Chapter 135: The Hostage, Eriri

“I… I don’t have any particular likes, I guess.”

Himekoji couldn’t suggest anything great.

Honestly, besides being a pervert, he was just a very dull person. He spent most holidays lazily doing nothing; either playing games or oversleeping.

Feeling terrible about Totsuka since he hadn’t planned anything, Himekoji hastily offered a compromise.

“Anyway, let’s just walk around first and see.”

“Mhm, yeah. We can look around first, then decide together later.”

Decide together.

Those words struck him unexpectedly.

Until now, Himekoji Akito had to make nearly all his decisions alone. No one to advise him, discuss with him, or offer even the tiniest opinion.

So, to Akito, this felt like an entirely new experience.

Together? That’s just like something Totsuka would say.

He couldn’t help imagining deciding even their future child’s name together.

…

Side by side, they strolled casually through the station at noon.

Though it was May, the day felt hot and stuffy outside—probably because the sunlight was too scorching.

So without thinking twice, he led Totsuka into a nearby mall complex.

Inside the large plaza were shops, entertainment spots, a ten-screen cinema, an arcade, and various eateries.

Brilliant lights and modern sounds filled the glittering space.

Many high schools and universities nearby meant crowds were guaranteed.

Weekends especially brought swarms of people.

While circling indoors, Totsuka suddenly halted.

“What’s up?”

Asking this, Himekoji followed Totsuka’s gaze—

Right where promotional posters for movies currently showing were displayed.

“It’s already screening…”

Totsuka stared excitedly.

“So… wanna watch it?”

“Huh? N-no, we don’t have to! We should go by Akito’s preference.”

Totsuka waved his hands, flustered.

“Well, I actually wanna see it too. Now that I think about it… it’s my first time watching with someone besides family.”

And family… that was long, long ago. Practically childhood.

If he recalled correctly—during a family shopping trip, his parents had tossed him and his Little Sister into a nearby theater to shut them up.

A small wave of nostalgia hit him…

Because after that year, he’d always been alone.

Pausing briefly, Totsuka glanced at him hesitantly.

“R-really? It’s okay?”

Akito felt, for the first time, that his opinion mattered so much to another person.

He smiled. Only one answer existed.

“Mhm. Of course.”

…

Booking seats. Buying tickets. Adding popcorn and cola to the order.

Before scanning tickets inside, Himekoji double-checked.

“Need to use the bathroom first?”

“Ah?”

Totsuka blinked, momentarily surprised.

“Let’s go together. The movie’s two hours long.”

Without waiting, Akito strode straight toward the men’s restroom.

After a tiny hesitation, Totsuka bit his lip softly and followed with small steps.

…

He came. He actually came!

Good. Operation Confirm Saika’s Gender begins NOW!

Seeing his plan unfold perfectly, Himekoji clenched his fist, thrilled.

Next, he’d conduct a famous thought experiment: “Schrödinger’s Saika”.

A Saika born into this world holds a 50% chance of being a girl or not one.

Until Saika’s mysterious pants come off, Saika’s quantum state remains a blur between girl and non-girl.

There was only one truth!

…

“Eh? Saika, not coming in?”

Just one step apart—Akito stood inside the men’s restroom. Saika lingered outside.

So close. Yet so distant.

“You go first, Akito. I’ll wait.”

Saika smiled shyly, fingers tightening nervously in front of him.

“We’re both guys. Why so awkward?”

Akito grabbed his wrist and yanked him inside.

“E-eh? Akito?! Why’d you do that?”

Stumbling in, Saika sounded almost wounded.

“What’s the big deal?”

Himekoji shook his head, baffled and amused.

If he’s acting so squirmy… could Saika truly be…?

But inside now, Saika just kept his burning face lowered—then darted into a toilet stall while Akito wasn’t looking.

“Hey?!”

Himekoji realized too late…

Wait, hang on—this isn’t how the script goes!

There are urinals! They’re here! No need to lock yourself in a stall!

Totsuka’s action even reminded Himekoji of the scene a few days ago, when he was with Yukinoshita in the Men’s Restroom…

Which meant, in the end—

Himekoji still didn’t know Saika’s true gender inside the restroom stall that day.

…

Exiting the restroom and rejoining the crowd waiting to enter, Himekoji suddenly sensed something off about the movie theater’s atmosphere.

Chaos?

Many people near the front of the line were abruptly turning around, trying to dash outside for some reason.

Even those who had already entered the screening hall were rushing back out in small groups.

“Money’s being thrown!”

“Some crazy guy’s throwing cash from the third floor!”

“Go grab some!”

…

These broken shouts came from excited passersby sprinting past as they dashed for the exits.

“Should… should we go out too?”

Himself strangely curious about the commotion, Himekoji frowned and asked Saika.

His heart raced, fast and heavy without reason, pounding like muffled thunder drumming in his chest. Faster than ever before.

A feeling… a bad feeling that something terrible was happening.

“But… the movie is about to start.”

Totsuka glanced at the time, brows knotted with worry. She was looking forward to this film, her very first with Himekoji.

“Yeah, I know. You go in first. Wait for me just a little. I’ll just take a quick look and come right back. Two minutes.”

Himekoji spoke fast. As he did so, he handed Totsuka his cola and popcorn to hold.

“But…”

“I won’t be late. Promise.”

Himekoji vowed.

“Well… alright then. Remember your promise, Akito.”

“Yep!”

Himekoji nodded and instantly turned to sprint for the exit.

Just then, the long-silent System chose that moment to chime in—

[\Ding!]

[\Make your choice!]

[\A: Stay and finish the movie with Saika. All debts cleared.]

[\B: Go outside. Consequences on you.]

“B!”

His feet didn’t slow for a second.

His heart strained against his ribs, a strange icy dread choking him like a hand around his throat.

He ran out faster than anyone else.

Stepping out of the theater, his eyes met a blizzard of flying banknotes.

So much money. So, so much. It was overwhelming!

“Get it! Grab it now!”

“Thanks, rich dude! Thanks for the handout!”

“That’s my money! I got here first! Let it go!”

…

The crowd on the ground floor had gone wild, eyes red with greed as they fought, pushed, shoved, argued, and even traded blows.

Human greed and aggression, the worst instincts exposed right there.

Theaters were on the second floor. People rushing out couldn’t make it down fast enough, so they surged towards the balcony railing, leaning over, reaching out, desperate to snatch whatever bills they could catch on the wind.

Himekoji ignored the spectacle below. Instead, his gaze snapped upwards, scanning the third-floor balcony.

The money-thrower was a man masked by a COVID mask, a baseball cap pulled low: face obscured, age impossible to guess.

But even with nearly all his face hidden, leaving only his eyes bare, his body screamed frantic, volatile madness.

He wasn’t a wealthy patron. He was a criminal!

The man held a gun in one hand. A real gun.

Beside him, a girl had silver duct tape covering her mouth. Her wrists were tied tight to the metal balcony railing with a leather belt.

A… hostage?

Her golden twin tails whipped about like crazy as she struggled, muted, kicking desperately at the railing again and again with all her might.

Everyone below was madly grabbing at the falling money. Not one person bothered to look up, to see what was happening above.

“Eriri?!”

Only Himekoji saw.

…