Chapter 8: Transient Bliss

Yuki had a determined expression.

"Yes. I’ve been waiting to be alone with you." I said.

It’s time. Ask her to the fireworks. Go on.

She glanced in the direction the others had gone. "We may not have much time…"

She’s thinking about it too. Of course she is. I still have a chance.

"I agree. Now’s probably the best time. And I’m glad we’re on the same page about this."

Yuki blinked. "You mean… you’re okay with it?"

Why wouldn’t I be?

"Yeah. I’ve been thinking about it this whole trip. It’s been weighing on me, honestly." I looked at the trees behind her, not quite daring to look at her directly.

"I’m sorry… I should have texted you." Yuki smiled faintly, looking relieved.

This is going scarily well.

"It’s alright. It’s all in the past. Let’s start again." I smiled back.

Yuki held out her hand. "I’m glad we’re on talking terms again, Ryo-kun. It’s been weighing on me too."

She wants to hold hands. Is that a yes? That’s a yes, right? Best Trial of Courage ever!

I was on cloud nine. Heart hammering, legs barely holding. I reached out slowly, and with one last push of nerve, took her hand.

She adjusted her grip into a handshake.

I looked at her. She looked back, expression uncertain.

"Yuki-chan?"

"Ryo-kun. Please… try to understand." She looked away.

She’s shy. It’s new for her too. That’s fine.

"Alright." I let go. "One step at a time."

I’ll ask her to the fireworks after the camp. There’s no rush.

"Yeah… I’m grateful, Ryo-kun. That went smoother than I expected." She let out a breath.

"I thought I’d be the nervous one." I laughed. "Okay, I — I am nervous. Shall we go?"

"Yes. Let’s go." Yuki started walking beside me.

We walked and talked. The comfortable kind, like something long-frozen beginning to thaw.

"I hope Hana-chan’s alright. She’s not great with bugs." I chuckled.

"She’s worse than I am, and that’s saying something." Yuki smiled.

Nothing could touch me right now. Not even the clouds massing above us. Yuki and I are sorted. Wait until I tell — actually, maybe I’ll keep this one to myself for now.

Some bushes rustled. The obvious play.

"Kenji, I can hear you. Give it up — nothing’s going to work tonight."

Kenji stepped out from behind the bush. "Well. Someone’s in a good mood." He looked between us.

"Perfect night." I kept walking, laughing, leaving him behind us with a look on his face I chose not to examine.

Yuki watched me with an expression I couldn’t quite read.

We were nearing the lodge. Yuki caught my sleeve and pointed at a tree.

She’s scared. Good. I’m here.

I squinted at the branch. Something white, hanging from it in the dark. They’d found rope and cloth somewhere. Convincing from a distance.

Then something shifted under the next tree. Fast, just at the edge of what I could catch.

"Sachi, you can stop now. You’re good, but I’d hate to see you trip in the dark."

Silence. Then a low moan.

"Yuki… Inoue…"

Yuki went pale and grabbed my arm.

I don't mind this. Actually, maybe Sachi should keep going. 

"Don’t worry. I’m here." I put an arm around her.

"Tsk." Sachi emerged from behind a tree, Hana beside her. Hana was looking at us with an expression I couldn’t name.

"Giving up already?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Onii-chan. What are you doing?" Sachi looked at me with something close to disapproval.

I stepped back from Yuki. "She was scared of the trial. That’s all."

"Sure, we're that good at scaring." Sachi shrugged. "You’ve reached the lodge anyway. Let’s head back." She kept glancing at how I was standing next to Yuki.

"I didn’t even get to scare you." I smirked at her, which earned me a kick on my shin. "Oww."

"Save it for when you actually have a girlfriend. That will scare me." Sachi replied flatly.

"Funny you should say that." I glanced at Yuki. Yuki returned it with a look that made me stop my quips.

* * *

Back at the campfire, everyone was chatting about the Trial of Courage. The rain was holding off, but only just.

I stood up.

"Everyone. I’m usually a private person. But since it’s just us — I think I should update everyone."

All eyes were on me.

"I’m going out with Yuki-chan."

The campsite went quiet. The rain started to fall, tapping at the tent canvas. All eyes moved to Yuki.

Why does nobody look excited for us?

She had gone pale. "No — this is a misunderstanding!" Her hands went up.

"Yuki-chan, I know you’re —"

"I’m with Daiki-kun!" she snapped.

The world narrowed.

Sachi was on her feet, saying something to Yuki. Hana sat completely still. Kenji moved to Sachi’s side and put a hand on her arm. I didn’t move.

What? But she — she said yes — didn’t she —

Then it landed.

I hadn’t asked her anything.

I ran it back. The handshake. Her words from a different angle now. The way everyone had looked at her back at the house. The way things had felt odd from the beginning. Daiki at her doorstep.

It all added up.

I looked around the campsite. Sachi was still going. I didn’t know what she was saying.

"Daiki Matsuda…? Him?"

Something in my face must have shifted, because Yuki flinched.

“Not only did you not wait… but him? Of all people?” My voice came out wrong. Too loud, too raw.

"Don’t raise your voice at me, Ryo-kun. — You broke the promise first. You left without a word. Did you think coming back suddenly made everything right?!" Yuki’s voice cut back just as hard.

I had no answer for that.

I stood there for a moment. Then I walked to my tent.

Sachi moved to intercept me. Kenji caught her arm. "Not now."

I lifted the flap and went inside. Pulled the zip. Lay down on the sleeping bag and stared at nothing.

Outside, the rain had started properly.

The next day brought little solace to anyone.