When I Turn Around, It’s Always You (2)

Kamikochi - Taisho Pond Bridge

1

Kaede

Uh, Yuki-nii? Can you say that again?

Yukikaze

I said I’ll find one for you. I’ll find you a kappa.

If you want to become friends with one, I’ll grant your wish for you.

The people running the store said that the legendary pool where the kappas come out of is still around…

The wildlife on this mountain is rich. I don’t think it would be too much of a stretch to imagine them still leading their lives here.

Kaede

Um… Yeah, I guess that would be…nice.

Yukikaze

The possibilities are endless. A kappa school, a kappa apartment building, a kappa ice rink…

Thank you for the kappa-yaki.

I’ll head out. Leave everything to me.

Hold on!
Kaede

Hold on! *grab*

Yukikaze

Hm? I didn’t leave anything behind. I have my phone and my wallet… I’m bringing water and a handkerchief too.

Kaede

That’s not what I meant.

Okay, good luck!
Kaede

Okay, good luck!

Yukikaze

Hearing you cheer me on gives me courage. I feel like I could climb to the top of Mount Yari right now.

Kaede

Wait, I mean, no! Yuki-nii, stop!

(I almost let him go by instinct because he’s always so reliable…)

Yukikaze

Why are you stopping me? Could it be…?

Are you feeling nervous about meeting a kappa?

You don’t have to worry. You’re a very good person, so I know that the kappas would love to meet you. You’ll be great friends.

Kaede

I’m glad that you think so, but…I was just joking! I know it’s not possible!

Yukikaze

I see… I’ll refrain, then.

Haha. It’s like we’ve swapped places.

One time I was the one stopping you from looking for kappas because it was dangerous.

Kaede

Yeah, I remember that.

But we ended up going to look for them in the swamp anyway and came home covered in mud…

Yukikaze

My dad got really mad at me.

Kaede

Oh, yeah! He was so shocked, and he was like, “don’t do anything dangerous like that. Hurry up and get in the bath.”

Yukikaze

It’s all so nostalgic.

“Nostalgic,” huh…?

Kaede

What’s up?

Yukikaze

We haven’t spent enough time in HAMA Tours together to create nostalgic memories as mayor and chief yet.

This is just the beginning of that chapter.

But as childhood friends…

We’ve made countless memories… It makes me happy to think about all of the time we’ve spent together.

You were always by my side, Kaede.

Kaede

What are you talking about? I still am, and I always will be.

Yukikaze

…Yeah.

2

Renga

Oh, there they are. Heeey, Yukikaze! Chief! The bus is almost here!

Kaede

Oh, no. Let’s head back!

Yukikaze

I didn’t even realize. Time always flies by so fast when I’m with you.

Kaede

Sorry, Renga-kun! Let everyone know we’ll be there soon!

*water plopping*

Yukikaze

Hm? What was that…?

Kaede

Yuki-nii, are you good? We gotta go!

Yukikaze

Ah, of course…

……

See you. I’ll introduce you to my dear childhood friend and little brothers next time.

*water plopping*