Chapter 2 Part 2 – The Boy Who Prayed for Rain

“Three days from now, same time, meet us here.”

“…I understand. Thank you.” Yusa showed a small smile.

For some reason, I couldn’t smile back.

As I went to pay at the register, Kirie hurriedly finished her drink and rushed over.

Opening the shop door, we stepped outside. The wet streets glittered under the sunlight.

A faint rainbow appeared in the distance, and Kirie let out an excited “Wow!”

“It’s good that the rain stopped, isn’t it?”

On the train ride back, Kirie, sitting next to me, gazed out the window as she spoke.

Kirie hadn’t wanted to stop at either Gongcha or Muji.

Even on the way back to the station, she wore a troubled expression, seemingly lost in thought, barely speaking at all.

Well, that was probably for the best.

“Could it be… that kid?” Slightly raising the end of her sentence, Kirie tilted her head.

“What about him?”

“W-what do you mean… the weather, obviously! The sudden rain came out of nowhere, and then it just disappeared…? That kid, he can control the weather, right…?”

Kirie asked in a hushed voice before turning her eyes back to the window.

The weather was completely clear outside, without a trace of there ever being rain.

“Wait, is that… due to his ability too, Hidaka-kun…?”

“Who knows. We just didn’t have umbrellas. If he made it rain heavily, then we wouldn’t be able to leave the cafe. Conversely, if he cleared it up, it’d be easier to send us away.”

“…”

“Of course, that doesn’t prove he did it. That’s something we don’t need to know. It’s irrelevant to the retrieval.”

“…I see.”

Surprisingly, Kirie seemed convinced.

However, she drooped her shoulders dejectedly, placing her hands on her lap.

“You could’ve just asked him about it. Why didn’t you speak up?”

Kirie hadn’t asked Yusa any questions at all.

About his power, about himself. There must’ve been something she was curious about. It’s Kirie we are talking about, after all.

“Sigh. I… couldn’t.”

Kirie kept her eyes downcast as she murmured her reply.

“I’m interested in the retrieval work, but… I can’t just pry into people’s personal affairs out of curiosity.”

“I get it.”

She really is an interesting person.

I thought she might’ve had issues with the way I handled things today.

But, it seemed that she knew the role she was tasked with.

The time she pointed a knife at us must’ve been a special exception.

That’s the conclusion I came up with after seeing how she acted today.

Her behavior differs when it’s about herself versus when it’s about others.

“He can control the weather around him to some extent. No special preparations or gestures are needed to use it. So, from an outsider’s perspective, it’s hard to tell. That’s about all I heard from Love.”

“Is that so… that’s an amazing ability. To think such a small kid has it…”

“Yusa Kanata probably gained this ability about three years ago. He was even younger than he is now.”

He would’ve been around first grade?

For better or worse, abilities don’t choose who they reside in.

Because of that, it’s entirely possible for the subject to be a child or even an elderly person.

“But… was it okay? Leaving just like that?”

“I already said what needed to be said. What he needs now isn’t conversation or information, but time to think.”

It doesn’t matter if they’re a composed person. When you’re receiving sudden news, understanding it is one thing, but deciding what to do is completely different.

It’s rare for a retrieval to be settled in a single conversation, even up till now.

“…..Will he really come back?”

“He said he wouldn’t run away. Did that seem like a lie to you?”

“N-no, not exactly, but… he’s still in elementary school.”

“If he’s in elementary school, then he’s already a proper individual.”

When I said that, Kirie looked embarrassed and hung her head, slowly peeking at my face several times with downcast eyes.

Even so, as I stayed silent, Kirie seemed to make up her mind, nodding deeply.

“Yeah… I guess you’re right. Maybe I’m the one who’s worrying too much. Besides, Kanata-kun seemed really mature for his age.”

“He really did. Well, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll turn out for the better.”

“Ugh… d-don’t say things like that!”

It’s the truth.

If he ends up resisting, he’d likely be much tougher to handle than an ordinary adult.

“Either way, if he doesn’t come, we’ll go to him. Unfortunately for him, no one can run from Love.”

“Whoa… Hidaka-kun, you really are scary.”

“It’s not me who’s scary, it’s Love.”

Even if someone can control the weather, even if someone can turn invisible, shaking her off is impossible.

Love would pinpoint their location immediately and contact me.

“Love-chan, huh. But you’re pretty scary too, Hidaka-kun. You’re always frowning—”

“Hey, stop poking me…”

I swatted away Kirie’s finger as she poked my forehead.

Kirie giggled and started eyeing for another opportunity to bother me.

I’ve said it before, but this girl is an idiot. No doubt about it.

“Is retrieving powers always like… that? I thought it’d be more dangerous… like fighting or chasing people or something. You know, like in anime, when the hero battles the villains, boom! Like that.”

Finally withdrawing her hand, she asked me a question.

Her expression of it was a bit silly, but I can understand where she came from.

“I thought it’d be more forceful. You’re surprisingly polite, huh. Hidaka-kun, you even bowed.”

As if remembering, Kirie cast her gaze upward.

Now that she mentions it, I did do that.

“It depends on the person’s nature and ability, really. Actually, I was forced to chase the invisible guy.”

“Oh, right. You even used a weapon.”

“…It was just a spray can.”

“Nuh uh, I thought that was amazing. An anti-invisible-person weapon. Pshhh!”

She’s so dramatic…

It did help, but honestly, it’s a bit irritating that Love’s quick thinking ended up helping me.

“It’s best if things go smoothly. Depending on the case, some people readily give up their ability. What I do changes based on the other person’s reaction and intentions.”

“Mmm… it sounds simple, but it’s delicate work, right?” Kirie said admiringly.

Well, she’s not entirely off the mark.

Basically, my position is that of a ‘negotiator.’

My job is to obtain consent for retrieval, and for that, I have to do everything in my power to make that possible.

If it helps settle things, I’ll bow my head as many times as needed.

“…I wonder if Kanata-kun will show up.”

“Who knows. We’ll find out in three days. Until then, there’s nothing we can do.”

As I concluded, Kirie nodded surprisingly obediently.

After that, she stayed silent for the rest of the ride, quietly facing forward.

She seemed to be deep in thought.

She must’ve gathered a lot of information from my conversation with Yusa Kanata.

Just like how I did on my first day on the job.

I closed my eyes, listening to the clattering sound of the train car shaking.

The voice of Yusa I heard at the shop, the expression I saw, naturally resurfaced in my mind.

Deep in my chest, it hurt as if stabbed. It was painful and suffocating.

But, I have no right to turn away from this pain.

“…It’s okay if you hate me.”

The words in my head unconsciously came out of my mouth.

Perhaps it was too quiet for Kirie to hear, as she showed no particular reaction.

I don’t blame you if you hate me.

For Yusa, that might be natural, I suppose.

A deserved retribution for changing their lives.

“Ah.”

Suddenly, Kirie let out a sound.

I no longer had the energy to respond.

Leaning back into the seat, I vaguely listened to Kirie’s silly epiphany.

“Three days later… that’s a school day.”

“Ugh, I’ll skip school…”

The promised day arrived quickly.

Like last time, I boarded the train, gazing blankly at the passing scenery.

Only, the girl next to me was muttering non-stop.

“At this rate, I’m just like a delinquent. Hidaka-kun… I was supposed to be a proper gal, look what you did to me…!”

“Are you still on about that? Plus, I’m not a delinquent.”

Also, unlike the me who skipped a whole day, you’re just leaving for the afternoon, right?

Something as small as that won’t affect your image or anything.

As always, this girl took things a little too seriously

“If you don’t like it, you didn’t have to come.”

“I can’t do that! Having come this far, I have to see it through to the end!”

“Neither I nor Yusa asked for it.”

Having Kirie here won’t affect our negotiation at all.

If anything, she’s just a nuisance, a variable.

“I-I know that… this is just for my own selfish desires. So, I’ll try not to cause trouble today. Do your best, Hidaka-kun. Fighting!”

Kirie said meekly, narrowing her eyes with a faint smile.

Her being somewhat understanding is convenient, but it somehow threw me off even more.

Well, maybe like last time, Kirie has her own opinions about things.

Arriving at the destination, we headed straight for the usual café.

There was still a little time before the promised meeting.

“Let’s go in first and get a seat.”

Or so I thought—

“Ah, Kanata-kun… who’s that?”

In front of the shop, Yusa Kanata was already standing.

But he wasn’t alone. Next to him was a girl who was about the same height.

For a moment, I hesitated.

If they’re an unrelated person, meeting now might be a little risky.

First off, why are they together? Was it Yusa’s intention, or…

“…No.”

Reaching a conclusion, I approached Yusa directly. Kirie followed quietly behind me.

I couldn’t imagine that smart kid bringing a third party without considering the outcomes.

If Yusa had thought it through already, then I should just accept his actions and carry on.

Noticing me and Kirie, Yusa bowed politely.

In contrast, the girl beside him widened her eyes, immediately glaring sharply at us.

“Kanata… who are these people?”

Her voice held undisguised hostility.

Placing a hand on the girl’s shoulder, Yusa spoke.

“Ema, sorry, but could you go home first?”

“No. It’s because of these people, right? That Kanata’s been down lately.”

“That’s not it. They’re good people, so don’t worry.”

Yusa smiled softly, as if soothing her.

The girl called Ema had tears welling in the corners of her eyes, her mouth forming a frown.

She seems strong-willed. Somehow, her atmosphere resembles Kirie’s.

“…Kanata, I don’t understand what you’re doing at all. This isn’t the first time you’ve met with them, isn’t it?”

“Sorry. It’s a secret. Please forgive me. I’ll definitely tell you everything someday.”

Looking straight into Ema’s eyes, Yusa spoke as if pleading.

They were words without a hint of deceit.

Clumsy, I thought. Or maybe he’s acting that way on purpose?

Lies are poison. They slowly corrode relationships, making them fragile.

Yusa must’ve known that, and feared it.

“…Not ‘later,’ but ‘someday,’ huh…”

With an expression on the verge of tears, Ema quietly spoke.

Yusa didn’t respond, only holding her hand and nodding.

“It’s not dangerous…right?”

“Yes, I’ll be fine. I’ll call you right after it’s done.”

“…Okay. Be careful.”

As if steeling her resolve, Ema hugged him, then briefly pressed her lips to Yusa’s cheek.

Seeing that, Kirie let out a “Fwaa!” sound.

Ema reluctantly separated from Yusa, then stared at us again.

Her eyes seemed to imply that she wouldn’t forgive us if anything happened.

Turning sharply, Ema walked away.

She didn’t look back even until she disappeared from our sight.

Yusa let out a small sigh, then looked up at me.

“Well then, shall we go in?”

By coincidence, we sat facing each other at the same seats as last time.

While waiting for our order, Kirie happily questioned Yusa.

“That girl earlier, could she be your girlfriend?”

“Yes.”

Without particular embarrassment, Yusa nodded. It seems elementary schoolers these days are quite advanced.

“But… she doesn’t know about my ability. I’m hiding it.”

“…I see.”

“I haven’t told her what I heard from you either. Not Ema, nor anyone else. Please rest assured.”

Saying that, Yusa smiled. A sad smile unbefitting for a child.

“Please forgive her for glaring. It’s my fault for keeping secrets. She’s a girl with a strong sense of justice…”

“It’s fine. Her reaction is normal.”

When I answered, “R-right! I completely agree!” Kirie chimed in.

Yusa bowed politely once again.

How much people tell others about their abilities varies.

But still, I believe that most people tend to not confide in anyone.

Even if you tell them, they usually wouldn’t understand.

You’re scared that they might look at you differently. You don’t want to be used for something, either.

That’s probably the main reasons.

“By the way, you two… Mizuki-san and Mahina-san, are you lovers?”

“No, we are completely different,” I answered immediately.

As expected, this elementary schooler had terrible judgement.

“Ugh… even though it’s true, it’s somehow irritating when you say it without a hint of emotion…!”

“You didn’t get flustered or nervous. Then, it really must be true.”

“Yeah. We definitely aren’t dating.”

“Hey! Ugh!”

I felt Kirie’s piercing gaze from beside me.

What other answer could there be?

“Fufu… even if you’re not lovers, you two get along quite well.”

“We do not get along.”

“Wellllll, maybe in the future? Don’t listen to Hidaka-kun, he’s totally a tsundere.”

“…Whatever you say.”

This time, I didn’t even feel like denying it.

“But then, why are you two together?”

After receiving our drinks from the staff, Yusa asked.

Glasses were also placed in front of me and Kirie.

“I’m curious, how did you come up with that question? What if we were just together for the retrieval? ”

“Last time, you answered all my questions about abilities. I considered that the older sister might be a junior, currently accompanying her senior to learn the job. But, then again, you said, ‘It’s my job.’ Not ‘our job.‘”

Yusa spoke fluently, without a hint of hesitation.

As always, he’s sharp beyond his years.

Seems much more useful than the one muttering “Gulp…” beside me.

“She’s just observing. Reluctantly, due to various circumstances, she’s accompanying me. I’d appreciate it if you could overlook it.”

Truly reluctantly.

Well, at least the work isn’t being interfered with as much as I thought.

“Is that so? It’s fine, then. I can tell she’s good person.”

“…My apologies.”

“Don’t apologize. Besides, if it were just you, I might not have come either.”

Adding that, Yusa smiled mischievously, which was rare for him.

Well, if he’s somewhat relaxed, it’s not a bad thing.

Only, the face of Kirie grinning beside me was getting a little annoying.

“I missed asking last time, but do you two also have some kind of ability?”

Waiting for other customers to pass by, Yusa asked.

His voice was slightly smaller and stiffer than before.

It seemed like he was approaching the main topic, but wasn’t quite there yet.

For now, that was fine. There’s plenty of time.

Besides, it’s a normal question to ask.

“Nope, nothing.”

When I shook my head, Kirie paused for a moment before doing the same.

However, her expression was dark, seeming to seep with guilt.

Whether or not to reveal one’s power is up to each individual.

And yet, she’s such a conscientious guy, really.

“I see… so that sort of thing isn’t relevant to this job, then.”

As if talking to himself, Yusa put his mouth to the straw of his apple juice.

Then, for a few seconds, he stared blankly out the window.

Unlike last time, today was a clear, sunny day—almost depressingly so.

Hadn’t the weather forecast said it would be cloudy?

“Is mine really… what you call an ‘ability,’ like you said?” Yusa turned back toward me and spoke.

“Couldn’t it just be a coincidence… or just my own imagination?”

“I understand why you’d think that. But unfortunately, no. You are, without a doubt, my target. You do possess an ability.”

The information we receive from Love comes in two levels.

One is “suspicion,” the other is “confirmation.”

And this time, Yusa’s level was “confirmation.” In that case, there isn’t even a one-in-ten-thousand chance of her having made a mistake.

“…I thought so.” Yusa fell silent for a while.

Deciding to wait for him to speak again, I drank my café au lait.

Beside me, Kirie fidgeted and kept glancing at me, but she still didn’t say anything.

“This ability… why did it come to me?”

Staring at his loosely clasped hands, Yusa spoke.

“Truly, it was just by luck. There’s nothing like responding to some hidden wish of yours, or having the right genetics or mental aptitude—nothing of that sort.”

“…”

“Simply, when the ability fluctuated, you happened to be nearby. That’s all it was.”

“…Heh, I see. That’s… how should I put it… a troublesome story.”

Yusa laughed. It was a terribly sad smile, one that looked like it might crumble at any moment.

Is this the kind of face an elementary schooler makes?

A sudden restlessness stirred deep in my chest. My face twisted, and my mouth filled with a terribly bitter taste.

Stop. Don’t waver here.

As if telling myself, I repeated it silently.

You’re going to do it anyway.

If you won’t let it go, if you can’t pull back. Pity and guilt are just self-justification.

Don’t think of yourself as a good person.

I’m a bad person.

“Hidaka-kun…? Is something wrong?”

“…No, it’s nothing.”

I shook my head and pushed the entire train of thought back, deep inside.

What happens to me doesn’t matter.

Right now, listening to Yusa’s words is the most important thing.

“…I haven’t been using it.”

When I returned my gaze, Yusa suddenly spoke.

Unable to gauge the meaning of his words, Kirie and I briefly exchanged glances.

“I… haven’t used this power for a while now.”

“…”

“So, the rain stopping right when you two were leaving last time wasn’t because of me. And it being sunny now is just the weather forecast being wrong… will you believe me?”

“…Who knows. I don’t know what kind of person you are—what you do or don’t do. All I know is what you can do.”

“…Yeah… I figured.”

Dropping his gaze to the table’s surface, Yusa let out a small sigh.

That sudden downpour, and it conveniently stopping—all of it was coincidence.

It could’ve been the truth.

But, I didn’t think there was any meaning in answering that way.

Whether he’s been using it or not is irrelevant.

No matter what, the ability must be collected.

“Big brother, big sister.” Yusa raised his face.

With a somewhat clear expression, as if a weight had been lifted.

“Could I let you know a little bit about me, as a final thing?” Alternating his gaze between Kirie and me, Yusa continued.

“Of course.”

I replied immediately.

There wasn’t a single reason to refuse. If it would satisfy him, then it was all for the better.

Confirming that Kirie had nodded as well, Yusa bowed his head more deeply than he had all day.

Then, he drank a larger sip of apple juice and took a deep breath.

***

“The trigger was probably the sports festival in second grade.”

“Back then, I was bad at sports and hated going to gym class.”

“Of course, a sports festival was out of the question for someone like me.”

“I don’t want to go. I don’t want to be there.”

“Even though I wanted it to get canceled, the weather forecast firmly said it would be sunny, and there was no chance of me acting sick, either.”

“I didn’t have the guts to skip school, so I greeted the morning of the event with a gloomy feeling.”

“But, then! It started to rain. It poured.”

I woke up to the noisy pitter-patter sound, and outside the window… it was like a flood.

I was so happy, I couldn’t help but make a triumphant pose.

How stupid, right? It was just something unpleasant being postponed.

But three days later, when it was rescheduled, it rained again.

Same as last time—no, a even heavier downpour than last time.

Even though the weather forecast said it would be sunny again.

A second postponement.

At school, voices even started saying maybe we should just cancel it.

Honestly, I was a little happy.

But in my class, there were a bunch of kids who looked sad.

Seeing that, I thought, “It would be too pitiful to cancel it after all.”

Because it’s only once a year. Even if I hate it, everyone else is looking forward to it.

Though of course, even if I thought that, it didn’t mean anything.

In the end, the sports festival was held.

That day, the forecast was for rain.

But it was as sunny as could be, a perfect sports festival weather.

Everyone was really happy.

I was happy too… even though I came in last in the footrace, it was fun in its own way.

But, well, I really was an idiot.

Could this… maybe be because of me?

Half-joking, but the other half seriously thinking about the possibilities.

Three times. Three wrong forecasts, right when I wanted them to happen.

But, looking back, there had been similar events even before that.

On family trip days, rain forecasts turning sunny. Or on swimming test days, thunderstorms happening.

All of them were trivial things. If you look at them by themselves, they’re obviously just coincidences.

There wasn’t really any room to blame it on supernatural occurrences.

But… for some reason, I couldn’t feel that way.

I began to experiment.

The night before, I’d strongly, strongly wish for the opposite of the weather forecast.

Without using a teru-teru-bōzu, just with my own feelings, could I change the weather?

TLN: Teru-teru-bōzu is a traditional Japanese ‘weather charm’ that supposedly cleared away rainy days and brought sunny skies.

Of course, I didn’t expect anything.

Nothing would happen, and I’d think, “Ah, it really was just my imagination.” Well, of course it was.

Thinking that, I’d consider the matter closed.

That’s how it should have been.

***

“But, you really could.”

I spoke toward the small crown of Yusa’s bowed head.

Nod.

Weakly nodding, Yusa stirred the ice in his glass with his straw.

“Five wins, zero losses. I crushed the weather forecast. Then, I got scared and stopped.”

“I see.”

There was nothing strange about it. Because that’s the kind of ability it is.

Of course, he must have been astonished.

“I was stupid, and a child. But I had fear and common sense, in my own way.”

“So, I decided not to use it recklessly.”

“I was scared of being found out. If I noticed, maybe someday my family or friends would suspect too. Besides, the weather is decided by God. There’s no way one person should be able to do anything about it.”

“But, truly, I was a little reckless at times.”

“For my little sister who wanted to play in the snow, I’d make it pile up. On the day of my friend’s soccer tournament, I’d push the rain clouds away.”

“Even though I didn’t go, I’d pray for it to be clear just during the local fireworks festival time.”

“I thought I was being helpful.”

“Not using it for bad things or for myself, only wielding the power for someone else’s small happiness.”

“I thought that was okay.”

“But—it wasn’t.”

“It was around this time last year.”

“A big typhoon made landfall in Japan.”

It made quite a stir over the news, so you two might know about it.

“This town… was in that typhoon’s path.”

“With tremendous rainfall and wind speeds, the areas directly hit suffered enormous damage. Tomorrow, heavy rain would fall around here too.”

Listening to the sound of the windows creaking in the strong wind, I thought.

What should I do?

Couldn’t I repel this natural threat?

Couldn’t I protect everyone in town, my friends, my family, from that thing?

With a low, rumbling growl, thunder roared.

Maybe scared by that abnormal force, my little sister finally started crying.

My mother’s voice and face as she soothed my sister, saying “There, there,” were also somewhat worried.

Getting drawn in, I grew anxious too, feeling helpless.

And… I finally made up my mind.

It was the biggest attempt since I became aware of the power’s existence.

In my room, covering my head with a futon, I strongly wished.

No more guilt, no more hesitation.

Closing my eyes, putting my hands together, imagining.

The disaster is not arriving here.

Even if the wind was somewhat strong, even if it rained, it would be okay.

No floods, no overflows, no lightning strikes. This town would be safe, no matter what.

“Praying for that, continuing to pray… I must have fallen asleep at some point.”

“And then… what happened?”

All of a sudden, Kirie spoke up.

Yusa seemed to have a faint sweat on his small forehead.

“Of course, it succeeded.” His tone was matter-of-fact.

But his expression looked terribly self-mocking and exhausted.

“The typhoon veered. It passed along the edge of the predicted path, as if avoiding our prefecture. The damage to this town ended up being much milder than initially expected.”

“…Amazing. Souta-kun, you protected everyone.”

Smiling softly, Kirie said.

Her eyes held genuine relief and compassion.

But.

“No… that’s not it.”

Surely, it’s not that simple.

Yusa had said “it wasn’t that simple.”

What can be inferred is…

“Protected… from one perspective, I suppose so. But that’s not the truth.”

“Huh… why?”

“I only chose one thing rather than the other. You could say I forced it.” Yusa’s low voice trembled as if sprouting.

Kirie looked at me with puzzled eyes.

I didn’t need to expose it.

I thought it would be easier for Yusa that way.