My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 171

Located in a basin, Kyoto experiences sweltering summers and frigid winters. However, from another perspective, this dramatic difference in temperature creates distinct beauty in each of Kyoto's four seasons: spring brings breathtaking views of pale pink cherry blossoms covering the mountains; summer offers respite from the heat along the Kamo River, where one can enjoy lush greenery; autumn paints the mountainsides ablaze with fiery red maple leaves; and winter presents snowflakes dancing in the wind and snow-covered mountains.

We visited at the tail end of the autumn foliage season. Soon, snowflakes will begin to fall.

According to today's itinerary, we will visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple next.

Each class boarded their respective tour bus one after another.

The seating arrangements on the tour bus were similar to those on the Shinkansen. Hayama sat with Tobe, and in the same row were Miura and Yuihama. A row ahead were Ooka, Yamato, Kawasaki, and Ebina. Actually, their seating arrangement didn't matter; what I cared about most was whether I could sit next to Totsuka.

Judging from the seating arrangement, it's unlikely that Kebu and Ebina would develop a deeper relationship on the tour bus. Unlike the Shinkansen, you can't change seats on the tour bus, and the journey from the station to Kiyomizu-dera is very short. If you're willing to spend a little more time, you can even walk there, but taking the tour bus is certainly faster.

As the car traveled through the city, a slope appeared before us after a turn.

The parking lot here is quite large, and it's filled with many other tour buses. Our bus joined them, and then we had to get off and hike up Sannenzaka to Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Although the peak season for autumn foliage has passed, Kiyomizu-dera Temple area remains one of Kyoto's most popular tourist destinations, so the number of visitors has hardly been affected.

First, everyone had to take a group photo in front of the Niou Gate. Unfortunately, this was a mandatory activity, and I couldn't avoid it at all. Those with friends crowded together, while those without friends could only continue searching for their own meaning of existence here.

When taking group photos, the positions where the Lone Rangers stand can be roughly divided into three types.

The first type is called "distance tactics".

The "distance tactic" is very simple and suitable for beginners, but don't underestimate it. Precisely because it's so easy, its power is quite astounding. Here's how: Maintain a distance of about one and a half people from your classmates, using this distance to effectively harm your "enemies." The "enemies" here mainly refer to your parents flipping through your yearbook, and yourself looking back on your student life in the future. Personally, I suggest destroying your yearbook or group photo immediately upon receiving it. However, if you don't destroy it thoroughly enough—for example, just stuffing it in the trash at home—your mom might find it later and secretly keep it, which, in many ways, leads to a regrettable outcome. Therefore, when using the "distance tactic" to draw clear lines, be aware of the high risks involved.

The second type is called "guerrilla tactics".

Squeezing into the midst of excitedly frenzied classmates, I forced an unnatural smile, a deathly grin with clearly visible laugh lines, pretending to be a close friend. If the goal is simply to disguise myself as someone who isn't a lone wolf in photos, this method is indeed very effective. However, the side effect is the heavy psychological burden before and after the photoshoot, and the potential consequence of being told behind my back, "That person only comes close in group photos (laughs)."

The third type is called "close-quarters combat tactics".

Regardless, first get as close to your classmates as possible, ideally standing right next to them. This will put you in someone's shadow or partially obscured by those in front, but you'll still be somewhat recognizable and won't completely disappear from the photo, leaving at least some impression. Even if your mom sees it, she won't worry. Besides, an incomplete photo has a certain beauty in its imperfection. Note: If you have a meticulous photographer, they might say, "Oh, you over there, you're being blocked by the person in front of you, move a little further away!"

This time, I'll use "close-quarters tactics" and choose a suitable position. Hmm, hiding behind the burly Yamato should be a good choice.

I slipped among my classmates, into Yamato's shadow, and took my position in a spot slightly obscured by the row in front.

After taking several photos, the group photo was successfully completed, and the next step was to proceed with the visit organized by class.

After climbing the stone steps and passing through the main gate, I was greatly impressed by the towering five-story pagoda; looking down at the Kyoto street scene, I couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

The entrance to Kiyomizu-dera Temple was already crowded with students and tourists who had arrived earlier, and now it was a while before they could get in. There were also several classes queuing at the group ticket entrance.

I was standing obediently in line, lost in thought, when someone started talking to me.

"Autistic man".

Yui left the group and walked to my side.

"What's going on? Hurry back and line up, or you'll be left behind. That's life."

"That's ridiculous... Anyway, the team probably won't be moving anytime soon. I've found an interesting place, want to go check it out?"

"We'll talk about it later."

I'm not good enough to handle two things at the same time. I personally prefer to finish the work I'm doing first, or I might simply put off things I don't like until later.

"Hmm~" She wasn't happy with my response and gave me a slight glare. "...Have you forgotten our job?"

"When traveling, I really want to forget about work..."

Unfortunately, Yui-hama wouldn't listen to my earnest wishes; she grabbed my coat and walked out.

"Hurry, hurry, I've even found the Ministry of Revenue and Himeko!"

I was led to a small Buddhist shrine not far from the entrance to the shrine.

It's actually just a few steps behind the main gate, but perhaps because the main hall overshadows it, I didn't notice it when I came in, and now it doesn't seem particularly special. To be honest, Kyoto is full of temples, shrines, and Buddhist pavilions, and unless the exterior is particularly striking, it's hard to leave an impression.

The only difference between this place and other temples and shrines is the presence of a dignified-looking middle-aged man who shouts and solicits tourists.

It is said that by making a pilgrimage through the pitch-black Buddhist hall, also known as the "Womb Pilgrimage" (Note 37 here refers to the "Suqiu Hall" where the Great Compassionate Bodhisattva is enshrined. The basement of the Suqiu Hall is considered to be the womb of the Bodhisattva, and there are no lights; visitors can only proceed in the dark by relying on the rosary beads on the wall), one can receive divine blessings.

As Yuihama had said, Ebina and Tobe had already arrived, listening to the old man's explanation while nodding and saying "uh-huh." Miura and Hayama were also present.

"Why are they here too?"

I asked in a voice they couldn't hear, and Yui whispered in my ear:

"Isn't it strange to only invite those two people?"

"Hmm...that makes sense."

If it's just those two people, not only will the Ministry of Revenue be nervous, but Ebina will also be more likely to become suspicious.

"Hurry, hurry, let's go."

Urged on by Yuihama, I took off my shoes and paid the 100 yen entrance fee. You have to pay to go in and worship?

I peered down the stairs and it was indeed very dark. If the mazes in RPC games really existed, this would probably be what it felt like.

"Well then, Yumiko and Hayato, you two go first, we'll be the last group."

"There's not much time now, so it's best not to let the interval go too long."

Hayama offered his opinion on Yuihama's suggestion with a very logical line of thought. Indeed, what he said made perfect sense, after all, we had broken away from the group to come here. Hmm, that makes sense, but if we really want to think logically, we should have come back later to explore at our own pace… For Hayama's level, his answer wasn't perfect, but no one said much about it.

"Hmm, that makes sense."

Ebina agreed. Ugh~ Why does it seem like I'm the only one paying attention to Hayama? So embarrassing!

"That's true, but I think it won't take long to go around, so it should be fine. What do you guys think?"

Ebina crossed his arms, looking hesitant; Hobu tossed his long hair up and said this with a cheerful smile.

"That's true, but it's best to go back as soon as possible."

Hayama agreed with a wry smile, and Miura then grabbed his hand.

"Alright, let's get going, Hayato. This looks like a lot of fun! Okay, let's go!"

Miura followed Hayama down the stairs.

"Wow, it's so dark down there, it actually makes me even more excited!"

"Hmm... Ah, darkness... Hayama should be in a group with Penguin-kun..."

Ebina left behind some unsettling words before entering the womb with the second group from the Ministry of Revenue. Thank goodness… thank goodness I kept my distance from Hayama…

"Let's go too."

"Um."

We finally went down the stairs. After turning the corner, the light immediately dimmed, and after a few more steps, we entered complete darkness.

I dare not let go of the rosary-shaped handrail; without it, I would lose my sense of distance and even lose my sense of direction.

The inside of the womb was so dark that there was no difference between having my eyes open and closed; the darkness inside the abyss must be just like that. I staggered with every step, making sure there was a floor ahead first. I must have looked a lot like a penguin walking.

Since the eyes are unable to function at this moment, other organs enhance their sensitivity to compensate.

A few steps ahead, the voices of Miura and the others could be heard.

Miura kept uttering incoherent murmurs, which sounded like he was chanting Buddhist mantras, making it particularly terrifying.

"...Oh my god, it's so dark, so dark, so incredibly dark! Oh my god, oh my god."

"It's really dark."

Then came Hayama's whisper. It was unclear whether he was agreeing with Miura's words or simply expressing his own feelings.

"Wow~~ That's amazing~ It's so dark! This darkness really creates a great atmosphere!"

The head of the household kept shouting, probably trying to embolden himself, and another person casually replied, "Yeah." I was initially wondering if it was the sound of Bulbasaur (Note 38: the original text uses "dane" which is pronounced the same as Bulbasaur's call), but it was actually Ebina's response.

It's not just the ears that are becoming more sensitive; touch is also becoming increasingly acute.

I groped my way forward in the darkness, feeling the tranquil atmosphere.

Having taken off my shoes before entering the basement, the icy cold of the ground sent a shiver down my spine. This wasn't just due to the low temperature; it also included an instinctive fear. The inability to see, touch, understand, or comprehend all contribute to feelings of dread and unease.

Feeling somewhat uneasy, I moved forward, holding the large prayer beads one by one as a support. Suddenly, something warm landed on my hand, startling me, and I stopped abruptly. Then, something bumped into me from behind.

"Wow! Oh, sorry, it's too dark in here..."

It was Yui's voice. In the pitch black, she touched my back and arms to confirm my location.

"Sorry, sorry, it was also because it was too dark..."

In complete darkness, it's not a good time to say much. The darkness of ignorance (Note 39: "ignorance" is a Buddhist term, another name for "afflictions") can cause anxiety. In such situations, grabbing someone's clothes or holding their hand are considered emergency responses, so I decided not to ask any more questions. It's nothing at all; I shook hands with Komachi not long ago, and I was completely at ease—I didn't take it to heart at all.

"You were so quiet, I thought you had disappeared."

"Isn't my behavior practically the same as disappearing all the time?"

Thanks to this, I have such a high experience level, and I have also managed to train my agility and mental defense to be extremely high, making it easier for me to get home quickly after school.

I made a casual joke, and a hesitant voice came from the darkness, a voice that sounded like either a wry laugh or a bitter laugh.

We continued on, but the weight hanging on my coat lingered.

After turning several corners, something appeared in the pitch-black field of vision.

It was a faint light emanating from an illumination source; a stone was lit by the light.

When I got to that rock, I could finally see Yuihama's face clearly.

"It seems like you're supposed to spin this stone while making a wish."

"Um."

I didn't particularly want to make any wishes. If I had to say, I'd probably wish for a stable income, for my family to live peacefully and safely, and for them to be healthy. Thinking about it that way, I actually have quite a few wishes.

However, making such practical wishes to the gods always feels a bit strange. Material things can be obtained through one's own efforts, so one should pray for things that are unattainable.

More importantly, what can be obtained through one channel can also be taken away through another.

"Have you decided what you want to wish for?"

My aimless thoughts were interrupted by Yuihama's voice.

"Um."

Despite saying that, I didn't actually have anything on my mind. Otherwise... I might as well just pray that Komachi makes the list.

"Then, let's spin together."

We rotated the stone using the same method as rotating a Chinese dining table plate, and Yuihama kept her eyes tightly closed, looking quite serious.

After turning the stone, she clapped her hands twice, but that's a ritual for visiting a shrine, you fool.

"Okay, let's go!"

For some reason, Yuihama appeared energetic and pushed me back into the darkness.

This stone seemed to be the final stop of the pilgrimage inside the womb. We walked a few steps forward and saw the faintly glowing exit.

The light streaming down the stairs is something I truly miss.

Those who walked ahead of us and saw the light again can also breathe a sigh of relief.

After climbing the stairs and returning outside, everyone stretched and yawned in unison.

"How do you feel? Don't you think you've been reborn?"

The middle-aged man sitting at the counter asked in a Kansai accent.

"Wow, this feels so good! Is this what you call a complete transformation?"

The Ministry of Revenue is really bold. I see no difference between before and after you went in.

I checked the time and found that not much time had passed, at most about five minutes.

I'm not naive enough to think that this will transform me completely. Even traveling to India or climbing Mount Fuji won't change a person. Assuming there is some change, everything accumulated from the past is already set in stone. No matter how much of a shift in mindset occurs, if it doesn't change how others perceive you and your past failures, nothing will be different.

Life is a history, and the time spent in the world and the accumulated experiences shape a person. To be completely transformed, one would have to erase one's history entirely. However, this is impossible. Therefore, we cannot expect to be reborn; we can only endure the wounds on our legs, bear the mistakes we have made, and move on forever.

There is no "start over" option in life.

How many failures has the Ministry of Revenue encountered so far? If it has encountered as many failures as I have, and still maintains a positive attitude, then it is indeed worthy of respect.

However, I think it's unlikely.

No, I should say I hope so. I don't want to see such a frivolous guy develop any emotional trauma or a strange way of thinking; nor do I want to see him get through those hardships, then put on a nonchalant smile and become somewhat handsome...

"Oh no! Everyone might have already gone inside!"

Yuihama looked towards the group entrance of Kiyomizu-dera Temple and said anxiously.