Oregairu Vol.11 Chapter 8

Volume 11 Chapter 8

[No matter when, Yuigahama Yui's gaze is as warm and gentle as always]

That day, an unusual snow fell. It does not usually snow in Chiba. The wet clouds that flow forth from the Sea of Japan were obstructed by the many mountain ranges that form the back bone of Honshu.
Thus, when the snow does fall, the dry winds from the side of the Pacific that normally accompanies it will assail the particularly flat plains of Chiba. However, it can occasionally snow at an odd timing in this way. In my 17 years of experience, I have encountered snowstorms occurring at the start of the New Year, the Coming of Age day [1], or suddenly at the end of March. The timing could not be more unfortunate, as it coincides with Komachi’s school entrance exam. Fortunately enough, the wind was not blowing.

The flower petals were fluttering about in the dancing snow.

Clad in her usual school uniform with her coat and mufflers, she wore her gloves and her feet was decked out in a pair of leather boots. She was more than well-prepared as she set off from the doorway. It was still far from her exam time, but it was probably for the best, owing to the traffic congestion that I fear will probably occur.

“Do you have the entrance exam label? What about your eraser, handkerchief and pentagonal pencil?” [2] This pentagonal pencil was amongst one of the several goods bought by our dad during our shrine visit to the Shrine to pray for her entrance exam’s success.
 A cross sectional view of the pencil reveals its pentagonal shape. Well, with the exception of that, it is otherwise a normal pencil. To be frank, I thought that an ordinary pencil would be just as easy to write with. Afterall, the sides of the pentagonal pencils of test takers’ were written with A - E, or 1 – 5 or otherwiseア - オand some form of notation. Each time you come across a multiple-choice question that you do not know, you will be praying to the pencil that will determine your life.  Rather, I think it would be better to say that the pencil was created for the sake of determining your life.

Komachi took one last brief glance at her bag, and gave an energetic nod. With that, she tilted her umbrella and gave a salute.

“I’m set! Well then, Onii-chan, I will be on my way now!”
“Oh, off you go then. Watch your step.”
“Okay. Brrrrr, it’s cold. Sin, cosine, tangent… Ah, doesn’t seem to be tested.”

Shivering, she seemed to be humming a tune whilst blurting out something as she trudged along steadily.  As I sent her off, there was that small bit of anxiety in me. She’ll probably be all right. I wonder if too much studying was the cause of this strange high-spiritedness in her…

In any case, it was finally time to welcome the day of the entrance exams.  After having come this way, there was nothing left to do but to struggle. Though the actual time for it has not arrived, struggling and writhing as we approached the deadline for the exams has become a norm in this world.
Speaking of things that I could do, there was nothing left I could do but to offer my prayers, and leave it up to the Heavens.
The low-hanging massive clouds was a sign that clear weather was not going to be coming soon, just the sound of heavy snowfall with the white snow falling from the sky.  It seems like it was going to snow the whole day long.

I shivered at the cold, and started to walk back to my house. At that time, once again, I shivered as I walked.

I reached into my pocket to discover the source of the vibration, to find out that it was an incoming call. The display indicated that it was from [★☆Yui☆★]. Yuigahama. From the time this contact was first entered, it has not changed, and it has stayed that way ever since.

I was troubled for several seconds over whether I should pick up the call. However, the call continued on uninterrupted and my hand phone continued on vibrating. Giving up, I pushed the Answer button and held it gently to my ear.

“… … Hello”
At the instant I spoke, I heard a cheerful voice replying from the mouthpiece at the bottom of my phone.
“Hikki, let’s go on a date!”
“…. … Huh?”

The first thing that she said wasn’t any form of greetings or anything, but a few unexpected words.  I was left dumbstruck by her whilst a high pitched hiss escaped from the side of my mouth.

Since receiving the phone call, I slowly began my preparations to leave.  Just as I was about to leave, I took a glance at the traffic information on my smartphone just in case. It seemed that the congestion on the route I am planning to take was easing up now. At least, there wasn’t any need for me to worry about reaching the meeting place on time now.

In practice, the Kanto transportation network was really pathetic when dealing with snow. This was especially so in Chiba Prefecture, thanks to the Edo River and the Tone River that surround the borders of Chiba prefecture. Since having a bridge over them was not possible, this island is seriously going to become a lonely island. At this rate, there was the risk that would be a proclamation of the establishment of the [Independent state of Chiba]. Even when I went outside, the weather looked the same as always, the asphalt was becoming frosty owing to the snow that had started to accumulate.

The extent of snowfall was still not deep enough to trip me up, but it was easy to slip on it due to its sherbet-like condition. [3] I walked slowly on the road to the bus stop whilst following the tracks made by car wheels and footprints. It took a while to transfer from the bus to the train. One could view the ocean from the train’s windows. From the window, I could see the snow falling lightly, drifting from the right to the left. The sun was at a great height, and shone through the grey cloudy sky, illuminating it with a shade of white.

The routes along the coasts were somewhat crowded. This was not just due to the weather. That route was usually crowded whenever there was an event. For example, at the Makuhari Messe[4], there could be a Game Show or a Motor Show, or a big site where the Comic Market(See: Comiket) resides, or a live event at the Shin-Kiba station. It was at those times whereby it would be particularly congested.

Above all, one station along this route, was home to Japan’s grandest attraction. It was an establishment known as the Tokyo Disney Resort, or TDR in short.

Especially since today was Valentine’s Day.

Even though it was snowing, it still appeared to be receiving a great deal of customers. I pricked up my ears to listen to the conversation between the couples that were on the same train as me. What’s up with them being all romantic? They look like they even welcome this snowfall!

Indeed, for a Valentine’s Day date, I guess it was an undisputedly good situation to be in.

Soon, in the direction of the train’s movement, a white castle and the rising plumes of smoke from a volcano [5] came into view. An announcement inside the train informed the passengers that the train would be stopping at the next station, and the train began to slowly decelerate.

With a dull shake, the train came to a halt. The door opened with a hissing sound. The cold air and the snow blew into the compartment, and then the couples that had boarded before me disembarked. Then, the doors closed and a bell echoed. The characteristic “Disney” music of the train station was used as the melody for the train’s departure. As I listened to it, the number of people in the train gradually diminished, allowing me to lean against the train’s door. The white castle and the active volcano gradually became more distant, fading away from my left eye’s vision.

Today was not the day I got off at this station.
At one time or another, I had the vague notion that one day or another, we would surely visit this place together, but it didn’t happen.

The unspoken promise, the words that were exchanged no longer took the form that it was supposed to be. With a few changes, it shall still be carried out. The meeting place where new promises would be exchanged, lies in the one station ahead.

Passing the big bridge, through the river near the border, an enormous Ferris wheel came into view. Indeed, it truly is Japan’s largest Ferris wheel.

I recalled the phone call from this morning. It was not out of bewilderment nor surprise that I did not reject the unexpected words that came out from her mouth. In the first place, the one who had first invited her was me. [S1EP12, S2EP9] This was just a continuation of what I have had always procrastinated.
There was no particular reason to reject her.
However, was this really okay? Such a doubt suddenly flashed across my mind. As I searched for the answer within, the velocity of the train dropped. Regardless of my purpose for thinking about it, the train’s motion stopped suddenly with one large jerk, along with my thoughts.
Exiting from the ticketing gate, the large Ferris wheel leaped into my vision. From the water fountain piazza at the front of the station, one could see what I would definitely say was one of Japan’s largest Ferris wheel. The appeal was amazing when you looked at it up close.

I moved serenely through the flickering snow.

With a sidelong glance at the huge Ferris wheel, I began to trudge along.
Thanks to the fact that this place was small since it was intended for families, one could not possibly get lost in here. Checking the memories of that time against the information on the information board, I hurried towards the destination.

Proceeding along the long main street that leads to the seaside, a dome shaped structure eventually came into view on my left. Below it was the entrance hole to the aquarium.

The place that we were meant to meet was there.

Upon reaching underneath the roof of the building, I closed my umbrella. Taking a brief look at my surroundings, I then broke into a run.

There were not many people here even for a weekday. Thanks to that, I immediately spotted the figure of Yuigahama who was clad in a blue coat.

“Hikki!”
She was probably on the train before me. Yuigahama was walking towards me, calling out my name, and waving the pink colored plastic umbrella in her hand.

I nodded in reply to her and trotted slowly towards her.

However, my feet suddenly came to a halt.

“… … Ah”

The hem of a grey colored coat was fluttering behind Yuigahama.

The one person who stood directly behind Yuigahama turned to face me, her eyes wide open in surprise.

“Hikigaya-kun… ….”

The murmur came from Yukinoshita Yukino. Why was she here? I wondered doubtfully as the two of us faced each other.

“Yukinoshita came here as well?”

It was plain to see without us having to say it. The situation was hard to comprehend. It seemed to be the same for Yukinoshita as well.

Yuigahama caught a glimpse of Yukinoshita twisting her body uncomfortably. Then, she opened her mouth anxiously.

“Uh, Um…… If, if you two had plans, then I shall go back… ….”
“It’s fine! Let go have fun together!”

With that, Yuigahama held onto Yukinoshita’s arm, who looked ready to go back at any moment. At the same time, she tugged at my sleeve. Yuigahama bent downwards, took our hands and pressed them tightly to her chest.

“I want the three of us to go together……” The sound of her murmur ended with a whisper. With her eyes lowered, I had no way of telling her facial expression. However, the beseeching tone in her voice was more than sufficient to convey her desires. Yukinoshita and I looked at each other, both of us were at a loss for words. Yukinoshita’s gaze continued to wander about and she let out a bewildered sigh.
Nevertheless, after considering how Yuigahama was lifting her head and her looking at us with such a gentle expression in her eyes, Yukinoshita nodded along with a small sigh. And then, Yuigahama turned her gaze towards me.

Seeing that the two of them had no particular objections, I had no objections either. However, there was just one thing that I wanted to hear. I hesitated to ask her directly, and averted my eyes from her a little. It seemed to a terribly awkward thing to ask now after all this time. The words that could smooth it over just wouldn’t come. Somehow or another, I managed to open my mouth and squeezed some words out.

“… … This, is this really fine?”
“Yes, this is fine” Yuigahama replied immediately.
Without averting her eyes, she looked at me directly, her expression was one that looked forced.

There was no hidden meaning behind the words in my question, it was straightforward. This was probably true for her reply as well. No, I wonder about that. I wondered if there really was no further meaning behind those surprisingly simple words. No matter which was it, if this was Yuigahama’s wish, then I don’t really have any reason to object to it.

“I see.”
“Yup! There is no need to worry about the snow here. It would be great if everyone here can have fun!” Yuigahama puffed out her chest proudly in reply. Indeed, if you say that everyone could enjoy themselves here, then this place was probably the appropriate place to be.

That place, it seems to be a little bit of a bother to go there as three. That’s why, just maybe, once more on another day. That day will probably come whereby I have to fulfill the promise.

“Okay, let’s go.”

The place here today, belongs to everyone.

In the distance, I noticed the glare of the sun shining through the glass dome. Despite the many sheets of glass that made up this dome, unfortunately, looking at the weather, the light from the sun seems to have gathered. Coupled with the tall ceiling, it gave off a feel of considerable brightness.  An escalator went around the side of the Aquarium Park, continuing on in a descending fashion, towards the bottom where it was dark.

The light on the ground that appeared in the distance was like those found in the cinema right before the start of a screening. The expectations I had caused my heart to throb. And thus, after getting off that long escalator, the first thing that I saw was the screen that showcased the large water tank ahead. Wow, this is really big, Yuigahama said so upon seeing it and ran towards it with a light pitter-patter of footsteps.

“Sharks!” Yuigahama was talking about the sharks in the tanks. There were Blacktip reef sharks and other varieties it seemed. Nonetheless, the blacktip reef shark, in spite it sounding like a tuna, it really isn’t one. It’s a shark. A super shark. [6] Also in the same tank, there were sea breams and flounders dancing. If you wanted to see something else, there were also the stingrays and sardines. Yuigahama went about the tank happily, peering through the camera’s lenses to take pictures.  And now, she faced sidewards. “Ehehe” she laughed and pointed once more to the tank whilst saying “Sharks!”

“Sharks, is it?” Yukinoshita caught up to her with a perplexed expression that was not missed by Yuigahama. Her voice was interspersed with some sense of awe. Thereupon, Yuigahama went “Ahaha” with an awkward laugh whilst gently stroking the bun of her hairstyle and approached Yukinoshita without hesitation.

“Yukinon, sorry for not telling you about this. Come on, let’s get our spirits up!”
“Even if you say that… ….”

I stood in front of the tank, indifferent to their conversations. Yuigahama just stood there silently.

Freaking sharks. Sharks were awesome. I looked on dreamily. The view that was floating in front of me was one that was remarkably calm, moreover, one that had the appearance of elegance.

A scalloped hammerhead. Thanks to it characteristic form, there was no need for me to go the extra mile to read its information board to know its name. Those who were guys, they had at least been attracted to sharks once in their childhood. To put it more precisely, it was a time whereby we really love things such as the dinosaur or ocean pictorial books.

Hikigaya Hachiman. When I was three, the dinosaur that I liked was the Triceratops and my favorite deep-sea fish was the barrel-eyed fish.  I was definitely a boy when I said things like that. I was staring at the tank so intently that an unintentional “Oops” leaked out of my mouth. I was really like a young boy who was entranced by the show windows’ trumpet. [7] The feeling of Tutti! It totally captivated me. [8]

“Woah!.… Hammerhead sharks! Eh what, you are allowed to take pictures in here?” Whilst pointing my finger at the shark, I listened to Yuigahama who was nodding her head and going “Uh-huh” like an elder sister.

Wow, so it’s really fine to take pictures huh. Pasha-pasha, went the camera shutter. Out of the corner of my eyes, I could see Yuigahama walking with small quick steps towards Yukinoshita. Then, she whispered into her ears.

“Look! Even Hikki is enjoying himself as well.”
“Haaa…. …”
Yukinoshita exhaled a sigh that sounded like she had given up.

At this point, the whispered conversation next to me ceased to be heard. Noticing the unusual silence, I stole a sideways glance. Pressing her hand to her forehead whilst staring fixedly in my direction, our eyes met.

“Wh… … What?”
Embarrassed that I was actually focusing on them so intently that I could listen to their conversation, Yukinoshita swept away the hair by her shoulder smoothly. Then, she gave me a smile to tease me a little.

“It’s nothing. I was just a little surprised, that’s all. I could take a photo of you with the sharks.” With that said, she stretched out her hand. Apparently, it looked like I would be getting a commemorative photo of the Scalloped Hammerhead shark if I passed her my phone.

“Seriously? I can boast about it to Komachi then”

Taking up on her offer, I gently passed her my phone, taking great care so as to not touch the screen with my fingertips.

“Hammerhead shark. When the hammerhead shark comes, press the camera shutter! It would be good if you could do it when the shark is seen from the side, so that the hammer portion is visible. “
“It’s surprisingly that you are so detailed in your specification……”

Yukinoshita gave a frown whilst taking several shots as though it was some form of challenge. What on earth was so funny that had Yuigahama, who was just beside me, grinning away?

“How are these pictures?”

Looking at my phone that was returned, it was there as I had specified, there was one photo taken that seemed to be the best timing, where I looked as if I was being completely swallowed by the hammerhead shark.

“Oh-ho! These are great!”
“I see. That’s great to hear.”

A breath leaked out from Yukinoshita, one that seemed a little tired mixed with relief. Yuigahama held on to Yukinoshita’s arm tightly and gave it a few light tugs.

“Okay then, let’s go on the next one!”
“… … Okay”

Returning her smile, Yukinoshita followed Yuigahama. Yukinoshita was reluctant about it at the start, but this Aquarium Park had surpassed her expectations and she was now keen on it. Bidding farewell to the hammerhead sharks that I was reluctant to part with, I followed the two of them from behind.

In the Aquarium Park, since it was a weekday, there were just a sporadic amount of people. I could see the occasional quiet old couples, couples who brought along their babies, the others were young females with their friends and people who were relatively quiet.

If this was the weekends or holidays, this place would probably be jammed with children and their families.

The gloomy area was illuminated with a number of the water tanks. In a spectacle like this filled with several theatres, everyone seemed to be naturally keeping their voices low. We were no different. I let out a cry of amazement when I saw the impressiveness of the giant water tank that housed the Bluefin tuna.

The “Seas of the World” area was divided into various groups. The water tank which contained the fishes of the Southern Ocean captivated me with its dazzling display.

Nature’s grandeur, power and beauty. When we saw the spectacle in front of us, we couldn’t help but to say words like “Amazing”, “Pretty” and “Looks Delicious”. Wait, what… looks delicious? .......

There, of course, there will be those who think differently.

Anyway, when Mr Fish-san passed by in front of us, Yuigahama stopped walking suddenly. Enticed by her movements, Yukinoshita and I stopped as well. At a glance, it appeared to be a rather dark and simple fish tank, a far cry from the much more colorful fish tanks in the surrounding.

Here, light did not shine through, and thin strips of wood were stack up on top of the soil in a solitary manner. In the midst of it, there was a fish that seemed to be swimming about dejectedly. It gave off the feeling that it was a nubot. [9]

No, perhaps it was wrong to say that it was swimming. It was not even moving much, it seemed to be just floating around.

“Ughhh, so gross.” Yuigahama murmured casually.

“It’s a nursery fish, apparently.”
“They live in muddy streams and don’t swim around much.”
Yukinoshita read out the explanation and then she cast a glance at me.
Why was this person looking this way? I looked at the explanation board, the explanation is not done yet!

Oh? And they instantly gobble up prawns and stuff that happen to swim in front of them.

“They seem to be living the ideal life……”
“You are empathizing with them?!”
Yuigahama reacted in shock to my thoughts that I unintentionally let slip. Upon hearing it, Yukinoshita smiled all of a sudden.

“Now that you mention it, this fish, it does resemble someone. Right, Hikifishy-kun?”
“We are totally not alike. Neither are our names.”

Why was she smiling at me?  Well, it seems that the nursery fish’s other name was Komoriuo. I guess that would mean that the fish is a baby-sitter. [10] If that’s the case, then I was nothing like these Hikikomori fishes …… No, babysitting is actually an awesome idea too, for me.
I love small kids!

With an escatatic expression and some giggling, she spoke in a cheerful tone.
“Ugggh, gross.”
“Don’t say they are gross, they are trying their best to live.”

Are we not from the same planet? I mean, this person seems to be a bit too happy saying that……. As Yuigahama continued to be engrossed in the nursery fish, Yukinoshita squatted down beside her. The two of them then exchanged words such as “Gross, isn’t it?” and “Disgusting, right?”

Then, Yuigahama smiled suddenly.

“But…… they are kind of cute isn’t it?”
“I don’t know if you could label them as cute, but they certainly are endearing.”

And with that said, Yukinoshita and Yuigahama met each other’s gaze and both chuckled.

“I am pretty sure “cute” is out of the question after calling them gross…….”

More than anything, nursery fishes sure had a disgusting face. Are you sure you are really calling that “cute”?

I totally don’t understand girls and their sense of “cute”.  Isn’t that so? Her behavior was cute or her hairstyle was cute or her voice was cute. Wasn’t this what guys say when they are introducing the girls at a mixer or their friends? Wasn’t this just a roundabout way of saying that they are actually not cute at all? I have sort of seen that kind of thing on the net. Seriously, you really can’t believe girls when they say something is cute.

The porcupine fish with the clownfish. Seahorses, leafy sea-dragons.  The left-eye flounders on the left with the right-eyed flounders on the right. Lastly, the largehead hairtail, the Japanese sea-lily……

Following the usual route that was linked to the outside, we saw a large number of deep sea fishes from the “Seas of the World” exhibit.

Due to us having spent some time in the long, dark area, it was most unfortunate for us when the sun came dazzling through. After exiting the automatic door, we arrived at the outside hallway, where the cold breeze from the sea caressed our cheeks.  At the same time, I was met with a wave of strong fragrance.

This seems to be the place where tide pools make a reappearance. The crabs, acorn barnacles, or perhaps the starfish was just some of the many creatures that could be found on the seashore. One could gaze at the sky if one was to continue walking forward as they would exit out from the roof. The snow now was not heavy, and it was considerably lighter, flickering about. Moreover, after hearing that the weather’s fickleness was due to the influence from the recent cold wave, I didn’t know what to expect anymore. In any case, as of this time, the weather this afternoon seems to be good, which means we didn’t need to worry about it.

“Ah, it seems that there is a crowd gathered there.”

Just as I was worrying about the weather, Yuigahama who was walking in front of us, turned around and point her finger at the front. Just exactly how many people were gathered in front? The raised voices coming ahead sounded like they were having fun with shouts of “Kyaaa” and “Waaa”.

“Let’s go and have a look.”

Saying that, we went to the area to see what spot it was that was causing such a stir. The pathway outside that was along the side led to a small and long pool that resembled the fish tank from indoors. However, unlike the other fish tanks, it was not covered. The water surface was exposed to the surrounding air. At a glance, the explanation board on the wall had the words “Touch them gently with two fingers” written on it.

Apparently, this seemed like a place whereby you could have the experience of touching the animals. Eh, what kind of sea creatures am I allowed to touch, I wondered as I peered into the water tank.
Sharks. Once again, it was the sharks in there.

The tiny variants of sharks and rays were swimming about lazily in there. Looking at the explanation board, I saw the words イヌザメ(Brown banded bamboo sharks), ネコザメ(Japanese Bullhead sharks), [11], stingrays and pitted stringrays written on it.

“Hey, Hikki, it’s a catshark!”
Yuigahama struck my two arms excitedly, whilst looking intently at the catsharks. And so, every now and then, she touched it with her fingers. It didn’t give any particular response, but rather just remained there quietly.  Soon, Yuigahama nodded her head as though she was convinced of something.

‘……. It kind of feels like Sable!”

How? Because it’s also light-brown in colour? This shark, it totally does not feel like a dog okay? I mean, this resembles your dog? Are you sure this is really a dog? Isn’t this a shark? However, I had no idea why they are called cat-sharks. Cocking my head in puzzlement, it seems like there was one more person who had the same question as me.

Right beside me, Yukinoshita was stroking her chin, observing the cat sharks closely. The Japanese Bullhead shark was one or two times smaller than the brown banded bamboo sharks, its body also had a characteristic striped pattern on it, making them easy to distinguish from one another.

“Cat-sharks…”

Yukinoshita stood there muttering a few words, her gaze unwavering from the swimming cat-sharks.

“It doesn’t make sense. In what way are the catsharks like a cat? Naming them as such, surely there must be a part of them that resembles cats.”

Oh, she really just can’t help but to respond to anything that has the word “cat” associated with it huh? Seriously, she really loves cats like how cats loves Frisky.

Seeming to have made a resolve, Yukinoshita rolled up her sleeves and extended her hand excitedly towards the catshark, and patted it for quite some time. And then, she gave a contented smile all of a sudden.

“I guess it really does feel like a cat’s tongue to the touch.”
“That, is just how shark’s skin feels like, you know.”

Yukinoshita did not appear to have heard what I just said and continuing stroking the catshark without a care in the world.

“Cat, catshark, cat…….. “Meow”…… No, “Shaaaa”, maybe.”
“Just because they are sharks doesn’t mean they go shaaaaa”

Anyway, the main point is that sharks do not produce any sound…… Maybe, probably.  With that thought, I noticed that Yuigahama seemed to have moved on from the catsharks and appeared to be searching for a new target. Yuigahama’s wandered about in the water.

“Ahh, there are eels here too!”
Saying that, Yuigahama simply extended out her hands with an “Eitto”. It was just a ray, huh. Definitely was going to be a mistake. Uh-huh.

“Hyaa!?”

There, she shrieked almost instantly, followed by a swift retraction of her fingers.

“I just touched something slimy! So slimy!”

Saying that in a manner that sounded like she was about to break into tears, Yukinoshita was awoken from her daze about the catsharks and rushed over to Yuigahama and asked her in a concerned voice.

“What did you touch? Hikigaya-kun? You’d better wash your hands quick.”

Wait, what? Could you please top treating me like a ray? I don’t excrete mucus alright? No, if the girls were to touch their hands that were covered in sweat, surely it would most certainly resemble that of an eel? I will be sure to wash my hands properly if I come into contact with any girls!

However, despite saying that, one does not get many opportunities to get to touch a shark or a ray. I too, rolled up my sleeves and began to touch the catsharks and eels to my heart’s content.

The coarse and slimy feel was really enjoyable. Next to me, Yuigahama had withdrawn her hand. However, I saw that she continued to look at the catsharks with a look of adoration.

“What? Are you sure you don’t want to stroke them anymore?”
“Yep! I think they would be tired out if I touched them too much.”
“I see, that’s so like you, Yuigahama”
I unintentionally let out a smile. Indeed, if one were to stroke animals indiscriminately, it would probably stress them out. Our cat for example, would give me a cat punch if I were to stroke it. I honestly preferred that way of showing that it’s stressed out.

The words that came out of mouth were spoken ever so casually. Yet, Yuigahama stared at the ground, avoiding my gaze and her shoulders shook with a twitch.

“…… Just like me, I wonder about that?”

My gaze followed her. The falling snow danced as they fell, causing ripples on the water surface. Yuigahama slowly raised her head to look at me.

“…….I, I am not as nice as you think I am, Hikki.”

Those eyes were like telling of the distance between us, just like the fleeting smile she wore on her face.

The whisper added as an afterthought seemed to be more of a monologue.
Hearing that, I held my breath.

What the heck am I doing? I said that it was just like Yuigahama Yui, but what exactly did I mean by that?

Once again, the discomfort within my body came creeping out, causing my chest to shudder. Gripping my fist strongly, I realized I had probably overlooked something serious that was causing this uneasiness to gush forth. Even so, I have to say something, but try as I might, the right words just wouldn’t come out of my mouth. I saw her trembling lips, the lonely smile on her and her cast-down eyes.

Without a voice, without anything being said, the surrounding noise got much louder.

Therein, “Kyui~~” a high pitched cry reverberated throughout.

Upon hearing that, Yuigahama looked up, recovering her composure quickly.

“Ahh, penguins! Hikki, Yukinon, let’s go!”

Yuigahama said that spiritedly. She called out to Yukinoshita and gazed at her, to which Yukinoshita looked in my direction with a dazed look. Taken aback by her, I returned her gaze. However, her eyes wandered back and forth between us, showing her concern for us both.

“Let’s go?”
“Yup! Let’s go.”

Yukinoshita looked at her cheerfully, and returned her words with a helpless smile. I wondered if she had overheard our conversational exchange just now. She might have seen that expression on Yuigahama. Yuigahama took Yukinoshita’s arm, and quickly walked in the direction of the rocky mountain. That stride seemed to be light.

Looking at the figure from behind, it was deliberately trying to be happy. Maybe I felt that way due to the talk that had concluded just now. Now, was the time when the three of us would enjoy ourselves, just like what was said.

Spitting out a breath to try and change the mood, I continued to follow the two girls from behind.

After walking a short while, we saw a bleak rocky mountain stretched out in front of us. There, there were many penguins exchanging cries of “Kyuuui” “Kyuuuu”. They were leaping into the pool with a splash or otherwise sticking to the side of the rock to get some warmth from the shade of it.

“Waa, so cute!”
“I agree.”

Yuigahama was in high spirits as she snapped photos of the penguins. That smile as could be seen from the side, was from Yukinoshita who was clicking away multiple times on the shutter discreetly.
As I expected, Penguin-san was a great hit amongst girls.

I thought they were cool as well. Despite its streamlines shape, it still had a round figure. Its round eyes, the way it waddles about as it walks. I was totally in love with it.

“No way, they are so freaking cute! I must send some pictures to Komachi!”

As they approached the fence, I waited till the last possible minute so that they filled up the screen before my camera went “Pasha” “pasha” as I snapped their pictures.

And so, in the meantime, the flashes went off.

If Komachi sees them, then when she was done examining them, she would be like “Komachi wants to go too!” This was logic that was self-evident.  And then I would be “Alright, let’s go then!” to which Komachi would respond in a cute and innocent way. I would then be able to go on a lawful date with my sister! NURUFUFUUUFUFUFUFUFU.

Just as I had made my devious plan, Yuigahama and Yukinoshita had already proceeded to another location. Ah, damn, they are leaving me behind!

Concluding my photo-taking in a hurry, I chased after Yuigahama and Yukinoshita. The two of them, proceeded along the pathway, and went to some stairs that continued down into the half basement.

In addition to the normal route in the penguin zone, there was also a space with a view of the enormous pool from the side. Here, one could observe the penguins swimming about.   The penguins on land however, was showing a different style than the others. They were walking about on the land with dull heavy footsteps. The ones in the water were able to change direction with ease, and swimming about with amazing speed, making it seem as though they were actually flying about.

Upon seeing that, Yuigahama raised her voice in wonder, and continuously tugged at Yukinoshita’s sleeve.
“Wow, amazing! Look at them swim! Doesn’t this make you think they are birds or something like that?”
“……Uh, in the first place, penguins ARE birds.”

Yukinoshita replied in a shocked tone. As though she had a headache, she pressed her hands against her temples. Hearing that, Yuigahama opened her mouth like a idiot and turned to look at the astonished me.

“….. I, I knew that!”

Yukinoshita gave a gentle smile to the flustered Yuigahama, whilst I gave a wry smile. No, I don’t really know what I am feeling right now.

After enjoying the magnificence of the penguin’s style as they swam about, we headed back up the stairs from the half basement. From here, we could see that the Humboldt penguins had gathered up in the rocky mountain and were squirming about. Therein, two penguins suddenly caught my eye. They were intimately sticking closely to one another and grooming their feathers, and were frequently exchange cries.

Looking at them gave a pleasant feeling. Meanwhile, I took a glance at the explanation board in front of me. Yukinoshita and Yuigahama came beside me and pressed their faces forward to read it, all the while going “well now, let’s see”. I conceded the spot to the two of them and took half a step back, whilst my eyes followed the sentences on the board.

Apparently according to the explanation board that I saw, the two penguins that we saw that were snuggling up to each other were husband and wife. In many cases, Humboldt penguins in captivity often mate for life and so will continue to stay with the same partner until one of them dies. After reading it, I looked another look at the two penguins. It was then I realized Yukinoshita’s shoulders in front of me was shaking, and knew that she was so gasping her breath due to her surprise.

And so, she left the area at a quick pace.

“What’s wrong?”
Yukinoshita who had left first seemed to be in a hurry, but she nevertheless turned halfway back to look at me upon hearing the concerned voice.

“…...I’ll wait inside.”

With those few words, she then headed back inside the park without looking back.

The penguin zone was an open air area. Taking into consideration the weather, now would probably be a good time to head back inside. The voice that told us that she would be going on ahead first, looking back, I saw that Yuigahama was still staring at the Humboldt Penguin. With her eyes partially closed, she gave a gentle gaze.

“I guess we should get going.”
“Ah, umm. I want to see this a bit more before I go. I still want to take a wee bit more pictures! ......You go on ahead!”

Saying that, she pointed her fingers at the fairy penguin’s direction and then turned around once more to the direction of the Humboldt Penguin with her phone. She did not appear to have any intention of using her phone, rather, just grasping it strongly with her hands.

“…… I see.”

Seeing her in that state, I hesitated to say anything more. With that short answer, I took one step forward, one step in the direction of the building. The cries of the birds continued on behind me. The calls of the two penguins now seems to be just a little sadder now.

Having been outside for such a long time, the warmth of the building inside made me puffed out a breath. Advancing along the road from the penguin zone, it would lead to some stairs that descended down to the room below. There were still a couple more enormous fish tanks below. An explanation board there had the words “Seaweed Forest” inscribed on it. Yet despite what the sign said, all I could make out from afar was the large giant help, swaying and waving their “arms” about, swaying to and fro. Such big seaweed.

Other than the light brown kelp, the vivid red and green sea anemone and the corals illuminating the area, the room was otherwise pitch dark. There was even a bench intentionally placed in front of the water tank, making seem all the more like a small movie theatre. Yet, there wasn’t so much a figure of anyone sitting down there now. It was deserted to say the least. However, in the direction of the water tank where the light was spilling out, the faint shadow of a person standing there could just be made out against the dark backdrop. That standing figure. There was no way I could mistake that for anyone else.

Yukinoshita Yukino.

Her appearance, illuminated by the dim light of the water tank in the darkness, caused her to resemble a painting. I couldn’t call out to her. The breath that I wanted to spit out was stuck at the back of my heart.

Therefore, I stopped walking. Noticing the break in the sound of the footsteps, Yukinoshita turn towards my direction. She made a gesture that vaguely seemed to be nodding her head. With that, I began to walk towards her, little by little.

“Where’s Yuigahama?” Yukinoshita asked as though she didn’t see me whilst gazing at the tank, even though I was right beside her.

“Taking pictures of the fairy penguins. She said she would be coming right over soon so I should just wait here.”

“I see.”

On that note, our conversation ceased. We both simply continued to silently gaze at the water tank in front of us. The faint light from the giant seaweed illuminated the multicolored fish swimming about in the surroundings. There were countless fish swimming to and fro. Like the swaying giant kelp, they were swaying about as well, as though their movements were dependent on it. There were small fish with bluish scales hiding in the shadow of the seaweed. On the other hand, a particularly flashy red fish was leisurely swimming about, without a care in the world.

Yukinoshita’s eyes chased after the fish’s movement, and spoke all of a sudden.

“……They seem to be really free.”

“Yup! Oh, that fish is quite big huh.”

Yukinoshita’s small voice did not seem to be directed at anyone. It was more of a monologue. But, I dare say we were observing the same fish. If so, then it was only natural for me to reply to that voice. A faint breath escaped my lips suddenly.

“If it can’t find a place to go, it won’t find a place that it belongs to. It will hide, ride with the current or follow whatever it can, until it crashes into the walls it can’t see.” [12]

Yukinoshita gently stretched out her hand to touch the glass. However, before long, the hand grew powerless and was quietly lowered. Glancing at her from the side, I could not tell where her eyes were looking, just that she was definitely looking in front.

“Which fish are you talking about?”

I did not know what she was looking at, so I had to listen.

Thereupon, Yukinoshita gave her answer immediately, along with a seeming calm sigh.

“Myself…….”

Saying that, she touched the water tank gently once again, a lonely smile on her face as she bent her neck slightly.

The figure of her extending her hand, it looked like she was about to be sucked into the water and yet, she was unable to return to the place she ought to go, owing to the obstruction by the glass wall. Just like the bubbles disappearing, this moment was short-lived.

The room was quiet; not a single sound could be heard. The sound of the bubbles gushing forth and bursting open could not reach us as it was blocked by the glass. As I watch Yukinoshita stare into the water tank as though she had been isolated from the world. As we stood there, the sound of one footstep could be heard.

Turning around, I saw Yuigahama watching over Yukinoshita with a calm gentle look. That expression on her face was one that was anywhere between gentle and ready to burst into tears.

“Sorry to have kept the two of you waiting!”

Yuigahama gave a big wave with her hands as if just noticing us, and called out to us with a smile on her face like always.

Exiting from the giant help exhibition, the interior of the building quickly grew brighter. Perhaps due to the lighting at the top portion of the wall, the glass becomes glazed and the ceilings too appeared high up. The floor until now had appeared to be covered with a black fabric, but now, the cream-colored wooden planking was evident. Tap,tap,tap, thanks to those seemingly energetic steps, I could hear her walking along nimbly. The sound of the footsteps stopped abruptly. I wondered what she saw.

“Ah, come here, come here!”

Saying that, she beckoned for me and Yukinoshita to come. Calling out to us, she invited us to see the numerous cylindrical shaped water tanks.

Pink and purple, marine blue. The various colours of the light-up illuminated the jelly-fish floating and drifting about the inside of the water tanks. Yuigahama leapt at Yukinoshita’s arms, and the two of them watched the spectacle side by side. The water tank had a small round window for people to look through. Hence, it was a little cramped for three people to view it at once, thus, I took a step back to where I could view it comfortably.

“Wow, this kind of looks like fireworks!”
Whilst watching the wiggling shaking jellyfish, Yuigahama murmured in a voice that was as if she was reminiscing of something.

“Oh?” However, jellyfish are jellyfish. Even as I looked closely at them, I found myself wondering how they even resembled fireworks.

Yuigahama turned her head towards me and pointed to a spot in the water tank.

“Don’t you see it? There, at that place. Pewwww, Bannngggg.”

The jellyfish that Yuigahama was pointing at, it had a star-shaped body. It contracted and relaxed its body, contracted and relaxed, the same action being repeated over and over again.

Even if you said that, I am still pretty sure that I couldn’t see the resemblance to the fireworks.

“Oh, I get it now. Maybe if the round ones spread its body out, it would resemble something like that.”

With that answer, Yuigahama shook her small head. And so, once again, this time, the glass was touched again by a finger.

“That’s not it, here…….”

Saying that, she point at the jellyfish at the back with the long tentacles protruding from its body. The long tentacles contracted momentarily, before unfolding once more.

The lights from the light-up were sparkling. It continued to linger on and spread throughout the water like a golden shower.

I have seen this type of fireworks some time ago.
That was during summer. In the park that was crowded with people, several enormous STARMINE ascended into the heavens, reflected on the glass of the Chiba Tower’s half mirror glass. [13] With the launching of the finale, it certainly was a golden shower. The sparkling night sky, left behind traces of that light as always. The memory of that scene. I could see it now, right in the water tank in front of me.

In front of me, Yuigahama moved closer to Yukinoshita.

“Too close……”
“Ehehe”

Yuigahama paid no heed to her as Yukinoshita twisted her body in bewilderment.

All of a sudden, she grabbed hold of Yukinoshita and planted herself directly in front of the water tank.

Looking at the reflection in the glass, I confirmed that I was really behind the two of them.

And so, Yuigahama closed her eyes for the brief moment.

“I am really glad…. That the three of us could see this, together.”

Words that sounded of relief, just like her sigh.

Those words were strange yet I am sure I understood them. Yukinoshita tugged her jaw and nodded in agreement as well. I could not say for sure, but I dare say that at that time, what we were all feeling, was probably not all that different. It was an illusion that I held on to.

We came out from the bright corridor, and exited to the area with the restaurant and shops. Turning to the left here would lead us to the outside.  It seemed like the road ended here. As it is, if one were to ascend the stairs, then they would be back at the entrance.

Looking back from the entrance, if one were to take the path to the right, it would lead to the place where we first the water tanks with the hammerhead sharks. That is to say, here was exactly one round of the aquarium park.

“GOAL!”
Yuigahama jumped about spiritedly, and turned towards our direction.

‘Hey, let’s go for another round!”
“No way. There’s no point in visiting the same places again.”
“Y…Yes. I agree. I am kind of a little tired after all.”

In contrast to Yuigahama, Yukinoshita appeared dead tired.
Walking to and fro in this manner, it was no wonder that Yukinoshita appeared so tired. It would be difficult for someone like her with so little stamina after all.
My gaze shifted to Yuigahama. Would you please kindly take a look at Yukinoshita, was what I was implying.

Thereupon, whilst Yuigahama fumbled about with the “bun” on her hair, I could see the look of reluctance on her as we had already arrived here on this road.

“Is that so?...... I think that it would’ve been fun. It’s not time yet anyway……”
Yuigahama checked her watch as she said so. Then, something seemed to have caught her attention.

“Ah!”
Raising her voice, she pointed at the enormous Ferris wheel in the distance.

Japan’s top-class Ferris wheel. It was indeed huge.

Taking the Ferris wheel ticket from my chest pocket and flipping it over. I read that it was 111m in diameter and 117m in overall height.

Well, I can’t really describe how tall it actually is in reality. It is difficult to come up with a precise analogy to describe it. However, if I had to use one word to describe it, it would be tall. Also, scary.
The fact that I just subconsciously described it in another word in indeed scary.

Yuigahama planned to ride the Ferris wheel as there wasn’t much of a queue now. After purchasing the ticket, we were able to board the Ferris wheel immediately.

And thus, the horror begins.

Thinking about it, it was about 10 years since I last rode the Ferris wheel. Naturally, I became so anxious about it that my feet were trembling as I walked. As the carriage of the Ferris wheel ascended, a curious sense of adventure washed over me. The subtle swaying by the wind gave me the feeling that I was risking my life.

“Scary…..” An unintentional whisper escaped me.

However, it was just a whisper. A gentleman will not get flustered in front of the two of them. Then again, if I were riding this alone, I would probably be hugging my trembling head by now.

Now then, speaking of the two of them. They were seated side by side. I wondered how they were faring.

“Waaa, so high! Scary! I mean, this is shaking so madly!” She was having such a fun time that she was clinging on to the windows, almost rising out of her seat in joy.  Thanks to her, my earlier whisper of “scary” was not heard. On the other hand, Yukinoshita had turned pale. She was not looking at the scenery outside, just staring intently at her feet.

“Weren’t you listening just now? I told you we didn’t have to do this if you really didn’t want to.”
Yukinoshita gave a wry smile, knowing that I would say something along those lines. Thereupon, Yukinoshita definitely gave a gentle gaze in my direction.

“It’s nothing…… Everyone, together…..”

She averted her gaze whilst saying that. And then, at that instant, the view of the world below us probably entered her vision. Her voice stuck in her throat. And then, as if pleading for help, she stretched out her hands towards Yuigahama. She gripped her arms firmly and forced her to seat down.

“Yuigahama-san. You can’t do that whilst in the Ferris wheel. Did you not read the instructions.”
“Yukinon, you look scary! S… Sorry, I was just having so much fun……”
“It’s not that I am particularly bothered by you having fun, it’s just that certain standards have to be upheld.”

Ahaha, Yuigahama laughed as she apologized to Yukinoshita, who had a cold expression as she chided Yuigahama. However, Yukinoshita made no attempts to release her hold on Yuigahama’s arms.

Noticing that her hand was being held, Yuigahama returned it with a firm squeeze, and closed the distance between her and Yukinoshita.

And then, I could see the girls pointing towards the right.

“Look, that way! Yukinon’s house is probably that way. Ah, if only we could go closer in that direction, we could probably see it.
“It’s magificient. I think there’s more than enough to see from here.”

Despite saying that, Yukinoshita firmly refuses to move. However, she timidly began to take a peek towards the scenery outside the window. Haaaa, and so, she let out a sigh, one that was full of wonder and satisfaction.

Enticed by her, I too, looked out of the windows to survey the scenery outside.
The evening scenery of the snow falling thick and fast over Chiba unfolded before my eyes.
In the distance, the townscape was generously given a layer of thin white make-up.

“It’s so beautiful…..”
I nodded my head at Yuigahama’s words. I truly felt the same way as her.

“Ah, as expected of my Chiba~”
“Since when did they become yours?”
“For the time being. But this place here, it’s in Tokyo isn’t it.
“Edogawa is one of the 23 wards of Tokyo you know? Anyway, this place is closer to Kasai. I highly doubt you can see Chiba from here. “

Hearing me say such a thing, Yuigahama giggled whilst Yukinoshita smiled at me in astonishment.
And so, we continued gazing upon the view that stretched out before us, never getting tired of it.

The usual conversation, the usual atmosphere, I thought that that was just like us. And yet, there was this indecisiveness and uncertainly that lingered at my feet.

The Ferris wheel gradually began its descent.

Hiding its instability, it continues to turn slowly. It does not make any progress, just going round and round in the same location as always. But even so, eventually……..

“……. It’s almost over.” She murmured.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
[1] Japanese Holiday on the 2nd monday of January. To celebrate those who have reached the age of 20.
[2] Yes, they do exist. People use it for good luck during tests/exams.
[3] Lyrics from the song Sherbet snow and the airplane
[4] Convention center in Tokyo, home to many annual road shows.
[5] Volcano -> Tokyo Disney Sea. Part of the Tokyo Disneyland Resorts.
[6] Wordplay. Blacktip reef sharks = [ツマグロ]. Tuna = [マグロ]
[7] Probably a reference to the manga by Rieko Saibara about Louis Armstrong.
[8] Hibike Euphonium reference(?)  トゥッティ！私たちが心を奪う is the ED opening line. In the LN it's, トゥッティ！って感じ。めっちゃ心奪われる.
[9] Someone/thing with no emotion.
[10] Wordplay on the fish's name. コモリウオ and baby-sitter(こもり) The latter is the hiragana version of コモリ
[11] Their names may suggest catsharks and dogsharks, but they actually both belong the same group of "catsharks".
[12] The words,居場所 and 寄る辺 means that it can be translated to either CR subs/ Commie Subs.  I just chose to go along with CR subs due to Hikigaya's doubt over whether she may be referring to herself.
[13] Starmine = fireworks launched rapidly in quick succession.