Under normal circumstances, a person would probably look at something like this in private.
But I couldn't help being curious.
If it were a love letter, it would surely be in a cute envelope (total assumption) and sealed with a heart-shaped sticker (another total assumption).
Besides… it was the same pattern as that day when I first met Sara-senpai.
"…Hmm? It’s strangely simple. Using cellophane tape to seal it lacks any charm."
Because a battle-hardened(?) veteran like Hayato gave it a failing grade, the probability that this letter was an unwelcome "love letter" from a man increased significantly.
Therefore, I decided to open it right here on the spot.
"After School, come to the Incinerator."
It was a truly retro summons.
Was it because they couldn't get close to me in class that they had to resort to a letter?
Well, it wasn't certain that it was those specific guys yet.
"…Oh, quite the passionate love letter."
Before I knew it, Hayato was peeking over my shoulder from behind. It wasn't from a girl, so I didn't really mind.
"Is it those guys?"
He likely guessed it based on the exchange from when he had come to get me before. I also thought it was them, ten to one.
In other words, this was a "love letter" from a man, the content was likely an unwelcome confession, and there was a high possibility of physical force being used afterward.
"Probably. What a pain…"
I could ignore it, but since we were in the same class, I had no idea what they might do next. There was a chance it would just turn into an even greater hassle.
"Even if you ignore it, you’re still in the same class. Or rather, they’re politely telling you to come after making preparations," Hayato remarked.
If you summon someone like this, that’s naturally what happens. Are they really that stupid? Or do they have some kind of absolute confidence?
It wasn't that I was being careless, but if I went after making proper preparations, there was a possibility that my School Life would become even more peaceful from now on.
"What are you going to do?"
"Ah—… Hayato, do you have time After School?"
Since he was already this involved, I might as well have him come along. I decided to honestly request his cooperation.
"Well then, leave the Filming Group and the Mobile Group duties to me in case something happens."
Hayato replied with a smirk. In this situation, he understood exactly what was needed without me even saying it. In the worst-case scenario, running away at full speed was also an option.
"Sorry… thanks for the help After School."
Aaaah, what a total pain…
After School, I was acting separately from Kazunari.
We had coordinated via RAIN, and considering the possibility that Kazunari was being watched, I decided to go ahead and get into position first.
I hate to say it myself, but the guys who approach me at School are usually only those of that ilk. It was well-known that those two were calling themselves my friends without permission while hitting on women.
That’s why I clearly told everyone around me that I hated them, but before I knew it, the people they hung out with had disappeared, leaving just the two of them. They were an eyesore, and to be honest, I wanted them gone for Kazunari’s sake as well.
In that sense, I once again realized that a Smartphone is a very convenient tool.
"There he is! Yokokawa!! Hey, can you get in touch with Takanashi?"
The guy who called out to me was the one who had been talking with Kazunari in class this morning. I didn't know his name, but… did something happen?
"Did something happen?" I asked.
The serious expression on his face made me uneasy.
"A little while ago, a strange group was moving toward the back of the building while muttering Takanashi’s name. Is he okay? You should probably tell him."
A group? Was it not just those two this time?
If that was the case, the situation was different from what we expected. This is bad. I have to get there quickly…
"Natsumi-senpai, it’s a disaster!!"
A girl from the Cheering Squad came running toward us in a panic. Sara was with me, so the two of us stopped to hear her out.
"Satsukawa-senpai’s Fan Cl—"
"Please do not say such disgusting things," Sara interrupted coldly.
Because Sara processed the existence of those guys in her head as if they didn't exist, she detested even hearing about them. But what did the girl mean by "a disaster"?
"Did those guys do something again?" I asked.
"Ah, yes! Natsumi-senpai’s Friend… the boy…"
"What happened to Takanashi-san?"
As usual, Sara was quick to take the bait the moment it involved Takanashi-kun.
"It seems that group summoned your Friend! A member who got the information contacted me—right now, those guys are at the Incinerator—"
Sara was about to bolt, so I grabbed her and held her back. That was close… I couldn't let her go there alone.
He was summoned.
The news brought back unpleasant memories for both Takanashi-san and myself. Even though I detested the existence of that group, I had left them alone because they had caused no actual harm and rarely appeared before me. I avoided them out of a desire for peace.
But because of that, Takanashi-san is now…
If they lay even a single finger on Takanashi-san, I will never forgive them…
It didn't sound like a simple matter. Those fellows often work in the shadows, and there have been cases of them doing extreme things because of it. If they summoned Takanashi-kun out of jealousy, there was no telling what they might do. We had to go see what was happening.
"Natsumi, let go! I must go right now… if they lay a hand on Takanashi-san, every last one of them will…"
It was rare for Sara to use such a commanding tone. If I let her go alone, there was no telling what she would do to those people.
The current Sara was reminiscent of how she was during her worst period. Sara, who looked at the men who approached her as if they were nothing but dust, would allow her tone to become harsh whenever her mood soured. Now that she had someone she wanted to protect like Takanashi-kun, he had become the ultimate trigger for her personality to flip.
"I’m going with you!"
I couldn't take my eyes off her, given the possibility that she might go on a rampage. I kept a firm grip on her hand as we ran toward the site.
When we reached the vicinity of the Incinerator, we proceeded while carefully checking our surroundings. Soon, I spotted Yokokawa-kun lurking in the shadow of a tree. He was holding his Smartphone, likely recording the scene.
He noticed us and looked surprised for a moment, but he immediately pointed his Smartphone back toward his target. It seemed Takanashi-kun was just ahead.
As we drew closer to Yokokawa-kun, we could hear voices, though we couldn't make out the exact words yet.
"!!"
Sara tried to lunge forward, but I managed to restrain her.
"Sara… it’s okay, just calm down."
"I am calm…"
I don't know if she truly believed she was calm, but she wore an expression I had never seen before. Her eyes were so sharp they were terrifying.