Chapter 77: Mountain

Reading Settings

Translator: Soafp

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Shiori: “We're meeting around 10 a.m. tomorrow, right?”

Hajime Toumachi: “Yeah.”

Shiori: ” “

Hajime Toumachi: “Are you okay?”

Shiori: “I'm fine.”

Even from her messages, I could tell she was nervous. Not that I'm one to talk, but when someone else is nervous, it somehow makes me less so.

Shiori: “Well, I have a lot of equipment and stuff.”

Hajime Toumachi: “I see. There's a campsite, right?”

Shiori: “Yes, my grandpa owns a mountain. As long as we have the ingredients, I can cook.”

Hajime Toumachi: “Nice, I'll bring some things.”

Shiori: “Yes! Ah, my break's over, so I'll talk to you later.”

Right. So, she casually dropped that her grandpa owns an entire mountain. I'll just… pretend that's normal.

――Ping!

Yumesaki: “Hey, did you get home safe?”

Hajime Toumachi: “Thanks, not yet.”

Actually, I'm at an Indian curry place after leaving the club. Yumesaki and I parted ways at the station, and I took the train here.

Yumesaki: “What? What are you doing?”

Hajime Toumachi: “Just grabbing some curry.”

Yumesaki: “… You really love curry, don't y—”

Hajime Toumachi: “What's up?”

Yumesaki: “Thanks for today☆”

Hajime Toumachi: “Eh, Hiiragi-san? You're welcome.”

Yumesaki: “Ichigo was so happy, saying she made friends with Toumachi.”

Yumesaki: “※This message has been deleted.”

I guess there's a lot of inner personality chaos going on. They really get along, huh?

Yumesaki: “Never mind, forget that. Later.”

Hajime Toumachi: “It's fine. Oh, by the way, when you think of mountains, what comes to mind?”

Yumesaki: “Huh? Back in middle school, I used to hit waterfalls or meditate or whatever…”

Hajime Toumachi: “Ah, thanks!”

Yeah… not really helpful. I'm not exactly going to the mountains to train…

“Here you go.”

“Oh, thanks.”

While I was replying to messages, my order arrived. Today, I opted for green curry because… well, it's green, like nature. It looks delicious (truly moved). Time to dig in and learn.

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“…That was amazing.”

It was seriously delicious. Professionals really are something else. I'll probably never get there, but the naan was so fluffy I could probably sleep on it (?).

And it's all-you-can-eat (the best). Though, two pieces of naan is my limit.

“Thank you for the meal!”

“Thank you very much.”

I paid and left the shop. It was cool outside. Already 7 p.m.—maybe I'll stop by the bookstore on my way home.

Time to search for a new curry book (because I'm clearly an Indian food scholar now).

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“Oh.”

“Oh.”

“Uh, hello.”

“… Good evening.”

So, I headed over to the bookstore near the curry place, and there she was again. She seemed to be organizing the shelves.

I recognized her uniform—I’ve seen it before, probably after another curry run. I'd forgotten until now.

“… Haha, do you have any books about curry?”

“Please wait a moment.”

“Sorry, I hope I'm not bothering you.”

“N-not at all! … I'm happy.”

“That's good.”

Momiji-san scurried off, moving like a small animal. She seemed to know exactly where the book was. Instinct, maybe? (That's rude, me.)

“…Ah, found it. How about this one?”

“Oh! This looks perfect.”

The title read The True Power of Spices. The cover showed a mouthwatering curry. Definitely buying this.

“Thanks. Do you handle the checkout too, Momiji-san?”

“…Ah, someone else will handle that for you…”

“Got it. Sorry to disturb you while you're busy. Well then—”

“Ah, um, tomorrow… I'm really looking forward to it…”

She blushed again in her bookstore uniform, cheeks turning a soft shade of red.

“Yeah.”

“Th-that's all. Sorry.”

“…I'm really looking forward to it too. See you tomorrow.”

From Momiji-san's expression, I could tell just how much she was looking forward to tomorrow.

…This is something I can't afford to mess up. I need to prepare properly.

“…Maybe I should ask the forum for advice when I get home.”

Holding the book Momiji-san had picked out for me, I muttered to myself.

I really can't do without the forum. After all, the group date was a (kind of) success thanks to it!

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【I think I'll change according to >>5 Pert 13】

219: Username: 1

So, here we go.

I'm calling an emergency meeting to plan a fun day in the mountains.

220: Username: Anonymous in Love

From a group date to the mountains now, huh?

221: Username: Anonymous in Love

That's quite a leap…

222: Username: Anonymous in Love

Well, when I think of mountains, I think of rock climbing (Lady Rock Climbing Club).

223: Username: 1

That's a bit too intense, don't you think? (confused)

224: Username: Anonymous in Love

Instant ramen eaten on a mountain is the best (for real).

225: Username: 1

Yeah, I'm planning to cook something.

226: Username: Anonymous in Love

The best thing to do in the mountains is to take a nap.

227: Username: 1

I'm not gonna wake up surrounded by wild animals, right?

228: Username: Anonymous in Love

How about a campfire?

We couldn't do one during school because it rained. All the wood we gathered got soaked and it was hilarious (also, I cried).

229: Username: Anonymous in Love

Eat mountain veggies, they're great.

Just watch out for the occasional poisonous ones.

230: Username: Anonymous in Love

Fireworks.

Cleaning up afterward was way more of a hassle than I expected.

231: Username: 1

…Thanks, everyone. I appreciate you pointing out the downsides too. I'll keep it in mind.

232: Username: Anonymous in Love

Hey, don't take our advice too seriously (fear).

233: Username: Anonymous in Love

You learned that from the group date, didn't you?

234: Username: 1

Honestly, your advice saved me last time.

235: Username: Anonymous in Love

…

236: Username: Anonymous in Love

Let's just assume we've helped improve your improvisation skills (delusion).

237: Username: 1

Thanks as always, guys. You've really helped me out.

238: Username: Anonymous in Love

AAAAAHHHHHH! That's painful!!

Speaking of pain, CURRY!!!

239: Username: Anonymous in Love

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

240: Username: Anonymous in Love

LOL.

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I closed the chaotic forum thread and focused on figuring out my strengths.

What can I actually do?

What can I do to make my friends happy?

…All I can think of is making curry.

When it comes to mountain activities, I've got no clue. I spent most of my school camping trips studying, so I don't remember much.

[――“What's he even doing out here?”――]

[――“He's so boring, honestly.”――]

…Ugh, no… (mental collapse).

[――“Um, I'm really looking forward to tomorrow…”――]

…Phew, that was close. I almost got caught up reminiscing about my embarrassing past. Focus, focus.

Maybe I should dig up some bamboo shoots (even though it's out of season).