You Girls Are Way Too Obsessed With A Lone Wolf Like Me - Volume 3 Chapter 3: Endou Hina Wants to Be Understood

Volume 3 Chapter 3: Endou Hina Wants to Be Understood

Today’s the long-awaited overnight camping trip. Or maybe more accurately, it’s the “Look at how uncooperative I can be!” grand showcase for Shirahoshi’s eyes only.

Though “grand showcase” makes it sound fancy, it’s not like there’s anything special about it. Just like during karaoke—if I act like my usual self, that’ll be plenty.

The group consists of eleven people total, including Misaki and her cheerful trio of besties, plus me and Shirahoshi. It’s a lineup kinda similar to that time we all had lunch together in the cafeteria.

I’ve grown a bit, haven’t I? Even if I’m just here to watch, the old me would’ve said no the second someone mentioned an overnight trip. Heck, I used to even reject group lunches.

Right now, we’ve left behind the familiar city of Kobe and are riding a highway bus across a loooong bridge toward our destination. From my window seat, all I can see outside is ocean—ocean, ocean, and more ocean.

Not surprising. We’re smack in the middle of the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge.

“THIS BRIDGE’S SO LONG! SERIOUSLY, SO FREAKING LONG!!”

Ikari, pressed up against the window, is yelling out thoughts worthy of a fifth grader. Not that I blame her. The Akaishi Kaikyō Ōhashi is the longest suspension bridge in the world, after all.

It’s just… lowkey.

When it was completed, there was a public vote to decide on a nickname, and they settled on “Pearl Bridge.” But it never really caught on, which just makes the whole thing feel even more low-key. I mean, you could totally imagine them being able to shut down Pearl Bridge even if they couldn’t seal off Rainbow Bridge, right? Even though this one’s like five times longer.

Still, maybe it’s precisely because of that subtle plainness—combined with a tinge of melancholy—that the bridge grows on you. Even if it’s all just Seto Inland Sea in every direction and the road runs dead-straight, there’s still some charm in watching the scenery shift ever so slightly.

You could admire the calm ocean surface. Or observe the ships passing beneath the bridge and the packs of touring bikers cruising alongside us. Or appreciate the aesthetic of suspension bridge architecture.

“Himemiya! I’m glad we got perfect weather for camping!”

“Yeah~”

Brushing off Namikawa with the usual deadpan is also fair game.

“Himemiya, you’re as dry as ever, huh?”

Sitting beside me, Namikawa keeps that ever-refreshing smile on his face, unfazed by my dry-as-salt attitude.

As expected of the class king. Or maybe today’s main character. The guy’s just on another level.

Like Namikawa, the rest of the riajuu group seems more interested in chatting than soaking in the view. Everyone’s engrossed in cheerful banter with whoever they’re sitting next to.

Up front, Misaki and Shirahoshi are going off:

“Last week, Erena, Ruri, and I went to USJ! The Minions were way too cute, and I couldn’t help myself—I ended up buying this giant plushie~♪ I was super embarrassed carrying it home, though…”

“USJ sounds amazing! I’ve only ever been to the USH one, so I’m totally jelly!”

“H, as in…? Eh?! Arisu-chan, you’ve been to the Hollywood one!?”

“Yup♪”

“So not fair…! I’m the jealous one now!”

You see it all the time on TV, but I guess real-life celebs really do have totally glitched-out money senses.

Like how we grind 999,999 G in a game just to blow it all on gear, they probably just drop money in real life like it’s nothing.

In the back, Hatori and Urogase are chatting:

“Totally get it… People on the Kobe side are so lucky.”

“Right? They can go to Sannomiya for free, but we have to shell out 380 yen round-trip. It’s not much, but it adds up and stings every month.”

The way they nodded seriously, it hit home.

Basically, those who commute home via the Kobe side can reach Sannomiya Station with just their regular commuter pass. But us Osaka-side people? We need to pay extra just to get that far. Yeah, I’d complain too.

There’s something comforting about how down-to-earth their convo is.

Meanwhile, Namikawa’s fun-loving crew—Ikari and Natsugoshi—are doing their thing:

“SO LONG! LIKE, LEGIT LONG!”

“Ikari… I’m getting motion sick, can you please shut up…”

“Whaaat? I brought cheese-kamaboko. You’ll lose it if I eat it next to you?”

“Eat it and I’ll kill you…”

Certified dumbasses.

Boy or girl, everyone’s acting pretty much the same as they would in the classroom. Well… except for Endou.

“Shuntarou! I wanna go swimming!”

Where’s this powerhouse of enthusiasm coming from?

Endou, who went so far as to sit on one of the auxiliary seats just to be next to Namikawa, is clearly fired up today. Her excitement is radiating off her in waves, like she’s using those trademark perm curls of hers as cooling fans.

Will this kind of pushiness actually help her close the distance between them? I dunno.

But then—

“I’m hyped for swimming too. But you’re way more fired up than usual today, Hina.”

“…I-I’m not fired up or anything!”

“Come on, I like you better when you’re fired up.”

“Y-you do…? Then… then Hina will stay fired up.”

“There ya go♪”

“Hey, Shuntaro… We can rent rubber boats today, so let’s ride one together, yeah? Pretty please…?”

“Sure. Just don’t expect me to do all the rowing.”

“Wh-what?! Hina will row too! Hina’s been working out—uh, doing muscle training just for today!”

“Pff! That’s reassuring, Hina!” Namikawa laughs, while Endou flails with a playful “Don’t laugh~!” and gives him a light body tap—times three.

Yup. They’re burnin’ hot.

Damn, they’re already in sync. Even their weight’s in sync. Kidding.

She really is today’s class queen. Or maybe the day’s main heroine. She’s still a bit stiff, sure, but it doesn’t look like she’ll chicken out and waste the whole day. By the time we reach the campsite, I’m sure she’ll be in full stride.

Endou stops twirling her hair and holds out her pinky toward Namikawa.

“Shuntarou! Let’s pinky swear!”

“You’re such a worrywart, Hina.”

No, she’s not asking him to literally cut off his finger. It’s a pinky promise—sealed with all the hopes and dreams of riding that rubber boat together.

You know, those dumb articles online about how “excessive skinship = love call☆” might not be completely off the mark.

The expression on Endou’s face as she lifts her pinky is this adorable blend of joy and bashfulness. You can just feel how badly she wants to be near him, how much she wants him to notice her.

I could say, “Since when did I become the narrator-type commentary character?” but I won’t. Especially since the other girls on Team Endou are watching the whole thing with warm smiles. It’s easy to tell they’re listening in while sneaking glances their way—it’s honestly kinda funny.

“Okay, promise we’ll ride together.”

“Mm-hmm♪”

When Namikawa holds out his own pinky, Endou’s face lights up even more as she gently links hers with his.

Everyone thought the day had gotten off to a picture-perfect start…

“Shuntarou… help me…”

Just before their fingers could entwine, Natsugoshi—face pale like a zombie—suddenly tumbled in from behind them.

“I can’t believe this… That damn Ikari bastard actually started eating the chīkama…”

Turns out the real obstacle to love isn’t Natsugoshi… it’s the chīkama. Or more accurately, Ikari.

This was no time for pinky promises. Namikawa lowered his hand and stood up in a huff.

“Ikuto, pull yourself together… C’mon, the middle seat makes it harder to get motion sickness, so take the jump seat. Hina, sorry, but can you swap seats?”

“Eh…?”

And just like that, Namikawa slid into Natsugoshi’s seat—leaving Endou right next to me.

With her pinky still sticking up.

“Endou, uh… maybe put your pinky down first?”

“Y-you don’t need to worry about Hina, okay?!”

Should I have said “Good job losing weight” or something instead…?

Man, communication is seriously hard sometimes…

Well… no matter what someone low on the social ladder like me says, this girl’s just gonna blow up anyway.

Endou, flapping her already overheated body like a steamed-up dumpling, had long since dropped the dreamy maiden-in-love act. Now she was in full-on “idol-being-a-diva-backstage” mode.

And I mean literally bossing people around with her chin.

“Hey, it’s hot, so can you point the A/C all toward Hina?”

Sorry, Endou. I’m not your manager, and I sure as hell ain’t here to kiss up.

“Um, are you listening to me?”

“I’ll do it, but don’t blame me for what happens next.”

“Huh!? Seriously, what’s your problem? Just hurry up already.”

Even a Buddha only forgives three times.

A solo ride happens once.

Taste my wrath.

Himemiya Haruichi called forth the spirit of the wind.

Natsugoshi takes 999 damage!

“Ughh…!!”

“Ikuto!?”

When I turned the cool breeze entirely toward Endou, poor Natsugoshi got hit full-on with her syrupy-sweet perfume scent. For someone like Natsugoshi in his current condition, it might as well have been poison gas. Dude looked one step from the grave.

“Hina… please, just bear with the A/C… Himemiya too… please… ugh… blerrgh!”

“KYAAAAAAAAAA!! Omg, could you not gag right next to me!?”

Given the choice between suffering heat or suffering horrific trauma, even a selfish princess knows what to pick.

But alas… the scene didn’t suddenly shift into “After crossing the long Akashi Kaikyō Bridge… we arrived in snow country.”

No such poetic landscape awaited.

What did await, after we crossed the bridge, was Awaji Island, floating off the southern coast of Hyōgo Prefecture.

Despite being called an “island,” it’s actually composed of three cities, so it’s way bigger than the place I live—Rokkō Island. In summer, it’s packed with tourists for camps, beaches, farms, petting zoos, and all sorts of attractions. A true holiday hotspot.

Not exactly a bustling metropolis, but with just enough entertainment and infrastructure to keep countryside fans happy. That’s Awaji Island for you.

Also famous for onions. Like, really famous. So famous they have a cursed event called the Onion Relay Marathon.

Anyway, our camping ground was located in the southernmost tip of Awaji Island—our final destination.

“UWOOOOOOOOH!! WE’RE FINALLY HERE!! YEEEEEAAHHHH──────!!!”

The second we stepped onto the field, Ikari bolted across the tent zone at full speed like a madman. Two huge dogs nearby, maybe thinking he was one of their own, chased after him with matching energy. Honestly, I wish he’d just keep running… all the way back home.

Shirahoshi clapped excitedly next to me, sending little sparky applause beams toward Ikari.

“Wowww~~! Ikari-san is just like Peter!!”

Shirahoshi… is that supposed to be a compliment?

Well, Ikari himself was shouting “I’m Peter!!” with his whole chest and spinning in joy, so… sure. Let’s call it praise.

More importantly though… Ikari doesn’t matter. He never did.

“Hey, Shirahoshi.”

“Hm? What is it?”

“Isn’t this… a bit too close?”

The space between me and Shirahoshi? Zero. No, negative. We were already touching.

Her soft, smooth skin delivered both comfort and suffocating heat. A sweet milky scent tickled my nose, while the sheer awkwardness messed with my nerves. It was like a collaboration between comfort and pain.

No apology gems given.

“No no~! We’re not that close at all! I’d love to be even closer, you know~♪”

With a smile and full confidence, Shirahoshi leaned in even more. If we had Potara earrings, we’d be fusing right now. Personally, I wanted to perform a demon sealing wave on her ASAP.

“It’s hot…”

“Yup♪  Super hot and steamy~♪”

Are you okay in the head or what, you lunatic?

Now was not the time to bust out some “You and me? We’re hot and steamy, baby!” line.

Ever since karaoke, Shirahoshi had gotten even more clingy. I mean, look at this personal space invasion. It’s beyond undeniable.

Today is gonna be rough. Real rough.

What was supposed to be a “Look how bad I am at teamwork, isn’t that kinda cool?” operation might just turn into “Haruichi-san is so cool with that sharp attitude~!” instead.

I’m begging you, Shirahoshi-san…

Even trying to give her a side-eye signal only made it worse. She doubled down on the full-contact snuggle and raised her body temperature even more.

“If you’d just call me Arisu… I might consider backing off… juuust a little~”

If you’re happy, show it with your actions.

If you’re miserable, say it with words.

“Arisu Arisu Arisu Arisu Arisu Arisu Arisu Arisu Arisu Arisu Arisu Arisu Arisu Arisu Arisu Arisu Arisu.”

“Kyaaa! Haruichi-san just spammed my name!? Wh-what do I dooooo~!? I can’t stop grinning~~~♪”

Pulling her straw hat low over her face, Shirahoshi squealed with delight—a literal walking furnace. At this rate, her heat output might start killing off my cells.

Sorry to interrupt your self-induced euphoria, but since I just chanted your name like a ritual spell, can you back off already?

And when she didn’t, I had no choice but to escape myself. Chanting “Arisu” like a cursed incantation, I quick-walked away—

—or so I thought, until I ran into a new encounter.

Suddenly, I was hugged from behind by Kurashiki.

She pressed up against me, like she’d just given in to everything.

“Aah… I should’ve been doing this from the start…”

With a sweet, affectionate voice, she nuzzled her cheek lovingly—

against my backpack.

“Aaahh… so comfy…”

“Oi. You’re heavy. Get off.”

“Hm? But I’m light, you know?”

Don’t tilt your head with those big ol’ puppy eyes like that.

Is it ’cause you’re having it easy? Or is it your weight?

…Looks like it’s both. She whispers right by my ear: “Wanna try carrying me like a princess? Or maybe you should just do it—Shiro.” The hell is this vengeful spirit clinging to my back? Is this some kind of Konaki-Kurashiki?

Is this campsite a freakin’ Monster House or what?

Suddenly, my body feels a lot lighter.

“Hey, Ruri. You’re bothering Himemiya.”

Thank you, justice hero Namikawa-man. Namikawa casually grabs Kurashiki by the scruff of her neck and lifts her off like a seasoned exorcist.

Namikawa then held out a hand to Kurashiki.

“I’ll carry your stuff to the cottage for you. Sounds good?”

As expected of a guy who’s always sweating it out in club activities. Even though he still hasn’t fully recovered from his bus sickness, this behind-the-scenes spirit—Nagōshi Ikuto Requiem—is not only planning to haul his own stuff, but Kurashiki’s too. He’s on a whole different stamina level compared to someone like me, who only runs for health.

Kurashiki, ready to take advantage, chirps “Lucky~♪” and starts to shrug off her messenger bag. But then—gasp!—her eyes and mouth pop wide open like she just snapped back to reality.

Her gaze had landed on Endou, who was watching them with a worried look.

Oh yeah. Today’s mission for the girls: Operation Support-Hina’s-Love-Life.

Kurashiki, who had just been reaching out with hands raised, now curls them into little cat paws and shouts:

“Y-You have to be nice to me, nyaaa!”

“Why!?”

Shaaa! Kurashiki bristles like a startled cat, using me as a human shield while glaring at Namikawa like a wild animal.

“I didn’t really want you to carry my stuff, okay?! I just wanted to do some love-nication with Himemiya, that’s all!!”

Love-nication, huh? You were totally trying to make him carry your bags just now.

Kurashiki then grabs my arm and clings to it, sticking out her tongue at Namikawa.

“Himemiya might act cold on the outside, but deep down he just can’t help how much he adores me! Right?! Himemiya, go on, tell Shuntarou off—give it to him good!”

“Kurashiki. I’m the kind of guy who speaks plainly, no filter.”

“That hit me right in the feels! But I like that about you—you’re consistent!!”

Quit clinging to my arm. It’s hot. And ticklish.

While Namikawa stands frozen, muttering, “Love-nication…” Kurashiki fires a rapid wink toward Endou.

Now’s your chance. Do it.—Her eyes deliver the message, and Endou gives a firm nod in return.

“Sh-Shuntarou! Carry Hina’s bag!”

“Uh—yeah, sure…”

Ah, the secret struggles of the handsome. It’s tough being popular.

“Fuuuh… That was clawse…”

Kurashiki wipes her cold sweat… with the towel hanging around my neck. Don’t just use that like it’s yours.

Still—mission complete. As Endou walks beside Namikawa, Watasumi casually scoops up the half-dead Natsugoshi and trails behind, letting the two lovebirds stroll on ahead.

“Nice work, Ruri and Meguku!” the girls behind the scenes whisper, exchanging sneaky high fives like co-conspirators. Such wholesome coordination.

Misaki and the others high-five Kurashiki, and then, naturally, they turn to me.

“You too, Himemiya-kun! Good job♪”

I stick out one hand, the very essence of No thank you.

“Ah. I’m good, thanks.”

“……”

Just as I go to pull my hand back—clack!—Misaki’s hand latches on tight, not letting go. Her slender fingers intertwine with mine, my heart skips a beat. Obviously from fear. Obviously.

Misaki, ever the serious type, leans in close and whispers in my ear:

“Let’s do our best today—for Hina-chan and Namikawa-kun, okay?”

“…O-Okay.”

I mutter in broken syllables, and thus begins the Great High-Five Festival. Or maybe it’s just a body-touch bonanza.

“Nice one~♪” Urogase pats my cheek lightly.

“N-Nice…” Hatori gently presses her palms to the back of my hand.

“Nice desu!” Shirahoshi rubs her face into my upper arm.

I’m not some sacred idol statue, y’know!

Surrounded by girls, I feel like some kind of spiritual leader. Not that I can even handle one devoted follower.

With the High Priest himself (me) present, Misaki rallies the troops.

“Everyone, let’s all do our best!”

“”””””Oooooh!!””””””

Such pure youthful energy. Charging into the battlefield of love. Honestly? Kinda sweet.

I toss in my own two cents to the pumped-up crowd.

“Well then… see you later.”

“””””…Eh?”””””

Everyone freezes. I give a light nod, then gracefully retreat from the JK swarm.

Time to check in at reception—though I’m intercepted before I get far.

“Hey! Wait, Himemiya-kun! What do you mean, ‘see you later’!?”

“Ah… I didn’t book the cottage. I’ve got a spot over at the tent area. Solo camping.”

“””””……”””””

“Don’t worry. I already canceled one person’s lodging for the cottage in advance, and I’ll also cover the extra fee from the difference in numbers. Just use it when you go shopping or something.”

“””””……”””””

When I handed over the 500 yen difference to our group leader, Urogase, she let out a long sigh.

“So that’s why you didn’t resist the group activity this time… I should’ve known.”

“Right? I mean, it’s not like I’d go along with something like this without a reason.”

“Don’t act like you’re some big shot!!”

…Yep. Guess I really haven’t grown up one bit.

Long live solitude.

※　※　※

After checking in, we moved to our designated spot for the night and started setting up the tent.

As expected of a proper camping area—nestled in vast mountains that softened the harsh midsummer sun, and with a cool breeze drifting in from the sea stretched out before us. Doesn’t seem like we’ll suffer from the heat tonight.

I’m already pretty used to this setup. Compared to my solo camping debut, where it was trial and error just getting a single tent up, I’ve come a long way. I can even afford to get a little nostalgic about my elementary school days now.

Man, that really takes me back. I remember dragging out my dad’s old tent and pitching it on the rooftop of our apartment… and then getting absolutely chewed out afterward. Ah, the recklessness of youth.

If I can still feel that same rush now as I did back then, maybe my inner boyhood spirit hasn’t died out just yet.

I feel like people who enjoy being alone all have this deep yearning for their own private space or secret hideout. Case study: me.

That’s why just the act of building my own little “home” with my own hands gets me super hyped. Just sliding poles through the tent frame makes me grin like an idiot, and pounding pegs into the dirt to the rhythm has me whistling without even realizing it.

Sure, the cottage Misaki and the others are staying in is way more convenient. But! The charm of roughing it in a tent—intentionally choosing the inconvenience—has its own kind of magic.

Using fancy camping gear and the latest gadgets while still embracing an analog lifestyle… that kind of change of pace really tickles the boy in me.

Surrounded by the mountains and sea, you kind of melt into nature itself. You feel free from all those everyday obligations and ties. Everything starts to seem small and insignificant.

Ahh… tent life, how wonderful you are. And oh, the glory of the great outdoors…

“Haruichi-san~ I’m here to help out♪”

“Ah, no need, I’m all good—”

Looks like I’m the small, insignificant one.

I was expecting someone to drop by and “ambush” me, but of course the first attacker is Shirahoshi.

“Don’t say that~,” she giggled as she came over, now empty-handed after dropping her things off at the cottage.

Looking at her outfit again, she had on a light sherbet-colored blouse and skirt combo that gave off a cool and breezy vibe. It also gave her a touch of elegance… maybe even a bit of fairy-like charm.

Honestly, the outfit felt a little out of place for a camping trip. I guess Shirahoshi really hasn’t done the whole wild outdoor play thing before.

Hope she doesn’t overdo it and pass out or something…

“Sorry to ruin the moment after you came all this way, but once the flysheet’s on, the tent’s all done.”

“Is that so? But… I thought there might still be something I could help with!”

“Well, there is something, I guess, but not really enough to need help—”

“Please let me help! I want to be useful to you, Haruichi-san!”

“…Oh.”

Misaki, this girl… seems like I’m surrounded by way too many devoted types.

You know the kind of person who picks support characters in action games or RPGs? Healers and buffers and all that?

Yeah… she’s definitely one of those.

We finish setting up the tent. I lay down the sheet and the sleeping bag inside. Outside the tent, I set up the table and chairs. Checked that the built-in power outlet worked fine. All done.

Now, all that’s left is to enjoy some peaceful alone time until BBQ prep starts…

Or so I thought.

“So all this stuff—the tent, the table—it’s all yours, Haruichi-san?”

“Most of it’s hand-me-downs from my old man. Hey, Shirohashi—”

“What’s this pen-looking thing used for?”

“Ah, that’s a compact rod—basically a fishing pole made for easy carry. Anyway, Shirohashi, you should head back to the cott—”

“That’s amazing! You’ve even got handy gadgets like this~ ♪”

“…”

Inside the tent. One-person tent. Now muggy with one guy and one girl chatting away.

Shirohashi still isn’t going back to the cottage. She’s straight-up ignoring my cues and pushing the convo forward like her life depends on it. It’s not even a proper back-and-forth anymore—it’s like a game of fetch between a pet owner and their dog. She’s not just catching the tossed ball—she’s bringing it back every time. Even her inability to take a hint is spot-on.

Don’t play with someone else’s fishing gear.

My eyes drift to Shirohashi’s left hand. Not because I’ve got a hand fetish or anything—but because I spotted a red mark, like a bug bite.

“Hey. Your left hand’s a bit swollen. You okay?”

“Ah, please don’t worry. I think I just got bitten by a mosquito while we were walking.”

It probably is just a bug bite—but better safe than sorry.

I pull some anti-itch cream from my backpack and hand it over to Shirohashi.

“Just in case, put some on.”

She looks up at me, a bit dazed—but only for a moment.

“Ah… Thank you so much… ehehe~ ♪”

With a shy smile, Shirohashi hugs the cream close like it’s something precious. Her face lights up with joy.

Looks like she didn’t get mind-controlled by some brain parasite from a bug bite after all.

“Y’know, Haruichi-san… even if you act all gruff, deep down you’re really kind. That’s what makes you so wonderful~ I almost feel glad I got bitten.”

“If you’re not satisfied with that one bite, I can lend you the rest. Works on centipede stings and jellyfish too.”

“Don’t say that while blushing~”

When I prompted her to hurry up and apply it, Shirahoshi gratefully started spreading the cream.

“You really have everything, Haruichi-san. It’s like you’re Doraemon or something.”

If I were actually Doraemon, I’d use the Moshi-Moshi Box to create a world that’s kind to loners like me.

“Camping’s all about being prepared. Plus, I like taking walks and reading on benches even when I’m not out in the wild. So, I always keep anti-itch cream on hand.”

“I knew you liked reading books, but I didn’t know you enjoyed walks too. I learned another thing about you, Haruichi-san!”

…Is she trying to compile a field guide on me or something?

I can’t help but feel that maybe my hunch isn’t that far off the mark.

Shirahoshi bows deeply.

“Thank you very much for inviting me today.”

“What’s with the sudden formality?”

“I… I still don’t know that much about you yet, Haruichi-san, so I was really happy when you invited me to come camping.”

“……Yeah.”

The real reason I invited her? So I could show her that I’m not good with group activities and completely lack any sense of teamwork.

Kinda hard to accept thanks for something like that.

“And also…”

“And also? Whoa—”

Shirahoshi suddenly leans in close. Like, so close our noses might touch. Her clear, blue eyes lock onto mine, unwavering. And now she’s holding both my hands.

“I want you to learn more about me too, through this camping trip!”

Misaki’s words echo in my mind again.

She said Shirahoshi and I barely know each other.

And now, straight from Shirahoshi’s own lips: “I want you to know me.”

It’s not like I dislike Shirahoshi or anything. I just prefer being alone.

But if that’s not getting through, the blame’s not just on her—it’s also because I’m being self-centered. I haven’t been trying to understand her, either.

Debates are like that too. You don’t just push your own opinion—you listen carefully to the other person’s point of view, then make your case for why yours might be better or more desirable.

This camping event… maybe it’s time I really try to make it satisfying for both of us. It’ll be a valuable experience for me and Shirahoshi going forward.

Matching her laser-focused gaze, I meet her eyes and give a firm nod.

“Yeah. Let’s make the most of this one-night, two-day trip together.”

“Yes♪”

Once I made up my mind, Shirahoshi’s innocent smile looked cuter than ever.

“What do you want to do now, Shirahoshi? Wanna head back to the cottage?”

“Umm…”

She fidgets with her hands nervously.

“If it’s okay… I was thinking I’d like to stay here a little longer. Is that… not allowed…?”

“I don’t mind.”

“Really!? Thank you so much♪”

“Then I’m gonna go take a walk.”

“Okay! Be careful out there♪ ………Huh?”

Shirahoshi seems to be deep in thought. Not wanting to interrupt, I wave and slip out of the tent with a quick, “Pardon me.”

“Take your time,” she says with a little bow, and I zip the tent up tight to keep the bugs out.

Alright, time for a walk.

Just a few seconds after I start walking, a voice rings out from behind me:

“Ehh!? You’re not going to try to get to know me!? P-Please don’t leaaaave!”

I ignore it. We must commune with nature. Now.

Give me a break. From the long bus ride to everything since, I’ve had zero alone time.

Can’t go to war on an empty stomach.

Now that’s a good saying.

Still… I wonder if I’m gonna be okay.

※　※　※

Past noon, around 12:00, the main event of the camp begins: the BBQ.

The venue is the terrace at the girls’ cottage. It’s a big building meant for groups, with outdoor tables and chairs, indoor A/C, a rice cooker, a fridge—basically all the essentials. Of course, it also has a bath and toilet.

Compared to our tent—where there’s only one power outlet and we have to walk all the way to the admin building for toilets and coin showers—it’s a whole other world.

While I was setting up the rental BBQ grill, Misaki came over from the kitchen.

“Himemiya-kun, Himemiya-kun! Try a taste of the special sauce!”

Wearing a brand-new apron and absolutely glowing with excitement, she held out a little dish. Honestly, she looked like a newlywed wife showing off her cooking. Nothing but weaponized smiles over here.

She always gets extra lively when she’s cooking. So much so, it makes me wonder if I’m still alive by comparison.

I dip a finger in the sauce and taste it.

“Yeah, it’s good. I like this flavor.”

“Yay♪ Could you tell I added pineapple juice as a secret ingredient?”

“Huh, you even threw that in?”

“It gets even better when you pair it with the meat, so look forward to it!”

Dangerous stuff. I may never be able to enjoy store-bought sauce again.

“You’d probably survive just fine no matter where we drop you off.”

“If you’re gonna say that, say, ‘You’d make a fine wife anywhere,’ instead, geez…”

Sorry. My brain isn’t made for multiplayer mode.

“A wife!? W-Who’s Haruichi-san’s wife!?”

Don’t overreact to the word “wife” like that, Shirahoshi.

Looks like she was off somewhere earlier. She’s holding a small package.

Looking closer, the wrapping has a shipping label and a “Keep Refrigerated” sticker.

“What’s that?”

“Meat♪ I was worried it might spoil if I brought it myself, so I had it delivered to the reception desk!”

“You brought meat with you!?” Misaki gasped.

“Here, here, please accept it! Since you were kind enough to invite me, I wanted to contribute something!”

You two seriously sound like housewives.

After a bit of back-and-forth, Misaki says, “Well, in that case, we’ll make sure to use it deliciously!” and opens the package.

Then freezes.

“Misaki?”

I peek inside the package Misaki’s still smiling-but-frozen face is staring into.

“Whoa… no way…”

Peeking out from the fragrant hinoki-wood wrapping was a hefty slab of meat.

But what really caught the eye wasn’t just the size or the weight… it was the big flower-shaped mark branded into the meat—the nojigiku, flower of Hyogo Prefecture.

I know that mark. It’s only allowed on one particular brand of beef.

One of Japan’s top three wagyu brands—Kobe beef…!

If you ask a Kobe native, “What’s Kobe famous for?” they’ll probably struggle to answer—except for this. Kobe beef is the crown jewel of the city.

And now that sacred treasure sits right in front of us.

Shirahoshi. Girl. You brought Kobe beef to a high school BBQ gathering!?

While we were still frozen in shock, Shirahoshi looked anxious, peeking at our faces.

“I bought it as a block so it could work with any kind of dish… Should I have had it pre-cut instead…?”

That kind of thoughtfulness is amazing. Even if it’s wildly off-target.

Finally snapping back to her senses, Misaki gave her special sauce another quick taste.

“My special tare… do you think it’ll hold up against Kobe beef…?”

I wanted to tell her, “You can be confident in it!” but honestly, I can’t even remember the last time I had Kobe beef, so I really couldn’t say for sure.

“A-a-anyway! I’ll pop it in the fridge so it doesn’t go bad!”

Cradling the small package like it was precious treasure, Misaki scurried off to the kitchen.

Well, with Misaki—the cooking specialist—on the team, I’m sure even Kobe beef will end up tasting amazing.

Just this once, I’ll admit it.

This was a situation I couldn’t have handled alone.

I mean, the only cooking method I know is turning it into diced steak.

“…Would Awaji beef have been better, maybe…?”

Seeing Shirahoshi asking me that with such a serious look in her eyes, there was no way I could retort with something like, “Nah, Australian beef would’ve been totally fine.”

“Heyyyy!!”

Leading the charge back to the cottage, Ikari came swinging shopping bags wildly like some triumphant warrior, the rest of the shopping squad following behind.

“We got a mountain of meat! Shoulder roast—just 1,980 yen a pack!”

…Ikari somehow looked even more pathetic than usual.

Currently, we’re deep in BBQ prep mode inside the cottage kitchen. Skewers are getting loaded up with ingredients one by one, steadily and carefully.

Ever since I started working part-time at the kissaten, I’ve started paying more attention to nutrition balance and food presentation— And y’know what? That’s probably a really good thing.

Looks matter. You can’t tell how something tastes until you eat it, but if it looks gross, no one’s even gonna pick it up. Heck, they won’t even notice it.

People are the same way. If you’re wearing sloppy clothes, people think you’re a slob. Dress neatly, and you’re “that competent guy.” First impressions are everything, and nobody wants to go down the road of being looked down on—not if they can help it. Especially if you just wanna be seen as normal.

Thinking about it that way… the choices you make for a BBQ skewer really say something about you as a person.

Beef, chicken, bell peppers, paprika, eggplant, onions, shiitake, shrimp, scallops…

From all the countless ingredients out there, you’ve gotta consider the nutritional balance, the visual appeal, the target demographic—

And then use each skewer to express your individuality.

Even the classic, beef-centric orthodox type holds endless possibilities.

Should the first bite be meat or veggie?

Which pops more color-wise—green bell peppers or red paprika?

What if you throw in some seafood to spice things up a bit?

For the girls, there’s the healthy-type skewer too—same concept applies.

All veggies might be too bland, so swap the beef for leaner chicken, or sneak in some shrimp (a total favorite among the girls),

And go maximum colorful for that Insta-worthy look.

Et cetera, et cetera…

Man… if someone played the “Jounetsu Tairiku” theme right now, I’d totally be a BBQ artist.

What is this moment?

This is insanely fun.

This was the moment I proved—BBQ isn’t just about everybody crowding around and going wild.

…Not for me, anyway.

As I silently and single-mindedly immersed myself in creating BBQ masterpieces bursting with originality, Shirahoshi—who was working beside me—spoke up.

Or rather, had been trying to talk to me.

“Haruichi-san, is there anything you don’t like?”

“Hmm? Me? I don’t like interacting with people.”

“…I was asking about the ingredients…”

I’m not good with people, so… the conversation didn’t really click.

It’s like a bad habit—I just slip into my own little world.

“I’m not great with strong-smelling stuff like nattō or pakuchi.”

Simple things are the best, huh? Whether it’s food… or people.

When I saw how seriously Shirahoshi nodded and went, “This is so educational!”—I started wondering what she doesn’t like too.

Like, snacks under 300 yen? Discounted bentos?

“What kind of stuff do you hate, Shirahoshi?”

“I’m not good with super intense flavors. Like umeboshi or tōgarashi… they make me tear up.”

“Ah. That’s… kinda Shirahoshi-esque.”

“Really?” she asked, smiling sweetly. It kinda made me want to say something awful like, ‘You totally give off that pampered-greenhouse-girl-who’s-never-experienced-stress vibe’, just to make her hate me a little. But I didn’t. That smile… I wanna protect it.

Apparently, Urogase in the kitchen behind us heard everything too.

“Arisu. The curry roux’s chūkara—is that okay?”

“Ah! Chūkara is totally fine for me!”

“I’ll have you taste it later. If it feels too much, I’ll grate in a ton of veggies to mellow it out, so don’t hold back, okay?”

“Thank you for being so thoughtful~♪” Shirahoshi replied with a bright smile. Urogase smiled back and casually tossed the block of curry roux into the pot.

Man, girls who look like gyaru or yankees but are actually super kind? That stuff scores high.

…And now she’s glaring at me with a dead-serious stare.

“You’re thinking something dumb again, aren’t you, Himemiya.”

“I was just thinking, ‘Yankees and gyaru secretly being nice is high-level stuff,’ y’know?”

“Why would you say it out loud! Geez! And also! I’m not that much of a gyaru!”

Come on, no need to be humble about it.

Anyway, please stir gently so the potatoes don’t fall apart.

But more importantly—

“So, Urogase… you can actually cook?”

“Not like Karin with her huge repertoire or anything, but yeah, a bit. Curry’s a must at the sleepovers with the kiddos.”

Now that she mentions it, I feel like my own childhood sleepovers were always curry or stew too.

“Kiddos? Sleepovers?” Shirahoshi’s got question marks all over her face.

“Urogase works part-time at a daycare. She’s, like, really into kids.”

“Don’t make it sound like I’m a lolicon…”

Urogase flicks a droplet of water at me with a twisted smirk, and Shirahoshi just lights up, eyes sparkling.

“Yumeno-san, you like children, huh!”

Now that she doesn’t have to hide it, Urogase gets a tiny bit bashful, but nods anyway.

“Yeah… I love them.”

That line could kill me. Thank you for the feast.

Seemed like the kid talk jogged something in her memory.

“Hey, Himemiya.”

“Hmm?”

“The kids wanna play with you again. Come visit the daycare sometime.”

“No thanks.”

“At least listen to their adorable little request…”

“But they’re insane, those kids.”

Whenever I’m out reading on a bench or wandering the city on a day off, I sometimes run into Urogase and her chaos crew of little rascals. Then it’s stuff like: “Give me a piggyback!” or “Be the villain!” or “Do a funny gag!” It’s absolute mayhem.

It’s like Yuzu’s done a multi-shadow clone jutsu or something. Especially this one kid, Kaito, who’s obsessed with Urogase and challenges me to battle every single time. Even when I let him win, he still wants a rematch the next day. Do they not have save files or what?

If those brats were yankees, I’d probably cry.

So no, I am not spending my days off as a playdate gladiator.

The ring leader of the tiny-terror squad—Urogase—leans into me and starts poking her elbow into my side with a mischievous grin.

“You’re probably just gonna be reading at the usual park or under the overpass again, so I’ll just take the kids there to find you~”

“……”

Yeah, maybe I should avoid Course C for walks for a while.

Watching all this, Shirahoshi softly muttered, “That sounds so nice…”

“I want to learn more about Haruichi-san’s favorite spots too. I wanna go explore them!”

That’s what you took from this?! My personal pilgrimage sites are way too niche for that.

“Gonna be all benches, y’know,” Urogase snipes smoothly at me while handing Shirahoshi a small tasting dish. Looks like the curry roux has melted completely.

Even Ojou-sama seemed thoroughly pleased with the flavor of the roux cubes, giving her honest impression with a cheerful, “It’s superb♪”

Maybe all that sarcasm she threw my way ended up being the secret ingredient, huh?

…Just kidding. It’s all thanks to Uragase’s cooking skills.

Seriously, though—she really is the pro of gap moe. That’s Uragase for you.

And naturally, my thoughts start drifting toward the nature of gap moe itself.

If someone looks rough around the edges but turns out to be gentle… or seems like they can’t cook but ends up being a kitchen god—that gap? It shoots their rating through the roof. Just a tiny bit better than expected, and boom—three times the value by our company standards.

But what about someone who already looks good from the start? If they seem kind and actually are kind… or look like they can cook and it turns out they can… the impact just doesn’t land as hard. Heck, if they can’t do it, the disappointment hits even harder.

Before I know it, my eyes naturally drift toward Misaki.

“A-Amazing…! The heat from my hands is melting the fat on the meat…!”

Even as she murmurs in awe, Misaki is gracefully slicing up top-grade beef and BBQ ingredients.

I shift my focus to the prepped ingredients. The meat is all bite-sized—easy for anyone to eat, regardless of gender. Even the tough sinews in the chuck roast have clean cuts in them. Of course, she changes the cutting method depending on the veggies, and the pumpkin has even been microwaved a little to make it easier to skewer. It’s not just thoughtful for the ones eating, but for the ones cooking, too. In short—subarashii.

That blend of precision and consideration… it just screams Perfect Heroine, doesn’t it? That’s Misaki Karin for you.

But that’s the thing. The moment you add a “that’s so like her,” the gap effect disappears. It’s just as expected.

Noticing my gaze, Misaki turns to me with a gentle, unconcerned smile.

“Himemiya-kun, something wrong?”

“Don’t worry about it. I was just thinking… maybe being too perfect has its downsides.”

“Eh…? Wait—are you pitying me or something…?”

…Alright. Time to start skewering the rest of the ingredients.

“Wait! Can you tell me why!?” I think I hear her shout, but it’s probably just my imagination. Yep. Definitely my imagination. Illness begins in the mind.

“Hi, Hina!? Why the heck are you pouring detergent on the fish!?”

“Shuntarou, you dummy♪ Everyone knows the first step is getting the slime off!”

“You’re the dummy! Get your hands off the dish soap!”

…I really wish that back-and-forth between Namikawa and Endou was just in my head.

The chaotic exchange at the sink reaches my ears. Even the girls—including Misaki—aren’t watching with warmth. It’s more like a lukewarm dread. They’re not watching over them… they’re bracing themselves.

Can’t blame them. Nobody wants to die.

Namikawa’s reasonable argument—“Dish soap is for dishes.”—seems to have finally clicked for Endou.

“Oh, really? Then can Hina just scrub it with this scourer?”

“Hina… That’s a metal scourer for kitchen use…”

And there it is. A new type appears: someone who doesn’t look like they can cook and actually can’t even before cooking starts. The dreaded anti-gap moe. The kind no one ever asks for—Endou, you’re hopeless.

No matter how many joint tasks I assign the two to close the distance between them, this is just… pointless. She’s not just a clumsy girl—she’s beyond that. There’s no way Namikawa’s hoping for food that’ll crush his stomach like a hydraulic press. If he is, he’s got a death wish.

Namikawa stares deeply at Endou.

“W-what?”

“Hina, have you seriously never cooked before?”

“! …Hina has… probably…”

“Cooking class and campfire rice-making don’t count.”

Bullseye. Endou’s like, “A-ahuu…” Her mouth flaps helplessly, her earlier hype nowhere to be found. She twirls a strand of hair around her finger… NOW LOADING…

Is it embarrassment? Frustration? Probably a mix of every possible emotion. Her brain overloads, and she ends up staring at the ground—completely frozen.

But then…

“…Fuh!” A sudden puff of breath escapes her lips, and Endou lifts her face again.

“Shuntarou…?”

Her eyes meet Namikawa’s—he’s desperately covering his mouth with his arm.

“S-sorry…! I just—this is the first time I’ve seen someone try to wash a fish with dish soap… And using a metal scourer would’ve shredded the meat—pfft! Aahh, I can’t! Hina, you’re way too funny!”

Finally, Namikawa can’t hold it in anymore. He bursts out laughing. Loudly.

Endou, clearly not expecting that reaction, blushes with a beat of delay.

“D-don’t laugh at Hina!”

“Ahaha! C’mon, I’m not mad or anything. It’s fine. And hey, don’t get all down! I suck at cooking too—it’s not like I’m any better!”

With not a shred of negativity, Namikawa reaches out and gently pats Hina on the head.

And with the kindest smile, he says:

“Let’s look stuff up together, or ask someone to teach us. We’ll figure it out, yeah?”

“Shuntarou…! Yeah! Hina’s gonna do her best super hard!!”

“Ou♪”

Namikawa’s got that total heartthrob vibe goin’ on.

No wonder Endou’s fallen for him—it totally makes sense.

But still, Endou… You’re trying to get him to like you, and instead you end up liking him even more? That’s not how this works, girl.

The other girls watch on, all warm smiles. As for me… I’m just relieved my death has been postponed for a little while.

Shirahoshi, who had also been watching the whole exchange, looked like she’d just finished reading the sweetest shoujo manga ever, wearing a dreamy expression that could melt hearts.

“Seeing two people support each other and overcome hardship together… it’s so lovely, don’t you think~?”

Sure… Though overcoming hardship solo’s got its own charm, too.

That dreamy shoujo look on her face suddenly vanishes. Shirahoshi clenches her fists like she’s psyching herself up, passion practically radiating from her.

“Haruichi-san! Let’s tackle this BBQ with just as much passion as those two~!”

“Ah. I’m gonna go check if the BBQ grill’s ready.”

“Don’t just walk away after that kind of moment—!!” she shouted, her voice now defaulting to loud mode as I casually headed toward the terrace where the BBQ grill was.

Don’t worry, Shirahoshi. I’ll make sure your passion reaches the grill… and only the grill.

It’s not like I’m against teamwork. Heck, in the right situation I’ll gladly jump in. But meaningless team-ups? No thanks, I’m good.

I mean, take “going to the bathroom together” for example. It’s not like your pee efficiency increases or you can pull off a combo move or something if you’re with someone. It’s a bodily function, and yet you’re supposed to match timing with someone else? Bit much, no?

Maybe the real problem lies with the term itself—bathroom buddies. Sounds kinda stylish, y’know? If it had a dumber name, maybe the whole culture wouldn’t have taken off. Like… oshic-communication or something.

Imagine someone calling out, “Hey, Iso〇ー! Wanna go do some pee-munication?” Ain’t no buzzcut boy gonna follow that into a bathroom.

Man… thinking dumb stuff like this right before a BBQ ain’t it.

Stepping out onto the terrace, I was immediately greeted by chaos.

“Dammitttt! The fire just won’t start—!!”

“Should we just, like… dump some salad oil on it or something?”

Yeah, I’m pretty bad myself, but you guys are just plain hopeless.

Ikari, who was on grill duty, and Natsugoshi, who had recovered from his motion sickness, were currently locked in a battle of futility against the unlit charcoal.

Seems they still hadn’t managed to get a fire going.

Sorry, Shirahoshi. Your passionate heat didn’t quite make it to the grill.

“That’s it! I’m done! I’m dumping in all the fire starters!!”

Had he lost his mind? Ikari grabbed a ridiculous number of solid fire starters, wrapped them in newspaper, and chucked the whole bundle into the grill.

“What’s going on over here?”

Hatori, who’d been working at the terrace table, came over, so I instinctively pulled her dainty arm toward me. She lost her balance and leaned into me, clearly caught off guard.

“H-Himemiya!?”

“It’s dangerous. Stay back.”

I pulled Hatori along with me as I stepped far away. And then, right on cue, Ikari lit the firebomb with a lighter.

A split second later—

““HOTTT!!””

The pained screams of two unfortunate souls. The temperature around us spiked for just a moment as a pillar of flame burst from the grill.

Natsugoshi and Ikari recoiled violently, their bodies flopping backward like they’d just been nuked.

“…Ikari, man… You just shaved years off your life.”

“I thought I died too. And my bangs are kinda singed…”

Despite sacrificing their lifespans and hairstyles, the fireball had already fizzled out. And of course, such a sloppy method wasn’t gonna light the charcoal. It was downright dangerous—definitely not something kids should try at home.

Thankfully, Hatori hadn’t taken any damage. Big relief.

“Sorry for yanking you like that.”

“N-No, it’s okay… Thank you, Himemiya.”

Hatori clutched her chest, heart pounding from the shock of the explosion, yet still thanked me before I even had a chance to let go. At least I didn’t turn into some pervy guy grabbing girls’ arms just for kicks. Phew.

Now then. Let’s get to the real task here.

“Hatori. Mind if I take a few of those extra waribashi on the table? Oh, and some aluminum foil too.”

“? I’ll grab them for you. Just wait a sec.”

While Hatori fetched the supplies, I walked up to the grill duo.

““Himemiya?””

Noticing me, Natsugoshi and Ikari looked up with faces that screamed surrender. Their expressions were so drained, they might as well be charcoal now.

“I’ll handle this. Switch with me.”

““Sure… It’s all yours…””

“Move aside, it’s dangerous,” I said, shooing the two of them off to the side. Hatori joined in, forming our three-person gallery as I got to work.

As a fan of solo camping, I’m way better at handling fire than I am at handling people.

First, I cleared out the scattered charcoal inside the grill. To prevent flare-ups from grease and oil, I laid down a neat layer of aluminum foil.

Next up was prepping the kindling to light the charcoal.

I broke the waribashi I got—several sets—and some fallen twigs into good lengths, making a soft little pile, then added a chunk of solid fuel to the side.

I surrounded the small mound with charcoal in a sort of chimney formation. That was the basic setup done. Once I lit the firestarter, the flames spread slowly to the surrounding sticks and twigs, gradually heating up the charcoal.

At key intervals, I fanned it from below with a uchiwa fan. A few minutes of that, and the once pitch-black charcoal turned a bright, glowing red, the inside of the grill roaring with fire.

The bulk of the fire-starting was now kanryou—complete.

Whew. Over the hardest part. I nodded to myself, satisfied—

—and the three who’d been watching me intently started reacting all at once.

“That was so fast…!”

“Ooooh…”

“Holy crap! This is insane!”

Voices full of awe and admiration echoed, followed by a round of applause.

…What’s with this “I just showed off a hidden talent” kind of vibe?

“You’re amazing, Haruichi-san! You’re a pro at handling fire too, huh♪”

Handling you is still beyond me, though.

…Well, as long as the only thing catching fire is the grill, I’ll keep my mouth shut.

Shirahoshi had apparently been watching too, somewhere midway through.

Holding a big plate loaded with ready-to-grill BBQ, both hands occupied, she couldn’t clap—but her eyes sparkled like stars as she stared straight at me.

Ikari was practically bouncing in place.

“Let’s start grillin’ already!”

“I just lit it. Still too early.”

“For real? I mean, a little rare’s not a big deal, right?”

“If you’re willing to take full responsibility when someone gets food poisoning, I won’t stop you.”

“…Oof.”

As if speaking on behalf of the frozen Ikari, Natsugoshi muttered:

“You really say some messed up stuff like it’s nothing…”

Honestly, it’s still better than Ikari trying to do messed-up stuff like it’s nothing.

Shirahoshi suddenly closed the distance to Ikari.

“You mustn’t, Ikari-san!”

“S-Shirahoshi-chan…?”

This ojou-sama… still as fearless—or rather, oblivious—as ever. Like a forest bunny who’s never seen the outside world.

“We’ve still got plenty of fun events ahead, so let’s hold back just a little, okay?”

“Y-Yeah! You’re totally right, Shirahoshi-chan! Ahahaha!”

…Can this guy take responsibility for the things he says?

Even if he still can’t bring himself to call her by her first name, it’s obvious Ikari’s got a thing for Shirahoshi. His face is so red, I’m tempted to ask if he’s caught a fever or something.

So I throw him a lifeline:

“I’ll be stuck here at the grill for a while. Ikari, you guys help out Shirahoshi.”

“Eh? I-I’ll help too, Haruichi-sa—”

“YEEAAAAAH!! Shirahoshi-chan, I’m countin’ on ya! I’m gonna give it my all!!”

…Not so much a lifeline as chucking bait and watching him bite it clean off.

See that, Shirahoshi? That’s our class’s number one pro—moodmaker.

Shirahoshi, overwhelmed by the sheer energy, gives a small, “Y-Yes…” and nods. Ikari, now running on max power, takes off toward the building at full speed. Even Natsugoshi, watching him in disbelief, mutters, “What a simple guy,” and follows after him.

Shirahoshi seems like she still has something to say… or maybe she’s just sulking.

“Welp. Since the fun’s still just getting started, guess I better do my best too.”

Snagged one.

“Uuugh… I-I’m going nowwwww!!”

And just like that, we got the “Don’t go!” scene—but in reverse. No comeback from Shirahoshi as she sprints after them like her life depends on it.

Phew. Finally… a moment alone.

“I’ll help too.”

“……”

And of course, right beside me like it’s the most natural thing in the world… is Hatori.

She’s already tied her long black hair into a high ponytail like she means business. Super cute, by the way.

“It’s hot and dangerous, so you don’t need to do this, Hatori.”

“Even if it’s hot or dangerous, I’ll be fine. I know you’ll save me again, like earlier.”

…What am I, Superman?

Hatori doesn’t budge from the roaring grill. Instead, she gently wipes the sweat from my forehead with her handkerchief and gives me a soft smile.

“Also…”

“Also?”

“I wanna talk lots with you too, Himemiya.”

That sudden shift into childish phrasing from her usual cool demeanor? Absolutely devastating.

Maybe she’s been dying to talk about all the books, movies, and game streams she caught up on over the summer. Her slightly leaning posture screams “Let’s talk! Now!”

With a sigh, I hand her a fan.

“Don’t just run your mouth—use your hands too.”

“Okay~♪ Got it.”

I get that you’re motivated, but if you could fan a little more gently, that’d be great.

If this subculture-loving girl keeps fanning like that, she’s gonna whip up enough wind to blow away the ojou-sama pouting and glaring at us from inside the house.

With the BBQ grill and all the food finally ready… it’s lunchtime.

I keep watch over the fire while also helping myself to the feast.

Kobe beef is soooo gooood…

It’s a whole different league compared to regular meat. The more you chew, the more the rich fat and umami flood your mouth. Trying to categorize this as “just meat” is dangerous. Once you taste this, no home barbecue will ever measure up again. It’ll all just be “yakiniku wwww.”

Today’s main dish: high-end BBQ. And as soon as everyone takes their first bite, the chatter comes to a screeching halt. That’s how good it is. It’s like happiness itself is wrapping around everyone.

“Ruri~… I’m, like, sooooo happy right now~♪”

“Same here, Karin~… I’m just, like, super happy too~♪”

Even someone emotionally flat like me can’t help but hum in satisfaction, so for these two emotion-packed girls eating across from me, they’re basically floating on a cloud of joy. They might actually ascend into the sky if this keeps up.

I’m tempted to pile even more perfectly grilled BBQ onto their plates.

As I’m absentmindedly tending to the coals, our hero of the day, Shirahoshi, returns with a bowl of salad.

Maybe she’s still holding a grudge about earlier. Ever since the BBQ officially started, she’s been glued to my side even more than before. Honestly, she’s like a Pikmin.

“It’s so much fun eating together with a big group like this♪”

Eating solo with some light music is pretty awesome too, you know.

She’s clearly enjoying herself from the heart, not just being polite. She’s chowing down happily—thank goodness she’s not the type to say, “Ugh, commoner food doesn’t agree with me lol” or I’d have given her the finger.

Misaki and Shirahoshi keep chatting like old neighbors:

“Arisu-chan, thanks for the yummy meat!”

“No no! I’m just glad you’re enjoying it♪”

Hard to believe they only met recently—they already seem like longtime friends.

Sure, Shirahoshi’s upbringing plays a part, but the way she interacts with Misaki and the rest of the popular crew without hesitation or fear? She’s probably holding a pretty high social rank even at her school.

It’s weird, huh? Even if you go to a different school, you can kinda tell how someone ranks in their own school life by how they interact and keep distance with others.

“Oi, Himemiya. You better eat properly too, okay?”

Huh? When did he get here?

Kurashiki, who was just next to Misaki, has suddenly appeared at my side. And now she’s offering me a piece of her own BBQ.

“C’mon, say ‘aahn’? It’s green pepper, aahhn~”

“You just hate green peppers, don’t you?”

“Nyaa~ You got me~”

Same tactic Yuzu uses. Completely transparent.

She tries to shove the pepper into my mouth saying, “Don’t sweat the details, just take a big ol’ bite!”—but just as she’s about to, Shirahoshi swoops in to block her.

“No, you mustn’t──!”

She’s in full panic mode.

“Stop desu, Ruri-san! The ‘aahn’ situation is a form of communication built on mutual trust, okay?!”

Says the same girl who tried to force a Pocky Game on random people. Hypocrite much?

The one who reacts the most to her words is Endou, who’s been listening in like a ninja.

“Mutual… trust…” she murmurs, then looks up at Namikawa sitting beside her. BBQ skewer in hand.

That’s… way too obvious.

Endou musters her courage and blurts out:

“S-Shu, Shushushu… Shuntarou!!”

Totally ninja vibes.

Meanwhile, one more skewer appears in front of me. Shirahoshi has joined the feeding Himemiya squad…

“Himemiya, aa~n.”

“Haruichi-san, aa~n!”

An idiot who wants me to deal with their bell peppers, and another idiot driven by jealousy.

With no other choice, I open my mouth.

To speak.

“It’s crap like this—acting like some dumb lovey-dovey couple—that makes me prefer being alone.”

“…”

Both of their arms dropped limply. I took the chance to grab a nicely grilled piece of BBQ from the grill and took a bite.

Delishhh.

Meanwhile, over with Endou and Namikawa…

“Hm? Hina, what’s up?”

“I-it’s nothing…”

Guess she heard me too. Endou brought her BBQ skewer to her mouth and started chewing, quietly.

Sorry, Endou. I can’t twist my identity just to play along with someone else’s love story.

Once our bellies were nicely filled, “Okay, okay!” Urogase clapped her hands to gather everyone’s attention. She really looked like a kindergarten teacher in that moment.

“After we clean up, everyone change into swimsuits and meet at the plaza by the beach, kay~!”

After lunch, it’s time for boys and girls to play nice together at the beach. Gotta hand it to these normies—so dazzling it hurts.

But hey, I won’t lose to them either.

I raised my hand, and Urogase gave me the floor with a casual, “What’s up?”

“After cleanup, I was thinking—how about coffee time in the tent—”

“YOU’RE coming too, duh!”

This is why I hate group activities…

※ ※ ※

At the beach located on the southern side of the campground.

It’s peak summer. The white-hot sand and the shimmering blue sea are buzzing with families and friend groups, all chatting and playing.

Chillin’ under a parasol laid out with a leisure sheet, munching on a grilled apple Misaki gave me, I spaced out, staring at the scenery. That’s when I saw Misaki and Hatori coming back from the beach. Forgot something, maybe?

No surprise there. With their stunning figures, gorgeous looks, and the way they giggle together like BFFs, it’s no wonder everyone nearby can’t peel their eyes away, even as they just pass by.

Misaki’s swimsuit is a layered-style bikini—a snug base topped with a knitted overlay. Her marshmallow-soft chest slightly spills out from the loose-knit weave, and the round curve of her beautiful hips is fully accentuated. Compared to when she was just wrapped in a bath towel, there’s a whole new level of charm and allure now.

Hatori’s suit is that same plain bikini I saw before. Simple is best. Might sound boring, but nope—not even close. I’m the only one who knows how she used to shyly wear a hoodie over it… I even got to see her first ever string bikini before anyone else. That feeling of satisfaction is worth its weight in gold. And besides, who could ever get tired of that glam body?

Conclusion: Stay away for the sake of my heart.

The two of them brushed off the sand from their feet and stepped onto the leisure sheet—

Of course. One on each side of me. Seriously, why?

I’m still a guy, you know. When two swimsuit-clad beauties suddenly plop down on either side, my danger radar is bound to lag just a bit.

“Hey—”

“Erena! You’re getting cropped out—scoot in closer to Himemiya-kun! Himemiya-kun, big smile, okay?”

“O-okay!”

“…”

“Say cheese~!”

Misaki switched her phone to selfie mode and started taking a three-shot.

No escape. The camera’s angle means they both lean in super close—face and body. Move to the right and Misaki’s cheek almost touches mine. Move left and Hatori’s chest is about to press into my upper arm. Scratch that, it’s already brushing against me a bit.

Do modern high school girls not know what shame is anymore? Or does summer at the beach just make them go feral? Don’t make your parents cry, you two.

After a few photos, I was finally released. Bonus time over.

The girls squealed over the fresh pics, giggling away. I had to say something.

“You do know what image rights are, right?”

“Come on, Himemiya-kun. It was a request from your super cute little sis, Yuzu-chan~♪”

“Yuzu?” I tilted my head, and both girls nodded.

Only one way these two could be communicating with my sister—through my phone.

I pulled out my phone and checked the group chat we’ve been half-ignoring.

A bunch of unread messages. Even some missed group calls, apparently. Free calls are a double-edged sword…

The latest message read:

[Himemiya Haruichi]: At camp, send me some stealthy shots of Karin-nee and Erena-nee, okay? With Haru-nii in the pic too, of course!

…That was the message.

Does Yuzu seriously think I’m like… a soft-boiled egg or some chashu pork or something? Oi, seriously, stop it, Yuzu. If someone else sees this message even by accident, I’m gonna look like a perfect perv.

A new message notification pops up, and a fresh photo drops into the group chat—probably taken just a few minutes ago. It’s already been polished up with filters and everything. In the picture: two girls smiling directly at the camera, and one guy—me—looking blankly off into the distance. Mind if I crop myself out?

Looks like those two are finally done with work. Seems like it’s about time.

I stand up and stretch big, and Hatori calls out to me.

“Where you headed, Himemiya?”

“Gonna rent a boat and let the sea take me away for a bit.”

“Just don’t get too into your alone time and drift out too far, okay?”

Misaki’s advice was… disturbingly reasonable, so I made a mental note to be careful.

After renting a rubber boat from the beach shack, I head toward the sparkling sea, doing my best to keep my rising excitement in check.

The boat came with two oars—serious stuff. I even made sure to rent one big enough for two or three people, just so I could stretch my legs out. That’s the trick.

“Haruichi-saaan! Take me with you toooo!”

“Nope.”

“That boat looks way too fun! I wanna ride too, Himemiya! C’mon, 3p, how ‘bout it!?”

“Pass.”

Sorry, Shirahoshi, Kurashiki. This boat? Yeah, it’s strictly for solo missions. Might look a bit big, but that’s just for comfort.

As soon as I dodge one mess, another one shows up. The girls on either side of me—dragging the boat by its rope—start stomping along with dramatic flair and flanking me like it’s some noisy side-scrolling game.

Shirahoshi’s in a one-piece swimsuit. I’ve seen her in regular one-pieces back at the café, so it should feel familiar… but yeah, this is a whole different species. The tight-fitting fabric, the mini-skirt cut, the daringly exposed back—it’s all too much. And let’s not even talk about the surprisingly impressive chest for her petite frame. When she bounces around, her chest goes poyon, poyon. Seriously, quit it—I don’t know where to look.

Kurashiki, on the other hand, is in a mismatched bikini. Frilly top, low-rise bottom—almost like underwear. And with her lithe, supple body, it really enhances her catlike vibe. If she had those cat ears and tail from her cosplay the other day, she’d be unstoppable. Certified catgirl.

Conclusion: For the sake of my heart, please stop following me.

The only companions I need on this boat ride are my phone with radio apps and a stainless mug full of ice-cold coffee. That’s all.

—SPLASH!

Suddenly, water smacks me right in the back of the head.

“Nice shot~♪”

Strutting up with a smug grin after hitting a person’s head, the hitman behind the water attack is Urogase.

Looks like the riajuu group’s been having some kind of water gun battle or something. Urogase’s soaked head to toe. Like, seriously drenched. But more than that—her soaked T-shirt is now totally see-through. You can see everything: cleavage, the necklace caught between it, her slim waist, even her belly button. The wet fabric clings and outlines her body even more, and the droplets streaming from her hem trail down her bare legs, giving her this glossy, seductive look.

Conclusion: Long live the wet T-shirt.

The rest of the soaked riajuu crew shows up behind her.

Ikari must’ve overheard our talk and points enthusiastically at himself, trying hard to win over Shirahoshi.

“S-Shirahoshi-chan! If it’s okay with you, I’ll go rent a boat too!”

“I’m sorry! But if it’s with you, Ikari-san, it’s meaningless!”

“…Oof.”

Ikari sinks. The rest of the riajuu crew bursts out laughing.

“C’mon, she didn’t mean anything bad by it. Right?” Only Namikawa offers him any comfort. Her kindness hits Ikari so hard he looks like he’s about to cry.

Just then, Endou caught his eye—glancing nervously at Namikawa and fidgeting uncomfortably.

She’d promised to ride a boat with Namikawa, but now she seemed torn about whether to actually go through with it or not.

Did he forget? Should I be the one to bring it up? Her inner turmoil was written all over her face, practically radiating otome energy. Leave her be just a little longer and she might literally start trembling with yearning.

Urogase and Watasumi, as true “Friend A and B” types, whispered a supportive “Go on, go on~” to encourage Endou, making sure the boys couldn’t hear.

And finally—

“Shuntarou! Hina wants to go on the boat too!”

“Hm? Oh, right. We did say we’d ride one together. Alright, let’s go for it!”

With Namikawa giving an enthusiastic yes, “Yay~♪” Endou lit up like a firework. That smile, tinged with relief, was honestly adorable… if you didn’t know she was a selfish little princess in disguise.

Even Shirahoshi and Kurashiki looked like they were rooting for the budding romance—happy endings all around.

As the commotion settled, I quietly tried to fade into the background again…

Until Namikawa spoke.

“Alright, I’ll go get the boat with Ikuto. Sorry, can someone invite Karin and Erena too?”

Centered around Endou, the girls—Urogase included—murmured a surprised, “…Huh?”

Wait… are Misaki and Hatori disliked or something?

Apparently not.

“…Weren’t Namikawa and Hina gonna ride together?”

“What are you talking about, Hina? It’s way more fun if we all ride together! That’ll make a way better memory!”

“…”

Endou even forgot her signature hair-twirling gesture, completely frozen. Full-on system crash. Her previous smile? Gone with the wind.

Ah… I see now. The promise to ride with Namikawa didn’t necessarily mean just the two of them. And so, being the peace-loving guy he is, he suggested they all ride together like good friends.

Just like how Shirahoshi meant no harm, Namikawa probably didn’t either. But… to Endou right now, that was a knife to the heart.

Communication really is hard. If even the Queen Endou can’t get her feelings across… and even the King Namikawa can’t read the room…

Maybe I should send a late-summer greeting card to Amami-sensei with a note: “This is impossible for me.”

And just like that, the selfish princess PC got hit with a virus. Grrr…! Clenching her fists, her eyes burned with even fiercer intensity. Mad? Pouting? Probably both. Dual-wielding emotions, huh?

“Ahh… Shuntarou, we’re not really feeling the boat right no—”

“Enough already!!”

Cutting off Urogase who tried to step in, Endou charged forward.

“Hina’s in the mood for sunbathing now! Hina’s going off alone to tan!”

“Hey, wait—” Namikawa and the others tried to stop her, but she was already gone.

…Wait. Me?

Endou came straight toward me.

“Himemiya. Lend Hina the boat.”

“…Huh?”

“Obviously because I’m gonna sunbathe on it!”

So she’s still going to ride a boat in the end.

“Lend it!”

“Nope.”

“Wha…!? You don’t even have a little bit of sympathy for Hina!?”

“Exactly. That’s why I’m not lending it.”

“Grrr! You robot-human! Emotionless guy!”

Lately, robots come with AI and emotional range, you know?

Even I have pride, emotionless as I may seem. And let’s get this straight—expecting empathy from someone whose motto is “non-interference” and loves solitude is just plain unreasonable.

This hand gripping the rope? It won’t let go. Ever.

The one who grabs Endou’s hand as she continues throwing a fit is none other than Namikawa.

“C’mon, Himemiya looks like he’s having a hard time too. Just calm down a bit. I’ll go borrow the boat, okay?”

Ever the nice guy, Namikawa reached out to restore peace.

But Endou didn’t take his hand. Instead, she glared back with slightly teary eyes and shouted—

“That’s not the point at all, you idiot Shuntarou─────!!”

“Hina!?”

Reaching the limit of her patience, Endou sprinted straight into the sea. Still clutching the boat rope in hand.

Caught off guard, I almost let go.

But of course, I didn’t.

“Guhhhh…!”

“H-Haruichi-san!?”

This was pure stubbornness.

I won’t let someone else’s love drama eat into my precious alone time. Losing balance, I charged across the sandy beach, chasing after the runaway boat and thief. Thank you, twice-weekly jogging routine.

Just as I was catching up, Endou’s speed nosedived. She tripped, diving face-first…

…Not into the beach. Not into the sea. But into the boat that had just hit the water.

Lifting my head, I saw Shirahoshi rushing toward me.

Shirahoshi… You were that worried about me…?

“Haruichi-san and I are the ones going on a boat date────!”

Just this once… I think I’ll allow myself to stare directly at her bouncing oppai.

Following Shirahoshi was Namikawa, also running up. Endou, meanwhile, had snapped.

“Fine! You can come too!”

Where did she get that strength from? Endou dug the oar deep and rowed with mad intensity, pushing the boat further and further from shore. Self-proclaimed muscle training paying off, huh?

…What the heck is this situation? Is this… kidnapping?

From the sandy beach, Urogase, Kurashiki, and the others—including Misaki and Hatori, who’d rushed over, probably wondering what was going on—were all watching me.

Their expressions were a mix of concern and… acceptance. Hands clasped together, faces solemn. It was like they were saying, “We’re counting on you now.”

Shirahoshi tried swimming after us, determined to follow, but Namikawa stopped her—“Any deeper’s dangerous!”—and only her desperate scream reached us.

“Please don’t gooooooo!!”

It kinda felt like that one morality lesson when the class pig got shipped off…?

Donadona… and off goes the loner.

Who knows how much time passed after that.

Endou wasn’t stress-eating—she was stress-rowing. Just rowing and rowing with brute force.

We’d already lost sight of the campsite. She was so focused on paddling like a madwoman, we didn’t even know where we were anymore. You could barely make out some folks surfing or paddleboarding far out in the distance. If I hadn’t brought my phone, we’d be totally screwed.

“…Hey. Isn’t it about time you stop rowing?”

“……”

Endou, who had been rowing with laser focus, suddenly froze mid-paddle. Took her this long to realize there was literally nothing around us anymore.

She finally finished her workout, dropped the oar, and took a deep breath. Her damp bangs clung slightly to her sweat-slicked cheek—it was… a little adult-looking, actually.

She pointed at the tumbler rolling around in the boat. Obviously, mine.

“Hey. What’s in that?”

“Iced coffee.”

“Sugar? Milk?”

“Black.”

“…Then never mind.”

She’d totally assumed she’d be drinking it. Adorable. Go sip some seawater, you baby.

Maybe she didn’t wanna waste more energy, or maybe the heartbreak was finally catching up to her. She curled up in a ball, sitting hug-your-knees style. Depending on the angle, it looked like she wasn’t wearing anything—don’t worry, folks, she’s got bottoms on.

As a red-blooded high school boy, the reaction “hyuu~ so lewd” should be natural. But frankly, I’ve already had my fill of skin exposure today. Sorry, but I’m all lewd-ed out.

And so, I would now like to fully enjoy my alone time.

Activating my Unique Skill:

Mutual Non-Interference Shared-Seat Shell of Loner.

“I won’t bother you, so please don’t bother me either.” That sort of vibe, but communicated entirely through body language.

A technique I mastered thanks to Misaki and Hatori hogging the private room 24/7.

I turned sideways, the cool sea brushing against my back, face tilted up to the perfect blue sky. Wanting more of the sea, I dipped both feet into the water. Now this is the best position.

And thus, the loner claimed this domain. I took a swig of my ice-cold coffee, jam-packed with ice cubes. Let the radio play from my phone while I whistled tunelessly into the breeze.

Duuuwaaahhh~… iced coffee under the blazing sun… so goooood~…

Azure skies and seas. A wide-open space. Even the radio personality’s voice echoed gently through me…

Being alone is the absolute best…

“You seriously gonna sit there sipping delicious coffee in front of Hina, who can’t even drink it!? And now you’re listening to break-up messages!? This is, like, MEGA-ULTRA OUTRAGEOUS!!”

Endou went full explosion mode. Well, glad she got her energy back.

Not my fault you can’t drink black coffee. If you’ve got a complaint about the letters, take it up with the letter segment.

My technique… failed.

Wait no. Misaki and Hatori were just able to read the atmosphere.

Never thought the day would come when I’d miss Misaki and Hatori…

“Hey, were you even listening to Hina just now?”

“Yeah, I heard you. You said you didn’t want it ‘cause it’s black coffee.”

“That’s not what I meant!?”

Guess I wasn’t listening after all.

Apparently, my technique had only activated on myself. So I was just ignoring her completely.

At this point, I figured I’d just fake sleep my way out of it. Not in a sexy way. In an annoyed way.

“When I first saw Shuntarou in the classroom, I was like, ‘Whoa! So cool!!’ It was total love at first sight~ ♪ At first I thought, even if he’s got a harsh personality, I can deal if he’s that good-looking. But then, right!? Shuntarou turned out to be super nice, plus he’s amazing at sports? Like, my feelings just kept getting stronger~ ♪”

“……”

“Remember the bus? You were there, right, Himemiya? Hina was like, ‘Let’s ride together.’ And you know that totally means just the two of Hina and Namikawa, right!? Of course Hina would be mad if he didn’t get it! …Well, that kinda clueless part of him is cute too, and Hina likes it though…”

“……”

“Yumeno and Megu even planned this camp just for Hina’s sake, but today’s been a total flop in terms of love moves… Bad timing? Maybe Hina and Shuntarou are just totally incompatible…”

“……”

Dear god, she’s a blabber…

Is this what they call sleep-learning? She was jabbering right next to me, going on and on with this endless romcom monologue-slash-gossip-slash-whining. If she were my next-door neighbor, I’d be knocking on the wall with a broom.

She really is Urogase’s best friend. I oughta rip that tongue out.

The sun dipped just slightly, casting a shadow, and when I opened my eyes… there was Endou, looking down at me.

“Hey. What do you think people see when they look at Hina and Shuntarou?”

“I care as much as I do about the plastic bag vs. vinyl bag naming debate.”

“What is WRONG with you!?”

Endou’s reaction—priceless.

Like, what do you want me to say? It’s seriously hyper-whatever-tier of don’t care. As irrelevant as the little tag on a brand new pair of earphones.

Endou snorted and twirled a lock of her proud perm with her finger. That same sweet scent she always wore washed over me again.

“How can you just ignore Hina like this? Normally, this is when you’re supposed to say something comforting, you know!?”

I couldn’t help but snort back.

“Oh yeah? ‘Saying something comforting is normal,’ huh.”

“Wh-what!? Hina didn’t say anything weird just now, okay!?”

“So what, am I supposed to say, ‘Don’t worry, you’ll totally find someone even better than him’ or something?”

“!? … That’s not what I—”

“Too late. That was my comfort line. Own it.”

Endou looked like she wanted to say something—but maybe because I hit her with pure, unshakable logic, she didn’t shoot back.

I switched off the radio and turned to face her.

I’m not a robot. If someone messes with my alone time, I get the urge to fight back. If someone forces their rules on me like it’s the law of the universe, of course I’ll get pissed. Just like how everyone’s got their own set of gut bacteria, everyone’s got their own idea of what’s “normal.”

“Don’t go denying someone just ‘cause they don’t say what you wanted to hear. Me? I hate fake conversations where people just say what they’re supposed to. I seriously think it’s a waste of time.”

And that’s why…

“Even if you were hoping I’d say, ‘Endou and Namikawa are a perfect match,’ I don’t wanna take responsibility for some random thing I said just to fill the silence. So I’m never saying it.”

“Wha—!?”

Bullseye. Endou’s scowl softened, replaced rapidly by a rising wave of embarrassment. Her face lit up bright red.

Wrong battlefield, Endou. In this one-on-one situation, you can’t pull your usual trick of roping in the crowd and taking control of the atmosphere. Meanwhile, a sea-bound deathmatch? That’s my stage. I’ve always been a solo player.

But still, Endou—the queen—wasn’t about to let herself get talked down like this. She wasn’t gonna let embarrassment eat her alive. She raised her voice, unwilling to back down.

“So what if I get reassured when everyone cheers me on! It makes me feel safe, okay!? It’s just lonely little Himemiya getting all salty and jealous!”

Click.

Something snapped in my head.

“Lonely little me…?”

“Hina knows, okay!? You’re always by yourself, reading at your desk or playing with your phone! I bet your summer vacation’s just the same boring routine, right!? So sad～～～!”

“……”

Aaaand there it is. She actually said it. She crossed the line and said the one thing she shouldn’t.

Emergency alert blares in my brain. Her anti-solo bombshell just triggered the magma pool of emotion buried deep inside me.

With a change in pressure, eruption of rage initiated.

I don’t care if she’s the class queen or a wounded girl licking her pride—I’m not letting this slide. Go ahead and call me immature. If I was more “mature,” maybe I’d be navigating life a lot smoother.

This is the quality of a true soloist.

“I wake up at 6:30.”

“…Huh?”

Outta nowhere, I drop the line, and Endou just blinks, confused.

“I get up at 6:30, do some light stretching, wake up my little sister, then go for a twenty-minute run. After getting back, I shower, eat breakfast, finish a book I’d been reading, then do research on Kyoto spots for my solo trip. After lunch, I knock out some summer homework and catch up on four episodes of a late-night drama I’d been curious about.”

“………………”

“In the evening, I head to this cozy café near Sumiyoshi Station that the Master told me about, sip coffee while playing on my tablet, drop by a bookstore on the way home to buy a magazine with an interview from my favorite band, and since I felt like walking, I took the long way back. At night, I double-checked my camping gear, watched another three episodes of the drama, then caught up on the day’s uploads from my favorite game streamers. Just before 1AM, I read the newest update of a web manga, then crashed at 12:30.”

“………………”

“That was my day yesterday. And I didn’t meet a single person.”

I did see someone who looked like Urogase at the station, but I ignored ‘em, so it doesn’t count.

Endou still looks totally lost.

“S-So what? What’s your point?”

“My point is… that was a freaking awesome day.”

No lies. No faking it. I kept my routine, stayed on schedule, and enjoyed every last bit of my hobbies.

For a moment, Endou was stunned speechless. But then she snapped out of it with a loud “Haaah!?” and gave me a smug, mocking look.

“In the end, you were just playing alone all day, so that’s still lonely!”

“Then tell me—why is playing alone automatically ‘lonely’?”

“Wh-What kind of question is that…? Uh… well…”

Her words trailed off. She didn’t even need to think—she just assumed solo = lonely. Instinctively.

I don’t get it. Why do all these so-called riajuu types automatically equate being alone with being sad? Why do they think being in a group means you’re fulfilled?

“Whether you’re lonely or fulfilled, that’s something only you can decide. I personally think I’m living my best life solo, so I don’t need someone like you, who barely knows me, mocking it.”

“…!”

Tell me—what exactly is so sad about being alone?

Tell me—what makes group time the definition of not being lonely?

If the only time you can feel ‘fulfilled’ is when you’re surrounded by others, then honestly, isn’t that you who’s actually lonely?

If riajuu types can only feel complete in a crowd, then people who can enjoy themselves solo are way more awesome—and way more powerful.

So, to summarize.

“Basically, I’m me, and Endou is Endou. Everyone’s got different values, so don’t go measuring others with your own ruler. And even if you do measure them, don’t mock ‘em for it. Keep your judgments to yourself.”

I propose a peaceful world where nobody meddles in each other’s business.

Endou listened to the whole thing, then frowned and furrowed her brows.

“…You really are weird.”

That so?

She still wasn’t totally satisfied, but she didn’t seem like she had the will to argue anymore. Mentally and physically worn out, she slumped against the side of the boat, arms stretched out. In just her swimsuit, she looked like an exhausted office lady flopped out on the sofa after work. Weirdly specific. Weirdly niche.

“…Hey.”

“Yeah?”

Endou glanced over with half-lidded eyes.

“Hina… what do you think Hina should do from here on out…?”

…That caught me off guard. She could’ve just brushed off everything I said since I’m bottom-tier on the social ladder—but she actually listened. She listened enough to switch from wanting comfort to genuinely seeking a solution.

If she’s asking for an answer that’s not all fake niceties or shallow sympathy…

Then I’ve gotta be honest, too.

About how I really feel.

“…No clue.”

“Wha—!? Ughhhh! Give Hina her innocence back!!”

OL time: over. The boat rocked as she suddenly sat up with a dramatic, criss-crossed pose, practically growling at me. I don’t remember stealing your innocence, though?

Endou, queen of the school caste, coming to me—the bottom feeder—must mean she’s seriously lost.

Is she praying to some higher power? Grasping at straws?

Too bad—I’m not a god, or a straw. I’m just your average soloist.

“So if I told you, ‘I wanna relax by myself, so go swim home,’ would you actually swim back?”

“You know that’s not what I meant!”

“Then…”

“Then what?”

“If I told you, ‘You don’t stand a chance, so give up on Namikawa,’ would you really give up?”

“!?”

It was like Endou just got punched straight in the heart. Her big, devilish eyes—done up in perfect little-seductive style makeup—opened even wider. She clenched her fists tightly, trembling with emotion.

“I absolutely don’t want to give up…!”

It was such an obvious answer. I’d seen it—how she lost herself screaming her love for Namikawa in the karaoke hallway, how she kept trying to appeal to him with that earnest energy during the camp.

Just one misunderstanding isn’t nearly enough to extinguish Endou’s feelings for Namikawa.

I’ve got plenty of firsthand experience with how tough a girl in love can be. Ongoing experience, in fact.

“I already told you earlier. Don’t just shut it down just because you didn’t get the response you were hoping for. Hell, if you already know what kind of answer you want… doesn’t that mean you’ve already figured out what it is you want to do?”

Endou stayed quiet. But it didn’t look like she was ignoring me just ‘cause she didn’t like what she heard. She was staring at me dead serious, not just waiting for convenient words, but actually trying to take mine in.

“If there’s something you wanna make happen—then go tell Namikawa. This time, make it so clear there’s no way he could misunderstand you.”

She chewed over every word of that, and finally swallowed my last sentence.

“Make it so clear he can’t possibly misunderstand… yeah. Yeah, that might be it…”

Then, she nodded. Big and bold.

Her face was lit with determination.

“Yeah. Hina’s gonna do her best and tell him properly…!”

You couldn’t really call this “all wrapped up.” I mean, nothing’s actually been solved yet. All that happened is Endou made up her mind.

But hey, that decision alone might just be a huge first step.

Endou, the queen of the class, this charismatic presence—she’s probably always gotten whatever she wanted without much struggle. She’s walked a path polished with countless victories.

That’s exactly why she was so afraid of just one loss. She couldn’t take the step.

And now she finally did it herself. Literally moving forward—no other way to put it.

“…Hey. If Hina does tell him straight and he ends up hating Hina, what will Hina do then?”

“If that happens, then come ask me.”

“You’ll listen to me if he ends up hating me…?”

“If he hates you, yeah.”

“R-really!?”

“You ask too many questions. Gimme a break already.”

My lone wolf meter’s about to hit zero over here.

Even with my icy reply, Endou looked relieved. I mean, instead of planning how to deal with rejection, wouldn’t it be better to learn how to wash the damn food for dinner?

…Oh yeah. While we’re at it—

“One piece of advice.”

The moment I said something on my own, Endou lunged in like a pro. “What!? What is it!?” She was way too close.

“Tell me! What’s the advice!?”

“Go easy on the perfume. It’s hurting your case.”

“…Ha?”

“You’re wearing way too much. Lunchtime is hell, seriously.”

I turned my face—well, my nose—away from Endou, who was way too close.

In the corner of my vision, I caught sight of Endou’s eyes getting all teary, burning with a heat that could rival the summer sun.

“Ughhh—BAKA! BAKA! BAAAKAAAA! Telling a girl she smells bad is totally sexual harassment, y’know!?”

Ever heard of sumehara, Endou-san? (T/N: smell harassment.)

While I was getting hit with a barrage of insults—

“Hinaaaaaaa—!”

The hero arrives fashionably late.

“Shun…tarou…?”

Endou looked surprised as she followed the voice. Namikawa, on a rubber boat, was approaching ours.

Not to rescue me, of course—he’d come for Endou.

The reason I’d promised to give her advice if she got rejected was really simple.

There’s no way King Namikawa would hate Queen Endou.

I shooed her away with a wave of my hand. “Go on, go tell him already. And for the love of god, let me be alone. I wanna sunbathe.”

“Himemiya, you always say one word too many…! I don’t care if you shrivel up here!”

She stuck her tongue out with a blehh! like a kid and stood up, launching herself into the ocean with a perfect dive. Despite the flashy gyaru look, she was clearly athletic.

Endou surfaced, not even glancing back.

But then—

“You know… Yumeno was right. I’m glad we brought you to this camp, Himemiya… Thanks.”

Endou said her piece and started swimming. Straight ahead, no hesitation—right toward Namikawa’s boat.

…Well now. So you can do gap moe and not just gap killer, huh?

If you could say that much to your former enemy, I bet you’ll be just fine telling the boy you like.

Finally, the distance between them dropped to zero.

Namikawa reached out to pull her up.

“Hina, I was wrong—”

“Shuntarou. Kakigoori.”

Endou cut him off, not letting him finish his apology—typical of her.

“Hina’s suuuper thirsty. Hina wants kakigoori. …You’ll eat it with Hina, right?”

“Hina… Yeah, of course!”

She might not be able to say “I like you” just yet, but if she can show she’s not mad or sulking, that’s plenty. If things are tense, confessing’s not even on the table.

Endou looked at Namikawa’s hand… then sniffed herself.

“Hey, Shuntarou?”

“Hm?”

“Does Hina wear too much perfume…?”

“Ah, so you finally realized.”

“Eh!?”

“Hahaha! But y’know, I actually like how you smell.”

One line. One natural line from a pretty boy. And Endou’s heart went ZUKKYUUUUN.

“…Ugh. O-okay. Hina will tone it down from now on…”

“Yeah♪”

Finally, Endou took Namikawa’s hand and climbed onto the boat.

Namikawa turned to me and gave a big wave, so I waved back, and the two of them went back the way they came.

Good for you, Endou. You even got your boat date in the end.

Now it’s a wrap.

Right after, as if to signal the end of this little arc, my phone buzzed. A message from Misaki.

[Karin]: Just now, I got a message from Namikawa-kun saying he made up with Hina-chan!

[Karin]: Thank you for helping them patch things up!

[Karin]: Sorry for cutting into your alone time, but now you can finally relax, okay?

Along with a cute sticker of a rabbit bowing in thanks.

I was tired enough to leave her on read, but she’d helped too much for me to brush her off like that.

Just before Endou finished rowing, I’d sent Misaki my and Endou’s location, using it as an excuse to turn the radio on.

[Himemiya Haruichi]: Tell Namikawa: “Go pick up Endou. Alone.”

(Super pushy vibes, of course.)

Endou probably thinks Namikawa found her through the power of love or something.

But the one who actually found her… was GPS.

Not that I’m gonna say anything and ruin the mood.

I sent one last reply:

“You helped me out too. I’ll be back after an hour of sunbathing.”

It was immediately marked as read, followed by a salute sticker from the same bunny.

Man, you really love that sticker, huh?

“Fuu… finally, some me-time.”

Well, I did learn a little something about a maiden’s heart, so I guess it wasn’t a total waste… but still, exhausting things are exhausting.

At last, the boat was mine—all mine—and I was gonna make full use of it. I sprawled out in a big daijina pose, maximizing surface area under the sun, like some kind of solar-powered generator.

Closing my eyes, I switched into eco-mode. Time to recharge my solo-energy, drained down to red.