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Tl: Sam

…

“Hey, hey. How about this day? I was thinking I’d like to go to Okinawa or something.”
“Umm, that day is… sorry. That day looks a bit tough too…”

　The one who replied in a crestfallen manner was Yui Hoshino, a college student D-Tuber and part-time employee of the White Wolf Guild.

　Although she was an explorer who currently boasted top-class name recognition in Japan, she attended university on days she didn’t have work.
　Even now, she was on campus, having lunch with her college friend, Yuri Yuzuki.

“I see. Hmm… our schedules really aren’t matching up, huh.”
“I’m sorry. I’ve just been so busy with various things…”

　The two of them had been making travel plans, but things weren’t coming together as hoped.
　And the biggest reason for that was ‘Hoshino’s busyness.’

　Her individual activities as a D-Tuber, her activities with the White Wolf Guild, and dealing with the mountain of collaboration requests sent every day.
　Since she attended university alongside all of that, Hoshino’s schedule was constantly packed to the brim.

　Tanaka and Adachi were worried about her and told her to take time off, but Hoshino, who hadn’t had work until now, firmly declined, wanting to work while there was work to be had.

　Being young and overflowing with boundless energy, Hoshino didn’t ruin her health even while handling all that work, but… naturally, her opportunities to hang out with friends had decreased compared to before.
　She had wanted to go on a trip once in a while, but her friend didn’t have that much time off either due to academics and part-time work. It seemed like it would still be a while before the two of them could go on a trip together.

“Well, let’s put the trip talk on hold for another time, then.”
“I’m really sorry. I’ll definitely make it up to you.”
“Don’t worry about it, don’t worry about it. I know full well how busy you are, Yui… Hm?”

　Noticing a male student trying to approach them, Yuzuki glared at him to drive him away. They had chosen a cafeteria with few people, but even so, there were still those who tried to come over.

“Honestly, read the room when people are eating.”
“Haha… thanks as always.”

　Naturally, Hoshino was popular even on campus, and whenever there was an opening, people would ask for photos or autographs. Since the good-natured Hoshino was bad at turning them down, Yuzuki served as a watchdog of sorts for her on campus.
　Without her, Hoshino probably wouldn’t have been able to eat peacefully at the university.

“Oh, that’s it. If you can’t go with me, why don’t you go on a trip with Tanaka-san?”

　When Yuzuki suggested that, Hoshino let out a pathetic “Fueh!?” in surprise.

“A-A trip alone with Tanaka-san!? No way! A honeymoon is way too soon!!”
“No, I didn’t go that far…”

　After saying that, Yuzuki giggled with amusement.
　She had only said it on a whim, but she felt it wasn’t a bad suggestion.

“Come to think of it, you were complaining the other day about how the two of you haven’t even been able to go on dates recently. Tanaka-san is probably busy too, but if you ask him, Yui, he’ll make time for you.”
“D-Do you think so? It certainly sounds like so much fun if we could go, but…”
“You totally can! Tanaka-san should probably take a break once in a while too, so it’s a win-win!”
“That’s true… yeah. Okay! I’ll try asking him!”

　With her friend giving her a push, Hoshino firmed her resolve to invite him on a trip.
　Watching her happily murmur, “I wonder where we should go~♪”, Yuzuki looked on with a hint of envy.

◇　◇　◇

“Hoshino. Would you like to go to Hokkaido with me?”
“Eh? Eeeeeeeh!?”

　The night of the day they talked about the trip.
　Returning as usual to the office-cum-residence located on the premises of the Ministry of Monster Control, she headed over to Tanaka, who was working in the office space.
　While making small talk with Tanaka, who was doing paperwork together with Adachi, she had been looking for an opportunity to bring up the trip, when Tanaka suddenly proposed going to Hokkaido.

　Hoshino was thoroughly confused as to how on earth it had turned out this way.

“Hokkaido… just the two of us!?”
“Yeah, the two of us. Ah, are you bad with planes or something?”
“No! I’m completely fine! I can ride them as many times as you want!”
“I-I see. Then let’s go.”

　Though a bit overwhelmed by Hoshino’s intensity, Tanaka promised to go to Hokkaido with her.
　Hokkaido was one of the candidate destinations Hoshino had in mind. Even while thinking it was premature, she had already listed several places she wanted to visit in Hokkaido.
　While she was floating with excitement over what kind of trip to make it, Adachi, who had been quietly watching the exchange until now, chimed in.

“Hey, Tanaka. You haven’t told her the crucial reason for going.”
“The reason… for going?”

　Hoshino asked back with a bad premonition.
　Tanaka then began explaining the reason he hadn’t mentioned yet, saying, “My bad, my bad, should have started with that.”

“Actually, a massive new dungeon was discovered in Hokkaido. It was decided that I’d investigate it. Neither Amatsuki nor Rin can come, so if you could come along, Hoshino, it would be a huge help.”
“Ah… so that’s what this was about…”

　Realizing she had been invited for work rather than a vacation, Hoshino was inwardly disappointed.
　However, being the positive girl she was, she immediately switched her mindset.

　(There’s work… but we can make at least a little time to have fun, right? Alright, I’ll finish the work right away and have a blast!)

　Even if it was work, the fact that the two of them were going far away together didn’t change. Regaining her spirits, she resolved to use this opportunity to deepen their bond even further.

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