"I wouldn't know."
"A heretic who commits murder as an extension of daily life without any thought or ideology. It's clear this criminal doesn't think deeply. They probably kill when they have free time, like when they just happen to go to a convenience store. That's the kind of student I imagine as the criminal."
My responses were being ignored, as if she was having a monologue.
And she even brings up a convenience store as an example.
She must have thoroughly investigated this. I wonder if it's a sign of greatness to take this as a positive, thinking that as a man, one or two stalkers are inevitable.
"Do you watch the news? Or read the newspaper?"
I nodded in response to the change in topic.
"Then you are aware of the details of the latest two incidents?"
"Not in great detail, but I know the basics. The eighth victim was the head of a community association, and the latest was a middle school student with exam stress, right?"
She paused for a few moments after hearing my words, then gazed at me intently, as if scrutinizing my face.
"...What is it?"
"Don't you get tired of always being expressionless?"
"It's probably more labor-intensive to always keep a smile."
It's been years since I remembered smiling.
Back to the topic.
"What's concerning about the two victims is the timing. Both were killed late at night on holidays. But the previous seven incidents were all either late on weekdays, early on holidays, or during the day. There were no incidents late at night on holidays."
The expert move, 43 Silver General.
I could almost hear the sound of a shogi piece being played, creating a tense atmosphere.
"Of course, the timing may simply reflect when the criminal is free... This means that in the month when the two incidents occurred, the life circumstances of the criminal changed, right?"
"Even if you end your sentences with a question, I'm at a loss for answers."
She gives a faint smile as if to apologize.
"It's strange for the criminal to change their living environment during such a time."
It sounds as if she's implying I'm the culprit.
She paused, seemingly to gather her words. The waitress brought the cocoa she had ordered, and she waited respectfully. Even though it wasn't her order, she acknowledged the waitress with a nod. Picking up the white porcelain cup that was placed in front of her, she took a sip from its rim.
"You like cocoa, don't you?"
Only after the waitress left did she resume speaking.
"Did you hear that from the teacher?"
"No, from Mi-san's aunt."
A name popped out unexpectedly from her blind spot.
"In fact, I know both Mi-san's uncle and aunt. The connections in the rural society are quite interesting."
"They often talk about Mi-san. They lamented that they don't get to spend much time with her since she's often out, especially on holidays, and they have night shifts on weekdays."
"That's something I should reflect upon too..."
I felt like I was being cornered by a sheepdog.
However, there's also a thrill, like being involved in a sophisticated scam.
"And they also mentioned that you tend to be out late at night."
Her words started to fit together like pieces of a cheap sixteen-piece puzzle, painting an all too clear picture.
"Also, I guess your biggest concern would be living with her. You're almost always with Mayu-chan from the Misono family, which is enviable for a single person."
She had the last piece of the puzzle in hand.
"I'd love to hear about Mayu-chan's daily routine."
That's the checkmate.
Her intentions are clear. She's always on display, and it's rather unpleasant.
Feeling the inside of my mouth dry, I moistened it with saliva, then spoke.
"You probably already know enough without asking."
I diverted my gaze outside. The rain had already become a drizzle.
"Let's end this discussion before the curry arrives."
Her matte eyes captured mine completely.
And so, a topic of lesser importance than our lunch came to an end.
"Being a student who recently had restrictions in their actions, wandering at night... and Mi-san being a high school student..."
"I see."
So, because I'm the culprit, it's a high school student. Efficient.
"Ukkukkukku..."
Suddenly and simultaneously, both Natsuki-san and I burst out laughing. I laughed longer. Natsuki-san's was brief.
We laughed so hard that our cheeks hurt, and after some customers from the next table retreated, Natsuki-san wrapped up.
"That was a fun detective game."
"Yes. I was almost about to confess to a crime I didn't commit."
Exaggeratingly shaking my shoulders, I tried to release the exhilarating feeling that had built up inside.
"Kuku..."
This conversation with her felt like playing a game of Old Maid where only her hand was decreasing, creating a surreal feeling.
It was tedious, confusing, clever, and slightly enjoyable.
Just enough to be funny.
Maybe because of the unfamiliar laughter, my throat felt parched. I moistened it with the slightly sweet cocoa, letting my heart soak in the aftertaste of the speculative conversations on the table.
After all, this was just a game of deduction.
There's no evidence.
If there was, we'd probably be meeting at the police station officially, not privately. And what would be on the table wouldn't be cocoa, but a bowl of katsudon. No doubt about it.
Natsuki-san's nostrils flared, so I took a sniff too. Ignoring the interior of the shop, a discordant scent of curry wafted through.
"Shall we take a walk in the garden after we eat?"
I politely accepted Natsuki-san's invitation, which felt like a formal match-making session.
I kept the cheeky retort, "Is your garden inside iron bars?", to myself.
After leaving the café, I was escorted by the intelligent (self-proclaimed) and beautiful (I'd admit to that) lady. "This place has delicious daifuku (rice cakes filled with sweet fillings, usually anko)."
"For Western sweets, go over there. They have a shop with delicious fruit jellies."
"Oh, they are offering samples of Akafuku (a type of Japanese confection). Let's go."
Natsuki-san's "garden" turned out to be a food section.
We toured around, indiscriminately buying both Japanese and Western snacks and frozen foods. After that...
"Did you live with Koinibi-sensei?"
Holding the taiyaki (fish-shaped pancake filled with red bean paste) she treated me to, we stood side by side at the rooftop's fence.
I had left my umbrella at the café, but since it had stopped raining, it was bothersome to go back and get it.
"Yes, during our university days. Both Koinibi and I had applied to local universities. Considering our living expenses and our complicated relationship, we decided to live together. And by 'complicated,' I mean in a good way."
Is there even such a meaning?
From the bag she was holding, Natsuki-san took out another taiyaki and began to eat.
The corners of her eyes drooped, as if she was savoring a piece of happiness.
"Were you willing to meet me outside, thinking it'd be better than meeting with Mayu-chan?"
She asked nonchalantly, finishing her taiyaki in two bites.
"Well... it would be troublesome if there was a competition for me."
I couldn't think of a better reason.
I had expected Natsuki-san to say something formal like 'Thank you for your concern,' but she just stared at me. Without speaking, it felt like a standoff between a non-red fox and a tanuki (raccoon dog) from the future.
The more I pondered, the clearer the answer became.
"Already more than a month has passed, so their safety is doubtful. Whether they ran away from home, were murdered, or kidnapped..."
"It's tragic."
While responding with canned answers, I considered the method I had in mind: Shifting blame, pushing, inhumane, treating as pawns, and complete moral bankruptcy. If I consider it from multiple angles, more criticisms might arise.
However, along with that, the evaluations of 'peace of mind,' 'simplicity,' and 'effortlessness' should also follow.
"From Mi-san's perspective, are you concerned?"