Night Is Short, Go Run Girl. Part 1

Mmm...

(So...shleepy...)

(What was that sound...?)

Did you prepare everything like I told you, Mimori?

Yes. You wanted this and this, right?

Yeah. That should be enough.

Looks like everything is ready. Shall we?

Yes. Kaede could wake up at any moment, so let's hurry.

(Tsubaki...? And Mimori?)

Where are you two going without me? Zzz...

Huh?!

Was I dreaming?

Kaede, are you awake?

I just started making breakfast. Wash your face first if you're up.

Ah... Mmm...

*yawn*

The same goes for you, Tsubaki! Stop dozing off and get ready for breakfast.

Come on. Up and at 'em, Kaede.

*yawn* Yes, Mom...

What?! I-I'm not your mom...!

Zzz...

Tsubaki? Did you just fall asleep here? It's morning! You can't fall asleep again!

...

So that's what happened today! What do you think, Sensei?!

Hey! What's with that disappointing reaction?!

Hey! What's with that disappointing reaction?!

Don't you get it, Sensei? This is a major problem! It's really, really serious!

*gulp* Is it that serious?! I didn't realize!

Nuh-uh. This is what's so important!

The fact that they secretly went out at night without me is seriously... It's like really, uh...s-su...su...

Suspicious? You mean...?

Right! That's the word!

Suspicious! Suspicious times a million! Don't you think so?!

Why would they go out after only I fall asleep? They must be hiding something!

Yeah... Maybe they're, like, the only two members of some kind of secret society! We've got a mystery on our hands!

Good girl, Pina! I knew you'd get it. Have a compliment sticker!

Awww. Thank you, Kaede!

You're too naive, Sensei! You'll never become a great detective with that level of deductive reasoning!

You'd in be in real trouble if you were isolated on a stormy remote island or stuck in a cabin in the middle of nowhere and the bridge was out!

ANYWAY! Unlike you, I'm cool, cute, and I have great detective skills. As a promising detective with a brilliant mind, my speculation is...!

Would you keep it down and enjoy the strawberry anmitsu you ordered? I can hear you tooting your own horn from all the way on the other side of the store.

And these two are for you, Kaede. Sensei.

Thanks Shizuko!

Okay, I'll admit the strawberry anmitsu looks delicious!

Just doing my job. We're not very busy right now, so I have a little time to chat.

That aside, you all should listen to Sensei about this and quit joking around.

But we're not joking around! And besides, listening to the troubles of customers is one of our duties at Momoyodou!

I'm like one of those teahouse servers from the vigilante movies!

That's right! You should be nicer to your customers! *munch* *munch*

Says the unwelcome guest... Okay, I concede that one was a little unprofessional.

Let me start over again from the top.

Ahem. Here you are, Master! The strawberry anmitsu you ordered! Now let me say the magic words to make it even tastier!

Hocus pocus, be more delicious...

That's okay. I'm good.

Hmm?

Isn't that just one of those useless services the shops add at their own discretion so they can charge the customers extra?

I know all about it! I won't fall for such obvious tricks!

H-Hold on! What are you trying to say about us waitresses?!

E-Even you, Sensei?!

Anyway, back to business. It's obvious my upperclassmen are hiding something from me. *munch*

So. *munch*

Can't this wait until after you're done eating?

*munch* *gulp* Ahhh... What I mean is this!

Whatever they're doing without me...is obviously related to some kind of secret Inner Discipline Club mission that I can't be a part of.

A secret mission? What makes you think that?

This isn't the first time something like this has happened.

It also happened yesterday and three days ago...as well as last week. In fact, it happens at least five times a week.

So, basically, it happens every day...

What are they hiding from me? Why are they sneaking out at night without me? Huh? Sensei?

I've got it! I'm so smart. It can only be one thing.

It's what every sophisticated woman does at night... They're going out to party!

That's what real ladies do every night, right? And I'm being left out because I haven't hit the heights of womanhood, is that it?!

Something tells me that's not even close to true.

How would the president of the Festival Department know that? Do you also have secret nightly outings?!

Is that true, President?!

The president's nighttime outings...

That must be when you, the mistress of Momoyodou, clean the Hyakkiyako streets of scum and villainy each night! Right?! You're amazing!

I do not! Besides, that's not what people do at night. It's usually more, you know...

But if that's not it, then why would they be leaving me behind?

Is it because I'm inexperienced underclassman? That has to be it, right?

Do my upperclassmen just see me as a useless kid?

Kaede...

*sigh* If it's bothering you that much, why not just confront them about it?

Hmm?

You're not going to solve anything by simply fretting about it forever.

And you can clear up any misunderstandings this way.

Find out...for myself?

Yeah. Here, I'll give you this matcha ramune. I want you to drink it and head home instead of moping around here.

I knew it, Shizuko! You pretend like you don't care, but you actually take good care of people. Just what I'd expect from the Momoyodou's idol!

I-It's not like that! I only did it because you'd bring down all the other customers if you kept moping around like that.

Find out for myself. That's...

...a great idea! I knew I could count on the Festival Department's president! I might even consider giving you a passing score. This calls for a compliment sticker!

Am I supposed to be happy about that? What's a compliment sticker?

Oh, it's something I made up! I'm giving one to each person who scores a point. And you may earn a reward if you collect enough stickers!

Did you say...reward? What kind of reward?

If you collect ten stickers, I will sing for you on your birthday!

You weirdo! Who would want something like that?!

*sigh* Well, anyway, this solves your problem, right? If you go back and ask them why...

That's right. That's why I'm going to follow them and find out for myself tonight!

Wait, how did you jump to that conclusion?!

It's the only way to uncover the truth for myself!

You go, Kaede! You have my full support!

You'll help too, right, Sensei? You wouldn't turn down the request of an adorable student, would you...?

Then let's get started, right away. Oh, and thanks for the anmitsu!

*sigh* That girl can't sit still for a single minute, can she? Oh, by the way...

Thanks for picking up the check, Sensei. ♥

Um...

*wide awake*!

Tsubaki and Mimori should be gone by now.

Then, now's my chance!

Sensei, here. Over here!

Did you think I'd break my promise? I'm not some kid. I'm a respectably lady aspiring to become a fabulous lady.

I snuck five cups of black coffee today just to stay up for tonight.

She always tells me not to drink coffee, but this is an emergency!

My preparations couldn't be more thorough! I'm so smart!

*yawn*

Huh? What do you mean?

Gah! We don't have time for this, Sensei!

We have to find them before it gets too late. Let the chase begin!