“Igarashi-senpai… in every conceivable way, she truly isn’t someone who puts one’s mind at ease,” Shion remarked with a helpless sigh, as she wiped the floor with a rag.
“I-I’m so sorry, Hoshimori-san!” Rie found herself losing count of how many times she had apologized to Shion that day; she knew for certain it was more than once.
Shion shook her head. “It’s quite alright. Regardless, I’m truly grateful you came to visit me today, Igarashi-senpai. And I thoroughly enjoyed our lunch together.”
“If only I had made that lunch, then at least I would have been of some help to Hoshimori-san. But as it stands, I truly haven’t done a single thing.” Rie slumped onto the cushion, her head resting on her knees, appearing utterly dejected. It was clear she was rather disappointed with her own performance that day.
Watching Shion scrub the floor, it wasn’t that Rie didn’t want to assist; rather, Shion had practically knelt to plead, ‘Rie-nee-san, please just sit and rest; I can manage this alone.’ Only then did Rie reluctantly settle down, observing Shion.
“You definitely haven’t done ‘nothing,’ Igarashi-senpai. My fever has almost completely subsided now, you see.” Shion obediently leaned closer to Rie, parting her bangs to expose her forehead.
Rie extended her hand, gently touching Shion’s forehead. Indeed, it was no longer as hot as when she had first arrived, and Shion’s spirits had visibly lifted.
“See? My fever has broken. A bit more rest tonight, and I might even be able to attend school tomorrow morning,” Shion announced.
“Hold on, Senpai didn’t quite feel it. Let me check again,” Rie suddenly interjected.
“Eh?” Though surprised, Shion still obediently leaned closer once more.
Rie gently parted Shion’s bangs, then pressed her own forehead against Shion’s.
“Senpai! Wh-why are you doing this?!” Despite her slight fluster, Shion didn’t struggle much, remaining docile as Rie pressed their foreheads together.
For a full half-minute, Rie seemed genuinely to be gauging Shion’s temperature with her own forehead. Rie kept her eyes closed, and Shion, in turn, dared not open hers.
“Hmm, no problem at all! After Senpai’s thorough inspection, Hoshimori-san’s fever has indeed broken!” Rie declared with a smile, releasing her arms from around Shion.
Shion pouted. “Sometimes, Senpai can be quite mischievous, you know.”
Humming a cheerful tune, Rie gazed at Shion with a beaming smile. “Hoshimori-san, you should head to bed early. Tonight, I’ll trouble the butler to prepare dinner for you all once more.”
“I’ve already troubled you so much today, Igarashi-senpai… it feels truly awkward to impose any further.” Shion scratched her head, though inwardly, she had wrestled with the thought for a moment, knowing full well how delicious the butler’s meals were!
“Then how about you come with me to Tokyo sometime and cook for me?” Rie stretched languidly. “That way, we’d be even, wouldn’t we?”
“I can’t help but feel there’s a slight difference between cooking one meal and cooking for a lifetime!” Shion retorted, rolling her eyes at Rie.
“My adorable junior wants to cook for me for a lifetime already?” Rie burst into genuine laughter upon hearing this. “Though, if it were Hoshimori-san, I might just agree, you know?”
“Oh, Senpai, honestly, stop making jokes like that!” Shion’s face flushed crimson as she turned her head, her gaze darting away.
It was already well into the afternoon. The summer sunlight bathed the scene, cicadas chirped in the languid heat, and a cool breeze stirred. As the wind swept through, the wind chimes hanging by the doorway swayed, their delicate tinkling sounds filling the air. The main door of the shrine’s living room remained open, allowing Rie, who sat within, to gaze upon the vibrant green forest beyond, the light grey flagstone path, and the striking red torii gate that marked the shrine’s principal entrance.
“Can you see the entire town from your home, Hoshimori-san?” Rie suddenly inquired.
Shion nodded, putting away the rag she had finished using. She pointed towards the shrine’s main entrance. “The view from the torii gate is the absolute best!”
Rie nodded, then rose to her feet, adjusting her clothes as her wine-red hair swayed gently in the light summer breeze. “Hoshimori-san, I really ought to head back now. I’ve been out for so long, I’ll likely be lectured by my parents again.”
“Igarashi-senpai’s family is incredibly strict, aren’t they?” Shion murmured under her breath, yet still rose to accompany Rie to the living room doorway.
“See you tomorrow at school, Igarashi-senpai.” Shion waved goodbye.
“See you tomorrow, Hoshimori-san.” Rie offered a slight bow, seemingly reverting to her usual Ojou-sama (TL Note: A Japanese term meaning ‘young lady’ or ‘daughter of a noble family,’ often implying refinement and high social status) demeanor. “Thank you for your hospitality today. Do get well soon.”
However, at the shrine’s torii gate, Shion—who had just been about to put away the cleaned bucket and towel—noticed Rie standing there for quite some time.
She seemed to be lost in thought, or perhaps, simply standing, allowing the breeze to play through her skirt and hair.
Despite her fever not having fully broken, Shion steadied her somewhat disoriented head and walked over to Rie’s side.
The gentle summer breeze, like a fairy’s kiss, brushed softly across the cheeks of the two young women.
“Hoshimori-san, your fever hasn’t completely broken yet, has it? You should go back and rest,” Rie exclaimed, utterly surprised to see Shion approaching.
Though a touch weary, Shion managed a faint smile. “It’s quite alright. I just… I want to keep Igarashi-senpai company for a little while.”
Rie reached out and gently ruffled Shion’s hair. “Hoshimori-san, you truly are so kind.”
Standing beneath the shrine’s torii gate, the entire panorama of the town unfolded before them. In the distance lay the boundless, deep blue sea, seamlessly merging with the far-off horizon. At the mountain’s base, the town’s houses were clustered, dense yet orderly, with a smattering of pedestrians dotting the narrow streets. Occasionally, an antique car would leisurely cruise past. The coastal road stretched on and on, extending beyond the visible horizon, leading to a world far removed from the confines of their small town…
Shion turned her head to observe Rie, noticing that the red-haired girl’s gaze was fixed precisely on the point where the coastal road stretched into the distance—a path that, if followed, could lead one to places far, far away, beneath skies that seemed infinitely vast.
“Igarashi-senpai, do you… dislike this town?” Shion finally managed to ask, biting her lip.
Rie shook her head. “No, it’s not really dislike, I suppose. After all, it’s my birthplace, a place where everyone has always been good to me. It’s just that…”
“I simply don’t care for a life where I’m offered only a single option.”
Shion heard Rie’s soft sigh.
“Whether life offers sweetness, sourness, bitterness, or spice, one only truly understands after experiencing it firsthand. Be it joy, sorrow, or regret, as long as it’s my own choice, I believe I should savor it to the very last drop.” Rie remained fixed on the distant horizon where the coastal road melted into the sky; what emotions flickered within her pale red pupils?…
“Even if my actions are labeled foolish or willful, I wish to try writing my own story.”