As they gathered for breakfast on their last day at the hot springs hotel, the atmosphere was light and relaxed - for most of them.
Ken and Rika chatted animatedly about their plans for the day, eager to make the most of their remaining time at the resort.
While Seiji felt well-rested, Hideaki was clearly fighting the effects of his drinking. Just as Seiji had predicted, the hangover had hit him with full force. Hideaki clutched his head, groaning in discomfort.
"I warned you. Heavy drinking rarely ends well," Seiji remarked calmly, taking a sip of his tea.
"Tch! Shut up..." Hideaki muttered, annoyed at Seiji's pointed comment.
The conversation eventually turned to more pleasant topics as they ate, with everyone sharing their favorite moments from the trip. Hideaki stayed mostly silent, wincing at the volume of their chatter, his headache making each voice sound painfully loud.
When breakfast wrapped up, Seiji suggested one last dip in the hot springs before they left. Everyone agreed enthusiastically, and soon they were soaking in the warm waters once more.
Seiji leaned back against the edge of the spring, looking up at the clear blue sky. "It's been a good trip," he said, breaking the comfortable silence. "I'll miss this place."
Ken nodded, his eyes closed as he relaxed in the water. "Definitely. Nice to take a break from all the noise back home. I'll miss these springs too," he sighed.
"Yeah, it's been...nice," Hideaki mumbled, barely loud enough for anyone to hear.
Seiji glanced at him, his expression calm but observant. "You're quieter than usual," he noted. "The hangover catching up with you?"
Hideaki hesitated, trying to suppress a wave of nausea. He swallowed, attempting to regain his composure. "Y-yeah, I'm fine," he finally replied, forcing a small smile. "Just... enjoying the moment."
Seiji raised an eyebrow, not quite convinced but deciding not to press. "If the nausea gets worse, let me know. I'd rather you not end up ruining the pool," he added dryly.
"M-mhm..." Hideaki mumbled, thankful Seiji wasn't pushing him further.
***
Soon, they left the hotel, happily saying goodbye to the place that had given them a moment of peace from the rush of Tokyo life.
Ken checked his watch. They still had time before their bus, so he suggested, "How about a walk along the forest?"
"Works for me," Seiji replied.
Rika nodded eagerly.
With that settled, the four set off down the forest path, savoring the crisp mountain air and the sound of distant birdsong. They stopped occasionally to admire the scenery or snap a few photos.
As they walked, Seiji and Ken discussed their future plans - mostly career goals and programming. Hideaki listened in silence, still recovering from the hangover but feeling slightly more alert.
Noticing Hideaki's distant expression, Rika nudged him lightly. "Miyahara-san, you okay? You seem a bit lost."
Hideaki blinked, jolted from his thoughts. "Huh? Oh, y-yeah, I'm fine. Tch.. Just... thinking."
Rika gave him a reassuring smile. "Well, if you ever need to talk, we're here."
Hideaki nodded wordlessly, feeling a twinge of confusion. 'Why are they so nice to me... especially after everything?' I'm a monster. I will never change... I never was good.. So.. why the fuck they're even trying...'
YOU ARE READING
Everyday Life with a Murderer
AcciónA adult Japanese man, Seiji Sekiguchi was devastated by his life. During one rainy evening, he went to the rooftop of a building to commit suicide. Unexpectedly, on his way he meets a man, who apparently wants to kill him. Prepared for certain death...
