Clannad VN:SEEN4505
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// Resources for SEEN4505.TXT #character '*B' #character 'Kotomi' #character 'Furukawa' #character 'Ryou' #character 'Kyou' <0000> // May 5 (Monday) <0001> // I suddenly woke up. <0002> // Feels like I was dreaming. <0003> // Or rather, some remaining sensation tells me that I was dreaming. <0004> // I yawn as I look at the watch... it's just 7:00AM. <0005> // I definitely mustn't sleep for the second time today. <0006> \{\m{B}} () // \{\m{B}} (In any case, I should get up.) <0007> // I crawled out of my bed. <0008> // I arrived at our meeting place fifteen minutes early. <0009> // Kotomi still hasn't arrived. <0010> // Will she come early or will she come exactly in time? I was thinking which of the two, but I'm not particularly worried about it. <0011> // I lean against a wall and wait. <0012> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "........." <0013> // It's quiet... <0014> // The birds are chirping high in the sky. <0015> // The clouds are floating separately... <0016> // I casually check around to see if Kyou is hiding. <0017> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "She already did it yesterday, so she'll probably arrive doing a tsukkomi on us today as well." <0018> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "........." <0019> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Who the hell is gonna do a tsukkomi on you!? You pervert!" <0020> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "..............." <0021> // I tried to retaliate using the same tsukkomi line that she would probably say, but I get no response. <0022> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "All right, it's settled then. Today's gonna be a fun date. This would be a genuine date with only two people." <0023> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "No matter what happens, I definitely won't let a tsukkomi enter." <0024> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "That's impossible!" <0025> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "..............." <0026> // There was no response, even when I did a quick boke gag. <0027> // This is making me a little sad in some way. <0028> // It was tiring doing a comedy act alone, not to mention Kotomi would probably be gazing and spacing out as she walks about. <0029> // She should be arriving in about five minutes. <0030> // I put my hand in my pocket and wait for her familiar footsteps. <0031> // I still think I can lure her out with something though. * <0032> // I felt a small pain piercing my heart every time I think of that. Guess I'm still not used to this feeling. <0033> // I stare at my shadow as the bright sun shines down on me. <0034> // Suddenly, I remembered. <0035> // About that gentleman I met the other day. <0036> // "\bIf you have the chance, please tell her this..."\b <0037> // "\bThat we still regret about what happened that day, even now."\u <0038> // I wonder what did he mean by that? <0039> // Should I tell Kotomi about that? <0040> // I don't know the full details, but it seems like there's nothing that can be done even if those words were to come from my mouth. <0041> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Whew..." <0042> // I sigh as I realized that I ended up destroying my mood, even though I finally became excited. <0043> // I shook my head and closed my eyes. <0044> // But even still, our conversation at that time continues... <0045> // "\bAre you her lover?"\u <0046> // "\bNot right now, but... I'm thinking how nice it would be to be like that."\u <0047> // ......... <0048> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Guaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh!!"\shake{0} <0049> // I was writhing with embarrassment. <0050> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "........." <0051> // And just in front, observing that state of mine is Kotomi. <0052> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Huntington's Chorea?" <0053> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Wrong! And just what kind of disease is that?!" <0054> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "A type of a nerve disease. It is characterized by rapid involuntary movements of the face and body limbs for no apparent reason..." <0055> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "You don't need to explain. Hand me your things, I'll carry them." <0056> // I take the cloth bag that is in Kotomi's hand. <0057> // It's in a different shape from yesterday. It's a flat box as I look over it, and there's a stainless thermos flask inside. <0058> // Kotomi was still looking at me with worried eyes. <0059> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "\m{B}-kun, are you really not ill?" <0060> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "I was just thinking about some things." <0061> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Thinking?" <0062> // That embarrassing phrase surfaces again as she stares right at me. <0063> // "\bNot right now, but... I'm thinking how nice it would be to be like that."\u <0064> // That's right... I haven't confessed to Kotomi yet. <0065> // Yesterday would have been officially the perfect time to do that, and these feelings would have all been settled then. <0066> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "........." <0067> // I wonder if it'd be better if I'm the one going to confess? <0068> // I have a hunch that if I dragged this too long, something very bad would happen between Kotomi and I. <0069> // I think I should stop being only a mere friend in order to progress with Kotomi more than this. <0070> // Besides, if it's Kotomi, I think I'll be the only one disappointed, or she'll quickly say \bOK\u to me. <0071> // But it also feels like I'll only get a "\b???"\u response. <0072> // There's a possibility that something tasty will happen like she'll end up blushing bright red and be bothered... <0073> // There's also a potential that she'll cast aside her unknown serious boke character. <0074> // The result is really hard to read... <0075> // Confess <0076> // Don't confess <0077> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Hey, Kotomi."」 <0078> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "?" <0079> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "If by chance, I'm..." <0080> // I stare at Kotomi. <0081> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "I'm..." <0082> // Kotomi's eyes flicker. <0083> // She looks at me and opens her soft lips a little. <0084> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "\m{B}-kun is...?" <0085> // She tilts her head and waits for me to continue. <0086> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "I'm..." <0087> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "........." <0088> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "If I'm...\p actually a robot inside, what would you do?" <0089> // The confession I was planning ended up being a joke, with me being the heavy boke drunkard. <0090> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "........." <0091> // My partner looks at me with a familiar silence and serious look. <0092> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Do you fire things like missiles?" <0093> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Nope, I'm absolutely not loaded with any weapons." <0094> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Do you have a self-destruct device installed?" <0095> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "It's sad to say that I also don't have that." <0096> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I see..." <0097> // She seems a bit disappointed. <0098> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "If so..." <0099> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Can I disassemble you?" <0100> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Then I'll have you re-assemble me to the way I was then, please." <0101> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "How complicated is \m{B}-kun's framework?" <0102> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "I also haven't tried disassembling myself, so I don't know." <0103> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Is it much simpler than an alarm clock?" <0104> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "........." <0105> // I try to compare in my mind, my own blueprint and an alarm clock. <0106> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "... it's probably a good match." <0107> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "By the way, you disassembled an alarm clock when you were a kid, didn't you?" <0108> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Yup." <0109> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Did the reassembly go all right?" <0110> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Well..." <0111> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I ended up leaving one screw behind." <0112> // That seemed so typical to throw in a tsukkomi for. <0113> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "To tell the truth, when I managed to put it back, it worked well, but when the bell went on, it didn't stop..." <0114> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "You probably got scolded for that." <0115> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Well..." <0116> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Yup." <0117> // She quietly nods after thinking for a little bit. <0118> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I was told that the clock has an important duty to do, so I shouldn't bother it." <0119> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I was also told that only if the clock suddenly got broken that I should disassemble it and ask it to teach me its structure." <0120> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Somehow... that's a strange way to get scolded." <0121> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Well..." <0122> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "But... that's a good experience." <0123> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Yup." <0124> // She showed a small but happy smile. <0125> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "\m{B}-kun, umm... well..." <0126> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "What is it?" <0127> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "If by chance, I..." <0128> // And like that, she stares straight at me. <0129> // For some reason, her cheeks suddenly blushed as I wait for her response. <0130> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "No, it's nothing..." <0131> // She smiled once again with a hint of shyness. <0132> // And for some reason, our topic is changing to something embarrassing. <0133> // Let's not...う。 <0134> // There's definitely a more appropriate time and place for this sort of thing. <0135> // Besides... <0136> // I don't have the confidence right now to say I'm the right person for Kotomi. <0137> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Perhaps, you are ill...?" <0138> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "I told you already that you're wrong." <0139> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "??" <0140> // I'll change the topic. <0141> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "By the way, it seems you're wearing the same dress as yesterday." <0142> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Well... \m{B}-kun, do you hate this dress?" <0143> // She looks down on her own dress and asks in a low voice. <0144> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Nope, I think it suits you well. I also said that yesterday too though." <0145> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I'm glad." <0146> // She becomes relieved. <0147> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I washed this last night at home." <0148> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Because I decided that I would go with this dress if I'll be together with \m{B}-kun." <0149> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "I see..." <0150> // Her choice of clothing is quite mature, yet it doesn't quite fit with her personality. <0151> // That's right, I think Kyou also said something before like, "\bYou're unexpectedly adult-like."\u <0152> // And something like, "\bHer breasts are surprisingly big too..."\u <0153> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "........." <0154> // I shake my head to drive away those worldly thoughts. <0155> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "?" <0156> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Well then, where should we go today?" <0157> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Umm, well..." <0158> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "There's this really wonderful place." <0159> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I'm sure \m{B}-kun also loves that place." <0160> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "That place... could it be that I also know of it?" <0161> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Yup." <0162> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "\m{B}-kun also knows that place." <0163> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "And where is that place?" <0164> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Well..." <0165> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "It's the school's library." <0166> // She says so with a bit of pride. <0167> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "........." <0168> // Somehow, I managed to suppress the urge to do a double tsukkomi hand attack at her chest and the back of her head. <0169> // If she doesn't even respond to a boke gag that got recycled, then there's no doubt that Kyou is sleeping at her house. <0170> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "?" <0171> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "I understand, so let's go now." <0172> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Yup. Let's go, \m{B}-kun." <0173> // Kotomi stands next to me. <0174> // We started walking while our shoulders touched each other. <0175> // The entire school doesn't have the presence of people... completely opposite of what it is usually. <0176> // Even students with club activities aren't here because of the holidays. <0177> // The sunlight streams silently through the leaves onto the pathway. <0178> // I had a bad premonition as we got near the school building. <0179> // The door to the shoe rack needs a proper key. <0180> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "You don't have the key to enter the school building, right?" <0181> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Yup. The only one I'm holding is the key to the library." <0182> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "It's exclusively for my use." <0183> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Because I'm an Honorary Librarian." <0184> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "I'm fine with that, but I wonder why...?" <0185> // I couldn't suggest going to a different place now that we were here. <0186> // And then, Kotomi started walking briskly. <0187> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Over here..." <0188> // With her usual quick pace, she heads by the edge of the school building and turns the corner.* <0189> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "We wouldn't get anything even if we go that way..." <0190> // We suddenly stopped under a hallway window as I immediately followed her. <0191> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "We can get in from here." <0192> // She jolts and loosens the window frame without any words. <0193> // The window suddenly opened with a "\bthud"\u sound. <0194> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "You see?" <0195> // Somehow, the lock here seems to be left broken. <0196> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "I see... this is your hobby, right?" <0197> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "?" <0198> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Never mind, I'll go first then." <0199> // I give back the things to Kotomi for a while and put my hands on the window frame. <0200> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Once you are inside, you should immediately take off your shoes because they will scold you." <0201> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Nope, that's not the reason why we're going to get scolded." <0202> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "??" <0203> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Could it be, because we're not wearing our uniforms?" <0204> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "That's not it either." <0205> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "???" <0206> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "There are countless reasons, so I'll go on ahead." <0207> // There really wasn't anyone inside the school except Kotomi and me. <0208> // The atmosphere is different compared to when I'm skipping and strolling around during lesson. <0209> // It's like looking at a backstage that's slightly more out of this world than usual ... a strange feeling. <0210> // Kotomi just walks in without thinking about such things. <0211> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "We have arrived." <0212> // She took out the familiar key in her possession and opened the sliding door of the library. <0213> // The quiet and deserted room where you can only see books. <0214> // Even though I came here last Friday, it appears as if the state of this room has completely changed. <0215> // Is it because of the closed window that the scent of the dust and paper is stronger than usual? <0216> // Furthermore... <0217> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Was the library this huge...?" <0218> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Yup." <0219> // She nods for no reason. <0220> // Kotomi probably always saw the library like this before she met me. <0221> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Umph." <0222> // Kotomi advances to the usual spot and immediately takes off her shoes and socks. <0223> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Umph... ah, ah, ah..." <0224> // And as always, she jumps up in circle as if she's going to collapse. <0225> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Whew..." <0226> // After that, she walks to the edge of the wall and leaves open the east side window. <0227> // I could feel the cold air disappearing as the light swayed along with the curtain. <0228> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "First is cleaning." <0229> // She brings out a mop from the tool's locker. <0230> // She diligently wipes the floor many, many times with her slender arm. <0231> // Kotomi, black-clothed and barefooted amongst the countless number of old books. <0232> // Just as I thought, it was somehow fresh and nostalgic. <0233> // The last thing she took out was the cushion, which she placed on the floor. <0234> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Preparation is now complete." <0235> // As Kotomi says that, the library becomes a pretty snug-fit place. <0236> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "\m{B}-kun, are you hungry?" <0237> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "That's right. I woke up early today, so I'm a little bit hungry." <0238> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "It would be a little early, but do you want to eat lunch?" <0239> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "That's fine with me, but I haven't bought anything yet. I guess I should have bought something outside..." <0240> // Kotomi looks straight at me, and it seems she's about to say something. <0241> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "This might not fill you up \m{B}-kun, but..." <0242> // She brought forward the clothed bag containing the boxed lunch which she had placed on the desk. <0243> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I want to eat this together." <0244> // She takes out a flat paper square box from inside it. <0245> // I'd been wondering about it when I was holding it. <0246> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Is that some sort of pizza?" <0247> // Kotomi slowly shakes her head. <0248> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "It's an apple pie." <0249> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "It's my first time making it, so I don't know if I did it well..." <0250> // She opens the paper box. <0251> // A bittersweet scent suddenly escapes. <0252> // It's a round pie with fox-colored burn marks here and there. <0253> // It's luxuriously thick and round, and there are lattice shape decorations attached to it. <0254> // It seems there's a starch syrup on the surface, and it doesn't look different from those sold in stores. <0255> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "This is genuine, huh..." <0256> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I think the way I baked it went well." <0257> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I used Jonathan apples, and the butter I used is also salt free." <0258> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I varnished it with apricot jam that's been ripened by rum for the finishing touch." <0259> // She rummages inside her cloth bag as she explains it to me wholeheartedly. <0260> // Two paper plates. A plastic knife, forks, and paper cups... <0261> // She lines up all the necessary things on the library reading desk. <0262> // I also pull in a nearby chair and seat myself in front of the readied dining table. <0263> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "And also, it's the first time I tried using tea leaves in black tea." <0264> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "The tea leaves I used are Lady Grey." <0265> // She's finally going to cut down the pie after pouring in the aroma of the expensive black tea into a cup. <0266> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I'll be dividing this right now." <0267> // She puts the knife in the big pie and cuts it. <0268> // She first halved the pie, then she halved it again, and again... <0269> // It seems it's her first time earnestly cutting like this, making me break a smile. <0270> // The big semi-circular pie divided into four little pieces. <0271> // She then put the slices onto the two plates. <0272> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Let's share." <0273> // She presents to me the larger portion after she said that. <0274> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Yeah, thanks." <0275> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Let's all eat." <0276> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Let's eat." <0277> // Reciting that, I stab the fork into the pie. <0278> // I try stuffing all of the apple into my mouth. <0279> // I wonder if she baked this this morning; it's still slightly warm, and the sweetness is just right. <0280> // Kotomi was gazing at me as I tasted it. <0281> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Is this really your first time making this...?" <0282> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Yup." <0283> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Ummm... is it not... delicious?" <0284> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Nope, I say it's unbelievably good." <0285> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "???" <0286> // The machine's malfunctioning again. <0287> // It seems she's having a hard time replying when she's really tense, so I guess I have to rephrase what I just said before. <0288> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Your homemade apple pie is really delicious." <0289> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "It's so delicious, that it's kinda hard to believe that it's your first time making it." <0290> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "I could eat a lot if it's this delicious." <0291> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Do you understand now?" <0292> // She clears her mind. <0293> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "........." <0294> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Ah..." <0295> // The wiring's finally connected. <0296> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Well, \m{B}-kun, is that..." <0297> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Really true?" <0298> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "It's really true." <0299> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I'm glad..." <0300> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I'm really happy." <0301> // Her smiling face seems like it's overflowing. <0302> // I stop my hand and look at that face of hers unintentionally. <0303> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "?" <0304> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "I just think that it's nice to see you smile." <0305> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "You had a hard facial expression when we first met." <0306> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "When we first met?" <0307> // Her eyes shifted. <0308> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "That time, I was nervous and a bit frightened so..." <0309> // She hangs her head a little as she answers. <0310> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Is that so?" <0311> // She was nervous...? I don't seem to understand what she meant by that. <0312> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Ah... well..." <0313> // She drops her eyes at the pie she was eating as if embarrassed. <0314> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Can I have another piece?" <0315> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Yup. I divided the two pieces exactly for two people to eat." * <0316> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "What would you do with the other half after that?" <0317> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I'll save it for a mid-day snack." <0318> // She smiles like a little kid. <0319> // If I can always be with her, it appears like she'll smile for real. <0320> // But even so, why is there always this faint pain throbbing in my heart? <0321> // I remembered those words again. <0322> // "\bIf you have the chance, please tell her this..."\b <0323> // "\bThat we regret about what happened that day, even now."\u <0324> // No matter what kind of meaning it has, there's no way for me to understand. <0325> // It's just that he is uttering the weight of the word called "\bregret"\u even now. <0326> // I think of it one more time. <0327> // If I should tell Kotomi about that. <0328> // Tell her about the gentleman's words <0329> // Leave it for now <0330> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Hey, Kotomi."」 <0331> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "?" <0332> // I adjust the position of my chair and turn to face Kotomi. <0333> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "I met that person last Saturday." <0334> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "That person?" <0335> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "The man wearing glasses and a business suit... well, the person who you called a '\bbad man.'"\u <0336> // Kotomi freezes her hand and looks straight at me. <0337> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "And also, he asked me to tell you something." <0338> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "... what did he say?" <0339> // She asks quietly and with her usual facial expression. <0340> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "He said '\bWe're not asking for forgiveness. We regret about that day even now.'"\u <0341> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "I don't really understand what he meant, so I won't ask for any details." <0342> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "But that man was serious." <0343> // I said the meaning of my words in a cheerful way as much as possible. <0344> // Kotomi didn't say anything for a while. <0345> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I understand." <0346> // She said only that as she began to put the knife at the divided apple pie. <0347> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "\m{B}-kun, do you want to eat more apple pie?" <0348> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Hey, didn't you say '\bI'll save it for mid-day snack'\u just a while ago?" <0349> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Well..." <0350> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "But, I guess I want \m{B}-kun to eat all of it." <0351> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Because I'm already full." <0352> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Well then, thanks." <0353> // Kotomi watches me while she smiles as I consume the apple pie. <0354> // After that, the only thing left now is Kotomi's smile and the empty paper plates. <0355> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Thanks for the food." <0356> // Also satisfied myself, I gave Kotomi a smile. <0357> // In the end, I decided to stay silent about it for now. <0358> // Nothing can be done even if I say it, and I think that gentleman knows it too. <0359> // If... if we start to feel that both of us had become much important to each other, then... <0360> // I'll surely come to know about it. <0361> // I have that kind of premonition. <0362> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Thanks for the food." <0363> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Thanks for the food." <0364> // It was almost past noon when we finished eating. <0365> // Usually, we must clean up the library desk for the mess, but today, we're kinda held back. <0366> // For now, both of us can do anything we like. <0367> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "........." <0368> // Although... I realize that we don't have anything we can do in this room. <0369> // Incidentally, I also realize that right now, we're secretly together in this room. <0370> // I look at Kotomi's appearance. <0371> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "........." <0372> // She puts her fingers together in front of her and moves them restlessly as if embarrassed. <0373> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "What are we going to do now?" <0374> // I try and ask her. <0375> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Well..." <0376> // Kotomi also looks at the floor and thinks. <0377> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Together..." <0378> // She said it suddenly... <0379> // So I thought, but she becomes silent again. <0380> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Together? What?" <0381> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Well..." <0382> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Together..." <0383> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I want to read a book together with you." <0384> // That's what I thought. <0385> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "??" <0386> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Hey... isn't a book something you can't enjoy reading together?" <0387> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "???" <0388> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Well... we could also try though..." <0389> // Our hobbies are different; more than that, our reading speed is completely different. <0390> // Anyhow, I won't mind if we're kids looking at a picture book, but I don't think it would be that fun for us to do now. * <0391> // Kotomi's head is still inclined, looking at me. <0392> // It was her unusual thinking-it-over face. <0393> // If Kotomi really wants that, then I have no reason to hesitate. <0394> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Well? What book are we going to read?" <0395> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Well..." <0396> // Her gaze went everywhere as she started to speak. <0397> // She becomes silent again. <0398> // I feel that today's Kotomi is a bit different from usual. <0399> // It seems she's opening up to me bit by bit, those things that she's been locking inside her heart... <0400> // Of course, I don't feel bad about it. <0401> // It's just... <0402> // How do I say it... it feels like she's moving at a quick pace. <0403> // But in the end... Kotomi said... <0404> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I guess it's all right." <0405> // She gives me a modest smile and it seems she decides to hide her treasure from me one more time. <0406> // I think it might be because of me. <0407> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "I'll accompany you to what you want to do today, so leave it all to me." <0408> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Or you don't want to?" <0409> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Not at all. I'm really happy." <0410> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Since \m{B}-kun has been taking real good care of me." <0411> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "It's really fun when I'm together with \m{B}-kun..." <0412> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "So, I also want to take good care of \m{B}-kun." <0413> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "That's why..." <0414> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I want to let \m{B}-kun decide what he wants to do..." <0415> // She narrows her eyes as if trying to ask the right thing. * <0416> // Kotomi looks more mature than usual because of the dress that's showing a bit of her chest. <0417> // I thought to myself, "She's a Kotomi that I don't know of." <0418> // I have an uncomfortable feeling from when we first met. <0419> // She has this facial expression which seems like praying before she cuts the pages of her favorite books. <0420> // To understand everything, I must accept Kotomi, and the Kotomi who's a child that doesn't know anything... <0421> // This time, I'll watch. <0422> // The light is swaying like a wave over the cushion. <0423> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "If that's the case..." <0424> // I opened my mouth. <0425> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Won't you let me hear you read books?" <0426> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Eh...?" <0427> // Surprised, she tilts her head. <0428> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "I like to watch Kotomi reading books, and I also like your voice." <0429> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Is it no?" <0430> // Her facial expression changes to a really cheerful expression, just from me asking that. <0431> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Not at all. That's really, really wonderful." <0432> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "\m{B}-kun, which book do you like?" <0433> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "That's right... a book that's been written by a Japanese novelist." <0434> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Also, something that's fun to read." <0435> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "And also, it's your favorite book." <0436> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "A book that's written by an Japanese novelist, fun to read, and also my favorite book."* <0437> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I'll go search." <0438> // She stands up and runs towards the bookshelves. <0439> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Hey, Kotomi---" <0440> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "..............." <0441> // It seems I have no choice but to wait. <0442> // Exactly twenty minutes later. <0443> // Kotomi returned from the forest of bookshelves, holding unto her chest a single book.* <0444> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I'm done choosing..." <0445> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Thanks for your hard work." <0446> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I don't know if \m{B}-kun will somehow like this..." <0447> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "We won't know unless you read it, right?" <0448> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Yup, I'm going to read then." <0449> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Read the parts you like if it's long." <0450> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Yup, I understand." <0451> // She seats on the yellow cushion. <0452> // She then opens the cover and flips its page. <0453> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "About a long time ago..." <0454> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "For a brief spell from autumn to winter, I lived as a member of a weird family." <0455> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "And during that time, I had this one true love..." <0456> // She started talking with a little difficulty. <0457> // Only a little time has passed, but it seems it's obviously a short story.* <0458> // I listen carefully without worry. <0459> // Honestly speaking, I'm glad that was the content. <0460> // Just listening to her musical voice echoing around is enough for me. <0461> // Kotomi looks like she's in daze during that time. Her voice has become smooth, and I can feel that each line carries a sentiment. <0462> // I rest my chin in my hand, looking at her eyes that are chasing down the letters with her finger that's placed on the page. <0463> // ......... <0464> // ...... <0465> // ... <0466> // Where is this place? <0467> // I can hear a sound from somewhere. <0468> // A sound I haven't heard before. <0469> // But still, it's a nostalgic sound. <0470> // GyoOoOoOooOOOooOOoooOoOoOooOoOo~n\shake{0} <0471> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "........." <0472> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "For me to pass the Comedian Training School, I must practice playing the violin." <0473> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Well, it would be impossible no matter what, if that's how you'll practice." <0474> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "It's violin talk." <0475> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "I see... that's a new genre..." <0476> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "If Dango Flowers bloom--- I'll be happy~" <0477> // Kotomi strokes the violin and, at the same time, hums a meaningless song. <0478> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Dango...?" <0479> // I had a bad premonition as I turned around. And behind me was Furukawa.* <0480> // She was simmering something in a big pot. <0481> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "What the hell is that pot for?" <0482> \{Furukawa} "" // \{Furukawa} "I'm boiling bread." <0483> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Why are you boiling bread?!\p Also, that pot somehow stinks. And it really stinks!" <0484> \{Furukawa} "" // \{Furukawa} "Tonight, the dango will begin their love." <0485> // I peer inside a box that was placed on the floor. <0486> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Woah..." <0487> // The box is filled with squirming dango. <0488> // Furukawa scoops a bread broth with a ladle and pours it to the loving dango. <0489> // The big family of dango are becoming darker and darker one by one very fast. <0490> \{Furukawa} "" // \{Furukawa} "Ah! The dango are..." <0491> // Furukawa moves around in confusion as the whole family gets annihilated. <0492> // The way they expanded was quite weird as well. <0493> // I wonder if something happened with the function of my brain? <0494> // Next to Furukawa is Fujibayashi, who was doing a fortune telling with playing cards for some reason. <0495> // Shuffle, shuffle, shuffle. <0496> // Scatter... <0497> // She sluggishly but correctly lines up the cards on the floor. <0498> \{Ryou} "" // \{Ryou} "........." <0499> \{Ryou} "" // \{Ryou} "I understand." <0500> \{Ryou} "" // \{Ryou} "The result of the fortune telling tells me that \m{A}-san is suffering from schizophrenia." <0501> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Who has schizophrenia?!\p More than that, how did you know about that using fortune telling!?" <0502> \{Ryou} "" // \{Ryou} "Umm... you can also call it a nervous breakdown..." <0503> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "........." <0504> \{Kyou} "" // \{Kyou} "You shouldn't, Ryou. He's my patient." <0505> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "I was thinking it's about time for you to show up..." <0506> \{Kyou} "" // \{Kyou} "By the way, don't you think this room stinks?" <0507> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "That's due to Furukawa's boiled bread." <0508> \{Kyou} "" // \{Kyou} "The smell of boiled bread is indeed not good for human health." <0509> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "You're talking about nonsensical things and your lines have become weird too."* <0510> \{Kyou} "" // \{Kyou} "That's also because of the smell of the boiled bread." <0511> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Anyway, this is a dream, right? It must be, right? Because no matter what, everyone wouldn't be this twisted unless it's a dream." <0512> \{Kyou} "" // \{Kyou} "Won't you quickly buy something delicious?" <0513> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "At least listen to people even in dreams~!" <0514> \{Ryou} "" // \{Ryou} "Ummm... excuse me, I need to be going to the hospital now..." <0515> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "You too, what you are talking about doesn't relate to us!" <0516> \{Furukawa} "" // \{Furukawa} "The dango, the dango!" <0517> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "There's an absurd smell because of the dango~" * <0518> // Gyon Gyon Gyon Gyon <0519> // GyoOoOooOooOooOOo~~n <0520> // ......... <0521> // ...... <0522> // ... <0523> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} ".................." <0524> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Are you awake now?" <0525> // Kotomi, who was sitting on the floor, was looking at me. <0526> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "........." <0527> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "?" <0528> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "It appears I was watching a really bad dream." <0529> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "??" <0530> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "A scary dream...?" <0531> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "It was probably more of a random dream rather than scary." <0532> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I see..." <0533> // She stares at me as if I'm still having a dream, and then she narrows her eyes as if relieved. <0534> // There was a closed book on her lap. <0535> // Perhaps, she's already finished reading. <0536> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "I'm sorry." <0537> // It seems I always end up sleeping whenever Kotomi starts to read books. <0538> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Not at all." <0539> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "You see... I like watching \m{B}-kun sleep." <0540> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Me too, I like to sleep where Kotomi is." <0541> // I return my gaze and stretch as I sit. <0542> // The inclining evening sunlight dyes the library books with an expressionless color. <0543> // Two pieces of the cut apple pie were placed on the plate over the reading desk. <0544> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I was thinking that it was about time for \m{B}-kun to wake up, so I readied the pie I cut before." <0545> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "The one you divided, huh?" <0546> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Yup, the one I'll share with you." <0547> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "The truth was, you planned to eat it at three o'clock, right...?" <0548> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "It's already 5:30 afternoon, but it's still a snack." <0549> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "You're hungry, right?" <0550> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Yup, I'm a little hungry." <0551> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Alright, let's eat then." <0552> // Kotomi began preparing at once. <0553> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "The black tea has become a little cold though..." <0554> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "It's all right, it's warm enough." <0555> // She pours the remaining black tea in the paper cup she's holding, and then we say... <0556> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Let's all eat." <0557> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Let's eat." <0558> // This is the second time we said that today. <0559> // The texture of the apple is softer; even the taste seems better. <0560> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "It tasted better than during noon. I wonder if it's because I'm hungry..." <0561> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Apple pies are delicious, even if they're cold." <0562> // The room has become darker, and the only shining things from the setting sun are the outlines of the bookshelves. <0563> // She probably won't be able to read books now. <0564> // And we can't make any light in the school building where there shouldn't be anyone. <0565> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Hey, Kotomi." <0566> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "?" <0567> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Once we eat this, let's head home." <0568> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Yup." <0569> // She immediately understood when I told her, nodding obediently. <0570> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Today was really fun." <0571> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Compared to yesterday, which is more fun?" <0572> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Well..." <0573> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} ".................." <0574> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I can't compare." <0575> // Her forelock sways and she smiles happily. <0576> // I put the last piece of the apple pie in my mouth, and I savoured its flavor before I swallowed it. <0577> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Thanks for the food." <0578> // I put my hands together. <0579> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "\m{B}-kun." <0580> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Hmm?" <0581> // Kotomi didn't say anything for a while. <0582> // I wonder how many times did she show that today? That face that looks like brooding about something.* <0583> // She took out something from the bottom of the cloth bag while I kept looking at her.* <0584> // It seems like an old book. <0585> // She rubs the front cover to clean it, but the title is still illegible. <0586> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Umm... well... I want \m{B}-kun to hold this." <0587> // She gently places it in front of me. <0588> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "But... isn't this important to you?" <0589> // I have a hunch even though I haven't looked inside. <0590> // I'm sure she probably has read this hundreds of times too. <0591> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I already memorized everything that's written in there." <0592> // She smiles as if embarrassed. <0593> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "But you see, I won't be able to read this book..." <0594> // As I hesitate on accepting it, Kotomi said something surprising. <0595> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I don't want you to read it." <0596> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Eh?" <0597> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I don't want you to read it." <0598> // The word piles up making me confused. <0599> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "It's all right to just hold into it." <0600> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "But..." <0601> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "........." <0602> // Kotomi's eyes flicker. <0603> // That feeling came back again. <0604> // Her matureness and the child in her which doesn't know anything. <0605> // And the Kotomi that I don't know which is hidden between them... <0606> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "All right then." <0607> // I took the book from her. <0608> // I suddenly noticed that its skin has the feeling of being left for months or years. <0609> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Hey, Kotomi. The truth is..." <0610> // ... you really want to read this together with me, right? <0611> // I end up swallowing those words. <0612> // Kotomi slowly stands up. <0613> // She advances her slender feet to the west side window, and there, she slowly turns to face me. <0614> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I've decided." <0615> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "That I won't come here as much as possible." <0616> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Because even if I'm here, it wouldn't be as fun as before." <0617> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "It's much more fun to be with everyone." <0618> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "It's much more fun to be with \m{B}-kun." <0619> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "That's why, I'll be with everyone." <0620> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "I'll take lessons properly, listen carefully to the teacher, get along with everyone in the class..." <0621> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "The truth is, I've known for a long time that this is what I should do..." <0622> // She wasn't saying those to me. * <0623> // The bookshelves look like historic ruins inside the backlight. <0624> // The tens of thousand of book bindings that came to watch Kotomi even now.* <0625> // It was as if they were carefully listening to Kotomi's voice. <0626> // Kotomi bowed at them in the end. <0627> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "\m{B}-kun, let's go home." <0628> // She then gave me a smile. <0629> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "You should properly lock the door." <0630> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Yup..." <0631> // There was a small metallic sound that echoed inside Kotomi's purse.* <0632> // We then left the library, and I'll be back to having a short nap during tomorrow's lunch break. <0633> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Everything will be all right with this." <0634> // She puts away her treasured key that has her own name. <0635> // I'm sure the chance she'll be using it will decrease. <0636> // As for that, Kotomi should be getting more friends. <0637> // We were crouching in the twilight, at the hallway where there's no one. <0638> // If I compare it to a book, it probably means a single chapter had ended. <0639> // I wonder what's waiting ahead...? <0640> \{\m{B}} "" // \{\m{B}} "Let's go." <0641> \{Kotomi} "" // \{Kotomi} "Yup." <0642> // Kotomi unconsciously held on to my palm that was stretching out to her. <0643> // I realized that this is the first time we've held hands together.
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Đã hoàn thành và cập nhật lên patch. Đã hoàn thành nhưng chưa cập nhật lên patch.