I’m not sure if it’s good or bad, but Osanai-san and I have encountered strange mysteries quite often. Most of these mysteries were presented to us as “problems to be solved,” but there were also times when we were the first to notice something strange that no one else had caught on to. For example, in March, Osanai-san noticed something odd in a shopping mall: the depth at which chocolate spray sank into gelato inside a well-heated store.

To be honest, March isn’t exactly the right time for gelato. Especially in a year when spring is late and winter winds keep blowing. Yet, there was definitely a reason why Osanai-san and I set out to taste gelato. It was because I owed Osanai-san a debt from last month. To be precise, I borrowed money from Osanai-san, and while trying to pay it back, I got caught up in something unexpected and ended up overpaying. When I asked what I could do to make it up to her, Osanai-san thought for a moment and said this.

“Then, buy me gelato.”

It was during our walk home, in the middle of the street. Osanai-san was dressed in a fluffy padded coat, furry gloves, a thick scarf, and even a plush earmuff on her neatly cut bob. I couldn’t take my eyes off her perfect winter outfit. Osanai-san gets cold easily.

“Are you really okay with gelato?”

“Do you have any other ideas?”

That made me realize I didn’t have any other recommendations. The days were getting longer, and the sky was quickly darkening even at sunset, but Osanai-san let out a small sigh.

“I wanted to go to my favorite gelato shop, which opened its second branch in a more convenient location than the first. I was planning to go on the last day of the final exams next week, but since Kobato-kun is buying me gelato, it’s perfect.”

It’s naturally a good thing if one has something in mind.

“So, where’s the store?”

“It’s in <Lemora>.”

What Osanai-san refers to as <Lemora> is a massive shopping mall with parking for thousands of cars. The name is derived from a legendary fish that stops ships, and the mascot character <Lemoran>, resembling a piranha, has gained popularity for being both cute and scary. I’ve been there once, and in addition to grocery and clothing stores, there were pharmacies, art supply stores, bookstores, and even movie theaters and furniture and car dealerships. It was located quite far on the outskirts, which was probably why it was so spacious, making it quite a distance from both my house and Osanai-san’s.

I thought for a moment. Just because it’s far doesn’t mean I don’t want to, but do I really need to go with Osanai-san just for her to eat gelato?

“Okay, then I’ll just give you as money.”

Osanai-san raised her eyebrows sharply.

“That’s the worst suggestion, Kobato-kun.”

“Why?”

“It’s not that I want to go to the gelato shop with Kobato-kun just because it’s you. I thought it would be a good opportunity since you wanted to make it up to me. But if you’re trying to solve it with money, then it looks like I’m doing you a favor for the money.”

It sounded reasonable, but I still felt a bit uneasy, so I spoke my mind.

“Is it a sentimental thing?”