Chapter Extra Episode -Field Trip 1

Saturday Afternoon, December 3, 2016 Tokyo, Setagaya Ward, International Science Research Institute

In the laboratory, sunlight streamed through the glass windows, casting a warm glow over the six of us. The whole room was enveloped in a relaxed atmosphere, with various Japanese snacks and hot tea laid out on the table.

We all sat back comfortably in our chairs, chatting about lighthearted topics. Gradually, the conversation drifted to the subject of field trips.

I sighed softly, recalling the times we had missed, and couldn't help but say,

"Ah, our classmates must have had so much fun on the field trip... Unlike us, who had to spend a 'joyful' day in Takamagahara."

Momoko turned her head, frowning in curiosity. "Was the training in Takamagahara really that terrible? You never shared the details before..."

I let out a bitter laugh. "To be honest, it felt like years passed for us that day. Amaterasu locked me inside Amano-Iwato and even infused me with sun flames. At that moment, I really thought I was going to be reduced to ashes."

"Sun flames?!" Momoko's eyes widened with shock and concern. "Those flames can literally incinerate a person... How did you survive?"

Her expression revealed a tinge of fear, and I knew she was worried about me. "Yeah, but thinking of you all kept me going." I gently held her hand, trying to reassure her.

Miyako's eyes showed a hint of surprise as she turned to Kagami. "What about you? What was your training like?"

Kagami shook his head helplessly, a wry smile appearing on his face. "Susanoo told me that if I couldn't make him draw the Totsuka-no-Tsurugi within three moves, he'd cut me down without hesitation."

Miyako's expression immediately turned grave, her eyes filled with worry. "Three moves? Isn't that... too dangerous? What if..."

"Yeah, I really thought it was the end for me," Kagami laughed, scratching his head in an attempt to lighten the mood, though Miyako was still visibly tense. She lightly gripped Kagami's hand, as if to confirm that he was truly okay.

Shigeru then joined the conversation. "Tsukuyomi threw me into the Land of Night, and the environment there... It was worse than hell. The pressure, temperature, and gravity were all far more extreme than outer space, making me think I'd be crushed flat."

Kaoru's eyes widened at this, her voice filled with surprise and concern. "You... were thrown into a place like that?! How did you endure it?"

"I barely managed," Shigeru replied with a gentle smile, looking at Kaoru with a soft gaze. "But I held on because I kept thinking of you." Kaoru was momentarily stunned, her face flushing red as she lightly punched his shoulder. "Idiot, don't put yourself in such danger."

The atmosphere in the room grew heavy as the girls clearly struggled to process our experiences, their expressions a mixture of shock and disbelief.

Trying to lighten the mood, I forced a smile and changed the topic. "Speaking of which, we almost ended up demolishing Taga Taisha Shrine too."

"What?!" Momoko, Miyako, and Kaoru exclaimed simultaneously, their faces filled with shock and disbelief.

Momoko frowned, clearly skeptical. "You three actually wrecked a shrine?!"

Miyako also widened her eyes, looking seriously at Kagami. "Taga Taisha is a famous shrine. What on earth did you do?"

Kaoru was so irritated that she lightly punched Shigeru on the shoulder, glaring at him. "Don't tell me you really destroyed the shrine!"

Kagami, Shigeru, and I exchanged knowing glances and chuckled before offering an explanation.

"It's not like we did anything major," I said in an exaggeratedly nonchalant tone. "We just... accidentally kicked down a few big trees, that's all."

"And overturned the altar and offering table," Kagami added, still pretending to downplay the seriousness.

"And knocked over a few stone lanterns," Shigeru continued, pausing dramatically before adding with a mischievous gleam in his eye, "and, well... took down the shrine's plaque."

"Are you guys insane?!" Momoko could hardly believe her ears, nearly jumping out of her chair in disbelief.

"What happened after that?" Miyako pressed urgently, clearly eager to know the aftermath.

"The shrine maidens called the police," I said with a grin. "Then the police and the Self-Defense Forces came, even surrounding us with tanks."

"Tanks?!" Kaoru's face paled, her eyes widening even further in disbelief.

"So, how did you get out of that situation?" Miyako asked, her voice filled with tension and curiosity.

Kagami laughed lightly and explained, "Actually, Izanagi couldn't stand watching anymore. He teleported us to him and called us a 'demolition squad' sent to tear down his home."

"Demolition squad..." Kaoru couldn't help but laugh, her voice full of exasperation and disbelief. "You guys are... unbelievable!"

Momoko held her head in her hands, her expression a mix of exasperation and amusement. "You three are capable of anything, aren't you?"

"Idiots!" Miyako muttered under her breath, though her eyes still showed a hint of worry.

Kaoru then asked suddenly, "Wait, why did you need to find Izanagi? What did he have to do with all of this?"

Hearing her question, I hesitated for a moment before shrugging nonchalantly. "Izanami gave us the condition that we had to willingly bring Izanagi to Yomi before she'd release you. Basically, she wanted us to complete an impossible task."

The girls' expressions grew even more serious upon hearing this, understanding the complexity of the mythological story. They knew that ever since Izanagi and Izanami's bitter split, convincing Izanagi to willingly return to face Izanami was practically impossible.

"This... is just too much!" Momoko's voice trembled with anger and frustration, her fists clenched as she tried to suppress her emotions.

"How could she make such an unreasonable demand?" Miyako frowned, her face full of disbelief and displeasure.

Kaoru shook her head, her eyes filled with complicated emotions. "No wonder you didn't want to share too many details back then... Who could accept going through something like that?"

Seeing their reactions, I wasn't sure what to say, so I offered a bitter smile. "But it's all in the past now. What's most important is that you're all safe and sound."

The girls' expressions remained somewhat heavy, but as my words sank in, they seemed to relax a bit.

I smiled and tried to bring back a lighter atmosphere. "We went to Takamagahara and then Yomi twice. It's like we were on a 'Japanese Mythology Tour' or something!" I stretched my arms exaggeratedly, pretending to complain.

Momoko rolled her eyes. "You guys are too over-the-top!" She laughed, though it was clear she still remembered the danger we'd faced.

"Yeah," I continued in a playful tone, "we even missed out on our field trip! So, where did you girls go anyway?"

When the girls started reminiscing about their field trip adventures, Momoko pulled out her iPhone and showed us a photo of the three of them in Osaka. She pointed at the photo, smiling. "Look, here's us at Osaka Castle, having so much fun together."

Miyako chuckled and raised an eyebrow. "Remember Nara? We fed so many deer at Todai-ji. They were so cute! And here's a photo of us at Dotonbori. We ate so much—takoyaki, skewers, okonomiyaki... and tons of desserts!"

Kaoru laughed and nodded, adding playfully, "Yeah, we ate so much we almost couldn't walk anymore. Oh, and some guys came over during our free time to talk to us!"

The three of us boys sat bolt upright like we'd been struck by lightning. I nearly choked on the tea I was drinking, sputtering in shock. "What?!" I exclaimed, almost dropping my cup.

Kagami's reaction was even more dramatic; he nearly fell out of his chair and scrambled to sit up, his face filled with alarm. "Guys? What guys?! What did they want with you?!"

Shigeru's face was filled with suspicion, his eyes fixed on Kaoru. "Guys came to talk to you? Were they trying to do anything inappropriate?"

"You guys are so overdramatic!" Momoko laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Those boys just came over to say hello and asked if we wanted to hang out, that's all~"

Miyako laughed and added, "Yeah, it was free time, and boys always find excuses to chat. It was nothing serious."

"And?" I asked anxiously, leaning forward. "You didn't agree to go with them, did you?"

Kaoru teased, drawing out her words. "Well, we..."

"Spit it out already!" Kagami was so tense he nearly jumped up, pointing at Kaoru, his eyes wide with desperation. "Did you say yes?!"

"Haha, of course not!" Momoko laughed, her eyes curving into crescent moons. "You think we'd just go off with random guys?"

"Yeah, we're not that easy!" Miyako said, shaking her head with a laugh. "We turned them down right away."

Kaoru grinned mischievously. "Besides, if any of them had dared to try something, I'd punch them straight to the moon! No one messes with us."

We three boys heaved a sigh of relief, though we couldn't help exchanging worried glances. I patted my chest, trying to steady my heart. "Phew... I thought..."

"You dummies," Momoko laughed, lightly hitting my shoulder. "Don't worry so much. We'd never let some clueless guys take us away."

Miyako nodded, her eyes full of warmth. "Yeah, our hearts belong only to you, so stop overthinking."

"Still," Shigeru said, his face full of concern. "You're all so popular, we really do worry."

"Well, that's what you get for having girlfriends as amazing as us!" Kaoru teased, her voice playful. "But don't worry—I've got two fists to keep us safe."

Finally, we three boys relaxed, though we still felt a bit protective. Kagami smiled at us, "You sure know how to keep us on our toes!"

"No choice," I said, pretending to sigh. "What can we do when our girlfriends are so popular?"

Hearing this, Momoko, Miyako, and Kaoru all laughed, looking both pleased and amused. "Of course! We are the Powerpuff Girls Z!" Momoko declared proudly.

"Exactly!" Miyako chimed in, her voice full of confidence. "We've always been popular!"

"But," I quickly added, putting on a pitiful expression, "we really missed out on that field trip... It's such a shame~"

Kagami followed my lead, acting like a defeated soldier. "Yeah, while you girls had fun on your trip, we were having a 'joyful' day in Takamagahara. Talk about a big difference."

Shigeru sighed dramatically, spreading his hands. "And just hearing about all the delicious food you ate makes us jealous... So, since the New Year's holiday is coming up, where do you think we should go?"

I immediately chimed in, "I really want to go skiing! And soak in hot springs! What do you think?"

The girls exchanged glances, then burst into laughter.

"Aww, how cute," Momoko said, shaking her head with a smile. "But skiing and hot springs do sound nice."

"Yeah," Miyako agreed, thinking it over. "Winter is perfect for that. It sounds like a great idea."

Kaoru laughed at our pleading expressions. "Alright, alright. We'll plan the perfect trip for you this time!"

"Really?" I grabbed Momoko's hand excitedly, my eyes lighting up.

"Of course!" she said with a gentle smile, patting my hand.

"Alright, it's settled then. We'll go skiing and enjoy the hot springs over the holiday!" Miyako confirmed with a bright smile.

"Yes!" Kagami, Shigeru, and I cheered in unison, already looking forward to the trip.

The girls laughed, their eyes full of affection and a hint of playful exasperation. This trip would surely become a beautiful memory for all of us.

My mind couldn't help but wander. Skiing, billiards, and soaking in the hot springs... But what I really started daydreaming about was the hot springs, imagining Momoko in a yukata with her long orange hair cascading over her shoulders, the steam swirling around us... Without realizing it, I muttered,

"Momoko... You'd look so good in a yukata... Let me wash your back..."

When I sneaked a glance, I found Kagami and Shigeru also lost in similar daydreams. Kagami dreamily whispered, "Miyako... Let's soak in the hot spring together... and enjoy the snow..."

Shigeru was even more shameless, grinning with a satisfied look. "Kaoru... You'd look amazing in a yukata... Let's soak together... I'll give you a massage..."

Before I could call them out, the girls had already noticed our strange behavior.

"What are you guys mumbling about?" Momoko's voice suddenly turned icy.

I jumped in shock, realizing that all three girls were glaring at us with dangerous eyes. Momoko's brows were furrowed, and she had her arms crossed. "Yuzuhiko, why were you just... saying my name?"

Miyako's gaze locked onto Kagami, her tone full of warning. "Kagami, what's this about 'soaking together'?"

Kaoru elbowed Shigeru, half-smiling, half-menacing. "Shigeru, did you just say something about 'giving me a massage'? What are you up to?"

The three of us froze, the images in our minds shattering like glass. I quickly wiped the sweat off my brow and stammered, "Uh, nothing... We were just talking about... um, hot springs, right?"

Kagami immediately nodded, trying to look innocent. "Yeah, yeah, we were just discussing a relaxing hot spring trip... Totally normal!"

Shigeru laughed awkwardly, attempting to diffuse the situation. "Yeah, just thinking about how to relax after skiing... Hehe..."

But the girls weren't buying it. Momoko raised an eyebrow, her voice tinged with warning. "Oh really? I definitely heard you say 'wash my back.' Does that count as normal?"

I awkwardly scratched my head and forced a laugh. "I-I was just kidding... heh."

"Yuzuhiko, what's going on in that head of yours?" Momoko narrowed her eyes, clearly unsatisfied with my explanation.

"Nothing... I just think you'd look great in a yukata..." I muttered quietly, instantly regretting it when her gaze turned even sharper.

"Oh, really?" she challenged. "Then why don't you go get me a yukata right now?"

I quickly waved my hands. "No, no, that's not what I meant..."

"Kagami, you also mentioned something about 'soaking together'?" Miyako's tone was dangerously calm, her gaze piercing.

Kagami raised his hands in surrender, smiling sheepishly. "Miyako, you misunderstood! I was just thinking about the hot springs... Everyone soaking and relaxing... Very innocent!"

"Shigeru, didn't you say you'd give me a massage?" Kaoru teased, grabbing his shoulder threateningly. "If you try anything funny, I'll send you flying!"

Shigeru frantically waved his hands. "No, no, I meant... to help you relax, nothing else..."

Kaoru narrowed her eyes with a mischievous smile. "Relax? If you try anything, I'll have no problem sending you to the moon!"

Finally, we realized we had crossed a line. We raised our hands in surrender, our expressions as innocent as we could make them. "We wouldn't dare, seriously!"

Momoko, Miyako, and Kaoru exchanged glances and burst out laughing. Their laughter echoed through the room, but it carried a clear warning.

"What goes on in boys' minds, anyway?" Miyako shook her head, half-amused, half-annoyed.

"You think we'd let you get away with anything?" Momoko pinched my cheek lightly. "Don't even think about it. Remember, we're not that easy."

I nodded, my smile a mixture of embarrassment and relief, knowing we had gone too far.

"And even if we do wear yukatas at the hot springs, you better behave," Kaoru waved her fist playfully. "Or else, I won't hesitate to send you flying!"

We nodded obediently, like chastised children. As their laughter rang out, we felt even more anticipation for the upcoming trip... as long as we didn't make any more foolish mistakes.

Saturday, December 10, 2016

Another weekend had arrived. In the lounge at the International Science Research Institute, the three girls sat together, enthusiastically discussing the details of the upcoming trip.

Momoko began, "We definitely can't go to Hokkaido! Yuzuhiko is basically the local king there; even the bears are familiar with him. We need to pick a place where he won't end up being our guide."

Miyako nodded in agreement. "Exactly, we should choose a ski resort he doesn't know well. Otherwise, Yuzuhiko will end up giving us a tour of all the local specialties, and it'll feel like a guided trip instead."

Kaoru thought for a moment, flipping through a travel magazine. "How about somewhere in the Tohoku region? Places like Iwate, Akita, or Nagano all have great ski resorts, and the snow quality is excellent. Plus, there are amazing hot springs too."

"Nagano sounds perfect!" Momoko's eyes lit up with excitement. "I remember there are some beautiful onsen inns there, along with several popular ski resorts. And the food there is fantastic, perfect for a winter getaway."

Miyako flipped through some details, nodding thoughtfully. "Yeah, Nagano's ski resorts should be fun for them. Plus, the traditional Japanese inns will give them a real feel of the New Year's holiday atmosphere."

Kaoru's lips curled into a mischievous smile. "And we could even pick a place with a mixed-gender hot spring. I bet their reactions will be priceless. It'll leave them speechless for sure."

Momoko and Miyako burst out laughing at her idea. Momoko shook her head. "Kaoru, you're so wicked! But that could be fun. It'll definitely make the trip unforgettable."

"Alright then, Nagano it is," Miyako declared with a grin. "I'm sure they'll find this trip worth every moment."

The girls then began to plan out the specifics of the itinerary in detail.

"We can spend the first two days skiing, having snowball fights, and maybe trying out snowmobiles. Then we can relax at a hot spring inn for two nights," Momoko suggested, looking up ski resorts on her phone.

"Sounds like a great plan," Miyako agreed, jotting down some notes. "And to wrap it up, we could book a famous local restaurant for a New Year's Eve dinner. A perfect ending to the trip."

"And we should add in some little surprises to keep them guessing about the schedule," Kaoru said with a smile. "It'll be so fun to see their reactions."

The girls continued discussing for hours until they had the outline of the trip planned. They then moved to the Gotokuji residence to finalize the details.

Miyako's grandmother, Kiyoko, warmly welcomed them, serving hot matcha and wagashi. The girls gratefully thanked her and quickly returned to their planning, fully engrossed in the excitement of organizing their special trip to Shiga Kogen.

Miyako spread out a beautifully detailed map of Shiga Kogen on the table, pointing to the marked ski resorts. "The snow quality here is excellent, and it has Japan's longest ski slopes, perfect for both beginners and experts. We couldn't have picked a better place!"

Momoko nodded seriously. "That's right. Shiga Kogen isn't familiar to them, so they won't be able to guess our plans in advance. Plus, the scenery is stunning, and we can take plenty of photos."

Kaoru couldn't hide her excitement as she read about a highly rated hot spring inn. "I found an amazing place! It has gorgeous open-air baths and even a mixed-gender hot spring. This will give those three guys a little thrill and keep them on their toes."

Miyako covered her mouth, giggling. "Kaoru, you really know how to push their buttons! But it'll be fun to see them try to act cool."

The three of them shared a laugh, already looking forward to the adventure.

As they discussed dinner plans, Miyako suggested, "Since it's a New Year's trip, we should make sure to have a proper holiday feast. Shiga Kogen is famous for Shinshu cuisine and mountain delicacies, like hotpot made with premium Shinshu beef. They'll love it!"

Momoko added thoughtfully, "And we can prepare some small surprise gifts to make the trip even more memorable."

"Great idea!" Kaoru agreed. "How about we give them personalized gifts during New Year's Eve dinner? It'll be the perfect way to show our appreciation."

"Then it's settled!" Miyako declared. "This trip isn't just about making up for the missed field trip; it's also our way of showing them how much we care."

They continued to fine-tune the itinerary, planning activities like skiing, sledding, and snowmobile rides, followed by a two-night stay at a traditional Japanese inn. Kiyoko brought over a steaming bowl of red bean soup, smiling warmly.

"This trip sounds well-thought-out. I hope you all have a wonderful time. Shiga Kogen is beautiful, perfect for relaxing and unwinding."

Momoko smiled back. "Thank you, Grandma Kiyoko. We'll make sure to take care of ourselves and make this trip unforgettable."

Kiyoko nodded, her voice gentle. "This trip will be a special experience for you all. Cherish this time together."

The girls beamed with excitement, their minds already filled with dreams of the upcoming adventure. They continued poring over travel brochures, discussing car rentals and itinerary details.

Momoko sighed as she scrolled through car rental websites. "We'll have to rent a RAV4, but the problem is... None of those three guys have a driver's license, which is a real headache."

Miyako set down her pen, laughing. "True, they run faster than most cars and never think about practical things like this. Plus, 'helpless dorks' is practically their label."

Kaoru crossed her arms and smirked. "We can't let them drive without a license, so we'll have to do all the driving ourselves. At least they can help carry luggage."

The three girls exchanged a knowing glance and burst into laughter. Momoko added, "So on this trip, they'll be our porters, following along obediently. No escaping reality for them, no matter how strong they are."

Miyako agreed, thinking it over. "Right, let's make them enjoy being passengers for once. We'll be in charge of this adventure."

They laughed together, already imagining the boys' reactions as the girls took full control of the trip, making sure the "superheroes" had no choice but to follow their lead and enjoy the ride.

The girls then considered different accommodation options, their minds brimming with anticipation.

Momoko brought up the idea of a six-person shared room. "A big shared room would be so fun, like having a pillow fight! But honestly, it doesn't offer much privacy. It'd feel more like summer camp."

Miyako rested her chin on her hand, thinking. "It would be fun, but maybe we should try something a little more surprising. Since this is a special 'make-up field trip,' how about something different?"

Kaoru nodded, smiling. "Alright, let's consider three-person rooms instead. We could split up into boys and girls, but since we've been living together for nine months, it's not exactly new... It's missing that special travel vibe."

The three exchanged a knowing look, then all turned to the third option: three double rooms. Momoko's lips curled into a playful smile. "The last option is double rooms. One with a large bed and two with twin beds, which gives us more flexibility."

"This way, we could have some alone time," Miyako said, a sly smile playing at her lips. "They've been so cautious these past nine months, even when we've hinted at things... It's like they're afraid to take a step forward, so stubborn and dense."

Kaoru laughed, adding, "Yeah, they're so careful. But maybe a different setting will give them a push. We could even decorate the rooms in a way that surprises them, and maybe they'll 'wake up' a bit faster." Her voice was teasing but also filled with anticipation. "Then again, these idiots will probably still worry more about whether we're comfortable."

Finally, the three decided in unison, "Let's go with the three double rooms—one large bed and two twin bed setups. We'll see how they react when we get there."

With their plans finalized, the girls exchanged amused smiles, their hearts full of excitement and anticipation for the trip. As Momoko organized their notes, she laughed. "This isn't just a make-up field trip anymore; it's more like a 'training camp' we've carefully planned!"

Back at our shared home, the three girls gathered around the dining table, smiling mysteriously at the three of us. I had just put down my bag, about to ask them what they'd been busy with recently, when Momoko beat me to it.

"We've just finished planning an amazing surprise for you three dummies, and I guarantee it'll be unforgettable!" She raised her eyebrows, looking proud and full of confidence.

Shigeru, Kagami, and I exchanged puzzled glances, still processing her sudden announcement. Kagami asked curiously, "What kind of surprise? It's not a prank, is it?"

Miyako shook her head, her smile growing wider. "This time, we're serious. We've planned a New Year's trip, leaving on December 31st and coming back on January 2nd. You better clear your schedules and get ready to be amazed!"

Kaoru chimed in excitedly, "And we've picked places you've never been to before. The goal is for you guys to completely relax and have a great time."

I was taken aback but couldn't help laughing. "Wow, you girls really went all out for us. But where are we going? Can't you give us a little hint?"

Momoko shook her finger at me, her expression playful and secretive. "Nope! That would ruin the surprise! But I can promise you that the itinerary will blow you away. The sights, the activities, the accommodations... everything will be top-notch."

Even Shigeru, who was usually calm, was intrigued. He smiled and asked, "If it's such a great plan, should we expect some extra-special arrangements?"

Miyako seemed ready for that question and cast a mischievous glance at Kagami. "Maybe. We've put a lot of thought into this, and there are definitely some... personal touches you'll notice. Just wait and see."

After that, the girls stood up, distancing themselves just enough to keep us guessing, their smiles leaving us three boys bewildered yet excited.

"So, what's the special arrangement?" I probed, half hoping for more information but also secretly thrilled by the mystery.

Momoko gave a teasing grin. "You'll find out soon enough. We've put a lot of heart into this, so all you have to do is pack your bags and look forward to it. And no more questions, or the surprise won't be as fun!"

Shigeru, Kagami, and I exchanged amused glances. Even though we had no idea what they had planned, the anticipation was already bubbling up inside us. We could tell that this wasn't just any trip; it was something they had planned with great care and affection.

"Alright then, we'll look forward to it," Kagami said with a smile, clearly as eager as I was.

Momoko stepped closer and gently patted my shoulder, her gaze warm but playful. "Yuzuhiko, just relax and enjoy the surprise we've prepared for you."

Her words made my heart skip a beat, and I realized just how much effort they had put into this. Seeing Shigeru and Kagami's equally eager expressions, I knew this trip would be a testament to the bond we'd built over the years.

A few days later, with a rare moment when the girls weren't around, the three of us—Shigeru, Kagami, and I—gathered in the basement to chat openly about the upcoming trip. Shigeru, with a serious look on his face, poured himself a glass of cola like he was analyzing a top-secret mission.

"What do you guys think they're up to this time?" Shigeru asked, looking deep in thought.

I propped my feet up on the table, biting on a red heart-shaped straw, and thought about Momoko's expression when she talked about the trip. That mysterious smile of hers was driving me crazy. "Yeah, they've been so secretive about the itinerary. What kind of surprise can skiing and hot springs bring anyway?"

Kagami put down his drink and looked at us, seeming a bit embarrassed. "But haven't you noticed how they've been dressing up more lately?"

That comment struck a chord with both of us.

Momoko had started wearing more form-fitting outfits, occasionally glancing up at me with a knowing smile, then watching for my reaction.

Miyako had also been dressing more elegantly, always with a subtle, warm smile. And Kaoru, that girl... she'd been wearing tight athletic wear and showing off her flexibility right in front of Shigeru. Despite how calm we seemed on the surface, we were all on edge.

Shigeru rubbed his chin and sighed. "If there really are some 'surprises' on this trip, we'd better be ready—"

Before he could finish, I found my mind wandering to the image of Momoko in a yukata at the hot spring, sitting beside me with her long, orange hair cascading over her shoulders. Her flushed cheeks, the soft strands of her hair, and that smile of hers... We hadn't even done anything too intimate since we started dating nearly two years ago, but she had a way of making my heart race with just a simple look. I felt a bit guilty for how easily I got flustered, but honestly, I had no plans to rush into anything.

Kagami seemed lost in thought too, murmuring, "I also think... this trip might be about more than just sightseeing. Miyako has been extra considerate lately."

Shigeru burst out laughing. "Isn't that what we've been hoping for? Some kind of 'new development'? But... if something does happen, do you think you guys can handle it?"

Kagami and I froze. I cleared my throat, trying to act serious. "Um... I mean, of course, they're the most important people in our world, but if things were to... escalate... wouldn't you feel a lot of pressure? I mean, they're so..."

Before I could finish, we all fell silent, exchanging uneasy looks. We always prioritized their feelings, sometimes to the point of being overly careful, never daring to cross any boundaries. Our mix of "shy and sensible" behavior made us feel a bit ridiculous.

"Honestly, I'm fine with things staying as they are," Shigeru said with a laugh, his voice tinged with both contentment and a hint of regret. "The last thing I want is to make them feel uncomfortable."

Kagami nodded. "Yeah, everything's good as it is. As long as they're happy, letting them lead isn't a bad thing."

I felt relieved, but I couldn't deny the anticipation building up inside me. "Whatever happens, I'm sure this trip will be unforgettable. We'll just have to see what they've got planned. We're used to them pulling us along by now."

Just as we were lost in our musings, the quiet of the basement was suddenly interrupted by a few familiar voices.

"We're back!" Momoko's bright voice called from upstairs, sounding playful yet commanding.

"Come help us with these bags!" Miyako added, her tone slightly impatient, as if annoyed we hadn't appeared right away.

"Hurry up! They're heavy!" Kaoru's voice was the most direct, full of mock annoyance, like she'd come down and scold us herself if we didn't show up soon.

The three of us froze, our daydreams shattered. Shigeru quickly wiped the smug look off his face, Kagami composed himself, and I cleared my throat, patting them both on the back. "Looks like our little 'meeting' is over. Time to go face our 'commanders'!"

When we reached the living room, the girls were standing at the entrance, surrounded by piles of shopping bags. Momoko had her hands on her hips, her eyes narrowing with a mischievous smile. "What were you three doing in the basement, so deep in conversation that you didn't hear us come in?"

Miyako smiled sweetly but tapped her chin with a finger. "I almost thought I should sneak down and listen in on your little chat."

Kaoru folded her arms and raised an eyebrow. "What's up? Were you guys daydreaming about something you shouldn't be?"

We scrambled to clear up the misunderstanding, hands waving frantically. "No, no, nothing like that! We were just... discussing the trip plans!" I stammered, feeling my cheeks heat up.

"Yeah, just plans... and the weather, maybe!" Shigeru added quickly, looking slightly panicked.

Kagami, usually composed, seemed a bit flustered too. "Yeah, purely practical stuff, no hidden meanings."

The girls exchanged knowing glances, laughing together. Momoko giggled, pointing at us. "Alright, alright, come help us with these bags instead of standing there like statues."

Relieved, we rushed over to take the bags from them, our earlier conversation fading away.

But as we carried the shopping bags, I could feel their eyes occasionally drifting our way, as if they were still trying to figure out what we'd been talking about.

The girls laid out an impressive haul of snacks and travel supplies on the living room table, and we got to work packing. The departure date was drawing closer, and everyone was eager to pack their gear for the ski trip. The girls seemed especially excited, half of their luggage taken up by snacks.

"We're all packed and ready! What about you guys? You didn't just throw things together, did you?" Momoko asked, eyeing me as if to check whether I had anything practical packed.

"Of course not!" I quickly stuffed waterproof matches into my bag. "They're more reliable than lighters in emergencies, like if someone gets hypothermia or the cabin heater won't work."

Momoko seemed impressed but still looked skeptical. "You're not planning to start a fire, are you? But I guess it's better to be safe than sorry."

"Don't worry!" I promised her seriously. "I'd only use it if there's a real emergency."

Kagami, meanwhile, emerged from his room carrying a black velvet-wrapped katana, which he strapped securely to his back.

He explained, "This is for emergencies and to protect everyone. You never know when a wild boar might show up in the mountains, and having a blade feels safer."

Miyako raised an eyebrow, smiling helplessly. "Are we really going skiing, or are you a ninja on a mission?"

Kagami just smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, I'll carry it discreetly. No one will even notice."

After laughing at Kagami's "safety measure," Shigeru carefully folded a warm, lightweight blanket into his backpack, making sure it was neatly arranged. Kaoru noticed and asked with a smirk, "Shigeru, who's that blanket for?"

Shigeru chuckled, his voice calm. "The temperature can drop a lot at night, and if anyone gets cold, this blanket will come in handy. Plus, if someone next to me feels cold, we can share it."

Kaoru's expression softened as she nodded. "That's pretty thoughtful. We might really need it if it gets freezing."

With our gear all packed, the three of us felt even more excited about the trip, each of us preparing in our own way. Watching the girls, who were practically glowing with excitement, made me even more eager to see what surprises they had in store. Even though the itinerary was still a mystery, I had a feeling this journey would be filled with unforgettable memories.