Returned from Another World, Earth Turned Out to Be Quite the Fantasy Too. Also, Losing Heroines, Stop Looking This Way. - V2 Chapter 45

Chapter 45: “Isn’t a drink after a bath just the best?”

Seeing the mural of Mount Fuji, Natsuki felt a wave of nostalgia, while Jack suddenly exclaimed, “Oh! Japanese Fuji!” as if he’d turned into a tourist.

“This is what it’s all about. You gotta have Mount Fuji in a bathhouse.”

“Exactly. It’s the essence of Japan!”

Jack was visibly moved, yet he remained the gentleman, careful not to disturb anyone else. 

The regulars only smiled, seeing how much joy the bathhouse brought to visitors from abroad.

Natsuki was happy to finally stretch out and relax in the bath, and Kazuto seemed a bit happier too.

“Alright, let’s get cleaned up first. I’ve brought shampoo and conditioner!”

“You’re so prepared, Natsuki-kun!”

“Well, I was a hero in another world, after all.”

They decided to wash each other’s backs in turn, Jack, Natsuki, and Kazuto, sharing laughs and enjoying their time together.

After a thorough wash from top to bottom, they headed to the bathtub.

“Ah, that’s hot!”

The water was as warm as ever, feeling just right.

Leaning against the wall and stretching out their legs, they relaxed fully.

Placing a towel on his head, Natsuki couldn’t help but sigh, “Phew.”

Jack and Kazuto, too, seemed to enjoy the warm bath beside him.

“Ah, this is the life.”

“You’re starting to talk like Koume-dono, my friend.”

“Hahaha.”

Natsuki, through and through Japanese, savored the bliss of soaking in the hot water.

Just then, they heard a soft chuckle from the person next to them.

“You guys seem to be having a great time. Are you locals?”

“Oh, yes. Were we being too loud? Sorry about that.”

“No, not at all. I apologize if I made it seem that way. It looked like you were having fun, so I just wanted to say hi.”

A man with a friendly smile and a comforting voice greeted them. 

He was a foreigner, probably in his thirties, with a slim frame and curly black hair tied up to avoid getting wet in the bath. His handsome face was marred slightly by a thin beard and gaunt cheeks, giving him a look of ill health but also kindness.

But what stood out most was the bandage wrapped around his head.

(Who is he? I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere before. Maybe he’s an actor in disguise?)

“Good to hear. We’re locals. We live nearby and come here often.”

“Nice to meet you!”

“Hello.”

Natsuki responded cheerily, followed by Kazuto and Jack’s greetings. 

Jack, not being a local, didn’t feel the need to go into details, considering they just met in the bath.

“It’s nice here. Back in Aomori, where I live, public baths are becoming less common compared to the old days.”

“Oh, is that so about Aomori?”

“Yeah, the population has decreased, and it seems like the younger generation is moving away from public baths, maybe because they’re hesitant about showing their skin. Are you two in middle school?”

“Yes, I’m in my third year, and he’s in his second. Why Aomori, if I may ask?”

Curious, they asked the man, who just chuckled in response.

“My father lives around here. I came to visit him and bring some stuff, just took a drive over.”

“Heh.”

“What a dutiful person. That’s great.”

“Your father is in Mukaijima, huh?”

Jack and Kazuto joined the conversation, sharing light-hearted stories.

They talked about school, things in Mukaijima city, recommended places to eat, and fun spots to visit. The man nodded happily as Natsuki and Kazuto shared their stories.

After getting dressed, the four of them stood side by side, holding bottles of coffee milk, and drank them all at once.

“Delicious!”

“Hmm. It has a unique taste, which is wonderful.”

“This is a must-have at the bathhouse!”

“Haha. Thanks to getting along with you guys, I ended up being treated too. This must be providence. I’m grateful for meeting you and to the shop owner.”

The man, as he laughed, suddenly remembered something.

“Oh right, I forgot to introduce myself. I’m a carpenter in Aomori… Close friends call me Yocchan. Please, feel free to call me Yocchan.”

〜〜Afterword〜〜

Who exactly is Yocchan!?