Izumi continued his bike ride, feeling the cool breeze ruffling through his hair as he pedaled towards the bookstore near the station. The streets were relatively quiet, and the warm rays of the setting sun painted the sky with hues of orange and pink. He couldn't help but appreciate the serene beauty of the evening.
As he rode, he noticed the familiar sights and sounds of his neighborhood. Children playing in the park, the scent of street food wafting from nearby stalls, and the distant hum of traffic all blended into the background of his thoughts.
Izumi's mind wandered back to the anime watchthrough they did. It was a welcome break from the daily grind, and he was grateful for the chance to unwind with Rin. "That was fun," he thought with a smile.
However, as he approached his house, the reality of his unfinished math homework hit him. "I need to do this quickly, it shouldn't take too long," he mused. Just then, he remembered that he had run out of math notebooks and due to his busy schedule with the project and the volleyball club he forgot to buy new one.
He decided, "I can buy one right now, just a little detour," and turned his bicycle towards the road leading to the bookstore near the station.
Izumi quickly made his way to the bookstore and selected a new notebook. After paying for it, he walked out of the store, clutching the fresh notebook. However, as he exited the shop, he caught a flash of pink in the corner of his eye.
In the next moment, he found himself tackled to the ground, his new notebook slipping from his grasp. He groaned internally, thinking, 'Another collision... Seriously?'
Swiftly picking himself up, Izumi looked down at a girl with vibrant pink hair who was scattered on the ground, her belongings around her. His mind raced, wondering why she wasn't saying anything. Was she upset with him?
Without hesitation, Izumi started picking up her scattered items. As he gathered her things, he approached her, ready to return them. But before he could utter an apology, the girl reached out and held his hand. She smiled warmly and said, "Thanks for the help."
Izumi was taken aback. As she looked more closely at his face, she continued, "Oh, it's Miyamura-Kun, isn't it? It's been a while."
Izumi couldn't help but reply with a puzzled, "Huh?"
'She knows me? Who is she again? Did we meet somewhere...?' he thought, his face displaying a hint of confusion.
Then, her words struck a chord. "Woah! We collided just like this the last time we met, didn't we?" Kagamihara exclaimed, and it suddenly clicked in Izumi's mind. He remembered the collision that had occurred three months ago when he had bought his bicycle. [1]
He thought to himself, 'Oh, it's the girl from that day... What was her name again? Nade...shiki.. Kaga..mi..hara.' After a moment of contemplation, Izumi replied, "Kagamihara-San, right?"
"Yes that' right, I didn't think you would remember me," Nadeshiko remarked.
'Really! But the way you greeted me your expression were literally screaming "you remember me, don't you?"'
"Anyway, thank you again for giving me a ride to the station last time! It really helped me a lot," Nadeshiko continued gratefully.
"I was happy to help," Izumi replied with a friendly smile.
"So what are you doing?" Nadeshiko asked.
"Just this," Izumi replied "I needed a new notebook so I came to buy it here" showing her his newly bought notebook.
"Oh!" Nadeshiko reacted with understanding.
"So, where are you heading off to, Kagamihara-San?" Izumi inquired.
Nadeshiko cheerfully replied, "Me! I'm just running some errands for my family. Me and my older sister came here to buy some last-minute stuff for our trip."
"Trip? You going somewhere?" Izumi asked.
"Yeah! My entire family, myself included, are going to Rairaikyo Gorge tomorrow," Nadeshiko explained.
"Rairaikyo Gorge? What's that?" Izumi inquired.
Nadeshiko was happy to share, "Oh! You don't know? Then let me tell you about it."
"Rairaikyo Gorge is a natural wonder, with trekking trails and water areas, and the best part is the presence of local animals. There's an environmental camp there tomorrow, and we're going for that," Nadeshiko explained.
Izumi nodded and asked, "It sounds like a great place. By the way, you mentioned local animals. Could you tell me more about that? We've been working on a project related to local animals."
Nadeshiko responded, "Of course! The gorge is teeming with local animals like squirrels and various species from all over Miyagi Prefecture."
Izumi's eyes lit up, and he said, "That sounds amazing! Watching them while trekking must be an incredible experience."
Nadeshiko agreed, "Absolutely, it adds to the charm of the place."
"Rairaikyo Gorge sounds like a fantastic place, I would love to go there" Izumi remarked
Nadeshiko smiled and replied, "I'm glad you found it interesting. Well, I have to go now; we're running a bit late for our shopping. See you later, Miyamura-Kun, and thanks for your help."
"See you later," Izumi waved as she hurried away.
He returned to his parked bicycle, deep in thought. "Rairaikyo Gorge... That place might just help us with our local animals project." With that in mind, he pedaled back home, eager to share this newfound information with Rin.
"I'm back," Izumi called as he entered the house.
"Welcome back, Izumi. What took you so long?" his mother, Iori, asked.
Izumi hesitated but decided to share, "I stopped to buy a new math notebook. I realized I'd run out of pages while I was already halfway home, so I had to take a detour, and..."
Iori playfully prodded, "And what? Is it about a girl?"
Izumi blushed and denied, "Nah, it's not."
But his mother saw through it and teased, "No, you're definitely hiding something. Tell me, or I'll have to tickle it out of you."
Izumi sighed, "As I said it's really nothing, Mom."
Iori persisted, "If it's 'nothing,' then you leave me no choice, my dear son."
Iori couldn't resist the opportunity to tickle her son. She move closer to him and began to tickle Izumi, and soon, they were both laughing uncontrollably. They tumbled onto the living room sofa, still giggling.
Izumi hesitated for a moment, but soon surrendered and with in between his uncontrollable laugh said, "Alright, alright, I'll tell you!"
Listening his answer Iori's eyes sparkled with delight. She pulled her son close and sat him on her lap. Izumi sat there, half-protesting but also half-enjoying the mother-son bonding moment. She began to gently massage his shoulders as she asked, "So, what's this all about, Izumi? You know you can always share anything with me."
Izumi felt the tension in his shoulders start to melt away as he began to recount his meeting with Nadeshiko Kagamihara. He shared his plans about discussing it with Rin to help with their project. Iori listened intently, nodding and offering words of encouragement as he spoke, proud of her son's initiative.
Iori listened intently, her curiosity piqued. "That's quite a coincidence, Izumi. It might indeed help with your project. You should definitely discuss it with Rin."
"By the way Izumi, I couldn't help but notice that you've started using Rin's first name." With a sly grin Iori remarked.
Izumi, still seated on his mother's lap, felt a bit flustered but played along, "Oh, well, you know, it just felt more natural considering we're working on a project together."
Iori chuckled, clearly enjoying her son's embarrassment, "Oh, I see! So, are you two becoming fast friends, Izumi?"
Izumi blushed and nodded, "Yeah, we are. She's a good friend, Mom."
Iori gave him a teasing nudge, "That's nice to hear. Just remember, Izumi, friends are precious, and it's good to have a friend like Rin."
After which he got up from his mother's lap, Izumi shared his plans, "Mom, I'm going back to my room. I need to do some research on this place Kagamihara told me about, and of course, I have to finish my math homework."
His mother responded in a suggestive tone, "How about You go ahead and focus on your math homework, Izumi. I'll take care of the research about Rairaikyo Gorge and if there's any event happening there next weekend."
Izumi smiled warmly at his mother and said, "Thanks, Mom. I really appreciate your help with the research. You're the best!"
Iori ruffled his hair and replied, "Anything for my hardworking son. Now, go take care of your math homework, and I'll get started on the research. We'll make a great team!"
With a final affectionate hug, Izumi headed to his room. The bond between mother and son was strong, and moments like these were what made their relationship so special.
Izumi had just finished his math homework. The clock on his study table indicated that it was around dinner time. He felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that he had completed the task at hand. As he looked at his neatly solved problems, he heard his mother's voice calling from downstairs.
"Izumi, dinner is ready," Iori called out.
"I'm coming"
Izumi gathered his books and stood up from his study table. With a sense of accomplishment, he left his room and headed downstairs for dinner.
As Izumi entered the dining room, he found his father, Naozumi, already seated at the table. His mother, Iori, was busy putting food on their plates. Naozumi greeted Izumi with a sly grin, "So, Izumi, how's everything going with your little project?"
Izumi replied, "It's going well, Dad, but we've run into some issues in the local animals section."
Iori couldn't resist teasing Izumi. "By the way, Naozumi, our son has started calling his friend Rin by her first name. Can you believe it?"
Naozumi joined in with a playful smirk, "Oh, really? Izumi, my boy, you're growing up so fast. You've come a long way from your days of not wanting to attract any attention."
Izumi's face turned beet red, and he mumbled, "It's not a big deal, Mom. We're just working on a project together."
His parents shared an amused look they couldn't resist teasing him further. His mother, Iori, playfully added, "Oh, come on, Izumi, it's more than just a project. You're spending so much time together with Rin. Is there something you're not telling us?"
Naozumi chimed in with a chuckle, "Yes, my boy, perhaps there's more to this than just a school project. Young love, perhaps?"
Izumi's face turned an even deeper shade of red, and he stammered, "N-No, it's really just a project. Rin and I are just friends, that's all."
Iori patted his cheek with a knowing smile, "Of course, dear, whatever you say. We're just having a little fun with you."
They continued to share a light-hearted meal, occasionally throwing playful jabs at Izumi. While it embarrassed him, he couldn't help but appreciate the warm and teasing atmosphere in his family.
After the teasing subsided, Iori shared her findings about Rairaikyo Gorge. "Izumi, I did a bit of research on Rairaikyo Gorge. It looks like a beautiful place with those local animals Kagamihara mentioned. There's even an environmental camp happening there next Sunday. You and Rin could go check it out together if you're interested."
Izumi's eyes lit up with excitement. "That sounds fantastic, Mom! Thanks for looking into it. I'll definitely tell Rin about it. It might be just what we need for our project."
His mother smiled warmly. "I'm glad you like the idea. Now, enjoy your dinner, and let Rin know about the plan."
"Alright Mom. I'll tell everything we found to Rin."
Naozumi, who had been listening attentively, added with a smile, "It sounds like a great plan. Iori-chan, you could be the one to take them there. It's an excellent opportunity for some birdwatching and trekking."
Iori's eyes sparkled with excitement as she responded, "That's a fantastic idea, Naozumi! I'd love to take them to Rairaikyo Gorge"
As they continued discussing the plan for the trip, Iori turned to Izumi and asked, "So, Izumi, how does this plan sound to you?"
Izumi's eyes were filled with excitement as he replied, "Mom, it sounds fantastic! I'm really looking forward to it, and I can't wait to share this with Rin. She'll be thrilled about the idea."
With the plan set and enthusiasm in the air, they continued to discuss the upcoming adventure and share more moments as a loving family.
It was the next day, and Izumi couldn't wait to share his newfound solution with Rin. As he spotted her in the classroom, he called out, "Hey, Rin! I've got something to tell you. Let's move to the back of the classroom."
Rin, intrigued, followed him to the back of the classroom, where they could speak more privately. With a hint of excitement in his voice, Izumi said, "I've found a way to solve the local animal problem of our project."
[1] thay event happened in the chapter 12!
[A/N— nearing the end of the school project arc, finally Nadeshiko is back and I finally decided to what to do with her, next it will be the term of Aki Adagaki (from Masmuen Kun's Revenge) she will appear on the shopping mall opening arc (family business stuffs arc) and of course there is Izumi and family moving house and stuffs— lose ends are tying back up]