Chapter 18: And So It Begins

“So, where we headed first?”

There was still time before the movie started. That question was asked with that in mind.

“…Sorry, I haven’t really thought about it.”

“I see. Then how 'bout we just wander around a bit?”

A walk without any real destination wasn't such a bad idea now and then.More than anything, just being able to come here like this with my best friend—that alone made it all worthwhile.

“W-Well, for now, let’s just check out a few places.”

“Yeah.”

After that, we headed into the shopping mall and casually browsed through different stores.

—At the trinket shop

“Ooh, this figurine’s cute.”

“Huh, so this is the kind of stuff you like?”

“Yeah. I mean, I like looking at these kinds of things, but when it comes to actually putting them somewhere… space becomes a problem.”

“True. I almost ran out of room in my place ‘cause of all the weird tapestries my parents brought back from overseas.”

“Nyahaha, your room back then was a total mess.”

“It wasn’t funny, okay?”

—At the bookstore

“Find anything interesting?”

“Yeah, how about this one?”

“Lantern and Korshami? What’s it about?”

“Seems like a bunch of stuff starts happening around a clock that’s said to be counting down to the end of the world.”

“Huh… sounds complicated.”

“Well, anything that dips into philosophy tends to be tough.”

“That so?”

“Yep, that’s how it is.”

—At the music store

“Never touched a piano in my life…”

“Let’s see~”

Every time Towa's slender fingers touched the keys, a fragile, gentle sound drifted through the air.

“…You’re good.”

“Thanks~ You know, I feel like a trumpet would suit you better, Yuuki.”

“Don’t think they’ve got any trumpets here for people to try out.”

“Too bad. I could’ve played the sax, though.”

“Wait, seriously?!”

And before we knew it, the clock hands had lined up with movie time.

“So, what movie are we watching?”

“This one.”

The one I pointed to was a film adaptation of a wildly popular series. A romantic comedy everyone’s been buzzing about lately.

“Oh yeah, the one where the guy ends up in a harem without doing anything.”

“That is such a terrible way to describe it.”

“Nyahaha! Just kidding, just kidding! …It’s the one where a new heroine pops up in every episode.”

“That’s not much better.”

Using the tickets Mom had reserved for us ahead of time, we found our seats and sat down.

“I really like the trailers they play before the movie starts.”

“Huh, that’s kinda niche.”

Keeping our voices low, we quietly chatted about what the movie might be about. Towa was flipping through the bonus booklet she got when we entered.

Gradually, the lights in the theater began to dim.

Got your popcorn ready?Alright then—let’s begin.