Saturday morning arrived, and it was already 8:25 a.m. when Yuki stood outside Rai's house, repeatedly pressing the doorbell. At first, she waited for a response—but when none came, she continued pressing it again and again, eventually finding amusement in the annoying rhythm. Inside, Rai was still fast asleep. The relentless ringing finally pulled her out of sleep, irritation immediately flashing across her face. With a groan, she sat up, grabbed her pillow, and made her way toward the window. She pushed it open and, without hesitation, threw the pillow straight at Yuki. "Shut up!" "Ow!" Yuki laughed from below. Rai didn't bother replying. She returned to her bed, lay down, and closed her eyes once more. Buzz. Her phone vibrated. Letting out a tired sigh, Rai reached for it and squinted at the screen. A message. From Kousaki. "…Where did I—" she muttered, pausing for a moment. "…Oh." She remembered. She had given her contact to Kousaki last night. Rai opened the message. Kousaki: Are we still going? She stared at the screen, unsure of what to reply. Before she could decide— BANG! Her bedroom door suddenly swung open. "Don't break my door!" Rai snapped. Yuki stood there, holding the same pillow Rai had thrown earlier. Without hesitation, she tossed it back at her. With a grin, Yuki said, "Come on, get ready. Shoto and Watabe are already waiting at the station. I'll wait for you downstairs—I'm going to ask Suzuki next door if she wants to come." And just like that, she left. Rai caught the pillow and let out a long sigh. Her gaze drifted back to her phone. After a moment, she finally typed her reply. Rai: We'll wait for you at the station. A few seconds later, a reply came. Kousaki: Okie dokie. Rai stared at the message for a brief moment before setting her phone aside and lying back down. Her laziness quickly returned, wrapping around her once again. But it didn't last long. "Rai, hurry up!" Yuki shouted from downstairs. Rai sighed and forced herself to get up. She changed into something light for the day—a sky-blue polo layered over a white T-shirt, paired with shorts and simple slippers. Once she was done, she stepped outside, where Yuki was already waiting. "You're so slow," Yuki said, handing her a small ice cooler. "Here, carry this." Rai looked down at it. "Come on, don't be lazy," Yuki added, tapping her back three times. Then Yuki suddenly looked ahead. "Oh—it's Suzuki!" "Suzukiii!" "Come on, hurry up, Rai." Rai glanced at the bag in her hands, clearly annoyed. "Then you carry this instead." As they walked, Rai's phone buzzed again. She took it out of her pocket and checked the message. Kousaki: Miyo said she can't come. They have somewhere to go as a family. Rai read it silently before slipping her phone back into her pocket. Not long after, they arrived at the station. "Oh, there they are," Watabe said. "Oi! We're here!" Shoto shouted. "There they are," Yuki added. "Ah… um…" Suzuki murmured quietly. Watabe noticed the small ice cooler Rai was carrying. "Let me carry that, Rai." "Yo, Suzuki-chan! How have you been?" Shoto asked. "Um… I'm good…" Suzuki replied softly. "Man, I'm so excited. I couldn't even sleep last night," Shoto said. "Right?" Yuki agreed. Then Yuki glanced at Rai, as if looking for someone. "Rai, what's wrong?" she asked. "…Oh, right—who was it you said you were bringing?" "Bringing?" Watabe and Suzuki echoed. "Who? Who?" Shoto grinned. "Your girlfriend?" "Where is she?" Yuki asked. … Then— A girl came running toward them, slightly out of breath, carrying several things and dressed in a light summer outfit. "She's here," Rai said calmly. "Where?" Yuki asked. Rai raised her hand and waved. The others followed her gaze. The moment Shoto saw who she was waving at, his eyes widened. Kousaki noticed Rai's signal and hurried toward them. When she finally reached the group, she stopped and took a deep breath. "I made it…" Rai handed her a bottle of water. "Thanks," Kousaki said. She then looked at the others. "Um… nice to meet you. I'm Kousaki. Thank you for letting me join you all." "Ohh—you're the one who bumped into Rai before. Ah, wait… Kousaki? You mean you're Kousaki?" Yuki's eyes lit up. "Ehhh??? Your photographs, paintings, and drawings are sooo nice! How do you do all that? Do you have a technique—or maybe a power?" "Ah—uh… technique?" Kousaki stammered. "Mm-hmm! How do you do it? How do you do it?" Yuki leaned closer, excited. "Ahh… um…" Kousaki struggled to answer. Before she could say anything else, Rai grabbed Yuki and pulled her back. "Let me gooo," Yuki complained. "Watabe," he said, offering a small nod. "So you're Rai's other friend? Nice to meet you." "Hello," Kousaki replied politely. "Ah… um… I'm Suzuki…" she said quietly. (Kousaki… so she's the one Rai mentioned before…) "Ah, hello, Suzuki-chan," Kousaki said with a gentle smile. "S-Suzuki…-chan?" Suzuki blinked, slightly surprised. Kousaki simply smiled. "Let go of me already," Yuki insisted. Rai finally released her. "Look at this—now my clothes are all messed up," Yuki complained, brushing herself off. Then her attention shifted. She noticed Shoto. He had gone unusually quiet. Yuki walked over to him and leaned closer, lowering her voice. "What's wrong, Shoto?" she whispered. Shoto didn't answer immediately. "It's…" Yuki raised a brow. "Hmm? It's?" "It's her…" he muttered, his eyes still fixed on Kousaki. "She's the one I always mention." Yuki's expression slowly changed. "…Ohhh. Is that so?" she said, a small, knowing smile forming. "Oh, the train's already here!" Yuki suddenly called out. "Come on—boys, carry all the stuff!" Without waiting, Yuki grabbed Suzuki's hand and headed toward the train. "Ah—w-wait…" Suzuki followed. "Yeah, yeah," Watabe muttered, picking up the bags. "You should help too," Shoto added, though he still seemed distracted. Kousaki gathered her belongings, holding them carefully as she prepared to board. Just as Rai was about to step in, she noticed her. "Give me the other one," Rai said. "Eh? Ah—here. Thanks," Kousaki replied, handing it over. Rai took it and stepped inside. Shoto watched Kousaki as she moved toward the entrance. Just before entering, Kousaki turned back for a moment. Their eyes met. She gave a small wave. Then she stepped inside. Shoto froze— …and slowly turned red. "…Oi." Watabe nudged him from the side. "You're going to miss the train." Shoto snapped out of it. "Ah—right!" He quickly grabbed the remaining bag and hurried inside. After the long ride, they finally arrived.
Inside, the group gathered near the side, holding onto the overhead straps as the train began to move. The gentle motion made the silence feel more noticeable than before.
"Good thing there aren't that many passengers," Yuki said, stretching slightly. "Ahhh, I can't wait. How long before we get there?"
"Um… maybe two hours," Suzuki replied softly.
"Two hours? Boo," Yuki groaned.
Nearby, Rai and Kousaki stood side by side.
Rai glanced at the things Kousaki had brought with her—bags carefully packed, with what looked like art materials inside.
(Art supplies… and… what is that for?) Rai wondered.
"I wish we were already there," Yuki complained again.
"Yuki… you should lower your voice," Suzuki said, glancing around nervously.
But Yuki wasn't paying attention anymore.
Her eyes shifted.
She noticed Shoto.
He had been staring at Kousaki the entire time.
A slow, mischievous smile spread across her face—like she had already thought of something.
Across from them, Shoto sat quietly, his gaze fixed on Kousaki as she looked out the window, watching the scenery pass by.
Watabe noticed.
"You're staring too much," he said.
"Ah—am I?" Shoto replied, quickly looking away.
"You are."
Shoto scratched the back of his neck. "…I didn't mean to."
Watabe glanced toward Yuki, noticing her expression.
(What's with that smile…?) he thought.
Yuki, meanwhile, was clearly planning something.
Time passed slowly.
The sound of the train tracks filled the space as the scenery outside shifted from buildings to open stretches of land.
Conversations faded in and out, replaced by the steady rhythm of travel.
Two hours later—
The train finally began to slow down.
"We're here!" Yuki suddenly said, her energy instantly returning.
Suzuki looked out the window. "Ah… we've arrived…"
The train came to a complete stop.
The doors slid open.
"Let's go!" Yuki said, already moving.
"Wait—don't rush," Watabe called out as he picked up their things.
Shoto stood up, glancing once more at Kousaki.
Rai stepped out first, followed by Kousaki.
As Kousaki carefully made her way down—
her foot slightly slipped on the step.
"Ah—!"
Before she could lose her balance—
Rai grabbed her wrist.
"…Careful," Rai said.
Kousaki blinked, surprised.
"…Thanks."
Rai let go almost immediately.
"…Watch your step."
Kousaki gave a small nod.
"…Okay."
"Over here!" Yuki called out, already picking a good spot near the river. Suzuki began taking out their things beside her, carefully arranging them on the ground. Meanwhile, Watabe and Shoto carried the heavier items, walking toward them. Not far behind, Rai and Kousaki followed at a steady pace. They started preparing for the barbecue. The small ice cooler Yuki had made Rai carry earlier was filled with soft drinks, now placed neatly beside their setup. "Ahh, I forgot my sunscreen," Yuki said. "Suzuki, do you have any?" "Ah, wait… let me check…" Suzuki searched through her bag. "…None…" "Ah, here," Kousaki said, offering hers. "You can use mine." "Yay! Thanks, Kou-chan!" Nearby, Shoto was already starting the grill, carefully lighting the fire, while Watabe sliced the meat. "Hey, Yuki, come help us too," Shoto called. "Why me?" Yuki complained. "I'll chop the other ingredients," Kousaki offered. "I—I'll help too," Suzuki added. Then Yuki glanced toward Rai. She was lying on the side, completely relaxed, reading manga. "…Hey, Rai. Help out too." No response. Yuki walked over to her. "I said help." Still nothing. So she pinched her ear. "OW—ow, ow, ow!" Yuki let go. Rai sat up slightly, frowning. "What?" "Oh—did you already put sunscreen?" "Huh?" Without waiting, Yuki grabbed Kousaki's sunscreen and started applying it to Rai's face. "Oi—!" "Stay still." "Hey, don't start a fight," Watabe called from the grill. Meanwhile, Kousaki and Suzuki continued chopping ingredients. Kousaki glanced toward Rai and Yuki. "They're really close, aren't they?" she said softly. Suzuki paused for a moment. "Eh? Ah… um… yeah," she nodded. "They've always been like that since we were kids." Kousaki looked at them again. Rai, clearly annoyed—but not pulling away. Yuki, loud and carefree as ever. There was something natural between them. Something warm. "…I see," Kousaki murmured, a faint smile forming as she returned her attention to the ingredients. Moments later… "Ahh… I'm done…" Kousaki stretched lightly. "…I'll be going for a bit." Suzuki blinked. "Eh? Going? Where are you going?" "Just over there," Kousaki said, pointing toward a quieter spot near the river. "I'm going to paint." "…Ahh," Suzuki nodded slowly. "So that's why you brought a lot of things…" Kousaki smiled. "Awesome, right?" "Ah… um… yeah…" "Then… I'll leave the rest to you guys." "O-Okay… sure…" Kousaki stood up and called out to Yuki, who was busy skewering meat. "Yuki-san—" "Oh? Kou-cham, are you done?" Yuki asked, glancing up. "Um… is it okay if I go over there?" Kousaki pointed again. Yuki followed her gaze. "Why?" "I'm just going to paint," Kousaki said with a small laugh. Yuki grinned. "For real? Sure, go ahead. We'll handle things here." "Really? Thank you, Yuki-san." "Mm-hmm." Then kousaki stared at rai whos laying down while reading manga. Kousaki picked up her art supplies and carefully made her way toward the quieter area by the river. As she walked away, Watabe—who had just finished his task—approached Yuki, watching Kousaki from afar as she started setting up her materials. "What's Kousaki-san doing?" Watabe asked. "Painting," Yuki replied casually. "Painting, huh…" "Mm. Haven't you seen her works in the art room?" Yuki asked. "No." Yuki turned to Shoto. "Hey, Shoto—tell Watabe how beautiful Kou-chan work is." "Me?" Shoto scratched his cheek, glancing toward Kousaki. "…Man… you know… when you look at it, it feels like you're staring at one of the most beautiful artworks in a museum." Yuki smirked. "Right?" Watabe nodded slowly. "Hmm… she must be really talented." Then— Yuki suddenly smiled. Not just a normal smile. A dangerous one. Watabe narrowed his eyes. "What was that?" Yuki leaned closer to Shoto. "Shoto," she whispered, "go talk her." "Eh?! Me? No, no, no—no way!" Shoto shook his head immediately. "Ehh~ this is your chance," Yuki teased. "Your chance, you hear that?" "Chance…?" Shoto paused. He looked toward Kousaki. She was already setting up her canvas, her hair gently moving with the breeze. "…You're right…" he muttered. Then he froze again. "…But I'm shy." Yuki smirked wider. "Come on… a real man never backs down from a chance like this." "W-What does that even mean?!" Shoto whispered loudly. "Go," Yuki nudged him forward. "Before someone else does." "There's no one else!" Shoto panicked. "Exactly." Watabe sighed from the side. "…You're being played." "I KNOW!" Shoto whispered back. Yuki crossed her arms. "So? Are you going or not?" Shoto hesitated. Then took a deep breath. "…Fine." "Ohhh~" Yuki grinned. With stiff steps, Shoto began walking toward Kousaki. Each step felt heavier than the last. Behind him— Yuki clasped her hands together, clearly entertained. "This is getting interesting…" Watabe shook his head. "…You're scary."
Kousaki carefully placed her canvas on the stand, adjusting it until it felt just right,and she open the bag of her camera and put down at her side,then kinuha niya yung pag stand ng phone at niready na niya pang live.The soft sound of the river flowed nearby, mixing with the gentle rustling of leaves.
"…This should be good," she murmured. She opened her paint box, arranging her brushes and colors with quiet focus. Then— "…Um." She paused. Footsteps. Kousaki turned slightly. "Ah...Shoto right?" Shoto froze for a second after being noticed. "Y-Yeah… it's me," he said, scratching the back of his head. "…Um… what's up?" Kousaki tilted her head slightly. "Did you need something?" "Ah—no! I mean—yes—no, not really—uh…" Shoto stumbled over his words. Kousaki blinked. Then— She smiled softly. "…You don't have to force yourself, you know." "Eh?" "You look nervous," she said gently. "…I am," Shoto admitted honestly. That made her let out a small laugh. "Why?" "…Because it's you." Kousaki paused for a moment. "…Me?" Shoto looked away, embarrassed. "I mean—uh—you're… you know… amazing and all that…" "…Amazing?" Kousaki repeated quietly. "Y-Yeah! Your art and stuff—I've seen it before," he said, a bit more confidently now. "It's… really beautiful." Kousaki looked down slightly. "…Thank you."
There was a small pause. The kind that wasn't awkward— Just… calm.
Kousaki dipped her brush into paint and began.
Shoto sat nearby, a bit stiff at first. He watched her, focused and completely absorbed in her work. Then he noticed the phone positioned in front of her. (She's doing a live… maybe I interrupted her…) he thought. "Um… I should head back now…" Shoto said quietly. But Kousaki was too focused—she didn't hear him at all. (Ah… she's really into it… I'll just go…) Shoto stood up and walked back. "—So?" Yuki asked immediately. "What did you talk about?" "Yuki…" Watabe sighed. "Ah… well…" Shoto scratched his head awkwardly. After a moment, he explained everything. "Ehhh??? That's it?" Yuki groaned. "Boooring." "Eh??" Shoto reacted. "Yukiiii…" Watabe complained. Suzuki let out a small laugh. "Come on, let's start grilling already," Watabe added. Yuki then looked at Rai. "Rai, come help here." Rai sighed. She slowly put down the manga she was reading and stood up. "Good girl," Yuki teased. "Don't treat her like a pet," Watabe said. "Ah… here… the sauce…" Suzuki offered. "Thanks," Rai replied. Shoto glanced toward Kousaki, who was still painting. Yuki noticed. "Shoto," she said, "grill something for Kou-chan too and bring it to her." "Here we go again…" Watabe muttered. "Just be quiet," Yuki shot back. "I want to… but…" Shoto hesitated. "But?" Yuki raised a brow. "…I might disturb her…" "What kind of excuse is that?" Yuki said. Shoto looked down. Then— Rai quietly grabbed a cola from the small ice cooler. She also took one of Yuki's freshly grilled barbecue sticks and started eating it. "Raiii—that's mine!" Yuki complained. Rai ignored her. She picked up her own portion of grilled barbecue, placed it neatly on a paper plate, then started walking away. "Oi! Replace that! Where are you going?" Yuki shouted. Rai didn't answer. She just kept walking— toward Kousaki. "Hey—you'll disturb her!" Shoto called out. "Let her," Watabe said. Suzuki smiled softly. When Rai reached Kousaki— She simply stood beside her, casually eating her barbecue. She held another stick of barbecue and a bottle of cola tucked under her arm. Kousaki noticed her. "Ah… Rai? What are you doing here?" Rai didn't answer. She just extended her hand. "Here." Kousaki blinked. "…Ah… thank you." She took the barbecue and cola. Then she took a bite. "…Mmm… it's really good." While Kousaki was eating, Rai glanced at her painting. Without realizing it— Rai was also being seen on the live stream. Suddenly— Notifications started flooding in. Ping. Ping. Ping. Rai noticed the sound and looked toward the phone. She stepped closer. Then— she realized. "Ah" Kousaki quickly stood up. "Huh—why are there so many—" She looked at the screen. Comments flooded in: "Whooo is that??" "Foreigner?" "Is that a girl or a guy?" "sooo handsome…" "Is that your girlfriend or boyfriend??" "MINEEEE " Kousaki's eyes widened. She immediately turned off the live. Rai stepped closer. "Was that a live?" Kousaki turned to her— —and realized how close they were. Too close. Rai's face was right in front of hers. Kousaki's face instantly turned red. Without thinking— she pushed Rai. "Ah—!" Rai lost her balance— —and fell into the river. SPLASH. "AHHHH—SORRY RAI!! I DIDN'T MEAN TO—SORRY—SORRY—AH—Rai?? Rai?! Yabai—!" Kousaki panicked. Then— Rai emerged from the water. Kousaki froze. "Ahh… thank goodness…" Rai brushed her wet hair back, water dripping from her face. Kousaki swallowed. For a moment— she couldn't look away. Kousaki reached out her hand. "Here—let me help you—" Rai grabbed it. But instead of pulling herself up— she pulled Kousaki down. "Ahhh—wait—!" SPLASH.
The river rippled violently for a moment before settling into gentle waves again. For a few seconds, everything went quiet. Then— "Rai!! Kou-chan!!" Yuki's voice echoed across the riverside. Watabe dropped what he was holding. "Seriously…?" Shoto ran a step forward. "They fell in?!" Suzuki panicked and waved her hands. "Ah—what do we do?!" From the water, two heads slowly rose. Rai pushed her wet hair back, expression completely unreadable as always. Water dripped from her sleeves and face as if nothing unusual had happened.
"…It's cold," she said flatly. Kousaki surfaced beside her, shivering slightly. "Waaah… it's so cold…" Then she turned sharply toward Rai. She swam closer and grabbed her shoulders. "Y-you…! You pulled me down, you dummy!" Rai blinked once. "…That's payback." Kousaki froze. Then her frustration melted. Instead, she smiled—and suddenly laughed. "…You're unbelievable." Splash. She scooped water with her hands and splashed Rai. "Hey—stop it." Rai turned her face away slightly, but there was no real anger in her voice. The tension dissolved into something lighter… almost playful. At that moment, footsteps rushed closer. Yuki, Watabe, Shoto, and Suzuki finally arrived at the riverbank. Shoto leaned forward, worried. "Are you two alright?!" Yuki stared at them blankly. "…Ahh, they're bathing already? Unfair." Watabe let out a breath of relief, then laughed. "Hah… I was worried for nothing." Suzuki giggled softly. "They look kind of… fine?" Rai and Kousaki remained in the water, both soaked, both staring at each other for a moment longer. Then kousaki splashed rai again. Yuki and Suzuki jumped into the shallow part of the river, laughing as they joined in the splashing. Watabe and Shoto stayed by the riverbank, watching the chaos unfold, half-exasperated and half-amused. "Hey, hey—stop splashing so much!" Watabe called out, though he wasn't really stopping them. Yuki laughed loudly. "Come on, Watabe! You're no fun!" Suzuki giggled as she gently splashed water with her hands, clearly enjoying herself more than usual. Meanwhile, in the middle of the river, Rai and Kousaki were still at it—splashing each other without holding back. "Hey—stop that," Rai said flatly, turning her face away as water hit her again. Kousaki only smiled, clearly not stopping at all. "Make me." Another splash. Rai blinked once… then quietly retaliated. The water rippled between them as their small fight slowly turned lighter, more playful than anything else. On the riverbank, Shoto stood still. His gaze was fixed on them. Rai and Kousaki. Laughing. Splashed. Close. He didn't even notice his hands tightening slightly at his sides. His chest felt… heavy. "…Ah…" Shoto lowered his eyes for a moment, then looked away. But it didn't help. No matter where he looked, the image stayed in his mind. Rai and Kousaki, still splashing each other like nothing else mattered. And for some reason— his heart tightened even more.