Chapter 1178 - In Fact, the Clown is Spinning His Wheels
Now, since I've interrupted with even just a single shout, there's no backing down.
In a public place, the number of gazes is countless, but the presences in the immediate vicinity are few enough to count. If so, there was no way they wouldn't notice a voice and consciousness directed clearly at them, and three pairs of eyes turned toward me all at once.
Thus, the distance was roughly a little over five meters. While walking pretentiously across this trivial distance that could be trampled in just a few steps... a few seconds later. Excusing myself with a brief "Pardon me,"
" — ...Ah, just as I thought."
Pushing my way without hesitation right through the middle of the hero-kuns who stood frozen with caught-off-guard faces, I took out one hand that had been in my pocket while muttering words I had prepared on the fly.
What I was holding was a smartphone. Glancing to confirm its screen,
"What are you doing in a place like this? Mother and the others are worried."
As if what was displayed on that screen was a 'message from family'... I showed only the girl the three characters for 'Not needed?' that I had blind-typed inside my pocket.
More than anyone else in the world, I myself am thinking, what on earth am I doing right now, but what's done is done. It's simply that, as a result of searching for the most peaceful solution with an instantaneous ad-lib, the idea that popped into my head was that thing called family intervention.
Since I had already raised my voice, there was absolutely no time for deliberation. ...Though, in the end, I don't actually know the details of the situation. Therefore,
" — ... "
...What is it, I wonder?
Well, I suppose me barging into a pickup scene is also barely unavoidable from being certified as a suspicious person in modern times.
Toward the girl who has been staring at me with wide, surprised eyes ever since my very first interrupting shout,
I add words and attitude to ask for her approval.
"Good grief... well, whatever. So — "
Turning back to the two standing slightly behind on both sides, wondering what on earth this is and what they should do...
" — ...Who might you be? Did I perhaps interrupt something?"
One line, and then another. The first half to them, and the second half to her while turning only my head back.
With this much acting piled on, surely the nuance of 'I've stepped in for now, but if it's not needed, I'll beat it' will get across. Please get across, I beg you.
I'm panicking too. Standing in front of two pickup guys is nothing, but because this situation is 'meddling', an unavoidable embarrassment is accumulating.
I am aware that I am highly likely spinning my wheels, and highly, highly likely displaying a cringe performance. I understand that this isn't even pushing good intentions, but sheer self-satisfaction.
That is exactly why I send a gaze over my shoulder with the intensity of "someone save me instead."
Thus, toward me who was doing that.
" ... , ... "
The girl gave a small shake of her head.
...Does that mean not needed? Or does it mean I'm not interrupting?
Alright, I get it, okay, fine. I'll just brazenly decide that it's the fault of the girl who, as usual, didn't utter a word and only returned a reaction that could barely be taken either way.
Thus, from here on —
"Is that so. — So she says. I'm sorry, but please leave."
I'm really going to take the liberty of being rude as I please.
" ... Ah? Ah—, er... well?"
"Who are you, anyway... ah, wait, family?"
While bewildered, the pickup heroes—at this point, it's starting to look more unsightly than gutsy—cling to the spot. It seems they really can't back down now.
Probably, both of them are older than me. They look like upperclassmen in college, or at worst, new members of society. ...In other words, their interpersonal skills are presumably decent.
If they continue to engage in a troublesome way and the situation becomes even more chaotic, the hassle will be a hassle and a hassle.
If so —
"I am her 'older brother'. My younger sister is troubled, so please leave."
I instantaneously shifted my consciousness into a combat stance laden with various meanings.
While grandly proclaiming nonsense whose truth they couldn't judge, I displayed and unleashed my usual smile.
And in one hand, a single smartphone capable of dialing a three-digit number at any moment. The other side must have been caught off guard and panicking just the same; the heroes, who showed signs of flinching...
""Ah... s-sorry for the trouble...!""
Hurriedly, and dejectedly.
Showing an honesty that made me think they must be good guys at heart, they retreated.
Thus,
"" ... ""
Left behind were just two strangers, who couldn't possibly be older brother and younger sister.
I let out a sigh of relief, patting my chest.
And the girl who, as usual, kept staring at me with surprised eyes... and no wonder, since I myself was surprised by my own 'let it be' spirit, we're in the same boat. This guy is an idiot, isn't he?
To the idiot who, after everything was over, couldn't restrain himself in time and ridiculed himself,
" ... — Ah, ...u-um,"
The stiff voice of the unfamiliar girl, heard for the first time, was:
" ... A-Are you... the next pickup-san...?"
"No, I am not."
It was a beautiful, clear ring, also unfamiliar to my ears.
Apparently, he smiled while recalling (recollection) his solo confrontation with [Rep-La Nobody (Black Stain That Slays All)].
Well, of course they'd run away.