Chapter 16: Touring (which, in itself, is fun)

The sky was clear and blue.

As the weather gradually warmed, wildflowers began to bloom here and there.

Ogata and I met at a spot roughly halfway between our houses, and we headed towards the sea.

The engine roared as we cut through the wind, moving along at a brisk pace.

I rode my bike, keeping Ogata's small back in my sight.

Ogata was riding an old-look type bike. It had a nostalgic vibe, like something I had seen somewhere before, and it had a different charm compared to my sportier model.

We swapped positions from time to time, confirming the route as we continued on.

During breaks, we excitedly talked about things like the foot placement issues of smaller bikes and discussed the features we liked most about different bikes.

When we arrived at the sea, we raced along the coastal road that stretched for dozens of kilometers, all while glancing at the glittering sea surface under the sun. The beach with no trees and the waves crashing onto the shore spread out before us, and for a moment, we were at a loss for words.

Once we got tired of riding, we stopped at a random spot and descended to the beach.

Perhaps it was still early in the season, but there weren’t many people around.

While I was drawing on the sand, the waves came crashing in and washed everything away.

As I watched the sea in disappointment, Ogata quietly came to stand beside me.

“It feels nice, doesn’t it?”

“Yeah.”

We made casual conversation as we walked along the coastline side by side.

Though he was shorter than me, Ogata was still a head taller than I was, and he walked at a leisurely pace, matching my steps.

“Will you go out with me, with the intention of marriage?”

I had expected him to say it, but I didn’t think it would be so soon.

Noticing my bewildered expression, Ogata spoke again.

“Sure, it’s probably too soon. But I thought that if I kept hesitating, you might just slip away somewhere.”

“I’m someone who can put in the effort. So even if I’m not sharp or I don’t have much sense, I can work hard to change for you.”

What could be driving Ogata to act this way?

Changing oneself is difficult. As an adult, it feels even more so. It takes a considerable amount of effort to throw away everything you’ve learned and become someone new. His determination to show that he could do it was, in a way, admirable.

“Actually, it was my dream to tandem ride with a girl.”

Ogata added, embarrassed.

As soon as he said that, everything that had felt off inside me suddenly came together into one clear realization.

I understood then.

I couldn’t live with this person.

Once I realized it, it was quick to act.

“I’m sorry.”

I bowed deeply and said what needed to be said.

“I see…”

Ogata looked down. Seeing him like that filled me with a sense of guilt, but I didn’t feel like reversing my decision.

Riding a bike is fun. Going on a tour with friends is fun.

But letting someone ride behind you, that’s something on a different level.

I started walking alone on the beach.

I had never had anyone ride behind me.

It was because I wouldn’t be able to take responsibility if something happened. No matter how close we were or how many times I was asked, I had never let anyone on.

But…

There was a moment when I thought maybe it would be okay if it were _her_.

I thought about how I might be able to carry her, but in the end, I didn’t have the courage, so I gave up.

But I had wanted to.

Ogata couldn’t ride behind me. I didn’t want to ride on his bike either.

Only Serina would sit close behind me.

Realizing this, I felt like the path ahead of me opened up suddenly.

I turned around and ran back to Ogata.

“Ogata, let’s go eat something delicious on the way back!”

“Eh, uh… Okay…”

I took the downcast Ogata into a nearby seafood restaurant and began ordering all sorts of things that looked delicious.

“Is it really okay to order so much…?”

“It should be fine. If there’s any left over, you can help me finish it.”

“Ah…”

Ogata didn’t even try to hide his disappointed face.

Soon enough, a platter of sashimi and some grilled clams arrived, clattering onto the table.

We picked up our chopsticks and ate in silence, savoring the food.

“I think Ogata is a good person.”

I said that as I chewed on a clam.

The salty scent of the sea spread in my mouth, escaping through my nose.

“Thank you…”

Ogata said with an indescribable expression. But then he straightened his back as if to regain his composure. He picked up a few pieces of sashimi and popped them into his mouth, chewing quietly. The only sound at the table was the rhythm of our chewing.

Words weren’t necessary.

We ate the sashimi, slurped the fish soup, and chewed the seaweed.

It didn’t take long for us to finish everything we had ordered.

We ate everything, paid the bill, and parted ways right there.

We waved to each other as we said our goodbyes, and as we turned our backs, we watched until we couldn’t see each other anymore.

Behind us, only the blue sky and the calm sea remained.