COTE : Backed By Black Technology System

After a long discussion in the café, they still couldn't come to any conclusion. While the employee was indeed creepy and hit on high school girls without hesitation, there was no real proof he was doing anything wrong at the store.

"Thank you for going through all this trouble for me. I'm really sorry," Sakura Airi said, making Kanda Shuichi feel a bit guilty, since this plan was his idea in the first place.

Feeling embarrassed, Kanda Shuichi shook his head. Were they going to have to repeat the same tactic?

"So, please go with me to the repair shop again."

There was no other choice. The three of them returned to the shop they had visited before.

When the familiar employee saw them return, he even had a smug look on his face, which made Kanda Shuichi feel even more annoyed.

As they approached the counter, the employee's slight shift in movement caught Kanda Shuichi's attention. He glanced toward the row of counters on his left.

Following his line of sight, Kanda Shuichi immediately noticed something off. After working with pinhole cameras for a cat-eye installation project, he recognized what he was seeing. He was sure that the camera on the third shelf, in the center, was on.

Judging by its angle, it was probably recording Kushida's... chest.

Still, it was better to confirm this with a professional. So, while Kushida was talking with the employee, Kanda Shuichi quietly asked Sakura.

"Sakura, can you tell if that camera is actually recording?"

To avoid the employee overhearing, Kanda leaned close to Sakura's ear. Feeling his breath on her ear made Sakura feel a little dizzy, but she still looked over as directed.

She nodded with certainty.

So this guy really was up to no good, and Kanda Shuichi felt a sense of relief. Then, while the employee invited Kushida to a movie screening of a female idol concert, Kanda Shuichi reached for the hidden black camera recording everything.

The employee, caught off guard by Kanda Shuichi's sudden move, paused mid-sentence, and in that brief moment, Kanda Shuichi grabbed the camera.

As he checked the contents, Kanda Shuichi knew right away his suspicion was correct—this guy really was a creep.

But he didn't even stop to think about who had installed a hidden camera in the peephole.

The store clerk who saw Kanda Shuichi's actions suddenly lunged at him like a madman, causing Kanda Shuichi to quickly step back. The clerk crashed onto the glass counter in front of them.

"Give it back!"

Yeah, right! Like I'd ever give it back to you, you jerk!

Seeing the clerk wasn't planning to give up and was even coming around the counter, Kanda Shuichi frowned. This guy didn't look too strong, but then again, Kanda knew he was even weaker. He wouldn't stand a chance against him. If the clerk managed to get the camera back and delete the files, that'd be the end of it. What should he do? If only Miyake or Hirata were here. Even Sudou would work. But if he handed it off to another clerk, they might just cover for each other.

Just as Kanda was trying to think of a way out, he noticed a familiar figure in red out of the corner of his eye. His spirits lifted, and he tossed the camera, shouting: "Ryuen, catch it!"

Ryuen, startled by Kanda Shuichi's sudden call, looked up to see a black object flying toward him. This scene felt oddly familiar, but he still reached out and caught it.

Good thing I played baseball in middle school, or this could've been tricky.

As soon as the clerk saw Kanda throw the camera, he shifted his target from Kanda to Ryuen, who now held the camera. Even though Ryuen looked like trouble, the contents of that camera getting into school hands could ruin the clerk's life. He knew exactly what incriminating material was in there.

Ryuen, holding the camera, looked puzzled. What's going on? And who's this lunatic?

Before he could think further, the clerk charged at Ryuen, reaching for the camera. Just as he was about to grab it, a massive black fist came crashing down onto his face, sending him flying several meters. He landed on the ground and struggled to get up.

Kanda Shuichi sighed in relief. Ryuen, your timing couldn't have been better. And I really need to remember not to be so reckless—gotta accept that I'm not exactly strong!

Kushida and Sakura, standing nearby, seemed frozen in shock. Kanda gave them a reassuring look, then walked over to Ryuen, who was already coming toward him. They met up on either side of the downed clerk.

"Kanda, what's going on here?"

Ryuen held up the camera as he spoke.

"How about you check the contents first?"

Ryuen turned on the camera and found various shots of girls' chests covered by clothes.

"So that's what this guy was up to?"

"What else?" Kanda Shuichi shrugged. "Consider it a gift. If you hand it to the student council, you might get a reward. Think of it as thanks for helping me out."

"You're really using me, huh?"

Ryuen chuckled but accepted the camera; he figured he deserved something in return anyway.

The commotion quickly drew the attention of mall security, and soon a guard arrived at the scene. To Kanda's surprise, two unexpected people were also there—Horikita Manabu and Tachibana Akane, dressed in casual clothes.

Whoa, it's the student council president and secretary on a weekend date.

"Perfect, I don't have to make an extra trip," Ryuen said as he walked over with the camera. "Looks like this idiot did something he shouldn't have."

Horikita Manabu glanced at Ryuen, who was smiling, then looked over at Kanda Shuichi, feeling a headache coming on. Were these two working together?

Kanda Shuichi felt at a loss too—Horikita, couldn't you have shown up a little earlier? If you had, I wouldn't have had to let Ryuen take this reward!

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