kscans

Chapter 41 - Reviving Memories

I put in extra effort at work. About 30% more than usual, to secure my paid leave and make the most of our trip, finally reaching the day of departure.

Despite working overtime yesterday and hardly sleeping, I was in peak condition.

"I’m sorry for imposing on you so much."

"Not at all. I’m enjoying myself too, so please don’t worry about it."

It was early morning, the sun has not yet fully risen. I had pulled up in front of Hikaru-kun’s apartment building in my camping car. I felt bad about waking Yuri-san, who probably hadn’t slept much after her night shift… but I couldn’t just leave without saying anything.

"It would have been nice if Yuri-san could join us too."

"No, no, I’m grateful that you’re taking just the children."

Neither Yuri-san nor Chika-san could participate in the trip as they couldn’t conveniently take time off to match my paid leave. And if I tried to match their schedules, I wouldn’t be able to take my leave as the chaperone… it’s unfortunate.

"I’ll protect the children with everything I have to prevent any mishaps, so please rest assured while waiting for them to return home."

"Yes, thank you. Oh, and if you’d like, please have this for breakfast."

Yuri-san handed me a furoshiki* cloth bundle. When I checked inside, it was filled with onigiri rice balls. She probably made them easy to eat while driving. (t/n: if you ever anime/manga, it’s the clothes they use to wrap bento)

"I’ll gratefully accept them."

While we were talking, Hikaru-kun came down with the twins in tow.

"Good morning, uncle…" they said in unison, sleepily.

"Good morning to you both."

"I’m sorry about them," Hikaru said.

"Don’t worry about it. They’re kids, after all. Let them sleep in the car."

I encouraged Hikaru-kun, telling him everything was already prepared so they could sleep comfortably. He bowed slightly, went into the car, and returned a moment later.

"Well, Mom, we’re off."

"Yes. Try not to cause Satou-san too much trouble, okay?"

"Of course."

"Then, Yuri-san, we’ll be going now."

"Take care."

We got into the car and drove off. Now we were heading to pick up Rika-chan and Sarna-chan, who was staying at Rika’s house.

"Is this a rental?" Hikaru asked.

"It’s mine. This is the first time I’m using it in the Surface world."

"Surface world… Wait, did you buy this for the Supernatural world?"

"Yeah. About five years ago, battle car racing became popular over there."

I still don’t quite understand how that trend started. But I clearly remember how the Supernatural world was filled with a strange excitement during that period. Everyone was racing wildly across land, sea, and air in illegally modified vehicles.

"I was torn between a large truck and an armored car."

"Why those choices…"

"I just like big vehicles."

And despite having money, I’m actually quite frugal. I figured if I was making a big purchase, it should be useful beyond just battles, so I bought this large camping car. Well, ironically, this is the first time I’m using it for its intended purpose.

"I knew we were going by car, but I was surprised to see such a professional camping vehicle."

"We could have managed with a regular van too."

We’re camping, right? Hikaru-kun and I would be fine sleeping in tents outdoors, but I wasn’t sure about the girls. If we try it and find it doesn’t work for them, they’ll need somewhere to sleep.

"You really think of everything… Satou-san, you’re truly considerate."

"It’s just to ensure everyone can enjoy themselves without worry. Hey, mind if I eat an onigiri?"

"I’ll get them out for you."

"Thanks."

I took an onigiri from Hikaru-kun and bit into it… Bonito flakes… it’s bonito flakes! This is a good omen. Basically, I like all onigiri fillings, but bonito flakes are my favorite. There’s something comforting about the taste.

"I’ll have one too."

We continued driving while munching on our food until we arrived at Chika-san’s apartment. I had called about five minutes earlier, so the three of them were already outside waiting, and we met them right away.

"Sorry for the trouble, Hiro-kun."

"Don’t worry about it. Besides, you worked late yesterday too, right? You didn’t have to push yourself."

"I couldn’t possibly not see you off… Rika, don’t cause Hiro-kun too much trouble, okay?"

"Yes, Mom~"

"Sarna-chan, if you have any problems, don’t hesitate to rely on Hiro-kun, okay? Despite his appearances, he’s extremely dependable."

"Yes. Thank you for your concern."

"Oh, Hiro-kun, here’s some breakfast. Sorry it’s just something simple."

Chika-san too… that’s so kind. Sandwiches, huh? Nice, nice. I love both onigiri and sandwiches.

"Thanks. I’ll gratefully accept."

"Good. Well then, be careful, alright?"

"We will. See you later."

Now, let’s depart properly.

"Hey, uncle, where are the twins?" Rika asked.

"They’re sleeping in the back."

"Ah, it is early morning after all. I’m pretty sleepy too."

"Feel free to sleep if you’re tired."

"Okay. So we’re using a camping car, huh? I thought we’d just pitch regular tents outside."

"I brought tents too. If sleeping outdoors doesn’t work out, we can use this instead."

Plus, it’s useful for more than just sleeping. There’s a mini kitchen and charging stations. We shouldn’t lack for much.

"Hideo-san, do you go camping often, since you own such a vehicle?" Sarna asked.

"Hahaha, well, moderately."

I could hardly say, "I own this car but this is the first time I’m using it for its intended purpose."

If asked why I own it then, I wouldn’t have an answer.

(But camping… camping, huh…)

It’s not like I have no camping experience. Once during elementary school for a school event, and about twice with friends in middle school. And then…

"AAAAARGH! Diarrhea! The diarrhea won’t stooooop!!!"

"SATOOOOOOOUUU!!! Huh? Wait? I’m also feeling something in my stomach…?!"

"Satou-kuuuuuuun!!! Wait a second, I’m also… oh, oh, oh…?!"

Memories of my green youth come flooding back… well, not green exactly. More like brown…

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!???"

That wasn’t even camping, actually. It was survival training. The Mutual Aid Society used to do it for newcomers. We were suddenly abducted and thrown onto a deserted island.

They’ve discontinued that practice now, as it was clearly inappropriate… I wish they’d made that decision sooner. Well, the Mutual Aid Society was pretty corrupt back then, and they seemed to use the training as an excuse to eliminate people they didn’t like, so I guess it was impossible.

"Satou-san? You look pale, are you okay?"

"…Sorry. Just recalling some unpleasant camping memories."

Literally shitty memories.

(But it wasn’t all bad… I suppose.)

At least, that’s how I feel looking back now.