Ah…

(How calming. My heart is still, and my body has separated from my self.)

(Resting is life’s ultimate goal. Leisuring has taught me all…)

……

…uji, Muneuji! Say something if you can hear me…!

Hrm… Kamina-san…?

You left early in the morning and didn’t come back for a few hours, so I went looking for you. Have you been doing waterfall meditation this entire time…?!

…Hours? I was of the impression only five minutes had passed.

I’ll help you up.

No, I’m still⁠—

I know you’re serious about leisuring, but this is going too far.

…You’re freezing cold.

I appreciate your concern, but I’m alright.

If anything, my leisuring endeavors are going quite well. I believe I’ll soon reach the state I was aiming for through my own power.

If you say so…

I’ll always support you working towards your goals, but you should at least have a proper breakfast.

Hm… Yes, I must not neglect my nutrition.

Phew, I’m glad you understand.

I just made some fluffy omelets with fresh eggs and butter. Let’s go back to the cottage and⁠—

Whilst I was under the waterfall, I not only lost my sense of self, but my sense of time as well. I do believe I was close to reaching that state…

Muneuji…?

Oh, you found him!

Yeah, he was doing waterfall meditation the whole morning.

He was what…?

I’m so close to letting go of all and separating myself from this world… Just one more step. What must I do to take that step?

Is he okay…?

He’s acting a bit like you were up until yesterday, Tao.

So I’m not the only one who’s concerned.

(Muneuji puts his all into everything he does, so he may just be trying to take this journey seriously, but…)

Welcome back. I must say, this golden omelet is very well-made.

I’m glad you like it. I’m proud of you for taking the time to eat breakfast, Kuguri.

Uh, you know this is our cottage, right? And the door was locked, so how did you…?

Haha, maci, your presence truly puts me at ease.

Did you all leave to look for me before even having breakfast? I apologize for being so troublesome.

Just think of it as us taking a morning walk. Alright, now that we’re back, let’s enjoy the food Yukikaze made for us.

Come on, Muneuji. Take a seat.

Yes… It’s late for me to say, but I am hungry. Thank you for the meal, Kamina-san.

Eat up. If you’re still hungry after, I can always make seconds.

Being able to eat Yukikaze’s cooking for every meal of the day might be the best part of our outing.

Yeah, he’s such a good cook… I wish I could’ve savored what he made for us yesterday.

Haha, well, you were quite out of it for the whole day!

That’s just how deeply rested he was.

I didn’t even have to propose a relaxation method myself. Kuguri-san knows how to work miracles.

…Looks like he’s calmed down compared to before.

Yeah. Maybe we didn’t have to worry so much.

By the way, Muneuji, do you think you’ll be able to reach the state you were talking about yesterday?

…Yes.

(! Muneuji’s attitude just changed. What could those hardened eyes possibly mean…?)

By starting my waterfall meditation at sunrise, I was able to successfully separate myself from my body and from time itself.

I was allowed a glimpse of that state through the hints you gave me, Domeki-san. I’m close to fully reaching it. I just need to take one more step.

Soon, I should be able to “attain” it. No… I will attain it before the day is over.

…Well, it’s good that you’re close to achieving your goal. I’ll be cheering you on.

…Maybe something’s still…off…

I mean, now that he’s talking about it, it sounds like it’s all Kuguri-san’s fault.

But… Muneuji is making strides towards his goal. As his big brother, I respect his resolve.

I assume he’ll be leisuring for the rest of the day, so I’ll bring him some onigiri and keep an eye on him.

Sounds good.

…Uh, you’re not his brother, though.

……

(Now he’s trying out zazen. He hasn’t moved a single muscle since he sat down.)

(I feel bad about interrupting him, but it’s about time for lunch.)

Muneuji, would you like an onigiri?

…?

Here, open your mouth.

Mrmph.

Now chew and swallow.

*munch, munch, munch…* *gulp*

Good job. I have some tea for you too.

Oh, that kind of reminds me of Chihiro taking care of you when you’re focused on playing games, Tao! I thought it looked familiar.

…Listen, I’m really sorry for what happened this time, so please put it to rest.

Haha, you should save the apology for Chihiro when we get home.

I will… Hm?

Kuguri-sama, I have set up the sun shade for you. Please enjoy your rest.

Hm, yes, this is comfortable enough.

…He’s avoiding us, but it looks like Kuguri’s leisuring with his lambs.

They have sheep at this ranch too?

No, that’s not what he meant.

Haha, so Kuguri likes playing with sheep. I didn’t know he could be so cute.

Well, as long as he’s able to enjoy his time. I’m glad we were all able to make it here.

……