Part 22: Episode 21: Summer Break Flies By

This is the day I had been dreading all year, the day we get back our final exams for the semester. I was sweating bullets, but Mr. Nanaki handed my test back with a smile and a congratulations. I was so excited!



And soon after, the semester came to a close. I had to help clean up the student council room, but since Sakuya was so eager to help out, we were able to finish quickly.



The start of the summer was pretty slow, so I went for a run around the area. I met a really interesting girl there named Azami. She had a really cool attitude and a motor scooter, but she was surprisingly careful in her driving.



I realized that I couldn’t just run every day though, so I decided to look in town for a job.






There was this nice little café with an open position. The owner, Mr. Urushihara, had just started to tell me about the job when Ryouta walked in, also looking into the position.
I know how much he has to work to help take care of his mother, so I thought it better that he have the job. I’d figure something out to keep me occupied.
Mr. Urushihara, do you think you could take Ryouta instead of me?
Goon…!?
I don’t see why not, but…
I don’t really need the job, but Ryouta does. Don’t worry! He’s a hard worker!

I do feel a little bad leaving on my first day, too, but…

Ryouta works several jobs every summer to support his mother.
Mr. Urushihara is a real gentlebird, and Ryouta deserves to be treated nicely. This is for the best.

I know you’ll do a good job, Ryouta.
I… Thanks, Goon.
Well, then.

Please do stop by. I will always be here, Miss Goon.
I will! Thank you, Mr. Urushihara!
The music stops.


The next couple weeks passed by in a flash.


Ever since Ryouta started working his other job at that café, I haven’t been able to see him much. I’ll see what he’s up to and ask if he’d like to go to the festival.




So many booths! How are we supposed to choose?
Use your hunter-gatherer instincts, Goon! Let’s go find something to eat. I’ll pay!
What? No fair! I’m paying for yours!
It’s a deal!
Hmm… Yakitori sounds good right about now!
!?

And so I spent a happy evening with Ryouta.






At the end of the month, I woke up in a panic, thinking that I would be late for my first day back to school after the vacation. I rushed to school, forgot my homework, and when I got there Mr. Nanaki told me I was a couple days early. Ugh.
He asked if I could help him grade some exams, but I was so flustered I didn’t think I could be any help. I decided to just go home.
…Forgive me, sir, but I need to go home. I must return to my people with the spoils of war, lay my bloodied sword at the feet of my great king, and celebrate my conquest of all the lands from here to distant Macedonia.
Oh? Have fun!
And so I headed back home to rest before the real first day back.