Preparing and cooking curry, I have lost all hope. I was unable to help them at all. Takahashi is the one doing most of the cooking. The girls are helping, advising me to step away. 

 

"You've already done enough preparing the ingredients, Asamura-kun. Just go rest."

 

I was told but to be honest, I didn't do anything. I have zero knowledge when it comes to cooking. Buying food is much more energy-efficient rather than cooking. 

 

Sitting on the beach I associated with the guys. Someone whose name is Takeya is talking. So I moved in closer.

 

"So do you plan to confess to Takanashi, Takeya"

 

Oh what an interesting topic I heard. Okay, let's listen.

 

"I- I'm not sure yet."

 

"Hmm, do you even know anything about her?" A guy named Matsuzo asked.

 

"She's hella cute and a genius, she also rejected almost all the guys that confessed to her, whoever they were. Aside from that nothing."

 

"What the heck dude!"

 

"How about asking Asamura here. They were late together this morning."

 

Matsuzo turned the tide of the topic on me.

 

Everyone turns gazes at me waiting to give my answers. What should I say? 

 

"I don't really know anything. Just that she took off on the same station as me."

 

"Eh? So you two have been going home together?" Takeya, taken aback, couldn't stop himself and asked. 

 

"That's a no. That only happened once." I replied.

 

"You aren't hitting on her right? You already have Marika-san."

 

This Matsuzo guy is picking on me.

 

"No, I don't."

 

"So anything you could say Asamura?"

 

So are we still on that? This Takeya guy is definitely interested. I don't wanna get his hopes and ruin his chances since he'll probably get rejected. 

 

"That was just a coincidence and only happened once. I don't know where she lives though and we didn't speak that time."

 

I could only give a lie. I don't want this guy asking too many questions. It's a mistake joining their discussion and kinda regretting it now.

 

Then they turn their gaze to Takanashi cooking the meal with the girls. 

 

"You know, I think. You shouldn't confess at all."

 

Matsuzo uttered something disappointing that left Takeya swallowed by confusion and displeasure. 

 

"Aren't you cheering me just moments ago? What now?"

 

"Are you even thinking straight? We don't even know why she rejected those who confessed to her. And she's the type to date someone of higher social status such as Atsushi. She's too lovely for us peasants."

 

He immediately judged Takanashi based on appearance, first flaw of Matsuzo. But Takeya is not backing down.

 

"No... I'm not backing down now. I think I should try I'm prepared. I guess. This is my perfect opportunity."

 

Are you really prepared? I don't think so. But I'm amazed by his courage. Let's see what he got for confessing.

 

"Good luck Takeya. You can cry on our shoulders when you get rejected."

 

Matsuzo still being a good friend to him. How nice.

 

"Boys! We're done cooking. Let's eat now."

 

Heard the girls call and head in their direction. We're divided into two groups, and both groups are responsible for cooking their meals. There are no big explanations but other than to assess the students potential in team building. 

 

Kurisu's group was done cooking and starting to eat now. They're only 10 meters away from us. Kurisu is surrounded by the girls. While their boys, on the other hand, have their own gang.

 

Suddenly, I saw Atsushi approaching Kurisu. The girls dispersed and left them together. Since they're too far I couldn't hear them. They seem to be having fun. I'm curious as to what they're on to.

 

I'm sitting on the sand alone. The girls wouldn't even let me help cleaning. I'm getting treated differently and starting to feel even more ineffective. 

 

We don't have anything to do until the afternoon. The school provided all the ingredients we needed for cooking. Both teams would be cooking the same meal, which were decided prior to the camping trip. 

 

I get a nostalgic feeling when I'm by the sea. Every wave that passes by feels like taking me somewhere. I wanna swim, there's a strong urge inside me but a shame we're forbidden.

 

Kurisu and Atsushi are still together talking. I cast a few glances from time to time. And now that I think of it, I haven't received a message from her ever since we exchanged numbers.

 

I was lying down on the sand now. The sun has lowered and the breeze has started to get cold now. It feels good. 

 

Hearing someone's footsteps approaching, I slightly put my guard higher. Waiting for that person to say something.

 

"Aki, why are you lying down on the sand? Let's take a walk?"

 

It's Kurisu. Since I'm free, sure. 

 

"Yeah, sure."

 

Standing up washed out all of the sand that had accumulated on me. Walking on the seashore we haven't spoken a word. To be honest, I'm at loss for words.

 

"How have you been? How were your studies?" I decided to speak up.

 

"I'm doing fine, my studies too. My father just simply provided me with pointers to learn for the company. I could handle it somehow."

 

"That's good to hear."

 

"So how about you? What happened this morning? Why are you late?"

 

I suddenly got bombarded with questions. How should I even answer? I don't think I can lie to her but I still don't want to.

 

"I'm doing fine. Exams ended but I don't think I'll fail."

 

"I'm not worried about that. No way you'll fail Aki."

 

Flashing a smile after saying that, something heavy was unexpectedly weighing on my shoulders. I don't think I can live up to such expectations and what are you even worried about? 

 

Ah! Takahashi, right.

 

"Takanashi inquired if we should go together. Since she has my number. But we were a bit late and after getting off the train Takanashi had forgotten some of her belongings."

 

"Hmm, I see. You then went to her house? With her just like that."

 

This feels more like an interrogation than a walk on the beach. Ugh!

 

"I have to accompany her. Since I'm completely useless when it comes to camping. She's the one on whom I can rely on."

 

"I see-"

 

She took a pause and suddenly hugged me on the back. 

 

"Don't say anything. Hold my hands, Aki."

 

She's gripping my hand with both of hers tightly. Speaking of being squeezed, her boobs are being squashed on my back. A soft sensation, it feels good and otherworldly. 

 

"Don't leave me. Aki..." She mumbled.

 

Even with a low voice, I could hear that clearly. I don't think I'm fading but I think that's how she sees it. Is it because of Takanashi? 

 

"You don't have to worry I'm not leaving you. I'm here."

 

"Being with you like this is so relaxing. A comforting sensation."

 

I'm curious how she really feels about me. I know she's developing feelings for me but- Is it just me?. Am I getting scared? What about Takanashi? Do I feel anything for her? 

 

I-

 

"Let's stay like this for a while then."

 

When I was about to say something I hastily stopped myself. 

 

I could feel her head shifting on my back as she nodded.

 

A stunning sunset was right next to us. Creating vibrant colors. With a flourish of romantic hand the sunset blossoms red and gold. Watching it from afar we both adored its beauty.

 

"Let's go back before it completely gets dark." She broke the silence.

 

Holding my wrist she's walking beside me. Hearing the soft crashing of the waves, this moment would be an unforgettable one. 

 

We returned to our respective groups to cook for dinner. 

 

Tachibana-sensei made an unexpected announcement just as we were getting ready. A night endurance test will be taking place after dinner. Just what is going to happen?