Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16816452219468102061/episodes/16816452220051237401
We made it to the station without any problems and then took the train to the city center in about 20 minutes. According to the phone navigation system, it was only a ten-minute walk to our destination, a bookstore. Since we had some time before the store opened, we wandered around the area for a bit.
During that time, I had a sort of strategy meeting with Takuma to part ways, but we generally ended up having a casual chat.
When the time was right, we started moving to our destination. Relying on the navigation system on my phone, we passed through a narrow alley and arrived at the bookstore we were meeting at, Kagaminomori.
It was a small, privately owned store that looked like a room in a typical apartment building converted into a store. The store is said to have an interesting lineup of unique books selected by the manager. At the suggestion of Misaki sensei, we decided to meet here.
I wondered if this was really a bookstore. We entered the store, wondering if it was really a bookstore. A quick look around revealed that there was only a woman in her late twenties behind the counter, but no one else was there. I had arrived much earlier than my meeting time, so Misaki sensei was still nowhere to be seen.
I looked around with a curious look on my face, and Misaka san also let out a sigh.
“Heh, what an interesting bookstore. I’ve only known bookstores that were like chain stores, so I’ve never been to a place like this before.”
[Gumumu. It’s a really charming store….. After all, teachers have different levels of experience. I can’t think of a date spot like this…..]
“I’ve certainly never been to a place like this……. A bookstore where the manager selects books…….”
If it were a regular bookstore, they would probably stock and sell new and popular books. This bookstore also has such books, but it also has a large number of used books selected by the manager as their hobby, and the selection is particularly interesting. Certainly, there are popular titles, but there are also many books that are somewhat obscure.
The way the books are placed is also unique, with some books displayed on a small Ferris wheel-like structure, in addition to the usual flat display. Some were even packaged like a goody bag, so that the contents could not be identified. The latter were accompanied only by an introductory note that said, [If you are feeling sad, try this book] so that visitors could enjoy the thrill of opening the package.
“Oh, it looks like they have a variety of art books, too.”
“You’re right. I’m curious……”
Since I draw illustrations, I like to look at art books a lot. If I like something, I will actually buy it.
The lineup varies from new to slightly old. There are a variety of Japanese and foreign ones. I’m not very familiar with foreign ones, but I like patterns that are fundamentally different from those of Japan.
However, what stands out for me at a quick glance are the familiar Japanese ones.
“I wonder if there’s an art book by Oga Kazuo san……. It’s a bit old.”
Misaka san doesn’t seem to know the name I mentioned.
“Who is Oga Kazuo san?”
“He’s the guy who draws the backgrounds for Ghibli’s works. His works are very precise and beautiful, but it is not only beautiful. It’s a painting, but it’s more realistic than a photograph, and on top of that, it has more warmth than a photograph, which I find attractive.”
“Heh…….”
I picked up the book and flipped through it. I don’t want to be a professional, but I really envy the idea of being able to draw pictures like this.
“Ah, I’ve certainly seen backgrounds like this before. I had an image that in anime, many people work together to create a single piece of work.”
“Well, of course, he doesn’t draw all the backgrounds needed for an animation by himself. He’s an art director.”
“I see.”
[From my point of view, it’s kind of beautiful, but from the perspective of the person who draws illustrations, there must be something different about it. I probably won’t be able to see it from the same perspective as Fujisaki kun. …I wonder if it’s okay if I only think it’s beautiful.]
“Ah, sorry, even if I show something like this, people who don’t draw don’t really understand it.”
“No. It’s fun watching you because you’re into it.”
“Is that so? Hmm……..”
[Hmm, I’m trying to convey my goodwill in a subtle way, but I don’t think it’ll come through like this… I don’t even know if I should tell you, so I’m going to be discreet, but if you want me to tell you, you have to tell me clearly.]
Haha. It’s hard to pretend not to understand, though. Pretending not to understand and doesn’t get noticed, maybe that’s the only talent I have? ……What kind of talent is that?
“By the way, Fujisaki kun, don’t you like this kind of illustration of beautiful girls?”
“It’s old……. It’s still an early art book by Itou Noiji san. …… It’s a book of [Shakugan no Shana]…….”
I remember seeing it once upon a time in a used bookstore somewhere……. It’s kind of nostalgic. I thought it wasn’t new, but it was used. It’s quite special that they have a mix of new and used books.
“I like illustrations of beautiful girls, too. Of course. But I’m more of a…..this. I like Yonezu Kenshi san’s [Kaiju Zukan] and Shusui Posuka san’s [POSTCARD PLANET].”
“I see. So you don’t want something cute and cuddly, but something with a certain flavor?”
“Something like that. But you are not really interested in illustrations, are you, Misaka san? You don’t know what you’re looking at, do you?”
“I can at least intuitively tell when I like something. I like the ones Fujisaki kun likes, too.”
[I like Fujisaki kun too.]
Don’t continue like it’s a bonus. I’ll be shocked by the surprise attack.
“……I see. Then, okay.”
“Yeah. It’s fine, it’s fine. Oh, I’ve seen this picture before. Was it Mucha?”
“Ah, yeah, That’s Mucha. He is a painter, but he is famous for his illustration-like paintings.”
“That kind of work is beautiful, isn’t it? I like them a lot.”
[This kind of atmosphere of admiring artistic things is unlike Takuma. Takuma is a perfect sportsman. And also games. This kind of excitement that you don’t get at sports games is fresh and fun.]
[…Hm? I wonder why Fujisaki kun has such a good atmosphere with girls? It’s Misaka san, right? Fujisaki kun’s friend’s girlfriend. It can’t be……that you met her here by chance, right? She doesn’t seem like the type to come all the way here. Could she be Fujisaki kun’s stalker? I don’t think so, either. So you’re saying you came here together? I thought you were supposed to be on a date with me? ……Why did that happen? Fujisaki kun?]
Ah, here comes Misaki sensei. I can’t make out her facial expression, but I can tell she’s in a bad mood.
I’m sorry, Misaki sensei……. It’s my fault…….
Feeling bad for her, I waited for Misaki sensei to approach.
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