A Trip to Takaki Reservoir (1)

As it turned out, the invitation to the Takaki Reservoir was originally sent to Aoyama Shinji, but like wildfire, it quickly spread to other friends. Being the extrovert that he was, Shinji rationalised that a trio would be too small and that he would end up as the third wheel. So, he decided to invite as many people as possible.

Initially, Shinji requested to bring his girlfriend, Ito Emi. Then Emi asked if she could invite her brother, Ito Toru, who in turn wanted to bring his girlfriend, Himemiya Kazumi. With everyone free for the summer break, they all agreed without hesitation.

In the end, the group expanded to nine, including the original trio, Ito Emi, Ito Toru, Himemiya Kazumi, Hinoda, Naggi, and Tomako Momo. After coordinating their schedules, they settled on a weekend trip from Saturday to Sunday. Shouichi was particularly excited about staying at an onsen hotel, especially in one of the premium suites with a private hot spring. The traditional Japanese-style hotel was just like the ones he had seen in movies and anime.

On the first day, Shinji arrived in a sleek black minibus from a well-known Japanese carmaker. The vehicle had a spacious capacity for seven to eight passengers. The designated meeting point was none other than Yoko Sweet Cafe.

"Heyyyyyy!" Shinji called out as he entered the store, radiating confidence in a vibrant blue Hawaiian shirt and stylish sunglasses. Beside him was his elegant girlfriend, Ito Emi, her brown hair and eyes complementing her cream sundress with a flowing skirt and a large straw hat. The couple strolled in gleefully, greeting Yoko along the way.

"My! You both look gorgeous today!" Yoko exclaimed, nearly blinded by their bright presence.

"Thank you, Yoko-san!" they responded in unison. Shinji then pulled out his black card and handed it to Yoko with a smile.

"Would you mind putting everything we order on this card, please, Yoko-san?" He asked politely before winking at Shouichi, Ayane, and Tomako Momo.

"Man… I wish someone would treat me like that," Ayane sighed, nudging Shouichi. She was wearing a gorgeous dark purple sundress with rimless glasses, her jet-black hair framing her face elegantly.

"I couldn't agree more! Fufufu," Momo giggled. The petite girl was dressed in a light blue blouse with black palazzo pants — loose and flowing.

"Man, I'm kinda jealous of Shinji for real," Shouichi muttered, making the two girls chuckle. "God, if I hadn't broken up with Misaki-chan, I'd be in a much better place right now… To be honest, I do feel so lonely." He trailed off, lost in thought.

The group worked together to order sweets and desserts to kick-start the trip. As the son of the shop owner, Shouichi couldn't sit idly by, so he got up to help his mother serve. Dressed casually in a white tee, indigo jeans, and a dark blue long-sleeved shirt, his muscular build was subtly accentuated.

"Darling, you should enjoy your time with your friends," Yoko chided as he grabbed a serving tray.

"Please let me help you, Yoko-san. After all, I'll be gone for two days," Shouichi replied.

"I'll be so lonely, fufufu," She jested playfully before returning to prepare drinks.

As Shouichi came back for another round, he mused aloud, "Come to think of it, we've never been apart since we met. This is actually the first time, right?"

"Um um! You and I have seen each other every day since you arrived in town," Yoko confirmed with a nod, placing a cocoa drink and an Earl Grey teapot on his tray.

"Don't you want to come with us, Mum?"

"Nope! I'd be too old for your age group."

"Come on! Yoko, you can sleep with me. My room doesn't have a roommate. It even comes with a private hot spring!" Shouichi insisted, hoping to change her mind.

"Fufufu, you wouldn't mind me in the bath with you?" Yoko teased softly.

"Wah? I didn't think that far."

"I don't mind, but it's a bit too late for that. I don't want to just leave the store," She reasoned.

"Man…" Shouichi groaned.

"Don't sulk, Shou-kun. I promise I'll go with you next time," She reassured him. "I'll even brush your back for you. How does that sound?"

"Mum!" He whined, his face turning red.

"Thanks, Shouichi-kun." "Thank you, Seito-san," The group chimed in as the beautifully arranged sweets and drinks were served.

"Let's dig in!" Shinji announced enthusiastically as the main sponsor. Laughter and cheerful chatter filled the warm, cosy café.

Once everyone had finished their desserts and drinks, Shouichi wanted to help clean up, but Yoko gently pushed him towards the minivan, sending him off with a smile. Though excited about the trip, he couldn't help but worry about his mother. Thankfully, he had a CCTV app that allowed him to check on her at any time.

"Officer Akiyama is the best!" Shouichi thought, his admiration and affection for the female cop evident. If not for the age gap, he might have even made a move on her.

The minivan's interior was spacious, with plush cushions that made the ride smooth and comfortable. Behind the wheel, the silver-haired Shinji blasted his favourite rap tracks alongside CCK's hits. Every now and then, Emi would sing along.

"Wow, Emi-chan! Your singing is amazing," Ayane praised her from the second row, sitting to Shouichi's left.

"I agree! We should go to karaoke sometime," Momo added with a smile from his right.

"Thanks, Senpai!" Emi beamed from the front passenger seat.

"Guys… you know this minivan has three rows, right?" Shouichi grumbled, uncomfortably sandwiched between the two girls.

"Stop complaining! We wanted to be huddled together. It's way more fun, right?" Ayane retorted, turning to Momo for support. The petite girl nodded eagerly in agreement.

"Yeah! Bro, you shouldn't whine about it. I'd swap places with you in a heartbeat," Shinji chimed in from the driver's seat, smirking through the rearview mirror.

Shouichi sighed. This was going to be an interesting trip.