Leave a comment

As the sun started setting, we decided to end our winter sports fun. I wanted to go for a bit more, but we returned mainly because Miyako had completely surrendered. Physically demanding sports are tough for an indoor person.

“I’m exhausted~.”
“Same goes for me. The reasons are pretty obvious.”

We gathered at Miyako and Harumi’s room and sat down. Miyako, who is suffering from fatigue, is lying down on her bed, Harumi is sitting on hers, and Kaori and I are on the sofa. The two athletes and I look tired, but are still energetic.

“Miyako, if you go to sleep now, you’ll have a terrible time tomorrow.”
“In what way?”
“Your muscles will be sore all over, and you won’t be able to move.”

It’ll affect newbies in particular, especially those who don’t do sports activities or just move around in general. I recall being only able to move like a robot back in the past due to muscle pain. The others ended up the same, so no one had the energy to make fun of it.

“You should get a warm bath and massage your body.”

Our lodging today, unlike what I anticipated, was a hotel. For our room, we took two separate rooms, with me and Kaori staying in one and Miyako and Harumi staying in another. This is because every room for four has already been occupied. We’re pretty much lucky that we were able to make a reservation mid-season.

“Isn’t this place pretty costly?”
“Not really. My parents had discount coupons, so I ended up using those.”

Apparently, Harumi’s parents stay here regularly. However, since they couldn’t go much this time, they gave their saved-up coupons to Harumi, which is probably what caused this whole string of events to begin with. Along with the fact that I didn’t spend much time with them during the field trip.

“Come to think of it, Kotone, why did you answer to those people’s demands? I don’t really see any merits for you.”
“It’s more of a complete resolution in this case. If I had refused back then, they’d probably continue following me.”
“That has to be a joke.”

Miyako. The people of the twelve families never give up until they achieve their goals. Since we’re on an outing with only students, I’d really prefer not having people secretly take pictures of me the whole time. That’s why I gave them the footage they wanted. I can demand a service charge later, so it’s not an issue.

“Should we do this again tomorrow?”
“We might have some people out of the game due to muscle aches, so I’m not sure.”

Hearing Harumi’s statement, we all looked at Miyako. She’s clearly going to have a hard time tomorrow. I’m sure all of us will experience muscle aches, but not as bad as Miyako will. Since we had to use muscles we normally don’t, we’re all going to be in pain.

“Why don’t we just tour the place tomorrow? Walking is less taxing on the body, and there’s still a lot of other things to see.”

It’s an unplanned outing to begin with. It’s not like we came here with a tour plan, so we can do whatever we want. Our train back home is scheduled to depart in the evening, so we also have time to spare. It’ll be nice to soak in some hot spring, too.

“You probably want to find hot springs, too.”
“Naturally.”

I’m absolutely not removing it as an opinion. An open-air bath in the middle of a snowy landscape will definitely feel good. But unfortunately, our hotel doesn’t have an open-air bath. The other places do, however. I did my research, so it’s easy to incorporate into our itinerary.

“Well then, why don’t we take a bath first?”
“I agree with Harumi. We can have dinner afterwards.”

After pulling up Miyako, who wouldn’t get out of bed, the four of us headed to the overview bathhouse, but, as usual, I forgot about Kotone’s disposition. In short, I’m once again crouched down in the changing room.

“Kotone. Get used to it already.”
“I can’t. It’s just impossible.”

I completely forgot on the way, but I immediately realized it the instant I touched my underwear. And as a result, I looked down and curled up in the fetal position so that I couldn’t see anyone. Looking from the outside, this probably looks really weird.

“Harumi. What is that strange lady doing over there?”
“Shush. Don’t make eye contact with it.”

I’m going to remember this, you two. Back in summer, there weren’t many people, and we had the whole bathhouse to ourselves, but in this bathhouse, there’s already a lot of people lining up in the dressing room. I know I can’t continue on like this.

“Kotone.”
“I know, so don’t look at me with those eyes.”

Kaori beside me is already prepared to take a bath. Harumi and Miyako are already in the bathtub. I should’ve chosen a different time. I should have known that everyone would go wash their sweat away right after exercising.

“Muster up some courage!”
“No, you just have to strip; why do you need courage?”

I remind myself that I just need to do everything quickly and finally have nothing but a towel on. Other people’s gazes still bother me, and the fact that I have no idea where I should look remains.

“There’s so many people…”
“Having the whole place for yourself might be your norm, but this is how things normally are.”

It’s honestly hopeless. I’m fully aware that I’m the one not thinking properly right now. And I’m pretty sure the currently silent Kotone is covering her eyes and ears. Did she really have to cut off her hearing and vision to avoid even imagining what’s happening?

“Kaori, I’m scared. I don’t know why, but I’m really scared.”
“You’re being hyper-conscious, okay. C’mon, rinse down your body already.”

During the field trip, I was with classmates, and Ayaka and Ran were with me, which is probably why I wasn’t that bothered. However, because of my behavior right now, I just attracted the gazes of multiple people. And for some reason, that absolutely terrified me.

“It’s not like you have scopophobia. Think of how many times you had people staring at you in the past.”
“I can lose track of my surroundings when I focus, okay?”
“I understand that. But in your case, I have no idea when the switch flips with you.”