The next day, early in the morning, Akira crawled out of his sleeping bag, changed into his daytime clothes, and slowly walked out of the tent.
The sky still looked dark and gloomy, but the vast, boundless starry sky was gradually fading. A faint hint of dawn appeared on the horizon, illuminating the dew on the tree branches, making them sparkle.
Although not all areas of the camping mountain were flat, it was still a great place for exercise.
Akira stretched his body, warmed up, and then left the campsite. Before leaving, he didn't forget to leave a note for Wakana and Kouki explaining his whereabouts.
Starting slowly, Akira adapted to the new running environment. Before long, a fit figure could be seen running through the mountain wilderness.
In the densely wooded mountains, Akira traversed countless grassy patches and shrubs, leaped over fallen trees, leaving his footprints in this mountainous forest. Those solid footprints seemed difficult to erase once imprinted, as if one could feel the seriousness and perseverance of their owner just by looking at them.
The morning sunlight fell, spilling onto Akira's face. The morning mist also began to dissipate, making the view more expansive. Breathing heavily, Akira gradually slowed his running pace to a stop, leaning on his knees as he caught his breath.
Akira looked up. Not far away, the sun was slowly rising from behind the mountain, glowing with a golden light. The cool morning breeze lifted his hair, and a thought suddenly surfaced in his mind.
"It would have been nice if I could have watched this with Sajuna."
Although Sajuna wasn't there, Akira didn't feel much regret in his heart, because there would always be time to do romantic things with Sajuna.
Rather, he was more concerned about whether they could do all the romantic things in the world within their limited time together.
Akira couldn't help but smile. After watching the sun rise, he turned and headed back the way he came.
When he returned to the campsite, as expected, everyone was already up and able to prepare breakfast.
"Akira-kun is back."
"Mm."
"Inui-san and Kitagawa-san are preparing breakfast."
Kouki said. Akira hurried over to help. After all, while Sajuna's cooking skills were trustworthy, adding Marin into the mix made him uncertain.
Walking over, he took over the breakfast-making task. After Akira finished making breakfast, the group ate and chatted about their plans for the day.
"Does everyone have any places they want to visit next?"
Akira took a sip of porridge and asked curiously. He hadn't inquired about his friends' detailed plans either.
"We're not very familiar with the countryside either, but we can ask Grandpa Akira."
Nowa said thoughtfully.
Kouki nodded. After all, they hadn't spent much time in the countryside. Finding places to have fun on their own definitely wouldn't be as convenient as getting recommendations from Grandpa Akira.
After finishing the meal, the group played for half a day more, then began packing up the things at the campsite. After stuffing everything into their backpacks, they prepared to head down the mountain and return to Aizawa Masato's house.
"Little Shu is back."
When they arrived home, Aizawa Masato was lying on a chair in the yard sunbathing. Seeing the group walk in carrying their backpacks, he got up from the chair and helped them unload the things from their bags.
It seems life in the countryside isn't as hard as I imagined, Akira thought to himself.
"Sajuna-chan, did you enjoy the camping trip yesterday?"
Aizawa Masato continued his actions without stopping, turning his head to ask Sajuna.
"I had a great time. Thank you for your concern, Grandpa."
Sajuna nodded.
Aizawa Masato nodded.
After finishing up, everyone returned to their rooms to shower. Having spent a night up the mountain, everyone wanted to take a bath as soon as they got back.
This was especially true for Akira, who had sweated from running. After coming out, he picked up his clothes and threw them into the laundry basket, waiting to wash them all together later.
Not long after, Sajuna also hurried out of her room, having changed into fresh clothes. She looked full of energy, yet still carried the innocence of a young girl.
Sajuna quickly took two steps towards Akira. As she got closer, she walked over step by step with her hands clasped behind her back, appearing reserved. Under Akira's gaze, she buried herself in his embrace.
Akira reached out and took hold of Sajuna's hands, which were clutching the sides of his clothes. He slowly pried apart her fingers, which were pressed together and unsure where to rest, and interlaced his own fingers with hers.
"Sajuna."
"Mm."
Sajuna lifted her face to look at the cheeks of the boy who made her heart flutter. She always felt his charm was even greater after a shower. The refreshing scent of the boy struck her heartstrings, making her emotions stir uncontrollably.
Even though they had been together for a long time now... Sajuna pressed her cheek against Akira's chest.
"How are you getting along with Kitagawa and the others? Do you want me to arrange a separate room for you?"
"It's... it's okay..."
Sajuna finished speaking, then lifted her face again, looking at Akira with a suspicious expression.
"Aki-Kun, you're not thinking of doing something bad, are you?"
Then her face began to flush. She closed her eyes and nestled back against Akira's chest.
"If you want to do something bad... then I can't let Aki-Kun suc... succeed..."
Akira felt that Sajuna's true intention was to let him have his way, but she couldn't overcome the shyness in her heart.
"If Sajuna thinks that way, then I do feel like doing something bad."
He reached out and hugged Sajuna, slipping his hand under her clothes to touch her abdomen. His fingertips gently brushed over Sajuna's delicate skin, then traced a circle, following the graceful curve of her waist, slowly reaching her back.
"Aki-Kun..."
Sajuna murmured, burying her head deeper. Akira could even see the pink flush on her neck, clearly sensitive and shy from the sensation of his fingertips.
Akira's hand climbed upward, slowly reaching Sajuna's arm, then turned and ventured towards uncharted territory.
Sajuna clearly trembled, sensing Akira's intention. Her cheeks felt as if on fire. She felt that even burying herself in Aki-Kun's embrace couldn't hide her shyness. Yet, in her heart, she had no impulse to stop him. She even felt this was just right, after all, they had been together for a long time, and they had even met each other's parents...
"Aki-Kun..."
Sajuna's soft voice came through.
"Sajuna, do you not like it? Then I'll stop right away."
"N-no, that's not it..."
Sajuna lightly tapped Akira's chest and hurriedly explained, "Aki-Kun, don't say I don't like it..."
Akira felt relieved. He had been gradually reducing Sajuna's physical sensitivity all along. It seemed now he was step by step achieving the situation he desired.
...
Sajuna's body instantly tensed up.
A sense of control instantly flooded Akira's mind. His mood instantly calmed. Then, as if filled with affection, he gently kissed Sajuna's forehead.
"As I thought, I like Sajuna the most."