Ignoring the confusion in his heart, Yuu observed the single room.
A standard Japanese-style room, not too large. In the center of the green tatami mats was a low square table. Across from the door was a window leading to a balcony. The floor was wooden, adorned with a few beautifully placed potted plants. In spring or summer, sitting there to enjoy the breeze and scenery would surely be pleasant.
Unfortunately, it was late autumn, early winter now. At best, he could only open the window for a bit of fresh air. Wouldn't it be better to sit under a kotatsu table, sip hot tea, and eat mandarins? No need to go out and suffer.
Still, out of caution, he had to ensure there were no issues with the room before staying. Yuu poked his head out. He looked around and noticed the balcony of his single room was only about a meter from the next room. Someone bold could easily jump across.
He frowned slightly. The thought of a man with ill intentions jumping from the balcony to attack a woman at night crossed his mind.
"…I don't need to worry about that, but I should warn the kendo club-chan."
If someone jumped into his room, he might not be the one attacked… As for the only female kendo club member, it was hard to say how strong she'd be without her bamboo sword.
He wasn't sure about the group room's situation, but with Yukino there, Yuu wasn't too concerned.
He returned to the room and locked the window. Then he checked the bathroom and nodded in satisfaction.
"A private bath? Nice. An inn with private baths is great."
Though the inn's public baths weren't mixed, only divided into men's and women's sections.
As everyone knew, only middle-aged women, old men, and teenagers with bad intentions went to mixed baths, so it was basically the same.
Mistaking the bath wouldn't happen either.
Since he glanced at it while passing, he saw the men's and women's signs were tiled. Unless someone tore down the entire wall and swapped them, there'd be no bath mix-up incident—but in reality, that would never happen.
As long as the inn and its guests had functioning brains.
"Tonight, I'll video call Sora from the bath… Of course, everything below my neck will be underwater."
As if imagining his sister's reaction, Yuu couldn't hold back a gleeful laugh.
He left the bathroom, grabbed his wallet and phone, and after ensuring the room key was in his pocket, locked the door and left.
About ten minutes later, after sitting in the lobby playing Uma Musume, Yuu finally saw two Service Club girls come out.
"Sorry for the wait~" Yuigahama scratched her dango-haired head shyly. "I suddenly couldn't find something, so I unpacked my suitcase for a while…"
"Yuigahama-san, when we return, I'll supervise your packing. Be prepared."
Yukino pressed her forehead, sighing. Her resigned, cold gaze pierced Yuigahama's face, making her smile awkwardly.
"Then I'll leave it to you, Yukinon…"
"Are you two like a babysitter and a kid?" Yuu teased. He looked behind them, puzzled. "Where's Masuzu?"
Yukino gave him a you-should-already-know-without-me-saying look.
"Um… she said she wanted to rest in the room and told us to have fun."
With slight hesitation, Yuigahama lowered her voice, quietly observing Yuu's expression.
But Yuu just nodded, showing no surprise, and changed the subject.
"There are too many places to visit in Kyoto."
Yukino jumped in immediately.
"I'm interested in the museum at Kyoto University."
"For me, I'd stroll around Shimogamo Shrine."
"A World Heritage Site? I thought you'd go to Heian Shrine."
"Not enough time. I'll go there tomorrow or the day after."
"Alright, then have fun."
"You too, let's go."
After a flat conversation, they both headed toward the inn's entrance.
Yuigahama blinked in place. Only when they were nearly at the door did she snap out of it, rushing to grab their sleeves.
"Wait, wait! You two, where's your common sense?! Where's the common sense to move as a group!"
Yukino frowned in annoyance. "I'm being lectured on common sense by Yuigahama-san…"
"That's not the point!" Yuigahama looked incredulous. She glanced between their near-identical expressions. "Didn't we agree to explore Kyoto together? Why are you just splitting up?!"
"Of course, because…"
Yuu turned to Yukino, and Yukino looked back at him.
Then, in unison, they said:
"I don't want to walk with this person."
As if struck a heavy blow, Yuigahama hung her head limply, letting out a puppy-like whimper.
"I don't know if you two are actually close or just superficially compatible…"
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
After some gentle persuasion.
"Tomorrow! Tomorrow we'll all go together, or I'll… I'll cry in front of you!"
"Okay, okay."
Under Yuigahama's teary-eyed pressure, the two loners reluctantly nodded and sighed in resignation.
But not for today.
Yuu just wanted to visit Shimogamo Shrine alone to enjoy some peace. Meanwhile, Yuigahama wouldn't let Yukino go off alone—her sense of group unity was far stronger than theirs.
So, despite her pouty face, after saying goodbye to Yuu, she went with Yukino to the renowned Kyoto University Comprehensive Museum.
As for Yuu, he could finally start his solo trip to Shimogamo Shrine.
Just like Tokyo's abundant boutique shops, Kyoto had countless beautiful sights. Its cultural and natural beauty was the city's hallmark. No matter the season, there was always charming scenery.
Kiyomizu Temple, Kinkaku Temple, Ginkaku Temple, Heian Shrine, Kyoto Gyoen, Fushimi Inari Shrine…
To explore all of Kyoto's famous attractions, seven days and nights wouldn't be enough.
Yuu chose Shimogamo Shrine for two reasons. First, it was close, only a kilometer away. A bus ride would take about ten minutes. Second, Sora had once casually mentioned that Shimogamo Shrine had the Renri no Sakaki tree—two trees growing together, a beautiful symbol of bonded love. It was one of the most visited spots for couples.
Though Sora mentioned it in passing and wasn't particularly interested, Yuu, who happened to remember, decided to go and take photos.
He left the Kyoto University area and walked along the Shimogamo River.
At the bus stop, no bus came, so Yuu decided to walk, enjoying the scenery along the way.
At four in the afternoon in November, Kyoto's pace felt too slow compared to him, a handsome Tokyo man.
As he moved away from the city center, the streets gradually grew quiet. The touristy vibe faded, replaced by the charm of Japan's alleyways.
Stray cats casually climbed fences. Branches brushed rooftops.
Many tourists sat by the Kamo River, resting and taking photos. They smiled, watching local kids chase kites and play ball, covered in grass clippings. Occasionally, skilled players stood by the riverside, surrounded by friends, skipping stones and creating dozens of ripples in the water.
The winter afternoon breeze wasn't too cold, at least not enough to make one shrink. He walked briskly through this relaxed atmosphere.
Unmindful of time, Yuu took a few photos with his phone. He passed the famous Kamo stepping stones, listening to the river's rumble fade behind him and the gentle rustle of trees ahead.
A red torii gate opened like a forest entrance. Pine needles stayed green, and the greenery stretched into the unseen distance.
Tourists came and went endlessly, and he was one of them. He strolled casually into Shimogamo Shrine—its official name, Kamo Mioya Shrine.
Shimogamo Shrine was a famous love shrine. Most visitors were couples or groups of girls praying for luck in love. Single men like him were quite rare.
Or perhaps because he was too handsome. Not long after entering the torii gate, as he looked up at the large plaque reading World Heritage Site, someone approached and asked:
"Excuse me, do you have a moment?"