“Huh? What’s this? A souvenir?” Tsuruya-san said as her gaze fell upon the tank in my bicycle’s basket. “Oh, it’s a turtle, a turtle! Do you have them in your backyard too? I used to rear some in my pond, but then later felt sorry for them and released them into the wild!”
That’s too bad Tsuruya-san, but this turtle isn’t a present for you. It’s something I got for Asahina-san to keep her company.
“Oh, that’s too bad, Kyon-kun. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to accompany Michiru-chan to the library today. Something important came up, you see.”
I parked my bike into Tsuruya-san’s front yard, before proceeding to take the tank out from the basket. I then asked Tsuruya-san:
“You had something to do again today?”
“Yea, we had to pay respects to one of my dead ancestors. This time, it was my father’s grandfather, as my various aunts and uncles talked about the old times before his grave. However, from what I heard, he used to be a really fun and jolly man. All of them looked as if they were enjoying themselves by recalling the good old days!”
Tsuruya-san had always loved to talk, and this time was no exception.
“Did anything worrisome happen to Michiru-chan? If you’re really that worried, why don’t you stay here for the night? I’ll be sleeping beside you too! Wouldn’t you like that ~nyoro?”
Tsuruya-san said this without looking the slightest bit nervous. She was like Cinderella asking her fairy godmother for a dress; asking me at my moment of weakness. Such simple traps won’t work on me, Tsuruya-san, and it seemed that Tsuruya-san understood that too. There was no way she would have said something like that otherwise.
“No thanks.”
I’m sure Tsuruya-san understood what I meant. Even if I agreed, I’m sure that being sandwiched in between two ravishing upperclassmen would probably derive me of all sleep. I’m tired enough, thank you. I don’t want another sleepless night.
Perhaps due to the cold weather, the golden coin turtle had withdrawn itself into its shell, and was hunched in a corner. Compared to throwing it into the freezing cold river, I would have preferred to let it live in Tsuruya-san’s pond, but alas, there was no way I could ignore Asahina-san (Big)’s order.
“K-Kyon-kun?”
Just as I was about to enter her room, I heard Asahina-san gently call my name, as she came out to greet me. There’s no way I would come for a visit after we’ve just barely parted. It’s just because I forgot to give you something that I came back to hand it to you.
Handing the tank to Asahina-san, I said, “Can you please bring this along with you tomorrow?” Hopefully she still remembered the contents of letter #4: “Tomorrow, please throw this turtle into the river before 10:50 AM.” This was the last task I had to accomplish with Asahina-san. Tomorrow, we would all meet again for a city-wide search at 9. After that, we would head to the coffee shop, have breakfast, and draw lots again. This would take presumably an hour. If Asahina-san could bring the turtle to the river for me, it would save me much time and energy. Plus, if I brought this to the station, Haruhi and the others would probably ask me what I was up to.
“Erm, yeah, that’s it…” Asahina-san said as she took the tank from me. “Kyon-kun didn’t bring anything to the meeting on Sunday either.”
For a moment I thought I heard a dry cough. I turned, only to see Tsuruya-san place some snacks on the table, before closing her eyes, as if saying, ‘I didn’t hear anything.’
“Do you need me to send Michiru-chan there tomorrow?”
“Are you fine with that?”
After hearing my counter-question, Tsuruya-san answered coolly, “Ahaha~ I happen to have more family affairs tomorrow, so I’m afraid I can’t send her there in person. But don’t worry. I’ll have someone drive Michiru-chan there, okay? Just tell me what time you wish for.”
“10:45 AM tomorrow, near the riverbank where cherry-blossom trees grow. Asahina-san knows about the place, too. Thanks a lot.”
Provided Asahina-san doesn’t contract amnesia, she should remember the bench by the cherry-blossom trees.
“Okay, you can leave it all to me! You can hail a cab if you want to come back!” Tsuruya-san said as she beat her chest proudly.
“I understand your feelings Kyon-kun. Choosing not to stroll by the busy streets, where you would meet obstacles every 200 meters, that’s a wise choice! You should feel happy about this, Michiru-chan!”
I felt that Tsuruya-san was the only one feeling happy about this.
“I think Michiru already has a crush on someone. I’m kinda worried about her, since she’s so naïve and all. Now if I knew who the person was, and if he was a good guy or not, then I would be greatly relieved.”
Upon hearing that statement, I felt uneasy. I think about those things every day. Every single day.
“Ahaha~ Isn’t there any way to make Kyon-kun calm down?”
Even though I wanted to say “There is,” I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Asahina-san was already blushing furiously, apparently embarrassed by Tsuruya-san’s words, as she twirled her fingers in her lap. I had decided long ago to protect Asahina-san, not only the Asahina-san who currently resided in my time plane, but all other Asahina-sans. I don’t care what happens to me then. Apparently, Tsuruya-san knew of this too.
This is the turtle we’re going to use tomorrow. That was what ran through my mind, as I looked at Asahina-san, hoping to relay that message to her, while silently gulping down Tsuruya-san’s tea. Asahina-san looked at the turtle swimming around in the tank, and let out a series of soft giggles. Would this Asahina-san remain here forever? If things continue on like this, Asahina-san (Small) will be dragged in this too. Eight days —- No wait, three days now —- later, would I really have to send Asahina-san (small) back to the past?
Thinking about this, I suddenly thought of the series of letters I had been receiving recently - #3, #4 and #6. Why had #6 suddenly popped up after #4? By now, I had no doubt that this was not a printing error. #5 must be out there somewhere. It was only that I hadn’t received it yet.
I hadn’t told Asahina-san about letter #6 yet, simply because it had specifically told me to keep it a secret from Asahina-san. “When everything is over, please head over to the bench where you and I met during the festival of Tanabata. I’ll be waiting.”
I was grateful that Tsuruya-san had served me a cup of expensive tea, and that she didn’t ask me anything about the turtle. As I looked at both of my upperclassmen, I began thinking, what did ‘When everything is over’ mean? Was it when Asahina-san (small) was sent to the past, thus completing the cycle? It was, after all, a predetermined event for Asahina-san (Big). Does it mean that I get to see her when I finish cleaning up this mess?
‘You and I’ was a no brainer. The ‘I’ in question was without a doubt Asahina-san. During the Tanabata festival four years ago, I had met the same person twice, though they were different version of me.
My heart jumped as I thought about this. When could I reveal all of this to Asahina-san? The day I tell Asahina-san ‘Actually, it was your future self who put those letters in my shoe locker’, was it a predetermined event too?
Besides, just how much could I reveal to this current Asahina-san? From the orders I had received from the future, all I had been doing so far was make Asahina-san commit crimes together with me. Was this the right thing to do?
I shook my head lightly. It doesn’t matter now, does it? Besides, I wasn’t used to thinking. Is this an aftereffect of meeting that strange guy?
Nagato’s words suddenly rang in my mind – There is no such thing as a win-win situation. There was no point worrying about the future. It is my duty and responsibility to shape my own future. Sometimes, I would curse my past self for making stupid mistakes, but I would never curse my future self. All I have done is do what I had to do, leaving everything for time to decide. That was the only thing I could do.
It was my future, after all.
After staying at Tsuruya-san’s house
for a little longer, I got on my bike and pedaled back home. Upon returning home, I found Shamisen sleeping peacefully on my bed. The only time he would look so peaceful was when he was sleeping. How I envy him. I don’t think even a world plunged into chaos would prevent Shamisen from sleeping peacefully.
“Everything depends on tomorrow…”
Tomorrow we begin part two of Haruhi’s exclusive two-day city wide search and commence the releasing of the turtle. I had done all necessary preparations, and there was nothing else I could do now. I had searched for buried treasure, dug holes, sent unknown people to the hospital, moved rocks, and even mailed memory chips —- Oh wait, that’s something I haven’t done yet. Best get it done before I forget again.
Using the envelope I had bought from the convenience store, I copied the address from letter #3, inserted the broken memory chip, sealed it tight, and attached some stamps. After that, I once again put on my jacket and headed out. Oh, and of course I didn’t put my address on the back of the envelope.
After cycling all the way to the post office and depositing it into the mailbox, I silently prayed that nothing would happen to it while it was being mailed. I don’t want to have another matter to worry about, Asahina-san (Big). Everything should have a smooth start, and a good end. Now that the end was near, I hope that nothing will happen from now onwards, up until I meet Asahina-san (Big) when everything is over at the bench of the Tanabata Festival.
Chapter 6
The fateful Sunday had finally arrived.
Like yesterday, I arrived by bike at the square in front of the station before nine; as usual, everyone was there already; as usual, we drew lots in the coffee shop nearby in which I footed the bill; and as expected, I was drawn together with Nagato. Nagato only needed to be told once, and she would never forget what needs to be done, and it’s unlikely that she would make a mistake. I ought to learn from her in this aspect. I would have to especially keep my promises with Nagato no matter what. Since Nagato has always treated me well, after all.
As I inquired frequently for the time in the coffee shop, I noticed Haruhi was now even more giddy than yesterday, but I had no time to care about that. Ever since the treasure hunt, she’s always been like that, I guess that lull at the beginning of the month was just her feeling unwell.
As Haruhi whispered in Asahina-san’s ear, she revealed a meaningful smile. Now that was quite a surreal scene. I really wanted to know what Haruhi and Asahina-san were smiling so happily about, but as Koizumi and Nagato’s expression remained the same as usual, I don’t suppose anything out of the ordinary will happen.
As I emptied the remnants of my Viennese cappuccino, Haruhi slid the bill before my eyes and stood up.
The time is ten o’clock in the morning.
Even if I were to walk to that cheery blossom filled path, I would still have plenty of time.
As we were to meet at noon, taking into consideration the time it takes to release the turtle and the round trip back, there was still plenty of time to spare.
As I saw Haruhi, Asahina-san and Koizumi walk away, I said to Nagato,
“I’m sorry, but can you go to the library on your own today? I’ll come pick you up in an hour,”
“I see.”
Nagato placed her coat hood over her head and replied without even looking at me,
“Nagato, do you have any idea what Asahina-san and I are doing?”
“Something necessary.”
Nagato murmured, and headed off towards the library. I hesitated for a while and went after her,
“Necessary for whom?”
“For you and Asahina Mikuru.”
And you’re not included? What about Haruhi and Koizumi?
“…”
Nagato continued to walk forward without saying anything, finally a plain voice came out from behind that hood of hers,
“Maybe we will become involved, though I am not sure yet.”
Perhaps sensing that I look dejected as I stand there, Nagato suddenly turned around, and looked at me with her glass-like eyes,
“However…”
Her hair fluttered in the wind,
“We should know very soon. When that happens I would take action. So would Koizumi Itsuki.”
Ever since I knew Nagato, her way of expression has always been to jump from point to point without linking them together.
“Our ways forward are the same. For me. And also for you.”
As though she’d reached a conclusion, Nagato suddenly turned back to walk silently away again. This time I didn’t follow.
“Thanks, Nagato,”
As it was kind of embarrassing, I said it very softly. I wasn’t sure whether the hooded figure that was slowly walking farther away heard me, but I’m sure she would understand my feelings. I do not believe that Nagato would not possess such empathy.
This also confirmed something for me. Though we may be different to various extents, I truly believe that I, along with Nagato, Koizumi and Asahina-san are trustees to each other. At the center was Haruhi shining as bright as a star, while we were the planets circling around her orbit. Nothing is ever predictable. If one day Mars and Venus were to suddenly disappear, I’m sure people would be feeling lonely, at least the astronomers would be troubled. Before confirming whether Martians or Venusians even exist, I certainly do not wish to find our neighbors just disappearing like that without even a warning. There were surprisingly many instances when you would go into a panic after finding out things that you take for granted had suddenly vanished. Take my automatic pencil while I was doing my exams for example… Forget it, you wouldn’t want to waste your time hearing my stupid analogies. Anyway, I never want to go through that sense of loss I experienced last December.
As to which road I should take, it was all determined beforehand.
I arrived by the bank of the stream in thirty minutes. The scene of the cherry blossoms flourishing wildly in autumn was nowhere to be seen. Only the trees with their naked branches remained standing, awaiting for the arrival of spring. I walked along the path towards the long bench that overlooked the low-lying river. This was a typical stream where the sediment around causes the bank to be on a higher altitude. The water surface was nearly three meters below the bank. The structure of the bank was well constructed, giving people a neat impression. As there wasn’t a lot of water in the stream, not to mention it was only a few centimeters deep, as well as being downstream, the flow of the stream was relatively calm. By summer, there’ll be merry scenes of kids going down the stream chasing little fishes around. On the other hand, with this being a chilly winter day, no one would want to approach the freezing water.
The shore was normally not as empty as the stream, but the long bench where I sat listening to Asahina-san proclaiming that she is a time traveler was empty today. Though it was a Sunday, it was such a cold day on a morning before the warm sun was shining overhead, no one would come to take a walk by the bank. The cherry blossom path was nearly empty, save a dog walking idyllically followed by its master apparently freezing to death and walking silently.
As I was about to show off my acting skills and pretend to be a philosophical high school student listening quietly to the sound of the stream…
“Kyon-kun,”
Asahina-san walked up the river bank from the steps facing the road. Looks like she remembered to bring the plastic box carrying the turtle. I looked further away and found what seemed to be a luxurious limousine driving off quietly. That must be from Tsuruya-san’s family. I must remind myself to thank the driver, as well.
It was 10:44 in the morning. By the time I reached the edge of the stream with Asahina-san, the watch had just turned to forty-five minutes, our timing was perfect.
“The water…looks very cold…”
Asahina-san gazed at the water flowing very slowly while bringing the box before her and looked at the turtle,
“I wonder if this turtle can grow up normally?”
Showing kindness eve
n to a small animal, our senpai continued,
“Please wait a while,”
She placed the box on the ground and opened the lid. She then took out the box of pet food from her pocket. The little turtle stuck its neck out towards the roof which had suddenly disappeared and looked hesitant. When Asahina-san brought the box of pet food closer to it, it quickly swallowed the food in one gulp. After just one night, this turtle had already begun to get used to living with humans, Asahina-san’s kindness surely could reach no bounds.
Although Asahina-san was reluctant to part with the little turtle, I’m sorry to say that time’s up. There was only three minutes remaining till 10:50.
“Remember to come back in spring,” I said gently to the little turtle as I picked it up. The little turtle did not resist and laid quietly on my palm, not moving an inch.
“When we meet again, I’m sure he will have grown bigger.”
Though there was no proof of that, that’s all I could say. I avoided Asahina-san’s gaze, who was looking very worried for the little turtle, and made a posture about to toss it out. Just as I was about to make a knuckleball pitch…
“Excuse me,”
A voice suddenly called from behind. I nearly fell into the stream while holding the turtle. After stepping forward clumsily for a while, I finally found my footing and turned around.
“Thanks for saving me last time, Onii-san, Onee-san,”
A young voiced, bespectacled looking boy was bowing gratefully to us. It was the boy that I saved from the claws of death last month in a potential traffic accident. I call him the Bespectacled Boy. Besides, he lives very near Haruhi’s place, so Haruhi would occasionally become his stand-in governess.
“Ah…”
Asahina-san looked quite surprised, and so was I, since I never thought I would ever see him again.
“May I ask what you are doing here?”
The Bespectacled Boy asked with a curious-looking expression that was miles apart from that of my sister as he looked at me and Asahina-san, and then at the turtle in my hand. I was about to ask what you’re doing here.
Volume 7 - The Intrigues of Suzumiya Haruhi Page 22