Chapter 4: Words And Feelings That Reach

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The next day.

Yesterday, while heading back from my family home, I debated gathering potions in E90 but decided to return straight away since Rin might not sleep if I didn’t send her a message on Connect.

Because of that, I woke up before dawn again today and went through my daily routine.

It’s the weekend, so Fujii-kun is taking a break.

Though it’s early summer, the mornings are still comfortable, and the gentle breeze feels really nice.

I quietly run around the usually noisy school and dorm area.

After running for a while, I spot someone jogging ahead.

He notices me too and waits there, so we join up.

“Good morning.”

“Morning. Running on a weekend morning is pretty rare for you.”

“I woke up a bit early, so I thought I’d do it before our meeting time.”

“Hm. Shall we run together then?”

“Yes.”

We run side by side.

This is the teacher who saved Saito-kun when things got dicey in D86. The image of him wielding a greatsword that day is still so vivid in my memory.

“Sorry about the principal dropping by your place lately.”

“You know the principal, Sensei?”

“Sort of. He’s not one to interact much with students, but lately, he’s been unusually absent during the day.”

I think it’s an unexpected connection.

I’ve never worked myself, but Mom once told me that bosses and subordinates rarely understand each other.

I thought teachers were the same, especially since the principal hardly shows up at events.

“That’s surprising.”

“Heh. Everyone says that.”

“If it’s okay, would you like to join us next time, Sensei?”

“Yeah? Is that alright?”

“Of course. Food tastes better when shared with everyone. The member’s mom, who always makes delicious bentos, said she’s fine with more people joining. That member’s daughter used to eat alone until recently. She’d surely be happy to have more people to eat with.”

“I see. Then I’ll take you up on that and visit with the principal next time.”

“Yes.”

“Hinata, feel free to tell me if you’re ever in trouble. I am a teacher, after all.”

He gently pats my back as he says this.

Until now…… no one’s ever told me it’s okay to ask for help. Everyone always avoided me…… Thinking about it, the one who kept looking at me until the end was—surprisingly Gai-kun.

I never imagined we’d end up at the same school, in the same class……

After the run, I shower and wait for Fujii-kun in the dorm’s first-floor lounge.

Sitting on one of the sofas and spacing out, I see a few students come down from upstairs and leave the dorm.

It’s Sunday, so the dorm mother, Seino-san, is off, and a paper with emergency contacts is placed on the entrance counter.

Even in this, I can feel her kindness, always putting the students first.

I once glimpsed her explorer license—it was E-rank.

I heard through the grapevine that she aimed to be an explorer in her youth, but perhaps she couldn’t gain strong skills even as her level rose, so she chose a different path.

Seeing her support us aspiring explorers now and help so many people feels truly admirable.

A guy comes down the stairs and locks eyes with me.

“……Tch.”

Clicking his tongue the moment we meet—it’s my childhood friend, Gai-kun.

“G-Gai-kun. Good morning……”

“You’ve gotten pretty bold, greeting me like that, huh?”

“I think I’ve always greeted you……”

“Tch! It’s that attitude of yours, talking back to me, that pisses me off!”

“S-Sorry……”

Irritated, his face all scrunched up.

“Seeing your face first thing in the morning just pisses me off……!”

At that moment, someone steps in front of Gai-kun from behind.

“Getting irritated at someone who hasn’t done anything seems weirder than his attitude, don’t you think?”

“Who the hell are you……?”

“I don’t deserve to be called that, but he’s an important party member of mine. So who are you?”

“Tch. You’re in a party with that level 0?”

“Levels don’t matter in a party.”

“Hah! That’s ridiculous. For explorers, level is everything. It ties directly to strength. You guys are just using that level 0 as a pack mule because he’s convenient!”

“……Hinata-kun isn’t a pack mule. He’s our leader. Explorers have strengths and weaknesses, and we support each other—that’s what makes a party. With your high-handed attitude, I doubt anyone would want to team up with you.”

“Grr…… You…… You’re that girly guy from the next class, right? Weren’t there rumors that no one wanted to team up with you either? Talking like a damn girl despite being a guy.”

“Does gender matter?”

Fujii-kun is going toe-to-toe with Gai-kun in a heated argument, unfazed despite their size difference.

But I still can’t face Gai-kun myself and end up getting helped by a party member again.

It’s true that we complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses…… but is it okay for me to keep being protected? No, it’s not. I want to grow stronger with everyone as the party leader. That’s what I promised Hina and Shino too.

I slowly walk over and place a hand on Fujii-kun’s shoulder.

“Fujii-kun. Thank you.”

Gai-kun’s glare shifts to me, and he clicks his tongue as he storms out of the dorm.

Watching his back, I can’t help but find Fujii-kun’s huffing a little cute.

“Seriously…… So rude. Being childhood friends with someone like that must be tough, Hinata-kun……!”

“Ahaha…… Most people ignored me back then, but I feel like Gai-kun was the only one who kept paying attention to me until the end.”

“……Hinata-kun? No way. That’s called bullying.”

“It feels a bit exaggerated…… but now I’ve got you all, so I’m okay. Thanks.”

Fujii-kun blinks for a moment, then gives an embarrassed smile.

We leave the dorm and head to the Kamui family mansion.

After having breakfast together at the Kamui house, we head out into town.

“Eh~ That guy’s still acting like that toward Hinata-kun?”

Hearing about the morning’s events from Fujii-kun, Shino’s cute face scrunches up in displeasure.

“You know him too, Shino-san?”

“Yeah. He had a run-in with Hinata-kun on the rooftop once.”

“Same here.”

Hina raises her hand slightly.

The three of them exchange glances, look at me, and let out small sighs.

“It was like that in Eran Town too, but Hinata-kun gets disliked by people around him for no clear reason. I can’t imagine it’s because of anything he’s done……”

“It’s way too unfair that it’s just because his level is 0.”

“Haha…… Thanks for worrying about me, everyone. But I don’t mind anymore with you all here, and it doesn’t bother me in Eran Town either now.”

“Speaking of, how was yesterday~?”

“I walked around the shopping district with my sister, ate, and hung out—it was really fun.”

“Good! I was a little worried, but I’m so glad it went well!”

Shino beams with a full smile.

Hina and Fujii-kun, who were worried too, soften their expressions.

I realize again how lucky I am to be supported by everyone in the party.

“Then let’s have tons of fun today too~!”

“““Yeah~!”“”

Somehow, the three of them seem to have gotten even better at syncing up.

A bit away from Seishin Town, the neighboring town has a bustling shopping district full of people.

The moment we step into that lively shopping district, all eyes turn toward us.

Yesterday in Eran Town, the attention was on me and Rin. But today’s different—the gazes are directed at Hina and Shino.

Both of them seem used to it and walk ahead of us, holding hands without a care.

Fujii-kun and I follow behind them.

The two of them, curious about everything, pop into various shops, laughing at strange new things or asking the clerks for explanations when they’re puzzled.

I watch Hina listening intently and Shino timing her cues perfectly, making sure to always send Shino the clerks’ words via telepathy.

While the two talk with a clerk, I chat with Fujii-kun while looking at a nearby shelf.

“Weird machine, huh.”

“Hehe. It’s trending lately, you know? It projects videos into the air, and they’re developing it for calls and stuff too.”

“Calls…… So with this, I could talk to Rin like she’s right beside me?”

“Exactly! Rin-chan would love that~”

I can easily picture her joy.

It’s still in development, but I look forward to the day these machines become common, letting me see people far away easily. Right now, it’s just voices through a screen.

Come to think of it, Rin said she’d come up with something…… What was that about?

“Hinata-kun, you’re still sending telepathy to Shino-san right now, aren’t you?”

“Yeah.”

“Talking to me normally while hearing things from far away—you’re really impressive.”

“Haha…… I just want to help everyone even a little.”

Fujii-kun stares at me with half-lidded eyes for some reason.

“There you go saying stuff like that again.”

“Ahaha……”

Amid this whirlwind of a time, an announcement echoes in my head again.

《“Through experience, the skill ‘Telepathy’ has evolved into ‘Super Telepathy.’”》

Super Telepathy……?

The telepathic link I had with Shino now connects not just to her but to all four of us—Hina, Fujii-kun, and me. And—

“Hm? What’s up?”

“No, my skill…… evolved, so the telepathy might’ve changed a bit?”

“Whoa!? Hinata-kun’s voice feels like it’s coming from deep in my ears!”

“True. It’s my first time receiving telepathy, so this is what it’s like.”

It’s like wearing earphones with music playing in my head—Fujii-kun’s voice comes through from deep in my ears.

At the same time, I can hear everything Hina and Shino are saying too.

““Hinata-kun!?””

The two of them run over with surprised looks, grabbing my arms as if they want to say something.

“It seems to have evolved. Now you two should be able to talk to each other directly, I think.”

Shino nods enthusiastically.

“But this means we can’t have secret talks anymore. I can hear Shino-san’s voice and Hinata’s voice all at once.”

“True…… That might not be ideal.”

“No secrets, so it’s fine! Oh…… For those times, we’ll just use the phone chat, so it’s okay!”

“That’s an option.”

“But I really don’t have anything to hide, so thank you, Hinata-kun. Being able to talk to Hina-chan freely like this……”

“Yeah.”

Shino, almost teary-eyed, shakes her head and puts on a smile.

“Alright~ Let’s regroup and grab some lunch!”

Shino clings to Hina’s arm and heads outside.

“Glad they’re happy about it.”

“Yeah.”

“I can hear you~!”

Shino turns back and winks cutely.

When our mood-maker Shino is cheerful, it lifts the whole party’s spirits.

Maybe because she took a week off before the new earphone-style earplugs were ready, she’s showing her emotions even more now.

Even with the noisy shopping district, Hina and Shino’s voices come through clearly, and I don’t need to relay their conversations to her anymore.

“Ah~! I want that! Hina-chan, let’s go there!”

“Yeah. I want to try it too~”

They pick a stall-like shop, and a delicious, savory aroma wafts from the back.

“Mister! Takoyaki, ten servings!”

“Ten servings!? Little lady, you gonna eat all that?”

“……?”

Shino whips around and stares at me.

“Oh. Sorry.”

I totally forgot to send the telepathy.

【Ten servings!? Little lady, you gonna eat all that?】

Shino smiles brightly and turns back to the man.

“I’ve got a big eater friend who’ll eat a ton, and your takoyaki looks so delicious!”

“Gahaha! Can’t argue with that. Alright, ten servings coming up!”

“Yay! Freshly made~”

“Mister, do your best~!”

He quickly oils the griddle through the clear glass, grabs a bowl, and starts mixing something.

We all watch his movements.

When the white batter hits the griddle, it sizzles, and a tasty smell rises.

Not just us, but everyone’s eyes are on him now.

“Since you’re such a cute little lady, I’ll use extra-big octopus!”

“Yay~! But Hina-chan here is even cuter than me~”

“Hm! The lady next to you and the one in the back are cute too, so I’ll throw in even more service!”

Everyone’s gaze shifts from Hina to Fujii-kun.

“…………I’m not saying anything.”

Lucky or not, Fujii-kun doesn’t seem to mind being seen as a girl if it means extra food.

I could learn a thing or two from Fujii-kun’s greed for food.

The man’s skillful hands flip the takoyaki onto paper plates one after another.

“Here ya go, your order’s up!”

“Looks so good~! Thank you, mister!”

“You’re welcome~”

Maybe it’s the delicious-looking takoyaki or something else, but people’s eyes are on us.

Amid that, Shino brings a paper plate of takoyaki straight to me first.

“Here! Hinata-kun.”

“No, no, you guys eat first.”

“Nuh-uh~ It’s tradition for the leader to go first~”

“First I’ve heard of it……”

“I just made it up! Or should I feed you~?”

“Thanks, I’ll take it.”

Shino might actually do it.

I feel a familiar chill down my back, like the cold stares I often got in Eran Town.

“Here, next is Hiroto-kun.”

“Thanks!”

Fujii-kun takes the hot takoyaki, blows on it, and stuffs it in his mouth.

I hear whispers behind us: “Did she just say ‘-kun’? Is that a guy?”

“Isn’t it hot?”

“Hm? It’s hot~”

“Your mouth…… is it okay?”

“Mmm. Ish ohay~ Ish sho gooh~”

Watching Fujii-kun eat makes me feel full just from that.

Still, I can’t resist the tempting smell in my hands and pop a big takoyaki in my mouth after cooling it.

The sweet sauce and refreshing aonori spread through my mouth.

The crisp outside hides a surprisingly soft inside that melts instantly, while the chewy octopus stands out—everything’s perfectly balanced and delicious.

Each ingredient is tasty alone, but together, it’s even better. It reminds me of how an explorer party supports each other.

“Hina-chan~ It’s really good, right~!”

“It’s really delicious……!”

“Mister! This is the best~!”

“You got it!”

The man grins and gives a thumbs-up.

He whipped up ten servings in no time, and our standing table is now covered in takoyaki.

Seeing us eat so eagerly, the people around us get hungry too and start lining up at the takoyaki stall.

With Fujii-kun’s puffed cheeks as he eats so happily, anyone would want to try it. He definitely helped start that line.

The man himself doesn’t care about the crowd, just keeps eating the takoyaki piled on the table with relish.

“Mister! Thanks for the food~”

“““Thanks for the food!”“”

We chime in with Shino’s greeting.

The busy man flashes a huge smile and gives another thumbs-up.

“Next are drinks~!”

Without hesitation, Shino pulls Hina toward a café a little deeper in the shopping district.

It has outdoor seating too, so Fujii-kun and I sat outside to wait while Shino and Hina went in.

Soon, Hina’s telepathy relays the clerk’s words to Shino.

“Hehe. You’re good at this, Hinata-san.”

“Didn’t she say she’s always liked that kind of thing……?”

“Really? First I’ve heard of it.”

“Yeah. Hina doesn’t talk about herself much. From her usual vibe, it’s probably because of the ‘Blessing of the Ice God’……”

“Too much power can sometimes be a poison. Same for you, Shino-san.”

I know both their lives were turned upside down by their powers, and I don’t think that’s entirely a good thing…… but I want to believe it’s not all bad since that power let them become true friends, however it happened.

After a bit, Hina and Shino come back with big drinks.

“Here’s yours, Hiroto-kun. And this one’s for Hinata-kun.”

““Thanks.””

“Hehe.”

“Hm? What’s up, Shino?”

“It’s just, I never thought I’d be able to chat normally with Hina-chan or Hiroto-kun like this~ Knowing my voice reaches you and hearing yours makes me so happy~”

“I see. If you feel that way, I bet the skill’s happy too.”

“The skill’s happy?”

Hm……? It’s weird now that I said it, but somehow I feel like not just blessings but skills might have a will of their own.

After all, the skills that always help me when I’m in trouble feel like they have a strong desire to assist me.

“Telepathy worked hard to reach you all this time, Shino. I think it evolved today because it wanted to deliver everyone’s voices.”

“You mean it’s not just you, Hinata-kun?”

“It’s me too, but I don’t think it’s just my power. I mean, I was already doing that. I’ve never felt bothered about delivering Hina’s or Fujii-kun’s words.”

“Hehe. That’s pretty cool then. I could see your skills feeling that way.”

Hina and Fujii-kun nod in agreement, like they get it too.

I suddenly recall the skill “Absolute Ice Seal.” When I first got it, I thought using it on Hina might ease her burden, but I felt I shouldn’t. It’s like the skill told me so.

That’s why I haven’t used it on her, and unless Hina can’t live normally or control her ice in the worst-case scenario, I don’t plan to.

As we relax, Shino points her smartphone at me, saying, “Hinata-kun, don’t move~” and snaps a photo.

“For Rin?”

“Yup. Rin-chan asked me to~ Is that okay?”

“Yeah.”

Honestly, she’s taken sneaky shots tons of times, and since I know it’s for Rin, I just pretend not to notice anymore.

Shino sends the email via Connect, and a reply comes instantly. She grins mischievously, saying, “Rin-chan says you look super cool~”

After that fun time, we finish our drinks and leave the shop.

Shino walks through the shopping district again, scouting our next stop.

Hina and Shino were ahead, but suddenly, Hina stops.

At the end of her gaze is a poster.

A beautiful, flashy kimono. A stunning woman wearing it. Her pure white skin leaves a striking impression at first glance.

“Hina-chan? What’s wrong?”

“Ah! Sorry.”

“No worries. Are you interested in kabuki, maybe?”

As Shino said, the poster boldly displays the word “Kabuki” and the performer’s name.

So the person in the kimono I thought was a woman is actually a man?

Maybe it’s the makeup, but he doesn’t look like a man at all—just a beautiful woman.

“I used to love it a lot and went to see it with my mom all the time.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. But…… after I couldn’t watch anymore, Mom stopped going too…… Even though she still loves it so much, she’s holding back because I can’t see it……”

“That happened……”

“Hina. If that’s the case, how about I go with you?”

“Eh…… Is that okay?”

“Of course. Your mom treats me to delicious meals every day, so I’d like to do something for her too. Plus—”

“Plus……?”

“Rin and I used to play pretend and mimic things, but I’ve never seen a real play like this, so I’d love to check it out.”

“Really! I’d love to go together!”

“Yeah. Let’s find a day we can all go.”

Then Shino makes a slightly disappointed face.

“It might be tough for me…… You can go with Hina-chan and her mom, okay!”

“Oh…… Shino-chan……”

“Don’t make that face. Everyone’s got their strengths and weaknesses. I don’t hate theater, but it’s not my forte. Honestly…… I kinda prefer musicals~ Haha. So don’t worry and go ahead! Right, Hinata-kun?”

“Y-Yeah. How about we make up for it with some time with Shino instead?”

“That’d be great~! I’d love to date Rin-chan, but…… she’s a bit far~”

“How about having her visit during next month’s long weekend? If Hinata-kun picks her up, it’d be safe.”

“Hina-chan! That’s a brilliant idea! Let’s ask Rin-chan later~”

Our plans are coming together fast.

I glance at Fujii-kun standing a step behind—he’s looking at the poster with a mix of nostalgia and sadness in his eyes.

“Fujii-kun?”

“Hm!? W-What’s up?”

“The poster catching your eye?”

“N-No! It’s nothing. Plans, huh~ I might be busy during next month’s long weekend.”

“Going back home?”

“Something like that. So I can’t promise anything.”

“Got it. Let me know if anything comes up, Fujii-kun.”

“Yeah……”

His forced smile bothers me, but he doesn’t seem eager to talk more, so I won’t push.

Hina, unusually excited, starts talking about how great theater is.

Seeing her express her emotions so openly makes her shine so brightly.

I hope one day we can all live freely like this as I enjoy the rest of the holiday with my friends.

Fate

Active Skill

Passive Skill