#amo ran

[akehoshimystar]

[Break My Case] Main Story translation

: Thread 2 - piece of CAKE 🍰

Translation by Kalos (@Kumonkunliker on X)

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8

[akehoshimystar]

Chapter 8

Only Mikimoto-san can see Nao-san. I believed many people would think that it was just a sad illusion Mikimoto-san was seeing as he was unable to accept Nao-san's death. Those around him must have felt sympathetic and felt sorry for him.  But that’s not what Riku-san was doing. He continued speaking with the same calm and gentle demeanor as when he had first come here.

Riku: The sound of the wall-banging, the trash on the balcony. At first, it was probably just "harassment" for ignoring Nao-san and hurting her.

But then the shopping bag in the basket, the box of sweets, the letter... Halfway through, it seemed like that wasn't all there was to it.

Nobe: What do you mean…?

Riku: I knew because Nobe-san took a picture of it. The shopping bag that was in the bicycle basket was from the supermarket that Nao-san always went to.

The manager told me that the box of sweets was a usual item from a patisserie that Nao-san liked. I also heard that Mikimoto-san wasn’t really a sweet tooth. 

Mikimoto: ……………..

Riku: When I registered that information, it made me think….. Mikimoto-san isn't angry because he can't forgive Nobe-san for being rude to his loved one.

He wants you to take back the action that seems to deny Nao-san's existence here. 

Nobe: ……….

Riku: If I were in Mikimoto-san's position, I would think like that. Of course, all of this is just my assumption at the end of the day.

So that either of them would be able to speak whenever they wanted.. Riku-san took his time to pause between each word, and in between each word, the sound of a vacuum cleaner running in a room could be heard from somewhere. The sound of people’s daily lives… It’s audible, yet so distant.

Riku: Unfortunately, I don't have such an eyesight. I'm sorry, but like Nobe-san, I can't see Nao-san's face right now.

So today, I came with the man with the best eyesight I have ever known.

Nao-san, I wanted everyone here to talk together.

Kiho: ………

After hearing Riku-san's words, Kiho-san bowed slightly and removed his glasses.

Then his eyes turned to… The empty seat opposite to Mikimoto-san.

Ito: (...Kiho-san?)

Kiho: In the photos you have there, you're mostly wearing casual styles.

But the blouse you're wearing now suits you very well.

Mikimoto: …..Eh?

Kiho: Do you wear it often?

Ito: (.....Is this what I think it is?)

Mikimoto: Blouse...

At that remark, Mikimoto-san gasped.

Mikimoto: Yellow, with a ribbon?

Kiho: Yeah, I think it's lemon yellow. What a nice color.

Mikimoto: …………..I gave it to her. Many years ago.

It looked perfect, but she said it was too cute for her... And hardly ever wore it.

Kiho: Oh. I see.

Because it's the outfit you praised her for the most. It became something special.

Mikimoto: …..Nao?

Riku: Mikimoto-san. What does Nao-san look like right now?

Mikimoto: ……..

It's like I'd seen something unbelievable, and yet I felt like I'd lost sight of something. Without a single blink, Mikimoto-san stared intently at the seat opposite….. Slowly, tears escaped from his eyes.

Mikimoto: …..Can’t see….

Ito: ……..

Mikimoto: I'm sorry, Nao. I'm so sorry... I know you're still here with me…. Even though I know…..

Nobe: Mikimoto-san...

Kiho: She's smiling. Looking a little stunned, a little troubled. With a gentle expression.

Riku: ......Yeah. I can picture that face in my mind.

Saying that, Riku-san quietly stood up and gently placed the broken photo frame in front of Mikimoto-san.

Riku: The face of a happy person who stays close to someone she loves so much.

As if relieved by that voice, Mikimoto-san cried out loud like a child.

Kiho-san looked at the empty seat on the opposite side, he smiled slightly and nodded. It was as if he was laughing with her, someone I couldn't see.

Kiho: More details will probably be discussed again tomorrow, including the client, the manager.

I think the settlement would be some kind of apology money for the damage and a signature on a pledge not to repeat the same thing in the future.

After parting ways with Riku-san at the entrance, who said he was going to make a phone call before returning to Aporia, we made our way back to the parking lot. That’s what Kiho-san informed me as he started the engine shortly after getting into his car, which was a little lower than the company’s one.

Ito: ……………………No referral to the police or a law firm. This was settled as requested, "Please keep it under control so that it doesn't become a huge problem."

Kiho: Mikimoto-san himself admitted to the harassment, and the photo frame incident could be taken as an assault charge if he wanted to proceed with that, but……

I'm quite certain Nobe-san won't be inclined to sue him now that he's learned about Mikimoto-san's situation.

When you see it with your own eyes, the impact is completely different than hear it from someone else.

Ito: ...Maybe that was the intention behind his words, "Let us all talk together"?

Kiho: Can’t say for sure. Well, even if he wasn't aiming for that, I think he was hoping that people would think that way.

If rumor has it that Kyoya is naturally arrogant, then Riku is naturally shrewd.

Ito: Naturally shrewd...

Kiho: You didn’t feel that at all?

Ito: ….No, sir.

If anyone asked me if I found Riku-san suspicious, in the sense that I can't trust him, the answer would be no. I thought he’s a reliable and really kind person. But I might understand a little better than before why Kou-san called Riku-san a zero, and why there's more to it than that.

Ito: (Right now I don't know "what" or "where". Nevertheless, Riku-san is definitely a member of the so-called “not harmless good guys” Negotiation Dept.

(And then… This person too.)

Kiho: Anyway, I'm glad it all worked out.

Ah... That's right, the part about my good eyesight. Thank you for playing along without saying anything.

Ito: !

(I wasn't sure if I should ask about it in detail, so I thought I'd avoid touching that topic for now… But I guess it's okay if Kiho-san brought it up first.)

………..If you don't mind me asking, are you really one of those people who can "see"?

Kiho: Some people are scared, and it's not something I would spread around, that’s why most people don't know about it, even in Aporia. 

I sometimes use it in my work in the Negotiation Dept. I'm glad I found a great opportunity to tell Ito this.

Ito: (So he used it…...)

Kiho: Even if I can see them, it's usually just a vague blurry image, and I can't really have a conversation with them.

It's just that sometimes I can pick up on what they might be saying based on my own speculation….. Well, it’s not something praiseworthy, honestly. 

Ito: I wouldn’t say that... Being able to see things that normal people can't see, and even being able to understand their intentions…. That’s incredibly amazing…...

Kiho: Haha. Ito, do you believe me? Even though I can see and understand them, it might as well be my imagination, you know?

Ito: Of course, I believe you.

I don't think I could have predicted Nao-san's outfit or facial expression based on my own assumptions.

Kiho: Are you talking about the blouse?

Ito: Yes. Aside from her facial expression, she wasn't wearing a yellow blouse in any of the photos hanging in the room, and that information wasn't presented in the documents either……. Right?

Kiho: ...I'm sorry for disappointing you, but I think it would be unfair to keep quiet, so I'll reveal something.

Ito: Reveal?

Kiho: Riku went to the client yesterday to ask about Nao-san. He said he was shown a photo of the three of them, the manager and the couple.

Just to be on the safe side, he shared it with me. Do you want to guess what Nao-san was wearing in that photo?

Ito: …..Wait... Could it be..…,

Kiho: You heard me. 

Ito: Uhhhhh... But you took your glasses off…...

Kiho: Even you were convinced when I started doing that, weren’t you?

Ito: !?

(Wait, what? What does he mean by that? At what point…… Eh, seriously… What’s going on here!?)

Kiho: A bit sudden, but let me change the subject.

Ito: (Ah, the subject is changing while I’m still in the dark…..)

Kiho: Did Ai tell you about what was discussed this morning?

Ito: ? No. It’s Kosaka-san’s day off. And he didn’t contact me by the time I left the office...

Kiho: Oh, I see.

…….The client contacted him about the subject of that long-term case.

Ito: !

???: ".......Hello?"

Riku: Ah. Ran? Thank goodness, it got through.

???: "Sorry, your number isn’t registered. Who is this?"

Riku: Tateshina from Aporia. Is this Amo Ran I’m speaking to right now?

Ran: “Ehhh? Oh wow, I thought it sounded like Rikkun, but it’s actually Rikkun."

Riku: It's been a while.

Ran: "It really has. It's been 100 years since I last heard of Aporia. You seem healthy, how are you?"

Riku: The number of people has increased a little, but thanks to that, we're still doing the same business.

Ran: "Ah! More staff? I see, I see…. Still running a zoo for pitiful animals? Find a new hobby already!"

Riku: You're insult is still as sharp as ever. I'm glad you're doing well.

Ran: "At least I'm not dead. What's wrong, why did you call me out of nowhere?"

"Not that I care, but you’re not supposed to call me, aren't you?”

Riku: I would love to keep it that way. But we've got a bit of troublesome work right now.

It looks like there will be a situation where we need to act carefully but boldly, so it all comes down to who makes the first move.  

Ran: “I see. If you want me to cooperate or not get in the way, can I hang up now?"

Riku: It's neither, but can I just check one thing with you?

Ran: “What is it?"

Riku: Ran….. Do you still hate Roka?

Ran: …………………………..

"...Pffft…….. Ahahaha!"

Riku: ……………..

Ran: "Haa….. Oh my god, you’re hilarious. Hey…."

"Look who’s talking?" 

I'm not angry at Ro-kun at all. I'll even give him a big hug when we meet again. 

If you are so inclined, give him my regards. 

And tell him… Just reach out to me and say “let’s play again”, and I will wag my tail and go home like a good boy anytime.

Kiho: I think he’ll share something to you tomorrow.

The subject of the investigation is a freelance reporter. As for the staff member whom you will be working with…..

Yuzuru: "...I’ll let you know more details when we meet again tomorrow. For now, I’ll leave this task to you."

"Please cooperate with Yashiro-san.”

Urara: I don't need help with petty chores, and she’s just gonna get in the way. Stop dumping me unnecessary load, will ya?

Yuzuru: “Urara.”

Urara: Ah, shut up... I get it already.

I just need to do it, right?

NEXT EPISODE

“Chalk and CHEESE”