What's under Kamiyama-san's paper bag? - 24 - Chapter 22

What’s under Kamiyama-san’s paper bag?

Chapter 22 Namito Kominato proposes.

Harusame-san, having taken off the paper bag, settled in her seat, and finally the usual members were gathered. I stood in front of the teacher’s desk and spoke to everyone.

“Well, shall we finally start the club activities? I have a proposed agenda for today. Is that alright with you all?”

Harusame-san, with her curly hair bouncing in all directions, opened its mouth with a sullen expression.

“It’s rare for you to make a proposal.”

“Well, yeah. I want today’s agenda to be about ‘rainy season’.”

This morning, Kamiyama-san came to school wearing a plastic bag on their head, and Harusame-san, in an outrageous move, wore a paper bag to hide her unruly hair. If I leave it alone like this, I don’t know what will happen in the future.

I continue speaking to the three who are listening silently.

“As you can see from what Harusame-san just did, it seems like there will be many difficulties during the rainy season. I also feel down on rainy days a lot. So, what do you think about discussing the rainy season today?”

Upon hearing my proposal, Arai opens her mouth.

“Well, yeah, it’s true that when it rains so much every day, it can be depressing. I also become irritable on rainy days.”

I couldn’t imagine Arai getting angry, so I interjected.

“I didn’t think even Arai would get angry.”

“Oh come on, Kominato-kun, I’m human too. I have things that make me angry too. So, the agenda you proposed earlier might be a good idea. If we can find ways to enjoy the rain or discover fun ways to spend the rainy season, maybe we can start liking the rainy season.”

Arai said that and smiled as usual.

Drops of sweat fell from the paper bag as Kamiyama-san spoke.

“Y-yeah… I also tend to feel down when it’s raining… I guess… The paper bag gets wet and melts quickly… Wearing light clothes… is… embarrassing…!”

Harusame-sa nagreed with this.

“I’m not a fan of rain either… My mood doesn’t go up at all, and Arai -chan becomes all wet and gloomy. Besides, look at my hair…”

While saying that, Harusame held her head. It seems like everyone feels the same way during the rainy season.

I looked at everyone and said, “Then, how about discussing enjoyable ways to spend the rainy season today?”

Upon hearing that, Arai added to the proposal.

“It’s good to discuss, but how about going outside? Why not practice having enjoyable conversations even in the rain?”

Arai said that and looked outside the window. I was also drawn to look outside the window by Arai’s suggestion. The gloomy gray rain clouds continued to drizzle rain.

Even though the lights were on, staying in the dimly lit clubroom might just bring our moods down. In that case, going outside wouldn’t be a bad idea. I decided to go along with Arai’s proposal.

“Yeah, that sounds like a plan. Let’s take a walk and have a conversation for a change of pace. If we can start liking the rainy season, our moods might change even when it rains.”

Kamiyama-san and Harusame nodded in agreement.

“Alright then, let’s go outside, everyone. Bring your bags with you and we’ll head home after we’re done.”

Kamiyama-san hesitantly spoke up.

“H-h-how about stopping by somewhere on the way back? Like a crepe shop or something…”

Harusame also exclaimed in a rush.

“That sounds great! Even in the rain, it might be fun to spend time with everyone…f-f-friends.”

“Understood, understood. Let’s walk and practice our conversation for a while, and then we’ll grab something to eat before heading back. Is that okay?”

As I said that, the three of them showed smiles like a clearing in the rainy season. Kamiyama-san expressed joy from inside the paper bag with a happy voice.

“I-I-I got it! Well then, let’s prepare…”

Saying that, Kamiyama-san removed only the plastic bag that was worn over the paper bag, took out a neatly folded new plastic bag from their pocket, and put it back on. Then, she took out a handheld mirror and smoothed out the wrinkles on the plastic bag as if fixing her hair, and finally, she stuck the familiar bear sticker on the right edge of the bag.

“…I’m ready!”

Harusame and Arai, looking at the sticker on Kamiyama-san’s plastic bag, exclaimed cutely.

Kamiyama-san glanced at us shyly, sweating even more. Our eyes met through the opening in the paper bag, with their bright eyes peering through. Feeling a bit embarrassed, I averted my gaze and urged everyone to head outside.