MTL: Dexter, Kael
FTL(Hardest Part): KayL
TLC/Editor: Alisa
Final Editors: Kakarotto (aka G-String)
Note: We are using the Chinese Official Translation and Original Japanese Raw in our translations. Our Editors and Raw Readers (Translators) have done their best to give you the best quality English translation. We hope you enjoy reading Chiramune as much we do!
—————————————————————————————–
8
After spending about three hours wandering around Kanazawa FORUS, each of us were carrying a handful of shopping bags.
Yuuko’s face crumpled as she said, “I think I went a little overboard with my shopping.”
Nazuna commented with a sigh, “Definitely. You and Yuzuki kept recommending good stuff.”
“If you want to blame someone, blame yourself.”
But even I, who said that, ended up buying the whole outfit that Yuuko chose for me, so I was way over budget already. I would definitely need to start saving up again.
“Oh, by the way, why don’t we do a little sightseeing while we’re here?” After resting at a cafe, Yuuko, who was walking in front of us towards the station, turned around and asked.
It was already past three in the afternoon, a little early to head straight back home, but I doubt anyone was in the mood for any more shopping.
Nazuna groaned in exasperation, “Fine, but let’s drop off our bags somewhere first. It’s impossible to walk around with all this stuff.”
I chuckled in agreement, “Agreed.”
Yuuko’s eyes sparkled as she saw our reactions. “Of course! And I have a little proposal too…”
Ten minutes later after we put our bags in a coin locker, we changed into traditional Japanese attire that was different from our casual clothes and walked around the station.
“Why don’t we try renting a kimono while we’re here?” Yuuko suggested.
In Kanazawa, which retains its historic streetscapes such as Kenrokuen Garden, Higashi Chaya District, and Nagamachi Samurai Residences, there were many rental shops for kimonos targeting tourists. Even on non-festival days, the sound of geta could be heard echoing throughout the streets.
I had seen them every time I came to Kanazawa, and had secretly longed to try it. I remember Yuuko mentioning it on the night of the fireworks festival, but I returned her words apologetically.
“Sorry, to be honest, I might not have enough money…”
Nazuna added, “I’m a little tight on cash too.”
Even if it was a rental, it would still cost several thousand yen per person, even with the cheapest estimate. Since we also took the express train this time, I thought it might be a bit extravagant considering our wallet situation.
Yuuko, seeing our lack of enthusiasm, proudly said, “Hehe! Don’t worry! My mom gave me money for three people and said ‘Go and rent kimonos with everyone’!”
I instinctively looked at Nazuna and then opened my mouth, “Well, that’s really kind of her, but…”
It would be one thing if it were my own parents, but I felt uncomfortable having Yuuko’s mother bear the cost, especially since we’ve never met face-to-face before.
Nazuna seemed to have the same idea and smiled wryly, “I totally get what you mean! If the roles were reversed, I would feel the same way.”
“But you see,” Yuuko continued, “My mom is kind of unique. She gets sad when we hold back at times like this. She is really looking forward to seeing photos of us in kimonos and everything, so would you guys go along with it?”
“Really……?”
“Absolutely! If we go back without renting them, she’ll be like, ‘Aww, I wanted to see Yuzuki-chan and Nazuna-chan in kimonos…’”
Nazuna and I both burst out laughing at the same time. It was because her tone was just like Yuuko’s.
“Well then, shall we take you up on your offer?”
Nazuna nodded hesitantly, and we walked towards the kimono rental shop.
…After that exchange, the three of us were waiting for the bus in front of the station.
There was a “Strolling Around the Town in Summer Kimonos” plan at the store, so each of us was allowed to pick out a piece that suited our tastes. Since we were going to be walking together, we chose a retro-modern pattern to match.
Yuuko chose a mature pattern with a pine leaf-colored arrow feather stripe with pops of contrasting colors. She also seemed to borrow a kumquat hat for a touch of playfulness.
Nazuna’s kimono had a vibrant pattern of large yellow and red morning glories against a navy background. She added a decorative sash and hairpin for a finishing touch.
As for me, I selected a retro-modern kimono with a brilliant sky blue, rapeseed yellow, and wide vertical white stripes arranged in an irregular pattern. The leaves of the Japanese butterbur dyed in a plum purple color provided a subtle accent.
We also brought Japanese traditional umbrellas to shield ourselves from the summer sun. However, since it would be a bit obstructive if all three of us carried it together, we agreed to take turns using it.
Yuuko checked the bus schedule and chuckled, “Even though we’re wearing summer kimonos, it’s still a bit hot, huh?”
Nazuna agreed, “Thank goodness we bought those cooling patches like Yuzuki suggested.”
“Right?” I smiled proudly. “They work wonders, especially when you wear a yukata to a summer festival. Just cooling off your armpits and the crease of your thighs can make a huge difference. Keep that in mind.”
While we chatted, the “Jokamachi Kanazawa Tour Bus” arrived.
According to our research, the bus circled around the major tourist attractions, so if we just got on this one, we wouldn’t get lost.
Our destination was Higashi Chaya District, one of Kanazawa’s most famous attractions.
As its name suggests, that area was a district of tea houses that were officially approved by the Kaga Clan during the Edo period. The charming streetscape, with its latticed windows and cobblestone paths, still retained the ambiance of that era. Most people who rent kimonos in Kanazawa would probably head to the same place.
As we stepped onto the bus, we found ourselves surrounded by a mix of tourists and locals. Out of all the passengers on board, only the three of us were wearing kimonos.
Although there were still a few empty seats available, I grabbed onto the strap to prevent my kimono from getting disheveled and signaled Yuuko and Nazuna to do the same.
Across from us, a group of high school girls seemed to be talking about something, stealing glances in our direction. Although their expressions were friendly, it still made me feel a bit self-conscious.
I didn’t have a lot of experience traveling, but whenever I was in an unfamiliar place, taking the train or bus seemed to immerse me in the local atmosphere.
Compared to Fukui, Kanazawa exuded a more elegant and dignified air, like a river that seamlessly merged its rushing and calm waters.
Lost in my thoughts, I glanced at Yuuko standing beside me.
Her gaze drifted to the passing scenery outside the window as the bus began to move and announcement blared through the speakers.
The classroom that was dyed in that sunset, the incense fireworks of that summer festival…
It was like a page torn from a discarded diary, with the same girl behaving the same. However, there was a definite sadness and change in her eyes.
I let out an involuntary sigh, marveling at her beauty.
Suddenly, an inexplicable sense of urgency washed over me, yet I couldn’t bring myself to look away from her profile.
──I was completely mesmerized by her.
Before I knew it, the Yuuko I knew was gone.
The vibrant scenery, vibrant clothing, vibrant summer…
And the vibrant someone.
I smiled gently at you, who faced me after turning away.
—————————————————————————————-
Plebian Translation 