Sakura’s petal

Time flowed by as if it were just another day. I no longer have conversations with my 'future' self. I'm now in my second year of high school and, yes, I also have a driver's license.

Ring-Ring

"Yo, Himeya. You wanna go home together?" Kousuke asked.

"Nah, I have a club meeting," I replied.

"Again…?"

"Yeah."

We both exited the classroom. Oh right, the four of us are in the same class: me, Touka, Hiro, and Kousuke. Our class is 2A.

"So, how's your relationship with that senpai?" Kousuke asked.

"H-Hey! Don't talk so loudly, idiot!" I said.

"Pfft, haha. Just go ahead and ask her out," he suggested.

"Maybe. For now, I'll just focus on the club," I said.

"…I'll be supporting you, dude. Alright, see you tomorrow," he said.

"See ya."

After that, I went straight to the library.

"There you are," Hiro said.

"Hi. So, what's going on here?" I asked, looking around the library.

"We're discussing where to go for a trip," Hiro explained.

"To where?" I inquired.

"We're still deciding. Some want to go to Kyoto, others prefer Okinawa," Uguisu-senpai said.

I raised my hand. "Yes, Shin?"

"I think we should choose Kyoto," I suggested.

"And why is that?" Uguisu-senpai asked.

"Kyoto is rich in historical buildings. As a literary club, we can draw inspiration from Kyoto's scenery and atmosphere for our work," I explained.

murmurs

"So, does everyone agree? If so, please raise your hand," Senpai said.

Many hands went up in agreement.

"Alright then, it's settled. We're going to Kyoto. We'll meet on the school grounds this Saturday," Senpai announced.

"Alright/okay," everyone responded.

"You can leave now. Please be careful on your way home," Senpai said.

As I was about to leave, Senpai called me over. "Shin, can we talk for a second?"

"Huh? Yeah, sure."

…

"It's about the trip," she began.

"What about it?"

"Can you ask Miya to join us on this trip?"

"!! What? I must be hearing things," I said, surprised.

"The teacher asked me to have her join us. You know…"

"…But why me?"

"I often see you two together. I thought you might be close," she explained.

"…Okay, I'll try to ask her."

"Thank you… See you again?"

"Yeah, see ya, Senpai," I said with a light smile.

I left the library and pulled out my phone to text Touka:

[Hey, where are you right now?]

She didn't reply immediately. After a while,

[Sorry, I just saw your message now. Too busy to check my phone.]

[I'm at Café La Luna right now.]

[On my way.]

[What's the rush?]

[I need to talk to you.]

['kay, I'll be waiting for you.]

I went to the parking lot, got on my bike, and rode to the café. When I arrived, I went inside and looked for her. She waved at me.

"I'm here!!" she said.

I walked over to her and said, "Don't shout like that."

"Hehe, sorry," she replied.

I sat down across from her and ordered a matcha.

"It's rare for you to order matcha," Touka noted.

"I just wanted something relaxing," I said.

"So, what do you want to talk about?" she asked.

"Uh… so… would you like to go on a trip?"

"No," she said immediately.

"At least hear me out," I urged.

"Hmm…"

"The literary club is planning a trip to Kyoto. We'll use the trip to gather inspiration for our poems or stories," I explained.

"Hmm… so what's in it for me?" she asked.

'I need to be careful here. If I say something wrong, she might not come...'

"Senpai said I could invite a friend, and I chose you," I said.

"So?"

"I want you to come with us," I said.

"…When?"

"You'll come?!"

"I'll think about it if the date isn't too inconvenient for me."

"We're going this Saturday. We'll be taking a bus."

"Hmm… five days from now… Alright, I'm in," she said.

"That's great to hear," I said.

"…."

She seemed surprised by something.

"Hmm? What is it?" I asked.

"…No, it's nothing," she said, though she was clearly blushing.

"…So, will I get to see you in a yukata?" I asked with a grin.

"Wh-what?! No, I don't think I'd look good in one," she said, flustered.

"Hmm… I wonder about that," I laughed.

After finishing my drink, I stretched and relaxed as if I were at home.

"Hey, let's go home," Touka said.

"Alright…" I said.

We both went outside and rode my bike together.

"When I think about it, this is the first time we've gone home together," I noted.

"You're a lucky guy, aren't you?" she teased.

"Am I? I guess I am," I said.

"You know where I live?"

"Nope, I don't."

I drove randomly.

"Ugh… How can you say that with a straight face?" she said.

"Because you didn't tell me," I laughed.

"Didn't I? My bad," she laughed.

My ride this time was full of joy. I'm not sure why, but I think she might be the reason.

When we arrived in front of her building, she said, "Here it is, my home sweet home."

"You live in an apartment?"

"Well, yeah," she said with a laugh.

"…Alright, see you tomorrow?" I asked.

"You don't want to come in?" she offered.

"I'll pass. Besides, it wouldn't be right for me to come in," I said.

"…Hmm… You're quite the gentleman. Alright, see you tomorrow, Himeya."

I started my engine and drove home, thinking about what she had said. Not long after, I arrived in front of my house.

"I'm home," I said.

"Welcome back, Meyya," Haruka greeted.

"Ah, welcome back, Himeya," Mom said.

"Yeah, I'm back, Mom," I said.

I could smell something delicious.

"What are we having for dinner tonight?" I asked.

"Karage and sushi," Mom replied.

"Haruka, don't just laze around. Help me out," Mom called out.

"Ugh… alright, Mom," Haruka groaned.

"I'm heading to my room. Call me when it's ready," I said.

"Okay."

Everything happened so fast. I'm now in my second year… Their time is coming… What should I do…?

I took my pillow and buried my face in it.

"ARGHHHH!" I screamed into the pillow to muffle the sound.

"Senpai… Touka… Can I leave one of them to Hiro…?"

This feeling. Am I feeling jealousy?

"For now, I'll just focus on Touka."

As I was contemplating the future, I heard a voice calling me.

"Dinner's ready, Meyya!"

"Coming!"

I went downstairs and took my seat at the dinner table.

"Alright, let's eat," I said, grabbing my chopsticks and tasting the karage. "Wow, it's delicious, Mom."

"Yeah, it's quite yummy, Mom," Haruka agreed.

"Fufu, is it? Well, it's been a while since I cooked for both of you."

"Yeah, after you went to work with Dad, I took over the kitchen," I said.

"Hmm? What about Haruka?" Mom asked.

"Sis? Um… let her explain it herself," I said.

"Hehe, I'm not very good in the kitchen, you know," Haruka said.

"What a fascinating daughter you are," Mom said with a chuckle.

"How's Dad, Mom? Why isn't he back with you?" I asked.

"Your father won't be back until the end of the year. He still has work to do," Mom explained.

"Dad's been working so much. I kind of miss him," Haruka said.

"Hmm… you don't miss your mother?" Mom asked.

"Of course, I miss you too, Mom," Haruka said.

"…" I smiled, watching them.

"It's like we're back in the past…"

"Hmm? What do you mean?" Haruka asked.

"Eh… Never mind," I said.

"Mom, Mom, you know, Himeya's in a phase where he's a chuuni," Haruka teased.

"…My my, is that true?"

"NO, I'M NOT!" I protested.

"Haruka, it's rude to lie, you know," Mom said.

"Heh, Mom used 'you know'," Haruka pointed out.

"Pfft… Hahaha," Haruka and I laughed together, seeing Mom getting flustered.

"Hmph. How about Himeya? Have you found a girlfriend yet?" Mom asked.

"Uwahhh, sensitive topic incoming," Haruka teased.

"Ugh… Do you really want to know, Mom?" I asked.

"Of course, I'm your mother, you know."

"Fine… I'm seeing someone, but she's not officially my girlfriend yet."

"Ah, a girl?"

"Yeah. Her name's Touka. We're just friends for now."

"Bring her to our home, will you?" Mom said.

"Ehhh, do I have to?" I replied, sounding hesitant.

"Of course. Your mother would like to meet her," she insisted.

"Alright, I'll bring her... after my trip with the literature club."

"When? I didn't know you were going on a trip."

"I was going to tell you, but you keep asking me about other things…" I explained.

"So? When's the trip?"

"This Saturday we're heading to Kyoto."

"Oh, I want a souvenir," Haruka chimed in.

"I'll get one for both of you."

"Yeyy!" Haruka and Mom cheered in unison, high-fiving each other.

After finishing my dinner, I said, "I'm going upstairs. Thanks for the food, Mom. It was delicious."

"You're welcome. Good night, Himeya."

"G'night, Meyya."

"Yeah, good night, Mom and Sis," I said as I headed upstairs to my room. I dropped onto my bed and pulled out my phone.

[Hey, are you still up?]

...

[Yeah, I'm still up.]

[I want to talk to you tomorrow.]

[You can talk now.]

[I want to see your reaction.]

[Ehhh, alright. See you in class.]

[Yeah, see ya. Good night, Touka.]

[Nighty night, Himeya.]

I set my phone aside, closed my eyes, and drifted off to sleep.

Next Morning in Class

"Yo, morning, Himeya," Kousuke greeted.

"Morning, Kousuke," I replied.

"Morning, Himeya."

"Morning, Hiro."

Hmm… Hiro and Kousuke are going to class together…?

"Have you two become friends?" I asked, curious.

"Hmm? Well, of course, we're friends," Kousuke said.

"Hiro needed my help with something," Hiro added.

"Well, it's nice to know my friend is becoming friends with my other friends," I said, trying to sound pleased.

"That's just like you, Himeya," Hiro remarked.

…

"Yo, morning!!"

"Huh… Oh... morning, Touka."

Touka sat down in her chair, smirking at me.

"What's with the look?"

"You said you wanted to tell me something last night."

"Oh… Um… I'll tell you during break time," I said.

"I'm looking forward to it."

I rested my head on the table and closed my eyes, waiting for the break. Time passed quickly, and soon it was break time.

"Hi-me-yaa! It's break time now!" Touka called out.

"Sigh Alright, let's head to the rooftop."

"H-hey, why are we going to the rooftop?" she asked, puzzled.

"Um… I…"

Gulp

My heart pounded loudly!

"I…"

"Y-yeah?"

"I want you to have dinner with me later!" I blurted out, bowing my head.

"Eh?"

"Huh? What?"

"HI-ME-YA!!! YOU DUMBASS!!" Touka shouted, hitting my head.

"Ouch… that hurt, you know."

"You deserved it!"

"Uh… sorry?"

"You said it with that plain face…" she said.

"Should I smile?"

"No… just be yourself," she replied.

…

"So… what's this about?" she asked, trying to understand.

"Actually, I told my mother about you…"

"Oh… oh…"

"She wants me to invite you to dinner."

"When?"

"You will?"

I felt a strange sense of déjà vu.

"Yeah, I will."

"After our trip?"

"Oh, that's fine then."

"I'm counting on you, Mom," I said, looking up.

"Heh…"

"Alright, let's go grab something to eat," I suggested.

"You didn't have breakfast?" she asked.

"Too lazy, haha."

"Hmm… Alright then, let's go to the cafeteria," she said, grabbing my hand and pulling me along.

--Saturday--

"Be careful on your way, and give Touka my regards," Mom said.

"Alright, Mom," I said, putting on my helmet and starting the engine.

Thud thud thud

"HEY, DON'T FORGET THE SOUVENIR!" Haruka shouted.

"Alright, Sis… I'm heading out now. See you both later," I said.

"Yeah, see ya!!" they called out in unison.

I drove to Touka's apartment and called her.

"Hey, I'm downstairs."

"Alright, wait a moment."

After a few moments, Touka came running down, wearing a hoodie and earphones.

"Here's your helmet," I said, handing it to her.

"Ah, thanks…" she said, putting on the helmet.

"Alright, hang on to me," I instructed.

"Let's go!" she exclaimed excitedly.

We headed to school together that morning.

"Uwahh… there are so many people…" Touka said.

"Of course, they're all members of the Literature Club," I explained.

Uguisu-senpai spotted us as we arrived.

"Good morning, both of you. Welcome, Miya, to the Literature Club," Senpai greeted.

"Ah… morning, Senpai…" Touka replied, bowing her head.

"Morning, Kanemoto-senpai," I said.

"In a moment, I'll give a brief speech before our trip begins."

All the Literature Club members gathered in the parking lot. Uguisu-senpai clapped her hands to get everyone's attention.

"Today, the Literature Club gathers here to start our trip to Kyoto. Before we embark, I'd like to say a few words. First, I want to thank everyone for coming. It means a lot to me as the president of this club, and I hope we all get what we're hoping for from this trip."

The members clapped in response to Senpai's speech.

"Now, it's time to go," Senpai announced.

The members began boarding the bus. Before I got on, I called out to Uguisu-senpai.

"Senpai, can I speak with you for a moment?"

"What is it, Shin?"

"I'd like Touka to sit beside me. Is that okay?"

"…Yeah… sure, go ahead," she said, though a hint of sadness was evident in her expression.

…

"Touka, you'll be sitting next to me," I said.

"Alrighttt," she replied, smiling.

We entered the bus and found seats in the middle row. Touka settled in first, and as I was about to join her, someone called out to me.

"Himeya, want to sit here?" Hiro asked.

"Ah… I already have a seat, haha," I said as I took my place.

"Oh…" Hiro then looked around and noticed Senpai was sitting alone.

"Senpai, can I sit beside you?" Hiro asked.

"Hm? Yeah, sure," Senpai agreed.

I glanced at them from the front row, then Touka tugged at my sleeve.

"What are you looking at?" she asked.

"N-no, I'm just looking at the scenery…"

"Hmm… Is that so…"

"I've got some snacks in my bag. Want to try?" I offered.

"Oh, you have snacks? I'd love to," she said, giggling.

I took out a snack from my bag.

"Here it is…" I said, handing it to her.

"Yey… hmm…? Flip Good luck with your girl…?"

"?!"

I looked at the snack and found a note from Haruka.

…

"Sis…"

"Hahaha, you have an interesting sister," Touka remarked.

"…Yeah… an interesting sister…"

…

"Don't mind this. Let's just enjoy the snack," I said.

"Alright, let's dig in."

We munched on the snack and chatted on the bus. After two hours, with the bus's chill seeping in, Touka started yawning.

"Fhuahh…"

"Feeling sleepy? You can take a nap," I suggested.

"Hmm… yeah… I'll do that…" she said, her eyes closing.

I took out a blanket from my bag and gently covered her.

"Have a nice dream…" I said softly.

Then, I took out my book and started writing.

-After 5 minutes-

"Hmm… I think that's enough for now…" I said, putting my book away.

*Thud*

"Huh?" I turned my head and saw Touka leaning against my shoulder.

'What is this? This is the first time I've seen her like this… My heart feels… different…'

I touched my cheek and realized it was warm.

I knew this feeling.

Could it be…

Did I…?

"What have you done, Himeya…"

After more than three hours on the bus, we finally arrived in Kyoto.

"Hey, wake up…"

"Um… hmm…? Where are we?"

"We've arrived," I said.

"Oh… Fhuahhh…"

"Let's get out. Everyone else is already outside."

"Alright…"

Once we both got off the bus, Senpai led us to the inn. Hiro, Touka, and I walked together, chatting along the way.

"So, how did Miya end up coming with us?" Hiro asked.

"Well, I wanted her to have some time to relax," I explained.

"I don't have any relaxation time," she teased.

"Uh…"

"Hmm? You two seem to be getting closer every day. Are you dating or something?" Hiro inquired.

"Wh- No, we're not," I stammered.

"Y-yeah… we're just friends, right?"

"… Y-yeah."

Both of our faces are looking down right now. 

"Uh… kinda sus though… well, never mind." 

After we arrived in front of the inn, the boys and girls were separated. The boys were led by Naoki-senpai, while the girls were guided by Uguisu-senpai herself. The boys were divided into two rooms, while the girls had three rooms.

"I think I'll rest for a bit," Hiro said. 

"Okay, I'll go outside and enjoy the scenery," I replied. 

"Senpai, I'm going for a walk. Is that okay?" 

"Go for it, Shin," Naoki-senpai said.

While taking a break outside, I encountered some of the girls from the club, including Touka and Uguisu-senpai. 

"Yahoo, Himeya!" Touka called out, waving her hand. The Sakura tree petals were falling, adding to the beauty of the scene. 

"…Beautiful…" I said without thinking.

"Hmm? Himeya? Hey, are you there?" Touka said. 

I snapped back to reality. 

"Y-yeah…" 

"So, how do I look?" she asked, turning around. 

"You look good in it…" I said. 

"Is that so?" she replied, surprised by my answer. 

'HEY, WHY ARE YOU THE ONE WHO'S BLUSHING RIGHT NOW?!'

"So… why are you girls here?" I asked. 

Touka put her hand on her chin. 

"Senpai asked us to join her and told us to change into these yukatas." 

"Oh… umm…" 

"Hmm, what's wrong? Did you get flustered or something?" Touka asked. 

"…S-shut up…" I said, unable to hide my blush. 

"Shin, you're here?" Senpai said, approaching us. 

"Y-yeah, hi, senpai." 

"S-so… how do I look?" Senpai asked, turning her face slightly to the side. 

I couldn't handle this. 

"You look beautif—I mean, you look good in it, senpai," I said. 

I MESSED UP! 

"T-thanks," she said with a light smile. 

"Miya also looks good in it, don't you think?" Senpai said. 

"Y-yeah…" 

"Se-senpai… you look beautiful in the yukata too," Touka said. 

"Hahaha, both of you look great in it," I said, unconsciously giving them a light smile.

"…"

"Hmm? What's wrong?" I asked, noticing their surprised expressions. 

"N-no, it's nothing," Touka said. 

"Y-yeah, it's nothing… Eh, you can try on one of the yukatas, Shin," Senpai said. 

"Eh… it might not look good on me," I said. 

"I want to see you in it," Touka said, her curiosity piqued. 

"…Alright then, don't blame me if I don't look good in it." 

"We'll wait here…"

I went inside the store and asked a few people for help in choosing a yukata. 

"Does this look good on me, Ma'am?" I asked one of the elderly shopkeepers. 

"Yes, it suits you perfectly, young man," the elder replied. 

"T-thank you, Ma'am." 

"Your girlfriend must be lucky to have you." 

"…"

After that, I walked out of the store. I looked around to find both Touka and Senpai. 

"Yo…" 

Both of them turned to me in unison. 

"…Who are you?" Touka asked. 

"It's me, damn it…" 

"Whoa, it suits you perfectly…" Senpai said. 

"T-thank you, senpai."

Ring-ring

The sound came from Senpai's phone. 

"Hello? …Alright, I'll be there." 

"Who was that, senpai?" I asked. 

"It's Asakura." 

"Oh… Naoki-senpai, what did he say?" 

"I have some work to do. I have to go now. Is that okay with you two?" Senpai said. 

"Yeah, that's fine," Touka said. 

I just nodded. 

"Alright then, see you tonight." 

"We'll explore tonight?" Touka asked. 

"Yep, Shin will fill you in on the details." 

After that, Uguisu-senpai left us, leaving just Touka and me.

"…So… do you want to walk around?" I asked. 

"You first," she replied. 

We strolled through the city, unaware that night had already fallen. 

Ring-ring

My phone rang with a message from Uguisu-senpai: 

"I can't go out now; one of our members is sick, and I need to take care of her. The others have already explored the city. I hope both of you have a good time…" 

"…Senpai can't come, huh…" 

"Well… do you want to go to the temple?" I asked. 

"…Sure. But before that, I have something I need to do. Can we go our separate ways for 10 minutes and then meet at the temple?" she said. 

"…Where do you want to go?" 

"It's a secret, heh heh…" 

"…Alright then. I'll meet you at the temple."

Touka left me alone, saying she had something to do. I had a good idea of what it was, so I quietly followed her from a distance. She looked around the city before stopping at a tofu shop. I hid behind a nearby stall and watched as she took out her phone and took a picture of the shop. 

"Hey, what are you doing with that phone?!" 

The old man from the shop came out and scolded her. 

"Hmm? What's wrong? Can't I take a picture?" Touka asked. 

"NO, YOU CAN'T!" the old man shouted. 

"HA?! What's with you, old man?!" Touka retorted. 

People nearby gathered, attracted by their voices. 

"KGH, ERASE THAT PICTURE NOW!" the old man demanded. 

"HEY, LET GO OF MY HAND!" Touka cried.

Now was the time. I ran toward Touka and grabbed the old man's hand. He was startled and released Touka. 

"H-himeya?" 

I grabbed Touka's hand and said, 

"Run!" 

We both fled the scene. During our escape, Touka stumbled because of the yukata she was wearing, and she hurt her knee. 

"Ouch…" 

I kneeled beside her and said, 

"Hop on my back." 

"…Is that okay?" 

"Yeah, go ahead," I said. 

"…"

She climbed onto my back, and I gave her a piggyback ride.

…

The atmosphere felt awkward. 

"…What's with that?" I asked her. 

"…Nothing…" she replied quietly. 

"…Touka…" 

We fell into silence for a moment. 

"Why were you there?" she asked. 

"…I was worried…" I admitted. 

"You followed me… right?" 

"…Yeah…" 

"Why? Don't you trust me?" she asked. 

"I trust you, really… it was just my instincts telling me to follow you," I lied, knowing she might get angry if I told the truth. 

"…Himeya…" 

"…What…?" 

"…I have this feeling…" 

"What do you mean?" 

"It's just… when you're kind to me… it kind of hurts, especially in my heart," she said. 

"…"

"…Say something, will you…" 

"I… I don't know…" 

She clung to me tighter, and I could feel the warmth of her body, making my heart race. I had to tell her. 

"Touka…" 

"…What…?" 

"I want to tell you something…" 

"What is it?" 

"When we arrive at the temple, I'll tell you." 

"…Alright…"

TOUKA'S POV

Right now, I'm on his back. He's carrying me… 

Himeya… I always have something in my heart that I can't express to you. I really want to, but I can't. I fear that if I do, things will change, so I usually keep silent. I've fallen in love with you…

HIMEYA'S POV

"…Thank you…" she said. 

"I know…" 

Not long after, we arrived at the temple. I gently set Touka down at the entrance.

"So…" 

"…Touka, I…" 

Ring-ring 

"Huh…?" 

I took my phone out of my pocket. It was a call from myself. 

"…"

"Who is it, Himeya?" 

"…Sorry, but can I take this call for a minute?" 

"…Yeah, go ahead." 

I walked away from her and answered the phone. 

"Hello?" 

"Don't do it!" 

"W-what?" I was surprised to hear my own voice. 

"…It can't be…" 

The message was true after all… 

"Whatever you do, don't confess to her," a voice on the phone said. 

"…Why?" 

"Just don't, trust me." 

"…Then tell me why." 

"Don't do it now." 

"…I can do it later, but not now?" 

"Yeah." 

"…What kind of joke is this?!" 

"Damn it, don't do it. Promise me." 

"…Promise…" 

I put my phone away and walked back to Touka.

"Hey, sorry for making you wait…" I said.

"It's okay," she replied softly.

"…Ah, the breeze feels so nice," I commented, letting the gentle wind brush against my face.

"…Yeah…" Touka responded, her voice almost lost in the wind.

I extended my hand to her. She took it, rising gracefully from her seat, and we walked together towards the wooden fence nearby.

"It's beautiful…" she said, gazing at the landscape with a serene expression.

"Yeah…" I agreed, my eyes following her gaze.

"You're not going to say I'm more beautiful?" she asked with a playful hint.

"…Well, it could use a bit more lighting…" I said, trying to deflect with a half-hearted smile.

"Ehhhh…" Touka's face showed a mix of disappointment and amusement.

"Haha, my bad," I said, chuckling to lighten the mood.

"…Why didn't you tell me?" she asked suddenly, her voice tinged with concern.

"…I won't…" I hesitated, unsure of how to respond.

"Why…?" she pressed.

"I just won't tell you," I said, trying to maintain my stance.

"I'm really worried about you, you know…" I admitted, looking into her eyes with genuine concern.

"Even so, I won't tell you… because… it has nothing to do with you…" she said firmly, but her eyes betrayed her sadness.

I tightened my grip on her hand. "I don't want anything bad to happen to you…"

"You know… you shouldn't worry about me so much… you should be more concerned about Uguisu-senpai," she said, her voice trembling as tears welled up in her eyes.

"…If you're not careful… Senpai might be taken away… far, far away from you…" Touka whispered, her tears spilling over.

"Touka…" I said softly, trying to comfort her.

"…I'm sorry…" she murmured through her tears.

I squeezed her hand tighter, feeling a pang of guilt. "I'm sorry… I haven't been useful to you…"

"I invited you on this trip, and now I've made you cry…" I added, my voice full of regret.

"It's not your fault…" she said, her voice muffled as she wiped her tears.

"I want to be useful to you…" I said earnestly.

"…Himeya…" she started, her voice softening.

"I want to support you during times like this…" I continued, determined to help.

…

"Touka… actually, I…" I began, but my words were cut off by a sudden, intense pain in my head.

"UGH…" I groaned, clutching my head.

"Himeya!?" Touka's voice was filled with panic.

"…I'm fine…" I reassured her, though my voice was strained.

…

I looked up and saw a girl in a hospital gown standing in front of me. She had a beauty mark under her left eye. I recognized her immediately.

"Senpai?" I asked, my voice trembling.

'Is this my future?' I wondered silently.

"…In the end, it was a success. It started as a failure, but ultimately, it was perfect," she said, her voice calm and steady.

I glanced down at my hand, finding a book in my grip. I flipped through the pages one by one, not entirely sure why I was doing it, but unable to stop myself.

"How is it?" Senpai asked, her gaze fixed on me.

"It was beautiful…" I said, trying to convey the depth of my feelings.

"...Is that so? That's good to hear…" she replied with a gentle smile.

"You're really good at writing something like this, Senpai," I complimented her.

"Well, I was the former president of the literature club…" she said with a modest smile.

"…A moon…" she said thoughtfully.

"The moon really does protect our fates, doesn't it?" she mused, her voice dropping to a contemplative whisper.

My vision began to blur, and I realized everything around me.

"Himeya?!"

"…Touka…"

"You really made me worry, you idiot!" she said.

"…What did I…"

"Himeya, you're crying…?"

"Wh-what…?" I stammered, wiping away my tears.

'What on earth is happening…?'

"Are you okay?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.

"Y-yeah, I'm fine..."

"Do you want to rest? Let's go to that bench," she suggested.

"...Yeah..."

"...Himeya..."

"What?"

"You're hiding something from me, aren't you?" she asked, her voice softening.

"...Yeah..." I admitted.

...

"Touka... I have something to tell you."

"Don't…"

"Huh…?"

"No need to tell me now…" she said gently.

"I…" I nodded, unable to find the words to continue. My future self-had been right.

"Don't forget what I told you before, Touka."

"…I'll think about it," she replied.

The night had deepened, and it was time for us to return to the inn.

"Let's go back…" I said.

"How about this yukata?" she asked, gesturing to the traditional garment.

"We'll return it tomorrow," I said.

"Alright…"

We both stood up from the bench and walked toward the inn. As we were heading back, my phone rang.

Ring-Ring

I pulled out my phone to see it was Uguisu-senpai calling.

"What's wrong, senpai?"

"Shin, where are you right now?"

"Me and Touka are on our way to the inn," I said.

"Oh, good. Everyone from the club is already here," she said.

"We're the only ones who haven't returned?"

"Well, Takamine isn't back yet either."

"We're on our way now… or do you want me to look for him?"

"No, it's fine. I'll call him," she said.

"Alright then, see you, senpai."

"Yeah."

After the call ended, Touka looked at me curiously. "Senpai? Why is she calling you?"

"She wanted to know where we were. I told her we're heading back."

"Oh… okay."

A short while later, we arrived at the inn and went to our respective rooms. The night felt long, but it wasn't long enough to keep us together.

In my room, which also housed some club members like Hiro and Senpai, I started a conversation about what they thought about the future.

"Hm… it's kind of odd for you to ask such a question suddenly," Hiro said.

"Well, that's just me, hahaha," I replied, trying to lighten the mood.

"Cut him some slack, Takamine. He just finished his date, haha," Naoki added.

"Wh-… how did you know?" I was surprised since I hadn't noticed them there.

"We saw both of you," Hiro said.

"… Ugh…"

"Uwah… Himeya's being shy now, huh? Hahaha," Hiro laughed.

"…I'll go out for a walk now," I said.

"Huh, alright. Be careful out there," Naoki said.

They laughed as I walked out of the room. I took out my phone and scrolled through some information online.

"…Is it wrong for me…" I muttered, putting my hand on my face. "None of this feels real. Can I ever…"

"You're out this late, Shin?"

I was startled by the familiar voice and turned around to see Uguisu-senpai standing behind me, her light smile reassuring.

"Senpai…?"

"Hi, going for a walk?" she asked.

"Y-yeah… How about you, senpai?"

"Hmm… just taking a stroll. Anyway, how was it?"

"About what?"

"Your date."

"…T-that's not a date, senpai…!"

"Fufu, Shin… you're flustered," she said, laughing gently.

"I never knew senpai could be such a tease, haha."

We laughed together, enjoying the conversation. Senpai stood beside me, looking up at the sky. I admired her presence; her dark blue hair was gently tousled by the wind, and her yellow eyes glowed beautifully in the night. It was astonishing how captivating she looked. My heart raced.

"Senpai…"

"Hm, what is it, Shin?"

"If I could change the past and make it so that we never met, would you be angry with me?"

"…Shin…" She closed her eyes for a moment, then said softly, "Yes, I would be angry. Even if we weren't meant to meet, I would still defy fate and search for you, because…" She smiled warmly at me.

"Because?"

"…No, it's nothing…"

The night breeze was so gentle that it didn't make me feel cold at all.

"Uguisu-senpai, I'm grateful…" I said softly.

"…" She didn't say a word, only offering a warm, understanding smile in response.

The next morning, we all went to the temple. However, before heading there, Touka and I visited a yukata store.

"How was your date, young man?" the elderly shopkeeper asked with a knowing smile.

"…It went well…" I replied, feeling a bit awkward.

"What's with that expression?" he inquired, his gaze inquisitive.

"Haha, ah, it's nothing…" I said, trying to dismiss the awkwardness.

I exited the store, only to find Touka waiting for me outside.

"Took you long enough to return it, haha," she teased.

"Well, one must speak with the elders and seek their wisdom," I responded with a grin.

"Huh? What's that? That's weird, Himeya, haha," Touka laughed, clearly amused by my comment.

We then hurried to catch up with the group, who had already arrived at the temple by the time we got there.

"Hey, Himeya, Miya, come on! Everyone's getting ready for a picture," Hiro called out.

"Y-yeah…" I started, but as I was about to walk over, I felt a gentle tug on my shirt. It was Touka, holding me back.

"What's wrong, Touka?" I asked.

"Is it okay… for me?" she asked hesitantly.

"Well, why not?" I replied, taking her hand and guiding her towards the group.

We gathered for a group photo, capturing the moment of our visit.

"Uwahh… That was quite a journey," Touka said, stretching and looking relieved.

"We've only been here for two days, you know, haha," I replied, chuckling at her dramatic reaction.

"Shh, senpai's going to speak," Hiro said, motioning for us to listen.

"Alright, I think we've all gotten what we wanted from this trip, so let me say this again: thank you all for attending this event. That's all for now; let's head back to the inn, pack our things, and catch our train," Senpai announced.

After we disbanded, we returned to the inn to pack our belongings.

"…Naoki-senpai, I'm going to buy some souvenirs. Is that okay?" I asked.

"That's fine, but don't be late, alright?" he replied.

"Alright, I'll meet you guys at the station," I said.

"Be careful, Himeya," Hiro advised.

"Yeah," I responded, nodding.

I headed to a local shop and picked up some souvenirs for my sister and mother—hair clips, specifically. After finishing my shopping, I rushed to the station.

"Fhuu… Fhuuu… Thank God I'm not late…" I said, catching my breath.

"Whoa… You're almost late, Himeya," Hiro said, surprised.

"Well, I had a train to catch, haha," I replied.

"…" Hiro was looking at me with a puzzled expression.

"…What?" I asked, noticing his stare.

"You don't have much of a sense of humor," he said.

"Huh?!" I exclaimed, taken aback.

Ugh… I guess he was referring to my lack of appreciation for jokes.

The train arrived, and we boarded, finding our seats. I looked around for Touka but couldn't find her until—

"Fhuhu, Uguisu-senpai, I didn't know you were so interesting," Touka said, laughing as she settled beside Senpai.

'Wait… Touka is sitting next to Senpai now…'

"Well, I'm just trying to keep up with the current humor," she explained with a chuckle.

I watched them interact, a smile unknowingly forming on my face. I then took a seat next to Hiro. During the journey, I noticed Hiro glancing at Senpai from time to time. I decided to ignore it for now and focus on the trip.