บท 77: I Just Want a Single Ending [77]
Tomori glanced at the penguins behind them, then at Saku, agreeing almost without hesitation.
"Thanks."
After speaking to the staff, Saku turned back to confirm with her, "Are the penguins as the background okay?"
"They're perfect."
Tomori looked quite pleased with the choice.
The two of them followed the staff's directions, positioning themselves in front of the penguin exhibit. Saku was planning to just stand casually.
Tomori, on the other hand, seemed a bit more nervous, carefully smoothing down her bangs.
Then the staff guided them, "Could you both stand a little closer? The photo will look better that way."
"Oh, alright."
Saku moved closer to her, and Tomori, following the instruction, stepped closer to him as well.
In the end, their shoulders ended up lightly touching.
"Sorry."
Turning toward her, Saku reflexively apologized.
Tomori shook her head, "I should be the one apologizing."
"Look this way."
The staff lifted the camera and called out to them.
"Eh?"
Saku and Tomori instinctively turned toward the camera together.
With a click and a flash, the moment was captured.
"Would you like to take another one?"
The staff showed the photo to Saku and Tomori, seeking their input.
"...It's kind of… awkward," Saku commented, glancing at the photo.
Because they'd turned toward the camera in the middle of a conversation, they hadn't struck any particular pose—they were simply standing close, looking at the lens.
Their proximity gave off an unexpectedly intimate vibe.
Clearly, this was due to their shoulders touching and then quickly pulling apart, both apologizing in a way that actually made them look closer.
What felt strange to him was how natural they looked together.
Anyone unfamiliar with their relationship would likely think this was a couple's photo. Only a few would guess it was a picture between friends.
But that couldn't be helped.
Taking photos together with a girl always had a slightly ambiguous feel to it.
If he hadn't noticed her interest in taking the picture, he wouldn't have suggested it in the first place.
Between friends, a photo with their phones would've sufficed—no need to pay the aquarium staff for it.
"It's fine."
Tomori looked at the photo and made her decision.
"No need to retake it. This one's good."
Since she was satisfied, Saku had no objections.
"Great, please come with me, and I'll get it printed." The staff put away the camera and led them, "Don't worry, it'll be quick, so it won't take much of your time."
"Alright."
They followed him to the printing area.
This "printing area" turned out to be a souvenir shop filled with various items for sale.
No wonder they'd been asked to follow along.
"Please wait here for a moment."
Before starting the print, the staff member made sure to mention the souvenirs.
"Feel free to browse the souvenirs here. We're offering a 10% discount if you buy now."
"Okay."
Although he agreed, Saku had no intention of actually buying anything.
He wasn't into this kind of stuff.
Since they were already there, he figured he might as well look around to pass the time.
That's when he noticed Tomori standing at a display, intently looking over something.
"So, you really do like penguins."
Walking over, Saku saw her staring at a collection of band-aids decorated with penguin designs.
"Like?"
Tomori finally heard him and looked up.
"Don't you like penguins?"
Or had he guessed wrong?
"I think… they're pretty cute," Tomori answered softly, looking down, sounding a bit unsure.
Noticing her slight hesitation, Saku pointed to a band-aid with a penguin on it, changing the subject, "By the way, are there many kinds of penguins? This one looks different from the ones we saw earlier."
"That one's a Chinstrap penguin, known for the mustache-like markings on its cheeks. It's in the genus Pygoscelis, like the Adelie penguins."
With that, Tomori perked up and eagerly began explaining.
"The Gentoo penguin over there is also part of that genus…"
Saku listened with a smile as she continued her impromptu lecture.
"Penguins are fascinating, huh? I think I'll get some of these band-aids. They'll definitely come in handy."
He interrupted gently when she paused, steering the conversation in a new direction.
He had a feeling that if he let her keep going, he'd be hearing about penguins all day.
"Come in handy?" Tomori caught onto that phrase.
"My fingers are still healing, after all."
Saku held up his hand, showing her his fingers.
It had been several days since he'd injured them, but some fingers were still badly scratched and wrapped in band-aids.
"No need to buy any—I can give you some."
With that, Tomori pulled out a variety of band-aids from her pocket.
Coincidentally, these were also covered with different penguin designs.
Seeing her offer, Saku was a bit taken aback, "You carry band-aids around with you?"
"No, I only started because you hurt your fingers," Tomori explained quietly.
Ever since she'd heard he'd injured all ten fingers practicing the bass, she'd made it a habit to carry part of her band-aid collection around, hoping she could help him replace them if he ever needed it.
But for days, the opportunity hadn't come up—mainly because Saku had his own band-aids.
And then, today finally arrived.
Knowing she'd be seeing him, Tomori had still decided to bring some along.
"Thanks. I was just about to change mine, actually."
Seeing her sincerity, Saku couldn't refuse.
Even though he'd already replaced his band-aids earlier that morning.
"I might need a few more, is that alright?"
He glanced at his fingers, feeling a bit sheepish.
"No problem, you can take all of them!" Tomori seemed genuinely happy.
So, Saku took the band-aids she'd offered and replaced his plain ones with the penguin-themed ones.
"These look… a bit strange," he remarked, looking at the cheerful penguins on his fingers.
Tomori, however, was firm. "They look great."
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Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!
Posture and water check! Remember this is a fan translation!
If you wish to support me or read ahead here's a link! [patreon.com/WiseTL]
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