Apparently Hime has never been to a Japanese park.
So, does that mean... you've been to parks overseas?
"Yes, that's true. I've had picnics with my family overseas a few times."
We enter the park and have a short conversation while walking.
Hime's attention seems to be entirely focused on the playground equipment. Her gaze has been fixed there for a while now.
"Well, the place we went to was a nature park, so this was my first time seeing playground equipment like this."
Even though they are all parks, their characteristics vary depending on their size and location.
That's probably why Hime looks so interested.
"Don't parks overseas have swings?"
"Yes, I did. However, I was not very physically fit as a child and was not able to move around much, so I could only watch from afar. I was very envious of people of my generation skating and having fun."
From my perspective, Hime now seems close to her childhood.
However, judging from the way Hime spoke... it seemed that she had become much stronger compared to before.
"I'm so glad I'm feeling great now. I can try the slides."
"...I wonder if that will satisfy me."
The park I came across by chance cannot be described as large by any stretch of the imagination.
The slide itself was only about three meters long, and it looked quite old, so I don't think it would be very smooth.
There is a sandbox at the arrival point of the slide, perhaps to provide some cushioning.
But I felt like a cushion wasn't really necessary at this scale. Well, it seems safe, so I guess this is fine.
It must be an old park. Perhaps it's because it's deserted, or perhaps it's a sign of the times, but there's not a single child there, even though it's summer vacation. This may be why the playground equipment looks even older.
But Hime doesn't seem to mind at all.
"I'm not that good with heights, so that height is just right for me."
"Oh, I see. I had the impression that Hime wasn't scary at all."
He's usually expressionless and doesn't seem to get easily shaken, so I thought he might be resistant to fear, but maybe that's not the case.
"I'm not afraid of ghosts or imaginary creatures at all. However, I'm not good with heights or thrilling attractions. My sister is the opposite."
"...I think Hijiri-san will like it."
He seemed to be having a lot of fun on the roller coaster. I could easily imagine him laughing and screaming.
"I'll be back in a bit. Yohei, please wait for me."
"I understand."
We walked and chatted lightly, and soon arrived at the slide.
As I was told, I waited nearby...and then Hime climbed up the slide and slowly came down.
"Sue"
I can hear the sound of a dress rubbing against something.
By the time I realized this, Hime had already fallen flat on her bottom in the sandbox.
The long-awaited slide. I'll wait and see what people think.
"I see"
And then, what Hime said was... for some reason, words that seemed to convince her of something.
"It was exactly as I imagined it would be."
"...it was fun?"
"It's normal."
He only nodded slightly, his expression was blank as usual.
Maybe he's not at an age where he can innocently enjoy sliding down a slide.
That's what I was thinking.
"I'm going to slide again."
"picture"
This was the second time I'd ever expected it to end, but it ended up continuing.
"Hmm."
The second time, he had a similar reaction. It's hard to say he looked happy.
"I'll skate again"
"...Uh, yeah."
However, without a moment's pause, they started again for the third time.
It doesn't look like you're having fun at all... Hime, maybe you are having fun?
"Sue"
It only took a few seconds. And because the sliding was poor, the speed was slow. During that time, Hime slid along with her knees hugged to her chest.
It was a somewhat surreal sight.
"Can I say it again?"
"Take care"
The fourth time around, it wasn't a surprise.
No doubt about it. I think Hime likes the slide.
(...No matter what, I guess he is still a child)
He was sulking earlier because he was treated like a child.
He looked young as he was purely enjoying the slide.
That's one of Hime's cute qualities.
I couldn't help but laugh when I saw it. It's a heartwarming sight.