Miyamura Shizuka stood at the entrance, a black suitcase by her feet, watching the two teenagers putting on their shoes.
"Have you double-checked everything? You didn't forget anything, right?"
Akira tied his shoelaces and stood up with a light sigh. "Mom, you've asked that question like six times this morning."
"We're just going to Grandpa's house, not migrating. A couple of changes of clothes are enough—why the suitcase?"
Ignoring his jab, Shizuka tossed him the black backpack from her suitcase and raised an eyebrow. "Six times? Are you keeping count now?"
At that moment, Miyamura Daiki appeared from behind her with a shoulder bag. "Let's go next door and tell the Nishimiya family we're heading out."
"Alright," Akira nodded.
They quickly confirmed all the windows and doors were locked, then walked to the Nishimiya home next door. Akira knocked.
After a few moments, the door opened, and Yuzuru appeared, Hachiko trotting at her side.
Shizuka bent down slightly, smiling warmly. "Yuzuru, are you sure you don't want to come along?"
Yuzuru shook her head rapidly. "Nope! You all go ahead. I'll stay home and keep Hachiko company. Please take care of my sister, Auntie Shizuka."
Then she leaned down and gave Hachiko a big hug.
Watching the scene, Shizuka narrowed her eyes slightly. "Hmm... now I feel like bringing Hachiko too..."
Yuzuru's expression changed in an instant.
"Then I'll go! I mean—Shouko needs someone to look after her, right? And I've always wanted to take pictures of Osaka!"
Shizuka burst into laughter. "You're way too easy to trick."
She gently poked Yuzuru's forehead. "Alright, alright. I'll take good care of Shouko. You just take good care of the house—and Hachiko."
Yuzuru gave a proud little salute. "Don't worry, Auntie! I'd starve before I let Hachiko miss a meal."
Shizuka gave a mock-serious nod. "Good. That's the spirit."
After they exchanged farewells with Nishimiya Kei, the group made their way toward the train station. Yaeko was already at work, having left early for the day.
Just before getting into Daiki's car, Shouko turned to wave. "Yuzuru, we'll bring back souvenirs!"
Yuzuru waved both hands high above her head. "Take care! And Sis, don't let any pretty girls in Osaka steal Akira!"
"Woof!" Hachiko barked, as if in agreement.
The car stopped abruptly just a few meters away. Shouko, now blushing, opened the door and ran back to give Yuzuru a quick hug before returning to her seat.
The trip to Osaka took around three to four hours, including the Shinkansen ride.
No one came to pick them up—Shizuka had insisted there was no need. After all, she knew the way home better than anyone, and everyone else was probably working anyway.
The taxi finally came to a stop at the base of a small mountain. Before them stood a century-old hot spring inn, hidden among trees and mist.
Its triple-tiered gable roof glowed softly in the summer light, with aged cypress beams and indigo-dyed noren curtains gently swaying in the breeze. The signboard read:
The faint scent of sulfur and cedar mingled in the air as travelers in yukata strolled between stone paths, geta clicking beneath their feet.
Akira stood frozen for a moment, taking it all in.
Shizuka rolled her eyes. "Don't just stand there. It's not is your first time."
She placed the suitcase at his feet and gave him a light flick on the forehead.
Akira blinked, brushing her hand away. "That was almost a decade ago!"
Daiki paid the fare and grabbed their luggage. "Let's head in. Grandpa's got rooms ready for us."
Akira gave a small nod and took Shouko's hand—she'd been quietly observing the inn—and they followed the adults up the steps.
"Welcome," called a soft, polite voice from a young attendant as they entered.
Akira looked over to see a familiar face bowing. The voice matched the atmosphere—gentle, serene.
"Junko, it's me," Shizuka said, pulling the attendant gently upright.
Mito Junko blinked in surprise, then quickly bowed again. She noticed the others behind her aunt and smiled at them.
Akira and Shouko both greeted her with a respectful "Cousin," while Daiki gave a casual nod.
Junko pointed to the stairs. "You should go settle in upstairs first. Grandpa and Grandma are resting in the main room downstairs, and my parents are with them."
Her gaze shifted momentarily to Shouko. There was curiosity in her eyes—this quiet, cute girl clearly wasn't part of the usual visits.
But before she could ask, the group had already started up the stairs.
At the top, they reached a wooden door with wind chimes hanging from it, the faint sound of a TV leaking out.
Shizuka knocked twice, then pushed the door open. "We're back!" she called cheerfully.
Inside, five people turned in surprise, startled by the sudden entrance. But as they recognized the guests, smiles bloomed and greetings followed—small talk, questions about school, and warm laughter filled the air.
Only three people weren't smiling.
Shouko, who was shy under the attention.
Akira, who had just spotted his cousin, Mito Iori—his uncle's son, around the same age as him.
And Iori himself, who had been staring blankly at Shouko ever since she entered the room.
Akira stepped slightly in front of her and reached back to hold her hand.
He knew that look in Iori's eyes all too well.
And he didn't like it one bit.
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