Chapter 314: Yui's Foolishness
Looking at Tsurumi, who was being excluded and playing with her camera alone, Hachiman raised an eyebrow.
"How do you plan to help her?"
Yukino pondered for a moment before speaking, "Let's start by approaching her. Based on my observation, she's isolated not because she's unsociable but because those few girls are excluding her. We need to understand the situation before deciding on a plan."
Everyone nodded, including Yumiko, who usually clashed with Yukino. After all, it wouldn't be wise to intervene recklessly without knowing the specific reasons.
Thus, the group continued to follow at the rear of the team.
As the elementary school students played and walked, by the time they reached the designated location, it was nearing noon.
At this point, Shizuka organized everyone to start a fire and cook. Some of the elementary school students also expressed interest, eager to participate.
Unable to resist their enthusiasm, Shizuka had to instruct Hachiman and the others to watch over them to prevent any accidents.
Arriving at a place resembling an outdoor kitchen, she personally lit a pile of firewood. Watching her skilled actions, Hachiman was somewhat puzzled.
"You seem quite proficient at this."
Proudly, Shizuka responded, "Who do you think I am? Back in college, I often went on outdoor barbecues with clubs. Making a fire is no big deal. I've done it more than a few times."
However, her tone changed as she continued, "But when I was making a fire, a bunch of couples were being affectionate nearby. Ugh, it really ruined my mood."
"Annoying, thinking having a boyfriend is something great."
Now surrounded by a group of elementary school students, she couldn't vent her frustration. Shizuka quickly adjusted her mindset and addressed the children around her.
"Next, boys will make the fire, and girls will prepare the ingredients."
"Okay~~!" The elementary school students responded in unison.
After giving these instructions, Shizuka turned her gaze towards Hachiman and his group. "Watch over them. Don't let them make the fire alone."
Everyone nodded, with each person taking charge of a small group to guide the elementary school students in making a fire.
However, at that moment, Hachiman approached Shizuka with a concerned expression.
"I have to ask, is this really a suitable location for the summer camp?"
Shizuka appeared puzzled and asked, "What's wrong? Why are you asking that?"
Hachiman explained, "I saw a sign on the way here that said 'Beware of Bears.'" He shrugged, expressing his concern, especially with the presence of many children.
Hearing Hachiman's worries, Shizuka waved it off nonchalantly. "Don't worry. It's not likely we'll run into a bear right after arriving, and that sign has been there for ten years. There haven't been any signs of bears in this area for a long time."
"I see," Hachiman nodded, but his concerns lingered.
Just then, a clear voice reached his ears.
"Hachiman-niisan."
Turning towards the sound, he saw a little girl standing not far away, smiling brightly.
It was Kotonoha's younger sister, Katsura Kokoro. Unexpectedly, they had a chance encounter.
Seeing her own sister, Kotonoha also looked surprised. Although she knew her sister was attending the school's summer camp, she didn't expect to meet her so coincidentally.
"Kokoro, you're here too?"
"Yeah, Onee-chan."
Seeing Kokoro, Kotonoha was also quite happy. Kokoro and Kotonoha had built a deep friendship, and Kokoro cherished the rare chance to act as an older sister.
"I saw you guys from below just now," Kokoro said with a smile.
Looking at her, Hachiman suddenly had an idea.
"Kokoro, do you know that girl?"
He pointed towards Tsurumi, not far away.
"Tsurumi-chan, right? We're in the same class. What's up?" Kokoro looked puzzled.
Hearing her response, smiles appeared on Hachiman and the others' faces.
Now they had a reliable source of information. However, it wasn't the right time to inquire. They decided to wait until after dinner.
"No big deal. After we finish eating, I'd like to ask you about her," Hachiman smiled and said.
"No problem, leave it to me. I'll tell Hachiman-niisan everything I know," Kokoro said, proudly puffing her small chest. In her heart, Hachiman was almost like a brother-in-law.
"Yeah, thanks, Kokoro. Now, let's get started with cooking."
...
After Kokoro returned to her group, everyone began preparing their lunch. This time, Hachiman chose not to participate in cooking. He didn't want to dominate the kitchen, giving the girls some space to showcase their culinary skills.
The girls, varying in cooking expertise, started their tasks. Yukino, being the most skilled, took charge of the kitchen. Saeko and Kotonoha were decent, but they fell short compared to Yukino. Komachi, Yumiko, and Ebina weren't particularly adept at cooking. As for Yui, well, no need to say much...
Yukino and Yui stood side by side, wearing the recently purchased aprons. Since they were standing close, the contrast in their chest sizes was apparent, almost despair-inducing.
"Speaking of curry, my mom always adds some weird things to it," Yui, peeling potatoes, suddenly remarked.
Hearing this, on the other side, Saeko, who was starting the fire, chimed in with a touch of nostalgia. "Absolutely, my mom sometimes adds bamboo shoots."
Yui laughed, saying, "Yeah, my mom adds some strange leaves to it occasionally. It's her rare moment of being silly."
However, upon hearing her, Hachiman sighed and couldn't help but interject, "Silly Yui, that's not some strange leaf. It's bay leaf, a type of spice commonly used in stews."
"Eh? It's a spice?" Yui looked surprised and turned to Yukino for confirmation.
Unfortunately, Yukino nodded, "Yes, bay leaf is indeed a spice."
"Ugh... I didn't know that," Yui blushed, recalling her earlier ignorance.
Once all the ingredients were prepared, Yukino put them in a pot for simmering. The chosen recipe for the day was curry, fitting for a group picnic. With the menu decided, the girls, wearing their aprons, started cooking.
Yukino and Yui stood side by side, their chest sizes causing a noticeable contrast. The two chatted and worked together, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie in the makeshift outdoor kitchen. As the ingredients simmered, the aroma of curry began to fill the air, creating an appetizing anticipation for the upcoming meal.