The clock ticked exactly to 07:30 AM.
All of us were gathered in front of the lodge, our bags slung over shoulders, sweatbands already on, legs still sore from yesterday's climb. The cold mountain air was crisp, the fog rolling across the gravel like ghostly arms.
And that's when we saw it.
An off-road vehicle revved to life in front of us. Behind the wheel was none other than Takeshi-sensei, sunglasses on, looking like someone's cool mountain-dwelling uncle.
Next to him sat Coach Reina, Sayaka and Aoi, waving casually as if they weren't about to abandon us to climb through the wilderness on foot.
"See you at the court!" Takeshi sensei shouted from the rolled-down window, sporting aviator sunglasses like a retired action hero.
The engine howled.
The tires kicked up dirt.
And they were gone.
Silence fell.
Then, Coach Tsugawa clapped his hands once.
"We're taking the old-fashioned route. Foot. Through the mountain path."
A chorus of groans answered him.
