My Queen

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[-Continuation-]

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[-Hachiman's POV-]

"Alright, Hikki, let's get a move on!" Yuigahama nudged, her voice bubbling with a mix of excitement and a dash of nerves.

Wasn't I supposed to be with Toutska?

"Yeah." I replied, though my tone was more of an exhausted sigh than anything resembling eagerness.

We started down the stairs, and with each step, the light from the entrance dimmed, gradually plunging us into near-complete darkness.

The air grew colder as we descended, a cool, dampness settling around us like an old, forgotten cloak.

….

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"So, let me get this straight - you set up Tobe, then lured Ebina over, saying there was some amazing view in the back. But instead of Hayama showing up, Yumiko tagged along, saying she wanted to check out this 'super awesome great view,' huh?"

I recapped the whole circus that went down while I had been taking a short nap on the train, my voice echoing slightly in the narrow space.

This girl, Yumiko. She's definitely sticking her nose where it doesn't belong.

Didn't Hayama clue her in on what's going on?

I made a mental note to ask him about it later.

For now, I focused on navigating through the dark, careful not to trip over anything.

After walking for a while, something faintly appeared in our pitch-black surroundings, a dim, ethereal light ahead.

As we approached, it became clear that the glow was coming from a softly illuminated stone.

When we got there, I could finally make out Yuigahama's face, her features barely visible in the dim light.

"We are supposed to make a wish as we spin this stone around, I think." Yuigahama explained, already started to spin it

"Hmm." I murmured noncommittally.

There wasn't really anything I wanted to wish for.

Stable income, the safety of the household, and perfect health seem about everything to me. Oh, that's plenty.

After we both took turns spinning the stone, Yuigahama clapped her hands together twice, as if she were at a shrine. It was a little silly, considering where we were, but I refrained from saying anything.

"Okay, let's go!" She suddenly burst out, her motivation renewed for reasons beyond my understanding.

We continued toward the exit, and before long, the faint outlines of an opening began to appear ahead.

As we climbed the stairs, the light that engulfed us was very nostalgic.

Along with the guys ahead of us, we looked at the sunlight and let out a sigh of relief.

Everyone climbed the stairs, and after we made it outside, we strongly stretched our bodies.

I glanced at my watch, it had only been about five minutes, surprisingly short for what felt like a much longer experience.

"Ah, wait, this is bad! Everyone might have already gone ahead!" Yuigahama said frantically when she glanced in the direction of the visitor's entrance.

"Relax, we gots plenty of time." I said, trying to reassure her.

In the distance, I could see the other students in their black uniforms slowly beginning to move.

"C'mon, hurry!" Yuigahama urged, and with her prompting, we quickly made our way toward the line to gather up with the rest of the group.

….

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We managed to make it back to our class before they had gone inside the main temple. From there, we entered the main temple through the front entrance.

Following this was the Kiyomizu Temple stage, which was farther in.

Even within the confines of the temple, it indeed was the most popular spot. It wasn't just the students but also the tourists who wanted to get commemorative photos of the place.

"Waah, amazing…" Yuigahama placed her hands on the fence, taken aback by the scenery.

We followed the path extending from the main temple for observation. The students continued on as a group to the Jishu Shrine.

….

[-Evening-]

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The moment we arrived at our lodging and were assigned our room, I collapsed onto the futon, face first.

"An unfamiliar ceiling…" I muttered, sorting through the day's events in my mind.

Today was supposed to have been the field trip.

We had started with Kiyomizu-dera Temple, followed by Nanzen-ji Temple, and for some inexplicable reason, we were also dragged to Ginkaku-ji Temple.

And so, with today's plans a done deal, we then went to the inn, had our dinner and that was that.

That was that, so why was I sleeping here right now?

Ah, right.

Apparently, my plan to crash the second we got to the inn after a day that threw off my usual rhythm had backfired. We'd been moving non-stop all afternoon, and once we finally got to this random inn and gorged on a massive feast, I barely made it to my room before passing out.

Ugh, I really could use a long soak in the open bath–!

"Bath time's already over." Totsuka's soft voice broke my thoughts.

"W-What!?"

Since when did the sweet Totsuka become the bearer of harsh truths?

He pointed toward the entrance of the room. "But the teacher said you can still use the indoor bath. There's a unit bath over there."

"I see, thanks."

Dragging myself off the futon, I trudged to the shower, still half-asleep.

….

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When I came back after my shower, I was greeted by the sight of my classmates locked in a fierce battle over a game that, if history is any indicator, is notorious for ruining friendships during field trips.

Whether it was Dokapon or Momotetsu, they were games that brought out a person's inner demon. It was fine if it was just a wicked plan conjured up by a malicious person. It'd become a useful tool once the fight started, after all.

...Yeah, this is not a scene I want to be part of.

Without a word, I turned on my heel and slipped out of the room.

….

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As I made my way down the stairs, the sound of my footsteps echoed in the quiet hallway.

The rooms on the floor above were designated for the girls.

According to the rumours, Atsugi - our fitness/gym teacher of Soubu High School, was watching at the top of the stairs to prevent any of the boys from going any further, but it wasn't worth my time to go the extra mile to confirm them.

The soda machines were in the lobby, located on the first floor.

We were allowed to wander around the lobby if it was just about bedtime. But, since everyone was busy mingling with their friends, there wasn't anyone who would bother to come down here.

At the corner of the lobby was the vending machine.

Feeling the exhaustion start to weigh on me, I figured a sweet MAX coffee might keep me going for a bit longer.

I stared at the selection of choices in the vending machine from top to bottom, one by one.

…? Hmm?

Once more.

I double-checked the selection, this time starting from the bottom.

But no matter how closely I looked, there wasn't a can of my usual sugar overload in sight.

I compromised and went with a café au laut(:coffee with milk) instead.

Well, the can was just as long. So the same thing, I suppose.

Popping the tab, I sank into the corner sofa, the cool leather offering some relief to my tired body.

"....Yukinoshita. When is she coming down?" I muttered to myself, half expecting an answer.

I kept my eyes peeled, scanning the lobby for any sign of her.

If my hunch was right, it wouldn't be long before she got fed up with the noise and sought out some peace and quiet down here.

Maybe I should just message her?

…but something told me that if I did, I might miss out on a rare moment.

Yeah, that's what my instincts were telling me.

Taking a small sip of the slightly sweet coffee, a recognizable figure appeared from the corner of the lobby.

Finally.

…and there she is - My Queen.

Yukinoshita was sporting a rough appearance with her hair tied up as if she had just gotten out of the bath, a rare sight.

She headed in the direction of the souvenir corner of the hotel in her current appearance.

When she got there, she was intently staring at one of the shelves…

Well, for Yukinoshita to be examining whatever item so seriously meant she was going to get it.

She placed a hand on her lips, deep in thought, before finally deciding. She stood on her tiptoes, stretching to reach something on the top shelf, but she couldn't quite grab it.

Her fingertips just grazed the edge of her target(:merchandise).

I watched her try a few times. Each time she stretched, her collar shifted a little. I could see the pale skin on her neck and shoulder.

….gulp, I simply couldn't look away.

If she is trying to tempt me into something, then god, it is working like hell.

It was in this moment of frustration that she became aware of her surroundings.

"...." Of course, her eyes met mine since I was staring at her the entire time.

"H-Hikigaya?" Her voice wavered slightly as she adjusted her hair.

Continuing to sip my drink, I simply walked over to her side, her eyes never leaving me.

When I reached her, she stood with her arms crossed, eyeing me warily while I remained in my laid-back position, coffee can in hand.

While I might have looked too casual in my approach, I had no idea what was running through Yukinoshita's mind.

….

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[To be continued…]

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