A few weeks after the club activities and project presentations, the school announced something that sent a wave of excitement through the entire student body—a three-day field trip. Mrs. Nakamura made the announcement with her usual warm smile, handing out permission slips and information sheets to each student.
"As many of you may know, our annual field trip is coming up. This year, we'll be visiting the historic town of Nara," she said, watching the class erupt in excitement. "We'll explore shrines, temples, and some cultural landmarks, and there'll be a lot of time for you to relax and enjoy with friends."
Saki, who was sitting beside Ryo, leaned over with a rare spark of enthusiasm in her eyes. "I've always wanted to see Nara's deer park. They say the deer bow if you give them treats."
Hana, sitting in front of them, turned around with a grin. "And we'll get to stay in a traditional inn, right? I can't wait for the hot springs!"
Ryo chuckled, sharing in the excitement. This field trip felt like the perfect chance for everyone to unwind and bond even more deeply. He glanced over at Amelia and Alice, who were already discussing which places they wanted to visit in Nara.
The day of the field trip arrived quickly, and the group found themselves at the train station early in the morning. Ryo's classmates buzzed with energy, despite the early hour, and he felt a surge of excitement as he looked around at his friends, each one carrying an overnight bag or backpack stuffed with essentials.
Ryo stood with his group, all of them chatting as they waited for their teacher's signal to board the train. Saki wore a soft, satisfied smile, and Amelia looked particularly animated, her excitement radiating as she listed off the places she wanted to see. Hana, as always, couldn't contain her energy and bounced on her toes.
When the train finally arrived, the students hurried on board, and Ryo found himself sitting in a row with Saki, Hana, and Amelia, with Alice seated across from them. The train hummed to life, and as it pulled out of the station, Ryo felt a thrill at the thought of all the adventures awaiting them.
The train ride was anything but quiet. Hana, armed with a bag full of snacks, insisted on sharing them with everyone, even if it meant practically shoving chips and candies into their hands. Ryo tried to decline, but Hana wouldn't take no for an answer, and soon he was munching on pocky sticks while Hana and Amelia argued over the best way to eat them.
As the scenery shifted from city to countryside, Saki pulled out a travel guidebook, which immediately caught Amelia's attention. "You came prepared!" Amelia said, peeking over her shoulder. "What's on the list?"
"Well, there are a few temples we should definitely visit, and the Nara Park is a must, of course," Saki replied, flipping through the pages. "And there's a shopping street near our inn. It looks like they sell souvenirs and local sweets."
Hana's eyes lit up. "Sweets? Count me in!"
Ryo leaned back in his seat, enjoying the comfortable banter. Alice, who had been quietly observing the scenery, suddenly spoke up. "I'd like to see the Kasuga Shrine. It's famous for its lanterns. It looks beautiful, especially in the evening."
They spent the rest of the train ride planning their itinerary, bouncing between must-see spots and trying to fit everything in. By the time they arrived, they had a full schedule for the next three days, each day packed with places to see and things to do.
Arrival at Nara and Exploring the Deer Park
The moment they stepped off the train, Ryo felt the fresh, cool air of Nara hit him, carrying a subtle scent of greenery and earth. The group made their way to the inn, where they left their bags before setting off for their first stop—the famous Nara Deer Park.
As they walked, the sound of deer wandering around and the occasional murmur of tourists filled the air. When they reached the park, they were greeted by a surprising sight: deer roaming freely, walking alongside visitors with a calm, almost regal air.
Hana's face lit up as she held out a packet of deer crackers, which she had bought at the entrance. She offered a cracker to a nearby deer, who immediately bowed its head in a gentle, courteous motion before taking the treat from her hand.
"Did you see that? It actually bowed!" Hana exclaimed, laughing as she fed more crackers to the deer. Amelia and Alice quickly joined in, laughing as the deer approached them and gave small bows in exchange for treats.
Ryo couldn't help but smile at the sight, and even Saki seemed captivated by the deer. She stood a little apart, watching them with a soft smile. Ryo walked over and offered her a cracker. "Come on, give it a try."
Saki hesitated for a moment, then took the cracker and extended it to a nearby deer. It bowed, and she laughed quietly, clearly delighted. Ryo realized it was one of the few times he'd seen her laugh so openly.
They spent the rest of the morning wandering around the park, taking photos, feeding deer, and simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Ryo felt a deep sense of relaxation, a rare calm that came from being surrounded by nature and friends.
The Evening at the Traditional Inn
That evening, they returned to the inn, where they were shown to their rooms—traditional Japanese rooms with tatami mats, low tables, and sliding doors. The group gathered in one room, chatting as they settled in.
Dinner was served in the dining hall, a spread of local dishes that included rice, miso soup, grilled fish, and a variety of pickled vegetables. Ryo found himself sitting between Saki and Alice, who both seemed particularly interested in the food. Alice took small, careful bites, while Saki seemed to savor each flavor, her usually composed expression softening.
"This is delicious," Saki murmured, her tone one of genuine appreciation.
Hana, seated across from them, looked up with a grin. "I could eat like this every day!"
After dinner, they changed into yukata provided by the inn and made their way to the hot springs. The group split into the men's and women's baths, with Ryo joining some of his classmates while the girls went off together.
The hot spring was an open-air bath surrounded by rocks and a carefully tended garden. Ryo sank into the water, feeling the warmth seep into his muscles, melting away any tension. The sky above was a deep, rich blue, and he could just make out a few stars beginning to appear.
"This is amazing," Yuto said, leaning back with a content sigh. "I could stay here forever."
Ryo nodded, enjoying the soothing warmth. His mind wandered to the girls, wondering if they were enjoying the bath as much as he was. The thought brought a smile to his face.
Late-Night Conversations
After the bath, the group reconvened in their room, feeling relaxed and a bit sleepy. They sat around a low table, sipping tea and chatting. The topic soon turned to the day's adventures, with everyone sharing their favorite moments.
Hana's eyes sparkled as she recounted the deer encounter, and Amelia laughed, "I swear, that one deer wouldn't stop following you!"
"Maybe it could sense how much I love animals!" Hana replied, grinning.
Alice, who had been listening quietly, suddenly spoke up. "I enjoyed the Kasuga Shrine. The lanterns were beautiful. They made me feel… peaceful."
Ryo glanced at Alice, surprised. She rarely shared her feelings so openly, and her words held a quiet sincerity that made the moment feel intimate.
As the conversation continued, they eventually began sharing stories about their lives outside of school—funny childhood memories, embarrassing moments, dreams for the future. Ryo found himself opening up more than he expected, sharing a story about a summer he spent with his family in the countryside.
The girls listened intently, each one offering their own stories in return. Saki, who usually kept her emotions guarded, shared a memory of her first painting, which she described with a rare warmth in her eyes. Hana, always animated, told a story of a family trip that had gone hilariously wrong, while Amelia talked about her first time trying Japanese sweets and how she'd immediately fallen in love with them.
The conversation stretched late into the night, until they finally drifted off to sleep, feeling closer than ever.