▣ KO-FI ▣ DISCORD ▣

Chapter 10: The Last Day of the Ski Camp

It was the morning of the third day. Today would be our last chance to ski.

On this final day, there were no specific events planned by the circle; everyone was free to ski until the evening.

This morning, Ishida, Meika-chan, and I headed to the cafeteria together, just like the other days. However, unlike yesterday, Ishida had gone to call Meika-chan in advance.

It seemed to take longer than expected, probably because Ishida had to talk to Meika-chan about last night’s incident.

Because of that, Meika-chan seemed less energetic this morning. And honestly, I found it difficult to face her too, especially after what happened last night. I didn’t know how to act around her.

I guess Meika-chan felt the same way. Despite that, she joined us at the same table.

I needed to behave as usual around her, but…

That’s when Tōko-senpai and Kazumi-san entered the cafeteria. I thought they would sit at the same table as yesterday, but Tōko-senpai walked straight towards us.

“Good morning, Isshiki-kun.”

“Good morning, Tōko-senpai.”

Her cheerful greeting made me feel a bit more at ease, and I responded in kind.

“Hey, do you want to ski with me today?”

Meika-chan was the first to react to Tōko-senpai’s invitation, looking up at her as if she were a spring-loaded doll.

Tōko-senpai, noticing Meika-chan, smiled and said, “You’ve had Isshiki-kun to yourself until yesterday, right? It’s okay to let me have him for today, isn’t it?”

“But I also…”

“Meika!”

Ishida interrupted her firmly, giving her a stern look.

“…Okay,” Meika-chan reluctantly agreed.

Tōko-senpai then turned back to me. “Let’s meet in the lobby at 8:30.”

With a light wave, she went back to her seat.

After Tōko-senpai left, I glanced at Meika-chan. She sat with her fists on her knees, enduring some inner struggle.

Did I do something wrong?

I felt guilty. But if you wanted to ski with someone, you had to ask them at breakfast, right?

Tōko-senpai probably thought the same. She didn’t mean any harm.

Rather, I felt I owed Meika-chan an apology. But I couldn’t think of the right words to say.

Sensing my dilemma, Ishida spoke up. “Don’t overthink it. Yū has been with Meika for the past two days. Maybe it’s good to ski with someone else today, otherwise what’s the point of the camp?”

“Yeah,” was all I could muster in response.

At 8:30, dressed in my ski gear, I went down to the lobby.

Tōko-senpai arrived almost at the same time.

“What shall we do today?” I asked, referring to skiing or snowboarding.

“Either is fine. What do you prefer, Isshiki-kun?”

“We did a lot of skiing yesterday, so maybe snowboarding today?”

“Then let’s snowboard.”

“But I’m not good at snowboarding. I can only handle beginner slopes.”

“I’m not that skilled either, so it’s fine.”

So, we rented snowboarding gear.

The lift was already crowded when we got to the slopes. For beginners, getting on and off the lift is a challenge. I struggled even on the gentle incline at the lift entrance.

Tōko-senpai silently offered me her hand.

“Sorry,” I said, accepting her help to get onto the lift.

On the pair lift, she made sure I could get on easily.

“I must look pretty uncool,” I said, feeling awkward.

“I’m being completely saved by Tōko-senpai here… Normally, it’s the guy who should be helping the girl…”

“Don’t worry about it!” Tōko-senpai said firmly.

“Everyone’s a beginner at some point, and we all have our strengths and weaknesses. You don’t need to feel ‘uncool’ just because of this.”

“But still, guys who are good at sports are cooler, right?”

“You’re good at skiing, Isshiki-kun. You’re just not used to snowboarding.”

“Well, that’s true.”

“And besides…”

For a moment, Tōko-senpai hesitated in her words.

“And besides?” I prompted.

Gazing into the distance, Tōko-senpai said, “Whether someone can play sports or not, that’s just superficial. True charm isn’t decided by such things.”

Hearing this, I was struck with a realization. Although I’m adept at sports, I’m not the best at any particular one. People often judge others by their own standards, meaning I had been viewing “athletic ability” as a measure of a man’s worth.

“At least I don’t judge people on such criteria. I find people who strive to improve at things they’re not good at far more admirable.”

“That’s true,” I replied, feeling pleased. Indeed, Tōko-senpai isn’t someone with such superficial views.

“Also, yesterday, you helped me out, remember? So being able to help you today makes me feel good!” Tōko-senpai said with a smile, which lifted my spirits.

“Then, I’ll gladly accept your help,” I responded.

“Good! Today, I’ll train you. Strive hard!”

She quickly added, “Oh, but don’t treat me too much like a senior! I’m only a year older than you. There are times I want to be led, too.”

Looking at Tōko-senpai’s flustered face, I thought to myself: Sometimes she’s like an older sister, other times a cute girl, and sometimes a delicate young lady… Tōko-senpai’s charm is truly multifaceted.

As soon as we got off the lift, I promptly fell over. It was embarrassingly visible to many people. Tōko-senpai then taught me how to fall properly in snowboarding. Instead of plopping down or using my knees and arms to break the fall, she suggested rolling from my buttocks to my back when falling backward, and throwing my body forward when tumbling forward. Following her advice, the falls were less jarring.

With Tōko-senpai’s guidance, I relearned snowboarding. Despite some ingrained bad habits, I improved significantly after two hours.

“You’re doing well! You’re picking it up quickly. You could probably handle intermediate slopes now,” Tōko-senpai complimented.

“It’s all thanks to your teaching, Tōko-senpai. Left to my own devices, I’d still be struggling on the slopes,” I replied.

“Don’t be modest. You’re improving much faster than me. It’s just your natural athleticism.”

“Please, don’t praise me too much. It’ll be embarrassing if I fall next time,” I said, secretly pleased. I do have confidence in my physical abilities.

“By the end of today, you might even surpass me,” Tōko-senpai said, boosting my spirits. Indeed, by afternoon, I was skiing normally.

While I couldn’t do jumps or anything advanced, I could handle beginner and intermediate slopes without any issues. Skiing and snowboarding are truly enjoyable.

Tōko-senpai and I skied side by side, our trails smoothly intersecting. We weren’t holding hands or being overly affectionate, but it was still enjoyable to ski together.

We made eye contact while skiing, sometimes stopping to wait for each other, and crossing paths in a playful manner. These small interactions were delightful.

And then there were the times on the lift – those moments belonged just to Tōko-senpai and me. We discussed our skiing, the scenery, shared university and circle gossip.

For lunch, we went to a restaurant a bit away from the slopes. I ordered tonkotsu ramen, and surprisingly, Tōko-senpai chose oden.

“Oden?” I couldn’t help but ask.

“Yeah. What’s wrong with that?”

“It’s not that it’s wrong, but it just doesn’t seem to fit the image I have of you, Tōko-senpai.”

“Ahh, you don’t know the joy of oden at a ski resort? Let me share some with you. Plus, this region is famous for its konnyaku.”

She said this with a proud smile. Her unpretentious nature and her ability to openly appreciate things she likes, regardless of others’ opinions, are also part of Tōko-senpai’s charm.

Indeed, the oden was delicious. The round konnyaku was flavorful and chewy, warming me up. In exchange, I offered her some of my ramen. We couldn’t share a kiss the night before, but this indirect kiss would do.

That day, I genuinely enjoyed myself.

But enjoyable times pass quickly.

Around four in the evening, when I thought it was time for our last run, I ran into Kazumi-san and a group of girls from the circle (Minami and Manami, second-years, and Ayaka and Yuri, first-years).

“Look, the rumored couple has arrived,” Minami remarked, ever blunt.

“Don’t jump to conclusions,” Manami chided.

“But Tōko-san looks happier today,” Ayaka, a first-year, noted.

“I thought so too. She’s been a bit gloomy during the camp, but she’s brighter today. Is this the Isshiki-kun effect?” Yuri teased.

“Hey, don’t say weird things!” Tōko-senpai exclaimed in a fluster, but Kazumi-san grabbed my arm.

“Alright, for the last run, I’ll take Isshiki-kun. Just for now, come on the lift with me!” she declared.

Saying this, Kazumi-san pulled me away from Tōko-senpai.

Thus, I ended up on the lift with Kazumi-san, while Tōko-senpai went with Minami-san, Manami-san with Ayaka-san, and Yuri-san with someone else who had come later.

After a while on the lift, Kazumi-san spoke up.

“So, how did things go with Tōko? Did it go well?”

I guessed she was curious about that, but I wasn’t sure how to respond.

“Well… in a way, it went well, but in another sense, nothing much has changed.”

“What does that mean?” Kazumi-san asked, playfully puzzled.

“Today was really enjoyable. I had a lot of conversations with Tōko-senpai, and I think we got rid of any awkwardness between us.”

“I see, and then?”

“But that doesn’t mean anything dramatically changed between us.”

I remembered what Tōko-senpai had said in the open-air bath last night, about there still being a wall between us.

Yes, there’s a wall between us. What that wall is or how many layers it has, I couldn’t quite fathom.

“I see,” Kazumi-san said, as if understanding something.

“Everyone said Tōko’s mood brightened up from last night to today. I thought there might have been some progress… But you two are complicated, aren’t you?”

Are we complicated, Tōko-senpai and I?

At that moment, Kazumi-san put her arm around my shoulder.

“No helping it. I, as Kazumi-oneesan, will give you one more chance to wrap up this camp!”

“What are you going to do?”

I didn’t want her to do anything too excessive.

“Well, it looks like you’ve worked hard, Isshiki-kun, so consider this a kind of reward,” Kazumi-san said, winking.

I remained silent, but inside, I felt wrapped in unease.

After returning from skiing, we were allowed to use the hotel’s bath, courtesy of the hotel management. I definitely wanted to wash off after skiing.

After changing into my regular clothes in the changing room, we waited for the bus in the same “luggage room-cum-rest area” we’d used when we arrived.

At 9:30 PM, our bus finally arrived.

Nakazaki-san called out to everyone.

“Okay, since the bus is here, everyone, please take your luggage and get on board. Make sure you haven’t forgotten anything. And don’t forget to take your trash with you!”

Perhaps due to the exhaustion from skiing, everyone began moving in a relaxed manner.

It was just as we were gathering in front of the bus to leave the hotel.

Suddenly, Kazumi-san approached and put her hand on Meika-chan’s shoulder.

“Meika-chan, you’re attending Ichijo Girls’ School, right?”

“Eh, yes,” Meika-chan responded, visibly surprised by the sudden question.

“I went to Ichijo too. Do you know Matsuyama, the volleyball club advisor? He also teaches history.”

“Yes, I’m learning Japanese history from Mr. Matsuyama.”

“Really? That’s nostalgic. He was my homeroom teacher in my second year of high school. Did you know he’s an old man who actually likes shoujo manga?”

“No, is that so?”

“Something about this makes me happy. Being able to talk about girls like this. It’s been a while,” Kazumi-san said, beaming with joy at Meika-chan.

“Hey! Why don’t you sit next to me on the bus ride home?”

“Eh?”

“I want to hear about the girls and the teacher. In exchange, I’ll share some insider stories with you.”

Kazumi-san then looped her arm around Meika-chan’s shoulder.

Next, she looked at me.

“So, Isshiki-kun, sorry, but could you switch seats with me? I’m going to sit next to Meika-chan.”

Meika-chan looked back and forth between us, visibly surprised.

But Kazumi-san didn’t allow any objections, presenting it as a done deal.

“We’ll head to the bus first. Oh, Ishida-kun is sitting in the front, so here, take this!” She handed Ishida a convenience store bag filled with beer before leading the two of them onto the bus.

…Creating an opportunity at the end, huh…

Despite being stunned, I couldn’t help but smile.

When I noticed, Sakurajima-senpai was standing next to me. Our eyes met, and she gave a troubled smile.

But Sakurajima-senpai knew that this was Kazumi-san’s way of caring.

“Shall we get on too?”

“Yes!”

I replied more energetically than expected, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Sakurajima-senpai and I took our seats in the third row from the front, on the right side. She sat by the window, and I was next to the aisle.

As everyone settled in, the bus began to slowly move along the snowy night road.

…So this marks the end of the ski camp…

I felt a bit sad, maybe it’s the “post-festival blues.”

“The ski camp is over now,” Sakurajima-senpai murmured, gazing out the window.

“Yes, two nights and three days went by in a flash.”

“It’s a bit sad to be heading back.”

“I was thinking the same.”

We spoke in hushed tones, so as not to be overheard.

“At first, I was hesitant about joining the ski camp. Being the subject of rumors and all, it felt awkward.”

True, initially Sakurajima-senpai had said she wouldn’t join the camp.

She might not remember, but when she was drunk, she had mentioned it.

“But then I heard you were going, Isshiki-kun, so I decided to join too.”

Her words alone made me happy, but something else bothered me…

“Are you glad you joined?”

“Yes, I am. Especially since I got to talk so much with you today.”

Sakurajima-senpai looked at me, a shy expression on her face.

“I can honestly enjoy my time when I’m with you. I’m grateful for that.”

“No, I should be the one thanking you.”

I paused, then added softly,

“Just being with Sakurajima-senpai makes me happy.”

But my words were drowned out by the loud splash of snow under the bus tires.

“What did you just say?”

Sakurajima-senpai asked, leaning in closer.

But the thought of repeating it was too embarrassing.

“No, it’s nothing.”

“I’m curious~”

She said with a small laugh, looking adorable and making me smile too.

Unlike the ride there, the return bus was quiet, likely due to everyone being tired. The interior lights were dimmed for comfort.

Our conversation, carried out in whispers, brought us closer together.

…If I’m going to bring up the “redo Christmas,” now’s the time…

If I miss this chance, it might be harder to connect during the break.

“Do you have any plans for the upcoming holiday, Sakurajima-senpai?”

“Oh, that’s harsh, Isshiki-kun. Have you forgotten about our ‘redo Christmas’?”

“Of course not! I remembered. That’s why I wanted to ask about your plans.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” she replied, her smile returning. Today, her expressions were as varied as a young girl’s.

“I tutor at home, so that’s pretty much my schedule. The student I’m teaching is a candidate, so I can’t really take breaks.”

“What days do you tutor?”

“Tuesdays and Thursdays, twice a week. Sometimes on weekends, but if I plan ahead, it should be fine.”

“How about next Wednesday? The Marunouchi Illuminations should still be on.”

“Okay! Have you decided on a restaurant?”

“Sorry, not yet. But I’ll let you know in advance.”

“Anywhere is fine. Let’s keep it casual.”

As the vibration lessened, we must have entered the highway. Orange lights from the streetlamps shone through the window.

“It’s sad to think we’re already going back.”

“I wish we could have stayed for another week.”

“Just a week?”

Sakurajima Tōko whispered softly.

“No, if possible, much longer…”

She added in her mind, “As long as I’m with Sakurajima Tōko.”

“Yeah, I’d like to come again.”

After saying that, Tōko let out a small yawn.

“Let’s come together again.”

“It doesn’t have to be skiing.”

“Yes, camping would be nice too.”

“The hot springs were fun as well.”

“Yes, I’d like to go to an open-air bath again.”

“Next time, just the two of us…”

Tōko’s voice faded away.

“Just the two of us?”

He asked, but there was no reply.

Looking over, Tōko had closed her eyes.

With a gentle rise and fall of her chest, faint breathing sounds were audible.

Tōko was quietly sleeping, resting her head on his shoulder.

He, too, felt a wave of sleepiness engulfing him.

Relaxing, he closed his eyes.

The warmth where he touched Tōko felt pleasant.

It felt very comforting.

With the bus’s vibrations, he unknowingly leaned his head closer to Tōko.

Thump.

Tōko’s left hand fell onto his right hand.

Feeling the touch of her hand, he drifted off to sleep.

Through closed eyelids, he faintly sensed the morning light.

It felt like being abruptly pulled to the surface from the deep sea.

He grimaced slightly and opened his eyes a bit.

Surroundings were no longer snowy landscapes but forests of concrete buildings.

It seemed they had arrived in Tokyo. Perhaps near Ikebukuro?

He felt a soft breath on his right cheek.

Glancing over with just his eyes, Tōko’s white face was close to his!

He and Tōko had been sleeping, heads together, bodies close.

This was the second time he’d seen Tōko sleeping during this camp…

He wanted to savor this feeling a bit more…

But as he woke up, his head moved, and Tōko mumbled, “Mmm,” separating their heads.

A bit disappointing.

Thirty minutes later, the bus arrived near the university’s main gate.

“Everyone, we have arrived. Thank you for your hard work,” announced Nakazaki-san, who also sounded quite sleepy.

Tōko woke up.

“Good morning, have we arrived?”

“Good morning. Yes, we just arrived.”

“Hmm, I must have been really tired. I usually can’t sleep with a different pillow.”

“You were tired, surely.”

Saying so, he took down their luggage from the overhead compartment.

As everyone got off the bus, Nakazaki-san made another announcement.

“Well then, thank you all for participating. But remember, the camp isn’t over until you’re home safe, so please be careful.”

With those words, everyone dispersed.

“Let’s head back too,” Ishida called out.

They all had the same route home. He, Ishida, and Meika-chan were headed to JR Makuhari Station, while Tōko and Kazumi-san’s nearest was the next station, JR Shinkemigawa.

He thought they would naturally all go back together.

However, at that moment, Meika-chan swiftly approached Tōko.

Standing right in front of her…

He wondered what was happening, watching them intently.

“Tōko-san, I’m sorry for causing trouble this time.”

She bowed slightly.

He thought Meika-chan just wanted to apologize to Tōko…

But then, she continued, “But this isn’t over yet. I might cause more trouble, but please bear with me!”

He was puzzled… What was she talking about?

Ishida and Kazumi-san were also taken aback.

Only Tōko smiled calmly.

“I see…”

Her words seemed to fuel Meika-chan even more.

With fiery eyes, she glared at Tōko and declared, “I won’t lose! Not to Tōko-san, not to anyone!”

With that, she turned and walked alone towards the station.

“Hey, Meika!”

Ishida’s call went completely ignored.

Stunned, he watched her leave.

Someone patted his shoulder.

It was Kazumi-san.

“It seems like a storm is brewing, Isshiki-kun.”

Half in disbelief, half amused, she repeated the same line as when they had departed.

He sighed.

Indeed, a storm was brewing. What would become of them from here on…

With that thought, he turned his gaze towards Tōko.