"Eriri, sorry to drag you out grocery shopping with me."
"It's fine."
"Since you were able to come find me to hang out, I guess that means you've finished up the work you had, right?"
"Yeah."
"You said before—how much are you earning from this commission again?"
"Two million."
"Whoa, that's amazing! You've basically become a little rich girl overnight!"
"Heh… is that so…"
"…Come on, Eriri. You made that much money—shouldn't you be a little happy? I mean, no matter how hard it was, the work's over now, right?"
"…"
Happy? At this point, just holding back my tears already feels like giving it my all.
Inside the supermarket.
Takanashi Rokka was pushing the cart, looking to be in good spirits.
But Sawamura Eriri, on the other hand, was haunted by what she'd learned these past few days—that Kasumigaoka Utaha had been staying over at the Minamoto household.
Every night, she got to exchange "goodnight" with him before sleeping. Every morning, the first thing she saw upon waking was him.
Just imagining that was enough to make Eriri's stomach churn, like there was an unwanted color painted over her head—even if nothing physical had happened.
That sense of loss gnawed at her constantly, leaving her listless, unmotivated no matter what she tried to do.
Even the two million yen that had just landed in her account… Honestly, it meant nothing right now.
It hadn't always been like this. Back in elementary school, she, Chiya, and Yukino had been so happy together…
But now… how had it all come to this?
The moment she let down her guard, that black-stockings woman had shamelessly thrown herself at him—and even had the gall to move in! Didn't she realize how much trouble she was causing?
Thick-skinned! A thieving cat! Utterly shameless!
Rokka, watching her friend's expression shift from stormy to bitter to flat, understood perfectly what was going on inside, yet felt torn.
When she and her mother and sister had first moved into the Minamoto household, everything about the new environment had felt foreign and uncomfortable.
At that time, besides Minamoto Chiya gently reaching out and easing her into things, it had also been Eriri who had taken the initiative to befriend her.
Rokka treasured that friendship deeply. But now, with time, she'd come to think Kasumigaoka Utaha was a good person too.
Utaha treated her kindly, was warm and considerate, helped care for little Chiyo these past days, got along well with Kurotsubasa the crow, and even humored her chuunibyou antics. Sometimes, when she quoted classic lines from anime, Utaha was able to volley back perfectly, making the whole exchange incredibly fun.
And so, Rokka could no longer throw her whole heart behind Eriri's side like before.
After all, loyalty was something only lovers needed to promise each other. Between friends, no such rules should exist.
She figured it was better to just keep this realization to herself. Eriri had already been devastated earlier at the sight of Utaha in pajamas at the house. If she picked up on Rokka's feelings of "betrayal"…
That scene would be brutal.
"Eriri, have you thought about how you're going to spend that money?" Rokka broke the silence, deliberately steering the topic away from Utaha to spare her friend's heart.
It worked—at least a little.
"Mm… I was thinking of treating everyone to dinner. Or maybe, when winter break starts, booking a hot spring inn for a few nights."
"Really!?"
"But the timing's kind of awkward. Our school goes on break on the twenty-seventh this month. I planned to invite everyone right after, but Senya-kun's busy writing his novel now. And once January hits, everyone's tied up with New Year's shrine visits and seeing relatives."
"Then just wait until the New Year rush dies down. Winter break is still two weeks long—there'll be time for us to get together."
"Yeah… I guess that's the only option."
But the thought that Kasumigaoka might keep staying at the Minamoto house until the novel was done made Eriri's chest twist painfully.
I miss you, Yukino… Why aren't you in Japan?If you were here, with your brains, your love of reading, your deep literary sense, you'd surely put that black-stockings woman in her place!
"Rokka, earlier at your house you didn't explain—why did Senya suddenly decide to start writing a novel for some contest?"
"It wasn't exactly sudden. Thinking back, I guess he'd been mulling it over for a while. Around last month, I noticed he started buying lots of literature books at the bookstore…"
Rokka fell into recollection.
Meanwhile, Minamoto Senya was at home, seated before his computer, fully absorbed in typing.
A few days earlier, he'd finished reading several prize-winning mystery novels he had bought.
His honest reaction? They were just… average.
The plots were competent, sure, but the tricks and puzzles lacked brilliance, leaving him unsatisfied.
Afterward, he carefully read through the judges' official commentary explaining why those books had won.
He drew his own conclusions—and two days ago, he finally started writing.
Looking at the winners of the Edogawa Rampo Prize in recent years, it was clear the judges favored honkaku mysteries.
And what was honkaku?
It was a branch of detective fiction that emphasized puzzles as the core—locked rooms, alibis, dismemberment tricks. Fair-play mysteries that gave readers the same clues as the detective, stressing airtight logic and the supremacy of reasoning.
Among the five recent winners Senya had read, all were honkaku mysteries.
Knowing this, the strategy was obvious: give the judges what they liked.
Senya wasn't the type to stubbornly resist. He understood his goal and adapted accordingly.
He combed through the classics he'd read in his past life and selected three that he thought suitable.
After spending a whole night, he drafted rough outlines of each plot, along with their core tricks.
When he compared them afterward, he already knew which one stood above the rest.
Still, he asked Kasumigaoka Utaha to take a look and pick the one she thought the most shocking.
If, before, her trust in Senya had been based purely on affection, then after seeing him produce three such polished outlines in so little time, she was utterly floored.
At this point, no matter what field of literature he branched into, she doubted she'd ever be surprised again.
In the end, after much hesitation, Utaha's choice matched his own.
Thus, he confirmed the project: an adaptation of Shimada Sōji's The Tokyo Zodiac Murders.
Though it had never won a major prize, its ingenious core trick had secured it a legendary place in mystery history.
It had influenced countless later works, openly borrowed by manga, anime, and dramas—like certain famous boy detectives and a certain shinigami elementary schooler. Its classic status spoke for itself.
Compared to the recent winners in this world, Senya believed this story had an overwhelming chance of victory.
Before long, Rokka and Eriri returned with the groceries.
Soon after, Busujima Saeko arrived at the Minamoto home, having accepted Senya's invitation.
Unlike Eriri, Saeko already knew he was working on a novel, and that Utaha had been staying over for days.
But her mindset was totally different. She didn't think it was a big deal.
Yes, they were under the same roof, but it wasn't just the two of them. Minamoto's father was away at times for TV program recordings, true, but Rokka, Tokka, and their mother were all present. Nothing suspicious could happen.
Lunch was prepared together by Senya and Saeko.
Both Utaha and Eriri had intended to help, but the two in the kitchen were skilled and worked in such smooth harmony that they couldn't wedge themselves in.
So Utaha ended up playing with the crow, while Eriri sat in the living room with Rokka watching TV, waiting for food.
Senya and Saeko's cooking skills were solid, and soon a colorful, fragrant spread was ready.
With no parents around and only people their age present, the atmosphere was relaxed and casual, and conversation flowed easily.
"Try this—something new I just learned. Tell me honestly how it tastes," Saeko said as she took off her apron and sat down, but instead of reaching for food, she picked up a large bottle of oolong tea and filled everyone's cups.
As always, she carried herself with that graceful, dignified air. Gentle, refreshing, straightforward with her feelings yet never overstepping, she had a way of making everyone feel at ease—while somehow, without effort, naturally slipping into the role of leading lady.
Although she hadn't done it intentionally.
Eriri picked up a slice of grilled meat, and after tasting it, her eyes lit up.
Despite the glossy layer of oil on the surface, the meat didn't feel greasy at all in her mouth. On the contrary, it was refreshingly light, and the juices sealed inside burst across her palate in an astonishingly delicious way.
"Saeko-senpai! This is amazing!"
"Oh really? Let me try some too."
Rikka and Utaha also picked up their chopsticks, taking a piece each, and both voiced their approval.
"It's not greasy at all!"
"Mmm… if you savor it carefully, there's even a faint fruity fragrance."
"As long as you like it." After pouring drinks for everyone, Busujima Saeko finally picked up her own bowl and chopsticks.
Minamoto Senya also placed a piece of grilled meat into his mouth, and after tasting it, he nodded several times. He then explained for everyone's benefit:
"It's lemon. Saeko added a little lemon juice when she marinated the meat."
"I see."
"How's it going these past few days?" Saeko asked, referring to the novel.
Senya was shoveling rice into his mouth at the moment, so he simply nodded.
Utaha answered in his stead:"It's going pretty well. The detailed outline of the novel is already finished. What's left is just to steadily fill in the specific story content."
"I heard from Senya that the manuscript deadline is on the thirty-first of this month. Will you make it in time?"
"The schedule is a little tight, but don't worry. Senya writes very fast. Besides, I'll be giving him my full support—we'll make it."
She said "full support," but in truth, Utaha hadn't contributed much over the past few days.
Senya's writing skills were already up to standard. His thinking was sharp, his sense of logic strong. The drafts he handed over to Utaha were almost flawless—no typos, no issues in the content.
What she had been doing was polishing the text, making the prose flow more elegantly.
But this was a mystery novel, not a work of literary drama or romance. Such embellishments felt a bit out of place—something Senya himself had just pointed out to her. After reflecting, she realized he was right.
That left her with one truly important responsibility.
The Astrology Murder Magic was set around 1948. Postwar Japan was a different world—its culture, technology, and everyday life very unlike today.
Her role was to research, to read articles on the customs of that era, and make sure Senya's manuscript didn't contain anachronisms or logical errors that would ruin a proper detective story.
Taking a sip of oolong tea, Senya said,"So during this time, I probably won't be able to go to kendo club, and I won't be able to practice with you either, Saeko."
"I understand. Work comes first," Saeko replied as expected. But under the table, her behavior didn't quite match the composed yamato nadeshiko image she maintained above it.
Just as she spoke, Senya felt something soft pressing lightly against his foot.
He immediately realized—Saeko had slipped off her sandal and was stepping on him.
"You two should do your best, but take care of yourselves too. Don't stay up too late at night," she said with her usual smile.
"Mhm." Utaha nodded.
"..."
Senya stared at Saeko's beautiful, narrow eyes, her face the very picture of composure, showing no hint of mischief. He couldn't quite understand why she was suddenly doing this.
Was it just a prank?
Come to think of it, hadn't something like this happened once before…?
Without showing anything outwardly, Senya shifted his foot to catch Saeko's and held it in place, gently rubbing the arch of her sole.
"Don't worry," he murmured. "It won't get that bad. Once this month ends, I'll have more free time again."
Saeko's smile grew even brighter. Whether because she understood the implication of his words, or because his teasing touch tickled her, she seemed positively delighted.
"So, does that mean you'll be staying here for the time being?" Eriri suddenly turned to Utaha.
Utaha smiled faintly. She knew exactly what the blonde loser was worried about, but she didn't mind indulging her a little.
"Of course. After all, I'm helping Senya proofread his manuscript."
Eriri frowned. "But couldn't you just do that at home? I mean, with the internet nowadays, you can send a draft in seconds."
"And what exactly are you trying to say, Eriri?"
Caught off guard by Utaha's sharp look, Eriri glanced nervously at Senya, who looked calm as ever. She coughed lightly before continuing:
"I… I'm not saying anything, really. Just reminding you there are better ways to help. Staying over at someone else's house all the time must feel uncomfortable, right? And your parents might be worried too… or something like that."
Utaha pressed her lips together, clearly stifling a laugh. She took a deep breath, then replied with feigned earnestness:
"How touching. You really are looking out for me, Eriri. But I'm quite comfortable here at Senya's house. My parents know him, so they aren't worried either. And while yes, digital transmission is convenient, when it comes to an unfinished novel, discussing every detail face-to-face with Senya is far more direct and efficient. Don't you think so?"
Every attack Eriri attempted was blocked and countered without mercy.
"I… I was just saying. Do whatever you want," Eriri muttered with a guilty look, trying to save face with a flimsy excuse of "I'm only saying this for your own good."
Utaha nodded gravely, as if deeply moved."I see. But I think things are fine as they are now. Thank you for worrying about me."
Her tone was dripping with sarcasm, and she couldn't even suppress a small laugh at the end.
This was too much—humiliation layered on humiliation. She didn't just stab Eriri—she twisted the knife.
Eriri's heart felt like it was bleeding. She was devastated, yet utterly powerless.
Rikka, quietly observing from the side, sympathized with poor Eriri, who had been defeated and decapitated without mercy. At the same time, she found their underhanded, passive-aggressive sparring oddly entertaining.
Something within Rikka stirred—some new awareness, some strange delight. She wanted to see more.
But Eriri was already out of stamina, her spirit bar empty. She tucked her tail between her legs and turned her frustration into sheer appetite, shoveling rice into her mouth.
Her reaction seemed perfectly normal in Utaha's eyes. Typical behavior for the little golden retriever.
But… why were Senya and Saeko suddenly so quiet, focused only on eating?
And why was Saeko's head lowered so much, her smile fixed unnaturally on her face?
It wasn't that smiling was wrong—but right now, her smile seemed… off. Almost strange.
Could it be…?
Utaha glanced at the two sitting close together. After thinking it over, she decided to trust her darker instincts. Slowly, she stretched her foot out under the table.
Just then, the jet-black wings resting quietly on the sofa cushion suddenly flapped to life. The crow shot up, circled the dining table, and landed squarely on Utaha's head.
The sudden commotion startled everyone.
"Hey! I told you not to fly around during meals. What's gotten into you today? Be careful you don't fall into the soup, or I'll pluck you bald on the spot!"
Rikka hurried over to lift the crow off Utaha's head, apologizing repeatedly.
Utaha adjusted her crooked white headband and gave a small laugh, unfazed by the interruption.
The little incident, however, forced Saeko to withdraw her foot from Senya's grasp, and Utaha's attempt at probing came to nothing.
Far away in England, Yukinoshita Yukino woke up in the morning and, as usual, reached for her phone. She found a new message from Eriri.
[Eriri]: Yukino, when you see this, please reply when you have time. I have something I want to talk to you about.
The message was followed by a crying emoji.
The heaviness Yukino usually felt upon waking dissipated into a small smile.
So, she'd run into some trouble again and wanted her help in figuring it out?
She didn't dislike this kind of reliance. In fact, she rather liked it.
If only he could rely on her like that too… but the last time Senya had reached out to her had been half a month ago.
And even then, he hadn't said much. Just told her the weather was getting colder and reminded her to wear more layers so she wouldn't catch a cold.
So paternalistic…
Couldn't he have talked about anything else?
Without dwelling on it, Yukino replied with a smile:[Yukino]: I just woke up. What's the matter?
Eriri's reply came almost instantly—she must have been glued to her phone, waiting.
But the content quickly wiped the smile from Yukino's face.
[Yukino]: …You're saying Senya plans to write a mystery novel for a competition, and because Utaha is helping him, she'll be staying at his house until the end of the month?
[Eriri]: Yeah!
The part that struck Yukino wasn't Utaha's involvement.
It was the fact that Senya had decided to write a novel and act on it—and she hadn't known anything about it.
So that's what happens to the closeness of childhood friends? With time and distance, it just fades away?
She opened her desk drawer and took out a small box. Inside was the pendant Senya had given her at the airport before she left for England.
The chain was something she'd bought herself, and she had worn it often. Over time, the silver pendant had darkened.
Not because she was unhygienic—pure silver simply tarnishes when exposed to air for long.
Once she noticed it, she'd stopped wearing it, carefully storing it in the box instead, preserving that small fragment of happiness.
Now, gazing at it again, recalling the words Senya had said as they parted at the airport… it felt like that unspoken understanding between them had quietly dissolved.
Back in the summer, when they had all gone to the amusement park together, she had thought—just a little longer. In a year or so, she would be able to return.
But suddenly, she wasn't so sure. Relationships could drift apart without her even realizing.
And now there was still more than a year to wait. By then… what would remain between them?
Yukino looked at her own reflection in the window.
With time, her beauty had grown more refined, her academic record even more outstanding. She had become more and more accomplished.
It should have been a source of pride and confidence. Yet right now, she couldn't feel optimistic at all.
She patted her cheeks lightly, recognizing her thoughts were spiraling. She was overthinking.
She mustn't forget the goal she had set for herself. If he was striving forward, then she too had to give her all, so that when they met again, she could dazzle him.
[Eriri]: Yukino, you should've seen her face. She was mocking me at the table with that smug, sarcastic tone. So annoying! I'm so mad I could scream!
Seeing Yukino hadn't replied in a few minutes, Eriri had sent another message.
Taking a deep breath, Yukino shook her head firmly, refusing to sink into useless negative thoughts.
People change as they grow. Relationships shift with time.
But the future was long, and she believed she would have her chance to shape things into what she wanted.
Yukinoshita Yukino never gave up.
Just wait. When the day comes that I step back into the game…
She pushed open the window to let the room air out, then sat back down on her bed to reply to Eriri's message.
For now, she had to help her friend.
Eriri was too kind, too sweet. Yukino would never allow anyone to bully her—not even with words.
[Yukino]: Alright, alright. Don't be so angry. Utaha is helping Senya right now, so her intentions aren't exactly bad. But if her sarcasm bothers you, then just fight back the same way. As long as your parents don't object, it shouldn't be hard to arrange."
[Eriri]: Eh? What do you mean?
[Yukino]: Are you still at Senya's house?
[Eriri]: Yup, I'm here right now!
[Yukino]: Then do exactly as I tell you next…