Chapter 19 – Discussion Between 4 People

“But Golden Week is next week, right? I’m fine with the trip, but will we even be able to book a place?”

“Kazuki. Have you forgotten that we have the ultimate ojou-sama, Shizuku Yukimori, on our side?”

Yukimori clenched her fist proudly, flexing like she was showing off her muscles, with a smug expression on her face. Damn, that’s cute.

Kazuki seemed convinced too and gave her a respectful bow.

“Sorry for the trouble, Yukimori-san.”

“Oh no, don’t worry at all. The Yukimori family will be covering all the travel expenses, so there’s nothing to be concerned about.”

“That’s definitely concerning though!?”

Yeah yeah, no need for that kind of reaction. It just slows us down.

I forced Kazuki to drop it and pushed the conversation toward deciding our destination.

“Kazuki, you got any recommendations for a Golden Week trip?”

“Hmm? Well… Since it’s a longer holiday, we could hit up some remote islands in Okinawa, or Hokkaido should be right around cherry blossom season. If we’re looking to take it slow, Kyoto’s great for strolling. For a hot springs-focused trip, Hakone’s the best bet.”

Figures. The guy loves traveling. He rattled off options like a pro.

Yukimori and Toudou both listened with sparkling eyes, clearly getting excited about the potential destinations.

And yeah, Golden Week has the perfect weather. With three or four days, any of those places would be possible.

“Where would you want to go, Yukimori?”

“Let me see… Azaleas and satsuki should be in full bloom in Kyoto around then. I went there once for family matters, and it was absolutely beautiful.”

“Yukimori votes Kyoto. Toudou?”

“Hokkaido, I think. A hanami with the four of us sounds super fun. Well, I guess we could do that next year too.”

“Hokkaido for Toudou… and you, Kazuki?”

“Easy. Hakone. Besides hot springs, there’s Owakudani, Gora, and a bunch of art museums. If we’re going all out to relax, Hakone’s the place.”

Kyoto, Hokkaido, Hakone. A perfect split.

As for me, honestly, I’m fine with anywhere. If I get to go on a free trip, I’ll happily tag along with a big ol’ smile.

But three or four days isn’t as long as it sounds. If we pick somewhere far, we might not have much time to actually enjoy it.

Hmm, what to do…

“Oh, then I’ll go with Hakone,” Toudou suddenly raised her hand and changed her vote.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Yukimori nodding in approval. I see… this was planned.

Kazuki didn’t seem to notice, just blinked in confusion.

“Huh. You sure, Toudou?”

“Yeah. Like I said, we can do hanami next year. And I’ve always wanted to try a hot spring trip.”

“In that case, I’ll go with Hakone too.”

“I’m cool with anywhere, so Hakone it is.”

“Uh… okay…?”

The decision was made in a blink, leaving Kazuki slightly dazed.

With Yukimori and Toudou already settled on it, it’s not like I could object now.

“If we’re going for hot springs, there’s this inn I’d recommend. It’s tucked in the mountains, but the stargazing there is amazing. The food’s great too, and they’ve got lots of fun facilities inside.”

“You talking about Tenkuu Toujikyō?”

“As expected of you, Tomita-kun. You know it well.”

“Of course I do. It’s like the holy grail of hot spring trips. But there’s no way it’s available this late.”

“Well, let me check anyway.”

Yukimori pulled out her phone and made a call. Probably to Tenkuu Toujikyō.

While she was doing that, I looked it up on my phone.

Damn, it looked incredible. Pure Japanese architecture, tons of hot spring options, and not even that expensive.

Only problem was… every listing said they were booked solid for Golden Week.

Yeah, I don’t think this is happening—

“Ah, hello, this is Yukimori. Thank you as always. I’d like to book a three-night stay during Golden Week. …Yes, the usual backdoor VIP package, please. Thank you. …Okay, all set!”

“““The Yukimori family is insane…”””

What the hell is a “backdoor VIP”? That’s a thing?

The world of the wealthy is terrifying.

“As long as you all bring your own clothes and any other necessities, everything else will be taken care of on my end.”

“Thanks, Yukimori. Sorry for dumping all this on you.”

“Not at all. I’m honestly really excited. I’ve never been on a trip with friends before. And I don’t have any plans this Golden Week, so it’s perfect.”

I see. She’s always been so busy with family stuff, huh?

For a sixteen-year-old girl, she’s already living a life more intense than most adults…

“Well then, let’s wrap it up for today. Shizuku, I want to do some shopping—mind coming with me?”

“Yes, of course! I’ve been wanting to buy a few things too—let’s go!”

“Wha—I’m not buying anything!”

“You’re not?”

“…I am.”

“You’re so cute, Asuka-chan.”

“S-Stop that, I’m not!”

They kept bickering about something, but I had no clue what.

Kazuki and I just looked at each other and tilted our heads.

◆

After parting ways with Yukimori and Toudou, Kazuki and I figured it was a waste to just go home. So we dropped by Menya Tokino.

Strangely, the place was packed today. Usually, it’s practically empty.

The old man behind the counter was buzzing around, but when he saw us, he paused to talk.

“Huh? Just you two punks today? Where’re the girls?”

“They were with us earlier, but we split up. …You’re doin’ good business today.”

“Those girls came the other day, remember? They were eating like it was heaven. Word’s gotten out—’Ramen so good even pretty girls moan over it.’ Now we’re swamped.”

Whoa. That happened?

Yukimori and Toudou are basically the top two in school for looks. No wonder people got curious when they raved about the place.

“You want the usual, right? There’s an open seat. Take it.”

“Got it.”

We took our usual counter seats, handed over our tickets, and waited.

Next to me, Kazuki gulped down his water, then turned and asked:

“So… how did this even happen?”

“Bit late for that, isn’t it?”

“I mean, the timing wasn’t right to speak up earlier. I’m actually looking forward to it though.”

Yeah, it’s no wonder he’s a little thrown. It all happened so fast.

“It’s… deep and shallow, narrow and wide—a truly noble mess of a situation.”

“…That makes zero sense.”

“But hey, a trip with Yukimori and Toudou? That’s a win.”

“No arguments there. And really, it’s thanks to you working at Yukimori’s place.”

“Be grateful.”

“Gotcha. Thanks, man.”

That gratitude was way too casual.

As I snacked on the gyoza that arrived first, I decided to ask something I’d been wondering about.

It was probably crossing a line… but whatever, it’s Kazuki.

“Hey Kazuki. If you had to date one—Yukimori or Toudou?”

“Where’d that come from?”

“Just curious. I mean, we’re going on a trip with two gorgeous girls. Something might happen.”

“Hah, us with those two? No way… Or well, I’d pick Toudou, I guess.”

Oh?

“Why?”

“Her body’s totally my type.”

“You’re the worst kind of trash.”

Even I was a little disgusted. That’s just cruel to Toudou.

Seriously, why does she like this guy?

“Wait, wait, there’s more. I mean, I knew her back in middle school. She was so sweet and innocent. Once you know that version of her, of course you’d fall for her.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. Plus, with Yukimori, I feel like she’d completely overwhelm me.”

“True that.”

Even I’m drowning, and I only work for her once a week.

“And you, Inori? You’re Team Yukimori, right?”

“Yeah, I guess.”

“Oh, being honest now?”

“No point denying it at this stage. But if you asked whether I have a crush on her… it’s kind of complicated.”

“Really? But from the outside, it kinda looks like—”

Just then, the old man placed our ramen in front of us.

“Here ya go. Sorry, but eat up quick. There’s a line out the door.”

“Got it.”