Chapter 7: “The Remains of Summer”
T\N : This chapter is very lewd, so please be mindful of your surroundings when reading it.
I was called to the restaurant “Imachizuki” by Himiyama san to receive her thanks, but the owner was not there.
It seems that the restaurant is completely reserved and she said she would even treat me to shabu-shabu! Wow!
On the table was high-quality marbled beef, clams, shiitake mushrooms with vegetables still warm, sea bream and flounder, and more.
Several types of sauces were lined up, stimulating my appetite without end. A hot pot stood at the ready, just waiting for the fire to be lit. I don’t usually have shabu-shabu at home, but I’ll try to challenge myself this time. makes mental note
I quietly wait for the preparations to finish. My stomach is growling with hunger already. Is it ready yet? Is it ready yet?
“Thank you for your patronage♡”
“Change of clothes plese~”
Himiyama san who appeared was wearing an outfit with her shoulders and back greatly exposed. It was the so-called bodycon dress. An extremely tight minidress that exposes her thighs as well.
“Oh my, Yukito-kun. Not to your liking?”
“It looks great on you! —That’s not the problem here!”
“I’m happy to hear that. But it can’t be helped if you want a change of clothes~”
As Himiyama san pulls back, another character shyly pokes her face out.
“Th-Thank you for your p-patronage…?”
“Wh-What are you doing, Sensei!?”
“Noooo! This is a misunderstanding! Please look away Kokonoe-kun! I didn’t intend to wear such indecent clothing either! This was forced on me by Misaki-san and—”
For some reason, Sanjoji sensei had become a bunny girl. The epitome of sexiness.
With her ample bust seemingly about to burst out, cuffs around her wrists, and her smooth legs clad in fishnet stockings set off by high heels, she looked nothing like her usual prim and proper self.
“What do you think, Yukito-kun?”
“No change of clothes.”
“Thank goodness, Ryoka sensei.”
“There’s nothing good about this! Daddy, Mommy, I’m sorry! As an educator, Ryoka has fallen into depravity… I can’t face my students like this! Uuuu…”
While bemoaning so, Sanjoji sensei turns her back toward us and squats down. Despite saying she can’t face us, she makes sure to deliberately point her pert bottom right at me — truly the height of service spirit.
“But didn’t Sensei choose that outfit herself?”
“There were no other options! Wh-What’s with that shameless reverse bunny outfit! Things like…outfits that expose everything, who’s going to wear that!?”
“Ah, the uniform of my household.”
“What’s going on in your family!?”
“That’s what I want to ask! What’s going on in my family!?”
“I don’t know!?”
Leaving me out of the equation, there seem to be countless mysteries in the Kokonoe Family decided on by the higher ups that have somehow become the norm without my knowledge. But I turn a blind eye because it makes me happy.
“Oh right, how much are photos? Can I pay with my transit IC card?”
“Since today’s my treat, it’s free so don’t worry ‘kay?”
“What are you two negotiating!? I absolutely refuse letting you take photos alright!?”
“We’ll find a way somehow.”
I tried pushing.
“Impossibleeee! My face already feels like it’s on fire as is!”
“Hahaha, you’re not some king of monsters alright?”
“Please stop with the lame retorts! “
“Rest assured, Ryoka sensei. This is a private space. Whatever happens here will absolutely not leak outside. At this moment, we are, indeed, a lascivious female.”
“Lascivious… female?”
It seems that Himiyama-san, with a sly expression, is trying to involve Sanjoji sensei.
Since it looks like they’re deep in conversation, I decided to leave them be.
“This marbled meat looks very beautiful. Where is it from?”
“It’s A5-ranked Wakasa beef.”
Oh, Wakasa refers to Fukui Prefecture. It’s famous for its seafood, rice, and being the setting for light novels, mainly on the Japan Sea side of the Hokuriku region. Apparently, livestock farming is also flourishing there. I’m looking forward to trying it since I’ve never had it before.
“We made a promise, didn’t we? To thank Yukito-kun. Ryoka sensei, you were enthusiastic about it, right? And we’re already prepared. This is just the beginning?”
“…The beginning? Is there more?”
“Indeed. Ryoka sensei, you were born in the Year of the Cow, right?”
“Well, yes, but…”
“I’ve even prepared a bikini with a cow pattern for you.”
“I don’t need to wear that! Where do you expect me to wear such a thing!?”
Negotiations seem to be at an impasse, but that’s not my scene to intervene in.
“Gulp gulp. This water tastes pretty good.”
“It’s natural mineral water from some mountain whose name I can’t recall.”
“Suddenly it doesn’t seem as appealing huh?”
Natural mineral water from some mountain whose name and history can’t be recalled. It seems its mystical powers have now been halved as well.
“Please stop checking the ingredients and help me instead!”
“I’m looking forward to the cow meat~”
“I definitely won’t wear it okay!? Absolutely absolutely won’t wear something like that okay!?”
“I wonder what A5 rank cow meat is like.”
“Uh, even if you eat it, it’s not like it’ll be…delicious or anything…”
The A5 rank bunny Sanjoji sensei protests, but my stomach lets out a loud growl.
“Himiyama san, I’m getting hungry.”
“Oh my, sorry about that. Now then, shall we eat?”
With a cheerful smile, Himiyama san sits down beside me. For some reason, Sanjoji sensei sits down on my other side as well.
Despite it being a table seating, for some reason everyone sits on the same side making it quite difficult to eat properly.
“Yukito-kun, what would you like? Say ahhhhn~”
Looks like Himiyama san wants to hand feed me. Going above and beyond. —But I refuse!
“We shouldn’t do that. With all this delicious looking food, let’s all eat together.”
While saying that to keep up appearances, I take control of leading the meal. Hand feeding might seem like a romantic situation at first glance, but in reality, it can trouble the other party and some people prefer eating at their own pace.
Especially for shabu-shabu. The main enjoyment lies in choosing your preferred ingredients then matching them with sauces and garnishes you like. Hand feeding has extremely poor compatibility with such a dish.
“Looks like you’re misunderstanding how to eat shabu-shabu.”
“Am I really?”
“Normally that may be the case. But this is special shabu-shabu!”
Himiyama san asserts strongly. Sanjoji sensei also tilts her head with a “Huh?” Special?
“Now now, Yukito-kun is our guest. While the host feeds you leaving your hands free, as part of the custom here, use those free hands to indecently caress your neighbor’s thighs the whole time! That’s the rule!”
“Whaaaaaaat!? (rest omitted)”
It feels like a lightning bolt just shot through my entire body. I stare wide-eyed at both my hands.
“I see…So that was how it’s done…I was the one misunderstanding…”
“Why do you go along with it so easily!? Please suspect it even a little!”
The bunny Sanjoji sensei objects strongly. The table shakes with the force causing the chopsticks to fall.
“I’ll get them.”
I immediately duck under the table to pick up the chopsticks. There was a hand mirror placed haphazardly on the floor.
“Someone must’ve forgotten this huh?”
As I try to pick it up, my shoulder gets tapped. When I turn to look, I catch sight of what’s under Himiyama san’s skirt.
“What’s wro— uuooooooooooooooooh!”
“Don’t worry Yukito-kun. I’m not wearing anything underneath anyway.”
“Please wear something!”
The ever gentle Himiyama san provides absolutely no sense of reassurance.
The shock was so great I bump my head on the tabletop above. Oww…
“I told you didn’t I? Today is special shabu-shabu. Specifically, [No-Pants Shabu-Shabu]! I heard it from my grandfather. When treating someone who’s done you a great favor, this is the absolute limit!”
“Damn you corrupt Japanese cultureeeeeeeee!”
Such bad customs need to be eradicated immediately! Firm refusal. NO Pants!
“My grandfather frequented such establishments a lot back in the day seems like. Please enjoy yourself too Yukito-kun♡”
“Perhaps that mirror…is also in places like…this!?”
This is bad. If I let Himiyama san take the lead like this, I’ll be turned into a body that can’t be satisfied without these special kinds of shabu-shabu anymore. The crisis of it spreading to my household looms.
I rack my brain trying to find some way to avoid this tragedy. There must be some kind of breakthrough…
My eyes meet those of the bunny Sanjoji sensei who is furtively eating piping hot tofu. That’s it!
“Heheheh. Gotta say I’m very disappointed in you Himiyama san. Where exactly is the so-called [No-Pants Shabu-Shabu] here? The planning seems to have failed pretty badly. Since Sanjoji sensei is in a bunny outfit, there’s no way this can be called true no-pants shabu-shabu. In the end, it’s just empty boasting!”
“Cough cough! Hot! The tofu went down my throat…”
I decisively poke holes in her claims. The bunny Sanjoji sensei chokes. We were just going to casually enjoy our meal together so why does it have to become such a petty quarrel. Let’s make peace Himiyama san. I reach out my hand in friendship.
“Tch…How petty!”
“This is the first time I’ve seen someone say a line that corny in real life.”
“As if I can stay silent after such blatant deception! Sanjoji sensei, I’ll change too. We’ll both wear reverse bunny outfits. No, with how things are, looks like I’ve got no choice but to use my last resort — [Full Nude Shabu-Shabu]!
“Huh? Wait a moment… My Shirataki– Noooooo!”
She’s dragged off into the back screaming. ……I wanna eat the meat already.
It’s said that the origins of “shabu-shabu” in Japan began in Tottori Prefecture during World War II.
After that, it spread from Kyoto to the Kansai region.
In that case, perhaps today, from this Imachizuki, the new origins for “Full Nude Shabu-Shabu” spreading across the nation may have been witnessed by me. I was a witness to history.
“Let’s have it for dessert after our meal ‘kay? I’ve prepared special custard puddings too.”
“Just where did that shabu-shabu go…?”
The table’s been neatly cleaned up. I’m certain I was just eating shabu-shabu earlier but now I have absolutely no memory of it. All thanks to Himiyama san and Sanjoji sensei being naked.
Even though they say fully nude, going completely barefoot was out of the question of course, so they kept their high heels on.
Somehow that very indecency accentuates their captivating charm, making me want to flee the scene immediately.
Himiyama san remains composed while Sanjoji sensei looks thoroughly embarrassed. Their contrast is magnificent.
I’m frozen stiff, staring fixedly at one spot on the floor like a machine while eating in an automated manner.
My sense of taste has collapsed and my stomach bells are tolling their end. I’ve even lost track of how many servings I’m on.
My pounding heartbeat marking time from the tension continues to play a throbbing tachycardia even now.
“Misaki-san, are we really going to do that!?”
“Since we’ve come this far, you’ve gotta steel yourself.”
“B-But, isn’t there another way to show gratitude!?”
“You say another way, then what method does Ryoka sensei suggest?”
“Umm…Like, an Thousand origami crane…?”
“Isn’t that considered troublesome unwanted gratitude? Yukito-kun, would you want a thousand origami cranes?”
An origami crane? While it does feel nice receiving them, it’s also rather iffy.
“I might have trouble finding shelf space for them. If I were to give someone a thousand cranes, I’d fold them using 10,000 yen bills so when the recipient is short on cash, they can unfold the cranes bills to use.”
“As expected, you have some crazy ideas Yukito-kun.”
Origami cranes are kinda hard to dispose of and seem like they could be cursed equipment.
“Wait please! Then how about that sword & dragon keychain I bought from a tourist spot before…?”
“Sanjoji sensei. Please stop the pointless resistance. Why on earth did you buy that in the first place…”
Himiyama san and Sanjoji sensei head toward the kitchen.
Special Custard Pudding. As a sweets lover, my expectations are sky high reaching the Tower of Babel.
“Sorry to keep you waiting Yukito-kun. Special custard pudding~♪”
Himiyama san comes out holding a tray. ……Pudding? I tilt my head puzzled with suspicion.
“All I see is caramel sauce though…Could it be, pudding invisible to fools!?”
No matter how hard I stare at the tray, all I see is caramel sauce and nothing else.
“……Was I the fool?”
“Sit tight my naked king. Wait just a moment ‘kay? I’ll make it visible now.”
When Himiyama san says that, she takes one arm to tuck it under her chest and lifts up.
She pours the caramel sauce dripping down onto her chest.
“Here Ryoka sensei, you too.”
“Aah, what should I do!? If something like this is exposed, I’ll definitely get fired!”
“It won’t be exposed.”
While still protesting, she too tucks and lifts up. The caramel sauce gets poured dripping down.
“There, Yukito-kun. Special custard pudding. Go ahead and enjoy♡”
“S-Since it’s come to this…P-Please go ahead if you want any…”
Truly magnificent giant special pudding custards have been completed with two (so four) in total.
The smooth and firm creamy skin colors mixed with the fragrant caramel sauce and light peach colors combine to depict an enchanting marble pattern. I can say this conclusively. This is definitely gonna be delicious!
“Um actually, I prefer baked puddings.”
“Is that so? Then we gotta start going to tanning salons.”
Himiyama san with her tanned wheatish skin might look nice too. No wait, that’s not it!
“Oh shoot, it’s time to eat Mom’s pudding. Gotta head home.”
“Isn’t it said sweet stuff goes into a separate stomach?”
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scene transition
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“Sweet things go into the same stomach! As if I can leave when such fresh and delicious looking pudding puddings are about to be served! Ahhhhhhhhhh!”
“I’m the one who wants to scream here but…”
Sanjoji sensei turns beet red while grunting.
The Pudding Incident in the Reiwa Era settled down somehow for the time being.
Want to know if it was delicious? Please transfer the specified amount to my account.
“I’ve decided to resume infertility treatments.”
Himiyama san’s words reassured me. That was the other lingering attachment Himiyama san had. I could only do something about one side. That’s why I made it at the Kaihara Inn for the venue and got the cooperation of Kaihara inn owner. If that bore fruit, nothing could be better.
Since then, Himiyama san has properly been working as a cram school tutor. Looks like she aims to be a teacher someday. Himiyama san got her dream back. Next is returning her hope.
“I’m glad. You’ve regained your composure.”
I don’t know about Himiyama san’s past with Kaihara inn owner. She once said while volunteering, perhaps she didn’t truly hope to have a child in her heart back then.
That might be the reason why she couldn’t conceive. Whether it’s occult or reality, I don’t know.
But now, if she’s overcome her past then surely this time will work out. That’s probably how she feels.
“Yukito-kun, come with me for my infertility treatments?”
“Of course, happy to help out.”
I don’t really know what infertility treatments entail, but Kaihara san runs an old established inn in Kyoto.
It’s quite far so I can’t always easily accompany Himiyama san in person.
Even so, the best I can do is be by her side at the hospital appointments probably.
“……Is it really okay for you to agree so easily Kokonoe-kun?”
“Heh? “
Sanjoji sensei’s face has turned bright red. What is it? If it’s something I can help out with I won’t refuse.
“Yukito-kun. I’m not getting back together with Mikiya-san.”
“…………Is that so? Hm? ……Wait, then what do these infertility treat— “
Himiyama san straddles me, settling down on my lap. An extremely up close and face-to-face position.
Her bewitching body steals my vision. At a complete loss where to look, I turn into a liability.
An ultra close proximity with her nose practically touching my chest. The dense pheromones paralyze all thought.
“—You’ll give me a reward right?”
“As I’ve said, uh…what’s going on, Himiyama san? You seem closer than usual…”
There are limits to things. It would be troublesome if someone said they want to reprint it or adapt it into an anime.
“I want…your baby.”
“Huh?”
Even with my sensitive hearing on par with a mosquito, I couldn’t make out what she said.
“Could you repeat that please?”
“That’s why, I want…”
“Want what?”
“A baby.”
“Whose?”
“Yours.”
“Hnn?”
Himiyama san smiles a captivating smile. My rationality was sounding alarm bells.
“Sanjoji sensei, could I get you to transl—” smooch
I tried asking Himiyama san’s translator for help but got kissed instead. We exchange saliva. 1 HIT
“Pwah! Wh-What was that for, Himiiyama-san–n–n–n..! smooch“
Got kissed again. 2 HITS
“First, please calm dow— smooch…hmm– tongue—!”
Got kissed again. 3 HITS
“I-I understand so stop! Here, take this stock dividen—” smooch
Got kissed again. 4 HITS
“Hey Yukito-kun. Do you understand my feelings properly?”
My face gets sandwiched by both her hands and I get another deep kiss. 5 HITS KO! bell rings
“Haa…haa….What on earth…was that…?”
If I hadn’t been trained by my mom and sisters, I might’ve just died from asphyxiation.
Himiyama san’s eyes were moist, her supple lips and cheeks flushed pink.
It was an expression fevered with passion. The rich colors and fragrances intensifying by the moment, permeating the room.
“I’m in love…It’s Yukito-kun’s fault. For trying so hard to save someone like me. I should’ve just been left alone. To show the hopes I’d given up on again—”
Tears flowed. Warm ones. Different from those tears in that hospital ward.
“We should never have met. —That’s what I thought. Because if I loved you this much, these feelings, this body, will seek your warmth. I’ll want to bare everything to you.”
The true nature hidden behind the mask of smiles she’d cast off. Baring her heart and body as well.
Himiyama san had literally handed over her entirety. All that remains is ruthless determination.
“See, it’ll have hot stuff pouring in right here, a life conceived between lovers. Isn’t that mystical, like a gift from God? With you, I could even believe in miracles—”
She presses my hand against her lower abdomen, caressing it gently. Surely it would be a miracle.
I’m at a loss for words. There’s no way a weakling virgin of a man like me, Yukito Kokonoe, could respond properly to this.
“I’m still a minor so doing something so irresponsible…”
wouldn’t be right. What lies ahead is not blessings but sorrow for all.
“And that’s what makes Yukito-kun trustworthy. You can greedily sate yourself on my body yet still consider my happiness. Not choosing a path that makes someone unhappy. But see, just as you do everything for me, I also want to devote myself and serve you. I’ll make you happier than anyone else.”
Up till now, I’ve been thoroughly spoiled by Himiyama san. Our relationship now moving —beyond that—
“Yukito-kun. You see, today…is a dangerous day for me.”
“Are your revolving payments due? I’ve told you to stop—”
“No. It’s a day when it’s easy to conceive a baby. But since you’re still underage, I’ll wait two more years ‘kay? When Yukito-kun becomes an adult, I won’t hold back anymore.”
The legal adult age was just recently lowered from 20 to 18. In other words, I officially can’t run from the national policy! Damn this rotten country!
“It’s my turn with Yukito-kun. So please, –Will you impregnate me”
The mouth is the source of disaster. My past self came to clean up after me traversing time itself.
“Don’t worry, I won’t burden Yukito-kun with anything. While I’d like you to recognize the child, Gramps and everyone would welcome them with wide open arms too, and above all, a crystallization of our love. An angelic baby is sure to be born.”
Himiyama san babbles happily in tripping out. The future seems rosy.
“But Yukito-kun, two years will be an anxious time for us. Even Sanjoji sensei will really be over the hill then. We can’t nonchalantly take our time, can we?”
Sanjoji-sensei shudders, her body quivering. Hnn? Something feels off. Us?
“Why is Sensei involved?”
“Th-That kind of melting kiss sure won’t sway me or anything! As if I’d let Himiyama san have her way! In those two years, I absolutely will encounter a wonderful gentleman through matchmaking! Please don’t underestimate my matchmaking prowess!”
“If he’s wonderful, isn’t there one right before your eyes here? Right? Yukito-kun~”
I get smothered with kisses all over the place.
“Ah, yes.”
While helpless against Himiyama san, I’m getting my earlobes nibbled and stuff.
“Come to think of it, Mom was saying the marriage market right now has an unprecedented woman surplus, especially women over 40 having it extremely tough since the cutoff age most men seeking marriage demand is 34, and that’s because the majority desire family and children…”
Seems like recently the marriage market is overrun by middle-aged obasan. Stubborn obasan demanding housewife status but unwilling to compromise on desired income from the husband seem to be the reason, but they should get jobs.
Sanjoji sensei on the other hand looks like she could easily find a partner.
“That’s not true …….Th-Then could it be…I’m already screwed—!”
Eyes wide open in shock, she crumples crestfallen. Feeling sorry for how dejected she looks.
Slowly, Himiyama san stands up from my lap.
“There there, it’s just two years Sanjoji sensei. Can you really clear that towering hurdle and encounter the ideal partner? I look forward to raising our children together two years from now♪”
“Uuuuuu! Bu-But, what if word gets out I got into that kind of relationship with a student…!”
“Ex. And once he’s an adult, no one would care about things like that. Considering the age for trying to conceive, younger partners are naturally better biologically speaking. And he’s such a promising boy too. You’d regret letting him slip away right?”
“Kh! Don’t let yourself be misled by Misaki, Ryoka! Come to your senses…!”
“Well then, how about testing your own feelings with a kiss?”
“S-Something like…”
Skillful door-in-the-face technique denying a big request first before getting them to accept a smaller request.
Sanjoji sensei desperately resisting. I’ve decided to forget everything that happened here.
Hahahahaha. There’s still two whole years left. Two years! Surely something will work out in two years!
Once I get home, I’ll go bawl to Mom to comfort me. I want head pats.
Uwaaaaaah scaryyyyy!
T\N : Just in case you forgot, both of the two “oneesan” are still naked and only wearing high heels.
“Yo Yukito-kun! Over here!”
With about 10 days left of summer vacation coming to an end, it was still hot even in this late stage.
Even today, the dangerous sparkly sunlight beat intensely down.
In recent years, it felt like the seasons had shifted slightly earlier, but thinking this heat might continue well into September still felt gross. Going out is a hassle but holing up inside all day isn’t healthy either. Upon arriving at the designated location, the first guest was already waiting.
“Mithra-senpai, been awhile.”
The one welcoming me dressed casually for summer in a one piece dress and sandal style shoes was Goddess-senpai. Even in the shade, there was a slight sheen of sweat.
“I haven’t seen you since school huh. Man, this heat really blows—”
“Seriously. Just getting here was a bit tiring.”
She wipes sweat with a handkerchief and takes a sip from a plastic bottle.
Hydration is vital under this blazing sun. Foolish macho mentalities from the past like banning drinking water during club activities have long been weeded out.
“By the way, who’s Mithras again? Don’t think I’ve heard that goddess before.”
“It’s an original goddess I created but, know her?”
“Obviously I wouldn’t!”
“She’s the goddess who gifted humanity—”
“Ah, that common light novel trope. So she’s a good goddess then.”
“—and was hated for it.”
“You really hate me deep down huh? Isn’t that right? Heyyy?”
For some reason, I get a resentful sideways glance but when she smiles, she immediately changes her gaze to something expectant instead.
“Good enough. More importantly hey, don’t you have anything to say? I tried pretty hard here!”
She fiddles with her clothes and flutters around as emphasis. Even a dense guy like me understands what she wants with that much hinting. I give her a thorough once over from toe to tippy top.
“Wow Senpai, extremely cute! Mabui!”
“R-Really? Getting casual praise is kinda embarrassing heh.”
“Looks like any moment now some sleazy guy or punk will hit on you for an easy catch.”
“Way to ruin it!”
“Come to think of it, in romantic comedies, there are too many playboys and delinquents, don’t you think? They often fail at pick-up lines and end up causing violence. I always wonder, how bad is the public safety in those stories?”
“It shouldn’t go beyond that. You’re the main character in the romantic comedy. And, even if you throw such questions at me, isn’t that like a common trope?”
“In this era, even yankee manga is decreasing.”
“But, you know, now that Yukito-kun is here, he’ll come to my rescue if I get into trouble, right?”
“Oh, by the way, ‘Mabui’ in Okinawan dialect means ‘spirit’ or ‘soul.'”
“Hey, stop that!”
Since it’s summer, I wonder what kinda chilling joke would be good? My liver’s gone cold. That aside, being in such a busy downtown area, it was flooded with people. The summer heat seems to work as vitality instead.
“Still got some time but wanna pop into a cafe?”
“Senpai, over there—”
Several meters away I spot a bakery shop. I can’t help but be interested.
“Feeling a bit little hungry y’see. Melon bread looks like it punches way above its weight class visually right?”
“Let’s check that place out I guess. But yeah, something about evenly toasted light fluffiness looks super yummy huh. Okay, so like, bread that looks way worse than it tastes to me personally is raisin—”
“Please stop trash talking bread! Deepest apologies to all the bakers working hard making bread out there! You’re the worst, reflect on yourself!”
“You totally led me to say that on purpose just now! Geez. Consider today the day I’m thoroughly pissed at you! No apologies accepted!”
“There there. I’ll give you first bite of unfilled section on milk bread.”
“I don’t want it!”
We kill time with useless chatter and somehow by the time we chose some bread and exited the store, a fair amount of time had passed.
Thereupon, I decide to ask her something that had been nagging me for a while.
“I’ve been wondering for a bit but, why exactly are you here Senpai?”
“Way too late to ask that!”
“I see, so Goddess-sensei and Goddess-senpai were relatives.”
“That’s right. I’m sorry for keeping you waiting”
After getting in the car, everything got explained by the original person I was supposed to meet — Sensei Kuzukata Kuon. My apologies for the circumstances. Turns out she had connections with the Goddess senpai coincidentally.
While it may feel like a convenient plot device, it’s truly just a coincidence. It’s pure chance!
“Surprised Kokonoe-kun and Kuon-san know each other.”
“Me too. I was thinking of treating him out to a meal today as thanks but, Kyoka also wanted to come it seems. You two get along well right?”
“We’re comrades in solitude. Ah, but the only loner is Goddess-senpai that is.”
“That’s not true ‘kay!? I have plenty of friends you just don’t know about!”
“Pfft—”
“Don’t laugh with a straight face!”
“Oh my, but Kyoka’s not that kind of girl right?”
“Kuon-saaaan!”
“Sorry sorry. It’s just kinda fresh seeing you like that.”
The goddess sensei who arrived by EV was wearing massive sunglasses.
The very image of a stylish career woman. No traces left of that past vomit spraying pants pissing heinous BBA youkai. The difference was nothing short of shocking.
“So that’s what normal goddess sensei is like huh. More capable seeming rather than now. When she was sprawled on the road that time she was all…”
“Please don’t bring that up!”
“Sorry Kokonoe-kun. Did Kuon-san cause you trouble?”
“N-Now now, Kyoka! “
“It’s fine. What was dumped was puke and pee after all.”
“Cough cough cough!”
“Summer cold? Please take care of yourself Goddess-teacher.”
“Th-a-nk yo-u!”
For some reason, the same exact resentful sideways glance as Goddess-senpai from earlier gets aimed at me but I’ve absolutely no clue why.
“Anyway Kokonoe-kun, you want a consultation right? Let’s swing by the office for a bit.”
“Please do.”
Seems like the goddess sensei deeply reflected since she offered to hear me out whenever I had any trouble.
Normally consulting a lawyer would incur fees based on time but this was free with unlimited consultations to boot. Nothing short of a blessing. Gonna milk this.
“You mustn’t do anything dangerous ‘kay? Since you’re a student. Don’t wanna get punished right?”
“It’s fine. And I’ve already gotten one suspension since entering high school last year.”
“Huh? But you’re a first year right?”
“What happened wasn’t Kokonoe-kun’s fault, it’s unforgivable!”
“Since it wrapped up neatly, everything worked out fine right?”
“It wrapped up neatly from that!?”
How rare. Maybe it was good that Himiyama san somehow resolved it instead of me. Sasuga a real Madmoiselle !
After finishing my consultation at the office, our group came to a restaurant goddess sensei recommended.
Calling it a consultation is a stretch since it wasn’t for my sake but rather I hoped she could become an ally to Hinagi’s cause, giving her some materials I put together as well. With a strong ally, Hinagi would be at ease too.
“Just waiting around probably isn’t the best idea. Not knowing when the other side will make their move and fretting over it is just stupid. And the time has come for defensive measures.”
“I kinda wanna know yet kinda don’t want to what she plans to do…”
“Fufufu, it’ll be clear enough by next semester I expect.”
I’m sure Hinagi doesn’t want to be bothered with this nonsense forever. It’s not that complicated. Just a warning prick not to interfere any further.
Gotta be careful not to overdo it and cause a mortal wound though…
“Anyway, contact me immediately if anything comes up ‘kay? Whether it’s that girl or you. And also contact me before taking any action too. I’ve a hunch with you, things could take an outrageous turn if left alone. Exercise self-restraint you hear?”
“Yes, will properly inform Hinagi too. But please rest assured, it won’t be as outrageous as goddess sensei did to me! I don’t drink alcohol!”
Totally unreasonable. There’s no more mild mannered student than me and yet.
“Could you not bring that up!? I have dignity too you kno—!”
“Nee nee Kokonoe-kun. Was Kuon-san really that bad?”
“Kyoka, there are some things in this world better left unknown.”
“Whaddya mean dignity! Want me to vividly remind you of that ammonia stench wafting from my backside!?”
“Noooooo! I really am sorry ‘kay? That’s as far as we’ll go. I’m reflecting too y’know. Even among the general public, I do kinda have good image too. As thanks, I’ll listen to any request just please show me a little mercy on only that bit—”
“Sayings like alcohol being the best medicine are sophistry! How do you think I felt washing yellowed shirts at the coin laundry a late night!”
“Don’t wanna hear it, don’t wanna hear it, don’t wanna hear it, don’t wanna hear it!”
“It was an immoral feeling.”
“Huh, that one!?”
The goddess sensei who had been reluctantly covering her ears and shaking her head opened her eyes wide in shock. That said, things already were pretty hectic that night regardless…
“You said it didn’t bother you but deep down you’re still holding it against me right!”
“Obviously I would! Puking all over my head from up top. What if that stomach acid made me bald!”
“There he goes talking about hair again…”
“My head and upper body drenched in acidic puke while my lower back and bottom soaked in alkaline urine—it’s like I’m litmus paper!”
“Hmph. Dunno why but can’t laugh at all despite that pretty clever line.”
“Speaking of pH levels, since I gave goddess sensei water to drink, that’s the only thing that neutral huh. Come to think of it, you were oddly hostile to men, did something happen?”
“Probably because of a case I had involving an awful man…I was on edge.”
The stylish career woman goddess sensei completely lost her vigor. Not a shred left. Perhaps she’s surprisingly mentally fragile when it concerns herself. Since that’s how it is, I’ll try comforting her.
“I’m not mad anymore so cheer up ‘kay? I’m worried y’see. If things like that keep happening, you might land yourself in danger someday. Don’t want that happening.”
“Kokonoe-kun…you’re so kind. Even for your friend, worrying for them and coming to me for consultation. And you didn’t do anything when you had all those chances…”
“Too nonchalant! Hey Kuon-san! You’re acting like one of those easy girls!”
“Watch yourself, you’re a beauty after all.”
“…It’s the first time I’ve been told something like that gently by a man.”
“You get called a beautiful lawyer all the time though! Cooome oooon!”
Goddess-senpai tries to aggressively pull her away from me but goddess sensei doesn’t budge.
Her hand is firmly grasped. Her bright eyes were wavering.
“Let’s let water flow under the bridge and enjoy our meal happily ‘kay?”
“Mm…sniffle…”
“Kuon-saaaan! Why’re you regressing into an infant!”
There’s no way I can be kind or anything like that.
I’m the guy who vowed to abandon women being groped, the shut-in who deliberately exudes an aura saying “don’t talk to me” loner kid in class, the man who expelled the idol manager from the club, Kokonoe Yukito. Complete misunderstanding.
“Ummm…I can’t think of anything as a thank you for. …… “
Speaking of thanks, while eating the lined up food I try thinking but nothing comes to mind. To begin with, not having much experience of people doing things for me is precisely why I’m stumped.
“I blurted without thinking but there are limits ‘kay? You’re a high schooler too so I figure these youthful years make you feel that way but you’re still underage and recently things have been especially strict so…And I’m a lawyer too…But if you were serious and I’d be forgive but…”
“Shall we head to a hotel after this then?”
“Be…gentle with me?”
This woman, is she alright!? Her composure is far more fragile than her looks suggest!
“You haven’t even been drinking alcohol so get a grip!? And what’re you suggesting Kokonoe-kun!?”
—And thus today yet again, my noisy summer vacation passed in this manner.
The Bermuda Triangle, Nazca Lines, Gate of Hell, Howling Ridge…etc.
Since ancient times, countless mysterious spots have existed across the world.
Whether aliens really exist at Area 51, just who were the Sumerians, the secret of the pyramids, the true identity of Stonehenge, the existence of Lemurian continent.
Sometimes dangerous and romantic unexplained paranormal phenomena that exceed human knowledge never cease to fascinate no matter how many years pass.
As such, I’m currently at the metropolitan area’s foremost mysterious spot—the [that pool (Rei no Pool/Ano Pool)].
T\N : https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/that-pool
No no, [spirit (rei)] not [example (ano)]. While it’s said spirits favor watering holes, having it called a [haunted pool] would be troubling. Can’t perform exorcisms or anything. That’s omyoji department.
I’m neither a shaman nor psychic nor onmyoji nor exorcist nor nature spirit sorcerer nor corpsemaster nor demon queller nor demon warding shinobi, just an ordinary high school student. A man not expecting excessive results from an infiltration investigation, Kokonoe Yukito by name.
How on earth did it come to this? As I hugged my knees poolside praying world peace by myself, the ones to show up were that abominable evil family whose whole raison d’etre is to constantly destroy my peace — the root cause mom and sister.
“Sorry for the wait.”
“It’s times like these the advantage of being a guy changing quickly comes in handy right?”
Oblivious to my feelings, carefree smiles on their faces. Mom in a competition style swimsuit with clean lines showing off her figure, my sister is— blows fuse
Is it complicated by entanglement of Osaka and Jo’sleeves?What’s wrong with your tongue?∽I’m in agony. 9 ▲ Is it complicated?⊇繧繧a? %% entanglements are made. Is it complicated? ∽Kukan b繝, 繝tongue>Yo←Yo?a tangled web. Is it 繝? 繝. 繝?繝. The meteorite is entangled in nine ways. @Is it tangled?Is it complicated?(k) a tangled nine螟a pig, huh? ◎ 蝠繧↑ 溘荳. ↑ Tangle? ♀ Tangle? 縺 Tangle is difficult
“How do you like it? Aren’t you happy?”
“It’s a little too shocking, I was going to say what I thought of it, but it was garbled.”
“What’s that?”
“The world’s coercion perhaps.”
Dangerous dangerous. Right now all I can do is play dumb but if I could ungarble the text, maybe it’d get across. It should still barely be safe.
“You love this kinda thing after all.”
“Don’t fabricate my tastes!”
“Huh? You literally just said you liked it.”
“Who’d you hear such a rumor from?”
“The spirits!”
“The spirits!?”
Can’t see you but Mr. Guardian Spirit-like person, could you keep quiet about things like that? Might be pretty strong supernatural vibrations in this place somehow. Maybe my sister has spiritual senses…
“Fine fine, I’ll tell the truth if you wanna hear it that bad! Flat out, maybe I do like it.”
“Pfft. I’ll properly reward you later.”
“Yaaay!”
Mom looks at me desperately compromising with my sister with a troubled expression.
“And you’re dressed so indecently too. We came to swim today right?”
“Don’t let yourself get tricked. Saying that while choosing an outfit more daring than normal yourself. Look at this high cut. What an unthinkably scandalous mother. Though better than some middle aged obasan pointlessly frolicking despite her age right? After all, I’m youthful.”
“Sadly…since when did a little girl become so rebellious I wonder…”
For some reason they’re dissing each other horribly. Leaving those two alone, I start stretching. It’s important to properly warm-up before swimming. Leg cramps and stuff happening underwater can be dangerous after all. There’s also that I reaaally don’t wanna get involved huh. It’s not like I’ve got unlimited lives either.
However, seems such things aren’t permitted.
“Take a look at this.”
What my sister proudly took out was a familiar stationery item occasionally used in math class.
“A protractor?”
Why on earth would you need protractors coming to swim? I’m completely stumped on the meaning.
This foolish little brother can’t even begin to infer. We siblings may be coming to the point where even basic day-to-day communication grows difficult. Poor chemistry Kokonoe Family.
“Why do you have that?”
“It’s a protractor so obviously to measure angles duh.”
“Ohoho I see.”
“The angle of excitement that is— “
“You an idiot?”
“It’s time for the showdown over mom.”
“Which one of you is the idiot?”
“And math and physics are my strong subjects too.”
“As expected of my daughter.”
“So more like intellectually idiotic?”
“There there. Since we’ve got the place rented out, let’s swim our hearts out.”
Big sis’s vicious deeds get smoothly redirected by mom as expected of an adult’s composure.
“Even so, I wonder if it’s fine to just casually brush off and redirect anything and everything…”
“Here now, come help with my stretches hurry.”
“Me too please?”
“Tch tch…”
My heart feels on the verge of folding from the relentless onslaught of irrationality but somehow I barely endure. For whatever reason, expressing regret has absolutely zero effect on these people. In the end, Regret Cannons only pack this much firepower and reality was that merciless.
“My my mother, seems you’ve put on a bit of extra weight around some places huh?”
“As for you, unless you properly exercise, you’ll become obese.”
“Old hag.”
“Little kids.”
“”chuckle chuckle“”
Do they really enjoy themselves that much…?
And thus the Kokonoe Household was at peace yet again today at the cost of my sacrifice.
That’s what happened…
“Thoooose idiot sisters!”
Sekka-san angrily declared. Oh right, that includes mom and my sister both.
To Sekka-san, mom is sister while Yuuri is my sister so idiot sisters contains no inaccuracies. Yes, I went crying to the conscience of the Kokonoe Household one Sekka-san.
On the final day of summer vacation with no need to worry about homework leaving me at loose ends, I took up the invitation to come visit mom’s little sister Sekka-san’s home.
As usual, the reception is practically VIP treatment. Going above and beyond.
Sekka-san’s home with her gentle yet assertive personality was more a healing spot than mystery spot to me, melting my soul causing me to be unable to rise from her sofa. Based on my analysis, some kinda field effect is occurring huh.
It’s like an aroma. A degenerate’s heaven of living as a NEET at home…
“Properly tell me if anything happens ‘kay? Then big sis Sekka will tear those sisters a new one.”
“Physically impossible so by all means please do!”
I deeply bowed in response. It’s a matter of life and death so quite desperate.
“Geez. Always causing trouble for Yuki-chan. You might as well just come live here.”
“That offer is extremely appealing but I feel like I might end up passing ten odd years without noticing if I do.”
“Feel free to stay however long you want.”
“What a tempting sound…!”
I’m afraid I’d end up spoiled and letting time pass unconsciously to the point of decades slipping before I know it becoming an Urashima Taro of modern times. Though with my considerably tenacious mentality, I likely wouldn’t open Pandora’s box until the very last moment.
“And it seems like quite a summer vacation huh.”
“”Yes, it was quite eventful…tough time?
I was talking to Sekka-san about the events of this summer. Sekka-san has always been a good listener. Without hiding anything, I tend to tell her everything.
An unusual sense of fatigue this year. The summer vacation was filled with many events.
Above all, it feels like I’ve interacted with more people than ever before.
Whether that’s a good or bad thing, I don’t know…
“Yuki-chan, was your summer vacation… enjoyable?”
“Enjoyable… I wonder? But, it feels somehow different from usual.”
“I see I see. Maybe that’s fine for now.”
“You think so?”
“I do. There’s still plenty more time ahead.”
Looking back, since entering high school, there have been many encounters. There were reunions as well. There were people I didn’t know and people I knew. There were people I was supposed to go separate ways with, and those I almost went separate ways with. I spend less time alone at home, and even now, I’m with Sekka-san like this.
“…Has something changed, I wonder?”
“Yuki-chan, it’s okay to go at your own pace. Take it slow and believe more in what’s around you. I believe that if you do, even more enjoyable days are waiting for you.”
It’s easy to cut off troublesome people and discard them, but I can’t do that, so I’m troubled.
I don’t know how to come to a conclusion about Hinagi, about Shiori, or about anything.
Even Mom, my sister, Himiyama-san, and the teacher are sources of worry, and even Tristy-san and Mio-san are a concern. Well, the refreshing ikemen (handsome guy) should be fine with the handsome guy correction.
In any case, the worries never seem to end.
“Everyone’s selfish huh. Selfishly pushing their own feelings, demanding answers, and troubling others. But see, even understanding that I think they still have feelings they want to convey. And are waiting for Yuki-chan to push his feelings on them too one day.”
“Isn’t that just spoiled behavior?”
“It’s fine to be spoiled. As self-centered and self-serving as can be, still not enough for Yuki-chan even. Follow your heart more strongly! I feel like Yuki-chan would be better off being more forceful like [Follow me!] for instance. I believe that would surely be one positive step forward.”
Relying on others is so very difficult. They’re not dolls or AI. We live in the same time bearing our own wills and emotions. If alone, how much easier would it be? Needing to consider nothing at all. Such isolation may be lonely but a sweet and utter freedom.
Even so, if you desire to walk together with someone, if anyone still dreams of living intertwined with people like it’s only natural to—
“Follow me!”
“Yes sir! Got it. Won’t let go anymore ‘kay? And only going swimming with your Mom and sister all the time is totally unfair I think Yuki-chan. I wanna go too and actually I’ve got a swimsuit prepared and everything! I’m wearing it underneath right now! Fwahahahaha!”
“So sorry, just tried saying that caught up in the moment! Hey stop pulling! Pretty strong huh! Just like mom in that regard. Why’re you mimicking some excited grade schooler about pool classes— So what kinda swimsuit is that, that’s not a swimsuit! Gonna get more garbled text flag triggers! But secretly happy stupid happy stupid happy me!”
The lively summer vacation also approaches its end before long.
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