling once more on the main entrance of the KTV, with its flashing neon sign.

She couldn’t catch up to the person, but this was the place she’d just been.

Did something happen in that private room?

Would there be any traces left behind?

Even the smallest clue would satisfy the curiosity now burning in Xiao Chun Miura’s heart.

— Let’s go take a look.

Having decided, Xiao Chun Miura turned and pushed open the heavy glass door once more.

Back in the lobby, the noise and music wrapped around her ears again.

Xiao Chun Miura headed straight for the row of small booths at the end of the hallway, marked with a “Solo Booth” sign.

The hallway remained quiet and deserted, except for the occasional hurried service staff.

A staff member was just coming out of the room Kiyono Arisa had burst from earlier.

Xiao Chun Miura stared blankly as the staff member emerged from the booth.

— Looks like it’s already been cleaned. If that’s the case, there’s probably no trace left.

“Huh? Was this left behind? We need to contact the Guest quickly….”

Just as Xiao Chun Miura was feeling a bit disappointed, a familiar voice sounded behind her.

She turned.

It was the Front Desk Clerk she’d exchanged a few words with before.

He was just finishing up a conversation with the cleaning staff and was now flipping through a small booklet on the front desk.

Xiao Chun Miura narrowed her eyes.

— Left behind?

When she approached the Front Desk Clerk, he was still muttering softly.

“It was only open for less than an hour, so why did they leave? They hardly touched their drinks, and now they’ve left something behind…”

“Um…”

“Gaah –?!”

As Xiao Chun Miura opened her mouth to greet him, the Front Desk Clerk jumped, nearly dropping the Register.

Xiao Chun Miura caught a glimpse of the item on the inner side of the desk.

A small, deep blue Handbag.

Several silver twin stars were embroidered on the side — the design was reminiscent of the performance outfits of the Idol Group Kiyono Arisa belonged to.

“That is……”

Xiao Chun Miura’s brows furrowed.

It must be Kiyono Arisa’s!

Did she drop her belongings in the booth in her rush to leave?

“Guest?! Is there something you need? Are you here for an invoice?”

“……No, that bag by your hand –“

The staff followed Xiao Chun Miura’s gaze, realization dawning, and lifted the small bag helplessly.

“It was left behind by a Guest who just left. Guest, you didn’t leave anything, did you?”

Xiao Chun Miura didn’t answer the simple question.

Too many thoughts flashed through her mind.

Finally, she spoke.

“That bag……is my friend’s.”

“I’ll return it to her.”

“…..Eh?”

The Front Desk Clerk looked suspicious.

“Your friend? But the Guest just now……”

So he’s still doing his job properly.

Xiao Chun Miura seized the opportunity.

“She was wearing a gray sweatshirt, sunglasses, and looked like she was in a hurry, right?”

Her words spilled out quickly.

“I know her.”

“So you do know her.”

He scratched his head.

“–Can you prove it, Guest?”

“Her name is Kiyono Arisa. You can check if there’s anything in the bag to verify.”

Xiao Chun Miura pressed her lips together, silent for a while before answering.

The Front Desk Clerk quickly flipped through the bag.

“–Ah, yes.”

“..Sorry, Guest. Please understand, it’s for the safety of our customers’ belongings.”

Even if it’s a hassle to confirm a few times, handing things over without checking identity is too irresponsible.

Xiao Chun Miura thought.

“……I understand. I’m relieved by your responsibility.”

“If you can name the owner, it should be fine.”

Smiling, the Front Desk Clerk handed the deep blue velvet bag to Xiao Chun Miura.

“Then I’ll leave it to you to pass it on to the Guest.”

“I’ll take good care of it.”

Xiao Chun Miura didn’t rush to leave.

Having promised to return the item, she used the front desk phone and dialed the number from the Register.

“Beep……beep

..beep…..”

The monotone waiting tone echoed in the receiver, and just as the call was about to disconnect —

“..Hello?”

The line finally connected.

The voice was soft and hoarse, tinged with nasal congestion.

Wind howled in the background; it sounded like it was outdoors.

“Hello? Who is this?”

Hearing no response, Kiyono Arisa’s voice grew wary, even more hoarse, her pitch suddenly rising.

“If this is a prank call, I’ll hang up……”

“I’m the one who poured hot cocoa for you at the KTV Drinks Machine earlier.”

Xiao Chun Miura spoke.

She took a moment to compose herself, trying to keep her tone calm, gentle, and non-threatening.

After five long seconds, Kiyono Arisa finally responded.

“It’s you?”

Her voice instantly cooled, becoming even raspier than before.

“How did you get my number? I knew it, you’re a stalker……”

“It’s not like that.”

Xiao Chun Miura cut her off.

“I found your number on the Register at the front desk. The reason I’m calling is because……”

She gently patted the velvet bag in her hand, making a dull sound.

“Your bag was left at the store.”

“……Huh?”

The breathing on the other end froze.

Then came the sound of frantic searching, as if she was checking her pockets.

“No way.”

Kiyono Arisa muttered, her tone filled with frustration.

“Why the bag……”

“I’m still in the store.”

Xiao Chun Miura looked at the darkness beyond the glass doors.

“I wanted to chase after you, but you were too fast. To prevent it from being taken by someone else, I picked it up from the staff.”

There was silence on the other end.

“Where are you?”

Kiyono Arisa asked.

“The KTV lobby from before.”

“I’m not asking that.”

Her voice was heavy with exhaustion.

“I’m asking.

Where are you going now?

Or are you still waiting in the store?”

“If it’s convenient for you to come back, I can wait for you.”

This time, Kiyono Arisa stayed silent for a long time.

Xiao Chun Miura wondered if the call had ended without her noticing.

“…..No.”

At last, Kiyono Arisa spoke.

“I can’t go back right now.”

“…….Could you keep it for me tonight? Please?”

Finally, her voice softened, as if she had given in.

“Just one night is fine. Right now, I really just want to go home.”

Hearing the tone, Xiao Chun Miura hesitated, words catching in her throat.

“Alright, I’ll keep it for you. When should I return it?”

“Tomorrow.”

Kiyono Arisa sniffled, regaining some composure.

“Tomorrow is Saturday…

Are you free?”

“Yeah, I am.”

“Then… tomorrow at ten in the morning.”

She gave an address.

“Behind the Fountain Plaza in Central Park, there’s a small Commercial District. Let’s meet there tomorrow.”