The semester break had finally arrived, a breath of fresh air after weeks of exams and late-night studying. Kyle stood in his room, surveying the chaos of his belongings strewn across the floor. He was packing for his trip to the countryside where his parents lived, looking forward to a peaceful retreat away from the city's hustle and bustle. The thought of spending time in the open fields, breathing in the fresh air, brought a smile to his face.
As he folded his clothes and stuffed them into his bag, his mind drifted to Mayu. The memories of their recent dinner with his mom danced in his mind—the playful banter, the way she made him laugh, and the warmth of her presence. After the awkward yet sweet moment when they'd shared a forehead kiss, he felt a growing sense of affection for her. The idea of her coming to the countryside hadn't crossed his mind, but the thought made him excited.
Just as he zipped up the last pocket of his bag, a knock echoed through his room. Kyle glanced at the clock, surprised to see it was still early. Who could it be? Curiosity piqued, he walked over to the door and opened it, revealing Mayu standing there, her hair slightly tousled and her eyes shining with a mix of determination and nervousness.
"Hey, Mayu!" he greeted, a smile spreading across his face. "What's up?"
Mayu shifted her weight from one foot to the other, biting her lip as she gathered her thoughts. "I was wondering… can I come with you to the countryside?"
Kyle blinked, momentarily stunned. "You want to come with me?"
"Yeah," she said, her voice firmer now. "I know it's kind of sudden, but I thought it'd be a good chance to spend some time together. And I really want to meet your parents."
Kyle's heart raced at her words. He hadn't considered inviting Mayu to join him, but the idea of her coming along filled him with warmth. "Are you sure?" he asked, wanting to make sure she wasn't just being polite. "It's not the most exciting place. Just fields, trees, and my parents' house. You might get bored."
Mayu shook her head, her expression brightening. "I think it sounds perfect. I could use a break from the city, and spending time with you sounds even better."
Kyle felt a rush of excitement. "Well, if you're really sure about it, then yes! I'd love for you to come along."
"Really?" Mayu's eyes sparkled with happiness, and a grin broke out on her face. "You mean it?"
"Of course! My parents would be thrilled to meet you," Kyle replied, feeling a bit giddy at the thought.
"Great!" Mayu exclaimed, stepping into his room. She quickly began helping him finish packing, tossing clothes into the bag and organizing his belongings. "What should I bring?" she asked, her enthusiasm contagious.
Kyle chuckled, watching her as she moved around his room. "Just bring some casual clothes. You won't need anything fancy out there."
"I'll be sure to pack some comfy shoes, then!" she said, her energy lifting the mood in the room.
As they continued packing, Kyle couldn't shake off the fluttering feeling in his chest. The idea of spending more time with Mayu—just the two of them—was exciting. It was a chance to get to know each other better, away from the pressures of school and their friends.
Once everything was ready, they headed out together, Kyle carrying his bags while Mayu walked beside him. The sun was shining, casting a golden hue over the city as they made their way to the train station. The anticipation of the trip filled the air around them, and with every step, Kyle felt more grateful that Mayu had decided to join him.
"Are you ready for an adventure?" Kyle asked, glancing sideways at her.
"Absolutely!" Mayu replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I can't wait to see what the countryside has to offer."
Kyle smiled, feeling a sense of joy and warmth that he hadn't felt in a long time. As they boarded the train, he realized that this semester break was going to be far more special than he had ever imagined.