Arriving at the Park

"What's next on our itinerary...?"

Ichinose Honami took out her phone, checked the time, then looked up and announced to everyone, "We're heading to Shiroi Koibito Park."

"It's getting late, so we can have a proper meal over there first and fill up. This afternoon, we can take our time exploring the park, visiting the chocolate factory, and taking photos. We've got plenty of time."

Lunch first to replenish their energy, then a leisurely stroll through the sights—it suited everyone's pace perfectly.

No one objected.

"Sounds great! I've heard the desserts at Shiroi Koibito Park are famous. I've wanted to go take pictures there forever!" Kushida Kikyo's eyes lit up as she chimed in with an eager smile.

"Then let's head to the parking lot and wait for the shuttle bus."

Lunch in the city was relaxed and peaceful.

The eight of them chose a small but clean Japanese set-meal restaurant. From their window seats, they could see the snow piled along the streets and pedestrians passing by.

Everyone ordered their own meals. There was no rush at lunchtime, and they ate at an easy pace, occasionally chatting about the fun they'd had skiing that morning and what they were looking forward to in the park later.

When they stepped out of the restaurant after lunch, the afternoon sunlight was just right, slanting across the buildings lining the street.

There were no longer any direct shuttle buses to Shiroi Koibito Park. Public transit would take a detour and waste too much time, so the eight of them decided to take two taxis.

The groups formed naturally as well, with the boys and girls riding separately.

The two taxis left the city one after the other, heading toward Shiroi Koibito Park in the suburbs.

The ride took around twenty minutes,