The Nonfiction That Only You Know

Chapter 36

Original Author: ひのはら (Hinohara)
Date Submitted to Kakuyomu: 2021/06/28

It seems Seto Anzu's father, grandfather, and even her ancestors from the Seto family a few generations back have been close aides of the Momomiya family that have sworn their loyalty.

That's why from the time Anzu was born, it was decided that she would devote herself to the heir of the Momomiya family. After Ririna was born, the two of them have always walked along the same path.

Since they are still students, it has not been made official but in the near future, Anzu will serve as both Ririna's secretary and bodyguard.

Does Chiho really have a connection with someone like Anzu?
The theory Mii came up with that she herself found hard to believe surprisingly turned out to be correct.

It seems Anzu clearly said that she knew Chiho.

On her way back from work, Mii came to the designated cafe.
Since it seems customary to pay first here, she holds the iced tea bought with one hand while looking around the cafe before finding those two sitting in a corner.

Ririna also seems to have noticed and beckons Mii over to the two of them.

"I've properly passed on your question from a few days ago to Anzu."
"Thank you..."
"I'm going to take a look at some of the cosmetics and stuff, so if you two talk..."

After seeing Ririna off, Mii sits down across from Anzu.

Unlike their previous meeting, Anzu is dressed casually and looks her age.

"I'm sorry, I know you must be busy..."
"Since this is a request from a friend of Ririna-sama, please do not worry about it."

Anzu's courteous attitude and tone make Mii wonder if she should be more formal as well.

In order to support her young mistress, Anzu keeps a sharp appearance and a cool image.

A little nervous, Mii quickly gets down to business.

"Um... Is it true that you have a friend from your high school days named Chiho...?"

Anzu does not immediately answer as Mii tries to once again confirm her suspicions.
But after a short pause, as if she's deliberating something, Anzu nods her head.

"...I've been looking for Chiho-chan for a long time..."

Mii desperately suppresses her impatience.
There was someone else who went to that school who knew Chiho.

Even though Mii wants to ask about Chiho so badly, Anzu asks a question first.

"Do you know why Chiho never appeared before you again?"
"Eh..."
"Going further back, do you know why she hid her face?"
"You know Chiho-chan's face, Anzu-san?"

Mii asks while confused and Anzu just gives an exasperated sigh.
Just how much does this person know?
Did she know Chiho's secret identity unknown to Mii?

Seemingly frustrated, Anzu puts her hand on the base of her neck.

"...You must promise to never tell Ririna-sama what I will be like from here on out."

Mii nods while not understanding what she means and the refined atmosphere Anzu had just earlier disappears.

She places her elbow on the desk and rests her face on her hand.

Then, in a casual tone, she speaks with conviction.

"Chiho really loved you."

Hearing those words spoken with such certainty, Mii knows that she is shaking from her strong emotions.
She bites her lower lip while listening carefully.

"Honestly, if it was Chiho, she could have picked whoever she wanted so I'm not really sure why she hid her face to secretly meet with you. You're certainly cute as well, but there are swarms of people around a performer like Chiho with a more beautiful face."
"So Chiho-chan was a performing arts student after all...?"

The rumor about Chiho going in and out of the performing arts dormitory was true.

Maybe that was why she desperately hid her face.

"So you didn't even know that much... At any rate, Chiho truly loved you, but she was in a situation where she couldn't show you her true face. She was worried it would destroy your dreams if you knew."
"Eh..."
"...Even now, Chiho is still in love with you. She's never had a lover and she's been stuck thinking of you since... I can't just leave my friend alone after seeing her like that. In fact, I'd like to reveal to you Chiho's true identity right now but... I won't say it."

The hope in Mii's eyes has been easily dashed.

As a friend, Anzu is trying to protect Chiho's secret.

"Chiho doesn't wish for her true identity to be exposed to you. That's why the only thing I can say is this..."

With a snap, Anzu's long and thin index finger points at Mii.

Then, Anzu's eyes waver with some sadness and her powerful voice spills.

"You have already known Chiho's true identity long before you met her."

Leaving just those words, Anzu packs her things and leaves.
Since she said that's all she can say, perhaps she's making her exit before she spills anything else.

Within five minutes after Anzu's departure, Ririna returns to the empty seat.

In her hand is a shopping bag full of cosmetics she didn't have earlier.

"I bought the hair oil you recommended before... Hm? You seem a little down. Actually, where's Anzu...?"
"She already left."
"Eh? Just where did that girl go..."

Chiho was a performing arts student and never revealed her true identity in order to not destroy Mii's dreams.

In addition to that, Mii has known Chiho's true identity for a long time.

"No way, it couldn't be..."

Just how much does Anzu know?
About Mii and about Chiho?

If Anzu heard about Mii from Chiho...

If Anzu knew about how much Mii loves a certain someone...

Mii tries to dismiss the idea that forms as impossible, but she can't seem to get rid of it.
It remains stuck somewhere in her mind.