No, no. No doubt, it wouldn’t end with that. After all, she was dressed in her religious clothes. And religions have strict commandments like, “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” Naturally, lusting after a child would be beyond the pale—which is exactly why God’s rage rains down on lolicon men.

That’s right. Misaki likely would threaten me with something like, “The Lord knows all your sins!”[18] She would say, “For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart and knoweth all things!”[19] and set me shivering with fear. Saying, “For the wages of sin is death,”[20] she likely would try to throw me into the hellfire of God’s rage!

This was the absolute end. Looking up at the sky, I prepared for the moment that God’s punishment would descend upon me. In that moment, my life would come to a close. My future would be sealed. It was just a second away.

Time passed while I waited, though, and Misaki didn’t denounce me. Looking back down at Misaki, she was still gazing at me. Our bodies hidden in the bushes, we stared at each other silently.

Finally, Misaki explained, “I just saw Yamazaki, face covered with both hands, run off in the direction of your apartment. I wondered what was going on; and when I peeked in here, I saw you, Satou, so…”

“You know Yamazaki?”

“The man in room 202, right? He looked pretty happy to get ‘Awaken!’ from us. That’s unusual.”

“He did? What a strange guy.”

“Am I bothering you? You did look pretty busy, after all, Satou.”

“N-no! Not at all. I mean, not really. By the way, Misaki, what were you doing in this area?” I tried to change the subject. I was beginning to feel as though I might actually get away with the whole thing.

“I’m on my way home from our religious recruiting. Auntie Kazuko and I were just passing by here. I had Auntie go on home ahead of me when I found out you were here.”

“Yeah? By the way, I really like your religious outfit. The parasol really gives off a spiritual aura.”

When I said that, Misaki cast her eyes downward. “This is a disguise.” Her face turned pink as she spoke.

“Huh?”

“I really hate doing this religious solicitation stuff, so I go out of my way to carry a parasol. That way, no one will remember my face.” Her reason was strangely reassuring. After everything, she remained mysterious. I still couldn’t tell who she really was.

This was my chance to escape. Run away now!

“Well then, I’ve got to be going.” I stood up.

Misaki also stood, closing her parasol.

Just like that, I started walking away awkwardly. I made it to the sidewalk from behind the bushes, and then I briskly headed up the path toward my apartment.

“Satou?”

“What?” I asked without turning around or slowing down.