After leaving the stalls near Panoramadai Station, we set off to explore the surrounding area.
"This is so good!"
Hayashi ended up munching on the frankfurter she’d bought at the shop as we walked. I had offered to wait until she finished, but she insisted on moving, claiming that if she stayed in front of the stalls, she’d just keep buying more food.
A five-minute walk from the Ropeway Station brought us to the observation deck.
"It’s in a bit of a precarious spot, isn't it?" I noted.
"Maybe, but the view is amazing!"
The observation deck didn't seem designed with an influx of international tourists in mind; there were no fences or railings to speak of. Yet, just as Hayashi said, the view of the Kofu Basin and the surrounding mountains was truly spectacular.
"Yamamoto! Look, it’s Mount Fuji!"
"Sure is."
Pointing at the mountain directly ahead, Hayashi shouted with excitement. Just for the record, based on both the cardinal direction and the actual shape of the peak, the mountain she was currently gushing over was… definitely not Mount Fuji. Correcting her seemed like too much effort, so I didn't bother denying it.
This girl actually managed to get into a university before dropping out, right? Was this just another symptom of her total lack of direction? Honestly, at this point, calling it a "poor sense of direction" would be an insult to people who were actually just bad with maps. I decided to simply chalk it up to a catastrophic failure of her compulsory education.
Harboring these doubts and a growing sense of unease regarding Hayashi’s intelligence, we spent a while gazing blankly at the scenery.
"Ready to move on?"
"Yeah."
Our next destination was a spot called Mount Yasaburo. According to what I’d looked up on my smartphone, we could expect another spectacular view from there.
"Whoa, look at this path."
"No kidding. Watch your step."
We picked our way along a trail of exposed tree roots, minding our footing. Five minutes later, we came across a massive rock with steps carved into it like a staircase. Apparently, this led up to Yasaburo Hill.
"We have to climb this?"
"Looks like it."
"The pine trees are totally blocking the way."
"You're exaggerating. They’ll just… brush against you as you go up."
"That’s exactly what I’m saying I don't like!"
Despite her protests, Hayashi didn't seem truly upset. The lingering excitement of the trip was still winning out over her reluctance.
"Here," I said, reaching my hand out to her.
"Eh?"
For some reason, Hayashi stared fixedly at my right hand, her cheeks flushing.
"Give me the stick from your frankfurter. It’s in your way, isn't it?"
"...Tch."
Hmm. It seemed my attempt at kindness had been a total misfire. Even Hayashi—who had been willing to tolerate a steep rock climb through pine needles—had let out a blatant click of her tongue. My failure was undeniable.
"Fine," she muttered, seemingly swallowing a variety of other words as she shoved the wooden stick into my hand.
I pulled a plastic bag from my pocket and tucked the trash inside. I figured there’d be a bin back at the Ropeway Station eventually.
"Ow, ow..."
Brushing past the pine trees while enduring the stinging gaze Hayashi directed at my back, I finally reached the top. The view from the summit was… truly magnificent.
"Hayashi, look. Spectacular, right? A real ocean view."
"It’s definitely not an ocean view."
True enough. Still, the landscape spreading out before us was impressive enough to make me want to crack a nonsense joke like that.
"Well, I guess this was a good spot to start the trip," Hayashi said, her spirits seemingly lifted by the scenery.
"Alright, let's head back."
"Okay."
"Next up is Senga Falls. It’s even more impressive than this."
"Wait, have you actually been to those falls before?"
"No."
"And yet you’re talking like you’re some kind of expert."
Hayashi laughed, looking exasperated. Once she’d had her fill of laughing at me, we turned back toward the Ropeway Station.
"Here."
I reached my right hand out to her again before we descended the rocks.
"Huh?"
Hayashi looked surprised… then her eyes narrowed.
"I’m not holding anything this time, you know?" She put on her best "I'm done with you" face. "Do you really think I’m that much of a glutton? Honestly, how rude."
You are a glutton, though. What is she even talking about?
"Your hand."
"Eh?"
"Give me your hand. It’ll be a disaster if you slip and fall."
Hayashi tilted her head, acting as if she didn't understand. She looked at my hand, then my face… then back at my hand.
"Okay!"
Her face brightened instantly, and she gripped my hand firmly. Once I actually felt her hand in mine, I realized how embarrassing this was. I probably shouldn't have offered. But, well… her mood was back to being cheerful, so I guess it all worked out.
This woman’s temperament really was as fickle as mountain weather.