[LN] Tōmeina yoru ni kakeru-kun to, menimienai koi o shita - Volume 1 - Chapter 1 [ENG]

Chapter 1 - Meeting

A doctor stood with folded hands beside the bed.

Near the window, decorative flowers were placed. Sturdy stems rose tall, with various white blossoms blooming at each end. Looking at it, I felt like I was witnessing fireworks blooming in the night sky. Every time the white curtains moved, a sweet fragrance wafted through.

After a while, the doctor began to speak, though I was prepared, only halting words came out,

"That's enough, let's just end it."

◎◎◆◎◎

As I drifted off to sleep, a loud voice from Narumi woke me up.

I wondered, what was he doing? Offering up jokes from the Kansai region?

When I opened my eyes, everyone was applauding and laughing. A big man with a proud face stood next to me. It was Narumi.

I didn't feel any regret for missing Narumi's performance just that once. Rather, I felt slightly annoyed for being woken up.

I nudged Narumi, who was about to sit down, with my elbow.

"Hey, Sorano, are you awake?"

Narumi slapped my back with a cheerful face.

"I had a weird dream."

"What was it like?"

"I don't know... it felt gloomy."

"What's that about?"

Right now, it's a welcome event for new students from various circles.

Forced by Narumi to join, I sat in the backmost seat, positioned to give me a clear view of the entire room.

Lacking enthusiasm due to attending a party I had no interest in, coupled with lack of sleep, my energy plummeted drastically.

"Get up. Since you're already here, you might as well enjoy it. Otherwise, you're the one missing out."

"But you're the one who dragged me here."

Narumi, my roommate in the university dorm, caused me to rearrange the room layout last night, which resulted in me staying up all night. As a result, I was extremely drowsy throughout the day.

After classes ended, I thought I could finally sleep, but Narumi ended up making me participate in the welcome party for new students.

Beside me, Narumi enthusiastically observed the entire room.

Actually, what kind of stamina does he have...

While holding a glass of oolong tea, I suddenly looked around the place as well. And I began to realize the incredibly surreal scene before my eyes.

In reality, this grand welcome party for new members began in a calm atmosphere. Representatives from each circle delivered their greetings, and while raising champagne glasses, they toasted with solemnity.

Now, how did this happen?

The large room where forty new students gathered felt chaotic. No one remained in their seats.

Everyone wandered around like zombies with a drink in their hands.

Mie Champon had been added to the motsunabe on the table, but no one attempted to eat it. The noodles kept boiling and expanding, almost doubling in size from the original.

Loud and raucous sounds could be heard everywhere.

Some guys casually talked to girls. In one corner of the room, a few people who looked like otaku were huddled together. And finally, heavily made-up women clapped and screamed like malfunctioning toys.

The restaurant space enclosed by sliding bamboo doors felt hot due to the crowd inside. Additionally, the level of carbon dioxide in the air seemed to rise, making me feel suffocated.

Everyone was talking way too enthusiastically.

I unbuttoned the collar of my t-shirt and fanned myself with my hand.

The heat and poor air quality were unbearable.

The discomfort index felt extremely high; I just wanted to get out as quickly as possible.

As I pondered this, a low, aged voice came through the sliding door from the room next to ours, "Happy birthday."

As if responding to that voice, our room also began to cheer with applause while saying, "Happy birthday to you."

Everyone was celebrating someone unclear behind the sliding door.

Could it be that the room next door made this request earlier?

I briefly considered if this was some kind of flashmob, but a few people tried to stand out with shifting vibrations from the usual tempo as they sang, "Ha-ppy birt-hday t-to you."

There were also those who shouted as if they were about to faint while singing, "Ha-ppy birt-hday t-to yo-o-o-ou!!"

If this was a flashmob, it seemed too messy and poorly executed. So, it's likely just some natural commotion that emerged spontaneously. Like animals in a cage all making noise at the zoo.

From behind the sliding door, the voice of a young woman could be heard saying,

"Thank you!"

Some guys at our table began to get anxious and said, "Come on! Let's sneak a peek!" while some of the women looked at them with blank expressions.

Wow...

"Why do you look disgusted?" Apparently, my expression was clear. Narumi smiled, seeming pleased with the situation.

"Well, of course I'm disgusted."

"Isn't this fun?"

"I don't feel that way at all."

"Eh~"

Feeling a bit annoyed at Narumi's attempt to belittle, I pointed to the table two tables away from us.

"So, Narumi, you don't find that gross?"

At that table, a group of guys gathered around some women.

Their conversation, initially meant to invite the women to join their circle, had turned into discussions about the romantic affairs of those women.

They even dared to openly describe themselves in ways that were less than respectable.

"I don't like cigarettes," one woman said, and quickly, all the guys reached for their cigarettes and lit them.

"I like muscles on arms," another woman said, and suddenly all the guys started rolling up their sleeves.

"So, you're disgusted by that? Haha, Sorano, you really are quite the naive guy," Narumi said, laughing.

"Are you mocking me?"

Narumi shook her head casually.

"Well, but I'm pretty sure that's just how you are."

He smiled as if he understood it all.

"What do you mean, I..."

"Just look, you're standing against the wall now, like you don't want to move from here, right? Everyone's like that, they're trying hard to create a new community."

"What do you mean by 'trying hard'..."

Before I could finish that sentence, suddenly applause sounded from another table.

"Cheers!" someone shouted.

I felt they might be a representative from a circle, but I couldn't remember which one.

Perhaps related to music? Or maybe sports?

I couldn't recall if it was the tennis club or not, but I felt like it might be the tennis club.

In any case, what was clear was a young man with brown hair exuding a relaxed aura stood up.

"I have an important announcement here!"

His voice sounded confident, as if he never knew what difficulty was.

His confidence was honestly quite annoying. But perhaps his foolishness was what made him amusing, laughter began to resonate.

All eyes were on the dramatic way this guy chose to speak... but then suddenly, someone began slurping up a very long strand of Mie Champon. The sound of slurping noodles could be heard from various corners.

Despite appearing impolite, whether due to intoxication-induced deafness or an incredibly thick-skinned mentality, this guy didn't stop talking.

"New student, Yuko Hayase!"

The person he called seemed to be eating, and her facial expression seemed to say, "Huh, me?" While being encouraged by those around her to stand up, she finally rose with one hand still touching her mouth, and the other awkwardly raking through her hair.

Ah, this is quite interesting. Curious gazes gathered on the woman.

The guy shook his hair and gazed at Yuko with sparkling eyes. Meanwhile, the girl just gazed shyly and averted her eyes.

However, their dramatically staring at each other... seemed unlikely to materialize.

The guy took a deep breath and said,

"I've actually never fallen in love before, but honestly, I can't hold back. Will you be in a love relationship with me?"

What's with that arrogant tone of his? If only I were in a conscious state, I would surely leave because of the discomfort.

However, the intoxicated ones actually gave thunderous applause.

"Yes, I can! Yes, I can!"

Everyone around began singing that song. But why were they asking for an answer in English?

"Whatever it is! Let's date!" Irresponsible shouts rang out.

"Me! I want to date you too!" Ego-filled cries were heard as well.

As if not hearing those shouts, she bowed her head deeply.

"I'm sorry!" Her words were quite firm. Yet, she added, "You're just not my type."

Without mercy, she launched a follow-up attack, as if hitting a wounded party with a blunt object.

The man who experienced this bitter failure seemed disbelieving and asked, "Really?"

The woman slowly opened her mouth hesitantly and said, "Yes, I'm serious..."

Once again, the room was filled with cheers and applause. Everyone laughed and cheered.

Including Narumi next to me, who was also laughing heartily.

What's with that arrogant tone of his? If only I were in a conscious state, I would surely leave because of the discomfort.

However, the intoxicated ones actually gave thunderous applause.

"Yes, I can! Yes, I can!"

Everyone around began singing that song. But why were they asking for an answer in English?

"Whatever it is! Let's date!" Irresponsible shouts rang out.

"Me! I want to date you too!" Ego-filled cries were heard as well.

As if not hearing those shouts, he bowed his head deeply.

"I'm sorry!" His words were quite firm. Yet, he added, "You're just not my type."

Without mercy, he launched a follow-up attack, as if hitting a wounded party with a blunt object.

The man who experienced this bitter failure seemed disbelieving and asked, "Really?"

The woman slowly opened her mouth hesitantly and said, "Yes, I'm serious..."

Once again, the room was filled with cheers and applause. Everyone laughed and cheered.

Including Narumi next to me, who was also laughing heartily.

"But, Sorano, you're really unresponsive, huh?" Narumi said while continuously patting my back.

"Since forever, I've never been interested in flashy people."

"Why though? It's funny, you know."

"Well, maybe I don't like that kind of helplessness. Or how should I put it... All the efforts he's making."

"Maybe he's just trying to make a strong impression at the beginning of his college debut? After all, that's what university is like, right?"

"But that doesn't mean I enjoy unnecessary commotions. I even avoid creating slight disturbances."

I deeply feel this from the bottom of my heart.

Leaving an impression on others, carving memories into their minds, that requires a certain allure. It demands a lot of energy.

It's easier for me to live on the surface, give unobtrusive responses, read the atmosphere, and adapt to situations.

However, I still dislike actively interacting with others.

"If you hadn't dragged me here today, I wouldn't have come."

I spoke without thinking, before suddenly realizing the words. It's not something I would usually say.

Am I that bothered?

Am I so frustrated that I'm speaking like this?

Was my statement a mistake?

However, it turns out my doubt was in vain. The big guy next to me seemed quite optimistic and said,

"Maybe we should go over there for a bit, huh?"

"Really? Are you kidding?"

He directed his gaze toward the table of women who had rejected the confessions earlier.

No way, I sighed inwardly.

Most of the tables were occupied by guys who had approached women in some sort of small groups.

However, strangely, none of the guys showed interest in the women at that table. The table remained empty without any guys around.

Though it's hard to see from a distance, they didn't look bad at all; I could even vouch that they seemed more attractive than others.

The woman mentioned as Hayase earlier undoubtedly deserved the confession, and beyond her, the woman next to her, who could even be mistaken for a fashion model, was truly stunning.

Such beautiful women were there, yet these guys didn't pay any attention to them at all.

I don't know what's going on...

It seems that table is from a different world.

Indeed, it's true that with such a high level of beauty, it's difficult to approach her. Perhaps because they won't respond when spoken to or because they have complex personalities from the start. In any case, I shouldn't get close to her... That's what my survival instinct tells me.

However, Narumi by my side has a different opinion.

"Come on! Let's go and give it a try!"

He drags me along, and I try to resist but in vain.

"Hello, is this a nice place?"

Narumi sits in front of the woman, followed by me, who's forced to sit beside him.

The woman named Hayase shows a cautious expression. On the other hand, the woman who looks like a model greets us with a friendly smile.

"I'm Narumi Ushio. And he..."

"Ah, my name is Sorano Kakeru."

With a slight bow of the head, we exchange greetings.

Hayase sighs, as if to say that this was unavoidable.

"I'm Hayase Yuko. And this is..."

"I'm... Koharu Fuyutsuki."

When Fuyutsuki says her name, she smiles gently. Somehow, I feel a bit surprised. It turns out she is indeed quite captivating.

When Fuyutsuki is silent, she looks beautiful, but when she smiles, she appears incredibly sweet. Her eyes are large and expressive. Her long hair gleams in the light.

With her soft way of speaking, she resembles an idol, transforming the impression of a model I had previously into something different. Like a creature from another dimension or someone existing in a distinct world. She's just too beautiful, and it's unsettling. This is a new experience for me.

However, there's something peculiar about Fuyutsuki. She only gazes straight ahead, never turning her head.

I follow her gaze with curiosity. Yet, all I find is a wall in the direction she's looking. I wonder what's there, but I can't see anything. Somehow, because of her beauty, I feel as if there's something there, even if it might just be an illusion.

Could it be a famous building in the world? But then I remember we're in a restaurant, and that's not possible.

As I shift my attention from the enigmatic wall back to Fuyutsuki, she's attempting to grasp a glass of orange juice with her right hand.

However, it seems she's struggling. She appears like someone walking through thick fog. I'm unsure what she's doing.

Then, Hayase gently taps Fuyutsuki's shoulder and whispers to her.

"Koharu-chan, it's twelve o'clock over there."

"Thank you, Yuko-chan."

Fuyutsuki then reaches for the glass with an outstretched hand, touches it slowly, and then takes it.

I'm puzzled by this situation. As for Narumi, he calmly asks Fuyutsuki,

"What's wrong? Fuyutsuki-san, is your eyesight bad?"

I feel somewhat uncomfortable with his sensitive question to someone still unfamiliar. But, Fuyutsuki doesn't appear disturbed. She gently places the glass down and smiles.

"Yes, that's correct. Or to be more precise, I can't see at all..."

◎◎◆◎◎

As we leave the restaurant, the cold wind brushes gently against our cheeks. The wind provides a comforting sensation to our sweaty bodies.

The indoor air was rather stuffy, so now the air polluted with exhaust fumes along the roadside even feels better.

Most likely, the disruptive crowd has moved on to the next event. Laughter from a group of people can faintly be heard in the distance. Perhaps it's coming from them.

As we rise from the table, Hayase speaks softly, as if not to be overheard by Fuyutsuki.

"They moved to another table after finding out that Koharu-chan can't see."

"So, that's why this table looks like a deserted island."

"Deserted island?" Hayase widens her eyes.

"I mean like a remote island on a vast mainland."

Hearing this, Hayase laughs and says, "What on earth is that?"

Afterward, we walk from the gathering place in Tsukishima to Kiyosumi-dori and then head to Monzen-Nakacho.

Narumi and I are headed to the university dormitory. Meanwhile, after escorting Fuyutsuki, Hayase plans to take the subway.

At this moment,

Fuyutsuki walks using a white cane called a "hakujou" on the yellow braille-labeled pavement.

As for Hayase, she walks beside her, supporting Fuyutsuki's arm.

Finally, there's Narumi, who enthusiastically talks to both of them.

TL/N:

Hakujou cane (the white cane) - Auxiliary cane for the visually impaired

Braille - A writing system used to assist the visually impaired in reading and writing.

As we walk along the road, the voices of the three individuals in front of me are muffled by the sound of cars.

When I gaze at the sky, I realize it's a clear night. The full moon is visible clearly with its bright light. Whether it's because of the moon's brilliance or the city lights themselves, I can't see the stars.

Nevertheless, the dim light from scattered apartments resembles stars. The large moon hangs amidst the gaps between tall apartment buildings, as if floating amid a star-filled sky. It's a beautiful cityscape, making my heart race.

Can she also see this moon?

---I can't see it.

Fuyutsuki's expression is calm and cheerful as she utters those words. f I were to lose my sight, what would I do?

Perhaps I would confine myself to my room while lamenting my fate.

Perhaps I would feel despair.

During meals, walks, or inconveniencing others, I might feel guilty.

It must be incredibly difficult. I probably wouldn't be cheerful either.

"Why did you choose to come to this welcome party even though you can't see?"

During the welcome party, Narumi asked her that. I shivered upon hearing it, but Fuyutsuki didn't seem bothered.

"Because I've never experienced it before," Fuyutsuki casually replied.

Repeating Fuyutsuki's words in my mind, a voice came from beside me.

Unintentionally, I blurted out "wowah!" loudly in surprise.

Hayase tilted her head and looked in my direction.

"Huh, do you hate me?"

"No, not at all."

"Yeah, just kidding~"

Hayase briefly pursed her lips, then quickly smiled.

Perhaps because we had been talking throughout the party, her initial wariness toward me had lessened.

"May I let go of your hand?"

Fuyutsuki, who was walking ahead, now walking alone on the Braille-labeled pavement.

"She says if there are no obstacles on the Braille blocks, she can walk on her own. Actually, it's not good to force assistance without being asked, right?"

"Are you an old friend of Fuyutsuki's?"

"Huh, why?"

"Because you're accompanying Fuyutsuki, I was wondering if you're an old friend."

"Oh, I see. I met Koharu-chan at the university entrance ceremony. You know, 'Hayase' and 'Fuyutsuki,' so 'Ha' and 'Fu.'"

"Ah, I get it now..."

For a moment, I almost thought it was a riddle.

But it might just be about them sitting side by side, as the seating arrangement at the entrance ceremony is based on the order of the Japanese vowels: a-i-u-e-o.

"...I understand now."

"Hey, do you know about the 'Student Guides' at our university? They're looking for volunteers on the bulletin board."

"I haven't heard about it."

"Is that so? These 'Student Guides' are volunteers who provide support for students with disabilities in facing university life, based on their own preferences, of course."

She explained it briefly, but the core is that the 'Student Guides' are there to assist in various aspects like accompanying them to classes, helping them move around campus, and aiding with meals.

In my opinion, it's a noble act. However, at the same time, I feel it can be quite complex. Like, for instance, when Fuyutsuki consulted with Hayase about attending the party tonight.

But well, there are indeed people who want to take actions like that. People who are truly different from me.

"Usually, it's best not to offer help unless it's requested by someone else. But I still can't help myself from not offering assistance."

"Is that so?"

"Because it's another way of saying 'you can't do something on your own.'"

"Oh, I see..."

Indeed, I can imagine it wouldn't be enjoyable if someone always interfered in trivial matters.

"As a student, I always wanted to give it a try."

With a soft voice, Hayase said, "That's truly amazing, isn't it?" She spoke with empathy.

"I think you're absolutely right."

Suddenly, Hayase turned with an exaggerated expression after hearing my response.

"Sorano-kun, are we in the same department?"

"Huh? Is Hayase-san also in the distribution department?"

"Distribution. Koharu-chan is also in the distribution department."

"Oh, I see. So, only Narumi is in a different department?"

"And Sorano-kun, are you taking computer science?"

"The first class on Monday? Yeah, I took it but only briefly."

"As for me, I didn't take it."

"That class... well, I did register for it, but I regret it. I didn't understand it at all."

"Koharu-chan said the same thing."

"Fuyutsuki?"

Instantly, I recalled someone who looked like Fuyutsuki sitting behind us.

But, for some reason, I felt uninterested and struggled to remember.

Pretending to rack my brain, Hayase suddenly began talking about this.

"Sorano-kun, are you interested in becoming a 'Student Guide'?"

The conversation atmosphere tensed. I felt like this was going in the wrong direction.

"Why?"

I merely responded with a light refusal.

However, Hayase casually disregarded that refusal.

"Your schedule and mine don't overlap. So, I thought maybe I could ask you for help with just that class."

"But, but..."

"It's okay, you won't have a hard time. If you struggle, I'll be there to help, alright?"

This is an impressive level of intervention and involvement. I'm truly amazed by how far Hayase is willing to go in getting involved.

At that moment, I heard a "crash" sound from ahead.

In front of us, I saw a bicycle fallen over, followed by Fuyutsuki stumbling.

It seemed she accidentally knocked over a bike parked on the Braille-labeled pavement with her white cane.

"Are you okay?" Hayase asked, rushing over to Fuyutsuki.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I didn't see it."

I almost stepped forward, but seeing Narumi lifting the fallen bike, my steps halted.

"Ah, I'm sorry, I apologize!"

Specifically, I just stood there and watched Fuyutsuki continuously apologize.

"Relax, everything's alright. Anyone would have knocked over an old bike like this."

Is there any damage to the stand? This rust-covered bike isn't stable and keeps falling over.

Narumi seems to struggle in getting it back into position.

Hayase returns with a concerned expression on her face.

"Recently, I've started to realize that I shouldn't be parking my bike on top of Braille blocks like this either. Hmm, it makes me curious about things like this."

"Is that so..."

I only half-heartedly nodded, and Hayase seemed slightly frustrated. Then, enthusiastically, she said,

"So, what about the 'Student Guide' thing earlier?"

The conversation tension resurfaces. I feel like it's getting worse.

"I... I don't know, really..."

I displayed some hesitation.

However, Hayase remains steadfast in her intent.

As long as you don't find it difficult. If you do, I'll help you, okay?"

I actually hoped the atmosphere would calm down after the bike incident earlier.

I pondered for a moment and said, "Let me think about it."

This is a subtle indirect refusal.

Yet, Hayase remains clever by saying, "Please give me your contact information."

She nudged me softly and then showed her LINE QR code. I felt reluctant, but eventually agreed to exchange LINE IDs.

At that moment, with a smile, Hayase spoke,

"If Koharu-chan has any difficulties, please help her~" and then she energetically went over to Fuyutsuki.

This is the worst situation.

"So..."

─ I'm not particularly fond of things like this.

I almost voiced those words, but then swallowed them back.

Since I was little, I've moved from one house to another.

My divorced mother had to take care of me alone, and that's why we were forced to keep moving.

The first time I stayed with my grandparents. But when their condition worsened, I stayed with my aunt. After that, we moved to a distant relative's house. I even inconvenienced my mother's friend who had no blood relation to her.

Wherever we went, if I showed defiance, I was disliked; if I was too polite, I was also disliked.

While changing schools, if I stood out too much, I was disliked. However, if I tried not to get involved, there was no reaction at all.

From there, I finally realized that people like those who are quietly unobtrusive. Reading the atmosphere and adapting to it. And deciding not to get involved. That's what's best in my opinion.

Finding out where the safe zone is, where the zone of concern and indifference is, is a skill that grows without me realizing it.

I looked up, and a veil of clouds was hiding the moon.

In the mist, the moon was faintly visible.

The dim moonlight adorned the apartment buildings strangely, and the previously beautiful view suddenly felt eerie, only highlighting lifeless concrete.

"Oh, this isn't the apartment?"

Hayase stopped and said that.

This was the area under the Aioi Bridge. Across the bridge, the university was located.

"Wow, nice apartment," Narumi exclaimed, gazing at the apartment.

In front of us were two skyscrapers about fifty stories tall. There were short stairs and gentle slopes for wheelchairs, as well as a long footpath.

Behind that footpath, there was an entrance, and at the entrance, a glass waterfall could be seen. This was a luxurious apartment, that's what I thought.

I had thought Fuyutsuki gave off a very neat impression, but now I could confidently say that she was a wealthy person with a very clean appearance.

When Hayase handed the wheelchair ramp handrail to Fuyutsuki, Fuyutsuki tapped the Braille block with her white cane and politely said, "Thank you."

"Well, good night."

"Good night."

"Good night to you too."

We exchanged words and shook hands like this.

At that moment, a "thud" sound was heard, and red light reflected from the apartment windows.

"Thud, thud," the sound of explosions continued in the night sky. Every time the sound was heard, the apartment windows changed colors. Yellow, blue, red. The apartment glass was tinted with bright and shiny reflections.

Narumi directed his gaze across the Aioi Bridge.

"Isn't that from there?"

Hayase stepped away from the wheelchair ramp and looked at the sky.

"Is that from the university? Are they allowed to have a fireworks display?"

It seemed she wanted to see as well.

Then suddenly, Fuyutsuki rushed over, "Eh, eh. What's that fireworks?" She ran along the wheelchair ramp, then slipped and almost fell.

"Be careful!"

On reflex, I immediately hugged Fuyutsuki.

I helped her to stand, and when I touched Fuyutsuki's hand, I felt how cold her hand was.

"It turns out Sorano-san's hands are warm," Fuyutsuki said casually.

"You should be more careful."

"Sorry."