Chapter 2
Here is the translation for Chapter 2 of Hijikata’s route! Translation done by dei-hime/iolite_jay, yuugs, and shizuumi. Proofreading by dei-hime/iolite_jay, shizuumi, maerz, kuririn, and kittensparkles.
The days passed in the blink of an eye; our first term had ended, and it was already August. In other words… It was the long-awaited summer vacation!
One day, in the height of summer, while the cicadas were vigorously droning― I had been invited to go shopping with friends, and I arrived at the square in front of the station.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Though I might've gotten here a little too early."
I looked around while waiting where we said we'd meet, but I didn't see my friends anywhere. It was only me and the shimmering heat haze rising from the asphalt under the afternoon sun.
Chizuru Yukimura: "What should I do..."
As I murmured to myself and reached for my phone in my pocket―
???: "Hey, wait up there, lil lady. Why don't we find ourselves a cafe to hang in if you're free?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "What...?"
I suddenly heard someone, and felt a tap on my shoulder.
Kyou Shiranui: " ...Just messin' with ya. I thought your face looked familiar. I guess it was you after all."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Sh-Shiranui-senpai?!"
Kyou Shiranui: "What're you up to in a place like this? I thought you must’ve been waiting for someone to hit on you, so I went ahead and called out to you."
Chizuru Yukimura: "H-...Hit on..."
I did feel my heart skip a beat when his voice had rung out… But when I realized it was someone I knew, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I'm just waiting for my friends. Are you by yourself today, Shiranui-senpai?"
Kyou Shiranui: "I thought I'd go clothes shopping for a little bit. Can't take my time with it if Kazama's around, after all… Plus, Amagiri's fashion sense is too...well, you know… so it's no use asking him for an opinion. Going alone is just easier."
Chizuru Yukimura: "The three of you certainly have different tastes when it comes to things like clothes."
Kyou Shiranui: "Yeah, well. I like leather and silver accessories and stuff, but they just don't really get it."
Seeing him give an over-the-top shrug, I found myself smiling naturally. ...Now that I think of it, this might've actually been the first time I'd ever talked one-on-one with Shiranui-senpai like this. After we chatted for a while, he happened to glance at the time.
Kyou Shiranui: "Uh-oh. That's right, you said you were waiting on your friends, weren't you?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh, right..."
[They'll be here soon]
[There's still some time]
Chizuru Yukimura: "They should be arriving around now, but..."
I checked my phone again as I told him that. And just then—
???: "Hold it right there, you skirt-chaser! Why don't you step away from my friend?"
A cutting voice echoed out in the square.
Chizuru Yukimura: "You're here!"
Kyou Shiranui: "Huh? Skirt-chaser? You wouldn't be talkin' about me, now, would you?"
Kosuzu Suzuka: "Do you see anyone else around here?"
Sen Suzuka: "With your flashy clothes and vibe, you have to be some kind of pick-up artist."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Wh― Hang on a moment, you two...!"
Osen-chan and Kosuzu-chan, the friends who I'd been waiting for, rushed to stand between me and Shiranui-senpai in my defense. Despite being on the receiving end of their icy glares, Shiranui-senpai grinned my way, looking for all the world like he was enjoying himself.
Kyou Shiranui: "...Yeah, I guess so. I suppose that's what it'd look like that from afar, huh?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Um, Osen-chan, Kozusu-chan. He's not really a skirt-chaser—"
Kyou Shiranui: "—What would you do if I were, though? Should I invite all three of you out on a date?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "What?!"
His expression was playful and teasing. He was clearly just trying to rile them up. But if he went and said something like that, Osen-chan and Kosuzu-chan wouldn't take it quietly...
Sen Suzuka: "Terribly sorry to disappoint you, but we three are having a girls' day out today."
Kyou Shiranui: "Whoa, now, you're lookin' real scary. I get it. No need to glare at me like that. Right, then, this nuisance'll will see himself out. See ya, girls. Enjoy yourselves, now!"
Waving lazily with a smirk still on his face, Shiranui-senpai left us just like that.
Kosuzu Suzuka: "You okay, Chizuru-chan?"
Sen Suzuka: "You’re really too nice sometimes. You ought to assert yourself more… With those types, you need to clearly and firmly turn them down, you hear?"
Kosuzu Suzuka: "They'll take advantage of you if you show them your soft side."
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Uh... Well..."
In any case, I had to explain to them that he wasn't actually some pick-up artist, but someone that I know from school...
I sighed before I tried to tell them, but it took a long time for them to accept my explanation.
Kosuzu Suzuka: "Still, it's been a long time! I’m so glad to see you~!"
Kosuzu Suzuka: "Both Osen-neesan and myself had extra-curricular activities, so it was really hard to make plans..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "It’s easier now thanks to the summer holidays."
Sen Suzuka: "Yeah. Now that we're finally on vacation, I want to meet up as much as we can. Even every day, if possible."
Chizuru Yukimura: "E-Every day!?"
Kosuzu Suzuka: "If you'd just come to Shimabara Girl’s High School with us in the first place, we could've seen each other every day, you know."
This girl is Suzuka Sen. She is my friend, and a sophomore at Shimabara's Girl’s Academy, next to Hakuo Academy. I called her Osen-chan. She’s about one year older than me, and very reliable. She also seems to really care about me… Even though she's the daughter of an important family, she isn't pretentious at all. She’s a lovely person.
And this girl is Suzuka Kosuzu. She’s a freshman at Shimabara Girl’s High School, and I always call her Kosuzu-chan. Due to various circumstances, she lives with Osen-chan’s family. I guess she's her sister-in-law. I want to be more like her...She has good looks and a wonderful, straightforward personality.
Sen Suzuka: "True, true. I told you to come to the same school as us so many times, too! Then you went and enrolled in Hakuo Academy, which is full of boys...!"
Kosuzu Suzuka: "Well, she did choose to go there herself, so there’s not much we can do about it… Why don't we make the most of today, at least? We don't usually get to hang out, after all."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah. Let’s have as much fun as possible!"
I nodded in agreement, and the two of them smiled happily.
Sen Suzuka: "Then, first up is shopping!"
We walked down the street as a group with Osen-chan leading us. We looked around various clothing stores. Though I chose my own clothes quickly, the other two took a long time… Somehow, I ended up getting caught up in their incredible momentum, and tried on a bunch of clothes. It was a little tough, but...
Even so, spending time with girl friends was fun and different than usual.
Kosuzu Suzuka: "All the stores just have autumn things. We’re still in the middle of summer..."
Sen Suzuka: "That's fine; it means summer items are on sale. Look, this is even 30% off!"
Both Osen-chan and Kosuzu-chan bought a bunch of clothing; both look perfectly satisfied, laughing with matching grins. As for me, after trying on item after item, I felt a little tired...
Kosuzu Suzuka: "I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but it's already noon. I'm a little hungry, too. How about we take a break?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "That’s true. I'd like to sit down and take a little break..."
Sen Suzuka: "Let's rest here, then..."
Our regular fast food joint was packed with students taking shelter from the heat. We finished placing our orders, and each took our respective trays and hurried to our seats. As I bit into my hamburger, we started chatting.
‘What type of shoes would match the dress I bought earlier?'
‘How was the ball game tournament at Shimabara Girl’s High School?'
But, soon enough...
Sen Suzuka: "Summer is the season of love, right?"
I noticed that Osen-chan aimed the question straight at me. Her eyes glittered with intense curiosity as she stared at me.
Sen Suzuka: "Hey, hey, Chizuru-chan. You’ve been surrounded by men at Hakuo Academy since the spring, so… Do you have someone you like?"
Chizuru Yukimura: !?
The question was so sudden, I almost spit out my orange juice.
Kosuzu Suzuka: "What a reaction… Could it be you have a boyfriend?"
Chizuru Yukimura: !!?
Sen Suzuka: "Eh!? You really have one!?"
This conversation was going way too fast, but I was still choking on my juice...!
Sen Suzuka: "If you really have one, you absolutely have to introduce him to me. I’ll scope him out for you!"
Kosuzu Suzuka: "Same here. I'll deal with him if he turns out to be a strange one, Chizuru-chan!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "N-No need to get so worked up! I don't have one!"
Sen Suzuka: "But it's your summer vacation. Don’t you like the sound of having a summer date?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "...That’s, um..."
I did like the sound of that, but...
Kosuzu Suzuka: "Let’s go find some swimsuits later, so we can wear them to the pool during vacation."
Sen Suzuka: "Ah, good idea! That'll be a prime opportunity to snatch up a good man."
Chizuru Yukimura: "W-What...!?"
The conversation progressed steadily without me, leaving me very confused, but… The grin of enjoyment on Osen-chan's face since earlier only intensified.
Sen Suzuka: "You know, I’d like to see you in a daring bikini… "
Chizuru Yukimura: "I-I couldn't wear anything that exposing!" ‘I couldn't even...!’
I flushed bright red and refused. Then Kosuzu chimed in.
Kosuzu Suzuka: "I’m against it. I think a one-piece swimsuit would suit Chizuru-chan better."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Y-You think so...?"
I didn’t really know if that’d suit me or not, but… I felt really grateful she suggested something more in my comfort zone.
Kosuzu Suzuka: "The feeling of boldly exposing your back makes you feel more like a beautiful lady—"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Wait, please wait."
Kosuzu Suzuka: "Still a no? I think it's necessary to be adventurous at least some of the time..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "It's still too early for me to go on such an adventure!"
Sen Suzuka: "Hehe… Well, why don’t we go shopping for swimsuits anyway?"
Kosuzu Suzuka: "Everyone will wanna go to the pool. It is summertime, after all."
Chizuru Yukimura:: "......"
I got the feeling that an impending crisis loomed behind their smiles, but I firmly pushed that feeling aside.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I’ll choose a swimsuit by myself!"
Sen Suzuka: "......"
Kosuzu Suzuka: "......"
Upon hearing that, the two of them smiled cryptically for some reason. I felt very uneasy...
After that, we left the store and went shopping for swimsuits, but… How could I put it? All the designs recommended for me were the kind an older, more adult woman would wear. In the end, I chose my swimsuit myself like I said I would, but...
‘...That was really rough…’
Kosuzu Suzuka: "Today was a lot of fun, wasn’t it? Thanks for hanging out with us, Chizuru-chan. Now that we’ve bought some cute swimsuits, we definitely have to go to the pool."
Sen Suzuka: "Yeah! Let's strike while the iron's hot. Now’s when you say ‘How about next Sunday?’"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Hehe... Sure. Sunday is fine."
Sen Suzuka: "Great, then we'll see you next Sunday!"
I said goodbye to them there, since my house was in the other direction. I was still looking forward to hanging out with them again, even though I know she got me to say that.
The next day—
Chizuru Yukimura: "I’m off..."
I went out while announcing that as always, even though there was no one else at home. It was a summer day like any other outside; almost too hot, and not a single cloud in the sky.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I’ll go return the book that I finished, and then… Oh, that’s right. I should do my homework after that..."
I planned to head to the school library. It stayed open even during summer vacation. I hadn't worn my school uniform in a long time, and the fabric made me feel itchy...
The moment I passed through the school gate, I could hear cheerful, energetic voices from somewhere. I figured it was probably students shouting encouragement during some school activity.
Chizuru Yukimura: "That reminds me, did Heisuke-kun and the others say they also had club activities during the summer...?"
Before the summer vacation began, I remember Heisuke-kun telling me how I should go see him if I was free.
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
I felt like seeing Heisuke-kun and the others doing their best at kendo, but… ‘I wonder if I'd be bothering them if I went to visit all of a sudden...?’
[Go straight to the library.]
[Stop by the kendo hall.]
Heisuke-kun specifically told me to come after all. I decided to take a peek at the kendo hall. I’d head home right away if I was being a bother.
As I walked down the passage, I saw someone I recognized coming from the kendo dojo.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Good afternoon, Hijikata-sensei."
Toshizou Hijikata: "Yukimura...? What are you doing in a place like this?"
He was flapping the collar of his shirt to let air in to cool off. His eyes opened wide in surprise.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I thought I’d come today to study in the library, but… I was hoping to take a quick look at the kendo club before that as well. ...By the way, Hijikta-sensei, are you on your way back from coaching the kendo club?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Yeah, I just changed shifts with Kondou-san. A teacher has to supervise and take responsibility during club activities in case anything happens."
Kondou-sensei was the kendo club's advisor… But when he was absent, Hijikata-sensei often acted as the coach instead. I’d heard that Harada-sensei and Nagakura-sensei also held dan ranks in kendo...
Everyone agreed that Hakuo Academy’s kendo club was pretty strong, since they had so many coaches.
Toshizou Hijikata: "Well, if you’re going, then prepare yourself. The heat and humidity are something else. Stay for too long and it'll knock you out."
Shrugging his shoulders, Hijikata-sensei began to walk off, but I called out to stop him.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Hijikata-sensei, where are you going?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "The cafeteria. It's about time for Gen-san to prepare lunch for those guys. He still keeps the cafeteria open even though we're on holiday. No one goes to help him."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh... Then let me lend a hand as well."
I said that and offered my help, but Hijikata-sensei shook his head lightly.
Toshizou Hijikata: "Thank you, but… Though there’s not that much food to make for the club members, it still takes a lot of time and physical work."
When he said that, I thought…
[I'll help anyway!]
[Sorry I couldn’t be of any help]
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Helping to prepare meals wasn't really a teacher's job in the first place, though...
Did my hesitation show? Hijikata-sensei gave a wry smile and said:
Toshizou Hijikata: "Well, preparing meals isn’t really my job, but… those guys get caught up in their practice. They end up going at it pretty seriously. Concentrating on kendo, thinking about nothing else. I get how that feels, too."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Up until now, the impression I had of Hijikata-sensei was that he was a strict teacher before anything else. When I caught that glimpse of his caring side, I let out a broad grin.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...That’s why I’ll help too. I also want to support Heisuke-kun and the others in the kendo club. Even if it takes a lot of work, or it's just random jobs like brewing tea..."
Toshizou Hijikata: "......"
Looking at my face, Hijikata-sensei's dry smile deepened. Somehow, he looked frustrated, but also happy.
Toshizou Hijikata: "Alright, Alright. Follow me. You'll get lunch for your work."
Chizuru Yukimura: "O-Okay!"
I'd have to put in more and more effort. Feeling a fresh surge of motivation, I headed toward the cafeteria with Hijikata-sensei.
We arrived at the cafeteria to try and help Inoue-san. Before I knew it, Inoue-san and Hijikata-sensei were deep in conversation.
Genzaburou Inoue: "So, what do you want to do about your parents? It sounds like they want you to come back home, right?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "It looks like it, but… There are things I have to do."
Genzaburou Inoue: "I see. It's not all smooth-sailing when your family business becomes a big pharmaceutical company, is it? By the way, did you get in touch with your sister?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "I haven’t told her yet outright, but… I've intended to leave that place to my sister and her husband for a long time now."
I wondered if it was alright for me to be listening in on this conversation...
Trying to distance myself from the two, I entered the dining area. There, for some reason, sitting with a pair of chopsticks at the ready... was Nagakura-sensei.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Nagakura-sensei...?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Hm? What about Shinpachi?"
At that moment, Hijikata-sensei’s and Nagakura-sensei’s eyes met.
Shinpachi Nagakura: "H-Huh? Hijikata-san!?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "What are you doing with your chopsticks out like that? Do you have business in the cafeteria, too?"
Shinpachi Nagakura: "N-No, I smelt something good here, so I was gonna sneak some food..."
The moment he heard that, Hijikata-sensei’s eyes widened.
Toshizou Hijikata: "What? This food’s for the club members who’ve been enduring their hard work in this heat. It’s not for the likes of you!"
Shinpachi Nagakura: "D-Don’t say something so heartless! What’ll you do if I starve to death?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "S-Starve to death...!?"
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Yeah! Not that I'm proud of it, but my wallet's spitting dust. It's tough for me to scrounge enough to eat, nowadays."
Toshizou Hijikata: "Yeah, I’d hope you aren’t proud of it. Anyway, as for you—"
Shinpachi Nagakura: "...Hold up, Hijikata-san! If you think I lost all my money betting, that's not what happened!"
Toshizou Hijikata: "...What?"
Shinpachi Nagakura: "That’s right. It was this morning; I had some documents to submit, and I was heading to school. While on my way..." Having cut off Hijikata-sensei, Nagakura-sensei began speaking solemnly to himself. He continued, "On the way, I happened to come across an old woman who was lost. Of course, I happily gave her directions, but it was hot, and she looked as though she might collapse… So I called a taxi to send her home in the end."
Toshizou Hijikata: "So you’re saying that you paid the fare for that taxi?"
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Yeah, she said that she would pay back the money when she got home, but… As luck’d have it, her family was away, so I couldn’t get my money back."
Genzaburou Inoue: "Oh my, so that's what had happened. There wasn't much else you could do, then."
Inoue-san suddenly stopped working for a moment to give his approval. However...
Shinpachi Nagakura: "I know, right!? Since I’m such a good person, you should give me some food, right...?!"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Wait, Shinpachi. I get what you’re saying. I also get that helping people is a good thing."
Unlike Inoue-san and I, who had nodded in understanding, Hijikata-sensei spoke up dispassionately.
Toshizou Hijikata: "But all the same, for the time being, figure out what to do about your empty wallet somehow. We got paid recently, didn't we?Just go get some money from the convenience store ATM."
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Ugh...!?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "W-What’s wrong, Nagakura-sensei? You look pale…"
Genzaburou Inoue: "Don’t tell me...you don’t have any money?"
Shinpachi Nagakura: "......"
Toshizou Hijikata: "......"
Shinpachi Nagakura: "I-It was in my account until yesterday! But that guy let me down right around the third corner...!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "...So, basically..."
Toshizou Hijikata: "Even if you have no money in your wallet because you lent it to someone, the fact you have none in the first place is your own damn fault, right?!"
Shinpachi Nagakura: "O-Oww...! B-But what about the food..."
Toshizou Hijikata: "You're obviously not gonna get any!"
Genzaburou Inoue: "Come on, now, Toshi-san, he did help someone out..."
Inoue-san desperately tried to pacify Hijikata-sensei, whose shoulders trembled with anger.
Shinpachi Nagakura: "......" Nagakura-sensei was staring fixedly at me, his eyes pleading.
I then said…
[There’s no such thing as a free lunch.]
[I’ll give you my share!]
I was a little scared to interrupt the teachers’ argument, but...
I summoned my courage, took a step forward, and turned to Nagakura-sensei, saying:
Chizuru Yukimura: "Nagakura-sensei. As they say, there's no such thing as a free lunch."
Shinpachi Nagakura: "!? Y-Yukimura-kun, are you telling me I should starve to death...? Of course I'll throw myself into my work, but at this rate I won’t survive until my next payday—"
Chizuru Yukimura: "—We need to bring lunch to everyone in the kendo club after this..."
When I interrupted him, Nagakura-sensei became extremely flustered. I nodded to him.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...So, why don't you help us out with that...?"
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Help out...?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes. If you do that, then perhaps in return you might get a little something..."
Shinpachi Nagakura: "R-Really!?"
If he'd gotten into such a dilemma for doing a good deed, then he deserved some help...
Hijikata-sensei studied the pleading looks Nagakura-sensei and I gave him. Then he gave a wry smile, and it seemed like our persistence paid off.
Toshizou Hijikata: "...Well, I can't say no to someone who puts in the work. Sorry, Gen-san. You okay with this?"
Genzaburou Inoue: "It's no problem at all."
Shinpachi Nagakura: "YES!!" Nagakura-sensei struck a triumphant pose, and took my hand in delight with an impassioned cry. "Thank you, Yukimura! I owe you my life!!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh, no, it's nothing..."
Toshizou Hijikata: "Work hard, Shinpachi. If you hold Gen-san back, you won’t get anything."
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Y-Yeah! Just leave it to me!"
Deep in conversation, Nagakura-sensei and Inoue-san disappeared into the depths of the cafeteria. As I watched them go, I sighed unconsciously, and formally bowed to Hijikata-sensei.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I'm sorry I interfered, Hijikata-sensei..."
His smile was sardonic as he heard my apology, but… It was also kind, somehow.
Toshizou Hijikata: "You don’t need to apologize. I wouldn't be laughing if Shinpachi really did starve to death. Having the both of you speak up left a bit of an impression on me. Thanks for being frank."
Hijikata-sensei looked kind of relieved, and I gave him a small nod—
After that, I had lunch together with the kendo club members. Since I got to see Heisuke-kun and Okita-senpai, it was a very lively lunch. Later, I headed over to the library to study like I'd originally planned... But as I was leaving the kendo dojo, Hijikata-sensei had expressed his gratitude by thanking me. He seemed to be a very strict person, so he didn't usually do that...
Hard at work in the library, when I recalled that, I unconsciously paused in the middle of studying.
As I left the school and approached the school gate, my cell phone rang. It was an email from Osen-chan.
Sub: Looking forward to the pool!
It was hot again today, wasn’t it!
I want to hurry up and jump into the pool!
Chizuru Yukimura: "Hehe…"
I briefly stopped walking, and replied that I was looking forward to Sunday. When I checked my phone again, I suddenly felt a presence behind me. Could it be—
Chizuru Yukimura: !
I spun around in fear, and saw it was Okita-senpai peering at me.
Souji Okita: "So we meet again, Chizuru-chan."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Y-Yeah…...Good job at your kendo practice today."
As I stared at him wearing his kendo uniform, I said the first thing that came to mind.
Souji Okita: "Are you going home after this? Be careful."
It was just a standard farewell, but for some reason it made me feel uneasy...
Chizuru Yukimura: "R-Right… Thank you."
Okita-senpai grinned, and waved lightly as he saw me off. Ultimately, we parted ways and I returned home without any problems, but… Something about his smile made me uneasy.
After that...
By the time I arrived home and took care of my chores, the sun had set completely.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I guess it’s about time I got started on dinner….." ‘What should I do tonight?’
To decide tonight’s menu from what ingredients I had, I thought about what I had in the fridge—
Just then, Okita Souji, heading home from kendo club—
Souji Okita: "Using this info on my own to get a head start wouldn't be bad, but..."
While fiddling with his smartphone, the fun of it tugged at the corner of his lips.
Souji Okita: "It'd be a waste to pass up such an interesting opportunity. ...Alright, done."
When he finished preparing the contents of each email, he sent them out one after another.
Souji Okita: "Hopefully this'll shake things up a bit..."
_____________
Chizuru-chan is going to the pool this Sunday.
Let’s go with her.
_____________
Heisuke Toudou: "Chizuru's going to the pool!? I've got no choice but to go...!"
_____________
Chizuru-chan is going to the pool this Sunday.
I'm going with her.
_____________
Kaoru Nagumo: "Okita's going with her!? Like hell I'll let him see Chizuru in a swimsuit...!"
_____________
Chizuru-chan is going to the pool this Sunday.
_____________
Chikage Kazama: "What is the meaning of this...! Why does Okita have such information...!"
_____________
Everyone’s going to the pool this Sunday.
How about you, sensei?
_____________
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Oh? The pool sounds pretty good. It's been way too hot lately!"
_____________
We're all going to the pool this Sunday.
Won't you chaperone for us?
_____________
Sanosuke Harada: "Do high school students even need a chaperone...? Well, not that I mind, though."
_____________
Chizuru-chan and everyone else are going to the pool this Sunday.
Hijikata-san is coming too.
_____________
Hajime Saitou: "I'm worried they'll be out of line, but if Hijikata-sensei is going, too..."
_____________
An interesting incident will occur at the pool this Sunday.
_____________
Keisuke Sannan: "Well, then. If I’m told it will be interesting, I simply have to go see for myself."
_____________
I plan to cause an incident this Sunday at the pool.
Feel free to try and stop me.
_____________
Toshizou Hijikata "Hah!? What kind of crap is that punk Souji trying to pull...!"
_____________
If you'd like to prevent Hijikata-san from dying of overwork, you must come to the pool this Sunday.
_____________
Susumu Yamazaki: "The pool...? But if he says death from overworking might be involved, I can't just ignore it..."
_____________
Duel. The pool, this Sunday.
_____________
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Huh? What’s this...? Some sort of letter of challenge...?"
It was the day we promised to hang out together: the eagerly-awaited Sunday!
I had arranged to meet with Osen-chan and Kosuzu-chan at the pool. I came early, changed into my swimsuit, and went out to the pool-side.
[scene change: pool– honestly more like a water park!]
Chizuru Yukimura: "Osen-chan and Kosuzu-chan….. It looks like they’re not here yet."
When I glanced around, I saw many people having fun in the water. But, with everyone around me in swimwear… Seeing everyone with their skin exposed like that made me feel awkward after all.
As I thought that—
???: "—Ah. So you were over here, were you?"
???(2): "Even though it’s the long-awaited pool visit, why are you wearing such a face?"
As voices called out from behind me, I looked over my shoulder in that direction.
[Sen and Kosuzu appear, wearing swimsuits. They look very cute, but you still can’t date them. (￣︿￣)]
Sen Suzuka: "Today, let's play to our hearts’ content, until we can’t play anymore!"
Kosuzu Suzuka: "Since we specifically bought swimsuits, we should at least wear them as much as possible."
Osen-chan was all smiles, and Kosuzu-chan had a mischievous-looking smile as well.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Wow… The two of you are so cute…!"
Sen Suzuka: "Thank you. But, I don’t think I’m as cute as you, Chizuru-chan."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Eh? T-that’s not true…."
Kosuzu Suzuka: "It’s not a lie or flattery. That look really suits you."
Chizuru Yukimura: "…thanks."
Maybe the two of them really did think so, but…. Even if it were true, it was incredibly embarrassing.
Sen Suzuka: "…but, it really is a shame. A bolder one would have been better, after all."
Chizuru Yukimura: "That’s impossible! Absolutely impossible!"
As I vigorously shook my head, suddenly a voice carried over to us from somewhere.
???: "I swear. Exposing my wife’s soft, fair skin to the eyes of the public more than is absolutely necessary…. It truly is an unforgivable act of recklessness."
???(2): "I truly couldn't care less about what you two wear, but… Aren't you ashamed of yourselves? Leading someone's younger sister astray like this."
I turned my face towards the voices, and there—-
[Kazama and Kaoru appear. Kaoru looks normal, Kazama is wearing leopard-pattern swim trunks.]
Chizuru Yukimura: "Kazama-senpai and Kaoru….!? Why are you here? Did the two of you come to hang out together?"
No matter how you look at it, the two of them had awful chemistry, so I really didn’t think they would arrange to go to the pool together, but… When I blinked at them, sure enough, the two of them turned their faces away, looking disgruntled.
Chikage Kazama: "We happened to meet by coincidence. To imply that I would engage in any activities with such a child on purpose is completely unspeakable."
Kaoru Nagumo: "I agree with that, and that alone. Which is why you should go somewhere else. Don’t you get that I don’t want any annoying outsiders intruding on our harmonious sibling time?"
Chikage Kazama: "Idiot. The one who should go somewhere else is you, not me. It is only natural that a wife should be near her husband. Otherwise, won’t men with the wrong idea come and crowd around?"
???: "‘Men with the wrong idea,’ hmm? Have you tried looking in a mirror?"
???(2): "You don’t have a wife in the first place."
Chizuru Yukimura: "!"
The voices that interrupted the situation were familiar ones, after all.
[Okita, Saitou, and Heisuke appear]
"Okita-senpai, Saitou-senpai…..! And even Heisuke-kun….!"
Why were the three of them here, too? While I was still stunned by the unexpected encounter, Heisuke-kun smiled brightly at me.
Heisuke Toudou: "Chizuru, you look amazing in that swimsuit!"
In contrast, Saitou-senpai seemed a little bit bashful, and he spoke with some reserve:
Hajime Saitou: "If I were to express my personal opinion, I think no further exposure is necessary. You are fine just as you are."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Thank you…….?"
Souji Okita: "Still, this is an amazing coincidence. To meet in such a place."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Y-yes... "
Souji Okita: "Maybe this is what they call fate."
Kaoru Nagumo: "Hmph. It’s quite an artificial sort of fate."
Chikage Kazama: "Don’t get the wrong idea, Okita… The one who is bound together with my wife by the red thread of fate is no one other than myself."
Hajime Saitou: "Wouldn't you say that you're the last person who should be accusing others of being mistaken...?"
As Kazama-senpai and the others kept interrupting one another, they began to glare at each other once again. We girls didn’t know what to do, and for a little while we were at a loss for words.
Sen Suzuka: "Um... What kind of situation is this?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "It’s not like everyone could normally gather like this, one after another, by sheer coincidence..."
Heisuke Toudou: "It’d be an amazing coincidence, yeah…"
Hajime Saitou (lying, poorly): "...I agree. I am surprised."
I glanced around in wonderment at the strange situation, but Heisuke-kun and Saitou-senpai were both blatantly avoiding meeting my eyes.
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Heisuke Toudou: "W-well, don’t worry about that! Since we all went to the trouble of coming here, let’s go swimming!"
Hajime Saitou: "I suppose. The obvious first choice is the rapidsーno, the waterfall pool is also difficult to cast aside."
Chikage Kazama: "Hmph. For you bastards, the kiddie pool would be much more suitable."
Kaoru Nagumo: "I think it would suit you even more, considering your mental age."
Did they actually get along, or not...? With everyone talking at once about different things, we walked towards the pool.
Okita-senpai gave a cheerful smile to those of us still standing around in a daze at the sudden situation.
Souji Okita: "Here, Chizuru-chan, let’s go. You two over there, too."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Eh, ah, y-yes... Osen-chan, Kosuzu-chan, is this ok...?"
Kosuzu Suzuka: "Hah... In truth, I wanted to take my time hanging out with Chizuru-chan, though."
Sen Suzuka: "Well, we can’t just tell them to go somewhere else, so there’s nothing we can do but play along. Let’s pull ourselves together, and play as much as we can!"
Because it was summer vacation, the pool was overflowing with people. In addition to people here with their families and couples, there were a lot of people who looked to be students like us. Everyone was full of boisterous energy, jumping and frolicking in the water; seeing that was almost enough to make me forget about the heat.
Chikage Kazama: "Still, what is with this crowd of filth? Don’t they have any reservations at all?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Please stop saying things like that..."
Hajime Saitou: "Indeed. You are an annoyance to people, and should show more consideration towards others."
As far as the eye could see, there were diverse rides and features for people to try. There was a diving board into the wave pool, a poolside rest area, and even a bar... In the competitive swimming pool, there were a number of 25-meter lanes, too.
Hajime Saitou: "Yukimura. Is there someplace you want to go?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Hm, let’s see..."
With so many options it was difficult to choose.
At that moment, Heisuke-kun’s eyes began to sparkle.
Heisuke Toudou: "There’s a water slide! Let’s all slide down from the top!"
Kaoru Nagumo: "A water slide…..?"
Chikage Kazama: "How foolish. You expect me to associate myself with something so childish?"
Souji Okita: "Yeah, yeah. Well, I'm leaving behind the crowd that can’t read the mood. I’ll go with you."
While saying that, for some reason, Okita-senpai was grinning from ear to ear.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Um, Okita-senpai. Why are you smiling like that...?"
Kaoru Nagumo: "You’re planning something, aren’t you?"
Souji Okita: "Not at all. I wasn’t even thinking about shoving Heisuke from behind when he slides at all."
Heisuke Toudou "Wait... Souji, you seriously need to stop! Definitely!"
Souji Okita: "Yes, yes."
While saying that, Okita-senpai ushered Heisuke-kun away with a firm shove on his back.
Hajime Saitou: "Heisuke... I will see to your remains."
Kosuzu Suzuka: "If everyone is going, should we wait for them all to go down the slide?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "I suppose. Be careful, you two!"
While Heisuke-kun and Okita-senpai were climbing the stairs, those of us who remained below decided just after to dive right into the pool.
Sen Suzuka: "Ah~! The water feels great! Chizuru-chan, hurry, hurry!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Y-yeah!"
Kaoru Nagumo: "Wait. Before you just jump in, you need to warm up properly..."
Chikage Kazama: "Come here, my wife. I will grant you a lecture on swimming."
Kaoru Nagumo: "What do you mean, 'lecture?' Don’t touch my little sister...!"
Kaoru and Kazama-senpai were once again making jabs, glaring intensely at one another. As I watched the pair argue, flustered, Saitou-senpai tugged at my wrist.
Hajime Saitou: "It’s fine, leave them alone. Let’s go, Yukimura."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Y-yes!"
Decisively jumping into the pool, my whole body was enveloped in the cool, refreshing water. While I was floating about in the water, it almost felt like I was drifting through the sky...
Before too long, a voice echoed from the top of the water slide.
Heisuke Toudou: "Alright then, Souji! I’m going on aheadーUwa, idiot, stop, stop you idiot! DON’T PUSH ME! DON’Tー"
Sen Suzuka: "...That sure was dramatic..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "A-are you ok, Heisuke-kun!?"
Heisuke Toudou: "S-Somehow..."
Chikage Kazama: "Bastard...! You dare splash water on me... you must have a death wish!"
Heisuke Toudou: "That's not my problem! It’s your bad for standing around spacing out, right!?"
Kazama-senpai, who was completely drenched, was pursuing Heisuke-kun with a furious expression on his face. They chased one another around the pool. Okita-senpai, who had slid down the slide successfully, was grinning while watching the pair.
Souji Okita: "Hehe... Photo op. Getting the waterproof feature was the right choice."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Don’t say such a thing, and please stop them!"
Souji Okita: "...."
(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)
Okita-senpai's face made it clear he thought that was too much work, so I gave up on him and looked around for someone else who could help.
Chizuru Yukimura:"...Saitou-senpai should be able to stop this..."
Feeling hopeful, I cast my gaze around for him. But, what I saw was...
Hajime Saitou: "...zzz..."
A pool float had been taken out when I wasn’t looking, and sleeping peacefully on top of it was Saitou-senpai.
Kosuzu Suzuka: "I-it looks like he’s sleeping, doesn't he…?"
Kaoru Nagumo: "He's enjoying himself so much it's annoying... Should I tip that float and capsize it...?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Don’t say such scary things, Kaoru!"
Everyone continued playing around like that, and the time flew by...
Chizuru Yukimura: "Well then, I’ll get out for a little bit. I’m going to look around at the other pools."
As one would expect, I was worn out from playing. I decided to take a break and got out of the water, walking along the pool-side.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I was worried about how things would turn out for a moment there, but..."
Realistically, things were horrible at first. Kaoru and Kazama-senpai were angry, and Heisuke-kun was complaining; Okita-senpai kept agitating things and Saitou-senpai had to stop him. At first, the atmosphere had been like that, but now things had calmed down considerably. Everyone had backed down for the moment, and it became like everyone was having fun with friends.
But, the moment I started to space outー
???: "UOOOORYAAAA!!!"
(screen flashes)
Chizuru Yukimura: "Wha!?"
As I was walking along the side of the diving pool, a sudden spray of water made me recoil. Covered in water from head to toe, I hurriedly looked around in a panic, and heard a voice:
???: "*Cough*ー! That was bad, I thought I was gonna miss the water."
???(2): "What do you think you're doing, Shinpachi? You went way overboard."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Eh..."
Those voices were...
[Harada and Nagakura appear…. Just guys being dudes.]
Chizuru Yukimura: "H-Harada-sensei?! Nagakura-sensei!?"
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Yo, Yukimura-kun! Today is the best kind of day for the pool!"
Sanosuke Harada: "You really did come too, huh? Just like they said."
Chizuru Yukimura: "'Just like they said...?'"
Harada-senseiーwho was wearing a wry smileー and Nagakura-senseiーwhose eyes sparkled happilyー were both wearing swimsuits, like everyone else around.
Tilting my head, I exclaimed:
Chizuru Yukimura: "Did you teachers come here because you also wanted to swim?!"
Sanosuke Harada: "Yeah. Not just us, either: others came too, right?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Eh!?"
Sanosuke Harada: "Here, look over there."
When I looked where he pointed, I saw two more people getting up from their lounge chairs, one of them looking annoyed.
[Hijikata and Sannan appear]
Toshizou Hijikata: "......"
Keisuke Sannan: "Good afternoon, Yukimura-kun. What a coincidence it is to meet here."
Chizuru Yukimura: "!!!"
I was so shocked, my voice wouldn’t come out.
Chizuru Yukimura: "S-Sannan-sensei and...Hijikata-sensei...?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "...Who else would we be?"
Seeing that irritated face, there was no mistaking that this was the genuine Hijikata-sensei. Even setting aside Harada-sensei and Nagakura-sensei, the fact that these other two were also here... something was definitely suspicious!
Keisuke Sannan: "Since it appears that the other students have also come, it seems we'll be able to have an especially lively day. Don’t you think so as well, Hijikata-sensei?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "...I don’t think so. I don’t want to think about it."
Keisuke Sannan: "Haah... good grief. Now that you’re here, there's nothing more to be done. Things would be simpler if you stopped being so defiant."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
I was far too tongue-tied to say anything, but... The main factor in my confusion was not this alone.
???: "Certainly, it seems... Looking at this situation, I agree there's a risk of dying from overwork...
???(2): "I don’t like this... No matter what happens, I’m not going near those guys. Yamazaki-senpai, I’m going to leave things to you from here on out. Because I’m already going to go home."
???: "I’ll be in trouble if you leave it all up to me! This isn't a trial that I can shoulder alone...!"
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Hey! You two over there!"
??? ＆ ???: "!"
Sanosuke Harada: "What are you sneaking around for? Hurry up and come here!"
Harada-sensei seemed to have noticed something, and made a gesture to beckon forth something from its hiding place.
The figures that revealed themselves after a hesitant pause were once again faces that I knew.
[Ibuki and Yamazaki appear]
Susumu Yamazaki: "........."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "........."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yamazaki-senpai and Ibuki-kun...?"
For some reason, the two of them looked like they had very mixed feelings about being here.
I was dumbfounded: I could only stare at the two of them.
Susumu Yamazaki: "Um, before you get the wrong idea, let me just say that we are... victims, so to speak."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Yeah, more precisely, I really didn’t feel like coming here at all..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "...?"
What in the world was going on? I only planned to come to meet at the pool with Osen-chan and Kosuzu-chan, but people kept ‘coincidentally’ coming. Heisuke-kun, Okita-senpai, Saitou-senpai and the others showed up, and we ended up playing together... And it wasn’t just them. People who should never have shown up, like Harada-sensei and Hijikata-sensei, kept appearing.
...something was definitely strange. I thought that and tried to open my mouth, but a party was approaching from the distance.
Heisuke Toudou: "Oh, there she is! Heey, Chizuru!"
Hajime Saitou: "So you were in a place like this. When you did not return, everyone was worriedー"
Toshizou Hijikata: "...Saitou, so you came too."
Hajime Saitou: "...My sincerest apologies."
Chikage Kazama: "Tch. So another troublesome group is here."
The group of students looked at Hijikata-sensei’s group of teachers at a loss for words. After both parties stood in silence for a while, Heisuke-kun was the first to open his mouth.
Heisuke Toudou: "E-Even you teachers are here, what a strange coincidenceー"
Sanosuke Harada: "It’s not a coincidence. Souji sent everyone those emails, right?"
Keisuke Sannan: "Indeed. He said that Yukimura-kun was going to the pool, and to come as well."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Eh!?"
Myself, Osen-chan, and Kosuzu-chan cast accusatory glares at him. However, Okita-senpai didn’t look even a little bit ashamed, and was smiling cheerfully.
Souji Okita: "At times like this, the more people there are, the more interesting things become."
Chizuru Yukimura: "But, don’t tell me, you emailed even the teachers...?"
Hijikata-sensei in particular looked as though his irritation had already reached its zenith, and his glare was incredibly severe.
Even though we were at the poolside in the summer, I felt that it was as if the air had gone cold.
Even so, when it came to Okita-senpai...
Souji Okita: "Hijikata-san, that’s an incredibly scary face you have there. It really contrasts too much with this situation. Since you came all the way to the pool, you should make a more cheerful expreー"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Shut up! Shit, I knew you were this kind of guy, and yet...!"
Hajime Saitou: "It wasn’t just us, Hijikata-sensei was also tricked..."
Susumu Yamazaki: "Okita-kun! Your behavior really is completely intolerable, after all!"
Even though he was being criticized from all sides, Okita-senpai blithely ignored them all.
Chizuru Yukimura: "For the time being, what should I do about this chaos...?"
As I tried to escape the uproar, I turned my gaze towards Osen-chan and Kosuzu-chan...
Kosuzu Suzuka: "...!"
For some reason, Kosuzu-chan was staring fixedly at Ibuki-kun.
Sen Suzuka: "...Kosuzu?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "By any chance, do you know Ibuki-kun?"
Seeming to notice the gazes upon him, Ibuki-kun began to approach. Upon seeing his faceー which had an odd expressionー Kosuzu-chan let out a small breath.
Kosuzu Suzuka: "It’s not like it’s a big deal, but... When I dropped my commuter pass before, he returned it to me."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "...Aha! I thought I had seen your face somewhere before, but you’re the girl from that one time, right?"
Kosuzu Suzuka: "Thank you for that time. Thanks to you, I was able to get home."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Not really. It was just a commuter pass, and all I did was pick it up right after it dropped. Not to brag, but if it had been cash, I definitely would have been more conflicted!"
Sanosuke Harada: "That certainly isn't something to brag about..."
Harada-sensei, who had arrived without my noticing, said with a wry smile.
Kosuzu-chan looked at Ibuki-kun after he had made such a blunt declaration, and she smiled, too.
Kosuzu Suzuka: "How do I say this? You’re so...straight-forward..."
Then, by the time Ibuki-kun and Kosuzu-chan 's conversation had reached a stopping point, the situation around us had completely changed.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Hmm...?"
I felt the gazes and heard the murmurs of other pool visitors, and I turned over my shoulder to lookー
(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)
At some point, an intense stand-off had formed. What was more, the tension seemed to have reached a critical point.
Kaoru Nagumo: "Hey, all you guys with their ulterior motives on full display, why don’t you stay away from my cute younger sister? The person a younger sister should spend time with is her older brother: me! Isn’t that obvious?"
Chikage Kazama: "Honestly... The fact that you came to this place at all makes your motives crystal clear. Especially you, Hijikata. You came here despite the fact you're a teacher. You're beyond saving."
Toshizou Hijikata: "Shut it! You know, unlike you, I didn’t want to come here!"
Heisuke Toudou: "I mean, the one who clearly has an ulterior motive is Kazama-senpai, right? I just wanted to see Chizuru in a swimsuit, so I wasn’t thinking of anything too weird..."
Hajime Saitou: "True, I don’t think such an overt feeling qualifies as an ulterior motive... But is that really the issue here?"
Susumu Yamazaki: "Okita-kun is the cause of this whole situation in the first place! Anyone would have gotten concerned after receiving emails like that..."
Souji Okita: "Eh? Even if you try to pin the blame on me, everyone else joined in and is equally guilty, right?"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Wrong! At least, it’s wrong in my case! By the time I realized what was going on, I'd already been dragged into this mess!"
Sanosuke Harada: "Haah... Well then, it’s exactly as Souji says: maybe he set the bait, but everyone else chose to take it. Not even an elementary school field trip is this bad. Don’t you think so, Shinpachi?"
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Oh! According to this directory there’s a water slide, isn’t there?!"
Sanosuke Harada: "...He's not even listening..."
With this many people gathered, things were quickly spiraling out of control. Glancing at the disturbance, without thinking I unintentionally held my head in my hands.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Is this situation...my fault...?"
Sen Suzuka: "Since we have what looks like a group of handsome menー personalities asideー noisily assembled, of course we'd draw attention."
Kosuzu Suzuka: "But, this will be annoying for the other customers..."
‘What should I do...’
I knew I had to do something quickly, but as I squeezed my head tighter and tighterー Sannan-sensei clapped his hands twice, loudly.
Keisuke Sannan: "Now then, everyone. Why don’t we stop this argument here? To cause such a ruckus without reflecting on your circumstances, and to cause an inconvenience for the other guests, is incredibly disgraceful behavior for a man. Don’t you think so as well, Yukimura-kun?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Eh...ah, yes..."
Toshizou Hijikata: "Hmph..."
Chikage Kazama: "Tch..."
When I exchanged looks with Sannan-sensei and nodded, everyone fell silent all at once.
Keisuke Sannan: "However, I wish to request that, from here on out, everyone should play together peacefully, but that doesn’t seem very likely to happen... That being the case, let us play a game in order to deepen our friendship."
Toshizou Hijikata: "A game...?"
Sanosuke Harada: "What, we should all play something like beach volleyball?"
Keisuke Sannan: "No, no; since we came to this specific pool, there are more appropriate things to do."
Heisuke Toudou: "...Don’t tell me you mean ‘SSS’!?"
Hajime Saitou: "Do you know what he means, Heisuke?"
Heisuke Toudou: "It’s this park’s special feature! It was just released this summer, and it’s a super popular attraction! The name of it is Summer・Survival・Shooting: ‘SSS’ for short!"
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Oh, I’ve also heard of that! It’s a survival game where you fight using water guns, working together as pairs!"
Keisuke Sannan: "Indeed. This is our precious summer vacation, and moreover, since we all came to the pool, if we enjoy ourselves, the trip may be considered a success. Rather than continue this futile argument in this manner, don’t you think it would be more fun and fruitful to settle it with a game?"
Heisuke Toudou: "I agree! I totally agree!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "It sounds like an interesting game."
I smiled and nodded back to Heisuke-kun, who had an enthusiastic smile on his face.
Sanosuke Harada: "Well, if you consider where the situation was headed, I agree it'd be best to settle things with an easy-to-understand competition."
Souji Okita: "Sounds interesting. Let's try it."
The four people who expressed their support were smiling, but... There were those who had looks of bewilderment on their faces, as if to say 'Why would you play such a game?'...
[Saitou, Yamazaki, Ibuki flash on screen]
And there were also those with looks of blatant disgust on their faces…
[Kazama, Hijikata, Kaoru flash on screen]
However, Sannan-sensei was composed, and smiled broadly and fully.
Keisuke Sannan: "By the way, I will present the pair who comes in first with a prize."
Chikage Kazama: "How foolish. If you think you can entice me with such a thingー"
Keisuke Sannan: "The prize is a pair coupon for the poolside bar. With such a thing, don’t you think one could spend some lovely time alone with the companion they like best...?"
At that moment, the expression on Kazama-senpai’s and the others' faces changed completely.
Chikage Kazama: "...Very well. I will accept this challenge."
Kaoru Nagumo: "...of all the underhanded..."
Keisuke Sannan: "Well then, won’t you participate?"
Kaoru Nagumo: "...Fine. Even though I know it’s a trap, I will play along."
Kaoru looked incredibly annoyed, but declared this clearly nonetheless.
Hajime Saitou: "Um, I think a break at the poolside bar after moving your body is logical. Sannan-sensei’s plan is superb. ...However, the pair ticket is not in any way my goal."
Keisuke Sannan: "Thank you very much, Saitou-kun."
Saitou-senpai blushed for some reason, and Sannan-sensei smiled as he responded to him.
In contrast, Ibuki-kun was making a face as though he were thinking things over, and was troubled by such thoughts.
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Even if you mention a 'companion,' I don’t really haveー"
Keisuke Sannan: "Ibuki-kun. A coupon means you can eat as much of what you like until your stomach is full."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "......"
Susumu Yamazaki: "Ibuki... Suddenly, the look in your eyes has changed...?"
Keisuke Sannan: "Yamazaki-kun."
Susumu Yamazaki: "...N-no. I’m sick, so I’ll just watch..."
Keisuke Sannan: "Ah, that won’t do at all. Fortunately, I happen to have some medicine with me, soー"
Susumu Yamazaki: "I suddenly feel better, so I will participate normally!"
Keisuke Sannan: "Is that so? What a shame."
And then, the still-smiling Sannan-sensei turned his gaze towards Hijikata-sensei.
Hijikata-sensei had a sour, discontented look on his face, and didn’t look as though he had any desire to participate.
Toshizou Hijikata: "I’m not joining. If I fight in the same ring as these guys, I’ll just look like an idiot..."
Keisuke Sannan "Hmmm, even though we went through the trouble of finding a peaceful solution…It seems that Hijikata-sensei still insists on childishly spreading discord? I see..."
Toshizou Hijikata: "...ugh...I'll let you have your way this time, Sannan-san...!"
Keisuke Sannan: "Thank you very much."
In this way, it was decided that we would all play this gameー
Heisuke Toudou: "By the way, who are you going to team up with, Chizuru?"
At that question, in an instant the area was enveloped in a feeling of tension. For some reason, everyone exchanged glances with one another, and it was as if sparks flew at the intensity of it.
Keisuke Sannan: "Now, now, everyone. Please do not resume fighting before the game even begins. Because she will be one of the pair to use the ticket, wouldn’t allowing her to decide be the most fair?"
At Sannan-sensei’s words, everyone’s gazes converged on me in the span of a single breath.
Chizuru Yukimura: "U-um…"
Having been presented with such a sudden choice, I found myself losing my nerve.
'What should I do...?' As I looked around at a loss, my eyes met directly with Hijikata-sensei's.
Toshizou Hijikata: "......"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ah... Hijikata-sensei! If it's not too much trouble, would you mind pairing up with me?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "...Me, of all people?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Please...!"
Hijikata-sensei was extremely reliable, and made me feel reassured. When I was told to 'pick whoever I liked,' rather than helping me calm down, it only made me panic more. In that moment, Hijikata-sensei seemed like a lifeline.
Toshizou Hijikata: "...If you ask me so directly, I can't really refuse, can I?"
Although he seemed both uncomfortable and exasperated, his mouth quirked up in a wry smile.
Toshizou Hijikata: "But, if I'm going to do this, you have to give it your all."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes!"
I nodded enthusiastically at the teacher's encouragement, and grabbed my water gun――
Minigame Victory
The heated, intense battle lasted a long time, until…
By the time we were able to catch a short break, the sun had begun to set before we’d even noticed.
Toshizou Hijikata: "Phew...! Good job, Yukimura."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes...!"
The weaker teams dropped out one after another, and after soundly securing victory in the finals, we exchanged looks, smiling delightedly.
I was sure glad I hadn’t held Hijikata-sensei back...
As I tried to cool down, Hijikata-sensei laughed and handed me the ticket we'd won.
Toshizou Hijikata: "Now that things have calmed down, and you got the ticket… Who will you go with? Go ahead and invite whoever you want."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Eh?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "You didn't want to be forced to go with the winner, so that's why you tried so hard, yeah? Since you won, you should forget about those other guys and just invite whoever you want to go with."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......" ‘By some chance, is this...?’ I felt something was a bit off, and I hesitantly said, "Um... The two of us won this ticket, so… I thought I'd go with you..."
Toshizou Hijikata: "..You intended to invite me along from the beginning?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Y-Yes..."
Toshizou Hijikata: "......"
Chizuru Yukimura: "U-Um, it's fine if you don't want to―"
Toshizou Hijikata: "...Let's go."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Y-Yes...!"
Hijikata-sensei set off at a brisk walk with an indescribable expression on his face.
Toshizou Hijikata: "Iced coffee for me."
Chizuru Yukimura: "I'll have an iced tea, please!"
I spoke to the waiter who had come to take our orders… But beyond that, we didn't speak about anything in particular, sinking into an uncomfortable silence.
Toshizou Hijikata: "......"
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Hijikata-sensei had been scowling ever since we'd arrived at the poolside bar… No matter how I looked at it, he didn't seem happy to be there.
Chizuru Yukimura: "U-Um...... I'm sorry for making you come along..."
Toshizou Hijikata: "You haven't done a single thing you need to apologize for,” he said, and it almost seemed like he was speaking to himself, since he didn't meet my eyes. He let out a sigh and continued, "It's just... having tea with a student in this kind of place is a little..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh..."
Feeling weird about it, I looked around unconsciously. It was dusk, and every other table around us was occupied by adult couples, enjoying the romantic atmosphere. Plus, each man was just as beautiful and mature as his female counterpart. Somehow, I felt like the only person out of place, and I reflexively sank down into my chair.
[I'm sorry…]
[......]
Chizuru Yukimura: "I'm sorry, Hijikata-sensei..." I felt guilty, and looked down.
Toshizou Hijikata: "Huh? What's wrong all of a sudden?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "In a place with a mature sort of atmosphere like this, you're stuck here with me, so I feel a little bit guilty, somehow..."
Toshizou Hijikata: "N-No, I didn't mean it like that...!" Seeming to be flustered by my sudden downturn in mood, Hijikata-sensei hurriedly turned to face me. "I wasn't trying to say that I don't like being here just because you're the person I'm here with. It's just being in a place like this isn't really in character for me in the first place..."
He sighed while narrowing his eyes, and muttered a few words under his breath.
Toshizou Hijikata: "Also, being with you in this kind of mood may be a problem in and of itself."
Chizuru Yukimura: "What?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "It's summer vacation, and we're not at school right now, but even so… we're still teacher and student, you know? I can't let people get the wrong impression."
Chizuru Yukimura: "I-I see."
I hastily nodded my agreement. But, even if he said that, I was still worried about this situation. I was unable to settle down as we spoke, and I found my eyes darting all around. ...If I were just a little more mature...
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Just as I thought that―
Toshizou Hijikata: "...Haah. Yukimura, come with me for a minute."
I heard Hijikata-sensei exchange a few words with the waiter, and he stood up, drink in hand.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Eh? What?"
I was bewildered as he led me by the hand, once more setting off at a brisk walk.
Toshizou Hijikata: "...Around here should be good."
―Hijikata-sensei had brought me to a corner of the competitive pool. There were practically no other people around. Since the sun was setting, people were already heading home. The reflection of the setting sun sparkled on the serene surface of the water.
Toshizou Hijikata: "Here, sit."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh, o-okay..."
As I sat down at the poolside, Hijikata-sensei made a show of unhesitantly plopping down next to me.
(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)
Chizuru Yukimura: "U-Um, Hijikata-sensei?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "What is it?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Did we come here so suddenly for a reason...?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Not really. Just a whim."
Seeming like he wouldn't offer any further explanation, Hijikata-sensei turned to look into the distance. He was gazing in the direction of the SSS arena. Judging by the cheers and shouts from that area, there must still have been people competing over there.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Over there… It sounds like someone is still playing."
Toshizou Hijikata: "It's probably Heisuke or Nagumo. They seemed pretty angry over losing."
I felt bad for those two, but I also couldn't help but smile. I was sure that by then, both of them were completely soaked, and very frustrated.
Toshizou Hijikata: "It always feels good to win, even if you're just playing around. To be honest, I didn't really want to team up with youーor even come hereーin the first place, but… since I got to see the losers' frustrated faces, it wasn't that bad after all."
Chizuru Yukimura: "I had fun, too."
Hijikata-sensei smiled broadly and laughed. Because of that smile, I felt that the awkward atmosphere was turning into something more mischievousー if just a little bit.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Hehe."
Recalling the teacher's face in the midst of our battle, I suddenly found myself laughing.
Toshizou Hijikata: "What's up, all of a sudden?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ah, no, I was just sort of remembering how you looked during the match… It was...um... sort of a child-like smile..."
Thinking he might get mad, I hurriedly snapped my mouth shut.
Toshizou Hijikata: "...My bad. When I was back home, people said I was something of a neighborhood bully, though."
Chizuru Yukimura: "...? Are you not living in your family home now?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Who'd want to take over that place? It was only ever just a big, empty house to me..."
After saying that, Hijikata-sensei fell silent. It felt like I had heard something I wasn't supposed to. As I wondered what to do…
Hijikata-sensei made a sound halfway between a sigh and a small laugh.
Toshizou Hijikata: "Well, the way I was back when I was a kid doesn't matter… Every adult has things that turn them childish. ...And the other way around happens, too."
Chizuru Yukimura: "The other way around...?"
Hijikata-sensei stared fixedly at me.
Toshizou Hijikata: "You know, you're fine just as you are. You don't need to compare yourself to others. That swimsuit suits you just fine, too, so… you shouldn't worry about looking weird."
Chizuru Yukimura: "T-Thank you very much..."
Was it possible that Hijikata-sensei...? Did he notice how the bar was making me feel, and brought me here to make me feel better...?
Once that thought had occurred to me, I found that we had plenty to talk about, like the SSS battle from earlier, or what we were doing during summer vacation...
Chizuru Yukimura: "Speaking of summer vacation, yours must be difficult, with things like going to the kendo club and such."
Toshizou Hijikata: "Those guys are always begging me to coach them. They never shut up. Nothing I can do about it,” he said. “Well, if it's because they really love kendo, then it's fine, but… I'm worried right now, because all those guys care about is beating their opponent. ...I wonder if my teaching methods aren't any good...? I'm no Kondou, after all..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "I-I may not know anything about kendo, but I like your classical literature class, because you make it really easy to understand. Plus, I'd say that it's clear that you're passionate about classical literature, so, um..."
Toshizou Hijikata: "...Thanks."
After that, the awkward atmosphere between us gradually dispersed, and we continued to talk casually until he eventually stood up.
Toshizou Hijikata: "I'd like to take it easy here for a little longer, but it's about time we join back up with the others. It would be annoying if those guys got impatient and started making a fuss."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes!"
I nodded in agreement, and then went to the poolside bar to return our glasses―
After joining up with everyone else once, in order to fully enjoy the time we had left, everyone began to split up.
Saitou-senpai and Harada-sensei were competing for the best time in the competitive pool.
Heisuke-kun and Nagakura-sensei tried to challenge the water slide 10 times in a row, and by the end they were unsteady on their feet…
In retaliation for losing at SSS, Kaoru pretended that his hand had slipped at the poolside, pushing Yamazaki-senpai into the water.
Okita-senpai took a photo of the scene. Sannan-sensei chided him…
Hijikata-sensei and Kazama-senpai were competing for the highest dive on the diving boards, taking it too seriously.
I felt that everyone had a fun time, in their own different ways. But, as the sun set, the end of that fun time was drawing nearer…
Somewhat reluctantly, we all left the water park behind.
Toshizou Hijikata: "Geez. Because of Souji, I had a completely miserable experience today…"
Souji Okita: "Even though you enjoyed yourself plenty, you’re still saying things like that. That’s not very honest of you."
Hajime Saitou: "Although it’s true that it was rather enjoyable, I think it was anxiety-inducing as well."
Heisuke Toudou: "Right? Today, people kept showing up and causing problems one after another."
Shinpachi Nagakura: "It looks like Hijikata-sensei really had a rough time… I can’t help but feel sympathetic…"
Sanosuke Harada: "Shinpachi. You’re also part of the problem."
Kaoru Nagumo: "I swear… What do both the teachers and students of Hakuo Academy think they’re doing?"
Chikage Kazama: "With this, the fact that there are no decent people at Hakuo Academy beyond myself and my wife has been thrown into stark relief."
Keisuke Sannan: "Now, now, please have more humility. There are no other problem children quite like you."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "The person who suddenly sent a vague email and lured this many people here is enough of a problem child in his own right."
Susumu Yakmazaki: "…On the other hand, I think it could also be said that he has a talent for networking."
Sen Suzuka: "Either way is fine, but what I don’t think is fine is interrupting and intruding on girls’ plans without permission…"
Kosuzu Suzuka: "It’s just as Osen-neesan says. Thanks to you, I’m totally worn out…"
Chizuru Yukimura: "But…It was kind of fun."
It was a really rough day, but thanks to that I think I was able to make a wonderful memory of summer vacation. Everyone talked and laughed together as we all headed home…
‘This may well be a new precious page in my book of memories…’