“Kuro.”
I called out to Kuro, who was sitting in front of me with a pouty expression.
It didn’t seem like anything particularly strange at first glance.
I’d never owned a cat or a dog myself, but I had seen people who kept pets talking to them every now and then.
Some people might just find the animals’ reactions cute or want to play with them, but I figured many must also share their worries.
Isn’t it true that older folks cherish the pets they raise more than people because animals accept everything about them without any harsh words?
…..
Of course, the reason I was talking to Kuro right now wasn’t for that reason.
“You’re not really a cat, are you?”
Actually, I wasn’t asking because I was sure of it.
But I did feel something was off.
The most definitive reason for my suspicion was when Sasaki told me that Kuro was at her house, but there had been some questionable points even before that.
For one, Kuro was too well-behaved and never caused any fuss for a cat. Initially, it seemed wary of people, but at some point, it just rolled around on the floor, not caring about new people at all.
…Yeah, I guess those two points could be considered cat-like.
I had seen videos of little kittens who were super cautious of people and then became melting balls of fluff a few months later, turning into complete cuddle bugs.
But Kuro was definitely not the type to be called a cuddle bug.
Well, whatever. Let’s just move on from that.
The most suspicious thing was that Kuro was being fed by Shii.
“….”
“Mya.”
As I stared at Kuro, who was sprawled on the table, it mewed.
Just because this world resembled a light novel doesn’t mean I expect every cliché from the era to be present here.
But… thinking back, wasn’t Kuro the cat that Shii secretly took care of, treated like a heroine?
It wouldn’t be strange at all if a pretty girl appeared out of nowhere at a critical moment.
“Come on, just be honest with me.”
I sat cross-legged in front of Kuro and spoke seriously.
“Aren’t all the people in this house not ordinary humans? It’s not like we’re going to think it’s weird that you aren’t a normal cat.”
“Mya.”
“….”
You understood that, right?
…Didn’t you?
“Koto Ne?”
Trying to seriously talk to a cat, I was interrupted by Koko calling me from the side.
Her knees were on the ground, and with both hands on the floor, her body was angled towards Kuro as if she too was staring at Kuro.
Since I was acting this way, she probably thought there was something up with Kuro and looked at her too, but her expression showed she couldn’t find anything out of the ordinary compared to usual Kuro.
Now that I think about it, Kuro had been very cautious when it first saw Koko too.
I hadn’t seen Koko when she originally looked cat-like, but when I heard the sounds of her crawling on the ceiling, I assumed Kuro would have felt wary. Yet even after Koko appeared as a person, Kuro still hissed at her.
Though Koko seemed clueless about what that hiss truly meant.
…Wait, did it hiss at me too?
I don’t think Kuro hissed when it first saw Yamashita, though.
Kuro hated water, after all. If I ever gave it a bath, it would sulk in the corner for ages while glaring at me.
Even now, Kuro was still a cat.
“…Sigh.”
Well, whatever.
If it didn’t intend to tell me anything, there’s no point in me asking endlessly.
“Mya.”
“…….”
As I stopped thinking about it, Kuro, who had been staring at me until then, made another sound.
Somehow, looking into those swollen eyes made me want to reach out and scratch Kuro.
Seeing Koko rush in as if having fun, she started messing up Kuro’s glossy black fur.
“Mya.”
“Fine, do as you please.” Kuro seemed to surrender to it, flatly laying on the table.
…Maybe it had just become resigned to life as a cat hanging around with Koko?
I guess time would tell.
*
After that, had Sasaki’s real mother come looking for her siblings?
At least according to what I heard from Shii, there hadn’t been any visits.
Moreover, Shii didn’t look as dark as she had back then, so I didn’t doubt those words.
I only thought it was a relief. That means the method works.
“School trip, huh?”
“Yeah.”
“I’m going on a school trip this year too, but unfortunately, it’s on different dates from the older brother’s. Since we’re also going to Kyoto, it would have been nice if the dates overlapped…”
Why? What would happen if you ended up in the same place?
You’re not planning to go to the Sasaki siblings’ lodging to help them out, are you?
I felt a bit scared since it seemed like Shii might do that.
“…That’s a relief.”
“Huh?”
“Nothing.”
I accidentally blurted out my true feelings without realizing it, so I hurriedly answered.
Even though middle school and high school had different school trip dates, since we were in the same high school, the first and second years of Hanagawa High had the same departure date.
“I’m going on my first overseas trip.”
Kao said with an expression full of expectations.
I thought they were quite wealthy for owning a big inn.
“But they’re probably busy helping out with the inn during peak times. Our parents are still attached to me, so they’re against me traveling alone abroad.”
When I glanced over in surprise, Kao explained.
Well… It might be fine for college students, but if a high school student were to insist on a backpacking trip abroad, I’d probably stop them too.
“It’s a three-night, four-day trip. Since we’ll spend ages flying on the days of departure and return, we only have two days to actually enjoy. Let’s do our best, Izumi!”
“…I wish you’d put in a little less effort.”
Right.
Probably because the trip was overseas, the second-year trip was a day longer. Considering that you’d have to spend several hours on a plane and the time difference, those two days would practically end up being wasted.
I hadn’t been abroad before, but they say some people can’t digest food properly due to the change in water. So in that regard, three nights and four days would seem a bit short.
Second year.
Hawaii.
…I want to go too. Hanging out with Yuka and Miura’s group would be incredibly fun.
I think Kyoto will be amusing in its own way—
Anyway, time passed swiftly until the day of the school trip departure.
There was more to prepare than I expected.
Thanks to our homeroom teacher, Ms. Suzuki, I ended up in a group with Miura and Koko, but that didn’t mean we could dump everything we forgot on them.
First, I found a large suitcase for our and Koko’s belongings. It was more expensive than I expected, but thankfully it wasn’t out of my price range.
I carefully packed our and Koko’s outfits inside, including underwear and socks, and, of course, the travel toiletries I had just bought.
I also filled my backpack with plenty of snacks.
Though Koko was already whining about wanting to eat them, she stifled her desire with a “Uu……” at my promise to eat together with friends on the way. So proud of her.
As for Kuro… it was decided that I’d leave her at Yuka’s place once again.
“Be careful out there.”
“Mya.”
Ironically, the sight of Kuro being held by my grandfather seemed surprisingly endearing.
An image of an old man, having made a fortune in his youth, living leisurely with a cat at his side… that popped into my mind. I knew that thought was somewhat impolite since grandpa was still very much active.
“Well then, let’s be off.”
Yuka smiled at Grandpa and said that.
“…Let’s be off.”
Even I, who stood beside her, bent slightly to say it.
“Let’s be off!”
Koko energetically mimicked us. She was already in high spirits before we even started.
“Yeah, yeah. Make sure to eat plenty of delicious food and see lots of things.”
Grandpa smiled and sent us off.
“Now, Kuro needs to say goodbye too.”
I nearly burst into laughter watching grandpa lift Kuro’s paw to wave at us. Kuro’s face seemed extremely disgruntled.
“Mya.”
As if saying, “This is such a bother,” it let out a reluctant sound, and we turned to leave with smiles.
*
While the trip to Kyoto was nice, I had some things to take care of there.
The author of [Tokyo Slayer] didn’t miss out on such events and made good use of them.
Kyoto had been Japan’s capital for a thousand years. It’s akin to Gyeongju in Korea.
Though Gyeongju wasn’t the capital during the Joseon period, it had been a capital in the Silla era long before that, so perhaps the weight differs.
There was almost a 500-year gap between the fall of Silla and the establishment of Joseon, but between Kyoto and Tokyo, there wasn’t a dynasty involved.
Plus, the change from Kyoto to Tokyo as the capital of Japan wasn’t during ancient or medieval times. To my recollection, it was quite late in modern times. Therefore, the Japanese view of Kyoto might differ somewhat from how Koreans see Gyeongju.
Indeed. It has a significant justification for yōkai and whatnot to pop out, right?
Even though the title of the light novel is ‘Tokyo Slayers,’ keeping the background solely in Tokyo would get a bit dull.
“Koto Ne-chan.”
“Yeah.”
While lost in thought, gazing out the window next to Koko, I heard someone calling me.
Mako was extending a snack towards me. It was the long stick coated in chocolate, a common sight at supermarkets in Korea or Japan.
The brand seemed different from what I knew, but whatever.
“Thanks.”
As I took it, Mako peeked out the window, where Koko was, and offered her one as well.
In the train heading to Kyoto.
Naturally, Yuka was in another seat. We were a half-car away from each other.
With Koko sitting by the window, I took the seat next to her. Mako sat in front of me while Yamashita claimed the window seat.
Fukuda was separated from us by necessity, but it didn’t seem to bother anyone much. Fukuda generally got along well with everyone in our class.
While Yamashita wasn’t entirely silent around our class, she was generally quiet, so if she got tangled up in a group of moderately friendly kids, the ambiance could turn slightly awkward.
Koko and I didn’t even need to talk. Fukuda seemed considerate enough not to mind that.
As I munched on Mako’s treat, I rummaged through my bag. Yes, more snacks popped out. Potato chips.
Tearing open the snack bag, Mako and I split the chips.
We didn’t have any particular topic of conversation. Most of the time, we gazed outside the window, snapping photos occasionally, and sharing ideas about what we’d do once we arrived.
“…Wait a minute.”
“What?”
“Koto Ne?”
“……I’ll just quickly hit the restroom.”
“Okay!”
While I’d tried not to say it in front of others, it seemed Koko felt anxious unless I stated it directly.
Mako and Yamashita had probably caught on already.
Dodging Mako’s teasing smile, I headed towards the restroom.
As I got up and started walking, I spotted familiar faces among those sitting.
Yuka and Sasaki.
They were together.
Perhaps it was to be expected. After all, they were the closest people in that class. Of course, Yuka and Sasaki hadn’t kept in contact usually, but I sensed they knew each other through me and Shii.
Since they were seated front and back, I thought it might be nice for them to engage in a bit of personal conversation.
…Well, it was their choice, and I had no reason to say otherwise. They’d manage just fine.
I approached the two, who sat a bit awkwardly. The restroom wasn’t far away anyway, and I wasn’t in any sort of rush.
“Hello.”
“Koto Ne!”
“Kurosawa.”
At my greeting, both of their faces lit up.
Looks like my earlier suspicion was accurate.
What was I going to say next? I pondered as I asked, “Are you okay?”
“Huh? Uh…”
“You’re okay.”
Uh-oh.
Asking such an awkward question made the already awkward atmosphere even more cringe-worthy.
At least Yuka and Sasaki I knew were concerned about that, but the two sitting in front were wearing even more awkward expressions.
“…….”
Even so, it would feel a bit odd to switch seats and be all snuggled up together during the entire train ride. If it were my classmates, I guess it wouldn’t be too bad, but switching seats with kids from different classes, I’m sure the seated ones wouldn’t like it too much.
I waved to the two of them and hurriedly continued to the restroom.
In the last moment, both of them cast me desperate glances, but—
Well…
Good luck.
That was all the encouragement I could offer.
*
On the first day, the first schedule was a group tour.
Of course, since we came from school, it made sense to gather by class and look around together.
The experience of wandering around under the guidance of Ms. Suzuki and our guide was fresher and more enjoyable than I had anticipated.
Somewhere like Gyeongju, being in the same country, made me feel I could come back someday and thus didn’t seem particularly impressive. Especially in elementary school, I wouldn’t think much of wandering around with a group like that; I preferred playing with friends.
Maybe it was because I was growing up, or perhaps the foreign-ness made me feel differently, or maybe it was because I wasn’t sure if I could come back.
No, it was probably all of the above.
And because of that, it felt a little annoying that we had to move the next night.
Well, if I hadn’t been in this ‘situation,’ I wouldn’t even be here in the first place.
While I still didn’t fully understand the reasons, I just had a vague thought it wasn’t just coincidence.
There had to be a reason someone brought me here.
So, it’s probably why I’m here, as Kurosawa Koto Ne.
“Wow!”
Koko’s eyes sparkled as she leaned against the railing. I gently held her wrist. She obediently retreated slightly, following my gesture.
Nonetheless, I could understand Koko’s feelings. The place was that beautiful.
The good thing about group activities is that they point out the most beautiful spots during the tour. This was no exception.
We were at Kiyomizu Temple (清水寺). Literally, ‘Pure Water Temple.’
It was a massive temple; there was a place referred to as the ‘stage’ where they said dances were performed. So it seems they used to dedicate dances to the Eleven-Headed Kannon—though I wasn’t particularly interested in the details, the stage was indeed a stunning sight.
Supported by a massive wooden pillar, the thick beams placed horizontally created a terrace-like effect.
From a distance, the building was beautiful, and the trees visible from the building were stunning. I bet they’d be more beautiful with autumn foliage, but unfortunately, Kyoto doesn’t fully change into autumn colors until November. Well, it’s warmer here compared to Korea.
“….”
I silently absorbed the scenery for a while.
Click.
I heard a sound from the side. Fukuda and Yamashita were taking photos. More specifically, Fukuda was pulling Yamashita into the selfie.
As I stared at them, Fukuda seemed to notice my gaze.
“Why? Want to take a picture too?”
“Yeah.”
As I nodded, Fukuda’s eyes widened slightly in surprise.
“Alright! Let’s take one!”
Fukuda rushed over, sidling in between Koko and me with the camera up.
“Everyone squeeze closer!”
We complied.
Click.
The phone cameras of this era were far inferior in quality compared to those released in the 2020s. I could imagine they’d look tiny on a computer twenty years later.
When I return, I should keep numerous film photos. Since the photography club is right next door, I can just ask them about it, and they’ll teach me a thing or two.
I still don’t know how long I’ll be here, but I wanted to reside in the memories of those children. In the end, I might leave them with wounds, but not being remembered by anyone would be a terribly sad thing.
Even if forgotten, even if I fade away…
At some point in my long life, while casually flipping through saved photos, if someone remembers, “Oh yeah, this girl existed. She was a bit special,” that alone would be enough for me.
“Mako too.”
When I called her name, Mako seemed surprised, her eyes widening slightly. Fukuda and Mako exchanged glances, then simultaneously turned to look at me.
Fukuda’s grin widened.
“Ah, you’re having fun too, huh? Great, let’s all have a blast together!”
Fukuda’s words made me smile a little too.
*
“Did you hear? They say if you fall from here and survive, your wish will come true.”
…Um, that’s not how surviving a fall works; that’s not even a thought I’m willing to entertain.
Peering over the railing, could I survive? I’d probably 100% die right?
Sometimes people think that if they lose limbs, they can just get to the hospital and have them reattached, but the odds aren’t very high. There aren’t many hospitals that can even perform reconnections, and many times, the result is failure, leading to amputation anyway.
There are plenty of cases where someone attempted to jump, only to lose parts of their body.
Even if wishes are fulfilled, I doubt I could remain whole afterward.
“Uu?”
“….”
“…No, Koko. It’s just a rumor, so don’t really jump.”
Alongside me was a child whom I had forgotten wouldn’t die even if she jumped, Yuka commented incredulously.
“…You want to take a photo too, Yuka?”
“Huh? Should I?”
I didn’t know when she had slipped over, but it felt like the perfect opportunity.
At my suggestion, Yuka beamed and pulled out her phone.
The three of us smiled for a picture.
It was a small screen, but the sight of the three smiling girls was exceptionally beautiful.
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