KADOKAWA Light Novel EXPO 2020 Official Commemorative Book ‘Sakura Collaboration!’ Included Short Story
It was a little past three in the afternoon on a day off. In the kitchen on the second floor of the shared house where Nishino and the others lived, Rose, dressed in her loungewear and an apron, was bustling about preparing dinner.
Lured by the delicious aroma, one of the housemates, Gabriela, appeared in the living-dining area.
"Sister, what's for dinner tonight?"
"Beef stew."
"No wonder you've been taking so long to prepare it. You've been at it since this afternoon."
"That's why I don't have time to entertain you."
"By the way, I was walking near the house just a moment ago and noticed cherry blossoms blooming in the garden three houses down."
"Were you even listening to me?"
"Isn't that strange, with winter approaching? I thought cherry blossoms only bloomed for a brief period in spring. Was my understanding wrong?"
"............"
Rose's expression turned sour as she watched Gabriela's relentlessly self-centered behavior. Just then, a voice cut into their exchange from the hallway facing the living room.
"That house three doors down must have a October cherry tree."
A Futsumen wearing a towel around his neck appeared in his gym clothes. He seemed to have finished his daily breakdancing practice and come down from the rooftop.
"October cherry blossoms, you say?"
"True to its name, this cherry tree blooms not in spring but from autumn through winter. Given that Yoshino cherry blossoms dominate Japan's flower viewing scene, it might seem like an exception, but there are actually quite a few varieties that bloom during the cold season."
Nishino's cynicism runs so deep that it naturally manifests itself in his affected speech. His arrogant tone doesn't suit the Futsumen looks at all.
If any of his classmates had overheard that remark, they'd have shot back immediately: 'You mean like, stuff you can find online in a second?'
"I know about Somei Yoshino too. I heard they spread not through natural crossbreeding but through artificial cultivation and grafting. That's precisely why I wonder if you're going to plant them anyway, wouldn't it be more worthwhile to plant varieties you can enjoy in autumn and winter too, rather than ones you can only enjoy in spring?"
"Tell that to the person who started planting Somei Yoshino."
"Hmm............."
Gabriela's face wore a look of dissatisfaction as her question remained unanswered. Across the kitchen counter, Rose's voice rose in response to her.
"Considering the hassle of cleaning, wouldn't it be just enough for the flowers to bloom only once a year? Wouldn't it be a real bother if those flashy petals scattered across the garden multiple times a year?"
"Sister, that opinion lacks any sense of charm."
"But it's not impossible that those involved back then chose the Somei Yoshino for such reasons. Could there have been some kind of financial interest involved?"
"I see. That makes sense."
"Now, now, why are you so easily satisfied with Nishino-kun's explanation? Don't you think that version is far less poetic?"
In response to Gabriela's reaction, Rose's face darkened with irritation as she protested. Yet the person in question paid no heed, turning instead to the Futsumen and asking him a question.
"But in that case, I don't see how one variety could monopolize the market. If it's just a matter of planting trees there, I don't think the barriers to entry are that high."
"Then why don't you give it a try?"
"Me?"
"Whether it's the hassle of cleaning or the vested interests involved, there are things you only see once you take that first step yourself."
"But isn't that a long-term endeavor?"
Though he usually puts on a cool facade, the Futsumen is surprisingly talkative once he starts chatting. However, he mutters in a deliberately dramatic tone, then begins lecturing Gabriela in a know-it-all manner.
"Regarding the cherry blossom market, I hear that replanting with substitute varieties is happening all over the place. In half a century, the day may come when other cherry blossoms hold the majority share."
"Hearing that makes me feel like I should just go plant something else in the mountains that could aim for the same spot."
"Isn't it precisely because of twisted souls like you that sensible people banded together to push for Somei Yoshino?"
"I was the one who brought up the topic of cherry blossoms, so please just keep quiet and simmer your beef stew, Sister. If it burns to the bottom of the pot, it'll be a disaster."
"You're having natto for dinner tonight."
"I hate that stuff. It's slimy and stinky."
"Just like the meals we eat every day, cherry blossom varieties must be as different as beef stew and natto to those who know them well."
"Hold on a moment. The discussion about cherry blossoms isn't over yet. I still have things to say. Don't try to wrap this up unilaterally with some pretentious line."
"Nishino-kun, why don't you go take a shower too? Sweat is dripping down, even onto the floor."
"Ah, sorry. I'll go take one right away."
"Well then, I'll go with you."
"Don't go saying strange things casually. If you're just standing around, come over here and set the table!"
"Sis, isn't it a bit early to be setting the table? I think we still have some time before dinner."
"Dinner? You're having natto."
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