Seraphim is a Bystander

School Trip Day 1: Start of Free Time
 
After walking from the station through the streets of Kyoto-Kate, we quickly arrived at the hotel where we’d be staying. Once we brought our pre-delivered luggage to our assigned rooms, we gathered again in front of the hotel.

“...Well then, everyone, enjoy exploring Kyoto.”
“““Okaaay!”””
After greeting the hotel staff and receiving a rundown of the important notes from the teachers, we split into our groups and began our free activity period.

“Alright, let’s go!”
“Ken, if you rush like that, you’ll be burnt out before the day’s over.”
Ken, even more energetic than usual, took the lead and started heading toward our first destination. Our group had planned to visit several places related to Kyoto’s deity, eventually making our way to the shrine where that god resided.

“The first place is a shrine about ten minutes away on foot, right?”
“Yeah. It’s said to be where the god of Kyoto was born.”
“I’m excited to see what it’s like! Aren’t you, Aoi-kun?”

Flipping through her itinerary, Runa-chan walked beside me with a cheerful voice. Just like she said, the god of Kyoto was born in this land and came to be worshipped here. Our group’s theme for free time was to follow the traces of this god’s history.
“Huff… Huff…”
“...Are you okay, Sasaki-kun?”

I suddenly heard heavy breathing from behind and turned around to see Sasaki-kun sweating lightly, walking a bit behind the rest of us. Without drawing attention from the others, I slowed my pace and ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) walked beside him, then gently spoke to him.
“...Futaba-kun?”
“Yeah, it’s me. Are you okay? Are you not feeling well?”

“N-No! I’m fine! Just… out of shape, maybe? Ahaha…”
“Really? Well, if you ever do feel sick, promise you’ll tell me, okay?”
“Yeah… thanks, Futaba-kun.”
Sasaki-kun gradually seemed to catch his breath while we talked. It did seem a bit odd for him to be this winded from walking, even if he was out of shape…

Still, if he says he’s okay, maybe I shouldn’t press him too hard.
“Heeey! You two are getting left behind!”
“Katsura! You’re the one rushing too much!”

Looking up at Ken’s voice, I saw we’d fallen behind the group a little. Runa was already scolding him. I called back, “Sorry! We’re coming!” and checked on Sasaki-kun as we picked up the pace to rejoin the group.
“Sorry for leaving you behind, Aoi-kun, Sasaki-kun. Katsura kept charging ahead, so I didn’t notice.”
“It’s our fault too. I got caught up talking with Sasaki-kun while admiring the view.”

“S-Sorry, everyone…”
“No need for you two to apologize! It’s Katsura’s fault for going off on his own!”
“Hahaha! My bad, you guys!”

Though Ken didn’t seem too remorseful even after being scolded by Runa-chan, we all resumed walking through the streets of Kyoto. Sasaki-kun, who had been acting strange earlier, now looked totally normal—chatting with everyone and taking in the scenery.
“It really is a beautiful city! There’s something almost divine in the air.”
“You can tell that kinda thing, Saizono?”

“I just said it feels that way! …What about you, Aoi-kun?”
“Me? Hmm… I definitely think it’s pretty, but something about it makes my chest feel uneasy. Like a weird restlessness.”
“Eh?! Wait, Aoi-kun—do you have spiritual sensitivity or something?!”

Saotome-san reacted in surprise when I shared my honest feelings. I tried to recall whether I’d ever encountered ghosts or anything supernatural, but nothing came to mind. I wasn’t especially spiritually sensitive either.
“Nah, I don’t think I have anything like that. But… I don’t know why, I just get that kind of feeling here.”
“Hmm? Come to think of it, Aoi-kun—kyaa!”

Just as Saotome-san was about to ask me something else, a sudden gust of wind blew straight toward us. While the others instinctively shielded their hair or shut their eyes, I turned my head reflexively behind me.
“...!”
And there—was Sasaki-kun’s face. The wind had blown his long bangs up, revealing the eyes that were always hidden. Just like Ken had said, he had a surprisingly beautiful face. But those eyes—those eyes were clouded, like ink spilled into clear water.

“Ah…!”
I found myself staring at his eyes for a moment before realizing that something—his itinerary—had been torn from his hands and was being blown away by the wind. I quickly scanned the surroundings; thankfully, there weren’t many people around. I was just about to sprint after it when—
“Aoi-kun? Ah—got it!”

Before I could take a step, Runa-chan beside me called out. The itinerary suddenly stopped midair—unnaturally—and floated back toward us, settling neatly into her hand.
“Phew, glad I caught it.”
“…Runa-chan, your telekinesis! I haven’t seen it in a while, but your range has improved a lot! That was amazing!”

“Ehehe, I’ve been practicing a bit. So… is this yours, Aoi-kun?”
“No, I think it’s Sasaki-kun’s… Hey, Sasaki-kun?”
I accepted the itinerary from Runa-chan and turned toward Sasaki-kun again. His eyes were once more hidden behind his bangs… but he hadn’t moved a muscle since I saw his expression.

“Sasaki-kun, are you alright?”
“…Futaba-kun? Yeah, I’m okay. Thanks.”
“Eh…? Uh, sure. Though Runa-chan’s the one who caught it.”

“Oh, I see. Thank you too, Saizono-san.”
“Huh? Uh… y-you’re welcome…”
Runa-chan and I exchanged a quick glance.

Ever since our group was formed, Sasaki-kun had always been awkward when talking, barely managing a few words. But now, he suddenly sounded natural and calm.
And more than that… the strange, restless sensation I’d been feeling since arriving in Kyoto—
It was now coming from Sasaki-kun too.