Chapter 16: New Encounters

Reading Settings

Translator: Soafp

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“Ha~! We talked so much!”

“Yeah, we talked quite a bit.”

We left the Indian restaurant. It was already past 5 PM.

Her opinions on both the movie and the show were insightful.

More than anything, I didn't expect to enjoy discussing the same movie so much. Even that hellish experience seems good in hindsight… maybe.

“I'm going to buy the original novel. I guess this is where we part ways.”

“Eh… you’re amazing, Toumachi-kun. You are going that far.”

“I think it's a shame if the original novel ends with that, plus I'm curious.”

“Haha, well, that's true.”

The setting sun casts its glow on Hatsune-san.

We're chatting normally, but if I told my past self about this situation, they wouldn't believe it.

“Yeah, well then—”

“…You know, next time, I can lend you some DVDs from my house?”

“Eh?”

“Well, going to the movies three times in a row is probably tough. My family loves movies, so we have a lot of DVDs at home.”

She says this.

…Is this real? Am I actually in a situation where a girl is lending me DVDs?

“If Hatsune-san is okay with it, I'd love to.”

“Of course! I'll bring them next time~! Bye-bye~!”

With a beaming smile, Hatsune-san waves goodbye.

Oh boy, I might end up liking her (misguided fool).

…I should go buy that book.

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KumaKuma Book Club

At the station.

There's a big bookstore here, so I head over.

I was originally planning to come here to gather books related to my hobbies.

【Introduction to Indian Cuisine】

【Introduction to Dance】

【100 Types of Origami】

【Path to Becoming a First-Class Barista】

【Original Novels of Live-Action Movies】

“Ugh…”

Five books are quite a load.

Even I realize my interests have no coherence.

But it can't be helped; it's for my new self.

“…Please.”

“Ah…!”

I bring the books to the register.

The thud of the heavy stack of books is unmistakable.

Amidst that, I notice the clerk in front of me letting out a small sound.

“?”

“Oh.”

It's Kabura-san. I recognize her from her long bangs.

She works here, huh?

“I'll handle this…”

Her hand visibly trembles as she rings up the books.

…That's tough!

This is the first time I've seen a downside to this rainbow-colored feature.

I'm just a quiet introvert, so she can underestimate me if she wants.

“…Your total is 7,191 yen.”

“Oh, right.”

Of course, it's a sum that leaves change.

Give me a break—oh.

I only have a 10,000 yen note (the worst).

I used up all my 1,000 yen bills and change at the Indian restaurant (a miracle).

…Maybe I should muster the courage to speak up.

After all, I was just eating with a classmate…!

“I’ll take the 10,000 yen.”

“Sorry, Kabura-san. I'm causing you trouble.”

“!?”

“Eh…”

Why so surprised? We're classmates.

Oh, did you forget? Can't you see this hair color (shadowy Mito Komon)?

“…Your change will be 6,000 yen and 809 yen.”

“Yeah, thanks, but the change is wrong.”

“Ah…”

“I'll return 4,000 yen.”

Her hand's trembling had lessened towards the end.

If it continued, she might lose the change.

I noticed a “Training” name tag on her uniform.

No wonder she's not used to it.

“…H-Here you go…”

I take the paper bag handed to me.

She's quiet in class and doesn't talk much with friends.

She spends break time in the library. Seeing this, we have many common points.

“It's tough at first, but you'll be fine.”

“…!”

I don't say she's like me at the bottom of the world, but seeing her, I want to cheer her on.

I was nervous when I first used a machine to insert cucumbers (factory job feelings).

But you get used to it. Labor often becomes easier the more you do it.

“Good luck with your job.”

I say that and leave the register.

On the train ride home, I'll start reading these books right away.