Psychic Detective Yakumo / Shinrei Tantei Yakumo

Extra file: Photograph

It was a few days after the case at the school -

-

He'll probably complain again, saying I've brought him trouble -

I stood in front of the <Movie Research Circle> door with heavy feelings.

I took the photo out of the envelope and looked at it again.

It was a photo taken in front of a cherry blossom tree for an elementary school graduation album. Smiling children stood in rows.

At first glance it wasn't noticeable, but when I look carefully, I can see a child I know by the cherry blossom tree.

A boy between elementary and middle school age in a gym uniform.

His whole body is blurry, like he's covered by mist -

It was spirit photography, but it didn't feel terrifying. He just looked sad, like he had been left out.

When the sixth-grade teacher asked me to show my exorcist friend, I didn't refuse, since I felt like I couldn't leave this alone.

I know I'm just being meddlesome. But -

I put the photo back in the envelope, prepared myself and opened the door.

'Hey.'

'You again? I don't mind that you've got so much free time, but don't bother me.'

Yakumo sighed - he was clearly fed up already - and ran a hand through his messy hair.

I wanted to retort, but I was in a situation where I couldn't press my luck.

'It's not like I planned to bother you... I just... er...'

I sat opposite him and glanced at Yakumo's face as I put the envelope on the table.

After he yawned, he rubbed his face with a fist. He was just like a cat.

'Hey, will you listen to this?'

'I don't want to listen.'

'What do you mean by that?'

'It's just some more trouble, right?'

'That's...'

He really was sharp.

'Honestly. Why do you always pick up trouble?'

'It's not like I picked it up. But somebody asked me...'

And Yakumo was partly responsible too.

He'd told Yokouchi that he was an exorcist when they met during the case, so now there was a rumour that I was acquainted with an exorcist. That was why I ended up with spirit photography.

'It's your fault for letting your guard down.'

'Hey, what do you mean by that?'

'That guy probably took you lightly, thinking everything would work out if he just pushed his troubles to you.'

'Take me lightly...'

'You're so obtuse it oozes out of you.'

He just said whatever he wanted.

I came here because I wanted to ask him for help, but I couldn't stand it anymore.

'Fine. I'll do something about it myself.'

I hit the table with both hands and stood up.

I thought he'd be a bit surprised, but Yakumo's eyes were as sleepy as ever. I felt silly, and my anger deflated like a popped balloon.