Tsukimigatari - Chapter 3

[holistar]

!! CONTENT WARNINGS: mentions of war !!

Location: Dormitory Library

Adonis: Will this book do?

Nazuna: Uu… Thanks.

Adonis: By the way, why do you need all of these books?

You can’t read multiple books simultaneously. If you borrow them one by one, it’s less for you to carry as well…

Nazuna: Ah? I’m not going to read them cover to cover…I’m going to use these books as reference for a college report, so I want to borrow as many as I can.

Adonis: I see, so it’s for an assignment for college?

Nazuna: Yup. At college you can take electives from various departments.

Looking at the syllabus, I thought the sociology department’s lectures sounded kind of unique~ They seemed interesting so I took one♪

Adonis: Other departments? At college you can choose the classes you want to take? College studies sound interesting.

Nazuna: That’s right. Also, unlike studying in high school, there’s not just one answer to things. It’s pretty neat that sometimes there’s no correct answer.

Your own thoughts and ideas can be the answer. I guess that’s called diversity? That kind of thing is accepted.

There are a lot of eccentric professors. This is the first time I’ve thought that learning and knowing things were fun.

But it’s difficult to balance being a college student and an idol~ Oh well, I’m having a good time at least♪

Adonis: It’s good to broaden your knowledge. My mother used to say it would make you prosperous.

You gathered a lot of books about Japan earlier...What are you writing a report on?

Nazuna: Hn? Oh, I’m writing a report on Japanese customs. It’s that time of year, so I thought it’d be good to do a report on moon-viewing.

Adonis: Moon-viewing? If I remember correctly, there’s a custom of having tea while moon-viewing. I feel like it’s called a moon-viewing tea ceremony…

Nazuna: Moon-viewing and tea! That’s nice, it sounds soothing ♪

Come to think of it, you said you were practicing the tea ceremony. Why? If you want to practice, wouldn’t it be better to do it with your circle?

Adonis: The other day I promised Yuuki that I would make him tea.

He said he would drink my tea, but I don’t have much experience in making tea yet. I was practicing in order to perfect that.

Nazuna: Hmm. The world of tea~?

It would be nice if I could include something about tea in my report. Maybe call it the world of wabi-sabi¹? It seems like that could relate back to the topic of Japanese customs?

Adonis: Hmm, true. There are many Japanese customs that value that concept.

In that case, won’t you also participate in my tea ceremony?

Nazuna: Huh? Can I?

Adonis: Mmhm, I’d like to make tea for many people. I’m also asking Oogami to come.

Nazuna: I see. Then I’ll be sure to attend♪

Adonis: Yes, then I’ll do my best to make tea for everyone.

Nazuna: Ahaha. Rather than ‘wabi-sabi’, this feels like we’re getting all fired up.

Adonis: Fufu. You’re right, this won’t do.

Nazuna: Oops. We’ve been so busy talking that I haven’t found any books for my report. Gotta hurry up.

Adonis: Let me help you find a book about moon-viewing一 Would a book like this be useful?

Nazuna: Hmm? Which one?

Ah, that one has a lot of photos, so I don’t think I can use it as a reference. I do like to look at photobooks of landscapes though~

Adonis: I feel the same. Looking at beautiful scenery makes me feel at ease. It’s too bad you can’t use this book一一

This place is...

Nazuna: Nn? What’s up, Ado-chin? Do you know the place in the photo?

Uwah~ this sure is a stunning place, though~ It’s like ruins in the desert, like something straight out of “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves”²!

Adonis: This is a place in my homeland.

In my homeland, we have a tradition somewhat similar to Japan’s moon-viewing. There is a custom to clear your mind and think deeply about the moon.

My family once looked up at the moon from these ruins… how nostalgic.

Nazuna: Wow! So this is a place you have memories of!

Adonis: Yes, but I can’t go there anymore.

Nazuna: Huh? Why!?

Adonis: When the conflict started, the area was sealed off as an off-limits zone… That restriction hasn’t been lifted yet.

Nazuna: …………

Adonis: I’m really no good... I visited my homeland in the spring, but since returning to Japan there have been times when I feel lonely. I’m weak...

Nazuna: No, no! That feeling you think is loneliness is just how much you love and care for your country.

It’s not the same, but I’ve been through something similar, so I sort of know where you’re coming from.

So don’t think of yourself as “weak”. That feeling isn’t a bad thing; you should treat it as precious.

Adonis: …Thank you, Nito-senpai.

Nazuna: Hey~! I know that Japan has a saying that “fortune will come to those who smile”, but that sad smile won’t do! You need a happy one or else you won’t have any of that good fortune!

Ah! I got it! How about I tell you an awesome secret about moon-viewing?! I think when you hear this, you’ll be so surprised that your lonely feeling will disappear!

Adonis: A secret about moon-viewing…?

Nazuna: So listen~

Truth is, there’s a rabbit on the moon³~

Just kiddi—

Adonis: What? A rabbit on the moon…!? That’s an incredible secret, Nito-senpai.

Nazuna: …Huh? H-Hey… Ado-chin?

Adonis: That’s truly amazing. I didn’t know the moon had such a secret… I still have much to learn.

Nazuna: H-Huh...?


¹ “Wabi-sabi” is a concept that refers to finding beauty in imperfection. Japanese tea ceremonies used to be lavish, but then there was a shift to a more rustic and simple aesthetic.
For example, a tea bowl that is asymmetrical, handmade, and glazed a deep brown reflects the wabi-sabi aesthetic.

² This is a story in "The One Thousand and One Arabian Nights".

³ There is a Japanese folktale about a rabbit that pounds mochi (rice cakes) on the moon.