Vol. 2 Chapter 6: Group selection. — Part 2

Common Honorifics:
-san: A polite suffix, but not excessively formal.
-kun: A common suffix among friends and younger people.
-chan: A common suffix among people you’re close with, mostly used for feminine nicknames and girls, since it’s cutesy and childlike.
-senpai: A common suffix and noun used to address or refer to one’s older or more senior colleagues in a school, workplace, dojo, or sports club.

Unfortunately for her, no one seemed eager to go with the teacher. Regardless, all groups were set, so now we had to decide on our plans for the trip since its second and third days will be free until early afternoon.

Not so unfortunately, the teacher seemed happy to see that no student was drooping alone. Oh well, time to do some deciding. Actually, this is the first time I’ve heard there is free time in the first place.

“Katayama, this is our chance. Let’s use this chance to find out what Iwashiro-san likes.”

“You have 200 IQ bro. Okay, let’s do that.”

We began whispering and planning our strategy in a way she wouldn’t hear our yapping. Also, I don’t really care, but it seems that my rank has risen to “partner,” and that makes me a bit embarrassed.

“You two okay? Let’s start with the planning now.”

“I’m fine. Katayama, you’re okay too, right?”

“Of course. Well then, where should we go? I think the Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a nice choice since it’s the most popular in Kyoto.”

“That’s for sure.”

And thus began the consultation on sightseeing spots, as well as Asakawa’s putting in a good word here and there. Maybe he doesn’t really care about the temple and this is just a means to an end. His real goal might be to strike a conversation with Iwashiro-san.

“Yeah, true, but aren’t they too famous?”

“Hmm, that’s a good point, Miyamoto. Some of you may have been there before now that I think about it. How about you, Iwashiro-san? Have you been to Kiyomizu-dera?”

“Ah, I’m… Well, I’m new to Kyoto itself…” She says while her eyes meet the ground.

While she didn’t reject him and his idea, it still seems like she has her guard up. So how could he make her understand he’s “safe”? While I’m thinking about it, Katayama answered.

“Oh actually, I’m new here as well. I don’t really know where I wanna go, so is there any place you’re interested in?”

“Well… I’m sorry, I didn’t read the room properly… Sorry again…”

Thanks to the setting, Katayama was able to fully utilize his social skills and turn the conversation around. Despite that, however, the pieces didn’t fall into place that well.

You have to stick the landing well, bro.

“No, no, don’t apologize! I’m the same way.”

“Actually, I don’t know much about Kyoto either. Even if I go there for shootings every now and then, there isn’t enough time for me to go sightseeing. How about you, Miyamoto-kun? Are you familiar with the place?”

Her calm and collected eyes were trying to tell me something. Think carefully, for my choice will be the turning point of the game. None of the three are familiar with Kyoto, so what if I’m the one who is?

I’ll either be the guide or just point out some potential destinations. That’s it. However, if I were to say I don’t know much… Wait, that’s it!

“Nah, I’m totally with you here. Then how about we check it out? I’m sure the bookstore in the mall will have lots of books on Kyoto specialties, and we can buy the stuff we need to prepare as well.”

“That’s a wonderful idea! How about it, Asakawa-san? Iwashiro-san?”

“Yeah, I think it’s a wonderful idea.”

“I… I agree.”

Thanks to Asakawa’s on-point pass, I was able to spike at the right moment and connect it all together. If they went together after school or on holidays, they were sure to get closer, even if they don’t realize it.

I felt a look of appreciation come from the seat right next to me, and it was mission complete.

Ding, dong, kang, kong~!

“Okay, that’s all for today. I’m going back to the staff room for a bit, so while I’m gone, you guys should get ready to go home.”

The chime rang, signaling the end of another school day, and Ms. Kotoriyu left the classroom. The already buzzing students here began to get even louder due to the anticipation of the school trip.

“O~kay, that’s about it for today. Let’s make a group so we can arrange our schedules for the meet-up.”

As Katayama said that, each one of us pulled out our phones and opened the messaging app. While said app was meant for one-to-one conversations, groups could also be created. You’d have to accept an invite to join them, though.

Thanks in part to the quick and easy process, our group was made in no time at all. Katayama could now say he successfully got Iwashiro’s number.

“I’ll send the plan to the group, then. Iwashiro-san, shall we go?”

“Y–yeah. Well then, excuse me…”

Then the two girls got up and left, leaving only the two dudes here.

“I’m happy for you, man. You got her phone number,” I tell Katayama.

“Y, yeah… That’s right…”

Despite it being one hell of a feat, when I turned to look at him, all I saw was his forehead turning into a waterfall of sweat, and his face turning sheet-white.

“Katayama?! What’s wrong?!”

“N, nothing… I’m glad I got to talk lots with her…”

“So, is it fine…?”

“Yeah… It’s like a dream… This is one though, right? Can you hit me once, bro?”

“Nah, that’s weird bro.”

I don’t know what it means to turn into a sheet of paper instead of burning red, but I’m relieved it isn’t a disease or illness. At any rate, the endgame is near.

We need to recollect and plan something so we can bring the two together.