[MHCISQD] Chapter 343: Departure

The level of photography and all that, Renault could only be considered average at best, and on regular days, he would mostly take some scenic photos.

As for the girls, it's estimated that only in their selfies can they outdo Renault.

While strolling, playing, and snapping photos, everyone kept going until noon when they finally bid farewell and went back to their respective homes.

Once they reached home, Mikoto and the other two immediately returned to their rooms and changed out of their kimonos, putting back on their regular clothes.

Yuriko, now wearing a sweater and pants, slumped on the couch, letting out a long sigh. "I'm never going to wear that kimono again."

"Really? But it looked pretty good on you," Renault said, looking at his younger sister beside him, trying to persuade her with a smile.

Mikoto also joined in, coming down at that moment. "Yeah, it looked really nice on you! And when summer comes, we can wear yukatas together to go to the fireworks display at the festival. Wouldn't that be awesome?"

"Fireworks display, huh..." Yuriko wasn't feeling too enthusiastic about the yukata, but she might consider giving the fireworks display a try.

"No way I'm wearing a yukata," Yuriko shook her head and pointed to Renault next to her, saying to Mikoto, "This guy looks just like me. If we ignore the hair, there won't be any difference. Let him wear it instead."

"..." Renault stared at his sister, silent for three seconds, before he reached out and grabbed her cheeks, pulling them apart. "Seriously, I'm your twin elder brother! How can you suggest that I cross-dress?"

After a brief moment of shock, Yuriko quickly used 'reflect' on her face, pushing Renault's hands away. "Stop pinching my cheeks!"

Renault blinked, reached out again quickly to give a pinch, and then stood up, heading upstairs.

Watching Renault's retreating figure, Yuriko took a deep breath and managed to resist the urge to retaliate physically, choosing instead to go to the kitchen and make herself a cup of coffee.

Mikoto remained in place, unable to hold back her laughter.

Once upstairs in his room, Renault started searching for his old camera, not forgetting that it had gone missing.

Unfortunately, after rummaging through his room, he still couldn't find it.

"Where could it have gone?"

He asked Evolto and Sento, but they had no idea, and it's not like anyone could have stealthily stolen it from him.

Sitting on a chair, Renault pondered but couldn't come up with a reason.

"Ahh, I'll stop thinking about it. The takeout should be here soon. Let's go downstairs."

Going back downstairs, Yuriko's annoyance from Renault's teasing had dissipated, and she merely glanced at him when he came down.

Relieved, Renault sat between Mikoto and Mikumo, not fully embracing them, but it was still like enjoying the best of both worlds.

Happy.

Mikoto glanced at Renault's expression and knew exactly what he was thinking. Rolling her eyes, she asked, "Did you talk to the inn about the number of people for the hot springs trip the day after tomorrow?"

"Yeah, I did. I told them there will be 26 of us, and the inn can accommodate that. They have several hot springs pools, so it should be enough..." Renault replied. Speaking of hot springs, he leaned closer to Mikoto's ear and whispered, "By the way, they have mixed-gender baths there. Are you up for trying it?"

Mikoto's face turned bright red; she knew exactly what Renault had in mind. She swiftly reached out and pinched the soft flesh on Renault's waist. "Ha! In your dreams!"

Then she turned to Mikumo and said, "Mikumo, don't fall for his temptations, okay? Stick with me once we're at the inn!"

Mikumo could only offer Renault a helpless look in response.

After a while, the takeout arrived, and the family had a simple lunch. Though they called it simple, it wasn't ordinary since it was a new year takeout feast, and they ordered the best items from the restaurant.

Just after finishing lunch, Yaoyorozu called with some news. It turned out they had to add one more person to the hot springs inn trip on the day after tomorrow—Raiden Mei.

Yaoyorozu had previously declined an invitation to a business party, which was why she could attend the trip. Upon learning about the plan to visit the hot springs inn, Mei immediately asked if she could join. She was tired of attending events and putting on a fake smile around her parents every day.

Renault had no objections, and even if Yaoyorozu hadn't asked him, he would have agreed to add one more person without hesitation. It was just a minor detail.

After confirming with the inn, Renault yawned and leaned against Mikumo's long legs, closing his eyes. "Time to rest a bit~"

Mikumo smiled, running her fingers through Renault's hair as she picked up a book on music to read.

===

January 3rd, early in the morning.

Renault's family set out to the designated spot to catch the bus they had booked for their entire class. Since it was a large group, he had arranged for a small bus to pick them up and drop them off.

When they arrived, they found many people had already gathered even before 8:50 AM, almost an hour before the scheduled departure at 9:00 AM. The bus was also almost there, but there was a last-minute driver change, and now they had a cool-looking guy with sunglasses at the wheel.

"Alright, everyone, get on the bus, and we're off to the hot springs inn!" Renault announced as the bus doors opened. After everyone got on, Renault greeted the driver, "Thanks for your help today, Driver-san."

"Yep." replied the middle-aged driver in sunglasses, seemingly very aloof. After checking the number of passengers with Renault, the driver started driving without any further words.

Inside the bus, Renault and Mikoto sat together.

"What's up with that driver?" Mikoto asked.

Shrugging, Renault said, "He just seems a bit aloof, but I find it amusing."

Though the last-minute driver change was a bit rushed, Renault couldn't pinpoint anything suspicious. The information about the driver was provided by the transport company, stating he had 20 years of experience and had driven buses for many school trips.

But Renault had a feeling that something might happen on this trip. He hoped it was just his imagination acting up since he'd been feeling a bit anxious since losing something the day before yesterday.

Beside him, Mikoto snuggled against Renault's arm, resting her head on his shoulder and closing her eyes.

"I'll take a nap. Wake me up when we arrive..." she said softly.

Watching the girl by his side, Renault silently nodded.