Convergence

Part 2 : chapter 9

Mid-July 2005

Shoko: "Isn't it amazing?! A class trip to Okinawa! Open to all high school students who want to go!!"

Utahime: "Yes, it does sound great... but I don't know if I can afford it..."

Shoko: "If you want, we could sell school supplies in the hallways—discreetly, of course! Or cigarettes. I'm sure we'd make millions of yen in no time."

Utahime: "Haha... that's very kind of you, Shoko—(well, except for the cigarettes). I thought you'd quit? —But no, it's fine. You go and enjoy it. I'll stay here... working peacefully in the cool, empty library..."

Mei Mei: "You've never joined a single school trip since you entered this exorcism high school. This is our last year."

Utahime turned toward Mei Mei.

She wasn't wrong.

Since her first year, Utahime had never taken part in any of the summer trips organised by the school. It wasn't that she didn't want to go—she simply didn't want to ask her parents for money.

If she had asked, they would have paid immediately. They would have been happy, even, knowing their daughter was travelling and seeing beautiful places.

But Utahime didn't want that.

She already felt indebted to them. Asking for money for something she didn't strictly need made her uncomfortable.

So she had missed the previous two trips—Singapore, and then Sydney.

This year, the destination was Okinawa.

Closer.

More attainable.

Maybe... she could manage it.

Or perhaps she could give a few evening lessons to a younger exorcist?

And this year was different.

For the first time... Kashimo wouldn't be there.

Or rather, he would never be there again.

Usually, Utahime spent that lonely week at school alongside him. Kashimo always stayed behind during holidays. He had the money to go, of course—but he avoided people, and he didn't consider his adoptive family.

The summer camp atmosphere seemed to stir unpleasant memories in him. At least, that was Utahime's conclusion from quietly observing him over the years.

They rarely spoke during that week.

Barely exchanged words.

And yet...

His presence had always been comforting.

Just knowing he was somewhere nearby had been enough.

But this year—

He was gone.

For good.

Utahime: "You're right, Mei Mei. I'll find a way."

Shoko's face lit up instantly, and she threw herself at Utahime in a hug.

Utahime already knew what would happen next.

Shoko would run straight to tell Satoru.

He had been trying all week to convince her to come—but his methods had been... less than effective.

"I'll pay for everything, just come!! Please!!!"

Yes. Definitely not the right approach with Utahime.