#ooe_tl

In summer, Kamakura is filled with the scent of the sea.

As bathers change from their swimsuits to yukata, they begin to crowd the area around Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine.

That day, we had agreed to meet up beneath the entrance torii gate.

Shinagawa: “Good evening.”

Oosaki: “Good evening, Shinagawa-kun. What—”

Shinagawa: “C’mon, where’s your greeting?”

Shinagawa’s Brother: “...”

Shinagawa: “Hey, introduce yourself.”

Shinagawa’s Brother: “......”

Hiding behind his older brother’s back, the boy tugged on Shinkiba-san’s sleeve and peered at me.

He had a red oni mask on his head made of paper—perhaps a leftover from Setsubun—with slightly crushed horns. [1]

From that, I could tell it was his favorite.

I crouched down to meet him at eye level, but he immediately protested and turned away.

Shinagawa: “Ringo. Stop being so antisocial already. It’s rude.”

Oosaki: “Please don’t worry about it. I’m the one at fault for wearing a black yukata. It makes me look scary, like a nurikabe.” [2]

Shinagawa: “No, no, no, not at all.”

Shinkiba: “If you’re a nurikabe, then perhaps I’m a nurarihyon in my brown yukata, and these two are a pair of crimson oni brothers.” [3]

Shinagawa: “What has our detective agency become…”

Shinkiba: “That said, I think everyone looks splendid in their yukata.”

Shinkiba-san looked the happiest to be here.

Actually, it was him who had invited us to the festival.

He’d even taken it upon himself to buy everyone matching yukata.

However, I was the only one who couldn’t seem to get used to the outfit.

Oosaki: “Did we have to wear these?”

Shinkiba: “Oosaki-kun, if you’re going to a festival then a yukata is mandatory.”

Then, Shinkiba-san turned with a light clack of his wooden sandals and passed through the torii gate.

The rest of us were left with no choice but to follow.

ʚɞ

The road leading to Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, also known as the Dankazura, was lined on both sides with trees which provided cool shade in the summer heat.

As the evening hours encroached and the lighting grew dim, shadows began to obscure the faces of the people around us.

Our sleeves rustled as we brushed past one another, but there was no one in a hurry and no one being rushed along.

The wide pathway soon narrowed and people streamed into the shrine grounds where the dazzling lights of the street stalls greeted them.

Festivals are rife with deceit—

Artifically-colored chicks.

Rigged children’s games. [4]

Lotteries no one can win.

—At a festival, such things are permissible.

To experience the extraordinary, we must first be deceived.

In the midst of this, my eyes alone wandered from stall to stall.

Shinagawa: “Senpai, are you looking for something?”

Oosaki: “Yes. …Could we take a closer look over there?”

Shinagawa: “I don’t mind, but, huh…”

There it was—the place I’d been looking for—a mask vendor.

Hidden below an assortment of foxes, monkeys, rabbits, and other lucky masks was a singular red oni.

I picked it up without the slightest hesitation.

It had a charmingly crooked smile like a child had scribbled it on.

When I placed the mask on my face and turned around, Ringo-kun suddenly popped up before me. He approached with interest.

Shinagawa’s Brother: “You’re one of us!”

Shinagawa: “Oh, so now you’re talking…”

Shinkiba: “It seems he’s a good kid after all.”

Shinagawa’s Brother: “Let’s hold hands!”

Oosaki: “Of course.”

Shinagawa: “I suppose it’s fine if Senpai’s fine with it…”

From there, we ventured deeper into the shrine grounds.

Water yoyos, ring tossing, shooting games. The laughter of children filled the air.

It occurred to me that the mask had slipped off my forehead at some point, but even with my face revealed, Ringo-kun continued to smile.

As the darkness settled in, the shrine maidens emerged and lit the bonbori lanterns.

The Bonbori Festival is a purification ritual that occurs every August in Kamakura. [5]

Rectangular lanterns made of washi paper are displayed, each with a painting on one side.

These works were created by artists connected to Kamakura.

It's a magnificent sight to see a hundred of these lined up in a row.

The area around the warmly lit lanterns had fallen mysteriously silent.

Everyone was captivated by the illuminated images as if they were being drawn in.

Then, Shinkiba-san broke the silence with his conspicuously cheerful voice.

Shinkiba: “Alright, shall we go find our dear Oosaki’s lantern?”

At that moment.

Within the crowd, I thought I saw a familiar face.

He crossed the street and disappeared down an unlit road that led to a pond.

I couldn’t help but trace his path into the darkness.

Shinkiba: “Oosaki-kun? Are you alright?”

Oosaki: “Yes…”

Shinagawa: “Ah!”

Shinagawa-kun suddenly shouted and pointed at something.

—I recently took a job from a writer in Kamakura.

We had a conversation about watercolor painting,

And as a result, I received a special opportunity to paint a lantern.

The subject I had chosen was a sunset-view of the sea.

It was the kind of fleeting scenery you wouldn’t be able to find in broad daylight.

Illuminated by the warm flame of the candles, the painting glowed a gentle pink.

It was as if the waves were sparkling beneath the sun.

Shinkiba: “Your painting has a quiet beauty—it cleanses the soul. I’m glad we all came to see it.”

Shinagawa: “...That island on the edge is Enoshima. And in the distance you can see the faint outline of Mount Fuji. Which is to say, this must be a view of the Shonan seaside. From the perspective, I’d guess we’re on the side of a mountain or perhaps gazing at the scenery from the veranda of a house… Well? Am I right?”

Oosaki: “On every point.”

There were only a few clouds in the sky on the day of this sunset.

A bright and clear gradient had formed as noon turned to night.

From the peculiar color of the sea, it could’ve easily been morning.

We watched it together—he and I.

“How beautiful,” he’d murmured as he began to drift off.

Truthfully, there’s a certain person I wanted to see this painting with.

However, he’d turned my invitation down.

I was hallucinating phantoms of Ariake-san within the crowd.

It was as if I was possessed.

Just as I was clearing my head, Ringo-kun suddenly tugged on my sleeve.

Shinagawa’s Brother: “Are you sure you don’t want to go? To find the person you’re looking for?”

…Who?

Oosaki: “I’m not looking for anyone.”

Shinagawa’s Brother: “But you are?”

Oosaki: “Even if I am, there’s nothing I can do about it now.”

Shinagawa’s Brother: “He was dragging his foot, like it was in pain.”

Oosaki: “...”

Shinagawa’s Brother: “Are you really sure?”

Ringo-kun’s eerie voice felt like a gentle stab.

He couldn’t have possibly known anything about the two of us, yet he seemed worried all the same.

…It would appear he was just as sharp as his brother.

I freed myself from the festival goods I’d been entrusted with—

Cotton candy, candy apples, water yo-yos, excessively long fugashi cakes.

—And distributed them to the rest of the party.

Shinagawa: “Senpai?”

Oosaki: “I remembered I have urgent business to attend to. Please excuse me.”

Shinagawa: “Huh!? What about praying at the main shrine? Or checking out the food stands!?”

Oosaki: “We’ll do it next time, no, later.”

With that, I put my mask back on and melted into the crowd.

Shinagawa: “Ahh, wait! I wanted you to get something for me from the shooting game too! Ugh, he’s already gone! …I should’ve just been honest about it earlier!” [6]

Shinkiba: “Being a detective certainly comes in handy.”

Shinagawa: “What are you talking about…?”

ʚɞ

It was silent around the pond.

There were only a few lanterns here, and the gagaku music playing near the temple sounded far away.

Ariake-san was sitting on a fence. A man was kneeling at his feet.

His fat fingers were slithering all over Ariake-san’s foot.

Letting this happen, he laughed as if it tickled.

I stood within the shadow of the trees.

…So this was the reason Ariake-san was being so evasive when I called him last week.

A gust of wind rustled the leaves, allowing light to seep through the cracks.

Ariake: “—Oosaki-san?”

Just as I was about to leave, a voice stopped me from behind.

If I wanted to run, I still could.

However, my hesitation became my answer.

Ariake: “Ah, it hurts—”

Ariake-san had attempted to stand up, but he fell.

I gallantly rushed towards him.

Supporting his arms, I helped him back up.

But he simply collapsed against me.

Ariake: “Since I don’t often wear these sandals, I ended up twisting my ankle… However, everything’s fine now that you’re here to help, Oosaki-san.”

Oosaki: “...”

Ariake: “You are Oosaki-san, aren’t you?”

He asked, despite being entirely sure of the answer.

With no other choice, I took off my mask.

I didn’t know what kind of expression I was making, but I couldn’t help but feel as if some dark, ugly feeling had come to light.

…Who was that man?

Doubt had rooted itself into my heart.

Still clinging onto me, Ariake-san smiled at the man.

Ariake: “Thank you for accompanying me here, but I’ll be alright now. He’ll be with me from now on.”

Man: “Who is he…?”

Ariake: “Oosaki-san is my—”

I gave the man a quick bow and roughly steered Ariake-san away.

ʚɞ

We silently walked down the main pathway of the shrine.

Since the lantern viewing was in full swing, there was no one besides us heading out.

I sat Ariake-san down on the stone steps by the entrance torii gate and began to feel his foot.

I couldn't tell how bad the sprain was with just a glance, but he did have a few blisters on his toes.

Oosaki: “Can I pop these blisters for you?”

Ariake: “...Huh?”

Oosaki: “If you pop them now, the pain subsides faster.”

Ariake: “Oh… No, they’re fine as is. Do you usually do that?”

Oosaki: “I did it often when I was young.”

Ariake: “...Did it not hurt?”

Oosaki: “Only at first.”

Ariake: “I… think you might be an exception.”

Oosaki: “...”

It was a perfunctory medical treatment. I had let my hatred of the doctor’s slip.

However, what made me even more restless…

Was the fact that I was in the exact position as the man from before.

Oosaki: “...I’ll call a taxi so you can go home.”

Ariake: “Are you not going to ask me why I’m here?”

Oosaki: “...”

I couldn’t come up with a reply.

His eyes were pinned on me, and I was sure I was looking back.

However, I couldn’t help but notice the sweat on the back of his neck, the slenderness of his fingers as they trembled.

There was no way to hide my wandering gaze.

Oosaki: “...Shall we take a break?”

ʚɞ

There was a small teahouse on a path that split from the road.

Inside, we were led to a tatami mat room on the second floor.

Ariake-san sat in a chair with one leg propped up, an ice pack on his foot.

A kind attendant had made it for him.

I sat in the seat directly across, gazing at the bright sky above the shrine grounds.

I think the conversation had stopped on my end.

Oosaki: “...Who was that person?”

Ariake: “A junior from work. He wanted me to come and see the lantern he’d painted.”

Oosaki: “Should you have left him behind?”

Ariake: “It’s fine. I’m sure he’s with the others.”

Oosaki: “The others?”

Ariake: “We came with a group of coworkers.”

Oosaki: “...I see.”

Hearing that, my shoulders clearly sagged with relief.

…Ariake-san didn’t come alone with that man after all.

Ariake: “He lives in Kamakura and often played around Hachiman Shrine as a child. When I hurt my foot, he knew exactly where to take me to rest.”

Oosaki: “It’s good he was a local, so you didn’t have to look around on your own.”

Ariake: “He's probably meeting up with everyone at the main shrine now.”

Oosaki: “...That said. I heard only professional artists could paint a lantern. He must be exceptionally talented.”

Ariake: “Apparently, he’s won several awards and was recommended for the task. It really was a beautiful lantern.”

Oosaki: “...”

I pretended to drink tea to hide my lips.

To muddle my reply.

I meant to swallow it all down, but I couldn’t hold it in, and everything came pouring out.

Oosaki: “The two of you must be very close.”

Ariake: “Ehe?”

Oosaki: “I didn’t interrupt anything, did I?”

Ariake: “Ah— What you saw back there… He’d said something that was a bit troubling for me, so I was trying to laugh it off.”

Oosaki: “What was it?”

Ariake: “Hmm, I can’t say.”

He shrugged his shoulders and smiled.

Ariake: “Why did you come to the festival?”

Oosaki: “I saw the lights on my way back from a job and thought I’d take a quick look.”

Ariake: “You had a job… that required you to wear a mask and yukata?”

Oosaki: “That’s… confidential information, so I can’t answer your question.”

Ariake: “Were you tracking someone?”

Oosaki: “I can’t answer that either.”

Ariake: “Well then, it seems like we’re both keeping secrets today.”

The ice in his glass rattled, making a light noise.

Or perhaps the sound was from Ariake-san’s eyes flicking towards me.

He was wearing a devilish grin.

Ariake: “Tell me, why are you angry?”

Oosaki: “Angry? I’m not—”

Ariake: “Is it because of him? Or perhaps me?”

Oosaki: “...”

Ariake: “It’s fine, you know. You can lash out if you’d like. We’re lovers, aren’t we? Shouldn’t we be able to tie each other down?”

It sounded like there was a tinge of sadness in his voice.

Ariake: “The very fact that we were allowed into this teahouse is proof of our love. Anyone can see how close we are.”

Oosaki: “The attendant was just concerned about your foot. …It’s the same as with your colleague.”

Ariake: “Oh, but I think he’ll ask me again tomorrow—who was that person? And this time, I’d like to answer him properly.”

Oosaki: “Stop this.”

Ariake: “Why?”

Oosaki: “I… don’t particularly mind, but I don’t think it’s good for you to associate yourself with me.”

Ariake: “If you don’t mind, then what’s the issue?”

Oosaki: “...”

Ariake: “Do you not care about me whatsoever?"

His perfectly composed smile slipped, unveiling his insecurity.

I had noticed this from the beginning, but Ariake-san was acting differently from usual.

Ariake: “What he said to me back there was that he wanted to bring me to his house and prepare an ice pack for my sprain. There was nothing about popping blisters or calling a taxi to send me home.”

I found my gaze drifting back towards the window.

Then, Ariake-san unexpectedly stood up and squeezed in next to me.

Since the seat was too small, we were practically on top of each other.

If this was a scale, I had the feeling it would tip in Ariake-san’s favor.

…I was completely unfit to call myself his lover.

Oosaki: “...I’m sorry.”

Ariake: “Do you really understand what you’re apologizing for?”

His breath was terrifyingly close.

Ariake: “It must’ve been fun playing that shooting game with all those children around you.”

Oosaki: “!”

Ariake: “That’s right, I saw you first.”

Oosaki: “I have nothing to feel guilty about…”

Ariake: “Then why did you lie and say you had work?”

—It couldn’t be.

Crossing the road.

Stringing along that man.

Allowing his foot to be touched.

Was everything to spite me?

Ariake: “I couldn’t stand seeing how happy you looked.”

Oosaki: “That’s just the mask’s design…”

Ariake: “What about when you won the heaviest prize from the shooting game?”

Oosaki: “That was pure luck…”

Ariake: “Or when you landed every try at the ring toss?”

Oosaki: “That was a miracle…”

Ariake: “Or when you netted five yo-yos in a single round?”

Oosaki: “That’s… inexcusable.”

I had completely ruined the children’s festival.

Ariake: “However, what I absolutely can’t stand most… is myself.”

Oosaki: “Ariake-san…”

Ariake: “Without judgment, will you listen to what I have to say?”

Oosaki: “Of course.”

Ariake: “Don’t hold anyone’s hand but mine—”

Even though his opponent was a child.

Even though he had nothing to worry about.

Ariake-san still spat those words out bitterly—

—As if he were a child himself.

His painful confession sank deeply into my chest.

As if to absorb as much of that pain as I could,

I kissed him.

ʚɞ

Love has a way of warping even the most ordinary people into enemies.

If this is the way love works,

Then it truly is a foolish and pitiful thing.

However. Despite my fear and anguish, I could never leave Ariake-san’s side.

This, too, is the work of love.

ʚɞ

The next morning.

We walked along the deserted pathway lined with glowing lanterns.

With the clamor of the festival long gone, the pale bonbori seemed reminiscent of ephemeral bones.

Ariake-san wistfully gazed at my painting.

He contemplated it for a long time.

Ariake: “—So this is why you came to the festival.”

Oosaki: “It’s also the reason why I invited you.”

Ariake: “If you had told me, I would’ve changed my plans…”

Oosaki: “I didn’t want to raise your expectations just to disappoint you. I’m only an amateur artist. Compared to everyone else…”

Ariake: “Your painting is amazing.”

He poked at the waves.

It was a subtle, gentle gesture so as not to damage the paper.

Ariake: “...Will you come over next week?”

Oosaki: “Of course.”

Ariake: “I’d love to watch the sunset with you again.”

He tucked his bangs behind his ear and smiled softly.

Then, he straightened up, grabbed my hand,

And took off running.

Ariake: “We have to hurry!”

Oosaki: “Please slow down, Ariake-san!”

Ariake: “I can’t! I have work soon, so I have to get dressed!”

Oosaki: “I understand, but…!”

It didn’t seem like his foot was in pain.

Almost as if there was never any to begin with.

If that was true, it seems I’ve been terribly deceived…

It appears I haven’t escaped the festival just yet.

[Ten Views Of Shonan -Light-] 1956.Ariake A Route

Translation Notes

[1] A Japanese festival that celebrates the coming of spring by throwing beans at family members wearing oni masks to purify the home.

[2] A yokai that appears late at night to obstruct a traveler's way. Sometimes it is depicted as a large wall with a face, other times as a dog-like creature with three eyes.

[3] A yokai that appears as an old man with a gourd shaped head. He is said to be the supreme commander of monsters.

[4] Originally "wet katanuki." Katanuki is a children's game that involves carving shapes out of a slab of candy without it breaking. If the katanuki is wet, the game becomes more difficult.

[5] The Bonbori Festival actually occurs over three days with a different focus for each day. This story takes place on the first day, also known as the Nagoshi-sai or "Summer Purification Festival" which is meant to ward off misfortune and danger.

Waitress: “You’ve been swinging by a lot lately.”

Shizuma: “Oh? I’m flattered you remember me.”

Waitress: “Well, you always sit in the same seat and order the same thing.

I even remember how much sugar you like.”

Shizuma: “I can get a good coffee anywhere, 

but nothing beats sitting by these windows.”

Waitress: “Really? The glass is so warped, you can hardly see a thing.”

Shizuma: “These panes are a relic from the Taisho Era.

They’re a poorer quality due to the technology available at the time.”

Waitress: “Ah, they do seem cheap.”

Shizuma: “Not to mention, they’re quite fragile as well.

Waitress: “Well, that’s no good—all our windows are made from this material.”

Shizuma: “Which shows just how well you’ve taken care of this place.”

The woman approached his table.

Waitress: “You’ve got your eye on someone?”

Shizuma: “Who can say?”

Waitress: “Your face gives it all away.”

Shizuma: “Aren’t you running an honest business here?”

Waitress: “Well, that depends entirely on the customer. I don’t mind getting a little dirty every now and then.”

The woman’s smile changed.

The man tilted his head.

What an annoying conversation.

There was nothing sincere about their smiles whatsoever.

It was simply an exchange between two liars going through the motions.

I was slumped back on the sofa.

Shizuma-san was at a table by the window, 

flirting with the waitress.

I had been eavesdropping on them the whole time.

But he probably knew that.

How did it come to this?— 

I had asked Shizuma-san to recommend a suitable place in Tokyo to hold a meeting.

However, he never mentioned anything about frequenting this café.

Much less showing up at the appointed time himself.

By the time my client arrived, 

my coffee had completely cooled down.

Woman: “I apologize for being so late. I got lost on my way here.

Are you Oosaki-san by any chance?”

Oosaki: “I am.”

Woman: “Thank you for kindly agreeing to meet with me.”

Oosaki: “Please, have a seat.”

The woman was wearing a large hat that cast a shadow over her entire face.

Naomi: “My name is Ariake— 

I mean, Kawai Naomi. 

To reiterate, 

there’s someone I need you to find for me.”

Reaching into her bag, the woman pulled out a few things.

Documents.

A key.

And a single photograph.

The student in the photograph,

appeared to be lifting his chin, as if spooked by something.

Not a shadow touched his face, 

making it seem like his head bobbed in blank space.

He showed none of the vigor expected of a young man his age, 

the outline of his silhouette as delicate as a white lily.

Naomi: “This is my older brother, Ariake Shoutarou.

Please, hear me out—”

Naomi: “This photo is from ten years ago.

My brother is now 27 years old.

I don’t have a current picture of him.

Although we are currently estranged, 

I have never stopped thinking of him.

As of now, I am preparing for my wedding.

However, when I didn’t receive an RSVP from him, 

I decided to pay him a visit in-person 

and discovered he had not been seen at work or anywhere else for half a year.”

Naomi: “—My brother is not the type to throw away his life on a whim.

I’m certain something terrible has happened to him.

Oosaki-san, will you be able to find him with this information?”

Her eyes welled with tears.

It was my turn to reply.

However.

I couldn’t speak—

Naomi: “Oosaki-san?”

Oosaki: “ “

My lungs seized.

My blood turned to ice.

I couldn’t breathe.

I couldn’t take my eyes off this photo, and the boy within it.

No, there was more to it.

The boy, his eyes, they were drawing me in—

Suddenly, I fell back into the sofa.

Shizuma-san was sitting next to me, 

his arm slung over my shoulders.

It took him an instant to physically close the distance between us, 

but his eyes were focused solely on the client, Naomi-san.

Naomi: “Who are you…?”

Shizuma: “A fellow detective.”

Naomi: “Weren’t you just sitting over there?”

Shizuma: “I’m afraid you must be mistaken.”

Naomi-san nodded in response to Shizuma-san’s smooth answer.

...She must’ve been desperate to accept such a bold-faced lie.

Shizuma-san rifled through the papers.

Shizuma: “Did your brother live in Shibuya?”

Naomi: “Yes.”

Shizuma: “What is this key for?”

Naomi: “It opens the door to his house. The police made it for me.”

Shizuma: “Which means there’s already an investigation underway.”

Naomi: “Yes, but progress has stalled…”

Shizuma: “And that’s why you came to us.”

Naomi: “Yes.”

The conversation moved quickly as Shizuma-san ascertained the facts.

Shizuma: “Can I ask you a question?”

Naomi: “Of course.”

Shizuma: “Why would you come all the way to Kanagawa for help?”

I also wanted to know the answer.

Naomi-san faltered for a second.

Naomi: “I consulted with a few agencies in Tokyo, 

but they all refused my request…”

Shizuma: “Why?”

Naomi: “I don’t know.”

Only the Shinkiba Detective Agency agreed to meet with me.”

Shizuma: “In that case, consider your sorrows over.

Nothing is more important to us than the client’s feelings.”

He raised a finger.

Shizuma: “We’ll find your brother for sure. 

Just leave it to our star detective, Oosaki.”

Naomi-san finally smiled and left.

There was a car waiting for her outside.

A tall man opened the door and ushered her in.

Observing them through the glass, 

I felt like I was watching a foreign movie.

The only things left behind were the documents, the key, the photo, 

and Shizuma-san’s grin.

Shizuma: “Finding missing persons is your specialty, isn’t it, Detective?”

Oosaki: “Please don’t negotiate work for me.”

Shizuma: “But I heard everything that was said.”

He lit up a cigarette.

Oosaki: “There’s a process to these things.”

Shizuma: “Cutting to the chase makes it easier for the client. 

I should know—I hired you once too.”

Oosaki: “Don’t interfere again.”

Shizuma: “Hey, take it easy. 

I was only trying to help.”

Oosaki: “Help?”

Shizuma: “You didn't realize?”

He gestured towards the portrait of the young boy.

Shizuma: “Your face blanched as soon as you saw this.

Shaky breaths, clammy skin. 

I could’ve sworn you were about to shit yourself—”

I quickly packed up to leave.

Oosaki: “Thank you for the recommendation.”

Shizuma: “Always happy to help. I’ll see you around.”

It was disgustingly hot outside.

But I didn’t bother to find shade, 

and jumped into the first cab I could.

Shizuma-san was right.

I had been disturbed by the picture.

Something about it 

chilled me to my very core.

However, I had finally calmed down enough to look back at the photo with a clear head.

I was beginning to place what felt off about it.

Somehow, somewhere,

I had seen this boy before—

A neighborhood in Shibuya near Yoyogi.

Ariake Shoutarou’s house was shrouded in silence.

The electricity had been cut off at some point, 

so I could only rely on the light that streamed in from outside.

—There was a dining set for two.

But one remained in the cupboards.

There were only toiletries and clothing for one.—

While there seemed to be guests over from time to time, 

the occupant most likely lived alone.

However, I found no living signs of them—only a layer of dust on everything inside.

I returned to the agency before dark, 

and reported my initial findings to Naomi-san.

Naomi: “—My brother’s hobbies?” 

Oosaki: “Yes. Do you know if he played sports or music or enjoyed reading, perhaps?”

Naomi: “When I think about it, he did play the piano every so often. 

Although he was no virtuoso, 

he would occasionally practice a song from what I remember…

Does that help?”

Oosaki: “When I investigated his house in Shibuya, I found no indication of his personality whatsoever. 

Did Ariake-san have another residence?”

The woman gasped as if she just remembered something.

Naomi: “We have a summer house.

When my father was still alive, 

we’d often take trips there.

My brother loved that house. Perhaps…”

Oosaki: “Where is it?”

Naomi: “I can’t remember exactly, but I do recall the view. There was…”

“An island.”

“A hill”

“And city lights.”

From the faded fragments of Naomi-san’s memories, a drawing began to take shape.

With the finished sketch—

—I made my way to Shonan’s Inamuragasaki Bay the next day.

This was it.

To my right was Enoshima.

To my left was a large hill.

At the top of the hill was a man.

He stood in front of an easel, looking down at the sand and sea.

Oosaki: “Are those watercolors?”

Man: “Yes.”

Oosaki: “Are you painting the scenery? It looks a little different.”

Man: “This is from earlier in the day. 

I was trying to capture the tranquility of the waves.”

Oosaki: “Are you a local resident?”

Man: “Yes.”

Ariake (Oosaki): “My name is Ariake.”

His paintbrush stopped.

Ariake (Oosaki): “My family lives somewhere around here. 

Do you know anyone by that name?”

Man: “It doesn’t ring a bell.”

He looked towards the sea once more.

My first attempt at questioning dissipated into thin air.

It was my fault for bothering an artist at work.

I turned to head back into town.

Man: “Ariake-san.”

My breathing stopped.

Turning around, I saw the man pack up his supplies.

Man: “I’ll help you find them.”

Since I had no reason to refuse his company, 

we began walking together.

Man: “There are many vacation homes in Inamuragasaki.

A lot of city people only come to visit, 

so I don’t see them often.”

As we walked up a slope, we passed by several houses with nameplates.

Turning around, I compared the scenery with the sketch in my notepad.

It was the same ocean, but the resemblance was drifting further and further from how I had imagined it.

Ariake (Oosaki): “Could we try a different path?”

Man: “What is that drawing?”

Ariake (Oosaki): “This is the view from our vacation home.

I drew it from memory.”

Man: “...I see.”

I took the lead while the local followed behind.

Strangely enough, our roles were reversed.

Finally, I spied the correct nameplate.

From the outside, it seemed like a two-story building.

This had to be Ariake Shoutarou’s residence—

When I knocked on the door, the sound echoed throughout the house.

However, it didn’t seem like there was anyone to hear it.

Man: “I suppose no one’s home at the moment. Should we wait until they return?’

The door was locked.

Man: “I know they’re your family, but should you be trying to enter like that…?”

I broke a nearby window.

Man: “!?”

Ariake (Oosaki): I have permission. 

If no one is home, I can look inside, even if I have to break in.”

Man: “W- Whose permission?”

Ariake (Oosaki): “My sister’s.”

Man: “Even so…!”

Ariake (Oosaki): “Ariake-san’s whereabouts are currently unknown. You should go home.”

Man: “I- I’m coming too…! 

Who knows? You could be a thief…!”

I entered the house from the window and opened the door from inside. 

Cautiously, the man followed me in.

It didn’t seem like there was any electricity, 

but a lantern hung by the door.

A pair of shoes lay on the ground, 

but it seemed like we were the only living souls.

The smell of dust permeated the house.

Rotten air drifted by,

crawling across my skin, 

and unsettling all my senses.

At the end of the hallway, 

I placed my hand on the first door.

A rancid smell 

was seeping from the room.

Ariake (Oosaki): “Call the police.”

This stench could only be—

Ariake (Oosaki): “Call the police—!”

However, there was nobody there.

I was certain a man was here just moments earlier, 

but he had disappeared without a trace.

Oosaki: “—His family asked me to confirm his safety.”

Police: “Were you the first person to discover the body?”

Me… And one other person—

However, I never asked for the man’s name.

I had no proof he was here and no choice but to hide his existence.

Oosaki: “Yes.”

Finally, I was released from the police’s interrogation

and the vacation home turned crime scene.

Suddenly, someone burst through the front door.

A woman’s wail pierced the air.

Naomi: “Shoutarou! Shoutarou!”

Without wavering from her destination, Naomi-san flew into the bathroom.

—A corpse was slumped over in the waterless bathtub.

The body had completely dried up, 

its skin so shriveled that one could clearly see the outline of each bone.

Slumbering peacefully in its state of death—

As Naomi-san reached for the corpse, 

her husband pulled her back in an embrace.

Afterwards, the police handed her an envelope.

Police: “We found this suicide note in the upstairs bedroom. 

It’s addressed to you, Naomi-san.”

Naomi-san traced each letter with her shaky eyes, 

teardrops silently falling on the page—

Shizuma: “You look terrible, Oosaki-kun.”

Oosaki: “...As do you.”

A few days had passed, and I was meeting with Shizuma-san whose face had tanned from the sun.

Only the area around his eyes, protected by sunglasses, remained white, giving him an unsightly appearance.

The two of us were sitting by the window, 

but only Shizuma-san was graced by the sun.

Shizuma: “It’s been so hot lately that I’ve been surfing to beat the heat.

However, it tires me out so quickly that I pass out before I know it.”

Oosaki: “With who?”

Shizuma: “Hm?”

Oosaki: “Who have you been going with?”

Shizuma: “Oh, just me, myself, and I.”

He added more sugar to our coffee.

Oosaki: “I think I know why no one else would accept Naomi-san’s job.”

Shizuma: “Why?”

Oosaki: “Even if I had found her brother, it would’ve brought nothing but sorrow.

Missing persons cases rarely have a happy ending.”

Shizuma: “You really are an idiot. 

While I can’t deny things are difficult for Naomi-san, 

her brother must be happy that someone found him.”

I contemplated the thought in silence.

Shizuma: “What did his suicide note say, anyways?”

Oosaki: “—Naomi, I give you all my happiness—”

Shizuma: “Ah, blessings for the new couple. 

How beautiful.”

Oosaki: “If that really was her brother.”

Shizuma: “Huh?”

—The corpse had long nails and graying hair.

Oosaki: “The body didn’t seem like it belonged to a twenty-year-old.”

Shizuma: “Didn’t Naomi-san identify the body?”

Oosaki: “She was distraught at the time.”

Shizuma: “But what of the suicide note?”

Oosaki: “Why would Ariake-san write his sister’s name out in hiragana as if he didn’t know how to spell her name?”

Shizuma: “What are you trying to say…?”

Oosaki: “I believe someone else planted the body, pretending it was Ariake Shoutarou’s.”

Shizuma: “And why would they do that?”

Oosaki: “I don’t know.”

Shizuma: “Then it’s still the police’s job. 

Even though there was a suicide note, they can conduct an autopsy.”

Oosaki: “Unfortunately, 

per Naomi-san’s request, the body has already been cremated.”

Because of the note, 

the police immediately ruled the death a suicide.

Oosaki: “Shizuma-san, there’s something I need to ask you.”

Finally, I met Shizuma-san’s eyes.

Oosaki: “Will you come to Ariake Shoutarou’s summer home with me? 

I may need your architectural expertise—”

I stood in front of the house in Inamuragasaki once more.

Shizuma-san squinted up at it.

Shizuma: “It’s a Meiji-style building with a Western flair. 

Probably the kind of house a soldier or diplomat would own.”

The door was still unlocked from before.

Shizuma: “There’s hardly any furniture in here. They must’ve sold everything. 

It’s such a shame considering how beautiful the front is.”

As if following some sort of trail, Shizuma-san climbed the stairs.

He headed toward the bedroom.

Oosaki: “The note was on top of the piano.”

Shizuma: “Look at all that dust. 

The suicide note must’ve been there for at least 3 or 4 months.”

Shizuma-san stepped out onto the veranda.

I followed him.

The sea breeze brought to mind the sketch I had made.

...It was the exact same scenery.

The landscape I’d drawn from Naomi-san’s words 

was unfurling right before me.

Overlapping with the drawing in my mind, 

the sea pulsed gently beneath the faint light.

Shizuma-san was staring at the doorknob.

Shizuma: “The lantern at the entrance. 

It didn’t have any dust on it. 

Did someone move it?”

Oosaki: “None of us touched it.”

Shizuma: “Same with this doorknob.

There isn’t any rust on it. 

A place this close to the sea is particularly vulnerable to rusting.

There should be some unless the knob’s frequently turned or polished.”

Oosaki: “What does that mean?”

Shizuma: “There’s someone living here even now.”

—It was a rainy morning.

Water droplets traced the whorls in the window pane, 

casting shadowy tear streaks in the café.

Only the ring glittering on Naomi-san’s finger 

seemed to provide any light in the room.

Naomi: “The wedding went off without a hitch.

For the ceremony, I wore a white kimono 

and switched to a scarlet dress for the reception.

I was very particular about every last detail 

down to the table cloth frills.”

As she spoke, she fondly caressed the photographs on the table.

Naomi: “It’s all thanks to you, Oosaki-san.

I’ll be sure to call on you again if I’m ever in need…”

Oosaki: “...Naomi-san.”

Naomi: “Yes?”

Oosaki: “I apologize if I’m being too forward, 

but please, allow me to keep investigating the case.”

My voice trembled.

How should I explain it?

What would she think?

I spoke carefully and calmly 

so as not to disrupt her peace.

Oosaki: “From the state of the body, 

there’s a possibility we’re dealing with a murder case.”

Naomi: …”

Oosaki: “I requested this writing sample from Ariake-san’s workplace. 

The handwriting on the documents and the one on the suicide note 

are not the same.”

Naomi: “Perhaps my brother took extra care on the note seeing how important it is…”

Oosaki: “Perhaps that’s what the culprit wants you to think.”

The woman didn’t blink once.

Oosaki: “There is no proof the body belonged to Ariake-san, 

so please, allow me to look for him again—”

Naomi: “Oosaki-san.”

Naomi-san took my hand. 

At some point, it had curled into a trembling fist at the edge of the table.

With her slender hands, she loosened my stiffened fingers one-by-one.

When I came back to my senses, she had a smile on her face.

Naomi: “You did exactly as I asked—you found my brother.”

That’s wrong.

I hadn’t confirmed anything.

Naomi: “I can still remember how he used to smile. 

I’m certain my brother rests behind those closed eyelids.”

Wrong again.

It was I who truly knew

what his smile looked like.

Naomi: “You led my brother into heaven.”

Naomi-san took out a stack of photos from her bag.

A weeping bride.

Surrounded by a crowd of weeping people.

However, little by little,

the smiles returned to their faces.

I felt as if I was watching a movie reel.

Tearful smiles blooming before my eyes.

Naomi: “I should've invited you to the wedding. 

It wouldn’t have been as moving a ceremony without your help.”

Oosaki: “N- Naomi-san.”

Naomi: “Take a look at this picture—

a bride in red embracing a white urn…”

Naomi: “Don’t I look just gorgeous?”

She was utterly mesmerized by her own beauty.

After the woman left, 

I didn’t stand up for a long time.

The sky was weeping pitifully today.

Like the tears of someone who knew the truth.

Suddenly, I noticed Shizuma-san was sitting across from me.

Shizuma: “...She turned down your offer to find her brother, didn’t she? 

I wonder which ending is most apt for our tragic heroine?”

Whether he lives.

Whether he dies.

A touching reunion could be staged either way.

She was the type of person who sought a fairy-tale ending over the truth—

I opened my notebook.

A description of the boy, notes on the corpse, the view from the veranda.

Tearing those pages out,

I stole Shizuma’s cigarette and set them aflame.

Pieces of paper curling black in the glass ash tray.

Shizuma-san watched the cremation ceremony 

with widened eyes.

Oosaki: “Shizuma-san, 

will you teach me how to surf?”

We drove down highway 134.

Escaping the gloom of the city, we emerged in a paradise so sunny, it felt almost deceitful.

We were at Inamuragasaki Beach once again.

I stripped under the shade of a rock.

By now, Shizuma-san had tanned so much, you could no longer make out the circles of his sunglasses.

The surfboards tied to the top of his car demonstrated his expertise.

Since I didn’t bring a swimsuit, 

I went down to the water wearing nothing but my long underwear.

However, this level of exposure was normal for the beach.

What really made us stand out were the enormous American surfboards Shizuma-san had received as a gift.

They attracted the attention of children who gathered to watch us practice in the sand.

Shizuma: “—And that’s how you paddle and take-off. 

Next, we work on picking the right waves…”

He pointed at a distant wave.

Shizuma: “Do you see that? 

Those waves are hitting against the seabed and breaking at just the right moment. 

It’s the perfect surfpoint for a beginner like you.”

—As I searched for a wave, 

I noticed a figure at the top of the hill.

The man was painting again.

For some reason I was certain, 

he was currently painting 

the view from Ariake-san’s veranda.

Was Ariake-san alive?

Or was he dead?

If Naomi-san were to face the truth, 

what would she have to say to her brother?

Shizuma: “Oosaki-kun! The next wave looks like a good one!

Wait right there, and I’ll show you how it’s done~!”

Shizuma-san started to run 

as if there was nothing to fear from the crystal blue sea.

Unconsciously, I began to follow after him.

Kicking up sand.

Stepping into sea foam.

Diving into the waves with the boats.

—Paddling.

Lying on my belly, I breached through the waves.

The water kept obscuring Shizuma-san from view, 

but every time I broke through, the sight of his back calmed me.

The next thing I knew, a powerful force lifted my body.

A great wave.

With both hands and feet, I pushed myself up.

—Take-off.

This had nothing to do with pure strength or violence.

For the first time in my life, 

I felt like I had control over the waves that roared inside me.

The crest of the wave fell, 

and the two of us slid through a tunnel of azure blue.

Shizuma: “Didn’t I tell you to wait!!? Why’d you tag along!?”

Oosaki: “I don’t know!”

Shizuma: “And how are you so good at this!!?”

Oosaki: “I don’t know either!”

As soon as we started riding, the wave began to collapse behind us.

I shifted my center of gravity to accelerate, 

but it was too late.

We were swept up by the ocean.

Eventually, the two of us resurfaced above the water.

I felt the hard edge of a buoyant surfboard hit my back.

Beside me, Shizuma-san wheezed.

Shizuma: “I can’t… believe… you took on a wave like that…”

Oosaki: “Me neither.”

Shizuma: “That’s all you have to say!? 

And it’s your first time surfing too…”

He covered his face with both hands.

Oosaki: “Why are you crying?”

Shizuma: “You’re seriously asking me that…?”

Oosaki: “I swim these kinds of waves all the time.”

Shizuma: “...”

Oosaki: “Children from Shonan are trained to swim in the sea.”

Even now you can hear the sound of laughter rise and fall. 

None of us fear the ocean

because we know how kind it can be.”

Shizuma: “Am I the stupid one for being worried…?”

Oosaki: “Yes, you are.”

Shizuma: “Now I know I’m the idiot for forgetting you’re an idiot…”

Shizuma-san finally laughed.

Oosaki: “...Weren’t you impressed too, though?”

I’m more talented than whoever taught you to surf, right?”

Shizuma: “Ahaha, are you jealous?

Oosaki: “I have no intentions on returning this board.”

Shizuma: “The other guy’s just a friend.”

Shizuma-san sat up, 

and looked down at me over his wet shoulder.

Shizuma: “Despite me showing all this skin, you still don’t get it?’

Oosaki: “...”

Shizuma: “The only marks I have are from you.”

The next wave glinted in his eyes.

Giving me nothing but a smile,

he began to paddle out to sea.

Shizuma: “You better wait like a good boy this time. 

And with that said… Don’t you dare take your eyes off me!”

Suddenly, I recalled the words of my old swimming instructor:

Never mess with the ocean and never lie.

Otherwise, you’ll be sure to drown.

Although Shizuma-san was always joking around, 

out here in the waves, I felt I could trust him.

Once summer ends, the surfing season will too.

It was the same with photography in the fall and sculpting in the winter.

Still, I remained captivated.

Completely soaked, Shizuma-san waved at me from afar, 

his slight gesture stealing my breath away.

I haven’t taken my eyes off him for a long time now—

[Ten Views of Shonan] Series

Ariake - Light-

Shiodome -Beach-

Shimbashi -Hill-

Shijoumae -Shell-

Takeshiba -Bait-

Aomi -Island-

Funeno -Sky-

Hinode -Firefly-

Gentle beams of light fell upon the tranquil stage.

30 students stood with their eyes facing forward

as if on the verge of accomplishing something great.

The conductor guided them with his hands.

The accompanist’s fingers ran across the piano.

At that moment—

I woke up.

The telephone downstairs was ringing.

In the blink of an eye, 

I shot from my futon like an arrow and grabbed the receiver.

The morning was silent save for the chirping of a single cicada.

Aomi: “Good morning. This is Aomi.”

Oosaki: “G- Good morning.”

Stumbling over my words, I bit my tongue.

Aomi: “My apologies for calling you so early.

I hope I didn’t wake you.”

Oosaki: “Not at all. I was already up and getting ready.”

As I said this, 

I raked my fingers through my disheveled hair.

Oosaki: “Where are you right now?”

Aomi: “At our accommodations. I just finished seeing off my students.”

Oosaki: “Good work.

In that case, I’ll head over shortly.”

Aomi: “My sincerest apologies.”

Hearing those words, I finally, fully woke up.

Aomi: “Regarding our plans for today…

Could we reschedule them for another time?

I’m afraid something urgent has come up.”

Oosaki: “Of course. Whatever you need to do comes first.”

Aomi: “I apologize again.

I’ll contact you later.”

Still clinging onto the receiver,

I stared at the morning sun streaming through the glass door in a daze.

Beyond the window, summer was already here.

However, I felt like its arrival didn’t concern me at all.

It would appear I’d be spending it alone regardless.

Urgent business, emergencies—these kinds of things happened to everyone.

That’s why one should always have a back-up plan to fill the rest of their day.

However, I seriously couldn’t think of anything else to do. Was I truly that dull?

A second cicada began to chirp.

Shizuma: “...Well, don’t you look free today?”

It was Shizuma-san who had spoken.

He was a scoundrel of a man, 

with eyes that smirked as he looked at me.

Shizuma: “Why the glum face so early in the morning?

Received a bit of bad news?”

Oosaki: “It’s none of your business.

Speaking of, I see you’ve invited yourself over again.”

Shizuma: “I like sleeping in your hallway. It’s nice and cool.

I won’t come over during the winter though, so you won’t have to worry then.”

He was a man who reminded me of summer.

Cicadas and evening storms and sunsets and—

Summer was full of surprises.

Unlike the gradual blooming and fading of spring cherry blossoms, 

and the slowly dropping temperatures and accumulating snows of winter, 

summer’s temperament was completely different.

It always came and went as it pleased.

Finally returning to my senses, I put the phone receiver down.

In Shizuma-san’s place,

I began rolling up the futon in the hallway.

Shizuma: “If you haven’t got anything else to do, why don’t the two of us go for a drive?”

Oosaki: “I’ll pass.”

Shizuma: “Aw, let me take you out for the day.”

Oosaki: “It’d be a bother.”

Shizuma: “What do you want for lunch?

Some kind of meat? Like yakiniku? Or steak?”

Oosaki: “That’s just what you want to eat.”

Shizuma: “Fine then, what would you like?”

Oosaki: “Nothing. I’m going back to sleep.”

Shizuma: “Sigh, you don’t get it do you?

I’m here for your sake.

Let your big brother take the loneliness away.”

Oosaki: “...”

Shizuma: “And since you just got rejected, I’ll even make you an extra special deal.

Just for today, I’ll do anything you want. A-ny-thing at all.”

Oosaki: “How kind.

In that case, please get out of my house.”

Shizuma: “Okay, okay, okay.

I’ll see you again sometime.”

Shizuma-san whistled sadly as he trudged out of the house.

The sound of his car engine began to fade into the distance.

I didn’t think he’d actually leave.

Did I really look that miserable?

—It was the beginning of August. The world was on summer break.

Aomi-sensei and his students had come all the way from Ooshima to Tokyo 

for the preliminary round of a choir competition.

The dream I had this morning 

must have been a manifestation of my worries for him.

The competition was yesterday, 

so he was supposed to spend his free day today with me.

However—

Urgent business.

I had missed my opportunity to ask what he meant by that.

Should I go to his accommodations anyways?

Would that be a burden on him?

As I stared at the receiver, 

the phone began to ring again.

Aomi: “—It’s Aomi. Is this Oosaki-san?”

Oosaki: “Yes.”

Aomi: “I apologize for my abruptness earlier.

I’m sure you have several questions.”

Oosaki: “Don’t worry about it.

You were in a rush, weren’t you?”

Aomi: “I was. However…

I was also wondering if you might be available to come too.”

Oosaki: “Of course.”

Aomi: “In that case, meet me on Enoshima.”

Oosaki: “Understood… Eh?”

Aomi: “Enoshima.

It’s spelled with the same ‘e’ as in ‘Ooe,’ ‘no’ written in katakana, and the character for ‘island’.”

Oosaki: “O- Okay.

I’ll head for Enoshima right away.”

Aomi: “Thank you.

I appreciate it.”

The phone line cut off.

On the other side of the receiver, 

I could feel Aomi-san on the move again.

I, too, hurried to get ready.

ʚɞ

—Enoshima is a small island located within Sagami Bay.

It hosts a shrine to the goddess Benzaiten, 

and is known as a tourist destination second only to Kamakura in the area.

The bridge connecting it to the mainland had been swept away several times in the past,

but this current iteration was built entirely of concrete 

to support foot traffic to and from the island—

I had no idea what sort of business would bring someone to Enoshima,

but I headed there anyway.

Strange as the situation was, I didn’t feel the slightest hesitation in my steps, 

and before I knew it, I was blending into the crowd like any other tourist.

I was first to reach the nearest station.

However, before long, the train from the city arrived.

A man descended, his clean-cut silhouette unmistakable.

Our eyes met immediately.

His suit was black. He wore a high-collared white shirt.

And in his hand was a frilly woman’s parasol—

Aomi: “Thank you for coming all this way.

It’s been a while hasn’t it, Oosaki-san.”

Aomi-san opened the parasol.

The ocean breeze ruffled its frills.

He leaned part of its shade towards me.

Aomi: “I’d like to apologize for earlier once again.

I must’ve troubled you with the phone call.”

Oosaki: “It’s fine…”

Aomi: “Let’s get going then.

To Enoshima.”

Oosaki: “C- Coming.”

Although his voice was soft, 

he moved with conviction—

The island and the mainland were connected by Benten Bridge.

There was nothing to obstruct the sun’s rays, 

causing a hazy mirage to appear 

and make the island seem further away than it truly was.

Cumulonimbus clouds rose in the distance behind Enoshima.

As if to hide from their stormy gaze, 

we shaded ourselves with the parasol.

Aomi: “I’ve already said this, but I’d like to apologize again.

Especially since you took the time to come out here during summer break.”

Oosaki: “My line of work is flexible anyway.”

Aomi: “My apologies.”

Oosaki: “By the way, how was the preliminary competition?”

Aomi: “We were eliminated.”

Oosaki: “That’s surprising.”

The club was only established this April, 

but I heard the students were all passionate about winning.

Not to mention, they were all under Aomi-san’s leadership.

Aomi: “Our division simply didn’t have the qualifications to win.

There were 7 members. 0 accompanists.

Since none of our students could play the piano, I had to take the role myself.”

The image of a small chorus in the midst of a large auditorium materialized in my head.

It would appear that the stage I had dreamed of this morning

was not meant for them, but some other school.

However, what I was most worried about was—

Oosaki: “How are your students?”

Aomi: “Focusing on the next competition and refining their strategy.

It was difficult. But they seemed to enjoy themselves. Everyone should be heading back now.”

I should’ve known to expect more from a club of volunteers.

It would take more than defeat to drain their spirits.

We walked down the bridge without incident.

There was sweat glistening on everyone around us.

However, I suddenly began to sweat for a different reason.

Aomi-san had his teaching expression on.

He was wearing a suit. His posture was stiff.

In comparison, I looked far too carefree.

My shirt was open. My bangs were thrown back.

…I had to get out of this immediately.

Yet, Aomi-san didn’t even look my way.

The island was the only thing in his sights.

Aomi: “—One of my students ran away from home.

The school contacted me this morning.”

At the entrance of the island was a bronze torii gate.

Various souvenir shops were crammed together along the slope.

This shopping street, Nakamise Doori, led up to the shrine 

and was already filled with tourists.

Oosaki: “Was it a member of your club?”

Aomi: “No, just another student.”

Oosaki: “I’ll keep an eye out for him then.

What does he look like?”

Aomi: “He’s most likely out of uniform.

And I’d imagine his hair’s a mess too.

However—

You’ll definitely know as soon as you see him.

Even if you’ve never met before.”

What a mysterious description.

Awaiting us at the end of the road was a second torii gate and a set of stone steps.

Enoshima Shrine was nestled within these mountains.

Aomi: “We aren’t heading toward the shrines,

but to the other side of the island.”

Oosaki: “Let’s go this way then.”

Enoshima was shaped like two mountains pushed together, 

resulting in its rugged terrain.

However, on its right side was a gentle path that circled the perimeter of the island.

It was a shortcut that could be used by people in a hurry.

There was no one on the path beside us.

Since the area was thickly shaded with trees, 

Aomi-san closed his parasol.

Aomi: “The student was a truant.”

Oosaki: “Was there something he didn’t like about school?”

Aomi: “I’m not sure.

As far as I know, he wasn’t being bullied.

He always made it to music class

and seemed to get along with his friends.”

Oosaki: “Then perhaps there were problems at home.”

Aomi: “His family was wealthy.

There was nothing he lacked.”

The gentle hills rolled on and on.

The droning of the cicadas grew louder.

I wanted to pause to wipe off my sweat, 

but Aomi-san didn’t stop for even a second.

His face held the same, stoic expression as always.

Aomi: “It was a winter night. Long ago.

I, too, ran away from home.

I was dissatisfied with my life.

I felt like I couldn’t stay there.

Even now, I can still remember the cold sting of trudging barefoot through the snow.”

Oosaki: “I’ve done something similar too.

Although my reason was more immature.

I was simply curious and went all the way to a distant rice paddy.”

The long stalks of rice had chafed against my fingertips.

It was a wholly unpleasant feeling.

As soon as I realized just how big the world was, 

I was seized by fear.

What I had felt was loneliness.

Aomi: “Back then, was there anyone who came for you?”

Oosaki: “As soon as I turned around, my grandmother was right there.”

Aomi: “In the end, adults can see right through children, can’t they?”

Aomi-san, too, 

probably had someone to pick him up, 

and brush the snow from his body.

Passing through the double mountains, the view suddenly opened up, clear and blue.

It was the ocean.

We made it to the other side of the island.

There was no one else who had ventured this far.

As we descended the stone steps, the two of us paused.

Ooshima was visible across the ocean.

The island where Aomi-san and his students lived 

looked striking against the horizon.

Oosaki: “This is the place 

I wanted to take you today.”

Aomi: “...Is that so?”

Oosaki: “I’m sure you’ve seen the ocean enough times by now.

However, I thought the view of Ooshima from here was quite breathtaking—”

Aomi: “Stop.”

He didn’t take his eyes off the sea.

Aomi: “When you go to see a mountain, you don’t praise another mountain.

The same is true for islands.”

Oosaki: “Did your mother teach you that?”

Aomi: “Yes.

If you do, it’ll cause the goddess of that land to grow jealous.”

Oosaki: “What a curious legend.”

Aomi: “No one wants to incur the wrath of another being. And neither do I—”

Oosaki: “Eh?”

I was certain that Aomi-san had looked right at me 

as he finished his sentence.

Pondering what he meant, I suddenly realized I’d been left behind.

Aomi-san was quickly descending the rest of the staircase.

He rushed to the end of the viewing platform, 

and began to wave the white parasol in the air.

Oosaki: “Aomi-san!?”

Aomi: “Oosaki-san. Raise this umbrella as high as you can.

Like a signal.

We need to reach that yacht.”

Floating on the water was a Snipe.

It had come from Ooshima, 

and was sailing straight toward us.

Taking the parasol, 

I began to wave it around like he asked.

The sunlight reflected off of it.

Noticing the price tag on the handle,

I realized Aomi-san must have bought the white parasol for this reason—

The yacht’s sails billowed in the wind and reflected a light back at us.

It was a reply.

Wait, it couldn’t be.

Of all the stupid things.

A tiny yacht sailing from Ooshima to Enoshima…

Aomi: “His family realized he had run away after noticing the yacht was gone.”

The outline of a larger ship appeared in the distance.

It was a patrol boat.

Unsurprisingly, it seemed this young man hadn’t anticipated any adults to make a move.

We moved down into the rocks to help guide the yacht to shore.

Noticing the situation, people began to gather along the coastline.

Every time the hull skipped along the water, 

a cloud of fine mist sprayed into the air.

It was a risky situation, 

and everyone was watching with bated breath.

It was dangerous.

It was foolish.

Yet, I couldn’t bring myself to blame the boy.

Oosaki: “Are you going to scold him?”

I was surprised by how meek my voice sounded.

Aomi-san’s eyes widened slightly 

before he looked away self-consciously.

Aomi: “I am not.”

Saying this, his gaze drifted back to the sea.

Aomi: “The phone call I got from my school 

was actually instructions to return to Ooshima immediately.

They wanted to ask me about the student.

However, I declined the invitation and came here instead.

I already knew.

Once that student set out to sea, he would neither return nor drown.

I understood this since the day I heard the sound of his piano—”

Aomi-san smiled at me.

Aomi: “He would arrive here no matter what.

I simply thought it’d be lonely if there was no one to greet him.”

Oosaki: “I hope I was able to lend a hand.”

Aomi: “I believe so. Thanks to your guidance, 

I think I was able to find myself an excellent, new pianist.”

The yacht suddenly hit a rock, 

and capsized in a matter of seconds.

I immediately jumped into the sea, 

and pulled the student into my arms.

The waves smashed the boat into pieces.

However, upon seeing his teacher’s face, 

the student sighed in relief and shut his eyes—

ʚɞ

We took a ferry back to the front of the island.

In the back seat of a taxi, the student had fallen asleep with Aomi-sensei watching over him.

There were no other passengers.

Aomi: “—I’ll take him home from here.

My apologies for not being able to thank you properly.”

Oosaki: “It’s fine.”

Aomi: “Well then.

Until next time—”

Then, the taxi coldly, mechanically drove away.

And just like that, I had been abandoned at the head of Benten Bridge.

Soaking wet and alone.

…How was I supposed to get home looking like this?

My eyes landed on the station telephone.

I could call Shizuma-san and have him drive me.

A man like him probably wouldn’t mind his car getting a little wet.

Though, even if he did complain, I wouldn’t really care.

However, my feet refused to move.

—When you’re on an island, you shouldn’t praise another island.

Suddenly, those words flashed through my head once again.

ʚɞ

It was dusk by the time I returned to familiar scenery.

I had chosen to walk to dry myself off, 

but since I was by the coast, 

my entire body was sticky with salt from the sea breeze.

My hair had stiffened, 

and my bangs refused to loosen up, 

so I had no choice but to sweep them back 

and trudge home in defeat.

I had gone out of my way to buy a new shirt for today.

There wasn’t a single speck of dust or hint of odor on it.

The pomade I’d used was even recommended by a hairdresser.

When they asked if I was going on a date, I hadn’t denied it.

If anyone saw how I looked now, the only apt description would be “miserable.”

However, if they asked me what I felt, 

I would probably describe it as “happiness.”

I had been moved by Aomi-san’s dedication.

This was the first time I’d seen his teacherly side from up-close.

It was everything I had wished to see—

ʚɞ

With the sunset blazing orange behind me, I opened the front door.

Inside the house was a dignified, 

deep blue silhouette waiting for me.

Oosaki: “Aomi-san?”

Aomi: “Please pardon my intrusion, 

but you’re late.”

Oosaki: “I thought you were going home.”

Aomi: “That was the original plan.

However, my student’s parents came to pick him up by plane.”

Oosaki: “Wealthy might be an understatement…”

Aomi: “The household owns five boats on the island.

In addition to three cars.

And one piano.

I suppose he must’ve been bored 

having grown up in such a family.”

It sounded like a luxury.

However, for the person in question, 

possessing such things might have been just as burdensome as not.

In any case, that chapter was now closed.

Aomi-san stood up, and slightly bowed his head.

Aomi: “I’ll be in your care for the next three days.

As originally planned.”

Oosaki: “Please, come inside—”

Aomi-san was here once again.

He began to unpack his meager belongings in a corner of the room.

Clothing, necessities, 

he moved like he already belonged.

Taking off his suit, Aomi-san changed into Japanese clothing.

As he finished tying his obi, 

he cast me a glance from over his shoulder.

Aomi: “Your cologne. It smells nice.”

Oosaki: “My… what?”

Aomi: “Your clothing and hair had the same fresh scent today.”

Oosaki: “Oh, well,

I didn’t do anything special.”

Aomi: “Then, I suppose it was just your scent, Hiiro-san.”

Summer truly was full of surprises.

The sunset suddenly intensified, 

bleeding light across our field of vision.

Oosaki Hiiro: “Kaede-san.”

Aomi Kaede: “Yes.”

Oosaki Hiiro: “Welcome home.”

He wasn’t anyone’s teacher, 

nor friend right now.

At this moment, all he was, 

was finally in my arms—

Sunday, August 12th.

It had been raining all day.

The housebeams and tatami mats were moist with humidity, 

and the entire house was cast in shadow.

A man in a dark raincoat had come into the house, 

trailing raindrops behind him.

He stood in the doorway and began to shill his pitch.

Swindler: “Madam!!!”

Landlady: “Y- Yes?”

Swindler: “If you keep reading in this sort of light, 

your eyesight will worsen before you know it. 

I bet your husband’s been squinting a lot lately, no?”

Landlady: “I don’t have a husband.”

Swindler: “Ah, forgive me for being presumptuous. 

There just happens to be a number of umbrellas here, 

so I figured you had a lively household.”

Landlady: “Those would belong to my renters. 

I have two students and a working man here.”

Swindler: “Students!!!”

The man’s eyes glittered maliciously.

As if he’d been waiting for those very words, 

he whipped out a lampstand from his enormous bag.

Swindler: “This fluorescent lamp is the very light of civilization! 

Incandescence is a thing of the past! 

Every student must have one!”

Landlady: “Oh my…”

Swindler: “Furthermore! 

This lamp is ophthalmologist approved!”

Landlady: “My my…”

Swindler: “Just think of the students and their studies. 

You and your sewing. 

Your boarder and his…”

Oosaki: “That won’t be necessary.”

As I came down the stairs, 

I decisively put an end to the man’s spiel.

Oosaki: “We have everything we need, so you can see yourself out.”

Swindler: “Oh, but Sir, you haven’t even given it a try. 

See how the light compares!”

This wasn’t going anywhere.

As I went to kick him out, 

the landlady tugged the lamp towards her.

Landlady: “I’ll take one!’

Swindler: “Yes, my lady! You have a fine eye!!!”

My mood soured as the man continued his negotiations with the landlady.

After quickly closing off the deal, 

he darted into the rain and vanished.

Oosaki: “So…”

Landlady: “Why don’t we give it a try?

Oh, it’s so bright!”

Oosaki: “...”

Landlady: “Every train station and government building uses these now, right? 

They say it’s the very light of civilization, I’ll have you know..”

Hinode-kun came down the stairs.

His footsteps were quiet as he peered at the door.

Oosaki: “That was a charlatan just now. He just left.”

Landlady: “Oh, don’t be like that. He was an honest salesman. 

Ah, speaking of, Hinode-kun—

How would you like this lamp?”

Hinode: “?”

He blinked in surprise.

There was already an incandescent lamp in our room.

It was my old reading light.

Moving it out of the way, 

the landlady installed the new fluorescent lamp in its place.

A bright light flooded the room.

At the landlady’s insistence, Hinode-kun opened his textbook.

Unexpectedly, the inky black words seemed to pop right off the page, 

making them easy to read.

Landlady: “Now I don’t have to worry so much anymore. 

It always troubled me how late you’d stay up studying.”

Hinode-kun smiled bashfully.

He lowered his eyes and began reading beneath the light of his new lamp.

It was a familiar sight to see.

Oosaki: “...I can pay you back later.”

Landlady: “Oh, it’s alright. 

Consider it a late gift for our new student.”

She then turned and went briskly down the stairs.

It was now quiet in the room 

save for the scratching of a pencil

and the sound of rain.

This was the start of my summer with Hinode-kun, 

a boy whom I have no relation, 

yet treat as my own blood.

The next day.

Monday, August 13th.

In a complete turn-around, it was sunny outside.

Folding up the futon and changing out of my pajamas, 

I headed to the park to participate in the morning exercises. 

Three people were eating breakfast.

Two people waved good-bye.

One person headed to work.

And so, daily life went on.

Shinkiba: “This brings me back.”

I was reading a book at work 

when my boss, Shinkiba-san, noted the title in my hand.

Shinkiba: “Sei Shōnagon’s The Pillow Book. 

So this is what they’re using in schools these days.”

Oosaki: “It’s the same version as Hinode-kun’s.

I’m studying up, so I can answer any questions he may have.”

Shinkiba: “It truly is just like the old days.”

Shinkiba-san once did the same for me.

However…

Oosaki: “...This is more difficult than I remember.”

The contents of the book were one thing, 

but that wasn’t my only problem.

I meant to subtly ask Shinkiba-san for his advice, 

but he simply laughed and took off for lunch.

Evening.

I was drinking coffee at a café.

Around 8 pm, Hinode-kun arrived.

He found me at my usual spot by the window, 

and cheerfully sat down.

Oosaki: “Good work today.”

He nodded in acknowledgement 

and began scanning through the menu.

Students who go to night school 

don’t have a spring or summer vacation.

It was a habit for the two of us to get dinner together 

after he returned from his evening commute.

I ordered the same thing every day: neapolitan spaghetti. 

After some thinking, 

Hinode-kun ordered omurice.

After we finished eating and got up, 

I took out a hand mirror and held it to his face.

Oosaki: “You have something around your mouth.”

Hinode-kun fixed his bangs first, 

before wiping his mouth clean.

When I looked at his lips, freshly rubbed red, 

it called to mind the problem I was dwelling upon earlier.

Landlady: “Didn’t Hinode-kun used to live with his grandfather who was a doctor?”

Oosaki: “Yes, for about three years.”

Landlady: “For a middle schooler, he reads, writes, and speaks quite well, doesn’t he?”

Oosaki: “...Indeed.”

Landlady: “When he told me he used to study with the difficult books on his grandfather’s shelf, it all clicked.”

Oosaki: “...Hinode-kun, said that?”

Landlady: “Indeed, he did. 

I wonder what he’ll be once he grows up. 

Perhaps he’s aspiring to be a writer.

Or maybe he’ll follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and become a doctor. 

Oh, but he’s such a serious child, perhaps he’ll become a policeman instead~”

Oosaki: “Did Hinode-kun tell you that? With his voice?”

Landlady: “Well, of course.”

Oosaki: “How…?”

Landlady: “Like normal?”

Hinode-kun spoke… like normal.

As it seemed, he was only silent around me.

When we approached the brightly lit house, 

there was an unfamiliar man at the doorway.

It was a police officer.

The landlady was listening to his story with a worried look on her face.

Landlandy: “Oosaki-san! Welcome back…”

Oosaki: “What happened?”

The policeman answered for her.

Policeman: “Recently, there’s been a string of burglaries in the area. 

As a result, I’m making the rounds to patrol.”

The policeman glanced at the door.

Policeman: “Whenever you leave, make sure to firmly lock your doors. 

Keep the porchlight on at night too—it’ll deter people from coming in. 

Be well.”

Then, the officer left and made his way to the neighbor’s house.

Hinode-kun anxiously poked his head out.

At some point, he’d hidden behind me.

Landlady: “A burglar… How terrifying…”

Even though it was the midst of summer, 

we all felt as if a cold draft had entered the house.

While I was preparing for bed, 

Hinode-kun headed towards his desk.

It seemed he wanted to stay up late again to study.

However—the lamp wouldn’t turn on.

I could hear the clicking of the switch as he flicked it on and off.

The sounds of his frustration echoed through the room.

Oosaki: “We can head to the appliance store tomorrow before I go to work.”

Hinode-kun nodded.

Oosaki: “You should take a break from studying for today.”

Hinode-kun nodded again.

When I turned off the light in the room, moonlight flooded in.

There was one futon 

with multiple pillows 

and multiple blankets.

In winter, the two of us would cover ourselves with a large feather duvet.

However, in summer, the space between us naturally grew apart.

Oosaki: “Good night, Hinode-kun.”

Hinode-kun’s eyes fluttered open.

He returned my gaze, 

but as expected, made no reply.

Rolling over, I went to sleep.

The next day.

Tuesday, August 14th.

We brought the fluorescent lamp to an appliance store.

Shopkeeper: “Hmm, it looks like a faulty product.”

Oosaki: “We bought it for cheap from a door-to-door salesman.”

Shopkeeper: “This is one of the many junk pieces that come off the manufacturing line.

These things cost almost nothing to make.”

Oosaki: “Is the entire lamp useless then?”

Shopkeeper: “Yep. Replacing the bulb won’t do anything.”

Suddenly, the shopkeeper glanced towards the front of the store.

Hinode-kun was outside, looking at the toys in the window display.

However, it didn’t seem like he wanted one.

Rather, from the way he was pacing back-and-forth, it seemed like he was bored.

Shopkeeper: “You know that kid?”

Oosaki: “He’s a relative.”

Shopkeeper: “Really? The two of you were so awkward, I thought he was someone else’s.”

The sunlight intensified.

I met Hinode-kun’s eyes through the windowpane, 

and shook my head in defeat.

He looked neither disappointed nor surprised.

Thus, after less than two days, the fluorescent lamp was sacked from its job.

Reduced to an overpriced paperweight, 

we shoved it into the back of a closet—

Nighttime.

Since work had piled up, I left the office an hour later than usual.

When I pushed open the café door, 

the store owner was already brewing a coffee for me.

I knew exactly where to sit and what to order.

The moment the coffee touched my lips, 

I could feel the stress escape my nostrils.

It was the same routine as always.

My breathing calmed down.

Just a year ago, I could’ve never imagined having this kind of familiar regularity.

I absentmindedly opened my bag to pull out my book when suddenly, 

my fingers froze.

Beside my book was a second copy with the same cover.

One I had thumbed through front-to-back, 

and the other, was Hinode-kun’s.

In the early morning rush, 

I must’ve accidentally taken it with me.

Shooting out of my seat, I headed towards the school.

During the evenings, only the lights that are strictly necessary are on at school.

This includes the hallway, the staff room, 

and a singular classroom.

When I peered into the little window, I could see class going on.

Written on the blackboard 

were vocabulary words from the very book in my hand.

However.

Hinode-kun was nowhere to be seen.

There were only a few teachers in the staff room.

As I searched in vain for the head teacher, 

I heard someone call out to me in the hall.

Head Teacher: “Are you Hinode-kun’s brother? Good evening. 

Is something the matter?”

Oosaki: “Good evening. 

Hinode-kun left his book at home, so I came to bring it to him…”

Head Teacher: “Oh, he’ll certainly need that. 

However, isn’t he supposed to be at home today?”

My heart stopped.

Oosaki: “What do you mean?”

Head Teacher: “Didn’t you contact the school to let us know?”

Oosaki: “...That he’d be absent today?”

Head Teacher: “Yes. He was to be out yesterday, today, tomorrow, and the day after. 

We were told you had plans to return home for the four days of Obon.” [1]

The head teacher narrowed his eyes in confusion.

However, I didn’t have anything else to say, 

and left the school as quickly as I came.

Walking along the darkened road, 

I rotated this new information in my head.

Absent.

For four days.

He was planning to be out tomorrow and the day after as well.

But why?

And where was he now?

With nowhere else to go, 

my mind unexpectedly calmed down.

Only the second hand on the wall clock continued to move.

The steam from my coffee had dissipated, and the color of the liquid darkened.

Around 8 pm, Hinode-kun arrived.

I had put the two books on the table.

Oosaki: “My apologies. 

I grabbed your book by mistake this morning, but I hope class went alright without it.”

He nodded.

It was such a smooth motion

that I could sense nothing off about it whatsoever.

If I hadn't known better, 

I would’ve fully believed Hinode-kun went to school as usual 

and managed to do without his forgotten book.

I ordered the neapolitan spaghetti.

Hinode-kun ordered a sandwich for today.

It was completely dark by the time we walked home.

As usual, neither of us spoke.

Only the sounds of my footsteps, 

Hinode-kun’s footsteps, 

and the cane he carried with him broke the silence.

I wanted to respect his muteness as always.

However, the heavy knowledge I bore

turned the silence oppressive.

As soon as I could see the light in the house, 

I noticed something was off.

There were two large shadows standing beside the landlady.

Policemen.

A third officer was inside the house, 

sweeping the floor with a flashlight.

Landlady: “Oosaki-san!”

Oosaki: “What’s happened?”

Landlady: “It was, it was only a short while. 

I had left the house to restock on soy sauce, 

and when I returned to put away my wallet, the, the—”

Oosaki: “Please calm down. Tell me what happened.”

The policeman answered for the trembling woman.

Policeman: “There was a burglary. 

In that short time, her safe was taken.”

Oosaki: “!”

Landlady: “Oh, I haven’t even thought to check your room, Oosaki-san!”

In a panic, she rushed up the stairs.

When I pulled open the drawers, my safe was still there.

…It was completely untouched.

Landlady: “Wait, Oosaki-san! 

We should open it to make sure!”

Oosaki: “I never locked it to begin with.”

Landlady: “Wouldn’t that make this a regular box…?”

She was right. I was being too careless.

The safe not only contained my belongings, 

but Hinode-kun’s seal and bankbook as well.

A chill ran down my spine at the thought of them being stolen.

The policemen scoured the room for traces of the thief.

After concluding their sweep, they left.

The landlady shut the door firmly behind them.

Her eyes were shaky with fear 

as she clung onto me.

Landlady: “Oosaki-san. No, Detective-san. Please catch the culprit for me.”

I lowered my eyes 

and tried to retrace the criminal’s steps.

From the footprints, there was only one thief.

They had boldly entered through the front door.

It seemed the landlady had forgotten to lock it.

Landlady: “I thought I’d be back within 10 minutes.

It was only 10 minutes…”

The criminal’s footprints were all on the first floor.

There were no signs of a break-in on the second.

From this information, the criminal had to be—

Oosaki: “Someone who knows 

where the money is 

and when the occupants are in and out of the house.”

Hiding your face 

was as good as revealing it.

Midnight.

I was wide awake in my futon.

My detective brain was whirring, 

reanalyzing my situation from a clearer perspective.

…Although the matter itself was personal, 

perhaps it was time to put my detective skills to work.

The next day.

Wednesday, August 15th.

I pretended to go to work.

Hidden behind a fence, I began to stake out the house.

Normally, it would’ve been suspicious for a man to just stand on the street corner, 

but since I was a local, I simply greeted anyone who passed by.

The first person to leave the house was the college student rooming next door.

Truthfully, I wasn’t sure if he was a college student or roninsei. [2]

Next, I heard the landlady’s laughter.

It seemed she was hanging the laundry in the garden.

She must’ve been talking to Hinode-kun.

However, I couldn’t hear his voice nor what they were saying.

Midday.

It was the quietest time of the year.

When I looked up,

there wasn’t a single cloud in the sky.

Power lines criss-crossed overhead.

The chirping of cicadas could be heard between them.

Everything felt like a daydream.

After the war, I was lucky enough to be saved by Shinkiba-san.

He enrolled me in night school where I didn’t miss a single day.

Whenever I didn’t understand something, 

I would turn to Shinkiba-san.

Shinkiba-san—my father—would read ahead in my textbooks and leave furigana for me. [3]

He was an amazing father.

However, 

could I become an amazing brother for Hinode-kun, too?

Hinode-kun never asked questions.

He never ordered the same neapolitan spaghetti as me.

Whenever he looked in the mirror, he would fix his appearance himself.

It was like we were complete strangers.

As the realization hit me, 

it occurred to me

that I wanted to become someone he could rely on—

Evening.

It was time for class.

Hinode-kun left the house.

However, he began to head in the opposite direction of the school.

He didn’t look at anyone passing by 

nor at any of the stars in the sky.

Although he kept his head down, 

he moved without the slightest hesitation.

Eventually, we left the town behind and arrived at the embankment of the river.

Before him with the great black expanse of the Sagami River.

The water was still and unperturbed by the wind, 

its glassy surface reflecting the train lights running overhead.

Hinode-kun stared into its depths.

The water seemed like it could suck his shadow right in—

Oosaki: “Hinode-kun.”

I called out to him.

He quickly turned around.

I thought he might be shocked to find I was following him, 

but he looked neither disappointed nor surprised.

His expression was the same as it was at the appliance store. 

It was a look of knowing.

Oosaki: “Work ended early, so I decided to take a walk.”

Hinode: “...”

Oosaki: “What are you doing here? 

What about school?”

Hinode: “...”

Oosaki: “Do you not like it there?”

He shook his head before I finished speaking 

and returned to looking at the water.

It wasn’t that he was avoiding me, but more like he was searching for something.

I cautiously approached him and held out my arm.

If he didn’t want to speak, he could write it instead.

To my surprise, he began to trace letters with his finger.

Oosaki: “—Fire…fly?

Are you looking for fireflies?”

He nodded with a nervous expression on his face.

Oosaki: “Fireflies are most active in July. 

It’s rare for them to live through mid-August.”

It was incredibly unfortunate.

For the past two days,

Hinode-kun had skipped school to search of fireflies.

Oosaki: “If you wanted to see fireflies, you could’ve told me sooner—”

Hinode: “!”

He shook his head vigorously.

It seemed he had a reason for his search.

Oosaki: “There won’t be many fireflies here. 

This is the mouth of the river where its currents meet the sea. 

Fireflies can’t survive in brackish water.”

Hinode: “??”

Oosaki: “Rivers appear to flow one way because the ocean pushes them inward.”

I made sure to explain everything step by step for him.

As I expected, Hinode-kun seemed dejected, 

but I already had a back-up plan prepared.

Oosaki: “There’s a better chance of finding them at the Hanamizu River.”

Hinode: “...?”

Oosaki: “Hiratsuka has more than one river.”

It would take a while to get there.

The two of us returned home 

and borrowed the college student’s bicycle.

With Hinode-kun sitting behind me, we sped through the city’s nightscape.

The silence dispersed into the wind.

Each pedal of the bike 

seemed to take me further away from my troubles, giving me a sense of calm.

I felt like I could finally fill the space between us.

Oosaki: “It was bold of you to lie to me about skipping school. 

I didn’t expect it.”

Hinode: “...”

Oosaki: “You got bored because it was too easy for you, right? 

I should’ve known from your notes.”

Hinode-kun nervously fiddled with his shirt.

Even though he didn’t say anything, I could sense his silent apology.

Oosaki: "Don’t worry. I’m not angry with you.

In spring, the dawn. In summers, the nights. Thus—” [4]

We arrived at the Hanamizu River.

Here, the waters were shallow 

and thick with the smell of grass.

We got off the bike near the water’s edge.

At first, there was nothing to see 

but the darkness before us.

Then, a single light flitted past. 

Then a second, and third appeared.

As I had thought, the fireflies were here.

However, there were so few that I had to strain my eyes to see them.

If we hadn’t been looking for them, we would’ve never found their light.

Oosaki: “Even though we’re still by the ocean, it’s more difficult for the saltwater to mix here due to the river’s twists and turns. 

Shall we go upstream? There might be more fireflies in a quieter place—”

Hinode-kun shook his head.

Then, he crouched down and stared intently at the firefly before him.

He made no move to touch it.

He made no move to capture it.

He simply looked at it in silence.

Oosaki: “...I see.”

I finally understood what was going through his head.

With the same feeling in my heart, I watched the firefly breath.

Oosaki: “Surely, Rouren-san is somewhere in that light.”

Obon was the season when spirits returned from the dead.

To my shame, I had been far too focused on work this year.

For next year and the year after, the two of us ought to come back.

To find the ones we loved within nature.

Sunday.

The thief was caught.

The landlady received her safe back.

Under the policeman’s watchful eye, 

she nervously opened its door.

A bankbook.

A brooch.

A necklace.

And a portrait—

The landlady lovingly stroked her dearest possession—a photo of her deceased husband.

Policeman: “It appears the thief was unable to unlock the safe. 

Luckily, we were able to retrieve it before he broke in.”

Oosaki: “Who was the culprit?”

Policeman: “Oosaki-san. 

It was exactly whom you described.”

I knew it.

Policeman: “The thief would disguise himself as a door-to-door salesman to acquire information about various households. 

His latest gimmick involved selling fluorescent lamps.”

Landlady: “Him! I can’t believe I bought a lamp from him! 

Oh, I did tell him quite a bit that day…”

The thief would inquire about the household’s residents, then strike while they were away.

While selling his products, he would also note the path the house owner took to retrieve their money and pay.

Thus, he was able to break in-and-out as swiftly and efficiently as possible.

Then, the policeman turned and looked at Hinode-kun.

Policeman: “That was some mighty fine work, son.”

Hinode-kun was sitting at the foot of the stairs.

Policeman: “On the night of the 14th, Oosaki-san came by the station to tip us off on the suspect. 

On the afternoon of the 15th, we received a call from this youngster here.”

Oosaki: “Hinode-kun called you…?”

Policeman: “He was able to clearly describe the thief’s mannerism and M.O. for us.”

Oosaki: “Clearly…”

Policeman: “In fact, he even correctly hypothesized where the culprit would strike next. 

As a result, we were able to arrest the thief at the scene of the crime.”

Despite being the center of the conversation, 

Hinode-kun quickly rushed up the stairs.

Policeman: “Make sure to give that boy his laurels.”

When I returned to our room, 

Hinode-kun was sitting at his desk.

My old incandescent lamp had returned to the spot 

where the fluorescent lamp used to be.

As per usual, 

Hinode-kun was scribbling away in his manuscript.

Oosaki: “That was quite brave of you.”

Hinode: “...”

Oosaki: “It was brilliant work.”

Hinode: “......”

Oosaki: “However, this time, I’m still one step ahead.”

Hinode: “.........”

Oosaki: “You worked hard to retrieve that safe.”

Hinode-kun didn’t track down the culprit just for the sake of it. 

Rather, he simply wanted to return the landlady’s safe.

Hinode-kun glanced back.

His lips were pursed, his nose upturned, and his face had flushed completely red.

Hinode: “The matter was so simple that I’d hardly call it work.”

He had the haughty expression of a boy full of complexities yet childish all the same.

He voiced his embarrassment so eloquently

that I couldn’t help but laugh at this newfound side of him.

Kanagawa Prefecture, Hiratsuka City.

A widowed landlady, 

a shy college student, 

a piddling detective, 

and an aspiring detective novelist,

still had their entire summer ahead of them—

[Ten Views of Shonan -Firefly-] 1956.Hinode Route [5]

Translation Notes

[1] Obon is a Japanese festival meant to honor the deceased. During this time, it's said the spirits of the dead can temporarily return to visit their loved ones. It typically occurs from August 13th-16th.

[2] Roninsei: a person who failed to passed their university entrance exam and is studying to retake it the next year.

[3] Furigana: a pronunciation guide to help read difficult characters.

[4] A quote from the opening passage of The Pillow Book by Sei Shōnagon, the text Hinode has been reading for class. In full, the lines read, "In spring, it is the dawn that is most beautiful… In summer, the nights. Not only when the moon shines, but on dark nights too, as the fireflies flit to and fro, and even when it rains how beautiful it is!" (Morris 16).

[5] As a fun fact, the Japanese word for "fluorescent lamp" (蛍光灯) literally translates to "firefly light."

Bibliography

It was a bright and clear Sunday. 

In Katase, an ocean breeze was caressing the great white walls of Aqua World. [1]

Towering over the seaside, 

the building had opened just this year, 

and the smell of fresh concrete still lingered.

Aqua World was an open-air circular structure with a massive pool at its center.

Its waters were a deep blue 

as if someone had scooped out a piece of the sea itself.

We were sitting on the uppermost deck.

Shimbashi-san was gripping a pair of binoculars 

as he anxiously scanned the crowd.

Shimbashi: “—goodness, are you absolutely sure that man is coming?”

Oosaki: “Without a doubt.”

A few days ago.

A pearl ring belonging to Shimbashi-san’s theater troupe suddenly disappeared.

The members reported seeing an unaffiliated janitor flee from the warehouse—

I was hired to conduct a background check on that man.

During the process, I stumbled across a promising lead.

Oosaki: “The man was known to frequent pawn shops. 

It seems he was committing petty thefts here and there to scrape together quick cash for a living.”

Shimbashi: “A seasoned thief, is he? 

And of all things, he took the one prop we actually need for the play.”

Oosaki: “Fortunately, it doesn’t seem like the ring’s been pawned yet.”

Shimbashi: “Then it’s still within his possession?”

Oosaki: “Most likely. He was overheard boasting at one of his regular bars about plans to propose to his new lover with it at this weekend’s dolphin show.”

Which meant it would happen today.

Shimbashi: “...I’ve found him!”

Shimbashi-san cried out.

On the opposite side, at the end of the second-floor spectator seating, was a familiar face.

Shimbashi: “I suppose that’s his lover beside him.”

Oosaki: “Where?”

I took the binoculars from Shimbashi-san.

However, I was unable to see whom he was referring to.

Oosaki: “The only person next to him is a man.”

Shimbashi: “Which means that man is his lover, doesn’t it?”

The two of them affectionately linked arms.

A bright ray of sun suddenly struck my eyes, 

causing me to lower the binoculars.

Oosaki: “...Were you not surprised?”

Shimbashi: “?”

Oosaki: “By the fact that his lover was another man, I mean…”

Shimbashi: “Why should I be? 

It’s not like such relations are uncommon in the theater world, 

so there’s no reason for me to harbor prejudice against it.”

Shimbashi-san's true personality always caught me by surprise.

Shimbashi: “More importantly! 

It’s egregiously, disgustingly, perniciously hot today!”

Oosaki: “Please bear with it a little longer. 

If we can acquire the ring, we’ll be able to catch this thief for good.”

Shimbashi: “I have half a mind to rip them apart right now, but I suppose it would be better to wait.”

Oosaki: “The timing’s the issue… 

When do you suppose he’ll take out the ring?”

Shimbashi: “Isn’t it obvious? 

He’s evidently waiting for the ring jump.”

The… ring jump?

There were balls and hoops lined up on the stage—

Toys for the dolphins to use.

Catching the light reflecting off the water’s surface, 

they sparkled and glittered like jewels.

The most dazzling of these was the ring suspended mid-air.

Shimbashi: “The dolphin’s jump is the highlight of this show.

The second it leaps for that ring, 

he’s sure to strike! 

I- If it were m- me at least, I’d want…

I’d want to wait for the most beautiful moment to whip out that ring!

Oosaki: “...You’re getting awfully heated about this.”

Shimbashi: “What!? I’ll have you know it’s nothing but righteous anger.”

The fantasies of a dreamer and the indignation of a businessman—

—It seemed Shimbashi-san was unaware of his two conflicting sides.

However, he possessed the insight of a playwright.

With his understanding of the heart, 

he could predict what the lovers’ next movements would be.

At any rate, there was nothing that could be done until the show began.

Before long, a cheerful tune began to play.

The sound of the sea dissipated 

as the spectators redirected their attention towards the stage.

A person wearing a mascot costume plodded out.

The suit had large black eyes and a pure white body that slightly curved like a boomerang.

What I had initially thought were feet turned out to be a tail and fins.

Was it supposed to be… an anchovy? [2]

Baby Anchovy: “La~dies and ge~ntlemen! Boys and girls~!”

Oosaki: “...Takeshiba-san?”

Shimbashi: “Huh!?”

Oosaki: “That man’s voice, it was Takeshiba-san’s.”

Shimbashi: “Don’t be ridiculous. It couldn’t be.”

Shimbashi-san snorted.

Shimbashi: “This is Aqua World’s dolphin show. 

Even if it’s just the opening act, 

I hardly think anyone would ask the likes of him to be here.”

Oosaki: “I suppose you have a point…”

I couldn’t think of a way to push back.

However, my attention was now fully focused on the stage rather than the job at hand.

Baby Anchovy: “O—kay, everyone! Welcome to Aqua World Shonan!

Thank you for coming to see Mr. Dolphin!

I’m his good friend, Baby Anchovy!

You might know of Mr. Anchovy, my father!”

A constant buzz polluted the sound of the mic.

Feedback occasionally shrilled through the air.

I felt sorry for thinking it, but the pitiful set reminded me all the more of Takeshiba-san.

Baby Anchovy: “My dolphin friend will be coming out very soon!

But before that, 

there’s a couple of things you need to know!

Is everyone listening?”

Children: “Y—es!”

Baby Anchovy: “Wonderful, wonderful~!

First things first!

Mr. Dolphin loves anything that glitters and shines!

He just can’t help putting sparkly objects in his mouth!

That’s why throwing things into the pool is an absolute no-go!

Got it, everyone?”

Children: “We got it!”

Baby Anchovy: “Wonderful, wonderful!

Next up!

Mr. Dolphin can be a rather mischievous fellow!

To my friends in the first row,

I hope you’re prepared to get a little splish-splashed.

If you don’t want your cameras and toys to get wet,

Please keep them in your bag!”

Children cheered and adults applauded to his words.

Baby Anchovy was a master at handling the crowd.

He neither faltered nor rushed, 

clearly conveying his message bit-by-bit via his voice and gestures.

You could feel the audience warming up, 

new guests gravitating towards the radiant energy that emanated from the stage.

Baby Anchovy: “—It appears my friend is just about ready!

On the count of three,

I need everyone to cheer for Mr. Dolphin and his big brother!

Ack! I completely forgot!

His big brother is a human who is very close to my friend.

Okay, are we ready now?

One, two, three! Hello Mr. Dol—”

“GET OUTTA THERE!”

A male voice boomed through the stadium.

My blood went cold.

—The dolphin pens were located behind the stage and connected to the main pool.

However, the gate separating them remained closed.

Instead, the dolphin leapt over the partition separating the enclosures, 

a wall about 3 meters high, and dived into the pool—

It happened in an instant.

Everyone gasped in amazement at the splendid feat they’d just witnessed.

…Then, the reason why that man had yelled earlier finally struck.

The dolphin sprang onstage and clamped down on Baby Anchovy’s side.

Baby Anchovy: “GAAAAHHHHHH!”

Then, sliding across the stage with its remaining momentum, 

it shunted him into the water.

The microphone gave one final gurgle as it sank into the pool and died.

Still holding Baby Anchovy tight in its mouth, 

the dolphin began to lap the pool as if whipping up a vortex.

Every so often it would breach the water before diving down again.

…What was I watching?

A sweat-drenched man, the dolphin’s caretaker, appeared from backstage.

Registering the scene before him, he froze in astonishment.

However, he quickly regained his bearings 

and raised his eyes to face the crowd.

The music switched to an even livelier piece—

Caretaker: “Hello, everyone!

I’m Mr. Dolphin’s big brother!

Welcome to our special summer show ‘Friends of the Sea!’

Now, let the show begin!”

Oosaki: “!?”

Caretaker: “Mr. Dolphin is a carnivore!

That means he loves eating things like squid, octopus, and tender fish!

It’s what makes him so lively and strong!”

Shimbashi: “Oh?”

Oosaki: “This is bad, Shimbashi-san!

We have a crisis on our hands!”

Shimbashi: “Well, I certainly agree that the show is distasteful, 

but everyone else seems to be enjoying it enough. 

In terms of entertainment, it’s a success, no?”

Oosaki: “...!?”

Bits of laughter began to crop up within the shocked crowd.

The caretaker who had yelled earlier was now clapping his hands to the beat.

Baby Anchovy was still being whipped around at a blinding speed.

This wasn’t a show.

This was… hell.

Of course.

I remember now.

His voice, his gestures, his ridiculously bad luck.

I was now certain Baby Anchovy and Takeshiba-san were one and the same.

As soon as Takeshiba-san was involved, the show was done for.

Suddenly, the dolphin accelerated and launched Baby Anchovy into the air.

He spun rapidly from the centrifugal force, spraying water droplets everywhere.

At that moment.

For some reason.

A memory from a drinking party flashes before my eyes.

Takeshiba: “Oi, Oosaki-kun. They say this shop’s got dolphin meat.”

Oosaki: “You certainly don’t see that every day. Are you going to order it?”

Takeshiba: “Eugh! As if!

That’s proper mingin’! 

In the west, they fink them dolphins are the ‘messengers of God’. 

Says they’re meant to ferry your soul to the other side.”

Baby Anchovy had finally come to a stop.

By a stroke of luck, he’d gotten stuck in the suspended hoop.

Directly below him, the dolphin poked its head out of the water and squealed with laughter.

…At the very least, I was glad he was safe.

However, even my relief was short-lived.

Shimbashi-san, who was holding onto the binoculars, 

suddenly lurched forward in the opposite direction.

Shimbashi: “He’s moving, Detective!

His expression changed!”

Oosaki: “?”

Shimbashi: “That resolve in his eyes…!

I know he’s up to something!

Ah! There! He’s getting down on one knee!!”

Oosaki: “Huh…?”

Shimbashi: “Is that… the ring!?

It is!

He’s taking out the pearl ring!!!”

Oosaki: “That confirms it.

He was planning to propose here.”

Shimbashi: “I’m going!!!”

Shimbashi-san bolted for the stairs.

I redirected my attention back to the pool.

Baby Anchovy was being moved with the hoop still around him.

A pale-faced worker was frantically pulling on its rope.

Caretaker: “Bye-bye, Baby Anchovy!

See you next time—!”

The show went on.

I offered my seat to a nearby spectator 

and left the cheers of the crowd behind.

I waited for him by the backdoor of the stadium.

Before long, Takeshiba-san appeared, his shoulders sagging with defeat.

Water still dripped from his wet hair.

Upon seeing me, his eyes widened with surprise.

Takeshiba: “Eh…? Oosaki-kun…?

Oosaki: “I knew it. You were Baby Anchovy.”

Takeshiba: “You… You didn’t see everythin’ that happened earlier, didja?”

The two of us wordlessly left the building.

We decided to drop by Aqualand in the adjoining annex.

Stopping in front of an enormous jellyfish tank, the two of us finally sat down. 

Takeshiba: “-Just my luck. 

Why’d the two of you ‘ave to come by today of all days.”

Oosaki: “I have questions for you, too. 

Why were you on stage?”

Takeshiba-san was usually in Asakusa performing magic shows. 

Takeshiba: “Mate of mine in the biz asked. 

He threw his back out and couldn’t move. 

I felt sorry for the poor fella an’ stepped in.

Oosaki: “I figured it was something like that.”

Takeshiba: “Nahaha, guilty as charged. 

I’d never score a spot like that on my own, right?”

The roar of the crowd seemed worlds away.

The bubbling of the water pump filled my ears.

Jellyfish pulsed before us like a sigh.

The atmosphere was so somber that I felt like my heart, too, was drowning.

Oosaki: “...Takeshiba-san. I want you to promise me something.”

Takeshiba: “?”

Oosaki: “...Stop accepting every job that comes your way.”

Takeshiba: “Hnn…”

Troubled, Takeshiba-san closed his eyes.

To anyone else, it would’ve looked like he wasn’t taking things seriously.

Only I knew he was deep in thought.

Oosaki: “I’m not referring to the pay either.

I want you to be somewhere that respects what you do.”

Takeshiba: “Hnngh~”

Oosaki: “...I’m certain there’s a place that will love you for who you are.”

Takeshiba: “Cheers, Oosaki-kun.

I ain’t nothin’ but sixes and sevens, after all.” [3]

I was only a bystander getting worked up on my own account.

However, I couldn’t stand seeing such careless management 

or the way Takeshiba-san was willing to sweep everything under the rug…

And yet…

The man himself unexpectedly began to look shy.

Takeshiba: “When I really fink about it though,

I couldn’t never give this sorta lifestyle up. 

It just ain’t like me to leave someone in trouble.

If there’s somefin’ I can do, consider me there.”

Oosaki: “...”

Takeshiba: “Rings a bell, dunnit?”

Oosaki: “....”

Takeshiba: “That’s jus’ like you, ain’t it?”

Oosaki: “Even I don’t take on more than I’m capable of. 

If I fail, then all my effort would be for nothing.”

Takeshiba: “Ah. So I did cock-up the show then?

Oosaki: “....It was a dire situation from my point of view.

However, in terms of entertainment, I suppose it was a success.”

Takeshiba: “Naha~♡”

Once his damp hair dried, we went back outside.

The sun was setting now, and it was getting cooler.

Unexpectedly, Shimbashi-san was waiting for us.

Shimbashi: “I’ve finally found you, Detective.

Here is your compensation for today.”

Oosaki: “I apologize for allowing the culprit to get away.”

Shimbashi: “Not at all. The ring has been recovered safe and sound. 

—There was no way he could’ve escaped in that situation.”

Shimbashi-san took the ring out of his breast pocket before quickly stowing it away again.

Then, he turned to Takeshiba-san with a frigid glare.

Shimbashi: “Now tell me, what are you doing here?”

Takeshiba: “...You… didn’t notice me earlier?”

Shimbashi: “Meaning?”

Takeshiba: “Ah~ Umm~.

Say how ‘bout we get dolphin tonight!?”

Shimbashi: “Sorry?”

Takeshiba: “I’ve gotta bone to pick with them fishy bastards.”

Shimbashi: “What in the world are you talking about?

Dolphins are mammals, aren’t they?”

Takeshiba: “They ain’t fish?”

Shimbashi: “They are most definitely not fish.”

Takeshiba: “No wonder they’re so smart, I never stood a chance…”

Shimbashi: “...Ugh! Put a stop to this nonsense, Detective!”

Takeshiba-san clung onto Shimbashi-san’s arm.

As the two of them became even more entangled, I leisurely trailed behind them.

Humans are terribly complicated creatures.

For every person dazzled by gold and riches, 

there is another who would be fully satisfied with a delicious meal.

The thief’s lover was surely the latter.

I still couldn’t consider myself as either.

However, perhaps someday I will.

I wanted to become the kind of person who would value a simple seafood rice bowl

over the shine of a jewel.

For some reason, I felt more alive that way.

Every time I sit down to eat, I’ll envision it.

Baby Anchovy being bitten.

And the smile on the dolphin’s face—

[Ten Views of Shonan -Bait-] 1957. Takeshiba Route [4]

Translation Notes

[1] Although the aquarium's name is Aqua World in the story, there is not actually an Aqua World in Katase. The referenced building is most likely Marine Land located at the Enoshima Aquarium, and the name was changed for copyright/legal reasons.

[2] "Baby Anchovy" is originally "Shirasu-kun." Shirasu are young sardines and anchovies that are cooked and served as a local delicacy in Shonan. Since Takeshiba specifies "anchovy" in this story, that's what I decided to go with.

[3] I couldn't resist throwing in the British-isms here, but what Takeshiba means to say is: "Thank you for your kindness. I ain't nothin' but an idiot, after all."

Shimbashi: “I require your services.”

ʚɞ

That was all the message Shimbashi-san left at the detective agency said.

With haste, I hurried to meet him at the appointed location.

It was a Friday in the midst of August.

The mountaintop rest area was bustling with tourists.

It had been a while since I’d seen Shimbashi-san.

His hair had grown longer and was tied behind his neck.

His clothes were disheveled as if he’d just rolled out of bed.

Shimbashi: “Greetings.”

Oosaki: “Good afternoon, Shimbashi-san.”

Shimbashi: “My apologies for calling you here on such short notice. I hope this compensation fee will suffice.”

Oosaki: “It’s fine.”

Shimbashi: “You do realize I’m hiring you for a job?”

Oosaki: “There wasn’t much work at the agency today, so I took off early.”

Shimbashi: “...What a disgusting amount of free time. Just accept it already. You peon. Pauper. Peasant.”

Oosaki: “You won’t change my mind by calling me names. Please give it up.”

Shimbashi: “What am I to do if your family thinks me an unreasonable man?”

Oosaki: “I suppose you’ll have to act reasonably.”

Shimbashi: “Which is why I’m paying you a reasonable amount.”

And with that, he forced the money upon me.

We were sitting in a corner by the windows.

Outside, the town of Oiso and its beach stretched out beneath us.

This area was formerly known by the rather elevated name, “Senjoujiki”.

However, after officially becoming a scenic park, it was renamed to Shonan Daira. [1]

Neither of us holds a connection to this place.

When I was summoned here, I had thought to myself—

“This must be important”— However…

Oosaki: “What’s the situation?”

Shimbashi-san brought out a single handkerchief.

Then, with trembling fingers, he carefully, reverently placed it on the table.

Although it was folded into quarters, I could tell it was a rather large piece of white cloth.

Shimbashi: “After our last performance, I found this handkerchief in one of the audience seats. My request for you is to find its owner.”

Mirroring his caution, I gently touched the handkerchief.

Printed along its edge was the name of this rest area.

Without a doubt, the owner had a connection to this place.

Still, it would be a difficult search.

Shimbashi: “I understand that I am grasping at straws. However, I thought that perhaps someone from Hiratsuka, such as yourself, would be able to discern more…” [2]

Oosaki: “While it’s true that Hiratsuka and Oiso are neighboring cities, Oiso’s tourism industry is much more developed. Even this rest area has been open since spring.”

Shimbashi: “Which is to say the handkerchief’s owner could’ve been a visiting tourist rather than a local…”

Oosaki: “Exactly. It would appear this place sells similar items over there.”

I pointed to the store by the register.

An array of souvenirs, including handkerchiefs, pens, and coffee beans, were on display.

The store was completely packed.

With no other place to escape the scorching heat of the sun, everyone on the mountaintop gravitated here in search of a cool respite.

Tropical music. [3]

Children’s laughter.

Clattering silverware. In the midst of this bright place—

Shimbashi-san was like a gloomy shadow as he sipped on his acrid, black coffee.

Shimbashi: “The handkerchief owner was sitting in the front row in the very last seat on the right. She was a woman with short hair.”

Oosaki: “You remember that much?”

Shimbashi: “She’s been a patron for some time.”

Despite being an author who could fill a thousand-seat theater, he still remembered a single guest hidden in its wings.

Oosaki: “If that’s so, then we could sketch a portrait and ask the waiters.”

Shimbashi: “Such was my initial plan. However, they haven’t even the time to take your order.”

Several waiters were flitting about, but they all seemed busy.

With no other choice, I swiped Shimbashi-san’s iced coffee and took a sip.

Shimbashi: “Ah—”

Oosaki: “In that case, there’s another way to return the handkerchief. If the owner is a regular guest, then at the showing of your new play tomorrow—”

Shimbashi: “I fear she won’t come.”

With that, Shimbashi-san pressed his lips together and fell silent.

His eye watered like he was about to cry.

I was startled.

For the first time, I noticed his agitation.

Shimbashi: “Perhaps, the owner of this handkerchief didn’t forget it at the theater. 

Perhaps, they meant it as a gift for me. 

Take a close look at the hand-stitched embroidery. 

This streetlamp was the motif of last year’s play. 

This magnifying glass was a previous motif as well.

And this, is the insignia of the Pluto Theater Company.”

Suddenly, the handkerchief felt warmer and weightier in my hand.

Shimbashi: “Consider this:

If the handkerchief was indeed intended for me, why would the owner choose to bequeath a handkerchief specifically? 

Gifts come in all manner of shapes and sizes, such as watches, fountain pens, letters, and so on.

But to give a handkerchief…”

Oosaki: “What does it mean?”

Shimbashi: “To give a handkerchief as a gift, is to signify an eternal parting.”

He turned to face the window.

His eye welled with the color of the sea.

He was fighting back tears, pretending like his wavering gaze was nothing more than the reflection of the waves.

Shimbashi: “It’s said that the deceased leave handkerchiefs behind so the living may wipe their tears.”

Oosaki: “The deceased?”

Shimbashi: “When I saw the ocean today, I felt certain of it.

That guest will never again come to the theater.

That guest, she's already gone—”

Oosaki: “...”

Shimbashi: “You can tell the kind of person she was from the stitching—

—A delicate, sensitive soul.

The boundless ocean. The no-swimming flag.

Oh, it could only end in tragedy.”

Oosaki: “...”

Shimbashi: “All I wish is to return this handkerchief to her family.

However, I’m powerless to achieve even that…”

Oosaki: “Have you slept lately?”

Shimbashi: “I haven’t slept well for an entire week.”

Oosaki: “That would explain all the nonsense.”

Shimbashi: “You mock me—!?”

His vivid imagination was causing him to jump to the wrong conclusions.

As a detective, I had to intervene.

Firstly, I spread the handkerchief out on the table.

A street lamp, a magnifying glass, a red ribbon and heel.

The embroidered images seemed to trace Pluto’s artistic journey.

Putting my face to the table, I sniffed the fabric.

Shimbashi: “Disgusting…”

Oosaki: “The smell could provide us with a clue.”

Shimbashi: “Even so, it’s an unsightly act…”

Oosaki: “We’ll absolutely find her.”

Regardless of whether the owner left or forgot her handkerchief, there was a case to be solved.

Then—

Oosaki: “I smell coffee. It’s faint, but it’s there on the edge of the handkerchief.”

Shimbashi: “Coffee? Are you sure that’s not my drink?”

I thrust my nose into his coffee.

Shimbashi: “Ee—!!!”

Oosaki: “Just as I thought… It’s the same scent.”

A waiter approached us.

Employee: “My apologies for the wait. What would you like to order?”

Oosaki: “An iced coffee pl—”

Employee: “Ah!!!”

The waitress’s scream drew everyone’s attention.

However, she didn’t notice whatsoever.

Her focus was solely on the handkerchief lying on the table.

Employee: “That’s my handkerchief!”

Oosaki: “Huh?”

Shimbashi-san stiffened.

All around us, people returned to their previous activities.

Only I continued to look at her.

Oosaki: “Are you certain this is yours?”

Employee: “It has to be.

I stitched everything myself.

The street lamp, the magnifying glass, the red ribbon and heel—

—Pluto’s pawprint insignia.

Wherever did you find it?”

Oosaki: “It was on one of the seats at the theater.”

Employee: “I must’ve left it there.”

Shimbashi-san clutched his head and planted his face on the table.

Oosaki: “I figured that was the situation, so I came to return it.”

The waitress held onto the handkerchief tightly as her eyes welled with tears.

Employee: “Are you a fan of Pluto too, sir?”

Oosaki: “I am.”

Employee: “For how long?”

Oosaki: “It’s been about three, no, four years now.”

Employee: “What drew you to him?”

Oosaki: “His consideration for the audience.”

Employee: “He does seem like a very kind person.”

Oosaki: “The type to clean the theater himself despite being the playwright.”

Any other person would’ve deemed the handkerchief rubbish and thrown it away.

However, Shimbashi-san was part of the stage himself.

His thespian soul compelled him to pick up the handkerchief—

—For anything could be a valuable prop.

Shimbashi-san suddenly took off.

Bewildered, I chased after him.

The waitress quickly waved her handkerchief to see us off.

As we stepped outside, the droning of cicadas immediately filled our ears.

The midsummer sun made everything hazy, except for the shadows, which stood out in stark contrast.

Shimbashi-san partially turned around to face me.

He was sulking with a pouty expression.

However, a single wet droplet slid down his cheek.

It was a tear of relief.

Shimbashi: “I apologize for my unseemly behavior.

It appears I’ve worked myself up over nothing.

I hadn’t even considered that the owner could be an employee.

Had I realized sooner, I could’ve settled everything with a phone call.”

Oosaki: “I wouldn’t say it was all for nothing.”

Shimbashi: “...”

Oosaki: “You saved her.” [4]

Shimbashi-san was never wrong about people.

The waitress’s tears must’ve come from deep within her heart.

In the end, I was glad we came.

ʚɞ

The two of us boarded a bus back to town.

As if his strings were cut, Shimbashi-san began to doze off despite the coffee he’d drunk earlier.

Before I realized, his head fell against my sturdy shoulders as if that’s where it belonged.

The weight of his body was comforting.

Today.

He was a client and I was a detective.

Tomorrow.

He’ll be Pluto and I’ll be his audience.

The day after, Sunday.

A day when there are no roles assigned.

We’ll play as lovers.

[Ten Views of Shonan -Hill-] 1959.Shimbashi Route

Translation Notes

[1] "Senjoujiki" literally means "thousand mat room" but can signify an expansive rocky plateau. "Shonan Daira" translates simply to "Shonan Plateau" which is significantly more straightforward.

[2] "Grasping clouds" in the original which is cuter than grasping at straws, a very Shimbashi phrase.

[3] Just a fun fact, but the restaurant Oosaki and Shimbashi are in is apparently Hawaiian themed. Shout-out to Luc, the editor, for this discovery.

The Meiji Era.

During this time period, there was a push in Japan to hire Westerners as a means of acquiring their technologies.

Erwin Bälz, a German doctor, was one such foreigner.

Initially hired as a professor, he settled in Japan and established himself as a physician.

Bälz believed that the Shonan seaside possessed the perfect environment for long-term recuperation.

Subsequently, he constructed over ten sanatoriums along the coastline.

Bälz was especially fond of Shichirigahama Beach.

According to his records, it is “the most beautiful place in Japan.”

ʚɞ

Today, Shichirigahama Beach was baking beneath the afternoon sun.

As one approached the water, the smell of disinfectant intertwined with the sea.

Upon a nearby hill, a sanatorium gazed down on us.

A young girl of about 15 or 16 was standing in the waves.

She had on a dark green swimsuit.

Her black seaweed-like hair hung in braids.

There was no light in her eyes.

She was exactly as I’d imagined from her voice on the phone.

Gumi: “Thank you for comin’ out here, Mr… Err…”

“Oosaki. I presume you are Gumi-san?”

Gumi: “—es.”

At times, her timid voice was cut off by the wind.

“Gumi-san, forgive my abruptness, but about your request—”

Gumi: “Ah… Yes… About that…”

She nervously turned her attention towards the beach.

Gumi: “There’s a reason I wanted ya to come out here. 

Y’see, I recently dropped a hair accessory somewhere along this huge stretch of beach, and I’d like your help to find it.”

“...”

Gumi: “I know I’m askin’ for a lot, Oosaki-san. Still, I’d ‘ppreciate it if we could search together.”

I was surprised by the thickness of her accent that occasionally slipped out.

However, it seemed all she wanted was help finding a lost item.

…I lightly shook my head.

“My apologies.”

Gumi: “!”

“Recovering lost items is the police’s job.

I’m afraid the best I can do is redirect you to their services.”

Gumi: “That so…”

Then, she smiled again.

Gumi: “Still, ya could’ve told me that on the phone earlier. 

Yet, you still came all this way, and with that enormous rake too.”

“While conducting investigations is the police’s job, 

there’s nothing they can do if a crime wasn’t involved. 

That’s why I’ll make an exception for today—”

And just like that, 

the two of us searched the beach together.

Me in the sand and her in the waves.

Suddenly.

I found something pink and shiny buried in the burning sand.

It was a little sakura shell. [1]

When I held it up to the sun, the shell crumbled into sparkling fragments.

Gumi: “A sakura shell. There’s plenty of them here.”

I looked around the area.

Sakura shells in all different shades glittered along the beach.

It was a dazzling sight.

“What does your hair accessory look like?”

Gumi: “It’s green. 

It’s a piece of green glass more beautiful than an emerald.”

I began to sift through the sand again.

Then, a shell with a dull luster caught my eye,

“Gumi-san, is this the color you’re looking for?”

I made my way toward the ocean.

She waded back toward the beach.

I presented the shell in my hand for her to scrutinize.

Gumi: “Yep, that’s it, although this is just a green mussel.”

“A green mussel?”

Gumi: “They ain’t native to Japan. Ya find ‘em further south. 

They stick onto boats and get carried here. 

Invasive species, they’re called.”

Our footprints disappeared beneath the powerful waves.

I felt stuck, not because of my feet sinking into the wet sand, 

but because of the sudden weight of Gumi-san’s gaze.

Gumi: “Y’know, I originally thought ya were kinda scary, but I had ya all wrong.”

Holding the shell behind her back, 

she walked towards the water.

The ocean front glittered even brighter than the sun, turning all the people in the shallows, including her, into shadows.

Everyone looked thin and sickly.

Gumi: “The people here are patients at the sanatorium. 

Since the ocean air contains nutrients, 

just breathing it in improves your health.”

“Are you also a patient?”

Gumi: “Nah, 

I’ve already recovered.”

She extended both of her arms. 

They were mottled with tiny scabs.

—Syphilis scars.

Gumi: “I’ve grown fond of these scars now. 

Y’know how pearls form from the irritants that get sucked in by clams? It’s like that. 

They’re proof of the struggles my body’s overcome, the wounds it’s healed. 

Doc was the one who told me that…”

“Doc…?”

The tide rose. My feet were sticky with salt.

Gumi: “When I first heard your voice, it made me think of a wolf. 

I got the impression you were a persistent sorta person with a keen nose for trouble. 

Once you’ve got a bone in your mouth, ya don’t let it go. 

But once we met, I changed my mind.”

…I had been suspicious about this request since the beginning.

“Where did you get my name?”

I asked as calmly as I could.

Gumi: “I overheard it during a conversation with the Missus. 

I was standing right next to her.”

“The Missus…?”

I couldn’t grasp the situation at all.

Gumi: “Doc’s wife. I’m one of her maidservants.”

“And this doctor—”

Gumi: “Ah! Oosaki-san!! 

Don’t act like a stranger!!! 

Gahaha—!”

A strong wind blew her voice away.

My thoughts were ripped apart once more.

Gumi: “I lied on the phone to get you here.”

“Why would you…”

Gumi: “Doc’s been sad ever since you disappeared.”

“What…?”

Gumi: “I wanted the two of you to meet again.”

Clouds covered the sun, plunging the area into darkness.

There was an intense look in Gumi-san’s eyes.

I took a step backwards.

Thunder crashed overhead like a warning.

It sounded like a girl’s vengeful scream, causing my hair to stand on edge.

—I had to run.

As I braced myself to take off,

Gumi-san tightened her grip on the shell, and ran it swiftly down her wrist.

“You!!!”

Pushing through the waves, I rushed to pick her up where she’d fallen.

Blood was pouring down her arm.

The peaceful afternoon seaside was thrown into chaos.

Behind us, a car cluelessly drove by.

Gumi: “Ah… That’s Doc…”

A man came out of the car and headed towards the sanatorium, 

none the wiser as to what was happening on the beach.

Gumi: “Oosaki-san. 

Don’t leave… 

Please, take me to him…”

As far as I could see, there was no one else around who could carry her.

…Ugh, there was no time to waste.

Only a doctor could save her.

Picking up the girl, I dashed towards the hill.

ʚɞ

“Please wait!!!”

The man paused in the doorway,

Retracting his step, he slowly turned around.

Our blood-soaked forms greeted him…

Gumi-san met his gaze and smiled as she weakly reached out to him.

Grabbing her hand, the man sighed and shut his eyes with relief.

Judging by his unexpected reaction, 

it would appear the severity of her wound was greatly exaggerated.

Gumi: “Doc, I’ve brought him to you. Oosaki-san.”

Shijoumae: “...”

Gumi: "Because he wouldn’t come otherwise.”

The man took the girl into his arms.

Then, slightly crouching, he finally met my eyes.

“I—”

Shijoumae: “Who are you?”

Gumi: “Doc…?”

Shijoumae: “...That’s enough, Gumi.”

Gumi: “I don’t understand.”

Shijoumae: “Goodness, what am I going to do with you?”

A nurse noticed the commotion and came running over.

With a single glance from the man, she immediately took over as his arms and legs and carried the girl inside.

Wiping off his bloody hands, the man turned only his head to look at me again.

Shijoumae: “Young man, I suggest you go home.”

Then, he pulled on his jacket with his now empty hands—

—And shut the sanatorium doors behind him.

ʚɞ

The smell of disinfectant intertwined with the sea.

Thick clouds rushed into the sky as it began to pour.

The world and I melted into an indistinguishable blur.

Senpai has been missing for two weeks.

Shinkiba-san and I have been looking for him since. [2]

The reason why I borrowed his name and accepted this job, 

was because I stubbornly refused to accept he was gone.

ʚɞ

The sudden disappearance of Oosaki-senpai.

The mysterious girl who knew his name, the tight-lipped doctor.

And the investigation report Senpai left at his house.

The name on the report was definitely—

Shinagawa: “Shijoumae…?”

I turned around.

The white-walled sanatorium seemed to swell like a cloud.

Its two windows became Shijoumae’s eyes silently looking down at me.

[Ten Views of Shonan -Shell-] 1956. Shijoumae Route

Translation Notes

[1] The scientific name is Nitidotellina nitidula if you want to look these up. They're pretty cute.