After visiting the enchanting Fushimi Inari Taisha and enjoying a delicious lunch, Mirei excitedly announced their next destination: an onsen and massage retreat. Kaede’s eyes widened in surprise.

  “Wait… Onsen? As in… public baths where you… you know… go in naked?” Kaede stammered, her face flushing.

  Mirei burst into ughter. “Rex, Kaede! I was just messing with you. We’re just going for a massage.” She winked. “Unless... you want to try the onsen?”

  Kaede groaned, covering her face. “You’re impossible…”

  With pyful teasing still in the air, they arrived at the massage retreat. It was Kaede’s first time, and despite feeling a bit nervous, she allowed Mirei to guide her. Mirei’s parents, eager for some rexation, were already chatting excitedly about their treatments.

  As the massages began, soft music pyed in the background, creating a serene atmosphere. Kaede closed her eyes, feeling the tension in her shoulders slowly melt away. The warm, firm pressure was oddly comforting.

  But peace didn’t st long.

  “OW! OW OW!! THAT HURTS!!” Mirei’s voice echoed through the tranquil room.

  Kaede peeked through one eye, suppressing a giggle. The usually energetic Mirei was writhing dramatically on the massage table as the masseuse worked on her strained muscles. “Why does this hurt so much?!” Mirei whined.

  “Because you push your body too much, dear,” her mother called out from the next room.

  Kaede chuckled. “I thought I was supposed to be the nervous one… Looks like you needed this more than me.”

  Mirei pouted but couldn’t argue. Despite the temporary pain, by the end of the session, everyone felt lighter and more rexed.

  ---

  After their massage, they headed to Kyoto's famous Nishiki Market, a bustling food street known for its wide range of traditional delicacies and unique souvenirs. The enticing aroma of grilled skewers, sweet pastries, and fresh seafood filled the air.

  Mirei’s eyes sparkled. “Kaede, look! They have taiyaki! And takoyaki! And… ooooh, matcha ice cream!!”

  Kaede ughed, watching Mirei flit from stall to stall like an excited child. They tried a bit of everything, from yakitori to freshly made mochi. Mirei’s parents were equally enthusiastic, enjoying the lively atmosphere and delicious food.

  With their stomachs happily full, they strolled toward the peaceful Kamo River, where they found a quiet spot to rex. The soft murmur of the water created a tranquil backdrop.

  Mirei’s mother, Atsuko, turned to Kaede with a warm smile. “Kaede, what are you focusing on now? Are you still making music?”

  Kaede nodded, feeling shy. “Yes… I’m in a band called Chasing Stardust. We’re still small, but we’re working hard.”

  Before Atsuko could respond, Mirei proudly added, “Kaede writes and composes all the music herself! She’s really talented.”

  Kaede’s face turned crimson. “Mirei, stop exaggerating…”

  “I’m not!” Mirei grinned, crossing her arms. “You should hear her songs, Mom. They’re beautiful.”

  Atsuko gasped, genuinely impressed. “You compose everything? That’s incredible, Kaede. I’m definitely rooting for Chasing Stardust from now on!”

  “T-Thank you very much…” Kaede stammered, still flustered but secretly delighted by the praise.

  As the conversation continued, Atsuko’s teasing nature emerged. “Did you know Mirei used to be such a brave and naughty little girl? She hardly cried, even when she got hurt.”

  Mirei groaned, burying her face in her hands. “Mom, please don’t…”

  Kaede, intrigued, urged her to continue. “Really? She acts so dramatic now; I can’t imagine it!”

  Her mother giggled. “She was very independent, probably because we were so busy with work. She spent a lot of time alone... I regret that now.”

  Kaede’s expression softened, squeezing Mirei’s hand gently. “She turned out pretty amazing, though.”

  Atsuko beamed, pulling out her phone. “Here, let me show you some of her childhood photos—kindergarten and primary school days.”

  Mirei’s eyes widened in horror. “NO!!” she wailed, trying to snatch the phone.

  Kaede gasped, seeing the adorable pictures of young Mirei with chubby cheeks and bright eyes. “She was so cute! Can I have these?”

  “No, you can’t!” Mirei protested, face burning with embarrassment.

  “Oh, come on… You’re just as cute now,” Kaede teased, earning a pyful sp on her arm from Mirei. Atsuko couldn’t stop ughing, while Mirei’s father chuckled quietly in the background.

  As the evening deepened, Atsuko gently pulled Kaede aside for a private moment. “Thank you… for being there for Mirei. She doesn’t show it much, but she needs someone like you.”

  Kaede nodded, her heart swelling with warmth. “I’ll always be by her side.”

  ---

  As the sky darkened, Mirei suggested stopping by a convenience store near the hotel to grab snacks and drinks for their st night of the trip. Her parents headed back to the hotel, giving the girls some time alone.

  Walking hand in hand along the quiet street, Mirei suddenly leaned her head on Kaede’s shoulder, catching her off guard.

  “M-Mirei?” Kaede stammered.

  “Let me stay like this… Just for a moment,” Mirei whispered softly, her eyes shining under the dim streetlights.

  Kaede’s heart pounded as she slowly rexed, savoring the warmth of Mirei’s touch.

  Then, out of nowhere, Mirei tilted her head up and pced a quick, gentle kiss on Kaede’s lips.

  Kaede jumped in surprise. “M-Mirei! We’re in public!!”

  But Mirei simply smiled, leaning her head back on Kaede’s shoulder. “I didn’t hear you~” she teased pyfully.

  Kaede sighed, shaking her head but unable to hide her smile. “You’re impossible…”

  As they continued walking back to the hotel, their hands stayed intertwined, their hearts full of love and happiness.