As we both sat down at the table, the conversation could finally begin.

Little did I know at that moment, this conversation would pull me into the whirlpool of two families.

All I had in mind was one question, why was Kurashige Yui, this little sister, so shy towards me? As far as I knew, this was usually a sign of affection.

But at this moment, even if there was, it was only a liking towards "Ziongzong".

As for myself, I played more of a role in being disliked.

"Uesugi-senpai, there is actually a reason behind the gratitude."

While I was thinking about these trivial matters, Kurashige Yui suddenly regained her usual composure, and all the shyness towards me disappeared.

Turns out she is the type of person who completely transforms when she focuses on something.

Once she sat down, Kurashige Yui's state was noticeably better than when we were standing face to face. Once she settled down, her natural grace and elegance would radiate from within, making it hard not to like her.

"Uesugi-senpai, do you remember the previous child trafficking incident?"

"I remember, but you shouldn't have been involved in that... right?"

I didn't expect Kurashige Yui to bring up that incident here, but I also didn't think she would know about the fact that "Ziongzong" was operating under the false identity of "Itou Yoshihiro." Having someone as perceptive as Uesugi Yui was enough for me.

So, why did she bring up this matter?

"Senpai, do you remember the child that was saved from the car in the end?"

"Um... I remember."

Although I wasn't involved, because it was a special case, I had focused on that child abduction incident when I was reviewing "Ziongzong's" memories. It seemed that the child who was saved in the end had some connection to the police officer who was present at the time.

"That child is actually my little sister, Dojou Mei."

"I see, so that's why you want to thank me..."

It turns out it was a coincidence. Kurashige Yui's awkward behavior towards me and "Ziongzong" all this time was because she wanted to convey her gratitude but couldn't bring herself to say it.

Wait a minute?

Kurashige Yui, Dojou Mei?

"Wait, Dojou Mei? Not Soujou Hashida?"

Inattentiveness almost caused me to miss an important question. But when I asked this question, Kurashige Yui didn't show any hesitation, which means she had anticipated that I would ask.

Then, could it be that the surname Tsuchiuchi...

Was the police officer who appeared in the previous child abduction incident, Dojou Kazuaki?

"Our family situation is a bit complicated. My current father is Dojou Kazuaki, he is my stepfather. Due to certain reasons, I still retain the surname Soujou Hashida."

Kurashige Yui simply answered the question about her surname with a short sentence, but even if she didn't say it, anyone should realize that this question couldn't be easily pursued further.

"I'm sorry, I spoke without thinking. I shouldn't have asked such a question."

"No, it's okay, senpai. It's not something too serious."

Kurashige Yui smiled and waved her hand, then stood up and bowed solemnly to me.

"Senpai, thank you for saving my sister!"

"Um, you're welcome."

At a time like this, it would be meaningless to exchange pleasantries. I accepted Kurashige Yui's gratitude on behalf of "Ziongzong" and stood up with her. The timer at the library front desk beeped, presumably a reminder set by Kurashige Yui. It would be impolite of me to continue disturbing her.

"Well then, I'll be going. You can focus on your own things."

Before leaving, Kurashige Yui called out to me.

"Senpai."

I thought she was going to invite me to her house for a meal to thank me...

"Good luck with tomorrow's exam!"

Speaking of which, it seems that I am about to graduate.

Time flies and I am finally leaving high school and, um...

Immersing myself in the embrace of being a female high school student.

It's something to be celebrated.