The bicycle slowed to a stop at the base of a gentle hill that rose into the dark silhouette of the mountain. The full moon hung high above, bathing the entire landscape in a brilliant, ethereal silver light. The cool night breeze carried the fresh scent of pine trees, damp earth, and wildflowers. Crickets chirped steadily in the grass, and in the distance, the river continued its soft, constant murmur.
Ayame leaned forward, resting her chin on Haruto's shoulder, her arms still wrapped around his waist.
"We have to walk from here," she whispered softly against his ear. "The path is too narrow and steep for the bicycle. But it's not far… just a little further up the mountain. There's a secret hot spring that almost no one knows about. It's completely private."
