On their way back to join the others, Elly walked quietly, lost in thought. Her silence was noticeable enough that Zul couldn't help but worry.

"Who was the voice talking to me earlier? It seemed to be encouraging me to fight back," wondered Elly about the unknown voice that had spoken inside her head earlier.

"Elly, you've been silent since then. What's wrong?" Zul asked, studying her expression carefully.

"Oh, it's nothing. Don't worry about it," Elly replied with a forced smile.

“By the way, Elly, your swimsuit looks great with you”, said Zul compliment Elly swimsuit.

“Really!? Thanks for its Zul, I just brought it with Mizuha and Shimizu yesterday, this is Shimizu suggestion for me.

When they finally reached Mizuha and Shimizu, both girls immediately rushed to Elly's side.

"Elly-chan, are you okay? Did something happen to you?" Mizuha asked, her voice filled with concern as she grabbed Elly's hands.

"Yeah, we were really worried about you, you know!" Shimizu added, examining her friend for any signs of distress.

Elly managed a genuine smile this time, touched by her friends' concern. "Don't worry about it. Everything's settled now, thanks to Zul and Hikaru helping me earlier."

"What actually happened?" Mizuha pressed gently, still holding onto Elly's hands.

"Actually..." Elly began, and proceeded to tell them about the incident with the two strangers. As she shared the story, she kept her internal struggle to herself, focusing on how Zul and Hikaru had arrived just in time to save her.

"What!? Two strangers tried to drag you away with them?" Mizuha exclaimed, her eyes wide with shock.

Shimizu's face contorted with anger. "Where are those guys? Let me beat them up! How dare they try to take my best friend away!"

"No need for that," Hikaru interjected, placing a calming hand on Shimizu's shoulder. "They already ran away. Zul and I gave them a lesson earlier."

Zul, sensing the need to move past the incident, spoke up. "Enough with all that. It's in the past already. Why don't we enjoy our day before it gets late?"

"Yeah, what are we waiting for? Let's go into the river for a swim!" Hikaru added enthusiastically. Both of Hikaru and Zul enter into the river after that.

As the tension dissipated, Shimizu's attention shifted to Elly's swimsuit. Her eyes lit up with pride. "That's it! The swimsuit I chose for you fits you perfectly!"

Elly blushed slightly, pleased by the compliment. "Yeah, thanks for it, Shimizu-chan. Zul said the same thing before."

Suddenly, Shimizu's gaze became more scrutinizing as she looked from Elly to Mizuha and back again. "Wait a moment," she said, her eyes narrowing as she compared their figures.

"Umm, what are you doing, Shimizu-chan?" Elly asked, growing uncomfortable under the intense stare.

Mizuha sighed, recognizing Shimizu's behavior. "Wait, don't tell me you're comparing our breast sizes again?"

"I can't believe it, they're so huge!" Shimizu exclaimed; her eyes wide. She turned to Elly, curiosity overtaking her sense of propriety. "Elly, what's your cup size?"

Feeling embarrassed, Elly leaned in and whispered her answer to Shimizu and Mizuha. Their jaws dropped as Elly revealed her size was D.

"We lost," Shimizu said, a mix of awe and disappointment in her voice.

“Eh, what happened, Shimizu-chan?” said Elly feel curious about it. “Just ignore her, Elly-chan, that not important actually” said Mizuha touch Elly shoulder from behind.

Before the conversation could continue down this awkward path, Hikaru's voice rang out from inside the river as he and Zul already wade into ir. "What are you guys waiting for? Let's get into the river!"

“Ah, we coming now!!” replied Shimizu.

Shimizu and Elly wade into the river. "Oh, this river feels so good," says Shimizu. "You're right," Elly replies, "it takes away the heat from the hot weather."

Mizuha, however, feels a bit scared to enter the water. "Um, is this, okay? I'm worried I might drown," she thinks to herself.

"Hey, Mizuha, what are you waiting for? Get into the river!" Shimizu calls out.

Elly adds, "Mizuha-chan, come in quickly! It feels so refreshing in here!"

Shimizu suddenly realizes, "Wait, Mizuha, it can't be... You can't swim?"

"Yes, it's embarrassing to admit, but I really can't swim," Mizuha confesses, blushing.

Hikaru then exits the river and approaches Mizuha. "Here, Mizuha, take my hands. I'll help you into the river. Don't worry, it's not too deep," he offers reassuringly.

"Um, thanks, Hikaru. I'll try my best," Mizuha says hesitantly.

"Look at that, the boyfriend is coming to the rescue," Shimizu teases, as usual.

"Ah, shut up, Shimizu. You're so annoying," Hikaru retorts.

Mizuha takes Hikaru's hands and slowly moves into the river. "See, I told you it's not too deep, try to floating yourself, but be careful with the rocks in the river. You might slip on them," Hikaru warns.

"Oh, the water feels so cold, but it's refreshing in this hot weather. And the water is so clear! I can see fish swimming around us," Mizuha exclaims.

Shimizu notices that Mizuha is still holding Hikaru's hands and teases them, "Oh, how long do you two plan on holding hands?" She chuckles as she says this.

Both Mizuha and Hikaru suddenly realize they're still holding hands. They quickly let go, feeling awkward. "Ah, sorry, I didn't realize," Mizuha says sheepishly.

"Same here, sorry," Hikaru adds.

"Ah, Shimizu, why do you always tease me and Mizuha? I was just trying to help Mizuha, you know," says Hikaru, upset with Shimizu's teasing, as he splashes water at her.

"Ah, sorry, it's just a habit. Haha," Shimizu apologizes with a small chuckle.

"Mizuha, are you okay now?" Hikaru asks.

"I think I'm okay now. Thanks for helping me," Mizuha replies.

"But please be careful. Don't go to the center of the river if you're not used to it. The center is deeper than the sides," Hikaru warns, concerned about Mizuha's safety.

"Understood. Thanks for your concern. I'll be careful about it," Mizuha replies.

Mizuha moves towards Elly and Shimizu while Hikaru finds a big rock to sit on.

As Mizuha approach her friends suddenly, Shimizu sends a splash towards Mizuha. "Hey, Mizuha! Take this!" Shimizu exclaims.

Mizuha responds with a soft chuckle and a moderate splash back. "Hey Shimizu, now you done it, then take this!" she says, splashing water back at Shimizu. The splash not only hits Shimizu but also Elly.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"Geez, Mizuha-chan, you got me too," Elly complains.

"Sorry, sorry, I did it too strongly. Haha!" Mizuha apologizes with a chuckle.

"But this is really fun," Elly agrees. "Take this!" Her splashes match her friends in enthusiasm.

"That's cold!" Mizuha chuckles as the water hits her body.

"This is the best!" Shimizu declares, sending another wave towards her friends.

"Hey, Elly-chan, look! There's a group of fish swimming around us," Mizuha says excitedly.

"What? Where?" asks Elly.

"Over there, look!" replies Mizuha, pointing.

"You're right, there are many of them!" Elly exclaims.

As they continue their water play, the three friends laugh and chat, enjoying the cool river and each other's company on this warm summer day.

Hikaru sits on a rock in the center of the river, smiling as he watches his female friends enjoy themselves. "Today's a nice day. It's been a while since I've gone on a picnic like this," he muses to himself. "By the way, where did Zul go? I haven't seen him since we got into the river," Hikaru wonders aloud.

Suddenly, Zul emerges from the river in front of Hikaru, wearing swimming goggles over his eyes. "You called? Sorry, I was diving deeper in the river," Zul explains.

"Whoa, Zul! Don't just appear like that. You nearly gave me a heart attack," Hikaru exclaims.

"Ah, sorry. I didn't mean to shock you like that," Zul apologizes. He takes off his goggles, places them on top of his head, and sits beside Hikaru.

"Don't you want to dive into the river? It feels so good and cool inside," says Zul.

"Thanks, but I think I'll pass on that," Hikaru replies.

Zul suddenly said, "Today's a nice day, right? It's great we can go on a picnic like this."

"You're right. I'm glad the five of us could come here today. I won't forget a day like this," Hikaru replies, smiling.

Zul chuckles at Hikaru's response.

"What's with that chuckle? It's rare to see you laughing like that," Hikaru asks.

"It's nothing. I just notice you've been more cheerful and smiling recently compared to last year when we were in middle school," Zul explains.

"You think so? I never noticed," Hikaru says.

"I think since Mizuha transferred to our school, her influence has slowly changed me and helped me forget the past, even though she somewhat resembles that person," Hikaru reflects.

"Oh, that person, you mean... ah, sorry. I know you don't want to talk about it anymore," Zul says.

"It's okay, Zul. That's already in the past," Hikaru reassures him.

"But you're right about Mizuha's influence. I think it's not only changed you but all of us," Zul adds.

"All of us? What do you mean?" Hikaru asks.

"You see, if not for Mizuha, we might not be close friends with Shimizu, Shimizu still might to isolate with the others and also we might not be having a day like today as Shimizu planned for today. Also, thanks to her, Elly looks more cheerful now. I was really worried about Elly after her older twin passed away.

I was concerned she looked down and sad, and her decision to change herself worried me as she overdid it until she became too timid and shy, unlike her past self," Zul explains.

"But since she's become friends with Mizuha and Shimizu, she's slowly changing and manage to balanced herself and looks more cheerful with those two," Zul continues.

"You're right. Elly can even talk to me properly now, unlike in middle school before," Hikaru agrees.

"So, Mizuha's influence has really changed all of us, huh?" Hikaru chuckles.

"Also, Zul, you've changed a bit too. You're more talkative recently. Has Mizuha's influence changed you as well?" Hikaru asks.

"You think so? I guess even a little of her influence might have changed me too. Haha," Zul chuckles in response.

"Hey, both of you! What are you chatting about on that rock? Come play with this ball together!" Shimizu calls out to Hikaru and Zul.

"Oh, looks like they're calling us. Let's go, Zul," says Hikaru.

"You're right," Zul agrees.

"Ah, we're coming now!" Hikaru replies to the call while starting to move towards Mizuha and the others.

At the same time, both Zul and Hikaru feel a bit puzzled and think the same thing: "By the way, where did they get that ball from?"

After that, the five of them play with the ball together until they decide to leave the river and change back their clothes to normal one.

After changing back into their normal clothes, the group regroups at the site. They return the rented BBQ equipment to the administration office before discussing their day.

"Today was the best!" Shimizu exclaims.

"You're right. We should do this again next year," Mizuha suggests.

"That's a great idea, Mizuha-chan," Elly agrees enthusiastically.

Zul checks the time and says, "What should we do now? It's still early, and our train doesn't come for another hour."

The group ponders what to do until their train arrives. Without hesitation, Mizuha speaks up, "Hey guys, how about we explore the nearest town? I'm sure there are some interesting things we can buy."

"That's a nice idea, Mizuha, it so rare you suggesting something like this" Shimizu approves.

"Alright then, let's go explore the town until our train arrives," Hikaru decides.

"Yeah, agreed!" the five of them chime in unison.

As they're about to start walking, Mizuha suddenly stops them. "Please wait a moment, you guys."

"Huh? What is it, Mizuha-chan?" Elly asks, curious.

"Before we go, let's take a photo together here. I want to save this memorable day in a picture, and I'd also like to sketch it later as a drawing," Mizuha explains.

"Mizuha..." Shimizu says, touched by the sentiment.

"Alright, let's take it together," Hikaru agrees.

They ask a passerby to take their photo, with the river and mountains as their background.

"Thank you for taking it for us," Mizuha says to the kind stranger.

Checking the photo, Mizuha nods approvingly. "Nice, this will do."

"I hope you can create a great drawing from this, Mizuha-chan," Elly encourages.

"Thanks, Elly-chan," Mizuha replies with a smile.

With their memento captured, the five friends start moving away from the riverside, heading towards the town. As they walk, they chat excitedly about what they might find in the local shops. Mizuha and Elly hope to find some unique accessories or souvenirs, while Shimizu is more interested in trying local snacks. Zul and Hikaru are content to follow along, enjoying the company of their friends.

"Ah, what's with that crowd?" Shimizu suddenly says, looking at many people lined up at one shop.

"What is going on there?" Mizuha asks.

"It's an ice cream shop. Look how popular it is, many people are lined up," Zul explains.

"Then how about we try it ourselves?" Hikaru suggests.

All of them line up to buy and try that ice cream.

"Mm, this is so delicious," Elly says.

"That's right, this is the best," Shimizu agrees.

"It's so delicious, that's why many people line up to buy it," Mizuha adds.

"Hikaru, what's your favorite?" Mizuha asks Hikaru.

"Mine is chocolate. How about yours?" Hikaru replies.

"Mine is vanilla with a bit of cookies," Mizuha says. "Do you want to taste it a bit? It's delicious, you know," Mizuha offers, blushing.

"Really? Can I taste it?" Hikaru asks. "Wait a moment, what are you thinking, Mizuha? This might be an indirect kiss, you know," Hikaru wonders in his mind.

"What's the matter, Hikaru?" Mizuha asks after Hikaru pauses for a moment.

"Oh, it's nothing... then let me taste a bit," Hikaru says, proceeding to taste it without hesitation.

"How about it?" Mizuha asks Hikaru about the ice cream's taste.

"Ah, you're right. It's so delicious," Hikaru confirms.

"Then do you want to try my ice cream flavor too?" Hikaru offers.

"Is it okay?" Mizuha asks.

"Sure, go ahead and taste it," Hikaru says.

"Mm, delicious. It's sweeter than mine," Mizuha comments.

Hikaru smiles at Mizuha's happy taste of the ice cream. Both of them enjoy their conversation about the ice cream.

Suddenly, Mizuha notices Shimizu has a smug smile directed at her and Hikaru. "What is it, Shimizu? Your smug smile feels so gross," Mizuha says.

"No, it's nothing. I'm just happy to see you two, hehe," Shimizu says while eating her ice cream.

"This girl, she always makes fun of me when I have a conversation with Hikaru," Mizuha thinks, feeling annoyed.

Both Zul and Elly smile, looking at each other and at Mizuha and Shimizu's funny moment while enjoyed eating their own ice cream.

Time passed after they explored the town, and their train finally arrived. "Oh, it's finally here," said Hikaru.

"Ready to return home?" asked Mizuha.

"No, not yet. Today I played like crazy, I don't want to return yet," said Shimizu. All of them laughed hearing that from Shimizu.

They made their way onto the train. Mizuha sat beside the window with Hikaru next to her. In front of Mizuha was Shimizu, with Elly sitting beside her. Zul sat next to Elly.

As the train moved towards their destination, Shimizu, Elly, and Zul fell asleep, exhausted. Only Mizuha and Hikaru remained awake.

"They're all sleeping," Mizuha observed.

"You're right. Maybe they're exhausted from today," Hikaru replied. "How about you, Mizuha? You can sleep too if you want. I'll wake you when we arrive."

"Thanks, but I'm not feeling sleepy at all," Mizuha said.

"Oh, I see," Hikaru responded. "Today was fun, right?"

"That's right. The BBQ, playing in the river, exploring the town, and eating ice cream - it was all fun," Mizuha agreed. "I think it was fun because we all went together. I'm glad I'm friends with you guys."

"Mizuha..." Hikaru thought, touched by her words. "Me too. I'm also happy that we all became friends. Let's continue our friendship forever."

"Yes, let's make sure that happens," Mizuha replied.

Mizuha and Hikaru chatted about the best moments of the day's picnic while waiting to arrive at their destination. Suddenly, Shimizu started sleep-talking, "Please, don't leave me, Kita-kun."

Both Mizuha and Hikaru were shocked. "Wait, was she sleep-talking just now?" Hikaru asked.

"Yes, I heard it too. She was calling someone's name," Mizuha confirmed. "Who is this Kita-kun? Is this person important to Shimizu?" she wondered. “Does Shimizu miss this person so much? She seems down when she looks at me with Hikaru and Elly with Zul having fun together earlier,” Mizuha thought again.

Mizuha and Hikaru decided to ignore that since it was Shimizu's piracy, and both of them continued chatting about their day until they arrived at the station.

Thirty minutes later, they finally arrived at their station, and they all separated and made their way to their own houses. "See you later, Mizuha," Hikaru said in front of Mizuha's house after walking her home.

"See you too," Mizuha replied. Hikaru then walked to his house.

"I'm home," Mizuha announced as she entered her house.

"Oh, welcome back, my dear," her mother replied. "So, how was your picnic today? Did you enjoy yourself?"

"Yes, today was so much fun. I have a lot to share with you, Mom," Mizuha said excitedly.

"That's good. I can't wait to hear about it," her mother said.

Mizuha told her mother and showing her all the photo about the best moments she had during the day's picnic with her friends, while her mother happily listened to her daughter's stories.