So Many Geniuses in Omni-Anime! What's One More?

"...All right."

"Yay~! I'm so happy~!"

"..."

But that cozy, peaceful atmosphere lasted only until a certain moment.

"?~ ~?~ ?~ ? ~~~"

A phone rang. The opening notes of "Fierce Loneliness Strikes" reached their ears, bringing today's gathering to an end.

Hearing the ringtone he had changed on a whim a few days ago, Sakurakoji Talent reached for his phone, a little surprised. People didn't usually call him at this hour.

Or did someone have something urgent to tell him and had sent a message he hadn't answered?

As he looked at the screen, Kitagawa Marin leaned over curiously. "Work?"

"Maybe..." He instinctively tried to put the phone away.

Because something other than work was actually more likely... but it was too late.

"Huh?" Kitagawa Marin blinked in confusion, her brows drawing together. "Why doesn't it show who's calling? Are some phones like that?"

"..."

Sakurakoji Talent's heart tightened. He glanced quickly at the screen, and sure enough, the contact read: Mai.

Before answering, he licked his lips and asked quickly, "Marin, Shinju, do you know Sakurajima Mai?"

"Hm? Who's that?"

"No idea."

"A girl's name... Someone you know?"

He sprang to his feet and headed outside, waving his phone. "She's the one calling~ She's a work partner. She nags me more than my parents do."

"Sorry! I have to go work. See you next time~"

"Oh, bye~"

"Take care~"

"See you next time! I'll send you the photos when they're ready!"

"..."

Should've Bought a Cold Drink ### Once he left Kitagawa Marin's room, he finally answered the call.

Anticipating the greeting he was almost certain to hear, he held the phone a little farther away.

"You took forever!"

See? Called it.

"Sorry~ I was talking to some friends." As he apologized, he swiped away from the call