V4Ch7: Lingering Summer Part 2

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Translator: Soafp

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“Oi, Yukito-kun, over here!”

With about ten days left in summer vacation, we were reaching the end, but it was still hot. The scorching sun was shining dangerously bright today.

While the seasons seemed to have shifted slightly earlier in recent years, it’s still annoying to think it’s this hot even in September. Going out is a bit of a hassle, but staying cooped up is unhealthy. As I headed to the intended place, there was already someone waiting.

“Mithras-senpai, long time no see.”

Goddess-senpai, also known as Mithras-senpai, greeted me in a casual outfit of a summer dress and mules. Even in the shade, she was slightly sweating.

“It’s been a while since school. It’s hot again today, I hate it.”

“Ugh. Just coming here makes me feel exhausted.”

Wiping sweat with a handkerchief, I took a sip of water from a PET bottle. Hydration is crucial under the scorching sun. The absurd idea of refraining from drinking water during club activities, which used to exist, has long been abandoned.

“By the way, what kind of goddess is Mithras? I’ve never heard of her.”

“It’s a goddess with my original setting. Do you know about it?”

“How could I possibly know!?”

“You bestow gifts upon humanity.”

“Oh, there’s something like that in novels. So, I’m a good goddess, right?”

“You are hated.”

“You actually hate me, right? Hey?”

For some reason, she sent me a resentful look with narrowed eyes. But when I smiled, her gaze quickly switched to something that seemed like expectation.

“Well, whatever. Hey, don’t you have anything to say? I worked hard!”

Running her hand over her clothes, she fluttered them. If she goes this far, even a dull person like me can understand what the other person wants. I stared closely from her toes to the top of her head.

“Senpai, you look super cute! Amazing!”

“R-Really? I feel embarrassed when praised so honestly. Ehehe.”

“You look so fitting; you could be easily picked up by a playboy or delinquent any moment.”

“That ruins it!”

“So, speaking of romantic comedies, aren’t there too many playboys or delinquents? They often fail at picking up girls and cause violent incidents. I always wonder how bad the public order is in those stories.”

“We shouldn’t go any further with that. You are the main character in a romantic comedy, after all. But seriously, even if you throw such questions at me, it’s like an unwritten rule, isn’t it?”

“In this era, even delinquent manga is decreasing.”

“But, you know, now that Yukito-kun is here, you’ll rescue me if I get involved, right?”

“Oh, by the way, the ‘Mabui’ from earlier is a word in Okinawan dialect, meaning ‘spirit’ or ‘soul.'”

“Hey, you!”

How about a refreshing joke for the summer? Chilled to the bone. That said, the downtown area is bustling, filled with people. The summer heat seems to bring vitality to the surroundings.

“We still have a bit of time. How about going to a cafe?”

“Senpai, there’s…”

A few meters away, there was a bakery shop that caught my attention. I couldn’t help but be intrigued.

“I’m a bit hungry. By the way, melon bread seems like a good deal based on its appearance, doesn’t it?”

“That looks delicious, right? Well then, see you. The bread that I think looks like it’s losing in appearance is raisin—”

“Can you please stop bad-mouthing bread? You’re the worst. I’m disappointed. Apologize to the bread shop owner who’s working hard.”

“You clearly baited me into saying that, didn’t you!? Ah, whatever. I’m completely angry today, so even if you apologize, I won’t forgive you!”

“Well, well. I’ll give you the part of the anpan without red bean paste for the first bite.”

“I don’t need it!”

While engaging in a futile talk, by the time we searched for bread and left the store, some time had passed. At that point, I decided to ask Senpai about something that has been bothering me.

“I’ve been wondering for a while, but Senpai, what are we doing in a place like this?”

“Isn’t it too late to ask that now!?”

“I see, so Goddess-sensei and Goddess-senpai are relatives.”

“That’s right. I apologize for making you wait.”

After getting into the car, Goddess-sensei—also known as Kozukata-sensei, who was supposed to be waiting, explained the situation. It was a complete coincidence, but there seemed to be a connection between the two goddesses.

“It’s surprising that Kuon-san and Yukito-kun know each other.”

“I think so too. Today, I was thinking of treating you to a meal as thanks, but Kyoka wanted to come along. Are you two close?”

“I’m a fellow loner. But the only one who is a loner is the goddess senpai.”

“That’s not true! I have lots of friends; you just don’t know them!”

“Pfft.”

“Don’t laugh with a weird straight face!”

“But, Kyoka. Aren’t you not that type of person?”

“Come on, Kuon-san!”

“Fufu. I’m sorry. It’s just so refreshing to see you like this.”

Goddess-sensei, who arrived at the meeting place in an EV car, was wearing large sunglasses. She looked totally cool. There was no trace of the grotesque Yokai-faced vomiting BBA who wet herself. The gap was so surprising.

“By the way, the usual Goddess-sensei is like that, huh? Like a career woman. Back then, you were rolling on the asphalt, you were like that.”

“Please don’t mention that!”

“Sorry, Yukito-kun. Did Kuon-san cause you trouble?”

“Hey, stop it, Kyouka!”

“It’s okay. What I got on me was vomit, stuff, and urine.”

“*Cough* *Cough*”

“Are you getting a summer cold? Take care, Goddess-sensei.”

“Th-thank you!”

For some reason, Goddess-sensei was giving me the exact same resentful look as Goddess-senpai earlier, but I had no idea why.

“By the way, Yukito-kun, I have something to discuss. Shall we stop by the office for a bit?”

“Please.”

Goddess-sensei, perhaps feeling remorse, seemed willing to help whenever I was in trouble.

Consulting with a lawyer usually involves consultation fees based on time, but unbelievably, it’s both free and unlimited in this case. How fortunate. Let’s make the most of it.

“Don’t do anything dangerous, okay? You’re a student, and you wouldn’t want to face disciplinary action, right?”

“It’s okay. Besides, I’ve already been suspended once since entering high school.”

“Eh? Aren’t you a first-year student?”

“That incident wasn’t Yukito-kun’s fault, but I can’t forgive it.”

“It’s rare that everything ended so smoothly. Is that considered a good outcome?”

“Did it really end smoothly with that!?”

Unusual things can happen. It might have been better that Himiyama-san, not me, managed to handle things. Mademoiselle is someone worth having.

After finishing the consultation at the office, we went to a shop recommended by Goddess-sensei. The consultation was not for me but for Hinagi, hoping that she would become an ally.

I also handed over some collected materials. With a powerful ally, Hinagi should feel more secure.

“Waiting is not a good idea. It’s foolish to be afraid of when the other party will make a move. In this era, it’s best to be on the defensive.”

“It doesn't seem like I want to ask you what you are planning to do…”

“Ketaketa. You’ll understand when the second term begins.”

Hinagi probably doesn’t want to be bothered by trivial things for too long. It’s not that difficult. I just need to drive the point home that he won’t interfere anymore. I have to be careful not to overdo it and accidentally cause fatal damage.

“Anyway, if anything happens, contact me immediately. Whether it’s from her or you. Also, contact me before taking any action. I have a feeling that if I leave you alone, you might do something outrageous. Please be sure to exercise self-restraint.”

“Yes. I’ll make sure to convey that to Hinagi. But don’t worry, I won’t do anything as outrageous as Goddess-sensei! I don’t drink alcohol, after all.”

It’s an unreasonable story. There’s no student as quiet as me.

“Can you stop talking about that? That night was weird! I also have dignity…”

“Hey hey, Yukito-kun. Was Kuon-san really that bad?”

“Kyoka, there are things in this world that are better left unknown.”

“What dignity! Should I remind you of the ammonia smell behind you right now?”

“Nooo! I’m really sorry? I’m reflecting on it, and I even have a somewhat common image. As a token of gratitude, I’ll answer anything, so please spare me from that—”

“Alcohol is a panacea, so be careful. What do you think I felt washing a yellowed T-shirt in a coin laundry late at night?”

“I don’t want to hear it, I don’t want to hear it, I don’t want to hear it, I don’t want to hear it!”

“It’s a perverted feeling.”

“Eh, that way!?”

Reluctantly covering her ears and shaking her head, Goddess-sensei’s eyes widen in surprise. However, even without Goddess-sensei, that night was quite eventful…

“You said you didn’t mind, but you secretly hold a grudge!”

“Of course! You vomited on my head. What if my hair falls out due to stomach acid!”

“You’re talking about hair again…”

“From the head to the upper body covered in vomit, acidic, and from the back to the lower body covered in urine, alkaline—I’m like a litmus paper!”

“Puu. Why is it that I can’t laugh at all when you are saying something so clever?”

“I mention pH, but I made Goddess-sensei neutral because I gave you water is also an important to point out. By the way, she seemed oddly hostile towards men. Was there something going on?”

“… I saw a terrible man in a case I was dealing with. It got to me. Even the cool and stylish me.”

Goddess-Sensei, who had a cool demeanor, seemed completely disheartened. She looked miserable. It seemed that, despite her appearance, she might be emotionally fragile when it came to her own issues. I consoled her.

“I’m not angry anymore, so please cheer up. I’m worried. If you keep repeating things like that, you might end up in danger someday. I don’t want that to happen.”

“… Yukito-kun, you’re kind. It’s not just about a friend; you’re worried and offering advice. Even for me, with all those opportunities, I didn’t do anything.”

“Isn’t that too weak? Come on, Kuon-san! You’re acting like a fragile girl!”

“Well, you are beautiful, so be careful, okay?”

“… It’s the first time a man has said something like that to me.”

“Even though you’re usually called a beautiful lawyer! Be free!”

The goddess-senpai is trying to pull away, but the goddess-sensei does not move away from her.

Her hand is firmly held. Her eyes were glistening with tears.

“Let’s let bygones be bygones and enjoy our meal.”

“Yes. Then….”

“Kuon-san? Why are you being so infantile?”

There is no such thing as me being nice.

I, Yukito Kokonoe, who vowed not to abandon people being harassed, emit an aura of not talking in class to the introverted, lonely girl and intentionally strike up a conversation. I’m the guy who expelled the idol manager of the male basketball from the club. Misunderstandings abound.

“Hmm. But even if I say thank you, I can say anything you want…”

Expressing gratitude… I ponder while eating the dishes laid out before me, but nothing specific comes to mind. In the first place, I’m at a loss, having little experience with someone doing something for me.

“I might have said anything, but there are limits, you know? Besides, you’re still a high school student, and even though you might be at that age, you’re still underage. Especially nowadays, it’s strict. Moreover, I’m a lawyer… But, if you’re serious, I might consider it.”

“So, shall we go to a hotel later?”

“…Will you be gentle?”

Is this person okay!? Despite appearances, there’s an unexpected soft side.

“You haven’t even had any alcohol, so snap out of it! And Yukito-kun, what are you suggesting!?”

――And so, another lively summer vacation passes by.

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The Bermuda Triangle, the Nazca Lines, the Gates of Hell, Inunaki Tunnel… etc.

Mysterious spots abound throughout the world, past and present.

Are there really aliens in Area 51, who are the Sumerians, the secrets of the pyramids, the true identity of Stonehenge, and the existence of the Lemurian continent?

The sometimes dangerous, sometimes romantic, and sometimes unknowable supernatural phenomena continue to attract people, even after many years.

So, where I am is at one of Tokyo’s most mysterious spots, the ‘Infamous Pool.’

“No, it’s not ‘spirits’; it’s ‘example.’ While it’s true that spirits are said to favor bodies of water, I don’t want to be called the ‘Spirit Pool.’ I can’t perform exorcisms; that’s Maki-san’s job.

I’m neither a spiritual medium, nor a psychic, nor a yin-yang master, nor an exorcist, nor a spirit mage, nor a necromancer, nor a demon hunter, certainly not a demon exorcist, and, let alone, not a demon ninja—a simple high school student, Yukito Kokonoe. A guy who doesn’t harbor exaggerated expectations for undercover investigations.

How did it come to this? While I sat alone by the pool, praying for world peace, what disrupted my peace was the unscrupulous family that finds meaning in disrupting my life: the culprits, my mother and sister.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“Boys are quick to change at times like these, huh?”

Unaware of my feelings, they smiled nonchalantly. Mother was in a clean and tight-fitting racing swimsuit, and my sister was… my sister was—HHMMM!

Pleiades 1 snail’s pack k Genju-sode k? Vacuum tongue? Maple Leafs、thorny shrub√〒snarlヲtype 9 (e.g. of kimono)? ∽Keeuu writhing in agonyッsnarlソsnarlァsnarlヲtype 9 (e.g. of kimono)▲type 9 (e.g. of kimono)? √⊇rugged? √％cordial cordial cord。Pleiades≧Tangled？∽toying with somethingｂmeasuring block、pillow talk＞snarl←Pleiades？Trapezoidal Trapezoidal Trapezoidal＞sudden and unexpectedｉFolders, 9′ crimpers。Measuring block？Measuring block。Measuring block？Measuring block。Meteorite ninth∴snarlヲCubaヲ9∴snarlヲtackleシ∝ーYo＠snarlッpompadour-like hair style？intricacy※thorny shrubシ∵centrifuge・after a period of time＠snarlヲsnarl？ｋtangleｉpyralid larvaァminiature boar, ke？sudden and unexpected ◎Clematis patens ↑ castle with a Western-style collar。after § Chinese “Extended Net” constellation？↑snarl？シfiddling with∪black rope used to bind criminals√♀snarlセtype S (video games, anime, etc.) [TL: This has no meaning]

“What do you think? Isn’t it exciting?”

“It was so shocking that when I tried to express my thoughts, it seemed to have turned into garbled text.”

“What’s that?”

“Isn’t it the world’s compelling force?”

Dangerous, dangerous. I can only try to bluff my way through this now. If there’s a way to fix the garbled text, maybe the message will get through. It should be just on the edge of being safe.

“Do you like it? I thought you’d be happy.”

“Please don’t fabricate my preferences!”

“Ha? I said you liked it.”

“…Where did you hear such nonsense?”

“From the spirit.”

“From the spirit!?”

Someone like a guardian spirit, could you keep quiet about such things? For some reason, the spiritual vibrations seem strong in this place. Did my sister have a spiritual sense…?

“Okay, okay. I’ll tell you the truth, just say it! Frankly, I think I like it.”

“Pu. I’ll do something nice for you later.”

“Yay!”

Setting aside my pride and adapting to my sister, I was being watched by my mother with a troubled expression.

“You, you shouldn’t act so shamelessly, especially with your age. We came here to swim today, you know?”

“Don’t be deceived. Even while saying that, you chose a more daring swimsuit than usual. Look at this high-cut. What an indecent mother. Well, still, isn’t it better than an old lady like me who’s frolicking around? After all, I’m younger.”

“Too bad… For a young girl to become so rebellious, when did that happen?”

Ignoring the strangely dissonant pair exchanging disses, I start stretching. It’s important to do thorough warm-up exercises before swimming. It’s because it can be dangerous if your legs cramp underwater. And there’s also the fact that I want to avoid getting involved as much as possible. After all, my remaining lives aren’t infinite.

However, it seems I won’t be allowed to escape so easily.

“Look at this.”

Proudly, my sister took out a familiar stationery item occasionally used in math class.

“A protractor?”

Why would you need a protractor for swimming? I have absolutely no idea.

It’s impossible for my foolish sister to even speculate. Perhaps communication in everyday life is becoming difficult for us non-close siblings.

“Why that?”

“Because it’s a protractor, obviously, to measure angles.”

“I see.”

“To measure the angle of how excited you—”

“Are you an idiot?”

“The time has come to settle things between me and Mom.”

“Both of you are idiots?”

“Even with this, I’m good at math and physics.”

“As expected, you’re my child.”

“Is this a clever idiot?”

“Well, well. Since it’s reserved, let’s swim to our heart’s content.”

Mother, who nonchalantly accepts my sister’s atrocity, is truly an adult.

“Even so, is it okay to let everything slide just because it’s a reserved pool…”

“Come on, quickly help with this stretching.”

“Please help me too?”

“Damn it… damn it…”

Enduring the unreasonable onslaught like waves of anger, I somehow manage to endure. For some reason, expressing regrets to these people is entirely ineffective. After all, the Regret Cannon seems to have such a limited power, and reality is so merciless.

“Oya oya, Mom, do you have a bit of extra fat?”

“If you don’t exercise properly, you’ll become obese.”

“Old lady.”

“Little girl.”

“”Fufufu.””

Both of them seem to be having fun…

The Kokonoe family is once again peaceful today, thanks to my sacrifice.

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“That’s how it was,”

“These idiot sisters aaaaaah!”

Wanawana, Seka-san was furious. Oh, both Mom and Sister are included too.

From Sekka’s perspective, Mom is her sister, and Yuri-san is my sister, so calling them idiot sisters isn’t entirely wrong. Yes, I sought refuge with Sekka-san, the conscience of the Kokonoe family.

On the last day of summer vacation, with no homework to chase me, I had too much free time. I was invited to Sekka-san’s house, my mother’s younger sister, and decided to go.

As usual, I received a VIP treatment, as if I was treated like royalty. It was all taken care of.

Sekka-san’s house, which was not pushy and modest, had become not a mysterious spot for me but a healing spot. My soul melted, and I became so corrupted that I couldn’t get up from the sofa. In my analysis, a unique field effect seems to be occurring.

Something like aroma. It’s like a self-indulgent paradise for a NEET living with their parents…

“If anything happens, be sure to tell me, okay? I’ll scold my sister for you.”

“I can’t endure it, so please do!”

I bowed my head twice. It’s a matter of life and death, so I’m quite desperate.

“Mou, Yuki-chan, if they are causing trouble, just come and stay at my house.”

“That suggestion is very tempting, but I feel like it would have been ten years before I noticed.”

“If you want, you can stay longer, you know?”

“What a confusing sound…”

Relaxing at the end, I’ve been pampered so much by the comfort that it feels like not just a few years but even several decades might have passed. I might turn into a modern-day Urashima Taro. However, even my super-mental, which would surprise even Lon’s Daylight, wouldn’t open the Lonsdale Light until the end.

“But anyway, there were various things during summer vacation, huh?”

“Yes, it was quite eventful.”

I told Sekka-san about my summer. She has always been a good listener. Without any secrets, Sekka and I end up talking about everything.

An unusual sense of fatigue. This summer vacation had a lot of events, more than usual. I feel like I’ve interacted with more people than ever before.

Whether that’s good or bad, I don’t know…

“Yuki-chan, was your summer vacation… fun?”

“Fun… I wonder? But, it feels a bit different than usual.”

“I see, I see. Maybe that’s fine for now.”

“Is that so?”

“That’s how it is. There’s still plenty of time ahead.”

Come to think of it, since entering high school, I’ve had many encounters. There were reunions as well. There were people I didn’t know, people I knew, people who should have taken a different path, and people who almost did. I spend less time alone at home now, and even now, I’m here with Sekka-san.

“…I wonder if has anything changed?”

“It’s okay to go at your own pace, Yuki-chan. Take it slow, believe more in the things around you, and I’m sure more enjoyable days are waiting for you.”

It’s easy to cut off someone annoying and discard them, but I’m struggling because I can’t do that. I don’t know how to come to a conclusion about Hinagi, Shiori, or anyone else. Even Mom, Sister, Himiyama-san, and the teacher are sources of worry. Well, the refreshing handsome man can somehow manage with his handsome adjustments.

Anyway, the worries never seem to end.

“Everyone is selfish, right? Imposing their feelings on others, seeking answers, and causing trouble for the other person. But you know, even knowing that, I think there are feelings you want to convey. And I’m waiting for the day when Yuki-chan can impose your feelings on them.”

“Isn’t that being selfish?”

“It’s okay to be selfish. Be selfish and self-centered. Even then, it’s not enough for Yuki-chan. Follow your heart honestly. If it’s Yuki-chan, wouldn’t it be okay to be a bit forceful like, ‘Follow me!’? I think that would be a positive step forward.”

Needing someone else is very difficult. The other person is not a doll or AI. They’re living in the same time, have their own will, and emotions. How easy would it be to be alone? There would be no need to worry about anything. It’s very lonely, but sweet and very free.

Still, if you want to walk with someone, if you have a dream that seems natural to everyone, to continue living while interacting with people—–

“Follow me!”

“Yes! Understood. I won’t let you go anymore! Oh, and Yuki-chan, it’s unfair that you only go swimming with Nee-san. I want to go too, and actually, I have a swimsuit prepared. I’m actually wearing something underneath! Fufufufufu.”

“Sorry, I just got carried away for a moment! Don’t pull me! You’re strong! That’s right! That’s just like Mom. Why are you imitating a primary school student looking forward to a swimming lesson? So, what’s with that swimsuit, it’s not a swimsuit. Here comes another garbled text! But deep down, I’m so happy. Idiot, idiot!”

The lively summer vacation is coming to an end.