It’s the day of our date. Toro and Catalina arrived earlier and were distributing the load amongst each other. I offered to carry more but Toro refused to allow it, adding that he would carry both of us if needed. There is no doubt in my mind that he could.

“Myo, I just wanted to say… you’re even nicer than I thought you were.” Catalina blurted out her sentence, she’s terrible at expressing herself.

“And you’re still the same. But I’ve come to realize you’re a lot braver than I gave you credit for. Thanks for coming today.”

“Of course! I wouldn’t miss it.”

Since Toro couldn’t hear us, I whispered. “Also gives you some quality time with Toro.”

Catalina smiled and nodded.

I watch as birds fly over us and up the mountain. A few rabbits near us ran for cover as their mortal enemies decided not to feast for the time being. Just like them, I would use the cover provided by the trees on my way up the mountain.

The heavy pants I’m wearing have my body working overtime to regulate its temperature. But a bit of sweat won’t be enough to stop me.

The altitude did worry me, but if I take it slow, I should acclimate soon. Even so, Toro and I decided not to risk it with Manami. We can always return next week or in a few days if she’s up for it.

As Manami arrives, wearing a brand-new set of mountain climbing clothes, I see a strong determination in her eyes. Her goal of reaching the top will be met today. I’ll make sure of it.

“Guys!” Manami runs over to us, stumbling in her boots on her way. She gives me a quick smile and meets with Toro and Catalina.

I met Manami’s parents by their car. They filled a bag with all her medicine, notes, and supplies for the climb. The zipper was fighting against all odds to keep the contents enclosed.

Manami’s mom gives the rundown once more, asking some questions along the way that I answer with ease.

“What did you promise?” She asked.

“I’ll turn around if anything goes wrong. I promise.”

Manami’s mom handed me a camera. “Take some good ones for us.”

I stuffed the expensive looking camera into the bag they brought. Looking into the car, I noticed some gear in the trunk. “Planning on going for a climb?”

Manami’s mom looks over to make sure no one could hear us. “Her dad just wants to be close, just in case.”

“I don’t mind.” I look over to Manami’s dad as he changes clothes. “But she might get mad if she catches you.”

“I’ll just lie and say I felt like taking the climb myself. I’ll start about 15 minutes after you, that way we’re not too far from each other.”

“Cool, I’ll see you at the top then.” I waved to Manami’s little brother and reunited with my group.

Manami greets me with another smile. Her eyes told me that she wanted to head out as soon as possible.

“Want me to carry that?” Toro asked about the new bag I had.

“Thanks, but I got this one. Alright.” I swing the bag onto my stomach and kneel with my back facing Manami. After getting on, she wraps her arms around me and presses her cheek against mine.

“I believe in you.”

Now there’s no mountain that stands a change against me.

Manami waves to her family but gives her dad, who was hiding behind their car, a strange stare. “Jeez.” She whispered. “Don’t let him distract you.”

“Don’t worry, just keep me updated on how you feel.”

“I will.”

The first half hour of the climb is easy. The path is wide and is cleared often by the regulars who want to attract more people to their beloved hobby. For that I extend my thanks.

After the first half hour, however, the main reason this mountain is given a difficult rating is revealed.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

Without warning, the path becomes steep and filled with rocks that can make someone lose their footing if they’re not careful.

Toro stayed close behind me in case I lost my footing. Catalina led the group, walking at a reasonable pace since she had made the climb a few times herself.

I have vague memories of climbing at least half the mountain over a decade ago but that’s all the experience I can claim.

Manami found the camera in the bag and was taking pictures of the area as we climbed. She was fascinated by every bird she saw and the vast, almost endless, landscape of trees around us.

But every now and then she gets near my ear. “Are you okay?” She whispered.

“Mhmm, I’m doing great.” I say with a smile. I wasn’t lying. My stamina is even more impressive than I thought it would be. My breathing is calm and I’m keeping myself hydrated, or Manami is as she pours water into my mouth whenever I ask. Manami feels lighter than I remember. I hope I’m wrong about that. “How do you feel?”

“I’m not doing anything.” She replied.

“You might feel the effects as we climb up higher, tell me if you feel anything wrong, ok?”

She hangs the camera around her neck and wraps her arms around me. “I feel happy.”

Once the sudden steep path is cleared, the rest of the mountain is much more forgiving. Still, the trail needed to reach this point is what makes most people give in. Also past the trail is a rest stop with a small mountain inn.

There were a few groups taking a break from their climb and we did the same.

After grabbing a table, Toro and Catalina retrieve food from our bags. I rummage through Manami’s bag and pull out a pill she needed to take. “Take it after you eat.”

“Ugh, I hate that pill.” It was on the larger side, but I gave her a look that conveyed this is a nonnegotiable situation. “Ok… but only if take a good rest here. There’s no need to hurry.”

I nod and we begin to eat. We’re near the peak of the mountain; after the inn, the climb is a little under a half hour. Toro was giving me advice for the rest of the climb since Manami and I will continue alone before they join us some time later at the peak.

It’s selfish on our part, but Manami wanted this part of the date to be us alone. I didn’t mind, and my body is nowhere near its limit.

After he runs out of advice, he begins his usual awkward chitchat with Catalina. Talk about the weather and mundane school subjects.

“Toro.” I interrupt. “Don’t you like surfing?”

“I do.” He gives a confused reply as I’ve known this for years.

“I love surfing!” Catalina replies.

“You do?”

And with that, the two lovebirds continued to have a much more relaxed conversation. From surfing to other hobbies and even what Toro doesn’t like to eat. Which is a meager list.

“Ready?” I say while keeping Manami’s eyes on me. Her father had reached the rest area and did his best to remain unnoticed.

“Only if you are.” Manami replied, the excitement in her eyes visible.

“Let’s go then.”

“Oh! One second.” Manami runs into the inn. Then, she returns while dragging her dad with her. “Can we take a picture here first?” She asked us.

“Of course.”

Manami hands her dad the camera and we pose for the picture. Although, it did take a few seconds for her dad to take it in between his sobs.

“See you later guys.” I wave to our partners after Manami wraps herself around me and we head off.

After finishing the previous trail, the rest of the mountain is tame. Not easy, but not a difficult challenge so long as I’m careful.

Manami didn’t take any pictures on this trail, only looking forward towards the peak. Her breathing became louder, but I believe it was from her excitement.

After some time, the top of the mountain comes into view ahead of us. The light that shone through was blinding, but I pushed through, and we reached the top.

I hear an excited laugh from Manami as she jumps off my back and runs to the rails on the side of the mountain. From there, the entire island is visible. Most buildings look like small boxes and the few cars being driven around look like toys.

The star of the view is the ocean; it has a brilliant shimmer from reflecting sunlight. Paired along with the visitors swimming, the colorful bridge, and the boats floating about, it’s a breathtaking view.

But, once again, it couldn’t compare to the view I kept from everyone else. The sparkle in her eyes brighter than the shimmer in the sea, her big smile more warming than the sun, and her beauty more breathtaking than any view in existence.

After reveling in this blessing, I take a picture. I would have preferred to keep this to myself, but I want to thank her parents for giving me the opportunity to experience this.

“This is amazing!” Manami yells. “This…” She choked on her words as she began to cry. “This is because of you.” Before I can react, Manami runs over to me and embraces me.

For a few seconds she cries on my shoulder. Then, she honors me with her fantastic smile. But it began to leave my vision as she pulled herself closer.

Our lips connect.

“Thank you.” She whispers after returning to my shoulder.

My body refused to move. Believing we could lose the thrilling sensation that rushed through my veins. But after my heart was no longer attempting to free itself from the confines behind my ribs, I return her embrace.

“Take some pictures.” She said as she wiped away some tears.

I do as she ordered. The rest of our group, including her dad, joined us at the top not long after. They enjoyed the view, and we took pictures together. There weren’t many taken as our photographer’s sobs became impossible for him to control.

“Come on.” Manami pulled her dad with her and handed me the camera.

“Ready?” They nod and the camera clicks. Afterwards, Manami pointed at things down below with her dad.

“You did it big bro.” Toro said as he wiped some tears away.

“Congratulations.” Catalina added.

“Thanks, I really appreciate you all coming.” I lay down on the bench I claimed to myself. I wasn’t tired. But I could feel something welling inside that made me feel a bit sick.

Toro took notice of my expression. “You ok?”

“I think so. Must be a bit of altitude sickness.”

“I see.” He said in a way to call me a liar. Perhaps we could talk about it another time, but I didn’t want to dwell on it for now.

After everyone finishes at the peak, we head down.

Manami’s embrace was somehow warmer. It may have been her joyous hums on the way down or her calming heartbeat. Whatever it could be, it made this date even more worthwhile.