The new oppenent

The morning sun slowly rose over the snowy peaks, casting a soft golden glow through the resort windows. The air was fresh and cool, carrying the scent of pine and crisp mountain snow. Inside the warm resort, the friends began to wake, still wrapped in the memories of the previous day — memories that had brought them closer than ever.

Yuta stretched and looked out of the window at Mount Fuji's majestic view. His heart was calm, but his mind replayed everything: the joy of skiing, the tension of seeing Mai in danger, and the relief when Izumi, like a true hero, saved her from the uncontrollable slide. Izumi really shone yesterday, Yuta thought with a proud smile. I'm lucky to have such a reliable friend.

Downstairs, the group gathered for breakfast. This time, Mai and Yuki insisted on helping Yuta, eager to contribute after Yuta's endless care during their trip so far. The kitchen was filled with soft laughter and the aroma of warm food.

As they ate together, Izumi rubbed the back of his neck, trying to hide his bashful grin as Mai kept glancing at him shyly.

"You really were amazing yesterday, Izumi," Mai finally said softly. "You saved me when I really thought I was done for."

Izumi tried to act cool, but his ears turned bright red. "A-anyone would've done that. I couldn't just watch you get hurt."

Amane smirked. "Yeah right. You were like a knight on skis. Admit it, man."

Yuki smiled gently, adding, "We're all thankful. You really stepped up."

Erika, now much better after resting, gave Amane a sweet, grateful look. "And Amane… I don't think I've thanked you enough for looking after me yesterday. You were my hero too."

Amane tried to wave it off, but the redness in his cheeks gave him away.

"Just doing what a friend should."

As they finished breakfast, their teacher gathered everyone and announced the next adventure:

"Today, we're doing a forest exploration challenge! Teams will follow clues and trails. Make sure to return before sunset!"

Excitement filled the air. The group started preparing their backpacks, adjusting their boots, and packing snacks.

As they stepped outside, ready to face the forest trail, Yuta looked at his friends — Izumi, Amane, Mai, Yuki, and Erika. A soft, confident smile formed on his lips.

"Alright guys, this time let's just enjoy ourselves. No drama, no danger — just fun."

The group nodded, filled with a new sense of unity.

The friends started the forest exploration full of excitement. Amane was leading with the map, but kept turning it upside down, making everyone laugh.

"Bro, are you guiding us to the forest… or back to the resort?" Izumi teased, snatching the map from him.

Yuki was carefully picking wildflowers and tucking them into Erika's hair, making Erika giggle. "Yuki, you're better at this than me!"

Yuta watched them with a warm smile but got startled when Mai tried to balance on a fallen tree trunk — and fell straight into a bush.

"I'm fine! The bush saved me!" she declared, her hair full of leaves, making everyone burst out laughing.

After an hour of fun hiking, they reached a peaceful lake, shimmering under the sunlight.

"Let's fish!" Yuta grinned.

"Yeah! Whoever catches the biggest fish gets extra dessert tonight!" Erika declared, fired up.

The group sat by the lake, trying their luck. But before long, they noticed two large groups of students approaching from opposite directions — one from the east, one from the west. Both groups looked… dangerous.

Yuta, Amane, and Izumi exchanged a glance. Instinctively, they stood up, readying themselves, their eyes sharp.

"What's this now…?" Yuta muttered.

From one side, the Kage Gang leader strode forward, dark sunglasses and all.

"Yuta… Amane… Izumi… we've been watching you. Join us. We want powerful guys like you in our gang!"

Before they could respond, the Nobu Gang leader from the other side yelled,

"Oi! We found them first! Back off, Kage! Trio — you're joining our gang!"

The two gangs glared at each other, shouting:

"We saw them first!"

"No, we did!"

"They're ours!"

"Back off or we'll fight you for them!"

It turned ridiculous as both gangs began preparing to brawl — all over who "owned" the friendship trio.

Yuta sighed, holding up his hands.

"Listen. We're not joining anyone's gang. We're just normal students. So stop this nonsense, okay?"

But both gangs roared,

"Then we'll have to teach you a lesson! We can't let you make a new gang and take over the school!"

Just as they were about to charge, a heavy voice came and said,

"What are you doing here, kids? Gangs?"

Everyone started to fear — both gangs froze, their courage vanishing in an instant.

The man who stopped the gangs wasn't just anyone — he was the current senior student council president, Shinado Reiji. Despite wearing only a swimsuit, his sharp, muscular physique made everyone stare. His broad shoulders, toned arms, and powerful presence were no less impressive than Yuta's. A pair of glasses rested on his face, adding to his aura of seriousness and intelligence.

Yuta's eyes widened as he recognized him.

So this is the famous Reiji they spoke about…

He recalled the time when the third-year seniors had come begging him to run as vice president and mentioned that their current president was extremely popular — Shinado Reiji.

The Kage Gang and Nobu Gang leaders immediately bowed low before Reiji, their fear obvious.

"S-sorry, Reiji-senpai! We didn't mean to cause trouble!" they stammered.

Reiji folded his arms, his gaze piercing.

"You're forcing your juniors to join your little gangs? Get lost, kids. Go back to your place."

Without another word, both gangs scattered like leaves in the wind.

But before Yuta could even relax, Reiji suddenly dashed toward him — lightning fast — and swung a punch straight at Yuta's face!

Yuta reacted on instinct, dodging the strike by a hair's breadth. The air seemed to freeze.

Shock spread through the crowd.

"He dodged Reiji-senpai's punch?!"

"Impossible… no one's ever done that!"

Reiji lowered his fist, a smirk appearing.

"You're just like I heard. I think I've finally found a worthy opponent… If you've got guts, Yuta — join the student council."

Without waiting for a reply, Reiji turned and strode back to his camp, leaving everyone stunned.

The tension was thick, but Mai clapped her hands, forcing a smile.

"Okay! Enough drama! Let's enjoy what's left of our trip!"

Her cheerful voice lifted the mood, and soon everyone was laughing and playing again, but deep down…

👉 In Yuta's mind: Who is Reiji? Why did he challenge me?

👉 In Amane and Izumi's mind: We need to find out more about Reiji…

👉 In Erika's mind: What is this strange feeling… why does Amane make me feel so safe?

👉 In Mai's mind: Why do I keep thinking about Izumi?

👉 In Yuki's mind: That flashback… Dad scolding my brother for fighting… why does it bother me now?

After returning home from the trip, exhaustion took over. Everyone crashed in their rooms. The day had been intense, fun, and… confusing.