While Shino was walking back to her apartment in the neighbourhood, she couldn't help but let out a tired sigh as she recalled everything that had happened today.
Endou and her group had tried to extort her for money again, even going so far as to use her trauma against her, tormenting her until she was nearly at her breaking point. But just when she was about to completely fall apart, someone appeared and saved her from despair.
He even solve the problem of the bullying doing to her by Endou and her group so easily. This made Shino sigh again, yet thinking of his handsome appearance and broad back as he stood in front of her, Shino somehow felt her cheeks become warm.
Unconsciously, her face turned slightly red as Shino recalled Shido's figure in her mind.
Still, as she thought of Shido, Shino also remembered the business card that he had given to her that gave her a huge surprise. She never expected that Shido's identity would be such a big character.
The youngest business prodigy who had shaken the entire business world. This young man had suddenly appeared out of nowhere and made a name for himself in just three months. He owned a wide range of companies spanning healthcare, agriculture, food and beverages, and even technology. Thus, establishing the Flügel Conglomerate.
Now, this young prodigy had become a figure influential enough to affect Japan's economy itself.
Of course, Shino only learned Shido's true identity after seeing the company name on his business card and reading his name. Even though, Shino was living like a NEET as she almost have no friends and only stay at home, she wasn't ignorant of the news or current trends. Naturally, she had heard about Shido as well.
Still, recalling how Shido appeared so casual and easy-going despite being such a big shot, even going downtown in a simple disguise just to buy groceries without any guards made Shino feel that he was truly unpredictable. Normally, someone of Shido's status would have bodyguards following them, even if they are not beside Shido, there should be some following him secretly to protect his safety. Yet, Shino hadn't seen anyone like that around him.
While Shino found Shido unpredictable and mysterious, she also thought he was somewhat strange, but in a good way.
If Shido knew what she was thinking, then he would probably become speechless as he was describe as strange by her. Yet, if he had to answer her question about why he didn't need any guards around him, it would be because of his [Transparency Manipulation], an ability that allowed him to lower his presence or completely erase his existence from people's senses.
Nevertheless, even though she was shock at that time when she discovered that Shido was actually that young genius, she still didn't hesitate to save his number on her phone.
Somehow, Shino couldn't help but feel a bit of regret for rejecting Shido's offer to take her home, which made her let out a deep sigh. Still, she had his number now, and they could always meet again, right?
And truthfully, Shino wanted to repay Shido for helping her solve her problem like treating him to a meal, yet, when she thought of his identity, Shino hesitated and assumed that he must be busy.
In the end, she decided to head home first and think of a reason to call him later.
On the way back, even though she didn't feel that good today because of the Endou and her group's mess, Shino still bought some groceries before heading home.
As she neared her apartment, a person suddenly appeared from around the corner and smiled at her excitedly.
Shino was startled at first, but she relaxed slightly when she realized who it was.
"Hello, Asada-san."
"...Shinkawa-kun."
Looking at the boy in front of her, who was about the same age as her, Shino suddenly felt even more exhausted. She didn't hate him, in fact, she was somewhat grateful to him, since he was the only person who can be said as her friend and he had helped her before. Still, she couldn't deny that sometimes, his constant pestering wore her out.
Still, she maintained her neutral look and smiled weakly at him. "...What is it, Shinkawa-kun?"
Shinkawa acted as if he didn't notice the weariness in Shino's expression and talk to her in excited voice. "Asada-san, I tried a new VRMMO today, I think this game might help you with your trauma!"
Shinkawa spoke excitedly, while Shino furrowed her brows slightly at his mention of curing her trauma. Even though the topic piqued her interest, she was far too tired today and just wanted to slump of her bed and rest.
In the end, she gave him a small, polite smile and said, "I see. Thank you for telling me this, Shinkawa-kun."
Her response only made Shinkawa even more enthusiastic, and his eyes lit up with excitement as he continued, "Then..."
"But, I'm too tired right now. Can we talk about this tomorrow?" Shino said as gently as she could, careful not to hurt Shinkawa's feelings.
Shinkawa was taken aback by her response. Usually, Shino would show at least a bit of excitement whenever something related to overcoming her trauma came up.
But it seemed she really was exhausted today. Only now did he notice how pale and weak she looked. Shinkawa immediately understood, even without her saying it, this must have had something to do with Endou and her group.
In the end, Shinkawa could only say in a disappointed tone, "I-I see... Then we can talk about it later. You should rest and recover, you look a little pale."
"Thank you, Shinkawa-kun. Then, I'll be going first." With that, Shino gave him a small nod before turning to walk back toward her apartment.
She didn't notice that while she was walking away, Shinkawa was still staring at her fleeting figure without looking away. However, there was something strange in his eyes as the way Shinkawa look at her back was a bit creepy.
Shinkawa only turned to leave once Shino had completely disappeared from his sight.
It might have seemed normal for them to run into each other downtown or at school, but Shino failed to realize how strange it was for Shinkawa to be in her neighbourhood, especially since his house was in the opposite direction of her neighbourhood.
His presence there was suspicious, yet Shino was far too tired from Endou and her group's bullying, and her thoughts were still occupied with Shido. Because of that, she didn't notice anything odd about his behaviour.