Chapter 259 – The Night of Fireworks Display (2)

I hadn't seen Riku-san since the trip to Umi's hometown around three months ago. He looked completely different than the last time I've seen him.

First of all, he looked bigger. It wasn't because he somehow had gotten taller, but his hunched back had become straighter. Not only that, his previously rather lean body had gained a lot of muscle, making him resemble Daichi-san.

He had cut his previously long hair, giving him a fresh look.

"I don't know how to put this, but… You looked different, Riku-san."

"I know, right? Seriously, I don't know how he could change this much in just three months. Disgusting."

"What the hell are you two on about? …Then again, I've been hearing the same thing from other people lately…"

Seeing our surprised look, he averted his gaze from us while scratching his cheek in embarrassment.

While his outward appearance changed a lot, it seemed like he was still the same old Riku-san.

"Ever since he moved back to Mizore-baa-chan's house, he had been working under my father every day from four in the morning until late night. Isn't he cool?"

"Shi-cha— No… Shizuku, stop teasing me like that. Also, you're exaggerating."

"Oh jeez, I'm not exaggerating. Besides, it's true that you've changed a lot, right, Reiji?"

"Yeah~"

After glancing at Riku-san, Reiji nodded in agreement.

It had only been a short time since Riku-san decided to work at Shizuku-san's inn, 'Shimizu,' so I didn't know how far his relationship with Reiji-kun progressed. But, seeing that he was no longer hiding behind me and Shizuku-san, I guess they were doing well.

As an outsider who went out of my way to get those two closer, I was relieved.

"So, why are you here, Riku-san? I know you said you're on a holiday, but it's still a long way from 'Shimizu' to here."

"A while ago, I was given a two day vacation for today and tomorrow. After I got permission from the boss— I mean, Shizuku's mother, all three of us discussed what to do for the vacation. After a while, somehow, we came to talk about fireworks festival."

"I remember that even though I hung out a lot with Rikkun back in the day, we've never gone to see a fireworks festival, or any festivals for that matter. Since we have two days off, I figured that we might as well go to one. Reiji was also looking forward to it."

"…Yeah. Also, Mom said that you'll go with us, Big Brother."

Even though I was still a little bewildered over this sudden reunion, after hearing their explanation, I've managed to come to terms with it.

Anyway, to summarize, they were talking about what to do on their two days off. Eventually, they settled on to see a fireworks festival. Since that was the case, they figured that they might as well come and visit us here and join us to see the fireworks festival today.

…I see. Now I understand everything.

"So, Umi, the adults you were talking about are…"

"Yes. Yesterday, Shizuku-san contacted me that she'd be visiting us here. Since that's the case, I went out my way to invite them to join us as well. Yuu and Nina won't mind even if we add more people. Seki too."

Right, no one in our group would make a fuss even if we were to invite more people. Besides, it would be safer for us since Riku-san would be there with us. As for Reiji-kun… Well, I had a feeling that Amami-san and the others would take the initiative to take care of him.

"Big Brother, let's play~ We'll continue our game last time~"

"I'm going to get dressed, so we'll do that after I'm done, okay? …Riku-san, can we borrow the consoles in your room later?"

"Didn't I tell you that you can use them whenever? Also, he really is attached to you, huh? I still have a long way to go…"

When he saw Reiji-kun trotting over to my side with a handheld console in his hand, Riku-san's expression turned a little gloomy. This made me wonder if he'd also follow me around during the festival… Well, maybe not. I mean, Shizuku-san would come with us too.

After that, Umi and Sora-san quickly helped me with dressing up. When that was done, the three of us, Riku-san, Reiji-kun and I played a game together. Meanwhile, Umi, Sora-san and Shizuku-san went to get dressed.

'Oh my, so that means you'll be engaged with Riku soon.'

'Yes. My parents haven't given their approval, but they aren't opposed to the idea, so… Hehe~'

'Aww, isn't that nice? My big brother is like that, but if it's you, Shizuku-san, I trust you to turn him into a proper human being.'

'Hehe, don't worry in that regard, Rikkun has always been a hard working person, you see? By the way, what about you, Umi-chan? Your relationship with Maki-kun has been going well, I assume? I know it isn't the right question to ask in front of your mother, but have you two done it?'

'Hehehe, tell me about it too, Umi.'

'Me? U-Um, well, you know, we get along as well as your ordinary high school couple are— Wait, why are you even asking me this, Mom?! This isn't supposed to be about me, but Shizuku-san! What about you, Shizuku-san, have you done it?'

'No. For me, Reiji is my priority, so everything else can wait for later. But from your response, I can see that you're different than me, Umi-chan~'

'Ugh, so annoying—!'

The current situation was that we were separated from those three who were (supposed to be) dressing up by a paper door. From the look of it, they were having fun.

Now that I think about it, if Riku-san were to finally get engaged with Shizuku-san, this kind of chatter between those three might turn into a common scene.

"…Sorry, for the rowdy atmosphere, Maki. Those guys really can't pipe down for a second."

"Don't worry, I'm used to it."

"Mom is having fun~"

It seemed like the six of us here would be involved with each other more often in the future.

Not as friends, but as a one big family.