NOVEL NEXT Episode 10 - Farewell
Episode 10: Farewell
Two weeks of extended work had nearly drained all his energy. After lying down, he fell into a deep slumber that lasted from the afternoon until early the next morning.
The morning of February 1st marked the beginning of a new month. Duanmu Liang, finally breaking free from the grip of sleep, was awakened by a series of clattering sounds.
Dawn light filtered through the window with a faint glow. He pulled himself up from the couch, struggling to open his drowsy eyes.
“…Who’s there?”
Duanmu Liang lifted his head from the pillow.
Through the glass door in the distance, he could vaguely make out a figure.
“Ah, Landlord-san, are you awake?”
A familiar, pleasant female voice accompanied approaching footsteps.
…Come to think of it, during yesterday’s phone call, she had mentioned something about returning to the rental apartment today.
But the question was…
“Miyagi-san, why are you in my house?”
He quickly came to his senses, looking around warily as he asked.
“My, what are you saying?”
The woman, holding a ladle in her hand, emerged from the kitchen with a bright smile.
“This is *my* house, you know.”
…Ah. That’s right.
Duanmu Liang finally recalled what had happened before falling asleep, his expression turning somewhat embarrassed.
Seemingly finding his reaction amusing, Miyagi-san let out a soft laugh.
“Well, since we have this rare opportunity…” She waved the ladle in her hand. “Breakfast is almost ready. Would you like to join me, Landlord-san? I’m quite confident in my cooking skills.”
Duanmu Liang nodded.
*
Miyagi-san hadn’t been lying.
Steaming rice accompanied by miso soup, grilled fish, pickled vegetables, and natto—a typical Japanese breakfast.
Though made with simple, homey ingredients, it was the most delicious meal Duanmu Liang had eaten in years of living alone.
If this were a food manga, he might have already been floating naked through some kind of impact-induced fantasy…
“So, what do you think of my cooking?” Miyagi-san asked with a smile, sitting across from Duanmu Liang. Her appetite was small, and she set down her chopsticks after just a few bites. She rested her chin on her palm, smiling as she watched Duanmu Liang wolf down the food.
…She seemed to be in quite a good mood.
It was hard to imagine that Miyagi-san, who usually dressed like a fashionable model, would be skilled at cooking.
Perhaps Aki had an unexpected “yamato nadeshiko” side to her. The way she looked in the home apron earlier had suited her well. Though… that might have simply been due to her striking appearance.
“In another story, it might have glowed,” Duanmu Liang answered honestly after some consideration.
“I’m glad you like it.” Miyagi-san’s face lit up with joy. “By the way, here’s something special, Landlord-san—you’re the first man to ever taste my cooking~ Does that make it taste even better?”
The reason people find “certain foods delicious” is due to the brain’s response after taste buds are stimulated. The human mind itself is the greatest source of emotion and pleasure.
That’s all there is to it.
Duanmu Liang thought as he continued stuffing rice and pickled vegetables into his mouth. It probably did taste better… but he would absolutely never admit that.
“Ah, that reminds me, there’s something else I need to tell you, Landlord-san.” As he was concentrating on “demolishing” his breakfast, Miyagi-san clapped her hands as if suddenly remembering something.
“In a few days, I’ll be leaving Amazu Manor.”
When she said this, her smile didn’t change in the slightest.
“…”
Duanmu Liang’s chopsticks stopped midair.
After a moment, he set down his bowl and chopsticks, calmly replying, “I understand.”
*
“…It feels somewhat sudden.”
Duanmu Liang placed the clean dishes aside and wiped his hands dry.
He turned to look at the girl sitting properly at the round table, sipping hot tea.
“Miyagi-san, is there some problem that’s making you leave in such a hurry?”
Duanmu Liang tried to ask in a casual tone.
“Hmm… You’re quite perceptive.” She set down her teacup and let out a breath of steam. “What do you think the reason might be, Landlord-san?”
“…It’s related to that serial killer, isn’t it?”
He answered without hesitation.
Miyagi Aki nodded.
“That’s right. Simply put, although I’ve been wandering around for two weeks… I couldn’t find any trace of that person until the end.”
“…Is that such an important matter?”
“Of course.” Aki replied without hesitation.
“Because if I don’t know where that person is, I can’t satisfy my own enjoyment at all!”
“It’d be better if that kind of dangerous hobby wasn’t satisfied!”
Duanmu Liang couldn’t help but retort.
Miyagi-san seemed completely unconcerned about showing her unusual side in front of him… probably because she would be leaving soon.
“However, there’s actually another reason.”
As she said this, a dark expression flashed across Miyagi Aki’s face for an instant.
It was an expression he had never seen before.
“…This shouldn’t have happened. Following the ‘signals’ from eight years ago and an unprecedented amount of information, yet still unable to catch their tail… Why? Was the approach wrong from the start? No. The only one who would know about that ‘signal’ would be that person.”
She opened her palm, as if staring at something nonexistent, either talking to herself or with some purpose—
Either way, it had nothing to do with him.
However, ‘signals’…? What were those?
As Duanmu Liang felt surprised, Miyagi Aki returned to her gentle smile and drew closer to him with complete disregard for personal space.
“…Also, Landlord-san, I’ll be leaving here soon.”
“You already said that.”
Looking at the onee-san’s sparkling eyes so close to him, he instinctively turned his head away.
“We probably won’t have a chance to meet again.”
“I understand.”
A brief silence fell over the room.
Miyagi-san kept staring at him as if expecting something.
“…What is it?”
Duanmu Liang asked, confused.
“…Well, your reaction is just too cold…” Aki’s expression turned somewhat hurt.
“At least try to make me stay!”
“I won’t interfere with other people’s decisions. Besides, since Miyagi-san has already made up her mind, anything I say would be meaningless.”
“Hehe, that’s not necessarily true… My favorability rating for Landlord-san is quite high, you know! If you tried a bit harder, you might win me over and get me to stay.”
…No, better not.
Now that he thought about it, she was nothing but trouble… Her leaving would actually be doing him a favor.
“Don’t make that relieved expression at a time like this!”
*
Miyagi Aki picked up her handbag and walked to the door.
“Well then, I’m heading out. When I come back next time, it will be time for the real goodbye.”
“Wait.”
Duanmu Liang suddenly spoke up.
“…What is it?”
Aki, her hand already on the doorknob, turned back in surprise.
After a long silence.
“…Nothing.”
Duanmu Liang took a deep breath, ultimately unable to voice the words in his heart.
“…Remember to pay the last month’s rent.”
“Waaah! That’s so mean!”