"Hey, Hikigaya-kun, I woke up at 2 AM today," Shiina said as she walked beside him, the soft sand crunching under their feet. The two strolled along the beach, the sea breeze gently tousling their hair as they chatted.
"Couldn't sleep?" Hikigaya asked, curious. "I woke up pretty early too, but nothing like that. Are you the type who can't sleep without your usual pillow, or maybe you're not used to sleeping near other people?"
"Don't treat me like a child," Shiina retorted with a playful pout, though a fleeting sadness crossed her face.
"Yesterday, Ryuen-kun used some of his points to organize a barbecue and bonfire party for everyone to enjoy. It was fun for most, but... I couldn't join in, so I went to bed early," she admitted, her voice tinged with regret.
Hikigaya understood all too well what it was like to feel out of place during group activities. He tried to offer some comfort.
"I get it. I wasn't part of the crowd either. While everyone else was chatting away, I just stared at the campfire."
Shiina's eyes brightened as she suddenly shifted the conversation. "You know, something is soothing about staring into a fire. It's like time stops, and the dancing flames have a unique beauty."
"Yeah, it's calming," Hikigaya agreed with a nod.
He'd often thought about trying solo camping after reading about it in manga, but it seemed unlikely during his time at this school.
Shiina's gaze drifted toward the ocean as if she were hiding her expression from him.
"I was thinking… if Hikigaya-kun, the person I'm closest to in this school, were in Class C with me… would I have been able to enjoy yesterday too?"
"…Would we have just stared at the campfire together?" Hikigaya responded, his tone laced with dry humor.
"Hehe, that doesn't sound too bad," Shiina chuckled softly, though her laughter carried a hint of resignation.
Even if the thought crossed her mind, she knew it was an impossibility. Perhaps that's why she hesitated to say it out loud.
Seeing her like this, Hikigaya felt a pang of sympathy. After a moment of hesitation, he spoke up, "Honestly, I don't think it matters what class we're in. You shouldn't worry about stuff like that."
He planned to leave it at that, but Shiina's earnest gaze compelled him to continue.
"Take me, for example," Hikigaya scratched his head, feeling awkward.
"I'm in Class D, but the people I've spent the most time with at this school aren't even in my class. But… ah, forget it. Just pretend I didn't say anything, please."
By the end of his confession, he was so embarrassed he wanted to disappear.
However, Shiina seemed to enjoy seeing him squirm. "No way, Hikigaya-kun. I'll remember this forever," she said, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
"…Seriously?" Hikigaya muttered, realizing he had just added another embarrassing moment to his list of regrets.
Why did it end up like this? I came out here to collect seashells, and now I haven't even picked up one—just spent the whole time talking.
As Hikigaya pondered this, a familiar voice interrupted his thoughts. "Yo, you two seem pretty cozy. Am I interrupting something?"
"Hashimoto?"
Hikigaya recognized the figure approaching them, his blond hair glinting in the sunlight.
Normally, Hikigaya might have been annoyed by Hashimoto's intrusion, but this time, he was grateful. Staying with Shiina any longer would have been too much for his nerves.
"Sorry, Shiina, I've got some things to take care of," he said, eager to make his escape.
"It's alright," Shiina smiled warmly. "I'm just happy I got to see you before we head back to the ship. And it's getting late—you should get back to the camp soon."
"I-I will," Hikigaya stammered, still not used to her concern, and feeling irritated by Hashimoto's teasing smirk.
Just as he was about to say goodbye, Shiina suddenly leaned in close, her breath tickling his ear.
"Let's go to the spa together after the exam, okay?"
"Eh?" Hikigaya was left speechless as Shiina waved and walked away, leaving him rooted to the spot.
Does she remember that?!
"Hey, stop staring," Hashimoto said as he sidled up next to Hikigaya, grinning. "Don't look so heartbroken, she's almost out of sight."
Hikigaya shot him an annoyed glare.
"So, what brings you here? Scouting Class C?"
"More or less," Hashimoto admitted with a chuckle. "Katsuragi sent me, but I'm not exactly following his orders. So, technically, I'm just wandering around."
Hashimoto laughed again, clearly amused by the situation.
"Good thing I came, though, or I'd have missed this little scene. Want me to keep it a secret from the princess?"
"Don't be ridiculous. We're not like that," Hikigaya snapped, feeling even more irritated. The rumors about him and Sakayanagi were getting out of hand, and she wasn't doing anything to stop them.
"Wait, you're not dating Sakayanagi?" Hashimoto feigned shock, but Hikigaya could tell he wasn't serious.
"Of course not. If I were, I'd be arrested as a lolicon," Hikigaya grumbled.
"Uh… yeah, that's a possibility," Hashimoto agreed, not even bothering to deny it, much to Hikigaya's frustration.
"By the way, since we ran into each other, I've got something for you," Hashimoto said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a piece of paper.
Hikigaya took it and unfolded it, revealing a handmade map. A circle marked one location, with several X's scattered around it.
"This circle… it's the cave, right? A-Class's base?" Hikigaya asked.
"Yep. Looks like you caught on quick," Hashimoto said with an approving nod. "The X's are the spots A-Class has claimed. I've got to hand it to Katsuragi—he's pretty capable, even if he's no Sakayanagi."
To be fair, Katsuragi was competent in his own way. While other classes were still setting up their camps, A-Class had already scouted out more than ten potential bases within a day. Sure, they had the advantage of higher overall class quality and a deal with Ryuuen for supplies, but Katsuragi's leadership was evident.
The exam rewarded points for every base held for eight hours, so if A-Class kept this up, they could easily rack up over 200 points by the end.
Unfortunately, their efforts were ultimately futile.
"With this map, you should be able to track down A-Class's leader, right?" Hashimoto asked, watching Hikigaya closely.
Hikigaya looked up, meeting Hashimoto's gaze.
…Should I tell him?