Chapter 4- Ascending the Cold Heights

As we step off the bus, I feel a sharp chill immediately hit me. The icy wind of Hokkaido is no joke, and I shiver involuntarily, trying to rub some warmth back into my arms. The cold here is different—it cuts through you like a sharp blade.

I glance over at Hana, who looks absolutely at home in the chilly air, her face glowing with excitement as she takes in the fresh, crisp atmosphere. Lucky her. I can't help but feel a little dizzy, my body not quite used to this kind of cold. It's not enough to make me collapse or anything, but it's definitely uncomfortable.

"Whoa, are you okay, Hinoyama-kun?" Hana asks, noticing me shiver and rub my arms a little too much.

I wave it off, trying to act cool. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... not used to this cold, that's all."

She gives me a sympathetic look. "Poor thing, you're all stiff. Maybe I should lend you my jacket?" She teases, but I can see a hint of concern in her eyes.

I chuckle lightly, trying to shake off the dizziness. "I'll survive. Just need to get used to it. It's nothing."

Ren, who's already a few steps ahead, turns around and raises an eyebrow. "Hey, Hinoyama, you good? You're looking kinda pale there. We're not even halfway through the cold yet."

Daichi, never one to miss a chance to joke around, chimes in. "Yeah, Hinoyama, if you're gonna be this dramatic, maybe you should've stayed in Osaka with the warm weather."

I roll my eyes, even though I feel like I might topple over if I don't get inside soon. "Very funny, Daichi. Just give me a minute."

Hana laughs, her voice full of warmth. "Don't worry, Hinoyama-kun. You'll warm up once we're inside."

I nod, but the cold is starting to get to me. "Yeah, yeah, I'll be fine." Still, I can't help but wish I had a big blanket and a hot drink right about now.

"Alright, enough chit-chat!" Ren calls, clearly eager to get moving. "Let's explore this place before we all freeze solid!"

I follow behind, trying to keep my mind off the dizziness and focusing on the fun ahead. We've got plenty of time to explore, and hopefully, I won't pass out before we even get to the good stuff.

Still, with Hana by my side, her bright smile and cheerful spirit keeping me grounded, I know this trip is going to be more than worth the cold.

Ren says, holding his jacket like it's some kind of superhero cape. "I'm gonna find the best spot for photos!"

"I think the best photo would be one of you face-first in the snow," Daichi mutters, not bothering to hide his grin as he pulls his scarf tighter around his neck.

"Ren, don't go running off!" I call out, half-laughing, half-worried.

Hana nudges me, giggling. "You're always looking out for everyone, huh?"

I scratch the back of my neck, shrugging. "Someone has to keep things under control around here." I grin at her teasingly. "Can't have Ren starting an avalanche or something."

Hana chuckles, covering her mouth with her sleeve. "Yeah, that sounds like Ren-kun alright."

Daichi slaps Ren on the back, walking past us. "If anyone's causing an avalanche, it's you with that snack bag of yours. You're like a walking disaster."

Ren scoffs, but there's a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Says the guy who once tried to use a snowball as a football."

I shake my head, laughing. "You two are never going to stop."

"Not if we can help it!" Ren replies, grinning ear-to-ear.

The whole group gathers by the side of the bus, with Tanaka-sensei trying to herd us toward the waiting area. Everyone's still buzzing with excitement, making plans for what they want to do first. As we walk toward the meeting point, I can't help but glance at Hana again, my heart giving a little flutter. She looks so happy, so carefree in this moment.

"Hey, Hinoyama-kun," she says, slowing her pace to walk beside me. "You excited for the trip? Hokkaido's supposed to be amazing!"

I nod, feeling the same excitement, but maybe a little quieter about it than her. "Yeah, I've heard the food's great. And the snow's supposed to be insane."

"Snowball fight?" Hana asks, eyes twinkling.

I grin. "Only if you're ready to lose."

She laughs. "Oh, you're on, Hinoyama-kun!"

And just like that, the playful mood shifts. I can't wait to dive into whatever this trip has in store for us—hopefully with some more moments like this one, where everything just feels light and easy.

"Well, no time like the present," I say, glancing ahead at the snowy expanse. "Let's get this adventure started!"

---

The moment we step inside the warm building, I grab my phone, feeling the buzz against my pocket. It's Kaito-san. I step aside from the group, trying to find a quieter spot near the corner of the room.

"Takumi," his voice comes through, steady as always. "How's the trip so far? You guys settled in?"

"Yeah, we're all good," I reply, my breath still fogging in the air from the outside cold. "But, there's a small issue. The cold... it's getting to me more than I thought. My head's all dizzy, and I'm not sure how I'll handle it when we start the hike tomorrow. I'm not built for this kind of weather."

There's a pause on the other end of the line, then Kaito-san's calm voice breaks through again. "I figured. You're not the best with cold temperatures, huh? I've got something that might help. When you're on the mountain, wear extra layers, and make sure to keep your core warm—especially your chest and stomach. Focus on breathing through your nose. And if you start feeling faint, make sure to stop and drink some warm liquids, even if it's just tea."

"Yeah, I'll try that," I say, feeling a little better knowing Kaito-san's got my back. But the real problem isn't just the cold. "About the mission... what's the situation with the portal?"

Kaito-san's tone turns more serious now. "The portal's deeper in the mountains. It's hidden inside a cave, far from the main trails. We don't have the exact coordinates, but it's somewhere between the peak and the northern pass. I'll send you the map, but you'll need to stay sharp when you get there. No one's been able to get close without drawing attention from the dark energy surrounding it. You'll probably have to deal with some obstacles along the way."

I nod, even though he can't see me. "Understood. I'll keep an eye out."

"There's more," he adds, his voice low. "I know you're all focused on enjoying the trip, but when you head out tomorrow, take the mission seriously. We don't know how much time we have before that portal becomes a bigger problem. You'll need to destroy it before it can open wide enough for more of them to come through."

"Got it. Thanks for the info, Kaito-san." I end the call, shoving the phone back into my pocket.

I take a deep breath, trying to focus. The mission is clear, but the cold is going to make it harder. Tomorrow's hike is going to be tougher than I thought. Still, I can't back down now. I'll just have to power through, for the sake of everyone.

---

The next morning, after the mission briefing, I have a feeling that I'll need some backup for the hike. The cold's already starting to mess with me, and I know I can't do this alone. I need someone who can keep up, someone who's serious about this kind of thing. That's when I think of Hayato.

I glance over at Ren and Daichi, who are joking around by the snacks table, shoveling chips into their mouths.

"Hey, you two," I say, walking over. "I need your help with something."

Daichi looks at me with a mischievous grin. "Help with what? You need us to carry your bags?"

Ren laughs. "Yeah, or maybe you want us to keep you warm, huh? You're struggling with the cold already."

I roll my eyes, but I can't help the smile that tugs at my lips. "No, I need you guys to help me find Hayato. I'm serious. It's important."

Ren raises an eyebrow. "That guy? What's he got to do with you, huh?"

"Doesn't matter," I say, feeling the urgency creep into my tone. "Just help me find him. I need to talk to him."

Ren groans dramatically. "Ugh, fine. You owe us big for this, Hinoyama."

"Deal," I reply quickly.

After a bit of searching through the hotel, we finally find Hayato in the corner, sitting alone by a large window, quietly sipping a cup of coffee. His cool, composed aura makes him stand out from the group of loud students.

I walk over with Ren and Daichi trailing behind, both still complaining.

"Yo, Hayato," I call out, trying to get his attention.

He looks up at me, his sharp eyes scanning me for a moment before he offers a small nod. "What? Again that recruitment thing?"

"Uh, could you give us a minute?" I glance over at Ren and Daichi, gesturing for them to leave. "You two can go. I need to talk to him about something important."

Ren gives me a skeptical look. "Yeah, yeah. But you owe us more than just snacks after this!" He waves his hand dismissively and drags Daichi away.

Once it's just me and Hayato, I take a seat across from him, trying to keep my voice steady. "So... I need your help with something. There's a portal in the mountains here. I'm supposed to take care of it, but I could use someone like you—someone who knows how to handle this stuff."

Hayato raises an eyebrow but says nothing, silently waiting for me to continue.

"I'm not really built for this kind of cold," I admit, rubbing the back of my neck. "And, honestly, I could use a hand if things go south."

His eyes narrow slightly as he studies me. "A portal, huh? And you're asking me to come along because you're worried about the cold."

I nod, not trying to hide it. "Yeah. But it's not just that. The portal's deep in the mountains, hidden in a cave. It's not a simple thing. We'll be dealing with dark Seishin around it, and I don't want to go alone."

He leans back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "You're asking me to fight, then?"

"Yeah," I say quietly. "I don't know what we'll be facing, but I can't handle it alone. You're the best person for this."

There's a long silence as Hayato contemplates. Finally, he takes another sip of his coffee before giving a slow nod. "Alright. I'll go with you. But don't expect me to hold your hand out there."

I smile, relieved. "Thanks, Hayato. I won't. Let's get this over with."

As I watch him stand up, I can't help but feel a little better. I've got someone I can rely on now. Hopefully, this mission won't be as tough as I thought.

---

The morning air is crisp and cool as we gather at the base camp, the towering mountains of Hokkaido looming in the distance. There's a buzz of excitement, though I can tell most of the students are already feeling the weight of the cold air on their skin. Even though I'm used to being outside, this kind of chill isn't something I'm used to.

The teachers are busy organizing the groups, making sure everyone has their gear ready and that we're all prepared for the hike. I pull my jacket tighter around me, hoping to ward off the bite of the cold, but I'm not fooling anyone, especially not myself. I keep my eyes on the group leaders as they shout out instructions.

"There are 100 students in total," The Principal announces, his voice cutting through the chatter. "Five teachers, each of us in charge of twenty. We'll divide you into groups. Stick together and stay in formation. If anyone gets lost, stay calm and don't panic."

I glance over at Hana, who's busy checking the straps of her backpack with Yui beside her, arguing about something—probably the proper way to tie a knot, knowing Yui.

"Got everything?" I ask Hana, my voice barely audible over the noise.

She turns to me, eyes sparkling. "Yeah, of course! You're not worried about me, are you?" she teases.

I give her a grin. "I'm more worried about the cold than anything else."

"Ha!" Yui interjects loudly, her voice cutting through the wind, "You're just a softie, Hinoyama! The cold's nothing. You should see me. I'm practically immune!"

"Right, Yui," I say, rolling my eyes. "I bet you'd freeze up if you stepped into an ice cave, huh?"

"Not a chance!" Yui puffs out her chest, her bravado loud and proud.

Principal calls out the group divisions, and my stomach drops a little. As expected, I'm not with Ren or Daichi. They're in a different group now, with some of the other boys from the class. The separation stings a bit, but there's not much we can do about it.

"Hana, Yui, Hayato, you're with me," I hear Tanaka-sensei call out as she waves us over to her group. "Stay close. We'll lead the way to the mountains."

Hayato, as usual, is calm and quiet, giving me a slight nod as we start walking towards the group. Hana's already beside me, practically bouncing with excitement.

"Can't believe I'm stuck with Yui," I mutter, feeling a little frustrated. "This is going to be a long hike."

Yui overhears and flashes me a grin. "Oh, you'll survive, Hinoyama! Just keep up!"

I sigh, but as we start moving, I can't help but feel the same excitement that Hana has. Despite the cold, despite the nerves, the view is breathtaking—snow-covered peaks, forests blanketed in white, and the fresh, sharp scent of pine in the air.

"Alright, guys," Tanaka-sensei says, as she hands out the final pieces of equipment. "The hike will be tough, but it'll be worth it once we reach the peak. Stay alert, stay together, and remember, this is an adventure!"

With that, we set off.

The group hikes onward, the crisp mountain air biting at our faces as we make our way up the winding path. The hike isn't easy, but we've found a good rhythm. Tanaka-sensei leads ahead, guiding the students, while the four of us—Hana, Yui, Hayato, and I—stay close behind.

Yui is, as always, full of energy, even on a steep incline. She's practically bouncing up the path, her loud voice carrying across the mountain.

"Hinoyama, do you always walk this slow? Are you trying to set a record for the longest hike ever?" Yui teases, her hands on her hips.

I chuckle, wiping a bit of sweat from my forehead. "I'm not slow, Yui, just pacing myself. No need to burn out on the first day."

Hana giggles beside me. "Honestly, Yui, you should take a break. Even the mountain's starting to look tired of your energy."

Yui pouts, crossing her arms. "Hey! I'm just trying to keep the spirit up!"

"By making the mountain feel like it's in a race with you?" I quip.

She sticks her tongue out at me but can't hide the grin creeping onto her face. "Well, I'd be winning if it were a race."

Hana rolls her eyes playfully. "You would. You're the type to race the wind and claim victory over it."

Yui laughs. "Exactly! I'm a force of nature!"

Hayato, who has been walking in silence, speaks up. "Don't wear yourself out and hold back the group."

Yui sighs dramatically. "Ugh, fine! But only because Shō-kun said so!"

I can't help but laugh at the back-and-forth between them. It's a nice change of pace, considering the seriousness of the situation. We're technically on a mission, but in moments like this, it feels like just another school trip—only with more mountains and less comfort.

The hike continues with small exchanges like this, keeping the mood light. Hana and Yui's banter is something I look forward to, even though it's mostly Yui trying to out-energy the world and Hana keeping things grounded. Every now and then, I catch myself smiling at their antics.

"So, Hinoyama-kun," Hana asks, her voice soft but curious, "How're you holding up with the cold? I noticed you've been rubbing your arms a lot."

I grin, trying to hide how much the cold is bothering me. "It's fine. I'll manage."

Yui shoots me a sympathetic look. "Poor Hinoyama! Why didn't you say something earlier? I could've brought you a blanket or something!"

"I don't need a blanket," I say, shaking my head. "I'll survive. It's just... cold."

"Well, if you die from freezing, I'll be sure to mourn you dramatically," Hana teases with a wink.

I let out a laugh, appreciating how they try to keep the mood light. In truth, the cold is starting to make my head spin, but there's no way I'm going to admit that to them. I'm not about to let a little cold stop me from finishing this hike, especially with the mission at hand.

We make our way further up the mountain, the trail winding through thick trees and steep inclines. The path seems endless, but I keep pushing forward. The sooner we reach the peak, the sooner I can focus on the real reason we're here.

The groups finally stop at around 2,000 feet, taking a well-deserved break. The mountain looms above us, still a long way to go. At 8,200 feet total, we're barely a quarter of the way to the summit. I can feel the strain already, especially with the cold nipping at my skin.

The Principal gives us a few minutes to rest, and everyone starts unpacking small snacks and water bottles. I find a rock to sit on, trying to stretch my legs. The cold is creeping deeper into my bones, and my head's starting to spin. I rub my arms, hoping the feeling will pass, but it doesn't.

Ren plops down next to me, taking a long swig from his water bottle. "How are you holding up, Hinoyama? You're looking a little pale there, buddy."

I give him a weak smile, trying to shake off the dizziness. "Just a bit of cold. Nothing to worry about."

Daichi, who's sitting nearby, laughs. "You say that, but you look like you're about to freeze solid any second."

"Thanks for the support, Daichi," I mutter.

Ren glances at Daichi, then back at me. "Nah, you're good. You've been through worse, right? The cold's nothing compared to what you've faced before."

I nod, forcing myself to sit up straighter. "Yeah... but I think the cold's a little different up here. It's messing with my head more than I thought it would."

Daichi raises an eyebrow. "Really? I thought you were invincible to stuff like that."

"Invincible? Please," I laugh, though it comes out weaker than I meant. "The cold's got me beat for now. But we'll keep pushing."

I look up at the mountain again, taking a deep breath. "We're just 2,000 feet in, but this hike's a beast. We've still got 6,200 more feet to go."

Ren glances around at the group, then gives me a nudge. "So, what's the plan when we get to the top? You gonna challenge the mountain to a snowball fight, or are you just gonna enjoy the view?"

I can't help but grin at that. "If the mountain wants to challenge me, I'll take it on. But right now, I'm just thinking about making it to the top in one piece."

Daichi snickers. "Yeah, that sounds about right. As long as you don't freeze to death on the way."

I glance over at Yui and Hana, who are chatting quietly among themselves. Yui's trying to convince Hana to take a silly picture with her, while Hana's rolling her eyes, but she's smiling anyway.

---

The climb continues, and most of the students are already looking worn out. The mountain is relentless, each step heavier than the last. Yui, of course, is feeling it the most. She's dragging behind, huffing and puffing like she's carrying the weight of the world. Hana's doing her best to encourage her, but it's clear Yui's not having it.

I glance over at them, feeling the tension in my body growing with each step. The cold's been eating at me, but I've been keeping it under wraps. Barely.

Hayato, who's been keeping to himself most of the time, suddenly stops in his tracks. He stands still, his expression shifting from the usual calm to something sharper, more alert.

"Takumi," he says quietly, voice low enough that only I can hear him. "I sense something. A strange presence. Something... different."

His words send a chill down my spine. I can barely keep my balance at this point, and now this? But I don't dismiss it. I close my eyes for a second, focusing. My head is spinning, but I can still feel it—a faint pulse, a Seishinsu that doesn't belong here.

I blink, trying to focus harder. "I sense it too...Let's go—"

Hayato cuts off and looks at me, his gaze intense. "Rest. You're in no condition to deal with this. Let me handle it."

I shake my head immediately. The dizziness and cold are clouding my mind, but my resolve is still clear. "No. It's my responsibility. I can't leave this Seishinsu unchecked. It's my mission."

His eyes narrow slightly, but he doesn't push further. He just nods, understanding. "Fine. Just don't hold me back."

"I'll be fine," I reply, though I don't even believe the words myself. "We're doing this together. Let's go."

Without another word, we both move swiftly, silently slipping away from the group. The others are too tired to notice, and the mountain wind drowns out any noise we might have made. We pick up our pace, our steps light but quick, heading toward the source of the presence.

I feel the energy rising as we climb faster, ignoring the weakness in my legs and the burning cold in my chest. We push forward, moving like shadows against the snowy backdrop, heading directly for whatever it is that's out there.

We don't speak again, the urgency between us clear. The distance between the presence and us is closing, and I can feel the weight of what's ahead.