"Rojin-senpai, you came home pretty late today."
Muku asked curiously.
These past few days Rojin had usually come home early, typically before sunset.
It was about the same time she, a middle schooler, got back.
"The part-time job had a small accident."
Not entering the house yet, Rojin chatted in the walkway with her.
He had a good impression of this bright and strong girl.
"An accident? Are you okay?"
Muku asked with concern.
Rojin had a good impression of her, and she felt the same.
He was at least far more reliable than her dad.
Thinking of her dad scamming his own daughter, Muku puffed her cheeks in frustration.
"I'm fine. I even got overtime pay."
A lie.
The institute had no such thing as overtime pay.
Its members were, in principle, on call 24/7.
Only injuries or special circumstances resulted in extra compensation.
Otherwise, everyone's salary was pretty much the same.
Except the research department.
"I see."
Understanding, Muku said with envy:
"I also want to find a suitable part-time job…"
Hearing this, Rojin looked at her in surprise.
Her allowance should definitely be enough.
Her father Akihito treated his daughter well, even if he often tricked her with a straight face.
"I just want to try the experience myself."
Noticing his confusion, Muku smiled.
She had always wanted to prove to her father she wasn't a child anymore.
But he always mocked her for it with various excuses.
"I get it."
Rojin understood.
Teenage girls always wanted to prove they had grown up.
Muku was no exception.
Even though she didn't wear makeup or try to embrace the popular-girl lifestyle, she had her own thoughts.
"Muku, who are you talking to?"
Hearing her voice, Akihito poked his head out.
At this age, he still looked extremely young—nothing like the father of a middle-school girl.
Compared to the future version locked in a warehouse, he was full of life.
Calling a thirty-something man "full of life" might sound odd, but it was accurate.
"Oh, it's Rojin. Did your club have activities today?"
Seeing him, Akihito smiled.
"Good evening, Uncle Aki."
Rojin greeted him, then repeated the same excuse he had used earlier.
Akihito didn't think too much about it.
After chatting briefly, he turned to Muku.
"Muku, why are you still standing there?"
His face clearly showed dislike.
Muku's face darkened. She made a funny face at him and ran off with the trash bag.
"Be careful. Come right back after throwing it out."
Akihito called after her.
Muku waved without answering.
Satisfied, he stopped paying attention.
Muku had always been reliable.
Though she complained about his constant overtime, she still understood.
"I'll head back now."
After saying goodbye, Rojin returned to his apartment.
He turned on the entrance light, giving the dim room a bit of brightness.
He tossed his backpack aside and collapsed into the soft sofa.
Scrolling aimlessly through his phone, he told himself:
"Ten more minutes, then I'll do my homework."
Ten minutes later—
"Just a little longer. Let's make it a round number. I'll start at 7:30."
"Yes, that's fine."
Time ticked away, and he made no move toward homework.
Only when the sky was completely dark did Rojin suddenly realize:
"Why did time pass so fast?"
Rojin hurriedly pulled out his homework and began seriously… half-heartedly completing the work Hiratsuka assigned.
Essays were all about making things up anyway.
The next morning, Rojin entered the classroom through the back door as usual.
The students inside were still the same as at the start of the school year.
Everyone gathered in their own little circles, excitedly talking about something, as if they would never run out of topics.
Passing by group after group, Rojin quietly sat down at his seat.
"Morning, Sakamoto."
After greeting Sakamoto, Rojin took out the textbooks he needed for the day from his bag.
"Hm? What's this?"
Something that didn't belong to him appeared in his bag.
It was a strange plastic package.
About the size of a fist.
Rojin was certain it wasn't his. He had never bought anything like it.
He lifted his head and scanned the room. Everyone was busy with their own things.
Nothing seemed suspicious.
He could basically rule out the idea of a prank.
And he didn't think anyone could slip something into his bag without him noticing.
"I'm stepping out for a bit."
After hesitating two seconds, Rojin carried the small box out of the classroom.
Returning to the same rooftop as last time, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number.
"Yeah, it's me."
"I found something that might be a containment object."
"I'm not sure, but it appeared in my bag without me noticing."
Communicating with the person on the phone, Rojin closed the rooftop door behind him.
This clearly wasn't something he could open in a classroom.
He had no idea what was inside.
To be safe, he brought it to the rooftop.
The research institute's liaison acknowledged the report and said they'd immediately notify the institute's external members stationed at Sobu High to head to Rojin's location.
Yes, the organization had outside personnel at Sobu High.
In fact, pretty much every well-known school had external agents from the organization.
After reporting, Rojin didn't hang up and kept the line open.
Staring at the box in his hand, he suddenly felt a strong urge to open it.
He didn't hide this and honestly reported the impulse.
"All right, I understand."
Rojin rubbed his hair in frustration.
Looks like he wasn't going to class today after all.
No matter what was inside this box, afterward he would have to undergo psychological testing and counseling at the institute.
To make sure his mental state hadn't been affected.