Morning arrived gently, not with an alarm but with the soft rustle of leaves and the distant flow of the waterfall. Surprisingly, Eadlyn was the first to awaken. He stretched quietly, slipping out of the tent while Ken snored like he was wrestling a bear.
The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of dew and moss. Eadlyn made his way toward the waterfall to freshen up. The water was cold enough to jolt his senses awake, but refreshing in a way only nature could offer. As he walked back, he saw the others emerging one by one.
"Morning," Manami greeted sleepily, her hair messy in a way that somehow didn't ruin her elegance.
Rin, already fully awake, nodded. "We should get ready early. The climbing spot is further than the waterfall."
Ken stumbled out last, yawning loudly. "I think something bit me in my dreams."
Breakfast was simple but energizing—onigiri, tea, and the leftover grilled veggies from last night. After packing their tents and securing their trash, they began their hike toward the rock-climbing site.
The Climb
The path was longer and steeper compared to their previous trails. Sunlight filtered through the trees, creating shifting patterns on the forest floor. After a while, they reached a clearing where a low cliff stood—nothing too extreme, but high enough to be intimidating for beginners.
Ken unpacked his climbing gear, his expression turning serious for once.
"Listen up. Safety first," he said firmly. "If the ropes are secure, there's no chance of accidents."
This was a side of Ken they rarely saw—focused, confident, almost authoritative. It made the others trust him instantly.
He climbed first, moving with surprising grace. For someone usually playful, Ken's technique was disciplined, each step planned and steady. At the top, he secured the ropes and called out, "Next!"
Rin stepped forward, tightening her gloves. Her movements were sharp and disciplined, just like her personality. Every foothold was precise. Every grip was steady. She reached the top without hesitation.
Manami followed. Although she was from the track club and had stamina, climbing demanded a different kind of strength. Halfway up, her arms trembled, but she pushed through, jaw set in determination. Rin cheered her quietly from above.
Finally, it was Eadlyn's turn.
The Moment of Fear
At first, the climb seemed manageable. His height gave him an advantage, and the ropes offered reassurance. But halfway through, doubt crept in. The ground looked far. His pulse quickened.
Don't look down, idiot. Just trust the rope.
He steadied his breathing and continued. But then—his foot slipped.
His body lurched.
The rope tightened violently, catching him, scraping his arm and leg as he swung against the rocks.
"Eadlyn!" Manami shouted from above, panic breaking through her usually gentle tone.
"It's okay!" he called back, more to convince himself than them.
Ken instructed calmly from below, "Adjust your footing—don't freeze!"
Eadlyn closed his eyes, found the next solid grip, and forced himself upward. When he finally reached the top, Rin extended a hand, Manami right beside her.
The relief was palpable.
"You okay?" Manami asked, pulling out the emergency kit instantly.
"Yeah… just a scratch," he said, though his heart still raced.
Manami bandaged him with practiced gentleness while Rin hovered nearby, her stern expression betraying her worry.
Ken climbed up the side path and joined them. "Good job surviving, hero."
Eadlyn laughed shakily. "Thanks for the faith."
A Memory to Keep
They snapped photos together—smiles bright, laughter unfiltered. Despite the scare, the moment felt triumphant.
On their way back, the atmosphere grew lighter. The waterfall visit, the fun races, the stargazing, and now the climb—they had built memories that would last beyond the summer.
After a long hike, they finally reached the station. One by one, they exchanged goodbyes—each heading in a different direction.
Eadlyn walked alone through the quiet evening streets.
He had no idea the day would take one more unexpected turn.
Ahead, three adult men surrounded a girl. She looked about his age—pretty, but clearly distressed. The men ignored her discomfort, closing in with persistent insistence.
Without hesitation, Eadlyn stepped forward.
"Hey," he said sharply. "She's my girlfriend. We're leaving."
The girl's eyes widened as he grabbed her hand.
The men hesitated—they were too close to the police station to risk trouble—and backed away.
Eadlyn led her quickly down the street until the danger slipped behind them.
Only then did he let go.
She stared at him—eyes wide, breath uneven.
And just like that… fate introduced Nino.