Today had finally arrived after the long and grueling days at the academy, each one weighed down by countless activities. At last, summer vacation had come, and you were set to spend the remainder of it on Tsubakizaka Island. It was a place far from routine, where you could seek solace and live independently in the dormitory you had been assigned.

As you arrived at the port of Hikarizaka, several passengers were already boarding the ferry. The day was bright and sunny, though the heat remained fairly mild, eased by the steady sea breeze.

You moved forward alongside the others, carrying your belongings with you. There was not much, only a packaged meal and a few changes of clothes, yet it was enough for the journey ahead, which was expected to take no more than five hours. Before long, an announcement echoed across the port, informing everyone that the ferry would depart in just a few minutes, while the gentle splash of waves beneath caused the vessel to sway slightly.

As you stepped onto the boarding bridge, something caught your attention before you could reach the ferry. Nearby, a girl struggled to push her luggage upward, its weight clearly overwhelming her despite her repeated attempts. Her grip slipped slightly on the handle, causing the suitcase to roll back a short distance before she quickly stopped it with her foot. She adjusted her posture from the strain and tried to push it forward again. Even so, it was surprising that she had managed to bring it this far on her own. By then, the bridge had nearly emptied, leaving only the two of you behind.

“This is too heavy for me… I really should not have packed so much. What am I going to do now? The ferry is about to leave…”

Her expression tightened into a troubled frown. With the sun beating down and time running short, the strain was beginning to show. If she continued at this pace, the ferry would depart before she could board, her black hair swaying gently as she tried to steady herself.

Was it truly right to remain where you stood and simply observe her struggle?

You paused by the railing of the bridge, looking out toward the ferry as it rocked calmly with the tide beneath the clear blue sky. The sound of the waves blended with the distant murmur of the harbor, while the sense of urgency lingered quietly in the air.

What will your next move be now?