Since there have been so many individuals right here, I’ve been making an attempt to not get misplaced, however I ended up getting misplaced anyway.

Simply to make sure, I regarded across the space as soon as once more, however I nonetheless couldn’t see Umi wherever close by. It appeared like I went in a very completely different course whereas absentmindedly following the wave of individuals.

Usually, I wouldn’t get misplaced as simply. Even when I have been too drained to concentrate, I’d discover it if I went within the fallacious course. However, in all probability due to my quick stature and the truth that I used to be surrounded by lots of people, it was tougher for me to note the change in surroundings.

Whereas it was disconcerting to be out right here on their lonesome, there was no cause for me to panic.

Regardless of the crowds, my cellphone nonetheless had a secure reception. Additionally, I charged my cellphone earlier than leaving, so I didn’t want to fret about it dying earlier than I discovered the remainder of the group.

I slipped right into a small house between two stalls, took a deep breath and opened my cellphone.

[Maehara: Sorry, I got lost.]n-)0vE1bIn

[Asanagi: Maki, where are you?]

[Asanagi: Seriously, I let go of your hand for a second and this happens!]

[Maehara: Sorry, I thought I was walking carefully, I didn’t realize I was spacing out.]

[Seki: Now, now calm down, Asanagi. It isn’t like he’s stranded somewhere without reception or something. Since we can still contact each other like this, we’ll find him soon enough.]

[Nina: So, our lost boy, Maehara Maki-kun, (17 years old), can you tell this big sister where you’re at right now?]

[Maehara: Uh…]

I took my eyes off the cellphone display and regarded for any landmarks round.

Initially, the obvious one was the stage on the opposite aspect of the river, which was in my proper course. The small house I used to be presently at was between two stalls that every offered ice lotions, shaved ice and different chilly drinks. In addition they offered alcohol and snacks.

Too unhealthy I couldn’t discover a extra distinct landmark as a result of the place was getting extra crowded by the seconds. I couldn’t precisely wander round since I’d get misplaced once more, so I made a decision to remain the place I used to be.

[Asanagi: If the stage is to your right, that means you’re around the western entrance area.]

[Nina: Can you tell me the name of the stalls? I can try to find it]

[Seki: Don’t go away from there, Maki. We’ll get you soon.]

[Maehara: Sorry for the trouble.]

[Maehara: By the way, has everyone gathered together already?]

[Asanagi: Yeah. Also, I actually tried to chase after you, but you disappeared in the crowds quickly, so I just went to where everyone was.]

[Asanagi: Anyway, we’ll talk about this later.]

[Maehara: Okay.]

I had a sense that she’ll give me one other lengthy lecture. Then once more, that simply confirmed how a lot she cared about me, so it wasn’t like I might complain about it. As a substitute, I ought to settle for my destiny and mirror on my actions.

…Severely, I actually wanted to be extra cautious.

In any case, I ought to attempt to go searching so they might discover me sooner.

“…By some means, I really feel anxious.”

It had solely been a couple of minutes since everybody began to search for me, however once I was on their lonesome like this, it felt like time was working slowly.

I wasn’t unfamiliar with this sense, however I haven’t skilled it ever since Umi first grew to become my pal. Each time I used to be along with her, time handed rapidly. Hours glided by as if it was minutes. However, in the intervening time, it was the exact opposite.

Till final yr, this was a standard factor for me. This made me understand how a lot modifications there have been in my life after I fell in love with Umi.

“Um, excuse me~? You’re in the way in which, so are you able to please transfer apart?”

“S-Sorry! I-I’ll transfer instantly…”

As I let my thoughts wander round to distract myself from loneliness, an aggravated wanting shopkeeper walked previous me with a big cardboard field in his arms.

Due to this, I couldn’t wait at that place anymore, but it surely wasn’t like I might stand round at different locations both because of the crowds. I additionally could not transfer round since I’d get swallowed by the crowds of individuals once more.

Perhaps I ought to simply stand at a kind of stalls whereas ready? I ought to have the ability to purchase another factor, proper? As I contemplated about this, somebody poked me on my shoulder.

“Right here you’re! Severely, you’re making me apprehensive!”

“S-Sorry.”

Feeling relieved by the acquainted tone, I rotated to see the woman who known as out to me. After I noticed her, I set free a dumbfounded expression.

“Are you okay, Rep? Oh, am I the primary one who finds you?”

“Nitta-san…”

Everybody else was in all probability on the lookout for me some place else. I believed that it might be Umi who’d discover me first, by no means did I anticipate that out of all folks, Nitta-san can be the one who did.