Track 6

(Dinner’s already over, so Kafka's probably relaxing by now… Oh, there he is.)

(Okay, let’s see if I can get through to him about Renga-kun.)

Kafka, do you have a minute?

What’s up, Chief-chan?

It’s about Renga-kun…

… Stop right there. Don’t tell me you’re getting in on this, too, Chief-chan? If this is about Renga’s schedule, I’ve got nothing to tell you.

Huh? W-Wait, Kafka!

I knew it… Kafka, you’ve been acting strange lately. Why won’t you listen to Renga-kun? This… isn’t like you.

… Whether I’m my usual self or not doesn’t matter. I have no intention of changing my mind about this—not even for you, Chief-chan.

Besides, why do you all keep asking me about Renga's work, anyway? Renga’s celebrity career has nothing to do with me.

T-That’s true, but whenever his work as a ward mayor conflicted with his celebrity gigs, you always helped him figure things out, didn’t you?

That’s because it was the best choice before. This time, this is the best choice—

Renga-kun told me he just wants to make more memories with you… that he wants to get closer to you. Are you really, truly telling me that you can’t help him out, just this once?

......

(Renga… It’s precisely because you care so much that I don't want you to get involved…)

Hey, Kafka! What’s the meaning of this…!?

… What’s this all of a sudden?

—Argh! My managir filled me in! You’re the one who told them to reschedule the shoot so it’d clash with the police dog event…!!

Wh-What…!?

......

Why can't we change the schedule!? You never know what might happen on the day of the shoot, so shouldn’t there at least be a backup filming day?

And even if the backup day clashes with another job, I’ll make it work somehow! I’ll be fine! I don’t care how much of a headache transportation will be! So, please…!

*Sigh*... I already told you. We can’t change it, Renga-san. This schedule was something that the 0th Ward Mayor personally requested—Ah!

… Sigh. So your manager let it slip. I suppose it was bound to happen after being pestered about it over and over.

Well, even if you’ve figured it out, it still doesn’t change a thing.

… Huh!? What do you—!

I never intended to let you participate in this event, and that’s that. So just do as you’re told, Renga.

Kafka…!? W-What do you mean by that?

N-Never? But why… How am I just supposed to accept that when you won’t even give me a reason!?

Besides… Weren’t you happy I was participating at first…?

… That was when it was just your typical event. But the situation’s changed now.

... The situation?

This event isn’t safe anymore.

A criminal organization is operating behind the scenes, and if a well-known celebrity like you gets caught up in this and there’s a major incident, it’ll damage HAMA’s reputation, right?

That's why I don’t want to let you participate. As the 0th Ward Mayor, it's my responsibility to prevent such a thing from occurring.

Huh? W-What are you talking about…?

That… That doesn’t make any sense! It’s not just me who's in danger! Are you saying… you’re fine getting caught up in this!?

......

That's ridiculous! I don't want you… or Chief… or anyone else to get hurt!!

That’s it… I’m definitely participating in this event no matter what. If someone’s planning to use it to do something bad, then I’ve gotta help stop them!

I'm worried about you guys! That’s why no matter what—

I’m turning that job down!

… How can be you so selfish—

You’re the selfish one here! K-Kafka… you total blockhead!!

Blockhead!? Like you’re one to talk…!?

Kafka...! I can't defend you this time. You’re going way too far...!

…! I don’t…

… Kafka?

You’re the last person I want to hear that from...! I've already compromised as much as I can when it comes to you!

... What?

If I had my way, I'd keep you tied down, too! Just to keep you out of danger!

…!

… Damn it. I didn’t mean to say that…

If I ever did something like that to you Chief-chan, you’d end up hating me, wouldn’t you? That's why I didn’t…

We’re done here.

Kafka…

(I’ve never seen Kafka be this stubborn… What’s making him act like this…?)

Well now, aren’t we lucky to have such nice weather today? I’m sure the dogs will be full of energy during the performance.

Once again, I look forward to working with you all.

Y-Yes! Likewise! We are grateful to have you with us.

......

(Uh-oh~ They're both pouting.)

(... Kafka hasn't looked me in the eye even once since then.)

(Does he… actually hate me now? I mean, I went against what he told me, and then I-I said some pretty awful things to him…)

(But Kafka wasn’t exactly being fair, either! He just decided on his own that it was too dangerous without even talking to me…)

(… Though, that job really was an amazing offer, so maybe he wasn't trying to be mean? But still…! )

... Kafka, it's almost time. We need to head over for the Police-Chief-for-a-Day briefing…

Yeah… I’m going.

… Chief and my little brothers don’t seem like their usual selves. I’m worried.

Are they nervous about today’s event? I should’ve let them take turns sleeping beside me last night.

……

Haha, Yukikaze-san’s still the same as ever. I can't tell if he's sharp or totally oblivious.

—Right? Liguang-san.

Why are you dragging me into this?

Hm? Well, y’see, I heard some small fry are gonna stir up trouble today. We’re not really involved, though, so... What about you guys?

You brat. If it’s none of your business, then stay out of it. One of these days, your curiosity’s going to get you killed.

If anything, I’d say poking my nose around what ends up saving my ass. Like back in Fukuoka, y’know?

... Sigh

(... Sakujiro-san told me this event might be connected to a criminal group that exploits dogs… but it turns out Kafka already knew about it.)

(... So that’s why he told me to “stay close to the police.”)

… Even so… it’s just not like Kafka to be this hard-headed.

… Chief. You seem to be in deep thought. Is something wrong? Do you need someone to sleep with, too?  If you’d like, I can drop by your room tonight…

Yuki-nii… It's nothing. I’m just wondering what’s gotten into Kafka. He’s never been this much of a worrywart.

… What’s he worried about?

He usually doesn’t try to stop me even when I do something reckless.

(But if I were in Kafka’s shoes right now… I’d probably feel the same way. I wouldn’t want him to get hurt either.)

(I just really hope Kafka and Renga can work things out…)

......

......

 Kafka. Is the meeting over?

… More or less. Anyway, what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be getting ready?

I should. But before I do, I want to talk to you, Kafka.

Things have been awkward between you and Renga lately, right? I was wondering if there was anything I could do to help.

It’s none of your business.

Fair enough. It might be overstepping for me to pry. But let me ask you just one thing.

You haven’t come to hate Renga, have you?

......

… Then that’s good.

I didn’t say anything, though.

No, I heard it. I heard your answer, loud and clear.

Huh?

The way you two are right now… I’d say it’s like a scuffle between two puppies.

What…? What are you trying to say? That this is just a form of communication?

Both you and Renga are good, honest kids. Even if things have gotten a little tangled between you two, I’m certain it’ll all get sorted out with time.

So cheer up. I’m sure Renga still loves you very much.

… What’s that supposed to mean? It’s not like I’m feeling down or anything...

Also, don’t talk about me like I’m a dog, Yukikaze. And stop making assumptions about me.

Don’t worry. As your big brother, I’m always here for you. I know you’re not avoiding Renga out of spite.

... Sigh. Whatever.

(… Still, the fact that he didn’t tell us to make up… is just like him.)

Alright, let’s get back to preparing. The event’s starting soon.

Ladies and gentlemen the HAMA Safety Week event is about to begin!

To kick things off, Deputy Chief Shirosaki of the HAMA Police Station will present a Certificate of Appointment to HAMA Tours President Kafka Oguro. He will serve as our Police-Chief-for-a-Day!

―Kafka Oguro, Mayor of HAMA’s 0th Ward, I hereby appoint you as Police-Chief-for-a-Day of HAMA Police Station.

And now, Chief Oguro will deliver his opening remarks!

My name is Kafka Oguro. It is my honor to serve as your Police-Chief-for-a-Day.

As someone who was born and raised in HAMA—and as the 0th Ward Mayor—I believe that the safety of our residents and visitors comes above all else.

And so, I implore everyone to keep safety at the forefront of our minds as we continue working together to make HAMA an even better place.

Today, together with the members of R1ze, I look forward to making this a wonderful event for everyone.  Thank you for joining us, and please enjoy the event until the very end.

Oooooooooh… Young Master…! Such a magnificent bearing! You are absolutely splendid as always!

The president looks so awesome in that suit... Same goes for everyone else, too. You're all glowing~!

… Kafka really is cool. Right, Shumai?

Woof!

......

(Chief is right. Kafka’s really cool.)

(But I… didn't want to participate with things hanging over us like this.)

… Quit looking so pathetic. It’s irritating.

W-What’s your problem!?

You went through all that trouble just to make it here. So quit wallowing in misery and get over yourself already.

—What is it that you really want?

What I… really want?

Your true wish. What you genuinely desire.

Why did you come here? What made you want to stand here? You even turned down that offer just to be here, didn’t you?

Why did I… come here…?

(My wish… what I really want…)

(… I’ve known the answer all along.)