Day five.
Since morning, light drizzles had turned into relentless heavy rain, and now it was midday.
The harsh weather forced everyone to take shelter in their tents.
No cheerful chatter filled the air, only a heavy silence punctuated by the sound of rain pounding on tarps and leaves. A gloom about their uncertain future enveloped everyone.
In one tent, Ren and Umi were together. They had planned to forage for food in the forest, but the downpour completely canceled that routine.
As for the fact that a man and woman—Ren and Umi—were alone in a tent, Mafuyu turned a blind eye. She had seen how effective Ren was in emergencies and was too exhausted to care about school etiquette.
Ohananomitsu High School didn't prohibit students from dating, so as a teacher, Mafuyu felt she had no right to interfere, especially in such dire circumstances.
"This rain doesn't seem like it'll stop. Luckily, the food we found yesterday is enough to cover everyone's needs for today."
A hint of relief laced Umi's voice—at least they wouldn't starve in this downpour.
"Mm."
Ren only nodded, his eyes fixed on the tent's wall.
"But… it's been five days, Senpai. And now this heavy rain. Even if a rescue team is searching, they must be struggling in this weather."
"What if they don't find us? What if we're stuck here forever? Coach Takigawa, the president, and Yamanouchi-senpai's conditions aren't improving either."
"I… I'm not sure we can hold on much longer."
Hearing Umi's anxiety, Ren turned, his voice calm and reassuring, cutting through the rain's roar.
"Umi, listen to me. We won't die here. I promised, didn't I?"
He reached for Umi's hand, gripping it firmly.
"This rain is tough, but it also means no one can go out. The rescue team will keep searching once the weather clears. They won't give up on us."
"Besides, we have food for today. And me? I can still do a lot. Don't lose hope yet. As long as we don't give up, there's always hope. We'll get out of here together. I won't let anything bad happen to you or anyone else."
"…"
Umi's anxiety and unease melted away as she saw the confidence in her admired senior. Ren's words, paired with the warmth of his grip, gave her the strength she needed.
"Mm, I trust you, Ren-senpai." Umi said softly, her eyes fixed on Ren with unwavering belief.
Sadly, she didn't know the truth—that Ren could have saved them on the first day of the crash.
In her innocence and need for hope, Umi believed every word Ren said.
*BA-DUMB!* *BA-DUMB!* *BA-DUMB!*
A warm feeling spread through her chest, her heart racing.
A faint blush colored her cheeks as Ren's hand still held hers. Unused to physical contact with men, especially in such an intimate setting inside the tent, Umi chose not to pull away.
The ambiguous atmosphere clouded her rational thinking. Her actions were now driven by overwhelming emotions.
"Senpai…"
Unable to turn away, Umi gazed at Ren's handsome face, their eyes meeting in the silence filled only by the rain.
Slowly, with bated breath, Umi closed her eyes.
(A golden opportunity!) Ren thought.
He wasn't a dense romcom harem protagonist who missed romantic cues. Ren knew exactly what to do next.
Leaning in, Ren tilted his head slightly. His lips met Umi's.
Knowing Umi was an innocent girl, Ren didn't go for the French kisses he usually shared with the women in his harem. It was a gentle, brief, pure kiss—tasteless and lacking the passion he was used to.
But for Umi, it was her first kiss.
(This… this is my first kiss!)
Her heart pounded so hard it felt like it might leap out of her chest. Her face burned, her body filled with butterflies.
(I can't believe this is happening! With Ren-senpai… the man I admire…)
Embarrassment mixed with overflowing happiness. Umi had never felt emotions this intense. She felt like she was floating, momentarily forgetting their trapped situation.
In Japan, a first kiss carries deep significance, often seen as a crucial step cementing love and commitment, even more intimate than a verbal confession. For many Japanese girls, it's a cherished moment, a sincere emotional surrender.
(I'm so embarrassed, but… I'm also so happy. I gave my first kiss to Ren-senpai. I hope this means he feels the same way about me.)
The sensation of her first kiss left Umi's body weak like jelly, and she unconsciously fell into Ren's arms.
Catching her, Ren steadied her, letting her lean against him.
He gently stroked Umi's long blue hair, a touch that warmed her heart. Ren knew this was the perfect moment for his "final attack."
"I actually wanted to say this at the end of the date you promised. But plans don't always follow circumstances. No one expected this accident."
Ren paused, gently pushing the girl in his arms back, looking directly into Umi's captivated eyes.
"Sonoda Umi, I like you. Will you go out with me?"
*KA-BOOM!*
As if something exploded in her mind, Umi's eyes widened, her mouth slightly agape.
This wasn't her first confession from a guy. In fact, Umi had rejected all previous confessions, focused entirely on her studies. But now, facing Ren's confession, everything felt different.
Her heart raced, pure happiness flooding her.
With flushed cheeks, Umi lowered her head, avoiding Ren's gaze, her fingers tightly intertwined.
"If Ren-senpai doesn't mind a girl like me… from now on, I'm in your care. Please guide me."
Confession successful!
As of now, Umi was Ren's official girlfriend in the public eye!