Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093092067930254/episodes/16818093092372051718
“I heard Hoshirobe lost.”
I heard such a rumor when the unpleasant heat and humidity had disappeared and summer was just beginning to show its face.
Thinking that some familiar name had been mentioned in the rumors, I listened and found out that Hoshirobe had apparently been knocked down in a tournament the other day.
What’s that kind of thing? Everyone makes mistakes. It’s not something that can be dismissed. After all, she is a top-ranked player who regularly competes in national tournaments. Even though it was just an event tournament, her defeat would affect the reputation of our school. It is such a tough world. That’s why I don’t like club activities very much.
Today, Yamanashi is away for a photo shoot. Since the schedule is to open the school for a few days, she said, “Don’t cheat on me, okay?” she nails me with a pressured smile.
It was going to be my first time home alone in a while, but after hearing that rumor, I’m curious. Today I decided to veer a bit towards the naughty side of things.
After a short wait at the main entrance, she appeared, like a sunflower swaying in the evening twilight.
“Hoshirobe.”
“Hey, it’s Reiichi. What happened?”
“Someone got knocked down in a competition. I came to see what kind of face you have.”
“Oh~? Are you trying to pick a fight with me? If you have a racket, I’ll take it!”
I was convinced of one thing when I saw Hoshirobe swinging the racket in a joking manner.
“Club activities are closed today, right? Let’s hang out for a little while.”
“What is it? Is it a date by any chance? Reiichi, just because you were rejected, you’re so quick to make a move on the next girl, aren’t you?~”
When I told her not to follow me if she didn’t want to, Hoshirobe leaned in close to me and said, “I’m just kidding~”. The casual body touch is quite resonant. The softly scented antiperspirant smell revealed her stoicism.
“Where are you taking me today? Perhaps a hotel? A hotel?”
“Where would someone go that full throttle from the start? ……This is it for today.”
I pull out a certain thing from my breast pocket and show it to Hoshirobe.
“It’s a …… ticket to the aquarium?”
“It’s a gift from my father. I have two of them, so I thought I’d take someone with me instead of just one person.”
“What does that mean, I’m a convenient woman? You’re a bad man, Reiichi. ……”
“You are the only one who I could invite. …… aquarium, don’t you like it?”
She shook her head. I know it even if I don’t ask.
“Okay, then I’ll go. It’s a little far away, so we’ll take the train.”
“It’s been a while since I’ve had a date with Reichi! let’s go!”
▽▼
After less than an hour on the train, Hoshirobe and I arrived at the aquarium. We have been to this aquarium several times before, and the good thing is that it is open until late. Since it is possible to enter the aquarium after school, we could see a few students here and there.
We showed our tickets at the main gate and entered the aquarium. As soon as I entered, I was greeted by a nostalgic view of sea turtles lazing about.
“Oh~, it’s been a long time since I’ve been here. It was here that I and Reichi first talked to each other, wasn’t it?”
“I remember that. I missed …… that conversation was more of a dodge ball than a catch ball. ……”
“Muu~, let’s not talk about the past! We all make mistakes, don’t we!”
With a little bit of nostalgia, we enjoy the aquarium for the first time in a long time. Freshwater fish, jellyfish, dolphins. Seeing the abundant variety of creatures, I felt that my heart was healed from the hustle and bustle of the school.
“Look, look, this one like Reichi~”
Hoshirobe pointed to a beluga whale in a huge tank. At a quick glance, I couldn’t tell what we looked like.
What do you mean? I’m not this carefree.
“If you ask me what’s wrong, there’s nothing in particular…but if I had to ask, it’s like you look like you don’t understand even though you know?”
“What kind of a goofball …… are you?”
After that, we traveled around the area, enjoying the various creatures. Watching Hoshirobe changing her expression in each and every aquarium, it somehow warms my heart. I recall a friend once telling me that looking at a beautiful girl is a real eye-opener. Now I could understand what he was talking about.
“Hey, Reiichi.”
“What is it?”
“You know how they say that couples break up when they come to the aquarium?”
“That’s right.”
“It’s because one of them isn’t interested in the other, or they don’t talk much. Reicchi and I aren’t like that at all!”
“That’s a superstition spread by people who broke up because they couldn’t get along with each other. There’s no way that would happen if they actually liked each other. Besides, we’re not a couple.”
“……Fufu, I’m joking. Don’t take it seriously.”
Hoshirobe’s expression, reflected in the aquarium, seemed somewhat made up. I guess I shouldn’t have been so serious.
“Hey, aren’t you getting hungry soon? There’s a restaurant nearby, so let’s go.”
I asked her, trying to clear the atmosphere as wee headed in an ominous direction. With her reply, we headed to the restaurant.
▽▼
I entered the restaurant and looked at the huge aquarium tank.
The restaurant faces the huge aquarium tank, the main feature of the aquarium, where you can enjoy your meal while watching the fish swim around gracefully.
When I returned my eyes to the table, I saw Hoshirobe devouring a bowl of pasta. I ordered the seafood pizza. In contrast, she ordered mushroom cream pasta with shrimp, hashed rice, and ocean parfait (in addition to the seafood pizza she has been nibbling on). This is the appetite of the athletic department…terrifying.
“……?
What’s up?”
“You’re one of those girls who eats a lot. So how come you’re so thin?”
“Don’t look at me like that, ……pervert”
“I didn’t mean to look at you like that. I was more looking at you in horror.”
“Fufu In order to move, you have to eat first. I’d like another slice of pizza, please.”
I was in awe of Hoshirobe’s appetite, which knew no bounds.
“Hey, Reiichi. Why did you bring me here today? Is it to cheer me up?”
It was an abrupt question. Hoshirobe must have somehow realized that I had brought her here for a purpose. I took a few moments to answer.
“Hnn Well, that’s part of it, but I don’t think it’s really the same thing.”
“What is it? Don’t be so arrogant!”
“….I’m puzzled by the fact that you lost. How could that “Ironman” lose so easily? I thought so.”
Hoshirobe’s expression seemed to have come to an end again.
To explain the meaning of these words, it seems that I have to tell you a little old story.
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