Chapter 59: The Trip Begins A Breath Between Storms
The soft hiss of the train echoed through the crisp morning air as the group stood on the platform, backpacks slung over shoulders, snacks in hand, and excitement dancing in their eyes. For once, there were no textbooks, no cold gazes, no secrets — just friends on the edge of an adventure.
"Everyone got their stuff?" Aiko called out as the train came into view.
"Yup!" Yuuji raised both hands. "Snacks, charger, and spare underwear — all set."
"You didn't pack clothes?" Himari raised a brow.
"I said spare underwear. That counts," he grinned.
Laughter broke out around the group, and even Rika cracked a small smile as she leaned against her suitcase.
Naoto stood beside her, hands in his jacket pockets. "You okay?"
She looked at him. "I'm nervous. But… good nervous."
"Yeah. Me too."
The train doors slid open, and with one final glance at the city behind them, they stepped aboard.
---
On the train
The inside was spacious and warm. The rhythmic rumble beneath their feet created a soothing background hum as the countryside began to stretch out beyond the windows.
Naoto sat beside Rika, across from Himari and Souta. Aiko, Haruto, and Yuuji were further down, already playing some loud card game.
"Rika," Himari said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's been a while since I've seen you relaxed."
Rika gave her a tired but genuine smile. "Maybe I'm finally learning."
Souta looked between the two girls. "Are you two friends now?"
"Getting there," Rika replied before Himari could answer. "Slowly. But maybe… that's better."
Naoto said nothing, but a warmth built in his chest.
Time was moving. And with it, healing.
---
At the ryokan
The old inn nestled between green hills and misty woods looked like something from a historical drama — wooden walls, lanterns glowing softly, tatami mats in every room. The owner, Souta's uncle, greeted them warmly and showed them to two large rooms — one for the boys, one for the girls.
"Dinner is at six," the uncle said. "And we've prepared the outdoor bath. You'll find it relaxing."
As they unpacked, Aiko threw herself onto the futon. "This is heaven. I'm never going home."
"Careful," Rika said with mock concern. "You'll turn into one of the forest spirits."
"I am a forest spirit. A spirit of snacks and naps."
The others burst out laughing.
---
Later that evening
Dinner was a feast — grilled fish, miso soup, mountain vegetables, and sweet tamagoyaki. The warm light and soft laughter gave the room a golden glow, and Naoto found himself watching everyone with quiet awe.
This—this was what he'd always longed for.
A home that wasn't a place but a feeling.
Afterward, the group split — some went to explore the garden paths, while Naoto stayed behind to help clear the dishes. Rika joined him, and together they brought trays to the kitchen.
"Thank you," she said once they were alone.
He looked at her. "For what?"
"For not giving up on me."
Naoto hesitated. "There were times I wanted to. Not because I hated you, but because I didn't think you wanted me to try."
"I didn't," she whispered. "But I was scared. Not of you — of needing you."
He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "We're not perfect, Rika. But I'm not leaving."
She didn't say anything.
But she didn't pull away.
---
Nighttime — the open-air bath
Steam rose into the night air as stars shimmered above. Naoto sat alone for a while, soaking in the warmth, eyes closed, thoughts drifting.
Then he heard footsteps. Opening one eye, he turned to see Himari sitting on a bench nearby, a towel around her shoulders.
"No peeking," she teased.
"Wouldn't dream of it."
She laughed quietly, then grew still. "You looked peaceful."
"I feel peaceful."
"But?"
He opened both eyes. "There's always a 'but,' isn't there?"
She nodded. "You still haven't told her about us. About everything."
"I know. I will. When the time is right."
She didn't press him further.
Instead, she sat beside him — not in the water, just close enough to feel the same air.
"I'll wait," she said softly.
He turned to her. "You shouldn't have to."
"But I want to. That's the difference."
---
Later that night
The boys' room was dark, but whispers floated through.
"…You think he'll end up with Rika?" Yuuji's voice.
"Hard to say," Haruto answered. "They've got a weird bond. But there's something else too. Something… deeper with that Himari girl."
Naoto lay on his futon, facing the ceiling.
He didn't respond.
He didn't know how to.
---
Elsewhere…
The same figure from before—the one in the dim room—stood now before a wide field under moonlight.
He clutched a photo. One of Himari, Naoto, and a third person, her face torn from the image.
"They forgot her," he whispered, voice brittle. "But I didn't."
Behind him, strange ruins stood half-buried in the grass—ancient, forgotten, humming with faint energy.
He smiled.
Soon, they would remember.
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