友あり遠方より電話来る
From distant, friendly locales, a phone call comes...
Kei: Yes, hello?
Youko: Ah, Hato-chan? It's me, it's me!
Kei: Ah, Youko-chan.
Youko: Iyaa~, I finally got through.
Kei: What? Is it that hard to get through?
As I look at the display, I see not a single antenna mark. There was one at the station, but, maybe because I'm inside.
For the time being, I try opening the window all the way.
Alongside the flood of summer air comes a bit of signal strength, but the antenna display is wavering up and down, looking dubiously unreliable.
............
Windows left open with the A/C running are enemies of the environment, a waste of electricity. If you can, insulate with curtains or shouji. (TN: Shouji - paper sliding doors) 28°C is the target temperature. (TN: 28°C = 82.4°F)
I, Hatou Kei, strive for an environmentally sound lifestyle.
Kei: Youko-chan, the signal might cut off at any moment.
Youko: Right, right. You're really out in the boondocks, aren'tcha?
One seemingly purposeful sigh mixed in.
Youko: So, how was it? Didja make it to your papa's house?
Kei: Not at all. I wound up missing the last bus.
Youko: That's my Hato-chan. I figured you had to pull that off, at least.
Kei: You have no faith in me, do you?
Youko: Yeah, that's how it turned out, after all.
......There's nothing I can say in return.
Youko: So, where are ya? Still on the station bench? Even if it's summer, sleeping outside is tough, ya know.
Kei: Yeah, I went to stay at a hotel.
Youko: It's amazing they let you stay, when you're the very image of a runaway girl...
Kei: I had the station worker-san give me an introduction.
Youko: Ah~, so I'm not the only one affected by the Hato-chan "You Want to Help Her" Aura...
Kei: ......What's that?
Youko: That just means you have a special personality.
I get the feeling she's saying I'm "flaky" in a roundabout way.
Uuu, I'd better get it together.
Youko: Well, it's good you found a hotel.
Kei: Ufufu˜. The food was really good, and the hot spring felt great!
Youko: Uwa-- that voice! Does that mean you're in that pure happy resort mood? A smile ear to ear and sparkling skin?
Kei: Ufufu˜
Youko: ......Well, good for you.
Kei: Yep.
Youko: Well, I'm sorry to intrude on that mood, but...