LOVE 119 Chapter 5 04

The next day came, and Haruka arrived at the office earlier than usual, her bag slung over her shoulder as she made her way toward the elevator.

She had a stack of paperwork that needed to be completed before the day got busy. Just as she reached the elevator, the doors opened, and she found herself face-to-face with Ms. Nakamura, who was also arriving early.

"Good morning, Ms. Haruka. You're early today," Nakamura greeted her with a warm smile as they stepped into the elevator together.

"Yeah, I had paperwork to get done. That's why," Haruka replied with a polite nod, adjusting the strap of her bag.

"Oh, I see," Nakamura said, pressing the button for their floor. She paused for a moment, glancing at Haruka thoughtfully before continuing. "Did you know we'll be having a new co-worker today?"

Haruka gasped softly, her eyebrows raising in surprise. "Really?" she asked, curiosity sparking in her tone.

"Yes," Nakamura confirmed, her smile widening. "I think they're around the same age as you. It'll be nice to have someone else young and energetic in the office."

The elevator dinged, signaling their arrival at their floor. Haruka followed Nakamura out, her mind now buzzing with questions about the new hire. "Do you know anything about them? Like their name or what they'll be doing?"

Nakamura shook her head. "Not much, unfortunately. I do know they're fresh out of university and eager to start. Oh, and rumor has it they'll be shadowing you for the first few weeks. Takumi suggested it," she added with a knowing smile.

"Shadowing me?" Haruka echoed, pausing mid-step. She felt a mix of surprise and nervousness. Why would Takumi choose her for this?

"Don't overthink it," Nakamura said with a chuckle, as if reading her thoughts. "You're capable, Haruka. I'm sure Takumi sees that, and so do the rest of us."

Haruka managed a small smile, though her thoughts were racing. She wasn't sure if she was ready to mentor someone, but there was no turning back now. By the time she reached her desk, she had decided to take it as an opportunity to prove herself.

As the morning unfolded, Haruka got lost in her paperwork, the steady hum of office life grounding her. But her focus was soon interrupted by a tap on her desk. She looked up to see a young man standing there, holding a folder and wearing a nervous but friendly expression.

"Excuse me, are you Ms. Haruka?" he asked, his voice polite yet uncertain.

Haruka stood and nodded. "Yes, that's me. You must be the new co-worker."

The man smiled and extended his hand. "I'm Yuto Takahashi. It's nice to meet you. I've been told I'll be shadowing you for a while."

Haruka shook his hand, her smile softening as she noticed how genuinely eager he seemed. "Nice to meet you too, Yuto. Welcome to the team. Don't worry, I'll help you get settled and guide you through everything."

"Thank you, I appreciate it," Yuto said, relaxing a little. "I'll do my best to learn quickly and not be a bother."

Haruka chuckled lightly. "You'll do fine, I'm sure. Just take it one step at a time."

As Yuto moved to the desk beside hers, Haruka found herself feeling a mix of excitement and responsibility. Having a new co-worker her age might bring a fresh perspective, and she was curious to see how Yuto would adapt to the team.

Still, the thought of Takumi specifically choosing her to guide him lingered in the back of her mind, making her wonder if there was more to his decision than he let on.

As Haruka guided Yuto through the basics of handling calls, she explained the key steps with patience and clarity. "You have to listen carefully to their concerns, empathize with them, and offer advice that feels genuine and relatable," she said, pointing to the guidelines pinned on the wall. "Always remember to stay calm, even if the caller gets emotional. Sometimes, they just need someone to hear them out."

Yuto nodded attentively, scribbling down notes in his notebook. "So, did you get all of that?" Haruka asked, glancing at him with a small smile.

"Yes, I think I got all of it," Yuto replied, his voice steady but tinged with nervousness.

Just as they were wrapping up their discussion, the phone at Yuto's desk rang. Haruka straightened, a hint of excitement in her voice as she turned to him. "Are you ready to test what you've learned so far?" she asked, handing him his headphones.

Yuto hesitated for a moment, his hand hovering over the headphones. "What if I mess up?" he muttered under his breath, glancing at Haruka.

"Don't worry," Haruka said warmly, giving him an encouraging fist pump. "If you have trouble on your first call, I'm here. You've got this."

Taking a deep breath, Yuto nodded and slipped on his headphones. He pressed the answer button, his voice a little shaky as he said, "Hello, this is Love 119. How can I help you today?"

Haruka watched him closely, ready to step in if needed. The caller's voice came through, a young woman who seemed hesitant at first. "Hi, um, I'm not sure if this is the right place to call, but... I really need someone to talk to," the caller said softly.

"You're absolutely in the right place," Yuto replied, his tone gaining confidence. "What's on your mind?"

As the conversation unfolded, Haruka smiled quietly to herself. Yuto was a little awkward but earnest, and the caller seemed to respond well to his kindness. Haruka gave him a subtle thumbs-up, signaling that he was doing great.

By the end of the call, Yuto hung up and let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. He turned to Haruka with a sheepish grin. "That wasn't as scary as I thought it'd be."

"You did really well," Haruka said, nodding in approval. "Just keep that energy, and you'll be a pro in no time."

Yuto's confidence seemed to grow, and he leaned back in his chair, his earlier nervousness replaced with a sense of accomplishment.

Haruka felt a small sense of pride as she watched him settle into his new role, knowing that her guidance had helped him take his first step.

The day progressed quickly as calls began pouring in, leaving Haruka and Yuto little time to catch their breath.

Haruka seamlessly juggled her own calls, offering empathetic advice to heartbroken individuals and those seeking clarity in their love lives.

Meanwhile, Yuto was slowly finding his footing, gaining confidence with each call he handled.

"Don't forget to pace yourself," Haruka reminded him during a brief pause between calls. "You don't want to burn out."

Yuto nodded, his hand clutching his notepad. "I think I'm starting to get the hang of it. But it's intense-so many emotions in every call."

Haruka chuckled lightly. "Welcome to Love 119. It's always a rollercoaster, but it's fulfilling when you know you've helped someone."

Before Yuto could reply, his phone rang again. He straightened in his seat and picked up the call. Haruka glanced over, listening discreetly as he handled the situation with growing ease. A small smile tugged at her lips. He was doing well.

Her own phone buzzed, pulling her attention away. Haruka answered the call and was immediately met with the shaky voice of a young woman. "I don't know what to do anymore," the caller said, her words coming out in a rush. "I think I'm in love with my best friend, but he's dating someone else. Should I tell him? Or should I just stay quiet and move on?"

Haruka's voice softened as she leaned into the conversation. "That's a tough position to be in, but it's important to consider your feelings and your friendship. If telling him might strain things, maybe take some time to think about what you want long-term. Do you value his friendship more than the possibility of something more?"

The caller hesitated. "I... I'm not sure. I just feel stuck."

Haruka continued offering advice, her tone steady and reassuring, until the caller thanked her and hung up. Letting out a deep breath, she noticed Yuto finishing his call as well, his expression a mix of relief and accomplishment.

"How did it go?" Haruka asked, tilting her head toward him.

"Pretty good, I think," Yuto said, flashing a small grin. "The caller was struggling with a long-distance relationship. I just tried to remind them that communication and trust are key."

"That's great advice," Haruka said encouragingly. "You're really getting the hang of this."

Before Yuto could respond, both their phones rang again simultaneously. They exchanged a glance, a mix of exhaustion and determination in their eyes, before diving into their next calls.

The hours passed in a blur as the two tackled call after call, each one presenting its own unique challenges.

From a tearful confession of unrequited love to a lighthearted story of rekindled romance, the day was a whirlwind of emotions.

By the time the clock signaled the end of their shift, Haruka leaned back in her chair with a sigh.

"Whew," she muttered, stretching her arms above her head. "What a day."

Yuto slumped in his chair, looking equally drained but satisfied. "I don't know how you do this every day. It's exhausting, but... I kind of love it."

Haruka smiled at him. "It grows on you. Plus, it's worth it when you know you've made even a small difference in someone's life."

As the two began gathering their things, Haruka couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie forming between them. Yuto was proving to be a quick learner and a genuine presence in the office, and she found herself looking forward to seeing how he would continue to grow in the role.

As Haruka packed up her things, she glanced over at Yuto, who was lingering near his desk, fidgeting with his notepad. He seemed hesitant, as if debating something in his head. Before she could ask if everything was okay, he approached her, a tentative smile on his face.

"Haruka, um..." Yuto began, scratching the back of his neck. "I was wondering if... you'd like to grab dinner? It's already pretty late, and I wanted to thank you for being such a great mentor. You've been really patient with me."

Haruka blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected invitation. She tilted her head slightly, her expression softening. "Dinner?" she repeated, as if to confirm.

"Yeah," Yuto said quickly, his cheeks tinged with a faint blush. "Just as a thank-you! Nothing too fancy, I promise. Maybe somewhere nearby?"

Haruka considered for a moment. It had been a long day, and the thought of eating alone at home wasn't exactly appealing. Besides, Yuto's earnestness was hard to refuse. She smiled and nodded. "Alright, dinner sounds good. But only if we split the bill," she added with a teasing tone.

Yuto grinned, relief washing over his face. "Deal. There's a nice little ramen place a couple of blocks from here. Does that work?"

"Perfect," Haruka replied, grabbing her bag. "Let's go before it gets even later."

As they stepped out of the office together, the cool evening air greeted them. The bustling city lights provided a backdrop to their conversation as they walked side by side toward the ramen shop. Yuto's nervousness seemed to ease as they chatted about work, hobbies, and their favorite comfort foods.

By the time they reached the restaurant, Haruka realized she was actually enjoying herself. Yuto's genuine personality was refreshing, and she found herself laughing at his stories about university life and the amusing challenges of being the "new guy" at work.

As they sat down and waited for their orders, Haruka couldn't help but think that, despite the long day, this dinner invitation had been a pleasant way to unwind. She glanced at Yuto, who was still talking animatedly about something, and smiled to herself. Maybe having him around wasn't so bad after all.

As they waited for their ramen to arrive, Haruka sipped on her glass of water, watching Yuto as he animatedly recounted an embarrassing moment from his college days. His enthusiasm was infectious, and she found herself laughing more than she had in a while.

But then, a question lingered in the back of her mind, one she hadn't thought to ask before. Without realizing it, she blurted out, "So, Yuto, have you ever had a girlfriend? Or do you have one now?"

The question seemed to catch him off guard. Yuto paused mid-sentence, his eyes widening slightly before he let out a nervous chuckle. "Wow, straight to the point, huh?" he said, scratching the back of his neck.

Haruka immediately regretted her abruptness and waved her hands defensively. "Oh, sorry! I didn't mean to pry. It's just... you seem really easygoing and nice. I was just curious."

Yuto's smile returned, this time a little softer. "It's okay, really. I don't mind answering. To be honest... no, I don't have a girlfriend right now. And as for the past, I've only had one serious relationship. It was back in college."

"Ah," Haruka said, nodding. "What happened, if you don't mind me asking?"

He shrugged, his tone more reflective now. "We just grew apart. She wanted to move abroad for her career, and I wasn't ready to make that kind of leap. It ended on good terms, though. No drama or anything."

Haruka leaned back, absorbing his answer. "That's pretty mature of you both," she said. "Not everyone can part ways so peacefully."

Yuto smiled faintly. "Yeah, I guess so. What about you, Haruka? Have you ever been in a serious relationship?"

Her expression shifted slightly, and she hesitated, swirling the water in her glass. "I've had one," she admitted quietly. "But it didn't end as cleanly as yours. Let's just say it left me questioning a lot about myself and what I want."

Yuto didn't press further, sensing the heaviness in her tone. Instead, he offered her a reassuring smile. "Well, whoever he was, it's his loss. You're amazing, Haruka, and I hope you know that."

Haruka blinked, momentarily caught off guard by his sincerity. A faint blush crept across her cheeks, but she quickly masked it with a chuckle. "Thanks, Yuto. That's... sweet of you to say."

Their conversation shifted back to lighter topics as their ramen arrived, the warm bowls filling the space with a comforting aroma.

Haruka couldn't help but feel a little more at ease, realizing that Yuto was not just a promising new co-worker but someone she could see herself trusting over time.

As they dug into their steaming bowls of ramen, the atmosphere between Haruka and Yuto lightened considerably. They shared laughs over silly stories, their earlier conversation about relationships momentarily shelved.

The savory broth and fresh noodles seemed to rejuvenate them after the long day, and Haruka found herself relaxing in Yuto's company.

Midway through their meal, Yuto glanced up at her, his chopsticks paused in mid-air. "You know, Haruka, I didn't expect work to feel this... welcoming," he said. "I was nervous about starting, but having you around has made it easier."

Haruka looked at him, surprised. "Really? I mean, I've just been doing my job. You're the one putting in all the effort."

"Still," Yuto said, a warm smile spreading across his face. "You've been patient with me, and it means a lot. I hope I can keep up with you someday."

Haruka laughed softly. "I'm not some genius at this, Yuto. I've just been here longer. You'll get the hang of it soon enough-actually, you already are."

They continued eating, the conversation flowing naturally. Haruka was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to talk to Yuto.

His youthful enthusiasm and genuine curiosity about life were refreshing, and she found herself opening up more than she expected.

After they finished their meal, Yuto insisted on walking Haruka home. "It's late, and it wouldn't feel right letting you go alone," he said, his voice firm despite her initial protests.

"Alright, fine," Haruka relented, a small smile tugging at her lips. "But only if you promise not to walk me all the way to my door. I don't want to impose."

"Deal," Yuto agreed with a grin.

As they strolled through the quiet streets, Haruka found herself enjoying the crisp night air and Yuto's casual chatter. He told her about his plans for the weekend, his favorite hobbies, and even a funny anecdote about his childhood.

It was all so light and easy, and for the first time in a while, Haruka felt like she could let her guard down.

When they finally reached the street near her apartment, Yuto stopped and turned to her. "Well, this is as far as I go," he said with a playful salute.

Haruka chuckled. "Thanks for dinner and the company. I guess I'll see you tomorrow at work?"

"Definitely," Yuto said. He hesitated for a moment before adding, "And hey, if you ever need someone to talk to-about anything-I'm around. Just thought I'd put that out there."

Haruka felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words. She nodded, her smile softening. "Thanks, Yuto. I'll keep that in mind."

As she watched him walk away, Haruka couldn't help but feel a strange sense of comfort. Yuto was different-uncomplicated and sincere.

And while she wasn't sure where their growing connection would lead, she found herself looking forward to seeing him again.

The next day came, but this time, they weren't at the office. Instead, the team had gathered at a scenic campsite nestled between lush green hills and a sparkling lake.

The air was crisp, filled with the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves, a stark contrast to the hum of office computers. It was the company's tradition to hold a team-building retreat for three days whenever a new employee joined, and this time, it was for Yuto.

Haruka stepped out of the van, her bag slung over her shoulder, and looked around. The site was picturesque, with rows of cozy tents and a large open area for activities.

She could already see some of her colleagues unpacking supplies and chatting animatedly. Yuto was nearby, helping carry boxes of food and equipment, his cheerful energy already drawing people in.

"Isn't this exciting?" Nakamura said, walking up beside Haruka. "Three days away from the office, fresh air, and a chance to bond with everyone. You should relax and enjoy yourself."

Haruka nodded with a small smile. "Yeah, it's a nice change of pace. I just hope I survive the team-building games. I'm not exactly the sporty type."

Nakamura laughed and patted her on the shoulder. "Don't worry. Just do your best, and you'll be fine."

As the group gathered for the opening session, Takumi stood at the front, clipboard in hand, outlining the schedule for the day.

Haruka couldn't help but notice Aiko hovering near him, her attempts at flirting thinly veiled behind feigned interest in the itinerary.

Haruka rolled her eyes slightly but quickly shifted her focus when Takumi's gaze briefly landed on her.

The day kicked off with a series of icebreaker games, laughter and chatter filling the air as everyone participated.

Haruka found herself paired with Yuto for one of the activities, a relay race that had everyone scrambling through a series of silly obstacles.

His enthusiasm was contagious, and by the end, she was laughing so hard she forgot all about her earlier apprehension.

Later, during a break, Yuto approached her with two cups of lemonade. "For you," he said, handing one over. "You did great out there, Haruka. I didn't know you had such competitive spirit."

She accepted the cup with a chuckle. "Thanks. I think I was more motivated to not embarrass myself in front of the team."

Yuto grinned. "Well, mission accomplished. You were awesome."

As the day progressed, Haruka started to feel more at ease. The combination of fresh air, lighthearted games, and good company was refreshing.

That evening, as the team gathered around a campfire, sharing stories and roasting marshmallows, Haruka found herself sitting next to Yuto.

The flames danced in his eyes as he spoke about his dreams and ambitions, his voice filled with genuine passion. Haruka listened intently, surprised by how comfortable she felt around him.

As the night deepened and the group started to disperse, Yuto leaned toward her and said softly, "I'm glad we're doing this. It's nice to get to know everyone outside of work... especially you, Haruka."

She glanced at him, his sincerity catching her off guard. For a moment, she wasn't sure how to respond. But then, she smiled, nodding. "Yeah, it's been a good day. I'm glad too."

The two sat in companionable silence, the crackling fire bridging the gap between them as the stars twinkled above. Haruka couldn't help but feel that this retreat might bring more changes than she had expected.

As the day slowly faded, the warm hues of the setting sun painted the sky, casting a golden glow over the campsite. The laughter and chatter from earlier began to quiet down as everyone pitched in to clean up the remnants of the day's activities. The game props were packed away, leftover snacks collected, and the area around the campfire tidied. Haruka found herself helping Yuto fold up the large picnic blanket they had used during the evening.

"Looks like the fun's winding down," Yuto said, glancing at the darkening horizon.

"Yeah," Haruka replied, brushing some dirt off her hands. "But it's been a good day. It's nice to see everyone outside of the usual office environment."

Yuto smiled. "True. You'd never think Takumi-san could be so competitive in a three-legged race, huh?"

Haruka laughed at the memory of Takumi's surprising burst of energy during the activity. "Yeah, that was unexpected. Even Nakamura was shocked."

As the last rays of sunlight disappeared, Takumi called out to everyone, "Alright, folks, let's wrap it up for today. Make sure your tents are set up properly, and get some rest. Tomorrow's going to be just as packed."

One by one, the team dispersed, heading back to their respective tents. Haruka walked back slowly, her feet crunching softly against the gravel path, her thoughts lingering on the day's events. She couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment, despite her usual reservations about group activities.

As she reached her tent, she spotted Yuto a few feet away, struggling to adjust the poles on his tent. She hesitated for a moment, then walked over. "Need some help?"

Yuto looked up, relief flashing across his face. "That obvious, huh? I think I might've skipped the tent-assembling lesson in college."

Haruka chuckled and crouched down beside him. "Let me show you. It's not that hard once you get the hang of it."

They worked together in comfortable silence, the sounds of the night settling in around them-crickets chirping, a gentle breeze rustling through the trees. When they finally got the tent standing properly, Yuto gave her a grateful smile. "Thanks, Haruka. You're a lifesaver."

"Anytime," she replied, brushing her hands off on her pants. "Now you won't end up sleeping under the stars-unless you want to."

Yuto laughed softly. "I'll stick to the tent for now. But hey, I owe you one. Maybe I'll make you coffee tomorrow morning as payback."

"I'll hold you to that," Haruka said with a small grin before heading back to her own tent.

As she settled into her sleeping bag, the day's memories replayed in her mind. There was something about the simplicity of the day-the camaraderie, the shared laughter-that made her feel lighter. And though she wouldn't admit it, Yuto's presence was starting to feel... comforting.

With that thought, she closed her eyes, letting the sounds of the forest lull her to sleep.

The second day of the company team-building retreat dawned bright and early, with sunlight streaming through the thin fabric of the tents. Haruka stretched in her sleeping bag, groaning softly as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes. The crisp morning air carried the scent of dew and pine, a refreshing contrast to the usual stale office atmosphere.

After quickly changing into comfortable outdoor clothes, Haruka stepped out of her tent to find a small group already gathered near the breakfast area. Yuto was there, true to his word, manning a portable coffee maker. He waved when he saw her.

"Morning, Haruka! Your coffee's almost ready," he called out with a grin.

"Morning," Haruka replied, smiling as she walked over. "You're keeping your promise already? Impressive."

"Well, I owe you after saving me from a night under the stars," he joked, handing her a steaming cup of coffee.

As more employees emerged from their tents, the energy around the campsite began to build. Takumi soon gathered everyone around to announce the day's agenda.

"Good morning, everyone," he began, his voice carrying over the murmurs of the group. "Today is all about teamwork. We've planned several activities designed to challenge your problem-solving skills and build trust among colleagues. Let's give it our best, alright?"

The first activity was a treasure hunt, where teams had to follow a series of clues spread across the campsite to find hidden items. Haruka was paired with Yuto, Aiko, and Nakamura, making for an interesting mix of personalities.

As the game began, Aiko immediately took charge, her assertiveness sometimes overshadowing the contributions of others. Haruka and Yuto exchanged amused glances but followed her lead, knowing it was better to keep the peace.

"You're supposed to *listen* to everyone's input, Aiko," Nakamura said pointedly after one of Aiko's decisions led them down the wrong path.

"I am listening," Aiko snapped, clearly flustered.

Haruka stepped in quickly, holding up the clue. "How about we try this direction? It mentions something about a clearing near the lake."

Yuto chimed in with a nod. "Makes sense. Let's check it out."

Reluctantly, Aiko agreed, and the group eventually found their first treasure. The hunt continued with similar ups and downs, but by the end, they managed to finish the course in third place.

After lunch, the team participated in a trust fall exercise, followed by a creative problem-solving game that involved building a bridge using only popsicle sticks and tape. Haruka found herself laughing more than she had in weeks, especially when Yuto's overenthusiastic construction attempts led to a few amusing collapses.

As the day wore on, Haruka couldn't help but notice how natural Yuto was at bringing the group together. Despite his inexperience, his genuine efforts to contribute and his easygoing nature had a way of diffusing tension, even with someone as headstrong as Aiko.

By the time the sun began to set, signaling the end of the second day's activities, the group was visibly more bonded. Haruka found herself walking back to the campsite with Yuto, chatting about their triumphs and mishaps during the day.

"You were great out there, Haruka," Yuto said, his voice warm with sincerity. "You really know how to keep everyone on track without stepping on toes. That's a rare skill."

"Thanks," Haruka replied, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. "You weren't so bad yourself. I think the team appreciated your optimism."

As they reached the campsite, Takumi called for a short meeting to review the day and prepare for the final day ahead. Haruka listened attentively but couldn't shake the growing awareness of how different this retreat felt compared to her usual routine. Something about being outside the office, surrounded by nature and people she was starting to care about, was slowly chipping away at the walls she'd built around herself.

That night, as she sat by the campfire once more, she realized she was looking forward to the final day, curious to see what new connections and experiences it might bring.

Finally, the final day of their company team building had come to an end. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow over the campsite as the team gathered around the campfire one last time. Everyone was tired but satisfied after three days of bonding, challenges, and laughter. Just as people began to relax, thinking the activities were over, Takumi stood up and cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention.

"Before we officially wrap things up," he began, his tone calm yet authoritative, "I have one last activity planned. I believe it's important that we leave here with no unresolved tensions or misunderstandings. So, we're going to have an open forum." He paused, letting his words sink in. "This is your chance to be honest with each other-about work, about how we communicate, anything that needs to be addressed. Think of it as a way to clear the air and strengthen our team even further. And remember, this is a safe space. No hard feelings when this is over."

The group murmured amongst themselves, some looking hesitant, while others seemed intrigued. Haruka shifted slightly in her seat, unsure of how this would go. She caught Yuto's eye across the fire, and he gave her an encouraging nod, as if to say, *It'll be fine.*

Takumi invited volunteers to speak first, and Nakamura broke the ice by sharing a lighthearted story about how she used to be too nervous to ask for help at work but had grown more confident over the years thanks to supportive colleagues. This set a positive tone, and others followed, expressing both appreciation and constructive criticism.

When it was Aiko's turn, she stood up confidently, her gaze sweeping over the group before landing on Haruka. "I want to address something that's been bothering me," she said, her voice firm. "Haruka, I feel like you've been given a lot of opportunities lately, and sometimes, it seems unfair to the rest of us who've been here longer."

The air grew tense, and Haruka's heart sank. She hadn't expected Aiko to bring her into this. She glanced at Takumi, who gave her a reassuring nod, silently urging her to respond calmly.

Haruka took a deep breath and stood. "Aiko, I understand where you're coming from," she began, her voice steady despite the nerves bubbling inside. "But I've always tried to do my best and take on responsibilities as they come. If it ever felt like I was stepping on anyone's toes, that was never my intention. I appreciate your honesty, and I'll work on being more mindful of how my actions affect the team."

There was a pause before Aiko gave a curt nod and sat down. The tension eased as others in the group chimed in with words of support for Haruka, emphasizing how well she'd handled her growing responsibilities.

When it was Yuto's turn, he stood and scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "I just want to say thanks to everyone for making me feel welcome. I know I'm the newbie here, and I probably made a ton of mistakes during this trip, but you all have been great. Especially Haruka-she's been an amazing mentor. I wouldn't have survived my first week without her."

Haruka felt her cheeks warm at the unexpected praise, and she smiled at him gratefully.

The forum continued, with everyone sharing their thoughts and feelings. By the end, the group seemed lighter, as if a collective weight had been lifted. Takumi smiled as he stood to close the session. "Thank you all for your honesty. This is what team building is about-working through challenges together and coming out stronger on the other side."

As the group dispersed for the final night, Haruka found herself lingering by the fire with Yuto. "That was... intense," she said, wrapping her arms around herself against the evening chill.

"Yeah," Yuto agreed, his gaze fixed on the dying embers. "But I think it was worth it. Sometimes you just have to face things head-on to move forward."

Haruka nodded thoughtfully. For the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of hope-not just for her team, but for herself. Maybe this retreat wasn't just about building bonds with others. Maybe it was also about breaking down the walls she had built around her heart.