After that, about an hour on the Shinkansen—
The group arrived at their destination: Kyoto Station.
From here on, it was free time.
Some followed the plans they had submitted in advance, while others secretly headed off to amusement parks.
As for Yuzuru and the others—
Technically, they were in the former group.
Using buses and the subway, they went around sightseeing spots, landmarks, and museums.
And as time passed, it was now 3 pM.
“For now… I suppose we’ve managed to visit everything we needed to today.”
“Yeah. It went more smoothly than expected.”
Amaka and Sei spoke with satisfaction.
Both had completed the minimum research needed for their assignments within the day.
Considering they still had three days left, their schedule had plenty of leeway.
“It’s all thanks to Arisa-chan.”
Ayaka smiled as she praised her.
Yuzuru nodded in agreement.
“Yeah… you should be grateful.”
“Why are you the one acting all high and mighty…?”
Soichiro said with an exasperated look.
The reason they’d been able to move so efficiently was because Arisa had asked everyone where they wanted to go and planned an optimal route.
Thanks to that, they hadn’t gotten lost at all.
“Honestly, Arisa-san is a lifesaver… aren’t you even more knowledgeable than me?”
Chiharu chimed in.
Despite being a local, she hadn’t been particularly helpful.
…As a sheltered young lady, she wasn’t familiar with public transport in her own city.
“P-please don’t praise me so much… anyway, let’s head to the hotel.”
Even with free time, they couldn’t stay out indefinitely.
The rule was to return to the hotel booked by the school by 5 pM.
It was a fair distance away—
But two hours would be enough.
With that, they started heading towards the hotel.
However—
“Um… Arisa-san. Could you tell me tomorrow’s plan?”
“Tomorrow? Let’s see…”
Arisa took out her notebook and showed it to Chiharu.
Chiharu’s expression darkened.
“…Kiyomizu-dera isn’t on here!”
“Huh? But Chiharu-san, your research topic doesn’t involve Kiyomizu-dera, does it? And didn’t you already finish yours in advance?”
The school trip wasn’t just for fun.
Afterwards, they had to submit a report based on a pre-selected research topic.
Because of that, the sightseeing schedule mainly reflected the wishes of those taking it seriously—Sei, Amaka, and Arisa herself.
Next in priority were Soichiro and Ayaka.
Meanwhile, Yuzuru and Chiharu’s preferences weren’t included.
Not because Arisa had excluded them—
But because neither of them had expressed any specific places they wanted to visit.
They’d already completed their reports in advance, so there was nothing they had to see.
They figured it was better to prioritise those who were taking the assignment seriously.
…As a result, museums and galleries took precedence, and famous tourist spots were pushed back.
“That may be true, but… if we don’t go tomorrow, we won’t get another chance, you know? A Kyoto trip without Kiyomizu-dera is like takoyaki without octopus.”
From day three onward, they’d be moving to Nara.
So they only had today and tomorrow for Kyoto.
“Hmm… but tomorrow’s schedule is tighter than it looks…”
“…Well, I can’t force it.”
Chiharu wanted to make proper school trip memories together—
But since she’d only brought it up now, she couldn’t insist.
“…Then shall we go now?”
“Huh? …Right now?”
Chiharu’s eyes widened at Arisa’s sudden change of plan.
Arisa smiled mischievously.
“I suddenly feel like going too. What about everyone else? …Is that alright?”
Yuzuru and the others exchanged glances—
And nodded.
Arisa smiled in satisfaction, and Chiharu’s eyes lit up.
Near Kiyomizu-dera—
At a certain shop.
“You two are slow.”
Yuzuru said to Soichiro and Sei as they came out of the changing room.
The two shrugged.
“You’re just too fast.”
“Guess it’s different when you’re used to wearing this.”
All three of them were dressed in traditional clothing.
Of course, they hadn’t brought it themselves.
They’d rented it.
There were services that allowed tourists to rent kimono for sightseeing—
And they’d decided to try it.
“The girls… still not done?”
“They’re taking their time.”
“Well, girls do take longer. Can’t be helped.”
At Yuzuru’s remark, Soichiro and Sei frowned.
You were just calling us slow… their expressions seemed to say.
After waiting about five minutes—
“Sorry to keep you waiting…”
Arisa stepped out of the changing room, looking apologetic.
She was dressed in a kimono with a vivid autumn maple pattern.
“How… is it?”
“It suits you really well. You look lovely.”
At Yuzuru’s praise, her cheeks flushed faintly.
She smiled shyly, clearly pleased.
Shortly after, the other three girls came out as well.
Each wore a kimono matching their own tastes and colours.
“For now, shall we head to the main hall?”
Following Arisa’s suggestion, the group began walking uphill towards the main hall.
