Mount Omuro.
The bus pulled smoothly into the parking lot, and Kitagawa Kai slowly woke to Suzune's gentle calls beside him.
"Kai-kun, we're here."
He opened his eyes and found himself leaning on Suzune's shoulder, a thin blanket draped over him.
He had slept so comfortably that he hadn't even noticed when the bus stopped.
Damn it, had I really become this addicted to a beautiful woman's company?
"Thanks, Suzune. Is your shoulder sore?"
"It's fine. Now that you're awake, get up. Everyone's getting ready to leave the bus."
Horikita Suzune took the thin blanket from him, folded it, and put it back on the seat.
Kitagawa Kai picked up her bag for her, and the two followed everyone off the bus.
The mountain breeze blowing into his face woke him up completely.
Winter had stripped Mount Omuro of its greenery, covering the entire mountain in dry, yellowish-brown grass. From a distance, its rounded outline looked just like an enormous, tempting caramel pudding.
Looking up, they could see two-person chairlifts continuously ascending the slope, all the way to the summit.
Tominaga Misa clapped her hands and called to everyone, "Everyone, we'll be taking two-person chairlifts up the mountain next. The ride takes about three minutes each way. We've already bought the tickets, so feel free to pair up."
The girls called to their companions, but Horikita Suzune looked up at the ascending chairlifts and slowed her steps.
Kitagawa Kai followed her gaze and suddenly remembered something.
Suzune seemed to be a little afraid of heights.
He stopped and asked loudly, "Is anyone afraid of heights and uncomfortable riding this sort of chairlift? Don't force yourselves. I have another way to get up there."
Horikita Suzune glanced at the swaying seats overhead and raised her hand immediately. This was no time