The darkness from the room slowly faded away as the sunlight beamed through the window. The silence within the room suddenly went away as a strange voice came from a cute alarm clock. It continued it’s weird, annoying sound for a little while until a hand touched the top of the clock. The hand came from a guy named Yuichi Aizawa. He has been living with his aunt and cousin for a while. Through all of this, he also tries to regain his memories of the past. These memories include becoming great friends with a certain girl, spending time with his cousin and the times he spent in this little town. While it was strange it has so far become wonderful as he grew close to everyone. After making it down the stairs, he entered the dining room at which he discovered Nayuki, his cousin, and Ayu, the one girl he has grown close to. “Good morning Yuichi!” Ayu said while smiling. Yuichi sat next to her while saying his greetings. Akiko, his aunt, was in the kitchen. She was getting breakfast ready in which Ayu took the liberty in helping out. “You helped her?” Yuichi asked while looking at Ayu. She nodded and asked why he would ask such a thing. Being the one to joke, he responded that it was because her skills in cooking and baking were lower than the temperatures in winter. “Ugu,” Ayu moaned while staring at Yuichi with sadness. “Why do you have to be so mean all the time?” Nayuki meanwhile barely opened her eyes as she was having another moment of not staying awake.
Before leaving, Ayu and Akiko said their farewells to Yuichi and Nayuki. The weather was perfect as there was no snow on the ground. This was because it was now summer which was the season of warmth. “It certainly feels fantastic,” Yuichi said while looking at the sky. “With all the snow now gone for another year it feels wonderful to kick back the sweaters and jackets.” Nayuki had to agree. “Hey Yuichi, have you ever thought about what we are going to do for summer break?” She asked. Yuichi never thought about it, but took it in consideration. “I really don’t know,” He responded. “What did you have in mind?” Nayuki then gave a little smile while giggling. “Akiko told me to wait until tonight to tell you, but I suppose I can share it now. She and I were talking last night and we decided to go on a large camping trip to the high country. What do you think?” For a brief moment, Yuichi stared at her with the same, normal expression. He didn’t have much of a reaction to it but thought it was a pretty good idea. Nayuki then smiled happily while she jumped on him in which they both fell to the ground. A while afterwards, they made it to school just before the bell rung. “Should we invite our friends?” Yuichi asked while putting things in his locker. Nayuki turned to him while her expression was confusing. “What do you mean?” Yuichi responded that he was thinking of inviting Shiori, Mai, Kaori, Sayuri and Jun. It didn’t take Nayuki very long to answer in which she thought it was a great idea. She even said it would give them a chance to spend time away from town and get in touch with nature. Yuichi was glade that she accepted, though the only thing they had to do now was figure out how to bring the topic up. Nayuki said she would handle telling about it with Kaori and Jun sense her and Kaori are great friends. Yuichi meanwhile would explain it with Shiori, Mai and Sayuri.
During lunch break, Nayuki was eating lunch with Kaori and Jun. “Do you have any plans this summer?” She asked. Kaori responded that she didn’t have much in mind. However, Jun interrupt the conversation in which he complained that they were suppose to go to the beach. Realizing that this was a possible plan, Nayuki started worrying. It became clear to Kaori and Jun in which they both asked her if she was alright. “Are you okay Nayuki?” Kaori asked. Nayuki nodded without saying a word. “If there’s something on your mind, you can tell us.” Jun said. Deciding not to keep it bundled up Nayuki went on and asked them if they would like to go camping. The reactions of Kaori and Jun were surprising as they looked at each other for a moment until they turned their attention back to her. “Sure,” Kaori responded while smiling. “We would love to go with you.” “Is Yuichi going too?” Jun asked while playing with his chop sticks. “Yes, he is coming too of course.” Nayuki responded while giggling. With Kaori and Jun coming, all that was left was for Yuichi to do the rest. He was in the cafeteria eating lunch with Shirori. “Is your food alright?” Shirori asked while staring at Yuichi. Yuichi responded that his food was wonderful. The moment grew quite for a while until Yuichi decided to pass on the question. “Listen,” He started to speak. “Nayuki and I are going on a big camping trip to the high woods and we were wondering if you would like to tag along.” Shirori gasped with surprise. It was surprising to her sense she has never been camping before and that sharing the experience with Yuichi and his cousin would be a very good opportunity. With her answer now revealed, Yuichi felt delighted. All he had left was to ask Mai and Sayuri.
“Camping.” Mai said while turning her head around to see Yuichi. Because she was reclusive as well as the silent type, Mai had little to no reaction for anything- except for the fate of her best friend, Sayuri. “So, what do you think? Do you and Sayuri want to go with us?” Yuichi asked. Sayuri responded that it would be a great opportunity to spend time with not only Yuichi, but Mai as well. “Sayuri applause this plan,” She also said while turning to Mai and smiling. “Sayuri thinks we should go for it. What do you think Mai?” With the expression of normality, Mai had nothing big to say but responded that it would be good. Both Yuichi and Sayuri were delighted. As the remainder of the school hour flew by, Yuichi and Nayuki were standing outside from the school as they were chatting. “How did it go with you?” Nayuki asked. “I think it went good,” Yuichi responded. “Shirori accepted as well as Mai and Sayuri. How about Kaori and Jun?” Nayuki responded that it went well with them too. Despite their invitations being accepted, only one thing stood in their way- how would they be able to fit so many people in one little vehicle. “I guess we will have to think about that later on,” Nayuki said. “I’m going to be late for my track meet. I’ll see you tonight though okay?” After waving goodbye, she made her way to the gymnasium while Yuichi was on his way back to the house. While cruising around the town blocks, he noticed someone very familiar looking through the glass to a small toy store. It turned out to be Makoto. Yuichi decided to pull a little prank on her and scare her from behind. Makoto gave a loud, horrified scream while crying her eyes out. “Please! Please don’t hurt me! I was just looking at the toys!” Yuichi managed to get her relaxed and apologized. “That was just awful Yuichi! You better pay with your life next time!” She exclaimed while pointing at him. Not buying any of her words, Yuichi gave her a little pat on the head at which everything returned to normal.
Several minutes later, both Yuichi and Makoto had just come in. Akiko greeted them and said dinner was about ready. Makoto was very excited as she enjoyed eating more than anyone else. Yuichi gave a little sigh while watching her and smiling. He then made it up to his room and got changed. Then, there was a knock on the door as Ayu’s head slowly came to view. “Um, is it alright if I come in?” She asked. Yuichi said it was fine and Ayu entered. She sat on his bed while watching him. “Hey Yuichi,” She said. “Can I ask you something?” Yuichi gave her all of his attention as she asked her question. “Have you ever been camping before? Like at all?” It was a tough question for Yuichi to answer as he doesn’t remember anything about camping. When he was a kid though, he would’ve had experiences with it. “I don’t really remember Ayu. Sorry.” Despite her question not being answered, Ayu had no concerns or worries at all. “I know it was a stupid question, but I had to ask because- I have never done it either.” It wasn’t a surprise for Yuichi as he never imagined her being a professional camper. The truth was that she was actually quite scared. “I’m worried that wolves will come and eat me. Not to mention the scary stories always told around the campfire. Ugu. I can’t stand them.” Yuichi did find her reasons to be a little funny, but not very much. He managed to give her a little comfort by explaining that she wasn’t going to be the only one. He, Nayuki, Makoto, Akiko and their friends would be there too. “There is nothing to be nervous about. We’re just going to go and have a great time. You need to have it as well alright?” Ayu’s reaction soon changed from sad and scared to happy and comfort. She then gave him a hug while thanking him for everything. A while later, everyone was down stairs eating dinner. Yuichi and Makoto got into a little squabble because she ate the last of his food. Everyone laughed hysterically by their actions. After taking their baths, everyone was in their rooms. Yuichi was reading a magazine when he was interrupted by Ayu and Makoto’s presence. “What is it you two want?” He asked while getting a little annoyed. “Ugu. Don’t be rude Yuichi. We just wanted you to play with us.” “Yuichi’s fun at games,” Makoto exclaimed. “So it’s not as fun without you.” While her words were very nice, Yuichi had no time to fool around. “As much as I would like to play games, I can’t right now because I am busy with something.” The two girls were curious as to wondering what he could be doing that was important. Makoto grabbed the magazine and looked at the cover. “You’re reading this nonsense?” She asked while showing it to Yuichi. Ayu wanted to see too and became a bit sick. “Uguu! That’s awful stuff Yuichi! How can you look at it?”
The night went along normally as morning finally came. Yuichi was still sleeping when he realized something was sitting on top of him. He slowly opened his left eye when he noticed a strange face staring directly at him. When his vision was adjusted, he became surprised after he realized Makoto was staring at him for a while now. “What do you think you’re doing??” He asked while getting up. Makoto frowned while staring at him. “I just wanted to wake you up to see if you were ready.” She responded with a low pitch in her voice. Yuichi gave her a confused expression. “What are you talking about?” Makoto gasped as she was surprised he didn’t remember. “Camping!” She exclaimed while springing herself back up. Yuichi felt uneasy as he couldn’t believe he actually forgot. He left his room while Makoto followed from behind. All what she could do was move around with excitement. The fact of camping and going out in the wilderness made her completely energized. They both entered the dining room at which Nayuki, Ayu and Akiko were sitting at the table enjoying their breakfast. “Good morning you two,” Akiko said while getting up. “I have your plates ready.” Yuichi and Makoto both sat. “I have been busy packing last night.” Ayu said. Yuichi was surprised sense he finds it hard to believe that she would be prepared for anything. Poor Ayu was filled with sadness. “Ugu! I worked really hard last night! The lease you could do is be proud.” He did apologize and told her that it was grateful she did that. Though it hurt her feelings, Ayu forgave him. Several minutes later, everyone was packing. “Do we really need to bring so much?” Nayuki asked. Akiko responded that they had to pack whatever was important. Makoto had a suitcase full of her comic books which Yuichi found self-centered. “Come on Makoto! You don’t need to bring that many comic books.” Poor Makoto felt unhappy. “But, I want to bring them all in case they get lonely. Plus I like them all.” Her words didn’t get through Yuichi’s head and just found it disturbing. “You are not taking them all,” He exclaimed. “Put some of them back in your room okay?” With sadness, Makoto dragged her suitcase up to her room. Ayu had just put her suitcase in the trunk which took a while to handle. “Ugu..” She moaned while sighing. A little while later, everyone was all packed and rearing to go. All they had to do now was pick up the others. First, they picked Shirori. Then Kaori and Jun. Mai and Sayuri were the last two to be picked up.
Road trips can be described as two things- fun or lousy. In the case of this road trip, with two guys and eight girls, the description is quite obvious. “I wanna drink!” Makoto moaned. Yuichi told her that all of the drinks were in a cooler which was in the trunk. “We’ll get something once we get close to the dirt road okay?” Akiko said. The way they were going was quite long. Although it was, it got them to where they needed to be. Of course they had to stop by a little shop so that Makoto could buy a soda. Everyone also got themselves something to snack on or drink. “Hey, I just had a fantastic idea,” Ayu said. “What if these little shops sold taiyaki?” Everyone stared at her in complete silence. Poor Ayu was filled with concern as she was scared she may have crushed the moment. “I think it would be fantastic.” Shirori responded. Everyone else gave their own opinions to the idea of little stores having taiyaki. Ayu’s expression was filled with glee. After their brief break, they got back in the vehicle and continued their drive into the woodlands. The roadways changed from flat to steep as it went through the mountains. Everyone enjoyed the beauty of the high Alps including Yuichi. After an hour drive through, they made it to the cabin. Everyone was delighted to finally be able to stretch and move around. They took a chance to explore the outside area which there was plenty of space to run and play. There was also a hiking trail that leads into the woods. An old tire swing was also nearby which proved interesting to Ayu and Makoto. While they were enjoying themselves, Yuichi, Nayuki, Akiko, Shirori, Kaori, Jun, Mai and Sayrui were inside the cabin. “Sayrui thinks this place is very nice,” Sayuri said while looking around. “What do you think of it Mai?” Mai was simply looking out from the window. She didn’t respond, but continued staring outside. Nayuki and Akiko were observing one room. “This is very nice.” Nayuki said while smiling. Akiko couldn’t help but agree. Shirori, Kaori and Jun meanwhile were hanging out in the living room. They were all sitting on very comfortable sofas. “So very relaxing.” Kaori sighed. Shirori couldn’t help but smile. As all of this was going on, Yuichi was busy unloading everything from the vehicle. Ayu ran to him and asked if he needed any help. She gladly accepted his help and carried some of the suitcases inside. When Yuichi turned around, he suddenly caught a glimpse of something very unusual. A few miles away, there was a mysterious figure that had antlers on its head. The figure was soon revealed to be an Axis Deer. This was odd for Yuichi because it isn’t common for deers to live high in the mountains. When Ayu returned, Yuichi decided not to tell her or anyone about it and continued unloading. But when he tried to find it, it disappeared without a trace.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Before leaving, Ayu and Akiko said their farewells to Yuichi and Nayuki. The weather was perfect as there was no snow on the ground. This was because it was now summer which was the season of warmth. “It certainly feels fantastic,” Yuichi said while looking at the sky. “With all the snow now gone for another year it feels wonderful to kick back the sweaters and jackets.” Nayuki had to agree. “Hey Yuichi, have you ever thought about what we are going to do for summer break?” She asked. Yuichi never thought about it, but took it in consideration. “I really don’t know,” He responded. “What did you have in mind?” Nayuki then gave a little smile while giggling. “Akiko told me to wait until tonight to tell you, but I suppose I can share it now. She and I were talking last night and we decided to go on a large camping trip to the high country. What do you think?” For a brief moment, Yuichi stared at her with the same, normal expression. He didn’t have much of a reaction to it but thought it was a pretty good idea. Nayuki then smiled happily while she jumped on him in which they both fell to the ground. A while afterwards, they made it to school just before the bell rung. “Should we invite our friends?” Yuichi asked while putting things in his locker. Nayuki turned to him while her expression was confusing. “What do you mean?” Yuichi responded that he was thinking of inviting Shiori, Mai, Kaori, Sayuri and Jun. It didn’t take Nayuki very long to answer in which she thought it was a great idea. She even said it would give them a chance to spend time away from town and get in touch with nature. Yuichi was glade that she accepted, though the only thing they had to do now was figure out how to bring the topic up. Nayuki said she would handle telling about it with Kaori and Jun sense her and Kaori are great friends. Yuichi meanwhile would explain it with Shiori, Mai and Sayuri.
During lunch break, Nayuki was eating lunch with Kaori and Jun. “Do you have any plans this summer?” She asked. Kaori responded that she didn’t have much in mind. However, Jun interrupt the conversation in which he complained that they were suppose to go to the beach. Realizing that this was a possible plan, Nayuki started worrying. It became clear to Kaori and Jun in which they both asked her if she was alright. “Are you okay Nayuki?” Kaori asked. Nayuki nodded without saying a word. “If there’s something on your mind, you can tell us.” Jun said. Deciding not to keep it bundled up Nayuki went on and asked them if they would like to go camping. The reactions of Kaori and Jun were surprising as they looked at each other for a moment until they turned their attention back to her. “Sure,” Kaori responded while smiling. “We would love to go with you.” “Is Yuichi going too?” Jun asked while playing with his chop sticks. “Yes, he is coming too of course.” Nayuki responded while giggling. With Kaori and Jun coming, all that was left was for Yuichi to do the rest. He was in the cafeteria eating lunch with Shirori. “Is your food alright?” Shirori asked while staring at Yuichi. Yuichi responded that his food was wonderful. The moment grew quite for a while until Yuichi decided to pass on the question. “Listen,” He started to speak. “Nayuki and I are going on a big camping trip to the high woods and we were wondering if you would like to tag along.” Shirori gasped with surprise. It was surprising to her sense she has never been camping before and that sharing the experience with Yuichi and his cousin would be a very good opportunity. With her answer now revealed, Yuichi felt delighted. All he had left was to ask Mai and Sayuri.
“Camping.” Mai said while turning her head around to see Yuichi. Because she was reclusive as well as the silent type, Mai had little to no reaction for anything- except for the fate of her best friend, Sayuri. “So, what do you think? Do you and Sayuri want to go with us?” Yuichi asked. Sayuri responded that it would be a great opportunity to spend time with not only Yuichi, but Mai as well. “Sayuri applause this plan,” She also said while turning to Mai and smiling. “Sayuri thinks we should go for it. What do you think Mai?” With the expression of normality, Mai had nothing big to say but responded that it would be good. Both Yuichi and Sayuri were delighted. As the remainder of the school hour flew by, Yuichi and Nayuki were standing outside from the school as they were chatting. “How did it go with you?” Nayuki asked. “I think it went good,” Yuichi responded. “Shirori accepted as well as Mai and Sayuri. How about Kaori and Jun?” Nayuki responded that it went well with them too. Despite their invitations being accepted, only one thing stood in their way- how would they be able to fit so many people in one little vehicle. “I guess we will have to think about that later on,” Nayuki said. “I’m going to be late for my track meet. I’ll see you tonight though okay?” After waving goodbye, she made her way to the gymnasium while Yuichi was on his way back to the house. While cruising around the town blocks, he noticed someone very familiar looking through the glass to a small toy store. It turned out to be Makoto. Yuichi decided to pull a little prank on her and scare her from behind. Makoto gave a loud, horrified scream while crying her eyes out. “Please! Please don’t hurt me! I was just looking at the toys!” Yuichi managed to get her relaxed and apologized. “That was just awful Yuichi! You better pay with your life next time!” She exclaimed while pointing at him. Not buying any of her words, Yuichi gave her a little pat on the head at which everything returned to normal.
Several minutes later, both Yuichi and Makoto had just come in. Akiko greeted them and said dinner was about ready. Makoto was very excited as she enjoyed eating more than anyone else. Yuichi gave a little sigh while watching her and smiling. He then made it up to his room and got changed. Then, there was a knock on the door as Ayu’s head slowly came to view. “Um, is it alright if I come in?” She asked. Yuichi said it was fine and Ayu entered. She sat on his bed while watching him. “Hey Yuichi,” She said. “Can I ask you something?” Yuichi gave her all of his attention as she asked her question. “Have you ever been camping before? Like at all?” It was a tough question for Yuichi to answer as he doesn’t remember anything about camping. When he was a kid though, he would’ve had experiences with it. “I don’t really remember Ayu. Sorry.” Despite her question not being answered, Ayu had no concerns or worries at all. “I know it was a stupid question, but I had to ask because- I have never done it either.” It wasn’t a surprise for Yuichi as he never imagined her being a professional camper. The truth was that she was actually quite scared. “I’m worried that wolves will come and eat me. Not to mention the scary stories always told around the campfire. Ugu. I can’t stand them.” Yuichi did find her reasons to be a little funny, but not very much. He managed to give her a little comfort by explaining that she wasn’t going to be the only one. He, Nayuki, Makoto, Akiko and their friends would be there too. “There is nothing to be nervous about. We’re just going to go and have a great time. You need to have it as well alright?” Ayu’s reaction soon changed from sad and scared to happy and comfort. She then gave him a hug while thanking him for everything. A while later, everyone was down stairs eating dinner. Yuichi and Makoto got into a little squabble because she ate the last of his food. Everyone laughed hysterically by their actions. After taking their baths, everyone was in their rooms. Yuichi was reading a magazine when he was interrupted by Ayu and Makoto’s presence. “What is it you two want?” He asked while getting a little annoyed. “Ugu. Don’t be rude Yuichi. We just wanted you to play with us.” “Yuichi’s fun at games,” Makoto exclaimed. “So it’s not as fun without you.” While her words were very nice, Yuichi had no time to fool around. “As much as I would like to play games, I can’t right now because I am busy with something.” The two girls were curious as to wondering what he could be doing that was important. Makoto grabbed the magazine and looked at the cover. “You’re reading this nonsense?” She asked while showing it to Yuichi. Ayu wanted to see too and became a bit sick. “Uguu! That’s awful stuff Yuichi! How can you look at it?”
The night went along normally as morning finally came. Yuichi was still sleeping when he realized something was sitting on top of him. He slowly opened his left eye when he noticed a strange face staring directly at him. When his vision was adjusted, he became surprised after he realized Makoto was staring at him for a while now. “What do you think you’re doing??” He asked while getting up. Makoto frowned while staring at him. “I just wanted to wake you up to see if you were ready.” She responded with a low pitch in her voice. Yuichi gave her a confused expression. “What are you talking about?” Makoto gasped as she was surprised he didn’t remember. “Camping!” She exclaimed while springing herself back up. Yuichi felt uneasy as he couldn’t believe he actually forgot. He left his room while Makoto followed from behind. All what she could do was move around with excitement. The fact of camping and going out in the wilderness made her completely energized. They both entered the dining room at which Nayuki, Ayu and Akiko were sitting at the table enjoying their breakfast. “Good morning you two,” Akiko said while getting up. “I have your plates ready.” Yuichi and Makoto both sat. “I have been busy packing last night.” Ayu said. Yuichi was surprised sense he finds it hard to believe that she would be prepared for anything. Poor Ayu was filled with sadness. “Ugu! I worked really hard last night! The lease you could do is be proud.” He did apologize and told her that it was grateful she did that. Though it hurt her feelings, Ayu forgave him. Several minutes later, everyone was packing. “Do we really need to bring so much?” Nayuki asked. Akiko responded that they had to pack whatever was important. Makoto had a suitcase full of her comic books which Yuichi found self-centered. “Come on Makoto! You don’t need to bring that many comic books.” Poor Makoto felt unhappy. “But, I want to bring them all in case they get lonely. Plus I like them all.” Her words didn’t get through Yuichi’s head and just found it disturbing. “You are not taking them all,” He exclaimed. “Put some of them back in your room okay?” With sadness, Makoto dragged her suitcase up to her room. Ayu had just put her suitcase in the trunk which took a while to handle. “Ugu..” She moaned while sighing. A little while later, everyone was all packed and rearing to go. All they had to do now was pick up the others. First, they picked Shirori. Then Kaori and Jun. Mai and Sayuri were the last two to be picked up.
Road trips can be described as two things- fun or lousy. In the case of this road trip, with two guys and eight girls, the description is quite obvious. “I wanna drink!” Makoto moaned. Yuichi told her that all of the drinks were in a cooler which was in the trunk. “We’ll get something once we get close to the dirt road okay?” Akiko said. The way they were going was quite long. Although it was, it got them to where they needed to be. Of course they had to stop by a little shop so that Makoto could buy a soda. Everyone also got themselves something to snack on or drink. “Hey, I just had a fantastic idea,” Ayu said. “What if these little shops sold taiyaki?” Everyone stared at her in complete silence. Poor Ayu was filled with concern as she was scared she may have crushed the moment. “I think it would be fantastic.” Shirori responded. Everyone else gave their own opinions to the idea of little stores having taiyaki. Ayu’s expression was filled with glee. After their brief break, they got back in the vehicle and continued their drive into the woodlands. The roadways changed from flat to steep as it went through the mountains. Everyone enjoyed the beauty of the high Alps including Yuichi. After an hour drive through, they made it to the cabin. Everyone was delighted to finally be able to stretch and move around. They took a chance to explore the outside area which there was plenty of space to run and play. There was also a hiking trail that leads into the woods. An old tire swing was also nearby which proved interesting to Ayu and Makoto. While they were enjoying themselves, Yuichi, Nayuki, Akiko, Shirori, Kaori, Jun, Mai and Sayrui were inside the cabin. “Sayrui thinks this place is very nice,” Sayuri said while looking around. “What do you think of it Mai?” Mai was simply looking out from the window. She didn’t respond, but continued staring outside. Nayuki and Akiko were observing one room. “This is very nice.” Nayuki said while smiling. Akiko couldn’t help but agree. Shirori, Kaori and Jun meanwhile were hanging out in the living room. They were all sitting on very comfortable sofas. “So very relaxing.” Kaori sighed. Shirori couldn’t help but smile. As all of this was going on, Yuichi was busy unloading everything from the vehicle. Ayu ran to him and asked if he needed any help. She gladly accepted his help and carried some of the suitcases inside. When Yuichi turned around, he suddenly caught a glimpse of something very unusual. A few miles away, there was a mysterious figure that had antlers on its head. The figure was soon revealed to be an Axis Deer. This was odd for Yuichi because it isn’t common for deers to live high in the mountains. When Ayu returned, Yuichi decided not to tell her or anyone about it and continued unloading. But when he tried to find it, it disappeared without a trace.
TO BE CONTINUED…
