Nadeshiko

As I wake naturally on this cozy Sunday morning, I habitually open CatChat to see what everyone has posted.

{character:player}...Kana is preparing for her new album, Miki is cooking up something strange again, and Nadeshiko is organizing a draw... What? Organizing a draw?

My fingertip pauses while swiping the screen. Nadeshiko's latest CatChat post has caught my attention: "Online draw with a mysterious prize for one lucky winner who doesn't know how to drive a motorcycle and has free time. Reply in the comments below to participate in this event. I reserve the right over the final interpretation."

As a human, I'm naturally attracted to lottery activities, but what really makes me curious is that Nadeshiko, a motorcycle expert, is organizing a draw and specifying that only beginners who can't drive a motorcycle can participate.

I quickly tap the reply box and enter my situation—

Although I don't know what the prize is, I do fit the criteria, so obliviously I have to sign up and try my luck.

After sending my reply to Nadeshiko, I open the Watafak Moment video pushed to me on the CatChat homepage. As I eat breakfast leisurely, I watch other people's Blessing of Heaven and Thirteen Orphans enviously.

Although the Watafak Moment is very interesting, my hands always get itchy to play mahjong if I watch it for too long. I look at the bright sun outside the window and decide to go play mahjong at a dojo and have a good time on the weekend with my skills.

*Beep* —The moment I walk outside the door, I hear the horn of a motorcycle close to me. The moment I turn to look, a heavy motorcycle stops right next to me.

{character:Nadeshiko}Happy weekend, {var:player_nickname}.

The woman riding the motorcycle pushes up the windshield of her helmet, revealing a pair of sharp and bright eyes, then looks at me and starts speaking.

{character:player}...Nadeshiko?

{character:Nadeshiko}Surprised to see me? It seems that you didn't come out to greet me after receiving the notification that you won the prize.

{character:player}Huh? I won the prize???

I take out my phone quickly and log in to CatChat. Sure enough, there's an unread message from Nadeshiko. It's her reply to my message, and it says: "You're the lucky winner. I'll come to pick you up, so don't go anywhere."

{character:player}!!!

{character:player}Sorry, I didn't check my messages. I actually won?!

{character:Nadeshiko}Bingo! Let me see... Not bad, put on a helmet and hop on behind me.

Straddling the motorcycle, Nadeshiko looks at me and seems very satisfied. I try my best to ignore the feeling of being a lamb being led to the slaughter. Hugging the helmet she threw to me, I eagerly ask her questions out of confusion.

{character:player}So the mysterious prize is a ride on the motorcycle with you, Nadeshiko?

Nadeshiko often posts photos of her riding a motorcycle on CatChat. I once thought it would be very nice to have a chance to ride a motorcycle with her. Is today the day my dream comes true?

{character:Nadeshiko}Ahem, something like that. Anyway, it's a very worthwhile arrangement, and you'll be happy with it.

There's nothing to hesitate about then! I quickly wear the helmet and get on the motorcycle.

{character:Nadeshiko}Hug me.

{character:player}That doesn't seem appropriate... Ah!

The moment the motorcycle starts up, I have no choice but to wrap my arms around Nadeshiko's waist under the intimidation of inertia.

The motorcycle roars as it shuttles through the intersecting streets, taking several twists and turns before we arrive at the destination. I get off in a daze and see a long line of plain buildings instead of the beautiful lush suburban scenery I was expecting. I read out the sign in front of the buildings.

{character:player}..."One Han City Motorcycle For Life Training Base." This is... a motorcycle driving school?

{character:Nadeshiko}That's right! {var:player_nickname}, congratulations on winning the prize. You get to be the first student of "Nadeshiko's Motorcycle License Test Camp."

{character:player}...Motorcycle license test?

I'm so confused. This prize seems to be something I... never expected.

I finally understand what's happening after we enter the driving school and Nadeshiko explains everything to me.

Nadeshiko accidentally exceeded her living expense budget because she bought a collector's limited-edition motorcycle helmet some time ago, so she is applying for a weekend part-time driving instructor position in this driving school to earn back some of the money.

Her job interview is tomorrow, and she wants to find a student to practice with before the formal interview so that she can improve her trial lesson plan based on the feedback. And I'm the "lucky" student she chose.

{character:Nadeshiko}Because my decision was rather last minute, Chihori suggested that I use a lottery to select people. She said that I'll get more replies and be able to reach my target audience more precisely.

{character:player}...Indeed, I didn't even hesitate before I signed up. As expected of a plan devised by an editor-in-chief who is proficient in communication studies...

{character:Nadeshiko}Hehe, facts prove that it's quite effective at selecting a candidate. Take this and sign here.

Nadeshiko pushes a trial lesson registration form she got from the front desk of the driving school to me.

{character:player}Wait! Don't I have the option to refuse?

{character:Nadeshiko}{var:player_nickname}, are you thinking of saying no?

Nadeshiko smiles as she looks me straight in the eyes.

...Actually, I don't think I will. Although I didn't expect I would end up taking lessons this weekend, I won't turn you down since you asked me for help, Nadeshiko.

I stop joking, take the pen, sign my name, and solemnly hand it back to her.

{character:player}Although I'm not sure how much help I'll be, I'll do my best, Instructor Nadeshiko.

{character:Nadeshiko}...Haha! ...You're quite motivated, aren't you? Well, {var:player_nickname}, welcome to the world of motorcycles.

In One Han City, a motorcycle driving test is divided into two parts: a written test and a practical assessment. We'll do the training for the written test first.

Nadeshiko and I are the only two people in the large classroom.

Nadeshiko walks up to the podium with the lesson plan she has prepared and starts to give a lecture gracefully. In this session, the instructor needs to teach students the function of various parts of a motorcycle and help students learn the traffic laws of One Han City.

{character:Nadeshiko}Roads are countless, but safety is priceless, so drive safely or they all lead to sadness. Although speed can be thrilling, don't forget the traffic rules while driving...

From the very moment the trial lecture starts, it was clear to me that Nadeshiko has done her homework as she delivered the opening remarks without checking the notes even once, and then fluently explained the basic traffic rules of One Han City and the functions of each part of a motorcycle with intimate knowledge. However, I started to feel a little... uncomfortable as I listened to her.

{character:player}Wait! Instructor!

{character:Nadeshiko}Hmm? Is there something you don't understand?

{character:player}What's that engine knocking failure you just mentioned?

{character:Nadeshiko}You just need to pay attention to whether you hear a "clunking" sound from the engine when idling.

{character:player}What do you mean by "idling?"

{character:Nadeshiko}Simply put, this is the lowest stable rotational speed of an engine when there is no load.

{character:player}And what do you mean by "no load?"

{character:Nadeshiko}Does this need to be explained?!

{character:player}It does...?

After I, a complete motorcycle novice, asked about several things in extreme detail, Nadeshiko finally notices the gap in our understanding of motorcycles. She begins to consciously adjust the rhythm of her lecture and breaks down the lecture content into smaller parts.

The lecture that was completely confusing to me has finally become something even a beginner could understand. Before I knew it, I'm actually engrossed in the lecture.

*Ringing* Only when Nadeshiko's alarm rings do I realize that the one-hour lecture has already ended.

{character:Nadeshiko}As expected, there is a lot to adjust. {var:player_nickname}, your feedback has been very helpful to me.

{character:player}Ahaha, I just showed you how an ordinary beginner would react. I'm glad you find it helpful.

{character:Nadeshiko}Hmm, I'll think about how I'll adjust my entire lesson PPT. This is your next task.

Nadeshiko pushes a laptop in front of me.

{character:player}...What's this?

{character:Nadeshiko}This is a database of simulated questions for the official driver's license test. It's great for helping test-takers pass the official test. Try your best at answering the questions!

{character:player}Wait! Do I need to go so far for a test lesson? Why don't we just skip this part?

{character:Nadeshiko}Although this is just a test lesson, you're my first student, so I need to take full responsibility for you. Your results in the test paper are also an important indicator for testing the quality of the training!

{character:player}But... But...

{character:Nadeshiko}It's just around one hundred questions. Is that difficult enough to make you quit?

...I can't believe she's goading me into doing it.

I guess I might as well go all the way and help Nadeshiko test the quality of her teaching.

A feeling of pride swells up inside me when I see the words: "You have finished the required class hours for today and achieved an acceptable accuracy" on the screen.

{character:player}Phew! It's done. Nadeshiko...

As I'm about to inform Nadeshiko, I turn around to see her sitting behind the podium, fully focused on revising the PPT on her tablet and portable keyboard and completely unaware of my voice.

Looking at how seriously she is working, I stop talking and decide to wait for her to finish.

After typing the last word, Nadeshiko finally breaks out of her state of concentration. She breathes a sigh of relief and looks surprised after she turns to look at me.

{character:Nadeshiko}{var:player_nickname}, has it been long since you finished answering the questions?

{character:player}Well, it's only been an hour or so. Have you finished revising the teaching plan?

{character:Nadeshiko}Geez... I was only thinking of making some basic amendments while you were answering questions, but I ended up finishing it all without realizing it... Did you not call out to me on purpose?

{character:player}I can't help it. Nadeshiko, you looked so focused I couldn't bear to disturb you.

Nadeshiko makes a stunned expression, then gives me a helpless look.

{character:Nadeshiko}...You're such a stealthy person. I didn't notice you staring at me at all.

...This must be a verbal attack used to cover up her true feelings!

{character:player}Alright, instead of fixating on this, why don't we make the most of our time. I remember you mentioned there is also a practical assessment? I'm really looking forward to that part!

{character:Nadeshiko}...Um, that's right. Next up is the practical assessment. I've prepared two training grounds for this test. One is outdoors, and the other is outdoors. You can decide which one to use.

Which one should I choose?

Although I really want to participate, I already have a motorcycle license, so I can only watch from the comment section.

After replying to Nadeshiko, I decide to go play some mahjong at a dojo and have a good time on the weekend using my skills.

*Bzzz* —My mobile phone starts vibrating just as I finish packing up.

It's Nadeshiko? I switch to video call in a hurry.

{character:player}Happy weekend, Nadeshiko.

{character:Nadeshiko}Happy weekend, {var:player_nickname}. Weren't you curious about the prize? It's such a hassle to leave a message, so I'll tell you like this.

I see. Like always, Nadeshiko is always so fast to get things done!

I finally understand what's happening after Nadeshiko explains everything to me.

Nadeshiko accidentally exceeded her living expense budget because she bought a collector's limited-edition motorcycle helmet some time ago, so she is applying for a weekend part-time driving instructor position in a driving school to earn back some of the money.

Her job interview is tomorrow, and she wants to find a student to practice with before the formal interview so that she can improve her trial lesson plan based on the feedback.

{character:player}So the mystery prize is to become Nadeshiko's student for a test lesson!

{character:Nadeshiko}Are you surprised? Because my decision was rather last minute, Chihori suggested that I use a lottery to select people. She said that I'll get more replies and be able to reach my target audience more precisely.

{character:player}Yes, I decided to make it a mystery prize because I knew it would make people curious, and I wanted to attract those who don't meet my requirements too.

{character:Nadeshiko}It's a shame that this prize still doesn't have a winner.

{character:player}Eh? Was nobody suitable for your test class even though so many people signed up?

{character:Nadeshiko}Well, there were quite a few suitable candidates, but they all rejected the prize after I called them to tell them the situation. They volunteered to give the prize to the next lucky winner... How mean.

{character:player}Pfft... It's pretty obvious why they don't have a motorcycle license then.

{character:Nadeshiko}Forget it. It's their loss that they'll never understand how fun it is to ride a motorcycle. Now that I've explained everything to you, let's forget about this failed draw completely. I need to think of other ways to find a suitable student. See ya.

{character:player}Nadeshiko, wait!

{character:Nadeshiko}What's up?

I can see that you have some trouble finding a suitable student. So I've got an idea for you.

{character:player}If it's just a simulation exercise to adjust your training plan, why don't you lower your selection requirements?

{character:Nadeshiko}What do you mean?

{character:player}Even if your test subject can ride a motorcycle, they can still theoretically provide feedback on your lesson plan, right? You'll also be able to gain some experience of teaching a formal class, which will make your lesson plan more reasonable.

{character:Nadeshiko}Wouldn't the experience not be immersive enough?

{character:player}There shouldn't be a problem if your student wants to help you improve your plan, is a good communicator, can interact normally, and is willing to provide feedback.

After considering her situation carefully, I give her my suggestion.

{character:Nadeshiko}I see...

Nadeshiko is lost in thought for a few seconds at the other end of the video, then she presses her phone a few times. After a second, the coordinates of an address appear in the dialog box of our conversation.

{character:Nadeshiko}If you put it that way, {var:player_nickname}, there's no better candidate than you.

{character:player}Huh?

There is a long line of plain buildings, and the sign in front of the building reads: "One Han City Motorcycle For Life Training Base."

When I arrive, I see Nadeshiko waving at me from the entrance in the distance, motioning for me to walk over to her.

{character:Nadeshiko}Hi, {var:player_nickname}, my student.

{character:player}Hi, Instructor Nadeshiko... Why are you so confident that I'll come?

When the video call ended half an hour ago, after Nadeshiko quickly confirmed that I had no other plans, she said "see you soon" and hung up.

{character:Nadeshiko}Although I'm not sure why I'm so confident, I just felt this way after talking to you. So, {var:player_nickname}, were you going to reject me?

...I really wasn't.

The moment Nadeshiko invited me, I felt like a greater force was pushing me to get out the door quickly.

I shake my head defeatedly.

{character:Nadeshiko}Haha!... Well, {var:player_nickname}, welcome to the world of motorcycles.

In One Han City, a motorcycle driving test is divided into two parts: a written test and a practical assessment. We'll do the training for the written test first.

Nadeshiko and I are the only two people in the large classroom.

Nadeshiko walks up to the podium with the lesson plan she has prepared and starts to give a lecture gracefully. In this session, the instructor needs to teach students the function of various parts of a motorcycle.

From the very moment the trial lecture starts, it was clear to me that Nadeshiko has done her homework as she delivered the opening remarks without checking the notes even once. The vivid expression on her face when she talked about what one should pay attention to when driving based on her experiences made me, a veteran driver, nod in agreement. I even started discussing these things with her...

Wait! Isn't there something wrong with this rhythm?

{character:player}I'm sorry, Nadeshiko. Although we're having a nice chat, a beginner won't be able to understand what we're saying and follow the conversation.

{character:Nadeshiko}Which part are you referring to?

{character:player}For example, when troubleshooting the engine knocking failure, they'll need to know what that means first.

{character:Nadeshiko}I did explain it. Simply put, it's whether the engine is making a "clunking" sound when idling.

{character:player}That's right, but they might not understand what "idling" means.

{character:Nadeshiko}Oh, that's a good point. I'll explain that then. Hmm... Simply put, idling is the lowest stable rotational speed of an engine when there is no load.

{character:player}Maybe you'll also need to explain what "no load" means.

{character:Nadeshiko}!?

{character:player}Trust me.

{character:Nadeshiko}Fine. I've been exposed to this since I was little, so it is sometimes difficult for me to judge how much of this is general knowledge.

{character:player}That's okay. Let me play the role of the general public.

{character:Nadeshiko}Haha, thanks!

Time passes quickly while Nadeshiko and I discuss how she should revise her teaching plan.

Daylight floods the classroom, moving slowly across the room.

With my feedback and our discussion, Nadeshiko quickly adapts to a new teaching rhythm. She talks less and less as she begins to revise her teaching plan quickly.

*Ringing* Nadeshiko's alarm tells us that the one-hour lecture has already ended.

Nadeshiko is fully focused on revising her PPT and doesn't hear the alarm at all.

Looking at how seriously she is working, I decide to wait for her to finish.

After pressing one last button, Nadeshiko finally breaks free of her state of concentration. She breathes a sigh of relief and looks surprised after she turns to look at me.

{character:player}Have you finished revising the teaching plan?

{character:Nadeshiko}Yeah, I was thinking of making some simple revision marks during class time, but I got too engaged by mistake. Did you deliberately not remind me when the alarm rang?

{character:player}I can't help it. Nadeshiko, you looked so focused I couldn't bear to disturb you.

Nadeshiko makes a stunned expression, then gives me a helpless look.

{character:Nadeshiko}...You're such a stealthy person. I didn't notice you staring at me at all.

...This must be a verbal attack used to cover up her true feelings!

{character:player}Anyway, instead of fixating on this, why don't we make the most of our time. Did you say there's also a practical assessment? I'm really looking forward to that!

{character:Nadeshiko}...Hmm, that's right. There's a practical assessment next. The indoor training is pointless since you already know how to ride a motorcycle. Why don't I take you to a great outdoor training ground?

I get to take this opportunity to go outdoors. Why not?

After eating a simple work meal, we happily go to the outdoor motorcycle venue Nadeshiko had reserved.

This is a professional outdoor motorcycle training ground. On both sides of the track are beautifully maintained strips of grass. The green scenery is refreshing and prevents passing motorcycles from entering by mistake.

The howling sound of the engine surrounds my ears like the roaring of a beast. At this moment, a dark metal beast is roaring and galloping on this track.

The person riding it is Nadeshiko, the female biker who invited me today.

{character:Nadeshiko}I'll put on a show for you to thank you for waiting so long for me.

{character:player}Awesome!

Nadeshiko suggested this to me ten minutes ago, and I naturally said yes.

Nadeshiko demonstrates a series of technically difficult moves smoothly, drifting up to me and stopping with a flick of the tail. She takes off her helmet, brushes her long hair behind her head, and quickly locks her eyes on me.

{character:player}...Oh!

I start clapping a few seconds late after hearing the bursts of applause from the other motorcycle enthusiasts next to the track.

{character:Nadeshiko}Haha... Judging from your reaction, you must be tired from all the mental work you've done in the morning.

{character:player}To be honest, I'm absolutely stunned. This is my first time seeing a motorcycle performance from such a close distance. It's so... beautiful.

At a loss for words, I can only use such a plain word to express my admiration.

{character:player}No matter how much I practice, I don't think I'll ever achieve such a combination of strength and beauty like yours.

Nadeshiko starts laughing.

{character:Nadeshiko}I bend over while driving to reduce the wind resistance. Bending appropriately when accelerating into corners increases friction, which helps to maintain control over the motorcycle when moving forward into a curve. The standard riding position is to keep the muscles relaxed and maintain stamina during long rides. In short, the poses you see are not intended to just look beautiful.

{character:Nadeshiko}They're mainly done to maintain control. The reason you think they look beautiful is that I can control the motorcycle very well in these positions. The aura you have when you're in complete control will naturally shock people. I've just done this with a motorcycle.

{character:player}Ah, so according to what you're saying, achieving control can enhance one's charisma no matter what field they are in...

{character:Nadeshiko}Yes, just like how lots of people can't take their eyes off you when you're in control and in your element while playing mahjong.

{character:player}Eh? For real?

{character:Nadeshiko}Have some confidence. I don't give praise easily.

{character:player}Haha, thanks. But this is your home field today. Since today's goal is to test out a motorcycle driving course for beginners, let's stick to the basics and start from the very beginning.

{character:Nadeshiko}Sure, please share more of your opinions with me.

{character:player}No problem!

The training has officially started. Compared with the theory class, Nadeshiko appears more confident while teaching me how to drive a motorcycle.

She follows the driving training process and tells me all the steps in order, clearly and concisely. By the end of the teaching demonstration process, I managed to complete the goal of the test: drive a motorcycle in a straight line at a speed comparable to that of a bicycle.

Nadeshiko claps at me.

{character:Nadeshiko}That was beautifully done. I'm impressed!

{character:player}I thought you don't give praises so easily?!

{character:Nadeshiko}Haha, forget about the details. Come on, let's finish the rest of the process.

The experience of the practical training is pretty good. All she needs to do is make some minor adjustments to her communication methods and the terms she uses when talking to students. I'm very confident that Nadeshiko will pass her interview tomorrow.

After another round of discussion and feedback, we end the practical training with a happy atmosphere.

By the time we return to the city after leaving the venue, the sky has already become dark.

{character:Nadeshiko}Time sure passes quickly. It's already so late. Do you want to have a drink with me?

{character:player}It's her interview tomorrow... Should I go with her?

{character:player}Although I really want to go to the outdoor training ground, I should start with the standard indoor training ground since I'm a novice. This would also be the more likely scenario when you have real students.

{character:Nadeshiko}Thanks for being so thoughtful and considerate. Come with me. The training ground of this driving school is ready.

{character:Driving Instructor}Hahaha! So you're the student Nadeshiko invited over to practice on? Welcome! Just act like you're at home while you're here at our training ground! Use whichever motorcycle you fancy!

{character:player}Ahahaha, thanks...

I respond awkwardly but politely to the old driving school instructor who shakes my hand enthusiastically. I look quizzically at Nadeshiko next to me for an answer.

{character:Nadeshiko}This is one of my motorcycle instructors. Well, actually, my father is a mechanic at this driving school, and the instructors here have known us for years. I only have a chance to get this part-time job this time because of these guys.

{character:player}I see.

{character:Driving Instructor}Hahaha, Nadeshiko, you're being too humble. Based on what we know about her, Nadeshiko should have no problem getting that part-time instructor position, but she has always been this way. Once she decides on something, she must do her best meticulously.

{character:Nadeshiko}Hey, old man! How many times have I told you not to treat me like a little girl now...

{character:Driving Instructor}Hahaha, don't expect me to change now since I watched you grow up. Speaking of which, time has passed so quickly. In the blink of an eye, that little girl who was only as tall as a tire has become an adult... and a motorcycle enthusiast at that! I would never imagine that happening when you were in high school.

{character:Driving Instructor}Oh yeah! I still have a group photo of you from when you were in high school. Let me look for it...

{character:Nadeshiko}?!

The driving instructor reaches for his mobile phone to search for the photo, but Nadeshiko steps forward and stops him instantly.

{character:Nadeshiko}No, that won't be necessary. Just go, old man. We need to use our time wisely.

{character:Driving Instructor}Oh... I guess you're right. Let's chat again next time then. I'll leave this place to you guys.

For some reason, I feel like I saw a trace of embarrassment on Nadeshiko's face, but it might just be my imagination.

We finally start the practical training after that brief episode.

Compared with the theory class, Nadeshiko appears more confident while teaching me how to drive a motorcycle.

She follows the driving training process and tells me all the steps in order, clearly and concisely. After she demonstrates everything to me once, my eyes and brain tell me I've learned how to do it.

{character:Nadeshiko}Now, {var:player_nickname}, please start your first driving practice.

Hearing her say that makes me, who was full of confidence earlier, suddenly feel nervous.

{character:Nadeshiko}I'm right here.

Nadeshiko's comforting words make me relax. I start the motorcycle step by step according to Nadeshiko's instructions and successfully make a turn while driving forward in a straight line.

Nadeshiko claps at me.

{character:Nadeshiko}That was beautifully executed! You're very talented!

{character:player}Isn't it a bit over the top to praise me so much for a basic technique?

{character:Nadeshiko}Encouragement is important to beginners. After all, the most important thing to driving a motorcycle is confidence!

{character:player}That makes sense. Just now, I saw you use all these techniques so easily, but I still feel nervous when I try to do them myself, especially when I feel the resistance of the wind blowing in my face after speeding up.

{character:Nadeshiko}That's right, but you'll need to overcome this mentality to become an outstanding biker. Once you overcome these things, you'll be able to control the motorcycle like it's an extension of your body and experience the unique freedom and exhilarating journey of a motorcycle through it.

Nadeshiko's eyes shine brightly and passionately when she talks about this.

{character:player}Nadeshiko, do you have any special experience in this regard?

{character:Nadeshiko}Well... You need to constantly practice and gain experience to achieve this. In fact, you undertake a certain amount of risk just by choosing to enjoy riding a motorcycle because all kinds of emergencies are possible. I remember when hail fell suddenly one time while I was driving on a winding mountain road, which made the mountain road wet and slippery. I accidentally slipped into a ravine with my motorcycle.

{character:player}Geez! What happened after that?

{character:Nadeshiko}Fortunately, a road camera confirmed the cause of the accident, and the insurance company paid for the damaged chassis, dashboard, engine, and tires.

{character:player}Hold on, I'm asking about you, not the motorcycle!

{character:Nadeshiko}Me? Hmm, I guess I did get hurt, but where was it again?

She can say which parts of the motorcycle were damaged without thinking, but she has no memory of the injuries she suffered?

{character:Nadeshiko}Ahaha, you look so surprised. You think it's unbelievable, right?

{character:Nadeshiko}How should I say this... I was mentally prepared to get injured the moment I chose to become a biker, so I won't purposefully remember my injuries. However, when it comes to my motorcycle, I think of it as an important partner who I care for like a relative or friend rather than just a vehicle. My heart hurts every time it gets hurt.

Yeah, it's something she cherishes, after all. When I think about my collector's edition mahjong set and how I would feel if any of the tiles has a crack, I feel like I can really relate to her sentiment.

{character:Nadeshiko}Of course, the hefty repair bill is another reason why I remember this so well.

...Now she's being practical all of a sudden!

{character:Nadeshiko}Anyway, I know these complicated feelings aren't the easiest things to understand.

{character:player}...Well, although I haven't started to think of a motorcycle as my companion yet, I do feel like riding a motorcycle outdoors is a way to relax. After all, there aren't many ways to enjoy freedom, relaxation, and the scenery all at the same time in our everyday lives.

Nadeshiko turns to look at me suddenly while I'm saying this. Her bright and passionate eyes focus on me.

{character:Nadeshiko}{var:player_nickname}, the fact that you think this already makes me look at you in a different light. Come on, let's finish the lesson and then have a good chat.

{character:player}Sure!

The experience of the practical training is pretty good. All she needs to do is make some minor adjustments to her communication methods and the terms she uses when talking to students. I'm very confident that Nadeshiko will pass her interview tomorrow.

After another round of discussion and feedback, we end the practical training with a happy atmosphere.

By the time we return to the city after leaving the venue, the sky has already become dark.

{character:Nadeshiko}Time sure passes quickly. It's already so late. Do you want to have a drink with me?

{character:player}It's her interview tomorrow... Should I go with her?

{character:player}Okay, is there any place you recommend?

{character:Nadeshiko}Of course.

{character:Nadeshiko}Ahhh! There's nothing better than a glass of cold beer to relieve fatigue at this time!

{character:player}You've had a long day today. Good luck with the interview tomorrow!

{character:Nadeshiko}You're the one who has been working hard today. Good thing you were around to help me today. But...

Nadeshiko suddenly falls quiet.

{character:player}What is it?

{character:Nadeshiko}Haha, forget it. It's nothing. It's better to enjoy the moment when you're drinking!

{character:player}Yeah, let's enjoy this relaxing moment.

{character:Nadeshiko}Speaking of relaxation, you can have a motorcycle ride with me in the future when we have the chance. You'll definitely like this way of relaxing.

{character:player}Ahaha...

{character:Nadeshiko}What? You seem... a little reluctant?

{character:player}No, it's fun to have a road trip, and I really want to experience that. But if I need the technical level to catch up with you...

{character:Nadeshiko}You don't need to worry about that. A ride isn't a race, and what matters is the process. You just need to ask yourself if you're looking forward to it.

{character:player}Haha, okay, in that case, I'm already looking forward to it.

It's a promise then.

{character:player}Your interview is tomorrow, Nadeshiko. You've been running around everywhere these last two days, so you should get some good rest now.

Nadeshiko smiles after being taken aback for a moment.

{character:Nadeshiko}You're right. Then let's meet again the next time we're free. Thanks again for today.

{character:player}Yeah, you too. Good night.

Nadeshiko and I say goodbye to each other happily.

After a day of lessons, I return home and lie on the bed after tidying up. My accumulated fatigue suddenly surfaces all at once.

I lie on the bed, waving my sore arms and legs. I look at my phone with sleepy eyes and start a mahjong game to play a round before I sleep.

Suddenly, I receive a video call from Nadeshiko.

I quickly answer the call.

{character:player}Nadeshiko?

{character:Nadeshiko}Yeah... It's me...

On the phone, Nadeshiko sounds like she wants to say something but is hesitating.

{character:player}It's quite late already. Is there something you need me to help you with? It's okay, just tell me.

{character:Nadeshiko}No, I'm just thinking about what happened at noon.

{character:player}At noon?

{character:Nadeshiko}I was so focused on my own affairs that I completely forgot about the people around me. I feel so bad when I think back about it. It seems that I really need to change this habit of ignoring other people.

{character:player}Ahaha, I don't think that's necessary.

I didn't expect Nadeshiko, who has a straightforward personality, to be so concerned about this matter.

{character:player}I think that it's great to be so focused. For example, when you ride your motorcycle, your keen awareness and control of direction and road conditions are made possible by your high degree of concentration. I'm also like that when I play mahjong and think about how to take control of the game. It's quite common for me to lose track of the time and everything happening around me.

Nadeshiko falls silent for a moment on the phone before she starts laughing.

{character:Nadeshiko}...Geez, I called you to apologize, but you're actually comforting me instead.

{character:Nadeshiko}Either way, I promise you that I'll never, ever forget to take care of you as long as you're with me. And to show you my sincerity, I've decided—

Nadeshiko's voice suddenly becomes louder, as if she is speaking right into the speaker, which gives me a scare.

{character:Nadeshiko}{var:player_nickname}, how about we have an exciting road trip? It'll be just you and me!

{character:player}Haha, it sounds great, but...

{character:Narration}Ah, I see. Nadeshiko, you had more alcohol after you returned home, haven't you?

{character:Nadeshiko}But? But what? What's there to hesitate about?

{character:Nadeshiko}Oh, I understand. If you don't want to ride your own motorcycle, my back seat is always available for you. How about that? Are you interested now?

{character:player}Okay, okay, I'm already looking forward to it.

Although I know it's something she said under the influence of alcohol, I decided to take this promise seriously.

It's another beautiful sunny day on the weekend today. Without any warning, Nadeshiko "intercepted" me again on her motorcycle soon after I left home and told me to hop on behind her.

{character:Nadeshiko}Put on the helmet and hold on tight.

{character:player}This sure feels familiar. Where are we going this time?

{character:Nadeshiko}It'll be a worthwhile adventure.

{character:player}...Isn't that basically what you said last time?!

*Vroom*

The domineering sound of the engine starting up covers the sound of my question.

The motorcycle drives out of the outer ring of One Han City. Nadeshiko describes our destination to me bit by bit at each traffic light. After a while, I finally have a general idea of where we're going this time.

We are heading towards the wilderness on the outskirts of One Han City where there are many gentle winding rivers, and it is possible to witness the spectacle of several sunset reflections on the water from nearby highlands in the evening.

{character:player}It sounds like an oil painting of multiple sunsets!

{character:Nadeshiko}Yes, it's gorgeous. {var:player_nickname}, do you remember the promise we made last time?

{character:player}You mean "a motorcycle ride with just the two of us?"

{character:Nadeshiko}Mhm-hmm. I've screened the best scenic spots I've been to and picked this one. I'm sure you'll love it! Once I decided, I couldn't wait to take you out.

{character:player}Haha, I'm starting to get used to your "extraordinary" ability to take action. Where exactly is the scenic spot you're taking me to?

{character:Nadeshiko}Just follow me.

{character:player}Sure, I'll leave it to you then.

In the end, soon after we left the city, Nadeshiko suddenly stops at a fork with no road sign and falls silent.

{character:Nadeshiko}...

{character:player}What is it?

{character:Nadeshiko}There was only one road here the last time I came.

{character:player}...Hold on.

Looking at one of the roads that seems to have been paved not long ago, I suddenly realize what's wrong.

{character:player}When was the last time you went to this place?

{character:Nadeshiko}Five or six years ago, I think.

{character:player}???

{character:player}...This isn't a big problem. It's normal for roads to change as time passes. Let me turn on the GPS... Okay, so what's the name of that place?

I turn on the map on my mobile phone to enter the destination, but Nadeshiko shrugs.

{character:Nadeshiko}I just drove around following my heart and ended up there. I remember the general route, but didn't pay attention to the name of the place.

{character:player}Hmm?

{character:Nadeshiko}Why don't we just choose one of these two roads randomly?

{character:player}Huh???

{character:Nadeshiko}It's decided. {var:player_nickname}, which one do you want to take?

{character:Nadeshiko}Um...

Well, it looks like Nadeshiko has made up her mind and is quite happy with this temporary solution. In that case, I'll choose which way to go.

{character:player}Hmm... If we are playing mahjong, the unpredictable preceding player sits on the left side. Although I don't know what tile they'll play, I'm always looking forward to it... I choose the left side!

{character:Nadeshiko}Haha, what an interesting way of thinking. You're as amazing as ever! Let's look forward to what we'll encounter!

The condition of this road isn't very good, and the road became an unpaved dirt and gravel road soon after we started driving. Fortunately, Nadeshiko is a terrific driver and manages to find a relatively stable path amid the exposed sharp stones of all sizes, so our ride is relatively smooth.

But one motorcycle driving in the opposite direction isn't so lucky. When we saw it from a distance, it was lying pitifully on the side of the road, and its owner was staring at it anxiously. So, Nadeshiko stops her motorcycle.

{character:Nadeshiko}Hey, need any help?

{character:Biker}Eh?! Are you an experienced biker? Please help!

Nadeshiko's motorcycle equipment and calm aura make the tough-looking male biker take off his sunglasses when he sees us with a tearful look that says "I've finally met my savior."

...After performing some inspections, Nadeshiko quickly finds out what caused the motorcycle to break down.

To speed things up, Nadeshiko instructs the male biker to polish the replacement parts while she pulls out the maintenance tool box she carries on her motorcycle and performs more detailed repairs on the other motorcycle.

Seeing Nadeshiko act so professionally and efficiently, I wonder if I should offer to help.

According to the plot of typical road trip movies I've seen, the "dangerous forbidden place" passers-by mention is often the destination the protagonist is seeking, and it's a shame to give up halfway.

{character:player}I want to keep going ahead to see what's out there. What do you think, Nadeshiko?

{character:Nadeshiko}Same here. I don't like to listen to hearsay. This road might not be friendly to novices, but it's still within my ability at the moment. We can discuss what it's like after we drive there.

Nadeshiko and I hit it off immediately. We hop back on the motorcycle and keep driving.

Sure enough, as Nadeshiko predicted, the road ahead wasn't any worse than the road before. The experience of that novice biker doesn't apply to Nadeshiko. However, the scenery starts becoming more and more desolate after we drive for a while, and the scenic spot we are looking for is still nowhere to be seen. At the same time, the sky is getting dark...

{character:player}Hold on, it's summer right now, so don't you think it's getting dark too quickly?

I look at my watch suspiciously and see that there's clearly some time until sunset.

{character:Nadeshiko}This is...

*Bang* The rumbling thunder swallows Nadeshiko's words. Close behind her, a huge dark cloud instantly engulfs the clear sky that was still there a moment ago!

{character:player}Huh?! Wait—

{character:Nadeshiko}It's thunderstorm clouds! Hold on tight!

Nadeshiko responds with a sudden burst in speed. The wind gushes towards me in an instant, and the bumpiness of the road intensifies. I grab Nadeshiko tightly in panic, but can't help looking back at the sky in the rear-view mirror.

Above us, the sky is playing a magical scene. The world seems to be split in two. The sky in front of us is still clear and bright, but the sky behind us is under the complete control of dark clouds mixed with lightning, and heavy rain soon pours down. White fog instantly fills the section of the road we just passed. The boundary line between the sunny sky and the dark sky gets closer and closer to us.

At this moment, I'm so shocked that I don't know what to say.

Nadeshiko reacts quickly to the situation, and there is no change in her expression. She even has enough time to watch how I'm doing in the rear-view mirror after she accelerates. In the cacophony of thunder, wind, and roaring engine, her voice still reaches my eardrums clearly and firmly.

{character:Nadeshiko}Relax—it's very common to be chased by rain on a bike ride. Just think of this as a race that suddenly started! It's more interesting to have a race with the rain than it is to have a race with people!

{character:player}This is what you call "interesting?!"

Since you're so confident, you can easily win this race like always, right?

{character:Nadeshiko}Of course! After all, this is a race that I can participate in with the mentality of "it's the taking part that counts!"

{character:player}...Huh? What do you mean?

In the next second: *Pattering*

...The thunderstorm clouds catch up to us, surprising me. I wipe the rainwater off my face and realize the answer to my previous question and why I had an ominous premonition earlier. Nadeshiko is right. Up against invincible natural forces, it's already very positive to have the mentality of "it's the taking part that counts."

{character:player}Never mind. I've got it.

{character:Nadeshiko}Haha! Okay, since you're here, I'll be more competitive today!

Nadeshiko accelerates again and rushes out of the edge of the rain curtain.

If someone was to take aerial photos of this suburb with a drone, I bet they would take such thrilling shots. A heavy motorcycle is streaking through a winding and stretching road like a bolt of nimble and swift black lightning, advancing calmly and resolutely towards the extensive mountains and rivers ahead despite the heavy rain behind it...

{character:player}Huff... Puff...

I grip the motorcycle under me, feeling my heart beat furiously under an adrenaline rush. In front of me, Nadeshiko's thin and narrow back is tensed, showing me that she is going all out to outrun the rain behind us.

However, this rain has no intention to stop chasing us. The wetness I felt on my back several times seemed to predict the outcome of this race...

{character:player}Hmm?

Suddenly, Nadeshiko makes a cry of surprise. At the same time, the motorcycle slows down a bit. I look forward and see a man-made building beside the road covered with grass and trees. It looks like a...

{character:player}Nadeshiko, is that an... inn?

{character:Nadeshiko}Yes, and it looks like a beautiful one too.

{character:player}...Is it common to suddenly encounter an inn in the wilderness on a bike ride?

{character:Nadeshiko}No, but this is the only chance of winning this "race." Well, should we go in?

My answer is:

In this situation, it'd be unwise to continue forward. It'll be dangerous whether you continue to accelerate or move forward on the slippery road in the rain. Let's stay at this inn until the rain stops.

{character:player}Let's go in. A wise person submits to the circumstances!

{character:Nadeshiko}Great minds think alike!

Turning quickly into the inn to park, we hide under the eaves just before we're completely shrouded by the rain.

{character:player}Phew!

{character:player}Phew!

Nadeshiko and I let out a sigh of relief at the same time and look at each other in embarrassment.

{character:Nadeshiko}So what do you think about the feeling of taking part?

{character:player}It feels amazing, but I think I'll give it a pass next time.

{character:Nadeshiko}Hahaha, same here.

*Jingle*... A sudden gust of wind makes the wind chime ring leisurely, bringing us back to reality.

I look back. Behind me, the doors of the inn suddenly slide open automatically, revealing a dark interior. There's a lot of space inside, but no lights are on and there's no one inside... The smile on my face disappears instantly.

{character:player}This place... Eh?

Next to me, Nadeshiko doesn't hesitate to step inside.

{character:Nadeshiko}It's a little chilly indeed. We'll need to borrow two blow dryers from the innkeeper... {var:player_nickname}, the sensor door won't close if you stay in front of the entrance. The rain is going to come inside.

{character:player}...Coming!

My brain that short-circuited in the fierce "race" just now finally reconnects, and I finally see the infrared device of the sensor door I should have noticed ages ago.

After walking into the inn, it isn't long before we meet the innkeeper. The wind chimes that let him know when guests arrive woke him up from his nap. The innkeeper entertains us warmly and gets us to dry our clothes and hair first.

By the time I walk back to the inner hall of the inn, I see that Nadeshiko has returned before me. There is steaming hot fragrant tea here, and delicate cakes and pastries are lined up on the table, creating a quiet and wonderful atmosphere under the warm light. The innkeeper greets me with a smile when he sees me coming.

{character:Innkeeper}Come and have a cup of hot tea to warm yourself up.

{character:player}Thanks, I will.

{character:Innkeeper}You're welcome. I'll be back in a moment.

The innkeeper stands and leaves quickly for some reason. I sit next to Nadeshiko and look at her inquisitively.

{character:Nadeshiko}...Amazing.

Nadeshiko seems to be immersed in the conversation she had with the innkeeper just now, and her eyes betray a rare look of envy as she thinks about something.

{character:player}Nadeshiko, what did you chat about?

{character:Nadeshiko}...We talked about the reason he opened this inn here.

Nadeshiko tells me that the innkeeper was once a white-collar worker in One Han City. He quit his high-paying job when his chance of being promoted was the highest because he was sick of the complicated and restrictive workplace life. It's been almost three years since he bought a small abandoned property here, transformed it into an inn, and became an innkeeper who worked for himself.

{character:Nadeshiko}I want to just resign like that too, but I tell myself to calm down whenever I think of how many collector's edition motorcycle helmets I haven't bought yet.

{character:player}...Eh???

{character:Biker}?

{character:player}No, nothing.

It turns out that Nadeshiko is also a white-collar worker, which is an unexpected discovery. Thinking about it, Nadeshiko must have spent a lot of money buying motorcycle equipment. Thinking of expenses, another question comes to mind.

{character:player}Wait, even if he resigned to open an inn, why would he choose a place like this? There don't seem to be any guests around here.

{character:Nadeshiko}It's probably because opening the inn in a busy place would make him as busy as if his white-collar job.

{character:Innkeeper}Hahaha, you're completely right.

The innkeeper returns while we're still chatting.

{character:Innkeeper}There's actually one more reason why I chose this place. The roads in this area are terrible, and travelers who drive long distances often encounter danger here.

{character:Innkeeper}When I used to go to work, I liked to drive around One Han City and go camping nearby on the weekends. When I noticed how bad the roads were around here the first time I came here, I thought to myself that a lot of unnecessary accidents could be prevented if there was an inn here for travelers to rest.

{character:player}So that's why.

{character:Nadeshiko}That's very considerate of you.

{character:Innkeeper}It's nothing. Oh yes, Ms. Nadeshiko, the place you asked me about is this place, right?

The innkeeper shows us the mobile phone he just brought over. The landscape photo displayed on the screen is the wonderful sunset Nadeshiko described earlier.

{character:Nadeshiko}Yes, it's this place. Is it nearby?

{character:Innkeeper}Aha, congratulations! You've gone the wrong way.

The innkeeper jokes as he quickly draws a simple and clear route map with a pen and paper, marking our location and the correct destination.

{character:player}Wait a minute!

The other branch of the fork where Nadeshiko hesitated at the beginning leads to the correct destination... I touch my nose in embarrassment.

{character:player}Oh no! We were moving in a completely different direction since that fork.

{character:Nadeshiko}Haha, we chose randomly, so this outcome isn't surprising at all.

{character:Innkeeper}Yeah, the roads that were originally here have been completely changed after they started planning and developing this area into a scenic spot. People come here often to ask for directions.

{character:Nadeshiko}Scenic spot?

{character:Innkeeper}Yeah, it's quite famous recently, and many people go there just to see it. I'm actually surprised that you didn't know about it.

{character:Nadeshiko}Well, I prefer scenic spots that are more niche, so I usually ignore scenic spot information. We came this time because I remember the sunset was really beautiful there and wanted to take my friend there to see it in person.

{character:Innkeeper}Ahaha, no wonder. It doesn't matter though. According to my experience, this rain will end soon in around half an hour. You can take a quick rest and think about whether you want to go today. If you do, you should be able to make it in time for today's sunset after the rain stops.

The innkeeper stretches lazily.

{character:Innkeeper}I'll nap for a little longer, so I'll leave you alone. You two can do whatever you want.

Without any worries, the innkeeper returns to his room to keep sleeping, leaving Nadeshiko and me alone in the huge lobby.

The sound of the rain outside the window and the beautiful fragrance of the tea inside the room seem to make time slow down at this extraordinarily peaceful and beautiful moment. My thoughts are still elsewhere until I see the corner of the map on the table fluttering in the wind.

...Shall we go to the scenic spot after the rain stops?

{character:Nadeshiko}{var:player_nickname}, what do you think?

Nadeshiko asks me this question right after I make a decision in my head.

{character:player}Since it's a beautiful piece of scenery you praised so highly, it'll be a shame if I don't see it with my own eyes.

{character:Nadeshiko}Mhm-hmm. Although it's quite nice to listen to the rain here, the sunset after the rain might be more worth looking forward to.

{character:player}That's right!

We embark on our way back in the fresh and moist air after the rain and finally arrive at the correct destination as the sun sets.

{character:Guide}Dear tourists, please enjoy the most beautiful sunset here. Line up here to buy tickets to go to the sightseeing platform!

This scenic spot has been developed very well. The road signs along the way are clear and easy to understand, and the workers here are enthusiastically guiding everyone. After buying tickets, we park the motorcycle in the parking lot according to the guide and enthusiastically walk along a man-made plank road to the sightseeing platform.

The plain that stretches outward is outlined by the unique sunset halo. The winding river beach and its many bends are favored by the setting sun, the sparkling water reflects nine silhouettes of the setting sun, creating a dreamlike and unreal scene. I look beside me and see a look of nostalgia on Nadeshiko's face.

{character:Nadeshiko}Look, this is the gorgeous scene that I haven't been able to forget even after so many years! {var:player_nickname}, what do you think?

{character:player}Yeah, it's beautiful! It would be even better if we can see a panoramic view without a mobile phone camera.

Right after I finish speaking, a passerby squeezes in beside me. The scene on the screen of my mobile phone flickers, instantly changing from the beautiful sunset to the round back of a tourist's head.

This is just great! Not only can I see nine suns setting here but also at least 999 tourists!!!

There are lots of people on the sightseeing platform built on a small hillside. Among them are photographers with tripods and tourists with selfie sticks so they can take photos with the sunset. There are also travel bloggers who are livestreaming themselves here or staging photos.

The crowd fills up the three inner floors and three outer floors all the way to the safety fence. The continuous uproar and the scene of the sunset over the long river don't go well together. Nadeshiko and I squeeze our way out of the crowd and sit on the empty steps at the back completely exhausted.

{character:Nadeshiko}This is why I don't like coming to scenic spots.

{character:player}I... get it now...

{character:Tourist}Um, hello?

A young male tourist suddenly greets me.

{character:player}Hmm?

{character:Tourist}Can you take a photo for us?

He points at a young woman wearing matching outfits with him standing in the near distance.

I understand immediately and look at Nadeshiko.

{character:player}Do you mind if I go over there for a while?

{character:Nadeshiko}...Just go.

Nadeshiko makes a concise reply after a moment of surprise.

{character:player}I'll be back soon. Let's get onto it, but just remember that I'm not a professional photographer.

{character:Tourist}Haha, it's alright. We just want something to remember this moment! Thanks!

I take the tourist's camera, walk over to the background they like, and capture the couple in the lens. Although people are walking everywhere around them, they only have eyes for each other and make all sorts of sweet photo poses. After trying my best to capture these moments, I return the camera to him.

{character:Tourist}Thank you... WOW! These photos are amazing! Oh yeah, do you want me to take some photos for you too? I'm actually quite good at taking photos too!

{character:player}Aha, are you referring to Nadeshiko and me? We're...

Surprised, I pause and look at the steps where Nadeshiko is sitting languidly nearby, and she also happens to be looking in our direction. When our eyes meet, she smiles at me, seemingly in a good mood.

Well then, should I ask Nadeshiko to come over for a photo?

{character:player}Hmm... In a game of mahjong, the scheming player who goes after me sits to my right. As long as I observe this player carefully, I'll be able to control their every move... I choose the right side!

{character:Nadeshiko}That sounds like something you would say. Let's look forward to what we'll encounter!

This road is quite smooth, so Nadeshiko's motorcycle moves smoothly along it.

It's currently early summer, so the sky is cloudy and bright. The air is extremely fresh in the wilderness, and the sweltering heat is dispersed by the cool breeze blowing at us while the motorcycle moves. Without a thick shell around us, we are 100% in tune with nature. This is the unique charm of riding a motorcycle compared with driving a car.

But my unique experience is soon changed.

At some point, more and more vehicles pour in from various intersections and converge on this road, forcing Nadeshiko's motorcycle to slow down. We move slower and slower until we're completely surrounded... and stuck in the congested traffic.

*SCREEEEEECH* Nadeshiko suddenly steps on the brakes.

{character:Nadeshiko}Geez, why is there so much traffic?

{character:player}Did I choose the wrong road? It doesn't look like this road is leading to the countryside. It's more like there's some sort of important event going on.

Upon hearing my words, the people in several nearby vehicles suddenly turn over to look at us.

{character:Biker}?

{character:Biker}?

What's going on?

{character:Passerby A}Hey, you're on the way to see the nine sunsets, right? This is the right way.

{character:player}!

{character:player}!

The speaker is the owner of a motorcycle driving parallel to us.

{character:player}...How did you know where we're going?

{character:Passerby A}Ahahaha, isn't that the destination of everyone who comes here? This is the most popular scenic spot recently. Everyone is talking about it online!

{character:Nadeshiko}??

{character:Passerby A}Oh, I know. You mustn't have come here in a while. Let me put it this way. This place has become a popular scenic spot ever since it was promoted by the media earlier.

{character:Passerby A}Very few people came here at the beginning when the area was still being developed, but the current situation is quite predictable. After all, it isn't enough to see such a beautiful piece of scenery just once, right?

{character:player}...Nadeshiko, it looks like the scenic spot you wanted to recommend to me has been discovered by the world.

{character:Nadeshiko}Yeah... I have a bad feeling about this.

After reaching the scenic spot, I finally understand where Nadeshiko's premonition came from.

The development of the scenic spot has transformed the spacious and exquisite scenery in Nadeshiko's memories into a place filled with man-made things. This place no longer appeals to her heart, and she can no longer ride her motorcycle freely here.

There's still some time until sunset, but many tourists have already come to this scenic spot. Photography enthusiasts, bloggers, etc., have all come early to set up their cameras and wait for the best shooting angle...

To make things worse, the scene becomes a massive mess when a thunderstorm starts blowing, forcing us to leave and wait in the visitor center.

...After all this, the last traces of our intention to watch the sunset disappear.

{character:player}Safety comes first. Should we skip it since accidents take place often here?

{character:Nadeshiko}Well... Actually, even if the road conditions are the same, the experience can be completely different based on the skill of the biker. You can't rely on others' suggestions to make an accurate judgment. You need to try it for yourself.

{character:Nadeshiko}But it's good that you're aware of safety. Since you're so worried, we'll turn back. Maybe the other path leads to the scenic spot.

Nadeshiko starts riding back to the fork. Everything starts off well, then the sky suddenly becomes dark when we almost reach the fork.

*Boom* Several peals of thunder fill the sky.

{character:Nadeshiko}On no, it's thunderstorm clouds!

{character:player}What?

In the sky ahead of us, thick dark clouds rush towards us!

{character:Nadeshiko}We won't be able to avoid it, so we'll try to charge right through it. I hope we'll make it.

Nadeshiko steps hard on the pedal, sending our motorcycle head-first into the thunderstorm clouds.

{character:player}AHHHH!

However, not even the top speed of the motorcycle can compare to the speed at which nature creates rain.

Torrential rain pours down on us, drenching us instantly. If this goes on, our ride will have to end.

Who hasn't been drenched in rain in their youth? Since things have come to this, I won't give up without a fight!

{character:player}It's summer, so a little rain won't matter. Let's keep going!

{character:Nadeshiko}{var:player_nickname}, I'm surprised that you're more persistent than me, but...

Nadeshiko starts slowing down, then she brakes and turns to look at me.

{character:Biker}?

{character:Nadeshiko}But the road conditions are too terrible now, so we can't keep going. Safety is always the most important thing to consider when riding a motorcycle. You have to remember what I told you in class, {var:player_nickname}.

{character:player}...I'm sorry, Coach Nadeshiko.

As we speak, the rain reaches us, completely drenching Nadeshiko and me. Now that we're both soaked from head to toe, there's no way the ride can continue.

We go to the inn to ask for help, and a relaxed young innkeeper greets us.

Based on what the innkeeper tells us, I realize that the other branch of the road leads to our original destination. However, it's obviously too late to wait for our clothes to dry and then rush there to watch the sunset.

We spend a leisurely afternoon in the inn.

{character:Nadeshiko}{var:player_nickname}, what do you think?

Nadeshiko asks me this question right after I make a decision in my head.

I grab my phone and show Nadeshiko all the images I found about that scenic spot.

{character:player}Look, this place is really popular recently. If we go, we may just see a big crowd of tourists there.

{character:Nadeshiko}You don't want to go?

{character:player}Well, I can imagine the beautiful scenery just by looking at the images on the Internet. Also, I remember you saying that you don't like crowded places like that, isn't that right?

{character:Nadeshiko}It's true that I'm not interested in these types of scenic spots, but...

Nadeshiko seems a little hesitant.

{character:player}What?

{character:Nadeshiko}It's okay. We'll turn back after the rain stops. Ah... I'm getting sleepy.

Nadeshiko yawns and ends our brief discussion by reclining in a comfortable position and closing her eyes to rest. Still doubtful, I have no choice but to read the graffiti and messages on the walls of the inn.

The experiences of two people, and not the scenery enjoyed by one person, are what make a bike ride meaningful." "I want to bring her here with me next time. I want to share all my experiences and feelings with the people I care about.

As I read out the handwritten messages written by my predecessors, I suddenly realize something. I turn my head to look at Nadeshiko and see her sleeping peacefully. I suppress the suspicions in my heart. After the rain stops, we bid farewell to this inn where we stayed for a brief time.

I actively raise my hand.

{character:player}Nadeshiko, can I help you with anything?

{character:Nadeshiko}You don't need to. Go get some rest.

Nadeshiko rejects me without looking up as she works busily on motorcycle components.

{character:player}I can't sit here and let you do everything. I may not be as professional as you, but I can do basic repairs.

I try my best to convey my sincerity with my eyes, and Nadeshiko thinks for a moment.

{character:Nadeshiko}Hmm... There is a task that is perfect for you.

{character:player}Just leave it to me!

Slightly dopey, I sit upright on the portable bench that Nadeshiko moves over. Nadeshiko pats my shoulder in satisfaction.

{character:Nadeshiko}Your job is to sit here and watch me repair the motorcycle.

{character:player}...Hey! What kind of job is that?

Between laughter and tears, I can't help but protest. Nadeshiko answers me without pausing the repair work she's doing.

{character:Nadeshiko}This is an extremely important position. Repairing a motorcycle under someone's watch is quite different from repairing one alone.

{character:player}Is that right? Then please, elaborate.

{character:Nadeshiko}As my old man used to say, the god of maintenance favors maintenance engineers and bless them with better results than usual when their work is being watched. Motorcycles repaired this way will also last longer... Sounds like a nonsensical tale that adults tell to coax children, right?

{character:player}It doesn't just sound like one. It is one, right?

{character:Nadeshiko}Haha! I didn't believe it either when I was little, but my old man insisted that I watch the repairs from the side. Over time, I realized...

{character:player}What did you... realize?

Nadeshiko's serious tone makes me unable to help myself from asking her this question.

{character:Nadeshiko}I realized I'm right. Whether I was there or not or whether I could see the motorcycle really didn't affect the repair results.

{character:Nadeshiko}...

I can't believe I was expecting a twist!

{character:Nadeshiko}Hahaha...

Nadeshiko fails to hold back her laughter after seeing the dismal look on my face.

{character:Nadeshiko}{var:player_nickname}, you're too cute. I now understand the interesting thing about this nonsensical legend.

I have no idea what realization Nadeshiko has made. After chatting with her for a while, although I haven't actually managed to help her with anything, Nadeshiko is in a good mood the whole time.

Motorcycle repairs are not my field of expertise. Instead of adding to the chaos with my enthusiasm, I should think of other ways to help Nadeshiko.

I look up at the blazing sun, then I take out the umbrella in my backpack and open it above Nadeshiko's head.

The shadow created by the umbrella interrupts the focused state she's in while repairing the motorcycle. She looks up at me in confusion.

{character:player}Oh, I thought I could make some shade for you since the sun is so strong today.

{character:Nadeshiko}But then I can't see the parts clearly.

With a look of helplessness, Nadeshiko shows me the two fine chains she's working on.

{character:player}...Eh? Oh! Sorry.

I quickly move the umbrella away in embarrassment, but Nadeshiko stops working and looks at me with an... "affectionate" look in her eyes.

{character:Nadeshiko}Even so, I'm so happy that you care so much about me. Due to my height, I'm usually the one who holds the umbrellas for all my friends. At that moment, I... got to experience a rare feeling again...

{character:player}Hmm?

Nadeshiko's touched tone makes my heart beat faster... Is she going to say...

{character:Nadeshiko}Yes, it reminds me of my mother! I feel assured like when my mother used to take care of me when I was little! Thank you, {var:player_nickname}!

{character:player}...

{character:player}Wow, that really is a great feeling.

...What was I hoping to hear?!

{character:Nadeshiko}Yes, I'm feeling even more motivated than ever. Go and get some rest. I'll be done soon!

{character:player}Okay, you've got this.

Although I haven't actually managed to help her with anything, Nadeshiko is in a good mood the whole time.

After some serious repairs by Nadeshiko, the motorcycle can be used normally again.

{character:Biker}Thanks a lot! I'm still a beginner, so I think I would have no choice but to push my motorcycle back to the city if I didn't run into you.

{character:Nadeshiko}You're welcome! Bikers should take care of one another on the road.

{character:Biker}You're both beautiful and kind. Feel free to let me know if you ever need help with anything!

{character:Nadeshiko}There's something you can help me with actually.

{character:Biker}?

Nadeshiko describes the place we're searching for to the biker and asks him if he knows where it is. The biker scratches his head with embarrassment.

{character:Biker}I-I'm so sorry! I don't know much about the natural scenery in this area. I only came here because I heard that this road is quite challenging, and then my motorcycle broke down soon after I started.

{character:Nadeshiko}I see.

{character:Biker}I'm so sorry!

{character:Nadeshiko}It's okay. We'll just keep going to take a look.

{character:Biker}What? You're still thinking of going forward?

{character:Nadeshiko}What's wrong with that?

Nadeshiko's rigid facial features become sharper than usual when she gets serious, making her exude an aura that is a little oppressive to those who aren't familiar with her.

{character:Biker}No, no, no! I'm just saying that the road conditions get worse as you go. Lots of accidents have taken place over there...

{character:Nadeshiko}Oh, I see. Thanks.

The biker realizes that he should stop talking now and rides off after politely bidding farewell to us.

Nadeshiko looks at me inquisitively.

We haven't found any clues of the scenic spot, yet someone has warned us that the wilderness ahead is very dangerous. In this situation, we should...

{character:player}...We should try again next time and plan everything well in advance.

With this thought in mind, I quickly end this ride with Nadeshiko.

Since we're here, let's do what people usually do to show that we've been here. With this thought in mind, I nod at the tourist and walk quickly toward Nadeshiko.

{character:Nadeshiko}Finished yet?

{character:player}Well, should we take a commemorative photo together?

{character:Nadeshiko}Huh? Right here? Fine... let's do it.

After thinking briefly, Nadeshiko stands up briskly. We find a place with fewer people and get ready to take a picture.

{character:Tourist}Come on, smile! Stand a little closer to each other. Yes... 3, 2, 1... Cheese! Good, now let's take one more!

{character:Nadeshiko}...

In the end, the enthusiastic tourist took several dozen photos for us.

After taking the photos.

{character:player}Thanks!

{character:Tourist}Hehe, you're welcome!

The tourist holds his girlfriend's hand proudly and leaves. As Nadeshiko and I flip through the photos, our faces which were stiff from all the smiling become even stiffer.

{character:Nadeshiko}Um...

{character:player}Um...

The background is messy, the photos are backlit, and Nadeshiko and I are smiling stiffly in a crowd. How dare he claim to be good at taking photos...

I take a deep breath.

{character:player}Well, it seems like other than having commemorative significance, these photos...

{character:Nadeshiko}Will never be looked at again!!

Nadeshiko finishes my sentence without any hesitation.

We glance at each other quickly. Our tacit acknowledgment of this situation turns our embarrassment into joy, and we both laugh out loud at the same time.

{character:player}Hahaha... I never thought today would turn out like this. This ride was worth it.

{character:Nadeshiko}Hahaha, I never expected that everything would be so unpredictable when traveling with you!

{character:player}No matter what, thank you for inviting me today. I had lots of fun along the way.

{character:Nadeshiko}...Is that right?

Nadeshiko's eyebrow rises slightly. A gleam of excitement flashes in her eyes as she looks at me.

{character:Nadeshiko}What a coincidence. I felt pretty good too.

{character:player}So does this mean you'll invite me again next time?

{character:Nadeshiko}No.

{character:Biker}?

{character:Nadeshiko}You can arrange everything next time. Things like the route we'll take. I don't want to experience this a second time.

{character:player}Haha, sure thing.

In the end, we watch the sunset among the crowd. Although it isn't as immersive as we expected, we ended up having a lively and joyful time. I hope there will be even more fun in store for us next time.

The joy and happiness we get from a trip should be doubled when two of us are on the trip together. Nadeshiko wanted me to see this beautiful scene with my own eyes. I should also consider what Nadeshiko likes so that she can return home happily after today's journey.

{character:player}Thank you, but it won't be necessary.

After rejecting the tourist's offer to take photos for us, I hurry back over to Nadeshiko.

{character:player}Sorry to have kept you waiting.

{character:Nadeshiko}These youths really like to have a sense of ceremony. {var:player_nickname}, do you want to take some photos here? Although I'm not interested, I can take some for you.

{character:player}Instead of staying and taking a photo to prove we were here like everyone else, why don't we go somewhere else for a walk before it gets dark.

{character:Nadeshiko}Really? This is the best spot to watch the sunset, and it took us a lot of time and effort to get it. Are you sure you want to leave?

{character:player}The ultimate objective of going on a trip is to relax our mind and body, not to wear ourselves out to get a good commemorative photo out of it. It would be like putting the cart before the horse to do the opposite.

Nadeshiko looks at me and suddenly makes a relaxed smile.

{character:Nadeshiko}Great, that's what I thought too. Come on, I'll show you a place.

{character:player}Hmm? Will it be another "worthwhile adventure"?

{character:Nadeshiko}Hey, what's with that teasing tone? Are you coming with me or not?

{character:player}Haha, I'm just joking. Today's trip was wonderful, and I don't mind if things get more exciting.

I grab Nadeshiko's hand, letting my actions speak for me.

With the sunset behind us, we leave as quickly as possible, attracting glances from many due to the decisiveness of our movements.

{character:Nadeshiko}Quickly! We need to get over there before the sun sets.

{character:player}Sure!

After getting off the viewing platform, we leave the scenic spot and venture deeper into the wilder depths of nature.

The galloping motorcycle under us takes us into the undeveloped wilderness. The setting sun hangs in the sky beside the road, looking like it is following us at this moment. As the horizon recedes, a wider world spreads out in front of our eyes little by little.

{character:player}Woohoo!

I can't help but shout out.

This is probably the true meaning of going on a bike ride. The goal is not to go to a predetermined destination but to always move forward courageously and decisively and to have the courage to do something different and seek freedom...

{character:Nadeshiko}We're here. At least this place is still the same.

Our motorcycle stops on a remote cliff not far from the viewing platform we were at earlier, but it was not included in the scope of the scenic development.

{character:player}I think this place must have been left alone because it faces the setting sun at an oblique angle with a poor observation angle of the river beach that makes it impossible to see multiple sunsets here.

{character:Nadeshiko}Well, I wanted to invite you to see a spectacular sunset, but we ended up watching an ordinary sunset in the end. {var:player_nickname}, I hope you don't mind.

At this moment, the only things here are the primitive land, quiet wind, and us. Although I didn't get to see the spectacular nine sunsets, my mood is especially good right now.

{character:player}Haha, the most important thing is that we had an amazing adventure together. Thank you for letting me experience such an interesting ride.

{character:Nadeshiko}It was nothing. To be honest, if someone told me before today that someone would talk about the importance of experience to me, I wouldn't have believed them. However, coming here with you today has changed my mind a lot about this.

{character:Nadeshiko}It's more interesting than I expected for two people to develop bonds on the road. {var:player_nickname}, however we meet, let's meet more often in the future.

{character:player}Sure, it's a promise.

The sun continues to sink in the sky. As the last ray of light is about to disappear against the edge of the horizon, Nadeshiko pulls out her mobile phone.

{character:Nadeshiko}Let's take a photo together to remember this ordinary sunset and extraordinary ride.

{character:player}Sure!

*Click* We leave an intimate image in the camera lens.

However, when I look at the photo, I realize that Nadeshiko's photo-taking skills are really... Let's just say she's very talented in abstract photography.

{character:player}Nadeshiko, I finally know why you rarely appear in the photos you take on your travels!

{character:Nadeshiko}Ahaha, it's called realistic! I even made you look so cute in the photo! Don't you think so? Hmm? Hmm?

While talking, Nadeshiko wraps her arm around my shoulder, puts her phone in front of me, and starts showing me the photos she's taken.

Seeing the cheerful smile on her face, I reluctantly nod in agreement.

{character:player}Yes, very cute indeed.

This story started... three days before another summer weekend soon after my trip with Nadeshiko.

{character:player}...Your birthday party?!

For a short moment, my suddenly raised voice covers the chirping of cicadas who are focused on creating a midsummer atmosphere outside the window. Originally leaning lazily on the sofa, I suddenly sit up straight.

{character:Nadeshiko}My birthday is just an excuse. I mainly want to hang out with my friends. Remember to keep the weekend free.

{character:player}Haha, thanks for inviting me. I'll be there.

My excited expression in the video call window on the mobile phone is a stark contrast to Nadeshiko's calm expression. Fortunately, after getting to know her better over this time, I am now able to clearly identify the signs of joy under her stern expression.

{character:Nadeshiko}Yea, I'll come over to pick you up. Well, I gotta go. Chat later.

{character:player}...Oh, what's the add...

Beep—

The video call has ended, leaving a callous combination of words and numbers on the screen: Call duration: 00:01:02.

{character:player}...You didn't tell me the address...

Fine. Even though we've gotten closer, I still need to adapt to Nadeshiko's extremely direct and simple way of chatting. Just as I open the messaging app to send her my question, a message notification pops up at the top of the screen.

{character:Messages}(Message) Although I know this is her style, it does leave me feeling powerless sometimes.

{character:player}I know, right?... Wait, what's this?

When I take a closer look, I see this message that seems to be talking directly to my inner thoughts is from an unfamiliar group chat called "Ultimate Challenge." My finger moves away from my chat with Nadeshiko and taps this group chat instead. After that several new messages pop up in the group chat.

{character:Chihori Terasaki}One year, I made her a birthday magazine and gave it to her pretending that it was the motorcycle magazine she has subscribed to, but she recognized it immediately because it had a different thickness than usual.

{character:Kana Fujita} (starry eyes.jpg) That's so amazing!

{character:Ayane Kisaragi}It was exactly the same for me. I had left something at her place before, so I thought I would tell her that I'll be coming by to pick it up and take the cake there before 12 o'clock to celebrate her birthday with her. But when I called, she asked me if I bought an ice cream cake and said she'll come to me instead since it was so hot. I felt so frustrated at that moment!

{character:Kana Fujita}You left something at her place? What is it?

{character:Ayane Kisaragi}Ah! That's not the point right now. Let's welcome {var:player_nickname}, who just joined us!

{character:player}...Just "joined us?"

I perceptively identify the keywords in the chat and quickly send my first message as a newcomer in the chat.

...After chatting for a bit in the group, I finally understand what everything is about. In short, this chat is an "alliance of challengers" with the mission to give Nadeshiko a surprise for her birthday this year.

The three members of the group are friends who will attend Nadeshiko's birthday party this weekend, and the reason they formed this temporary alliance is that they always failed to give Nadeshiko a surprise for her birthday, and the straightforward Nadeshiko gave the following replies in the past years—

{character:Nadeshiko}Haha, I like surprises too, but I know you too well to not figure everything out. What? Pretend not to know? That's way too lame and unnecessary for us.

{character:Nadeshiko}...Hmm... I think I already know something I shouldn't know yet. Should we just skip this part for my future birthday celebrations? The important thing is for us to hang out anyway. What do you think?

{character:Nadeshiko}Huh? A challenge? You see this as a challenge? In that case, I'll be looking forward to what you'll come up with this year. I can't wait to see who will win.

...As I listen to them in the group, I feel like I can see Nadeshiko's expression as she says these things.

Looking at it like this, it really is an ultimate challenge to give the smart and straightforward Nadeshiko a birthday surprise. But if we manage to pull it off, these friends will feel really good about themselves and Nadeshiko will be happier than ever, right?

{character:player}Haha, I understand now. Count me in! What's your plan this year? I'll do my best to cooperate!

{character:Ayane Kisaragi}Stare—.jpg

{character:Ayane Kisaragi}Stare—.jpg

{character:Ayane Kisaragi}Stare—.jpg

{character:player}...

{character:Ayane Kisaragi}This is why we need you to join us this year, {var:player_nickname}. You can be in charge of this year's surprise plan!

{character:player}Me? Why do you want me to do it?

{character:Kana Fujita}I have a hunch that you'll come up with something unexpected, {var:player_nickname}! You're even as lucky as Kana sometimes!

{character:Chihori Terasaki}According to my investigations, things planned by {var:player_nickname} have a higher-than-average success rate when compared with the other citizens of One Han City. You're already amazing enough that you deserve an exclusive interview for an issue of Extraordinary People. I'll also be able to collect more materials through this incident.

{character:player}...Hold on! If I had such powerful special abilities, I would have used them ages ago!

{character:Ayane Kisaragi}Your objection is overruled! We already decided on this before you joined us.

{character:player}I see... So this isn't a discussion—you're just notifying me.

{character:Kana Fujita}Don't worry! I'll do my best to help you!

{character:Ayane Kisaragi}+1

{character:Ayane Kisaragi}+1

My phone keeps vibrating as my friends send me words of encouragement, which quickly drowns out my weak protests.

{character:player}...Fine then... I'm afraid I'll lose sight of myself if I keep hearing all this flattery you're throwing at me... I will think of a plan, but I need some peace and quiet to sort out my thoughts first.

{character:Kana Fujita}Good luck! You can do it!

Satisfied with my response, my friends agree to let me go off the grid for a while. I close the group chat and start sorting my thoughts.

To give Nadeshiko a birthday surprise, the most important thing is to find out where she wants to throw her birthday party this year. But based on what they just told me, it's very likely that I'll catch her attention if I ask her about it directly.

To be safe, I better find out through more indirect methods.

I type down three indirect investigation approaches on my phone and fall deep in thought as I decide where to start—

Maybe the family members Nadeshiko grew up with would know more about where she might throw the party or what food she likes. Let's search for some clues from this angle. I think of a place and set off immediately.

Motorcycle For Life driving center—this is where Nadeshiko invited me to be her student. Although there's a reason why we were here, this is where we had our first close interaction.

At first, I thought this was just an ordinary driving school, but I later found out this is one place where Nadeshiko's father works and is a place Nadeshiko has been visiting since she was little.

The person who told me this is the driving instructor I met that day, who is an important elder who watched her grow. Maybe I'll be able to find some clues if I chat with him.

But things aren't going as smoothly as planned.

{character:Driving Instructor}...Nadeshiko's preferences for these things? I'm not really sure. I can probably tell you if you ask me what type of motorcycle, helmet, or race track she likes though.

{character:player}I see...

I didn't expect the driving instructor to give me this answer after I tell him why I've come.

{character:Driving Instructor}But if you want to know all this, why don't you just ask her father directly? He's here today.

{character:player}!?

{character:Driving Instructor}Follow me. I'll take you to her father. Don't be nervous—you're someone Nadeshiko actively asked for help, so you're bound to meet her father one day!

...Something sounds wrong about what he said, but I can't really say what it is. The enthusiastic instructor takes me to the maintenance room...

{character:Nadeshiko's Father}...

Although the man in front of me is in his fifties and has gray hair, he still looks quite burly and muscular. He stares at me without saying anything.

{character:player}...Hi, you must be Nadeshiko's father. Sorry to disturb you, I'm {var:player_nickname}.

{character:Nadeshiko's Father}...

{character:player}...

{character:Nadeshiko's Father}...!!! It's you!

{character:player}...?!

Stop! Why are you charging at me with a wrench in your hand?! We can resolve this with words!

{character:Nadeshiko's Father}...Hahaha, I remember now. You're the person who Nadeshiko watched the sunset with last time!

You've been staring at me with such sharp eyes for a while, and this is what you've been wanting to say to me?

{character:player}...Yes, that's me.

After interacting with Nadeshiko's father for such a short period of time, I finally understand where Nadeshiko picked up her tendency to hide her enthusiasm behind a cold expression.

I explain why I've come to Nadeshiko's father.

{character:Nadeshiko's Father}...A birthday surprise, hahaha! That's so nice of you! To be honest, even though it's great that she has such an independent and free personality, I've wondered whether she'll miss out on so many wonderful experiences because of this, like romance, intimacy, sweetness, and being taken care of gently...

{character:Nadeshiko's Father}I can finally stop worrying now, right?

A complex emotion fills my heart as he talks so candidly and bluntly to me. I realize that there's an important commitment behind his seemingly casual reply.

{character:player}Well, you don't need to worry about it anymore.

When our eyes meet, we convey the answers to our questions and share our thoughts with each other through our eyes. As the concern in his eyes disappears, he smiles heartily and answers my initial question after chuckling.

{character:Nadeshiko's Father}About her birthday... I'm ashamed to say this, but I've been taking her with me wherever I go for work since she was young because it's easier to take care of her that way, and not even her birthday was an exception.

{character:Nadeshiko's Father}After she grew a little older, I realized that this wasn't that good for her and asked her where she wanted to go for her birthday. She said: "I'll go out and play, but you don't need to know where I'll be playing. I'm always here with you when you're working, so I think I have the right and freedom to go wherever I want alone on my birthday, right?" Can you imagine a ten-year-old girl saying something that brutal?

{character:player}Haha, the fact that she can express her thoughts so honestly with you means that she treats you like a trusted friend. What happened later? Where did she go to play in the end?

{character:Nadeshiko's Father}Here.

{character:player}What?

{character:Nadeshiko's Father}Yes, you heard right. Here. Although she said she would go out and play, every year, she chose to spend her birthday here with me.

{character:player}Haha, I think she really does love motorcycles and she really felt like she needed to fight for her right to choose freely.

{character:Nadeshiko's Father}Haha, you sure understand her. I'm her father, and I only realized this after many years as she got older. She loves motorcycles more than many other things, including her birthday...

{character:player}But I don't think she'll arrange her birthday party at the driving school since she's actively organizing it herself this year...

{character:Nadeshiko's Father}Yes... You're right... Wait, there was one exception!

{character:Nadeshiko's Father}...When she was in high school, she once told me that she wanted to invite her classmates to a really popular restaurant for a party. That was the only time... Oh right, speaking of this, she mentioned that restaurant when she messaged me a few days ago and said she remembered that place well. Is it possible that she wants to take you and your friends there?

A restaurant that Nadeshiko mentioned a few days ago? Instantly intrigued, I ask Nadeshiko's father to find their chat records and soon confirm the restaurant on my phone. It's a restaurant called Cute Mix, which is known in One Han City for its warm service and cute style.

{character:Nadeshiko's Father}It looks like a good place for young people to have a gathering. What are you waiting for? Go and check it out. Maybe she's already contacted the place.

{character:player}Yeah...

Having discovered a lot, with a trace of hesitation, I leave the driving school at Nadeshiko's father's urging and check the three investigation approaches I wrote down earlier.

Should I listen to his recommendation and check out this Cute Mix restaurant, or should I keep investigating information from other channels?

{character:Narration}Her friends who've been to her birthday party before should have a better chance of guessing where she will hold her birthday party this time correctly.

I open the group chat and ask them whether they know anything about the venue of the birthday party.

{character:Kana Fujita}I was busy with work every time she had her birthday, so I'm definitely going this year!

{character:Ayane Kisaragi}Gatherings organized by Nadeshiko... I suddenly remembered something funny, lol.

{character:Nadeshiko}?

{character:player}Can you elaborate?

{character:Ayane Kisaragi}This happened when we were in high school, and I was her senior. As she was always troubled about finding ways to make herself cuter, I recommended her a restaurant that has a cute style to give her inspiration. But I didn't expect her to organize her birthday there...

{character:Ayane Kisaragi}In the end, the cuteness of that place was too much. In addition to dreamy decorations, there was a special birthday performance in which employees dress up as fairy tale characters, put a tiara on the birthday girl, hold up a neon light board with her name on it, and sing birthday songs in a circle around her. And it's a special birthday song that you'll never forget! I'll search for it now!

{character:Kana Fujita}(voice message) "A Cute Cute World...?"

{character:Ayane Kisaragi}Yes, that's the one! Is it still popular among students nowadays?

{character:Kana Fujita}...I think I know which place now. (stunned Kana.jpg)

{character:Chihori Terasaki}If it's that place, it's more of a "social phenomenon" than just a popular place.

{character:player}I get that. (ROFL.jpg)

The image of a sixteen-year-old Nadeshiko being forced to sit in a crowd with a small crystal tiara on her head, listening to the cheerful singing of employees in a place filled with pink bubbles and moving stiffly to make cute poses makes me laugh really rudely with my phone in my hand.

{character:player}Hahahaha! Thanks for telling me what to avoid. I don't think Nadeshiko will ever want to experience that again in her life. Let's get back to the topic and think about where she'll want to go this year.

{character:Ayane Kisaragi}Oh yes, we got sidetracked.

{character:Chihori Terasaki}(link) What about this place?

Chihori sends the link of a sports bar that mainly serves specialty drinks.

{character:Chihori Terasaki}When Nadeshiko takes a break, she sometimes asks me to drink here. We would chat, listen to music, and watch motorcycle races on the television... This is a good place for a dinner gathering, and people can get some exercise too. I think this place is quite likely.

{character:player}Hmm... I think this bar is the one Nadeshiko recommended to me before. She seems to like this place a lot.

{character:Kana Fujita}... (stunned Kana.jpg)

{character:Chihori Terasaki}Why don't you go there and ask around instead of just guessing? Maybe Nadeshiko has already contacted them.

Time is running out. Should I listen to Chihori's recommendation and check out this sports bar, or should I keep investigating information from other channels?

Until I scroll to more than a month ago and see what she wrote about the day we watched the sunset.

{character:player}Reading this invokes so many memories... But I still don't have any clues about the location of the birthday party...

{character:Nadeshiko}?

As I'm looking at the photo and reliving my memories, a message notification from Nadeshiko pops up at the top of my phone. She has sent me a question mark, which stands out because there's nothing else in the message. I'm confused at first, but then I take a deep breath when I realize why she messaged me that—

{character:player}OH NO! What did I do? Why did I hit the Like button?!

The glaring bright red Like at the bottom of the post about the sunset seems to be mocking my shaky hands.

According to today's Internet social etiquette, it's quite obvious that there should be a reason for liking a CatChat post from more than ten days ago. Will my plan to prepare her a surprise be exposed here?!

I need to calm down. What can I say without making her feel suspicious?

As they say, a father knows their daughter the best. Also, Nadeshiko actively mentioned this restaurant where she held a birthday party before to her father not too long ago. I decide to go to this popular restaurant to find out.

This popular restaurant is located inside a mall in the CBD of One Han City. Although I've heard of it before on the Internet, this is my first time visiting it in person.

"Ding"— The moment the door opened, an employee wearing a cute outfit starts smiling at me enthusiastically.

{character:Employee}Ah! What a cute customer! Welcome to Cute Mix!

{character:player}Haha, hi.

{character:Employee}Cute customer, you'll need to get in the queue and wait to dine at our restaurant today. If you're bored, we have a mahjong challenge for customers, and those who beat our employees in a mahjong game get a 12% discount off their bill today! Would you like to try?

The service is so considerate even when you're waiting for a table! I feel like the chance that Nadeshiko has chosen this restaurant has increased! Although I really want to play mahjong right now, I better deal with business first.

I say no politely and tell the employee why I'm here. She listens patiently and looks like she remembers something after looking at Nadeshiko's photo.

{character:Employee}Oh, this customer. I remember this Miss Nadeshiko. She came last weekend.

{character:player}...Last weekend?

The timing of her visit surprises me.

{character:Employee}Yes, we have a special event on weekends. Customers can make an appointment with us to learn how to make our signature dishes. They can then choose to take it away or eat it at our restaurant. Miss Nadeshiko was one of the customers who made an appointment last weekend.

{character:Employee}To be honest, the reason I remember her is because of her outstanding temperament and an incident that happened.

{character:player}An incident?

{character:Employee}Yes, Miss Nadeshiko was very serious during the lesson and the food she made was the best among all the students, but she wasn't happy with the result and requested to make it again. Out of curiosity, I asked her who she was going to share the food with, but she got angry with me and ignored me...

{character:Employee}Ah, as an employee, I really shouldn't ask questions about their private affairs. I'm so sorry!

The employee makes a very guilty expression. Meanwhile, I find this situation strangely familiar. It reminded me of when Nadeshiko was so engrossed in changing her teaching plan that she didn't hear me when we were at the driving school, so I start comforting the employee.

{character:player}Based on my understanding of Nadeshiko, she doesn't get angry that easily. She was probably completely focused on making the dishes that she didn't hear your question. But if you're really sorry about this, I can pass the words.

{character:Employee}Is that why? ...Phew, that would be so great, thank you! After the class ended last weekend, she made another appointment for this weekend to make our signature dishes again. I was thinking of apologizing to her in person when I see her again on the weekend.

{character:player}Huh? She made an appointment to come again this weekend?

{character:Employee}Yes. You said her birthday is this weekend, right? I think she is planning to invite all of you here and cook for you.

{character:Employee}You also came to us to try to prepare a birthday surprise for her. What a splendid relationship! What do you want us to do? We'll do everything we can to help!

{character:player}Haha, thanks...

I think to myself as I leave. Has Nadeshiko really decided to hold her party here?

According to the information provided by the employee, I can confirm that Nadeshiko is planning on inviting her friends to this restaurant this weekend and cooking for everyone!

I quickly notify everyone in the Ultimate Challenge group. Everyone and the restaurant employees help out to decorate the restaurant. I also order a birthday cake for her. When I think about how I'll get to eat food cooked by Nadeshiko on the day, I just can't wait for the weekend to arrive.

However...

{character:player}...Camping???

It takes three seconds for me to respond after hearing Nadeshiko's words on the motorcycle, and I almost fall off.

At this moment, we're on our way to the gathering point. In the rear-view mirror, I can see Nadeshiko squinting dangerously.

{character:Nadeshiko}You don't like it? It's too late to say no now.

{character:player}...Ahaha, that's not it. I'm just a little excited because I didn't expect that we'll be going camping.

My voice gets quieter as I speak. How could it be camping? I thought we would be going to Cute Mix... My eyes black out momentarily when I think of everyone waiting to "ambush" Nadeshiko with a surprise at Cute Mix and the decorated venue.

{character:Nadeshiko}Oh? Hold on, didn't I tell you about the venue? You're right, I think I forgot to tell you because I was too busy.

{character:player}...So you just forgot and it's not intentional?!

{character:Nadeshiko}What? Why would you have such strange thoughts? Of course I forgot. But you don't need to worry about preparing food for camping. I arranged everything and even ordered a set meal from a restaurant. We can just take it directly when we get there in a moment.

{character:player}...The set meal wouldn't happen to be from Cute Mix, right?

{character:Nadeshiko}Huh? How did you guess that?

Nadeshiko seems to realize something. She brakes and parks the motorcycle on the side of the road. At this point, all I can do is explain what happened.

{character:player}...Well, so...

After a brief explanation.

{character:Nadeshiko}Hahaha! I didn't expect you to join them in this challenge. That's so surprising!

{character:player}Surprising? But we lost the challenge...

{character:Nadeshiko}{var:player_nickname}, Although I don't want to waste your preparations, I can't handle the enthusiastic service of that restaurant, so why don't we follow my original plan for today? We'll go get the food I ordered and explain things and apologize to the restaurant's owner before we leave.

{character:player}...Hmm, it looks like this is the best solution.

Nothing is more trustworthy than the advice of friends, so I go to this sports bar immediately.

{character:Bar Owner}What did you just say? Can you speak a little louder?

In this sports bar with avant-garde and bold decorations, an exciting motorcycle race with commentary is being played on a large projection screen. Half of the people here are sitting at a table, watching the live broadcast while chatting and drinking, while the other half are watching sports such as baseball, billiards, and squash, which are just as popular.

The sounds of commentaries, cheering, and various ball games merge together to compose a unique urban nocturne.

I go up to the bar, open Nadeshiko's photo on my phone, and loudly repeat my reason for visiting. After seeing Nadeshiko's photo on my phone, the bar owner finally looks away from the big screen and focuses on our conversation.

{character:Bar Owner}You say you're a friend of Miss Nadeshiko, and you want to know whether she'll be coming here next weekend? Haha, why don't you just ask her if you're her friend? Stop acting. Miss Nadeshiko comes here often, and you're not the only person who has asked me for her contact information and when she'll be coming here after seeing her here, yet I haven't told anyone. This happens way too often, and I'm not someone who will betray my customers' privacy.

{character:player}You've got it wrong. I really am her friend. I have a special reason for asking you.

Flabbergasted, I tell the bar owner the reason and provide some evidence to support my words. After that, his attitude changes.

{character:Bar Owner}Sorry, it looks like I really did misunderstand you. To make up for it, I can very confidently tell you that you guessed right. She will definitely celebrate her birthday here this weekend.

{character:player}Did she tell you that herself?

The bar owner's confidence is a pleasant surprise to me.

{character:Bar Owner}Well, not really.

{character:Nadeshiko}?

{character:Bar Owner}Youngster, wipe that doubtful expression off your face and listen to me. Last week, Miss Nadeshiko came here and asked if I could teach her how to mix some drinks because she wanted to make some drinks for her friends in a few days.

{character:Bar Owner}I agreed because it's not like I'll be teaching her any business secrets. I noticed that she was learning so seriously during the lesson, so I asked her if she wanted to prepare a surprise for someone important to her. Can you guess what happened? She usually acts so cool, but she actually got shy and pretended not to hear me. Haha! I must have hit the nail on the head.

The bar owner bursts into laughter with his hands on his hips. Meanwhile, I was reminded of when Nadeshiko was so engrossed in changing her teaching plan that she didn't hear me when we were at the driving school.

{character:player}Based on my understanding of Nadeshiko, she was probably not embarrassed but instead completely focused on making the drink that she didn't hear your question.

{character:Bar Owner}Huh? Really?

{character:player}Uh-huh.

{character:Bar Owner}Fine then... Even if we rule out that detail, my information must still be accurate because Miss Nadeshiko ordered lots of alcohol from me and told me to get everything ready before the weekend! What would she need all that for if it isn't for her birthday party? Youngster, didn't you want to surprise her? Stop hesitating. Think about what you want to do, and I'll support you! You need to act fast to make things happen!

{character:player}Haha, thank you.

...Hmm, has Nadeshiko really decided to hold her party here?

According to the information provided by the owner of the sports bar, I can confirm that Nadeshiko is planning on inviting her friends to this sports bar this weekend and making special drinks for everyone!

I quickly notify everyone in the Ultimate Challenge group. Everyone helps out to decorate the place with the support of the owner of the sports bar. I also order a birthday cake for her. When I think about how I'll get to try the special drink Nadeshiko makes for us on the day, I just can't wait for the weekend to arrive.

However...

{character:player}...Camping???

It takes three seconds for me to respond after hearing Nadeshiko's words on the motorcycle, and I almost fall off.

At this moment, we're on our way to the gathering point. In the rear-view mirror, I can see Nadeshiko squinting dangerously.

{character:Nadeshiko}You don't like it? It's too late to say no now.

{character:player}...Ahaha, that's not it. I'm just a little excited because I didn't expect that we'll be going camping.

My voice gets quieter as I speak. How could it be camping? I thought we would be going to the sports bar?? My eyes black out momentarily when I think of the decorated venue.

{character:Nadeshiko}Oh? Didn't I tell you about the venue? I think I forgot to tell you because I was too busy.

{character:player}...So you just forgot and it's not intentional?!

{character:Nadeshiko}What? Why would you have such strange thoughts? Of course I forgot. But you don't need to worry about preparing food for camping. I arranged everything and even prepared drinks. We can just take it from a bar I'm familiar with directly when we get there in a moment.

{character:player}...You wouldn't happen to be talking about that sports bar, right?

{character:Nadeshiko}Yeah, but how did you guess that?

Nadeshiko seems to realize something and parks the motorcycle on the side of the road. At this point, all I can do is explain what happened.

{character:player}...Well, so...

After explaining things briefly to Nadeshiko.

{character:Nadeshiko}Hahaha! I didn't expect you to join them in this challenge. That's so surprising! Although I don't want to waste your preparations, I've prepared some special food in addition to the drinks for today's camping experience, so it wouldn't be very suitable at this restaurant.

{character:player}Oh, I see.

{character:Nadeshiko}So why don't we follow my original plan for today? We'll go get the alcohol I ordered and explain things to the owner before we leave, okay?

{character:player}...Hmm, it looks like this is the best solution.

The cute atmosphere of this restaurant doesn't look like a dining environment Nadeshiko would enjoy. My understanding of Nadeshiko tells me I should consider other possible options first.

I better consider other information first.

Although Nadeshiko and Chihori go to this sports bar frequently, one of the attendees of the party is Kana Fujita, a high schooler who isn't supposed to drink alcohol, which means this venue isn't very suitable. I believe Nadeshiko won't forget that.

Investigate via other channels.

{character:player}Oh, I pressed the button by mistake.

{character:Nadeshiko}I see. I thought you liked it because you wanted to go on another trip with me. Why were you checking out something I posted a month ago?

!!!

So that's what she was wondering about.

But I can't change my answer now.

{character:player}Haha, a friend asked me if there are any fun places around here, and I thought of that trip.

{character:Nadeshiko}Which friend is this?

...Which friend? Um...

While I'm hesitating about what to say, Nadeshiko calls me, and I decide to bite the bullet and answer it.

{character:Nadeshiko}What's going on?

Nadeshiko gets straight to the point, and her calm tone seems to tell me she has seen through me. I decide to surrender in my heart.

{character:player}Sorry, the thing is, I wanted to know where you'll be having your birthday party, so I wanted to see what you've been up to recently.

{character:Nadeshiko}...Huh?

Strangely, Nadeshiko sounds surprised.

{character:Nadeshiko}What? Um, I thought you were thinking of going there with someone else... Ahem... It's nothing then.

{character:player}Huh?

After being taken aback for a moment, I suddenly understand and smile.

{character:player}Don't worry, there's nothing like that. That scenery is our exclusive memory.

{character:Nadeshiko}...Hey! I've never made such an unreasonable request! What were you saying before? Oh, the location of the birthday party, right? Did I forget to tell you? Um, okay, I think I did forget to tell you. We're going camping, and I've arranged the campsite and everything. I'll pick you up when it's time...

{character:player}Oh, it's camping. Take it easy.

Nadeshiko sounds a little flustered, but just as I'm about to tease her, she changes the subject.

{character:Nadeshiko}Wait a minute! Why are you looking at my CatChat instead of asking me about it directly?

{character:player}Um...

{character:Nadeshiko}I know! You must be planning to find out where we'll be going and secretly prepare a surprise there! Did Kana and the others rope you into that surprise challenge?

{character:player}...

What's going on? How did she suddenly guess the answer? And why does she sound like she's just won?

{character:Nadeshiko}Haha, has the cat got your tongue? It's a shame that I saw through your plan this year. Help me tell them to try harder next year. This year, you can just enjoy my camping gathering.

{character:player}Yeah, I... guess that's all we can do now.

Between tears and laughter, I can only surrender to the situation.

{character:player}I deleted this photo by mistake, so I was thinking of saving it from your album.

{character:Nadeshiko}Okay, but why didn't you just ask me for the original photo?

{character:player}Well, you're also in this photo, so I feel bad about losing it...

{character:Nadeshiko}I'm hurt by how little faith you have in me. Give me a sec.

{character:player}Okay.

Phew! That was close!

Beep—

Before long, Nadeshiko sends me all the photos that were taken during the trip.

{character:player}Thank you!

{character:player}Oh, what's this?

Suddenly, I notice something strange about one of the photos Nadeshiko sent to me. It's a photo Nadeshiko took of the inn's courtyard. The strange thing about it is that the sky is sunny and the ground is dry.

It was clearly raining on that day we went there. Even if the rain has stopped, the ground shouldn't be dry. I immediately send this photo to Nadeshiko.

{character:player}What's this?

{character:Nadeshiko}Oh, I sent you that one by mistake. I took that photo when I went back to visit the inn later. Do you still remember that the innkeeper has a lot of camping experience? I just happen to be interested in that type of outdoor experience right now, so I went back to ask him about it.

Aha!

Suddenly, I feel like I see a light bulb of wisdom lighting up about my head with the words "camping" shining brightly inside the light bulb. I suppress my excitement and keep chatting with Nadeshiko for a little longer before ending the conversation.

I quickly search my phone for the innkeeper's contact details and contact him.

{character:player}Hi, it's me, {var:player_nickname}.

{character:Innkeeper}Oh, it's you.

After chatting with the innkeeper for a while, he gladly tells me a piece of good news: Nadeshiko asked him a lot about his camping experience, and he recommended a campsite his friend runs to Nadeshiko. Upon hearing that, I just know I'm on the right track.

{character:Innkeeper}...You want to give her a birthday surprise? Haha, how interesting. I understand. I'll contact the manager for you.

{character:player}Thank you!

After talking to the innkeeper, I manage to successfully contact the manager of the campsite. Since the innkeeper put in a word for me, after hearing that Nadeshiko and I are friends, the manager tells me that Nadeshiko has indeed booked a camping spot at the campsite.

I relax after hearing this. Everything will be easy to sort out now that I have an exact location.

I tell everyone this piece of information in the group chat and start planning our birthday surprise plan.

Nadeshiko's familiar motorcycle stops in front of me once again early in the morning of this weekend day.

I sit on the motorcycle quickly without waiting for her to speak.

{character:Nadeshiko}Oh? You sure are proactive today.

{character:player}Haha, I'll be following all your arrangements today since you're the birthday girl!

{character:Nadeshiko}Well, it's good...

{character:Nadeshiko}Hold on, did I forget to tell you we're going camping?

{character:player}Oh, so you forgot? I thought you wanted to give us a surprise.

{character:Nadeshiko}...Fine, I guess that's okay too.

{character:Nadeshiko}To be honest, I was inspired by the innkeeper and wanted to experience some camping activities like building a tent, cooking food, and mixing drinks... I started preparing half a month in advance and learned how to do some of that. We'll go pick up the food and alcohol I ordered in advance from the shops.

{character:player}...I see! It sounds amazing. I can't wait!

{character:Nadeshiko}Hold on, I'll let everyone know now.

Nadeshiko takes out her mobile phone to contact her other friends. Little does she know that I've also opened the group chat quickly to tell them the current situation.

According to our original plan, the manager agreed to tell Nadeshiko when we arrive that the campsite she booked at the foot of the mountain can't be used for some reason and that she'll get a free upgrade to a campsite in the middle of the mountain as an apology. When she agrees and arrives there, she'll find the birthday party we've prepared for her.

However, based on what Nadeshiko just told me, she has her own expectations for this camping experience. If we follow our original plan, Nadeshiko won't be able to set up a tent like she wanted and cook a meal for us, so I share this information with everyone in the group chat.

{character:Kana Fujita}Why can't we use the campsite in the middle of the mountain?

{character:Chihori Terasaki}It's probably to prevent forest fires. Open flames really are prohibited in the campsite we prepared in the middle of the mountain.

{character:Kana Fujita}Quick-witted.jpg Then why don't we cook at the campsite at the foot of the mountain and then eat it up there?

{character:Ayane Kisaragi}I don't think that's possible. If the kitchen is in another campsite, everyone will be tired after running around everywhere. We're going to have to choose between the two options.

An unexpected situation has arisen. We need to decide between sticking to our original plan or changing our plans to adapt to the situation.

Just like that, our birthday surprise challenge has failed, and Nadeshiko won't get a surprise for this year's birthday either.

According to what they said, Nadeshiko also looks forward to getting a birthday surprise. With this thought in mind, I make a decision.

{character:player}We can get the chefs in the kitchen to cook the food Nadeshiko prepared. We also prepared a lot of yummy food, right? Let's follow the original plan, as our surprise will definitely satisfy Nadeshiko.

{character:Everyone}Alright!

Seeing everyone's replies, I make up my mind and put away my phone before Nadeshiko finds out.

Nadeshiko and I arrive at the destination, an outdoor camping venue on the outskirts of One Han City, after an hour. As planned, the campsite manager greeted us and said the script he prepared in advance with an apologetic expression on his face.

{character:Nadeshiko}...It became unavailable at the last minute?

{character:Campsite Manager}Yeah, I'm really sorry about that. The area you reserved is closed today because the grassland irrigation pipe there is broken and needs to be repaired. I was so busy I didn't manage to inform you in time... But you don't need to worry, we'll upgrade you to a mountain campsite for free. The scenery there is even better!

{character:Nadeshiko}A mountain campsite? I won't get to cook my own food and build my own tent there, right?

{character:Campsite Manager}Um, yes... but a high-quality tent has already been set up there, and we can get some chefs to cook the food you prepare for you and take it to you when you want it. The mountain campsite also has audio-visual equipment, game consoles, and various entertainment activities to keep you and your friends happy!

{character:player}I see...

When Nadeshiko lowers her head to decide what to do. The owner winks at me, and I quietly stick up my thumb.

{character:Nadeshiko}{var:player_nickname}? What do you think?

Nadeshiko suddenly asks me what I think about this suggestion, so I quickly hide my thumb and act serious.

{character:player}Oh, speaking of which, our friends should be on their way. Although it's a shame, I think the mountain campsite should be good too. As long as we're together, we'll have fun no matter where we are. We can come again another time to experience the things we missed out on today.

{character:Nadeshiko}Okay then. In that case, please lead the way.

{character:Campsite Manager}Thanks for your understanding! Please follow me.

As we walk along the trail up the mountain, the scent of nature thickens around us. The sun pierces the dense canopies of trees to illuminate the stone path under our feet, making it look like a soft and dreamy carpet that isolates this place from the world below the mountain. As I walk, I find myself full of anticipation for the destination.

{character:Campsite Manager}We're here. This is the mountain campsite. Please see if you're happy with it.

{character:Nadeshiko}Thanks.

Without thinking too much about it, Nadeshiko takes big strides into the camp we've decorated in advance. To her surprise...

*Bang!* *Bang!* *Bang!*

Our three friends who are waiting to "ambush" Nadeshiko in the campsite pull the party poppers in their hands, filling the air with golden confetti. Nadeshiko is so shocked by their appearance here and the beautifully decorated campsite that she just stands there.

{character:Ayane Kisaragi}Happy birthday!

{character:Chihori Terasaki}Happy birthday, Nadeshiko.

{character:Kana Fujita}Happy birthday!

{character:Nadeshiko}You guys... This...

Our wish has come true. We finally get to see Nadeshiko make some different expressions.

{character:Kana Fujita}Hahahaha! I finally get to see you shocked speechless! This year's surprise is a big success! I need my camera! I want to take a photo of this! ... Where's my camera?

*Click*— Ayane Kisaragi stealthily takes a photo of this scene with an instant camera, which is already generating a photo.

{character:Kana Fujita}Eh? Why do you have it?

{character:Ayane Kisaragi}You flippantly put it there on the table when you grabbed a party popper.

{character:Kana Fujita}No way!

{character:Ayane Kisaragi}That's exactly what happened.

{character:Kana Fujita}Terasaki senpai!

{character:Chihori Terasaki}Oh my... I didn't see what happened, so I can't comment.

Watching the friendly banter in front of her, Nadeshiko finally regains some of her composure after being surprised. She turns and looks at me with a smile in her eyes.

{character:Nadeshiko}I assume you're behind this?

{character:player}Happy birthday, Nadeshiko! I hope you enjoy this surprise.

{character:Nadeshiko}Haha! Thanks a lot. I didn't expect you would be able to convince the campsite manager to go along with your plan. I thought they were planning to pretend to all arrive late or something. I underestimated you.

{character:player}I'm happy as long as you like it. I was worried that I would ruin your plans for this camping experience by insisting on this plan. It's great that you're happy.

{character:Nadeshiko}Well, although I do have some regrets about the camping experience, the feelings and consideration of my friends are more than enough to make up for it. Alright, let's start celebrating! And the first thing is—tell me exactly when you started planning this! Hmm?

...In the end, we have a not-very-camping-like happy birthday celebration with Nadeshiko at the mountain campsite where everything has been prepared in advance. I hope that we'll be able to surprise Nadeshiko and make Nadeshiko's wish come true at the same time next year.

{character:player}We can't let Nadeshiko's preparations go to waste. Why don't we change the plan and find a way to move as much of our decorations to the campsite at the foot of the mountain?

I send my message quickly in the group chat. On our way to the campsite, I use every opportunity I get while Nadeshiko is getting the food and alcohol she ordered to discuss specific details with everyone.

We arrive at the camp after an hour. According to the plan, the owner who comes out to greet us should put on a little performance, but the plan has already changed...

{character:Campsite Manager}Welcome! Miss Nadeshiko, the campsite you reserved is ready, and you can start building the tent now. I'll take you there now.

{character:Nadeshiko}Thanks.

The manager winks at me secretly.

Phew! It looks like they've told the manager about the changes in time. Now we just need to wait for them to move as many decorations as possible.

Nadeshiko and I build the tent while everyone tells her they'll be late. Nadeshiko doesn't really care though, and chats happily with me during this time. She also starts to prepare the ingredients while we're working.

We continue doing this until we receive their message.

{character:Kana Fujita}That's enough chatting. Find a way to lead her away for a while. My legs are going numb!

I look around me quickly. As expected, three people appear from behind the bushes not far away, as well as a decorative balloon that is rising into the air.

{character:Nadeshiko}{var:player_nickname}, what are you looking at?

{character:player}!

I hold Nadeshiko down when I notice that she is about to look in that direction. At the same time, someone reaches out to drag that balloon back from the other side of the bush.

{character:Nadeshiko}...Is there something over there?

Nadeshiko insists on looking over there anyway. Fortunately, she doesn't manage to see anything.

{character:player}Oh... nothing. Nadeshiko, I'm getting a little hungry. Since they haven't arrived, shall we go and buy some food to eat?

{character:Nadeshiko}There are some snacks in the tent. I'm not hungry.

{character:player}Oh... actually, I meant to say that I'm a little thirsty, not hungry. Why don't—

Before I can finish, Nadeshiko sticks a bottle of mineral water out, silencing my words. When she sees that I'm staring at her blankly without taking it, she makes an expression that says: "Geez, I don't know what to do about you" and very considerately opens the bottle cap before handing it to me again.

{character:player}...Thank you. Shall we... I mean, shall we take a walk? They haven't arrived yet, so maybe we don't need to prepare these in such a rush?

{character:Nadeshiko}But I want to get as much done as possible. If I start the preparations at the last minute, it might be more trouble than I expected, and I might need more time too.

{character:player}Haha, th-that does make sense.

As I rack my brains to think of reasons to take Nadeshiko somewhere else, she suddenly stops what she's doing.

{character:Nadeshiko}Let's go.

{character:Nadeshiko}?

{character:Nadeshiko}Since you keep inviting me, I can't just keep you hanging. Let's go on a walk around here like you suggested.

{character:player}Good!

Nadeshiko and I walk side-by-side on the soft lawn and admire the campsite's scenery. It's beautiful, but if we keep going, we'll be walking out of the campsite!

Bzzz— The mobile phone in my pocket finally vibrates.

Seeing that Nadeshiko is wholeheartedly enjoying the scenery, I slow down to check my messages.

All set!

{character:player}Um, Nadeshiko, we've been walking for a while now. Shall we go back?

{character:Nadeshiko}Oh yeah. I think Ayane and the others should arrive soon. They're so slow.

{character:player}Haha, they don't want to be late either. I'm sure there's a good reason.

{character:Nadeshiko}Hehe, I can't wait to see what they have managed to achieve in 20 minutes. What about you?

{character:player}Obliviously that their last-minute decorations won't be as good as expected...!

Everyone's brains shut down instantly the moment I blurt that out.

{character:Nadeshiko}Haha, I knew it. I knew I was right. The three figures hiding behind the bush were a little too obvious.

{character:player}...Oh, darn it! We were so close!

{character:Nadeshiko}Haha, I didn't expect you to participate in their surprise challenge thing. Unfortunately for you, I'm the winner again this year. In that case, as the "loser," you should follow my instructions now.

This game of preparing a surprise and trying to see through the surprise seems to have become a harmless game between Nadeshiko and her friends. I raise my hands to surrender.

{character:player}I surrender. What do you want me to do, Nadeshiko?

After 15 minutes, I enter the camp anxiously and pretend to chat about the plan's detail with the other three. Then I tell them that the plan has changed and lure them out of the spot where they are hiding in the camp.

Bang! The three of them are attacked by Nadeshiko's party poppers immediately after they get out

With a party popper in her hands, Nadeshiko looks at the three of them who are still in shock and covered with colorful confetti.

{character:Nadeshiko}I noticed you guys this year, so you need to try harder next year.

{character:Friends}...Ah! {var:player_nickname}, you betrayed us!

{character:player}Hahaha, sorry—

The dying flames of campfires at the foot of the mountain look like little spots of light.

Although we didn't manage to complete the surprise challenge, everyone still had a great time. After learning about everything that happened today, Nadeshiko complained about how bad our performance was and how we didn't even think of a reason why they would be late.

But she also decided to cook food and make drinks for everyone. She also domineeringly said that no one would be allowed to get in her way. As a result, we also had an unforgettable night like this.

{character:player}Good night, everyone—

After confirming that everyone was asleep, I am ready to get inside my own tent to get some rest. Suddenly, a hand grabs my wrist.

{character:player}...Nadeshiko?

Nadeshiko, who I had just accompanied back to her tent, has returned.

{character:Nadeshiko}Shush, darling... They're all asleep... Whether they were surrounded by reporters or forced to write a whole day's press release in an hour, they tried really hard to come here to celebrate my birthday, so let's not wake them up.

{character:player}Um... why... why did you suddenly call me that... Also, aren't these things the excuses they gave you in the morning when they said they would be late? Aren't they also the same things you've been complaining about all night?

I look at Nadeshiko under the dim light and realize how drunk she really is under her seemingly calm expression.

{character:Nadeshiko}Follow me.

{character:Nadeshiko}?

The flashlight of a mobile phone illuminates this quiet and empty room, revealing a small interior layout. —Although it's a little messy here, there are balloons printed with the words "Happy Birthday" on them, as well as some large gift boxes and large decorations.

Nadeshiko and I are inside the mountain campsite. Under the influence, she insisted on taking me here from the foot of the mountain half an hour ago.

{character:player}Be careful and take your time. I remember the lights are around here... Let me look for...

{character:Nadeshiko}Hmm... Mmm!!

{character:player}Mmm!!

Nadeshiko, who was swaying on her feet stumbles for some reason. She tries to grab me for support but ends up pulling me down with her.

Thump—

After some collisions, we inadvertently switch on a lamp in the small room. I squint to adjust to the warm light and look at Nadeshiko in front of me.

{character:Nadeshiko}Oh...

{character:player}Nadeshiko, are you okay?

{character:Nadeshiko}Oh... So this is where you decorated the party for me... It's a shame I didn't get to see what it looked like after everything is completed.

{character:player}...Um, we rushed the preparations this time. I'll definitely give you a surprise you won't see coming next time.

{character:Nadeshiko}Huh? I won't give you that chance, darling.

{character:player}Eh?

Nadeshiko grabs a red ribbon next to her.

{character:Nadeshiko}Give me your hand.

{character:player}...?

{character:Nadeshiko}Aren't you going to be obedient, darling?

...She still has such a strong presence even when she's drunk. I smile and give Nadeshiko my hand. In the next second, something cool and silky is wrapped around my wrist... It's the silk ribbon Nadeshiko was holding.

{character:player}Nadeshiko, what are you doing?

{character:Nadeshiko}Leaving a mark.

{character:player}What?

{character:Nadeshiko}You dummy. If I tie a bow on the surprise, I'll be able to recognize it immediately the next time it appears in front of me. I'll DEFINITELY recognize it with one glance!

Nadeshiko ties an uneven bow around my wrist, but she is really satisfied with herself and smiles drunkenly after patting it.

{character:Nadeshiko}...It's beautiful... Everything is the way I like it...

As she speaks, her head starts to drop. Fortunately, I catch her quickly before she falls to the ground and rest her head on my palm.

{character:player}Nadeshiko?

{character:Nadeshiko}...Zzz... Zzz...

She falls asleep on the pillow formed by my palm. Her slightly moist breath hits the skin of my wrist gently, imbuing even the slightly cool red ribbon with her warmth.

At this moment, the loosely tied knot seems to have the indissoluble binding power of a magical contract. I know that we'll be each other's surprise from now on. For example, Nadeshiko always likes to come right up to me and call me darling. In her words, this is just the beginning of the surprise...

Maybe the family members Nadeshiko grew up with would know more about where she might throw the party or what food she likes. Let's search for some clues from this angle. I think of a place and set off immediately.

Motorcycle For Life driving center—this is where Nadeshiko invited me to be her student. Although there's a reason why we were here, this is where we had our first close interaction.

At first, I thought this was just an ordinary driving school, but I later found out this is one place where Nadeshiko's father works and is a place Nadeshiko has been visiting since she was little.

The person who told me this is the driving instructor I met that day, who is an important elder who watched her grow. Maybe I'll be able to find some clues if I chat with him.

But things aren't going as smoothly as planned.

{character:Driving Instructor}...Nadeshiko's preferences for these things? I'm not really sure. I can probably tell you if you ask me what type of motorcycle, helmet, or race track she likes though.

{character:player}I see...

I didn't expect the driving instructor to give me this answer after I tell him why I've come.

{character:Driving Instructor}But if you want to know all this, why don't you just ask her father directly? He's here today.

{character:player}!?

{character:Driving Instructor}Follow me. I'll take you to her father. Don't be nervous—you're someone Nadeshiko actively asked for help, so you're bound to meet her father one day!

...Something sounds wrong about what he said, but I can't really say what it is. The enthusiastic instructor takes me to the maintenance room...

{character:Nadeshiko's Father}...

Although the man in front of me is in his fifties and has gray hair, he still looks quite burly and muscular. He stares at me without saying anything.

{character:player}...Hi, you must be Nadeshiko's father. Sorry to disturb you, I'm {var:player_nickname}.

{character:Nadeshiko's Father}...

{character:player}...

{character:Nadeshiko's Father}...!!! It's you!

{character:player}...?!

Stop! Why are you charging at me with a wrench in your hand?! We can resolve this with words!

{character:Nadeshiko's Father}...Hahaha, I remember now. You're the person who Nadeshiko watched the sunset with last time!

You've been staring at me with such sharp eyes for a while, and this is what you've been wanting to say to me?

{character:player}...Yes, that's me.

After interacting with Nadeshiko's father for such a short period of time, I finally understand where Nadeshiko picked up her tendency to hide her enthusiasm behind a cold expression.

I explain why I've come to Nadeshiko's father.

{character:Nadeshiko's Father}...A birthday surprise, hahaha! That's so nice of you! To be honest, even though it's great that she has such an independent and free personality, I've wondered whether she'll miss out on so many wonderful experiences because of this, like romance, intimacy, sweetness, and being taken care of gently...

{character:Nadeshiko's Father}I can finally stop worrying now, right?

A complex emotion fills my heart as he talks so candidly and bluntly to me. I realize that there's an important commitment behind his seemingly casual reply.

{character:player}Well, you don't need to worry about it anymore.

When our eyes meet, we convey the answers to our questions and share our thoughts with each other through our eyes. As the concern in his eyes disappears, he smiles heartily and answers my initial question after chuckling.

{character:Nadeshiko's Father}About her birthday... I'm ashamed to say this, but I've been taking her with me wherever I go for work since she was young because it's easier to take care of her that way, and not even her birthday was an exception.

{character:Nadeshiko's Father}After she grew a little older, I realized that this wasn't that good for her and asked her where she wanted to go for her birthday. She said: "I'll go out and play, but you don't need to know where I'll be playing. I'm always here with you when you're working, so I think I have the right and freedom to go wherever I want alone on my birthday, right?" Can you imagine a ten-year-old girl saying something that brutal?

{character:player}Haha, the fact that she can express her thoughts so honestly with you means that she treats you like a trusted friend. What happened later? Where did she go to play in the end?

{character:Nadeshiko's Father}Here.

{character:player}What?

{character:Nadeshiko's Father}Yes, you heard right. Here. Although she said she would go out and play, every year, she chose to spend her birthday here with me.

{character:player}Haha, I think she really does love motorcycles and she really felt like she needed to fight for her right to choose freely.

{character:Nadeshiko's Father}Haha, you sure understand her. I'm her father, and I only realized this after many years as she got older. She loves motorcycles more than many other things, including her birthday...

{character:player}But I don't think she'll arrange her birthday party at the driving school since she's actively organizing it herself this year...

{character:Nadeshiko's Father}Well... You're right about that... Oh yes, she recently mentioned a restaurant to me. She said it's a place she went to when she was still at school and that she remembered that place well! Is it possible that she wants to take you and your friends there?

A restaurant that Nadeshiko mentioned a few days ago? Instantly intrigued, I ask Nadeshiko's father to find their chat records and soon confirm the restaurant on my phone. It's the restaurant called Cute Mix that Ayane Kisaragi mentioned, which is known in One Han City for its warm service and cute style!

{character:Nadeshiko's Father}It looks like a good place for young people to have a gathering. This must be the place!

{character:player}Um.. Haha...

Having discovered a lot, with a trace of hesitation, I leave the driving school at Nadeshiko's father's urging.

Based on what Ayane Kisaragi said, it's very unlikely that Nadeshiko will choose to celebrate her birthday at Cute Mix again. She probably told her father she remembered it well because she remembers the embarrassing situation from back then. This path leads to a dead end, so I better check her social media after I go home to see if there are other possibilities.

Nadeshiko's CatChat homepage isn't updated very frequently, and most updates are her complaints that reflect her mood at that time. There is basically nothing that is obviously related to her birthday preferences.

{character:Narration}Her friends who've been to her birthday party before should have a better chance of guessing where she will hold her birthday party this time correctly.

I open the group chat and ask them whether they know anything about the venue of the birthday party.

{character:Kana Fujita}I was busy with work every time she had her birthday, so I'm definitely going this year!

{character:Ayane Kisaragi}Gatherings organized by Nadeshiko... I suddenly remembered something funny, lol.

{character:Nadeshiko}?

{character:player}Can you elaborate?

{character:Ayane Kisaragi}This happened when we were in high school, and I was her senior. As she was always troubled about finding ways to make herself cuter, I recommended her a restaurant that has a cute style to give her inspiration. But I didn't expect her to organize her birthday there...

{character:Ayane Kisaragi}In the end, the cuteness of that place was too much. In addition to dreamy decorations, there was a special birthday performance in which employees dress up as fairy tale characters, put a tiara on the birthday girl, hold up a neon light board with her name on it, and sing birthday songs in a circle around her. And it's a special birthday song that you'll never forget! I'll search for it now!

{character:Kana Fujita}(voice message) "A Cute Cute World...?"

{character:Ayane Kisaragi}Yes, that's the one! Is it still popular among students nowadays?

{character:Kana Fujita}...I think I know which place now. (stunned Kana.jpg)

{character:Chihori Terasaki}If it's that place, it's more of a "social phenomenon" than just a popular place.

{character:player}I get that. (ROFL.jpg)

I didn't expect the restaurant Ayane Kisaragi mentioned to be the same one her father suggested!

The image of a sixteen-year-old Nadeshiko being forced to sit in a crowd with a small crystal tiara on her head, listening to the cheerful singing of employees in a place filled with pink bubbles and moving stiffly to make cute poses makes me laugh really rudely with my phone in my hand. I'm more sure than ever that this isn't where she'll have her party.

{character:player}Hahahaha! Thanks for telling me what to avoid. I don't think Nadeshiko will ever want to experience that again in her life. Let's get back to the topic and think about where she'll want to go this year.

{character:Ayane Kisaragi}Oh yes, we got sidetracked.

{character:Chihori Terasaki}(link) What about this place?

Chihori sends the link of a sports bar that mainly serves specialty drinks.

{character:Chihori Terasaki}When Nadeshiko takes a break, she sometimes asks me to drink here. We would chat, listen to music, and watch motorcycle races on the television... This is a good place for a dinner gathering, and people can get some exercise too. I think this place is quite likely.

{character:player}Hmm... I think this bar is the one Nadeshiko recommended to me before. She seems to like this place a lot.

{character:Kana Fujita}... (stunned Kana.jpg)

{character:Chihori Terasaki}Why don't you go there and ask around instead of just guessing? Maybe Nadeshiko has already contacted them.

Time is running out. Should I listen to Chihori's recommendation and check out this sports bar, or should I keep investigating information from other channels?

Nothing is more trustworthy than the advice of friends, so I go to this sports bar immediately.

{character:Bar Owner}What did you just say? Can you speak a little louder?

In this sports bar with avant-garde and bold decorations, an exciting motorcycle race with commentary is being played on a large projection screen. Half of the people here are sitting at a table, watching the live broadcast while chatting and drinking, while the other half are watching sports such as baseball, billiards, and squash, which are just as popular.

The sounds of commentaries, cheering, and various ball games merge together to compose a unique urban nocturne.

I go up to the bar, open Nadeshiko's photo on my phone, and loudly repeat my reason for visiting. After seeing Nadeshiko's photo on my phone, the bar owner finally looks away from the big screen and focuses on our conversation.

{character:Bar Owner}You say you're a friend of Miss Nadeshiko, and you want to know whether she'll be coming here next weekend? Haha, why don't you just ask her if you're her friend? Stop acting. Miss Nadeshiko comes here often, and you're not the only person who has asked me for her contact information and when she'll be coming here after seeing her here, yet I haven't told anyone. This happens way too often, and I'm not someone who will betray my customers' privacy.

{character:player}You've got it wrong. I really am her friend. I have a special reason for asking you.

Flabbergasted, I tell the bar owner the reason and provide some evidence to support my words. After that, his attitude changes.

{character:Bar Owner}Sorry, it looks like I really did misunderstand you. To make up for it, I can very confidently tell you that you guessed right. She will definitely celebrate her birthday here this weekend.

{character:player}Did she tell you that herself?

The bar owner's confidence is a pleasant surprise to me.

{character:Bar Owner}Well, not really.

{character:Nadeshiko}?

{character:Bar Owner}Youngster, wipe that doubtful expression off your face and listen to me. Last week, Miss Nadeshiko came here and asked if I could teach her how to mix some drinks because she wanted to make some drinks for her friends in a few days.

{character:Bar Owner}I agreed because it's not like I'll be teaching her any business secrets. I noticed that she was learning so seriously during the lesson, so I asked her if she wanted to prepare a surprise for someone important to her. Can you guess what happened? She usually acts so cool, but she actually got shy and pretended not to hear me. Haha! I must have hit the nail on the head.

The bar owner bursts into laughter with his hands on his hips. Meanwhile, I was reminded of when Nadeshiko was so engrossed in changing her teaching plan that she didn't hear me when we were at the driving school.

{character:player}Based on my understanding of Nadeshiko, she was probably not embarrassed but instead completely focused on making the drink that she didn't hear your question.

{character:Bar Owner}Huh? Really?

{character:player}Uh-huh.

{character:Bar Owner}Fine then... Even if we rule out that detail, my information must still be accurate because Miss Nadeshiko ordered lots of alcohol from me and told me to get everything ready before the weekend! What would she need all that for if it isn't for her birthday party? Youngster, didn't you want to surprise her? Stop hesitating. Think about what you want to do, and I'll support you! You need to act fast to make things happen!

{character:player}Haha, thank you.

...Hmm, has Nadeshiko really decided to hold her party here?

To find out what she's thinking, her social media, where she records her mood daily should be the most direct way to get clues.