Volume 2 - CH 1.1

Chapter 1 - Reunion (Part 1)

I sat on the train, listening to the sound of the carriages and looking out the window at the changing scenery.

A few hours ago, there were buildings and settlements all around me, but now there were only lush green fields and rice paddies, illuminated by the afternoon sun, stretching out in all directions. This is a rural area. In the distance, I can see mountains overlapping each other.

The view from the window had changed so drastically that I felt like I had gone back in time.

"............"

I feel the vibration of the train through my seat. It's a strange feeling. I have the distinct feeling that I'm here now. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that I can clearly feel the world?

Until now, I had never noticed the swaying of the train or the flowing landscape. I spent my days vaguely staring at Yono. But now I was filled with a definite sense of satisfaction.

Kidding, hehe.

It's because I just ...... want to feel unaware of the existence in front of me.

"Haa ...... if only someone somewhere hadn't made a mistake, we would have arrived by now!"

"Hooh! It's unforgivable! I think that person somewhere should apologize right now!"

"I'm talking about you, idiot!"

"Y-Yes, sorry."

I bowed deeply as she shouted at me. I apologized sincerely and hoped that she would forgive me.

"How come you got on the wrong train? You should have asked me. You can't get on the train just because you got carried away. I mean, you didn't check the schedule, did you?"

Kana, who was sitting in front of me, complained endlessly.

I've been blamed for this for the past few hours. I understand that it's my fault, but honestly, not that much!

"I am angry at myself for thinking for a moment that this guy was cool. ...... But I can't believe that this fool got on the train going in the opposite direction with such a fresh face!"

"But it really cool, right?"

"Not at all, idiot!"

Kana sighed as hard as she could and looked out of the window for a moment.

The sight of the landscape calmed her and softened the sharpness of her eyes.

"Well, I still have to commend you for coming here."

"Thank you."

"Can I ask you something? Where is your luggage?"

"Huh, what?"

"Riku, you didn't bring anything. We're going to stay there for a few days, you know... ...."

"Whaaaaaaaaaaat────?!"

I didn't hear anything, I mean, well, I felt a little uncomfortable when I saw that Kana had a travel bag in her hand. Damn, I messed up....

While I was disappointed in myself, Kana shook her head and said, "Well, it can't be helped."

"You already know that. Complaining about it now won't change anything."

"Those don't sound like words someone who has been lecturing me for hours would say."

"I am a woman who lives in the present, not the past. I've already forgotten the complaining past."

Kana said this in a distant way, as if she was whistling. In a way, she was a great person.

This selfish behavior is exactly the image I have of a girl and a brat combined.

"Did you call Ayana?"

"No, I didn't. I had a feeling she would avoid me if I did."

"......"

Seemingly satisfied with my hunch, Kana gave a short answer and then nodded.

"Can I ask you another question?"

It wasn't the same light-hearted tone as a few minutes ago. It was a cautious question, as if she wanted to see the situation between us.

I frowned and quickly replied, "What...?"

"What happened with ...... Ayana and Riku?"

"I knew it..."

"Sorry. I was just wondering. ......Oh, well, I don't want to force you to answer, but maybe there's something I can do to help. I'll do whatever I can."

I felt that she wasn't lying when she said that.

Kana's sincere eyes looked at me, and there was a pure heart that thought of others.

"Why did you go so far?"

"For Riku and Ayana."

"Is that a bad answer?"

"I know it's a bad idea, but I can't let someone close to me be unhappy, especially if it's my best friend. More importantly, it's not just a question of time. The problem between Riku and Ayana is something I can't even imagine ....... I want to help, even if it's just a little."

Not imposing her own ideas, but a genuine wish.

Kana's expression hardened as she looked into my eyes, as if to draw out the seriousness of the situation.

This is serious. There is no room for doubt.

I have no intention of telling anyone but Yono about my relationship with Hoshimiya.

That was when the idea was destroyed. I had the feeling that I wanted Kana to know about it as well.

"Okay. I'll tell you."

Correcting her posture, Kana leaned forward and turned her attention to what I was about to say.

────.

Just the thought of speaking shook my mind so much that heat began to concentrate in my eyes.

After gritting my back teeth to hold back the roiling emotions, I took another deep breath.

If I was distracted for even a moment, I would definitely cry.

"Wait, Riku. If it hurts..."

"...... No, I'll talk. I know Kana is very worried about me. That's why ...... I want you to know."

Like a pendulum swinging wildly, my emotions began to return to normal.

When I explained my relationship with Hoshimiya to Yono, I showed my emotions and despaired like an animal. But this time, I seemed to be able to speak calmly while looking into ...... my own heart.