iridesenescence

Season: Summer

Location: Rooftop garden

Proofread by anonymous and Sei

Rei: Whew. Midday activities are quite the ordeal… My constitution is hardly able to hold up against the scorching hot weather we’ve had lately.

I came to this rooftop garden seeking a breather from work, but… I suspect my entire body shall be set aflame if I were to take even a single step out of the shade.

Perhaps coffins truly are the only safe havens for vampires... Perhaps we are simply not meant to act upon our whims.

Kanata: Puka, puka… ♪

Rei: Oh…? Is that Shinkai-kun bathing in the fountain over there, or am I now seeing heat-induced hallucinations?

Kanata: Rei, calling me a “hallucination” is rude~ I am very much here.

There are “few” places for me to bathe within this “building”, you see. So I often come here to “puka puka”... ♪

The “pond” creatures are also very cute~ ♪ Here, there are “turtles” too ♪

Rei: My, what an adorable turtle. They live long lives, just like vampires~ ♪

Ah, and I now see that it really was you swimming in the pond, Shinkai-kun. I do apologise.

I seldom head outdoors in the daytime, so I was completely unaware that you’d settled here.

Hm, what a contrast to my days in Yumenosaki Academy, where I could easily obtain all manner of information…

Kanata: Fufu. Becoming too “inhuman” is no good, you know~?

After all, we finally managed to become somewhat “human”... So, let’s behave ourselves for a while... ♪

Rei: If I may, Shinkai-kun. I do believe that simply bathing wherever you please is still rather...

Kanata: Ah, don’t sweat the small stuff. “Humans” all have their own “little differences” too.

Rei: To think you would retort like that... You’re quite the sly one, Shinkai-kun~

But of course, I’m well aware. If we were to once again earn the peoples’ reverence, our efforts up till now would all have been for naught.

By being blessed with dear friends, I believe that we have adapted to this realm, to some extent. Surely we are now able to live as its inhabitants do.

Kanata: I’m glad to hear you say that -- I heard that you’ve been “busy” with work for your “agency” lately.

I was “worried” that constantly granting the “wishes” of others might cause you to be seen as a “monster” again, you know?

Rei: Kukuku. I appreciate your concern for me, Shinkai-kun ♪

Rest assured, I shan’t make the same mistakes again.

See, I’m serenely taking my lunch break, just like a normal human being ♪

Kanata: Fufu. “Serenity” sure is nice~ I have been “bathing” here “serenely” too... ♪

If you are taking a “break”, would you like some “tea”, Rei?

It is warm today, so I have “prepared” some “cold brew” tea… ♪

Rei: Cold brew? My, how advanced. With that flask you’ve brought, this almost feels like a little vacation.

Kanata: A “human” body is mostly composed of “water”, after all. A “refreshing” drink can also help to relieve your “fatigue”~

Ju~st kidding. That was what Souma “told” me when he taught me to make this “tea”.

It’s quite fun, actually~ It almost feels as if you’ve become part of the “ocean”... ♪

Fufu. Here’s your “tea”, drink up... ♪

Rei: Thank you, Shinkai-kun. I shall gratefully accept.

Glug, glug... ♪

Whew, I feel as if I’ve been brought back from the dead. One truly cannot do without good friends, hm?

Much time has passed since we of the Five Eccentrics were last able to laugh together like this, but... That bond of ours still lives on through our friendships.

Lately, we haven’t had many chances to gather as a group of five, but perhaps it would be nice to rekindle some old flames.

Kanata: You’re right~ Shu is “overseas”, so just like with “Ryuseitai”, it will probably be tough to gather all five of us.

Shall we “contact” him one of these days~? We can tell him that we want to have a “reunion party” with the “Five Eccentrics”.

Rei: Oho, what a delightful idea, Shinkai-kun.

I apologise for burdening you with this, but could I trouble you to handle it? Seeing as he’s overseas, I am unable to reach Itsuki-kun with the string telephone.

Kanata: Hu~h? Have you still not mastered the use of a “smartphone”? It is surprisingly “simple”, you know?

Rei: Kuku, that was just a little joke. I too have now learnt to use a smartphone.

However, my hands are regrettably too full with work at the moment. It would be a great help if you could handle this instead, Shinkai-kun.

Kanata: Fufu, in that case, please leave it all to me! I have actually wanted to try being an “organiser”~

I will “contact” Wataru and Nacchan -- and of course, I will make arrangements for the “venue” too ♪

Taking you into account, Rei, let’s have it at night ♪

Rei: Kukuku, you’ve taken every detail into consideration~ ♪ Well then, I’m counting on you, Shinkai-kun.

But I must say, I would never have expected you to take on the organiser’s role...

I suppose you are also working hard, now that we’ve stepped out into the world of adults.

Kanata: Just like how you are working hard with your “agency” work, Rei.

I too am “learning” many things now that I am an “adult”.

Being a “high schooler” was fun, but being an “adult” is like swimming in the “open ocean”, so it is fun in its own way ♪

Rei: Kukuku. I should stay on my toes too... ♪ I must do my best, lest my old age end up holding back those around me ♪

Do inform me when you’ve decided on the date for our meeting. I’ll be sure to free my schedule for it, so us Five Eccentrics will have the luxury of chatting into the wee hours of the night ♪

Just like how you’re growing, Shinkai-kun, I am sure Hibiki-kun, Itsuki-kun and Sakasaki-kun are too... My, having thought like that, I can’t wait to meet with everyone ♪

Kanata: Fufu, the “reunion party” is something to look forward to, isn’t it, Rei ♪