"Yukio-kun!" a manly, firm yet cheerful voice called out to him as soon as he heard the main door open.

"Good morning, Tanaka-san." Taehyung offered Natsuki's father a bow of respect out of habit and greeted him with a smile.

"Oh, you flatter me," he muttered, followed by a rich laugh, "no one calls me with so much respect like that around here. You can speak comfortably, Yukio-kun."

Taehyung could only smile and nod. Her father, as anyone would expect, low-key intimidated him despite of him having a cheerful and soft personality. There was just something about the way he conducted himself which made Taehyung want to shower him with respect.

"Get inside, Suki is almost ready." he made way for Taehyung who entered the house with a smile.

As you can sense, today is the day they depart for their most awaited two days trip. As neighbours, Taehyung and Natsuki would, of course, leave together. Later on their way, they will meet up with others and catch a bus to the departure station. They will have to catch a ferry to the island.

All of them, apart from Taehyung, had been to the nearest island, so this time around, they were excited to visit the one which was a little far away. It would be a fun ride too as it will take more time to get there.

"Yukio! You're here pretty early." Natsuki popped her head outside from the doorframe of her room. He could see the door of her room from the hallway opening in the living room.

"Oh, yes. Am I too early? Do you have a lot to prepare yet?" his voice sounded laced with a hint of worry.

"Ah, no, no, no. You're just on time." she denied quickly and rushed out of the room, changing her words.

"Look at you changing your words." her mother just came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on the apron. "Hello, Yukio-kun."

"Good morning, aunty." he offered her a smile as warm as the one he got back in return from her.

"Let's go, Yukio. Did you bring the fan? It's gonna be super hot, I'm telling you." she checked the contents in her backpack as she rambled on.

"Oh, the hand fan? Yes, I have it."

"Perfect, let's go!!" her excitement was rubbing off on everyone present in the room.

"You're making me regret that I purchased the tickets for you kids only." her father chuckled.

"Oh, dad! Use this time well. While I'm away, you should take mom on a date to relive memories." a teasing chuckle left her mouth as Taehyung couldn't help but snicker too.

"Silly girl!" her mother shook her head, "just be careful on your way."

"Yes, mom." she answered obediently.

"I'm counting on you, Yukio-kun." her father said at the end, bidding goodbyes.

"Don't worry, uncle. I'll make sure to keep an eye on her." he laughed softly as Natsuki whined about being a grown up.

As the sun slowly trudged upwards in the sky, they made their way towards the bus stop.

They had been so used to walking together on those streets that it was now more than comfortable for them to be walking side by side. A brush or two of their shoulders couldn't faze them.

It wasn't awkward but, sometimes if Natsuki was overly aware of their clothes touching each other, she'd have a weird urge to look at his face or her heart would act up. But overall, they were comfortable in each other's company and that was all that mattered.

~~~

"Wow, why are you guys matching?" Jimin commented as soon as they arrived at the bus stop.

"What?" Taehyung exclaimed, surprised.

"Don't tell me that you didn't realise?!" Jimin laughed, looking at both of them.

Natsuki quickly snapped her head towards Taehyung who was also looking at her. Their eyes met and she forgot all her confidence.

It was true though! Taehyung wore a soft white shirt which waved with the warm wind and Natsuki decided to wear a white dress which ended at her knees. It was a decision she made after thinking so much about everything and ended up reasoning to herself that it would be hot and humid so she should wear something simple and light.

"Well, it's a coincidence." Taehyung ran a hand around his nape, flustered.

"Y-yes. And look at yourself, Aki-kun. Aren't you matching with Haru-kun and Yoongi too?" Natsuki changed the subject.

"It was totally a coincidence on my side." Haruki said in his defence, crossing his hands in front of his chest.

"Let's bicker later, guys. The bus is here." Fumiya sighed, having to handle five teenager kids wasn't an easy job.

It was an unspoken agreement that Fumiya was like a leader of their group in every trip they had together.

~~~

"Yes!! This is the fresh air!!" Jimin exclaimed with wide open arms as he closed his eyes with big smile plastered on his face as soon as they arrived at the island.

"It looks like salty ocean air to me, Jimin." Yoongi snickered.

"Roasted!" Haruki joined in the fun.

"Hey, hey, stop teasing him. We need to find the Ryokan and get our rooms." Natsuki, for the first time, took Jimin's side which saved them from Jimin's whines.

Ryokan is the Japanese style Inn, a very traditional form of, you could say, hotel.

"Yes, I've got the address. Follow me." Fumiya took the lead, as always.

"Let's go!!" Natsuki cheered and everyone joined her.

The air really was fresh and felt light. It was hot and sun was now above their heads but the excitement bubbling inside their hearts had cooled down their surroundings.

"I'm so not looking forward to the public baths." Taehyung muttered nervously as they walked.

"Oh, you've never been to a Ryokan before?" Natsuki gasped softly.

"I haven't."

"Oh man! I feel bad! If I was a guy too, I'd show you how to become comfortable at public baths." she had a proud smile on her face.

"Natsuki-chan, the way you say things is a bit..." Fumiya chimed in.

"What? I'm just trying to make him laugh. Can't you see he is nervous?" she whispered in his ears, still walking.

"Don't worry, I'm here for him. I won't let him have any trouble." Fumiya said cheerfully, slinging a hand around Taehyung's shoulders.

"If you say so! I'm counting on you." Natsuki gave him an intimidating glare.

"God! She's scary, isn't she?" Fumiya asked Taehyung, his voice low.

His words made Taehyung glance at Natsuki who was now chatting with Yoongi. As soon as he opened his mouth to say something, Fumiya stopped him by speaking first.

"But, it's cute, right? I know." he gave him a suggestive smile. Taehyung had no response to that. What could he say?

And just like that, they were finally standing in front of the Ryokan. It was a rather grand building and even Natsuki wasn't expecting it. Although her father planned everything out, she had no idea about it.

There were 2 big rooms reserved and they had to share it. This way, they wouldn't feel lonely and it wouldn't be crowded either.

"Suki, you're okay with sharing rooms?" Taehyung asked as he bent down on her level to speak softly while the others were busy choosing the rooms.

"Oh, yes, I'm okay." she said with a smile which kind of gave him relief and he nodded back.

"But, I appreciate your concern. You're too soft, Yukio." she giggled, making him shy.

He didn't do it intentionally. It's just how he was! Which, totally charmed Natsuki.

"So, we have decided." Fumiya announced, "Yukio, Jimin and I will be in one room and the others will stay in the second."

"What?! No, I have an objection!" Natsuki wasted no time.

"Why, Suki-chan?" Fumiya sang it out aloud, knowing her all too well.

"I mean, my dad told Yukio to keep an eye on me. So, how could you separate us?" she said in her defence. Taehyung had to recheck with his brain to confirm if he heard the right thing or not.

"Oh, really?" Fumiya narrowed his eyes on her, a knowing smile on his lips.

"Oh, fine, fine, I'll take-"

"It's alright, I was just teasing you." Fumiya chuckled, while the others had little idea about Fumiya's tactics. "I'll let you choose the room."

"Then I want Yukio and Yoongi with me." she deadpanned.

"Why not me?!" Fumiya asked, faking the sad voice.

"Because you love teasing me and I can't tolerate you." she stuck her tongue out at him and turned around to swing her hand around Taehyung's arm. He was a bit taken aback but decided to ignore the teasing looks he was getting.

"Let's go, I'm tired." she ignored Fumiya and went straight towards their rooms.

They were led by a staff member who showed them their rooms. The hospitality was topnotch. Her father sure had an eye for perfection.

"Finally!" she sighed, plopping down on the floor.

"Suki-chan, do you want to have a race with me like old times?!" Yoongi suggested as he put his bag down.

"You still remember it?" she laughed and turned to Taehyung.

"You know, Yukio, we used to bet on who will come out of the bath first. Whoever was late had to pay for the snacks."

"Sounds interesting but, what if someone cheated and didn't took a proper bath?"

"For that... we just have to trust each other that we won't cheat." Yoongi shrugged.

"I'm in!" she challenged Yoongi.

"Then, I'll help you keep an eye of Yoongi to make sure he doesn't cheat." Taehyung was on her side.

"Perfect!" she cheered, bumping her fist with Taehyung's as he smiled.

"Oh, well, I think I'll have to go and find Jimin. Catch you later. Have some rest." Yoongi said to both of them and went out after ruffling Natsuki's hair. It had become his habit.

"There's no time to rest. I know, those 4 will be playing games for today. What a waste of time, right?"

"I think so..." Taehyung agreed without much thoughts.

"Then, what should we do now?!" he asked after some time.

"I have a place in mind that we can visit but, it won't be fun if we go alone. Let's force them to go with us." her eyes shone with mischief and Taehyung laughed, mentally loving this atmosphere.

So fresh and new!

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Idk, nan molla-
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