As autumn settled into winter, the school year continued to fly by. With the excitement of the autumn festival behind them, the group was buzzing with a new idea: a weekend trip to a nearby ski resort. The suggestion had come from Katsumi, who was eager to show everyone how to snowboard.
The news spread like wildfire, and soon everyone was in a frenzy of preparation. Koga, Izumi, and Haruka were huddled in a corner of the cafeteria, planning their outfits and gear.
"I can't believe we're finally going on a trip together!" Izumi squealed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "This is going to be amazing!"
Koga couldn't help but smile. "I know! I just hope I don't wipe out on the slopes."
Haruka laughed. "You'll be fine! Besides, if you do fall, it'll just make for some funny stories later."
Meanwhile, Yugo and Sonoi were discussing logistics with Katsumi, who was already animatedly describing the slopes.
"Trust me, guys, you're going to love it! The resort has great runs for all levels. Plus, there's a hot spring we can hit after a long day on the slopes!" Katsumi exclaimed, his enthusiasm infectious.
The day of the trip arrived, and the group gathered at the school parking lot, packed and ready to go. The bus was filled with laughter and chatter as they made their way to the resort. Koga felt a sense of anticipation bubbling inside her, surrounded by her friends and the promise of adventure ahead.
Once they arrived, the sight of the snow-covered mountains took Koga's breath away. The air was crisp, and the sun glinted off the snow like diamonds scattered across a blanket.
"Alright, everyone! Let's hit the slopes!" Katsumi announced, leading the way.
Koga found herself partnered with Haruka as they made their way to the beginner slope. "You ready?" Haruka asked, a teasing smile on her face.
"As ready as I'll ever be," Koga replied, trying to sound confident.
They strapped on their snowboards, and with a few wobbly steps, they pushed off. Koga's heart raced as she glided down the slope, the wind whipping past her face.
"See? Not so bad!" Haruka shouted, her laughter echoing through the air.
But as they continued, Koga couldn't help but feel a pang of concern for Yugo. She caught glimpses of him and Sonoi, who were effortlessly carving through the snow, and a part of her wished she could join them.
After a few hours on the slopes, the group gathered for a break at a cosy lodge. The warmth of the fire crackled as they settled in, sipping hot cocoa and sharing stories of their falls and triumphs.
"I think I took out three cones and a tree!" Yugo said, wiping his brow with laughter. "But hey, I'm still standing, right?"
Izumi smiled, her eyes shining with pride. "You're doing great, Yugo. Just remember to keep your knees bent next time."
As they exchanged tales, Koga found herself sitting beside Katsumi, who had taken a break from the group.
"Hey, Koga. How's it going?" he asked, his gaze warm and inviting.
"Pretty good! I'm still trying to figure out how to not faceplant every five seconds," she admitted, laughing.
Katsumi chuckled. "You'll get the hang of it. Just don't overthink it."
As they talked, Koga felt a connection blossoming, a feeling that was both exciting and nerve-wracking.
After the break, the group decided to tackle the more advanced slopes. Koga's stomach twisted with nerves as she looked up at the steep incline.
"Come on, Koga! You can do this!" Izumi encouraged, her smile reassuring.
Taking a deep breath, Koga pushed off with her friends, adrenaline coursing through her veins. As she navigated the twists and turns, she felt herself gaining confidence. But just as she was starting to enjoy the ride, she noticed Yugo and Sonoi racing each other down the slope.
"Watch out!" Koga shouted as they approached a small jump.
With a powerful leap, Yugo soared through the air, his laughter echoing as he landed perfectly. Sonoi followed closely, mimicking his moves. Koga's heart raced as she watched, but in the excitement, she lost her balance.
"Oh no!" she cried as she tumbled down the slope, landing in a soft heap of snow.
Laughter erupted around her as she sat up, brushing snow from her face.
"Looks like Koga's found a new way to make an entrance!" Haruka joked, helping her up.
As the day wound down, the group returned to the lodge, exhausted but exhilarated. After a hot meal, they decided to relax in the hot springs. Koga felt a wave of relief wash over her as the warm water enveloped her, easing the tension from her muscles.
In the midst of the laughter and camaraderie, Koga found herself sitting next to Katsumi again. Their conversation flowed easily, and Koga felt a sense of comfort with him.
"You're really fun to hang out with, Koga," he said, a genuine smile on his face.
"Thanks! I feel the same way," she replied, her heart fluttering at the compliment.
As the night continued, Koga couldn't help but feel grateful for the bonds they were forming. The trip was more than just a getaway; it was a celebration of friendship, growth, and the promise of new beginnings.
As she glanced over at Yugo and Izumi, sharing a laugh together, Koga felt a sense of belonging that warmed her heart. In this moment, surrounded by friends and laughter, everything felt just right.
