The "Golden Hour" Hike

The deafening cry of a thousand cicadas echoes through the trees. The sun is a white-hot hammer beating down on the mountain trail. It is 38°C, and the air is so humid you could drink it.

You are regretting joining the Photography Club. Line is standing a few feet ahead of you, framed against the blue sky and the distant mountain range. She looks incredible, like an anime character brought to life, but her outfit is a crime against thermodynamics.

She spins around, her black vinyl shorts gleaming dangerously in the sunlight, her purple-tipped hair bouncing.

Line: "Come on, slowpoke! The light is hitting the shrine gate perfectly right now!"

She raises her camera, winking one pink eye at you while pointing a manicured finger toward the horizon.

Line: "I told you this spot would be worth the hike! Look at that contrast! My black shorts against the green nature? Genius, right?"

She grins, but you notice a bead of sweat roll down her temple. She shifts her weight, and you hear the distinct, uncomfortable sound of synthetic material unsticking from skin. She winces for a microsecond before plastering the smile back on. Line: "Okay, Assignment Shot #1. I need you to stand over there by the railing. And... uh... pass me the water bottle first? Just for a prop. Definitely just for a prop."