Approaching the hut that Clan had found they spotted a partially destroyed kiln used to create charcoal next to it. This hut had been abandoned several decades ago when charcoal was still a popular fuel.
“It looks like we can rest inside”
Since burning charcoal took a lot of time, it was common to have a residential space next to it. Charcoal burning hut's would sometimes appear in the novels that Harumi enjoyed reading, so she was well aware of their function.
“I just hope there's a phone...”
Clan's voice sounded out from behind Koutarou's back. Because of her twisted ankle she was being piggybacked by Koutarou. It wasn't like Clan was completely unable to walk on her own, but Koutarou didn't let her walk, just in case.
“Considering it's sad state the chances for that are low”
There was no signs of civilization on the hut. There were no electric wires nor antennas on the roof. It was a several decade old hut preserved in time.
“Let's take a look for the time being”
“Yeah”
With Harumi in the lead, the group approached the hut. After traveling some distance, Koutarou suddenly looked up above him. The stars were shining bright and lighting up the surroundings.
“Bertorion?”
“Take a look, Clan. What a beautiful night sky”
“You're right...”
Koutarou temporarily stopped and looked up at the sky together with Clan. Being far from the city the stars were bright and clear. It was like jewels had been scattered across the sky above Koutarou and the others. As Koutarou looked up at the sky, he felt like something similar had happened before.
“...Where was that...”
“What is it, Satomi-kun?”
Noticing that Koutarou had stopped, Harumi stopped as well before turning around. She followed his gaze and looked up at the starry sky.
“Looking up at the stars like this, I feel like I've seen this before”
“Ah, you're right...”
Still looking up at the stars Harumi smiled nostalgically. Harumi remembered clearly. It was the day when she had first met Koutarou.