Romantic Troubles of Duanmu-kun

Episode 31: Shocking Revelation

The car slowly came to a stop.

A white Western-style mansion stood halfway up the mountain, its brightly lit eaves casting a faint, hazy glow in the night. Pitch-black forests stretched on both sides, extending all the way to the ridge. Dark shadows between the trees artfully concealed the villa behind them.

More vehicles arrived one after another as they got out of the car. The Novelist quickly noticed that beyond the students from Class 2-1, others from different classes and grades had come as well.

This wasn’t surprising—Niwa-kun had a wide social circle throughout the school and could count many as his friends. After all, he was a handsome all-around athlete and genuinely nice person, nearly flawless except for his grades.

While most faces were unfamiliar, one unexpected figure stood out—

Miki Yu.

The boy who had confessed to Ogiwara-san after the school assembly was now among the crowd.

His gaze merely swept across the gathering before turning elsewhere.

“Looks like there are other guests as well.”

Over a dozen luxury cars were already parked quietly in front of the mansion before their arrival.

Though unfamiliar with car prices or brands, the Novelist could tell the owners weren’t ordinary people—they all had personal drivers waiting inside.

He had also noticed cars returning from this direction on their way up. Those must have been departing guests.

Soon, servants emerged from the mansion, respectfully welcoming Niwa-kun’s classmates and friends while showing them the way.

*

“…Very good.”

The doors to the second-floor hall swung open.

A long table laden with food immediately caught their eye.

Servants carrying drinks and alcohol moved back and forth between the entrance hall and kitchen.

While his classmates marveled at the mansion’s interior decor and spaciousness—or felt awkward in such an extraordinary atmosphere—the Novelist quietly calculated the calories necessary to maintain bodily functions.

“I apologize, everyone. The main building just hosted a banquet, so there are still other guests here. This means we won’t be the only ones in the mansion for now. While they shouldn’t come over here, I hope this won’t affect everyone’s mood…” Niwa-kun explained with a wry smile.

“We should have scheduled the two events at different times, or found another location. But both my father and grandfather needed to attend that banquet, and they also wanted to celebrate my birthday with me afterward, so…”

“Don’t worry about it! We’ll just do our own thing!”

“Yeah, it’s not like we have anything to do with those adults anyway!”

No one seemed to mind. If anything, they were relieved to hear that “no one else would come disturb them.”

The Novelist filtered out the surrounding voices, observing the hall.

Fire escape.

Emergency exit.

Kitchen, bathroom, back door.

And…

A crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling, currently gleaming brilliantly.

He couldn’t shake the feeling that it might start swaying and crash down at any moment, plunging the banquet into darkness and chaos—men and women screaming and running about—and when the lights finally came back on, they’d discover someone (usually the host) lying dead at the scene—

…No, surely it wouldn’t come to that?

He shook his head, banishing the ominous thoughts.

Then there were the attendees.

All 35 students from Class 2-1, plus 14 students from other classes and grades—

“Ah… right.”

The Novelist looked around but couldn’t spot a certain girl.

…Where had Ogiwara-san gone?

He was sure she had gotten into the car.

Perhaps he should ask Niwa-kun? He had been asked to keep an eye on her, after all. But showing too much concern for Ogiwara-san might lead to misunderstandings.

Niwa-kun had already given him an odd look when he’d asked if “Ogiwara-san would be coming”…

“—And before we start the party, there’s something very important I’d like to tell everyone.”

The filtered voices returned to his ears.

Standing in the center of the crowd, Niwa-kun wore a smile. His voice quickly drew everyone’s attention.

Including the Novelist, they all quietly waited for his next words.

Also, though it might have been mere self-consciousness… he had the distinct feeling that Niwa-kun’s gaze was subtly fixed on him.

Huh? What’s this about?

What’s going on?

Could it be that, as Sachiyo suggested, you’re actually planning to confess to me… Just kidding.

Niwa-kun soon spoke those words.

And then, he understood what Niwa-kun wanted to convey to him.

At the same time, he knew clearly.

For everyone present, this guy’s words were like a time bomb being dropped into the delicate social web of Class 2-1 at Yuihara Private High School.

*

Nearly an hour had passed since then.

After enjoying a heartening feast, he left the hall, deciding to go for a walk.

After what had happened, the Novelist was probably the only one who could ignore the atmosphere and enjoy the party without reservations.

Though there were likely others who found entertainment in watching the drama unfold, they just didn’t show it.

“…?”

As he passed by the terrace’s sliding doors, he noticed the figure of a certain long-haired girl.

Not far away, Ogiwara-san was no longer alone as before, but surrounded by several people.

…

…Hey hey, this doesn’t look good.

Is this bullying?

If this continues, there might be trouble.

No, he wasn’t worried about Ogiwara-san… rather, he was concerned about the others—he had a feeling they might get ruthlessly roundhouse kicked off the terrace.

What surprised him most was seeing the Class Rep among the group. He had thought she was the serious, level-headed type.

Looking around, he couldn’t spot Niwa-kun anywhere, who was likely the root cause of all this.

Sighing quietly in his heart, the Novelist quickly walked in that direction.

After just a few steps closer, he could feel the uncomfortable, heavy atmosphere—like a cold, oppressive low pressure system.

Everyone’s expressions were serious.

Except for Ogiwara-san. She maintained her usual cold expression. Deep in her heart, there must be some kind of will that would never be shaken by external forces… he couldn’t help but think admiringly.

“What’s everyone doing here?” he asked, forcing his most natural smile as he squeezed through the crowd.