Spending A Lovey-Dovey College Life With A Spoiled Childhood Friend - Chapter 25

Translator: Hayme

Editor: AJ1703

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That’s how our bicycle trip to Oarai began. We rode along the long road that stretches north from the university campus. I saw some joggers, but it’s pretty quiet.

“This university is so big, isn’t it?”

“Because It’s one of the top three campuses in Japan.”

Shun-san said so.

“So that’s why it’s so big…”

I knew it was big, but I didn’t know it was that big.

After passing through the university campus, I found myself on a wide street lined up with trees. Although it is a research academy city, Tsukunami is more like a countryside, it’s very rich in nature.

“Even so, it’s hot today! It feels like summer already~!”

Miyu said that in a cheerful voice, despite the heat.

“I really don’t know why it’s so hot…”

“Are you okay…?

“It’s been less than half an hour. You worry too much.”

I didn’t wear a hat to protect myself from the sun, and she was worried about that. Regardless of my physical strength, I thought she was worrying a little too much.

As we continued on, the slope of the flat road became steeper and steeper. Because of that, I had to pedal hard.

“Suu…haa…suu…haa…”

“Suu…haa…”

“Eeho! All right!”

While we were pedaling up the slope with all our strength, Shun-san was shouting a mysterious call as we climbed up without a care in the world. The first one was me, the next one was Miyu, and the last one was Shun-san. I’ve never seen him exercise before, but I wonder how much physical strength he has.

After a while, it was time to go downhill.

“Uwaa! It’s a steep drop!”

“Hiya~ this is awesome!”

“I love this! This is so good!”

The descent was not that strenuous, but it was a little scary, as if we were going too fast.

As soon as I thought we had finished descending the slope, I saw an uphill road again.

“Haa…haa…haa…haa…”

“Haa…haa…”

“Hmm~ What a nice view.”

Shun-san continued on his way, undaunted by the two consecutive ascend. I really don’t know how strong this guy is…

“All right, Let’s take a break.”

Shun-san said as we walked up the hill.

“That was really tough…”

“It was a little hard for me, too…”

“That’s how it is at first.”

Come to think of it, Shun-san was awfully used to it…

“How often have you been to Oarai?”

“Almost every year. I’ve been here since I was an undergraduate, so that’s a total of seven times.”

Shun-san said such a thing without hesitation.

“That much…”

I am amazed at the vitality of the people who make this many trips every year.

Wiping off my sweat, I took out a plastic water bottle from my backpack and drank it.

“It’s a long ride, so do take it slow.”

“Okay, of course.”

“Ryu-kun, Shun-san! Here, have some candies~!”

“Oh~ Thanks.”

“Asakura-san’s so thoughtful.”

Miyu handed out some pineapple candies to us. Licking them like this made me feel a little more energetic.

“That’s about 15 kilometers left.”

Shun said while checking the phone in his hand.

“Two more times like this? That’s a long way to go…”

“It’s so hot… ah! If it gets too hot, tell me right away, okay?”

“Yes~”

I was a little tired from the two uphills in a row, but I had recovered from the water and candy, so I was still going strong.

After descending the slope, we came to a flat road. All around us were fields and trees. There were almost no traffic lights.

“The cool breeze feels so refreshing~”

“Yeah, you’re right”

“That’s right, it’s because we’re shaded by the trees.”

The road was shaded by trees, which made it a little cooler for a while.

“There are no traffic lights, and it feels like we’re in another world!”

“There are only trees all around us, it’s exciting~!”

“I know right?”

Shun-san seemed a little happy. I guess he wanted us to have a good time since he brought us along here.

As we continued along the road in the shade of the trees, the surroundings became darker and darker. On both sides of the road, there were a lot of trees. It was as if there was a road in the forest.

“Oh wow, it’s so dark.”

“It’s hard to see where we are going…”

“Be careful.”

Shun-san, the leader of the group, said that as he lit up the road. The narrow path in the forest is still like a different world but in a different way from before.

“This is fantastic, It’s like we’re in a storybook.”

Miyu exclaimed in admiration.

If she’s enjoying it like this, this might have been worth the trip after all.

As we passed through the forest, we could see a few houses. But, Most of them were old-fashioned one-story houses.

“All right, let’s take another break.”

I parked my bike nearby. I felt like I had cycled a long way, but it was easier than before because the road was flat.

“The houses here look relaxing.”

I gave my honest opinion.

“But, isn’t it inconvenient?”

Miyu gave a realistic impression.

“Well, if you have a car, you can get by.”

A car… I remembered that we had talked about getting a driver’s license before.

“Should I get a driver’s license?”

“Me too, I was wondering about that.”

“Yeah, I guess so…”

Shun-san pondered for a moment.

“It’s a safe bet to get one while you’re still a student. Even if you don’t drive a car, it’s good for identification.”

“”I see.””

Miyu and I nodded together. As a college student, you will occasionally have to show your ID, but not having to show your student ID might make me feel more comfortable.

“‘When you’re working, you don’t have much time.’ That’s what my classmates told me.”

“That reminds me, are all of your classmates working?”

“The master’s degree aside, it’s rare for someone to go for a doctoral degree.”

I haven’t thought properly about going for a master or doctorate degree yet, but I guess there are barriers there.

“Anyways, there’s no harm in getting a license. So, Why don’t you guys try to get yours this summer?”

“Miyu and I were just talking about getting our licenses the other day.”

I think Shun-san was in the same car when we talked about it.

“I see, well I think it might be a good idea for couples to go to a driving school together.”

I’m a little embarrassed when he said that we are a “couple.” When I looked at Miyu, she looked a little embarrassed as well.

“We’ve been talking a lot, but we should get going soon.”

“How much further is it?”

I think we’ve covered a pretty good distance.

“I think we’re about ten kilometers away. We’re almost there.”

We’re already less than a quarter of the way there. Then I’ll just have to do my best.

So, once again, we began to move forward.

As we approached the Oarai coast, we could see the scenery of the city little by little.

“Five kilometers to go. We’re almost there!”

Shun-san said that. The further we go, the more we can smell the sea.

“I wonder if we’re close. I can smell the sea.”

“Yeah, you’re right. That reminds me, when was the last time you went there?”

I don’t remember going to the sea in summer when I was in highschool, so was it when I was in middle school?

“It’s an annual thing for me.”

Looking in the direction we were going, we could see the ocean in the distance.

Soon after that we arrived at Oarai. We parked our bikes in front of the beach and said a few words together.

“””It’s the sea!””” (EDN: Umi-daaaah!)

We shouted the usual words when going to the sea.

“But, no one’s here…”

“Well, it’s off-season after all.”

“And that’s why it’s such a luxury!”

It would be a luxury to have an empty beach to yourself. It was a clear day, so I could see the sea very clearly.

“….”

“….”

“….”

After that, The three of us lazed around, looking at the beach on a sunny day of June. Then I wondered what the three of us were doing on the beach during the off-season.

“Ah, that’s right. We have to eat lunch.”

“Is it that time already?”

“You’re right. Then, Let’s have lunch.”

Shun-san laid out his picnic blanket, and after that the three of us sat down. It was a fairly large one, and there was plenty of room for the three of us.

“Ryu-kun, here.”

“Oh~ thank you.”

I took the lunch box from Miyu and opened the lid (the box was an elaborate, girlish design, by the way). There were three onigiri (rice balls), an omelet, fried chicken, salad, cherry tomatoes, and simmered vegetables. It was a much more substantial meal than I had expected.

“You said it was just rice balls and side dishes…”

“It’s been a while since I’ve made a bento for you. So, I got a little carried away~” [TLN: wish all.]

Miyu made a triumphant look on her face when she said that. A lot of thoughts ran through my mind like: “It must have taken a lot of time and effort to make all this,” “She must have woken up early in the morning,” “She’s so cute like this”. However, the words that came out of my mouth were the same as always.

“You’re really amazing Miyu. There~ there~”

I took off Miyu’s hat and patted her on the head. Her hair felt a little hot, probably because of the sun’s heat.

“〜〜♪”

Miyu narrowed her eyes happily.

“You guys are really close to each other, aren’t you?”

I had completely forgotten that he was here with us.

“N-No, this is…”

I sluggishly tried to make an excuse.

“I’m not going to say anything about it. You can flirt with each other all you want.”

Shun-san said that with a warm look in his eyes. However, there was no way I could have done it even if he had told us we could flirt in front of him, so I kept my mouth shut. Anyways, l have to eat our lunch.

I took a bite on the omelet first.

“Yeah! It’s delicious!”

The fact that it’s not too sweet shows that Miyu knows exactly what I like.

“I’m so glad~ here, have some more~”

Then, Miyu picks up a piece of fried chicken with her chopsticks and offers it to me.

“Wait, stop, Shun-san is watching us…”

“Shun-san went over there to buy some drinks.”

Shun-san can be seen in the distance. I was sure that I had brought enough drinks with me, then I wondered if he was paying attention to us. So I quietly took the fried chicken from Miyu’s chopsticks and chewed it. I’m embarrassed to say it, but it’s delicious too. It’s just fried chicken, but the flavor is soaked deep inside of it.

“Is it good…?”

“Ahh~ it’s delicious.”

“Then, I’m glad~”

We somehow managed this ordinary interaction between us. Well, it’s not like I’d had any worries concerning the taste anyways.

“How’d you make this?”

“You mean fried chicken? I just made it the usual way~”

“It’s juicy and flavorful.”

“The secret is in the seasoning. Once you get the hang of it, I’m pretty sure you can do it too.”

Miyu said that like it’s nothing at all. I don’t think I could make a fried chicken as good as this one, even if I were given the recipe.

“I think I’ll have some lunch too.”

She said, and took out her own bento.

“Huh, it’s a little less… wait, isn’t mine too much?”

There are fewer onigiri (rice balls) and a little less side dish than mine.

“I just thought you’d eat more than me.”

“I see, thank you… you know, you’ll make a great wife someday, Miyu.”

I’ve been so pushed around by Miyu these days that I had forgotten about it, but it’s one of the things I like about her that she notices details like this.

“Ryu-kun, is that a proposal…?”

Miyu then immediately smiled devilishly.

“Ah…! Wait, that’s not what I meant! It’s just a figure of speech!”

“Fuun~ so that’s the extent of your resolve, huh? Ryu-kun?”

“Wait, no, it’s not like that…”

“I’m kidding~ I’m kidding~”

“Tehehe~” said Miyu with no hint of remorse. I know I’m the one who got into it, but Miyu, who set me up, was so adorable that I can’t hate her for it.

“Haa… Lately, I’ve been getting pushed around a lot by Miyu, haven’t I?”

“I doubt it. Do you have any idea how long I waited for you since high school?”

“Ugh…! I’m sorry about that…”

I kinda felt pathetic when she said that. After that, we had a lovey-dovey (?) time with each other for half an hour.

“Oh, did you guys finish eating already?”

Shun-san, who had returned before we knew it, said with an expressionless look on his face.

“Yes, I’m already done eating.”

“Ah, sorry, I’m going to eat mine quickly.”

After saying that, Shun-san started to eat the bento that he had bought from a convenience store.

‘By any chance, did you give Miyu and I some time to be with each other?’

‘Well, if that’s what you think. So, did you make out with each other?’

‘I have no comment.‘

I was grateful for his thoughtfulness, but sometimes I really don’t understand him. As I was thinking about this, I suddenly thought.

“Speaking of which. Last time we talked about the old manager, but now, Shun-san, is there anyone you like?”

Miyu said something like that. It was unusual for her to get involved in someone’s love life. No, it would be unusual if it was the old Miyu, would it?

“As you can tell by looking at me. I don’t have any, and at my age, it’s hard to meet with anyone.”

Shun-san said, mocking himself.

“Don’t you want to be with someone?”

“Well, now that all my classmates have found their own jobs, I wish I had someone to be with…”

Shun-san mumbled a little sadly. I guess he has those feelings too.

“Then, why don’t we go find someone?”

“Ha?”

“What are you talking about, Asakura-san?”

Both of us are confused by Miyu’s sudden words. What is she talking about?, I thought so too.

“Shun-san, you want to have a girlfriend right?”

“Well… yes.”

“Then, I’ll try contacting some of my old friends! Let’s see here….”

I was surprised when Miyu suddenly started to contact her friends, especially since she had lost a lot of friends, both male and female, after that incident.

“Wait, Asakura-san, I appreciate it that you want to help me, but it’s not necessarily right away…”

Even Shun-san was a bit flustered.

“Shun-san, are you free on July 4, Saturday?” (Miyu)

“Y-Yeah, I’m free on that day…” (Shun)

“Well then, could you leave it open?” (Miyu)

“Yeah, it’s fine. Anyways, who am I meeting with?” (Shun)

“Her name’s Miyako-chan, she’s an old friend of mine.” (Miyu)

“Miyako, huh? But, why…?” (Ryuji)

Kujo Miyako is a friend from our middle school days. She has an old-fashioned name that attracts a lot of attention, but she is from a prominent family in Kyoto. Although we went to different high schools, we still keep in touch with each other from time to time, even after we went to university.

“Miyako-chan’s recently wondering if there’s anyone good for her.”

“O-Oh really? She doesn’t talk about that stuff with me.”

“Girls have stories just between them, you know?”

“So, you want her to be Shun-san’s partner? I’m not sure…”

Still, isn’t it too sudden?

“Anyways! what do you think?”

“Hmm… It’s like a blind date.”

Shun-san bitterly smiled. For Shun-san, that’s probably exactly what he’s thinking. In addition, he might still be thinking about the old manager that we heard about… when I was thinking about it…

“Well, fine, if you just want me to talk to her, I’ll do it.”

He gave us an OK.

“Then! I’ll contact Miyako-chan~!”

Miyu then continued,

“Please dress properly and make sure it’s clean, okay!?”

A word without mercy. Well, no matter how nice Shun-san is, I’m sure it would be difficult for Miyako if he wore a saggy T-shirt and tattered denims like he usually does, but I think he would look better if he dressed up a little properly.

“I-I understand… I’ll take note of that.”

Shun seemed to be aware of this, and nodded with an unusually serious expression. I mean, what are we talking about when we come all the way here to the beach?

“Miyu, you’re getting off topic. Rather than that, it’s about time.”

I looked at my watch and saw that it had been more than two hours since we had eaten lunch. Considering the amount of time it would take to get back home, we had to leave soon.

So, after fulfilling our goal of seeing the Oarai coast, we decided to head home…

“Isn’t it kind of hot in here?

“Well, I do think it’s hot…”

“Even when we are in the shade, we were in the same place for a long time…”

The difference in temperature between the three of us is a little bit concerning.

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