CH 6

As the end is over, the theatre slowly starts to get brighter.

As most of the audience left their seats and went towards the exit, I was still sitting.

Today was Saturday, also the release of a mystery movie I had been looking forward to.

Of course, I bought the ticket online in advance and sat in the middle seats.

It was really interesting.

Honestly, it was better than I expected.

But there is only one thing that made me unable to move.

“Uhh…”

I can’t interpret the last scene of the movie.

Even when I groan while bending front, it’s no good at all.

Mysteries usually have an impressive, mysterious, and lingering type of ending.

Still, I usually arrive at an interpretation myself.

But I am not able to do it now.

It was a good movie, so I was really frustrated.

“…Damn it.”

When everyone had gone, I stood up to leave.

It can’t be helped.

Let’s just think of it at home while slowly eating.

“Hmm?”

“Eh?”

I noticed a girl standing up beside the seat in front of me.

Apparently, she was hidden because of the backrest’s height so she was not visible from my position.

“…Hello”

“…This pattern has been going on for quite long”

It was Tachibana Rika.

After all, I mean, our hobbies are still close.

Although it doesn’t feel like some divine mischievousness anymore, the coincidences into running her again are still incomprehensible.

Tachibana and I left our seats together and sat down on a bench near the popcorn stall.

“So, why did you come here today?”

“I came to see a movie. I had been looking forward to it for a long time, so I came to see it on the release date.”

“And why did I come?”

“Of course I don’t know. Why did you?”

“Are you sure you don’t know?”

Both of us together, shrug our shoulders.

I am not surprised anymore.

However, unlike the time with Kaiten-Zushi and the public baths, Tachibana is now a friend.

I used to feel frustrated at that time, but now I’m a bit happy.

“I like these kinds of movies.”

“Yes. Rather, I had pretty high hopes this time.”

“…Why?”

While asking, I thought that maybe we were thinking the same.

It was a strange feeling as I wanted Tachibana to have the same reason, as well as to not have the same as well.

“Do you know the movie “Android in prison” that was  released last year?”

“…you know too?”

“The story has a series of scenes following the first android being arrested for committing murder as people come to visit him.”

“…that’s right”

Masterpiece.

Yes, it was a masterpiece.

After all, it’s my favorite movie.

“That’s my favorite movie.  Also, “Meeting at the bottom of the water” was similar to “Android in prison””    (Kusuba)

“The director and the lead are same” (Tachibana)

“Eh…?”

Tachibana’s beautiful eyes were wide open.

In the slightly dim cinema hall, the shine of her eyes could be seen.

“…that’s right. So, I thought it would be interesting. And it was interesting. It was interesting…”

As she said that, Tachibana’s expression got complex.

I can quite understand her feelings.

We seem to be more alike than we thought.

“Are you hungry?” (Kusuba)

“Huh? Yes, I am…”

“Then, let’s talk over something to eat. I am hungry.”

“…Alright”

Tachibana nodded with a smile, with a surprised face.

Well, I never said something like this before.

But after watching the same movie, going out to dinner.

That’s what friends do, or so I wonder.

While talking about a restaurant to eat, we both leave the movie hall.

There are many restaurants here, so one could choose where he wants to eat.

“What do you want to eat?” (Kusuba)

“Can I decide on that?” (Tachibana)

“Why not? I just want an opinion”

“Well then, Tempura is good.”

“It’s too old-fashioned” 

“Hmm…What do you want to eat?”

“I wish to eat rice. Gyudon maybe?”

“Is that so?”

Tachibana put her finger on her chin and turned around.

I also finally decided what to eat.

“…to be frank”

“It’s Tempura, isn’t it?”

“It’s Tempura”

Looking at each other, we nod at the same time.

It was easily decided.

Both of us started walking to a place that came to our mind.

Speaking of Tempura, there is only one store here that serves it.

“But I’ve never been to that restaurant”

“Me too “

“Isn’t Tempura expensive?”

“It’s about 1500 yen. Is that okay?”

“Well, why though?”

“It has a reputation for being delicious. Actually, I wanted to go there once.”

“I hope for the best.”

Also, If you’re in a tempura shop, you won’t run into people from your school.

While thinking like that, I started walking to the store.

However, I realized something.

People on the way were looking over here, regardless of the gender.

As expected of a ridiculously beautiful girl, Rika Tachibana.

However, I didn’t really mind the stares, and the girl in question, Tachibana, was imposing.

Rather, she didn’t seem to care about them at all.

By the way, can you all stop looking at me like that while making a suspicious face.

Don’t give me the, “What?! No way! Is he her boyfriend?!”

Don’t worry, I’m not.

It’s completely different, really, so don’t look over here.

“…Is it always like this?”

“What do you mean?”

“The gazes from all around.”

“Oh…Well, yes. But not as much as when I went out with Satsuki and the others.”

“Well, that’s true…”

“I don’t really think of it, and I don’t care”

“Is that so? That’s a little surprising.”

I wonder if some stupid guys here will come over to us.

“I’m not as popular with guys as you think. I’m sure the bad personality is leaking again.”

“That sounds quite unlike you.”

“That’s not the case. Apart from my appearance, I have don’t have a high self-esteem” 

After saying such a thing bluntly, Tachibana increased her walking speed.

Well, Tachibana is not a girl who feels confident in her inner self.

I don’t think there are many such people in the first place.

And if they are, then they are usually not a bad person.

“Oh, look at this.”

“What?”

Tachibana showed me a piece of paper that she took out from her purse.

Even so, the folding leather wallet looks quite elegant.

“What is that?”

“It’s the ticket stub of the movie, “Android in prison”. I watched this at the theatre last year.”

“Wow, maybe even I left it in mine last year.”

I try to find it in my wallet.

It was a really good movie, so I saved a memorial.

…ah

“…It’s the same date and time…and the seat…”

“…Right next to mine…”

I’m getting scared of the coincidences…

“Ah…”

“This is quite…”

The tempura, which was brought to the table of 2, looked really luxurious. The appearance looked worth the price. 

The seafood, meat, and vegetables were so much that you couldn’t see the price.

“For the first time, I might eat a proper tempura.”

“Me too, but where should I start from?”

Tachibana was puzzled but clearly excited.

Her cheeks got slightly red, and she seemed to be itching to hold the chopsticks and start eating.

I had also thought of tsukemen and sushi, but I want to eat this now.

I don’t show much emotion, but when I see food, my eyes shine like a child’s.

“After all, there’s a shrimp with 2 tails.”

“Well, that’s right…”

““Itadakimasu””

At the same time, we join our hands together and take a bite of the shrimp.

…Mmmmm

“It’s really good…”

“It’s really tasty…”

Seriously?

Even Tachibana’s way of speaking is jumbled up.

But I felt I can relate to that feeling.

In any case, it’s so delicious that it can’t be compared to any tempura I’ve had up until now.

In addition, the rice and sauce are also good.

The tea they gave is also delicious.

What is this shop…….

“It’s quite a big meal…”

“Will you be able to eat everything?”

Tachibana is quite delicate.

I’m really worried about how this will go in my stomach.

The big eel in the bowl is bigger than Tachibana’s face anyway.

“…Delicious food is different”

“No, it’s scientifically impossible”

“We can eat it while we digest it”

“That is some messed up logic”

“Logic is powerless in front of delicious food.”

Ending with a mysterious quote, Tachibana proceeded with her chopsticks.

I also follow suit, slowly eating the tempura in front of me.

When you are eating something delicious, concentrate on it.

That’s exactly what we did.

I came here to discuss the movie, but I’m eating the tempura instead.

Well, I didn’t know it would be this tasty in the first place, so it can’t be helped.

It’s impossible to talk while eating this tempura.

First, defeat the shrimp, and eat the scallops, and finally to the eel.

When I was tired of eating the eel, I put the sweet pepper in it, and my entire mouth was refreshed and my appetite returned.

Well, it’s a very good combination of the ingredients.

It’s a bit expensive for high-school students, but the amount is good, and above all, it’s really delicious.

Sure enough, my bowl gets empty first.

Taking a breath, I looked over to Tachibana. Tachibana looked a little bit forceful, but still happy, gnawing at the scallops in the Tempura.

I stare at Tachibana’s face unintentionally.

A cute nose, small lips.

The big and dignified eyes were narrow, giving it a pictorial charm.

This girl is ridiculously beautiful after all. 

Looking at the eating face, I think it looks really good for modeling.

I think it can’t be helped when people at school or the road look at her.

Somehow, I became friends with Tachibana, and we are having Tempura in a shop now.

I may have made way too much progress.

“…What is it?”

“First finish the bite, then talk.”

“Mmm…uh. Yes?”

“No, nothing.”

“Then why were you looking at me?”

“That’s why it’s nothing.”

“…Hmm.”

As I said that, Tachibana puffed her cheeks in a grumpy manner.

However, she immediately held her chopsticks and smiled happily while eating again.

Busy girl.

“Mm…Gochisosamadeshita”

“Gochisosamadeshita”

“I think it’s a good idea,” he said.

When Tachibana finished her tempura, both of us joined our hands again.

Tachibana seems to be suffering a little.

We weren’t able to talk about the movie, so let’s relax for a bit.

“It was really delicious; I’ll add it to my favorites list”

“I’ll do the same.”

“Kusuba-san, you have a list?”

“I do. There is the Tsukemen shop, a meal shop near the school, and a few more.”

“A meal shop? I didn’t know about that one.”

“Yes, they’re really tasty. And the best thing is that it’s really quiet”

“It seems nice.”

“Next time, I’ll tell you where it is.”

Tachibana probably likes that kind of atmosphere.

“Sure”

“Oh, what’re Tachibana’s favorites”

“The cake shop near the public bath is really nice. Also, a yakiniku restaurant in front of the station”

(TN: Yakiniku- basically grilled meat)

“Yakiniku?”

What a fascinating place it sounds like.

“It’s a good shop, interested?”

“Yes”

“Well, let’s exchange information about our favorite shops.”

“Alright then.”

After that, our “Introduction to recommended restaurants” continued.

Perhaps because of this, when we started to bring the topic of the movie, which is what we had to do in the first place, the tension between us had risen strangely.”

“No, the heroine is definitely the culprit. She also killed the hero who saw the murder. I know it, so I’m sure that’s true”

“The heroine got misunderstood. The hero killed himself before so that the heroine would not have to kill him. But the heroine thought that she did it. That’s why the heroine who noticed it, in the last scene, broke down in tears.”

“She cried in the last scene because she regretted killing the hero, right? And if you want to keep the heroine from committing a crime, there are many other ways to do it than to kill yourself.”

“Well…That’s right, but…”

“Yes, see, that’s why my interpretation Is correct”

“…But you aren’t completely convinced, are you? T don’t think the director’s work would be that simple. Right?”

“Ehh…that’s right. But if you just start guessing randomly on your own while it wasn’t shown in the movie, you’ll reach nowhere”

“I’m sure it wasn’t there. We may have missed it, or misinterpreted it.”

“Uhhh…”

As I joined my hands and groaned. Tachibana put a finger on her chin, and suddenly looked upwards.

In the end, there was no correct answer.

I think that what I said is correct.

However, Tachibana also has a point.

Her point also can’t be ignored.

Tachibana was probably also thinking the same thing. She shook her head side-to-side trying to desperately remember the contents of the movie.

“…Would you like to see it again?”

“Huh?”

“Kusuba-san, let’s see it again. Fortunately, the last replay will start soon, if we are quick, we might get the seats.”

“…I see, that’s for the best, then.”

Tachibana and I nodded to each other and paid the bill for the tempura in a hurry.

Farewell, 1600 yen.

Today is a very expensive day.

After a short run, we returned to the movie theatre and operated the ticket machine together.

The cinema was much more crowded than I had thought it would be.

This means that they might not have a seat anymore.

“Ah…”

“…This is”

Only 2 seats were vacant.

Only 2 serial numbers, together

But our fingers were frozen in place.

Because that seat…

“Pair seat…”

“Kusuba-san, this is…”

“Well…Maybe it’s a seat for 2 people, I don’t know because I never sat there.”

Looking face to face, we remained silent for a while.

Looking at Tachibana’s eyes and facial expression, I couldn’t see what she was thinking.

“Let’s take it.”

“EH?!”

“It’s just a normal seat, but just doesn’t have an armrest in between”

“No! Wait…”

“If we don’t buy it right now, even this will be filled.”

“Huh? Hey!”

As Tachibana said that, she pressed the buy button without permission.

I went along with the flow and also added my money in the machine.

There was only 1 ticket that came out.

A pair seat ticket.

“Kusuba-san, come one, let’s go.”

“Oh god…”

Without any concern at all, Tachibana went towards the theatre.

I kept a little distance for a few meters while following her.

“Kusuba-san, hurry up.”

“Ah, yes”

“It seems that you can’t enter the theatre with the pair ticket if both of the people are not present. Please don’t go anywhere”

“All right, all right”

I went to stand beside Tachibana, who was being glared at by the staff.

As usual, I have no clue what she is thinking or what she is not thinking about.

Or is it normal for friends to use pair seats? Is it only me who doesn’t know?

No, it’s definitely not like that…

Tachibana looks at me with a mysterious face as I sigh.

Our seat was placed right along the wall, facing the screen.

The front seats and the back seats made it a bit squashed.

Well, I bought the tickets for the movie at the last moment, so it can’t be helped.

However, the problem is…

“This is…”

“Not what I expected…”

The couple-seat was narrower than I expected.

It was barely wide enough for 2 people to sit.

No…this is clearly close physical contact, isn’t it?

It’s impossible now, isn’t it?

“What do we do…?”

“…It can’t be helped. We have already bought the ticket, and it would cause a nuisance to others if we keep standing.”

“…are you serious?”

Tachibana sat toward the wall side.

However, the Tachibana who is usually calm and composed had hard movements and a stiff expression.

But Tachibana was prepared to sit down, so I couldn’t refuse.

Besides, the aim is to watch the film again and deepen the understanding of the movie.

It’s not good to think more than you should.

Not good…yes…

“…Hey, Tachibana

“What is it?”

“Don’t go to that seat, it’s hard to see there, I’ll go instead.”

“Well…is it really okay?”

“It’s fine, I’m taller so I can properly.”

“…Thank you”

Tachibana accepted my proposal obediently.

I quickly changed seats with Tachibana and went to my seat.

I sat down next to Tachibana with no emotions.

As I sat down, I noticed that it was small and I couldn’t sit properly.

Our shoulders were touching, but it was not that cramped.

But I can’t help the feeling.

I feel my face getting hot from tension and embarrassment.

But that’s what it is.

Compared to the princess hug from the other day, this might not be so much.

I feel that that comparison is a little strange, but I have to think like that for this situation.

While watching the advertisements for other movies, I try to kill my brain.

After some time, the theatre went completely dark and the screening began again.

Perhaps there are some important scenes somewhere.

I try to watch every scene carefully so I don’t miss any important information.

Tachibana was staring at the screen without making a sound.

“Hyaa!”

At one scene, she did a small shriek.

Her shoulders squeezed together as her body stiffened with a frightened expression.

This work is a mystery, but the whole progression of the story is in a dark, horror-like atmosphere from the start to the end.

There were some surprising jump scares. When I first saw it, I heard the audience scream sometimes.

I’m quite tolerant of horror, and it’s my second time watching the movie, so I wasn’t that scared anyway.

“Hyaa!”

Tachibana started to scream more as the horror scenes in the movie intensified.

While covering her face with both her hands, she looks at the movie screen through the gap between her fingers.

She was the one who told me to see the movie again…

And it’s the 2nd time she’s watching it…

“Hey, are you okay?”

As I spoke to her in a small whisper, she looked surprised at my voice and shook her head.

“Don’t worry about me, I’m fine.”

“Really,,,,?”

“Rather than that, watch the movie properly, there might be some hidden information hidden somewhere.”

“I know.”

Not to disturb the people around, we spoke in whispers to 

The couple-seat had a handrest for one side and had a high backrest, so I was grateful for that.”

“HYA!”

“Ah?”

During the scene with heavy rain, the loud thunder suddenly sounded. Now able to handle anymore, Tachibana finally clung to my arm.

Speaking of which, there was this scene…

“Hey!”

“Uhhh, I am too…I completely forgot about the thunder…”

Tachibana buried her face in my arm and glanced at the screen with only from one eye.

Even so, this girl is scared of too many things.

I’m usually resolute and composed.

But… I’m not able to concentrate on the film…

“Hey, get off…isn’t it okay now?”

“That…I said…”

Tachibana was speaking in a soft voice.

Honestly, whatever Tachibana is afraid of, I will not judge. But I want you to stop hugging me.

Although I had done something similar once, I can’t help but feel a bit strange again.

I mean, really, is she even aware of her cuteness?

My concentration is wavering because of Tachibana’s soft touch on my arm.

In the first place, is she not even embarrassed…?

Isn’t it normal to hold a boyfriend’s arm, shouldn’t a girl resist otherwise?

“Well…The bad scenes will end in some time…please wait until then.”

“How did you even endure the first time…”

“I was still alright at that time… Probably because the woman sitting next to me was more scared than I was…”

That logic where you get extra courage when you see someone who is more scared than you are?

It can’t be helped, let’s just have some patience…

Ah…. wait a sec…

I’m sure that after this scene is…

“HYAAA!”

Just as I remembered, the most amazing scene of the movie came out.

Tachibana seemed to have completely forgotten about the movie and clings to me while crying and firmly sticking her body to mine.

No…This is not good…!

The seats were already narrow enough, and we were now almost in a hugging position.

My conscience completely leaves the screen from the situation, and Tachibana, who lost herself already, doesn’t try to leave me. 

Damn! What a stupid situation…

This is not to review the movie now, rather two lovers openly flirting in the couple seats of a theatre.

“…”

But I can’t force the scared Tachibana clinging to me to stop hugging me.

So, I started stroking Tachibana’s head and back until she calmed down.

Anyway, Tachibana must come back to her senses as soon as possible.

God, please forgive me.

I don’t have an ulterior motive.

Please give me a fair judgment.

While chanting the mantra in my head, I had completely given up watching the movie.

“…”

“…”

When the film got over, we were completely silent, not exchanging any words.

We leave the cinema together and start walking to our home.

It was completely dark now, but I still don’t think we should go to eat dinner together.

There was no content regarding the second half of the film in my mind.

After all, we were hugging each other through it all.

Of course, forget watching the movie to understand the ending better, I couldn’t even think about the interpretation of the ending.

Speaking like this, this story may be incomprehensible and silly but there is a deeper meaning to it.

No, actually, it wasn’t wrong to say that the reason was rather simple.

In other words, even when I tried to push off Tachibana, she firmly grabbed me and refused to let go.

In addition, the couple seat was very narrow.

It was quite difficult to change your position once you sat down.

These are all the reasons it happened.

It’s very simple and easy to understand.

“…”

“…”

But no matter how simple the reason may be, the situation was not simple.

In short, we were hugging each other for more than an hour.

That is definitely not something friends do.

Let alone I, the dark background mob, and that too with the transcendent beauty Tachibana Rika.

Rather than that, I was desperate to keep my chest from pounding, and when I asked if I wasn’t happy with that situation, I’ll have no choice but to deny it.

Above all, what I actually think in my heart is that I feel sorry for Tachibana.

After all, she was in a very desperate state.

She wouldn’t have been able to do anything by herself.

On the other hand, I could’ve torn apart Tachibana if I used a little more force, rather, I think I should’ve done that.

Even though it was Tachibana who clung to me, depending on how you look at it, it’s basically sexual harassment by taking advantage of the situation.

I was thinking about all these things the whole time walking silently with Tachibana.

It was probably because Tachibana wasn’t talking about anything or starting a conversation.

It is at least Tachibana’s kindness that he doesn’t try to go home alone first.

Well…I wonder how I should apologize…

“…Tachibana”

“Kusuba-san” 

Unexpectedly, we spoke at the same time and we both stopped suddenly.

I’m feeling like this awkwardness will end up killing me.

On the other hand, Tachibana had a face that seemed somewhat apologetic.

“…First, may I?” (Tachibana)

“Oh, sure…” (Kusuba)

Just as I answered, Tachibana straightened her legs and unexpectedly bowed her head down.

What are you doing?

Why on earth did you bow for?

“…I’m sorry. We had gone to see the movie again, but I messed it up.”

“…… Eh?”

“Moreover, I lost my composer and clung to…I made Kusuba-san feel uncomfortable…I’m really sorry for all that”

“…Eh? you did care about that kind of thing?”

“…”

When Tachibana raised her face, she had a strange expression on her face.

I can feel the power of my body slowly flowing out.

Tachibana…

Did you really care about such a thing and keep silent about it until now?

If that’s the case, I guess she’s quite an idiot.

No, maybe this is just Tachibana Rika.

Even if you ask me, it’s true that I can’t see it like that.

But, for me, that’s not the case……

“It doesn’t really matter” (Kusuba)

“Ow! That hurt…” (Tachibana)

I did a light chop on her head while feeling relieved.

Tachibana looked at me with a grudge-like expression, while holding her head with both her hands and eyes becoming tearful.

“So I was just depressed a bit. Why were you so worried about it?”

“Well, because you had a difficult face ever since you left the theatre. And it’s probably my fault if you’re angry.”

“It’s not like that, It’s just that I didn’t like being in close contact with someone for a whole hour.” 

“…eh?”

Even though I yelled to make her understand, she still seemed a bit far off.

“Kusuba-san, did you really care about such a thing?”

“…Do you care?”

“…Huh?”

Sigh.

Tachibana seemed to be greatly disappointed and shook her head.

It’s so annoying.

However, I was really relieved by Tachibana’s words, even though I didn’t really understand what they meant.

“You’re an idiot aren’t you, Kusuba-san.”

“Ah! That is something you shouldn’t say!  Even you can be an idiot!” 

“Well, maybe Kusuba-san has always been that type of person. Please return my worries about you.”

“Hey, come on!”

“Well, from that point of view, The way Kusuba-san wants to take advantage of people’s weakness does seem like sexual harassment.”

“Don’t just say that out loud!”

No matter how many times you scream or yell, this girl…

But Tachibana didn’t really seem to care.

In short, we were both silent and feeling worried about each other and realized the other party didn’t care at all.

So, in the end, we are both Idiots.

Now what?

“Ok, Alright, that’s enough. I’ve lost my mind.”

“That’s my line”

We started walking again, making frivolous conversations, reproaching each other in a friendly atmosphere, and criticizing each other’s words.

In the end, I didn’t reach any conclusion of the interpretation of the movie, but I got more familiar with Tachibana.

If you think about it, today’s events aren’t that bad, are they?

I decided to reach that conclusion, and walked the road in the night light with much lighter steps.

“…but”

Tachibana, who was walking a little behind, said in a small voice.

“…why do I not feel disgusted when I stick close to Kusuba-san”

Was that question directed to me?

Or did she ask herself?

I decided not to answer to that and pretend as if I didn’t hear anything.

Tachibana didn’t say anything after that.