After the marshmallow feast, everyone gathered closer around the campfire. The teachers had retreated to their tents, leaving the students to "bond responsibly."
Which, in translation, meant chaotic storytelling time.
Reina stood dramatically by the flames, holding a flashlight under her chin.
"Welcome, everyone, to… the Kawamura Campfire Ghost Story Hour!"
The group cheered. Someone even started recording on their phone.
Haruto sat cross-legged on a log, and Aoi plopped down right beside him — a little too close, her shoulder brushing his.
"You scared already?" he teased.
She stuck out her tongue. "No. I just like sitting here. The fire's warm."
"Sure," he said, smirking. "It's definitely the fire."
"Haruto-kun, you're going to regret teasing me when I scream in your ear later."
"…Wait, what—"
Too late — Reina was already beginning her first story.
---
"Many years ago," she said, lowering her voice, "a group of students from this very school stayed at this lodge…"
Aoi stiffened. "Nope. Don't like where this is going."
Haruto chuckled under his breath.
"They say one of them disappeared into the forest one night," Reina continued, her flashlight flickering at the perfect time. "And on quiet evenings, if you listen carefully… you can still hear footsteps behind you."
Crunch.
Someone stepped on a twig.
Aoi shrieked and grabbed Haruto's arm without hesitation.
"AHHH—WHAT WAS THAT!?"
The whole group laughed, and Haruto tried not to laugh too hard himself.
"It's just Sato," he said. "He dropped his phone."
Aoi glared. "I knew that! I was just—uh—testing your reflexes."
"Right," he said, smiling. "You definitely weren't hiding behind me."
She crossed her arms. "Protective instincts, okay? Totally normal."
---
The stories went on, each more exaggerated than the last.
By the fifth one, Aoi had completely given up pretending to be brave — every sudden noise made her flinch.
At one point, she even whispered, "If a ghost shows up, I'm haunting you next."
"Good luck scaring me," he whispered back. "I'd just tell you to do your homework."
"You're heartless."
"I'm realistic."
"You're also a terrible comfort."
"Maybe. But you're still clinging to my arm."
"…Shut up."
---
Then came the finale.
Reina leaned forward. "For our last story… this one's said to be true."
The fire crackled, sparks leaping up into the dark.
"Legend says there's a mirror spirit in the lodge. If you look into the bathroom mirror after midnight and say your wish aloud, you might just see her reflection behind you—"
THUNDER! ⚡
The sky suddenly boomed, and the entire group screamed.
Aoi practically launched herself into Haruto's chest.
"WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT AT NIGHT!?"
Haruto nearly fell backward, trying to steady her.
"I-it's just thunder!"
"Nope! Nope! I'm done! Ghosts win!"
The teacher's voice called out from a distance, "Alright everyone! Back inside before it rains!"
The students scrambled back toward the lodge, laughing and panicking in equal measure.
---
Once they were inside, the storm hit — rain tapping against the windows, the wind whistling through the cracks.
Aoi sat beside Haruto on the couch in the lounge, still clutching his sleeve.
"Okay," she said, glaring at the lightning outside, "this is officially the worst weather for ghost stories."
Haruto smiled softly. "You'll be fine."
"Oh really? And what if I see something in the mirror?"
"Then you'll scream."
"Not funny!"
He chuckled. "Fine, fine. How about this — if you get scared tonight, just text me."
She blinked. "You'll actually reply?"
"Of course."
"…Even if it's 2 a.m.?"
"I'll probably regret it, but yeah."
Aoi grinned. "Then it's a deal."
---
Later that night, the rain softened into a steady drizzle.
Haruto lay in his sleeping bag, half-asleep, when his phone buzzed.
> Aoi: Haruto-kun are you awake
Aoi: I heard a sound
Aoi: it wasn't thunder it was footsteps I swear
He smiled groggily.
> Haruto: It's probably Reina getting snacks again.
Aoi: what if it's the mirror spirit
Haruto: Then tell her to pay rent.
A few moments passed before another message appeared.
> Aoi: Can I come over there?
He sat up, blinking.
> Haruto: …To my room??
Aoi: Just outside the door!! I can't sleep okay 😭
He sighed, smiling despite himself.
> Haruto: Fine. I'll wait outside.
---
A few minutes later, Aoi appeared in the hallway — wrapped in her blanket like a ghost herself.
He almost laughed. "You look terrifying."
"Good," she said, her voice muffled under the blanket. "Now ghosts will be too scared to haunt me."
They sat quietly in the hallway for a while, listening to the rain.
Aoi leaned her head against his shoulder. "This is better," she murmured.
Haruto felt his heartbeat jump. "You're impossible, you know that?"
"Mm-hm," she said sleepily. "And you're my favorite person to bother."
He smiled softly. "Lucky me."
---
The thunder rolled again, but this time, Aoi didn't flinch.
She just sighed contentedly, whispering, "Thanks, Haruto-kun… for keeping me safe."
He looked down at her — her eyes half-closed, her smile gentle.
And for the first time that night, he wasn't thinking about ghosts or thunder.
Just her.