Vol. 2 Chapter 45 – The Start of Summer Vacation [NotMar Boost]

It had been around three months since I first met Asahi Hikaru.

My second year of high school, specifically the first semester, was without a doubt the most intense period of my life.

“Ahem… I sincerely hope that all of you will make this summer a genuinely fruitful one, exhibiting the self-awareness that is expected of Shuei Academy students. (Principal)

The long semester was coming to an end, as was the principal’s lengthy speech.

“By the way, are you all familiar with the expression “keibun ibu”? This refers to—.” (Principal)

Correction: It appeared like it might take a little longer.

So, after enduring the principal’s torture-like rambling around the gymnasium for another ten minutes or so—

“Well, that concludes my remarks.” (Principal)

With those statements, the first semester’s closing ceremony came to a close.

A hushed wave of happiness rushed across the entire student body.

We started exiting row by row, beginning at the rear.

Summer vacation would begin the moment we stepped outside the gymnasium. Voices overflowing with joy were already resonating from near the exit.

The majority of those making a joyful racket were undoubtedly first-year students.

Their first summer vacation as gorgeous high school students.

Their drive to completely enjoy their youth – playing, club activities, love, friendship – was palpable.

In contrast, the third-years, for whom summer vacation would not be a holiday, were tranquil.

They had admission examinations ahead of them, and each had to marshal their entire family’s support to buckle down and study.

Meanwhile, we second-year students were right in the middle, both in terms of age and trend.

There was a mix of groups still attempting to make the most of their youth and groups who felt the year had flown by and were already preparing for exams.

These two types of students were dispersed throughout.

As for me, I didn’t really fit in anywhere.

I was a one-of-a-kind individual who intended to spend my summer vacation working on a game with three other strange people.

Then again, to everyone else, I was probably very weird…

Lost in these thoughts, it was finally my section’s turn to depart.

All that was left was to return to the classroom for homeroom with our classmates.

Our 2-B homeroom teacher didn’t drag things out, which was a comfort. Feeling like it was already halfway over, I walked along the connecting corridor—

“Kaaageyama-kun!”

Someone shouted out from behind, lightly tapping my back.

I turned, wondering if there was any girl besides Hikaru who’d ever done that to me.

“Sakuramiya-san…?” (Reiya)

Sakuramiya Kyo, one of my classmates, was standing there.

“It’s finally over, right? Wasn’t the principal’s speech ridiculously long? (Kyo)

“Ah, well… um, you’re correct. “It was long.” (Reiya)

I was perplexed since she spoke to me as if we were good friends.

“Who cares about the origins of four-character idioms?” “He’s seriously wasting time, it’s like his mind is still in the Showa era.” (Kyo)

“Haha… So, do you need anything…?” (Reiya)

Feeling intimidated, I got right to the point.

Unless this was a parallel planet, she and I were not on the same page to have such a casual chat.

If she was planning something, I wanted her to get on with it.

“Huh? “Kageyama-kun, are you the type of person that people avoid talking to unless they have a reason?” (Kyo)

“No, that’s not right… It’s simply that we’ve never truly chatted before. (Reiya)

“So perhaps I thought I’d like to communicate a lot more from now on? ‘Cause, you know… you’re my ‘best friend’s’ ‘lover,’ and all.” (Kyo)

She stated it with a forced smile, as if to imply, “I’m the only one who approves of your relationship.”

To be honest, those sweet-sounding remarks gave me the impression that there was something lurking beneath.

“If that’s the case, then…” (Reiya)

But, because she appeared friendly on the surface, I couldn’t just dismiss her.

“Well, actually, I do have something to chat to you about.” (Kyo)

“Ooh… Okay, what is it?” (Reiya)

“You know, we’re heading to the beach together soon—” (Kyo)

“Eh? W- Wait a second… What’s with everyone heading to the beach…? (Reiya)

Suddenly, a plan emerged that I was completely unaware of.

“Huh? “Hikaru didn’t tell you anything?” (Kyo)

“Not one thing…” (Reiya)

She made it sound like I was to blame for not knowing, but I simply did not know.

I felt as if I had entered a parallel realm.

“Ah, I see… Actually, I was invited to a pre-opening event for associates at a luxury resort that is opening in the next prefecture. Oh, that associate is my paternal uncle. He operates an investing firm, and it appears that he invested in the resort’s initial money and is also involved in management.” (Kyo)

“Wow… That is amazing.” (Reiya)

I lightly deflected the boast she had thrown in.

“Anyway, my uncle demanded that I bring some buddies along, so I invited Hikaru. Then she inquired, ‘Is it okay if Kageyama-kun comes along?’ So I assumed you already know. (Kyo)

“No… This is the first I’ve heard of it.” (Reiya)

It was not simply a bolt from the blue; it was an entire ocean that sprang out of nowhere.

“Oh really…?” So, is it difficult for you? I was hoping you could join us, Kageyama-kun.” (Kyo)

Sakuramiya-san expressed disappointment.

I couldn’t determine what kind of hidden goal was driving the ‘hoping you could come’.

“It isn’t that difficult…” (Reiya)

If I wanted to refuse, I could come up with numerous justifications.

However, she appeared to be friendly.

Perhaps her intention was to make me treat her coldly, or perhaps I was overthinking things and there was nothing nefarious going on at all.

“Does this imply you can come?” (Kyo)

“Do I need to make a decision right now?” (Reiya)

“Yeah, I need to tell my uncle about the headcount and whatnot by this morning.” (Kyo)

“I see… Was Hikaru interested in going? (Reiya)

“Yeah, she looked like she’d go alone if you couldn’t make it.” (Kyo)

“In that case, I suppose I’ll go too…” (Reiya)

I didn’t want to refuse and have a negative impact on Hikaru’s relationships.

Even though I felt I was playing right into her hands, I couldn’t help but nod.

“Really?” (Kyo)

“If Hikaru really wants to go, fine…” (Reiya)

“Then it’s over! I will tell Hikaru. Also, I’ll send you the detailed schedule once it’s finalized, so could I get your PINE ID?” (Kyo)

“Ah, yes… okay…” (Reiya)

Things progressed quickly, as if she wasn’t going to let her captive prey go.

We quickly exchanged IDs, and an icon of a girl with a posed selfie face appeared on my friends list.

“All set! Thanks!” (Kyo)

She smiled as she looked at her own screen, which most likely now displayed my icon.

“So, I’m going back to the classroom first. “See you.” (Kyo)

With that, Sakuramiya-san ran toward the main school building.

As I stood there, wondering if I had actually done the right thing—

“Boom! Guess who!”

Just as she left, something attacked me from behind, covering both of my eyes.

“Blinding O-Ryu?” (Reiya)

“Nope! Close! The right response was me!” (Hikaru)

Hikaru appeared out of nowhere, taking swift steps.

“Summer break is finally arrived! Summer vacation!” (Hikaru)

She must have been looking forward to it since she was even more excited than normal, as if she was about to break into a dance at any moment.

“…Yes, it is.” (Reiya)

“Why are you down? Were you not looking forward to it? Or are you not feeling well? (Hikaru)

She took a step closer, looking at me with concern.

“No, not that. I’m also looking forward to going to the beach.” (Reiya)

“Eh? We are heading to the beach?” (Hikaru)

“Eh? W-We are not?” (Reiya)

We gazed at each other, perplexed by the contradiction with the previous discourse.

“Did we plan like that?” (Hikaru)

“No, Sakuramiya-san simply stated something about a resort facility’s pre-opening… and that you were coming, so I should absolutely come as well…” (Reiya)

“Kyo’s Resort…” Ah, that! That plan was still active!” (Hikaru)

Hikaru slapped her palm, as if everything had finally come together.

“…Meaning?” (Reiya)

“Um, she invited me the day before yesterday, on Sunday, and I said, ‘Okay, if Reiya-kun may come too,’ but then it stopped, so I assumed it was already full… Look.” (Hikaru)

Hikaru took out her phone to show me the appropriate chat log.

Indeed, the conversation had ended exactly as she had described.

“Why would she go out of her way to ask me?” (Reiya)

“Beats me? Why should she?” (Hikaru)

We both bent our heads in perplexity at her strange acts.

If she had obtained my permission through Hikaru, the conclusion for her would have been the same.

There was no need to come and ask me directly—

“Ah…” (Reiya)

“Hm? What is wrong?” (Hikaru)

“N-No… it is nothing…” (Reiya)

There was one evident advantage she earned from contacting me personally.

…my contact details.

When I understood this, the name ‘Sakuramiya Kyo’ on my friends list felt like a cursed piece of equipment.

“She said she’d let me know the details once they were decided, so we exchanged PINE IDs… That’s fine, right?” (Reiya)

“Yes, that’s fine… Wait, did you think I’d be jealous of something like that? (Hikaru)

I informed her as a courtesy between partners, but she appeared skeptical.

“It isn’t that, but just in case…?” (Reiya)

“What’s the big issue now? You’ve already exchanged contact information with my buddies, Ayaka and Akane.” (Hikaru)

“Oh, sure, I suppose.” (Reiya)

“More importantly, I’m eager about the beach! A resort! “A luxurious resort!” (Hikaru)

Hikaru’s excitement level increased despite my worry.

I couldn’t bring myself to ruin her good mood.

“What type of swimwear should I wear?” Hey! Want to go shopping together soon? (Hikaru)

“Ah, well… okay, I need to get one too…” (Reiya)

I decided I was probably overthinking it, so I kept my doubts to myself and began going towards the classroom.

I had a strong feeling that the summer break that began today would be much more chaotic than the previous three months.