A Weekend Away
Aurelia had been working hard, nonstop even, all spring. Her dance was getting better and better by the day, her grades were the best they could possibly be, and her latest performance at drama club blew everyone away.
And god, she was tired.
While going over some lines for her next performance with Eren's help, he extended her an invitation, "Once exams are over, come spend the weekend in Mt. Komorebi with me and Sakura. We can go sledding, and you can take a couple days to decompress before summer starts."
"I'll have to check with my parents," She answered. "But I'd love that."
Thursday nights are family dinner nights in the Cheng household, the one day of the week that Carin and Saiyan both have off. It was the perfect time for Aurelia to bring up Eren's offer.
"My friends want me to spend the weekend with them in Mt. Komorebi before summer starts." Aurelia told them. "I'd love to go, if you'd let me. I've always wanted to visit."
"I don't see why not." Carin is quick to agree. "You've done excellent work this spring, my dear, you deserve a little getaway."
"Thank you, Mother. I'll text them and let them know!"
Eren took Aurelia to one of the pop-up food stalls. "You have to try taiyaki." He told her. "They're fish-shaped cakes with red bean paste or custards inside, I think you'll like it."
Aurelia got one with vanilla custard filling to try. It was delicious! Unlike anything she'd ever had before.
The small town center around the park was so beautiful, she couldn't imagine what the rest of the place looked like.
Aurelia just had to get a selfie with Yamachan before they left the park. Would she really be a visitor if she didn't snatch a selfie with the city mascot?
As the festival started to wind down, Eren took Aurelia to the Hattori home. It's small but cozy, and Sakura was quick to make Aurelia feel welcome.
"I'm so glad you came! You'll have fun, I promise. I've got work over the weekend, but Eren can show you around Mt. Komorebi! And right now, we can stay up and watch TV, or play games, or..."
As fun as all that sounded, Aurelia was tired. "I'll stay up with you for a bit." She promised Sakura. "But I want to sleep at some point."
"Ah, who needs sleep!" Sakura laughed. "'Course, Lia. But let's play a couple games first."
After a few rounds of Party Frenzy, Aurelia was ready to turn in. Eren insisted that she take his room, refusing to let her sleep on the couch like she initially suggested. After a few token protests, Aurelia gave in, falling asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
The next morning, Aurelia finally got to meet Rubi Hattori, just returned from a work trip.
"You must be Aurelia. It's nice to finally meet you, the twins have talked about you a lot." Rubi told her.
"It's nice to meet you too, Miss Hattori." Aurelia answered.
After breakfast, a full day of sightseeing started. Aurelia and Eren's first stop was the Wakaba River, going swimming in the cool waters. Swimming was never Aurelia's strong suite, but she had fun, and that was all that really mattered.
After the river, it was off to Yukimatsu to go sledding on the Bunny Slope! It was the first time Aurelia had ever done it, so she was a little nervous at first...
"Whoa!" Aurelia shrieked when the sled went over a bump, flying up into the air.
"Hold on!" Eren laughed as they blasted down the slope, skidding safely to a halt at the bottom.
"That was amazing!" Aurelia gasped.
"Again?"
"Again!"
When they'd had enough of sledding, Eren took Aurelia to the Onsen for a soak in the hot springs. After running and playing in the snow all day, the steaming water felt great on Aurelia's tired muscles. They stayed there for about an hour before deciding to call it a day and head back.
At the end of the visit, back at the park, Eren said goodbye to Aurelia.
"I'm glad you came. You'll have to come back during the summer- maybe we can take a hike."
"That sounds great." Aurelia agreed. "Thanks for having me, Eren. This is exactly what I needed."
"Of course! Maybe next time, you'll have to show me around San Myshuno."
"I would love that. See you later, Eren."
"See you later, Aurelia."
Back at home, Aurelia resumed her usual activities- learning her lines, practicing her combinations, finishing the last bit of homework leftover from the spring. She felt rejuvenated, as if the mountains had breathed new life into the things she cared about.
Aurelia loved Mt. Komorebi, and she couldn't wait to go back.
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