Volume 7 Chapter 22 Bonus
"I'm suffering a lot right now."
Randy said, grimacing. Liz and Ellie looked away, apologetic.
Just moments ago, Randy had been caught by instructors Burk and Gardo and scolded as if he were in an interrogation. He returned puffing his cheeks. Facing Liz and Ellie, who welcomed him, he spoke those words.
"Sorry. Well, it just felt right at the moment..."
"It seemed like the right thing to do, you know."
The two scratched their cheeks with bitter smiles, looking like twins. For Randy, their close relationship was a joyful thing. But because they were so close, he felt he had to express his feelings. So, Randy spoke again.
"I'm really──"
"I'm sorry."
"My bad."
Randy flinched at their moist, direct gaze. Honestly, the instructors' scolding was nothing compared to Alan's. In fact, Randy was relieved he hadn't involved Liz and Ellie.
What started as a joke had turned into a sincere apology, making Randy feel even more apologetic.
"Sorry."
"Just like I said."
With their eyes fixed on him, Randy exhaled deeply, "Phew."
"...It's fine. After all, I was the one who brought it up."
Randy puckered his lips. For this investigation, Emma had actually initiated it, but the final decision was probably his.
Randy had minor concerns, but their sincere apologies left him unable to stay angry.
"Let's just eat first."
Sighing, Randy headed toward the living room.
As soon as Randy turned his back, Ellie smiled slyly and whispered to Liz.
"It went well, didn't it?"
"But were you okay with that?"
Ellie lowered her voice again, "No problem," and raised her eyebrows.
"Tears are a woman's weapon...," Charl had said.
Liz watched Randy, who was about to open the living room door, while Ellie softly laughed, "Hehehe." "Indeed, it worked surprisingly well."
It was nothing special. The apology was true, but the upward glance and teary eyes were Ellie's clever trick. She thought it might help Randy forgive her.
Of course, Ellie wasn't completely convinced, but she was trying a method she'd heard from Charlotte long ago.
"A man is weak against the tears of the woman he's in love with."
"...In love... that means Ellie is also in love, right?"
"......"
The two blushed and fell silent, unaware their plan had been foiled. Behind them, Randy stood with a smile, unnoticed.
"I knew you'd think that."
At Randy's voice, Ellie and Liz flinched, turning quickly.
Randy stood with a commanding smile, arms crossed, exuding a strange pressure.
"W-what do you mean?"
"About earlier. The upward glance and teary eyes."
Ellie stammered, "S-s-so what?"
"It was acting, wasn't it? Those clumsy glances and teary eyes."
Randy smiled slyly, "You're caught, Ellie!" "How did you figure it out?" the two hurriedly asked.
"Any obvious behavior like that, I can tell at a glance. Do you have any idea how much I've been watching you two?"
Despite being scolded, the words sounded like a confession of love, making Ellie and Liz blush.
"That blatant apology Miss Catherine would do... Do you think that can fool me?"
As Randy snapped his fingers and approached, Ellie hurriedly said, "W-wait!"
"There's a reason for this──"
"I'll tell you after the punishment."
Randy gently ran his fingers along Ellie's armpit, softly saying, "Victor's tickling technique──"
Randy's fingers moved at high speed, and Ellie let out an impossibly loud laugh, "Ahhahaha," for a while...
"Haa... Haa..."
Laughing too much, Ellie collapsed to the ground.
"Did you realize it?"
Randy laughed, "Kakkakka," then turned to Liz.
"Hey, Randy? I'm──"
"Don't worry. I've decided to treat you all equally."
Randy moved his fingers again, stepped closer to Liz, and as she screamed, "Hii," his fingers quickly brushed her side.
"Hehehehe... Ahahaha──"
The uncontrollable laughter echoed throughout the small lobby.
Liz lost her balance, slumping onto the floor.
"That settles it."
Randy laughed triumphantly as the two struggled to catch their breath.
"What are they doing?"
"But they look like they're having fun today too."
From a slight gap in the door, Harrison and Rita peeked in.
* * *
Well, the three of them are always like this. They're usually just flirting.
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