Even so, we are living in the present

Chapter 41 – First Attempt

A month has passed since the sports festival.

Any lingering memories of the stabbing incident had thoroughly faded away with the early summer air.

It was now late July, which meant that summer was finally in its full swing.

As for Kyosuke and his friends’ school, their summer vacation has begun a couple of days ago.

Even though this was a long holiday, neither of the two of them had any plans in particular.

Other than the Obon festival, which coincidentally coincided with the Sonohara family’s 49th day of memorial, they were left in a blank state. As a reflection on what to do, Kyosuke realized that they had never gone on a proper date, thus deciding to seize the opportunity to do so.

To get things started, Kyosuke called out to his partner, who was relaxing on the sofa in the living room.

“Hey, how about we go to an amusement park?”

At the abrupt invitation, a languid look transfixed Yuu’s eyes.

“Hmm… amusement park? Won’t it be crowded?”

Amidst the same lack of inflection in his words as ever, Kyosuke choked on his words when he was struck first by his far-fetched remark, “I don’t like crowds.”

“… Well, there’s no denying that.”

The popular theme park was what prompted him to suggest the idea. It was tough to say no.

“Where are we going?”

“There’s a hotel near Neko Neko Wonderland… offering half price day ticket if a reservation is made, so I figured we could spend the night there.”

No sooner had he mentioned the name of the amusement park than he thought a faint gleam had dawned in Yuu’s right eye.

“Let’s go.”

As if the words he had drawn inwardly had slipped out, Kyosuke’s face broke into a gleeful expression.

“I guess it’s decided.”

Despite being prepared to be told that his suggestion would be a hassle, unexpectedly Yuu readily agreed to it. From then on, the arrangements proceeded relatively smoothly, and coupled with the reservation of accommodation, a date for two days and one night can be scheduled for a week from now.

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Then, on the appointed day.

The time was right before seven o’clock in the morning.

Each of them packed their belongings in their Boston bags and were ready to leave.

“Ugh… I’m so sleepy…”

After getting up earlier than usual, when it was time to leave the house, Yuu was still feeling sleepy. Even so, after preparing thoroughly for the day’s activities, Yuu put on his artificial eye seamlessly.

“Have you got the kit to take care of the prosthetic eye?”

“Yeah… I’ve got everything…”

As with contact lenses, artificial eyes likewise required daily removal and care. After confirming this with his sleepy partner, he finally opened the front door and started off on his way to catch the bus that would transport him closer to the accommodation.

Although students were on summer vacation, members of the workforce were still commuting to work regularly, and even at this hour, the sight of them could still be spotted here and there. The street was quieter compared to most of the time.

“… Yuu, stay patient until we board the bus.”

When he gently patted his partner’s back who was walking in a daze, and called out to him, Kyosuke grabbed the Boston bag Yuu was carrying weightily with both hands and took it over for him. Grabbing the two Boston bags with his left hand, which has fared much better, he carried them as if hooking it over his shoulder.

“Ah, Kyosuke… it’s heavy to carry two of those.”

“You seem as if you are about to fall asleep and crash, though,”

As if to say, “I’m totally fine,” the corners of Yuu mouth turned up at his concerned and flustered partner. Perhaps Yuu thought that he was was acting strong in his mind, his lips twitched in disapproval.

“No, that’s not true.”

“It’s okay, leave it to me.”

His reason for softly rejecting his partner’s concern was to assure him that his muscles were developed differently from his partner’s and that he was fine with it. In contrast, while Yuu had a greater sense of balance and flexibility, Kyosuke was more comfortable with this sort of heavy lifting. Yuu reluctantly nodded in agreement and instead hugged his free right arm.

“When I sleep, you can carry me, too.”

A bitter smile escaped Kyosuke’s mouth at the unexpected words, wondering if he would hear words of pampering.

“Are you a sadist? No matter how light you are, it’s impossible.”

“Hmm… good luck.”

He seldom expresses any sweetness in his words. However, when considering that he usually acts like a tsundere and doesn’t approach people on his own, his behavior suddenly shifts and becomes as sweet as a cat.

Even Kyosuke cannot grasp the timing of this switch because of his whimsical nature, but even so, it was extremely gratifying to be indulged by his sweetness. If he uttered these words to him, it would most likely cause his partner to revert to an indifferent demeanor, therefore, keeping this joy hidden within his heart, the two of them made their way to the bus stop together.

T/N:

Shuraba – Difficulties (in a love relationship)

49th day – Memorial service will be performed on the 7th, 49th, 100th day depending on the custom