Heart Strings|GirlxGirl

A Moment To Remember

Axel led the group along the narrow trail, her steps sure and steady. She had found this hidden waterfall a few weeks back during a solo hike, and now, eager to share it with the others, she had insisted they all come along.

"Alright, almost there," Axel called over her shoulder, her voice casual but tinged with excitement.

Rika, trailing just behind, let out an exaggerated sigh. "I swear, this better be worth it," she muttered, kicking a loose stone off the path. She wasn’t in a rush to get anywhere, but that didn’t stop her from pulling a playful scowl. She wasn’t as enthusiastic as some of the others, but she was here because Axel wanted it, and because making memories with this crew was something Rika had learned to value.

Lia was walking with Freya, their pace slower, more relaxed. Lia’s quiet presence was a calming contrast to Rika’s grumbling, while Freya kept her usual sunny demeanor, her eyes scanning the surroundings, appreciating the serenity of the forest.

Ethan was a few steps ahead of Axel, chatting animatedly, mostly to himself. "This better not be some ‘secret spot’ that’s just a bunch of rocks," he joked, casting a glance over his shoulder. "I’m here for the full experience, y’know?"

Axel turned to face him, her grin wide. "Oh, it’s way more than rocks, trust me."

As they reached a break in the trees, Axel stopped. "Here," she said, sweeping her arm forward. "This is it."

The group stepped out into a small clearing, and the sight that greeted them was even better than Axel had promised—a stunning waterfall cascading over jagged rocks, the water crystal clear and shimmering in the afternoon light.

Rika blinked, her usual skepticism melting away. "Huh," she said, slightly impressed. "I’ll admit it. This is cool."

Lia smiled at Rika’s softened expression, enjoying the calm beauty of the scene. "It’s beautiful," she agreed, settling down on a nearby rock.

Freya, still standing next to Axel, gave her a look full of affection. "I can see why you wanted to show us this."

Axel shrugged, but the pleased look on her face said everything. "Yeah, I thought you’d all like it."

Rika rolled her eyes but plopped down onto the blanket Axel had spread out earlier. "I’d like it more if we had something to drink," she said with a grin, already reaching for the cooler.

Ethan, always the first to jump into a bit of banter, raised an eyebrow. "Shouldn’t you have something to say about how great this place is first?"

"Nah," Rika shot back, cracking open a soda. "This is what matters." She glanced at the group with a wry grin. "You guys can gush about the waterfall. I’ll be over here, making sure the snacks are worth it."

As Axel and Freya started setting up the rest of the blankets and drinks, Lia and Freya worked quietly to arrange the food, while Mino and Ethan started their usual playful back-and-forth.

"Don’t you dare eat all of that," Mino said, eyeing Ethan, who was about to sneak a handful of chips.

"You really think you’re going to stop me?" Ethan smirked, but Mino was already swatting his hand away, his cheesy grin never leaving his face.

"You really are an animal," Mino teased, making everyone laugh.

Freya, watching the scene with a quiet smile, leaned into Lia as they arranged more snacks. "These guys are something else," she whispered.

Lia chuckled softly, her eyes softening as she glanced at the group. "But they’re family, right?"

Freya nodded. "Yeah, they are."

The group settled in, everyone grabbing something to eat or drink. Axel and Freya sat side by side, their shoulders brushing occasionally. Axel leaned back, looking up at the waterfall with a satisfied look, clearly pleased with how the day was unfolding.

Rika, despite her earlier grumbling, was enjoying herself—snacking, making fun of the others, and glancing at the waterfall now and then with an approving nod.

"You guys are weird," Rika muttered under her breath with a smile, watching Mino and Ethan debate over who could make the funniest joke.

Lia glanced over at Rika. "You’re one of us now."

"Yeah, yeah, don’t get all mushy," Rika replied, though her tone was light. "Let’s just enjoy the peace before Ethan starts talking about whatever random facts he knows."

Ethan, ever the one to break the peaceful silence, piped up from across the blanket. "Did you know that a waterfall’s water can sometimes be louder than a jet engine?" he asked, clearly proud of himself for knowing something no one else did.

"Of course you did," Mino snorted, and the group laughed again, the ease of their time together spreading through the air like a contagious warmth.

Freya, watching the scene with a quiet smile, leaned into Lia as they arranged more snacks. "These guys are something else," she whispered.

Lia chuckled softly, her eyes softening as she glanced at the group. "But they’re family, right?"

Freya nodded. "Yeah, they are."

The sky slowly began to darken, the air cooling as the sun set. Everyone lingered for a while, talking, laughing, and even quietly gazing at the waterfall. The peace of the moment was undeniable, each person wrapped in their own comfort, yet united by something that didn’t need words.

"This is nice," Axel said quietly, her hand resting over Freya’s, a content smile on her lips.

Freya smiled back, squeezing her hand gently. "Yeah, it is."

Rika raised her can of soda, her eyes narrowing playfully as she looked over at Axel. "I’ll admit, you didn’t screw up this time."

Axel chuckled. "Thanks for the endorsement," she said dryly, but the amusement in her eyes told the real story.

Lia rested her head on Freya’s shoulder, closing her eyes in peaceful contentment. "We should do this more often."

Ethan nodded, leaning back on his hands. "Yeah, this is good for us."

As the last remnants of daylight faded away, the group settled in, feeling the bond between them grow stronger with every shared laugh, every teasing remark, and every peaceful moment spent together. No matter where they went, they were home when they were together.

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