After parting ways with u in the classroom, Koizuka Sakuna headed straight to the Iwanaga residence. When she arrived, it was just dinner time, and she thought, “Oh no,” but she was warmly welcomed by Koba’s mother with a smile and handed two servings of curry rice on a tray.
Before she knew it, she was eating curry in Koba’s room. A foldable table had been set up, and Sakuna sat facing Koba. When Sakuna put her hands together and said, “Itadakimasu,” Koba interjected, “What’s going on?”
“For some reason, I ended up joining you for dinner… um, sorry, I couldn’t refuse…” “It’s fine… but, Koizuka-san, don’t people ever call you strange?” “I don’t have enough friends to get that kind of feedback.” “Oh, I see… sorry.”
Koba averted her gaze, genuinely looking sympathetic. Sakuna felt a little hurt by the apology. Afterward, Sakuna once again said, “Itadakimasu,” and Koba followed suit, putting her hands together and saying, “Itadakimasu.”
Curry seasoning varies from household to household. In Sakuna’s home, they used curry roux straight from the box, so it always tasted familiar, like something she’d eaten somewhere before. But the curry at the Iwanaga house had depth. The beef was so tender it fell apart in her mouth.
“Um, the curry at your house is really delicious…” “My mom’s a great cook. She’s especially particular about her curry.”
As they chatted, Koba suddenly asked, “So, what brings you here today?”
“Well… um… do you believe in curses?” “What’s with the sudden question?” “Um… I apologize if this offends you, but as you know, I’ve been investigating Shiraishi Yutaka…”
Sakuna relayed the rumors that everyone who dated Shiraishi Yutaka ended up experiencing misfortune. Koba furrowed her brow in displeasure but remained silent, listening.
“And now, his current girlfriend has run away from home. Her name is Satake Suzuna. Do you know her?” “Satake? From the art club?” “Yes.” “We weren’t particularly close, but I do know her…” “What kind of person is she?” “She’s a really quiet girl. We went to the same middle school too; she was my kouhai in the art club.” “Do you have any idea why she might have run away?” “Yeah, actually.”
Without thinking, Sakuna blurted out, “Eh? You do?”
“Satake was pretty well-known back in middle school…”
With a sigh, Koba muttered, “Well, more her mom than her…”
“Tell me more,” Sakuna urged.
“It’s what you’d call a ‘monster parent’ situation. She’d constantly come to the school and complain about things. During our middle school cultural festival, my painting won an award and was displayed prominently at the entrance, but she claimed it was discriminatory.”
“Eh? What do you mean?” “She wanted Satake’s painting to be displayed in a prominent spot too. Satake looked really troubled by it all…”
Lost in memories, Koba sighed in exasperation.
“Plus, Satake herself is a quiet person, so she didn’t have many friends…” “So, in short, Satake had family issues even back in middle school?” “If her mom hasn’t changed, then yeah. That’s probably why she ran away.” “I see…”
As she spoke, Sakuna brought another spoonful of curry to her mouth. She chewed thoughtfully, savoring the flavor, and then suddenly took a sip of water from her glass.
“I think I’ve sort of figured out the answer to this curse thing.” “Hmm… what’s the answer?” “Do you want to know?” “Well, since you’ve gone this far…” “I’ll tell you if you come to school.” “Huh? What’s that supposed to mean?”
Ignoring Koba’s annoyed response, Sakuna put her hands together and said, “Gochisousama.” Koba glared at her, brows furrowed, but quickly turned her gaze away, sulking.
“…It’s impossible now. I’m repeating the year, you know? It’d be way too noticeable.” “There’s also the option of attending through the nurse’s office. And besides… you seem better at socializing than me, so I think you can manage somehow…” “You don’t look people in the eye when you talk, do you…”
Looking away, Sakuna muttered, “I’m not good at it,” then turned back to face Koba.
“If you’re worried, I can even pick you up in the morning as a service…” “Why are you going this far for me? Even if you like art, this is…”
Sakuna struggled to answer. She couldn’t bring up Asaichi’s name, so she abruptly changed the subject. “Anyway…”
“This might be your last chance. It’s up to your courage now.”
With that, Sakuna stood up.
“I’ll come to pick you up tomorrow.” “Tomorrow… might be… difficult…” “I’ll come every day then… Wait, I’m coming every day? Getting up early is tough…” “You’re the one who said it.” “Anyway, I’ll do my best, so please try your best too, Koba-san. Just… my efforts have limits, so it would help if you could muster the courage before it gets too late.”
Koba lowered her gaze, still hesitating. Judging that further persuasion might backfire, Sakuna picked up the empty dishes and said, “Excuse me,” before leaving Koba’s room. On her way out, she thanked Koba’s mother for the dinner and left the Iwanaga residence.
