Another Like Me - Part I (CoTE x OC) ?

Chapter 10 - Platinum

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I approached Kikyo Kushida.

"Ahh~~ Takeyama-kun? Do you need something?", she turned around and asked, her short hair wafting a sweet fragrance in my direction. Focus, Keisuke, focus. Don't forget, she's a devil.

"Kushida-san, is it possible to ask you of a small favor?"

"Sure! I'll be glad to help anyone in my class!", she chirped and said, "so, what's bothering you, Takeyama-kun?"

"It's actually related to Sudo's case. I think Sakura Airi could have been a witness of the incident. Sakura-san is a shy girl, so it's unwise for me to ask her about it directly. Could you possibly ask her to confirm whether she was present at the crime scene or not? It would really help us get a lead on the case."

"I see! I can surely help out with that", she said. Kushida was truly a valuable ally to have in these situations, "should I talk to her now?"

"Anytime before school ends today should be fine. No need to rush things. Thank you for your help, Kushida-san."

""No problem at all! I'm glad to help!". With that, Kushida moved towards the end of the classroom, towards Sakura's desk. Seemed like she was willing to ask Sakura about it right now.

"Uhm, Sakura-san? Do you have a moment?"

Sakura Airi immediately jerked her head upwards towards the source of the voice. From her reaction, it was evident that she definitely never had anyone come up to her and start a conversation. She was unsure of what to do.

"Sorry to bother you, Sakura-san, but I think Takeyama-kun needs to speak with you about something important. It's related to Sudo-kun's case. I'm sure you'll help him out, won't you?", Kushida asked.

These words seemed to have the opposite effect on her. She was thoroughly petrified at the thought of talking to me, and hurriedly slung her bag over her head and proceeded to quickly head out of class, without uttering a single word.

"Sakura-san, please wait up! It's only for a moment, I promise!"

She started after Sakura, grabbing her hand to stop her from leaving. She turned around and tried to shake it off, and she did, but her bag fell to the floor in the process.

She immediately bent over to pick up the bag, and took out what seemed to be a digital camera. Hmm, a weird thing for such a quiet girl to have. She frantically tried to turn it on, but it wouldn't turn on. Looks like it had been damaged on impact.

"Ohh no! I'm so sorry, Sakura-san! I didn't mean to do that! Don't worry, I'll definitely have that fixed at the repair store for you. I'm sorry for the inconvenience", Kushida said, looking at the broken camera with a downcast gaze.

"It - It's ok, I'll get it fi -fixed", she managed to blurt out, before running out of class, clutching the camera close to her chest. Looks like she really loves that camera.

"I'm sorry, Takeyama-kun", Kushida said with a sad face, "I think Sakura-san won't be willing to share information regarding the case now."

"I don't think so". Kushida looked up, questioning my words, "I think she'll come back. No, she definitely will. So, Kushida-san, can I request you to accompany me when she does?"

Kushida was probably very confused right about now. Nevertheless, she agreed to help me out, in case Sakura initiated contact with us again.

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