After Kota's dramatic battle with the fish (which he lost spectacularly), he and Max made their way back to the campsite. The tent was already set up, and the campfire crackled warmly, casting flickering shadows on the ground.
Kota plopped down onto the log near the fire, exhausted. "I swear, that fish was out for blood."
Max chuckled as he skewered the fish they had managed to catch. "Maybe it heard about your quiz scores and wanted revenge."
Kota groaned. "Are you ever gonna let that go?"
Max smirked. "10/20, Kota. That's all I have to say."
Kota crossed his arms, mumbling, "You'd think I failed or something."
As the fish cooked over the fire, the delicious aroma filled the air. Kota's stomach growled. He watched as Max turned the skewers, the crispy skin crackling as the flames licked at them.
"Smells good," Kota said, sniffing the air.
Max nodded. "Nothing beats fresh fish cooked over a campfire."
Kota leaned back, staring at the fire. "So, what now? We just eat and sleep?"
Max sat down beside him. "Yup. But first..." He gave Kota a sideways glance. "Let's talk about Ayumi."
Kota blinked. "What about her?"
Max grinned. "You two seem close."
Kota waved his hand dismissively. "Eh, she was annoying at first. Bossy, loud, kind of a know-it-all."
Max smirked. "Sounds like someone I know."
Kota shot him a glare. "Ha-ha. Very funny." He sighed. "But... after getting to know her, she's actually pretty nice. A bit stubborn, but a good friend. She's got a lot of admirers too."
Max wiggled his eyebrows. "Including you?"
Kota, unfazed, replied calmly, "I like her as a friend. For now."
Max squinted at him. "For now?"
Kota rolled his eyes. "I mean, yeah, she's beautiful and attractive, but it's not on the same level as the other boys in my class. They're all head over heels, writing poetry and blushing like crazy."
Max nodded. "Ah, I see. So you're saying you like boys then."
Kota choked on his own spit. "WHA—?! NO!"
Max burst out laughing.
Kota pointed at him. "You know that's not what I meant!"
Max wiped a fake tear from his eye. "So what do you mean?"
Kota huffed. "I mean... I don't feel that kind of affection yet! I like her as a friend, nothing more!"
Max smirked. "Yet?"
Kota groaned, covering his face. "I hate you."
Max grinned, taking the perfectly roasted fish off the fire and handing one to Kota. "Eat up, lover boy."
Kota muttered under his breath as he took a bite. But the moment the smoky, crispy fish hit his taste buds, he forgot all his grievances. "Oh wow. This is good."
Max smiled. "Told you. Nothing beats campfire fish."
They ate in comfortable silence, enjoying the peaceful night. After finishing their meal, Max and Kota lay on the grass, staring up at the clear night sky. The stars were scattered across the heavens like glittering diamonds.
Kota exhaled. "Man... this is kinda nice."
Max hummed in agreement. "Told you camping isn't so bad."
Kota turned his head slightly. "Hey, Dad?"
"Yeah?"
"...Where's Noriko?"
Max's body tensed. He turned his head toward Kota, surprised. "Why are you asking about her?"
Kota shrugged. "I don't know. I just remember seeing pictures of her. And when I look at them... I feel like I kind of remember her. Like, I have these tiny little memories of us with her."
Max let out a slow breath. "Huh. That's impressive. You were just a baby when she left."
Kota turned back to the sky. "So... what happened?"
Max was silent for a moment before he finally spoke. "She left us. Suddenly. No warning, no goodbye."
Kota frowned. "Why?"
Max sighed. "She left a note. It said she didn't want to come back."
Kota turned his head again, watching his dad's expression. The usually laid-back Max looked different. His face was calm, but his eyes—his eyes held something deep. A sadness Kota had never really seen before.
A single tear slipped down Max's cheek. He quickly wiped it away, exhaling sharply. "It's fine. We moved on."
Kota sat up. "You sure about that?"
Max forced a chuckle. "Yeah. Besides, we got each other, right?"
Kota grinned. "That's true. And honestly, I don't even need Noriko. I already have a parent who's barely holding it together."
Max rolled his eyes. "Thanks, kid."
Kota smirked. "I mean, come on, Dad. You can't even roast fish without nearly setting your sleeve on fire."
"That was one time—"
"And let's not forget today's majestic tire incident."
Max groaned. "Oh, shut up."
Kota grinned wider. "And don't get me started on your fashion sense. You wore socks with sandals once."
Max pointed at him. "You promised never to bring that up again."
Kota cackled. "I lied!"
Max shook his head, laughing. "You little gremlin."
Kota leaned back on the grass again. "Hey, I just saved you from an emotional breakdown. You should be thanking me."
Max exhaled, staring at the sky. "Yeah... I guess you did."
They lay there in silence for a while, watching the stars twinkle above them.
"...Hey, Dad?"
"Yeah?"
"...I'm still mad about the 10/20 thing."
Max laughed. "Get over it."
Kota grumbled, but as the cool night breeze brushed against his skin, he realized something.
Even if things weren't perfect, even if some people left and some questions remained unanswered—this moment, right now, was enough.
CHAPTER END 🫠