Kissing My Student, It's Over if We're Caught-Chapter 4Volume 1 .3 - Trauma: Separation

This year’s Obon vacation is blessed with a full week off according to the calendar.

On the third day of the vacation, Kirihara and I set out early in the morning for a famous hot spring destination to escape the summer heat.

Since it’s a day trip, we planned to leave early and return late.

After resting thoroughly for two days, I felt great. I had adjusted my internal clock by avoiding staying up late recently, in preparation for this day. It was perfect.

Only I was in disguise as we walked the streets before dawn to catch the first train.

Kirihara was carrying a small suitcase with her change of clothes, while I had a backpack.

In addition, we were carrying an eco bag stuffed with a bento box full of onigiri.

Salmon, cod roe, pickled plum, tuna mayo, and bonito flakes—these were the onigiri fillings Kirihara had eagerly requested. Wiener sausages and tamagoyaki were also packed in the same bento box.

Kirihara, holding hands with me, walked with the expression of a child going on a school trip.

This didn’t change even after we boarded the train.

As the outside gradually brightened, she pointed out the window without a word, excitedly making me aware of the changing scenery.

She said it had been since her childhood that she last went on a private trip.

“What about you, Gin?”

“It’s been several years since my university days.”

“I guess… It’s a bit disappointing knowing who you went with before.”

Come to think of it, my ex also messaged me that she was going on a trip with her boyfriend today.

As my mind wandered, Kirihara reached for my hand and held it.

“Let’s enjoy this.”

Holding hands, we transferred from a local train to an express at the terminal station.

Kirihara took the window seat in the comfortably spacious two-seater row. The journey to our destination would take roughly an hour and a half.

It was finally time for the much-anticipated onigiri.

Even though it was a simple bento, Kirihara was excited

She picked up a wiener with a toothpick and offered it to me, saying “Ahh,” with a smile.

As I hesitated, she unhesitatingly brought it to her own mouth.

“…You intended to eat it yourself from the start, didn’t you?”

“Did you figure it out? But it’s delicious, this wiener.”

“Bento food does taste different, doesn’t it?”

“Maybe what’s important about meals is the atmosphere after all.”

We ate about half, saving the rest for lunch.

Just chatting about trivial things while looking out the window, time flew by. Our conversation might not be memorable, but there’s no doubt we enjoyed our time.

Arriving at our destination station, we exited through the ticket gate.

Kirihara let out yet another cheer, her excitement indiscernible.

“It’s very atmospheric!”

The station front, lined with traditional souvenir shops, exuded a clear sense of history. Perhaps due to it being right in the middle of the Obon holiday, it was bustling with customers.

We had no specific plans from here.

For starters, we decided to casually browse the first souvenir shop that caught our eye.

Pennants, ornaments, keychains, and more were on display.

Kirihara looked at the merchandise with keen interest. Before heading out on the trip, she had decided to “buy something to remember it by.”

“Since we’re here, it’d be nice to get something we can use daily…”

“Keychains are classic, right?”

“If Gin would carry my house key, that would be fine too.”

“…Hmm, that’s a bit…”

“I never quite understand Gin’s boundaries for a safe out.”

She seemed a bit sullen, but her interest quickly shifted back to the souvenirs.

In front of the shop, several wind chimes were tinkling away, hanging from the eaves.

Before we knew it, we were both looking at the same thing.

“…Nah, not really.”

“Right… It wouldn’t be fun to decorate different rooms with the same thing.”

The best would be something we could use daily, that wouldn’t seem suspicious even if we had it in the same space.

“Ah,” Kirihara pointed.

“How about a fan?”

“…Ah.”

That might be a good idea, I thought immediately.

There were fans suitable for gentlemen, ladies, and even younger demographics with modern designs.

“That one’s not right, this one’s not right, how about this one?” we discussed together.

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“Really, we’d like to have different colors of the same design.”

“Please spare me from that…”

“I know.”

We found fans we both liked, but decided to visit other shops before making a purchase and left the store.

As we wandered from one souvenir shop to another, we gradually noticed more public baths along the street.

Staying too long might lead to heatstroke, and considering our return time, we could only choose one.

Like with the fans, we deliberated on which one to enter.

“There are many options, but that old-fashioned place has to be the best, right?”

Kirihara suggested the shop we had looked up in the magazine beforehand. It looked distinguished in the photos, with a charming atmosphere. Seeing it in person was even more enticing.

“Let’s go there.”

“Yeah!”

Since it wasn’t a mixed bath, we split up for the men’s and women’s baths right after entering.

Before splitting, Kirihara gestured for me to face her. As I did, she lightly pressed her lips to mine.

“See you later. I’ll come back looking refreshed.”

“Overdoing it, aren’t you?”

Laughing, I headed towards the men’s bath.

…The bath was truly wonderful.

Though it felt slightly lukewarm at first, soaking slowly allowed the fatigue to melt away into the water, bringing a profound sense of relief.

It was spacious inside, and I ended up taking a longer bath than usual.

Realizing I might fall asleep if I lingered too long, I decided it was best to get out at a reasonable time.

I picked up my smartphone, which I had tossed into the basket along with my change of clothes, and messaged Kirihara that I was out. Since the message wasn’t read immediately, I killed some time on a bench in the changing room with a coffee milk.

When leaving, I’d have to put on the uncomfortable disguise again.

I enjoyed the brief feeling of liberation until Kirihara contacted me.

…Putting on the wig and sunglasses, I received strange looks from nearby peoples, which was a little sad.

But, better safe than sorry. Safety first.

“Ah, there you are. You’re late, Gin.”

Stepping outside, Kirihara was already waiting.

Seeing her, I was left speechless.