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Kare to Hitokui no Nichijou - Volume 3 - Chapter 4




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Chapter 4

Chapter 4: He and the Girl’s Vacation



Before he knew it summer break had come. With various troubles with Rikka and going to school, mixed with having lunch on the rooftop with Aoi and Mashiro………..time proceed without anything happened, closing ceremony ended and summer break started.

Then summer break proceed without a hitch. If there were no school, the chances to meet with Aoi and Mashiro were reduced. He didn’t even see Rikka’s face everyday……….for no reason she wouldn’t come to his house.

Of course, between this many times the five of them went out and played together…………however there was no event worth mentioning. Playing very normally, enjoying it very normally.

Still nothing happened and summer break went by, it’d been August.

Then after this a bit, if noticing, the day of the trip had come. Carefree on a normal railway train, five people lined up and shaking with the train.

 

「A, I can see the sea!」

「That’s right!」

Along with Mashiro’s voice, Aoi’s merry voice came out.  In the direction of the shaking train window, was spreading blue sea. Although from here the sandy beach couldn’t be seen. Things like ships floating afar could be seen.

「Tooya-kun, the sea, it’s the sea」

Rikka sitting next to Tooya grasped his shoulder.

「Un, it’s the sea.」

Answered, Tooya also looked. It was clear weather. The illuminated sea made him feel like it was really summer………surely only seeing that scene made one exited right.

「The sea is really beautiful.」

Looking at the same time Kuroe said.

「This is your first time at the sea, Kuroe-san?」

「In the olden times I had come here many times.」

Olden times she said, Rikka must have thought of the day long ago.

「However I didn’t get to go into it.」

「That’s so.」

「Yes, therefore I’m really looking forward to it.」

With a friendly smile she smiled. The thing she looked forward too was definitely getting into the hot spring. In the olden time the reason she didn’t get into the sea was because after it she had to take a bath but……….right now she was looking for it because it was no longer a problem.

『You hath the gist of it』

Kuroe’s voice resounded. He was not getting any happiness from getting that right.

「By the way Rikka」

「Un, what is it?」

「The thing you’re holding, what is it?」

Since meeting time he had noticed it, Tooya asked. Rikka had always carried in her arms a bag made of cloth……… Of course, the bag for the trip is different. From the beginning Tooya also thought, because Rikka was a girl she had a lot of luggage, but Rikka was carrying this as it was extremely important. Moreover it had the feeling it was heavy……….however it seemed like something round.

「Watermelon」

Rikka’s answer was simple.

「Watermelon?」

Without thinking he repeated like a parrot.

「I think of playing watermelon cutting with everyone.」

「This was special………?」

But she had said she surely wanted to do this.

「Un, because you can’t spit it if it were handle roughly」

Apparently that was why she carried it like it was important.

「……………what about the idea of buying it over there?」

「We don’t know if they sell it there, or if they did we don’t know if it were sold out right」

「…………Right」

It was summer everywhere they would sell watermelon, and it would usually don’t sell out, he thought but couldn’t say for sure. But he thought still the likelihood for it to be wrong was mostly not, however Rikka could have overlooked such small possibility.

「And you want to split that watermelon?」

「Un」

She nodded without hesitation. In other words that what it was.

「That’s nice! Watermelong splitting」

Hearing that Aoi cut in.

「I haven’t do watermelon cutting so I’m looking forward to it.」

Mashiro continued.

「I’m also looking forward to it.」

Kuroe said………no, because you were not allowed to participate. You’d surely be able to cut it right. Because even if blindfolded you could still see.

『It’s the kind of game as you said?』

Kuroe’s question resounded. It was not a cutting game, it was a game which we happily looking at challenger who used suitable advice to move about in confusion…………that was Tooya’s own opinion.

『Fumu, so it’s that kind of game』

She said in a consented tone. Also the three people’s merry voices could be heard.

 

The sea was closing in.

 

 

The train arrived at location on time just before noon. First of all they headed to the Japanese inn they original booked on the printed map to finish check in. The inn had a good country mood to it. The landlady was also friendly and had a good feeling about her. The inn also connected to a hotspring. From the public bath the sea could be seen, apparently it was this inn sell point.

Without his knowing the room assigned was a 5 man room. One boy being amidst four girls would be strange Tooya objected it but was then rejected by the unanimity……… He couldn’t understand. Normally the opposed opinion would come from girl, wouldn’t it? However Tooya was a boy, being in the middle of four girls, there would be various trouble staying with them.

『You got used to me.』

Like Kuroe said it was not a problem. Tooya had found a solution for Kuroe’s said problem but outside opponents were different………Rikka was also here.

『As usual Master’s treatment for me is cruel.』

I can’t hear.

「What a nice room」

After being guided to the room Rikka said. In relation to the budget this inn was by no means high class, but the room was very wide. Because there were five people the room felt cramped he thought, however there were enough space for everyone to leisurely rest. It was neatly cleaned, from the window the spacious sea could be seen.

「Let’s put our luggage here and hurry to the sea.」

「Right!」

Aoi and Mashiro out their luggage down and quickly began preparing to go.

「Shall we also get ready?」

「Right」

「Yes」

The three upperclassman also nodded to each other, each of them placed down their luggage and started preparing. From the corner was Aoi and Mashiro, Rikka, then Tooya and Kuroe who said that taking their own position. They hadn’t prepare the futon however when sleeping it would be in that order.

「Say Rikka」

Suddenly it came to his mind, Tooya opened his mouth. It was not from staring at Rikka’s luggage alone but because he could not found the things that looked like that.

「What is it, Tooya-kun?」

Rikka looked at him.

「Nothing, it’s just that we have to cut the watermelon today」

「Un, because tomorrow it’d become bad」

「Did you bring the pole to split it?」

Something like a bat.

「…………Rikka?」

There was no answer.

「Ahaha」

That was her answer

「Let go ask the landlady to see if there’s anything to use」

Worst thing was that having to search the home center to see if there was any bat.

「Eto、sorry」

「No problem」

That was Rikka like.

「Senpais really give off the feeling of childhood friends」

「……………….however I don’t think it was such thing like that」

「That’s so」

Aoi didn’t give up.

「You two are very well matched.」

She smiled pleasantly.

「St, stop Aoi-chan! We don’t have that kind of relationship!」

「Not yet~」

「Geez!」

While pulling the cheek of Aoi who was teasing her, occasionally he caught glimpse of her eye sights looking at him………at that time she clearly denied it. However Tooya was only unqualified to be able to affirm.

「Preparations are done、it’s time to go」

As if to dodge the question, he opened his mouth.

 

However the words of denial, even now couldn’t come out.

 

 

The food here at the inn was only served at dinner, so they asked the landlady advice on shops, then after grabbing a light lunch Tooya and them headed to the sea.

 

「…………they’re slow」

Slowly his skin was getting tan under the sunlight while waiting for everyone to arrive. Room aside the changing room was really something else. Because for man no matter what it was in a blink of an eye therefore he finished preparing to change clothes immediately, Tooya was waiting for the girl to finish…………Therefore he thought girls’ clothes changing should not be taking so long. Because, it was just like putting one more piece of cloth on right.

『Master doesn’t understand a girl’s heart.』

Suddenly her voice resounded. Did you ignore me until you done changing cloth, he asked, and an affirmative answer came back.

『We’re almost there.』

Because telepathy was just voice resounding in his head only therefore there was no direction of voice.

「Tooya-senpai sorry for making you wait!」

Waving her hand Aoi came running to him.

「Aoi-chan it’s dangerous when running!」

Mashiro followed up as if to stop her.

「Those two are in high spirit.」

「You’re right.」

Rikka while holding the watermelon, was walking leisurely with Kuroe in the back.

「Tooya-kun, I let you wait.」

「Aa」

Tooya nodded to the smiling Rikka.

「A, you rented a parasol.」

「Well, because just standing I’m rather free.」

He went to the ocean’s house and borrowed it first.

「Senpai, it’s empty there.」

「A, you’re right. Then let’s stand over there.」

The place Aoi pointed her finger at was pretty wide and empty. At the peak of summer it was lucky to find a place on the beach that wasn’t crowded. If there was that then we could leisurely play watermelon cutting.

The five of them moved to there, and Tooya placed the beach parasol on the ground. Then everyone put down their hand luggage in the shade.

「Then shall we play watermelon cutting first? Or go swimming first?」

Finished preparing Tooya asked everyone.

「Senpai, not yet, we have to do that thing first.」

「…………That thing?」

Having secured the place, set up the parasol and made the based. The thing you have to do when going to the beach, which got to be swimming, also the thing Rikka proposed was cutting watermelon, wasn’t it, right?

「Aa, it was warming up right?」

That was important. It had to do with life and dead.

「Wrong!」

Pointed out bluntly.

「Girls are wearing swimsuit and assembled right……….there’s only one thing for boy to do first.」

Saying that Aoi lined up the three girls and also stood in the line herself.

「Then, comment us」

「E」

「Young girls changed into swimsuit and you don’t have anything to say means you’re too insensitive.」

「…………」

It was as she said. Rikka looked as if wanting help, she looked as if didn’t want to deny Aoi’s talk and looked at him with red face. Mashiro next to her was also the same. Kuroe was…………the same as always “this looked like fun”.

「Then」

She urged.

「Eto…………yes」

There was no choice but to nod. Because Tooya was a boy, to see girl friends in swimsuits, it wasn’t like he didn’t get excited…………However being a boy in the middle of four girls he couldn’t get excited openly. Was it better to say that as a gentleman, or he had to think about it that way…………Regrettably, his thought went into a weird place.

「Start from me first」

Having told that he was still looking at Aoi. That was a blue bikini type swimsuit. It was because she had lot of confident, her clothes hid little and boldly showed herself off. Overall she had a slim figure but the place that needed to come out came out……… Specifically speaking she had a big crack.

Perhaps, she had the biggest crack among the four.

「O……ain’t you have a cute one」

「Yes」

She said so happily

「Then next is Mashiro」

「Please, please take care of me」

「U, un」

Although he didn’t know what to take care of, he looked at Mashiro. Mashiro’s swimsuit was also the same as Aoi, divided between the top and bottom but the designed exposure was docile. Upper was a white tank top, below was a dark short. She was really different from Aoi, whether it was because of embarrassment or not, her face was a little red and she was joining both her hands in front of her belly. Comparing to Aoi’s her chest was smaller but with a small body build it was emphasized.

「I, I think it’s cute」

「Eto……thank you very much」

She shyly smiled happily

「Then, next is Kuroe-senpai」

「I’m nervous」

She smiled broadly. Honestly Kuroe was the one having the most fun…… well, she was loaded with tsukkomi. Up until now Tooya didn’t understand what himself had ignored………The other three people must also didn’t think of any question right.

「How is it?」

「It’s a school swimsuit」

Other than that he had nothing to say. In front of her chest wrote a big letter “ookami(wolf)” in hiragana on a white cloth that was stitched in. Tooya remembered when going to get her swimsuit supply Kuroe said at that time if he liked it was fine to not follow her.

『How is it?』

Kuroe’s voice resounded in his head……… Or rather, where did you go and what did you buy. I carefully handed you money beforehand but you definitely didn’t buy it from a normal swimsuit store.

『Stores that sell manga and figure are placed in high quantity』

That ain’t swimsuit store……… You went to buy swimsuit why did you go in such store?

『It was rather expensive、master wouldn’t like it』

Of course it would be expensive.

「Then say、how is it?」

「Well、un……it suits you ain’t it」

There were few unevenness. Kuroe had great style but her chests weren’t big………It wasn’t like she didn’t have one but they were even smaller than Mashiro.

『…………How shocking』

Reading people thought at your own convenient then felt down and troubled.

「Then、the end is Rikka senpai」

「Un…………eto、Tooya-kun」

「A, un」

His throat felt as if it was thirsty.

「How, how is it?」

Her face was red, but she shook off her embarrassment and looked at Tooya. It was a thin, flower pattern once piece. Although it was a swimsuit of a familiar design even in plain clothes, it suited her as well. It could be consider childish if you thought about her age, but for small Rikka it was perfect.

「It extremely perfectly fits you」

「Is, is that so…………thank you」

Rikka’s looked down with her face even redder.

「Eto, that done that then.」

He looked at Aoi

「Tooya-senpai, you only say it’s cute and it fits.」

He was returned with an amazed look.

「…………Because I’m not use to doing it」

Really.

「If you don’t study woman’s heart more you can’t have it you know?」

「…………I’ll work hard」

 

However he couldn’t think of any helpful place for it.

 

 



The thing Aoi said had to do was done, now they were going to chop watermelon. Talking about whether or not putting the watermelon under the blazing sun………… well, originally because it was carried under Rikka’s arms so it was not cold.

 

「First let’s decide the order」

The watermelon was placed, and from the inn the blindfold and the bat was also borrowed………and after that, there was only deciding the order to chop it.

「Do we start from the one who wants to play?」

「Since that would be troublesome how about decide by slot?」

Aoi suggested. Seemed like there were no opposite opinions in particular. From the luggage they took out paper and pen to make the lottery. Then all members filled in their slot and each number was checked.

 

1、Tooya

2、Mashiro

3、Rikka

4、Aoi

5、Kuroe

 

And the lottery was done. Kuroe being at last place made Tooya felt a little relieved. Even if Kuroe close her eyes chopping watermelon would be easy for her. Although there was no rule that said you couldn’t chop it at first try but there would be no climax.

『I can somewhat read the air』

Such dissatisfied voice resounded in his head………My bad.

「Then senpai please go ahead」

「Aa」

He received the bat from Aoi.

「I’m putting on the blindfold」

Mashiro tied the blindfold from behind Tooya. Did she worry about false play, she tied it extremely tight……………… He had a feeling of oppression.  From the start he didn’t plan to cheat because he couldn’t see and moreover couldn’t open his eyes.

「Then Tooya-kun standing there and turn around 10 times」

「Got it」

Spinning spinning around at one place ……….10 times.

「…………A-re?」

Unconsciously he muttered. He didn’t feel dizzy at all. His sense of direction didn’t go array. Somehow or the other, he knew the direction of the watermelon. Was it because his semicircular canals ​had become strong too, together with Tooya’s body. Apparently Tooya also had to be the same and read the air.

「Senpai, you can’t start if you don’t move」

A voice pressing him to step forward.

「Senpai to the right!」

「Senpai!Straightforward!」

「Tooya-kun、just keep forward like that!」

Anyway not about Aoi, but Mashiro and Rikka were way too honest………..It wouldn’t be fun if it was suddenly ended, those two didn’t aware of it. They gave clear advice for Tooya to cut it. He was really thankful for that but still Tooya also thought that he wanted them to have fun too. While carefully follow the three indication if finally he hit out that would be okay.

『Correct to the right 3 degree、go straight 7 and a half steps』

A voice that completely couldn’t read the mood resounded in his head.

「Anyway to the right!」

「Keep going straight!」

「Go straight!」

For now let’s just go with Aoi’s direction.

『You’re off。To the left 15 degree』

No, not that, I don’t need such accurate information.

『Why?』

Just now didn’t you say to read the air, Tooya asked.

『I did read it』

Where.

『Both Rikka and Mashiro wish master to cut the watermelon.』

It might be so but Tooya wanted everyone to directly have fun cutting watermelon.

『I think if master doesn’t associate with feeling bad about cutting it yourself you’ll finish it』

Associated with feeling bad? What are you saying, I don’t get it.

『Oh well、if it’s master wish then it’s fine to just miss it』

Her voice stopped. Of course Tooya was going to obey exactly to the instruction.

 

Tosun

 

For the time being Tooya strike at an empty place. To check it he took off the blind fold but the bat was only stuck on sand.

「How unfortunate!」

Happily Aoi ran up to him. Apparently because she wanted him to miss so she was happy with all according to plan. Tooya retrieved the bat and blindfold then returned them.

「Mou、because Tooya-kun completely didn’t listen to my instruction」

Turning back he was greeted by dissatisfied face of Rikka……… If he’d obeyed he would have cut it so it couldn’t be helped.

「Next is Mashiro. Here」

Aoi handed over the bat to Mashiro.

「Then, I’ll tie the blindfold」

「Ah, yes」

Kuroe went around Mashiro.

「Then turn circle 10 times」

「Understood」

Having put on the blindfold Mashiro was spinning around.

「This is…………pretty hard」

Finished spinning Mashiro unsteadily walking out……….. The result was both good and bad. As usual Aoi spilling nonsense, Rikka gave proper advice, Kuroe giving mixed accurate direction, Tooya gave moderately correct direction and Mashiro followed all of it.

「How unfortunate.」

As the result to the place near the watermelon where there was nothing and swung down the bat

「Then next is Rikka-senpai」

「Un」

She received the bat.

「Then、this time I’ll tie it」

「Un, please」

He took the blindfold and went behind Rikka…………Why did he heart beat so fast. The situation of blindfolding a girl in swimsuit would be quiet suspicious if looking at it calmly

「It’s, a little loose?」

「Ah, sorry」

He apologized while strongly tighten back the blindfold………….it was hard to put in strength.

「Then spin around 10 times」

Declaring so herself Rikka spun around 10 time

「Aa………..dizzy」

 

She muttered and her leg was slanting a rear step out.

 

Batan

 

Taking one step Rikka brilliantly fell down. Her face plunged into the sand.

「…………Give up」(*in Engrish)

While still lying flat down Rikka declared. Next Tooya ran up and helped Rikka up. As if passively she couldn’t take it with her face full of sand…… Thanks to the blindfold luckily sand didn’t enter her eyes. After taking off the blindfold Rikka looked at Tooya and Ahaha smiled wryly.

「I fell down」

「Any idea from the person herself why you couldn’t take even one step」

He looked with an amazed face.

「Ahaha」

Well, it was fine if the person herself was happy.

「Then, next is my turn!」

Full of motivation Aoi grasp the bat.

「Then, I’ll tie it」

Rikka tied the blindfold.

「Then here I go!」

Spinning 10 times, Aoi rotated at one place…………Then from the watermelon she stepped slightly to the right advancing one step.

「Aoi-chan a little to the left!」

「Un, the left!Ah you went a bit too much!」

「Wrong、more to the right!」

Rikka and Mashiro the two gave proper instructions while Tooya tried to give the wrong ones. Wondering which of the three’s instruction she heard, while staggering Aoi approach the watermelon.

『…………She doesn’t hear』

Kuroe’s voice resounded.

『She doesn’t hear our instruction、however from the look of it she’s following a different instruction』

Tooya didn’t understand the meaning of Kuroe’s words. Doing as the instruction of direction but except these 4 people from who the heck is she receiving it from as you said……….She’s wearing wireless earphone? At best she wouldn’t do such mimicry for cutting watermelon.

「Just keep going straight like that Aoi-chan!」

「Un、2 steps left!」

While Tooya was still thinking Aoi had come close to the watermelon, she stopped her step. Standing in front of the watermelon. With a perfect timing she swung down.

 

Gusha

 

The bat swung down in one hit minced the target watermelon, red meat splattered.

『Doesn’t that connect you with something?』

Kuroe’s voice resounded…………..By saying so, such thing he remembered what Kuroe had said. The round thing had been smashed and the red things scattered………….There was only one thing Tooya could related to the scene right now, it was a feeling as if biting a bitter bug.

「…………don’t remind me of unpleasant thing」

He unconsciously muttered.

『Fumu』

Her voice was as if thinking.

『Just about that degree master is still not completely conscious enough』

「…………?」

「I did it!」

As he tilted his neck elsewhere Aoi who had cut the watermelon took off the cloth and let out a shout of joy. Mashiro and Rikka rushed over and said blessing to Aoi.

「Then, shall we go too」

「Aa」

 

In the end still without knowing Kuroe’s intention, he continued with the two.

 

 

Everybody had eaten the watermelon split by Aoi, then they’d gone swimming. When the sun had begun to sink they gathered around the parasol and after that was free activity. Was she confidence in herself Aoi declared she’d do long distance swimming, Mashiro brought with her the borrowed swimming float and hanged out with her. Kuroe had properly strolling around then asked Tooya for permission and went diving beneath the sea……….He couldn’t see anyone at all.

「Tooya-kun is taking a little break?」

Suddenly Rikka’s voice came.

「Aa, un」

Tooya didn’t go anywhere and just sit under the parasol’s shade.

「I departed a bit earlier so I rest a bit………..More or less because the luggage is put here then someone who is tired have to come back and watch it you know」

「Is that so」

「What about Rikka?」

「I’m also taking a little break. I think before swimming I should replenish some water would be good」

While holding the pet bottle on her hands she came and sat next to Tooya as she saw him. He was thinking where she went with Aoi and the other, apparently they went shopping.

「That watermelon was good」

「That’s right」

It wasn’t cold, and because being chop by a bat it was uneven…………But even so it seemed to be delicious. Sweet and fruity, things like being reminded by Kuroe about unpleasant thing had completely gone.

「The sweetness was also strong, it was a very fine watermelon right?」

「Un, because it was a rare vacation so I treated us well a little」

Ehehe, she smiled. Watermelon was also the same as other, good one was expensive.

「The money for the watermelon, how about I pay with you?」

Because she said it was a treat she must have paid a reasonable price for it right.

「No, no need」

Surprisingly she said so and looked at Tooya.

「But I’ve eaten it, and I had fun」

「It’s okay, since I bought it because I wanted to」

Rikka didn’t yield.

「But see here…………even so you still have to pay lodging expenses and the likes」

Although her family wasn’t high class she still chose to pay accordingly. Though the price wasn’t high but for a high school student to pay it was still a painful amount.

「If that’s the case Tooya-kun is also the same?」

「I’m fine though」

He had received remuneration from the order of black magic. Since it was a fine amount of money but Tooya didn’t feel to use it much, so it would be fine for it to be of use to Rikka.

「I’m alright. From the start I was going to use the money I saved up, when I talked about the trip my mother gave me the money. Therefore I have a lot of pocket money to use you know」

「Oh I see」

「Un, lately the pocket money I received has increased so there’s no margin at all」

「Hee, is it because your grade went up?」

There was the recent final exam.

「Not that」

But Rikka shook her head.

「Somehow the living expenses suddenly went up. Compare to up till now it had been easier so mother was also glad. And so my pocket money also went up」

「!?」

Intuitively, Tooya knew the reason………he had known it. He knew the reason why the living expenses went up. It was simple because the people consumption went down. And it was probably that human consume more than other family.

「Is Rikka…………happy?」

「Huh」

「No see here, your pocket money went up and all」

「…………?」

Rikka tilted her neck.

「Happy?」

Simply put, there was no reason for her not to be happy. It was impossible for her mother not to be, if her life had been easier it was even more impossible right.

「Is, that so……」

Tooya understood that the answer he hoped for in the past could not be met. Rikka didn’t know anything, and the reason to be rejoice was another thing.

 

「Nee, I……should I be happy? Or, should I be sad which is good?」

 

Remembering the talk at that time he didn’t know what kind of face to make.

However Rikka right now, didn’t remember about that.

「Tooya-kun, what is it?」

「No, it’s nothing」

A suitable smile floated up to avoid the question………….even though he could not completely dodge it. Because it was come from none other than inside his heart.

「…………Nee, Rikka」

Unable to bear it he opened his mouth.

「Un, what is it?」

From the returned question as expected on her expression there was no trace of sorrow.

「If, if……」

「Un」

「What would you do……what would you if I destroyed what you were cherishing?」

But himself also thought why he asked that question……..Asking Rikka right now there was no meaning, and the answer also didn’t have value. In the first place suddenly asking Rikka right now such question would have an unclear meaning.

「I have to hear the reason and think」

However Rikka immediately answered.

「Because, if there’s no reason Tooy-kun would not do such thing」

She said so and smiled.

「…………Even if I’ve already damaged that precious thing?」

「Un」

She nodded without hesitation.

「Surely I think I’d be sad but, because I believe in Tooya-kun」



「…………」

「Because at that time, if I were kept away from those people I’d be lonely but……….that was for the sake of not getting me involve right?」

Tooya thought why she made that apologized face……….Rikka didn’t make any sin at all. Putting an eye on Rikka, then keeping Rikka away……..all was Tooya’s responsibility, Tooya had chosen it.

「I told you to tell me the reason. Why did you do such thing」

And surely before that……….Tooya had understood.

「Rikka is a good nature girl」

With as much self control, a voice as if joking came out.

Forcibly lifting the end of his lips, showing her the laugh as if joking.

「Seems like the same thing I’d say when got cheated」

「……….to that degree aren’t you stupid 」

Rikka inflated her cheek.

「……….only because Tooya-kun is the opponent 」

Rikka murmured softly.

「About time someone comes back 」

That words, as usual Tooya pretended as if he didn’t heard it.

「I guess not yet 」

「Is Rikka fine not going swimming? 」

「Yes, I’m going to rest a little more」

「Is that so 」

 

The one she trusted, that opponent who was the worst.

 

 

「I’m a little tired……….. since it’s been so long since I swum that much」

In a rocky islet located far from the sandy beach. On it Aoi was lying and looked up at the sky. Below her was literally rugged bared rock but she didn’t care much for being tired. In the middle of the way she separated from Mashiro and her figure was not around here.

「That’s right, without proper rest going back would be dangerous.」

Figures of people walking on the sandy beach had become so small it could not be seen. Today the wave was comparatively gentle but however swimming in the sea would exhaust a lot of stamina.

「Ah, right. Thanks for your instruction at the water splitting. Owing to you that I could perfectly cut it…….Eh, isn’t that cunning? But you’re also a part of me so that’s no problem. 」

Ahaha, she laughed.

「………Right. It seems very fun. As expected I also think the two of them staying together is a good thing. I wonder if this a vacation a good chance.」

Her face expression looked happy. The thing she did herself was for the sake of people, because of that such satisfaction appeared on her face.

「That’s right, because once this vacation is over……….yes, I’ll do it. That one would definitely be happy with everyone.」

 

 

Before the day got dark the five returned to the inn. Returning to the room first of all was resting, then when the time for dinner came they ate in the mess hall. With the abundant of sea food used dinner received the praises from all the members.

 

「…………Fuu」

Letting out a big breathe. To heat up tired body with hot water was good. After dinner naturally it would be entering the bath as going with the flow, then by gender they headed to the opposite bathing area. Going to the bath alone was somewhat lonely, but thinking about the part of being able to settle down wasn’t so bad………….Because if Tooya was surrounded by girls all days he would feel tired.

「Spacious and not bad」

By luck this place except Tooya there was other customer here now……….Or maybe everyone went to the direction of the open air bath? This inn had both the large public bath and open air bath but hot water was the same everywhere. By time zone the genders supposed to change places and right now it was time for the man…………that being the case saying so this inn only had women staying in it, well maybe it was just coincidence.

While thinking such things he leisurely sunk his body in hot water. After all unlike Kuroe Tooya didn’t hate the bath. If it was the good feeling like this no matter what one would seem to enter.

「After changing places maybe I’ll head over to the open air bath」

He also thought of it.

「Also seeing the ocean at night wouldn’t be bad」

「Umu, definitely wasn’t bad.」

「That’s so.」

「The light of the lighthouse was a good accent to the darkness of the night.」

「Hee.」

It came to mind. Appearing the very beta sight of the light house in the night sea, rather than that it seemed like not a very bad view.

「…………….By the way, why are you here?」

「Lately master is surprisingly calm.」

Before he knew it, Kuroe was next to him and said boringly.

「…………If you want me to scream then from now I can even do it.」

How to say it, he got used to it, or was it because after having this nice feeling in the hot spring he could? Also it could be because she was soaking in hot water, her exposed skin was not much too.

「Then?」

「The three had already left」

「Well, it’s about time anyways」

Because Tooya headed to the bath a little later than the four so not much time had passed……..However Tooya thought if considering about the going in time for girls wasn’t it like that. If considering about feeling dizzy there were no meanings in forcing yourself going in for a long time.

「So, I said I remained because I did not stay enough. 」

「It would be so」

For Kuroe staying for only 20, 30 minutes would not enough to satisfy her.

「And with hard to come by chance master is here, that’s why I enjoying the big bath too」

「That’s true」

Typical way of thinking from Kuroe.

「What would you do if someone come in?」

Trying to give a common tsukkomi.

「No one would come here for a while you know」

Calmly Kuroe said……seemed like she did something.

「Put it that way you would trouble the inn with something like……..」

「It’s a hard to come by vacation, don’t be so serious」

「…………Haa」

Well, since it didn’t involve life or death situation it was fine but.

「Then, are you satisfied?」

At the wanted hot spring.

「Umu, very satisfied」

She smiled naturally.

「How should I put it, it’s not about the heat transmitting to your skin. Seems like the ingredient in the hot water is also good for the body, the skin became smooth so Rikka and the other feel delighted.」

Althought Tooya didn’t care much but as expected this area was important to girls.

「As it is I might want to stay here forever」

「…………although that’s because you would not have blood rush to your head」

Also your skin wouldn’t be sodden.

「Then, my master」

「What is it」

「Nothing, it’s just seems like master has completely forgot so I think I should give an advice」

「Advice?」

「Umu, because I think about master」

From which mouth did you say just thing?

「Has master thought properly about killing Aoi?」

「!?」

Even though he was soaking in hot water, his spine quickly got chilly.

「Why suddenly ……」

「Did you completely forget it all? Or, because it is impossible so there’s no need to think about it and you’ve put it off at the back of your mind?」

「That……」

「If seriously thinking about master, you should have been angrier at my harassment.」

Was it about the cutting water melon?

「After spending all those fun time with Rikka, it seems you have forgotten everything right?」

「…………」

Tooya didn’t have any words to object it.

「But,  it’s not decided right now…………Isn’t it?」

As if squeezing out words he opened his mouth.


「Umu, you don’t need to decide it now」

Kuroe approved meekly.

「Then, master’s thought about Rikka is only to that degree?」

「Wha」

「Surely Aoi is Mashiro’s friend, Akane younger sister, master’s kouhai……….because you knew her you don’t want to suspect her? And also don’t want to think about killing her either?」

「Such thing………..is only natural!」

「Although you killed Rikka’s father?」

「!」

He felt as if washed with cold water.

「If saying about close distance that man would be closer right」

「That man is……」

「Detested?」

「…………That’s right」

「Why?」

「Such thing……」

He couldn’t answer up to that.

「Even if you found such lame excuses, in the end it’s master’s isn’t it? Master’s wish to kill that one because he obstructed Rikka’s happiness…….If that’s the case then isn’t this situation fulfilled master’s wish?」

「Such thing…………I decided I won’t be there」

Such place he would not be, after all because he had decided.

「If that’s the case master should quickly settle this situation.」

「…………I know」

To find the one who returned Rikka’s memories, then remove him. If not doing that, then there was the possibility of erasing Rikka’s memories again would become a game of cat and mouse.

「Then, now who’s the most suspicious one?」

「…………Aoi」

That name came out of his mouth as if groaning.

「But, we will kill her just because she is suspicious?」

「I didn’t say that」

Kuroe shrugged her shoulders.

「Tanaka had also said it right, that insurance. The talk about killing isn’t certain, it’s good not to forget that this talk is only giving master choices」

However, Kuroe continued.

「Master also knows that to make the choice itself it’s necessary to resolve yourself right ?」

That was why it was an advice. At that time, apparently in order to exclude being cold feet.

「I understand…………I will think about it」

「Umu, if so that’s good」

She smiled naturally.

「However isn’t the time remain a little short? Supposedly if I was the opponent once this vacation is over, I’d immediately make the next move」

Saying so suddenly Kuroe stood up. Together with splash of water without hiding exposed her naked body. Unthinkingly Tooya adverted his eyes……….Saying he had used to it but as expected it was hard look straight at her.

「I still want to enjoy the open air bath, well then」

Grandly like that Kuroe headed to the exit and walked out. As ever that gal just do as she pleased.

「…………Haa」

He sighed. In the end Tooya was only running away……….Rather than that he might be happy. If he could prolong it he would, because Tooya could stay together with Rikka.

「However, nevertheless isn’t that just the worst」

 

 

Killing someone who he didn’t know, and killing someone he knew were big different.

However both of which are,

 

The same human,

The same life,

 

Both cases of killing them the act itself doesn’t change. If that’s the case thinking about it the act of putting merit in them would be strange isn’t it……….How absurd. Both things were not the same.

Even if the words were the same, the one who was put the merit on was human. Rather than killing someone who one didn’t meet, killing someone one knew would always be painful.

Of course, there was opposite cases. Rather than killing human who one didn’t know, killing human who was close would be far easier, there was also this case.

In the end the merit of human life would change according to human’s view. No matter what other people said, it could not be used as reference.

To Tooya Rika’s life was more important than anyone’s.

To Tooya the life of people who he didn’t know was not unimportant………..However that wasn’t to the degree which he wouldn’t cut off for the sake of his role.

To Tooya Rikka’s father’s life was not light…………However his accumulated resentment had been pushed up to the max that it became light.

If so, to Tooya how heavy Aoi’s life seemed.

 

It seemed important?

It seemed light?

 

At least he didn’t think it was light. Mashiro’s friend, Akane’s little sister and Tooya’s kouhai, and Rikka treating her like a close kouhai………..To kill her only for the reason called suspicious, her life wasn’t that light right.

But, he also thought that her life wasn’t that important. Since the time they met to the time they hanged out it was no mean long. If so he wouldn’t call all the time they spent together but it had become a standard. If looking from that standard then the time they hanged out with Aoi only a few weeks had passed.

And also this was the most important point.

 

That life was lighter than Rikka’s.

 

Only that point wasn’t shaken.

 

If asking which of those two he would choose………..Tooya would not hesitate.

 

 

「…………Yo」

「Welcome back」

Akane who came back to the room was, greeted by Tanaka who stood up from the desk. If it was the usual he would sigh again because of Akane’s visit, but today it was the looked forward visit………..However the expression of Akane in question wasn’t looking good.

「How was it, the long time no see family?」

「…………it was the worst」

She answered as if spitting out. These past few days Akane had returned to her parent house…….The home coming after about 5 years. The reason was to investigate about the little sister Aoi. It seemed that this was what Akane said was prepared for but Tanaka hadn’t heard the detailed story yet. Akane had said to tell everything she investigated but on her face she had only frowned her eye browns, as expected that was no doubt was the best source of information, adjusting Akane’s work schedules to force her going on a long term day off.

「How is it going on over there?」

「According to the contact from the monitoring, there is no particular abnormality. There’s no action that stood out, seems like they’re enjoying a very normal vacation.」

「…………Is that so」

With her unchanged expression she sat down on the sofa.

「Then, this time would you not let me know the whole story」

Facing her Tanaka sit down.

「It was the worst」

Akane said straight to the point.

「That was because you had a fight with your father?」

「I was greeted relatively normally…………Although I was scolded. As it came to my mother she had tears on her face. 」

「Isn’t that a very good thing?」

「Might be」

But even so, she said as if spitting out.

「That guy was only a father」

「?」

He tilted his neck. Then Akane continued her words.

「Because he became just a father……….I wouldn’t call it the house errand, but. Rather than a bit strict he became a very normal father who thought about his daughter.」

「Right now I don’t understand a word you said」

「Didn’t I say it was the worst right………….Because everything disappeared. Various documents likely including about the memories about my father in the house 」

「Ha?」

「Incidentally, the family spirit blade that I thought of bringing back home also completely disappeared………over there everywhere has the same feeling as any normal shrine.」

「…………Wait, let me think a bit」

As if trying to take in Akane’s words, Tanaka put his hand on his middle forehead.

「In other words, everything that could be a clue has been erased, including the memories of your parents?」

「Right」

「…………Would such thing be possible?」

「If we’re talking about that girl who alternated Rikka Kurumi’s memories, then it wouldn’t be impossible.」

Because precedent case already existed.

「Then what about dispelling the spell casted on your parents?」

「At least it’s impossible for me…………it’s also difficult for the people in the house I guess.」

「In order words, you had to relied only on your own memories, didn’t you 」

「…………sorry」

A rare apology came out of Akane’s mouth.

「What a waste of time and effort」

「No,  it’s good they you had confirmed it」

Tanaka smiled wryly.

「Seems like your little sister is serious.」

「Who knows」

Akane let out a small breath.

「I have a feeling she would think up to that deep」

「Is that true?」

「Yes」

Akane nodded.

「Thinking about that time it would be the case.」

 

 

Akane Inaba was born in a house of an old-standing shrine. Her father had a strict character so Akane hadn’t see his rare smile. At the time when she became aware of her surrounding, they said for the sake of succeeding the house’s duty, she had made to undergo various practice. Those were things like bare hand combat, sword and bow usages, learning about practicing magic arts.

Why must she do such things, Akane didn’t understand. Even if it was said to be the house’s duty but her father didn’t teach her the content of it. He only said he would told her when she officially took over the house’s duty.

Even so, somehow or other she could guess that duty.

「In the home shrine at the back of the main shrine there’s a forbidden room. There is something like a door, but the key was not attached and the gap was also buried. What’s more, the me at that time also somewhat understood there were layers of sealing spell put on it.」

「At that place in order to protect something that would be your family mission ?」

「I don’t know if it was to protect it or keeping people from coming close to it.」

The repulsive heart against her father born at that time. To become a miko……..no, rather than that the training to become a real exorcist wasn’t as harsh as that. However as a kid she thought these magic arts were to protect human, but when she realized it was not so the despair was large. Her father gave her a strict order not to let the outside know about the practiced magic………So it was for the sake of not letting the outside know about what they were protecting that they practiced it.

「That seems very cautious.」

「At my home town when evil spirit uproar happened our house would only make a formal exorcism rite. If the demon was the real thing then probably the exorcist would come to deal with it.」

「If that were you sounds like you would start rebelling right.」

But even so on Akane’s appearance such rebellion didn’t show. But because her own strength was useful, she’d thought that it should be fine if she went separate path from her father.

And then when Akane was 10 years old, her little sister was born……….Her name was Aoi.

「She was very cute you know. I also begged my mother to let me take care of her.」

「That’s rather hard to imagine」

「Shut it」

It could be said it was a very close sister relationship. Even with large age gap Aoi always depended on Akane, and Akane always kept Aoi company……….Until when she was 5 years old.

「When she could talk and walk to some extend………..that girl had very strong curiosity character. At that time when I let my eyes of her she would go somewhere without permission, I was also at a lost. Because my house shrine was built on a hill where once leaving the site it would be a forest. If you missed your footing at the long stair at the front you could die you know, so leaving children unwatched is very dangerous.」

Of course they paid great attention to her. Even so when she came to age her childish curiosity didn’t disappear. ………That day too when Aoi disappeared from the gap of Akane’s eyes she had to go find her. However no matter how much she searched she couldn’t find Aoi. After a brief search outside the site, she noticed perhaps it was the opposite.

「So I turned my legs and headed to the main shrine. Entering the prohibited to enter room and to the forbidden door………then after I opened it on the opposite I found my little sister.」

Then Akane took a sigh. She criticized Aoi for going so far in, and she questioned Aoi if it was some kinds of prank. Aoi said she hadn’t do anything so for now she released Aoi, Akane told her to go to her mother and decided to check it just in case.

「In the main shrine I prayed to the shintai. That was a old bronze mirror which didn’t look anything special. It was decorated as a form of making a shrine………… First of all I checked there was nothing changed. So I more or less decided to close off the forbidden room.」

But then at that time Akane hadn’t thought something had awakened in the forbidden room. That was not the place which you thought of opening and you could open it. Because at least it was not a place where a five years old kid could somehow manage.

「The forbidden place was forbidden………..However I picked up a broken piece in front of the door. That small piece looked like it belonged to an old comb.」

At the very least Akane hadn’t thought why such thing was fallen here. Anyways the door was shut tight, and the spells cast hadn’t changed.

However after that a few minutes later going to look for Aoi again, Akane found that Aoi was holding a comb. The end of it was a little chipped, while holding it Aoi looked like she was talking to herself. Apparently she was having a fun talk with someone who could not be seen.

「Well, since she was a kid talking to imaginary friend wasn’t something strange.」

「That’s true, because at that time I didn’t question it at all………..but, it’s another thing for that comb which she was holding. It was a pretty old comb which could break into pieces with a strong gasp.」

Furthermore when she called to Aoi, she quickly hid the comb. At that time Akane had a hunch. Wasn’t that comb came from the forbidden room she had thought.

「Of course I had no way of confirming it……….however I believed」

A natural intuition from birth. That gave conviction to Akane. However such thing Akane didn’t report to anyone else. The thing about her instinct she didn’t tell her parents, because she didn’t know how would father deal with Aoi.

「Because I was watching Aoi」

In a way that no one noticed Akane had observed Aoi’s change. First look was that her monologue increased. At first she thought for children that was nothing strange, but being seen the frequency gradually lowered. It wasn’t like she didn’t monologue anymore, but it seemed like she only did it when not meeting with Akane’s eyes……….as if someone had given her the idea.

And then she strangely became smarter. Children had to grow up, and her parents instead felt happy about it but Akane had an uncomfortable feeling. Rather than saying her head became smarter, because from the look of it she seemed like she was receiving advices from someone. It might be that the view point she put on Aoi was very intense, but it didn’t seem like she did it based on her own opinions.

「Then the comb which your sister was holding you did not investigate it?」

「Apparently she threw it somewhere before I could investigate. It seemed like a good decision because kid could not hide things well right…………..Well, I had investigated the broken piece and it appeared to be only a piece of an old comb. Whatever that had been possessing it that I didn’t know. 」

「Possessed, it is?」

「Yes, I thought whatever that had been possessing that comb had possessed Aoi.」

「Is that true?」

「Yes, there’s nothing wrong about it, that thing was possessed.」

Akane said.

「Well, it’s not as if I know what it is. The point is that I can confirm with my intuition.  Even though I could confirm whether or not whatever come to my mind is correct, I could not completely understand it clearly. After all the conviction I received was only to the scope of my imagination.」

Even if getting the conviction that a stone would fly and it would surely hit, it could not be predicted that it would come flying in the first place……….Supposedly if thinking about somehow or the other the stone would fly to it or not, then I would receive the conviction.

「My intuition is working or not is uncertain but, but if I’d spent several years with it I could confirm various thing 」

「Would it be fine to tell me what have you confirmed with it?」

「…………yeah」

Akane thought about the thing that had been possessing her little sister according to her.

Is that a bad thing…………Yes.

Is there a way to save her…………Yes.

Can she do it by herself…………No

If it were father could it be possible…………No

Is it a threat to the world…………Yes

「While the thing is bad enough to affect the world, but it turned out that I could not do anything about it…………Though I said that, it’s not like there’s no way about it」

「Disregarding the method of saving your little sister, you mean」

「Yes, we could kill my little sister」

However Akane couldn’t kill her little sister………..Although she couldn’t kill it, whatever that was possessing her little sister would become the enemy of the world. With only that in mind Akane became conflicted, and kept her distance with her little sister.

「You didn’t come to your father for consulting about such thing?」

「At first I thought about it………but, suddenly I thought. With that duty devoted father how would he react accordingly to my little sister. I’m confident that you are just like my father, devoted to duty」

If he could not save my only little sister then the conclusion would be to kill her. Therefore Akane didn’t tell her father, moreover she rebelled him.

「In the end I left home. I couldn’t bring myself to kill my little sister………Also couldn’t save her. If I stayed in that house I would be flaunted with my powerlessness that I hate so much.」

「I see, and then you entered the Order of The Black Magic as the result, right?」

「I thought that if I separated from her the resolve to kill her would come up or something but, in the end apparently it was impossible for me.」

Inaba Akane had decided to be an ally of justice. And an ally of justice had to save people.

「One thing, I want to ask but」

「What?」

「You said to save your sister but, what about your sister’s self thought? I don’t think that she thought she was in the view point of needing to be saved.」

「Yeah」

Akane nodded.

「Aoi think that the thing which is possessing her is some kind of guardian spirit. Of course she wouldn’t think it is something evil.」

「That’s troublesome, isn’t it.」

「Yeah, that’s because it was since she was little. That thing to her was as if another parent……I don’t know but maybe it’s more than that」

Akane was believing that it would have been made to be so right.

「Have you ever thought about its intention?」

「Even thought that old man said it was the family mission but……….unfortunately what kind of mission it was I still don’t know.」

She did go and investigate but seemed like it was erased.

「But well, that mission is only an expedient………No, because things such like mission and such exist, isn’t it correct to say that we can deduct where it is going.」

「Kamisaki-san…………No, Kuroe-san is it?」

「It seemed the mission of my house and whatever have connection to that monster」

For the sake of that mission there ought to be some sort of sensor right. After sensing that Kuroe’s seal had been undone, Aoi came and did something for its own purpose. Since before coming here, in that period it had done various preliminary arrangements right.

「And then, do you have any method for that thing?」

「About what?」

「The plan to save your little sister」

「…………」

Akane was silence.

「…………there’s none」

He stared at her eyes.

「It’s not like I never thought about it you know……….But about going back home and thought of something all of it had been blown away. Supposedly even if I seriously went to kill her, I don’t know if I could do it. I also don’t know would that thing be caught off guard against a family member but, moreover no doubt father is a resourceful person of exorcist. If it had the ability to done father in, I could not imagine what it could do.」

「You’re right」

Tanaka agreed.

「As the current situation it would be hard to act freely. Supposedly if you interfered we would also be dealt with the same way as you, that’s not the way. As the situation right now because your testimony had no concrete evidences it’s hard to mobilize the whole order of black magic. 」

「…………Is it impossible?」

「Looks like it。Because seems like the situation itself hasn’t changed」

Clearly Aoi hadn’t done anything yet. There was no evidences about the matter of Rikka’s memories had connection with her.

「I can only wait before making a move?」

「Yes, but I could assure you we’ll make a move soon」

 

With confidence Tanaka answered.

 

 

「Good morning Tooya-kun」

「Good morning……but it’s already before noon」

Perhaps because of too much commotion yesterday when Rikka woke up it was already before noon. Tooya was up early since he was not tired because of his constitution. Aoi and Mashiro were still sleeping. Even thought it had passed midnight she still made merry, and since Mashiro also followed her, she couldn’t wake up early.

「Are, where is Kuroe-san?」

「She’s in the bath」

Because she said she had been going to the morning bath, she hadn’t returned.

「Kuroe-san really likes the bath huh. Yesterday she also came back late」

「Well」

Tooya too entered for about 30 minutes, and since then Kuroe had come back after around 1 hour.

「She’s also the same at home?」

「Well, she stays in there for about 2 hours.」

「Wow, wouldn’t she be swollen up」

She laughed funnily.

「Right」

「…………Tooya-kun, you don’t feel so good?」

「Yeah」

Suddenly it was said in surprise.

「What are you saying all of a sudden?」

「Somehow, when I look at your face I feel you’re not feeling well」

Ehehe, she smiled.

「You see, I’ve been with Tooya-kun for a long time…………Since I’ve always looked at you. Every time there’s something wrong I could understand you know.」

Saying that her cheek was dyed red.

「Ahー, if it’s like that then Rikka seems like you don’t have a public eye」

Tooya showed a bitter smile.

「Isn’t the vacation with everyone very fun right? If I looked like I’m not feeling well then it must be I was only a little tired from yesterday」

「Sounds like a lie.」

「There’s no such thing」

He showed her the shrugged shoulders.

「Muー, if that so you have to have a cold or something?」

「No no I’m still healthy」

「…………Is that true, let me confirm it」

Without hesitation Rikka’s face approached. She stared at Tooya faced, with her right and left hand she compared and measured the temperatures.

「Hmー, seems like there’s no cold」

「I said so didn’t I…………and Rikka」

「What is it?」

「No, that, too close」

Rikka’s face was at the distance that he could touch with a little movement. Although he was reluctant but at this distance his eyes couldn’t help but looking at her lips.

「If it only to check for temperature being that close is unnecessary.」

「I thought I would take the opportunity to check whether Tooya-kun is lying or not.」

「What lying…………」

「Is it really you’re just tired?」

That was to say, it sure was hard to deceive the long time relationship childhood friend. At the time when he was dragged against his will to the amusement part too, even thought he tried to hide it Rikka also had noticed.

「It’s the true」

「Really?」

「Yeah」

He nodded.

「…………seems like a lie」

She pouted her cheek.

「Ah」

She noticed.

「No, no, look Rikka」

「…………What?」

To the unnoticing Rikka, Tooya pointed the finger to tell her. Rikka looked at that direction……….Gaba, they were pulling away with full of vigor.

「It’s fine if you want to continue for longer you know?」

「…………this will be helpful」

「Y,yyyou’re wrong, this is!」

Since who knew when, Aoi and Mashiro who had woken were looking at this way, and Rikka were waving her hands in flustered.

「It, it’s not like I’m in that kind of relationship with Tooya-kun, we are only childhood friend but it’s not like I didn’t think about wanting to be more than that but……..Anyway you are wrong!」

「No look, calm down Rikka」

The latter half part of it Tooya pretended as if he didn’t hear it.

「Wouldn’t it be nice if Tooya-senpai and Rikka-senpai find a 2 person room right?」

「I said you’re wrong!」

「This again~」

To the became red and denying Rikka, Aoi looked hard at her happily.

「…………」

Tooya looked at that Aoi.

 

Was she a normal girl, she didn’t appear to be so.

 

 

The second day was free activity. The one who wanted to swim went to the sea, the one who wanted to wandering went to wander. Tomorrow they would return, and since before noon they would have to finish checking out, so in conclusion today they should spend sparingly.

「In the end Rikka-senpai didn’t come with us」

「Isn’t that because Aoi teased her too much」

Didn’t feel like swimming in the sea Tooya was strolling at the shrine and chose souvenir at his own discretion. No, well although things liked this his wouldn’t give to his parents but………….though he thought of buying one to give to Tanaka just in case.

Aoi followed him, Rikka remained at the room to rest a bit more. Mashiro also remained to attend to her, Kuroe hadn’t returned from the bath.

「Even though we went to the sea we only swum in the first day, what does it mean.」

「I think people have their ways of enjoying things」

Although he said that.

「Then, what’s senpai buying?」

A little walk from the inn there was a place where souvenir stores lined up in a row. But everywhere were stores giving old impression which making other wondered as whether they were still selling or not.

「Well just to be safe things like steam bun or cake around here」

Just put the place name on it.

「Safe choice huh」

「Even if I get something, I’ll be in trouble with the storage」

Personally Tooya thought that it would be best if souvenir was food. The story would be different if he was asked directly but even if buying the local ornament or something like that and brought it to them, the received would be trouble too……….Because for people to receive something it would be hard to just throw it away.

「But isn’t that too soon to decide?」

「Anyhow一,we’ve planned to return after about 2 hours, let’s look around the area appropriately」

「Is that so?」

「We can’t just leave Rikka alone like that…………Other than souvenir let’s buy some sweet stuffs. With that she would almost get over her bad mood」

From the beginning Tooya didn’t have any expectation for this place. Tooya went outside only to take his time collecting himself. But for Aoi to go with him was unexpected but if he refused it would be strange so he agreed.

「You sure know Rikka-senpai well」

「Because we’re childhood friend」

They both knew each other well.

「You love Rikka-senpai right」

「Wha!?」

Suddenly Aoi made an unexpected strip comment.

「Rikka-senpai loves Tooya-senpai too right……why didn’t you two go out?」

Her way of speaking was straight. It wasn’t like Tooya didn’t notice Rikka’s liking, the people around also did.

「I and Rikka is only childhood friend…………we’re just like brother and sister」

「Sounds like a lie」

Aoi said. Well Tooya didn’t thought she would believe him. Even though he had thought of an appropriate deception it would be nice if she had taken it………..Seemed like she didn’t plan on taking the bait.

「Is that true?」

「It’s true you know」

She didn’t take it.

「…………How about we sit down and talk.」

Just as there was a small tea shop just beyond their sight. Aoi acknowledged and sit down on the bench in front of the shop, she ordered tea and dumpling.

「Delicious」

「Un, it’s delicious」

Putting the dumpling and tea to their mouths they said their impression. If only he could change the topic with that everything would work out as he desired, but.

「Then, about the talk just now」

Apparently it didn’t seem to go his way.

「Is there any reason Tooya-senpai and Rikka-senpai don’t go out?」

「There’s none」

「So there is one」

Seemingly from the start Aoi didn’t intend to listen. Completely not minding his opinions, as if she planned on saying everything she wanted.

「If not so, there is no reason why two people of mutual love can’t be connected」

「I told you……」

「If that reason were gone you two could stay together」

With thick voice she said confidently.

「If that’s the case if the reason is gone it would be better right?」

「…………I don’t understand whatever you’re saying」

He only answered like that. In Tooya’s mind the feeling of doubt about Aoi, was about to be replaced by the word of confirmation…………..And then Aoi also didn’t hide anything.

「Aoi…………」

「Killing human, you don’t like it right?」

「!?」

Aoi said the definitive words.

「Kuroe-senpai is the mysterious man eater………..Tooya-senpai is her master」

「…………」

「I know everything you know」

She said it while smiling. Just like always, he felt no evil intention in her innocent.

「You…………what is your intention?」

「Don’t make such a scary face so suddenly」

Aoi smiled wryly.

「It’s not like I plan on fighting with senpai you know」

「If so, then what……」

Is your intention, as if to stop his talk right there, Aoi put her index finger in front of his mouth.

「That is not there yet.」

「Wha」

「If senpoi could enjoy yourself a little more with Rikka-senpai, it would be nice」

「…………even though you confided such thing?」

「Yeah」

With that Aoi nodded.

「Or is that Tooya-senpai making light of Rikka-senpai?」

「…………Of course there’s no such thing」

That was that, this was this.

「Although it’s a bothersome thing for me but………..I want you to keep it in your mind. But if I told you everything Tooya-senpai’s consciousness will go there too much.」

Therefore Aoi had said only the fact that he knew.

「Aoi, what do you want to do?」

Tooya was in confusion. While revealing the important true without hesitation, she said to let Tooya to be able to enjoy the vacation with Rikka.

「I think that two people in love with each other should come together」

She smiled cheerfully.

「That way, I would also be happy」

「…………I said I don’t understand」

Tooya didn’t understand what she meant.

「Know it…………a house not far away」

 

She said that as if to end the talk here, Aoi stood up from her seat.

 

 

Since then they bought the steam buns from the tea shop and returned, Rikka’s mood had become very much better. Apparently staying in the room had calmed her down very much. After eating the steam buns Tooya bought her good mode had returned completely and the sulking face had gone somewhere.

「Kuroe’san still hadn’t returned.」

It was a good time to talk about going to eat lunch, but only Kuroe was not in the room. It seemed she didn’t return from the bath……..How long did she stay in the bath. Well, because it was free activity he couldn’t blame her but.

「How about try calling her?」

「If she had entered the bath I don’t think there’s any sense in that but」

「No, well more or less let’s try calling her」

He took out the cell phone and went outside the room………Although there was no reason to go out of the room but it seemed no one suspected about that.

There was nobody in the hallway, but just to make sure Tooya listened to the cell phone. Of course there was no phone call……….Instead it was telepathy. If you could hear me then reply. Of course, Tooya couldn’t imitate Kuroe and used telepathy just like her. But he had the belief that because it was Kuroe somehow she would understand.

『What is it?』

The replied came. Judging from the situation it seemed lucky but talking like that felt a little subtle……………For now he conveyed to her, we’re going to eat lunch comeback here you irresponsible .

『Muu is that so…………then I’ll come back shortly』

Readily Kuroe agreed. Although she didn’t thought of complaining, feeling somewhat anticlimactic Tooya put down the phone.

「By the way master」

A raw voice came right behind him.

「Have you resolved yourself」

As he turned his head, he found a broad smiling face.

「Why are you here?」

「Didn’t you tell me to come back?」

She answered naturally. With that Tooya slightly pressed his forehead, breathed out……….Because it was the usual stuffs it was useless scolding her. Tooya ignored her laughing eyes.

「Then, my master」

「…………What is it」

「Aren’t you going to give me your answer to the question?」

「…………」

Still remained silent Tooya’s line of sight looked at the door, it was right in front of the room.

「If so, then how about we leave it for a little later.」

Saying so Kuroe moved her eye sights to the door as if to urge Tooya. Tooya also understood her intention. Having no other way Tooya opened the door and put his head inside the room. With that voice the three who were chatting moved their heads to look at his.

「How is it?」

Rikka asked.

「She said after around 30 minutes she’d come back…………In the meanwhile I’ll go buy a little drink for us. By the way if you want anything just tell me」

「I still have tea so I’m fine」

「I’m also fine」

「Ah, I want one. Sport drink would be nice」

「Roger」

With consent Tooya closed the door.

As he turned his head around, Kuroe’s happy face was there.

「Then, let us go」

 

 

「Then, O my master. Have you resolved yourself?」

「…………I take it that you’ve heard everything?」

「Umu」

To the readily she nodded Kuroe, Tooya winced……..Well, as a place to talk Kuroe had chosen that tea shop, at that point of time he had guessed half of it but. Because not much time had passed since he returned accompanied with a different girl, the tea shop owner made a face saying how strange.

「Aoi’s intention……I wonder what it is」

「Who knows」

「Saying who knows………」

By all means that was no good.

「What’s master thinking?」

The question was returned by a question.

「…………I don’t know」

Really don’t know.

「Although I thought that the time when I was suspicious the ambiguous Kuroe was her target but……….I don’t understand what Aoi had revealed.」

Aoi said that it would be nice if Tooya and Rikka had gone out together……..in that way her feeling would also be happy. Tooya didn’t understand her meaning, he also couldn’t think of everything that could profit her.

「At least I don’t sense any evil intention but……」

「I told you before right」

She looked at him as if to admonish.

「Good intentions may also harm people」

「That…………I remember.」

「If so I think that it’s not something to trouble about」

Kuroe said.

「From my look of it at least that girl’s words are out of synch.」

「Out of …………synch?」

「That girl said about happiness, then does that happiness apply to master?」

If Tooya and Rikka wedded …………She decided that they’d be happy.

「…………That’s right」

Tooya gave consent to this reason.

「Kuroe, your words are true」

「Naturally」

She smiled broadly.

「I’m not observing human for a show you know」

「Yeah」

Something or the other Kuroe’s advice saved Tooya…………..Although sometimes she injected deadly poison into her advices.

「In the end, my and Aoi’s way are different」

「So I could enjoy watching」

「…………does it seem really funny.」

「Umu」

She nodded. As if she was really pleased.

「Then master」

「Hm?」

「Have you resolved yourself?」

「…………nope, there’s no such thing」

He answered as if spitting out. It didn’t exist. Even though they were different human, Aoi was Tooya’s kouhai. Mashiro’s friend, Akane’s younger sister, Rikka’s kouhai. She couldn’t be killed off easily so Tooya wouldn’t have to resolve himself to kill her.

「But……」

He didn’t speak beyond that………But without it definitely Kuroe understood.

He had resolved himself…………..from the start he had resolved himself. To Tooya it was something that should take priority over everything else. For that sake he would show that he would sacrifice anything.

「I don’t want to step on that landmine」

She smiled enjoying, Kuroe said.

 

Pretending as not hearing it, Tooya let out a small sigh.

 

 

Since then there was nothing going on, and time just passed like that. After coming back with Kuroe they together finished lunch, discussing what to do with free time then after that everyone stroll around the inn and time went by, when they noticed a day had over.

And then next day, after completing the check out without any problem, the five went home.

 

「It was extremely fun」

「Yeah, the hot spring was fine too」

「Kuroe-san always dip in the hot spring. You really like the bath huh」

They decided to return home before it got dark, so they reached their own homes before 3 o’clock noon. Even so they didn’t enter each other’s houses but Rikka and Kuroe happily chatting about the memories of the vacation. Next to them while leisurely watching, Tooya recalled about the time they went to that amusement park, it was also like this.

「Tooya-kun also had fun right?」

「Yeah」

He nodded and showed his smile.

「The sea was clean, the food was delicious」

Although he didn’t know if he could fool her but, Tooya could only show his smile. If he was pressed again he would insist on saying he was tired from the vacation.

「All of the fish was fresh too! That was the first time I eat it like that」

「Well, here is far from the sea」

Because this was inland, it would be weird to have fresh sashimi.

「I want to go again」

「…………Sure」

He nodded

「But going to the same place would surely be dull right…………how about this time we go to Hokkaido.  One again let’s invite Aoi-chan and Mashiro-chan too. Kuroe-san also feel like it right?」

「Yes, again the five of us would be nice right」

Nodded, smiled broadly Kuroe looked at Tooya………….Understood that this smile was judging him Tooya frowned.

「…………Tooya-kun?」

「Ah, un. Hokkaido is it, we could see the winter festival if it were winter break」

「Winter break huh…………A little far away but I’m looking forward to it」

「Yeah」

In the same way as before, he nodded.

 

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

 

Suddenly he felt vibration in his breast pocket, Tooya took out the cell phone. The screen displayed Aoi, after checking it he confirm the contents.

「From who is it?」

「From Aoi……Right now, she reached home」

He told a lie.

 

As expected, the next trip was not likely going to happen.





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