Chapter 53: Fried horse mackerel entangled with the ocean

Translator: Soafp

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Here is the timeline so far:

“Day 1” (The day after rescuing Kikawa Moegi):

Izayoi and his friend monitor the girls’ high school.

Interactions between Gindou Kohaku and Natsuko occur.

Interactions between Hihara Karen and Kikawa Moegi occur.

Gindou Kohaku and Natsuko create an email.

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Izayoi receives a message (but forgets about it after encountering the old lady).

Around 12:00 PM:

Izayoi’s shift of monitoring the girls’ high school ends. He does some research in the library.

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Izayoi engages in flirtatious interactions with “Masou Shoujo” (teasing Gindou Kohaku).

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Around 2:00 PM:

Izayoi talks with the mayor.

Izayoi hurries back to the girls’ high school, tails Kataumi Aoi, and mistakenly attacks a dog.

From after school until midnight:

Izayoi continues with the sightseeing guide.

He exchanges information with a fortune teller.

“Day 2”:

In the morning:

Izayoi is suspected of lying about his age after seeing the fortune teller and briefly follows Kataumi, who gets angry with him.

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Izayoi talks with an onmyoji (yin-yang master).

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“Chapter 53 Start Point” – Izayoi’s side.

The amazing support from the shop assistant (after school on the second day in Mina no Iro, Chapter 52).

I apologize for the confusion in the timeline. I hope this summary helps clarify the events. Thank you for your continued support.

-Author

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From the second day of monitoring her, it was already past 3 PM, the time when Kataumi Aoi starts heading home from school. I have to apologize to her because I made her quite upset during the morning when she arrived at school. I stand silently in front of the school gate, leaning against the wall with my arms crossed, waiting for her.

As I wait, I endure the laser pointers aimed at me by the high school girls passing through the gate. After a while, the girls part to create a path, and silently walking through that path is Kataumi Aoi. Damn, she looks so pitiful. But even if I were to approach her, it wouldn’t solve anything and might even worsen her impression of me…

“You’re here again.”

“Well, um, I wanted to ask for another tour today…”

“We finished everything yesterday, though.”

She emits an air of slight displeasure and starts walking home alone. I walk beside her, as if protecting her.

“I told you to stop, didn’t I?”

“I-I’m sorry.”

“I’d rather you stop than apologize.”

“I’m sorry… but I can’t do that.”

“Oh, I see.”

From that point on, she doesn’t say anything and walks briskly. It’s painful, but I position myself as her guardian, mindful of all directions. Did I anger her a lot…? There have been times like this before.

Every time, I think to myself, it’s not a problem for me, but I don’t want to do things that make them uncomfortable.

Haa… How many times have I wished for strong “supernatural powers”…

While walking with her, we notice a young elementary school student with a red backpack, crying and scraping her knee. There’s a slight trickle of blood from her knee.

“Waaaah! It hurts!”

The moment she sees that, Kataumi Aoi swiftly approaches the girl, takes out a simple medical kit from her pocket, disinfects the wound, and quickly applies a band-aid. I couldn’t react in time…

“This should do.”

“T-Thank you… Y-You have scary eyes!”

The little girl starts crying again. Kataumi Aoi didn’t seem surprised or taken aback, as if she had known this would happen.

The girl runs away, as if escaping, while still crying.

“… “

Kataumi Aoi starts walking again. The little girl runs away, crying, and disappears somewhere. I wanted to at least make her say thank you, but Kataumi Aoi doesn’t desire that either.

Aoi Kataumi has a fierce gaze and odd eyes. People haven’t approached her much since she was young. Even if she shows kindness, gratitude rarely comes back to her.

But she doesn’t care about such things. She doesn’t hesitate to help others, even if it means getting hurt herself.

—-That’s what I admired about her.

But she does get hurt. She may not show it on her face, but she feels loneliness and sadness. And she has low self-esteem. She accepts it, thinking that it’s inevitable because of who she is.

Ideally, she would become a “Masou Shoujo ” and realize her own greatness and coolness while fighting alongside others. But at this point, her self-esteem remains low.

I don’t know if I can do something like that. But I want to convey to her how amazing and cool she is, in her own right.

“Uhm”

“What?”

“The way you acted earlier, Kataumi-san, it was really cool.”

“Ha? What’s that? Don’t use weird tricks or anything.”

“I’m not. And also, your eyes, Kataumi-san, I really like them!!”

… It’s really annoying, so why don’t you shut up?”

She glares at me with sharp eyes. There’s a clear anger directed towards me, different from before. Perhaps she thought I was teasing her.

“I’m serious. I genuinely think you’re cool and cute!!”

“…I know I’m being made fun of.”

My words seem to have touched her quite a bit. She starts running away from me at full speed.

C-Crap, her speed is too fast for me to catch up!!

Damn it. Damn it!! I messed up!! What have I done!! If something bad happens while I’m not there… Well, that’s bad…

I try to run, but I can’t catch up to her…

I could easily imagine such a development, so I grabbed her arm to prevent her from running.

“H-Hey, let go!”

“If you run away at lightning speed, I won’t be able to catch you.”

“I’m not running away. Why are you thinking like that?”

“Just a feeling. Anyway, I think your actions and your eyes are amazing.”

“Haa~ This lifted-up eye of mine? This action of mine where a child cries and runs away? It’s nothing except being cool, right?”

“Yes. Your action of saving the child is nothing short of amazing. I’m impressed by how you run without hesitation to save someone. I like you for being someone who runs tirelessly without considering your own well-being!”

“…You’re saying that on the second day of the meeting? I think that’s something you say to a childhood friend you’ve been with for years.”

“I don’t care about such details! Not right now!”

“Ah, yes. Are you coming on so strongly?”

“I got carried away with my feelings… I apologize.”

“You don’t need to apologize so solemnly…”

“Next, about your eyes, Kataumi-san, they’re cool, and there’s a kindness within them. Sometimes, when you get embarrassed, your eyes go round and your heterochromia adds to your charm. I really like it, to the point where I want eyes like yours!”

“Eh? Sorry? I appreciate the effort you’re putting into being moved, but there are too many points to nitpick, and it’s getting a bit confusing… First of all, how do you know that I have heterochromia when I hide it with my hair… Also, it feels like you’ve known me for a while? Even though we just met?”

“I don’t know. I only learned about you yesterday for the first time. I happened to catch a glimpse of your heterochromia briefly yesterday.”

“I see. Well, whatever. It doesn’t really matter. But it’s strange to have such an opinion about my eyes…”

Since she still has low self-esteem, I grab her shoulder and make eye contact. I have to explain more.

“Isn’t this too much? Seriously, aren’t you going overboard?”

“I can’t accept ‘such eyes’ as a satisfactory description. I’ll have to talk about this for at least an hour…”

“Talking for an hour about the eyes of someone you’ve known for two days seems a bit much. Also, can you let go of my shoulder? I’ll seriously call the police.”

“Fuu, I won’t let you call the police. Since I’m holding your shoulder, you can’t move freely, and even if you take out your phone, I can just take it away and throw it into someone’s house.”

“Seriously, I think you’re in a bit of trouble.”

“Kuku, even if you say that… I won’t be hurt by it now… It’s too late for that…”

“You’re really losing your touch.”

“Kuku, let’s put that aside and talk. For an hour.”

“Eeh? Are you serious? What’s going on?”

And so, I talked endlessly.

After ten minutes…

“So, Kataumi-san has double eyelids, and the color of your eyes is as beautiful as the sea…”

“…”

After twenty minutes…

“First of all, the charm of having heterochromia…”

“I think it’s time to stop…”

After fifty minutes…

“So, I really love these eyes, and I want you to understand their beauty yourself.”

“O-Okay, that’s enough, right? Seriously, it’s getting awkward. You don’t need to shower me with compliments like that…”

An hour passed…

“In other words…”

“I can’t take it anymore!! I can’t listen to this!! It’s embarrassing!”

“Kukuku, I’ll still make you listen. Since I’m holding your shoulder, you can’t cover your ears, can you? And your eyes are getting all round and adorable when you’re embarrassed.”

“Sto-stop it!!”

In the end, I ended up talking for an hour and a half. When I released her from the restraint, she covered her face with her hands. Her face was redder than a tomato.

“Haa, haa. You’re seriously something…”

“No, I couldn’t help but want to talk. Your low self-esteem makes it impossible for me to ignore it. It’s that kind of feeling. Besides, you’re so flustered right now, it’s too cute. If I made merchandise out of your flustered state, it would sell like crazy…”

“You’re seriously something. Seriously.”

“Anyway, what do you think? Did you realize your own worth?”

I grabbed her shoulder again. If her self-evaluation is still low, there’s no choice but to keep talking.

“I can see that if I say something weird again, you’re planning to keep talking…”

“Well, how about it? What do you think?”

“Well, um… how should I put it… unexpected…”

“Unexpected?”

“No, not that… um… I realized that there are actually many good things about my eyes… I guess? Is that okay?”

“Actually, there are only good things about them. But well, that’s fine. People who are scared just lack discernment. There are many people with unrefined taste in this world, making it difficult for you, but do your best!”

“What kind of pep talk is that…”

“Anyway, can you give me a sightseeing guide?”

“We finished that yesterday.”

“Let’s go for a second round.”

“…I won’t make any more comments.”

After that, we revisited the places she showed me yesterday.

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[Aoi PoV]

I gaze at my eyes in front of the mirror. On the left, there’s a strikingly fierce blue eye.

On the right, a gray eye with a fierce gaze.

I’ve always only seen the negative aspects. I haven’t looked at anything else.

I thought there was nothing good about them.

They’re beautiful and cool, but cute? Honestly, what he said was nonsense. He kept repeating the same things, and he’s probably quite awkward with words.

But he praised me too much… What? Huh? What kind of mindset does someone have to shower so much praise on a girl he has known for only two days?

People passing by were whispering, but he didn’t seem to mind.

[Eh? Could it be that he’s trying to hit on her?]

[Kids these days are bold, aren’t they?]

[Ara ara, that girl’s face is turning beet red.]

I wished he would pay a little attention to the looks of people around us. It was embarrassing to just sit there and listen to his excessive praise, as if he could go on forever. It was a kind of torture.

That guy is really strange.

…Well, I guess I felt a little happy too. Maybe I’m changing…

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[Izayoi PoV]

On the third day after coming to this town, I’m once again receiving a guided tour from her after school.

In the morning, I entrusted the school to the fortune teller and went to the swimming school and gateball court frequented by older people to gather information. There, I discovered the fact that “Yumekui” particularly likes the souls of women.

Then, I received a message from my mother. I had told her that I was going on a trip, so she was curious about how things were going. It was then that I realized something.

I hadn’t replied to Gindou Kohaku and Hihara Karen’s emails. I quickly sent a reply and apologized. I thought they would be incredibly angry, but neither of them seemed to be… Phew, that’s a relief…

Now, putting aside the matter of the emails, I contemplate this town once again.

So far, there’s nothing special. It’s too peaceful… Could it be related to the legends after all?

“This is the fish market… It’s the third time we’ve been here.”

“I see.”

“Let’s go to the next place.”

“Yes.”

We walk to the next location as if protecting her. She no longer reacts or says anything.

“By the way, how old are you?” (Aoi)

“I’m sixteen this year.” (Izayoi)

“You’re younger than me.”

“Yes.”

In terms of mental age, I’m much older though. Kataumi Aoi transferred to our school in the second year, Class A. She’s in the same class as Hihara Karen and Kikawa Moegi.

At first, Kiwawa Moegi was concerned about the isolated Kataumi Aoi and approached her. From there, it led to interactions with Gindou Kohaku and Hihara Karen. It’s still a long way off…

“You don’t give off a younger vibe.”

“Do I give off an adult atmosphere?”

“Not really… It’s just a feeling I got.”

“I see…”

Not giving off an adult atmosphere, huh… Well, I guess it can’t be helped. I’ve been doing some pretty dangerous things…

“This town is really peaceful, isn’t it?”

“Well, yeah. And the air is nice too, so going for a run or a walk makes you feel refreshed.”

“That’s true. The air feels good.”

Nothing eventful happened that day either.

I’m becoming increasingly anxious. I don’t know what to do.

However, after this, she, the fortune teller, finally demonstrates her true value.

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[Moegi PoV]

He has been absent from school for three days now. He’s been on vacation at the beach the whole time… I wonder how much fun he’s having…

“Hey, look, I got a reply from Izayoi!”

“Ah, yes, I heard that like ten times already…”

After school, we walk home together and talk. But how many times have I heard about his email reply? It arrived around twelve o’clock, and she’s been delighted since then.

I mean, it’s nice to receive emails and all, but isn’t she overreacting a bit? Seriously.

I don’t have any specific plans for after school today, but since Karen-chan has something to do at the bookstore, I decided to accompany her. As we walk together, I notice a familiar figure skipping ahead of us.

“Hey, Kohaku-chan!”

“Yes, what is it?”

Ah, she looks really cheerful. She’s cute… She turns around energetically and raises her hand with a snap.

“You’re in a good mood. I can guess why.”

“Ehehe. I got a reply, you know, ehehe.”

“Well, that’s good for you.”

“Take a look, especially you, Senpai.”

She projects the email onto her phone and shows it to us. She can’t hide her excitement, and it’s adorable. And it’s clear that she also wants to show off to Karen-chan, but let’s put that aside for now.

—Karen-chan snickers when she sees it.

“Pfft.”

“What’s so funny?”

Ah, things seem a bit tense. The moment Karen-chan laughs, Kohaku-chan’s smile disappears, and her eyes become stern.

“No, it’s nothing. Well, I just realized that my reply came earlier than yours…”

Karen-chan projects her email onto her phone and shows it to Kohaku-chan. I move to a position where I can see both of their emails and compare them.

Karen-chan’s email arrival time: 11:59. Kohaku-chan’s email arrival time: 12:05. Ah, this is becoming a troublesome development.

“Uuuu……! Fufufu!”

For a moment, Kohaku-chan looked frustrated, but now laughs through her nose.. Did something happen?

“Well, it’s true that your email arrived a little earlier, but what’s important is the content of the email. Fufufu, my email is about seven characters longer than yours!”

“Y-you said what!?”

Upon comparing them again, Kohaku-chan’s message has 58 characters, while Karen-chan’s has 51.

Well, it’s just a small difference. What’s Kohaku-chan saying about only seven characters… But she’s cute, so I’ll let it slide!!

And why is Karen-chan getting so worked up about it? They’ve only just met, right? How can her likability increase so easily?!

But she’s cute, so I’ll let it slide!!

“Fufufu, and the number seven has a meaning of luck. So, having seven more characters in my message means that Izayoi-kun wants me to be happier than you. It’s a hidden message from him!!”

Well, that’s not the case. How did she come up with such a far-fetched conclusion… She has quite an imagination… It’s such an outrageous idea that I’m a bit taken aback.

“W–wWhat are you saying… B-But it’s just a coincidence…”

“You seem flustered.”

“…I’m just taken aback by how far you can go with your wild imagination.”

“It sounds like a sore loser to me.”

Karen-chan, believe in yourself!! It’s just a far-fetched idea!! How could she believe that!! After thinking for a while, Karen-chan suddenly seems to have an idea. I had a fleeting illusion that a lightbulb lit up above her head.

“Fufufu, calling it sore loser? No, it’s not!! In the end, what you’re saying is just an imaginary fantasy. But I have evidence!! I have proof that he prioritized my reply over yours!! Do you have any evidence to support your imagination?”

“Ugh, well…”

“It’s just your delusion, fantasy, and ideal. It has nothing to do with reality. You’re just a child who’s happily celebrating something that came together by chance, collecting random pieces and coincidentally forming a shape!”

Something has suddenly changed. I want them to understand the situation I’m in, being shown this argument from both sides…

“But, but, the fact about Lucky Seven…”

“No evidence, no basis. It’s the same as saying there’s no fact to support it!”

“I-it can’t be…”

What on earth am I being shown here? Defeating an argument, debunking, refutation. The sight of the two of them dismantling each other. It would make for an interesting picture, but I don’t want to be in this space anymore…

“Hehehe, this is what happens when you challenge Senpai. Don’t go against me again if you’ve learned your lesson.”

“Uwaaaa!”

Having achieved victory, Karen-chan jumps up and down like a rabbit. Kohaku-chan, who has been defeated, shouts in frustration.

We’re in the middle of the road, so it seems like everyone passing by is witnessing something unbelievable… Ah! Every person who passes by seems delighted, as if they’ve seen something great.

Karen-chan is happy with her victory, and with a look of satisfaction on her face when she sees Kohaku-chan’s regretful face, she orders me to head to the bookstore.

“Let’s get going. Moegi to the Bookstore.”

“Eh? Are you just going to leave Kohaku-chan like that?”

“Let’s leave her be.”

“Eeh? I can’t just leave her alone like that.”

Kohaku-chan droops her shoulders and mutters to herself…

“It’s not my imagination… It’s the truth…”

How can I resolve this situation? Well, for now, I can’t just leave her alone…

Afterwards, I invited her, and the three of us headed to the bookstore. Karen-chan is energetic, while Kohaku-chan seems lifeless.

I’m worrying too much about the two of them, and my stomach hurts…[TL: Just like Izayoi]

We spend some time at the bookstore and then decide to part ways there. On my way home, I stopped by a pharmacy.

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