Epilogue

…

You're looking at the pictures of that joey?

That incident has given me much to think about. And I… can't deny it makes me feel a little lonely.

So much so that I doubt I'd have been able to tear myself away had I been alone.

…Lu-senpai. To tell the truth, I had a rabbit myself when I was a child.

…! That's the first I've heard of it.

While I've experienced separation before, today had a different type of loneliness to it.

But no matter the reason, you mustn't misjudge the distance you keep from animals. I'd like to thank you once more for your advice at the time.

You have my gratitude, Lu-senpai.

I understand your feelings well. You should keep that loneliness close to your heart as a memory of our trip.

Right…

When we return, would it be alright if I went to your room to see your rabbits?

Of course.

!

(…This study trip has given me experiences I'd never have had otherwise. What's more, I feel as though the distance between Lu-senpai and I has narrowed.)

Our time left is short, but I intend to continue treating this study trip properly. Once again, I'll be in your care.

With that, I'll be heading to sleep soon. You must be worn out from all that driving as well, so relax and—

Stop.

Hm?

You had something to say around noon, didn't you? No… even before that.

Ever since deciding on the itinerary, I've felt as though you've been hesitating to say something.

Ah…

Tomorrow is the last day of our trip. Do you really have no regrets?

…Nothing gets past you, Lu-senpai. Actually, there's one more animal I'd like to see.

And that would be…

…!

What do you think?

(Our itinerary would change drastically. What matters most here is whether or not Lu-senpai is interested…)

…

I also wanted to see this one.

Huh?

…Shall we change our itinerary? So we can go and meet some.

You mean…!

(I thought my ears deceived me for a moment—I can't believe Lu-senpai was also hiding his passion for that animal.)

We-well then, instead of going east to Sydney, let's change our route!

Changing it will require a lot of annoying procedures, but… well, that's fine.

On top of that, I believe there's yet another fine establishment around that area. —Look.

…!?

(Lu-senpai… so he noticed how I felt. If we go here, I'll get to…!)

I'm grateful, Lu-senpai.

I shall undertake the duty of confirming how to get there and altering our return flight!

Heh, I'll leave it to you.

Right. Don't mind me, and get some rest.

(Despite the tedious work ahead of him, he looks happy. …I suppose that shows just how badly he wanted to meet that animal.)

(I thought him to simply be serious and mature—but today, I feel I've seen many different sides to Kaguya.)

How precious…! I'd no idea joeys were so small.

Strolling through the woods with this little guy must've been a great experience.

When we sat down for a break, it thought my pocket was its mother's pouch and stuck its head inside.

It must be quite rare for them to grow so attached.

The mother kangaroo is… here. Look, her pectoral muscles are magnificent, and even Gannosuke-san would be astonished by the length of her eyelashes.

…

Fufu. Could it be that it warmed up to you both because Lu-san's muscles and your eyelashes resemble its mother?

I had the same thought.

Now that you mention it… Perhaps it did see traces of its mother in us. I'll be sure to tell Lu-senpai later.

Incidentally, were you able to see a koala?

Indeed, I managed to observe a wild koala at the natural park.

And not just that—on our final day, we dropped by Koala Park, and got to hold some.

Uwah, that sounds great…! How was it?

It clung onto my arm, and not only was it rather strong, it dug its nails in as well.

But… it was so precious that I could feel my heartstrings tug.

Ah, and yes, Lu-senpai also seemed somewhat happy to hold a koala.

Ooh…?

A-and? Did you manage to meet that animal in the end? It didn't look like it was on the itinerary…

Yes, we did indeed meet… quokka wallabies.

!!

Incidentally, both Lu-senpai and I were fortunate enough to take a picture with one. Here's mine.

Wo~ah… waaa~~~~~aah! So cute…!

As you'd expect of one known as the happiest animal on earth. Just looking at this expression brings a smile to my face as well!

To tell the truth, I hesitated to account for my own personal feelings for this study trip, and kept quiet about wanting to hold a koala and meet quokka wallabies.

But in the end, I was able to safely speak my mind—

Furthermore, I learned that Lu-senpai also held a hidden passion for quokkas. Ultimately, we changed our plans, and managed to fulfill both our desires.

Is that so?

Fufu, your whole face is lit up. What a truly wonderful picture.

Lu-senpai also seemed just as… no, perhaps even more at peace than when he held a koala.

…Lu-san did?

I'd actually been curious about that myself since hearing about the koalas.

The thought of Lu-san making such a joyous expression in front of a third party… to be frank, I can't quite imagine it.

…Hey, hey, do you also have the picture of Lu-san with a quokka?

We both took them with our own phones, so no, I don't.

But I'm sure Lu-senpai would be glad to show you if you ask.

(I really doubt that.)

…

Oh, speak of the devil. Back already?

Yes. I was only out yesterday to drop off souvenirs.

Is that so? Your younger sister was delighted, I'm sure.

We're ba~ack! Oh, what's everyone in here for?

Kaguya and… Lu, san… Were you, talking… about, your, trip…?

Hold up, I still haven't heard anything about it yet!? Where are the pics? The wallababies of the quokka lineage!?

He's shown me them already.

We were just looking at the quokka pictures, actually. Apparently Lu-san took a picture with one as well!

…Tch. So Kaguya told you.

Wait, Liguang-san took a pic with a quokka? No joke!?

…I want, to see that… Ah… um, the quokka, I mean…!

Y-yeah, yeah. We want to see the quokka.

You're not fooling anyone.

Shh, shhhhh! C'mon man, aren't you curious too!?

Everyone here assisted me in my research for the study trip. That's when we all became enamoured with quokkas.

And so, Lu-san. Would you mind showing us? I'm sure it's a wonderful picture.

(I've already been laughed at enough back home. I can already tell how they'll react.)

No.

WHAAAAAAAAAT!!

If you want to see a quokka, Kaguya can show you. Bye.

Hey hey hey, hold up! I'll do anything!! I'm begging yoo~~~~uuuu!

(Before setting off, I was a touch nervous to be going on a trip with someone I hold in such high regard.)

(But I was able to learn a lot, both about animals, and Lu-senpai himself.)

(—This truly was a wonderful trip.)