Chapter 43 : The Pic
Jin Yuan finally found his picture, and right beside him Emily found hers too.
Emily: "Huh… we finally found them."
Jin Yuan simply nodded and began walking down the mountain in silence.
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Meanwhile, at the bottom:
Musukoni: "This is so easy… They're taking forever."
He smirked to himself, arms crossed proudly.
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On the other side, Yuzurei was losing his patience completely.
Yuzurei: "AHH!!! WHERE ARE THESE DAMN PICS!?"
Beside him, Shinoki quietly raised her hand, holding her own picture.
Shinoki: "Um… Yuzurei, I—I found mine…"
Yuzurei's eyes widened. In a flash he appeared right beside her—his face chibi, serious, and hilarious at the same time.
Yuzurei: "HUH!? WHY CAN'T I FIND MINE!?"
Shinoki blushed intensely as he got close. Her cheeks turned bright red.
Shinoki: "Um… if you don't mind… I can help you…"
Yuzurei: "Huh? I don't need your help!"
Shinoki: "…O-okay…"
Her blush deepened.
Yuzurei climbed a tree with monkey-like ease, scanned the area, and still found nothing.
After a while, Shinoki began walking down the mountain alone. Yuzurei suddenly sprinted after her from behind.
Yuzurei: "You… help me. I can't find that damn pic."
He said while panting heavily.
Shinoki's heart skipped a beat as she looked at him, her face growing even redder.
Shinoki: "O-okay! I'll help you."
Together, they started searching again.
A few minutes later—
Shinoki: "I found your picture!"
Yuzurei immediately ran to her.
Yuzurei: "YES! Thank you! …Umm? Huh?"
He tapped his chin, thinking hard.
Then he grabbed his head with both hands, frustrated.
Yuzurei: "Ummm… what's your name again!? I forgot!"
Shinoki nearly melted on the spot.
Shinoki: "I-It's Aria Shinoki… You can call me Shinoki…"
Yuzurei: "Oh! Okay, Shinoki. Thanks for finding my pic."
The two of them started walking down the mountain together—
one calm and shy,
the other annoyed and clueless,
both unknowingly getting closer.