"Hot Spring Station", for Hakone, is like the platform at the entrance.

During the peak tourist season in November, the platform is bustling with people, among whom the students from Goda in black uniforms stand out.

"The weather's great today; we can see Mount Fuji!"

"Mount Fuji? Where?"

"We saw it on the way here, even the conductor announced it to passengers over the PA."

"I was asleep."

"No, you were playing games at that time."

"Really? Wasn't I asleep? Why do I feel like I took a nap?"

They paid no mind to the gazes from tourists, chatting excitedly.

"Everyone's here." Xiaoquan Aonai announced loudly, "Today's the group activity day, so nobody's allowed to leave the team on their own, got it?"

"Got it——"

"There'll be time for taking photos during the free activity, but you must stay within the designated area and time."

"Got it——"

"If any unexpected situation arises, group leaders should contact me immediately."

"Got it——" This time the response was much quieter, as there were only ten group leaders.

The leader of Dubian Che's group was Ichiki Aoi, selected because... according to Dubian Che, Ichiki Aoi had done the most homework for this field trip, though in reality, it was just because the three of them were lazy.

After Xiaoquan Aonai had finished what she needed to say, she reminded everyone about safety multiple times, and then led everyone away from "Hot Spring Station," heading to their first destination, "Hakone Hot Spring Inn."

Along the way, they passed Hakone's shopping street, teeming with various food shops.

The girls were reluctant to leave, all deciding to visit here again during the second day's free outing.

"How much longer to walk?" Jiutiao Meijie, at the back of the group, asked Dubian Che beside her.

"Group leader Ichiki?" Dubian Che asked Ichiki Aoi, who was walking ahead of them.

"Let me check," Ichiki Aoi spread out the travel magazine. "About fifteen minutes."

"Walking fifteen minutes to see a hot spring," Jiutiao Meijie snorted lightly in disdain.

If this plan was devised by her subordinates, they would definitely be transferred to Kanagawa, forever saying goodbye to Tokyo.

The scenery of "Hakone Hot Spring Inn" wasn't bad.

As soon as they entered, most were impressed by the stunning view.

Green evergreen trees, red maple leaves, and slate paths were shaded by these leafy trees.

After touring "Hakone Hot Spring Inn," they took the Hakone Mountain Railway to "Kiyoro Park" up the mountain.

A red iron train climbed along the winding mountain road.

"This railway, they say, has the steepest grade in the Island Country." Dubian Che leaned by the window, admiring the red leaves along the way.

"And then what?" Jiutiao Meijie asked with a 'so what' tone.

"And then what?" Dubian Che mimicked her tone, then, unable to help himself because he liked her so much, lightly flicked her delicate, high nose.

"There's no 'then what'." He laughed and said.

Jiutiao Meijie folded her arms, giving him a cold look: "Did I give you permission to flick my nose?"

"It seems... not."

"Bend down."

Dubian Che pretended as if he was going to kiss Jiutiao Meijie, stooping down.

Jiutiao Meijie smirked contemptuously and gave him a peck.

"Hmm?" Dubian Che looked at her doubtfully, thinking Jiutiao Meijie might flick his nose or pinch his cheek.

When he noticed Jiutiao Meijie provocatively looking at Kiyono Lin, he understood her intention—it wasn't a punishment, but a display for Kiyono Lin.

"Shallow woman, that's what you do." Kiyono Lin tapped her chin, wearing a slightly sinister smile.

"Then let me see, what does a non-shallow woman do?" Jiutiao Meijie asked in a leisurely tone.

"Mr. Dubian." Kiyono Lin turned to look at Dubian Che.

"Mr. Dubian is not here." Dubian Che replied, "He asked me to convey: in this situation, nothing good will come of looking for him, so he's gone."

"Hee hee hee!" Ichiki Aoi's stifled laughter.

The three of them glanced at her simultaneously, then simultaneously averted their gaze, silently enjoying the scenery of Hakone outside the train.

In addition to the mountains dyed red by maple leaves, they could also overlook the Zao River's valley.

"We're almost there, everyone get ready!" Xiaoquan Aonai said, "Everyone remind each other, don't leave any classmates behind."

"I'm going to leave you here."

The train arrived at "park station," and Goda's teachers and students lined up in pairs, making their way to "Kiyoro Park."

Once inside, there was half an hour of free time.

Tea rooms, sweet shops, restaurants, ateliers, there were many activities to experience.

Students from Goda in black uniforms appeared here and there in groups, their presence everywhere.

Ichiki Aoi wanted to try drinking matcha in a traditional tea room, and Kiyono Lin, not wanting to take another step, followed along.

Jiutiao Meijie wasn't interested in tatamis that countless people had sat on, nor in the tea utensils used by countless others, and wandered around behind the tea room.

Dubian Che followed by her side.

Leaving the tea room, after walking a few steps, they could see a scenic fountain among the pine and cypress trees.

With just one step, they transitioned from a traditional Japanese garden to a Western-style landscape.

"Spending all this time with me, how will you confess to her?" Jiutiao Meijie stood by the blue fountain.

"If there's a confession to be made, I can't just leave you alone." Dubian Che said.

"Do you need me to give you the opportunity?" Jiutiao Meijie turned slightly, teasingly looking at him.

"No need. I have a habit of morning runs, and she has a problem with insomnia on the first day in a new place, so there's a chance in the morning."

"You know her quite well."

"I also know after you fall asleep you like to....." Under Jiutiao Meijie's 'go on, keep talking' eyes, Dubian Che looked up into the distance at the clear sky and white clouds, "The weather's really nice."