One week after the Gaming club was formed, everyone, except for Sachiko, participated in the club activities. Then after that even Makoto stopped coming to school.
"Sonohara-san has been missing school for the past one week. He is enlisted in your club, right?'' Makoto's homeroom teacher asks Souta.
"Yes, sir, " Souta answers.
"I would like you, as the president, and the vice president of your club to visit him this weekend and find out how he is doing."
"Okay, sir."
And then Souta goes off.
Now, this was a hard thing for Souta. Makoto wasn't replying to anyone's texts or calls. Moreover, he didn't know where he resided. Therefore, he had to find out someone who knew Makoto's place. Souta waited after school to tell Sachiko about it.
"So, we'll need to find someone who knows where he resides, " Souta says.
"Leave it to me, I know someone."
Yes, Sachiko was talking about Hanako.
"Really? That's good to know. Well then, I'll tell you where we'll meet this weekend. See you."
"O-Okay, president, " Sachiko wishes him goodbye. Of course, Sachiko was in seventh heaven. For she and Souta to be meeting on a weekend sounded more like a date. Finally, she was getting close to Souta.
'I need to pick out a cute outfit for that day!'
The next day, Sachiko asks Hanako if she knew where Makoto resided.
"Of course, I do, " Hanako says.
"Really? That's great!"
"Here, lemme draw you a rough sketch to his place and write the information."
And she draws a very complicated diagram.
"What the hell is this?!"
"This is the map. After taking the train, take the bus. After that, there will be an uphill. You will need to walk up the hill. Then..."
Hanako explained everything to Sachiko. Makoto's neighborhood sure was far away in a remote place. How did he even travel every day?
"Thank you for this, Hanako."
"You're welcome, " Hanako says, looks sideways, and smirks.
On Sunday, Sachiko and Souta were to meet at their decided location at 2:00 pm. They couldn't book a seat for the early-departing train so they booked one for 3:00 pm.
Sachiko braided her hair and swept it to the right side of her shoulder. She wore an off-shoulder floral dress that reached her thighs mid-way. It fitted her perfectly. She completed her outfit with matching brown sandals. Her summer look was ready!
She reached her destination and saw Souta standing, looking at his phone. Souta looked effortless with her look. He wore classic white-T, gray track pants, and matching white sneakers. Souta was looking fine. He incorporated simplicity with a dab of coolness.
Sachiko blushed looking at the handsome hunk.
"You're late again!" Souta berates Sachiko.
"I'm sorry," Sachiko apologizes. Sigh, the usual punctual Souta.
"Never mind. Anyway, you do know his place, right?"
"Of course, we just have to take the train, then the bus. There will be an uphill though and then we can finally reach his home."
"Whoa, whoa. I'm already tired," Souta says.
They first took the train. It took one hour to reach the platform; one hour of bliss for Sachiko, sitting next to Souta.
They then took the bus. The bus was already full so they had to stand up all the way. The bus jerked at one point of tie and Sachiko's face fell on Souta's chest.
"Sorry, " Sachiko says, blushing.
"It's alright, it happens, " says a nonchalant Souta.
They finally reach the bus stop. When they reached, it was around 5:00 pm, they knew that it was too late. And the main hurdle was just in front of them: the uphill. The walk was so excruciating for both. They decided to take rest when they reached half-way.
"Are you hungry?" Souta asks Sachiko. They decide to take rest when they reached half-way.
"Are you hungry?" Souta asks Sachiko.
"No, I'm fine, " she replies.
But to her embarrassment and their awkwardness, her stomach growled.
"See? You are. Let us find a food stall."
And they find a small Ramen stall, the only one actually.
Sachiko then remembers something.
'Hanako had told me that there is only one Ramen stall in the entire uphill. She also told me the owner's an old lady who has a very dark past. Hanako was hinting at me the possibility of the old lady sparing our expenses if I blackmail her with her secret. Then neither Honda nor I would have to pay for the food and therefore, I'll impress Honda. Yes!'
They enter the stall and order ask the old lady for the menu.
"Two chicken ramens please."
The food filled their stomach and soul. It gave them a taste of a day's labor. They finish their ramen and Souta is about to pay.
"Don't bother, I know her. I'll talk to her."
"Alright, " Souta says.
Sachiko goes to the old lady. She and the old lady are alone.
"What are you doing here, young lady?" The old lady appeared surprised.
"I know your past, so if you don't want me to reveal it to others, don't make us pay you."
"What past?" The old lady gave a confused expression.
"Really? Are you gonna hide the fact that as a young girl, you went to the narrow grey alley, and did that kinky stuff with old men equivalent to your current age?"
"You cocky, uncultured young woman, how dare you to say that about me, in my KITCHEN?!"
"Eh, wha--"
Yes, Hanako had lied Again.