Infinite Stratos, Volume 4, page 8
It works on me... I hope. At least I don’t look weird in it, Houki, with no confidence in her appearance, told herself as she looked in the mirror. A pale blue wave pattern flowed over the yukata, with crimson goldfish as accents. Here and there were silver beads and golden arcs, but as subtle decorations rather than garish splashes, preserving its calm and refreshing look.
“Oh, and bring this with you. I’ve put your wallet and phone and things inside.”
Yukiko passed Houki a cloth pouch. When did she have a chance to do that? Was something which Houki wasn’t going to ask. Her mother had always described Yukiko as helpful and clever.
“Um, Aunt Yukiko.”
“What?”
“T-Thank you...”
Houki’s shyness was answered by a quick look of surprise before the smile returned to Yukiko’s face.
“You’re welcome. Anyway! You can’t keep your boyfriend waiting!”
“Wait, he’s just—”
“Sure, sure. Now hurry along.” Yukiko rushed Houki out of the changing room and toward the foyer. As she glanced at the clock on the wall on the way, she noticed it was already past six. The sunlight had faded to a golden orange. “The fireworks start at eight. You two should find somewhere to watch them together.”
“I was saying, he’s—”
“Of course. Now have fun.”
Houki sighed. She hadn’t had time to explain fully, or Yukiko hadn’t bothered to listen fully, but either way, her sandals were on and she was on her way out the door. Even more worrying was how Ichika would feel after being kept waiting for an hour.
What do I do? That took longer than I thought. He probably gave up and went home. And Aunt Yukiko keeps getting us all wrong. How do I explain it? Walking carefully to keep her hem even, she made for the shrine’s arch as fast as she could. That was always where they had waited for each other in the old days.
Where is he... The area was already filled with a sea of people when she arrived, and she couldn’t find him. Plus, most of them were entering the shrine by passing through, and she didn’t want to block their way by standing under it. He must have already... Just as she resigned herself, she felt a tug at her hand.
“You’re late, Houki. I’ve been waiting! Oh, wow— You’re wearing a yukata?”
“O-Oh, Ichika. There you are. I didn’t notice.”
Seeing him unexpectedly for the second time made her lose her words again. Calm down, Houki. Calm down. Wait... My hand?! He’s holding my hand? Only now did her cheeks flush as she noticed they were holding hands. Fortunately, it had already grown dim, and Ichika didn’t notice.
“Huh. I like it. It looks good on you.”
“R-Really?! I thought so myself!”
I-Is he really praising me?! Houki let Ichika lead her through the crowd as the praise made her nerves jangle like a telephone.
“Anyway, there’s a bunch of stuff to go see. I missed out on last year; was too busy with exams.”
“.........” Houki held a hand to her chest, as if to feel—and to hold back—her heart pounding, as she followed. Her right hand was still in his.
“Cotton candy, yakisoba, corn on the cob, they’ve got it all. I knew Shinonono Shrine would get this right.”
Houki wouldn’t have known what to make of that if she had heard it. All she could think was to hope that he couldn’t hear the sound of her heart.
“Houki?”
“W-What?!”
Ichika had put his face close to Houki’s to be heard in the crowd. Remembering the moonlit night by the sea the month before when they’d almost kissed, she pulled back. His face looked exactly as it had when she’d opened her eyes then.
“Hey, be careful, or you’re gonna run into someone.”
“Right. Sorry.”
“So, where do you wanna go first?”
“Well, uhh.”
The hand she’d pulled away suddenly felt lonely. Unable to bring herself to ask to hold hands again, Houki nervously cast the hand behind her back to and fro instead. We’re alone together. Not like we sometimes are at school, but alone. Together. Mmm. Her joy at the realization was matched with disappointment that they weren’t holding hands.
“Hey, aren’t you really bad at goldfish scooping?”
“When was the last time you checked? Well?”
“Hm? Have you gotten better then?”
“Of course I have. Don’t think I’m always going to be that little girl.”
“Let’s go, then. Loser buys winner something to eat.”
“Perfect. I was about to suggest the same thing.”
Houki nodded with crossed arms, and the two set off to find a goldfish scooping stall. It didn’t take long before they found one, and each had their payment ready at the same time.
“You’re wearing a yukata, Houki. Are you sure that’s not going to give you trouble?”
“I’m used to traditional clothing. You don’t need to hold back.”
“Oh, okay... Then it’s on!”
“You know it!”
Their scoops hit the water at the same time.
◆
“Well, uh. Thanks for the yakisoba.”
“I don’t understand...”
As Ichika chowed down with a grin, Houki sat next to him clutching her fists in resentment. They had been tied three to three at the end, when suddenly, one of Houki’s goldfish dove back into the tank. They both had been so surprised at this turn of events that they let their scoops soak through.
“That damned goldfish, ruining our match...”
“That’s what they do.”
Houki glared even more intently than usual, and Ichika found it wiser to change the topic, “Anyway, you don’t have to stay mad. This yakisoba is great. You should try some.”
As he spoke, Ichika held up a bite for Houki with the same chopsticks he’d been eating with. Is this... An indirect kiss... Trying not to stop the pounding of her heart, Houki snuck a quick glance at Ichika’s face.
“Hm?”
It was as nonchalant as ever. Disappointed at the lack of suggestion but pleased by his kindness, Houki opened her mouth wide, waiting for the ‘say ahh.’
“Mm. Wow, this is good.”
“Isn’t it? Plus, you must be hungry after that dance.”
“Yeah. I... I guess I am.”
She’d forgotten all about it until he brought it up. Still, she hadn’t wanted to say anything and move the conversation away from his offer to feed her. He’d do that for anyone, though. The realization made her heart ache a little. I want that to only be for me... Houki was truly a 16-year-old in love.
“I’m a little thirsty.”
“Oh, yeah. It’s so hot here because of the crowd. Should we get something to drink?”
“Okay.” Houki nodded, though her blush wasn’t from the heat at all.
All right, now I’ll just take his hand. With the eyes of a duelist waiting to draw, Houki watched Ichika’s hand. And then, the moment came. And, and... Now!
“Huh? Ichika, is that you?”
“Huh?”
As Ichika turned toward the voice, Houki’s hand grasped air. Hiding her failure, she quickly brought it around to adjust her hair. Who! Who’s butting in now?!
“Oh, Ran.”
What? Who’s this? It was no surprise that she didn’t know the person, but Houki was still unsettled that Ichika did.
“Didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Oh, yeah. I’ve been running into way more people than I expected. Where’s Dan?”
“I dunno. Probably laying around at home.”
Ran, like Houki, was also in a yukata. Her hair was let down in complex braids rather than held up by its usual hairband.
“I’ve never seen you in a yukata before. I always think of you in western clothing, but that looks good on you too.”
“Oh, really? Thanks.”
Ran looked at her feet to hide her blush. Meanwhile, Houki’s jealousy alarms screamed.
“Wow, Prez is blushing. She never does that.”
“Oh, this must be why she’s never seemed interested in boys from other schools or any of us.”
“Good luck, Prez!”
From behind Ran, a group of other girls in yukata spoke.
“What’s wrong with you guys?!”
“Oh, now she’s mad.”
“Must have touched a sore spot.”
“Scary!”
Ran took a deep breath to fire back at them, but before she could, Ichika interrupted, “Are these friends from your school?”
“They’re, uh, the rest of the student council...”
Ran stumbled over her words as Ichika stepped up next to her. The four girls accompanying her exchanged grins as they continued.
“We came to get ideas for our autumn festival.”
“Where better to learn about festivals than at one?”
“But we were about done, anyway.”
“Eh? Since wh—” Ran’s eyes widened at this new revelation. They must have conversed through eye contact in the way that only teenage girls could.
“All right, Prez.”
“We’re leaving now.”
“See you at school!”
“Adieu!”
“Wait, hold on!”
The four disappeared into the crowd with a speed surprising for yukata-wearers. Left behind were Ran, halfway through raising her hand to point at them; Ichika, standing beside her; and shortly behind the two Houki, whose displeasure meter was rising rapidly.
“They, uh, they like messing with people.”
“Oh, I know the type.”
“But they don’t actually mean it. You know?!” Ran had been so intent on defending them for some reason that she only now noticed that Ichika had stepped up next to her. “S-Sorry!”
Stepping away, she spun around, her face even redder than before.
“Ah... Ahem!” Houki cleared her throat, trying to claw Ichika’s attention back.
“Oh, sorry. You haven’t been introduced, have you. This is Gotanda Ran. Remember, I told you about Dan? She’s his little sister.”
“Hello, I’m Gotanda Ran.”
Ran gave Houki a businesslike bow. At that moment, Houki became sure that she was a rival in love.
“And this is Shinonono Houki. My first childhood friend. I think I’ve told you about her?”
“No, just mentioned her name.”
“Really? Anyway, I hope you two get along. Right, Houki?”
“Sh-Shinonono Houki. Pleased to meet you.”
“Pleased to meet you.”
Another businesslike greeting, and then the air fell silent for a few seconds. Within each of their hearts, meanwhile—
Ichika made her sound like some kind of samurai. He never said she was this pretty. And why does she have to have such big boobs?
Not into your friend’s sister, huh, Ichika? Well, she’s into you. And... I know I’m not as cute... Ugh, this is frustrating.
Both turned their eyes to Ichika, waiting for him to break the ice.
“.........”
“.........”
Ichika was a bit embarrassed by the sudden serious stares.
“W-What?”
“Nothing.”
“Nothing at all.”
Their answers were brief, and their eyes remained fixed.
“Oh.” Ichika clapped his hands together, but his next words only sharpened their glares. “Why don’t we walk around together?”
With her hopes now thoroughly shattered, Houki stalked silently, her head slumped forward. Ran, meanwhile, had received even more praise than hoped and her expression glowed.
“See, her friends ditched her. Unless you want to go home too, Ran?”
“No, I’ll stay! I’d love to walk around together!”
Near-astonishment showed on Ichika’s face as Ran grasped his hand. His own reaction reminded Ran of what she herself was doing, and she blushed as she pulled her hand back.
“All right, let’s look around then.”
“Of course.”
“Whatever...” Houki’s glum resignation was the mirror image of Ran’s joy.
They walked side by side, with Houki on Ichika’s left and Ran on his right. As they made their way through the packed summer festival, they passed families here, groups of friends there, and of course couples.
This is my chance! I almost never get this close to Ichika! And my stupid brother isn’t here to ruin it either! Even if I’ve got a serious rival... I’ve gotta do my best! Ran pumped herself up as she stole glances at Ichika’s face.
Ugh... I’m used to him being a blockhead, but this is really pushing it... I mean, going out of his way to compliment someone else’s yukata too? I could kill him right now...
Houki couldn’t let go of her anger. But at the same time, her naïvete pushed her in the other direction. On the other hand, I’m the one who just got an ind— An indirect... kiss... It may seem like only a handful of solace, but for Houki the handful alone would be enough. She brought her own together as if to cradle it.
“Didn’t you used to come to these with Dan, Ran?”
“I guess. Dad always said it was dangerous for a girl to go alone, so he made me drag him along.”
“Then, that was how I met you,” she added in a whisper.
Deep within her heart, a little voice reminded her of the day she first fell in love, gently and joyously, harmoniously and passionately. Maybe, just for today, I can be a little bit bolder. With another whisper of “Go for it!” she reached her hand toward Ichika’s again.
Thud.
“Wha—”
“Sorry!”
“No, I’m sorry, I wasn’t looking.”
Ran nodded her head apologetically at the passerby she’d bumped into.
“Are you okay, Ran?”
“Ah.........”
Ichika had, when Ran tipped off balance, instinctively pulled her toward his chest. Meaning, she was wrapped in her crush’s arms. For a teenaged girl’s heart, more delicate than Mozart’s piano sonatas and more vivid than Vivaldi’s concertos, it was too much.
“Eh... Ah... I...!”
Ran’s hands flapped back and forth, meaninglessly, as her mental circuits overloaded.
“Hm?”
“Ah, ah... That!”
Ran thrust her finger in the direction of a shooting gallery. Of course, only to disguise what she really meant.
“Oh, are you good at that?”
“Yeah, well, kind of.”
Afraid that Ichika would be able to hear the pounding of her heart, she pretended to adjust her yukata as an excuse to step back from him. Did I really just embarrass myself like that? Ugh... I never realized how muscular he was until—enough about that! It’s time for the shooting gallery! I need to show off!
“Okay, why not then? ...Hmm? C’mon, Houki, don’t go too far away or we’ll get split up.”
Lightly grasping Houki’s hand, he led her and Ran toward the shooting gallery. It’s likely that he had no way of knowing what was going through each of their hearts.
“Step right up!”
“Three plays, please.”
“Well, well. Looks like you’ve got your hands full today, pal! No freebies, then!”
“Aww, c’mon. At least for the girls?”
“Gahahaha. Not happening.” The attendant, whose white T-shirt’s sleeves were rolled up to reveal the rippling muscles of his tanned arms, gave a wild grin. Ichika found him amusing enough, and paid for all three plays. “You’re welcome, champ. I like your style, y’know? Not many kids your age know how to treat a lady.”
“You’re telling me. That’s why I deserve a disc—”
“No way, not in a million years. Can’t subsidize the competition, now, can I? Bwahaha.” He may have been friendly, but there was still no room for negotiation.
Ichika, Ran, and Houki each lifted their airguns and loaded them with cork pellets.
“.........”
Ran carefully aimed hers with the steely gaze of a sniper. Her aura was as sharp and unapproachable as a stiletto. I’m a terrible shot... She regretted her choices of a few moments ago. Her spur-of-the-moment claim had dug her own grave.
“Wow, you look like the real thing. Good luck!”
“Yeah.” She nodded laconically, not wanting to break her own concentration.
Argh! This is all wrong! I’m terrible at it! But the longer she took to set up her shot, the more even the other bystanders became as expecting as Ichika was. Just go ahead and shoot! What’s the worst that can happen, having to go ‘I lied, I actually don’t know how. Can you show me?’ That’ll work! I’ll just have to settle for that!”
He might even have to guide her into proper posture. She’d seen on TV the kind of training he would have gone through at IS Academy, so— Her mind filled with a fog the color of pink grapefruit as the cork shot forth with a bang.
“Ah—”
“Oh?”
“Ooh!”
Thwap. Thud.
“You shot down the dog tag?! You win a flat-screen TV!”
“Eh? Ehh? Eh...?”
Ran’s aimless shot had somehow struck the smallest target, and the booth attendant somehow seemed even more excited than the rest of her audience or even Ichika.
“Amazing, young lady! I thought I had that nailed up there—uh, I mean, never mind!”
“Ahh...”
“I’m impressed enough that you set your eyes on the flat-screen TV. Even more that you got it. Incredible!”
Ichika was clapping as if legitimately impressed. The surrounding crowd joined in, as even more began to rubberneck at the commotion.
“Gahahaha. You’re stealing the shirt off my back today! Take it and get outta here!”
“Th-Thanks.”
The package was bulky, but not so large that a middle school girl couldn’t carry it, and Ran took it.
“That was perfect!”
“If you say so...”
A question mark seemed to hover over Ichika’s head as he pondered Ran’s sudden disappointment, before he turned to Houki.
“Ugh...” Her fifth and final shot had missed the mark.
