The early morning sun bathed Hoshinari Academy in a golden glow as students milled about the front courtyard. Despite the relatively early hour, there was a palpable buzz of excitement in the air—particularly around the large charter bus parked at the school's entrance.

  Standing tall and proud beside the bus door, clipboard in hand, was Monika. Her coral brown hair was pulled back into a practical ponytail, though a few stubborn strands had already escaped to frame her face. Instead of her usual uniform, she wore khaki hiking shorts, a light green button-up shirt, and sturdy hiking boots—the perfect picture of an organized outdoors leader.

  "Check, check, check," she muttered, ticking off items on her list. "Tents, first aid kits, emergency rations..." She glanced up with a satisfied smile. "Everything's accounted for!"

  Nearby, Qua leaned against the bus, looking completely unbothered in dark cargo pants and a navy hoodie despite the warm weather. His expression was one of mild amusement as he watched Monika triple-check her lists.

  "You know," he drawled, "normal school clubs go to museums or maybe the beach for their trips. Only you would convince the administration to let us go hiking and camping in the mountains."

  Monika's smile turned slightly mischievous. "I didn't do it alone. Sayori helped quite a bit with the convincing."

  As if summoned by the mention of her name, Sayori came bounding across the courtyard, a comically oversized backpack strapped to her small frame. The pack was so large it made her look like a turtle with its shell, and it seemed to contain... was that a telescope sticking out of the top?

  "I'M HERE!" she announced with enough volume to startle several nearby birds into flight. "I brought EVERYTHING we could possibly need!"

  Qua raised an eyebrow. "Let me guess—marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers?"

  "Yes!" Sayori beamed. "And a cotton candy machine, three different board games, a karaoke set, sixteen different flavors of instant ramen—"

  "Sayori," Monika cut in gently, "we're only going for two days."

  Sayori's eyes widened in genuine confusion. "I know! That's why I packed light!"

  Before Monika could respond, the sound of bickering drew their attention to two figures approaching from across the courtyard. Natsuki and Yuri were deep in what appeared to be a heated debate, though this was hardly unusual for the pair.

  "I'm just saying," Natsuki insisted, her pink eyes flashing with determination, "if we're going to be in the wilderness, we should be prepared for anything. And that includes zombie attacks!"

  Yuri sighed deeply, adjusting the elegant black hiking outfit that somehow made her look like she was attending a gothic fashion show rather than a camping trip. "Natsuki, for the last time, the statistical likelihood of encountering the undead is infinitesimally small. Bears, however—"

  "Bears I can handle!" Natsuki interrupted, flexing her small arms. "It's the zombies I'm worried about."

  Qua felt that familiar flutter in his chest as he watched Natsuki's animated gestures. Something about her fierce energy in that tiny frame never failed to catch his attention. Not that he'd ever admit it out loud—he had a reputation to maintain, after all.

  "There will be no zombies," Monika assured them as they reached the bus. "And the bear population in the area is well-documented and generally avoids humans." She checked her clipboard again. "Alright! Looks like we're all here. Let's get loaded up and on the road!"

  As the five club members began loading their gear onto the bus, a sleek black car pulled up to the curb. The window rolled down to reveal Kaito Kobayashi's smirking face.

  "Well, well," he called out, "if it isn't my dear sister and her band of misfits. Off to play in the dirt for the weekend?"

  Monika's expression remained pleasant, though the temperature of her smile dropped several degrees. "School-approved club activity, actually. Very educational."

  "Ah, yes. 'Educational.'" Kaito made exaggerated air quotes. "Just like that poetry slam last month was 'cultural enrichment' and not an excuse for your club to embarrass themselves publicly."

  "The poetry slam was a huge success," Monika countered, her voice still light but with a steel edge. "The student newspaper said it was the best club event of the semester."

  "The student newspaper that your tech genius over there"—Kaito nodded toward Qua—"happens to have administrative access to? How convenient."

  Qua merely shrugged, not bothering to deny the accusation.

  Natsuki stepped forward, hands on her hips. "What do you want, Kaito? Some of us have adventures to get to."

  Kaito's smirk widened. "Just wishing you all a pleasant trip. Nature can be so... unpredictable." He winked at Monika before rolling up his window and driving off.

  "Should we be worried about that?" Yuri asked quietly, her eyes narrowed as she watched the car disappear.

  "Probably," Qua admitted. "But when are we not dealing with some scheme of his?"

  Monika shook her head, determination replacing concern on her face. "We're not letting Kaito ruin this trip. We've been planning it for months, and it's going to be perfect." She turned to face her club. "This weekend is about bonding, experiencing nature, and maybe writing some poetry inspired by our surroundings. Nothing is going to get in the way of that."

  As if to punctuate her statement, the bus engine roared to life. The driver—a middle-aged man who looked like he'd seen everything Hoshinari Academy had to offer and was no longer capable of being surprised by anything—leaned out the window.

  "All aboard for the Kurohama Mountain Range!" he called. "Last chance to back out before you're stuck with each other in the wilderness!"

  "No backing out now!" Sayori cheered, somehow managing to run despite the enormous backpack weighing her down. She scrambled onto the bus, her pack getting briefly stuck in the doorway before popping through with cartoonish suddenness.

  The others followed with varying levels of enthusiasm—Monika confident, Natsuki determined, Yuri thoughtful, and Qua casually indifferent, though his eyes lingered on Natsuki's determined stride for just a moment longer than necessary.

  As the bus pulled away from Hoshinari Academy, none of them noticed the small drone that took flight from the school rooftop, following at a discreet distance.

  {INTRO:}

  The screen flickers into focus, revealing Monika sitting at her piano in the empty clubroom. The soft sunlight streams through the windows, casting an ethereal glow around her. She looks up, her green eyes sparkling with mischief as she closes her notebook of music compositions with a satisfying snap. Turning toward the reader, she smiles knowingly.

  “Welcome back! I know what you’re thinking. ‘Monika, why are you talking to us? Shouldn’t the story just… start?’” She chuckles, brushing a strand of her chestnut hair behind her ear. “Well, maybe in a normal story. But this isn’t a normal story, is it?”

  Standing, she walks to the front of the room, gesturing dramatically as if presenting on a stage.

  “Here in the Literature Club, we like to do things a little differently. So, before the chaos begins, let me give you a glimpse of what’s in store—like an anime opening! You know, those flashy montages with catchy music where everything looks way cooler than it actually is?”

  Her expression softens into something more serious—or is it self-aware?

  “Besides… sometimes it’s nice to take a moment to appreciate how much fun we’re having before things inevitably go off the rails.”

  With a snap of her fingers, the clubroom melts away into a kaleidoscope of scenes:

  Sayori, laughing hysterically, pulls an oversized mallet out of thin air and smashes through a wall. She waves sheepishly as Monika sighs in the background.

  Yuri, standing under a gothic archway, her purple eyes glowing eerily, clutches a tattered book that leaks ominous purple mist. Raven feathers swirl around her.

  Natsuki slams a manga volume shut, sparks flying as she glares at Yuri. The two begin bickering, their exaggerated chibi-style arguing making the panels on the page come to life.

  Qua, seated at his computer, smirks as lines of code cascade across the screen. He taps a key, and the world glitches briefly, revealing Monika standing behind him with an unreadable expression.

  Monika, perched at her piano, plays a haunting melody. The camera pans up, showing her gazing out a window—her reflection flickering slightly, as if caught between two realities.

  The montage abruptly ends. Monika reappears in the clubroom, clapping her hands together with a bright smile.

  “Pretty cool, huh? I’d say it sums us up nicely: a little chaotic, a little heartfelt, and absolutely over the top. Now, let’s see what kind of mischief the club gets into this time, shall we?”

  With that, she gestures toward the door, and the real story begins.

  *******

  The bus journey took them through the winding mountain roads of the Kurohama range. The scenery gradually transformed from suburban streets to lush forests, the air becoming noticeably fresher as they climbed higher. Inside the bus, the Literature Club members had settled into their typical dynamics.

  Natsuki and Sayori had claimed the back seat and were engaged in an intense card game that seemed to have rules only they understood. Every few minutes, one of them would shout "UNO!" regardless of what cards they were playing, followed by the other protesting loudly. Qua found his gaze drifting repeatedly to the back of the bus, ostensibly focused on his laptop but actually watching Natsuki's passionate reactions whenever she thought she was winning.

  In the middle of the bus, Yuri sat alone, completely engrossed in a leather-bound book titled "Foraging for the Gothically Inclined: Edible Plants and Their Macabre Uses." Occasionally, she would make notes in the margins with a fountain pen that leaked ink the color of dried blood.

  At the front, Monika and Qua sat across the aisle from each other—Monika reviewing her meticulously planned itinerary while Qua tapped away at his laptop, his expression unreadable.

  "You're not going to have Wi-Fi where we're heading," Monika commented, glancing over at his screen.

  "Bold of you to assume I need Wi-Fi," Qua replied without looking up. After a moment, he added, "I'm making sure Kaito doesn't have any nasty surprises waiting for us. Your brother's subtle as a brick, but he's resourceful."

  Monika sighed, setting down her planner. "I still don't understand why he's always trying to undermine the club. What did we ever do to him?"

  Qua finally looked up, his piercing blue eyes meeting Monika's green ones. "Exist successfully without his influence? Be genuinely happy instead of just pretending like his crowd does?" He shrugged. "Some people can't stand seeing others find authentic connection."

  Before Monika could respond, the bus hit a particularly rough patch of road, sending everyone bouncing in their seats. From the back came Sayori's delighted squeal, followed by the sound of cards flying everywhere.

  "I WON!" she declared triumphantly.

  "That doesn't count!" Natsuki protested. "Acts of nature void the round!"

  Her indignant tone made Qua's lips twitch into a brief, unguarded smile. Something about the way she could be so intensely serious about the most trivial things was oddly endearing.

  Monika caught his expression and raised an eyebrow knowingly. Qua immediately schooled his features back to neutral indifference, but it was too late—she had seen.

  "Authentic connection, indeed," she said with a subtle hint of teasing.

  Qua rolled his eyes and returned his attention to his laptop, though a faint hint of color touched the tips of his ears.

  The bus finally pulled into a small gravel parking area at the base of a hiking trail. As they disembarked, the driver handed Monika a small radio.

  "Emergency channel," he explained gruffly. "Reception's spotty up here, but it should work if you really need it. I'll be back Sunday afternoon. Try not to get eaten by bears."

  With that cheerful sendoff, he closed the doors and drove away, leaving the Literature Club standing at the trailhead with their gear piled around them.

  "Alright, everyone," Monika said, clapping her hands to get their attention. "We have a two-hour hike to reach our campsite. It's not too strenuous, but we should get moving if we want to set up camp before dusk."

  Sayori was already jumping up and down with excitement. "This is gonna be so fun! I've never been camping before! Do you think we'll see any animals? Or ghosts? Or animal ghosts?"

  "I hope not," Natsuki muttered, eyeing the dense forest warily. "Unless they're friendly animal ghosts."

  Yuri closed her book with a thoughtful expression. "Actually, this region does have several interesting folk tales about forest spirits. The most prominent being the Yamauba, a mountain witch who—"

  "Maybe save the horror stories for around the campfire?" Qua suggested, already shouldering his backpack.

  "Excellent idea," Monika agreed, relieved for the intervention. "Let's distribute the group supplies and get moving."

  The next few minutes were spent dividing the tents, cooking equipment, and other necessities among their packs. Sayori insisted on carrying the food—"I'll guard it with my life!"—while Yuri took responsibility for the first aid supplies, a task she approached with surprising enthusiasm.

  "I can take some of that," Qua offered casually as Natsuki struggled to adjust her pack, which looked almost comically large against her small frame. "You're already carrying enough."

  Natsuki immediately bristled. "I can handle my own gear, thanks," she retorted, though she was clearly straining. "I'm not some delicate flower that needs help."

  "Never said you were," Qua replied evenly, though there was a hint of softness in his eyes that belied his indifferent tone. "Just being practical. Group efficiency and all that."

  Natsuki hesitated, looking like she was about to refuse on principle, then reluctantly handed over one of the tent bags. "Fine. But only because it's more efficient."

  "Of course," Qua agreed, suppressing a small smile as he added the tent to his already substantial load. Monika, observing the exchange, gave him a knowing look that he pointedly ignored.

  Finally ready, the group set off along the trail. The path started wide and well-marked but gradually narrowed as they ventured deeper into the forest. Tall trees created a canopy overhead, dappling the ground with dancing patterns of sunlight. The air was rich with the scent of pine and earth, occasionally carrying the sweet perfume of wildflowers.

  Monika led the way, consulting her map at regular intervals. Qua walked slightly behind her, seeming relaxed but watchful. Yuri followed, pausing occasionally to examine an interesting plant or fungus. Natsuki and Sayori brought up the rear, with Sayori pointing out every squirrel, bird, and interestingly shaped cloud with unbridled enthusiasm.

  "Look at THAT one!" Sayori gasped, pointing to a cloud barely visible through the trees. "It looks just like a cupcake riding a unicorn!"

  Natsuki squinted upward. "It looks like a blob."

  "A cupcake-unicorn blob!" Sayori insisted.

  Their banter provided a soundtrack to the hike, occasionally punctuated by Yuri sharing facts about poisonous plants they passed ("That one can cause hallucinations and then a painful death in under four hours") or Qua making dry observations about their surroundings ("Something tells me that tree isn't supposed to be upside-down").

  When Natsuki stumbled on a protruding root, Qua was somehow immediately at her side, his hand steadying her elbow. The touch was brief, casual, but his eyes lingered on her face fractionally longer than necessary.

  "Watch your step," he said, his voice carefully neutral.

  "I don't need a babysitter," Natsuki mumbled, but there was less bite in her tone than usual, and she didn't immediately pull away from his touch.

  The peculiarities of the forest grew more pronounced the deeper they ventured. Flowers in impossible colors bloomed along the path, some seeming to turn to follow the hikers as they passed. A stream they crossed ran in defiance of gravity, its water flowing uphill for a short stretch before cascading down normally again. At one point, they all distinctly heard what sounded like distant wind chimes, though there was no breeze to speak of.

  "Is this normal?" Natsuki asked after they passed a cluster of mushrooms that appeared to be whispering to each other. "I mean, even for us?"

  "We're still within Kurohama County limits," Monika reminded her. "The weirdness follows us wherever we go."

  "I find it fascinating," Yuri commented, carefully sketching one of the talking mushrooms in a small notebook. "Nature here seems to have absorbed the same chaotic energy that permeates our school."

  "As long as nothing tries to eat us," Natsuki muttered.

  "Don't worry," Qua said dryly, though his eyes softened when they met hers. "If anything tries to eat you, it'll have to go through me first."

  "My hero," Natsuki shot back sarcastically, but Qua didn't miss the small smile she attempted to hide as she turned away.

  After about an hour and a half of hiking, the trail opened into a small clearing. A crystal-clear stream burbled along one edge, and a flat area with a stone fire ring indicated the designated camping spot.

  "We made it!" Monika announced with satisfaction, checking the site against her map. "And with plenty of daylight to spare."

  "Thank goodness," Natsuki sighed, dropping her pack and stretching. "I think my shoulders were about to fall off."

  "Mine too!" Sayori agreed, though she didn't seem the least bit tired despite carrying the heaviest load. "So what now? Do we build a fort? Hunt for dinner? Speak to the forest spirits?"

  "First, we set up camp," Monika explained patiently. "Tents, then we organize the cooking area, and then we can explore a bit before dinner."

  They divided into teams—Monika and Sayori working on one tent, Natsuki and Yuri on another, while Qua set up the third by himself ("I work better alone, trust me").

  Predictably, chaos ensued almost immediately.

  Sayori somehow managed to get herself completely wrapped in the tent fabric like a burrito, rolling around on the ground while Monika tried to untangle her. "I think I'm getting the hang of it!" Sayori declared cheerfully from within her nylon cocoon.

  Meanwhile, Natsuki and Yuri's teamwork was hampered by philosophical differences on tent construction.

  "The instructions clearly say to insert pole A into sleeve B," Yuri insisted, pointing to the diagram.

  "Yeah, but that doesn't make sense with the way the wind is blowing," Natsuki argued. "If we do it that way, the whole thing could collapse on us in the middle of the night!"

  "The aerodynamics of tent construction are not subject to your improvisational whims, Natsuki."

  "Well, your fancy vocabulary isn't going to keep us dry if it rains!"

  Qua glanced over at their increasingly heated debate, his own tent already half-assembled with methodical efficiency. After a moment of internal debate, he abandoned his project and approached the bickering pair.

  "Need a hand?" he offered, his tone carefully casual.

  "No!" both girls snapped in unison.

  Qua held up his hands in surrender. "Suit yourselves. But for what it's worth, Natsuki's right about the wind direction. It's better to have the entrance facing away from the prevailing breeze."

  The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  Yuri looked skeptical, but Natsuki's expression lit up with vindication. "See? Even Qua agrees with me, and he never agrees with anyone!"

  "I wouldn't go that far," Qua replied with a small smirk. "But in this particular instance, your instincts happen to be correct."

  "Fine," Yuri conceded with a sigh. "We'll do it Natsuki's way."

  Qua returned to his own tent, oddly pleased by the brief flash of appreciation in Natsuki's eyes.

  Eventually—and against all odds—three tents stood in a rough triangle around the fire pit. They weren't perfect (Sayori and Monika's had a distinct lean to one side, and Natsuki and Yuri's featured some creative structural modifications), but they would serve their purpose.

  "Not bad for city kids," Qua commented, surveying their work.

  Monika wiped her brow, looking pleased despite the challenges. "Great teamwork, everyone! Now, let's gather some firewood for later and set up the cooking equipment."

  As they dispersed to collect branches and kindling, Sayori suddenly let out a gasp that turned into a squeal of delight.

  "Guys! GUYS! LOOK!" She pointed frantically toward the edge of the clearing.

  There, partially hidden among the trees, stood a deer. It was unusually small with a coat of golden-brown fur that seemed to shimmer in the dappled sunlight. Most striking were its eyes—large, intelligent, and unmistakably blue.

  "It's beautiful," Yuri murmured, slowly reaching for her camera.

  The deer regarded them calmly, showing none of the typical skittishness one would expect from a wild animal. For a long moment, it simply watched the group, its gaze lingering particularly on Monika.

  Then, just as suddenly as it had appeared, the deer turned and bounded gracefully into the forest, leaving only a faint trail of golden sparkles in its wake.

  "Did... did anyone else see those sparkles?" Natsuki asked hesitantly.

  "Yep," Qua confirmed, his usual indifference momentarily replaced by genuine curiosity. "Definitely not a normal deer."

  "A forest spirit!" Sayori gasped, her eyes wide with wonder. "Just like in the stories!"

  "Perhaps," Yuri said thoughtfully. "In Japanese folklore, deer are often considered messengers of the gods."

  "Whatever it was," Monika interjected, "it was a wonderful welcome to our campsite. Maybe it's a good omen for our trip."

  As the group returned to their tasks, the atmosphere had shifted subtly. The forest around them no longer felt simply strange—it felt alive, aware, perhaps even welcoming in its own mysterious way.

  By the time dusk began to fall, they had a cheerful fire crackling in the pit and a simple but satisfying dinner of curry rice cooking in a pot suspended over the flames. Camping chairs formed a circle around the fire, and the soft glow illuminated five faces warmed by both firelight and companionship.

  Qua found himself seated between Monika and Natsuki, acutely aware of the smaller girl's proximity. In the golden firelight, her pink hair took on an almost magical quality, and the usual sharpness of her expression had softened into something more contemplative. Not for the first time, he wondered what she was thinking behind those defiant eyes.

  Sayori inhaled deeply, a blissful expression on her face. "This is PERFECT! The fresh air, the fire, all of us together... I feel like I'm in a movie!"

  "It is rather idyllic," Yuri agreed, her features softened by the golden light. She had traded her hiking outfit for a comfortable black sweater that still somehow maintained her gothic aesthetic.

  "I have to admit," Natsuki said, poking the fire with a stick, "this was a pretty good idea, Monika. Even if I'm probably going to wake up with a million bug bites tomorrow."

  Monika smiled, looking more relaxed than she had in weeks. "I'm glad everyone's enjoying it. I thought it would be good for us to experience something different together—away from school, away from... certain distractions."

  "You mean away from your brother's schemes," Qua translated bluntly.

  "Among other things," Monika acknowledged. "But mostly, I wanted us to connect in a different environment. The Literature Club is about more than just reading and writing—it's about the bonds we form through those shared experiences."

  "That's deep, Monika," Sayori said, looking genuinely touched. Then she brightened. "Speaking of deep, who wants to tell scary stories?"

  "Me!" Natsuki immediately volunteered, her earlier concerns about forest spirits apparently forgotten in favor of the chance to frighten her friends.

  Yuri's eyes lit up. "I have several tales that would be particularly effective in this setting."

  "Of course you do," Qua muttered, but there was no real bite to his words.

  As they finished their dinner and settled in for an evening of stories around the campfire, none of them noticed the small camera drone hovering just beyond the firelight, its lens focused intently on their gathering.

  Back in Kurohama County, in a darkened room filled with monitors, Kaito Kobayashi watched the feed with a calculating smile.

  "Enjoy your little wilderness bonding experience while you can, sis," he murmured. "The real adventure begins tomorrow."

  ---

  Morning broke over the campsite in a symphony of birdsong and golden light. Dew sparkled on every surface, creating a scene that looked almost ethereal—as if the entire clearing had been dusted with tiny diamonds overnight.

  Monika was the first to emerge from her tent, her hair tied back in a simple ponytail. She took a moment to simply breathe, appreciating the crisp mountain air and the peaceful atmosphere. This was exactly what she had hoped for when planning the trip—a chance to experience beauty and tranquility with her friends.

  She set about rekindling the fire and preparing coffee, humming softly to herself. One by one, the others joined her, each reacting to the morning in their characteristic ways.

  Yuri appeared looking surprisingly fresh, as if camping in the wilderness somehow suited her gothic sensibilities. She carried a small notebook, already filled with observations about the night sounds and early morning flora.

  "I documented seven distinct owl calls last night," she informed Monika, accepting a steaming mug of coffee. "One of which does not match any known species in this region."

  Qua emerged next, looking exactly as he had the day before—as if the wilderness had no effect whatsoever on his perpetually unruffled appearance. He nodded his thanks for the coffee and settled into a camping chair, pulling out a small tablet.

  "Shouldn't that be dead by now?" Monika asked, nodding toward the device.

  Qua merely tapped the solar charger attached to his backpack without looking up.

  Natsuki and Sayori were the last to join the group, emerging from their tent with dramatically different states of morning readiness. Natsuki's pink hair stuck out at impossible angles, and her expression suggested she was contemplating the merits of returning to her sleeping bag for another several hours. Sayori, by contrast, bounded out with her usual energy, looking as if she'd been awake for hours.

  Despite himself, Qua found Natsuki's disheveled morning appearance oddly charming. There was something refreshingly authentic about the way she didn't try to hide her morning grumpiness, unlike most people who put on fake cheerfulness.

  "GOOD MORNING, NATURE!" Sayori announced to the forest at large, throwing her arms wide. A nearby squirrel actually stopped to stare at her before scampering away.

  "Inside voice, Sayori," Natsuki groaned, accepting a coffee from Monika like it was a lifeline. "The sun's barely up."

  "But there's so much to do!" Sayori protested. "We could go exploring, or fishing, or look for that magical deer again, or—"

  "Breakfast first," Monika interjected gently. "Then we'll go over today's plan."

  The morning meal was simple but satisfying—oatmeal with dried fruits and nuts, supplemented by some cookies that Natsuki had baked specially for the trip ("Don't make a big deal out of it, okay? They're just cookies").

  Qua took a bite of one of the cookies, raising his eyebrows in genuine appreciation. "These are amazing," he said, the compliment slipping out before he could filter it through his usual detachment.

  Natsuki looked up in surprise, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Well, yeah. I know how to bake, obviously."

  "Obviously," Qua agreed, a rare genuine smile ghosting across his lips as he reached for another cookie. Their eyes met briefly over the fire, and for once, neither felt compelled to break the connection with a sarcastic comment.

  As they ate, Monika outlined the day's activities. "I thought we could hike to Rainbow Falls this morning—it's about an hour from here and supposed to be spectacular. We can have lunch there, maybe do some writing inspired by the surroundings, then head back for some free time before dinner."

  "Writing in nature," Yuri mused, looking pleased. "How wonderfully romantic, in the literary sense."

  "I'm more excited about the waterfall," Natsuki admitted. "Is it actually rainbow-colored?"

  "According to the guidebook, the mist catches the sunlight in a way that creates constant rainbows," Monika explained. "Though given the usual Kurohama County weirdness, I wouldn't be surprised if it's more literal than that."

  "Maybe it's made of actual rainbows!" Sayori gasped. "Can you imagine? Swimming in a rainbow? Would it taste like skittles?"

  "Please don't try to eat the waterfall, Sayori," Qua said without looking up from his tablet.

  After breakfast, they packed their day bags with water, lunch supplies, and writing materials. Monika made sure the campsite was secure before leading them onto a narrow trail that wound deeper into the forest.

  This path was less traveled than yesterday's, with ferns and underbrush occasionally reaching across to brush their legs. The morning sun filtered through the canopy in bright shafts, illuminating patches of wildflowers and interesting fungi. The air was alive with the sounds of birds and insects, creating a natural symphony that accompanied their hike.

  Sayori kept up a steady stream of observations and questions—"Look at that blue butterfly! Do you think butterflies have favorite colors? What if they're colorblind? Can butterflies BE colorblind?"—while Yuri provided occasional fascinating (if slightly morbid) information about the plants they passed.

  "That lovely purple flower? Its nectar causes paralysis within minutes. The ancient mountain clans used it to immobilize their enemies before ceremonial sacrifice."

  "How do you know these things?" Natsuki asked, now giving every plant they passed a suspicious look.

  Yuri simply shrugged, a small smile playing at her lips. "I read."

  Qua found himself walking beside Natsuki as the trail narrowed, forming a natural bottleneck that separated the group into pairs. He maintained a careful distance, but his awareness of her was acute—the determined set of her shoulders as she navigated the difficult terrain, the way she occasionally brushed her hair out of her eyes with an impatient gesture.

  "You're handling the wilderness pretty well for someone who was worried about zombie attacks," he commented, keeping his tone light.

  Natsuki shot him a look that was half annoyance, half amusement. "I'm still keeping an eye out. Just because they haven't shown up yet doesn't mean they won't."

  "Fair enough. I'll watch your back if you watch mine."

  "Deal," she agreed, and for a moment, they shared a smile that contained none of their usual antagonism.

  About forty minutes into their hike, the sound of rushing water began to filter through the trees. Sayori immediately perked up, bouncing on her toes with excitement.

  "I hear it! The rainbow water! Let's go, let's go!" Without waiting for the others, she darted ahead along the trail, vanishing around a bend.

  "Sayori, wait!" Monika called, quickening her pace. "We should stay together!"

  The rest of the group hurried after their impulsive friend, following the increasingly loud sound of water. The trail made a final turn, and suddenly the trees opened up to reveal a breathtaking sight.

  Rainbow Falls cascaded down a sheer rock face nearly thirty meters tall, plunging into a crystal-clear pool below. The water itself seemed to shimmer with an inner light, and the mist created not one but dozens of perfect rainbows that danced and shifted in the air. The surrounding rocks glittered with multicolored crystals, adding to the magical atmosphere.

  And there was Sayori, already knee-deep in the pool, her pants rolled up and her face alight with pure joy.

  "IT'S AMAZING!" she shouted over the roar of the falls. "AND GUYS—IT REALLY DOES TASTE LIKE SKITTLES!"

  "Sayori!" Monika called, half exasperated, half amused. "You shouldn't—"

  "Actually," Qua interrupted, kneeling to dip his finger in the water and then tasting it cautiously, "she's not wrong. It's sweet. Fruity, even."

  Natsuki stared at him in disbelief. "Are you serious? You're both drinking random magical water? Have neither of you read ANY fantasy books? This is literally how people get cursed!"

  Qua straightened up, an amused glint in his eyes. "Worried about me, Natsuki?"

  "I'm worried about having to drag your cursed bodies back to camp," she retorted, though her genuine concern was evident beneath the bravado.

  Yuri, meanwhile, was already setting up her writing materials on a flat rock, her expression serene. "Cursed or not, it's magnificent. The perfect intersection of natural beauty and supernatural wonder."

  Monika shook her head, but she couldn't hide her smile. This was exactly the kind of experience she had hoped for—something extraordinary they could share together. "Just... don't drink too much of it, okay? We don't know what effects it might have."

  The next few hours passed in a blend of exploration, relaxation, and creativity. They spread out around the pool, each finding their own perfect spot. Monika settled on a sun-warmed rock with her notebook, occasionally glancing up to watch her friends with fond amusement.

  Sayori continued splashing in the shallows, trying to catch rainbow droplets in her hands and laughing delightedly when they dissolved into sparkles. Natsuki, despite her initial caution, eventually joined her, the two of them engaged in what appeared to be an impromptu water fight.

  Qua found himself unable to concentrate on his writing, his attention repeatedly drawn to Natsuki's carefree laughter as she played in the water. It was a side of her he rarely got to see—pure, unguarded enjoyment without her usual defensive walls. The sun caught the water droplets in her pink hair, making them sparkle like tiny diamonds, and her smile... Qua quickly looked away, surprised by the direction of his thoughts.

  Yuri remained absorbed in her writing, occasionally closing her eyes to simply listen to the falls. The setting seemed to inspire her, and pages filled with her elegant handwriting at impressive speed.

  Qua had climbed to a higher vantage point and was alternating between writing in a small black notebook and watching his friends below. Typical Qua—even in the face of natural wonder, he was analyzing, assessing, understanding. Though his eyes seemed to linger on one particular friend more often than the others.

  They ate lunch together on a large flat rock by the pool's edge, sharing both food and the pieces they had written. The writing ranged from Yuri's haunting prose about ancient water spirits to Sayori's enthusiastic poem about "rainbow fish dancing in sparkle water." Natsuki had composed a surprisingly thoughtful haiku series about reflection and light, while Qua's contribution was a cryptic short story about perception and hidden feelings.

  When Natsuki finished reading her haiku aloud, Qua found himself genuinely impressed. "That's... really good," he said, the sincerity in his voice catching even him by surprise. "You have a gift for capturing complex ideas in simple language."

  Natsuki blinked at him, clearly not expecting genuine praise. "Thanks," she replied, her usual defensiveness momentarily absent. "I like your story too. Though I'm still not sure what it means."

  "That makes two of us," Qua admitted with a small laugh, and they shared another of those rare moments of genuine connection.

  Monika's own piece explored the idea of moments frozen in time—experiences so perfect that they seemed to exist outside the normal flow of hours and minutes. It was a sentiment that resonated with all of them as they sat together in that magical place, temporarily removed from the usual chaos of their lives.

  After lunch, they spent another hour simply enjoying the falls before reluctantly gathering their belongings for the return journey. As they were about to leave, Sayori suddenly stopped and pointed toward the far side of the pool.

  There, watching them from the edge of the forest, was the golden deer they had seen yesterday. This time, it wasn't alone—a smaller fawn stood beside it, its coat shimmering with the same unearthly glow.

  The group fell silent, not wanting to startle the creatures. For a long moment, the deer simply gazed at them, those intelligent blue eyes seeming to convey a message none of them could quite decipher. Then, with graceful movements, both animals turned and melted into the forest, leaving only a faint trail of golden light that quickly faded.

  "They're looking out for us," Sayori said with quiet conviction. "The forest spirits. They're making sure we're okay."

  No one contradicted her.

  The hike back to camp was contemplative, each of them processing the beauty they had witnessed in their own way. Even Sayori was uncharacteristically quiet, though her smile remained radiant.

  As they walked, Natsuki slipped on a moss-covered rock, letting out a small yelp of surprise. Without thinking, Qua reached out and caught her, his arm wrapping around her waist to steady her. For a brief moment they were pressed against each other, faces inches apart.

  "Sorry," Natsuki mumbled, regaining her footing but not immediately pulling away. "Stupid rock."

  "It's fine," Qua replied, his voice slightly rougher than usual. He reluctantly removed his arm from her waist, clearing his throat. "You okay?"

  "Yeah," she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear in an uncharacteristically shy gesture. "Thanks."

  Monika, who had witnessed the exchange from ahead on the trail, hid a knowing smile and pretended not to notice the faint blush coloring both their cheeks as they continued walking.

  They arrived at their campsite in mid-afternoon to find everything exactly as they had left it—an unusual occurrence given their typical misadventures. While Monika organized their supplies for dinner, the others dispersed to enjoy their free time.

  Yuri settled before her tent with a book, occasionally making notes in the margins. Natsuki announced she was going to search for interesting rocks by the stream, dragging a reluctant but secretly pleased Qua along as her "bodyguard against forest creatures."

  "You know there aren't actually zombies out here, right?" Qua teased as they walked along the stream bank.

  "Better safe than sorry," Natsuki replied primly, then bent to examine a particularly sparkly stone. "Look at this one! It's almost the same color as Sayori's hair."

  Qua watched her with quiet fascination. For someone so tough and defiant in their everyday lives, she showed remarkable wonder at the small beauties of the natural world. It was yet another layer to the complex person that was Natsuki—a person he was finding increasingly difficult to keep at his usual emotional distance.

  Sayori initially sat with Monika, chattering about all the colors she had seen in the waterfall, before suddenly leaping to her feet with an expression of inspiration.

  "I just had the BEST idea!" she exclaimed. "I'm going to make us all friendship bracelets with the pretty stones from the stream! Don't follow me—it's going to be a surprise!"

  With that, she dashed off in the same direction Natsuki and Qua had taken, leaving Monika alone at the campfire. The club president smiled to herself, enjoying the rare moment of peace. The trip was going perfectly—better than she had even hoped. Everyone was relaxed, inspired, and genuinely enjoying themselves. Even the weather was cooperating, with clear skies and perfect temperatures.

  She had just put coffee on to brew when a rustling from the forest edge caught her attention. Expecting to see one of her friends returning, she looked up with a smile that quickly faded into confusion.

  It wasn't one of the Literature Club members. Instead, four figures in hiking gear emerged into the clearing: Kaito, Haruki, Miyuki, and Renji—the entire Student Council.

  "Surprise, sis!" Kaito called, his voice dripping with false cheer. "Hope you don't mind us crashing your little nature retreat!"

  Monika stood slowly, her expression carefully composed despite the surge of irritation she felt. "Kaito. What a coincidence. I had no idea you were interested in hiking." Her tone made it clear she didn't believe it was a coincidence at all.

  "Oh, you know me," Kaito replied, dropping his backpack carelessly on the ground. "Always looking to broaden my horizons. When I heard the Literature Club was communing with nature, I thought, 'What a perfect opportunity for some inter-club bonding!'"

  "We planned this weeks ago," Monika said evenly. "Registered the campsite, got official school approval."

  Kaito's smirk widened. "Funny thing about official approvals—they can be amended. As Student Council President, I have certain... privileges."

  Miyuki at least had the grace to look uncomfortable, not quite meeting Monika's eyes. Haruki, on the other hand, was already wandering around the campsite with an air of casual invasion, peering into tents and examining their supplies.

  "Nice setup you have here," he commented, picking up a pot and examining it before letting it clatter back down. "Very... rustic."

  "What do you really want, Kaito?" Monika asked directly, crossing her arms.

  Her twin brother spread his hands in a gesture of innocence. "Quality time with my dear sister? A chance to experience the great outdoors? Or maybe—" his voice dropped, the facade of friendliness slipping slightly, "—I just wanted to see what was so special about this little excursion of yours. You went to a lot of trouble to make this happen, after all."

  Before Monika could respond, the sound of approaching voices announced the return of Natsuki and Qua. They appeared from the trail, Natsuki clutching a collection of colorful stones, only to stop short at the sight of the unexpected visitors.

  "You have GOT to be kidding me," Natsuki groaned, immediately shifting to a defensive posture.

  Qua's expression hardened as he took in the scene, his usual indifference replaced by cold calculation. Almost unconsciously, he shifted slightly in front of Natsuki, his protective instinct kicking in before he could think better of it.

  "Kaito," he acknowledged flatly. "Didn't realize you knew how to operate outside your natural habitat of air conditioning and ego."

  Kaito turned with exaggerated delight. "Qua! Always a pleasure to see Hoshinari's resident hacker. And little Natsuki, fierce as ever. Where are the other members of your charming club? I'd hate for them to miss our reunion."

  As if on cue, Yuri emerged from her tent, stopping abruptly when she saw the newcomers. Her surprise quickly gave way to a cool, assessing look.

  "The Student Council," she observed quietly. "What an... unexpected development."

  "Where's Sayori?" Monika asked Natsuki and Qua, a note of concern entering her voice.

  Natsuki frowned. "She was by the stream a little while ago, collecting pebbles or something. Said she'd be right behind us."

  An uncomfortable silence fell over the campsite. Kaito's smile remained fixed, but there was something predatory in his gaze now as he watched Monika's growing concern.

  Just as the tension was becoming unbearable, a cheerful voice cut through the clearing.

  "GUYS! Look what I found!" Sayori burst into the campsite, her hands full of colorful stones and flowers, hair adorned with small twigs and leaves as if she'd rolled through a bush—which, knowing Sayori, was entirely possible. "There were these amazing sparkly rocks by the—"

  She froze mid-sentence, finally noticing the new arrivals. For a brief moment, her usual sunny expression faltered, replaced by something curiously like wariness. Then, just as quickly, her smile returned full force.

  "Oh! Hi, Kaito! Hi, everyone from the Student Council! Are you guys camping too? That's so cool! We can have a SUPER campfire tonight!" Her enthusiasm seemed genuine, if perhaps a bit forced.

  Kaito regarded Sayori with a mixture of amusement and mild disdain. "Hello, Sayori. Still... energetic, I see."

  "SUPER energetic!" She agreed, either missing or choosing to ignore his tone. She bounced over to stand beside Monika, subtly positioning herself between the club president and her brother. "So, are you guys staying nearby?"

  "Actually," Renji piped up, speaking for the first time, "we're setting up right here. President's orders." He began unpacking a tent from his backpack with practiced efficiency.

  Monika's eyes narrowed. "This campsite is registered to the Literature Club."

  "And now it's registered to both clubs," Kaito replied smoothly. He pulled a folded paper from his pocket and handed it to her. "Joint permit, signed by the principal herself. We're all just one big, happy camping family this weekend."

  Monika examined the document, her expression tightening. It appeared legitimate, complete with the official stamp that somehow always looked slightly different each time it appeared on school paperwork.

  "This is ridiculous," Natsuki muttered, moving to stand with her friends. Qua naturally shifted to stand beside her, their earlier connection strengthening in the face of a common adversary.

  "But perhaps not unexpected," Yuri added softly. Her gaze flicked to Qua, who gave an almost imperceptible nod.

  "Well!" Sayori clapped her hands together, breaking the tension with her characteristic brightness. "If we're all camping together, we should make the best of it! I found these super pretty stones to make friendship bracelets, and now I can make even more!"

  Haruki snorted. "Friendship bracelets? What are we, kindergarteners?"

  "Don't be mean," Miyuki chided him quietly. "It's... a nice thought, Sayori."

  Monika took a deep breath, visibly collecting herself. "Fine. The campsite is large enough for both groups. But understand this, Kaito—we came here for a peaceful weekend, and we intend to have one. Whatever game you're playing, save it for when we're back at school."

  Kaito placed a hand over his heart in mock hurt. "Game? Me? I'm wounded, sis. Can't a brother simply want to share in his sister's wilderness adventure?"

  "A normal brother, maybe," Qua muttered, earning a small snicker from Natsuki that he found oddly gratifying.

  For a moment, the two groups stood facing each other in a tense standoff. Then Sayori, either oblivious to the undercurrents or deliberately trying to defuse them, stepped forward with her collection of stones.

  "So, who wants to help me make these bracelets? I found some really cool ones! This one looks like a tiny heart, and this one has little sparkles in it, and—"

  "I'll help," Miyuki offered unexpectedly, stepping away from her group. There was something like relief in her expression, as if she was grateful for the excuse to distance herself from the conflict.

  "Me too," Natsuki declared, shooting a challenging look at the rest of the Student Council. "I found some pretty good ones myself."

  Slowly, the standoff dissolved as each group began to set up their respective areas of the campsite. The Student Council pitched their tents on the opposite side of the fire ring, creating a clear division of territory. Renji took charge of starting a second fire, while Haruki began unpacking what looked like an unnecessarily elaborate portable grill.

  Monika drew her club members into a huddle at their side of the camp.

  "I don't like this," she admitted quietly. "Kaito's up to something."

  "Obviously," Natsuki agreed. "He's always up to something."

  "Perhaps we should simply proceed as planned," Yuri suggested thoughtfully. "Maintain our original schedule and activities, but remain vigilant. If Kaito's goal is to disrupt our trip, the best countermeasure might be to refuse to be disrupted."

  Qua nodded his agreement. "I'll keep an eye on them. Trust me, if they try anything, I'll know."

  Sayori looked between her friends, an unusual seriousness briefly crossing her features. "Don't worry, Monika. Our trip is still going to be amazing. We won't let them ruin it."

  Monika's expression softened as she looked at her friends—all now standing firmly beside her, united against whatever interference Kaito had planned. "You're right. This is still our trip. Let's not give them the satisfaction of thinking they've spoiled it."

  With renewed determination, they returned to their activities. Sayori, Natsuki, and the unexpectedly cooperative Miyuki sat together working on the promised friendship bracelets. Yuri returned to her reading, though she positioned herself where she could observe the Student Council members. Qua busied himself with organizing their supplies, occasionally exchanging quiet words with Monika as they prepared for dinner.

  As dusk began to fall, the campsite took on a strange divided quality—two fires burning, two groups preparing separate meals, two conversations happening in parallel. Yet there was an inevitable overlap; the space was simply too small for complete separation.

  Sayori, predictably, was the first to bridge the gap. She approached the Student Council's fire, a handful of completed bracelets in her hands.

  "I made these for you guys!" she announced cheerfully. "They're friendship bracelets! Well, maybe more like 'temporary camping acquaintance' bracelets, but that's a really long name."

  Kaito looked up from where he was lounging in a camping chair, surprise briefly crossing his features before his usual smirk returned. "How... crafty of you."

  "This one's yours," Sayori continued, undeterred. She held out a bracelet made with dark blue stones. "It matches your eyes!"

  For a moment, Kaito seemed genuinely at a loss for how to respond. There was something disarming about Sayori's straightforward friendliness that even his practiced cynicism struggled to deflect. Finally, he took the offered bracelet with a somewhat stiff "Thanks."

  Encouraged, Sayori distributed the rest of her creations to the other council members. Miyuki accepted hers with a genuine smile, while Haruki and Renji took theirs with varying degrees of bemusement.

  "Dinner's almost ready on our side," she informed them. "Monika made curry! It's really good if you want to join us."

  "We have our own food," Haruki replied shortly, gesturing to their grill.

  "But thanks for the offer," Miyuki added quickly.

  Sayori nodded, seemingly unfazed by the partial rejection. "Okay! Well, the invitation's open if you change your minds!" With that, she bounced back to the Literature Club's fire, leaving the Student Council members exchanging confused glances.

  Dinner proceeded with the groups remaining separate, though the atmosphere had shifted subtly. The initial hostility had mellowed into something more like wary coexistence. Occasional comments were even exchanged between the fires—mostly practical matters about the campsite or observations about the weather.

  Qua found himself seated beside Natsuki again, their shoulders occasionally brushing as they ate. He noticed she was wearing the bracelet Sayori had made for her—a delicate arrangement of pink and white stones that somehow matched her personality perfectly.

  "Nice bracelet," he commented quietly.

  "Sayori made one for you too," she replied, nodding toward where Sayori was enthusiastically distributing her creations to the rest of their club. "Though I might have helped pick out the stones for yours."

  "Did you?" Qua asked, genuinely surprised.

  Natsuki shrugged, suddenly very interested in her curry. "Maybe. Just to make sure she didn't give you something totally dorky."

  As the meal concluded and night fully descended, Monika prepared to lead her club in their planned evening activity.

  "Since we're surrounded by this beautiful forest, I thought it would be fitting to write nature-inspired poetry tonight," she explained, distributing notebooks and pens. "We can share them around the fire before bed."

  "Oh! Can we do a round robin?" Sayori suggested excitedly. "Where everyone adds a line?"

  "That sounds perfect," Monika agreed with a smile.

  From across the campsite, Kaito's voice drifted over. "Poetry in the wild? How delightfully on-brand for the Literature Club."

  "Feel free to join if you're interested," Monika replied coolly, meeting her brother's gaze across the flames. It was a challenge as much as an invitation.

  For a moment, Kaito seemed to consider it, weighing the opportunity to mock them against his natural aversion to their activities. Finally, curiosity won out.

  "Why not?" he declared, standing from his chair. "Consider it cultural exchange. The Student Council will observe the Literature Club in its natural habitat."

  Despite the sarcasm, all four council members moved to join the circle around the main fire. Chairs were rearranged, the circle widened, and suddenly the divided campsite became a single gathering.

  "We'll start with a practice round," Monika explained, maintaining her composure despite her surprise at Kaito's acceptance. "I'll give a prompt, and we'll each add a line, building on what came before."

  "Building a poem together, how quaint," Haruki murmured, though there was more curiosity than derision in his tone.

  "The prompt is 'The Forest at Night,'" Monika announced. "I'll begin: 'Shadows dance between ancient trees.'"

  Yuri, seated to her right, continued smoothly: "Whispers of secrets the darkness keeps."

  Natsuki thought for a moment before adding: "Stars peek through branches reaching high."

  Sayori bounced in her seat as her turn came: "Twinkling like sparkles in the night sky!"

  Qua's contribution was surprisingly thoughtful: "While creatures watch with wondering eyes."

  After a brief hesitation, Miyuki joined in: "The moon's pale glow both falls and rises."

  Renji scratched his head before offering: "The wind tells stories no one knows."

  Haruki rolled his eyes but played along: "Of ancient battles and old foes."

  Finally, it came to Kaito. All eyes turned to him, waiting. For once, his perpetual smirk was absent, replaced by an expression of reluctant concentration. Then, meeting Monika's gaze directly, he added: "While siblings stand on separate shores."

  There was a moment of surprised silence. The line was unexpected—thoughtful, even—and carried implications none of them had anticipated from Kaito.

  Monika completed the circle, her voice soft but clear: "Beneath the same stars as before."

  The completed poem hung in the air between them, a collaborative creation that had somehow transcended their rivalry, if only for a moment. The atmosphere around the fire had changed, charged with a strange energy that none of them quite knew how to address.

  "That was... not terrible," Natsuki finally said, breaking the tension.

  "A surprisingly coherent effort given the diverse contributors," Yuri agreed.

  "It rhymed and everything!" Sayori added enthusiastically.

  Kaito leaned back in his chair, his usual demeanor returning. "Well, it's no epic masterpiece, but I suppose it served its purpose."

  "The purpose being?" Monika inquired.

  "Entertainment," he replied with a shrug. "Isn't that what we're all after, in the end? Ways to pass the time that don't leave us bored to tears?"

  Before Monika could respond, a loud crack echoed through the forest, followed by a distant rumble. All heads turned toward the sound.

  "Was that thunder?" Natsuki asked, looking up at the previously clear sky.

  As if in answer, the air suddenly felt heavy with moisture, and a cool breeze swept through the campsite. Within seconds, fat raindrops began to fall, quickly intensifying from sprinkle to downpour.

  "Impossible," Monika muttered, scrambling to her feet. "The forecast said clear skies all weekend!"

  "Weather's unpredictable in the mountains," Qua said, already moving to secure their supplies. "Especially in Kurohama County."

  The peaceful poetry session dissolved into chaos as everyone rushed to protect their belongings from the sudden deluge. Tents needed to be secured, food stored, fire protected. For a few minutes, club rivalries were forgotten in the shared emergency of the unexpected storm.

  Qua found himself working alongside Natsuki, the two of them moving with surprising synchronicity as they gathered supplies and secured their tent. When a sudden gust of wind nearly ripped the rain fly from their hands, they ended up pressed against each other, both gripping the fabric for dear life.

  "Don't let go!" Natsuki shouted over the howling wind.

  "Wasn't planning to," Qua replied, anchoring both her and the tent with his body weight until they could secure the final stake.

  As they worked, Monika caught a glimpse of Kaito's face in the flickering light of the struggling fire. Was that... satisfaction in his expression? Before she could be sure, he turned away, barking orders to his council members.

  The rain increased in intensity, driving them all to the shelter of their tents. The Literature Club members huddled in their largest tent, listening to the downpour drumming on the nylon above them.

  "So much for our perfect camping trip," Natsuki sighed, wringing water from her hair.

  "It's just rain," Monika said firmly, though her expression was troubled. "It will likely pass by morning."

  Qua was examining his tablet, swiping through weather radar images with a frown. "This storm appeared out of nowhere. Literally. It wasn't on any forecast, and it's localized right over this area."

  "Is that... normal?" Yuri asked, though her tone suggested she already knew the answer.

  "It's Kurohama County," Qua replied with a shrug. "Normal doesn't apply. But even for here, it's suspicious."

  "You think Kaito caused it somehow?" Natsuki asked incredulously, shifting closer to Qua on the crowded tent floor.

  "I wouldn't put it past him," Monika admitted. "He's resourceful when he wants to be."

  Sayori, who had been unusually quiet, suddenly perked up. "Maybe it wasn't Kaito! Maybe it was the forest spirits! The deer we saw earlier!"

  "Why would forest spirits send rain?" Natsuki asked skeptically.

  "To test us!" Sayori declared with absolute conviction. "Or maybe to bring the groups together! Notice how we all had to work together when the rain started?"

  The others exchanged glances—partly amused, partly wondering if Sayori's wild theory could possibly have merit. In Kurohama County, stranger things had certainly happened.

  As the discussion continued, Qua became acutely aware of how close Natsuki was sitting beside him. She had unconsciously leaned against him when a particularly loud thunderclap startled her, and now seemed in no hurry to move away. Despite the uncomfortable circumstances—wet clothes, cramped quarters, uncertain future—he found himself experiencing an unusual sense of contentment as her warmth seeped into his side.

  Whatever the cause, the rain continued unabated through the night, its steady drumming on their tents the soundtrack to an une