CH 5.2

Truancy and Temple – Part 2

When Haruki looked up the address on the memo on the smartphone, found out that Yuuki’s house was right next to a temple called Kutsukain. It was about an eight-minute walk from the school, which was as close as Haruki’s and Sayaka’s house.

It’s in the opposite direction of the way home, and the scenery is unfamiliar. Although it’s part of the town Haruki has lived in for many years, this area is mostly just a small hill behind the temple with a few houses, and it’s not an area that people would visit unless they knew someone there.

──But somehow, it feels like a familiar scenery…

When the temple in question finally came into view, the two Sayakas, who had been arguing all the time, suddenly stopped in their tracks. As if both were breathing in unison, perfectly.

「Haa-chan, could it be that, you are going to that temple?」

The one who asked was Sayaka (サヤカ), and there was a hint of anxiety.

「When I looked up the address, it seemed to be near that temple. According to this map──」

「After all, let’s go home.」

This time Sayaka (さやか) interrupted.

「here’s no need for Haa-chan to go to that place…」

「What do you mean by “that place”? What’s wrong with that temple?」

Even when Haruki asked, the Sayakas closed their mouths as if they were synchronizing their breathing.

Haruki doesn’t know why they are so anxious but couldn’t turn back after coming this far.

「I’m just delivering a printout, it’ll be over quickly.」

When Haruki started walking again like saying “It’s okay”, the Sayakas followed him with a feeling of reluctance.

When Haruki followed the directions on the map, they arrived at the front of Kutsukain. Looking closely at the map, the destination is set towards the back of the temple.

However, all that’s behind Kutsukain is a small hill, and there doesn’t seem to be any houses.

As Haruki was comparing the screen of the smartphone with the surrounding scenery, wondering if the location was correct, Haruki’s field of vision flickered.

And then, like a flashback, Haruki remembered the girl of that dream.

──Let’s go Haa-chan.

In the haze that blurred the scenery, was the figure of a girl smiling at Haruki.

Why did Haruki think of such a dream now…

「──Excuse me, do you need something?」

Suddenly spoken to, Haruki snapped back to reality.

In front of Haruki, there was a beautiful woman holding a bamboo broom. She had long black hair tied up to her waist, and she was wearing a purple-black work uniform, which made Haruki think she might be related to the temple.

「Ah, umn… I’m looking for a classmate’s house. According to the map, it seems to be located behind this temple.」

「If that’s the case, I think it’s probably our house.」

「This temple…? But the address seems to be different from the temple’s.」

「That address is for the residence, which is slightly different from the main hall. The residence is further back from the temple office, which is separate from the main hall… I’m sorry if I’m wrong, but are you by any chance visiting Yuuki?」

Haruki honestly nodded and said “That’s right’.

Then the woman smiled softly, as if to soften her expression.

「I thought so because you’re wearing the same school uniform as Yuuki. I’ve heard about it from the school. I’ll guide you, so please come this way.」

She gracefully turned on her heel and started walking.

Haruki was about to follow her, but the Sayakas didn’t move. Sayaka (サヤカ) looked around in confusion, and Sayaka (さやか) looked down hesitantly.

This childhood friend has always been extremely shy around people. Especially towards unfamiliar adults, the shyness is remarkable, and it’s likely the same reason she didn’t come to the staff room earlier. Even now, when the two of them have multiplied and there are differences in their personalities, there doesn’t seem to be much difference in their shyness towards people.

「I’ll be back in a bit, so just relax here.」

Leaving those words to reassure them, Haruki followed the woman.

「I apologize for the late introduction, my name is Kanna.」

On the way, the woman said as if she had just remembered.

「I am Yuuki’s mother.」

Upon hearing this, Haruki was secretly surprised. While Kanna’s appearance somewhat resembled Yuuki, Haruki had not considered that she could be his mother. Haruki had thought of her as an older sister with a significant age gap.

「Ah, my name is Kunieda. I’m Senzaki-san, or rather, Yuuki-san’s classmate.」

「Kunieda-san, is this your first time coming to Kutsukain?」

「Yes, I think it’s my first time.」

「Is that so…」

With a somewhat suggestive response, Kanna directs an intense gaze towards Haruki.

「Um… Is there something on my face?」

「Is Kunieda-san a friend of Yuuki’s?」

「Well, I wonder about that.」

A vague reply and a bitter smile slipped out. Haruki couldn’t outright deny it, but there weren’t enough reasons to affirm it positively either.

Kanna let out a satisfied smile as if convinced, saying, “I see”.

「It’s rare for a classmate to come to visit Yuuki at home, so I couldn’t help to have expectations. And since is someone like Kunieda-san, I thought that Yuuki couldn’t be underestimated.」

「Couldn’t be underestimated?」

「No, don’t worry about it. It’s just nonsense.」

Her demeanor was graceful, but the occasional teasing expression she showed made Haruki feel a slight connection with Yuuki.

「Umn, it’s hard to ask, but… does Yuuki-san not have many friends?」

「Well, yes. Yuuki doesn’t seem to be interested in others… It’s our fault. We didn’t give Yuuki much attention.」

「Even though you’re always at the temple?」

「People who are not involved with the temple may not understand, but it is surprisingly busy. I, too, have finally gotten used to it recently.」

To Haruki, who was not familiar with the temple, it seemed strange. It felt like she would has more opportunities to interact since they were always at home, but apparently, that wasn’t the case.

Walking through the well-maintained temple grounds and around the back of the old main hall, you could see the temple office, and beyond that, a small pond and a garden spread out. Opposite the pond was a grand single-story Japanese house, which, combined with the garden and the deep green mountains in the background, created a solemn atmosphere.

「It’s a splendid mansion.」

「It’s just a bit large. It’s been passed down through generations, so there are many parts that are worn out.」

Kanna said modestly.

「In the future, when you have to deliver printouts, please feel free to come here. I would appreciate it if I could make your acquaintance.」

It was a strange phrase. It was as if she foresaw that this situation would continue for a while.

「Do you think it will last long? Well… Yuuki-san’s shut-in state.」

「It’s embarrassing to say, but the situation is still uncertain. We only saw Yuuki this morning.」

「So, Yuuki has been shut up since this morning?」

「Yes. This morning, Yuuki woke up somewhat flustered, so we asked if something was wrong. Thereupon, Yuuki made a sad face and went back to the room. Since then, Yuuki has been shut in. We have no idea what happened.」

「Despite that, you seem calm. It doesn’t seem like you’re too worried.」

「As you may know, Kunieda-san, Yuuki is a difficult child. Of course, we want Yuuki to come out the room, but right now, we think it’s better not to stimulate Yuuki too much.」

With a somewhat resigned tone, Haruki suddenly remembered the words of Aiura.

「Is that that thinking based on past experiences?」

When Haruki asked sharply, Kanna’s smile faded slightly.

「You have already heard about it, haven’t you? Perhaps you know the details?」

「No, because I was told that it involves Yuuki-san’s privacy.」

「I see… Even so, you’re curious about it? About what happened in her past?」