V4Ch2: Midsummer Intruder Part 1

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Translator: Soafp

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[Misaki Himiyama PoV]

Melting away.

The daily life that was supposed to be frozen. The everyday I thought wouldn’t change.

I had given up. Dreams unfulfilled, wishes unanswered.

Though my time was supposed to have remained cold and frozen, emotions gradually waned, and I found myself smiling less and mourning less.

I lost sight of the future and had been living aimlessly for so long. I had accepted the fact that it would probably continue that way. Yet, just one encounter.

No, a “reunion.”

A heat, gushing forth, slowly melting me, accelerating the days that had stagnated.

Rapid climate change during an ice age. The Dansgaard-Oeschger Event. [TL: Dansgaard–Oeschger events (often abbreviated D–O events), named after palaeoclimatologists Willi Dansgaard and Hans Oeschger, are rapid climate fluctuations that occurred 25 times during the last glacial period.]

As if such violent changes were happening in my life.

A simmering heat. Did the reunion with him bring a change to me?

If so, this heat must have been something dormant inside me. Something I had confined.

I had thought I abandoned and discarded it. But I was wrong. I still had it in me.

Like the CO2 trapped underwater, such heat lingered within me. It smoldered. I had been patiently waiting in the depths of my heart for the day the ice would melt.

Thick ice is melting. The ice age is coming to an end.

Is it okay for me to dream just once more, to pursue a wish?

The time of thawing. I, who was supposed to be at a standstill.

—Gigigi, with a creaking, rusty sound, the clock’s hands began to move.

“Long time… hasn’t it been, Misaki? Are you well?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Though Mikiya-san seems a bit tired.”

Literally as seen. The first words were not about the joy of reunion but concern for his health.

Perhaps that’s because we’ve both aged. Everything is different from the time we lived so recklessly. Lost in the length of time that has passed, I find myself lost in reminiscence.

I welcome him in from the entrance. I thought I would never meet him again. Feeling uncomfortable that such a person is right in front of me.

My long-lost ex-fiancé, Mikiya Unabara, looked busy or somewhat worn out. The face in my memory seemed to be more vigorous and lively, but I’ll accept that he too has had various experiences. I didn’t intend to ask everything, but now that we’ve met again, memories of the days I spent with him are reviving.

A proprietor, the present president of the Unabara Inn. Back then, he was still an apprentice.

The son of the proprietress, yet he’s already married, presumably to the current proprietress. I wonder if his mother is considered the head proprietress now.

I might have been called that as well… It’s hard to even imagine now. There might have been such a future, but a future I couldn’t grasp.

Regardless, it’s already over. The connection with him has long been severed.

“I thought we’d never meet again.”

“That’s harsh.”

He gave a wry smile. A considerable amount of time had passed. There are lingering feelings of regret, things left undone, as well as feelings that have been properly sorted out.

The emotions I held for Mikiya had now become quite neutral, neither fluttering nor irking. Especially not holding any special emotions.

“But, it surprised me. Receiving a message from you.”

“I just wanted to see you.”

Hearing such unbelievable words, I gaze directly into his eyes.

An ambiguous answer that doesn’t seem entirely true or false. I’m not naive enough to take it at face value.

“Didn’t you think about how I feel?”

“I did! But still, I wanted to see you. That’s why I came here.”

I can sense the tension in his taut expression; he must have struggled in his own way.

A few days ago, he called me. He wanted to meet and talk. He said that.

How ridiculous. If it had been a little while ago, I would have never thought of meeting him.

Anger, sorrow, and even the joyful memories have turned into a sepia-toned past.

Now, I’m just curious why he, who abandoned me, suddenly wanted to meet.

I hesitated for a bit, but I decided to meet him.

And just a while ago, he suddenly messaged, “Can we meet since I’m nearby?”

Ideally, meeting outside would have been better, but I had plans, so I couldn’t go out, thus deciding to meet at home. Mikiya’s timing is really off.

“So, what’s this about? I have plans today. I can’t spare much time.”

“Is that so? My bad. I’ve been really busy, contacted you wanting to meet, but I couldn’t find time. I happened to be nearby for something, so I thought I’d take a moment to see if we could meet.”

With a wry smile, he sips the coffee. I brewed it a bit stronger, suiting his taste.

“It tastes familiar.”

“Your taste buds haven’t changed.”

Back then, we often brewed coffee like this. Memories of the time spent together resurface.

Though Mikiya’s words didn’t constitute an answer, there was no point in pointing that out. I resigned myself and steered the conversation. Just indulging a bit in memories.

“How’s your mother?”

“She’s doing great. Despite being the president now, she’s being pushed hard every day.”

“She hasn’t changed. That’s reassuring.”

The conversation continues, winding aimlessly. Neither of us really wants to discuss such matters. Nevertheless, there’s an odd necessity for it. Being an adult is such a hassle; one can’t live without pretense.

I don’t particularly want to exchange recent updates, but it’s a formality. Even though it’s been crushed, these were once people who might have become family. Meeting like this makes it hard to remain indifferent.

“Are you living here alone?”

“It’s a single-person apartment. Naturally.”

“That’s true… Huh?”

His eyes land on a mug placed at the corner of the table.

That was prepared for the original visitor I was expecting later. Since Mikiya’s visit was an unexpected irregularity, there wasn’t time to tidy up.

“What’s this…?”

He reaches out for it. Instantly, I raise my voice in alarm.

“Don’t touch that!”

I’m bewildered by the volume of my own voice.

He flinches and returns the mug to the table.

“Sorry! …Are you meeting your boyfriend later? You said you were single last time, that’s why I thought I could come.”

“No, that’s not it. See that cardboard box over there? A computer arrived today. I’m not good with machines, so I asked a friend to set it up for me.”

“Ah, I see. That’s a relief.”

He seems taken aback by my abruptness, trying to piece his words together while glancing at me.

A friend. I said it, but I couldn’t imagine he would think of me that way. Besides, our ages are too different. So what kind of relationship is this, really?

No matter how much I think about it, there’s no answer. The current state where Mikiya and Yukito have forgotten about me; our present relationship is ultimately nothing but a pretense. Pretending, boasting, deceiving, being ignorant neighbors.

Then, suddenly, Mikiya’s words strike me as odd.

“Why relieved? Why would you feel relieved, Mikiya? It’s none of your concern. Moreover, does your wife know that you’re meeting me like this? She wouldn’t be pleased.”

Mikiya Unabara is married. After he left me, he was introduced to a woman through the proprietress and their matchmaker, someone he married. They’ve had children and everything is smooth sailing. No concerns about an heir.

I don’t resent it, but a home, children, work. Everything I wanted, he has it all.

That’s why I could say I decided to meet Mikiya like this.

Everything has ended in the past. Nothing will change now.

However, that’s only my perspective. From his wife’s point of view, her husband meeting his former fiancée wouldn’t be something to celebrate. She might suspect an affair.

As a woman, I don’t want to cause unnecessary misunderstandings. I don’t know what he’s here for, but once his business is done, I find myself wishing he’d leave soon.

But then, the next thing he said was beyond my imagination.

“She and I divorced three years ago. We had problems until the end with my mother. The kids stayed with her. I was an idiot. If that’s the case, what was I doing with you…”

“Eh?”

Mikiya Unabara fixes his gaze directly on me.

With remorse, with regret, he forced out those words.

“Misaki, can’t we start over again?”

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[Yukito Pov]

I pride myself on being a healthy high schooler, but even during summer vacation, would a healthy high schooler really visit a lady of leisure in broad daylight? No, they wouldn’t! Ah, but then again, Himiyama-san is unmarried, so she’s not a “madam,” she’s a “mademoiselle.” Phew, that was close.

Carelessness in these matters might touch upon the scales of female anger. If that happens, I’d be the one taking heavy damage with her high attack power. She’d only be confused afterward (not really).

After all, for me, Himiyama-san is an X-rated archenemy.

I’m just at the maximum R-rating, literally in a different league, and ever since we met, it’s been a series of continuous defeats. A complete losing battle. Moreover, the encounter rate is way too high.

At one point, I thought about writing the number of consecutive losses on my thigh, but I’m a healthy high schooler, so I’ll refrain from that. Yuri-san isn’t healthy, so she wrote it with a permanent marker.

Despite being embarking on such a hazardous zone, today is a casual visit.

Because, apparently, the computer I ordered arrived today. Even though Himiyama-san asked me, I was the one who chose the build-to-order and placed the order. If I’m asked to do the setup work, it’s my responsibility to see it through to the end.

Whenever I go, she always treats me to cakes and cookies, so I thought it’d be rude not to bring anything today, hence I brought mizu-yokan (watery sweet bean jelly. It’s delicious, isn’t it, mizu-yokan?

One of my few hobbies is exploring sweets, but lately, because of summer vacation and my growing interest, I’ve been devoted to making sweets. This is also due to the fact that with my mother taking over the cooking due to telecommuting, I’ve become idle. But, anyway.

As usual, the sunlight outside is dazzling. Just a little outing and sweat starts to seep. Luckily, it’s close by, and the apartment where Himiyama-san lives is just a stone’s throw away.

No matter how hot it is, as part of my training, I never use the elevator and always use the stairs. That’s me, Yukito Kokonoe. Although, with the sweat pouring, I wipe it off with antiperspirant sheets and catch my breath.

Crap, I should have done the workout later. Who’s the idiot who’s all sweaty before visiting someone’s house? Even though Himiyama-san is already a difficult opponent with zero physical distance,she has now acquired the JK style too. I won’t succumb to temptation. Ohh!

With determination, I arrive at Himiyama-san’s door, catch my breath, and press the doorbell.

[Himiyama PoV]

Upon hearing those words, all that came to mind was sheer disbelief. Why would she say that? Start over. What exactly?

Our relationship? Now? After diverging paths, and then meeting again, all within a few minutes.

What could possibly be redone? I wasn’t young enough to easily nod along with those words. Even if two people love each other, there are things that cannot be overcome.

I’ve tasted that feeling of helplessness more than enough. Unlike being a couple, when it comes to marriage, it goes beyond just the relationship between the two. When becoming a family, qualifications for that role are questioned.

It was only natural. And I lacked the qualifications.

“I never thought you would say such things now…”

“I’m sorry, but I’m serious! If you don’t have someone right now, could you consider it? Once again, being together, just the two of us.”

Something echoed in the hollowness. Despite his passionate words, a discomfort lingered, overwhelming any joy or happiness. He didn’t seem to be lying. If he’s already divorced and the relationship has been settled, he’s free to choose whoever he wants to be with.

Was I chosen as that someone?

Why—? Because he loves me? But, but, but!

That’s precisely why I can’t believe him.

“Why?”

The same words that floated in my mind spilled out naturally from my mouth.

“Because I love you. Because I couldn’t forget about you, Misaki—”

“Then why!”

I was about to raise my voice, but I held back.

I had already sorted out my feelings long ago. Nevertheless, why was my heart so turbulent now? I had accepted it. It was a future I had given up on.

Comparing the two is impossible. Nevertheless, I couldn’t help but think.

Of that child who fought alone, opposing everything, getting wounded, yet persistently pushing forward. Even with its heart cut to pieces by that blade.

Ordinary people can’t behave like that. People are increasingly bound by something precious, something they can’t throw away. There’s a fear of losing.

But there is a boy like that. Even if he can’t fight alone, perhaps, if they were together, they could have overcome it. Even so, we chose the path of parting.

I believed it was the best choice. We didn’t fight, we followed the surroundings, and accommodated ourselves. Yet…

“That’s not it! This time, it’ll be fine. Even Mom is—”

His mom cares about me?

Impossible. I instinctively felt an unnaturalness.

His mother didn’t approve of me. She opposed our marriage, and I couldn’t overturn that. I couldn’t provide an heir. It was a fatal flaw. I was defective and hopeless. So, it’s strange. Even if he gets a divorce, he should be able to find another partner. His mother wouldn’t be concerned about me, someone incapable of having children.

Yet, why?

My thoughts returned to that point.

Come to think of it, “Kaihara Ryokan” has switched to focusing on inbound demand to increase profits.

Foreign visitors to Japan exceeded 30 million, and tourist destinations were overflowing with foreigners. With expectations of further increase, the Japan Tourism Agency set a goal to surpass 40 million visitors, riding high on this trend.

However, the world changes in an instant. Travel between countries became restricted, entry regulations were imposed, and international travel came to a halt. This situation should have significantly impacted Ryokan, traditional Japanese inns.

“Is the inn business secure?”

Moreover, once you’ve tilted toward catering to inbound tourists, there’s a risk of Japanese people moving away. While it’s entirely reasonable for cultural differences to lead to segregation, establishments leaning heavily toward inbound tourism not only receive benefits but also carry risks.

“Y-yeah, it’s quite challenging, you know. But gradually, the demand is starting to return. Given a little more time, we can recover. We’re taking steps. We’ve even requested loans from banks…”

Despite such circumstances, had he come this far to reconcile with me?

The sense of unnaturalness accelerated, and I became aware of that discomfort.

“It can’t be, Mikiya-san. Did your mother tell you to come here?”

“! No, it’s not that. I didn’t—”

“Were you planning to use me?”

I know firsthand the value of power. In that sense, I might have been privileged from the past. Many people approached me with some kind of agenda. Perhaps that’s why I became sensitive to such matters.

“It’s a shame, because you weren’t that kind of person.”

“I’m not lying when I say I still like you! I just wanted a little help.”

“But it’s not me you wanted, isn’t it?”

“No! I truly care about Misaki—”

Doorbell rings.

Interrupting Mikiya’s words, the doorbell rang.

“Sorry, I’m a bit tied up right now.” 

“Are you receiving visitors? Should I come another day?” 

“No, it’s okay. It’s over now.” 

Himiyama-san welcomed me in with a slightly sad smile. 

There were men’s shoes at the entrance. She is having visitors, but are they acquaintances? 

Or perhaps it was religious solicitation or an insurance salesperson. 

Come to think of it, the other day, there was an old man wandering in front of the apartment, and Himiyama-san lives alone. It’s better to be cautious, especially in recent times. 

“And you are…?” 

Upon entering, there was a man sitting on the living room sofa. There was an air of seriousness about him. It didn’t seem like a comfortable situation. There was also a tension between Himiyama-san and the man. This is awkward! What’s going on here? 

Without understanding the situation, I gave the least suspicious response. 

“I’m from the town’s electrical services.” 

“Electrical services?” 

“I’m here for setting up a PC.” 

“Why did you change your way of speaking, Yukito-kun?” 

“I thought it sounded more like a town’s electrician.” 

“Well, it doesn’t.” 

“Ah, I see. Then I’ll stop.” 

Whether it sounded like it or not, the man seemed to accept my words. 

“I see, you’re the one Misaki mentioned for the electrical work?” 

“I’m the electrician. Sorry for the interruption. I’m okay with coming back later.” 

“It’s okay, Yukito-kun. I want to start using it soon too. Sorry for making you come. Mikiya-san, will you leave now?” 

“Ah, yeah. But Misaki, I’m serious. Seriously about you and…” 

“Mikiya-san, please stop!” 

Himiyama-san’s sharp voice interrupted him. 

Seemingly surprised by her sternness, the man stood up and headed towards the entrance. 

“I’ll come again, Misaki.” 

“But Mikiya-san understands, right? We’re already done.” 

The two were discussing something at the entrance. It wasn’t an argument, but the atmosphere was unsettling. 

I couldn’t interject without causing further disturbance, so I glanced around and noticed a pair of familiar-looking mugs on the table. They seemed quite intimate, and there was only one implication behind them. 

Aha, I see. This is a love affair scene, isn’t it? 

No, that’s not it! Why did I have to intrude into such a situation? 

I hope I don’t get silenced as a witness. I’d rather stay away from soap opera-like scenarios. I just want to go home. 

Himiyama-san returned, but as soon as she noticed my gaze, she became flustered. 

“Don’t get the wrong idea! These weren’t for Mikiya-san, it’s just that—” 

“It’s okay. I understand without everyone having to say it.”

“I’ll tell you this because you seem clueless, it’s true. Mikiya-san coming today was a coincidence, and what’s here was prepared for you, Yukito-kun.”

“I’m pretty perceptive, so don’t worry.”

“Don’t say you’re perceptive. Do you understand?”

I can understand the guilty feeling. But I don’t think cheating is a good thing…

While thinking about that, I began tearing open the packaging to start the work.

BTO stands for “Build To Order,” which falls somewhere between ready-made and custom-made products. You just need to customize the parts as needed, no need to assemble.

So, in about an hour, not only the PC setup but also the installation of peripheral devices like printers would be completed. By the way, it’s an all-in-one model with a scanner.

Himiyama-san doesn’t skimp on initial investments. She’s as generous as she is accommodating.

“That should be about it for now. Are you okay with using it?”

“Thank you. I’ve used a computer many times, so I’m fine.”

Himiyama-san poured coffee into a mug for me. She added plenty of milk and sugar to suit my taste. As I sat down on the sofa, she naturally took the seat beside me.

I can’t escape… A professional skillfully blocking my escape route was right there.

“Nevertheless, it’s quite sophisticated.”

“I’ve been thinking of trying harder myself.”

“I see.”

“Yeah.”

I didn’t delve deeper. There are things that people don’t want to talk about.

Come to think of it, she mentioned starting work as a cram school tutor. Himiyama-san would surely become a fantastic teacher who’s very popular among students. At least, I’d attend☆

However, I felt like I had to say this no matter what.

“Forgive me for being presumptuous, but it might be better to stop the affair.”

“It seems you still don’t understand, Yukito-kun.”

Her smiling face was somewhat creepy.

However, if I don’t speak out now, she’ll be the one hurt in the end. Since Himiyama-san has helped me before, I have to say it even if it means she might dislike me.

“Cheating leads to unhappiness.”

“That’s not what this is about…”

“Himiyama-san!”

I turned abruptly, grabbed both of Himiyama-san’s hands in mine, joining them as if we were a couple, and pushed her onto the sofa. She let out a surprised sound, but I couldn’t afford to care.

“I don’t want you to be unhappy, Himiyama-san!”

“Y-yes. I get it. I get it. Please don’t make my heart race any faster. I won’t be able to control it. I’ll deal with Mikiya-san properly. Thank you.”

Did I manage to save Himiyama-san from the soap opera world? Cheating or infidelity isn’t good.

I know that no one will be happy. If you continue such a relationship, it will eventually fall apart. Both parties will end up in a situation that’s irreparable.

So, even if it hurts now, it’s necessary to stop. No matter how much pain it brings.

I was looking straight into Himiyama-san’s eyes, but for some reason, her cheeks were tinged with red.

“I never thought you’d care about me. Your forcefulness is lovely.”

Slowly, Himiyama-san’s hand wraps around my back.

Her lips, adorned with lipstick, glisten with a glossy sheen.

Wait, something seems off about this, doesn’t it?”