Chapter 72: Off campus study sessions, pajama parties (3)

After disembarking, we boarded a bus bound for Kyoto. The scenery outside, a stark contrast to the urban landscape I was used to, was filled with traditional houses and lush greenery.

“Wow… so this is Kyoto…” I murmured, gazing out the window, and Aya, also looking at the passing scenery, asked softly, “Do you like Kyoto, Rina?”

“It feels… different from Tokyo, with its towering skyline. More… exotic?”

“Exotic?” Aya giggled, covering her mouth with her hand, and I realized my word choice had been… less than ideal. The lingering influence of my past life sometimes made me forget…

I smiled awkwardly, looking away. Right. I was Kurosawa Rina, a Japanese girl.

****

We began our exploration of Kyoto’s cultural districts, the itinerary surprisingly packed. Ito-sensei and a tour guide accompanied us, explaining the historical significance of each location.

“This is ○○ Temple, built in the 16th century…”

“Yes, sensei~” While we’d initially been impressed, our responses gradually grew weaker as fatigue set in.

Temple—Shrine—Temple—Shrine…

The endless procession of similar structures and lengthy explanations made my mind go blank. The traditional houses, the ancient stone steps, the lush gardens… While beautiful and serene, the constant walking under the blazing summer sun was taking its toll.

Even Aya, usually so composed, was wiping sweat from her brow, a small folding fan in her hand, her expression strained. If even she was showing signs of discomfort… I felt like a wilting flower beside her.

“Rina, are you hot?”

“Yeah… I’m melting.”

Aya looked at me, then gently fanned me with her fan. “Here.”

The cool breeze against my skin was a welcome relief.

“Ahhh… thank you.” I practically melted against her, seeking the cool air. And as she fanned me, I noticed her delicate wrist, the elegant movement of her fingers as she moved the fan back and forth, the small gusts of wind against my skin… it made my heart flutter.

‘…Wait, why…?’ I quickly looked away, trying to compose myself. My face, moments ago flushed from the heat, was now burning for a different reason. Mizuki, meanwhile, was still full of energy, her camera clicking incessantly as she ran around, taking pictures.

“Aya-ring~ Rina-tan~ stand over there~” she called out, and I, my reaction time slowed by the heat, just stood there, while Aya, with a resigned sigh, stood beside me. Click—

Mizuki checked the picture on her phone and grinned. “Aya-ring and Rina-tan, you look like a couple~”

“What?!”
“What?” Aya and I exclaimed simultaneously, turning to look at each other, our eyes meeting, and I quickly looked away, flustered.

‘Ugh… so embarrassing…’ Aya also seemed slightly embarrassed, quickly averting her gaze. Mizuki chuckled from afar.

“Couple photo~! I’m posting this on LINE~!”

“Mizuki, seriously…!” She grinned, uploading the picture to our Trinity group chat.

****

The grueling Kyoto tour finally came to an end, and we, exhausted and practically delirious from the heat, headed towards our accommodations. Everyone on the bus looked as tired as I felt.

As we drove, the setting sun painted the sky in vibrant hues of orange and red, the picturesque scenery a stark contrast to my own exhaustion.

I leaned against the window, sighing softly. Mizuki, exhausted from her energetic explorations, had closed her eyes as soon as she’d boarded the bus, her head resting against the seat. Aya, sitting beside me, quietly opened a bottle of sports drink and took a long sip, her movements, even in her exhaustion, graceful and elegant.

I watched her, mesmerized, the close proximity allowing me to catch a whiff of her sweat, a strangely sweet and intoxicating scent.

Thankfully, my thoughts were interrupted by Ito-sensei’s voice. “Alright, about thirty minutes until we reach the resort!”

“Yay—!” A chorus of tired cheers.

Thirty minutes later, the bus pulled up in front of a large resort, and we all piled out, eager to escape the confines of the bus. The resort lobby, with its high ceilings, sleek modern design, and, most importantly, air conditioning, was a welcome sight.

“Wow, this is nice!”

“Finally, some rest…”

“It’s so cool in here!”

‘This is where we’re staying tonight…’ After checking in and receiving our room keys, we headed to our assigned triple room. Three neatly made beds, a large window offering a stunning view of the Kyoto cityscape… it was perfect.

“This is amazing!” Mizuki exclaimed, flopping onto one of the beds. I set down my bag, taking in the spacious room, then collapsed onto another bed, my legs aching.

“Finally, I can rest…” The room was comfortable, and the bed was incredibly soft, my exhausted legs sinking into the plush mattress.

Mizuki, however, after only ten seconds of lying down, suddenly bounced up, her usual energy seemingly undiminished.

“Pajama time!”

Where did she get all that energy? I looked at her, still half-collapsed on the bed. “Already…? Shouldn’t we shower first?”

“Who cares! Sleepover time~! Woohoo~!”

I chuckled, watching her rummage through her bag for her pajamas. Aya, looking at Mizuki, said quietly, “You’re going to shower first anyway, Mizuki.” She was right. Mizuki, always mindful of propriety, would never put on pajamas without showering first.

“Oh, right, right~! I’ll go first then~” She skipped into the bathroom, humming cheerfully. The sound of running water soon filled the air.

“I wish I could shower now~! I feel so gross after walking around all day~!” I muttered. This resort, thankfully, was modern, no communal bathhouse scenarios like in some traditional Japanese inns. Even in the novel, the protagonist’s encounters with Aya at the resort had been limited to stolen moments on the staircase.

I leaned back against the headboard, looking at Aya. I was still not entirely comfortable with my body, let alone… seeing Aya naked… no! I quickly shut my eyes, then opened them again.

‘That won’t happen. Right…?’ I tried to banish the image of Aya showering from my mind, but the more I tried to suppress it, the more vivid it became. ‘No! Why am I thinking about this?!’ My face flamed, and I buried it in my pillow.

Aya, who’d been watching me, chuckled softly. “…Rina, what are you thinking about?”

Her voice, so close to my ear, made my breath hitch, and I buried my face deeper into the pillow.

“N-Nothing! It’s nothing!” My denial sounded a bit too vehement… I was being so obvious! Aya just smiled, then quietly began unpacking her bag, pulling out… pajamas. The matching pajamas we’d bought together.

I tried to calm my racing heart, glancing at the closed bathroom door. Mizuki was still showering. And then… Aya? Or me?

I clutched my pillow, holding my breath, listening to the sound of running water, Aya’s soft breathing… it was a quiet, strangely intimate night.