*Sigh*

That was so much fun!

It was interesting to see so many different kinds of shops.

Yeah! I couldn't help but get carried away looking around the shop with all sorts of stuff from Scandinavia. Having some of that in my room would totally brighten my mood any day!

I've always liked those kinds of things too!

Also, can we talk about how nice those fragrance shops were?

Actually, yes. Not only were the scents really nice, but the way they displayed all of the perfumes was so pretty too.

You can say that again!

All of the shops were pretty busy, huh? I thought it'd be quieter since it's a weekday, but I guess I was wrong!

Speaking of which, is it just me or has it gotten even busier?

Oh, so you think so too? I was just thinking that a bit earlier...

I guess it is also after lunchtime, but I wonder... Could they be looking for Haruka?

That is a possibility. The people that passed by us before did say that they saw posts about her on social media.

Here, look. This video has the title, “Haruka Kiritani being sweet to elementary school kids!”

It's trending and there's four thousand likes on it already.

What?! F-Four thousand?! That's amazing! Good work, Haruka!

Now's not the time to be celebrating!

“Red Brick Center” is written in the description, so I'm sure that's why people came looking.

It seems like leaving early was the right decision...

Hehe, now that we're heading off somewhere else, I'm sure we won't have to worry about anyone finding us!

Well then, let's head over to—

Wah...!

Whoa! What was that?!

That strong wind just came out of nowhere... Huh?

Ah! My hat!

Huh? That girl over there, is that...

*Gasp*

(Oh no...

Even if it was just for a second, our eyes met...)

Wh-What should we do?! At this rate...

Kiritani's going to be found out and there's nowhere to hide!

Oh, what if we hide her with our bodies?!

But that would look super unnatural!

Whoa! Hoshino?!

Kiritani! This way!

Huh?

Let's get on that! I think we'll make it just in time!

That? Do you mean the water taxi?

Hoshino?!

Sh-She just suddenly grabbed Kiritani's hand and took off...

Oh, Ichi.

But, that's a relief. I'm sure Haruka will be fine.

Saki?

Alright, now it's my turn...

Ah! Look over there!

There's Haruka!

What? Where?!

Looks like she went to that park over there!

Really? Shall we go have a look?

Heh heh heh! Another big success!

Nice work, Saki! You're a genius!

Hehehe, you flatter me as you should!

(To be honest... I feel kind of bad for doing something like this to Haruka's fans.)

(But this is our one field trip together. If this is what needs to be done for Haruka to enjoy herself, then...)

So what should we do now?

Should we follow them?

I think they got on the water taxi, right?

Yup!

Let's go ahead and wait for them at their arrival terminal!

Huff... Huff... Huff...

Sorry for suddenly dragging you like that.

It's okay, I'm glad you did.

Looks like there aren't many people here, so we should be able to relax.

There were quite a lot of people looking over there, and if they'd found me, I don't know if we'd have been able to carry on with our field trip.

More importantly, I'm sorry for all of this. Because of me, we both got separated from the others.

No, it's okay. Also, Saki sent a message just before.

What?

Here, in the group chat. “We'll be waiting at the arrival terminal!”

Oh, you're right. I completely missed that...

It might not seem that way, but Saki has a good head on her shoulders, so I think we have nothing to worry about.

I'm sure they'll be having fun in their own way.

Oh, right on cue.

They just sent a message and a photo.

<We're on the way to the arrival terminal now! We'll be enjoying ourselves, so make sure you two have fun too♪>

They're all feeding each other.

They sure are. Looks like they're having fun.

You said that we got separated, but I think it's fine since it'll only be for a little while.

It's not like we'll never see each other again. Once we meet up, let's make the most of the rest of the day and enjoy ourselves.

Hoshino...

Yes, you're right. Thank you.

Hm? Ah!

Saki and the others are eating crepes! I'm jealous, they look so good.

Oh, you're right. You can tell from the look on their faces too. It's like they're saying, “Yum!”

That's a little unfair.

Then, shall we give them a taste of their own medicine?

Their own medicine?

Yes. It's not food, but... We have a beautiful view of the water. Why don't we send a photo?

Sounds good. Let's do that.

So, what pose should we do?

Huh, a pose? Do you mean like peace signs?

Well, yes, but I was thinking that maybe we can do something a little cuter.

A cuter pose?

Yes. For example, we can make hearts with our fingers and place them next to our cheeks.

Oh, I see... Then, how about a pose of us eating sweets? Saki and the others got to eat crepes, so we should try to rival that.

Sweets? That's a good idea.

But would that come across without having any actual sweets?

About that... The thing is, I actually have some donuts.

Here. I got them at the souvenir shop and thought that they might be a nice snack for all of us.

Wow, they look so yummy. But, are you okay with that?

Well, I'd say it's perfect payback for the crepes.

Hehe, right.

Okay, lean in.

Hoshino, maybe try nibbling it.

L-Like this?

Ooh, that's cute. Okay, here we go.

H-How does it look?

It looks great. Alright, I'll send this over.

Oh, okay. Thank you. It's a little embarrassing, but I wonder how they're going to react.

<You're eating our snacks?! I thought you said they were for all of us?!?!>

Hehe, she sent an angry stamp.

Operation Payback was a success, then.