My Childhood Friend, Who I Made a Promise To Spend the Future With, Dumped Me... But Ever Since I Started Dating a Beautiful Girl From School, My Childhood Friend Has Been Acting Strange - Episode 32

On this Saturday morning, Suzuki Tōma woke up a little later than usual.

There was something he had to do, so he headed downstairs to the living room in his pajamas.

“Thank you for the meal.”

After finishing his somewhat late breakfast, Tōma stood up from his seat at the dining table.

“Onii-chan, you’re going to that event today, right?”

His younger sister, Emi, who was sitting beside him, asked.

“Yeah, as planned.”

“I wish I could go to that event too…”

Due to the event’s rule that only up to three people could enter per lottery draw, Emi had to stay home today.

“We can’t go together, but I can buy you something if you want.”

“Huh? Really?”

“Yeah, if I find something good. Do you have anything you want?”

“Hmm… maybe some sweets? Like cookies or something.”

Hearing Emi’s request, Tōma promised to bring something back.

“I should say, ‘Have fun,’ but I guess I can’t. You have to stay focused today, after all.”

Emi looked uneasy. She knew what Tōma was about to do, which made it hard for her to smile.

“Yeah, maybe. But I’ll try to stay relaxed. If I attend the event, I might find a solution. Without solid evidence, I can’t even report this to the police.”

“Yeah… I hope things work out, for both you and Kamiya-san. Oh, and I’ll wash your dishes, so you should get ready to go.”

“Got it. Thanks.”

When Tōma checked the clock in the living room, it was already 10:30 AM.

There was still time before the scheduled meetup, but it was always better to be early.

Leaving things to Emi, Tōma went back to his room and changed out of his pajamas into casual clothes for going out.

After getting ready, Tōma said goodbye to Emi at the front door before stepping outside.

The local train station was a bit far from his house.

It was within walking distance, so Tōma started heading toward his destination on foot.

Arriving around 11 AM should be fine.

He also needed to check today’s event schedule once more.

As he walked, Tōma looked at his smartphone.

There was a set time for their entry, so reviewing the schedule was crucial to avoid wasting time.

The first step was to talk to the event staff.

One part of the event included a consultation space where attendees could speak with company representatives.

Tōma and the others had planned to explain their situation there.

Since contacting individual livestreamers or sending messages to company executives hadn’t worked, speaking directly to the staff seemed like the best option.

Face-to-face communication might lead to some kind of response.

By the time he finished reviewing everything, Tōma reached a crosswalk near the station.

He put his phone away and looked ahead.

In the distance, he could see the station building.

Just as the traffic light turned green, he crossed the street.

“Senpai, good morning!”

As soon as he reached the other side, he unexpectedly ran into his junior, Sakurada Tsubaki.

“Good morning. You’re here early too, Tsubaki.”

“Not really. If I were late, I wouldn’t be able to get into the event, right? I always make sure to arrive early.”

Tsubaki was usually serious, but today was an especially important event. Her eyes reflected her determination.

“Yeah, good point.”

The entry ticket, which was a lottery number, was stored in an app on Tsubaki’s phone.

Without her, they wouldn’t even be able to enter the venue.

“By the way, aren’t you meeting up with Suzuha-senpai?”

“Suzuha lives closer to the city, so it’ll take her some time to get here.”

“I see. Then, while we wait for her, why don’t we look around the station together?”

Tsubaki suggested.

The two of them spent about 15 minutes browsing a bookstore and checking out a merchandise store while chatting.

By 11:15 AM, they met up with Kamiya Suzuha inside the station.

After purchasing their train tickets, the three of them moved to the platform.

They needed to arrive at the event’s nearest station a little past noon.

Right on time, the train arrived, and they boarded.

The train ride was smooth, and after getting off at their stop, they walked to the event venue.

The venue was much larger than expected.

For a newly established company in the virtual livestreaming industry, renting such a big venue was quite impressive.

“Let’s go inside, senpai!”

Tsubaki took the lead, heading toward the entrance.

At that moment, Tōma thought he saw someone familiar.

Wait… was that Saori…?

For a moment, he doubted his eyes.

The figure’s back looked just like his childhood friend, Saori.

He wanted to believe it was just his imagination.

Why would she be here? The question filled his mind.

“Tōma? Something wrong?”

Suzuha, walking beside him, asked.

“No, it’s nothing. Maybe I’m just tired.”

Tōma clutched his head.

“That’s possible. You’ve been preparing all week for this event. Have you even gotten any rest?”

Suzuha peered into his face as he hung his head.

“Well… sort of.”

“I see. Then, it should be fine. But for now, let’s go. Nothing will start unless we move forward.”

“Y-yeah, you’re right.”

Convincing himself that the person he saw was just a coincidence, Tōma shook his head lightly.

After resetting his thoughts, he looked straight ahead again.

“Senpai, hurry up! If you don’t stay with me, you won’t be able to pass through!”

Tsubaki, already near the entrance, waved at them.

The two of them hurried toward her.