Chapter 71 - Morning Hike

The next day, the sun rose later than usual today. Red leaves could be seen sprawled on the rough stone steps in the mountains. The temperature had started to drop, signifying that winter was coming.

Hiking up the mountain right now, were two distinct individuals. One had blonde hair while the other had black. One was a head taller than the other. The shorter man was Sato, panting along rhythmically as he ascended the stone steps. The taller man was Gray and from the beginning till now, he had only broken a little bit of sweat.

"Mind me asking, why are we hiking in the morning?" Sato looked at Gray with exhaustion in his eyes.

Yesterday, he had gone to bed rather late since they went out for some supper. He had planned to sleep in today, but was dragged out of bed early in the morning. They have been climbing for two hours and was almost at the peak.

"Breakfast." Gray said one word before smiling and pushing Sato on. They were almost at the top.

"Pardon?" Before Sato can continue complaining, Gray pushed the young man upwards. Not long after, they finally reached a flatten-out point of the mountain. There, they had a clear view of the sun rise. In between two peaks of the mountain was a big red sphere that was the sun. That day, there were no clouds, making it exceptionally beautiful.

"Wow." Sato admired the view.

"Was it worth it?" Gray asked while looking at Sato adoringly.

"Yeah. Definitely worth the hike."

Now, let's head for breakfast." Grabbing Sato's shoulder, Gray turned the young man around and guided him inwards of the mountain. After a short walk, they arrive before a small wooden house that had a sign saying 'Welcome'.

"There was a restaurant here?" Sato was surprised, considering how this place was so out of place. He was sure that there must be close to zero customers.

"Yes. It is built here as requested by my mother."

"Your mother?"

"This mountain is a private estate of the Tobion family. My mother likes to go for morning hikes and so, after her walks, she would have her breakfast here." Gray explained while leading Sato into the wooden house.

To the side of the house was a kitchen area with a simple counter top. In the center of the house was a round marble table that had seats for a maximum of 8 people. There were two long stretching windows on each wall that showed the mountainous view. The house was heated up to a cosy temperature.

"So you're that this mountain is your family's land and that this restaurant is made only to serve your family?" Gray nodded to Sato's question. The young man was dumbfounded. He does not understand what a rich family can do.

The pair only had to sit at the round table for a short five minutes, before the food was served. Today's breakfast was a traditional chinese dimsum that had soya milk as a drink. Sato could tell all these were handmade this morning. The freshness of the ingredients made Sato smile in bliss. Coupled with his hungry nature, the filling breakfast was what he really needed.

When they were finished, Sato left the wooden house, getting ready to climb back down, only to be stopped by Gray. "Why are you heading that way?"

"Aren't we going back down now?" Sato was confused.

"Yes, but not by stairs."

"Not by stairs?" Sato followed Gray along a stone pathway. They were walking through trees that were specially built to look like an archway. Eventually, they reached a station looking area. That was were Sato knew what they were taking. "A cable car?"

The pair got in the cable car that was already awaiting their arrival. The machine started to move, smoothly descending the mountain. As they went down, Sato was able to enjoy the view once more and see the boundless red autumn trees in the mountains. It was a sea of red.

At the bottom, the pair was welcomed with a chauffeur car that brought them home where Sato got to take a nice refreshing shower. He changed into a casual hoodie as per normal and wore a comfortable jeans, before heading downstairs to find Gray.

The handsome blonde man was waiting for him, while watching the news on the television. He wore a black suit with one arm resting on the back of the sofa as he paid attention to the news. He looked like an important business man today.

"Hey, are you heading somewhere today?" Sato inquired.

"Yes, I'll be heading to Country Y to settle some military matters. I will be home late at night." Gray told Sato his plan for today. Offing the television, Gray walked to the door.

"Oh, alright." Sato followed along Gray.

"If you are rushing for work, you do not have to send me you know. I could always take the public transport of I could ask the butler to fetch me."

"No I enjoy driving you to school." Gray replied without hesitation. He went ahead to open the car door for Sato, before entering the car himself. A true gentleman.

The car ride lasted for a short while. Sato got off the car, before looking at Gray. "Have a safe flight Gray."

"Thank you." With that, the Gale X sped off into the distance.

Slinging on his bag, Sato turned around and entered the school. Just then, a voice came out from the side of the gate. "Wait up Mr Sato. Or should I say Mr HappyBoy123."

It didn't take a genius to realise that the person calling for him was none other than Tyron. Sato stopped his steps as the spoilt brat and his gang arrived in front of him.

"What is it, Tyron?" Sato asked plainly.

"Oh! Ever since you left, you have developed quite an attitude. Weren't you once very respectful of me?" Tyron walked even closer, staring right into Sato's eyes. To his surprise, Sato's heart did not waver. Instead, he stood there staring back at him.

"Not exactly. I never had an attitude and never respected you as a person." Sato shaked his head at Tyron's comment.