The Anonymous Informant
"The church donation mentioned in your presentation— that wasn't reported in the media, right?"
The question was normal enough, at first. I let out a sigh of relief as I watched the situation unfold, my heart in my throat.
"Yes. It's information our group uncovered exclusively."
"I'm curious how you obtained it."
Yulia paused for a moment before answering.
"An anonymous source provided it."
The anonymous source was none other than Yulia herself, right there answering. But there was no need to spell that out.
"Is that all for questions?"
"No. I have one more."
Stop. Why the hell is there this subtle tension brewing between them all of a sudden?
"Your presentation seemed to stick to neutral facts as much as possible. So, what does the presenter herself think of Phantom Thief Raven's antics?"
This was bad. No matter how she answered, it could spark controversy. The only safe move was to dodge entirely and invoke her right to silence.
Thankfully, Yulia knew that too.
"I don't think that's something I need to answer. My personal opinion isn't important here."
"I disagree. No matter how neutral you claim to be, the presenter's views inevitably shape the content."
Why was this protagonist kid so damn persistent? His piercing gaze suggested he wouldn't let up until he got the answer he wanted.
"...Neutral."
"Really? Then why deliberately include the phantom thief's obscure good deed?"
"Because it's part of what Raven did."
"So you're saying the thief isn't just a criminal?"
"......"
Yulia was faltering. She looked composed on the surface, but I could see her pupils trembling slightly. Layered was zeroing in on that, pressing her on purpose. He was probably referencing what she'd said during break the other day. Can you say the same thing in front of everyone?
What the hell was his deal? If you're the protagonist and heroine, shouldn't you be all lovey-dovey by now? Why the growling match?
"Doesn't this call for a prince on a white horse to step in?"
I wanted to jump in too, of course. But what could I do? With everyone's eyes glued to their exchange, there was only one way to shift the focus...
I shot up from my seat with a loud scrape.
Gazes naturally turned my way. Yulia's eyes met mine, wide with confusion. Even Layered whipped his head around, looking mildly surprised.
Confirming I had everyone's attention, I spoke calmly.
"I suggested it."
"...Huh?"
"Kro!"
Yulia cried out my name in shock. Without giving her a chance to speak, I drove the nail in.
"I'm the anonymous source who provided the church donation info. I found out by chance and pushed hard to include it in the presentation."
"...Hey, nerd. You lost your mind?"
Even Rachel, who always teased me, whispered in a serious tone this time. She knew full well the impact of that statement.
Put simply, I'd just outed myself as a phantom thief sympathizer. Considering the media and government's hatred for Phantom Thief Raven, it was borderline insane.
Layered furrowed his brow, staring at me.
"...So you're saying the thief isn't bad?"
"No. That's not it. I just wanted people to know this happened too."
"That's exactly what I'm asking— why did you want to spread it? What's your motive?"
Are you okay?
Guess I do have a knack for phantom thief drama.
Even with all eyes on me, I didn't feel nervous. If anything, I analyzed the situation with eerie calm and precision.
"The nun we interviewed said this at the end: 'Please spread the word about this.' The child's incurable disease couldn't have been treated without someone's attention— she said it needed to be known so more people could help."
"......"
This was objective fact. Pure truth, untainted by spin or fabrication.
"I'm not defending Phantom Thief Raven. And I'm definitely not a fanboy. I just wanted to honor the nun's request."
Not entirely wrong. I am Raven, so I can't be a follower. And what I was really defending wasn't the thief— it was Yulia. Plus, helping the nun was genuinely on my mind.
Sure, I'd fudged it a bit to fit. But so what? It wasn't a lie.
Silence blanketed the class once I finished. The chill was palpable, hard to endure.
The teacher, who'd been quietly observing, finally spoke.
"...That ends the Q&A. Good job on the presentation."
Thanks for stepping in now, teach. Could've wrapped this up sooner.
With that, our group's presentation wrapped up. Yulia returned to her seat in a daze.
"Good work presenting."
"Hey. You okay? She's checked out."
"...Sorry. I ruined everything."
I comforted her as she teetered on the edge of tears, blaming herself.
"Nah. No one saw that question coming."
It would've been a flawless success if we'd ended there. But we'd muddled through somehow— silver lining.
Yulia quickly perked up, a smile blooming on her lips.
"Thanks. It was all because of you, Kro."
"Huh? Nah, what'd I even do?"
Rachel poked my side with a mischievous grin.
Was this girl obsessed with my ribs? Quit it.
"That was kinda cool back there. Not your usual nerd vibe."
"What? I've never been a nerd."
"Heh. Fine, this big sis'll let it slide."
I wanted to flick her forehead so bad. She danced right on the line, teasing just enough to annoy.
"Hm?"
I felt a steady gaze and turned to find Sharon staring intently.
What? Kinda intense.
"...Well done."
"Uh? Oh, thanks?"
Did Sharon just compliment me? It felt... weirdly surreal. Embarrassing, almost.
As the four of us chatted amiably, celebrating our modest victory, I kept stealing glances at the back of the head in the front row.
What to do about that guy? I'd avoided him so far, but it was time for a talk.
Lunchtime. I pulled Layered aside for a private chat behind the cafeteria.
Sounds shady when I put it like that. Anyway, away from the others, I cut straight to it.
"Why'd you do that earlier?"
He knew exactly what I meant. Obviously.
"...I went too far. Sorry."
"Apologize to Yulia, not me."
He seemed genuinely remorseful from his words and expression. Still, looking back, I couldn't fathom his thinking.
"You two are friends, right? Am I wrong? Why pick a fight like that?"
Strictly speaking, it wasn't mutual. Layered had exploited the presentation to launch a one-sided attack.
"......"
"Can't answer? It wasn't random, was it?"
"No. It's just... I couldn't understand why Yulia was defending the thief."
Close to what I'd guessed. But that didn't make it any more relatable. Putting a friend on the spot for that?
His follow-up explanation made it click, though.
"The Yulia I know is kinder and gentler than anyone. I haven't known her long, but I'm convinced no one's better. Seeing her suddenly defend and side with a thief like that... it worried me."
I'd felt the same awkwardness at first about her change. The protagonist had noticed too and tried to "fix" her in his own way.
I got the intent, but the method was too aggressive. She could've gotten hurt.
Now that I'd heard him out, it fully sank in: the protagonist was still an immature kid, not fully grown.
His obsession with beating me fit the same pattern. Time would sort it— the original story's events would force his mental growth.
That's what shonen manga was all about.
"Layered."
"...Yeah. Go ahead."
"Next time, just ask Yulia directly. That's what friends do."
"Friends..."
Nothing else cool came to mind for a mic-drop line.
So I just patted his shoulder.
"Apologize to her yourself later. She's nice— she'll forgive you."
"Thanks. Really."
"Psh, no need to get sappy between guys. I'm out first."
I waved casually and left.
Not bad. We sorted it out okay.
Hm...
Kro. Don't flirt with men.
...What nonsense is that?