V4Ch5: Time to Thaw part 2

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Translator: Soafp

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[Himiyama PoV]

“I didn’t know Misaki-san had such a special skill.”

“I’m just a substitute. I won’t do it anymore.”

“Is that so? Well, then, I consider it a rare opportunity to see it.”

“You’re mean, Suzuka-sensei!”

“Fufu. It’s fine, isn’t it?”

We soak in the hot spring. The excitement from earlier still lingers. A pleasant fatigue.

I never expected to become an idol… The first time basking in the spotlight. The first time wearing a fancy idol costume. The first time being cheered on by so many people, it was just fun.

Looking back, this past week has been very fulfilling. Many times my spirit felt like breaking, crushed by anxiety, afraid of the children’s smiles, crying. But he was there by my side.

Even during summer vacation, every single day, he accompanied me without a single complaint. He supported me devotedly, both mentally and physically. Overflowing gratitude.

I find myself more and more drawn to his existence. I’ve become aware of it.

“Sorry for bringing you all the way here, Suzuka-sensei.”

Sitting side by side in the hot spring, now in a friendship, is Suzuka-sensei, who has become a close friend. She was one of those Yukito-kun invited. She came to witness it.

“Don’t apologize. Besides, I love hot springs too.”

A gentle smile. Suzuka-sensei’s expression seems much more serene.

“But still, I feel sorry for him. I don’t regret the decision or choice. But, I never expected he was on a family trip… I need to apologize to him, to his parents, for having him called back from Kyoto like this.”

“But thanks to Suzuka-sensei contacting him that day… I was happy.”

Suzuka-sensei can’t be blamed. I was the one who collapsed, and considering the circumstances, it couldn’t be helped.

When Yukito-kun received the call, he didn’t mention he was in Kyoto and simply said he would go immediately. He didn’t have to come so urgently. Just the call would have been enough. Just being worried about me would have been enough.

But unexpectedly rushing from Kyoto, nobody could have imagined that.

“It lightens my heart when you say that. Are you okay for tomorrow’s main event?”

“After all the preparation made for me, saying I can’t do it would make Yukito-kun angry.”

“…I can’t imagine him getting angry. When he was in elementary school, he seemed more spirited, but now he’s calm and very kind.”

Suzuka-sensei smiles wryly. I remember the conversation before going live.

“Yukito-kun said something. He said, ‘Because you were kind to me, I’ll be kind to you.’ If you feel he has become kind, it might be because the environment around him has become a kind world for him. His true nature hasn’t changed from those days. If you feel he has become kind, it’s probably because the world around him has become a kind place for him.”

“I hope that’s true.”

A comfortable time with a friend. No need to put on airs. I make a suggestion to Suzuka-sensei.

“You’ve put in so much effort for me. I want to thank Yukito-kun. I plan to invite him to a meal next time. How about joining us, Suzuka-sensei?”

“That sounds good. I’ll accompany you. … I’ve reflected on it. I’ve burdened him with too much. I asked for it, but he’s just a sixteen-year-old boy. I ended up relying on him. It’s troublesome to have someone reliable. – I’m not fit to be an adult.”

Suzuka-sensei smiles awkwardly. …Right, Yukito-kun is still sixteen. Somehow, it seems hard to believe.

Who other than Yukito-kun could make something like this happen? Unabara Inn. I never thought I would come back here again. A path that should have been parted. A farewell that should have been decisive, yet Yukito-kun has reconnected the ties.

To prepare such an elaborate stage, Yukito-kun must have exerted considerable effort. If it’s just for me, there’s no need to use Unabara Inn. Not only me. Mikiya-san, this Unabara Inn – it’s all part of an overly forceful plan to save everything.

Could it be that Mikiya-san asked Yukito-kun to bridge the gap with me? Even if that were the case, Yukito-kun didn’t need to go this far. Trying to save everything visible, such arrogance and greed. But at the same time, I can’t help but think he might do that.

―You taught me, didn’t you?―You proved it with your actions.

There’s never a need to give up on everything. You can obtain everything you want, do everything you want, and that’s fine. You’re allowed to seek happiness.

“Suzuka-sensei, if I can overcome this, I’m thinking of taking the teacher employment exam again.”

“Misaki-san?”

Suzuka-sensei’s eyes widen, and big tears start flowing.

“I see… You’re going to aim for it again. That’s great. Really great!”

The determination I’ve kept in my heart. I haven’t told Yukito-kun about this yet. Would he be happy?

If he wasn’t here, could I have felt this way?

“Suzuka-sensei, I’ve caused you worry for a long time.”

“It’s okay! Originally, it was my fault. I ruined the future for both of you.”

When I tell her about giving up being a teacher, Suzuka-sensei repeatedly apologizes while crying. She must have had a hard time, too. After I left, unable to escape, she had to continue being a homeroom teacher in that hellish place. She’s an admirable educator who far surpasses me.

Even after that, she always showed genuine concern for me. A person I admire, a wonderful educator. I held feelings of admiration.

“But… there’s one more dream I have.”

I, too, have been influenced by Yukito-kun and find myself strangely changing my mindset.

“…A dream?”

“I volunteered and interacted with many children. They were as cute as angels. I realized that I really like children. I sincerely thought I wanted my own child.”

It was a dream-like time. It was challenging to deal with them, but it was a time filled with happiness.

“Yukito-kun is trying to save everything. As much happiness as he can hold in his hands. That’s why I decided not to give up either. If I have two dreams, I should seek ways to fulfill both, without making a sad choice to give up on one.”

People are creatures that live while compromising. Gradually giving up on something with each passing year. From adults who gave up, you hear, “Stop talking about such dreamlike things forever,” and get crushed by reality. Forgetting to resist, making excuses that this is what adults do.

“I see. Misaki-san, you’ll be fine with both. You’re still very young.”

Age is more important than anything else. Suzuka-sensei also understands that.

In Suzuka-sensei’s words, there’s a faint sense of resignation mixed in. I couldn’t stand it.

“By the way, Suzuka-sensei, I heard you’ve been going to a matchmaking agency.”

“Ugh… Please don’t ask too much. …――The results aren’t promising.”

She averts her eyes with a pout. Suzuka-sensei is like me. Hesitating to pursue happiness.

She’s beautiful, financially stable, and comes from a good family. Suzuka-sensei should have been a top pick. Yet, she hasn’t married yet, and it’s because Suzuka-sensei is apprehensive.

I gave up being a teacher, and Yukito-kun became isolated. The resistance to being the only one to be happy, given that I made it so that he became isolated.

Even though I wished for happiness from the bottom of my heart, I avoided the happiness in front of me.

However, that’s no longer necessary. I’m reaching out to the future. So――.

“Suzuka-sensei, you also said you wanted children, right?”

“Even so, there’s no one around… Before I knew it, I’m about to turn forty.”

She looks gloomy. Suzuka-sensei is reaching a critical point in terms of age. Marriage and taking the teacher employment exam can be done anytime, but having children is not so simple.

There’s a clear time limit. It’s better to be younger. The probability of natural pregnancy decreases with age, especially in the forties.

The risk also increases. In marriage hunting, the age factor is crucial, especially for men who consider having a family and children. Age becomes the most important factor.

“Suzuka-sensei.――You do have someone in mind, right? Someone really wonderful. Right?”

“…………Eh?”

---

“Misaki, there you are!”

“Mikiya-san? What are you doing here?”

Mikiya spotted Misaki and called out to her. He had been looking for her to have a conversation, but it seemed she had stepped outside the inn. It was just before the date changed, under the full moon, and Mikiya was reminiscing about nostalgic times.

“…I never thought you’d be an idol.”

“Being told that again makes me feel a bit embarrassed.”

While saying so, she didn’t seem entirely displeased. For Misaki, it had indeed become an irreplaceable experience. Walking slowly, she piled up words, filling the gaps in the interrupted time.

“…He’s amazing. When he came back and asked about you, I was surprised. I’ve heard nothing but astonishing things. It made me realize how little I knew about you. After that, everything changed rapidly. The changes happened in an instant.”

By a stroke of luck, he reunited with that boy at the inn and learned of unbelievable events. Literally, the encounter changed everything, setting the gears in motion.

Reservations flooded into the inn constantly. The employees, who initially had felt gloomy about the inn’s future, were now lively and spirited. Mikiya’s mother was no exception. She faced the rising tide of work with enthusiasm.

“I’m not too familiar with it, but a pilgrimage to a holy place, right?”

“It’s what Yukito-kun does. It’s beyond our comprehension.”

Thinking of bizarre ideas and putting them into action, that boy changed everything. The gears had started moving.

“However, that video had me scratching my head.”

While it was appreciative that the influencer boy advertised the inn extensively, that was unexpected. The series of videos Yukito had uploaded on social media titled ‘Handing Souvenirs Obtained from the Panty Crane’ exceeded a million views on each.

Although challenging, the reactions varied. From the homeroom teacher, Sayuri-sensei, who expected a famous sweet and ended up with an unexpected souvenir, leading to a lecture with lines like, “Hoho? You have the nerve to give me such a thing. Come, kneel down here, you scoundrel!” to the student council president, Kedou, who reacted with, “Wh-what is this! I’ll change right away, so wait for me,” and suddenly putting her hands on her skirt, resulting in an unexpected broadcast accident. The responses were diverse, creating a sensation.

Above all, today, the inn became recognized nationally as a holy place for street basketball. It was an entirely different approach to a different generation and clientele.

A stroke of luck. For the inn, it was a miraculous turn of events.

It wasn’t known how long the street basketball boom would last. A year or two, or perhaps it would end in half a year. However, that didn’t matter.

“He gave us a reprieve.”

The inn had been silent and desolate. Just the fact that this situation had completely changed was a miracle. During the given reprieve, they could reassess their policies and rebuild the management. Above all, they could allocate the precious time they desperately needed.

And, for Mikiya, there was another important thing.――The opportunity to reconcile.

There is nothing but gratitude for him who gave them that. He reconnected the bond that Mikiya had once let go.

He bowed his head and said, “Please help Himiyama-san.”

He had done everything for Misaki’s sake. That’s why Mikiya chose the Unabara Inn. His way of living struck a chord in Mikiya’s heart. At the same time, Mikiya felt ashamed of himself for lacking determination.

He had been desperately trying all this time. However, how much of his will had been reflected in his desperation? He had lived as the heir to the inn since birth.

Inheriting the business was absolute, and the priority was always the inn. Being forced into such a way of life, it might have been natural for him to grow tired of it.

In fact, that was the case. She ended up abandoned by her partner, who married someone else despite him and relinquished custody of their child.

What remained were a debt-ridden inn and a foolish divorced man. Running around for fundraising, he stretched his hands in every direction, trying desperately to keep the inn afloat. Yet, the awaited salvation came from Misaki’s connections.

What had she been doing? Mikiya kept questioning himself.

And Mikiya witnessed something he had never seen before—the sight of Misaki. Forced or not, she was made to be an idol, singing. However, her expression was filled with fulfillment. In that moment, there was the smile of Misaki that he had never seen when they were together.

Prioritizing the inn wasn’t wrong. However, if he had just cared a little more about his partner and tried to protect that smile, maybe she wouldn’t have left.

Regrets of a man who mistook what should have been cherished. However, a chance suddenly presented itself.

It wasn’t for the sake of the struggling inn. His mother didn’t tell him to do it. It was Mikiya’s own will. He decided that he wanted to walk together with Misaki again, to support her by his side.

“Hey, Misaki… I want to start over with you. Not for anyone else, but for you and me.”

In the newfound strength that was different from Mikiya’s past self, Misaki swallowed her breath.

---

“I can only watch over you, Misaki-san, but I’m cheering for you. Do your best.”

“Yes. Someday, I want to stand shoulder to shoulder with Suzuka-sensei again.”

“Looking forward to it.”

We shook hands firmly. I also sincerely wished for the day when that would happen.

“Sorry. This is all I can do for now.”

“Grandpa, thank you. Just for coming despite being busy is more than enough.”

“When I first heard from him, I was surprised. Do as you wish. I wonder how much I owe that boy. I might not be able to repay it in my lifetime…”

“Don’t worry, Grandpa. I’ll repay it.”

――I’ll repay this debt to Yukito-kun once in my lifetime, no matter what it takes.

“Hahaha. That’s right. Leave it to Misaki. By the way, show me one of my great-grandchildren.”

“If Yukito-kun agrees, I can do that right away.”

Grandpa left with a hearty laugh. He would probably watch over us just like Suzuka-sensei. How much anxiety and disappointment have I caused to those who expect me?

We are in the hallway of a classroom, not on the school grounds, but it looks like a studio set designed to resemble a classroom. However, the interior is no different from a real classroom.

With so many children gathered, it naturally becomes lively. There are fifty of them. Although the introduction of classes with thirty-five students is progressing in elementary schools, there are also classes with fewer students due to a declining birthrate. However, having this many students in one class may be refreshing for the children.

However, the children gathered here have various grade levels, forming a class with an even mix.

Their eyes sparkled brightly, overflowing with vitality and enthusiasm.

“Um, um… Can I meet Bunnyman again later?”

An eight-year-old girl timidly approached me and asked such a thing.

“Yes. So, please be patient for a little while, okay?”

“Waaa♪”

The girl’s face lit up brightly. After patting her head, she went back with quick steps.

“Thank you for the invitation. But, is it really okay…?”

“Please don’t worry. We asked you to come, so don’t mind it. More importantly, thank you for accompanying us. With this many children, we’d be anxious if it were just us.”

“Oh no, it’s nothing. I’m a full-time housewife, so I have time.”

A gently smiling parent. Normally, it would be out of place for me to respond, but there’s no other way.

In the hallway, parents who brought their children are freely spending time.

Here, there are children gathered by Yukito-kun and you for a present project. It was announced extensively that we would be giving away limited edition sneakers that have become difficult to obtain. The conditions were elementary school children, and applications flooded in. We gathered a balanced mix of boys and girls from different grades.

At the reception, we had them fill out a paper with their address, the child’s shoe size, and the desired model. The plan was to ship them later. For some reason, there was also a witch model listed as a new model, but could it be for me?

Being turned into an idol or a witch, I’m constantly being toyed with. Yet, who else but Yukito-kun could do something like this? He went to such lengths for my sake alone.

We explained to the children and their parents that they would be extras. Just receiving a 45-minute class in the classroom. It was only natural that parents had doubts about whether it was okay for their children to participate.

Only we know the truth, but that’s okay. It’s a win-win situation for everyone. There isn’t a single person here who will be unhappy. Very much like Yukito-kun.

“Misaki-san, it’s about time.”

“Yes.”

Prompted by Suzuka-sensei, I looked around and realized Yukito-kun’s figure was nowhere to be seen. I glanced around anxiously, but he was nowhere to be found. I suddenly felt uneasy.

But, it can’t be helped. We’ve been together all this time—.

It’s amazing how reassuring that was. Just because he’s not here, I feel so helpless.

Maybe he deliberately didn’t show himself. To make sure I can stand on my own and not rely on Yukito-kun forever. I realize how much I’ve become a woman with a strong dependency. When I was with Mikiya-san, it wasn’t like this at all—.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped into the classroom. The eyes of the children all focused on me at once.

The content of the class was prepared to be something that children of different grades could enjoy, even though it couldn’t be called a proper class. All I had to do was present it. This was also something I made with Yukito-kun.

If I could get through this time safely, I planned to tell him once again that I’m aiming to become a teacher. It’s the first step for me. Yet—.

“Ugh!”

My body rattles. I try to speak, but my throat feels choked. Profuse sweating. Intensifying palpitations. The gazes directed at me feel horribly frightening, causing my heart to shrink.

Oh, I really am useless. Disappointment floods over me. It’s pathetic and miserable.

If I direct my gaze, I can see Suzuka-sensei and Grandpa looking uneasy in the corridor.

The parents, too, are showing strange expressions to the obviously odd me. Perhaps sensing something unusual, a sense of unease ripples through the children as well.

I need to say something… I think that, but I can’t bring myself to lift my face that I’ve lowered.

“… I’m sorry.”

Just a small, almost inaudible apology. It was impossible for me. I disappointed their expectations. I’ve ruined what Yukito-kun did for me.

Overwhelmed by the unbearable thought, I want to escape from this place. My fragile heart easily breaks once again. Despair dominates my chest.

The future I had envisioned is once again painted over in black, and I find myself back in hell.

What was I so happy about? Even though I knew this place was where I belonged.

Drip, drip, tears spilled out. Plunged into the depths of despair, only a sense of regret remains.

“Misaki-san!”

Judging it to be impossible, Suzuka-sensei tries to rush towards me. To cut off her words, a small, faint, lovely voice reaches my ears.

(Himiyama-san, Himiyama-san. What are you doing! Start the class—)

“… Yukito-kun?”

[Yukito PoV]

I entered the classroom, but Himiyama-san froze, unable to move. A commotion is spreading. This is an emergency situation, so I discreetly call out.

(… Yukito-kun? Wh-why are you in such a place?)

(If I’m not here, I can’t be next to Himiyama-san, right?)

(Eh!… You’re still going to stay by my side until the end?)

Hey, want to know where I am? It can’t be helped, right? Okay, I’ll tell you.

Yeah, I was hiding under the teacher’s desk! Ta-da! Actually, I’ve been wanting to try hiding here at least once. Satisfied now. But, you know, once I realized I was hiding here, staying for 45 minutes seems tough. It might end up causing muscle pain all over my body.

Now that the class has started, I’m just a suspicious person, so I have no choice but to behave quietly.

(Himiyama-san should be okay. You were perfect as an idol, and have confidence in yourself.)

(… Thank you, Yukito-kun.)

I use my finger to gently poke Himiyama-san’s beautiful legs to encourage her.

Shaking off the trauma of the flashback, now is the time for Himiyama-san to leap forward.

Himiyama-san faces forward. Confirming the faces of each student, she firmly engraves them in her eyes.

“I’m sorry. I’m feeling a little unwell. But, I’m okay now.”

A voice that is calm, gentle, and beautiful to reassure the children. It’s the usual Himiyama-san.

“Well then, shall we start the class?”

A sigh of relief. If that’s the case, Himiyama-san should be fine. To reassure the children, I wave my hand small to Sanjoji-sensei.

Sanjoji-sensei, who noticed me, makes a troubled face, but smiles wryly and waves back.

Now, all that’s left is to wait for the time to pass without any problems. Oh well. But. It’s boring… At that moment, something strange happened!

(… Himiyama-san? Why is your skirt… Himiyama-san!?)

In front of me, the skirt is lifted with a swish. It’s not just a glimpse of panties; it’s far beyond that. I was captivated by the sexy shorts, but suddenly came back to my senses.

(What on earth are you doing at a time like this!?)

(Yukito-kun might be bored. By the way, these are the panties you gave me. Want to touch them?)

(No way! Absolutely not!)

My mind was in complete chaos.

(Mou, you’re still so innocent. It’s okay to play around with them…)

(Please be serious. This is ridiculous, you delinquent teacher.)

(Yes~… I got scolded, huh? But, Yukito-kun, you know, I love the time I spend with you like this the most. It soothes my heart, and I feel very calm. Thank you. I’m fine now.)

(… Himiyama-san)

Acting normal to maintain composure. If for Himiyama-san, this is considered sexual harassment, I’ll reluctantly accept it. Don’t, don’t misunderstand! I’m not enjoying this at all!

So, for the next 45 minutes, I spent my time admiring Himiyama-san’s shorts.

“I did it…! I was able to do it! Once again, properly as a teacher—”

“That’s great! Congratulations, Misaki-san!”

Wiping away tears with a handkerchief, Sanjoji-sensei celebrates as if it were her own achievement.

“Orolololoon. Misakiiiiii! I’m so glad!”

On the other side, Rishu-san cries openly without any hesitation. It seems that her worries have been resolved. We owe it to Rishu-san for preparing this place. Truly a big shot. The story progressed smoothly thanks to her. While nodding appreciatively at her boyfriend-like expression from behind, Himiyama-san, who was unsteady, is strongly embraced.

“I did it! Because you were with me, always by my side—”

For reference, Himiyama-san is in ecstasy. I won’t say what she’s saying. I am surrounded by her ecstasy.

“If you hadn’t been there, I might have collapsed again. But I did it. It’s all thanks to you. Yukito-kun, listen. I want to try aiming to be a teacher again.”

“Misaki-san, Kokonoe-kun is in big trouble!”

Rescued by Sanjoji-sensei. Ababababababa. Phew, that was heavenly. Well, yeah.

“S-Sorry!? I got a bit carried away with joy.”

“I’m happy too, so it’s okay. You’re going back to being a teacher, right?”

This time, I’m embraced with a bit more restraint. Seems like Himiyama-san has no option other than embracing.

“Yeah, with my current self, I think I won’t make such mistakes. Because you taught me that I can always try again, so I’ll give it my best. Yukito-kun, will you cheer for me?”

“Of course.”

Himiyama-san would undoubtedly become a fantastic teacher, loved by her students. Because she’s someone who can empathize with her students. It felt like I finally corrected what I had distorted.

“…But you know, there’s also anxiety.”

“Are you anxious?”

Himiyama-san shows a shadow of concern. I’m determined to stick with her until the end, taking full responsibility for what I’ve done to those girls, traumatizing them.

“I want to believe that you’ll be by my side all the time. I need proof, the courage for that.”

Courage. An emotion entirely non-existent in me.

“What should I do?”

I don’t know. Like an indestructible synthetic metal Prometheus, my mental state is beyond repair.

“…Well, about that?”

While being embraced, she kisses me. A sweet, sweet kiss.

“Himiyama-san, what are you doing!?”

“I want to engrave you in me. Then, you’ll always be able to feel Yukito-kun, right?”

I’m disarmed by Himiyama-san, who smiles mischievously. Exhaustion overwhelms me.

“Well, if it’s just this much…”

“No, I’m receiving vitality. It’s approved by Grandpa.”

“There’s a vampire in a place like this!?”

Kyoto, with its 1,200 years of history, is indeed a place where Yokai and vampires casually coexist.

“—I’m thinking of looking for a yin-on-yang master.……”

I mutter something like that.

“—Uhm! Did you say you were looking for a yin-yang master now? By chance, I’m a rookie yin-yang master named Maki Jagai Kururu. Everyone always teases me for being clumsy, but I’ve been praised by my granny, and my skills are genuine. Hehe.”

“Enough with women!”

I wish you well. Uwaa… my encounter rate is too high…?