VOLUME 2-1

Chapter 1

See ya, Touya-kun.

After school.

Hinooka Homura waved her hand carrying her bag at the boy she encountered at the school entrance.

The long-awaited summer vacation began tomorrow.

The area around the school shoe racks was filled with noisy and buoyant students, and Homura was chipper herself as she swiftly slipped her indoor shoes into her purse.

Im heading home first. See you again in the second semester!

Hah?

As Homura spoke with a energetic tone, Touya gave her a withering stare.

But Homura chose to pretend not to see that.

Were going to go and discuss what were going to do over the break, so Ill be quite busy!

I didnt hear anything about that, though, interjected Kujou Orie, Homuras friend, from where she waited a step ahead at the door.

Err, yeah, like I said, were going to discuss it on our way home.

Hmph.

Whats with that hmph?

Not letting herself be discouraged by her friends weak reply, Homura shot a See ya at Touya and waved in an over-exaggerated fashion.

But his merciless words pulled Homura back before she could walk away.

You havent forgotten about the plans for our summer club activities, right?

Screeeeech.

Ah, wait, please stop, dont make me remember it!

But even excluding that, dont you have to take make-up lessons over the summer anyway?

Screeeeech, screeeeeech.

Im not listening, Im not listening, Im not listening! Ill properly check the email on the club activities schedule later! So please dont erase this feeling of absolute freedom as I delude myself into thinking I can do whatever I want starting tomorrow for just this moment! The reason we high school students diligently go to school every day is for the sake of this day, this moment, right? This single instant that signals the start of an endless summer vacation in our minds!

Touya looked at her in disbelief.

Kujou listened to her expressionlessly.

The two of them exchanged brief glances, and then

Wrong.

Thats wrong.

Homura was completely refuted from both the front and back.

Studying is so thatwe can have a future with freedom and many possibilities.

Its because we want to knowthe tips (wisdom) accumulated by people of the past.

The two of them exchanged glances again over the discrepancy in their answers, while Homura plugged her ears with both hands.

Its too late now. Its collapsed. My dreams of summer vacation have completely crashed and burned away.

As Homura slumped forward, crestfallen, Touya picked up the purse at her feet and took out her indoor shoes without permission, directing a nod at Kujou.

Sorry, Kujou. Ill be borrowing this girl.

Kujou nodded silently.

An instant reply!? W-Wait, please say something to this kidnapper.

Homura begged for help from Kujou, who made a slightly troubled expression

Goodbye, Hinooka-san. If you survive, lets meet again in the second semester.

But remained completely unsympathetic.

H-How cold of you. That isnt just a joke in my case, you know~?

Touya then left the school entrance and began walking quickly through the school hallways, all while carrying Homuras bag under his arm as a hostage.

Homura followed after him, on the verge of tears.

Ill bear a grudge against you for the rest of my life, for having interrupted the date between me and Kujou-san!

Really, your whole life? Summer vacation is pretty long, so theres no need to get all flustered over a little lost time.

Its very hard to catch and keep hold of Kujou-san, you know Homura grumbled.

She halted in surprise when Touya unexpectedly turned to head in a different direction than usual.

Were not going to the club building? I thought for sure that Mori-chan had announced an emergency summons.

Nothe truth is, itd be awkward to go to the club building right now.

Then are you taking me somewhere for personal reasons?

It has to do with the entire Exploration Club. You too, Hinooka.

In that case

Well, I do apologize for having dragged you off without explaining anything. Please accompany me for a bit.

Whats this all about?

Its about herInari-senpai.

The place that Touya led Homura to turned out to be the student council room on the third floor of the school building.

Thanks, Kurama-san.

Pardon our sudden intrusion.

Its fine, its fine, said a female student, Kurama Kifune-san, with a shake of her head.

She was the only one inside the student council room when the two of them arrived.

If I remember correctlyYoure in the same class as Touya-kun, right, Kurama-san?

Yep.

Then Ame-chan is also in your class.

Ame-chan? Ah, Fujimori Ameno-san? Yeah. Thanks to her, Ive had no shortage of stuff to post about on our blog.

She pointed at the laptop shed been in the middle of working on before they came in.

It was displaying the student councils notification on the schools website, and the entries were almost wholly about her personal, everyday experiences.

It seemed she and the rest of the council were quite busy, based on the piles of summer itineraries for every club on top of her wide desk.

Not minding that in the least, Homura switched to her chatty mode.

Right? Im so jealous.

Id actually like to write about you too, though, Hinooka-san.

Me? I dont mind if you do, you know?

No, you really should mind. Hey, Hinooka, can we save the chatting for later and move on to the main topic?

Yeah, yeah. Thats what I thought youd sayso, you mentioned Inari-senpai?

The truth is, it seems she came to school today.

Eh?

Homuras eyes widened at the unexpected news.

The second year student Inari-san? She actually came?

Kurama brought her chair closer with a meek expression.

She turned to give Touya a look that asked Can I tell her?, and Touya nodded.

Inari-senpai was a second year student and a member of the Exploration Club.

She should have been spending all her time in the club as a senpai to the first year members Homura and Touya. However, shed been skipping school since the end of last year.

After an accident occurred during Exploration Club activities, she went to recuperate at home and had taken a long leave of absence from school. Homura and Touya didnt know the details of the accident. All the people involved in it kept their lips sealed on the matter.

The president of the Exploration Club, Misasagi-senpai, had also been stranded in the accident. But ever since then, her friendship with her best friend Inari had been decisively broken. Their kind senpai, who usually taught and guided the two of them without reservation, became dejected whenever the subject of the accident came up.

In the end, the accident and the absence of Inari-senpai lay as a vague source of unease hidden beneath the usual bright mood of the Exploration Club.

Is Inari senpai still in the school building? Homura asked.

No, shes already gone home, Touya replied. From what I heard, shes going to resume school next semester, so she showed up to class to inform the teacher. So she was here for less than an hour.

I heard she was hospitalized for a while, but I dont know how much she has recovered And does your club president Misasagi know about this?

Touya shook his head at Kuramas question.

I dont know. And even if she doesnt know about it, broaching the subject to her would be a bit

difficult to do.

Homura finally understood why Touya had purposefully avoided the club building and borrowed the student council room. This was certainly a subject they couldnt lightly speak of in front of the club president, whose relationship with Inari had been broken off.

However, Homura still wasnt satisfied with this.

Whats with that dejected face, Touya-kun?

She gave him a slap to the back of the head.

Oww. Dont hit me.

Isnt this a good thing? A student who has been absent for nearly a year has finally returned to school. President Misasagi will surely be happy too, wont she?

Thats true, but

Worried about Touyas half-hearted response, Homura turned to Kurama.

Kurama-san, are you also worried about Inari-senpai? Even Exploration Club members like us havent directly met het yet.

Well, you know, just a bitah!?

Just as Kurama was shrugging vaguely, she practically jumped out of her chair at the sight of the wicked grin peeking out through the slightly-opened door.

President? Y-You were here!?

Thats Rokujizou Takara, said Touya to fill in Homura.

I already met her, Homura replied smugly.

Fufufu. Its only natural Kurama would be worried. Right?

Ignoring Kuramas sullen glare, Student Council President Rokujizou entered the room as she closed the door behind her and looked at Touya insinuatingly.

So, who did you hear this from, young man?

Even I have acquaintances among my upperclassman. Its not like theres a gag order on this. In fact, I came here in order to hear about it in greater detail from you, president.

Is that so? Sorry about that.

The student council president sat down in a chair while sheepishly scratching her head, but then she suddenly turned to look at Homura.

She held out a finger to the ribbon tying up the back of Homuras hair and touched it to make it sway.

Youre cute as always, Hinooka-san. You have a refreshing summer-like air about you today.

Thanks.

The president folded her arms and nodded enthusiastically, and then leaned back sloppily against her chair and turned back to Kurama.

In comparisonWhats with you, Kurama? Even though its summer, your hair is perfectly combed, youre wearing a sweater, and you even have sleeves covering your arms. Are you an old grandma? Are you the student councils fussy senior office lady?

Its because a certain someone keeps lowering the temperature so much with the air conditioning that I have to take such defensive measures.

Considering how people are always coming in and out of the student council room all the time, this temperature is just right. Youre really boring, you know?

Out of good manners, Kurama offered barley tea even to this excessively warm-blooded president.

I spend most of my time sitting in this roomunlike you, always hopping around everywhere throughout the school.

Seeing Touya visibly grow impatient while listening to this childish conversation, the president burst out laughing and gave a broad smile.

Sorry about that. Back to the subject of Inari.

Did you know she came here today, president?

I heard Inari had come to school from the teacher in charge of my class after the morning assembly. I didnt get the chance to meet her myself. Apparently she came to school with her parents, greeted her classmates and class teacher, and then left immediately after.

Is it true that shes returning to school starting next semester? asked Touya for confirmation.

Thats what I heard. If its true, its wonderful news.

Has Misasagi-senpai heard about this yet? Homura asked.

I havent told Mayo about it.

Why? We should tell her.

In the face of Homuras tenaciousness, both Rokujizou and Touya made awkward faces.

Hmph, I see now, said Homura petulantly. So your friendship with her is only worth that much? Then Ill go tell her myself.

I wont stop you, but Mayo has already gone home to take care of some family business.

EhEeh~

Homura was visibly disappointed.

In her mind, she could still see itthat goldfish and fox-cat stamp.

It was the personal mark of Misasagi-senpai and Inari-senpai placed on the wrappings of the clubs preserved food, which Misasagi-senpai had explained when theyd previously camped on Nutella.

Homura still hadnt forgotten Misasagi-senpais happy expression as shed talked about it.

Homura and Touya walked together on their way home from school.

The afternoon sunlight was scorching hot as it pierced their skin.

Desperately wishing for shade while swaying unsteadily on her feet, Homura mumbled with a sigh.

I dont think its right to force someone to go to school when they dont want to, you know?

Those blunt words made Touya slump his shoulders as he pushed his bicycle.

Right? pressed Homura.

Dont give me that. Arent you being a bit too unfeeling? You were saying the opposite before, werent you?

I dont want to be called unfeeling by you of all people, Touya-kun.

Whats that supposed to mean?

Though he said that, Touyas expression was bitter, perhaps because he too thought himself cowardly.

Theres no need to concern yourself with the relationship between those two so much. You should let them deal with it themselves.

Even though theyre our senpai in the Exploration Club?

Hmph, so what? Well, saying that might be going too far, but Ive just recently started doing club activities, so I dont really feel that kind of solidarity.

Is that how it is?

Well, I do want to help the club president if shes troubled but Inari-san seems like the kind of troublesome person who does whatever she pleases, you know?

Hey now.

Touya was taken aback at how Homura could say so much about a person she hadnt even met.

So in other words, Touya-kun, you want to do something about Inari-senpai because you want to help Misasagi-senpai, right?

Well, pretty much.

Hmm?

Having expected some shocked and embarrassed reaction from him, Homura was surprised by this lackluster response and stared closely at this boy in love.

He continued to push his bicycle while staring straight ahead with no change.

But, you know, its not like our club does individual matches like in sports. Even someone like her is our comrade. We cant just ignore and abandon her like this.

Comrade huh?

Homura crossed her arms, obviously putting on another one of her embellished performances.

Yeah comrades are important. For all our sakes or maybe for Japans future, no, for the fate of the world

Touya found it too troublesome to retort.

There were no club activities scheduled for the last day of the semester. However, Touya still felt some guilt at going straight home without stopping by the clubroom at all.

As he wondered if anyone was in the clubroom right now, Homura began to speak with a meek expression.

Ah, there might be one bad thing about this.

What?

If Inari-senpai returns to the club We wont be able to ride in Mori-chans car! Well be over-capacity!

Ah, because well end up having six members in total.

Yeah.

Are you an idiot? Thats what youre worried about? Then how about we put Ameno in the trunk when that happens?

Eeeh. How terrible.

Thats terrible. Ahahaha.

Homura let out a carefree laugh.

Her expression was bright and lively, with not a hint of seriousness.

Touya both sighed and smiled resignedly at her ever carefree attitude, before changing the topic.

Hinooka, are you free after this?

Eh? Homuras smile froze on her face. Im having dinner at home with my family tonight.

Then tomorrow.

Wait, tomorrow?

Homura became somewhat flustered. Her ponytail swished frantically.

W-Well, tomorrows the first day of summer vacation, so my schedule is free, I guess? But I have to secure an appointment with Kujou-san as quick as possible, so

Lets go to Inari-senpais home tomorrow.

Homura was completely taken aback.

W-Why!? Cant you go by yourself!?

I already tried that. I told you before, remember? I was chased away at the front door. This time, Im going to try getting through to her by showing her that our club has obtained an unreliable new member.

Youre going to use me as a pretext to get Inari-senpai to come back to the club? Theres no way that will work.

Well, even if that plan wont work

Homura couldnt help become indignant at how easily he admitted the low chances of success.

I want to ask her directly what she intends to do now. Yeah, Ive decided. Ill go, even if its by myself. If youre going to come, be in front of the station by 10 oclock.

That early? But its the first day of summer vacation

Come on, you get up early to go jogging anyway, right?

But

Homura pouted as she tried to put up at least some resistance.

Then, after I wake up

Youll go back to sleep?

Touya said that with a laugh, and Homura glared at him resentfully.

The next day.

As cicadas chirped cheerfully right from the start of the morning, Homura and Touya walked through a residential district.

Todays hot too.

Yeah, replied Homura curtly. The summer-appropriate sleeved dress she wore was an unexpectedly refreshing look on her. She peeked at the basket Touya was carrying in his hands.

Whats that? A fruit basket?

Ah, well, I brought a greeting gift just in case.

Wow, you really are conscientious, Touya-kun. You should call this kind of thing, umm, a recovery celebration gift. You intend to win her over with presents?

Something like that.

Touya ascended the hill road with a slack expression.

Walking several steps ahead of him to move beneath the partial shade of the trees along the roadside, Homura swiveled her head to survey their surroundings. The residential district, usually quiet in the morning, was filled with the jovial voices of children enjoying their summer vacation.

Hey, Hinookathats one of our clubs camera, isnt it?

Yeah, its one of the spares. Cant believe you noticed just by looking at it.

Homura turned around and held out the heavy pouch she was carrying.

It contained a simple yet reliable analog camera.

Leaving the pouchs shoulder-strap in place, Homura brought it closer so Touya could see the cameras viewfinder that was poking out of the bag.

I switched the camera case because the originals appearance was too unrefined and stood out a lot, though. Mori-chan said to make sure I carry it on me at all times.

The pictures you took last time came out quite terribly.

Yeah. They were terrible all right.

So youre aware of it. I guess you dont read travel articles in journals and magazines just for show, huh?

Im an amusement park cameraman, after all.

Huh?

Like, Through my pictures, youll feel like youve been brought to an amusement park attraction, whether on the battlefield or at a World Heritage Site!or something like that. Not being able to take exciting photos makes me feel apologetic towards the people who made this Nutella-use camera

You dont need to try and show off when you take pictures. Its just for our clubs data and document materials, after all.

But I want to take pictures that I can look back on and smile at since Im doing it anyway, you know?

No, like I said

After they scaled the hill and took a turn down a side road, they arrived at their destination.

It was a stylish-house that looked Victorian-style, the kind youd easily find in an American harbor town. Since it was on top of the hill, the second floor window probably had quite a nice view.

As expected, there was a nameplate that read Inari on the front door.

Homura felt tense as she stood in front of the doorbell button on the entrance intercom, with a camera attached to it.

Touya and Homura exchanged looks, trying to get the other to push the button through eye contact. Homura swiftly stole the fruit basket, thereby occupying her own hands and forcing the difficult role onto Touya.

Why do you look like youre getting ready to dash off?

Y-You know

Are you a grade-schooler?

Touya rang the doorbell.

When Homura peeked to the side of the front door, she caught sight of a large off-road bike.

[Yes, who is it?]

A low male voice.

Touya quickly straightened his back as he answered back, despite the fact that there was no one actually in front of him.

Sorry to intrude. Im Touya, from Seiran High.

[Ah, a classmate of Sunao?]

No, thats not

[Please wait a moment. Ill go to the front door right away.]

The intercom speaker cut off. It appeared someone was coming out from inside the house.

Tense, Homura glanced at Touya.

Was that Inari-senpais father?

Probably, I guess?

W-What do we do if he gets angry and shouts How dare you harass my daughter! or something?

Thatspossible, if you consider whats happened in the past. Hey, dont run away!

Touya grabbed Homuras collar.

As they quarrelled like this before the front door, it suddenly opened and a somewhat slender man wearing glasses appeared.

How nice, to be young and lively. Welcome, Im the father of Inari Sunao.

A tanned face and tanned arms. Unkempt, ruffled hair. A chin with conspicuous beard stubbles and band-aids on it.

He was a gentle-looking man, smiling brightly.

He wore a polo shirt with a tie around his neck, a summer vest that was roughly put on and a pair of jeans, all of it together giving off a summer feel with no indication of his occupation.

After Touya and Homura introduced themselves with their name and school year, Inari-senpais father expressed his appreciation as he peeked at the proffered fruit basket.

Thank you. You even courteously brought us something like this.

Its not much, though. Ehehe.

Im the one who brought it, remember?

Since you went to the trouble of bringing this here, I should give you both something in return. Yeah, if I remember right, we still have that souvenir from Maldives1

A souvenir from Maldives?

Homura sharply responded to those words. But Touya stopped the man as he was about to head back inside.

Ah, that isnt necessary.

Hmm? Is that so?

Homura turned to face Touya with a serious expression that plainly asked Why?, but Touya just gave her a light chop to the forehead.

Argh.

Dont forget our original objective.

Right. Unfortunately, Inari-senpai wasnt at home.

Regrettably, it appeared she wouldnt be back any time soon either.

Sunao is in the middle of a rehab session. Shes at a nearby gym right now. You know, a public gym.

Yes, I know of it, said Touya with a nod.

Rehab, huh Is Inari-senpais physical condition still bad? asked Homura.

No, no, theres no need to worry at all.

Inari-senpais father waved his hands to reassure her. He was the kind of person who gestured a lot.

Thank goodness.

Seeing Homura sigh in relief, the mans smile clouded over a bit, which startled Homura and Touya.

Well, perhaps at all isnt quite right. We did worry about her a lot. But Im truly relieved now. You see, Im not going to be in Japan when the next school semester starts, so I went with Sunao to give my greetings to the school yesterday. Of course, Sunao had already resolved herself to go back to school before this, though.

Touya meekly cut into his explanation.

Umm, were members of the Exploration Club.

I know.

The man nodded.

The ever meticulous Touya showed his Seiran High student ID card and his Exploration Club ID card to him. Homura also hurried to do the same thing.

Its strange that a pair of Sunaos club juniors would be so close to her that they would come visit her when shes been absent from school for so long.

I-I suppose so, said Homura with a bitter smile.

Even after hearing the words Exploration Club, the man maintained his calm attitude.

The truth is

Just when Touya tried to get to the main point of their visit, the man caught sight of Homuras pouch and spoke up.

Is that an analog camera? Wow, thats a rare sight these days.

Ah.

Homura pulled in the shoulder strap to bring the pouch in front of her, and then took out the contents to show it to him.

It was a plain and ordinary black camera with no adornments.

You could tell?

Its heavy, right? People rarely walk around carrying that.

Hmm, I tried to make it not obvious, though.

Hahaha. Oh, can I?

Homura held out the camera to him, and the man happily accepted it.

The way he studied and set up the piece of equipment while marveling over it really seemed natural and fitting.

Despite how I lookactually, what do I look like?

The man rubbed his chin and asked with a wry smile.

Youre talking about your job?

Right, right.

Homura and Touya exchanged looks. Finally, Touya spoke up with a troubled expression.

A cameraman? Thats the first thing that comes to mind.

Thank you. It makes me very happy to hear that. But the truth is a little different.

Ah, wait a minute

Homura placed a finger to her brow in thought.

I feel like I remember seeingno, hearing your voice before?

Hmm?

Were you a commentator on a satellite broadcast program at the end of last week? But the commentator on that program had very different hair

Then a maybe hes a performer? What was the program about?

Sorry, I forgot. My dad was the one who mainly watched it. I get the feelingit was something about countermeasures against desertification in Europe?

That was a rebroadcasted program. It was edited and compiled last year, I think. This is my occupation.

The man handed out a business card to the two of them.

The tile read National Geographic, Japanese Division, Editor-in-Chief.

Homura was speechless, while Touya widened his eyes and spoke excitedly.

National Geographic!? I have a monthly subscription for this magazine!

Oh, Im very glad to hear that. Youre a good guy, Touya-kun.

I see! Im sorry, I never paid attention to the listing of people related to editing.

Its fine. Its already more than enough that Exploration Club members like you read it.

Having been left to the side by Touyas excitement, Homura showed little interest as she asked the obvious question.

What kind of magazine is National Geographic?

What kindIt features photos of pristine nature and wild animals, the latest reports by amazing explorers, and even discoveries in space

What? Whats so interesting about that? Are you a nature maniac?

That was the kind of gouging look of disbelief that Homura gave him.

Touya, having his explanation completely disregarded, furrowed his brows.

Anyways, its a must-read for any member of the Exploration Club, for sure!

Another one? Just how many skills are necessary to be in the Exploration Club?

The man laughed brightly at the two teenagers vastly different degrees of enthusiasm in their respective reactions.

My, the new club members this year are quite interesting.

Err, so then, youre a reporter?

Yes, if you want to stretch the definition of my job. I originally did various jobs like being a cameraman and doing translation work, but Im quite busy these days. I dont get much chance to go on trips to take pictures now.

Haah. It sounds rough.

Homura managed a forced smile, but it still didnt quite click in her mind.

Why would he go out of his way to take pictures in dangerous places? Well, it wasnt like she was one to talk, though. After taking back the camera and putting it in the pouch, Homura suddenly thought of something and spoke up.

Umm~, do you think you could teach me any tricks for taking good photos?

Why does this not surprise me? Thats really not the attitude to use when asking to be taught by a pro, Hinooka.

But I could really use the help.

Its fine, its fine. I get asked that a lot, actually.

After soothing Touya, the man kindly agreed to teach her.

Lets see. Would you prefer to learn easy tricks or hard tricks?

I-In that case, the easy tricks would be better

The three of them moved over to a wood deck bench.

After discussing camera techniques for a while, Touyas curiosity was sated, so he once more brought up the original topic.

I know we dont have the right to ask this, but

Hmm?

What do you think of Inari-senpaisSunao-sans activities in the Exploration Club?

So its about that, huh?

His only daughter, Inari Sunao, had been stranded on Nutella and nearly lost her life.

But he still hadnt said a single word of censure about the Exploration Club.

After contemplating it for a short while, he looked at Touya with a serious gaze and spoke.

I trust SunaoShes already an adult who can decide things on her own.

Hmm And how do you really feel about her being in the Exploration Club? asked Homura.

I worry and worry so much my stomach aches! Ive managed to stay calm in all kinds of hazardous places and situations, but I feel like theres a hole in my stomach when I think of her going through danger on Nutella.

Touya was at a loss for words.

Part of it was because he was honestly impressed by how Homura immediately saw through the mans official stance, but what bewildered Touya even more wasBut the feeling inside him still had yet to take clear form.

The man gave an affable smile and continued speaking.

But that doesnt mean that I feel relieved by having her secluded and sheltered at home all the time.

Exposing his shameful true feelings with a sigh and bitter smile, the man ran a hand through his ruffled hair.

My wife would definitely hit me if I said this in front of herbut to tell the truth, Im envious of Sunao and all of you. So much so that Id like to join the Exploration Club myself if there were a vacancy.

These words were, in a sense, his true feelings as a person rather than a father or adult. Touya was greatly taken aback.

Did Sunao-san say that to you?

Conversations like that often come up when we talk, but half as a joke. Of course, I know that its impossible for someone my age with how the Transport Rings work. Even so, Sunao said shed like to go to Nutella with me.

The man nodded happily.

But after she started working in the Exploration Club for half a year, she told me that looking after me on Nutella would be a pain and not to come after all.

He laughed wryly with a glum and troubled expression.

He was an eccentric and funny father. Homura wanted to talk with him some more, but when she saw Touyas eye signal, she followed his lead and stood up from the bench to depart.

As they were leaving, Homura asked one more thing.

Will Sunao-senpai return to the Exploration Club?

You should ask that to Sunao herself. Thats why you came today, right?

The man called after them as he saw them off.

Ah, please do come again. And if possible, please tell me more about the Exploration Club. Im not often in Japan, but Ill make sure to fly back here when you come over.

Yes Err, if its within the range of what I can talk about, said Touya.

No, no, what are you saying, Touya-kun? Were bound by confidentiality, confidentiality!

Whayou!

Homura leaned forward and cut in in front of Touya.

If you ever have us over again, how about you do an exclusive news coverage with just me? The truth is, I have a piece of information that would definitely turn into a big scoop

Hey, that isnt something you can say even as a joke.

Touya slapped the back of her head.

Ahaha, sorry, sorry. Well definitely come again.

*Sigh* Thank you for your time.

While agitated by Homuras loose lips, Touya still expressed his thanks and then began walking the path back home down the hill.

After reluctantly lingering at the front door, Homura hurried off to follow him.

A slight agitation lurked in Touyas heart.

What was it that had disconcerted him?

A street with sunlight flickering through the trees above. While passively responding to Homura as she chatted as usual, Touya pondered over the emotion that had briefly passed through his mind.

It was probablyhis childish jealousy towards Inari for having a father who was the exact opposite of his own strict father or so Touya convinced himself.

Chapter 1 END

TRANSLATORS NOTES

(1) Maldives: a South Asian island country and republic.