Eadlyn had spent the previous evening wandering through the mall, double-checking every item on his list. Tents—check. Extra ropes—check. Hiking shoes—check. Portable lantern—check. Water bottles, first-aid kit, snacks, and a few extra things he wasn't sure he'd need—but bought anyway, because he preferred being overprepared than caught off-guard.
By morning, everything was neatly arranged in his travel bag. He stepped out of the house with a confident stride, excitement buzzing beneath his calm exterior. For someone who'd never gone camping or mountain climbing before, his anticipation was obvious.
At the station, Ken, Manami, and Rin were already gathered, their bags slung over shoulders, their expressions a mix of excitement and nervousness.
"Morning!" Ken waved, holding a bag of snacks that looked suspiciously like it contained more candy than actual food.
Manami smiled brightly, her usual elegance slightly rumpled by the early hour. "You packed a lot. First time camping?"
"Yeah," Eadlyn admitted, scratching his cheek. "Feels like a mini adventure."
Rin, arms crossed, raised an eyebrow. "Don't slow us down."
Her tone was stern, but the faint smirk that followed betrayed her usual tsundere calmness. Eadlyn chuckled. "I'll try."
Their destination was only two stations away. The train ride was short, filled with chatter and Rin distributing crackers she'd brought. Ken and Manami teased each other over who could carry more bags, and Eadlyn soaked in the easy camaraderie, grateful for the new warmth in his life.
The Mountain Path
When they exited the station, the air felt fresher, crisper than the city's humid weight. The base of the mountain stood ahead, lined with tall trees and a gentle trail that wound upward. They split the load—Rin and Manami carried some of the barbecue items, while Eadlyn and Ken took the tent supplies.
At first, the climb seemed manageable. Birds chirped overhead, and sunlight filtered through leaves in dazzling patterns. But soon, the girls slowed, their breaths growing uneven. Eadlyn paused and turned around.
"Want a break?" he suggested.
Manami nodded immediately. "Please."
Ken laughed. "City girls."
After a few minutes of rest, they resumed their climb, the path growing steeper but their spirits lighter. The group dynamic was easy, comfortable—each person falling into a role without needing to be told. Eadlyn found himself smiling more than he expected.
The Waterfall's Welcome
The path to the waterfall was shorter, and soon they heard the sound of crashing water. When they reached it, the view stole their breath—a modest but beautiful cascade tumbling into a shallow pool that sparkled under the sunlight.
"Wow..." Eadlyn whispered.
Ken grinned. "Told you it was worth the climb."
They split up to change: girls to one side, boys to the other. When they returned, the air shifted—Rin in a sporty swimsuit, her posture strong and confident; Manami in a modest yet flattering outfit that matched her calm personality.
Eadlyn's ears warmed slightly, but he focused on the waterfall's mist cooling the air.
Manami chuckled at his expression. Rin rolled her eyes. "Don't drown," she said bluntly.
That turned out to be a real concern—Eadlyn didn't know how to swim.
Rin, being from the swimming club, noticed immediately. "Follow me," she instructed, her sternness softening as she guided him into the shallows. She taught him step by step, her patience surprising him. Soon, he was floating, moving, struggling, then finally managing small, awkward strokes.
"You learn fast," Rin admitted, almost reluctantly.
"Good teacher," he replied.
She looked away quickly, hiding a tiny smile.
The Water Games
Once Eadlyn got comfortable, the real fun began. They played water volleyball, splashed each other, and laughed at Ken's dramatic falls. The carefree energy felt like the essence of youth—no pressure, no expectations, just the joy of the moment.
Then Ken suggested a race.
"Loser gets one request from the winner!"
Rin accepted instantly. Manami nodded. Eadlyn sighed. "Great. I'm doomed."
And he was right.
Rin shot forward like a torpedo. Manami stayed close behind. Ken pushed steadily. Eadlyn flailed, his strokes uneven but determined.
Rin finished first, Manami second, Ken third, and Eadlyn—very last.
Rin smirked, crossing her arms. "Looks like I get to choose something interesting."
Eadlyn groaned. "Here we go."
But he couldn't deny it—the day already felt unforgettable.
Diary Entry – June 20th
Today was the kind of day that doesn't need words to explain why it mattered.
We climbed a mountain. We swam in a waterfall. We laughed until our sides hurt. Simple things, but they felt bigger than they were.
Rin taught me how to swim. Not because she had to, but because she could. There's something about the way she switches from strict to patient that makes me think she's more than just the "serious one." She notices things. Like when I was struggling, she didn't just tell me what to do—she showed me. That's the kind of thing that sticks with you.
Manami was there too, her usual calm self. She didn't tease me for not knowing how to swim. She just… was there. Like she always is. Quiet, but present.
Ken, of course, was Ken—loud, dramatic, the kind of energy that makes everything feel lighter. I think that's why we all get along. He doesn't let things get too serious.
And then there was the race. I lost. Badly. But I didn't care. Because for the first time in a long time, I wasn't thinking about being perfect or being the best. I was just… there. With them.
I used to think belonging was something you had to earn. But today, I realized it's something that happens when you stop trying so hard. When you let yourself be part of the moment, even if you're the worst swimmer in the group.
Maybe that's what Grandpa meant when he said love is about showing up. Not about being the best. Just about being there.