As the trio made their way down a winding forest path, Takeshi walked with a lightness in his step, a mischievous grin on his face. Riku, on the other hand, lagged a few steps behind, his mood noticeably tense since his confession. He seemed more guarded, as if trying to prove himself capable despite the fears he had shared.
Takeshi glanced over his shoulder and smirked, noticing how small Riku looked beside him. At 180 cm, Takeshi towered over the boy, who couldn't have been more than 160 cm. Seizing the opportunity, Takeshi slowed his pace, sidling up to Riku with a teasing smile.
"You know, kid," Takeshi began, feigning innocence, "I keep thinking you're just a little lost boy out here. Can't help but notice how tiny you are. What are you? 160 cm?"
Riku shot him a look, his eyes narrowing. "I'm not that short. Besides, what does height have to do with anything?"
Takeshi chuckled. "Oh, you'd be surprised. It's not just your height, though. You're also seventeen, right? That's just a kid," he said, patting Riku's head as if he were a little brother.
Riku's cheeks flushed, and he batted Takeshi's hand away. "Stop it. I may be seventeen, but I'm capable. You don't have to treat me like I'm some child."
Akiko noticed the tension brewing between them and stepped closer, about to intervene, but Takeshi continued his playful taunting.
"Seventeen, huh? Practically a baby," Takeshi teased, his voice lighthearted but relentless. "And trying to be all serious with us adults? You might want to wait until you're at least eighteen before taking on the world."
Riku clenched his fists, taking a deep breath to steady himself. "Stop it, Takeshi. I'm not here to prove anything to you. I can take care of myself just fine."
Seeing the irritation in Riku's eyes, Akiko stepped between them, placing a calming hand on Takeshi's arm. "All right, that's enough, Takeshi. We're all in this together, remember? No need to tease."
Takeshi shrugged, still grinning but holding up his hands in surrender. "All right, all right. Just having a bit of fun."
Riku exhaled, the tension easing a bit as Takeshi finally relented. He shot one last glance at Takeshi before moving ahead, determined to prove his worth without words.
They continued on, and after about an hour, the trees thinned, revealing a small village tucked away at the edge of the forest. It was modest, with no more than fifteen homes clustered around a central square. Smoke rose gently from a few chimneys, and the faint sound of voices drifted through the air, a sign of life that lifted their spirits.
Akiko looked around, relief softening her features. "This is perfect. We can rest here and hopefully find some food and supplies."
Riku's eyes lit up as he took in the sight of the village, his earlier frustration momentarily forgotten. "Finally, somewhere with actual people!"
Takeshi chuckled. "See, even the little guy can get excited."
Riku rolled his eyes but smiled despite himself. With a renewed sense of hope, the three of them entered the village, ready to find what they needed and take a break from the endless road ahead.