Traveling With a Beautiful Girl - Chapter 38: Kanade-san's Invitation

“Various things happened.”

While resting her cheek on the table, Kanade-san spoke.

“It’s a common story. Seeing a talent far beyond my own, I realized I could never win against her, and my efforts up until then seemed as small as a water flea…”

Kanade-san’s voice became subdued.

It seemed to be a relatively sensitive topic.

“So, my motivation kept dropping… My parents told me to quit if I didn’t have the will, so I just thought, ‘Fine,’ and stopped. That’s all.”

Clatter.

Kanade-san’s fingertips made the empty sake cup spin forlornly.

It looked like a life spinning in vain.

“…I see.”

Briefly, Nanase responded with only that. A visible agitation could be seen on her face.

– It’s my fault that I’ve made people who truly love the piano unhappy.

What a coincidence. At the opposite end of the reason why Nanase quit playing the piano, there was the reason why Kanade-san quit. Listening to Kanade-san’s story, Nanase herself seemed to have become conflicted. Until just a moment ago, the table was bright, but now a heavy atmosphere lingered.

“Sorry to keep you waiting~”

Kanade-san started pouring more sake into the sake cup while still lying on her side and began to sip it. Her drinking pace seemed to be closely related to her mood.

“Let’s stop talking about depressing things. Let’s talk about something fun.”

Kanade-san abruptly sat up, and steered the conversation away from the depths. She looked alternately at me and Nanase, and asked.

“What are your plans for tomorrow?”

“We’re on a casual trip, so no specific plans.”

“Oh, really?”

Kanade-san’s eyes sparkled brightly. It was like a carnivore that had locked onto its prey.

“Would you mind accompanying me for a change of pace?”

“A change of pace?”

“Yes. I took a paid leave tomorrow because I have a business trip.”

I sensed a hint of darkness in her taking paid leave on a Saturday, but I decided not to pry.

“It’s my first day off in 180 days, so I’ve honestly forgotten how to enjoy it.”

I felt like I heard a dangerously long working streak, but I’ll ignore that too.

“Since I can see myself starting to work from home due to workaholic disease if I’m alone, I’d like you to spend the day with me tomorrow.”

“I see.”

My answer was already decided.

“Nanase, is that fine?”

We hadn’t talked for even two hours yet.

To be honest, I wanted to know more about Kanade-san.

Besides, it’s a request from a senior worn out by society.

There’s no reason to turn it down.

“Well, it’s fine.”

Nanase also agreed readily.

She seemed unusually enthusiastic.

“Yay! Thank you, both of you.”

Her sharp features crumpled into a smile.

It was like a high school girl who had just secured a promise to hang out with friends, rather than a working adult.

“By the way, have you decided what to do?”

“I want to go to the beach for the first time in a while. It’s the season, right?”

“There’s no way it’s the season.”

It’s October now.

The season ended about two months ago.

“You’re lying… right?”

Kanade-san visibly despaired.

“I can’t believe… summer’s over… I knew it was getting chilly lately, but I didn’t notice because I only travel between my home and office by taxi…”

“Someone, please help this person.”

I couldn’t ignore that, after all.

When you’re so wrapped up in work, you lose track of the seasons.

“Do you like swimming?”

“No, not really.”

“Then why?”

“I just want to take it off.”

“You’re an exhibitionist?”

I believed she wouldn’t cross that line, despite her odd behavior.

“Ah, no, I mean, don’t run away so blatantly!”

As I stood up with the bill in my hand, Kanade-san shook her head and grabbed me, as if she didn’t want me to leave. Like a child.

“I wanted to strip, but that was a poor choice of words.”

“Nothing but poor choice of words.”

“In short, I want to frolic as close to nature as possible. This suit is just so hot and stuffy.”

Ah, I see. I can somewhat understand that feeling. I also feel suffocated sometimes when I’m wearing my school uniform.

Clothes are a symbol of society.

She wants to strip away society and frolic in her natural state.

That’s when I realized it.

Nanase’s expression has been tense this whole time.

“What’s wrong?”

“…Nothing.”

It can’t be nothing, but before I could ask, Kanade-san spoke up.

“For now, I’ll come up with an alternative plan by tonight. I’ll cover all the expenses, so don’t worry.”

“No, that’s really too much…”

“It’s fine, it’s fine. I’m just a tired, overworked office lady having some fun, so let me have some of your shining high school student time in exchange. Let me take care of this.”

“But…”

“Our company pays well, but there’s no time off, so the money just accumulates… It would be such a waste if I were to die from overwork with tens of millions in assets, so I want to use it while I can.”

“Shouldn’t you change jobs then?”

I couldn’t help but retort to Kanade-san, who had a look of emptiness in her eyes. Regardless, it was decided that Kanade-san would cover the costs. At the point when I lost track of how many bottles of sake she’d emptied, it was time to call it a night to prepare for tomorrow.

“See you tomorrow.”

We said our goodbyes to Kanade-san at Hamamatsu Station, where we’d meet at 10 am. I watched her stagger away.

“Shall we go?”

“Yes.”

We headed to Hamamatsu Station to pick up our luggage.

“She was an incredible person.”

As I said that, Nanase let out a deflated “…Yes.”

“Are you worried about the piano thing?”

“…”

She held her breath.

“It’s annoying how perceptive you are at times like this.”

Despite her words, there was no harshness in her voice.

“It’s been 10 years already. Nothing will change, no matter what I think now.”

She said that, but I knew she was still thinking about it. She’s kind-hearted, this girl. I didn’t say anything more and just patted Nanase’s head. Nanase stopped walking. Naturally, I did too.

“…What?”

“No, just felt like it.”

It was an unconscious action. I was surprised.

“You’re on your way to becoming a criminal with that kind of random head-patting.”

Despite her sharp words, Nanase didn’t try to shake off my hand. It was as if she wanted someone to do this for her, accepting it without resistance. I felt Nanase’s warmth through my fingertips. As I combed through her silky hair, her face softened ever so slightly, looking downward.

I let go of her when the time seemed right.

“Anyway, let’s have fun tomorrow too.”

“…Yes, let’s.”

Her voice was warmer than before. I’m glad. She seemed to have cheered up a bit. Once again, we started walking.