Since the shopping was finished quickly less than the estimated time, Rimu and Kouta have a lot of free time. The fast train also contributed greatly to shorten the time. Unlike the last time when they slipped into the cargo truck.

By properly using the train, they didn't have to be stuck in the traffic jam anymore.

But before Rimu left Matsuzakaya, she chooses the pink nekomimi sweater she had just bought and worn it in the changing room. Now that she had a hood covering her head from the sun, she no longer had to wear her hat.

Then, she revisited the electronic parts shop again. She asked the cashier if she allowed to include the other sweaters (and the hat) into the postage package. Since the package isn't sealed yet and those stuff still somewhat fit the box, so the cashier kindly allowed it with a smile.

"No problemo, missy... You came in a good time, the courier will start the delivery soon.
A little late and your package will be delivered already."

"Really? Thank goodness."

"Yeah, let's quickly add your stuff before he arrives here."

With that said, the cashier repacked the package once again and sealed it with a tape.

Done with all that, Rimu left Matsuzakaya in a happy mood.

'Fortunately, I got all of the luggage sent away so I didn't have to carry them.
Though, it was so close... A little late and I probably need to take a second postage service.'

Not really, the only reason why the cashier allowed her to add unrelated other stuff to her postage package was... because she is a loli!

As a kind citizen, of course the cashier will not make things difficult against children. If the one asked him was an oily stinky fatty nerd ossan, then he most likely will refuse and justify it with lots of bullshit.

- Because it's the company rule. If you need to do so, you can send another postage.

In other words, you have money, right? Then pay more, no free lunch for you!

Of course, Rimu doesn't know that nor there is any need to. As long as it's all good then why bother, life doesn't need to be so overly complicated.

 

 

Looking at the street clock, the time still at 12:44, there is a lot of time before school is over.

And so, Rimu decided to explore Shizuoka city.

Now that her business complete, Rimu could take a closer look at this city for the first time after her time-traveling. The last time she comes to this city, she wasn't able to as there was not enough time. Blame the cargo truck for being stuck too long in the traffic.

Fewer skyscraper buildings than in her memory, no public holo-screens, no commercial aircraft, no magnetic monorails overpass, no cleaning drone. But in exchange, more people roaming in the street.

She is not yet accustomed to the big differences in social behavior. In the future era where everything was so convenient, any of the activities including work, school, even shopping can be done at home and you'll rarely need to go outside. 

Looking at so many humans walking around was both fresh but at the same time makes quite stifling sensation.

Too crowdy, and too much pollution!

"Ugh, pollution here is really bad, and the atmosphere feels excruciatingly hot...
It seems petroleum still used as main fuel at this era, they haven't popularized electric car yet."

"What are you talking about, Rimu-chan?"

Beside her, Kouta curiously asked. Letting an "Oh" sound, Rimu realized that she forgot she had an accompany.

At first, she brings Kouta along with in order to make him helped to carry some of her shopping luggage. But because unexpectedly there are postage service, his original role ended before it even starts and he now only tag along for nothing.

But since he already coming here, she couldn't just ditch him alone, right?

At least, ignoring him would be rude so Rimu thought she has obligation to answer his question.

"Oh, nothing... it's just I couldn't understand why people still not using electric-fueled cars."

"Rimu-chan, you do think difficult things, don't you? Why though?"

"Don't you think so? If they do that, our environment won't be this bad."

"Hmm, I never care of such things before, environment eh... But if you say so then it must be important."

The conversation abruptly ended.

Kouta couldn't think any words to continue so he can only close his mouth awkwardly. Unexpectedly the topic level is not low, definitely not a regular elementary school would be discussing.

Electric-fueled car? What's that? Is that delicious?

He suddenly feels ashamed for his ignorance, and at the same time alarmed. Recently, he and Rimu's line of thinking doesn't seem to connect. It as if all of a sudden Rimu become matured and has already experienced lots of tribulation while Kouta himself is still a frog in the well.

Kouta clenched his fist as he fell into deep thought.

'What is this feeling on my chest... Is it envy? Jealousy? Fear? No... I don't think so.'

In any case, this feeling makes him uncomfortable. He shakes his head and fell into deep thought again, doubting life.

Only when Rimu calls his name that he snaps from his daydream.

"Kouta, let's go away from downtown. Here is too crowded."

"Oh yeah..."

Kouta nodded and quickly agrees. He didn't have any reason to refuse. This was his second time visiting this city so he was not familiar with the place. In any case, the protagonist today is Rimu, so he didn't mind letting her decide everything.

Though, Kouta noticed that now Rimu somewhat hates crowds of people. Her uncomfortable expression is quite clear as if she distrusts humanity. 

While walking along into more less crowded residential area, Kouta couldn't help but carefully observes the loli in front of him.

Just what on earth happened during the new school term that changed her this much?

♠♠♠

 

[Mimasaka Residence]

In another place.

Satsuki is restlessly worried about her son.

It's already 2 days straight that Mamoru skips school for an unknown reason. This has never happened before. Up until now, he always maintained his perfect attendance record. Even when in sickness and catch a cold, he still insisted to attend.

No matter how she asked why, her son refuses to answer. Asking Kayoko for her advice seems not to produce any result.

"What to do... Kayo-chan said to leave him alone for the time being, but..."

- Did her son too stressed by his surrounding expectation?
- Or perhaps, his result was too bright and invites envy and hate from his peers?
- Or perhaps again, he got bullied in the school?

Then, what happened if this problem is left alone?

- If this continues on, won't his academic studies be affected?
- If this continues on, won't his future become bleak?
- If this continues on...

Satsuki couldn't help but think many bad ifs that appeared on her mind.

"Perhaps, I need to bring Mamoru to a Psychologist tomorrow.
He is too prideful so he won't consult anything to me or my husband."

Because she and her husband are precisely Mamoru's parents that he didn't want to say anything.

It is said that your own parents are the last people on the earth you want to make worry. But Mamoru's action by saying nothing out of consideration is completely backfired. Not only it didn't make his parents feel at peace, on the contrary, it only gives anxiety to their mind.

However, if it's a Psychologist then perhaps his son could share his burden without any reservation and get a proper solution to his problem.

 

*BANG* *CRASH* *BAM*

Satsuki considered to try with her idea but suddenly she heard a loud crash at Mamoru's room. Reflexively, she rushes toward her son's room only to find the door was locked from the inside.

"Mamoru! What's wrong?"

"Ah... Nothing! It's nothing, Mom. Don't come here!"

Mamoru's voice could be heard from the other side of the door. But somehow his voice seems panicky.

"What are you saying? I heard such a loud noise from your room. There is no way it was nothing!"

"NO! GO AWAY! I'M FINE...!! SO DON'T COME HERE...!!!"

Satsuki convinced something was wrong. She only asked what happened but the response was not friendly.

Is there any reason for her son to shout like that?

'Oh no, oh no, oh no... I somehow have a bad feeling... What if he does something stupid?!'

For example... Suicide?!

Such a terrifying thought appeared and haunted her mind.

Without further ado she immediately went to search for the spare key. She took the spare key from the cabinet in her husband's study room and returned again hurriedly.

"Mamoru... Mom will open the door right now. Wait there!"

"NOOO! I TOLD YOU NOT TO COME! MOM, WHY DON'T YOU EVEN LISTEN!!"

Ignoring the pleading of her son, Satsuki continued to unlock the door with the spare key. However, when she opened the door, what she saw was not her son's appearance that she knows.

But a bishoujo(?) with teary eyes, sitting at the floor in the middle of catastrophe...

"...Mamoru?"

...while wearing Satsuki's old clothes and a slightly crooked wig.