They say you have to be ready for anything in life. Of course, this phrase is mostly fantastical, as reality proves exactly the opposite with the stubbornness of a donkey. More accurately, it hints at a slightly different option: "You can't be ready for anything in life."
And, unfortunately, the truth of this statement is confirmed time and again by practice.
— My eyes are swollen, too
Miura grumbled discontentedly, critically examining her face in the reflection of her pocket mirror.
— Should I apologize again?
I asked wearily, shaking a half-empty MacCoffee can, which I'd gotten from the nearest vending machine.
— Don't bother
Snapping the lid shut, Yumiko put the compact back into her bag.
— Your words won't change anything anyway.
To that, I could only grunt, taking a sip of the already cool coffee, watching the passing people out of the corner of my eye.
When the blonde's tantrum ceased, and the girl was ready to listen to me, we found a small park a little way off the intersection, reaching a mutual agreement that having a conversation in the middle of a pedestrian sidewalk was a bad idea. Ideally, I expected to finish in about ten minutes, resolving all the misunderstandings between us, and then wander towards home, as Komachi was probably waiting for me.
However, as is typical, everything turned out to be a bit more complicated in reality.
Firstly, although my classmate had stopped crying, her nerves remained frayed, so I had to wait for her to fully recover.
Secondly, even though I had conceived a mental outline for the speech I intended to give, I couldn't execute it in reality. It was as if I myself had fallen victim to emotional "rollercoasters"—the right words simply refused to leave my tongue.
And thirdly, again, from my perspective, the bewilderment regarding my own behavior, which led to such a sad result from a logical point of view, continued to grow within me.
Moreover, it would be incredibly stupid to deny the fact that I am also a human being and, consequently, susceptible to hormonal impulses. But, if I thought about it, when was the last time anything managed to strip the "thread" of the bolts of calm in my mind?
Hmm... Only two instances came to mind: when I was shoved into the club—that is, my first encounter with Yukinoshita—and the situation that arose with Tsurumi Rumi at the summer camp. In one scenario, the trigger for the "outburst" was the attempt at forced coercion into actions that I absolutely disliked, plus, a disregard for my life philosophy. In addition, I was much more "prickly" back then than I am now. As for Rumi... an involuntary projection of her problems onto my own experience, which only a person with cotton instead of gray matter would call "positive"? And, as seasoning, my confusion regarding Hiratsuka, who brazenly sabotaged the duties placed upon her. The result was a rather specific dialogue with the sensei, where I managed to voice things that should have remained as bones at the bottom of a dusty cupboard.
Now, a conversation with Miura had been added to the collection of unpleasant life moments, and what struck me in it was...
— Hikigaya, staring at the can for too long won't make it warmer
A quiet remark came from Yumiko. Snapping back to reality, I stared blankly at the coffee in my hands, which had managed to cool completely. How far had I drifted from reality?
Sighing, I finished the rest in one go, wincing at the sting in my throat, and threw the empty container into a nearby trash can.
— Too bad, I was hoping I had a hidden talent for pyrokinesis
I mentally rolled my eyes, realizing how clumsy the reply was.
— The only thing you can burn is other people's goodwill towards you
Miura scoffed, subtly shivering from the cold. And I had offered her a can of a hot drink, twice even—and in both cases, I was refused. What can I say? Her own fault.
— Do you hate me now?
I gave her an ironic look, knowing the answer perfectly well.
— With all my heart...
Miura smirked, and then, biting her lip for a second, added:
— I wish I did. Honestly.
— And what's stopping you?
The girl stared at me with an unreadable expression.
— You want to? I can put all my effort into it.
I shook my head.
— On the contrary, everything suits me fine. I'm just curious
I paused, gathering my thoughts into an organized cluster.
— What exactly is the obstacle?
— God...
She sighed resignedly, covering her face with her palms.
— Try to be simpler. You don't have to always look for reasons for everything.
— Better that than remaining in blissful ignorance
I shrugged.
— That's why you don't really have any friends, because of that attitude
My classmate let out a short chuckle. Now it was my turn to shoot suspicious glances her way.
— Are you saying that friendship implies a deliberate concealment of the truth about one aspect or another?
— I'm saying that friends try to be sensitive towards each other, which is why some topics are consciously avoided so as not to cause unnecessary discomfort
Miura spoke in a tone as if explaining basic truths to a small child. I wanted to say that this was all utter nonsense, the reason for a bunch of problems, but, biting my tongue in time, I chose to remain silent. I didn't need another argument; my remaining nerves were more precious.
...And only a second later did I realize the underlying motive for my own actions, which gave rise to an intense desire to let out a loud and hearty burst of laughter.
— Ha... Yes, in some ways you're right
Of course, I didn't want to admit it aloud, but let it serve as a kind of supplementary apology.
— Eh-e-eh?!
Yumiko clearly didn't expect this outcome, most likely having mentally prepared for another round of heated disputes.
— You clearly have more experience in this, if you think about it
I scratched my cheek, watching the cars rushing down the road.
— After all, to be frank, I've never really had friends, so I can only judge from the outside. Because of which I miss a moment like direct involvement in a relationship, which often dictates a person's subsequent behavior...
I abruptly cut myself off, realizing that I was about to say something that should remain purely personal and not subject to any revelation. Apparently, fatigue was taking its toll.
— Simply put, you can attribute all my previous words to a complete lack of practice in such relationships
Getting to my feet, I shoved my hands into my pockets. Freezing, I turned the resulting thought over in my head. It seemed appropriate.
— But that doesn't negate the fact that I'm still partially convinced of my correctness
I stood half-turned, looking at the girl who was still sitting on the bench.
— You should have sorted out the situation with Tobe immediately and nipped it in the bud.
Yumiko scoffed.
— Of course, of course, I won't even argue
Realizing I was about to leave, the girl got up and brushed the back of her coat.
— Next time we'll definitely do that.
And, for some reason smiling slightly, she waved her hand at me.
— See you at school, Hachiman
Uttering my name casually, as if she did it all the time, the girl slowly ambled towards her home.
— Yeah, see ya
Yawning, I repeated her maneuver. Our destinations were in opposite directions, so now it could be said with certainty that our evening epic, with its intensity, drama, and strange denouement, had reached its logical conclusion.
Whether good or bad, only time would tell.
***
As it turned out, my assumptions about running out of steam near the end of the trip were overly optimistic. My reserves of patience lasted exactly two hours from the moment the train departed for Kyoto. Because now, trying my best to catch some sleep, I only wanted one thing: to get off at the first station I came to, catch the right train, and return home.
The constant chatter, students running from place to place, music playing from somewhere that completely clashed with my tastes, and, as an elegant completion of the picture—Tobe's alternating attempts to burn me with his gaze.
I don't know whose "bright" idea it was to seat me opposite the unlucky Romeo in the first place, but that person definitely deserved a good throat squeeze. Of course, it cost me nothing to change seats, and I did so at the first available opportunity, but this action didn't save me from the guy's attention. I should also add the "assistance" of his friends, who also never missed an opportunity to glare menacingly in my direction.
How such behavior could help them, I couldn't imagine. Logically, I refrained from asking that question. In any case, due to all of the above, any comfort from the trip completely evaporated.
— Want to borrow my earphones?
Kawasaki asked melancholically, pulling an earbud out of her ear. Incidentally, this was her first sentence since the start of the trip. She didn't even bat an eye when I, barely restraining my irritation, slumped down next to her—for which I was especially grateful.
Glancing at the girl, I raised the corners of my lips.
— What about you?
The classmate, her expression unchanged, pulled out a second pair from her pocket.
— Habit. I lose them often
Saki answered my unspoken question. What was the saying? "If they offer, take; if they hit, run"? So, not bothering to pretend to be a proud warrior of the Mau tribe, I accepted her offer.
— By the way, can I ask a question?
Distracted from untangling the wires, I made a sound vaguely resembling an affirmative hum.
— What is your relationship with Miura?
— None
I replied calmly, continuing my attempts to deal with the cursed knots. An ultimate mystery: no matter how you put earphones in your pocket, you always end up with a full-fledged puzzle.
— I see
Kawasaki blinked slowly and shifted her gaze to Yuigahama, who was chatting happily about something with Ebina.
— Then I must have been mistaken.
— In what way?
Restraining a victorious yell, I quickly pulled out my phone.
— Never mind, don't worry about it
Saki sighed and put the earbud back in, closing her eyes and leaning back against the seat. Without overthinking it, I exactly copied her movements, finally getting the chance to detach myself from the chaos going on around me. And, at the same time, to ponder the rather strange question from Saki, as she couldn't have just pulled it out of thin air. We barely talked to the blonde in class, and the only witness to one of our private conversations was the yaoi lover. I doubted she would have blabbed about it, given Yumiko's personality.
Therefore, Kawasaki had other pretexts that led to her interest in a topic inconvenient for me. Fortunately, I was relatively prepared for this—the suspiciousness nurtured in my soul sometimes provided excellent service—allowing me to answer smoothly and naturally.
Yuigahama? She and Saki only interacted casually; consequently, if the Dog had any suspicions, I would have already been pinned against the wall for systematic interrogation. Did she accidentally spot us on the street? A possibility, but... No, the girl is quite recognizable; it would be difficult not to see her from afar. Although, this option shouldn't be completely dismissed, just in case...
Or was it all much simpler and more naive?
...Well, there was no point in racking my brain over it. If anyone else had been in Saki's place, there might have been a problem, but, being well aware of my classmate's character, I wasn't overly worried. Based on the impression I had of her, she wouldn't poke her nose into a stranger's life, which was a huge plus for her karma. Either she valued other people's space, or she was smart enough to avoid unnecessary headaches. Or, perhaps, it was simply an occupational hazard. She used to work as a bartender, right? In that line of work, a person would inevitably learn to maintain distance between people without scaring away their inner demons.
My train of thought was interrupted in a particularly brazen manner—something soft pressed into my face.
Sighing heavily, I opened one eye. I thought about it. Closed it again. Opened it once more. I wasn't seeing things.
— Yuigahama, please, move back a little
Tugging out the earphone with difficulty, I just managed to stop myself from shoving the obstruction out of the way. I could, of course, push it with my hand, but being accused of sexual harassment was the last thing I needed.
— Huh?
The Dog, distracted from looking at the scenery outside the window, lowered her gaze. This was the first time I saw how quickly a person's emotions could change. The transition from incomprehension, followed by pensiveness, and finally—embarrassment, took no more than a couple of seconds.
— S-sorry
Yui laughed awkwardly, finally moving her chest away from my face.
— No problem
I replied sparingly.
— You two have a close relationship
Kawasaki noted in the same melancholic voice, apparently roused from her nap by Yuigahama's sudden appearance.
— What? No! I mean—yes, but no and...
The Dog waved her hands, only barely avoiding falling onto me. Well, if you could call it a miracle that I managed to grab her by the waist, halting her fall.
— Th-thanks...
— Uh-huh
Sighing again, I waited for the girl to regain her balance, and then added:
— And what did you need here for?
— Fuji!
God, she really switched gears at lightning speed. It felt like if she had a tail, she'd be wagging it like a propeller right now. As proof of her words, Yui pointed a finger at the mountain rushing past outside the window.
— And?
To the horror of my ancestors, I felt no reverence at the sight of Japan's cultural heritage.
— Was it worth...
— It was!
Yuigahama interrupted.
— And yes, there's no better place!
Had she learned to anticipate my questions? Impressive.
— Your relationship isn't just close, it's very close
Kawasaki mumbled, looking at us with discernible interest in her eyes.
— Now I'm sure you and Miura have nothing going on, Hikigaya.
...Take the point back, I changed my mind.
— Hachiman, did you actually manage to make friends with Yumi?
Yui was surprised, but almost immediately, understanding flashed in her eyes.
— Now I see why she keeps staring at you!
I rubbed the bridge of my nose. And involuntarily turned my head towards the blonde, who was sitting in the opposite row. It was at this moment that the girl decided to do the same. We met each other's gaze, sat like that for a few seconds, and then Miura, not embarrassed in the slightest, gave me the middle finger.
I sighed, looking at Kawasaki and Yui.
— Does that look like friendship?
And, without waiting for an answer, I took out the earphones and put them back in, turning the volume up to maximum. Time to listen to Mozart's "Requiem" in D minor.
The girls exchanged glances. Kawasaki shrugged and went back to trying to nap, while Yuigahama, pouting, said something and, abruptly turning around, went back to her seat.
...Or should I go with Mendelssohn's "Funeral March," after all?
***
To my relief, no additional incidents occurred until the end of the trip, if you forget about the slight grudge Yui held against me. However, I felt as responsible for it as I would for being the main cause of global warming.
— Break into groups, don't wander far, remember the chosen route!
Hiratsuka, in her usual white lab coat over a pantsuit, actively gave instructions. Considering that most students had already scattered in different directions, she was mostly speaking for show. In a way, I understood them. First, taking the trip to Tokyo, then changing trains for Kyoto, and then spending a good forty minutes sitting on a tourist bus. After all that, many would want to stretch their legs.
— Should we follow everyone else?
Kawasaki asked phlegmatically, looking at the crowds of tourists wandering through the main square near the station with little interest.
— Do we have another option?
I raised an eyebrow.
— Personally, I wouldn't mind checking into the hotel immediately and spending the rest of the excursion lying down.
Saki let out a drawn-out grunt.
— Sounds like a good plan
She turned her head to the side and sighed quietly.
— However, they won't let us execute it.
Following her gaze, I understood what had led to that statement. Yuigahama was moving towards us with the persistence of an armored train, actively pushing people aside, holding Ebina by the hand, who, in turn, was dragging Yumiko along with her. Judging by the blonde's indignant expression, what was happening clearly wasn't part of her plan.
— Guys!
The Dog waved her free hand to make sure we noticed her.
— Should we bail?
Saki glanced at me sideways.
— Useless
I shook my head.
— It's going to be noisy
My classmate commented calmly.
— We'll just endure the beginning, and then we can slip away.
— Alright
Saki finally put her earphones in her bag.
— But is five people acceptable? They talked about four.
— As if anyone cares about that
Chuckling, I moved to meet Yuigahama and her "freight train." Kawasaki silently followed me, apparently resigned to her impending fate.
— Phew, we finally found you!
Yuigahama smiled contentedly.
— You don't mind the company of Hina and Yumi, do you?
— I asked you not to call me that in public!
Miura protested, breaking free from the yaoi lover's grasp.
— Really? I thought you said you didn't mind... hmm-pf-f
The blonde's palm didn't let Ebina finish her sentence.
— Be quiet. Just be quiet
The girl "affectionately" asked, and then immediately changed the subject:
— In any case, what's the plan?
— The Love Shrine, of course!
Yui exclaimed. Kawasaki and I exchanged glances simultaneously.
— Are we really sticking with this?
Saki's voice was full of doubt.
— The sooner we start, the sooner we finish
I was sorry, Saki, but you'll have to share the heavy burden of dreary visits to cultural sites with me.
— God, Hikigaya, do you like anything in life?
— Yes. A cozy room, a game console readily available, and silence
Yumiko snorted audibly when she heard my reply.
— Who would have thought?
She theatrically rolled her eyes.
— Okay, no fighting!
The Dog jumped in, standing between us with her arms spread out.
— We came to Kyoto to recharge with positive emotions and preserve the best years of our lives in our memories!
— And also to settle the most important question—who will be on top: Hikigaya or Tobe!
Pushing her friend's hand aside, Hina added with unhealthy enthusiasm, earning an unreadable look from me. Is there something wrong with your head? I can recommend a good psychotherapist.
— I think they have the least chance of getting along
Kawasaki unexpectedly chimed in. Most likely, she involuntarily voiced her thoughts—which I didn't support in the slightest!—and didn't expect anyone to hear, but Ebina, practically flying into the air, showed that wasn't the case.
— On the contrary, this pair has the best start for a hot and passionate relationship! A fervent love between classmates, caused by conflict and offense. Hatred smoothly transitioning into attraction, mutual interest, and... a-aah!
She didn't quite finish, letting out a sound vaguely resembling a squeak, while nearly collapsing onto Yumiko.
— Ebina!
To her credit, the blonde managed to catch her friend.
— Don't shout like that for everyone to hear!
— Oh, who cares
The yaoi lover waved her hand dismissively.
— Um...
Yui laughed awkwardly and clapped her hands.
— The shrine is waiting, right? If we don't hurry, we'll end up in a queue!
— Exactly! We absolutely must make Tobe and Hikigaya drink from the same ladle!
Ebina jumped up, and Miura narrowly avoided tumbling onto the asphalt. Why are you so fixated on me and Romeo? First, you tried to set me up with Totsuka, then Hayama, and now—one of his flunkies? I'm starting to get the feeling that the grading keeps getting lower and lower with each try.
— Sometimes I want to hit you with something heavy
Yumiko hissed, barely containing her irritation, involuntarily expressing my deepest thoughts.
Kawasaki tugged at my sleeve, looking at me questioningly. Smiling sadly, I shook my head no. I understand, Saki, I also feel less and less like participating in what's happening with every passing second, but, as is popular to say in stale, second-rate light novels: my position obligates me.
Five minutes later, having entered the grounds of the main temple, I came to one simple conclusion: Yui was right. Despite the fact that we had spent virtually no time on pointless chatter, a decent crowd had already formed at the entrance to Kiyomizu-dera.
— Um... should we take our spot?
Yuigahama asked uncertainly, timidly looking our way. Yumiko grunted, apparently not too thrilled about the prospect of jostling among a bunch of people. Ebina, outwardly uninterested in all this, strained her neck, trying to spot someone in the crowd. I shrugged indifferently, not seeing much difference. Whether I stood here or wandered around, I was ultimately just killing time.
— You can go somewhere, I'll wait
Kawasaki offered.
— What about you?
The Dog looked worried. Saki silently held up her phone and the earphones still plugged into it.
— But... How will we know when it's our turn?
Yuigahama seemed uncomfortable with the situation. Saki sighed softly and tapped her finger on the screen.
— I'll call you. You can come over
And, noticing that my friend was about to ask another question, she quickly added.
— It's no trouble for me. Go before I change my mind.
— Well, if you insist
Yuigahama cleared her throat.
— Then...
She spun around, looking for a place where we could perch while waiting to enter the main temple. I, meeting Kawasaki's eyes, mentally gave her an ovation. Why hadn't such an idea occurred to me? Instead of rushing back and forth looking for entertainment, the girl had chosen the most advantageous strategy—to remain alone, listening to music, while simultaneously maintaining the illusion of being with the group. In addition, she earned extra points in the eyes of others by making a "sacrifice" for the collective.
— Oh, exactly! There's no one there
Finishing her study of the surroundings, Yui pointed a finger at a small shrine a little way from the gate.
— If I remember correctly, by walking through the dark tunnel, you can get to a wish-granting stone!
— Any wishes?
Ebina adjusted her glasses. I didn't like her tone somehow.
— Hina, remember that we are in a Buddhist temple
Yumiko, glancing in the indicated direction, visibly grimaced.
— Keep your dark thoughts under control.
— Dark?
Her friend protested.
— There is nothing purer in the world than true...
— We get it
I quickly intervened, not wanting to draw undue attention to our group from others.
— The main question is, are we going or not?
— Are there any other options?
Miura didn't hide her sarcasm.
— Right! Remember: good mood and unforgettable memories!
The Dog once again acted as a referee, preventing the blonde and me from arguing over nothing.
— Let's go, let's go, time is running out!
The spot Yui chose turned out to be a small shrine with a single entrance leading into pitch darkness. The experience was mediocre, especially considering that there was a fee of a hundred yen for the walk. The amount wasn't astronomical, of course, but it didn't add any extra zeal.
Having paid the old man, who served as both monk and guard, we were once again faced with a dilemma.
— All four of us won't fit through at once, it's too narrow
Yumiko noted anxiously.
— We need to split into pairs.
— Luckily, there are exactly four of us
Yui continued to radiate positivity.
— Who's with whom?
The blonde and I exchanged glances and almost simultaneously said:
— I'll go with Ebina
My choice was obvious. Not that I had any complaints against the Dog, but I didn't want to provide unnecessary fodder for rumors, and besides... Hina didn't know me, and I didn't know her. Consequently, less hassle.
— I'll go with Yui
The girl's choice was also quite logical. It seemed that during the trip, even though only a few hours had passed, she had already grown tired of her friend's peculiar behavior.
— O-ka-ay
Yuigahama drawled, looking at us perplexed.
— Since everything's decided, let's go. We're first!
And, without waiting for an answer, she grabbed Yumiko's hand and dragged her down the stairs. The last thing I heard was a semi-panicked yelp from the blonde. Did someone have a fear of the dark? Or confined spaces?
Be that as it may, I shifted my gaze to Ebina.
— Shall we?
The girl shrugged carelessly, leaving her shoes in the designated area. Right, we had to go barefoot too.
...Sometimes I really don't understand our traditions. I hope there's no broken glass in there.
However, my fears turned out to be unfounded. But another downside emerged, consisting of a sudden realization: in late autumn, the ground had a tendency to get quite cold, so I wanted to finish everything as quickly as possible.
There were no problems with the movement itself. I had a decent sense of direction in the dark, and the attendants had had the foresight to put up railings on the walls that we could lean on. Plus, the tunnel itself was almost a straight path with rare bends.
An added bonus was the fact that Ebina said nothing, silently following me. On the one hand, wandering through such a place in silence was the premise for a decent horror film. On the other, Yumiko clearly didn't like what was happening, as I kept hearing her discontented exclamations ahead, interspersed with Yui's delighted remarks. Where the Dog found reasons for amazement, I had no idea.
At some point, a small patch of light appeared ahead. Quickening my pace, I straightened up with a slight sense of relief—the tunnel was not only narrow but also designed for people shorter than average height.
— That was kind of boring
Ebina mumbled, emerging next and looking around.
— I agree
The "cave" itself really didn't have anything remarkable about it. A few meters in diameter, illuminated thanks to a small opening in the ceiling above the only object—a round stone on a pedestal. Apparently, that was the "amulet" that granted wishes. What can I say? Our ancestors had a rich imagination for such things.
— So, clockwise or counter-clockwise?
Hina pondered, approaching the pedestal.
— Ah, there are instructions here. So, counter-clockwise? Hikigaya, are you coming?
Nodding, I stood opposite the girl and placed my palms on the cold surface of the stone.
— Now you need to close your eyes and spin it once, after which, mentally making a wish, fold your hands in a prayer gesture.
— No problem
But how exactly was this action supposed to fulfill one's deepest aspirations? It sounded ridiculous.
— On the count of three. One, two... three!
With a creak, the "artifact" slowly rotated around its axis. Right. Hands folded, eyes closed. All that was left was the wish.
Hmm...
I want to receive an astronomical salary by just lying on the couch.
Buddha, did you hear me? I think it's extremely simple and straightforward. I hope for your support.
— Great! Now let's get out of this place!
Hina shifted her weight and looked at me expectantly. Did she need special permission?
— Alright
To be honest, I didn't feel much like talking. Maybe I was already exhausted or oversaturated with the emotions of the people around me, but the fact remained: I wanted to collapse into bed and take a nap. Fortunately, Ebina somehow read my mind and didn't add any extra headaches, spending most of the way back in silence. Which was a bit strange, as I had expected something different. However, come to think of it, we weren't on the closest of terms, so she was acting cautiously when alone with me. If Yumiko were in my place, I think everything would look completely different.
— By the way, Hikigaya
When we reached the exit, Hina unexpectedly stopped, turning toward me.
— Before I forget: thank you.
I tilted my head in confusion.
— For what?
It was likely that the girl was smiling—the surrounding darkness hadn't disappeared—but there were strange notes of relief in her tone.
— For keeping our group the same as before.
A-aah... I sighed. Remember, Hachiman, only a fool or a blind person steps on the same rake twice.
— I merely expressed my opinion.
— That was enough
Ebina replied in a soft voice, causing a slight cognitive dissonance with her behavior.
— Whether you planned it or not is irrelevant. The important thing is that it worked out the way it was supposed to.
Supposed to for whom? You? Hayato? Yumiko? I'd bet my kidney that Tobe definitely wouldn't agree with this outcome. But... why should I care, anyway?
— That's wonderful
I tried to convey a sharp desire to leave the place with my tone. Yes, I understood, it was convenient, no one was around, so there was a chance to talk about pressing topics, but the cold ground and my frozen feet had a slightly different opinion.
Hina wanted to add something else, but, changing her mind, she chuckled briefly and, turning around, headed for the stairs. All I could do was follow her, hoping that by the time we reached the top, Kawasaki would call and say it was our turn. Because the feeling of discomfort continued to grow.
***
Apparently, visiting the shrine wasn't in vain. Because when we finally finished sightseeing at the local temples and were taken to the hotel, I belatedly realized that I had every chance of spending the next three nights in the company of Tobe, Hayato, or, the worst-case scenario—both at once. Not that it was a huge stressor. It just meant that the possibility of a peaceful rest was completely ruled out.
However, either by the grace of Buddha or my karma taking pity on me, in the end, I shared a sleeping space with Totsuka and Yoshiteru. Still, even so, despite my benevolent attitude towards them, I seized an opportunity at some point and slipped out onto the street.
Firstly, to clear my head after a tough day. Secondly, to avoid participating in "Monopoly," which Zaimokuza had brought with him. The board game itself was decent, and I might have played, but Saika's decision to invite everyone he could to our room put an end to that idea.
So, sitting on the iron railings near the hotel entrance, I gazed aimlessly at the night sky, which, in its own way, wasn't the most exciting activity either. But at least it was quiet and peaceful.
...And I certainly didn't notice a familiar figure sneaking past. I said—I didn't notice!
The "stranger" with long dark hair, wearing sunglasses and a leather coat with a stand-up collar, met my gaze and visibly flinched.
I massaged the bridge of my nose.
— Just walk on, Sensei. I didn't see you
Maybe it would work?
— Hikigaya...
Hiratsuka sighed resignedly, straightening up to her full height.
— What are you doing here?
— Are you sure you're the one who should be asking that question?
I propped my chin on my fist.
— Well... I'm a teacher?
— Who, ludicrously disguised, is trying to sneak out into the city?
I raised an eyebrow.
— I'm an adult, I can!
I blinked. I gave the woman an unreadable look.
— Fine, fine, I'll treat you to ramen
Shizuka waved her hand.
— Now? At nine thirty in the evening?
I certainly hadn't expected such an offer.
— Oh, come on, Hikigaya
Quickly closing the distance between us, Hiratsuka leaned in and wrapped her arms around my shoulders, adding in a whisper:
— That wasn't a question, it was a statement. Besides, when else will you get a chance to eat famous ramen in Kyoto?
— In other words, you want to make me an accomplice so I definitely won't tell anyone?
I struggled to maintain a calm tone. A coat is a coat, but when a firm chest is pressed into your arm, your brain tends to fail you.
— Think what you like, rejection is not an option
With those words, she nudged me, forcing me to stand up, after which, still embracing me, she led me toward a taxi that had just pulled up.
Truthfully, I resisted mostly out of habit, as I saw nothing explicitly wrong with a late-night snack. Moreover, it was in the company of the sensei, who continued to impress me in every way.
Seating me in the back seat and settling down next to me, Shizuka dictated an address to the driver.
— Have you been here before?
I asked, getting comfortable.
— A long time ago, maybe five years have passed since my last visit
The woman replied, finally taking off her sunglasses and putting them in the chest pocket of her coat.
— I hope the place is still there.
— And if it's not?
I snorted.
— Don't be silly, Hikigaya, Kyoto is full of places where you can eat delicious ramen and have a couple of beers
The teacher winked at me.
— You do remember that I'm still underage?
I clarified, just in case. Hiratsuka scoffed at that. And how was I supposed to interpret her "answer"?
The ride didn't take long: literally ten minutes, and the taxi pulled up next to a small establishment with a bright neon sign depicting a steaming bowl of noodles. Paying the driver, Shizuka got out of the car and let out a satisfied breath, spreading her arms wide.
— The night air of Kyoto is still so wonderful!
Stepping out after her, I sniffed, but didn't smell anything special, apart from a confusing jumble of smells emanating from the many eateries around us and the stench from a slightly open dumpster nearby. Perhaps I was still too young to understand the reason for her joy.
— Hikigaya, get rid of that sour expression. Tonight we're going to have a blast!
The sensei was a little too animated. It was a bit unusual; she was usually much more reserved.
— Weren't we just going to eat noodles?
The woman looked at me with pity in her eyes.
— You're so pure, Hikigaya
Shizuka wiped away an imaginary tear.
— I dread to imagine what awful discoveries await you during your college years.
— Well, don't, I don't like spoilers
I dismissed the questions about the teacher's behavior. After all, each of us has personality traits that we carefully conceal in daily life.
— Alright, talk later, the main task now is to savor divine ramen!
As if to confirm her words, Hiratsuka grabbed my wrist and dragged me into the establishment. The restaurant's interior wasn't anything special—a long "bar" counter with stools, a dozen or so tables scattered here and there, and that was it. A significant plus was that there were almost no customers, just an elderly couple in the far corner quietly talking about something while sipping tea.
— Strange, this place used to be packed
Shizuka clicked her tongue, clearly not sharing my sentiment on the matter.
— Well, whatever. Owner!
Sighing, I followed her.
— Considering that I'm paying for everything, the choice of dishes is also mine, agreed?
Sensei, what's the point of asking that question after you've already placed the order?
— I'll trust your taste
Perching on a high stool, I propped my chin on my palm.
— That's right. If you didn't know, in college they called me the "Master Noodle Connoisseur"! I visited about a hundred establishments during all my years of study!
Hiratsuka proudly proclaimed, looking at me with noticeable superiority in her gaze.
— A true ramen sommelier
I chuckled briefly, involuntarily realizing that Shizuka definitely didn't mind company. Maybe the true meaning of her unconventional outfit was to catch someone she knew and drag them along for an outing?
...No, definitely not.
— Exactly!
The teacher put her hands on her hips.
— Appreciate it!
At that very moment, the elderly ramen shop owner placed two steaming bowls in front of us, thus signaling a pause in our conversation.
Ten minutes later, letting out a satisfied breath, I pushed the empty bowl aside.
— It's good, wouldn't you agree?
Hiratsuka had finished a little earlier than me, sipping tea in her free time.
— Yes, not bad. The broth was especially well done, and the meat was pleasant, not too tough, but not as soft as jelly either
I gave my honest assessment.
— See!
Shizuka smiled, nudging me playfully with her shoulder.
— And you were so reluctant...
— Alright, alright
I raised my hands in a gesture of surrender.
— I won't argue with you about such topics anymore.
— Good boy
Finishing her drink, Shizuka got to her feet.
— Shall we go?
Feeling a slight grogginess from the satiety, I raised an eyebrow in confusion.
— Where to? I thought we agreed to eat ramen and end it there.
Hiratsuka rolled her eyes.
— Kami, Hikigaya, where is your youthful spirit? The night is just getting started!
— It rests at the bottom of the ocean, along with dreams of a comfortable old age and hopes for a bright future.
— Look at the homegrown cynic we have here
The teacher waved her hand.
— Come on, for just one night, start acting like a normal teenager.
— How's that?
— You'll find out
Shizuka winked and, ignoring all objections, took me by the elbow, pulling me in a direction known only to her.
***
— Um... are you sure we came to the right place?
I looked around skeptically.
— Absolutely
Hiratsuka took a noisy gulp from a huge mug of beer and let out a loud sound full of relief.
— No, I perfectly understand that you're comfortable here
A noisy group of students nearby laughed loudly at something.
— But what am I doing here?
— What else? You're here for company, of course! Consider it payment for the ramen
Shizuka wiped the foamy "mustache" off her face with her palm and draped her coat over the back of the chair.
— I thought you bought my silence with that.
— Details, details
It seemed someone was completely relaxed.
— And by the way, why aren't you drinking?
I sighed and glanced at my untouched mug. No, there was a small chance that the sensei would drag me to a pub, I wouldn't argue that. But I certainly hadn't counted on sharing alcohol.
— You realize you're breaking the law, right? Moreover, you're going against teaching ethics.
— Hikigaya, please don't lecture me
Shizuka wagged her finger at me.
— Firstly, I know you, you won't tell anyone. Secondly, we're in Kyoto; meeting someone you know is almost impossible. And thirdly...
She paused, taking a sip from her drink.
— And thirdly, I won't be a teacher for much longer
Hearing that, I involuntarily choked.
— What do you mean?
— Simple
Hiratsuka shrugged.
— I'm kind of tired of the current path. I'll see the third years graduate and then I'll quit. After all, I'm still young; there are so many opportunities ahead! To miss them would be a true sacrilege!
— And why did you tell me this?
I asked involuntarily.
— Why not?
The woman replied carelessly.
— I'm not confessing my love to you, am I?
— Too bad
Snorting, I looked at my beer again. Frankly, I didn't want to drink, but on the other hand, I was missing out on a new experience. One mug wouldn't make me feel terrible, would it? I was a healthy, young guy... Stop, Hachiman, what are you even thinking about? Remember, rationality and logic! What kind of drinking at sixteen? Don't even dare to follow the impulse; remember how that ended last time!
— Too bad I'm leaving? Or too bad I didn't confess my feelings?
Hiratsuka clarified with a laugh in her voice.
— Who knows
I shrugged, picking up a fried green pea and putting it in my mouth.
— Right, mister, you'll play charades with Yukinoshita; I need a clear answer
Shizuka playfully frowned, her cheeks covered with a barely noticeable blush.
— Only after graduation
Judging by her scoff, she still remembered our memorable conversation on the rooftop.
— You're an idiot, Hikigaya
Draining her mug, the woman put it down on the table with a thud.
— And you're refusing for no good reason. Believe my experience, this skill will come in handy in college. Better practice while you have someone to practice with.
— You're corrupting the youth
I clicked my tongue.
— The Ministry of Health won't thank you for this.
— Who did you take after, huh?
Hiratsuka protested.
— If I were you, I wouldn't even think twice.
— I believe it
I mumbled under my breath.
— Say what?
Hiratsuka gestured for the waiter.
— Never mind
I needed to distract her from trying to ply me with alcohol. Oh... I have an idea.
— Better tell me what you would do in the following situation. There's a group of friends. One member falls in love with another. Should they confess or not? Will it ruin their friendship?
— Hmm?
The sensei frowned.
— Are we talking about a boy and a girl?
— Are there any other options?
— I'll keep silent
The woman scoffed.
— And the answer to your question depends on exactly what you want to achieve and what price you are willing to pay.
— Really?
The fried peas tasted good; I should buy some sometime. ...Preferably where my dad won't see it, or questions might arise.
— Of course
Shizuka nodded gratefully to the waiter.
— Let me clarify: are we talking about high school students?
— Yes
There was no point in hiding it. The sensei hummed lengthily, tapping her finger on her chin.
— In general, there is no single, correct answer. However, if you want to hear purely my opinion: it's better to keep it a secret. At such a young age, crushes usually don't last long. You yourself wrote about hormones
She smiled at the end.
— Well, the friendship won't be the same as before anyway
I objected.
— The feelings won't just disappear.
— That's true. However, they lose their power quite easily. Plus, don't forget that love can be unrequited
Shizuka took a sip from her mug.
— In that case, preserving the friendship is more important than spending years healing a broken heart afterward.
— As if it would remain whole otherwise
I couldn't resist a biting remark.
— It won't
Hiratsuka agreed.
— But the scale of the "damage" is different; it's easier to get over. It's like a book or a TV series—the lack of an ending is often much more pleasant than a bad ending. In the first case, hope remains, and in the second, there's no turning back.
— Are you suggesting we indulge in self-deception and uncertainty?
I crossed my arms over my chest.
— Me? I'm suggesting you have a beer and stop stressing over trivialities!
Shizuka laughed.
— Trivialities?
— Hikigaya!
She feigned indignation.
— What was youth given to you for? To make mistakes! You won't have that opportunity in adulthood, you know. Or rather, you will, but the price will be commensurate.
— You're not going to let this go, are you?
I sighed resignedly, looking at the mug of beer for the third time in the conversation.
— Drink up, I said. I'll take full responsibility!
— Are you sure?
Her eyes, sparkling from the alcohol, didn't inspire confidence.
— I'm sure!
Hiratsuka confirmed boldly.
Sighing loudly, I shook my head in defeat. Kami, I was somehow certain that I would live to regret this... Not just once, and not even twice.
Alright, whatever happens, happens. Why all this agonizing when a beautiful woman is sitting across from you and offering you a beer?...