We've climbed quite far now.

Yes. Based on this map, the best spot for viewing leaves should be just up ahead...

Hey, look!

There's the observation deck!

It's reattempt time!

We've gotta take as many pictures as we can!

Yes, let's try getting closer!

There's no need to rush. It's not like the leaves are going anywhere.

Hm? I thought I felt a raindrop just now...

Huh?

I felt one as well. Is a raincloud passing over us?

Wait, but the forecast said it wouldn't rain!

Nothing for it. We need to hurry and see the leaves before it really starts coming down...!

Uh oh...

Wow, here it comes!

What terrible timing...

Did you all bring umbrellas?

Yes, we both brought compact umbrellas.

That includes you, Saki.

You'll catch a cold if you don't stay dry.

*Sob*

But we were so close... It was sunny, and the leaves were right there...

We failed our mission...

...

(Right. Up here in the mountains, the weather can change in an instant...)

(The goal of this trip was to go leaf-viewing, so we probably should've done this first.)

(Then we would've been able to see the leaves like we wanted...)

(It's my fault for not scheduling this activity first.)

It may be raining now...

But this is also really nice.

Huh...?

I don't know if it's because the rain made them wet, but these leaves seem much more vibrant compared to when the sun was out just now.

I remember feeling so sad when it rained like this when we were children, but I think I'm really enjoying leaf-viewing in this weather.

Yes, I'm inclined to agree with Shizuku here.

Just as the leaves appear one way when it's sunny, they'll look completely different when it's rainy...

Yeah, but...

*Gasp*

Tsukasa, there's a leaf stuck to your umbrella...

Oh, it looks like it's a part of my umbrella's design now! This wouldn't have happened if it were still sunny.

Yeah, it's really pretty...!

Hehe. We must be very blessed, getting to experience so much.

Yeah...

(I really am nothing like these three.)

(I'm always worrying about not wasting time and stuff.)

(Even for this trip, I obsessed over coming up with the most efficient itinerary...)

(And I immediately thought it fell apart the second something unexpected happened.)

(But they don't care about any of that.

Instead, they're...)

(They're able to fully enjoy what's right in front of them...)

(They cherish every second of every moment.)

(Sure, that leads to us taking a lot of detours and having to clean up extra messes...)

(But when I'm with them, I'm able to see the benefits of all the things that I refused to consider...)

(At least, that's what I feel.)

I'm glad we came here today.

Especially since we got to see such a beautiful view.

Shii...!

Hehe. Thank goodness!

I'm so glad to hear that you're having fun, Shiho!

Yes, I'm also glad.

I was honestly a little worried, since you almost literally carried this entire trip on your back.

I sure did, and don't you forget it.

Oof...

I'm only teasing.

Oh...!

Look, it's starting to clear up a little!

Oh, you're right! Sunbeams are beginning to poke through the clouds...

Oh...!

Wow...!

The leaves... They're sparkling so much...!

It's beautiful...

Yes, very...

The contrast between these leaves and the sunset... What a stunning view!

Hehe. On top of seeing the leaves when it rained, we got to see them as the sky cleared back up.

This is all thanks to the plan you made for us, Shiho...

Yes, we can't thank you enough!

This place has been an absolute feast for our eyes!

Yeah!

Thanks for putting so much thought into this!

Wait, this is all just a big coincidence.

To be frank, things didn't actually go according to plan.

(Still...)

(I am glad to see them all smiling like this...)