Chapter 43

Yuu suddenly turning away leaves me bewildered for a while.

I’m at a loss as to why she did that, but fortunately, dinner starts before too long.

The meal consists of local mountain vegetables, fish, and specialty meats from this hot spring region—all incredibly delicious. The ingredients must be fresh, and the chef’s skills are undoubtedly top-notch.

Once dinner begins, Yuu finally turns back toward me, her face slightly flushed. Now that we’ve finished eating, she’s even smiling.

"That was delicious!"
"Yeah, it really was."

We’re relaxing now that we’ve eaten our fill. The dishes have already been cleared away—I’m sipping the remaining sake while Yuu drinks tea.

Tilting the glass in my hand, the sake slips smoothly down my throat. A sweet aroma with a clean aftertaste—apparently, it’s locally brewed.

"...Haaah."

Letting out a soft sigh, I gaze outside absentmindedly. A beautiful moon hangs in the sky. A full moon floats in the cloudless night, and though it’s hard to put into words… it feels truly wonderful.

When I turn my face back from the window, I see Yuu blowing softly on her teacup. Noticing my gaze, she tilts her head slightly and smiles gently at me.

...Ah, I’m happy.

Looking at Yuu like this, the thought suddenly strikes me.

Am I really allowed to be this happy?

Just a few months ago, my life felt completely empty.

But now, Yuu is right here in front of me, smiling like this.

I can’t even imagine anything happier than this.

"Yuu."
"What?"

I call her name. There’s something I need to tell her.

"Thank you."
"Huh?"

I’m truly grateful. No matter how many times I say it, it doesn’t feel like enough.

"Having you here makes me so happy. …I want to keep traveling together like this."

Next year, and the year after that.

If possible, I want this to last forever.

"...Yeah."

When I say that, Yuu nods softly.

That alone makes me happier than anything.

"..."

…Now I’m feeling a little embarrassed.

I said what I thought needed to be said, but maybe it was a bit too much.

…Right. Since we’ve finished eating, maybe I should head to the open-air bath. My face feels a little hot—I could use some cold water to cool off.

"Yuu, I’m gonna go to the open-air bath."
"...Okay."

Grabbing the clothes I’d prepared, I head toward the bath.

After rinsing off, I sink into the hot spring. Water sloshes over the edge with a splash.

"Haaaah…"

This feels amazing. The warmth seems to seep all the way into my bones. No matter how many times I visit, hot springs are always this good.

Plus, since the sun’s gone down and some time has passed, the air is cooler than when I went to the large bath before dinner. My shoulders and above feel pleasantly chilled, creating a nice contrast with the hot water.

"Really glad we came."

At first, it was just because I wanted to travel somewhere, but now I’ve even been able to thank Yuu properly.

"Would love to come back."

Since this was our first trip, we kept it short, but next time, maybe we could stay longer. Definitely not this summer again, though—maybe winter next time?

"...Hm?"

As I’m lost in thought, I hear the sound of the door to the room opening.

…What’s that? Did she bring something I forgot?

"Yuu? What’s up?"
"...Yeah. I thought I’d join you in the bath."

Oh? She wants to come in too?

…………Wait, what?

Startled, I turn around—only to see Yuu standing there with a bath towel wrapped around her.

I hurriedly avert my eyes.

What the—?! What’s happening?!

"Um… I’m coming in."

While I’m still reeling, I hear the sound of water pouring over skin behind me, followed by the sensation of someone stepping into the bath.

"Shin."
"Y-Yuu?! Wait, what’s—?"

Panicked, I try to speak, but she doesn’t stop.

"There’s something I want to tell you, Shin."
"S-Something to tell me?"

Her hand touches my back.

This is bad. No way this is okay. I need to do something—fast.

"Shin, I feel the same way."
"W-What way?! H-Hey, Yuu, could you back up a little—?"

Right—maybe I should just get out. That’d solve this.

I brace my hands on the edge of the bath, ready to bolt onto the deck.

"I’m happy too."
"…Huh?"

But her voice from behind makes me freeze.

Turning my head over my shoulder in surprise, I see Yuu sitting with her back to me.

"I’ve… always been happy. Ever since I started living with you."
"…I see."

The tension drains from my body. I lower my hands from the edge and sink back into the water.

"That makes me happy too."

That’s all I can say in return.

Really happy. Enough that my earlier panic feels silly now.

"Thank you."
"Yeah… thank you too."

After that, we soak in the hot spring, sitting back-to-back.

…Yeah. I’m really glad we came. That’s all I can think.