Eadlyn had spent the previous evening wandering through the mall, double-checking every item on his list. Tents—check. Extra ropes—check. Hiking shoes—check. Portable lantern—check. Water bottles, first-aid kit, snacks, and a few extra things he wasn't sure he'd need—but bought anyway, because he preferred being overprepared than caught off-guard.
By morning, everything was neatly arranged in his travel bag. He stepped out of the house with a confident stride, excitement buzzing beneath his calm exterior. For someone who'd never gone camping or mountain climbing before, his anticipation was obvious.
At the station, Ken, Manami, and Rin were already gathered.
"Morning!" Ken waved, holding a bag of snacks.
Manami smiled brightly. "You packed a lot. First time camping?"
"Yeah," Eadlyn admitted, scratching his cheek. "Feels like a mini adventure."
Rin, arms crossed, raised an eyebrow. "Don't slow us down."
Her tone was stern, but the faint smirk that followed betrayed her usual tsundere calmness. Eadlyn chuckled. "I'll try."
Their destination was only two stations away. The train ride was short, filled with chatter and Rin distributing crackers she'd brought. Ken and Manami teased each other over who could carry more bags, and Eadlyn soaked in the easy camaraderie, grateful for the new warmth in his life.
The Mountain Path
When they exited the station, the air felt fresher. The base of the mountain stood ahead, lined with tall trees and a gentle trail that wound upward. They split the load—Rin and Manami carried some of the barbecue items, while Eadlyn and Ken took the tent supplies.
At first, the climb seemed manageable. Birds chirped overhead, and sunlight filtered through leaves in dazzling patterns. But soon, the girls slowed, breaths growing uneven. Eadlyn paused and turned around.
"Want a break?" he suggested.
Manami nodded immediately. "Please."
Ken laughed. "City girls."
After a few minutes, they resumed and eventually reached a wide clearing—the designated star-gazing spot they planned to return to at night. For now, it served as their lunch area.
Manami and Rin set out the ingredients while Eadlyn helped arrange the portable table. Ken scouted for dry firewood nearby. The teamwork flowed naturally, each step smooth and comfortable.
"Feels like we've known each other longer," Manami remarked as she sliced vegetables.
"Well," Ken shrugged, "shared suffering builds bonds."
"Who's suffering?" Rin muttered, though her cheeks were slightly flushed.
After lunch, they packed up and moved toward their next destination: the waterfall.
The Waterfall's Welcome
The path to the waterfall was shorter, and soon they heard the sound of crashing water. When they reached it, the view stole their breath—a modest but beautiful cascade tumbling into a shallow pool that sparkled under sunlight.
"Wow…" Eadlyn whispered.
Ken grinned. "Told you it was worth the climb."
They split up to change: girls to one side, boys to the other. When they returned, the air shifted—Rin in a sporty swimsuit, posture strong; Manami in a modest yet flattering outfit that matched her calm personality.
Eadlyn's ears warmed.
Manami chuckled. Rin rolled her eyes.
"Don't drown," she said bluntly.
That turned out to be a real concern—Eadlyn didn't know how to swim.
Rin, being from the swimming club, noticed immediately. "Follow me," she instructed. She guided him into the shallows, teaching him step by step. Her sternness softened in the water, replaced by patience he didn't expect. Soon, he floated, moved, struggled, then finally managed small strokes.
"You learn fast," Rin admitted, almost reluctantly.
"Good teacher," he replied.
Rin looked away quickly, hiding a tiny smile.
The Water Games
Once Eadlyn got comfortable, the fun began. They played water volleyball, splashed each other, and laughed at Ken's dramatic falls. The carefree energy felt like the essence of youth.
Then Ken suggested a race.
"Loser gets one request from the winner!"
Rin accepted instantly. Manami nodded. Eadlyn sighed. "Great. I'm doomed."
And he was right.
Rin shot forward like a torpedo. Manami stayed close behind. Ken pushed steadily. Eadlyn flailed.
Rin finished first, Manami second, Ken third, and Eadlyn—very last.
Rin smirked.
"Looks like I get to choose something interesting."
Eadlyn groaned.
"Here we go."
But he couldn't deny it—the day already felt unforgettable.