Mirei and Kaede ventured deeper into the dense southern forest, their footsteps crunching against the fallen leaves. They had been walking for nearly ten minutes, weaving through thick trees and overgrown bushes. The air was humid, and sweat clung to their skin as the weight of their backpacks added to the exhaustion.

Despite all of this, Mirei’s hand was still tightly holding onto Kaede’s, as if she had forgotten to let go.

"M-Mirei," Kaede panted, barely catching her breath, "I think we’ve walked enough… I see food around us."

Mirei finally stopped, blinking as if just realizing how far they had come. "You're right."

Only then did she notice her fingers still wrapped around Kaede’s. A sudden rush of warmth spread to her face.

"Ah… sorry." She quickly released her grip, flexing her fingers as if trying to shake off the embarrassment.

Kaede, now free, awkwardly rubbed her hand against her shorts, unsure of what to say. An awkward silence lingered between them.

To distract herself, Kaede focused on gathering food, her hands busy picking wild fruits, vegetables, and edible plants. "Looks like we'll still have to cook after this," Mirei commented, glancing at the raw ingredients in Kaede’s arms.

At that moment, a low grumble echoed through the quiet forest.

Kaede froze in horror.

Mirei stared at her before bursting into laughter. "Was that… your stomach?"

Kaede’s entire face turned red as she covered her stomach. "Omg, is this okay to be recorded?!" She frantically glanced at her camera, her voice flustered.

Mirei wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, still laughing. "Trust me, people love moments like this. If anything, the director will cut it if it's too embarrassing. Just relax."

Kaede let out a sigh of defeat. "I can’t believe this is happening."

Still chuckling, Mirei wandered a little ahead before stopping at a large tree. "Kaede, come here! Look at this."

Kaede jogged over, eyes following where Mirei pointed. A piece of paper, tied with a thin string, dangled from one of the higher branches.

"It has a paper string on it," Mirei said. "That must mean it's something good!"

Kaede squinted. "Are you sure?"

Mirei nodded. "It could be a clue or maybe a reward."

Kaede examined their surroundings. "How are we supposed to get it, though? Should we climb?"

Mirei smirked, rolling up her sleeves. "Sounds like a plan."

Kaede’s jaw dropped. "What?! You're not serious, right?!"

Mirei shrugged. "Do you see any other way?"

Kaede looked around, checking the tools in her backpack, but there was nothing useful. She sighed. "You’ve gotta be kidding me."

Mirei suddenly crouched in front of Kaede.

Kaede blinked. "Uh… What are you doing?"

"Hop on." Mirei grinned over her shoulder. "I’ll carry you so you can reach it."

Kaede nearly choked. "W-WHAT?!"

"Hurry, we don’t have much time!" Mirei insisted.

Kaede frantically shook her head. "N-No way! I-I can’t let The Mirei Nakamura carry me! Your fans would kill me!"

Mirei chuckled at Kaede’s flustered reaction. "You’re so dramatic."

Without warning, Mirei spun around and climbed onto Kaede’s back instead, wrapping her arms around Kaede’s shoulders.

"W-Wait, Mirei!" Kaede gasped, nearly losing her balance.

Mirei leaned close, whispering against Kaede’s ear, "I’m heavier than you think, you know."

Kaede’s entire body went rigid. Her heart pounded so loudly she was sure the microphone on her camera could pick it up. "Y-YOU CAN’T JUST SAY STUFF LIKE THAT!"

Mirei chuckled, resting her chin on Kaede’s shoulder. "Come on, lift me up."

Kaede groaned, tightening her grip around Mirei’s legs, her arms shaking as she slowly pushed herself up. Mirei held onto her shoulders for balance, her breath warm against Kaede’s ear.

"Go left a little," Mirei directed.

Kaede adjusted her steps.

"Okay, now right."

Kaede obeyed.

"Actually… a bit to the left again."

Kaede frowned, struggling to keep steady. "Mirei… Are you messing with me?"

Mirei let out a giggle, unable to hold back her amusement.

Kaede narrowed her eyes. "Y-You already got it, didn’t you?!"

Mirei laughed. "Hehehe… maybe."

Kaede let out an exaggerated gasp before instantly dropping Mirei onto the ground. "Mirei, you’re the WORST!"

Mirei landed with a soft thud, still giggling. She looked up at Kaede, her heart skipping a beat at how adorable Kaede looked when pouting.

God, she’s so cute… I want to kiss her so badly.

Flustered by her own thoughts, Mirei quickly diverted her gaze. "S-Sorry! You just looked so serious, I couldn’t help it…"

Kaede crossed her arms. "Hmph! You better tell me what was on that paper."

Still lying on the ground, Mirei unfolded the note. "Let’s see… 'Congratulations! You’ve got 5,000 coins.'"

They both blinked.

"Coins?" Kaede repeated.

Mirei tilted her head. "So there’s money scattered around, not just food?"

Kaede sat down beside Mirei, deep in thought. "But what’s the purpose of the coins?"

Mirei thought for a moment before snapping her fingers. "Maybe… we use them to buy things?"

Kaede’s eyes widened. "Oh! That makes sense!"

Mirei stretched her arms, checking the time. "We still have twenty minutes left." She stood up and extended her hand toward Kaede.

Kaede hesitated for a second before taking it, allowing Mirei to pull her up.

"Alright, let’s go!" Mirei said enthusiastically.

Kaede smiled. "Yeah, let’s go."

For a moment, neither of them realized that they had naturally fallen back into sync, their awkwardness from before slowly fading.

It felt like old times again—just the two of them, teasing, laughing, and working together without any forced effort.

And somewhere deep in their hearts, they both knew…

This was the closest they had felt to each other in a long, long time.