Chapter 44: Moments in the Snow

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The bus hummed with chatter and excitement as we headed to Hokkaido. I sat next to Matsushita, leaning close to share my plan. “I’m going to do something to help Ayanokoji and Ichinose spend more time together,” I whispered, a playful smile on my lips.

Matsushita’s eyes lit up with enthusiasm. “That sounds perfect, Horikita. They need that push.”

When we arrived at the resort, the groups made their way to their rooms. Ayanokoji, with his usual composed demeanor, walked by and whispered, “Sudo’s been working on something special for today.”

I gasped, unable to hide my excitement. “Really? That’s great!” I replied, giving him a thumbs up.

Outside, the fresh snow glistened under the clear sky. “Let’s have a race,” I challenged Ayanokoji with a teasing smile. The race was close; our skis cut through the snow, gliding effortlessly down the slope. By the end, we reached the bottom together.

“Looks like we’re evenly matched,” Ayanokoji noted, giving me a fist bump. We both shared a subtle moment of camaraderie.

A while later, as I chatted with Ichinose, a sudden, cold smack of snow hit my face. I turned to see Ibuki smirking, already preparing another snowball. “You’re on!” I yelled, scooping up snow and flinging it back. The fight was intense, snow flying in every direction, laughter breaking through the crisp air.

 The fight was intense, snow flying in every direction, laughter breaking through the crisp air

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In the end, I won, and Ibuki groaned in mock defeat. I extended a hand, and she accepted it, shaking my hand firmly with a small grin. We might be rivals, but we respected each other.

As the evening set in, I spotted Onodera standing by herself under the orange hue of the sunset, looking expectant. Hidden behind a tree, Ayanokoji and I watched as Sudo appeared, visibly anxious. He wiped his brow, ignoring the chill in the air.

Onodera tilted her head, confused. “Sudo, why did you ask me to come here?”

He swallowed, his voice wavering but determined. “Onodera, I—I need to tell you something. Ever since we started working together, I realized how amazing you are. You’re kind, strong, and you push me to be better. I’ve never felt this way about anyone, and... would you be my girlfriend?”

Onodera’s cheeks flushed crimson, her eyes wide. “Sudo, I... I didn’t expect this,” she stammered, then smiled shyly. “But... yes.”

Sudo’s face lit up with joy, and without hesitation, he pulled her into a hug. She returned the gesture, and for a moment, it was as if the world around them melted away. Watching them, I felt warmth spread in my chest, a smile spreading as I rested my hand on my cheek.

Ayanokoji glanced at me, his expression calm but with a hint of satisfaction. “Looks like it worked out.”

Later, we congratulated Sudo. “You did well, Sudo. Congratulations,” I said.

“Thanks, Horikita, Ayanokoji. It means a lot,” Sudo replied, a rare, genuine grin on his face.

The day ended with a sense of fulfillment and excitement for what the rest of the trip would hold.

--Chapter 44 ends--

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