Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093083511177921/episodes/16818622176546892247
New Year’s was over, but the winter cold remained as harsh as ever.
It was the afternoon after winter break had ended.
After finishing class, Hina and I were walking toward the entrance when snow began to fall outside the window. Unlike the first snowfall, the flurries seemed to foreshadow a heavy snowfall.
“Wow, it’s snowing,”
Hina said, looking up at the sky with a happy expression.
Her eyes sparkled as they reflected the falling snow.
“It looks like it’s going to snow heavily.”
When I said that, Hina buried her face in her scarf and smiled softly.
“No matter how old I get, I still get excited when it snows. Sakine will be happy too, I’m sure.”
Watching Hina talk happily about Sakine warmed my heart.
I truly love her kindness and how much she cares for her younger sister.
We changed our shoes at the entrance and went outside.
The cold wind brushed against my cheeks, but perhaps because of the snow, the air felt refreshing.
We left the school gate and started walking toward the station. The snow grew heavier, and the streetlights reflected off the snowflakes, creating a magical scene.
“Hey, Hikaru. Seeing all this snow makes me want to go skiing.”
I was a little surprised by Hina’s words. Skiing.
That’s right, winter means skiing.
Come to think of it, I haven’t been skiing since my elementary school field trip.
“Hina, do you ski?”
When I asked her, Hina nodded happily.
“No, actually, I’ve never done it properly, but when I see it on TV, it looks like a lot of fun. What about you, Hikaru?”
“Well, I’ve done it a little bit. On elementary school field trips and stuff.”
Hina’s eyes sparkled.
“I see! Then, if you don’t mind, would you like to go with me sometime? If you teach me, I think I can do it!”
My heart leapt at Hina’s sudden invitation. Teaching Hina how to ski. Just imagining it made my heart race.
At that moment, I heard a familiar voice behind me.
“Hey, Hikaru! Hina!”
I turned around to see Mukai and Nhishihara standing there.
The two of them walked side by side, and Mukai approached us with a grin on his face.
“What’s up, you guys? It’s snowing, and you’re out on a date together?”
Hina looked down, slightly embarrassed by Mukai’s teasing words.
I tried to cover it up with my usual vague smile.
“It’s not a date. We were just talking.”
“Oh, really? So, what were you talking about?”
Mukai interrupted our conversation with eager interest.
Nishihara didn’t say anything, but her gaze was fixed on us.
“We were talking about wanting to go skiing.”
Hina answered surprisingly honestly.
I was impressed by Hina’s frankness, but inside I was nervous.
“Skiing! That’s great! I love skiing too!”
Mukai’s eyes lit up. Nishihara also nodded, looking slightly interested.
“Do you ski too, Nishihara?”
When I asked her, Nishihara replied with her arms crossed.
“Well, yes. I used to go skiing with my family when I was little. I’m definitely better than Takaki.”
“What? What do you mean, Natsuki? I’m definitely better than you!”
As usual, Takaki and Nishihara started arguing.
Hina and I looked at each other and chuckled.
“Hey, Mukai-kun and Natsuki-chan, if you’re interested, would you like to go skiing with us? Hikaru said he would teach me, and I think it would be more fun if we all went together.”
“Really? I’m in! That sounds great!”
“What, me too?”
Nishihara looked at Hina with a slightly surprised expression.
“Yeah! Natsuki-chan said she’s good at it too, so if you’re okay with it, I’d like to learn from her.”
Hina smiled sweetly at Nishihara.
Nishihara looked away, slightly embarrassed, but eventually nodded slightly.
“…Well, okay. It’s been a while for me too.”
Mukai cheered, “Yay!” at Nishihara’s reply.
“Alright! Let’s all go skiing together! Let’s make some great memories!”
Mukai slapped my shoulder. I was surprised by Hina’s unexpected proposal, but I was also looking forward to going skiing with the four of us. Hina invited me, and she also invited our friends. Was this a sign that she wanted to make our relationship more open?
“What about Sakine-chan?”
When I asked, Hina said with a hint of disappointment.
“Sakine will probably stay home. But when we comes back, I’ll tell her all about the snow.”
Hina seemed a little sad, but she didn’t forget to consider Sakine. Her kindness warmed my heart.
When we arrived at Hina’s house, the lights were on at the front door. I couldn’t see Sakine waiting in the snow, but I was sure she was warm inside.
“Thank you for today, Hikaru. I’m looking forward to skiing with everyone!”
Hina smiled at me. Her face, illuminated by the snowlight, was very beautiful.
“Yeah. I’m looking forward to it.”
When I said that, Hina nodded happily.
“See you tomorrow at school, then.”
Hina opened the front door. Sakine-chan’s cheerful voice could be heard from inside.
–
–
If you enjoy our content, feel free to donate, Thank you in advance !