Riki: Um... Kamikita-san? Kamikita: Wahhh!? I-I-I'm so sorry! Still holding her head, she was apologizing with all her might. Kamikita: I-it's not like I come here every day, I just happened to find my way here today... Ah, right! Actually, when I came to, I was already here! Kamikita: Ah... you know, mysterious things sometimes happen in the world! This surely has to be one of them. Like, when sweets suddenly start falling from the sky! Riki: Ah, that's not it... I was hoping she'd calm down, for starters. Did she mistake me for a teacher or something? I let out a heavy sigh and inspected my surroundings. There was a bag of chips on the ground and its contents were scattered all over the place. That sound I had heard before must have been the sound of the bag of chips being torn. ... I tried to continue the dialogue for now. Riki: Kamikita-san, what're you doing in a place like this? I interrupted the frantic Kamikita-san, who was still apologizing for some reason. Kamikita: Ah... Yes? Eh... Naoe-kun? She finally realized. Riki: Yeah, that's me. It seemed she remembered my name and my voice. (Somehow, I'm relieved she's talking to me directly now...) Kamikita: By the way, are you really Naoe-kun, and not the guidance counselor imitating his voice? Riki: Well.... he might have that kind of talent, but I'm not him. Kamikita: Oh, it's really you... She said in relief. *Guh.* While trying to lift her head, she hammered the back of her head against a pipe on the water tank above. Kamikita: Uwaa... that's the same time... Seems like she had hit her head like that earlier. Riki: Y, you okay? Kamikita: N, not really okay. Riki: Wa... Wait, don't cry, Kamikita-san. Kamikita: O-okay, I won't. Somehow... she seems like a restless person. Kamikita: Umm... let me just get out of here first, wait a bit. Riki: Ah, um... sure, please do so. She struggled for a while, trying to crawl out from underneath the water tank. Kamikita: Ah, huh? Riki: What is it? Kamikita: I'm in trouble, I can't get out! She struggled wildly, but didn't budge an inch. Kamikita: Naoe-kun, sorry but... can you pull me. Riki: Well, if you ask... I grabbed both of her arms and tried to pull her out. ... But she still wouldn't move any further, she definitely must be stuck on something. Riki: ... Hm? Just as I raised my head to look. I noticed that her skirt was lifted up and half of her printed underwear was clearly visible. ... An anteater...? No, maybe it's an armadillo. ... Wait, what am I even looking at! Riki: Um... Kamikita-san? Kamikita: Fue? What is it? Riki: I think your skirt might be stuck on something. Kamikita: Oh, that must be it! Kamikita-san slid her hand under the water tank, rummaging for something. Kamikita: ... Kamikita: Naoe-kun. Riki: Hm... yes? Kamikita: ... Anteater? Riki: Ah, so it's an anteater after all... Kamikita: U, uwaaaa! I've been exposed! Riki: Ah, don't worry, I only saw half of it. Look, I couldn't even figure out whether it was an armadillo or an anteater. Kamikita: Uwaa, I've been half-exposed... On the verge of crying, she managed to release her skirt and crawled out from under the water tank. Kamikita: Haa... go out. Kamikita-san stood up and started brushing the dust from her uniform. Riki: Um... Startled, Kamikita-san took a step back and fixed her gaze on me. ... Several seconds passed like this. Kamikita: Awaaaaah! W, what am I going to do, I can't get a bride now. No, it's not like you were going to get one to begin with... Kamikita: Listen, you don't have to worry about it... I think it'll be okay. Kamikita: Eh, yeah... it'll be okay... won't it? Riki: Hm... Yeah, probably. What exactly would be okay was beyond me. Kamikita: Yeah... Then, I'll do my best to get a bride. Riki: Err... Yeah, good luck with that. And just like that, the impossible dream of one girl was born. Kamikita: Then, let's pretend you didn't see anything. She said, pointing to me. Kamikita: Okay? Riki: Ah, okay. Kamikita: Let's pretend I wasn't exposed. This time she pointed at herself. Kamikita: That settles everything. ... That settles nothing, but if she's convinced of it herself, I should just leave it at that... Kamikita: Ah, but... it's Naoe-kun? Riki: As you can see. Kamikita: Why did you come here? Riki: Well, it's not like there was any special reason for it... Kamikita: Fue? You came to such a place without a reason? Kamikita: Naoe-kun, I just realized this, but you really do some weird things. Uwa... to be told that by her! Riki: But... Kamikita-san, you're a bit strange too. I retorted.
Kamikita: I'm normal. She said with a smile. Riki: I don't think a normal person would come up to the roof and crawl under a water tank. Kamikita: I only crawled under there because I panicked. Kamikita-san took a seat near the water tank. Kamikita: ... Naoe-kun, do you have a favorite place? Riki: Eh? A favorite place? Kamikita: Some place you often end up going to. Somewhere you can feel at ease. Riki: Hmm... asking that so suddenly... Kamikita: For me, this is the best place. She said, pointing at her feet. Kamikita: I like this place, that's why I often come here. See, it's perfectly normal. Riki: Well, you might have a point. ... A favorite place you often end up going to. Somewhere where you can feel at ease. Riki: ... For me, it's probably where my friends are. Riki: If my friends are there, any place can become my "favorite place", I think. ... Expect I can't really "feel at ease" in such a place. Kamikita: Ehe, isn't that great. I'm a bit envious. Kamikita: What about here? Kamikita-san ran her eyes across the scenery beyond the fence. I followed her example and took in the scenery. I can see the whole town from here. Riki: Yeah... I think it's a great place. Kamikita: I'm glad it's to your liking. Kamikita: Since I like this place, it makes me kinda happy when other people find it wonderful as well. Kamikita: But it'll be troublesome if others find about it... in many ways. Kamikita: So this is a secret place. Riki: Okay, I'm fine with that. Kamikita: ... And now, you're my accomplice. Riki: Why, is it that serious? Kamikita: We'll be scolded if they find out. Kamikita: ... Also, if you want to come here alone, don't forget to bring a screwdriver, or you're not getting out. She was probably talking about the screwdriver I had seen earlier on the window sill. She even went so far as to prepare it for this reason, since she "likes" this place. How should I put it... She might be a bit more audacious person than she appears on the surface. Kyousuke: [Squadsman Naoe, are you still on the third floor?] At that instant, I heard Kyousuke's voice coming from the cellphone. Riki: Ah, next stop is... Wait, my being here is a secret, so... Riki: Next stop is top floor... top floor... Flustered, I answered the cellphone. Kyousuke: [Fourth floor, roger.] All right, at least I didn't lie... Kamikita: ... Oh crap! I completely forgot and said it in public... this is beyond embarrassing. Kamikita: Naoe-kun, you really are a strange person after all. ... This time I couldn't deny it. Kamikita-san sat on a concrete ledge, surrounding herself with sweets. Kamikita: Well, since you went through the trouble to come here, here's something for you. Riki: Ah, um... Okay, thank you. Kamikita: I have some tea and chocolate pie too. With a smile on her face she began producing snacks from her bag, one by one. Riki: Ah, yeah... Before I knew it, she was holding quite a pile of goodies. Kamikita: I'll have a waffle. She unwrapped it and started shoving it into her mouth. Kamikita: It's delicious. Kamikita: Naoe-kun, I want you to try this one. Riki: Thank you, but I'm stuffed already. Riki: You know, I just finished my lunch. Kamikita: Hmm? Are you so full that you can't fit anything else in? Riki: No, probably not quite that much... Kamikita: Okay, then, here it is, it's a go. She pointed the biscuit at me firmly. Kamikita: Just try and eat it, you. Riki: I don't quite follow, but okay, I'll give it a try. Kamikita: Yep. The wind feels good, surely tomorrow'll be as nice as today. Kamikita: Spring is great, don't you think? Riki: Ah... Yeah. I spent the rest of the lunch break trying to keep up with her incoherent prattling.
Kamikita: Ah... Naoe-kun? Kamikita-san was climbing up the staircase. She was holding a plastic bag in her hands. She'd probably gone off to buy something. Riki: Good afternoon... It's probably strange to say this. Kamikita: I don't think it's strange at all. Good afternoon. She gave a quick bow. Kamikita: Ahh, let me go open the window. She put the nearest chair next to the window, and after conjuring a screwdriver out of her pocket, she removed the screw. Kamikita: All right, go ahead please. Riki: Kamikita-san, you can go first. Kamikita: Fue? Um... That is... Kamikita: ... You'll see it, so... ... She spoke hesitantly as if being embarrassed about something. Kamikita: Um..., and, you see, today it's Mr. Bear... Kamikita: Wa, aaaah, I didn't really have to say it. ... She looked as though she had just performed a self-descruction, while I was still trying to understand what she had meant. But, ah well... I think I got the gist of it. Did she mean Mr. Bear panties...? Riki: Kamikita-san, you like childish underwear, don't you? Kamikita: Uwaaah, th, that's not true. As I expressed my honest opinion, her cheeks became suffused with an even deeper tint of red. Kamikita: Aaah... well, I do, but. Kamikita: But it was only by chance today... Riki: Well, I'll go first then. I stepped on the chair, and made it through the wide-open window out onto the rooftop. ... Wind was tickling my cheek. I squinted my eyes, looking at the bright, cloudless sky. Riki: It sure is a great place. Kamikita-san appeared on the rooftop behind me. Kamikita: It's good weather today, as I thought. She said, shading her eyes by blocking the sun with one hand. Kamikita: Ah, Naoe-kun, can it be that you had some business with me this time around? She said, as though suddenly realizing something. Riki: No, not really. Riki: Just somehow, I was wondering if there was a good place to go to. Kamikita: ... A place you can go to can be anywhere. She sounded surprise. Kamikita: I'm sure you're just not good at finding them, Naoe-kun. Riki: Kamikita-san, you look like you're good at that. Kamikita: That's not true. I'm... normal. She came closer, still smiling. Kamikita: But, Naoe-kun, did this place become somewhere you can go to? Riki: ... It's a good place. Kamikita: Ehehe. She smiled as if complimented. Kamikita: Hearing that really does make me glad. She sat down on the jut near the water tank. Then she started taking out snacks from the plastic bag, one by one. Kamikita: I brought a bit too much today. Kamikita: Here, help yourself to some Belgian waffles. She held out a Belgian waffle. Riki: Yeah, thank you... ... I still haven't had my lunch, though. Furthermore, she took out a plastic box and opened it. The contents, divided into separate halves down the middle, were pancakes and green salad. Riki: This is a rather strange combination for a boxed lunch... Kamikita: You think so? It's delicious. She's a bit weird after all. Riki: But, why did you bring too much today? Kamikita: ... No special reason, it's just that if came here, there wouldn't be enough snacks. Well no, I don't really eat that much... Kamikita: When you eat snacks, you become a little happier. Kamikita: If Naoe-kun becomes happy, I'll feel happy as well. Kamikita: If you make someone happy, in return you become a little happier too, right? Kamikita: That's why, you see, if you become happy, I'll be happy too. If I become happy, you'll be happy too. Kamikita: And repeating it over and over again, look, it's a spiral of happiness. Riki: Well, I'm not so sure if it actually works quite like that... But, indeed, if one believed in that theory from the bottom of their heart, it might make them just a little bit happy. Kamikita: That's why, here, have some chocolate balls. ... She handed me even more snacks. It seemed like a theory likely to induce heartburn. Kamikita: Ahhhhh! Riki: What's wrong, shouting all of a sudden? Kamikita: I forgot to bring a fork. Kamikita: What do I do now, I can't eat it like this. She wailed while embracing the plastic container with the pancakes. Riki: A fork... I might have had something in my bag, but sadly I only had this shopping bag. Riki: ... ... For some reason, there was a single spoon wrapped in plastic in my pocket. Identical to the one Kurugaya-san was using earlier. (When did she put it in there...) I shuddered at the thought that might be able to foresee things like this.
Riki: Will a spoon do? Kamikita: Ah, eh? Why do you have one with you? Riki: Well... I handed the spoon to the dumbfounded Kamikita-san. Kamikita: Yep, thank you. She thanked me with a smile. ... The spiral of happiness might be a much more applicable theory than it first appeared. She was applying great effort into bring the cakes to her with the spoon. I sat down next to her and started eating the onigiri and sweetened bread that I bought. Kamikita: Pancakes really aren't pancakes without apricot jam topping. Kamikita: Blueberry is very tasty too, though. ... She explained, irrationally delighted. Riki: Kamikita-san, you sure love sweet things... Kamikita: Yep, this is my happiness. Kamikita: It's a small thing, but with just that one can become happy, it's amazing. Kamikita: That's why sweet things are amazing. Kamikita: Naoe-kun, you really don't like them? Riki: Well, I don't hate them. Riki: But if you eat them too much, you'll get heartburn. Kamikita: Ah, yep, that's sad... Kamikita: I love whipped cream so much, but after eating just one short cake I feel sick. Kamikita: I want to try and stuff myself full of shortcakes once... She sighed once, and then stuffed her mouth with apricot-topped pancake. Riki: ... Somehow, looking at her really happy face, I ended up wanting to eat something sweet myself. After finishing my onigiri and sweetened bread, I drank some tea and picked up the Belgian waffle she'd given me before. Kamikita: Ah... While rummaging in the plastic bag, she raised her voice. Kamikita: ... Uh, uuh... Kamikita: It's all gone. ... It was evident from her reaction that something was supposed to be there. Kamikita: ... Her gaze shifted to my hand that was holding the Belgian waffle. Riki: ... Waffle? Kamikita: Waffle. Kamikita: I thought I bought two of them, but there was only one. Riki: Well, if that's the case, I don't mind if you eat this one. I handed the Belgian waffle to her. Kamikita: I'm sorry, Naoe-kun... Kamikita: Then, here, let's split it. She divided it in two and gave one of the halves to me. Riki: Okay, thanks. I obediently accepted it. Kamikita: Today is great weather. But, according to the forecast, tomorrow it'll get worse. Kamikita: It's a bit depressing. Riki: Oh, like rain... Kamikita: I don't really like rain. You get wet and can't go outside. Kamikita: If only the weather forecast were off on the rainy days alone. We spent the rest of our lunch break like that, eating various snacks together. Kamikita: Ah... Right. Kamikita: Here, take it. She produced something from her pocket and handed it to me. Riki: A sugar-free gum? Kamikita: Waaa, that's not it. Kamikita: ... But you might as well eat it now. To prevent cavities. Riki: I'll take it then. I unwrapped the gun and popped it into my mouth. Kamikita: It was supposed to be... this. She brought out something again. It was the screwdriver for removing the screw on the window sash, a necessary tool for getting out to the rooftop. Kamikita: This is my present to you. Kamikita: A bond between accomplices, or something. Riki: ... Okay, I'll take it. I put it in my uniform pocket for the time being. Kamikita: Now that I think of it, you haven't been together with Inohara-kun and Miyazawa-kun a lot lately, Naoe-kun. Riki: Ah... Things have become a little strange lately... Riki: I was asked by Kyousuke to find members for a grass baseball team. Kamikita: Basebawl? Grass? Kamikita-san placed an index finger to her chin, her eyes wandering off in thought. Kamikita: ... The home plate would be a dandelion? Riki: Well no, it's not like the grass will be playing baseball. Kamikita: Playing with a grass baseball? Riki: I don't think that's possible... Kamikita: It's hard to imagine that... Well, to even conjure up such ideas is much more unimaginable in itself. Riki: It just means amateur baseball. Getting together with people you know, and playing baseball for fun. Kamikita: Hee... She exclaimed as though she was impressed from the bottom of her heart. Kamikita: That sounds like fun. Riki: Well, we still haven't done anything though. Riki: We haven't gathered enough members either. Kamikita: Ah, Naoe-kun, you're looking for members? Riki: For now at least. Well, I doubt I'll find anyone. Kamikita: ... Kamikita: I'll join. I couldn't understand her words right off the bat. Riki: ... What? I finally managed to ask her in return. Kamikita: Yup, I'll do it. I'll try my best. Riki: Kamikita-san, wait up, um... No matter how you look at it, it doesn't appear like she's capable of playing sports. Kamikita: I've never played baseball before, but don't worry, I know a bit about it. To top it all off, she had zero experience. ... In the end, because of her fruitless enthusiasm, or perhaps her misplaced energy, I simply went with the flow, and we agreed on her joining our practice after school.
The sports ground after school Kamikita: All right, I'll give it my best. She proclaimed, swinging her hands around energetically. Riki: Um... You all know her - Kamikita-san from our class. Masato: ... I'm sorry, but could you please hang on a moment. Kamikita: Fue? Ah, sure. Masato shot her a cramped smile, and dragged me along behind the fence. Masato: I'm well aware of how desperate you are to get new members, but... Masato: Will she be okay? Riki: B-beats me... At least, she's brimming with enthusiasm. Masato: I can't help but worry, looking at her. Masato: No matter how you look at it, she has no muscles. Riki: Masato, muscles are like your criteria for everything. Kyousuke: That's kind of a perverted point of view. Masato: It's not perverted! Riki: Well, putting perversion aside... Riki: Rin, shouldn't you know whether she can do any sports or something? Rin: I've never heard about it. Riki: Ah, as I expected... Rin: But, if we're talking about gym class... Riki: ... How was she? Rin: ... I have no recollection. Masato: Don't bring it up then. Rin: You have no right to butt in, moron! *Wham!* *Wham!* She kicked him just like always. Riki: To be honest, I'm worried myself, but I couldn't just say no to her. Masato: But she could really have some latent abilities. He said this nonchalantly while being kicked. As expected of Masato. Riki: Well, it'd be great if that were so. But if that were true, she wouldn't be crawling under the water tank and getting stuck there... Kyousuke: Now, stop fighting, you guys. Masato: I'm being one-sidedly kicked here, though. Kyousuke: ... I have a great idea. Kyousuke: First of all we'll have her take a test, to see her real abilities. Kyousuke: If worst comes to worst and we have to ask her to quit, that way I'll be the only one hated. Riki: Well, I don't think she's the kind of person to hold a grudge. ... However, I didn't really want to see her disappointed face. Masato: Well, in that case I'll leave it to Kyousuke. Rin, too, nodded, with the bell on her hair resounding. Kyousuke: All right, it's decided. After wrapping things up, Kyousuke headed off in Kamikita-san's direction. Kyousuke: Um... Kamikita, was it? Kamikita: Eh, yes... You're Natsume-san's brother, right? Um... Kyousuke: Just call me Kyousuke. Kamikita: Kyousuke-san? Kyousuke: Right, Kyousuke-san it is. Kyousuke: Then, this may be a bit sudden, but you'll need to take a team tryout test. As expected of Kyousuke, the strategy he'd chosen left no room for objections. Kamikita: Eeh, a test? Kyousuke: Right... First of all, do you have any experience playing baseball? Kamikita: Nope, I don't. Kyousuke: Rejected. Kamikita: Ga, gahn... Riki: W-w-w-wait up, Kyousuke. I caught him by the shoulder. Riki: Hey, come on now, that's too sudden! Kamikita-san is completely dumbfounded. Kyousuke: Ah, my bad. He turned back to her. Kyousuke: That was a joke. Kamikita: J-joke... I was really surprised... Kyousuke: ... What are the requisites for playing baseball? ... That was a complicated question. I don't think there's anyone who would have an answer to such a fundamental question down pat. Kamikita: Um... Kamikita: Guts. Kamikita: And courage. Kamikita: And friendship. Kyousuke: ... Passed!!! He grasped her shoulders. Kamikita: Yep, I'll try my best!
[Kamikita-san joined the practice!] [At the same time she joined the battle ranking system!]
Riki: Wa-wait up!! Once again I had him by the shoulder. Kyousuke: Well... She gave such a precise answer, I was touched and reacted instinctively. Riki: That's not what the test was meant to be about in the first place, it should test her reflexes and such... Kamikita: All right, I'll go all out. ... She was already standing in the batter's box and swinging a bat around. Riki: ... What should we do, there's definitely no turning her down now. Kyousuke: Well, she seems to have some spirit, so she'll be fine. Kyousuke: Look, that's quite an impressive swing she's got there. I could hear the swooshing sound of the bat despite the distance. Riki: ... That's because it's a plastic bat. After that, she switched to a metal bat. Kamikita: Mumumu. ... She tried taking different postures, but her hands were still trembling. It looked very heavy. Masato: Aah, I can't stand looking at this. Masato: Come on, give it to me. Kamikita: Howa... *Gon*. She instantly dropped the bat on Masato's foot. Masato: Gyaaa! Kamikita: Uwaaa, I-I'm sorry! Rin: ... It's your own fault, Masato. Riki: You're merciless, Rin.... Kamikita: Ueeh, it's heavy. She came this way, tears welling up in her eyes. Riki: ... I wonder if there are any lighter bats. Kamikita: Hm...? Rin: ... Rin was staring at her. Kamikita: Fue? Kamikita-san let out a sound when she noticed Rin's glance. Rin: ... Riki: Woah. ... She hid behind my back. Kamikita: Fue? What's wrong? Riki: Well... Rin: ... It seemed like she didn't know how to deal with her. Riki: (Right, this is a great opportunity for Rin to make a friend.) I was sure Kamikita-san would be great company for Rin. Riki: Hey, Rin. Rin: ... She stuck her head out. Kamikita: Then, let us formally introduce ourselves. Kamikita: Nice to meet you, Rin-chan. Rin: Uh... Rin: Ni-nice to meet you. Kamikita: Yep. Rin: ... The bat I'm using is lighter. Rin: I'll bring it later. Kamikita: Thank you. Rin was being friendlier than I thought. Riki: ... ... I was probably unnecessarily worried about her shyness. She'd always been uncertain, though... Kyousuke: Well, let's go on with the test for now. Kyousuke: Next, try running the bases. Kamikita: Understood. She started putting on a glove triumphantly. Riki: No, running the bases means running across the field. ... "I know a bit" she had said, but it seems that "bit" was just about one millimeter's worth. ... And. Riki: ... Kyousuke: ... It was a horrible sight: she was falling over while running across the field, failed to hit a fungo fifteen times in a row - and when we tried catchball, she couldn't throw the ball far enough to reach her partner. Riki: ... Kyousuke, what's your opinion of her? Kyousuke: This is dangerous... Kyousuke: If you ask how dangerous, it's so much that I've knit my brows and they got stuck in a wrinkle. Riki: That's pretty dangerous, all right... Kyousuke: For the time being... He took a breath. Kyousuke: She'll be a team manager candidate... Kamikita Komari was counted out of the team's combat potential less than thirty minutes after joining.
Komari: Uwaah, Riki-kun, I've been waiting for you. ... I found Komari-san trotting toward me. Riki: What's wrong? Why aren't you going outside? Komari: Ah, well... Komari: It's that... She pointed to the screwdrive I was holding. Riki: Okay, let me guess... Riki: You couldn't open the window because you'd given this to me? Komari: Ueeeh, that's right. Komari: I was in a pinch... I was supposed to bring another one. Komari: But I left it on the desk in my room. Riki: You're so absent-minded, Komari-san. Komari: Ga, gahhhn... Komari: I've been wondering about it for a while, but... just as I thought, I really am absent-minded. She never realized it until now? That's surprising. Riki: Well, I guess you can fix it if you try to. Komari: Yup... maybe you're right. Komari: I see, so I'm absent-minded... All right! She nodded wholeheartedly. Riki: ...? I had no idea what that reaction was supoosed to mean. I removed the screws, and we went outside. Riki: What a nice breeze. Feeling the window brush gently against my cheek, I spoke my thoughts. Komari: I'm really glad that the weather forecast was wrong. Komari: By the way... you just called me Komari-san, didn't you? Riki: Eh? Ah, yeah, you did call me by my first name as well. Riki: So I thought I'd address you in the same way. Komari: I like being called by my first name. Komari: ... Because I think it feels comforting. Riki: Comforting... I was not sure if I could agree with her, but I certainly felt calling each other by the first name was very friendly. Komari: But I don't want you to add "san"... Komari: I know, just call me Komari. Riki: That wouldn't feel quite right. Komari: Really? Then, how about Komari-chan? Riki: That's even harder to swallow... Komari: I'm fine with it. She grinned. Komari: The first name belongs to me, but the last name is my family's. Riki: Hmm... Since I'd never look at it like that, I was impressed by her thoughts. Komari: Ah... maybe you're hesitating because... Komari: Come to think of it, you call Rin-chan by the first name with out -chan or -san, don't you? Komari: Gahhhn, now I get it. ... She reached a shocking conclusion by herself. Riki: I don't know what exactly it is you're suggesting... Riki: But I also call Masato and Kengo by the first name, you know. Komari: Oh. She looked surprised. Komari: A really bad thought just went through my mind... Riki: Please stop with that train of thought. Riki: I just call them in my own way since they're friends of mine. Riki: There's no special meaning... Komari: Ok, I see, that's right. Komari: We are friends as well, then. Saying so, she grinned again. We sat down side by side. Komari: Lalala~n. While I was having my sandwich, Komari-san happily took out a bunch of sweets from her bag. Riki: You brought a bunch of sweets yet again. Komari: Yep, for me and you. ... I think we'll need 3 or 4 more people to finish them. Komari: Eat a lot. Riki: Ah, yeah, but I'll finish my sandwich before that. Even at a glance, most of them looked very sweet. ... I'm sure I'd get an upset stomach if I ate them all. Komari: It's spring now, so there's no problem bringing chocolates here. But in summer, it'll be difficult. Komari: Last year, I brought plenty of small chocolates here. Komari: But that day was so warm they all melted in my bag. Riki: That was too bad... The image of a panicked Komari-san passed before my eyes.
Komari: ... If only my bag had been see-through. Komari: I would've taken them out before they melted. Komari: Even if I don't see it now, I'll definitely find out about it later. Riki: ... It'd be good if you had the second sight. Komari: No, the opposite... Komari: Rather than the future, I think I'd like very much to see the past. Komari: There are a lot of things I wanna forget about, but I forget even the things I don't want to lose. Komari: That's really sad. Komari: ... I think I wouldn't feel sad if I could see the past. The smile she made was somehow fainter than usual. Komari: There is a picture book I like. I read it long ago. Our conversation moved to another topic. I've come to enjoy her unpredictability. Komari: It was a story about hens, chicks and eggs. Komari: A chick hatches from an egg and becomes a hen. Komari: That hen lays an egg, and another chick hatches from that egg. Komari: But both the hen and the chick forget everything after three steps. Komari: The hen forgets about the chick, and the chick forgets about the egg. Komari: There was a picture in the book where the chick was following the hen. I loved it. Riki: But it somehow feels very philosophical... That book was for children, right? Komari: ... Yes. Komari: They keep forgetting. Komari: It made me very sad. Komari: But in the end, the hen saw an egg and remembered. Komari: I used to be an egg. Komari: Then finally, a chick brought its head out from the egg. The end. Riki: Hm, I didn't know there were such profound picture books... Komari: Profound? Riki: I feel as though that book was talking philosophy. Komari: Surely it wasn't anything that difficult. Komari: ... But, the chicks were cute. Komari: Riki-kun, do you like picture books? Riki: I'm not sure since I have only ever read a few of them. Even so, I thought the one Komari-san told me about sounded interesting... I should see if I can find it somewhere. Komari: Hmm, have you? Komari: Ah, I seem to have made a bad choice for the conversation topic, then... Riki: No, I don't think so. Komari: Hmm. Please try this fruit flavored gummy candy, instead. She held out a bad filled with candies before me. Riki: Thank you. I picked up an orange one and popped it in my mouth. Komari: I'll be going back to the classroom, then. Whilst saying that, she picked up the trash we had produced. Riki: Okay, see you later. Komari: It's just ten minutes until we meet again in the classroom, though. Riki: Yeah, you're right. Komari: Anyway, this is a ten-minute goodbye. And be sure to fix the window. Leaving me with those words, she left. Riki: (Picture books...) I'd become kind of curious about the book she mentioned. I now wanted to read it... After finishing off all the fruit gummy candies, I went back to the classroom.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
❝Meeting Riki❞
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Kamikita: Wahhh!? I-I-I'm so sorry!
Still holding her head, she was apologizing with all her might.
Kamikita: I-it's not like I come here every day, I just happened to find my way here today... Ah, right! Actually, when I came to, I was already here!
Kamikita: Ah... you know, mysterious things sometimes happen in the world! This surely has to be one of them. Like, when sweets suddenly start falling from the sky!
Riki: Ah, that's not it...
I was hoping she'd calm down, for starters.
Did she mistake me for a teacher or something?
I let out a heavy sigh and inspected my surroundings.
There was a bag of chips on the ground and its contents were scattered all over the place.
That sound I had heard before must have been the sound of the bag of chips being torn.
... I tried to continue the dialogue for now.
Riki: Kamikita-san, what're you doing in a place like this?
I interrupted the frantic Kamikita-san, who was still apologizing for some reason.
Kamikita: Ah... Yes? Eh... Naoe-kun?
She finally realized.
Riki: Yeah, that's me.
It seemed she remembered my name and my voice.
(Somehow, I'm relieved she's talking to me directly now...)
Kamikita: By the way, are you really Naoe-kun, and not the guidance counselor imitating his voice?
Riki: Well.... he might have that kind of talent, but I'm not him.
Kamikita: Oh, it's really you...
She said in relief.
*Guh.*
While trying to lift her head, she hammered the back of her head against a pipe on the water tank above.
Kamikita: Uwaa... that's the same time...
Seems like she had hit her head like that earlier.
Riki: Y, you okay?
Kamikita: N, not really okay.
Riki: Wa... Wait, don't cry, Kamikita-san.
Kamikita: O-okay, I won't.
Somehow... she seems like a restless person.
Kamikita: Umm... let me just get out of here first, wait a bit.
Riki: Ah, um... sure, please do so.
She struggled for a while, trying to crawl out from underneath the water tank.
Kamikita: Ah, huh?
Riki: What is it?
Kamikita: I'm in trouble, I can't get out!
She struggled wildly, but didn't budge an inch.
Kamikita: Naoe-kun, sorry but... can you pull me.
Riki: Well, if you ask...
I grabbed both of her arms and tried to pull her out.
... But she still wouldn't move any further, she definitely must be stuck on something.
Riki: ... Hm?
Just as I raised my head to look.
I noticed that her skirt was lifted up and half of her printed underwear was clearly visible.
... An anteater...?
No, maybe it's an armadillo.
... Wait, what am I even looking at!
Riki: Um... Kamikita-san?
Kamikita: Fue? What is it?
Riki: I think your skirt might be stuck on something.
Kamikita: Oh, that must be it!
Kamikita-san slid her hand under the water tank, rummaging for something.
Kamikita: ...
Kamikita: Naoe-kun.
Riki: Hm... yes?
Kamikita: ... Anteater?
Riki: Ah, so it's an anteater after all...
Kamikita: U, uwaaaa! I've been exposed!
Riki: Ah, don't worry, I only saw half of it. Look, I couldn't even figure out whether it was an armadillo or an anteater.
Kamikita: Uwaa, I've been half-exposed...
On the verge of crying, she managed to release her skirt and crawled out from under the water tank.
Kamikita: Haa... go out.
Kamikita-san stood up and started brushing the dust from her uniform.
Riki: Um...
Startled, Kamikita-san took a step back and fixed her gaze on me.
... Several seconds passed like this.
Kamikita: Awaaaaah! W, what am I going to do, I can't get a bride now.
No, it's not like you were going to get one to begin with...
Kamikita: Listen, you don't have to worry about it... I think it'll be okay.
Kamikita: Eh, yeah... it'll be okay... won't it?
Riki: Hm... Yeah, probably.
What exactly would be okay was beyond me.
Kamikita: Yeah... Then, I'll do my best to get a bride.
Riki: Err... Yeah, good luck with that.
And just like that, the impossible dream of one girl was born.
Kamikita: Then, let's pretend you didn't see anything.
She said, pointing to me.
Kamikita: Okay?
Riki: Ah, okay.
Kamikita: Let's pretend I wasn't exposed.
This time she pointed at herself.
Kamikita: That settles everything.
... That settles nothing, but if she's convinced of it herself, I should just leave it at that...
Kamikita: Ah, but... it's Naoe-kun?
Riki: As you can see.
Kamikita: Why did you come here?
Riki: Well, it's not like there was any special reason for it...
Kamikita: Fue? You came to such a place without a reason?
Kamikita: Naoe-kun, I just realized this, but you really do some weird things.
Uwa... to be told that by her!
Riki: But... Kamikita-san, you're a bit strange too.
I retorted.
no subject
She said with a smile.
Riki: I don't think a normal person would come up to the roof and crawl under a water tank.
Kamikita: I only crawled under there because I panicked.
Kamikita-san took a seat near the water tank.
Kamikita: ... Naoe-kun, do you have a favorite place?
Riki: Eh? A favorite place?
Kamikita: Some place you often end up going to. Somewhere you can feel at ease.
Riki: Hmm... asking that so suddenly...
Kamikita: For me, this is the best place.
She said, pointing at her feet.
Kamikita: I like this place, that's why I often come here. See, it's perfectly normal.
Riki: Well, you might have a point.
... A favorite place you often end up going to. Somewhere where you can feel at ease.
Riki: ... For me, it's probably where my friends are.
Riki: If my friends are there, any place can become my "favorite place", I think.
... Expect I can't really "feel at ease" in such a place.
Kamikita: Ehe, isn't that great. I'm a bit envious.
Kamikita: What about here?
Kamikita-san ran her eyes across the scenery beyond the fence.
I followed her example and took in the scenery.
I can see the whole town from here.
Riki: Yeah... I think it's a great place.
Kamikita: I'm glad it's to your liking.
Kamikita: Since I like this place, it makes me kinda happy when other people find it wonderful as well.
Kamikita: But it'll be troublesome if others find about it... in many ways.
Kamikita: So this is a secret place.
Riki: Okay, I'm fine with that.
Kamikita: ... And now, you're my accomplice.
Riki: Why, is it that serious?
Kamikita: We'll be scolded if they find out.
Kamikita: ... Also, if you want to come here alone, don't forget to bring a screwdriver, or you're not getting out.
She was probably talking about the screwdriver I had seen earlier on the window sill.
She even went so far as to prepare it for this reason, since she "likes" this place.
How should I put it... She might be a bit more audacious person than she appears on the surface.
Kyousuke: [Squadsman Naoe, are you still on the third floor?]
At that instant, I heard Kyousuke's voice coming from the cellphone.
Riki: Ah, next stop is...
Wait, my being here is a secret, so...
Riki: Next stop is top floor... top floor...
Flustered, I answered the cellphone.
Kyousuke: [Fourth floor, roger.]
All right, at least I didn't lie...
Kamikita: ...
Oh crap! I completely forgot and said it in public... this is beyond embarrassing.
Kamikita: Naoe-kun, you really are a strange person after all.
... This time I couldn't deny it.
Kamikita-san sat on a concrete ledge, surrounding herself with sweets.
Kamikita: Well, since you went through the trouble to come here, here's something for you.
Riki: Ah, um... Okay, thank you.
Kamikita: I have some tea and chocolate pie too.
With a smile on her face she began producing snacks from her bag, one by one.
Riki: Ah, yeah...
Before I knew it, she was holding quite a pile of goodies.
Kamikita: I'll have a waffle.
She unwrapped it and started shoving it into her mouth.
Kamikita: It's delicious.
Kamikita: Naoe-kun, I want you to try this one.
Riki: Thank you, but I'm stuffed already.
Riki: You know, I just finished my lunch.
Kamikita: Hmm? Are you so full that you can't fit anything else in?
Riki: No, probably not quite that much...
Kamikita: Okay, then, here it is, it's a go.
She pointed the biscuit at me firmly.
Kamikita: Just try and eat it, you.
Riki: I don't quite follow, but okay, I'll give it a try.
Kamikita: Yep. The wind feels good, surely tomorrow'll be as nice as today.
Kamikita: Spring is great, don't you think?
Riki: Ah... Yeah.
I spent the rest of the lunch break trying to keep up with her incoherent prattling.
❝Happiness Spiral Theory❞
no subject
Kamikita-san was climbing up the staircase.
She was holding a plastic bag in her hands. She'd probably gone off to buy something.
Riki: Good afternoon... It's probably strange to say this.
Kamikita: I don't think it's strange at all. Good afternoon.
She gave a quick bow.
Kamikita: Ahh, let me go open the window.
She put the nearest chair next to the window, and after conjuring a screwdriver out of her pocket, she removed the screw.
Kamikita: All right, go ahead please.
Riki: Kamikita-san, you can go first.
Kamikita: Fue? Um... That is...
Kamikita: ... You'll see it, so...
... She spoke hesitantly as if being embarrassed about something.
Kamikita: Um..., and, you see, today it's Mr. Bear...
Kamikita: Wa, aaaah, I didn't really have to say it.
... She looked as though she had just performed a self-descruction, while I was still trying to understand what she had meant.
But, ah well... I think I got the gist of it.
Did she mean Mr. Bear panties...?
Riki: Kamikita-san, you like childish underwear, don't you?
Kamikita: Uwaaah, th, that's not true.
As I expressed my honest opinion, her cheeks became suffused with an even deeper tint of red.
Kamikita: Aaah... well, I do, but.
Kamikita: But it was only by chance today...
Riki: Well, I'll go first then.
I stepped on the chair, and made it through the wide-open window out onto the rooftop.
... Wind was tickling my cheek.
I squinted my eyes, looking at the bright, cloudless sky.
Riki: It sure is a great place.
Kamikita-san appeared on the rooftop behind me.
Kamikita: It's good weather today, as I thought.
She said, shading her eyes by blocking the sun with one hand.
Kamikita: Ah, Naoe-kun, can it be that you had some business with me this time around?
She said, as though suddenly realizing something.
Riki: No, not really.
Riki: Just somehow, I was wondering if there was a good place to go to.
Kamikita: ... A place you can go to can be anywhere.
She sounded surprise.
Kamikita: I'm sure you're just not good at finding them, Naoe-kun.
Riki: Kamikita-san, you look like you're good at that.
Kamikita: That's not true. I'm... normal.
She came closer, still smiling.
Kamikita: But, Naoe-kun, did this place become somewhere you can go to?
Riki: ... It's a good place.
Kamikita: Ehehe.
She smiled as if complimented.
Kamikita: Hearing that really does make me glad.
She sat down on the jut near the water tank.
Then she started taking out snacks from the plastic bag, one by one.
Kamikita: I brought a bit too much today.
Kamikita: Here, help yourself to some Belgian waffles.
She held out a Belgian waffle.
Riki: Yeah, thank you...
... I still haven't had my lunch, though.
Furthermore, she took out a plastic box and opened it.
The contents, divided into separate halves down the middle, were pancakes and green salad.
Riki: This is a rather strange combination for a boxed lunch...
Kamikita: You think so? It's delicious.
She's a bit weird after all.
Riki: But, why did you bring too much today?
Kamikita: ... No special reason, it's just that if came here, there wouldn't be enough snacks.
Well no, I don't really eat that much...
Kamikita: When you eat snacks, you become a little happier.
Kamikita: If Naoe-kun becomes happy, I'll feel happy as well.
Kamikita: If you make someone happy, in return you become a little happier too, right?
Kamikita: That's why, you see, if you become happy, I'll be happy too. If I become happy, you'll be happy too.
Kamikita: And repeating it over and over again, look, it's a spiral of happiness.
Riki: Well, I'm not so sure if it actually works quite like that...
But, indeed, if one believed in that theory from the bottom of their heart, it might make them just a little bit happy.
Kamikita: That's why, here, have some chocolate balls.
... She handed me even more snacks.
It seemed like a theory likely to induce heartburn.
Kamikita: Ahhhhh!
Riki: What's wrong, shouting all of a sudden?
Kamikita: I forgot to bring a fork.
Kamikita: What do I do now, I can't eat it like this.
She wailed while embracing the plastic container with the pancakes.
Riki: A fork...
I might have had something in my bag, but sadly I only had this shopping bag.
Riki: ...
... For some reason, there was a single spoon wrapped in plastic in my pocket.
Identical to the one Kurugaya-san was using earlier.
(When did she put it in there...)
I shuddered at the thought that might be able to foresee things like this.
no subject
Kamikita: Ah, eh? Why do you have one with you?
Riki: Well...
I handed the spoon to the dumbfounded Kamikita-san.
Kamikita: Yep, thank you.
She thanked me with a smile.
... The spiral of happiness might be a much more applicable theory than it first appeared.
She was applying great effort into bring the cakes to her with the spoon.
I sat down next to her and started eating the onigiri and sweetened bread that I bought.
Kamikita: Pancakes really aren't pancakes without apricot jam topping.
Kamikita: Blueberry is very tasty too, though.
... She explained, irrationally delighted.
Riki: Kamikita-san, you sure love sweet things...
Kamikita: Yep, this is my happiness.
Kamikita: It's a small thing, but with just that one can become happy, it's amazing.
Kamikita: That's why sweet things are amazing.
Kamikita: Naoe-kun, you really don't like them?
Riki: Well, I don't hate them.
Riki: But if you eat them too much, you'll get heartburn.
Kamikita: Ah, yep, that's sad...
Kamikita: I love whipped cream so much, but after eating just one short cake I feel sick.
Kamikita: I want to try and stuff myself full of shortcakes once...
She sighed once, and then stuffed her mouth with apricot-topped pancake.
Riki: ...
Somehow, looking at her really happy face, I ended up wanting to eat something sweet myself.
After finishing my onigiri and sweetened bread, I drank some tea and picked up the Belgian waffle she'd given me before.
Kamikita: Ah...
While rummaging in the plastic bag, she raised her voice.
Kamikita: ... Uh, uuh...
Kamikita: It's all gone.
... It was evident from her reaction that something was supposed to be there.
Kamikita: ...
Her gaze shifted to my hand that was holding the Belgian waffle.
Riki: ... Waffle?
Kamikita: Waffle.
Kamikita: I thought I bought two of them, but there was only one.
Riki: Well, if that's the case, I don't mind if you eat this one.
I handed the Belgian waffle to her.
Kamikita: I'm sorry, Naoe-kun...
Kamikita: Then, here, let's split it.
She divided it in two and gave one of the halves to me.
Riki: Okay, thanks.
I obediently accepted it.
Kamikita: Today is great weather. But, according to the forecast, tomorrow it'll get worse.
Kamikita: It's a bit depressing.
Riki: Oh, like rain...
Kamikita: I don't really like rain. You get wet and can't go outside.
Kamikita: If only the weather forecast were off on the rainy days alone.
We spent the rest of our lunch break like that, eating various snacks together.
Kamikita: Ah... Right.
Kamikita: Here, take it.
She produced something from her pocket and handed it to me.
Riki: A sugar-free gum?
Kamikita: Waaa, that's not it.
Kamikita: ... But you might as well eat it now. To prevent cavities.
Riki: I'll take it then.
I unwrapped the gun and popped it into my mouth.
Kamikita: It was supposed to be... this.
She brought out something again.
It was the screwdriver for removing the screw on the window sash, a necessary tool for getting out to the rooftop.
Kamikita: This is my present to you.
Kamikita: A bond between accomplices, or something.
Riki: ... Okay, I'll take it.
I put it in my uniform pocket for the time being.
Kamikita: Now that I think of it, you haven't been together with Inohara-kun and Miyazawa-kun a lot lately, Naoe-kun.
Riki: Ah... Things have become a little strange lately...
Riki: I was asked by Kyousuke to find members for a grass baseball team.
Kamikita: Basebawl? Grass?
Kamikita-san placed an index finger to her chin, her eyes wandering off in thought.
Kamikita: ... The home plate would be a dandelion?
Riki: Well no, it's not like the grass will be playing baseball.
Kamikita: Playing with a grass baseball?
Riki: I don't think that's possible...
Kamikita: It's hard to imagine that...
Well, to even conjure up such ideas is much more unimaginable in itself.
Riki: It just means amateur baseball. Getting together with people you know, and playing baseball for fun.
Kamikita: Hee...
She exclaimed as though she was impressed from the bottom of her heart.
Kamikita: That sounds like fun.
Riki: Well, we still haven't done anything though.
Riki: We haven't gathered enough members either.
Kamikita: Ah, Naoe-kun, you're looking for members?
Riki: For now at least. Well, I doubt I'll find anyone.
Kamikita: ...
Kamikita: I'll join.
I couldn't understand her words right off the bat.
Riki: ... What?
I finally managed to ask her in return.
Kamikita: Yup, I'll do it. I'll try my best.
Riki: Kamikita-san, wait up, um...
No matter how you look at it, it doesn't appear like she's capable of playing sports.
Kamikita: I've never played baseball before, but don't worry, I know a bit about it.
To top it all off, she had zero experience.
... In the end, because of her fruitless enthusiasm, or perhaps her misplaced energy, I simply went with the flow, and we agreed on her joining our practice after school.
❝Joins the Party❞
no subject
Kamikita: All right, I'll give it my best.
She proclaimed, swinging her hands around energetically.
Riki: Um... You all know her - Kamikita-san from our class.
Masato: ... I'm sorry, but could you please hang on a moment.
Kamikita: Fue? Ah, sure.
Masato shot her a cramped smile, and dragged me along behind the fence.
Masato: I'm well aware of how desperate you are to get new members, but...
Masato: Will she be okay?
Riki: B-beats me... At least, she's brimming with enthusiasm.
Masato: I can't help but worry, looking at her.
Masato: No matter how you look at it, she has no muscles.
Riki: Masato, muscles are like your criteria for everything.
Kyousuke: That's kind of a perverted point of view.
Masato: It's not perverted!
Riki: Well, putting perversion aside...
Riki: Rin, shouldn't you know whether she can do any sports or something?
Rin: I've never heard about it.
Riki: Ah, as I expected...
Rin: But, if we're talking about gym class...
Riki: ... How was she?
Rin: ... I have no recollection.
Masato: Don't bring it up then.
Rin: You have no right to butt in, moron!
*Wham!* *Wham!*
She kicked him just like always.
Riki: To be honest, I'm worried myself, but I couldn't just say no to her.
Masato: But she could really have some latent abilities.
He said this nonchalantly while being kicked. As expected of Masato.
Riki: Well, it'd be great if that were so.
But if that were true, she wouldn't be crawling under the water tank and getting stuck there...
Kyousuke: Now, stop fighting, you guys.
Masato: I'm being one-sidedly kicked here, though.
Kyousuke: ... I have a great idea.
Kyousuke: First of all we'll have her take a test, to see her real abilities.
Kyousuke: If worst comes to worst and we have to ask her to quit, that way I'll be the only one hated.
Riki: Well, I don't think she's the kind of person to hold a grudge.
... However, I didn't really want to see her disappointed face.
Masato: Well, in that case I'll leave it to Kyousuke.
Rin, too, nodded, with the bell on her hair resounding.
Kyousuke: All right, it's decided.
After wrapping things up, Kyousuke headed off in Kamikita-san's direction.
Kyousuke: Um... Kamikita, was it?
Kamikita: Eh, yes... You're Natsume-san's brother, right? Um...
Kyousuke: Just call me Kyousuke.
Kamikita: Kyousuke-san?
Kyousuke: Right, Kyousuke-san it is.
Kyousuke: Then, this may be a bit sudden, but you'll need to take a team tryout test.
As expected of Kyousuke, the strategy he'd chosen left no room for objections.
Kamikita: Eeh, a test?
Kyousuke: Right... First of all, do you have any experience playing baseball?
Kamikita: Nope, I don't.
Kyousuke: Rejected.
Kamikita: Ga, gahn...
Riki: W-w-w-wait up, Kyousuke.
I caught him by the shoulder.
Riki: Hey, come on now, that's too sudden! Kamikita-san is completely dumbfounded.
Kyousuke: Ah, my bad.
He turned back to her.
Kyousuke: That was a joke.
Kamikita: J-joke... I was really surprised...
Kyousuke: ... What are the requisites for playing baseball?
... That was a complicated question.
I don't think there's anyone who would have an answer to such a fundamental question down pat.
Kamikita: Um...
Kamikita: Guts.
Kamikita: And courage.
Kamikita: And friendship.
Kyousuke: ... Passed!!!
He grasped her shoulders.
Kamikita: Yep, I'll try my best!
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[At the same time she joined the battle ranking system!]
Riki: Wa-wait up!!
Once again I had him by the shoulder.
Kyousuke: Well... She gave such a precise answer, I was touched and reacted instinctively.
Riki: That's not what the test was meant to be about in the first place, it should test her reflexes and such...
Kamikita: All right, I'll go all out.
... She was already standing in the batter's box and swinging a bat around.
Riki: ... What should we do, there's definitely no turning her down now.
Kyousuke: Well, she seems to have some spirit, so she'll be fine.
Kyousuke: Look, that's quite an impressive swing she's got there.
I could hear the swooshing sound of the bat despite the distance.
Riki: ... That's because it's a plastic bat.
After that, she switched to a metal bat.
Kamikita: Mumumu.
... She tried taking different postures, but her hands were still trembling.
It looked very heavy.
Masato: Aah, I can't stand looking at this.
Masato: Come on, give it to me.
Kamikita: Howa...
*Gon*.
She instantly dropped the bat on Masato's foot.
Masato: Gyaaa!
Kamikita: Uwaaa, I-I'm sorry!
Rin: ... It's your own fault, Masato.
Riki: You're merciless, Rin....
Kamikita: Ueeh, it's heavy.
She came this way, tears welling up in her eyes.
Riki: ... I wonder if there are any lighter bats.
Kamikita: Hm...?
Rin: ...
Rin was staring at her.
Kamikita: Fue?
Kamikita-san let out a sound when she noticed Rin's glance.
Rin: ...
Riki: Woah.
... She hid behind my back.
Kamikita: Fue? What's wrong?
Riki: Well...
Rin: ...
It seemed like she didn't know how to deal with her.
Riki: (Right, this is a great opportunity for Rin to make a friend.)
I was sure Kamikita-san would be great company for Rin.
Riki: Hey, Rin.
Rin: ...
She stuck her head out.
Kamikita: Then, let us formally introduce ourselves.
Kamikita: Nice to meet you, Rin-chan.
Rin: Uh...
Rin: Ni-nice to meet you.
Kamikita: Yep.
Rin: ... The bat I'm using is lighter.
Rin: I'll bring it later.
Kamikita: Thank you.
Rin was being friendlier than I thought.
Riki: ...
... I was probably unnecessarily worried about her shyness.
She'd always been uncertain, though...
Kyousuke: Well, let's go on with the test for now.
Kyousuke: Next, try running the bases.
Kamikita: Understood.
She started putting on a glove triumphantly.
Riki: No, running the bases means running across the field.
... "I know a bit" she had said, but it seems that "bit" was just about one millimeter's worth.
... And.
Riki: ...
Kyousuke: ...
It was a horrible sight: she was falling over while running across the field, failed to hit a fungo fifteen times in a row - and when we tried catchball, she couldn't throw the ball far enough to reach her partner.
Riki: ... Kyousuke, what's your opinion of her?
Kyousuke: This is dangerous...
Kyousuke: If you ask how dangerous, it's so much that I've knit my brows and they got stuck in a wrinkle.
Riki: That's pretty dangerous, all right...
Kyousuke: For the time being...
He took a breath.
Kyousuke: She'll be a team manager candidate...
Kamikita Komari was counted out of the team's combat potential less than thirty minutes after joining.
❝Story of the Hen, Chick, and Egg❞
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... I found Komari-san trotting toward me.
Riki: What's wrong? Why aren't you going outside?
Komari: Ah, well...
Komari: It's that...
She pointed to the screwdrive I was holding.
Riki: Okay, let me guess...
Riki: You couldn't open the window because you'd given this to me?
Komari: Ueeeh, that's right.
Komari: I was in a pinch... I was supposed to bring another one.
Komari: But I left it on the desk in my room.
Riki: You're so absent-minded, Komari-san.
Komari: Ga, gahhhn...
Komari: I've been wondering about it for a while, but... just as I thought, I really am absent-minded.
She never realized it until now? That's surprising.
Riki: Well, I guess you can fix it if you try to.
Komari: Yup... maybe you're right.
Komari: I see, so I'm absent-minded... All right!
She nodded wholeheartedly.
Riki: ...?
I had no idea what that reaction was supoosed to mean.
I removed the screws, and we went outside.
Riki: What a nice breeze.
Feeling the window brush gently against my cheek, I spoke my thoughts.
Komari: I'm really glad that the weather forecast was wrong.
Komari: By the way... you just called me Komari-san, didn't you?
Riki: Eh? Ah, yeah, you did call me by my first name as well.
Riki: So I thought I'd address you in the same way.
Komari: I like being called by my first name.
Komari: ... Because I think it feels comforting.
Riki: Comforting...
I was not sure if I could agree with her, but I certainly felt calling each other by the first name was very friendly.
Komari: But I don't want you to add "san"...
Komari: I know, just call me Komari.
Riki: That wouldn't feel quite right.
Komari: Really? Then, how about Komari-chan?
Riki: That's even harder to swallow...
Komari: I'm fine with it.
She grinned.
Komari: The first name belongs to me, but the last name is my family's.
Riki: Hmm...
Since I'd never look at it like that, I was impressed by her thoughts.
Komari: Ah... maybe you're hesitating because...
Komari: Come to think of it, you call Rin-chan by the first name with out -chan or -san, don't you?
Komari: Gahhhn, now I get it.
... She reached a shocking conclusion by herself.
Riki: I don't know what exactly it is you're suggesting...
Riki: But I also call Masato and Kengo by the first name, you know.
Komari: Oh.
She looked surprised.
Komari: A really bad thought just went through my mind...
Riki: Please stop with that train of thought.
Riki: I just call them in my own way since they're friends of mine.
Riki: There's no special meaning...
Komari: Ok, I see, that's right.
Komari: We are friends as well, then.
Saying so, she grinned again.
We sat down side by side.
Komari: Lalala~n.
While I was having my sandwich, Komari-san happily took out a bunch of sweets from her bag.
Riki: You brought a bunch of sweets yet again.
Komari: Yep, for me and you.
... I think we'll need 3 or 4 more people to finish them.
Komari: Eat a lot.
Riki: Ah, yeah, but I'll finish my sandwich before that.
Even at a glance, most of them looked very sweet.
... I'm sure I'd get an upset stomach if I ate them all.
Komari: It's spring now, so there's no problem bringing chocolates here. But in summer, it'll be difficult.
Komari: Last year, I brought plenty of small chocolates here.
Komari: But that day was so warm they all melted in my bag.
Riki: That was too bad...
The image of a panicked Komari-san passed before my eyes.
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Komari: I would've taken them out before they melted.
Komari: Even if I don't see it now, I'll definitely find out about it later.
Riki: ... It'd be good if you had the second sight.
Komari: No, the opposite...
Komari: Rather than the future, I think I'd like very much to see the past.
Komari: There are a lot of things I wanna forget about, but I forget even the things I don't want to lose.
Komari: That's really sad.
Komari: ... I think I wouldn't feel sad if I could see the past.
The smile she made was somehow fainter than usual.
Komari: There is a picture book I like. I read it long ago.
Our conversation moved to another topic. I've come to enjoy her unpredictability.
Komari: It was a story about hens, chicks and eggs.
Komari: A chick hatches from an egg and becomes a hen.
Komari: That hen lays an egg, and another chick hatches from that egg.
Komari: But both the hen and the chick forget everything after three steps.
Komari: The hen forgets about the chick, and the chick forgets about the egg.
Komari: There was a picture in the book where the chick was following the hen. I loved it.
Riki: But it somehow feels very philosophical... That book was for children, right?
Komari: ... Yes.
Komari: They keep forgetting.
Komari: It made me very sad.
Komari: But in the end, the hen saw an egg and remembered.
Komari: I used to be an egg.
Komari: Then finally, a chick brought its head out from the egg. The end.
Riki: Hm, I didn't know there were such profound picture books...
Komari: Profound?
Riki: I feel as though that book was talking philosophy.
Komari: Surely it wasn't anything that difficult.
Komari: ... But, the chicks were cute.
Komari: Riki-kun, do you like picture books?
Riki: I'm not sure since I have only ever read a few of them.
Even so, I thought the one Komari-san told me about sounded interesting...
I should see if I can find it somewhere.
Komari: Hmm, have you?
Komari: Ah, I seem to have made a bad choice for the conversation topic, then...
Riki: No, I don't think so.
Komari: Hmm. Please try this fruit flavored gummy candy, instead.
She held out a bad filled with candies before me.
Riki: Thank you.
I picked up an orange one and popped it in my mouth.
Komari: I'll be going back to the classroom, then.
Whilst saying that, she picked up the trash we had produced.
Riki: Okay, see you later.
Komari: It's just ten minutes until we meet again in the classroom, though.
Riki: Yeah, you're right.
Komari: Anyway, this is a ten-minute goodbye. And be sure to fix the window.
Leaving me with those words, she left.
Riki: (Picture books...)
I'd become kind of curious about the book she mentioned.
I now wanted to read it...
After finishing off all the fruit gummy candies, I went back to the classroom.