Chapter 177: Finally, A Time To Explore!
"Brother, this time we really need to explore Kyoto, alright?"
Haruka chirped, her energy boundless despite their 'fun' night, even Haruto was speechless of how she could healed her energy that fast.
She was already dressed in a soft red yukata, her hair swept up with a beautiful red flower pin that matched the fabric. Her enthusiasm filled the room as she finished adjusting her obi.
Haruto emerged from the bath, a yawn escaping him as he ran a towel through his damp hair. Clad in nothing but a towel around his waist, he paused to observe his sister's excitement, his brow furrowed in mild concern.
"Are you sure you want to wear a yukata with geta? Those wooden sandals will hurt your feet," he remarked, noting her choice of attire.
Haruka waved off his concern with a determined grin. "Brother, don't underestimate me! I'll do anything for that perfect aesthetic photo. I'll upload it to my feed, and it'll be worth it!" she exclaimed, applying sunscreen to her face with a grin.
Haruto sighed, shaking his head. "I guess I need to follow the aesthetic too, huh?" he muttered, moving to the wardrobe and pulling out the dark red yukata Chiyo had prepared for him.
As he dressed, he couldn't help but notice how well their outfits complemented each other. Haruka's soft blue yukata contrasted beautifully with his darker one, creating a harmonious balance.
Still, there was one issue. "You know," he said as he adjusted his obi, "you're not going to let me bring a proper travel bag, are you?"
Haruka's sharp glance confirmed his suspicion. "Of course not! It ruins the vibe. A kinchaku bag is all we need—just enough for our phones, wallets, and maybe some small essentials."
Haruto chuckled under his breath. "Fine. But don't blame me if you need more than 'small essentials.'"
Secretly, he made space in his bag for a pair of slippers and a water bottle, knowing she'd thank him later.
The ryokan was conveniently close to the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, just a ten-minute walk away. As they strolled through the crowded streets, the serene atmosphere of Kyoto embraced them.
It was autumn, and the momiji trees were in full splendor. Their fiery red leaves adorned the ground, creating a picturesque scene that rivaled any postcard.
Despite the throngs of travelers filling the streets, the tranquil beauty of Kyoto remained undisturbed.
When they reached the iconic torii gates, lining the path to the shrine, Haruka's eyes sparkled.
"Brother, you have to take a photo of me here!" she squealed, rushing ahead to scout the perfect spot. She climbed the stairs, finally finding an ideal backdrop among the vivid red gates.
"Here! This is perfect!" she called, striking a pose.
Haruto adjusted the camera hanging around his neck, his lips quirking into an amused smile. "Alright, stay still," he said, snapping picture after picture as Haruka twirled and posed, her joy lighting up every frame.
As they continued their climb up the shrine's steps, Haruto couldn't help but smile to himself. 'Even if she drives me crazy sometimes, seeing her happy like this makes it all worth it.'
After exploring the lower paths of the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Haruka tugged on Haruto's sleeve, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Brother, let's not climb all the way to the top. I want to save our energy for Kiyomizu-dera! Imagine the view from there with all the momiji trees!"
Haruto chuckled, adjusting the camera strap on his shoulder. "You're the boss today. Let's head over before it gets too crowded."
They strolled back down the torii-lined path, pausing occasionally as Haruka insisted on more photos.
The vibrant red gates framed her perfectly, and her soft red yukata contrasted beautifully with the fiery momiji leaves scattered on the ground.
Once they reached the base, they hopped on a bus bound for Kiyomizu-dera. The journey was relatively short but offered stunning glimpses of Kyoto's seasonal beauty along the way.
Haruka pressed her face against the window, her excitement palpable as she pointed out every picturesque view.
When they arrived, the iconic temple loomed ahead, perched atop the hill with its grand wooden stage jutting out over the forest of red and gold leaves.
"Wow… It's even more breathtaking than I imagined," Haruka whispered in awe, clutching her bag tightly.
Haruto smiled at her wonder, his gaze lingering on the temple's grandeur. "Come on, let's head up before the light changes. You wanted those aesthetic photos, right?"
They climbed the stone steps, joining the flow of visitors making their way to the temple grounds. Haruto kept a protective hand near Haruka, ensuring she didn't trip in her geta.
Finally, they reached the top, stepping onto the famous wooden stage. The panoramic view stretched out before them—a sea of crimson and gold momiji trees blanketing the hills below, with the distant cityscape of Kyoto shimmering in the soft afternoon light.
"Brother, it's… it's perfect!" Haruka exclaimed, pulling him toward the railing.
She handed him her phone, positioning herself against the backdrop of the autumnal splendor. "Take one here!"
Haruto adjusted the angle, capturing her beaming smile framed by the rich hues of fall. After several shots, Haruka turned to him, tugging on his sleeve. "Your turn! Let me take one of you."
He laughed but complied, leaning casually against the railing as she snapped a few photos.
"Now let's take one together," she said, grabbing his arm and pulling him into the frame. She held her phone out for a selfie, but Haruto stopped her, shaking his head.
"Hold on, we'll use my camera. It'll look better," he said, setting it up on a nearby stand and adjusting the timer.
They posed together, Haruka's arm looped through his as they smiled against the breathtaking backdrop.
The camera clicked, capturing the perfect moment: two siblings in matching yukatas, framed by the vivid reds and golds of Kyoto in autumn.
As they reviewed the photos, Haruka's face lit up. "These are amazing! Brother, we look so good together!"
Haruto grinned, ruffling her hair gently. "Glad you're happy. Now, how about we grab some snacks before heading back?"
As Haruka leaned forward eagerly, ready to rush off, her excitement got the better of her balance, and she suddenly stumbled.
Before she could hit the ground, Haruto swiftly caught her, his arm steadying her as her face flushed in embarrassment.
"Are you alright?" he asked, his brow furrowed in concern. "I told you those geta were a nightmare."
Haruka avoided his gaze, her cheeks reddened. "I'm fine! Really, I can keep going—"
Haruto cut her off by scooping her up effortlessly in his arms, carrying her like a princess. "We're finding a place to sit. You almost twisted your ankle."
"Ugh! Brother!" Haruka protested, hiding her face in his shoulder as curious eyes in the crowd turned their way. "I can walk by myself! Put me down!"
"What are you rambling about?" Haruto sighed, his voice tinged with frustration but also a protectiveness.
"Your safety comes first. I can't let you walk when you're this clumsy in those things."
Despite her protests, Haruto carried her through the busy path until he found a bench beneath the shade of a tree.
Gently setting her down, he knelt in front of her and reached into his bag, pulling out a pair of soft pink slippers with rabbit designs on them.
Haruka stared at them in disbelief. "Brother, are you serious? These are for kids!"
He ignored her complaint, carefully slipping off her geta and replacing them with the slippers. "They'll keep your feet safe, and that's what matters. Stop worrying about aesthetics for once, Haruka."
She pouted, crossing her arms but allowing him to adjust the straps on the slippers. "I thought it would be fine," she muttered under her breath, still embarrassed.
Haruto sighed as he sat beside her, handing her a bottle of water. "You always say that. But next time, think it through. It's not worth getting hurt over some photos."
Haruka took a sip of the water, her gaze softening. "I know… but tomorrow's our last day, and we'll only have half the day to explore before the train leaves. I just… want to make the most of it with you."
Haruto's expression softened at her words. Reaching out, he ruffled her hair gently. "Don't worry about it. We'll come back again. We're not broke anymore, remember?"
Haruka's eyes widened in surprise, and then she smiled warmly. "Really? Just the two of us?"
"Yeah, just us. I promise," he said, his voice firm yet tender.
"Okay, that's a deal!" Haruka beamed, leaning her head against his shoulder.
Haruto smiled as he rested his arm around her. Together, they watched the vibrant momiji leaves flutter down in the gentle breeze, the lively hum of the crowd fading into the background.
For now, this moment of peace and togetherness was enough.
However, their moment of peace was abruptly interrupted by an excited voice behind them.
"Ah! I knew it! It's Haruto!"
Haruto and Haruka turned their heads toward the source of the voice. A girl with long brown hair and striking golden eyes stood before them, grinning widely. Discover more stories at empire
"Akane?" Haruto blinked, startled. His gaze lingered on her for a moment before recognition set in. "I thought you were visiting your grandparents' house."
"Yup! My grandparents live here in Kyoto!"
Akane replied, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. Her golden eyes sparkled as she looked at Haruto, finding the man she loved after not meeting him for a couple of weeks, making her happy.
Haruka's brow furrowed as her eyes darted between Haruto and Akane. "Who is she, brother?" she asked, her tone laced with confusion and a hint of annoyance that she didn't bother to hide.