August 24, morning.
Even the holidays are long over and summer vacation is coming to an end.
After Shinichi woke up, he left the house in the guise of a morning jog and sent several messages on the way.
He didn't call directly because he was afraid the people were still asleep, but to his surprise, about half of them responded quickly.
After Shinichi confirmed everything one by one, he put away his cell phone, ran carefully, and returned home covered in sweat.
Both Rui and Hina woke up, Rui was making breakfast in the kitchen, while Hina was lying on the dining table in a daze, it seemed she hadn't woken up yet.
"Today's trip to the amusement park?"
Not long after, Rui came out with a plate of Western breakfast, and Shinichi helped her take out the remaining two plates and put them on the table.
"That's the closest amusement park to here. I heard that the amusement park was going to close a few months ago. However, after changing managers, that changed completely. Not only are the ticket prices low, the entertainment facilities are also rich, and reviews have increased rapidly."
"Oh? You know it well."
"I have checked the information in advance, and the route to visit all the facilities in the shortest possible time has been arranged. As long as we follow the plan, everything will be fine."
Rui took a bite of the toast and nodded: "That's right. Then, don't go as planned today. You can go wherever you want. It doesn't matter how long you wait in line."
"I knew you would say that." Shinichi smiled slightly, and his tone was a little meaningful.
"Anyway, as long as you are happy, the important thing is not where you go to play, but who you play with."
"Right…" Rui realized something and turned her head in surprise, "So that was the plan?"
Shinichi blinked: "I didn't do it, I lied to you."
"…"
The usual conversation left Rui speechless, but she couldn't help but laugh. She reached out and ate the small sausage on Shinichi's fork in one bite.
"Mmm... This is your punishment for teasing me."
"Ah, thank you, Rui Daimyojin, for your forgiveness."
This seems to be the opening theme of most animations.
This warm morning began with the two of them looking at each other and smiling.
"Hawu~"
Hina yawned, looked out the window and lazily munched on a boiled egg.
Since no one was talking to her, she was thinking about many things.
Tomorrow afternoon, after her mother and the others returned home, she and Rui would leave Asada's house.
Has it been more than a month since they lived...
This summer holiday was truly memorable.
Especially Rui's transformation, she didn't expect that meeting the boy from seven years ago would give her so much growth... Or experience.
Hina doesn't know whether this is good or bad, but for Rui, this is definitely an unforgettable month..
Hina sighed.
"Hina Nee-san, what's wrong?"
"It is nothing. There is too much air in the lungs. Just let it out and everything will be fine."
"...Ha?"
"Ah ha ha..."
Hina smiled awkwardly, it was all because of Shinichi, and the way she spoke was getting closer to him.
Glancing at Shinichi angrily to the side, and not caring about his incomprehensible look, Hina quickly finished her breakfast, and stood up.
"Okay! I'm going upstairs to do my make-up. You have to get ready quickly. You should visit all the popular facilities before there are more tourists!"
"Hmm." Rui thought that made sense, and speeded up her eating.
Before Hina left the living room, she stopped and looked back at the two people in front of the dining table.
Leaning on the young man's shoulder, the smile on Rui's face made her feel heavy for some reason.
Her heart felt heavy and uncomfortable.
On the day when her hand was injured, Rui once said to her in high spirits.
[I'll date him and then dump him before I leave!]
That expression seemed a little different compared to now.
It feels like the feeling of relief is no longer there.
Hina shook her head, and turned away.
(Rui, can you really leave it as simple as you said before?)
△
Also driven by Hina, the amusement park opened at 9 am, and they arrived at the gate around 8:50 am.
Bought tickets at Muppet Man, and among the crowd waiting for the doors to open, they saw the medieval-style building and castle inside. Even though it is old, it doesn't feel dirty or dilapidated.
Rui held Shinichi's hand expectantly and said with some nostalgia.
"It's been a long time since I've been to an amusement park… We haven't been to an amusement park since my mom got divorced."
Shinichi knew something about it. Five years ago, their mother, Tachibana Mikiko, divorced because her husband was having an affair. She raised them both as a single parent and apparently decided not to remarry.
Because of her successful career, although the family's finances are not limited, the necessary family affection is definitely missing by more than half. Additionally, Hina lives in a school dormitory in college and can only come back once a week.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that a quarter of Rui's childhood was spent at home alone, surrounded by books and loneliness.
Shinichi lowered his head and looked at the side of her face.
Even so, the girl was still able to show a bright smile.
"Then let's have fun today, and we will have fun until the parade is over in the evening before we go home!" Shinichi covered her head with his other hand and rubbed it lovingly.
"On the last day, it was impossible not to make memories that will last forever."
Rui spoke in a rapid tone.
"Of course. You have to play roller coasters, fall from heights, etc. You don't want to fall before me."
"Don't think I'm afraid of that. You're the one who did it, I'm not responsible if you wet your pants in the middle of the game."
"Tsk, how arrogant."
The two chatted casually, waiting for the amusement park gate to open.
At this time, Hina who was looking around boredly, found someone walking towards them, and wanted to say hello.