Chapter 39

And just like that, August was already nearing its end.

The day of our trip had finally arrived.

"It's great weather."

I glanced out the window while double-checking the lock. Not a cloud in the sky.

The forecast had said today and tomorrow would be clear.

I stepped away from the window and resumed checking all the locks.

After confirming the gas was off, I headed for the front door.

"Yuu, the locks and gas are all good."

"Thanks for checking."

When I opened the door, Yuu was already waiting outside.

Her golden hair shimmered in the summer sunlight, and I nearly found myself staring.

I managed to pull my eyes away just in time, turned around, and locked the door.

I twisted the knob a few times to make sure it was secure.

"Looks good. Got everything?"

"Um… yeah, I think so."

Yuu gave her bags a quick once-over.

She was carrying a shoulder bag and a trunk case.

Women really do tend to travel with more, I suppose.

Compared to that, my luggage was minimal—just one slightly large backpack. It was only an overnight trip, after all.

"Yuu."

I held my right hand out toward her.

Since my hands were free, it only made sense that I carry the trunk case.

"…Eh? Wh—what?"

For some reason, Yuu looked flustered, a faint blush rising to her face.

…Ah. Maybe I didn’t explain myself clearly.

"Your luggage—I’ll take it."

"My… luggage?"

She looked at me like I'd just said something unthinkable.

Was that so strange?

"A-Ahahaha… okay. Please do."

“…?"

I tilted my head at her sudden laughter as I accepted the trunk she offered.

"Shall we go?"

"Y-Yeah."

It was about time we headed for the station.

We started walking, the trunk rolling along behind me.

For some reason, Yuu's movements seemed a little stiff.

After arriving at the station, we rode the train for two hours.

We’d reached our destination.

We exited the ticket gate and stepped outside.

On the way out, there was one of those cutout panels where you stick your face through. Seeing that made it feel undeniably like a tourist spot.

"Wow. This place is amazing."

"It really is."

I’d seen photos, but seeing it in person was a whole different experience.

Just past the rotary in front of the station—which was the only modern-looking part—the town transformed into a distinctly traditional Japanese streetscape.

People in yukata filled the streets, making it feel like we’d stepped into another era.

"Let’s head to the inn first and drop off our things."

"Okay."

We followed the map toward the inn.

On the way, we passed by countless other tourists, probably here for the same reasons we were.

Everyone looked like they were having fun. The place was lively and full of energy.

I’d picked this spot because there was a hot spring district nearby and some sightseeing to do—and it seemed like the right call.

Even just a quick glance around revealed all kinds of interesting things.

There were the summer classics like shaved ice and soft serve, as well as local specialties like salt-grilled sweetfish caught from the river and freshly made manju.

There were charming souvenir shops too, and I was already looking forward to exploring them.

Yuu seemed equally curious, her gaze drifting from one thing to the next.

"…This is it?"

"Yeah. The name matches, so this should be the place."

After walking through the hot spring district for a bit, we arrived at the inn we’d be staying at.

We checked in, and a staff member guided us to our room.

"Wow."

The moment we stepped inside, Yuu let out a small gasp of wonder.

I followed her in and looked around.

The room was spacious, with plenty of room to stretch out. I’d splurged a little on a nicer one, and it showed.

"Wait, is that… an open-air bath? In the room?"

"Yeah. I thought it’d be nice to relax a little."

This room came with its own private open-air bath.

There was a large communal bath too, for anyone who preferred a bigger space.

"Huh, so this is how it looks…"

Yuu wandered around, opening the sliding doors, checking inside the kettle, exploring every corner of the room.

She’d mentioned this was her first real trip, so I guess everything felt new to her.

"Hey, these snacks—are we allowed to eat them? They won’t charge us or anything?"

"They’re complimentary, so go ahead."

Seeing her enjoy herself this much really made me glad I brought her.

It looked like she was having a good time—and that was all I could hope for.

"Hey, once we finish these, let’s go out and have a look around."

"Yeah, sounds good."

After settling into the room, Yuu spoke up while nibbling on a snack.

It was still early afternoon according to the clock. Plenty of time to explore at our own pace.

Oh—right. Since we were here, maybe I should ask the inn staff if we’re allowed to walk around town in yukata.

If they said yes, I’d get to see Yuu in one.

The thought made me a little excited.