Source
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n7071ik/25/
“Then let’s get started. Kiuya’s pilgrimage to a sacred place.”
“Yes!”
Following the local custom, we started sightseeing and pilgrimage in Okinawan style.
“So first of all, Ayaka, where do you want to go? I think we can go to two or three places in time.”
“I’ve done my research. We will paddle a canoe in the Blue Cave.”
“The Blue Cave, huh~ Is that where the last scene in “The Promised Land” took place?”
“Yeah. I really wanted to go there. Hurry up!”
Accompanied by Ayaka, who was a little more excited than usual, we headed for the cave.
“So, which one do you want to take? There are so many.”
“The boat. The swan boat doesn’t have the same atmosphere. Of course, Shoma will row.”
“Ah, yes. I’ll take care of it.”
I was happy to agree, but the truth was that I had never rowed a normal boat before.
Would I be able to manage with my basketball-trained arm strength? I was worried about that, but now that I had said my piece, there was no turning back now.
“Y-yes. ……… Well, let’s get on with it.”
We paid the fee and got into the boat.
I paddled hard, the boat bobbing in the waves, the cool breeze picking up speed as we got a little further from shore, the sounds in the park becoming more distant, the sound of the water bouncing in time to my paddling motions.
The air above the pond is cool and the sun is shining hot and feels good on my heated skin. The light reflecting off the surface of the water filters into the boat, shimmering and dazzling Ayaka’s face beside me.
“I’m so happy to be on the boat with Shoma.”
Ayaka starts to speak with a bouncy rhythm.
“That’s right. It’s not a bad idea to go on a pilgrimage with friends like this.”
“Yes. But I’m also happy to be alone with Shoma like this.”
“…………….”
“Recently, we haven’t been together much. At the launch, Toda-kun talked to me and I ended up not being able to talk to Shouma.”
“Well, come to think of it, we didn’t talk.”
“Toda-kun, I don’t like him~”
I apologized to Daiki in my heart and smiled affectionately at him.
The sound of splashing water filled the silence, as I didn’t know what to say.
“Alright, we’re here!”
As we talked like that, the boat was well away from the boat ramp and there was only water and trees around.
“It’s beautiful~”
Ayaka was sitting and taking pictures with her phone, impressed by the scenery around her like that.
I put the paddle on the boat and took out my phone to take a video to capture the beautiful scenery.
At that moment, a strong wind blew from the side and I saw a white cloth fluttering at the edge of my field of vision.
“Waa.”
“Ayaka, what’s wrong ………”
When I heard Ayaka’s surprised voice and turned around, I saw Ayaka’s legs visible in places that I normally wouldn’t be able to see. That sight captivated my eyes and thoughts, and time stopped, even if it was just for a moment. It felt like that.
“What a wind”
Ayaka turns to me a little excitedly, holding back her skirt, which is the white cloth.
“Eh! Ah! Ah, yes, that’s right.”
I finally came to my senses at the sound of Ayaka’s voice, and instantly shifted my gaze to the surface of the pond, fearing that I would be labeled a lecher.
I could almost see it.
The sight of what I just saw was burned into my eyes and I couldn’t move.
My face reflected on the surface of the water turns red with guilt and feelings I can’t express.
“Shoma, what’s wrong?”
“Hee? Ah, No, I’m fine! I’m fine.”
I couldn’t suppress my racing heart, and unintentionally replied in a backwards voice.
“Ah, I want to row the boat too, so please change with me.”
“Eh?”
Ayaka suddenly said such a thing and came toward me who was sitting at the place to row the oar.
“H-Hey wait, It is dangerous to move suddenly …….”
“Uwa”
Before I could finish my words of warning, the boat was once again being driven by the wind, causing Ayaka to lose her balance.
Ayaka falls toward me.
I was also unable to move in the narrow and unbalanced space of the boat, so I fell backward, catching Ayaka as I went.
In the boat, which was shaking violently with the impact, I slowly open my eyes.
In front of me was Ayaka’s face.
I tried to voice my concern to Ayaka, but she was unable to speak because her mouth was sealed shut.
“Nn!?”
I raised my voice, and Ayaka opened her eyes to see what was going on, and immediately pulled her face away from mine.
“I-I’m sorry.”
“A-are you okay. Are you hurt?”
“Yes.”
“I see.”
“Can I row?”
“Uh, yeah.”
We switched places while talking awkwardly.
She started rowing and was a little wobbly, but she got used to it and started to move smoothly.
“I’m sorry about earlier.”
Ayaka’s monologue brought back to my mind the kiss I had just shared with Ayaka.
“I don’t know how Shoma feels about it, but I didn’t mind.”
Ayaka looks me straight in the eye as she rows the boat, as I have frozen up due to the unwanted fantasies peculiar to adolescent school boys.
The slightly smiling mouth, the slightly narrowed eyes, the eyes shining behind them, the short hair blowing in the wind.
Ayaka at this moment was really beautiful, like a painting in a museum.
We arrived at the pier, and as Ayaka was getting out of the boat, I held out my hand to her.
Ayaka holds my hand, looking really happy.
“Thanks!”
“You’re welcome.”
We walk slowly toward the meeting place.
“The feeling I had earlier about not hating it is true.”
I don’t know why.
Ayaka’s profile looked a little sad as she said that, and I felt my chest tighten.
“Yeah.”
I didn’t know how to answer and could only give a small nod to Ayaka’s profile.
After that, we enjoyed sightseeing and pilgrimage together without any problems.
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