kscans

Chapter 82 - Episode 60: A Sweet, Numbing Feeling

Episode 60: A Sweet, Numbing Feeling

Two days after the execution—I mean, the visit from the Professor and Erina-san—was decided.

I was at the prefectural government office with the self-proclaimed ninja in question.

We were here for the C-Rank promotion exam. Since it was a weekday, the train was relatively empty, and the city's hustle and bustle were a bit calmer. We took a bus from the station, and that had plenty of empty seats too.

It might be inappropriate to think this, but I was glad my school's summer vacation had started early. It allowed me to choose the least crowded day within the period they specified.

For some reason, I'm not good with crowded places. These eyes of mine tend to 'see a little too much.'

I got off at the bus stop and glanced around. If I remember correctly, the way to the prefectural office was a right turn at the nearby convenience store...

"Mmhmm. The time has finally come, Kyouta-chan. For us, the Invisible Ninjas, to make our C-Rank debut!"

"Let's not say that name out loud, okay? Seriously."

"Okaay. Ninjas... are supposed to be... silent!"

"Fine, whatever."

Erina-san puffed out her chest proudly, pinching her chin between her thumb and forefinger, her eyes sparkling.

Dressed in a crimson kimono and black hakama, her good looks and figure made for a striking picture. In other words, she drew attention just by standing there.

I mean, a 'beautiful blonde girl in Taisho-era romantic attire' would stand out anywhere.

That guy at the food truck, for instance. He was trying to be subtle, but he kept glancing our way. When she mentioned the name Invisible Ninjas, his eyes widened for a split second.

See, our eyes just met. It was for a moment so brief that I would have missed it if not for my [Spirit Eye], but he was definitely looking at us. It was unbelievably embarrassing.

I managed a polite smile and started walking. Erina-san hummed a tune as she walked beside me, seemingly in a good mood.

...Is there a chance... this could count as a date? No? I see...

My own internal back-and-forth made me feel dejected for no reason. About a minute's walk from the bus stop, we arrived at the prefectural office. After giving our names and purpose at the reception desk, we headed for the elevator.

I took a small, deep breath out of nervousness, and a soft, floral scent tickled my nostrils.

At some point, Erina-san had moved right next to me and was looking up at me.

"Eh, Erina-san?"

"Are you nervous, Kyouta-chan?"

"Uh, yeah. I guess... I am."

I was nervous for a different reason now, but I was too embarrassed to let her know, so I averted my gaze.

"They say the written test is just simple questions, and the interview is just a light confirmation as long as you don't have a criminal record, you know?"

"Well, that's what I heard, but..."

I had indeed read that when I looked it up online. But because it's a simple test, I worry even more about what would happen if I failed.

I don't mind if Aira-san or Erina-san tease me about it. But I don't want them to be disappointed in me. I don't want to be abandoned.

The 'connections with others' that I, Yagawa Kyouta, have outside of my family exist because of them.

"Hmm. In that case, Kyouta-chan! I'll cast a spell on you!"

"...? I don't think using Spatial Magic to cheat is allowed."

"That's not what I mean!"

She flapped her arms up and down before taking my hand in hers.

"Eh..."

"When someone holds your hand like this, it calms you down, right? My mom used to do this for me when I was little. Not when I was nervous, but when I was lonely."

She beamed, her usual wide smile.

Having it so close, feeling the warmth of her hand enveloping mine, my ears naturally grew hot.

Just moments ago, my chest had been tight with nervousness, but now I found it hard to breathe for a different reason. But it wasn't unpleasant.

My heart was pounding so loudly I thought it was ringing in my ears, and I almost missed the sound of the elevator arriving at our floor.

"Alright, let's go, Kyouta-chan! This is as good as won!"

"Uh, um, my hand... could you let go of my... hand...!"

"Hm? Are you calm now?"

"...Yes."

I answered in a voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz, and Erina-san's face lit up with a brilliant smile.

The hand she released felt just a little bit lonely.

"Great! If you get nervous again, just tell me, Kyouta-chan!"

"...Yeah."

Not wanting her to see my flushed face, I hid my mouth with the hand that hadn't been held.

Because touching my own face with the hand that still held her warmth... was just unbearably embarrassing.

I followed Erina-san toward the room where the exam would be held.

It was closer to the elevator than I expected.

"...Welcome."

A middle-aged la—a woman who looked like she was about to click her tongue was watching us from the reception desk in front of the room.

...I'm sorry about... whatever.

I bowed my head inwardly, but I kept it to myself, fearing she might get genuinely angry if I said it out loud.

Thank you for your hard work.

＊　　　　＊　　　　　＊

After finishing the written exam and the interview, we were at a fast-food restaurant near the station.

"Don't be so down. Life is long, Kyouta-chan!"

"........."

I was staring into the void with what I could only describe as dead eyes.

I screwed up. I totally screwed up.

The written exam was, as rumored, easy, so that was fine. I think I got every question right. At the very least, I should have a passing score. I made sure to check that I hadn't forgotten to write my name or filled in the wrong boxes.

The problem was the interview.

It was a one-on-one format where we entered a room with four people from the prefectural Dungeon Countermeasures Division.

Well, we were the only ones taking the promotion exam today, but that's beside the point right now.

Anyway, I entered the room after Erina-san. I made sure to follow the simulation, not forgetting to knock or greet them.

The interviewers were very friendly people. A man named 'Akasaka' in particular was a great speaker and an even better listener, and I think I was quite talkative for once.

And so, I got a little carried away.

The interview should have ended without a hitch. In the friendly atmosphere, just as I stood up from my seat...

Akasaka-san said something to me.

"Why■■■■■■s......■■■■■──"

It was English. That's all I know for sure.

The extremely fluent question was delivered with the same smile he'd had just moments before. So, I instinctively replied in a joking tone.

*"I cannot speak, English."

It was terrible English, even I could tell. The katakana pronunciation was so bad it seemed intentional.

But given the atmosphere up to that point, I thought it would be fine.

Until Akasaka-san's expression vanished... for a split second, for just a few hundredths of a second.

It was a brief moment that only my [Spirit Eye] could have caught. But there was no doubt he was thinking, 'What is this kid talking about?' My eyes did not miss the hostile emotion that surfaced in his gaze.

I immediately bowed deeply and left the room as if fleeing. Looking back on it now, I think that response was also a mistake.

After bowing properly to the interviewers, I should have bowed again at the door...! I completely failed to do that. And I didn't even apologize for my rude reply...

It's over. I'm definitely going to fail the interview...

"I don't think you need to worry about it that much."

"You think so...? I hope so..."

"I don't know what kind of mistake you made, but I hear they don't fail people unless it's something really serious. And even if you do fail, you can just take it again."

"...Yeah."

I nodded and decided to finally eat the food in front of me. It would be a waste to let the freshly made meal get cold.

Putting my hands together and saying 'Itadakimasu,' I unwrapped the paper and took a bite of my hamburger.

Yep. Same delicious taste as always.

I glanced over at Erina-san.

Though her voice, face, or movements are usually boisterous, she's quiet while eating, or rather, when there's food in her mouth.

Her eating pace isn't particularly fast or slow. The way she simply savors her food in silence gives off a strange sense of elegance.

I guess it's because her small movements and posture while eating are so refined. I sometimes think this, but she really was raised well. I'm sure of it.

After she finished her meal in silence,

"Alright Kyouta-chan! Since we're here, let's hang out before we go home! Let's do it!!"

...her usual loudness returned. This was right after we left the restaurant.

"Huh...? Well, what...?"

"Like watching a movie, going to an arcade, or browsing bookstores! That kind of stuff, Kyouta-chan! I've done it with Ā-chan and Shī-chan, but not with you yet!"

Hmph, she declared, placing her hands on her hips and puffing out her chest.

I averted my gaze slightly from her emphasized bosom and replied.

"Well, I guess that's fine..."

"Alright, then let's go see a movie right away! There's a movie I recommend playing right now."

"Eh, wait-"

As she spoke, she naturally took my hand.

It was the same soft, warm sensation I'd felt in the elevator. Not like when we teleport in a dungeon, but a direct contact with nothing like a gauntlet in the way.

"My hand, again...!"

I could feel my cheeks growing hot, but she didn't seem to notice.

Her face, as she looked back at me, was a smile as innocent as a child's.

"Come on, let's go, Kyouta-chan! If we buy tickets and popcorn, we actually don't have much time to spare!!"

"...Yessir."

I somehow managed to reply and moved my feet to match her pace.

During that time... I couldn't bring myself to let go of her hand.

Even though the stares from those around us were embarrassing. Even though the warmth of her hand was making my head spin.

Somehow, this moment felt sweet and numbing...

"Kyouta-chan, Kyouta-chan! This is the movie! The one I recommend!"

The Shark Who Leapt Through Time ~Super Ancient Space Mecha Shark VS 7 Ninjas~

Nope.

While the arcade and bookstore browsing we did afterward were fun, I can say with certainty that this movie was a waste of time.

...Though seeing Erina-san's face as she stared at the screen with sparkling eyes was a feast for my own.