On the train, Michiya Gōshin and Asakura Toru stood by the window, watching the scenery pass by.
Asakura Toru smiled and returned to their previous topic.
"Michiya-sensei, did what I said just now seem strange to you?"
"Of course not," Michiya Gōshin replied, sensing her thoughts and choosing his words carefully. "What I'm more curious about is why you feel so weary, Asakura-san. Is your life monotonous?"
"Something like that."
Asakura Toru nodded. "Actually, I used to have this dream."
"What kind of dream?"
She lifted her gaze to the railway tracks stretching toward the horizon, her eyes veiled in a faint haze.
"In the dream, I always see a very tall climbing frame. Its steel bars are painted a faded blue. I grab the rungs and climb, and even though the top seems right in front of me, I can never reach it. My palms ache from the metal, and there's nothing but emptiness below my feet."
"That's…"
"I told the other members of my group about it, and they all thought I was weird."
"It's not weird. I'm just a little surprised that someone as young as you, Asakura-san, would have such insights."
Michiya Gōshin turned his head and looked back out the window, the wind rustling his golden hair.
"Because I feel that life is just endless repetition until it finally fades away."
Asakura Toru added. Though she appeared emotionally reserved on the surface, Michiya Gōshin was discovering she had this incredibly sensitive side in private.
What an interesting person.
However, the film crew was still recording. It was best not to dwell on such negative topics, or it might affect Asakura Toru's public image.
So he changed the subject.
"Setting that aside, since you became an idol, Asakura-san, have there been happy moments in your idol life?"
"Of course. My group members are all wonderful people."
Asakura Toru continued, "Remember when we first met, Michiya-sensei? I asked if you wanted to see an idol performance, saying I had many recommendations."
"Hmm… If I get the chance, I'd really like to see you on stage, Asakura-san."
A smile touched Michiya Gōshin's face. He meant what he said, but for now, he had to focus entirely on this show. He'd probably only have time to see an idol performance after the dating show was over.
"If you come to see our group's performance, there might be someone… who would be very happy."
"Who?"
"Higuchi Madoka, my childhood friend. She's a huge fan of yours, Michiya-sensei." Asakura Toru couldn't help but smile as she pictured her friend clutching a copy of Love Letter.
"Is that so."
The two leaned against the train window, chatting idly. Although Asakura Toru showed little emotional fluctuation, the natural, unaffected side she occasionally revealed was fascinating to Michiya Gōshin.
This trip was shaping up to be quite rewarding.
The train conductor's gentle announcement came over the broadcast, carrying a pleasant warmth.
"Dear passengers, we will be arriving at Kogamatsu Station shortly. This station provides access to the nearby picnic area and field trails. Please watch your step when disembarking."
As the announcement ended, the retro, green-painted train slowly decelerated. The clatter of wheels on the track softened until the train came to a smooth stop at the platform.
They stepped off the train side-by-side, greeted by a fresh scent of grass and earth.
Kogamatsu Station had a rustic, Japanese countryside style. Sporadic ivy climbed the wooden railings, and pots of blooming daisies sat beside the benches.
In a nearby field, a few children in brightly colored jackets were chasing each other and playing. Their crisp laughter drifted over on the wind, mingling with the distant barking of dogs.
Despite it being winter, the atmosphere was pleasant. It was a beautiful day.
"The air here is so nice."
Asakura Toru remarked softly, her gaze sweeping over a sign on the platform.
Following her gaze, Michiya Gōshin quickly spotted a wooden sign with a drawing of a picnic blanket and a sandwich. An arrow pointed toward a forest path behind the platform.
"Look, the picnic area is over there."
He raised his hand to point, a hint of excitement in his voice. "There should be a shop nearby. We can go pick out some things."
Asakura Toru nodded and followed him toward the picnic area.
They had only taken a few steps when they heard loud crying.
They looked toward the sound and saw a little girl in a blue jacket sitting under a nearby tree, wiping her eyes with her hands. There were no adults around her.
"Did she get separated from her parents?"
Michiya Gōshin scanned the area, furrowed his brow, and walked quickly toward her. Asakura Toru followed, a worried expression on her face.
The film crew behind them reacted quickly. The cameraman immediately adjusted the focus, framing the scene under the tree, but they tactfully stopped about ten meters away, careful not to interfere, quietly recording this unexpected interlude.
Michiya Gōshin crouched down, trying his best to sound gentle. "Hey there, little one. Where are your mommy and daddy? Can't you find them?"
The little girl lifted her tear-streaked face, her eyes red. She choked on her sobs, unable to speak, and just kept shaking her head as she began to cry even louder.
Michiya Gōshin was at a loss. He rarely interacted with children and had no idea how to comfort her.
Just then, Asakura Toru gently approached and knelt beside the little girl. She didn't speak right away, instead taking a strawberry-shaped candy from her pocket.
She unwrapped it and held it out. Her voice was soft and gentle. "Here, little one, would you like a candy? Sweet things can make you happy."
The little girl looked at the candy through her sobs, then at Asakura Toru. After a moment's hesitation, she reached out and took it, her crying subsiding a little.
Seeing this, Asakura Toru gave a gentle smile.
She lightly patted the little girl's back, cleared her throat, and suddenly began to sing a children's song.
"Yūyake koyake, yama no kamisama, o-tsuki-sama detekita yo (Sunset glow, god of the mountain, the moon has come out)."
At that moment, her singing voice was completely different from her usual speaking tone. The coolness was gone, replaced by a unique, ethereal quality.
It was like a clear mountain spring flowing over pebbles, or a sea breeze whispering over seashells—gentle and healing.
Every note seemed to land softly on the heart, and even the air itself felt as if it had grown gentler.
Watching her profile, Michiya Gōshin was momentarily stunned.
________________________________________
Get rewarded for helping with our community goals!
🎯 Reward for all: +1 bonus chapter at 50 Powerstones.
🚀 Tier Reward: Help us reach 20 members for +5 chapters on all stories!
👻 Join the crew by searching Ms. Medusa on (P). You know the spot! 😉