Groups of students moved around, lockers slammed, laughter and footsteps echoed everywhere.

Amid that noise, Shion Amano walked calmly, his usual blank expression fixed in place. His earbuds hung loosely around his neck, faint music trailing from them. For once, there was something softer in his steps.

"Kasumi…"

Kasumi Hoshino turned around. Her gentle smile appeared as naturally as always.

"Yes, Shion?"

Shion looked slightly awkward. Instead of meeting her eyes, his gaze shifted to the side. He let out a small breath.

"School's closed for three days… I thought maybe you'd go hiking with me."

Kasumi froze for a second, her eyes widening. Hiking? With me?

She almost laughed in disbelief before her face blossomed with joy.

"Me? With you?"

Shion gave a slow nod.

"…If you're comfortable."

Her cheeks flushed pink. She looked into his eyes and smiled warmly.

"Of course I am. Let's go!"

Shion never thought a girl would accept his awkward invitation without hesitation. It felt unreal. Yet deep inside, a strange warmth began to bloom.

Afternoon – Bus Stop

The bus pulled up with a screech. A cold breeze brushed across their faces.

In the distance, mountains stood tall, wrapped in the hush of nature.

Kasumi pressed her face to the window, her eyes sparkling.

"This place… it feels like an anime scene come to life!"

Shion looked at her. His voice stayed flat as always, but his eyes softened.

"Hm. Nature's peaceful."

They began their climb. Step by step, the air grew colder, thinner. Silence settled between them—not heavy, but comforting.

The path narrowed as the slope grew steeper.

Kasumi's shoes slipped slightly on a loose stone. She let out a small gasp, her body tilting to the side.

Before she could fall, Shion's hand shot out, steadying her by the arm.

"Careful," he said flatly, but his grip was firm, protective.

Kasumi's heart skipped at the sudden closeness. She glanced up at him, her cheeks warming.

"…Thanks."

Shion gave a small nod, releasing her gently. His expression was calm as ever, but for a second, his hand lingered just a little longer before pulling away.

By evening, they reached the fifth station. Kasumi stopped, panting slightly.

"Uff… that was tough."

Shion glanced at her. This time, there was something almost relaxed in his tone.

"Yeah. Tough… but it felt good."

Hotel – Check-in

At the reception, both stood together. The staff bowed politely.

"I'm very sorry, sir, ma'am. There's only one room left today."

A small, awkward silence. Shion and Kasumi exchanged glances.

Her cheeks warmed. She tried to hide her smile but failed.

"…One room is fine—."

Shion gave a simple nod.

"Alright."

Room Interior – Cozy One-Bed

Wooden floors, a wide window showing the mountains, and one double bed.

Kasumi stepped in, nerves tightening her chest. That bed felt… too close.

Shion spoke casually, without thinking.

"I'll sleep on the sofa."

Kasumi's reaction came too quickly.

"No! I mean… we can share. I don't mind."

He paused, then answered softly.

"…Okay."

Her heartbeat raced.

Evening – Sunset Walk

After dinner, they wandered along a mountain trail. The air was chilly, painted in orange glow from the setting sun.

Kasumi walked lightly, glancing at Shion now and then.

"You seem… really natural out here, Shion."

His face was calm. His reply was as simple as ever.

"Yeah."

She searched his expression, but found nothing. Behind that stillness, something hid. Yet Shion said no more.

Night – Return to Room

Kasumi went to the market to pick up snacks.

Meanwhile, Shion entered the room, the cold breeze brushing his skin. Quietly, he slipped off his shirt to change.

Burn marks. Scars running across his back and arms. Wounds that told stories words never could.

The door opened.

"Shion, you—"

Kasumi walked in with a casual smile, but froze. The smile fell away.

Her eyes widened.

"Shion… your hand…"

The room fell silent.

Shion's voice stayed calm, but a crack echoed beneath it.

"You shouldn't have seen this."

Kasumi's eyes locked on the burn marks trailing across his back and arms. Her breath caught, her chest tightening.

Slowly, almost without thinking, she stepped closer. Her hand trembled as she reached out.

"Shion…"

As her fingers brushed against his scar, Shion's body flinched. His instinct made him lean back, a faint hesitation in his movement—like he was ready to retreat into silence again.

But then—her eyes met his.

Clear. Steady. Filled not with pity, but with something warmer.

For the first time, Shion didn't move away. He let her touch linger, the quiet contact heavier than words.

Kasumi's voice quivered.

"All of this… who did it to you?"

Shion exhaled softly, his eyes lowering.

"…Family."

Her throat closed.

"Did you… ever tell anyone?"

Shion turned his blank gaze toward the window.

"Telling didn't change anything."

Kasumi's hand trembled as she touched the burn on his arm. For the first time, someone didn't look away.

Her voice broke into a whisper.

"I'm… so sorry, Shion."

He looked at her. For once, his chest felt lighter.

"Kasumi…"

She blinked. "Huh?"

He suddenly remembered—he was still shirtless.

"…I don't have a shirt on."

Kasumi's face turned scarlet.

"Uhh!! S-Sorry!!"

She spun around and bolted out of the room.

Shion exhaled, a small sigh escaping him.

Midnight – Quiet

Dressed again, Shion stood by the window. For the first time, his heart felt… calm.

On the bed behind him, Kasumi slept peacefully, her face soft and warm in the glow.

Silence fell with something else.

And in Shion's eyes, a new softness began to shine.

---episode 14 end---