“Since we’re here… why don’t we split up a bit? I’m sure there are some engaged couples who’d like some time alone.”
At Ayaka’s suggestion, the seven of them decided to split into smaller groups.
Partly to be considerate of those who were especially close—like Yuzuru and Arisa—
But also because moving around as a group of seven was a bit cumbersome and could be a nuisance to others.
“Shall we go look for souvenirs, then?”
As he said that, Yuzuru held out his hand.
Arisa gave a small nod and gently took it.
“Yes.”
Hand in hand, the two of them set off.
“Hmm… I suppose yatsuhashi is the safe choice… but which one should we get…?” Yatsuhashi is a type of traditional Japanese confectionery, often associated with Kyoto. It is made from glutinous rice flour, sugar, and cinnamon, and can be found in various flavours and forms.
Holding a box of yatsuhashi, Arisa tilted her head.
Yatsuhashi was sold all over Kyoto, not just near Kiyomizu-dera—
And there were plenty of different brands.
“How about this one? Looks like it has a variety of flavours.”
“Oh, that’s nice. It seems fun.”
Nodding, Arisa placed the box Yuzuru showed her into the basket.
Then she rested a hand on her chin.
“Have you decided on anything, Yuzuru-san?”
“For relatives, yatsuhashi… and for my family, I was thinking of getting baumkuchen.” Baumkuchen is a type of layered cake that originated in Germany that is also popular in Japan. It is made by brushing layers of batter onto a rotating spit and baking it, resulting in a cake with a distinctive ring pattern when sliced.
“Baumkuchen?”
Arisa tilted her head.
Yuzuru chuckled.
“My little sister said she’s tired of yatsuhashi… Apparently there’s matcha-flavoured baumkuchen, so she told me to bring that back.”
“I see. Baumkuchen… I think I saw some earlier… Ah! Isn’t it that one?”
“…Yeah, that’s probably it.”
Yuzuru placed the baumkuchen Arisa found into the basket.
Then Arisa picked up another one and added it as well.
“You’re getting that too?”
“One for me, and one for my little sister.”
She smiled mischievously.
Apparently, she found the baumkuchen more appealing than yatsuhashi too.
Having bought the essentials, they began browsing for anything else interesting.
Before long, Yuzuru picked something up.
“Are you buying pickles?”
“I haven’t decided yet… but they look good.”
Yuzuru wasn’t much of a cook—
But he could at least make rice.
Add pickles, boiled eggs, or sausages, and that was a simple meal sorted.
“They do look good. And they’d definitely be useful… I might get some too. Ah—but there are so many kinds…”
Even “pickles” came in many varieties—
Different vegetables, different methods.
It wasn’t easy to choose.
Fortunately, some samples were available.
“Yeah… this shibazuke isn’t bad. Want to try?” Shibazuke is a type of Japanese pickle made from cucumbers, eggplants, and shiso leaves, which are pickled in a mixture of salt and vinegar. It has a distinctive purple colour and a tangy flavour.
Yuzuru took a bite—
Then speared another piece and held it out to Arisa.
She leaned forward and took it into her mouth.
“Mmm… yeah, that’s nice. But since we’re here, shouldn’t we try something more unusual? Like this…”
“Mm—!”
She popped a piece into Yuzuru’s mouth.
Crunch.
Then came a slightly sticky texture and a hint of yuzu.
“This is… nagaimo?” Nagaimo is a type of Japanese yam that is often used in cooking. It has a slimy texture when grated and is commonly used in dishes like okonomiyaki and tororo.
“Yes. It seems to be pickled with yuzu peel. There are other flavours too…”
“Huh… there’s quite a variety.”
Since they could sample freely, they decided to try more—
Feeding each other, comparing flavours, debating which was better.
In the end, after much deliberation, they each chose two types—
One classic, and one more unusual.
“…Arisa, want me to carry those?”
Yuzuru asked.
With pickles, yatsuhashi, and baumkuchen—
It had become a fair amount of luggage.
Arisa hesitated.
“U-um…”
“…No need to hold back.”
“…Then, um…”
She nodded—
And instead of handing over the bags, she gently placed her hand in his.
“Rather than the bags… please hold my hand.”
Blushing, she looked up at him.
Yuzuru blinked in surprise—then smiled.
“Yeah. Of course.”
He held her hand firmly.
Then smirked.
“…Wouldn’t want you tripping. You’d only have three years left.”
“Ah—h-how mean! I’d forgotten about that!!”
“Sorry, sorry.”
“…Yuzuru-san, you’re the worst. I hate you.”
“…Want me to let go, then?”
“…No, that’s not allowed.”
Even as she turned her face away with a pout, Arisa tightened her grip—
And looped her arm through his.
Together, they started walking back towards the meeting point.
“…Yuzuru-san.”
Along the way, she suddenly called his name.
He looked over.
She was gazing up at him.
“Um… can I ask you something?”
“What is it?”
“…I’ve been wondering about something.”
After a brief silence, she spoke.
“Do you… feel any anxiety about things as they are now?”
“Anxiety? …You mean, about us?”
“N-not just that… well, overall, I suppose.”
Overall—
But clearly, she meant their relationship.
Yuzuru thought for a moment.
“…Not really.”
Sure, there were differences between them.
Differences in values.
In tastes.
Even the pickles they chose were different.
But that was all.
For example—
Whether their relationship was a political marriage or a love match.
There were slight differences in how they saw it—
But nothing serious.
At least, that’s how Yuzuru saw it.
“…I see.”
“…Is this about the fortune?”
At his question, Arisa gave a small, awkward smile.
“Y-yes… it’s been bothering me a little. They say it’s quite accurate…”
“…Like Chiharu said, it’s better not to think too much about it. Though if something resonates with you, maybe it’s worth taking on board.”
The advice written there was general—
But that also meant it was reasonable.
If something felt worth improving, then improve it.
That was how Yuzuru saw it.
“…You’re right.”
Arisa nodded softly.
