It was a bit of a shame that we had to cut our meeting at the family restaurant short. We agreed that it was probably not a good idea to be out past ten o’clock, even if we joked about a little night wandering being the charm of a Petit Bourgeois. The cold on the way back was unbearable, and even though Osanai-san, who is sensitive to the cold, rode her bike home in full winter gear, I, in my windbreaker, couldn’t stand the headwind and ended up pushing my bike home.

After taking a bath to warm up, I lay down on my bed in my room just before midnight. In the dark room, relying on the moonlight, I was looking at a copy of a page. It was a photocopy of the page where I had written my questions.

Calling someone at this hour would be rude to anyone. The saying “Even among close friends, there are manners to observe” should be respected. But after a moment’s thought, I concluded that it would be fine if it were Kengo, and I picked up the phone. Since we aren’t close friends, that idiom probably doesn’t apply.

After dialing the mobile phone, the call connected immediately. Considering the time, Kengo’s voice was suspicious and untrustworthy.

“…… What is it?”

I wanted to ask what is “What is it?”

“About this afternoon’s matter.”

“Ah. …… Sorry for asking too much.”

It’s not that much of a burden. I’m just asking Osanai-san to look at the painting and give her opinion.

“I talked to Osanai-san. She said that since she’s not an appraiser, she can’t understand the painting’s meaning. But even if she might not be able to do anything, she’ll try her best to look at it.”

“Is that so?”

From the mobile phone, I could hear a sigh.

“That’s helpful. I’ll be a bother to Osanai too.”

“She seemed troubled by the sudden request, but she didn’t say it was a bother.”

This is a lie. Osanai-san looked bothered. But there was no need to convey that to Kengo.

“I hope so.”

Kengo’s words were few, and his voice lacked strength. He seemed troubled this afternoon, but he didn’t look weak. As I was waiting for the right moment to ask about the thirteen questions I discussed with Osanai-san, Kengo spoke up first.

“Jougorou. I want to ask you something in general.”

“In general, to me?”

“Yeah. You think it’s ridiculous?”