.
[-Continuation-]
[-Next Day-]
.
[-Hachiman's POV-]
The very next day, after accepting Tobe's request, we planned to analyze the details of the request and develop a plan for the upcoming days.
Quite frankly, the request was full of things that made me want to drop it then and there.
After all, the worries and love stories of complete strangers were anything but laughable, and the individual who came for advice was Tobe, someone I barely knew and had little connection with.
Putting in some effort might be harder than I thought.
The whole situation felt awkward and out of my comfort zone, and I could tell it was the same for Yukinoshita.
So, despite the gravity of the situation, I was openly against the Service Club's involvement throughout the trip, except for the selection of an ideal time and place for the scene to unfold, just like we promised Hayama, and that was it.
We collectively decided that the final day of our excursion would be the most fitting - high on experiences and low on consequences if things went south.
And as unplanned as it was, I took it upon myself to scout the perfect location. Since I already knew the scene from the show, I laid out a detailed proposal within days, surprising even myself with its thoroughness.
My burst of unexpected initiative did get some raised eyebrows from Yukinoshita, which I shrugged off saying. "The sooner we sort this out, the more we can enjoy the trip without this hanging over our heads."
I was actually very. I really don't want to enjoy my peace time during the trip, and I was quite looking forward to it.
Anyway, it was not until we wrapped up the pre-assignment of the task that the reality of what we'd agreed to sink in - essentially being Tobe's romantic support crew.
The hell is this… What have we gotten ourselves into?
As I pondered over the situation, I realized that this 'Local Holdings Record' - LHR, as I would sardonically dubbed it - was shaping up to be a logistical nightmare.
…..and let's not forget my own plans with Yukinoshita in the back of my mind.
….
.
At last - Tomorrow was finally the day of the field trip.
Did I just sound like I was excited about this little event?
Well, it is because I am. Surprisingly enough.
Anyway, we held one last meeting in the Service Club's room before having to leave for the trip regarding the formation of groups, which went smoothly as we managed to pair Tobe and Ebina without raising suspicion.
That said, as I sat there listening to the others discuss the finer points of our 'operation' I couldn't help but think - Would our meddling really make any difference?
Honestly, I couldn't care less about anything, as we basically completed our agreed task of setting the stage.
….and the rest is up to them.
So, I did not bother myself with sorting out the groups as long as my pairing with Totsuka remained intact.
Do I look like I am being really pessimistic about this?
….
[-Evening-]
[-Hikigaya Residence-]
I flopped onto my bed, the weight of tomorrow's trip settling on my shoulders like a familiar, if slightly uncomfortable, blanket.
The room was quiet, save for the soft whirr of my desk fan and the distant sounds of Komachi bustling about downstairs.
"Fuuu~" I sighed, glancing at my lone bag sitting by the door.
One bag - that's all I needed.
Call it minimalism or laziness, but I have never seen the point in lugging around more than the essentials.
After all, what else does a guy truly require to get by?
Hauling myself up, I snagged the bag and shuffled down to the living room. I moved down to the living room and tossed it to the floor near the entrance.
Shaking off my head, I reminded myself that it would be an early morning tomorrow, so I decided to go to sleep early.
The gathering place was at Tokyo Station. We will be heading to Kyoto by the Bullet Train.
The teachers had made it abundantly clear - if you are late, you will be left behind. No exceptions.
Coming back, I flopped onto the sofa. A dilemma tickled my brain - should I risk a late-night MAX coffee?
The temptation of caffeine wrestled with common sense as Komachi burst into the room, her energy a stark contrast to my lethargy.
"Please refrain from running in this small household." I drawled, knowing full well that my words would fall on deaf ears.
"Bro, you forgot something!" She exclaimed, twirling around with a small device dangling from a strap in her hand.
It took me a moment to recognize it - a camera, of course.
"Hmm, I was about to carry that in my hands so that I wouldn't miss any precious expression of Yuk-!" I mumbled, trying to justify my slipup, though in the process, I only managed to make another one.
"Ahem, you know, the scenery shots, there are plenty of them out there."
"Heehee~" Komachi's grin told me she wasn't buying it, but she mercifully let it slide.
Instead, she produced a folded paper, decorated with hearts and sparkles in true Komachi fashion.
"Oh, I almost forgot. Here you go!" She said, producing a piece of paper folded in a distinctly girly way, complete with little hearts and sparkles drawn on the creases.
As I unfolded the note, the bright pink and yellow rounded handwriting that filled my eyes was like free roam [Dragon] Quest.
====
Komachi Recommendations! Souvenir List!
Number 3! Cinnamon cookie dough! (From the main store, the inventors, or a branch shop. Anywhere is fine.)
Number 2! Oil absorbing paper from Yojiya (Don't forget Mom's share!)
Number 1! Tune in after the CM for the announcement!
====
"What's with this cliffhanger for the Number 1…?" I muttered, shooting Komachi a questioning glance.
"The number one souvenir is a story of Bro's amazing memories." Komachi giggled with a smile.
…super cute…
But she wasn't done. "You know, there are a lot of places over there that are really meaningful. Some people say they are perfect for… Big moments."
Big moments.
Hum-uh, I did hear that there are tons of marriage temples.
Marriage temples? I raised an eyebrow but didn't take the bait.
"You should worry more about your own big moments. Like your exams." I retorted, fighting to keep a grin from breaking through my stoic expression.
But as the words left my mouth, a nagging thought wormed its way in.
Had something shifted between these two 'cuties' during our Christmas shopping expedition?
It's strange. They've always been tight, but now... it feels different.
Like - they have grown even closer and more connected somehow. I can't quite put my finger on it, but the change is there, subtle yet unmistakable.
Agh… just forget it. It's a good thing anyway.
"Okaaay…" Komachi drawled, stretching the word like taffy. "Now, now, give my regards to everyone." She added as she turned to leave.
"Roger that." I nodded, watching her slip away like a cartoon character on a sugar high.
As silence reclaimed the room, my mind wandered.
…Haha, the list of places I have to visit just got longer…
Just then, a gentle meow snapped me out of my thoughts.
I glanced down to find Kamakura(:Kai) staring up at me with wide, hopeful eyes. He gave another soft meow, clearly inquiring. 'What about me?'
"Don't worry, I haven't forgotten you." I said with a smile.
Kamakura seemed satisfied with my promise. He gave my legs a final affectionate nudge, as if marking his territory, then ambled off with his signature slow, casual gait.
–Bzzt! Bzzt!(:incoming call)
Heh? I blinked at my phone, seeing Ryota's name flashing on the screen.
The hell is this guy calling me now for? I am pretty sure I told him I would be knee-deep in school stuff for the next few days.
….
.
[To be continued…]
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