Yesterday's experience was nothing short of humiliating, a moment that made me question my own judgment. I have a tendency to take things far too personally without pausing to reflect.

 

Fortunately, Yukari spared me from a complete disaster, preventing me from hurtling through the vast expanse of the universe.

 

Here's the thing, as we all know, I've never had anyone to truly take care of me, except for my mother and sister. However, they aren't always there to provide constant comfort. Now, I'm not saying they're bad people; it's only natural for them to work and support the family financially or spend time with friends. I mean, who wouldn't? We all have our obligations and desires.

 

But financial support alone is not enough. While money may bring happiness to most, there are individuals like me who crave emotional support, not from therapists or psychologists, but from the people we love or even consider friends.

 

Lost in my own thoughts, I noticed Araya approaching me on her bicycle, her tiny hands gripping the handlebars as she propelled herself closer.

 

"Hey there, Rin! How are you?" she exclaimed, wearing an endearing smile.

 

"I'm doing fine, slept like a baby," I replied casually.

 

"Oh, that's great to hear!"

 

"Well, let's pick up the pace. We can't afford to be late today. It's an important day."

 

"Important day? What do you mean?"

 

"Oh, right! After you left the class, the teacher came in and announced that our class, along with others, would be gathering at the park to head to a camping site 30 minutes away from here."

 

How did this even happen? Is it just bad luck or is some divine force toying with me? Haha, who knows...

 

"So, do I have any responsibilities for the camping event, or do I just stick by your side and Yukari's?"

 

"You can stay with us, but I can't guarantee you won't feel left out. It might be better for you to make some new friends, as the teacher suggested."

 

"Wow..."

 

Upon arriving at school, I swiftly made my way to the classroom to find Yukari, who informed me that the teacher wanted to speak with me.

 

"Rin Takahashi," a feminine voice called out.

 

"Yes? Um, ma'am?" I responded, uncertain if I was hearing things.

 

"Are you aware that today we're going on a camping trip to foster connections with students from other classes?"

 

"Yes, I'm aware."

 

"So... I expect you to be as outgoing as ever and make an effort to approach many people."

 

But why me? I am perhaps the most introverted individual known to humankind.

 

"And why is that?"

 

"Because I said so. Now, let's not be late."

 

Oh, dear. This can only end in disaster. And when I say disaster, I mean an absolute catastrophe….

 

Four buses arrived, each equipped with 45 seats designated for the first-year students. Little did I know that these buses wouldn't be allocated to specific classes but rather mixed up. It seemed like my teacher had a knack for making my life difficult.

 

"Long time no see, Takahashi," a familiar voice called out to me. It could only be the intimidating chairman of the school council, Yanaga Yukiji.

 

"Ah, yeah! Long time no see, haha! How have you been, President?"

 

"No need to be so formal, just call me by my name. And as for your question, I'm genuinely doing well. Thanks for asking."

 

"No reason to be formal, you say, but aren't you sounding like an NPC?" 

 

"NPC? Fufufu, you're the first person to call me that besides my mom. Yes, I suppose it's a family trait. We're accustomed to speaking that way," Yukiji chuckled.

 

A family trait? Perhaps there was a curse running in their lineage. Although, to her credit, she treated everyone equally, irrespective of their popularity.

 

"I understand. By the way, is there a specific reason for coming all the way here to say hello?"

 

"As a matter of fact, there is. We were waiting for someone in particular, to have him join us on the same bus."

 

"I see, so he's really important, isn't he?"

 

"Indeed, he is. Fufu, he definitely is."

 

It seemed like this poor student was about to be kidnapped simply because he happened to be alive at this moment. May God protect him.

 

"Are you going to kidnap him like you did with me?" I asked, half-jokingly.

 

"To be honest, yes. That's why I approached him, you know?"

 

"Approached him? When did that happen?"

 

"Right now, actually."

 

Upon hearing that, someone effortlessly scooped me up and carried me in their arms. It was Edano Seiki, the monkey-like guy!

 

"You could have just asked me to join you! I would've said yes, I swear!"

 

"That's what everybody says, huh," Seiki responded, with a hint of amusement.

 

I was completely shocked and dumbfounded. I had been kidnapped again, this time by the same person, Seiki. That primate-like guy! Ugh, he was so annoying.

 

"How is it sitting with us in the back of the bus?" Yukiji asked, a mischievous smile on her face.

 

"It's quite pleasant, ma'am, but why are you all staring at me like that?" I questioned, feeling their gazes piercing through my body. I had a sinking feeling that I wouldn't make it home alive.

 

"So, tell me, why are you pretending to be an outcast?"

 

"Outcast? What do you mean?" I responded, puzzled.

 

"You possess some peculiar personality traits, but in an appealing way. You may act shy and reserved, but when things get serious and hopeless, you rise to the occasion. For instance, if I were to ask you to go on stage today and deliver a speech on my behalf because I don't feel like doing it myself, you would say yes, despite your disappointment," Yukiji explained.

 

She was right. I would undoubtedly agree without a second thought. But that was my struggle—I didn't want to let down someone who entrusted me. I yearned to be acknowledged by people.

 

"Well, I can't say no, can I? And even if I did, it would make me appear as an ill-mannered, untrained kid. I can't afford to take two losses at once," I admitted.

 

"Seeing you speak like a captain, you should accompany Seiki and give the speech on my behalf. What do you say?"

 

"Yeah, sure—wait, what? Speech? What speech?" I stammered, caught off guard.

 

"As the head of the student council, I have to deliver a speech in the middle of the camping trip to uplift the mood. Since I'm an NPC-like human, and the others don't want to replace me, the only person who can do it is you, Takahashi, fufu."

 

Listening to her explanation felt like a heart attack in the making. Just because others didn't want to do it, it didn't mean I was thrilled about being on stage. But...if I said no, I would be going against my own words. I had truly fallen into the NPC's trap.

 

"Sure...but on one condition," I stated.

 

"What kind of condition?" asked Hirata Namie.

 

"No lies within the student council. If someone wants something from person A, they must directly ask person A. No more trapping or deception. I dislike the feeling of being forced to do something I truly dislike," I declared.

 

"Hmm, that's acceptable to us."

 

"Do you need any details for the speech, at least?" She offered.

 

To be honest, I didn't require any information or details. I simply had to improve the mood.

 

"No, I'm fine," I responded, mentally preparing myself for the challenge ahead.

 

As we reached our camping spot, we wasted no time in setting up for a fun-filled adventure.

 

This was a unique occasion for me, as I found myself surrounded by friends rather than mere acquaintances. Not only did we share a meal together, but we also engaged in deep conversations. Seiki, in particular, left a lasting impression with his captivating stories of fishing trips alongside his father, which undoubtedly contributed to his impressive physique. Namie, on the other hand, surprised me by revealing that she was actually a childhood form of Yukiji. I had always perceived Yukiji as an introverted individual, someone who had closed herself off from others for reasons unknown. However, I soon discovered her caring nature and undeniable charm. Unfortunately, Naito Testu, the council's jester, was absent, entertaining others with his tales. I couldn't help but feel that he didn't hold much regard for our gathering. Perhaps it was just my imagination playing tricks on me.

 

"Yoo Rin, why are you isolating yourself from the group again? Don't you want to share your own stories?" Seiki inquired with a playful tone.

 

"Oh, don't worry. I'm just grateful to have made such unique friends, even if they did kidnap me twice," I replied with a hint of amusement.

 

"Hehe, that seems a bit exaggerated."

 

"Well, it's the truth. And as for your question, I'm not sure what to share. I've always considered myself a bit dull, you know."

 

"Come on, just tell us a little something!" Namie urged, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

 

"A small thing, huh? Well, back in my old hometown, there was this girl I used to spend a lot of time with. I must have been around 11 or 12 years old, just a naive kid. We were incredibly close, so close that our parents even joked about us getting married someday. Of course, I blushed and tried to hide my emotions from them. After all, I was just a twelve-year-old. But a few months later, I heard that she had moved away with her father, and that was the last time I ever saw her," I shared, the nostalgia creeping into my voice.

 

"Sounds like young Takahashi was in love! Ahahaha!" Seiki exclaimed.

 

"Aww, our little Takahashi had his heart stolen! How adorable," Namie teased.

 

What? It was supposed to be a somber tale, yet they were turning it into a mockery of my romantic inclinations. How crazy!

 

"What? No, no. I definitely wasn't in love. I was just an immature kid. Love and me? Pff, impossible."

 

"Sounds like there's more to the story, ahahahah," Seiki continued to jest.

 

"Don't make it seem like it was a grand love affair," I raised my voice in protest.

 

Silence hung in the air as my words echoed. Everyone was watching me intently, waiting for my next move.

 

"Aww, Takahashi is being honest about his emotions!" Namie chimed in, trying to diffuse the tension.

 

"As if," I muttered, wanting to escape from the awkward situation. I noticed Araya and Yukari looking puzzled, unaware of the people I had once been close enough to openly share my thoughts with.

 

I need help....

 

"So, Mr. I-wasn't-in-love-but-I-was-in-love, did she never reach out to you? Not even once?" Seiki probed.

 

"Yeah, but it doesn't matter anymore. It's all in the past. I've moved on completely."

 

"What a strong young man we have in our council." Seiki, again said.

 

"Anyway, when am I supposed to deliver the speech? It feels like hours have passed since we arrived, and the atmosphere is surprisingly pleasant."

 

"Well, you can go behind the small stage over there and prepare yourself. I'll be there to assist you, so you don't feel overwhelmed," Namie offered.

 

"If that's what you think would help, then sure."

 

I began mentally preparing myself to address a crowd of potentially over 200 people, not just any 200 strangers, but fellow students from my school. Wish me luck, I thought to myself, as I embarked on this daunting task.