Stealing Spree

The last time I left for a longer distance than my normal everyday life was during that date with both Nao and Shio. Shio drove us to a beach in the eastern part of the country to watch the sunrise and returned at midday.

That was a short visit but still, it’s memorable enough to continue looking back on it. Especially whenever I would remember their joyful faces as they reveled in that experience.

And this time, I’m with Miwa-nee and our boy… Not only am I looking forward to the experience, but I’m also fairly excited about seeing them enjoy this.

“Nnh? Mama, Ruu-nii?”

Close to one hour into the road, the boy that I took up the responsibility to look after at the back of the car rubbed his eyes as he woke up. Although a little confused, his eyes quickly captured his mother at the driver’s seat, calling out to her before focusing on me.

“Good morning. Have you slept well?” Without turning around to check on him, Miwa-nee greeted the boy. From her side frame, we both could see that her lips stretched to the side, smiling pleasantly.

Well, before the boy woke up, Miwa-nee and I were conversing about a lot of things. But mostly, our topic was her previous hikes that she started recalling. Even though it’s still somewhat dark, the interior of the car feels like it’s brightly lit by her overflowing excitement and passion.

Compared to the past few weeks where I would sometimes catch her being gloomy because of the various problems weighing down her mind, the Miwa-nee of today was definitely a far cry from it. Just how I wish I could always see her like this.

Anyway, helping the boy get up, I brushed his hair and fixed his sitting position next to me. Nonetheless, his attention remained on his mother.

“Yes, good morning. Uhm, mama, where are we going?”

“Someplace fun. Didn’t I tell you yesterday? We’re going on a trip with Ru-nii.”

“O-oh! I remember. Ru-nii, mama and me.” The boy looked up at me. The same as his mother, his excitement instantly overflowed.

And with that, his sleepiness disappeared completely. The boy started asking questions which Miwa-nee and I started answering.

He also went next to the window and stared at the changing scenery.

Even though we’re not on a highway where there would be a good view, it’s still fairly entertaining for the boy to see the world at this hour. With little to no people outside and silence reigning all over.

“Alright. We’re here. You two, prepare to get off.”

Around fifteen minutes more on the road, I could finally see the mountain towering in front of us. The car then soon slowed down as it reached the parking space close to the mountain path we were going to hike on.

According to Miwa-nee, this path was among the easiest close to our city. It’s also not that long to reach the peak. Around two hours or so even if we’re bringing Minoru with us.

Furthermore, while there were rest stops along the way, Miwa-nee booked a cabin for us at the mountain lodging near the mountain peak.

We planned to reach the peak right before the sun rises too high in the sky before going back down to rest in that cabin until it was time for us to descend and go home.

And with Miwa-nee planning the whole trip, she specifically picked a cabin with a great view that was probably on par with the one we would see at the peak.

In there, Minoru could enjoy nature as much as he wanted and that goes for the two of us.

Besides, on this trip, I made myself appear like I’m at least a few years older. It’s to not be mistaken as Miwa-nee’s son. If someone’s going to ask, I’ll be her husband. And in the same sense, I’ll treat her as my wife and Minoru, our son.

Although that’s the truth… people just wouldn’t easily believe it, especially when there’s an age gap between couples.

Anyway, as soon as the car stopped, I observed our surroundings. It’s a wide parking lot that’s dedicated to those going up the mountain.

And so, the same as us, other cars and people have already populated the area. Although not so much since this was an easy trail, it’s still a number I didn’t expect.

My worldview was definitely contained in our city. It’s a surprise for me to see people pursuing their hobbies like this or just enjoying this weekend with their friends or families.

My eyes opened to the fact that there’s a lot I can try with my girls. When we return from this trip, I’m planning to also start researching other outdoor activities that are great for bonding and creating more memories.

While Minoru and I were preparing to get off, Miwa-nee, whose excitement never waned, stood there while facing the mountain.

She stretched her arms wide open while staring at the peak, inhaling the morning breeze.

Perhaps finding it fun, Minoru ran next to his mother and copied her movements.

Inhaling and exhaling the scent of nature that lay before us.

Well, infected by the two, I also did the same.

“What do you think, Ruki?” Miwa-nee asked. The anticipation in her eyes tells me that she’s expecting a positive answer.

And copying her again, Minoru also looked up to me, her innocent eyes blinking a few times.

“What can I say? I’m excited for what's to come.”

“Heh. Wait until we start. You’ll definitely love it.” Miwa-nee giggled like a child. Her positivity infected me further.

After finishing that breathing exercise or just tasting the smell of nature, he picked up Minoru, bringing him back to the car to change his clothes. The boy was still in his sleepwear after all.

Miwa-nee prepared multiple layers of thick clothing for the boy, making him look like an adorable bundle of cotton.

Well, that’s also what we’re wearing. Miwa-nee made sure to instill in my mind that while hiking was a fairly enjoyable hobby, one shouldn’t neglect preparation.

It’s still morning and the mountains are always cold at this time of the day regardless of the season.

Anyway, while they’re at it. I went to the trunk of the car, taking our backpacks and other tools we were going to use. While I don’t know anything about this hobby, I at least have my muscles to carry our things while we ascend the mountain.

A few minutes later, we’re all set.

With Minoru sandwiched between us, we held onto his hands as we stood before an arc that signified the start of the mountain path.

Other people, who also had the same objective as us, gathered in groups and started going up at their own pace.

Spending at least a few minutes right there, we got greeted by other people as they amiably smiled at us. Women or mothers were especially more appreciative while staring at Minoru, doting on him in the process.

And while some idiots would hit on a woman they spotted regardless of the place or occasion, I made sure that none of those could approach us.

I’m sensitive to their kind so I could spot them easily. That’s why while I maintained an amicable personality as I returned the greetings and encouragement from the other hikers, I was ready to instantly switch to a different person entirely if ever I spotted one.

“Let’s go.” After checking her gears one more time, Miwa-nee finally declared as we entered the mountain path, taking one step at a time.

“Yes! Ru-nii, don’t let go of my hand. We don’t want you to get lost.” The boy declared while looking at me proudly.

Upon hearing that, Miwa-nee burst into laughter as she ruffled the boy’s head in delight.

Yep. She’s the one who told the boy to say that.

“Sure. I’m leaving myself in your care, Minoru.”

“Yes!”