Taketatsu Kamori-an Spelling: Kotoka Chapter, The Scentless Classmate, Episode 6 (Final Episode)

When they arrived at a room located at the exact opposite end of the first-floor shop, a door made of transparent tempered glass greeted them.

Is this the herb room?

Kotoka grabbed Akira's shoulders from behind, hunching over as she looked around. She wore a bewildered expression, taken aback by the space that looked more like a laboratory than the flashy flower shop.

Yes. There are only Soul Herbs here. Don't worry, no ghosts will appear.

Standing before the door, the strictly written 'No Open Flames!' sticker made her straighten her back. Once inside, light bulbs illuminated the six-mat-sized greenhouse with a faint glow. Metal mesh shelves lined the room, and on each shelf, vinyl pots of herbs she had never seen before were being cultivated by type. Each herb was placed with only a few per wide shelf. From that spacing, she could sense the value of the herbs. The room was well-temperature-controlled and gently warm.

There are several types of Soul Herbs, but this is the gift for Otonashi-san.

Akira picked up one pot and showed it to Kotoka.

This is called a Word Herb. Try checking its scent.

Told this, Kotoka brought her face close from the right, then the left, and even from above to check the scent, but she wore a puzzled expression.

...I don't really smell anything... and... is it still a bud?

Yes, all Soul Herbs are buds. But the moment you pick them, they bloom. The Word Herb brings out the 'memories' and 'feelings that could not be conveyed' in the heart of the person who picks it as a scent. And the way it works is that Otonashi-san's emotions resonate within me as I sense the fragrance.

Akira-kun is sensing my scent? ...That's somehow very embarrassing and... scary.

It's a complicated feeling when you realize your own scent is being known, isn't it? But it's different from the smell a person wears daily. It's a scent that could be called the humanity that comes from the core of the body. By using the Word Herb as a medium for me to feel that, I can touch Otonashi-san's feelings directly. That's something only I, who am sensitive to scents, can do.

After coming to a boy's house for the first time and having a fun time, this was the climax in the herb room. Suddenly being told to show him the filth she had been hiding, Kotoka looked bewildered.

I don't think the big problem Otonashi-san is carrying can be solved just by this. But from now on, you're not alone. I'm with you. You don't need to suppress it anymore.

Seeming pushed by Akira's words, Kotoka reached out a trembling hand toward the Word Herb.

I just need to pick this bud, right...

Yes. Picking it isn't taking it away; in truth... it's making a decision.

Making... a decision...

With an expression of resolve, she took a deep breath and picked it.

The bud glowed as it rapidly grew and bloomed. The next moment, a gentle, fluffy, and calming scent that drifts through a flower field bathed in soft spring sunlight spread out, and then a terribly sharp scent pierced through it, stinging the nose.

With his nasal cavity blocked and falling into a panic, Akira's breathing faltered, and the 'real Kotoka' flowed into his consciousness.

'My name is Kotoka. Nice to meet you.'

'That person is so full of herself, it's annoying and gross, isn't it?'

'Looks like she's trying to flirt with guys.'

'I heard she transferred here after her parents got divorced.'

'Hey, you're dating the teacher, right? Why don't you date us too?'

'Hey, I heard Kotoka is being bullied at school.'

'I see... well, she's not my child anyway...'

'Another woman's scent... stop it already.'

'You were hiding it? What do you mean he's not my real father...?'

'Is it true you're getting a divorce?'

'Hey, I want a new bag when I get into high school.'

'Sorry, for now, please use your mother's hand-me-down. I kept it well, so it looks clean.'

'What will happen to me from now on... I have no friends... I might as well...'

'Taketatsu Akira-kun... unlike me, he's liked by everyone, I'm envious...'

'Taketatsu-kun certainly has a mysterious charm...'

'I wish I could be like that... can I never go back to how I was...'

Amidst the verbal abuse thrown at Kotoka in the past and the entanglements of her home environment that the current Kotoka could do nothing about, countless spears of words that she couldn't avoid hearing flowed into Akira's brain as well. In the perfectly temperature-controlled herb room, Akira's spine froze at the sheer horror, and he fell to his knees and vomited.

When the sharp scent that tormented the two of them faded, a gentle, sweet scent spread and enveloped Akira.

The time he felt the sharp scent was only for a brief moment. But it must have felt like a very long time to both of them, as Kotoka was also crouching and trembling.

Both Akira and Kotoka cried quietly.

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Here, chamomile tea.

...Thank you.

After that, Akira, who had stood up unsteadily, managed to return to his room while carrying Kotoka. Akira had a haggard face from the extreme stress.

Your heart still isn't quite settled. But Otonashi-san, your atmosphere has changed somehow. A lingering scent is drifting, too. It's a very gentle scent that feels warm and warms those around you.

Kotoka, whose lingering scent was put into words even though she didn't know it herself, blushed while fiddling with her bangs.

I will protect you, Otonashi-san, for having the courage today. Let's think together so you can return to the Otonashi-san you were before.

...Yeah.

Kotoka, blushing at Akira's honest and positive words, looked away and muttered.

There were times when I felt depressed about going home, but I feel like I can have a little hope. I had resistance to having my past, which I couldn't be proud of, known, but I feel saved that you accepted it. It wasn't just me who made a decision; it was you too, Akira-kun.

At Kotoka's gentle words, this time it was Akira who blushed and gave a shy smile.

Actually, my usual glasses are fake, and I didn't use to tie my hair back before.

Is that so? Then today is the real Otonashi-san.

Yeah, I changed my appearance to suppress myself. It's not that I wasn't interested in fashion, but I couldn't find the courage.

In that case, let's get fashionable from now on. Also, let's go to the places you want to go and do lots of things high schoolers do.

Yeah, thank you. When we do, Akira-kun will be with me.

Kotoka showed a cute smile as if a spell had been broken.

I can't hide things from Akira-kun easily anymore.

I'm sharp. After all, I even know that Otonashi-san wants to join the Literature of Scent Club.

Akira-kun might... need my literary talent.

Their laughter echoed at the joke-filled conversation.

They still hadn't solved Kotoka's fundamental problem. But Kotoka, who had shown the courage to move toward a solution, and Akira, who had found a clue to the solution with his maximum effort, had grown so close that it was hard to believe they had only spoken for the first time yesterday.

Akira, relieved after talking with Kotoka, stood up suddenly.

I will read and interpret the scents and convey them to Otonashi-san. Otonashi-san, please unravel my intuitive words and write them down.

Understood. President.

The new member replied formally with a quick nod.

Today's extracurricular activity for the Literature of Scent Club ends here. Otonashi-san, please say a few words as well.

Akira was still in president mode. Entrusted with wrapping up the day as if caught up in it, Kotoka wore a slightly embarrassed expression, gathered her resolve, and spoke.

Um... 'Otonashi' is hard to say, isn't it? Don't hold back, call me Kotoka.

Caught off guard by Kotoka's words, Akira froze with his eyes wide and his mouth hanging open. While feeling a bittersweet scent within Kotoka's lingering scent.