kscans

The curry made by the children was absolutely delicious.

Sure, there are countless better curries in this world, right? But a curry made with love and effort by children is something truly unique.

After eating, I washed off the sweat in the camper’s built-in shower. It’s cramped compared to a regular shower, but for just a couple of days, it’s fine. No one complained.

Well, those kids are all so well-behaved they probably wouldn’t voice any complaints even if they had them. Then we chatted while watching videos on a tablet until bedtime, before turning in for the night in the tent.

About three hours later, I opened my eyes and checked my surroundings. Once I confirmed everyone was sound asleep, I carefully slipped out of the tent, trying not to wake Hikaru.

I grabbed the coffee set and snacks I had secretly prepared earlier and headed toward the river a short distance away. I’d set up a barrier before leaving, so there were no safety concerns. I also left a spiritual eye behind, so I could return immediately if anything happened.

“This spot should do.”

I set up two chairs by the riverbank and began preparing coffee. The babbling of the river, the sound of the wind, the rustling of trees. Some people might find it eerie being alone at night, but I don’t have that kind of sensitivity. I’m simply enjoying this healing atmosphere.

“Yo.”

Right on cue, Takahashi appeared. Sandals, short pants, and a midriff-baring t-shirt… quite sexy. If this were a stranger, I’d be trying to smooth-talk my way into a one-night stand right about now.

“Did I keep you waiting? Sorry about that. My colleague took forever to fall asleep.”

“It’s fine. I don’t mind waiting.”

Takahashi and I, who had reunited by chance earlier today. Rika had said “take your time,” but we had mountains of catching up to do. Since an hour or two wouldn’t be enough, we decided to meet secretly in the middle of the night.

“Sorry, but no alcohol tonight. I’m chaperoning the kids, after all.”

I could drink without issues since I can physically flush out alcohol at will. But since I’m here as the children’s supervisor, I should exercise restraint.

“No problem. But still…”

“What?”

“I understand why I, as an active childcare worker, would care about that, but… you’ve started to consider such things too, huh?”

“Shut up. Here, coffee. You take yours black, right?”

“Yeah.”

I handed over the coffee and arranged some snacks on the mini table. Now we were all set for our chat. Alright, time for me to drink too… but first, I need to add sugar and milk.

“…You’re still drowning your coffee in sugar and milk, I see.”

“This is the most delicious way to drink it.”

“What’s the point of coffee if you make it that sweet?”

“The sweetness is there to enjoy the bitterness.”

At that, Takahashi and I burst out laughing.

“How many times have we had this exact exchange?”

“Who knows? I’ve lost count.”

By the way, Suzuki was also a black coffee person. Chika preferred hers lightly sweetened.

“Hey, Takahashi.”

“What?”

“This might be out of nowhere, but… you haven’t experienced any physical abnormalities, have you?”

“What’s with that sudden question…?”

“Well, you and Suzuki are the only victims of my TS Divine Fist, you know?”

I’ve been trying not to think too much about Takahashi and Suzuki. After reuniting, I realized there were only two victims of the TS Divine Fist. If someone asked me whether it’s a safe technique, I couldn’t say for certain.

“Wait, you actually named the technique?”

“Of course I did. Even if it was accidental, once it came into existence, it deserved a name.”

“Seriously…?”

“So, how is it?”

“…Nothing special, really.”

I see. That’s good to hear. There’s no disturbance in her aura either, so Suzuki’s probably fine too.

“Though I will say periods were rough. Since I never had them before, I panicked the first time.”

“…I-I see.”

I’m sorry. I hadn’t considered that at all.

“I was about seventeen when I changed, right? By that age, most girls would have experienced periods already.
So I couldn’t ask anyone for advice and had to figure everything out by searching online.”

“I’m sorry. Can we change the subject?”

This is getting awkward.

“Come on, I’m making light of it to make you feel better~”

“Takahashi…”

Do Takahashi and Suzuki resent me? Part of the reason I avoided thinking about them was that I was afraid they might. Takahashi probably sensed how I felt.

“To be serious for a moment, I don’t resent you, Satou. At first, well… I wouldn’t call it resentment, but I did have some feelings about it. But the business of daily life made me forget. I don’t regret pursuing my dreams, but… now I think…”

“That it’s better the world I wished for never came.”

Takahashi smiled sheepishly. Seeing that smile, I almost felt like crying. Not from sadness, but from joy—knowing that Takahashi was living happily.

“Suzuki probably feels the same way.”

“…I see… I see…”

“Hey, don’t cry.”

Shut up…

“What a hopeless guy. What do you want to do? Wanna feel my boobs?”

Takahashi said, jiggling her chest.

“Huh?”

“Huh?”

Stop that… why are you blushing… this is getting weird…

“W-well, you shouldn’t be making offers like that either…”

“Y-you used to be a guy too, so you should understand! Men are creatures easily baited by breasts.”

“No, that’s not true.”

“Yes, it is. You’re just too proud to admit it.”

You and Suzuki were always like this! Acting all tough! Trying to seem all cool and aloof despite being guys. I honestly found it questionable.

“Shut up, pervert.”

“Shut up, prude.”

What a hopeless case… I sighed and sipped my now-lukewarm coffee. This sweetness is perfect. To enjoy bitterness 100%, you need sweetness.

“By the way, you mentioned a reverse-pickup trip. How’s that going?”

“Ugh, terrible. Total failure. Everyone else is drowning their sorrows in alcohol.”

“You seem fine, though.”

Your gender identity is completely female, and so is your body. Don’t you want a boyfriend or two? Or are you still being prudish?

“For some reason, I’m just not that interested in those things.”

“Oh really?”

“What about you? Didn’t you used to talk about becoming a big shot when you grew up and having lots of women at your beck and call?”

Oops, I’m getting a cold stare.

“I’ve never had anyone special.”

“…Hmm?”

“Oh, right.”

“What is it?”

“I should probably tell you this… you remember Yanagi, right?”

“How could I forget?”

Of course. He was a former comrade.

“What about Yanagi, the one you killed?”

Yanagi and Onisaki were defeated after Takahashi and Suzuki, so she thinks they died.

“He actually survived. He was living as a homeless person until recently.”

“What?! H-homeless?!”

“And Onisaki is alive too. He became a drag queen.”

“A drag…?!”

After that, Takahashi and I talked about all sorts of things. Serious topics, silly stories, memories—filling in the gaps of the years we’d missed. As we continued talking until dawn, we eventually fell silent, gazing up at the brightening sky.

(I should look for some gyaru adult videos when I get back.)

As I watched the sky grow lighter, this thought firmly planted itself in my mind.