Different from when she left the cottage, Setsuna-nee was surprisingly spirited and it made me wonder if what I saw earlier was just an illusion.

Juri, who was dumbfounded at her best friend’s intriguing change, immediately asked her what happened.

And her only response was “I inhaled fresh air...?”. It was said as though she wasn’t sure of it herself followed by an impish grin.

That added more question marks on top of Juri’s head. But she didn’t stop at that. Setsuna-nee faced me with her eyes looking like she had just reached a crucial decision. After releasing a long sigh, expelling whatever heavy load she was keeping, a pleasant smile rose on her face as if all the times she unreasonably picked on me were already a matter of the past.

And while I was trying to figure out what happened to her, she pulled me down into her embrace, forcing my face on her bountiful front.

Given the situation, there’s no chance for my perverted trait to react as my head just went into the same state as Juri. It sent me into confusion, wondering how I should react to this strange Setsuna-nee.

I waited for her to say something but until she released me from her embrace, she remained quiet and simply caressed my head like she was calming down her younger sibling.

Once that was done, she turned around and grabbed both of our wrists, guiding us to a free-viewing corner while humming contentedly.

Juri and I looked at each other, figuring out each other’s thoughts on what happened. But in the end, we could only shrug as Setsuna-nee’s swift change definitely came out of nowhere and it hit both of us like a truck.

None of us expected this when we decided to follow the woman.

In any case, with my mind whirring out of control as it continued to simulate things while overthinking, I came up with a not-so-certain conclusion... Either she really just decided to let go of her prejudice of me or I probably should expect a twist sooner or later.

Due to that, I put my vigilance to the maximum while silently hoping that the former was the right answer.

-

-

“Okay. Here we are. Look. We can see everything from here.” Still sounding enthusiastic, Setsuna started with that as she pointed at the scenery in front of us.

Well, most of it was just the face of the mountain but I realized that she was pointing downwards or rather, the entirety of this hill. Of course, it’s impossible to see everything but if it’s about the notable areas – populated or not by campers – it allows us to get something close to a bird’s eye view. And with that, scouting this place had just gotten easier.

With Juri also becoming amazed at the view, the two of them started discussing possible plans for the camping trip as if picking this place was already finalized.

Naturally, they also included me in it by asking me for my opinion. I didn’t shy away from that but I also didn’t take up a leading role in their decision.

Even if I suggested something, it would be only a supplement to what either of them brought up.

And after marking the areas they wanted to go check out personally, they concluded it with a high-five.

Yep. They both turned to me and also asked me to give them one.

At this point, whatever happened earlier had already been forgotten or, at least, set aside. And seeing them laughing and smiling contentedly at the result, I couldn’t help but also feel light in my chest.

We then decided to return to the cottage first for another quick rest. Since those areas they marked would be reached on our way out once our time was up, they voted to use the time to relax, eat something and just enjoy our remaining trial period in this camping location.

The first thirty minutes passed by with just us lazing around but soon after that, Juri hurriedly stood up from where she was sitting, looking embarrassed.

Without saying anything, she started moving away, leaving us wondering.

Setsuna-nee immediately called out to her,

“Where are you going, Juri?”

On the other hand, I used my observation skills, to figure out the reason why...

She’s fidgeting. Her legs were squeezed together. And looking at where her toes were pointing, I deduced where she was going...

If I’m not mistaken then she’s going to the restroom. While she could just say that out loud, my presence surely prevented her from doing that. Hence, the same reason why she appeared embarrassed.

“R-restroom. Wanna come with me?” With a wry smile on her lips, she just confirmed my guess.

Upon hearing that, Setsuna-nee scratched her cheek before gesturing for her to go, “Ugh. My bad. Go on then... As if that restroom is big enough to accommodate both of us.”

“Setsu! Ruki is listening! It’s... it’s embarrassing.”

“Oh. Don’t mind me. It’s perfectly normal to go to the bathroom. I don’t see a problem with it.” I shrugged before intentionally turning my head to the side, just so she could have the window to go in without me seeing her.

Well, normally it’s really embarrassing to announce that, especially for women... But with how skewed my perception is already or simply just by how shameless I am... That thought already flew past my head.

“Ruki... It’s embarrassing for me...”

Even without seeing her expression, just by the tone of her voice, I could imagine her blushing in shame.

Coming to her best friend’s rescue, Setsuna-nee said, “Onoda-kun, if you don’t want to be hated by Juri. Stop being shameless around her, alright?”

I raised my hand in surrender, not wanting to argue about it anymore. I also glanced at Juri, giving her a nod.

“... Setsu. It’s fine. Anyway, I’ll leave you two here... Should I worry?”

“Why should you worry? Just go. It’s not like you’re leaving for another world. And it won’t take long, right?”

“But... the two of you alone... I’m worried that you’ll be at each other’s throat once again.”

Wait. It’s not that bad, right? It’s only Setsuna-nee who’s always going for my throat with how annoying she is... But if she remained as agreeable as how she was at the hilltop then it’s going to be fine.

I wouldn’t necessarily provoke her, after all.

“That... That’s not going to happen!”

Alright. That’s an acceptable answer but... why did she stutter there?

In any case, Juri accepted that and finally ran to the door. If she stayed any longer, her bladder would probably burst...

Well, at least, the soundproofing in that particular room was great since we tested it earlier. She didn’t have to worry about me hearing the sound...

With Juri’s exit, we’re now alone.

I wasn’t tense but... when I took a glance at Setsuna-nee who was sitting on the same couch as earlier, I caught her staring at me.

Then, without saying anything, she stood up and approached me. Since we were just resting, I was sitting in my own corner, with my back against the wall.

I followed her with my eyes, anticipating what she was about to do.

As soon as she reached me, she took my open side and sat down next to me. Then, she asked in a serene tone, “Did you hate me, Onoda-kun? For antagonizing you every time and acting unreasonable, I mean...”

This... What is she trying to do? Why did she have to wait until we were alone before doing this?

Ah. No. I already understood her reason. She didn’t want Juri to hear or see this. Still, the question remains, why? Is it because her best friend’s view of her might change?

Uh... Well, only Setsuna-nee could answer that.

“Where did that come from?”

“Just answer me...”

Setsuna-nee leaned closer. Her eyes that seemed to say ‘I want to know’ locked into mine.

Naturally, I tried to understand her motive but with how pure her eyes are right now, contrary to earlier wherein it’s like what you would expect from a naughty and annoying brat, I couldn’t help but believe that she changed after getting some fresh air.

“There’s no reason to hate you, Setsuna-nee-san. Annoyed, yes but that’s all. Like I said, you’re Satsuki’s older sister. The last thing I need is to become the reason for you two to drift apart once again. I’ve been helping her reconnect with you – but I guess she already told you that.”

“I see... So that’s how it is, huh?”

It took her a while to process my answer but when she did, she left a vague response before also plopping her back on the wall.

Whatever she meant by that, I couldn’t even begin to fathom. But then again, since she didn’t return to her spot, this conversation was probably far from over.