Jitsu -A different story-

The reason why Shizune felt calmer was because, during that call, both Rena and Akira's voices were heard. They had taken their time to congratulate Shizune on her birthday, but the reality was that they focused on giving Shizune an explanation, and basically, it had all been an idea or plan made by Kurono.

For weeks, he had taken the opportunity to have a moment alone with Rena and talk to her about the anniversary gift he wanted to give Shizune, which was a trip for them alone. This had completely surprised Rena and she had reacted by saying that it was a wonderful idea, but she still didn't understand why Kurono needed to talk to her in private, but it wouldn't be long before she knew why.

In short, Kurono explained that he didn't want Shizune to have any doubts about it, and one of those doubts would surely be the fact of leaving Rena alone with Makoto; not so much because she didn't trust her, but because of the simple concern that wasn't easy to ignore; Rena also understood this and agreed with Kurono that it would be something that would keep Shizune busy and might not let her enjoy a trip away from everything, but following that thought, Kurono voiced his idea even though it might be a bit troublesome.

He wanted Rena to call Akira with the intention of her coming to the city and staying for the duration of his trip with Shizune, Kurono was even willing to cover any expenses Akira might have if she was willing, but while he was explaining all that to Rena, she stopped Kurono a bit and told him that he didn't need to exaggerate so much.

In particular, Rena explained to Kurono that she was okay with the idea, but that she would like to talk to Akira and explain to her exactly the reason why she wanted her to come, although Rena would also like Akira to come to the city, so it was a small secondary plan that Rena thought of at the time.

That conversation had taken place a few weeks before the anniversary, but the answer Kurono wanted had come a few days later, and luckily for him, Rena told him that Akira was completely on board with coming and spending a few weeks in the city, plus Kurono didn't need to worry about covering expenses or anything like that, so with all that setup, it was simply a matter of the promised day arriving.

All of that resulted in Shizune explaining what the gift Kurono had given her was during Shizune's celebration. Both Akio and Kazumi were surprised once again but congratulated Shizune appropriately while Kazumi took an interest in the pamphlet and talked to Kurono.

For her part, Shizune caught the attention of Rena and Akira, and noticing the amused smile they both had, she simply thanked them for having that kind of consideration for her but also made it clear that she wouldn't waste this experience they had given her.

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After knowing all this, we have to go back to the present once again, specifically, almost two weeks after Shizune's birthday. Even though the idea of ​​the trip was already decided, the reality is that it wasn't right away as Kurono and Shizune explained that they would have their trip in the near future as Kurono had to leave some situations ready at work so that there wouldn't be anything that could interrupt them, while Shizune wanted to prepare a lot of things as well as be sure that Kurono would be free just for her.

The journey on the way would be the same one that Rena and Akio took, so it was inevitable that Shizune and Kurono would take the train as a means of transportation, when the long-awaited day arrived, both Shizune and Kurono were seen off by everyone wishing them a fun trip and to enjoy it a lot.

Shizune once again thanked everyone for their good wishes, and saying goodbye, she simply followed Kurono while helping him with some of the luggage they carried with them, and now, the scene from the beginning was presented again to begin the little adventure that both of them had.

"I must say that this train is a little different from the one we took to go to the town." Maybe Shizune's comments were a little simple, but the truth was that she was quite curious about the amenities that the train had, since, as Shizune was a town girl or that was what she called herself, she had rarely left the town, so it was a little understandable that she reacted like that.

"I guess it's because it's made for longer trips." Kurono commented the first thing that came to mind, although that comment wasn't out of place since the plan was for both of them to arrive at the inn quite early in the morning, so, they had to take the train at night and let most of the time of the trip pass while they slept.

Shizune already knew that Kurono made a reservation for a whole week for the two of them at the inn, it was a few days longer than Rena and Akio's trip lasted, but besides the fact that the place which was their destination was generally a tourist town and they would have many options with which to entertain themselves, Shizune was calm since Rena would not be left alone in the city having the company of Akira.

"The truth is that it will be the first time I sleep on a train… I don't know if it will be a little complicated for me." Although Shizune had no problems sleeping, the situation she was in was a bit different; Hence her doubts, but still, the train seemed comfortable enough for her not to worry too much.

She and Kurono were sitting next to each other, Shizune was in the seat next to the window while Kurono was in the one next to the aisle, but as Shizune said, everything seemed a little surprising since the seats were not simple at all, they had many comforts that she could not count, in addition to the fact that there was a train staff who had dedicated himself to properly attending to them and letting them know that they could call him if they needed anything or had any questions.

Of course, those characteristics were what made Shizune compare her experience with the train she used to go to her hometown... But there was something important that Kurono had not clarified at any time, and that was that he had bought tickets for first class, so it was not strange at all the comforts that Shizune was experiencing, and still, he did not say anything since he enjoyed her reactions.

The trip had started without problems. Due to the time, the scenery outside the window wasn't really visible, but that didn't matter much to Shizune as she was more busy enjoying Kurono's company as well as talking to him.

"Is there anything you're most interested in on the whole trip?" That was a question Kurono was very curious to ask Shizune.

"I really want to go into the hot springs, I haven't been to one for many years, although I'm also interested in the spa service since Rena told me a lot about it." Shizune was quick to say everything that was on her mind. She expressed all the plans she had, the places she wanted to visit, and her interest in Rena's stories, as well as how excited she was about everything. "Still, the most important thing for me is to be able to enjoy your company. I want us to make lots of memories together and have fun at the same time, I know I've told you this many times, but thank you for allowing me to take this trip with you… It really is and I want it to continue being a wonderful gift."