Kono Monogatari O Kimi Ni Sasagu - Volume 1 Chapter 2.8

The revising process, while participating in the drama club’s rehearsals, went smoothly. They made minor adjustments to the characters’ personalities, added or removed episodes to better convey their essence. Though they couldn’t make large revisions since rehearsals had already begun, the script steadily improved.

Yuto didn’t expect to be roped into voice exercises and running drills under the pretext of getting to know the members better, but it turned out to be a new experience for someone who had never joined a club in middle or high school.

Once the revisions were mostly settled

“Why am I at an aquarium…?”

More precisely, Yuto found himself at a large park with an aquarium. The park included cafes, souvenir shops, and even a Ferris wheel. The park was quite bustling in the summer morning.

“I told you, Senpai. It’s a break.”

“I didn’t ask for this…”

Last night, Kotoha had sent an email with just the time and meeting place. Despite knowing better, he had come out.

“Come on, don’t worry about the details. The drama club has a break today, and the script is almost complete.”

Indeed, the script only needed minor tweaks.

The stage sets and props were already decided, and the drama club was progressing well with their production.

Though he considered mentioning that he was technically a college applicant, he decided against it. One reason was that he had been working intensely on the script recently, and a break seemed okay. Another was that he didn’t want to dampen Kotoha’s cheerful mood.

They bought tickets and entered.

“I didn’t know this place existed… It’s my first time at a freshwater aquarium.”

It was a rare aquarium that housed freshwater creatures.

“It’s my first time too, though it’s apparently quite well-known. Wow, this is amazing.”

Stepping into the building, they were greeted by a lush forest modeled after the source of Nagara River.

As Kotoha said, it was fairly crowded. Many families with children, groups of friends, and couples on dates.

From an outsider’s perspective, they might appear as a couple, although they kept a bit more distance than typical couples. Yuto walked beside Kotoha, pondering.

“Wow, what’s this lizard-like creature?”

“That’s a giant salamander.”

“You answered so quickly… You know a lot, huh.”

“I read it in a book when I was a kid.”

“Oh, it’s so cute! Senpai, look, it’s an otter!”

Surprisingly, Kotoha was quite excited.

It reminded Yuto of visiting the zoo with his younger sister long ago, making him chuckle.

“…What is it, Senpai?”

“Nothing. Oh, look, an ayu. Looks tasty.” (tln : Ayu sweetfish (Ayu))

“That’s taboo in an aquarium…”

They continued through the aquarium, seeing eels and catfish stuck to the tank bottoms, as well as snakes and ducks on display. It seemed anything living by the water was included.

“I thought freshwater creatures were dull, but this is actually interesting. It’s not just fish.”

“Yeah. I quite like freshwater fish. They make me feel optimistic.”

“Optimistic?”

While he understood people placing aquariums in their rooms to enjoy and relax with colorful tropical fish, he didn’t see the appeal in Japan’s plain freshwater fish.

“With the body, talent, and environment given to them, they live earnestly. They don’t need to shine brightly by emulating others. That’s what I think.”

Watching Kotoha’s side profile as she gazed at the gobies in the tank, Yuto saw a quiet determination and a hint of fragility. He couldn’t look away from her.

“Ah!”

Kotoha’s sudden exclamation startled Yuto.

“What is it?”

“The sea lion show is about to start. Let’s go!”

“…Aren’t sea lions marine creatures?”

“Details, details! Hurry up!”

Details, huh, Yuto thought, bemused. The profound words earlier seemed almost wasted now.

They watched the sea lion show, explored other exhibits, had lunch at a park cafe, and spent time debating whether Kotoha should buy a giant Mekong catfish plush toy.

It was a relaxing time, a stark contrast to the hectic days before. It was, indeed, a good break. Yuto realized he didn’t dislike spending time with Kotoha—in fact, he found it quite pleasant. They were on the same wavelength as story lovers. Although her pushy methods initially made him wary, he didn’t feel that way now.

“Shall we head home?”

Kotoha, having decided against the catfish plush, happily attached a small ayu keychain to her bag.

“Yeah, let’s go.”

They had seen most of the park, fulfilling their break’s purpose.

“Oh, can we do one more thing?”

Kotoha led Yuto to the park’s Ferris wheel.

The gondola slowly ascended towards the sky.

They didn’t speak, but it didn’t feel awkward.

Watching the view, Yuto noticed the sky around 2 PM was overcast and hazy. It might rain soon.

“Senpai.”

As they neared the top, Kotoha spoke.

“Why don’t you write a novel after finishing the script?”

“Kotoha, that’s…”

No one was around to overhear, and there was no escape. Yuto had a feeling this was coming when Kotoha suggested the Ferris wheel. Her words didn’t surprise him, but they left a bitter feeling in his chest.

“…I can’t. The script was a unique exception.”

Kotoha’s expression clouded, resembling the sky outside. Knowing he caused that expression made Yuto feel uneasy.

“…You said you don’t write because you lack talent, right?”

“…Yeah.”

“That’s strange.”

“Strange? How?”

“Finishing an engaging script in just ten days and making readers cry is something only talent can achieve.”

“…That was a fluke.”

Kotoha shook her head vigorously at his weak response.

“No way! Your script’s writing and structure were meticulously crafted. That comes from talent and relentless practice. So why do you think you lack talent? Why won’t you become a novelist with such skills? Is there a reason?”

Kotoha’s voice was earnest.

“That’s…”