After dropping out of school, I chose to join a girls' band.

"But... why does this place feel so familiar? This must be my first time here, right?" Hinasaki felt that the place in front of her looked somewhat familiar.

As a local, Momoko Kurosawa knew this very well. Looking at the shrine, she calmly added, "That's right. The tourism industry in Mt. Hikami was once abandoned due to a mudslide. In recent years, the government has begun to pay attention to the tourism industry and has gradually restored and developed Mt. Hikami. The shrine is also part of this wave of development."

“But now it seems…” Peach looked at the bustling crowd in front of her, “it’s had some effect after all; at least there are quite a few tourists now.”

The process of visiting the shrine at Mount Hikami is no different from that of other shrines. One still bows slightly when passing through the torii gate to show respect to the gods.

Then, gently pick up the spoon at the hand rest, scoop up water, first wash one hand with the other, then gently raise the water to the lips, symbolically rinsing the mouth to wash away the dust brought from the outside world and the troubles in the heart.

Next, incense money is thrown in, and the soft sound of the coins falling is heard. Holding the thick rope, one gently shakes the hanging bell, makes a wish, and the standard worship process is thus completed.

Yue was the first to complete the worship process. She stood quietly in front of the shrine, her gaze sweeping over her surroundings. The others were still devoutly completing their worship, and she decided to take this opportunity to draw a fortune slip.

I went to the divination stick drawing area, paid the fee, and received permission to draw a divination stick.

She gently grasped the divination stick container and began to shake it. The wooden sticks inside made a slight clinking sound, as if responding to her expectations.

Just as she was focused on her work, a question suddenly popped into her mind—"Who exactly is the deity enshrined at the shrine on Mount Hikami?"

This question, like a gentle breeze, quietly swept across her heart.

She frowned, slightly puzzled, but before she could think about it further, a fortune stick slipped gently from the bucket and fell to the ground with the shaking motion.

"Ah...it's out." She murmured softly, preparing to bend down to pick up the fallen slip.

However, just as her hand was about to touch the wooden stick, a fair and slender hand beat her to it and picked it up for her.

"Not bad luck." Momoko Kurosawa's voice rang out softly from the side, tinged with a hint of teasing and joking. The corners of her mouth turned up slightly, and a sly glint flashed in her eyes as she looked at the fortune slip in Yue's hand. "Moderately auspicious. It also says you might have some luck in love."

The moon looked up at the peach and said, "Since you found it, doesn't that mean it's your lucky charm in love?"

"But you're the one who drew this, so it should still be yours, right?"

"That's hard to say. Maybe there's a peach blossom? Liu Bajiu Wu Balin Si? [~〢Mingwu Yun should be you, Peach."]

The two smiled at each other and sat down on the stool together.

A gentle breeze carried a cool scent. Yue's gaze fell upon the crowd of worshippers not far away, and she sighed softly, "It feels like things have changed a lot."

Peach turned her head slightly to the side, her gentle gaze sweeping over the moon's profile, and asked softly, "Are you referring to going up the mountain at sunrise, or to us?"

The moon gazes into the distance, its gaze deep and serene, "I suppose so."

"That's true."

Peach nodded.

The two fell silent.

Just as they were immersed in the quiet atmosphere, Aine's voice broke the silence: "Ah! You're all here! I was just saying that I wanted to invite everyone to draw an ema (votive plaque) together."

Yue stood up, a smile returning to her face, and gently asked, "That's not bad either, Aine. What wish do you want to make?"

"Of course, we hope Mygo can succeed in the Bang Dream competition!" Aine said matter-of-factly.

Hearing this from the side, Peach's eyes flashed with a hint of defiance, and she chuckled softly, "Then we in Ave Mujica will also write down the same wish, hoping to achieve success."

Bonus Chapter: Mountain Trip - Chapter Fourteen: Dinner and Performance

After hanging the ema (votive plaques), it gradually got dark, and the air was filled with the unique coolness of the mountains.

Everyone prepared to head down the mountain to the hot spring hotel at the foot of the mountain to enjoy a relaxing day.

However, this time, Ms. Momoko Kurosawa confidently stepped forward and patted her chest, saying, "As a local from Mount Hikami, we don't need to take the usual route. We can walk down the mountain and get there quickly."

At Taozi's urging and with her confident leadership, everyone decided to forgo taking the cable car and instead walk down the mountain.

At first, everyone was full of anticipation, enjoying the mountain breeze and the beautiful scenery around them.

The mountain road winds its way down, the shadows of the trees sway, and sunlight filters through the branches and leaves, casting a tranquil glow on the stone steps.

However, it turned out that Peach's confidence seemed a bit over the top.

An hour and a half later, the group finally arrived at the foot of the mountain, panting, and found the hot spring hotel they had booked.

By this time, night had fallen, and the group was almost completely exhausted, with fatigue gradually creeping onto their faces.

"I... I will never listen to your advice again, Momo!" Hinasaki complained weakly, her hair disheveled, with a few withered yellow leaves stubbornly hanging on her head.

She tried to wipe it off haphazardly with her hands, but she couldn't get it clean no matter what she did.

Seeing this, Shiina Riki couldn't help but smile. She went over and carefully smoothed her hair, gently picking the leaves out of her hair.

“You really are,” she said gently, “don’t move around.”

"Well... I haven't been here for a long time either, so it's normal to get lost in the mountains for a while."

Momoko Kurosawa shrugged, her tone revealing a hint of guilt, clearly embarrassed by the fact that she had led the wrong way.

The initial excitement gradually turned into fatigue and helplessness on everyone's faces. Hinasaki sighed helplessly, and just as she was about to say something more, she suddenly heard a clear "Goo—".

Her gaze followed the source of the sound and she saw Yutenji Nyanmu clutching her stomach, her face showing an expression of extreme hunger.

"Don't say anything more... Meow Dream... I'm so hungry my stomach is practically sticking to my back..." Meow Dream's voice was weak, and her eyes were full of longing for food.

"Me too..." Ai Yin also clutched her stomach, and even her usually energetic smile looked much more tired.

"Sho... I'm hungry." Even the usually taciturn Ruoye Mutsu spoke softly. Although her voice was not loud, her gesture of clutching her stomach clearly conveyed the same meaning.

Hearing the complaints of several people, the others also began to realize that hunger was spreading through their bodies.

Three whole hours have passed since they started climbing the mountain this morning, and during this long time they have hardly eaten anything properly, only a few wagashi (Japanese sweets) to barely satisfy their hunger.

Moreover, mountain climbing is an extremely physically demanding activity, and taking the wrong path further depletes their energy.

As several people spoke in succession, the rumbling of their stomachs began to echo simultaneously, and everyone involuntarily clutched their stomachs, a wry smile appearing on their faces.

"There should be some food options near the hot spring inn... Let's go check it out!"

Xiaoyue's suggestion was approved by everyone, and the group quickly headed towards the hot spring hotel at the foot of the mountain.

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"So many people...?" Hinasaki stood at the street entrance at the foot of the mountain, looking at the bustling crowd before her, her brows slightly furrowed. Compared to the tranquility of the shrine on the mountain, this place was unusually lively, with pedestrians coming and going, bright lights, and the streets filled with a cacophony of sounds.

She muttered to herself, sounding somewhat surprised, "I didn't notice it at the shrine, but how come there are so many people as soon as we get to the foot of the mountain?"

"It seems... even more lively than the city." Ryouya Kōbō, standing to the side, glanced at the crowded street ahead, her eyes filled with surprise. She clearly hadn't expected this mountain town to have so many tourists.

"Looks like there are more people soaking in hot springs than going to shrines." Nagasaki Motoyo looked around, smiled slightly, and said with a hint of teasing in her tone.

As the crowd surged, everyone felt somewhat disoriented. Hinasaki Tsuki turned to Kurosawa Momoko; as a local, she should be most familiar with the area. "Any recommendations from locals?"

Peach stroked her chin, a thoughtful expression on her face, her gaze sweeping thoughtfully across the street. She remained silent, as if recalling some details. Everyone waited silently for her answer, their eyes fixed on her, the atmosphere filled with anticipation.

"Hmm..." Peach gave a soft hum, as if she was finally about to give an answer, and everyone held their breath.

"Hmm... I don't know!" she suddenly said matter-of-factly, her face still calm.

"!!!" In an instant, everyone was stunned.

"What were you thinking about just now?!" Miao Meng couldn't help but complain, her voice filled with helplessness and amusement.

Upon hearing this, Peach remained unfazed, pointing to the surrounding crowd and saying, "I was just wondering... when did this street become so lively? I didn't see this many people when I came here last year."

Everyone fell silent for a moment. Hinasaki sighed helplessly, her expectations for Momoko Kurosawa, her "local guide," plummeting to rock bottom.

Just when everyone's dependence on Momo had completely disappeared and they were preparing to find their own way out, Miss Momo suddenly changed her tone and gave them a glimmer of hope: "However... if it's just about soaking in hot springs, I do know a place."

"Is there any food there?" Aine asked immediately, her voice full of anticipation.

Peach scratched her head, slightly embarrassed, and replied, "I don't know. I only went there to soak in the hot springs with Mihua's mother before."

"But as a hot spring inn, there should be food and drinks provided, right..." Her tone was full of uncertainty, clearly indicating that she wasn't very sure.

Hearing this, the crowd exchanged bewildered glances, clearly not entirely convinced. Yue looked around again; long queues stretched out in front of the shops, the aroma of steaming food filling the air, but it was obvious that waiting in line would take quite a while.

Looking at the bustling restaurants and endless crowds, everyone's stomachs began to rumble in protest, which was quite inappropriate.

"Let's try our luck, it's better than standing in a long line here," Xiaoyue said, looking at the long queue of shops in front of her.

--------------

The chilled soda was slowly poured into a clear glass. Under the light, the clear liquid rippled with tiny bubbles, like countless tiny stars twinkling in the glass.

The sound of carbon dioxide bursting, accompanied by the crisp sound of ice cubes colliding with each other, transforms into the most beautiful melody of summer.

We felt a bit chilly on the mountain just now, which made us wrap our coats tighter.

However, after a long journey, fatigue and heat gradually replaced the previous coolness.

At that moment, the icy coolness of the soda seeped into everyone's throats just right, dispelling the thirst and fatigue after climbing the mountain.

The glass in my hand conveys a cool sensation, ice cubes swirl slowly in the soda, occasionally colliding to make a crisp sound. Through the glass, you can feel the refreshing coolness, with a hint of sweetness and the stimulation of bubbles, bursting on your tongue, instantly transporting you to a summer dream, and all fatigue is completely dissolved by the coolness at this moment.

"cheers!"

With a cheer, everyone raised their glasses, the clear glass cups clinking gently together, making a crisp, melodious sound, like the most pleasant music in summer.

Hinasaki took the first sip of the ice-cold soda. The clear liquid, accompanied by countless tiny bubbles, slid down her throat, and the refreshing coolness spread instantly.

The bubbles burst in her throat, bringing a slight stinging sensation and unparalleled refreshment. She couldn't help but let out a satisfied sigh: "Wow!"

"Logically speaking, I should drink less soda to protect my throat," she put down her cup with a satisfied smile, "but on such a tiring and hot day, I still can't resist having a sip of ice-cold carbonated beverage."

Before them, a bubbling sukiyaki pot sat in the center of the table, steaming hot.

In the pot, the rich broth slowly simmered, and the red and white slices of beef and mutton were faintly visible in the soup. As the temperature in the pot rose, the slices of meat gradually changed color and emitted a mouthwatering aroma.

The thinly sliced ​​beef and lamb are paired with fresh mushrooms picked from the mountains. The mushroom caps are soaked with broth, slightly curled, and give off a unique mushroom aroma.

The homegrown vegetables are lush and green, and the leaves gradually soften in the soup, their tender texture making it easy to imagine the smoothness and deliciousness on your lips and teeth.

The ingredients in the pot are soaked in a delicious broth. The broth is thick but not greasy, and it exudes a warm and enticing aroma. It seems that every bite allows you to taste the original flavor of the ingredients.

The heat, along with the aroma, wafted over, lingering around everyone's noses. The stomachs, as if awakened by the enticing fragrance, began to murmur their protests.

Everyone at the table unconsciously swallowed, their hunger growing stronger with the aroma of sukiyaki.

------------

"Hu~~"

After a fierce culinary "battle," the aroma of food still lingered in the air, but all that remained on the table was an empty casserole dish and a rice bowl with not a single grain of rice in sight.

Hinasaki let out a long sigh, leaned back in her chair, and held a steaming cup of matcha in her hands.