Part 7 : THE FIRE AND THE ICE

**Part 7: The Fire And The Ice**

The school bell rang, signaling the start of yet another group activity. Kyoshi sighed, his mind still swirling with the memories of the scavenger hunt with Hana. The strange sense of déjà vu was becoming a constant companion in his new life. First Yumi, then Hana. And now, as fate would have it, another familiar name was about to step into his life again.

"Alright, everyone!" Mr. Sato’s enthusiastic voice rang out, pulling Kyoshi from his thoughts. “Today, you’ll be working in pairs again for a survival activity! You and your partner will need to work together to get through a series of challenges set up around the school.”

Kyoshi blinked. *Survival activity?* That sounded intense. His mind began to race as he thought about the possible partners. So far, destiny had been playing tricks on him by throwing the women from his future relationships back into his path. Was it going to happen again?

As Mr. Sato began reading off the names, Kyoshi braced himself.

“Kyoshi and... Reina!”

The moment her name hit his ears, Kyoshi froze. *Reina.* His future third girlfriend. In his past life, Reina had been fierce, independent, and composed, especially when they worked together during his internship. But here, as a high schooler? Kyoshi wasn’t sure what to expect.

As the students around him began to pair off, Kyoshi looked around the room. And then he saw her—Reina, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed, her expression full of irritation. Her short, dark hair was messy in an intentional way, and she wore a look of defiance as if daring anyone to approach her. She had that youthful spark of rebellion, completely different from the calm and collected woman she would become.

“Great,” she muttered, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she spotted Kyoshi. “Of all people, I get stuck with you.”

Kyoshi couldn’t help but smile slightly, amused by how different she was from the Reina he once knew. “Nice to see you too, Reina.”

Reina shot him a look that could have melted ice. “Don’t get too comfortable. I’m only here because I have to be.”

Kyoshi chuckled to himself as they walked over to the starting point. *This is going to be interesting,* he thought.

As Mr. Sato explained the survival activity, it became clear that the task was simple in theory: teams had to navigate a series of physical and mental challenges, simulating different scenarios like finding shelter, building a fire, and working together to solve puzzles. The catch was that each team would be on their own, spread across the school grounds, making it a true test of cooperation.

“Ready?” Mr. Sato called out. “Let’s go!”

The pairs took off in different directions, Kyoshi and Reina included. They walked in awkward silence for the first few minutes, neither one willing to make the first move. Kyoshi could feel the tension radiating off of her. It was clear she didn’t want to be here, especially not with him.

“So,” Kyoshi said after a while, trying to break the ice, “what do you think our first challenge will be?”

Reina scoffed. “Who cares? We just need to get it over with.”

*Feisty,* Kyoshi thought with a sigh. It was strange seeing her like this—so full of attitude, so different from the future Reina who was more thoughtful and composed. He had to remind himself that she was just a high schooler now, still rough around the edges.

They reached the first challenge: constructing a makeshift shelter using the materials provided in a hidden area behind the school. Kyoshi picked up a few pieces of wood and some rope, glancing at Reina to see what she would do.

“Are you just going to stand there?” Reina snapped, crossing her arms. “Or do I have to do everything?”

Kyoshi raised an eyebrow but decided to play along. “I’m just following your lead. You seem like the type to know how to survive.”

Reina huffed, rolling her eyes. “Whatever.”

As they began working on the shelter, it quickly became clear that teamwork was not Reina’s strong suit. She was stubborn, trying to do things her way without asking for input, and when things didn’t work out, her frustration only grew.

“Move!” she barked, pushing Kyoshi aside as she struggled to tie the rope. “You’re in the way!”

Kyoshi bit back a comment, choosing instead to step back and let her work. He remembered how independent she had been in the future—always wanting to prove she could handle things on her own. It seemed that side of her had always been there, even as a teenager.

After a few failed attempts, Reina threw the rope down in frustration. “Ugh! This is pointless!”

Kyoshi, sensing an opportunity, stepped forward. “Let me help. I’ve got an idea.”

Reina looked at him skeptically but didn’t object this time. Kyoshi quickly tied the rope in place, securing the structure. It wasn’t perfect, but it was sturdy enough for the task.

“See? Not so bad when we work together,” Kyoshi said with a smirk.

Reina glared at him but didn’t respond, though he could see her resolve wavering. She was trying to maintain her tough exterior, but Kyoshi could tell that she wasn’t as confident as she seemed.

They moved on to the next challenge: navigating a course blindfolded while guiding each other. This was where things took a turn. As soon as they reached the course, the other teams began to leave, finishing their tasks and heading back to the main area. However, Kyoshi and Reina’s path took them further away from the school.

By the time they reached the end of the course, they realized they were completely alone—and lost. The sun was starting to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows over the grounds.

“Great,” Reina muttered under her breath, her frustration palpable. “We’re stranded.”

Kyoshi sighed, running a hand through his hair. “We’ll figure it out. Let’s just retrace our steps.”

But as they began walking back, it became clear that Reina was struggling. She had twisted her ankle at some point during the course, and though she tried to hide it, Kyoshi noticed her wincing with every step.

“You’re hurt,” Kyoshi said, his voice filled with concern. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“It’s fine,” Reina snapped, trying to brush him off. “I don’t need your help.”

But Kyoshi wasn’t having it. He moved to her side, gently taking her arm to support her. “You’re limping. Let me help.”

For a moment, Reina looked like she might argue, but then something in her expression softened. Maybe it was the pain, or maybe it was the realization that she couldn’t do this alone.

“Fine,” she muttered reluctantly. “But don’t think I’m going to thank you for this.”

Kyoshi chuckled, helping her walk. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

As they slowly made their way back, Reina’s attitude began to shift. The biting sarcasm and frustration that had marked the beginning of the day were replaced by a quiet resignation. She leaned on Kyoshi more, allowing him to support her, and though she didn’t say it, Kyoshi could sense her gratitude.

When they finally reached the school, the sun was setting, casting a warm, golden light over the building. The other students had already finished, but Mr. Sato was waiting for them with a knowing smile.

“Well done, you two,” he said. “You may not have finished first, but you worked together, and that’s what matters.”

Reina scoffed, but there was no malice in it this time. “Yeah, yeah.”

As they walked back toward the main building, Reina’s grip on Kyoshi’s arm loosened, and she glanced at him with an expression he hadn’t seen on her all day—something softer, almost vulnerable.

“Thanks,” she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kyoshi smiled. “Anytime.”

They walked in silence for the rest of the way, but the tension that had been there before was gone. Reina’s walls had come down, if only slightly, and Kyoshi couldn’t help but feel like he had taken a small step forward with her. It wasn’t much, but it was something.

As they parted ways at the school entrance, Reina turned to him, her usual defiant attitude replaced with a genuine smile.

“See you around, Kyoshi.”

“See you, Reina.”

Kyoshi watched her walk away, a strange sense of satisfaction settling over him. She wasn’t the same Reina he had known in the future, but maybe that was the point. This was a new beginning, and he had a chance to get to know her all over again—without the mistakes of the past hanging over them.

*Destiny,* he thought with a smirk. *Maybe it’s not such a joke after all.*

Chapter end