My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 405

After that phone call, I slowly prepared to leave.

Before leaving home, I checked the traffic information on my phone. The route for taking the bus was no longer so congested, so I didn't have to worry about not getting to the meeting point.

In fact, the transportation system in the Kanto region is easily paralyzed when it snows.

Furthermore, Chiba Prefecture borders the Edogawa and Tone Rivers. If the bridges over these rivers become impassable, the area will become a true island, not just a land-based island. At that point, Chiba might simply declare independence.

Stepping outside, the sky remained unchanged, and snow began to accumulate on the asphalt road as if it were covered in frost.

Although the snow wasn't enough to impede walking, it had become like slush, making it easy to slip and fall. I followed the tracks left by wheels and the footprints of those who had gone before me, slowly making my way to the bus stop.

Not long after transferring from the bus to the tram, you can see the sea.

The snow outside the window flew past from right to left. The sun had risen high enough to illuminate the gray, gloomy sky with a white glow.

The route along the coast is quite crowded. However, this isn't due to bad weather. The route is usually packed with passengers whenever there's an event. It's especially crowded when Makuhari Messe hosts game shows or auto shows, or when Tokyo Big Sight hosts COMIKE or concerts are held in Shin-Kiba.

Most importantly, this route features the largest amusement park in the country – the TDR (Texas Disney Resort) – a major stop.

And don't forget, today is Valentine's Day.

Even with the snow falling, tourists continued to flock to the tram. I overheard a conversation between a couple on the same tram, and almost everyone thought it was very romantic and welcomed the snowfall.

For a Valentine's Day date, this scenario is indeed impeccable.

After a while, the white castle and the smoking volcano came into view, and the train announced its arrival at the station via the intercom, and the train slowly slowed down.

The tram swayed heavily a few times before coming to a complete stop, and the doors opened with a hiss.

The cold air and snowflakes blew into the car, and the couple inside couldn't wait to get out.

Then, the closing bell rang. This was unique to this station, an adaptation of the departure melody from Desney Music.

I listened to the bell, leaning against the car door in the now much less crowded vehicle. The white castle and volcano gradually disappeared into the left side of my view, getting farther and farther away.

The station I'm going to today is not this one.

I once thought that we would come here together someday. But that goal has never come true.

This agreement, which can hardly be called a formal agreement, has slightly changed from the initial stance and is about to be realized today.

The meeting point we rebooked is at the next station.

After the tram crosses the bridge and the river that marks the border of Chiba Prefecture, you can see the giant Ferris wheel. I remember it being hailed as the largest Ferris wheel in Japan.

I recalled the phone call this morning. My inability to refuse the unexpected invitation wasn't simply due to confusion or surprise. Besides, I was the one who first extended the invitation. It's just that the matter had been repeatedly postponed.

I have no reason to refuse.

However, a question suddenly arose in my mind—is this really a good idea?

As I pondered this question, the tram began to slow down, ignoring my wishes, and stopped after a strong jolt.

× × ×

After exiting the ticket gate, the giant Ferris wheel immediately came into view.

This Ferris wheel truly deserves its title as Japan's largest; I could clearly see it from the fountain plaza in front of the station. Its grandeur up close is even more impressive. Even amidst a flurry of snowflakes, it continued to turn gracefully.

I looked at the giant Ferris wheel and took a step forward.

I had been here with my family when I was a child, so I wasn't lost. I followed my memory and the directions on the signboard to my destination.

After walking along the main road leading to the sea for a while, we finally saw a giant egg-shaped building on our left. The entrance hall of the aquarium was located at the bottom of that building, which was also our meeting point for today.

After entering the roof, I put away my umbrella and looked around. Because it wasn't a holiday, there were relatively few visitors, which allowed me to quickly find Yuihama, who was wearing a blue coat.

"An autistic man!"

Yuihama must have taken the previous train. As soon as she saw me walking by, she called my name and slowly waved her pale pink transparent umbrella.

I nodded to her and jogged over.

But the next second, my legs suddenly stopped.

"……ah."

I noticed a gray coat fluttering gently behind her.

The other girl, whose figure was blocked by Yuihama, turned to look at me, her eyes widening in surprise.

"Hikigaya-kun..."

The girl was none other than Yukino Yukinoshita. How did she end up here? I walked up to the two of them, feeling quite surprised.

"So Yukinoshita's here too..."

I'm deliberately stating something that's obvious. I can't understand the current situation. Yukinoshita seems to feel the same way.

Yukinoshita turned away somewhat awkwardly, glanced at Yuihama, and then said tactfully:

"Um... if I've disturbed you, then I'll head back now..."

"It's okay! Let's all go play together!"

Yuihama grabbed Yukinoshita, who was about to leave, and my sleeve.

She pulled our hands tightly to her chest, lowered her head, and said:

"I want everyone to play together..."

Her voice was so soft it was almost inaudible.

I couldn't discern her expression from her downcast face. Yet, her hopeful voice conveyed everything.

Yukino and I were speechless, and turned to look at each other.

Yukinoshita still looked lost, letting out a soft sigh of confusion. Yui noticed her reaction, looked up at her with gentle eyes. Yukinoshita sighed softly again and nodded.

Then, Yui looked at me.

Since they both agree, I have no objection.

However, I wanted to clarify one thing. But I didn't dare look directly at Yuihama, so I looked away slightly. It's really lame to say this now; it took me a lot of effort to finally manage to squeeze out those words:

"...Are you sure you want it here?"

"I want to be here."

Yui answered without hesitation. She didn't look away, staring straight at me, her expression even a little urgent.

My question might not have just one meaning, and her answer might not have just one meaning either. No, it's hard to say. Perhaps she didn't actually mean anything else.

In any case, since Yuihama has such high hopes, I have no reason to refuse.

"yes……"

"Yeah! It doesn't matter if it snows here! This place is perfect for everyone to come and have fun!"

Yui puffed out her chest smugly. As she said, this place was indeed more suitable for a group outing. In that other place, it wouldn't be easy for three people to get together. So, perhaps the day I fulfill my promise will come someday.

"Let's go then."

As for today, let's all have fun together.

× × ×

Stepping inside the giant glass dome I'd seen from the outside, I realized just how dazzling the sunlight was. Even with the overcast sky, the dome, constructed entirely of glass, still managed to gather the sunlight. Combined with the high ceiling, it felt even brighter.

On the other hand, the longer escalator leading to the aquarium becomes increasingly dark as you go down.

The gradual descent away from the sunlight on the ground is somewhat like a movie screening room before the film starts, filling one with anticipation. At the end of the long escalator, there is a water tank that resembles a giant movie screen.

"What a magnificent sight!" I thought to myself as I gazed at the water tank, when Yui rushed out.

"shark!"

As Yuihama said, there were sharks in the tank. They were blacktip reef sharks. Real sharks. The sharks were—very—big—

Besides these, there were also sea bream and flounder... correct, stingrays and sardines swimming around in the tank. Yui Hama happily admired the tank, taking pictures non-stop with her phone.

Then, she smiled and looked to the side, pointing to the sink again, and said:

"shark!"

"……shark."

Yukinoshita, who finally caught up, looked at Yuihama with a puzzled expression and a hint of helplessness in her voice.

Yuihama chuckled twice, looking troubled, then gently stroked the bun on her head and pressed herself against Yukinoshita.

"Yukino, it was wrong of me to keep this from you. Please cheer up~"

Even if you say that, I still…

As the two were talking, I also came to the front of the sink.

Even without Yuihama pointing it out, I could tell it was a real shark. Sharks are so cool... As I was staring at the tank, a particularly leisurely and elegant creature suddenly came into my view.

That's a hammerhead shark. Thanks to its unique posture, I know its name even without looking at the information board.

As a boy, I must have been fascinated by sharks when I was a kid.

To be precise, there was definitely a period when I was obsessed with dinosaurs and ocean guides. My name is Hachiman Hikigaya, I'm three years old, my favorite dinosaur is the Triceratops, and my favorite deep-sea fish is the Pacific barreleye—every boy goes through a phase where he likes to introduce himself like that.

I stared intently at the sink and couldn't help but gasp. I felt like that boy in the commercial, glued to the little megaphone in the shop window. Tutti! I was completely mesmerized.

"Oh, it's a hammerhead shark...Excuse me, is it okay to take pictures here?"

I pointed at the shark and asked Yui, who was next to me. Yui nodded with an older sisterly expression. Wow, we can take pictures...

While I was busy taking photos, I caught a glimpse of Yui walking towards Yukinoshita and whispering something in her ear.

"See, he's having a lot of fun too."

"well……"

Yukino sighed helplessly. Then, I heard no more of their hushed conversation. This strange silence intrigued me, and I couldn't help but look over, only to find myself staring at Yukino, who was pressing her temples.

"...W-What's wrong?"

Her expression was so focused that I couldn't help but feel awkward. She brushed aside the hair that was hanging over her shoulder, revealing a slightly mocking smile.

"It's nothing, I was just a little surprised... Let me take a picture of you with the shark."

After saying that, she held out her hand to me. It seemed that as long as I gave her my phone, I could take a commemorative photo with the hammerhead shark.

"Really? Then I'm going to go back and brag to Komachi."

I accepted her kindness and carefully handed the phone to Yukinoshita, being careful not to touch the screen.

"I want a hammerhead shark. Press the shutter when it comes close. If possible, it's best to capture an angle that clearly shows the side of the hammerhead."

"You have so many demands..."

Yukino frowned slightly, but still took on the photography task several times in a row. Yuihama stood beside her with a smile, seemingly pleased about something.

"How about this?"

I took the phone and saw that the hammerhead shark in the photo was taken at a perfect angle, as if it was about to swallow me whole.

"Wow...that's a really good shot."

"Really? That's good."

Yukinoshita seemed relieved, letting out a slightly weary sigh. Yui took Yukinoshita's hand and gently tugged at it twice.

"Let's go to the next place then!"

"……Um."

Yukino smiled in response and followed Yuihama on her way. Although she had initially seemed reluctant, she now appeared interested in the trip to the aquarium.

I reluctantly said goodbye to the hammerhead sharks and followed them to the next stop.

× × ×

Because it wasn't a holiday, there were relatively few visitors at the aquarium.

Along the way, we encountered mostly elderly couples, leisurely lovers, couples with babies, and young women—tourists who didn't make a fuss.

If it were a holiday, this place would probably be packed with children and families on vacation.

In the dimly lit space, several brightly lit water tanks stood out. In this space, which resembled a theater all rolled into one, anyone would naturally lower their voice.

We were the same; in front of the huge tank of Pacific bluefin tuna, we could only sigh in amazement. When we arrived at one of the tanks, which was divided into several areas under the theme of "World's Seas," we were also deeply attracted by these bright and beautiful South Sea fish.

When we witness the magnificence, power, and beauty of nature, we often only utter comments like "Wow, that's amazing!", "So beautiful!", or "That looks delicious!" Wait, what do you mean by "looks delicious"...?