[This history is traduced... I'm sorry for the issues and the imperfect experience]
Just like any other guy, I'm one of those guys who don't stand out at all...
I'm 16 years old, and my school life is monotonous and unremarkable compared to the typical school stories in manga and novels. But at least I have a few friends with whom I usually spend my younger days.
Of course, I'm not that pathetic...
Have you ever felt like you belong to a different era? It's an ambiguous question, but when we are not happy with something about ourselves, that's when we start to question many things.
The answer is simple: Adaptation. We cannot wait for things around us to adapt to us. But that is another of the realities that we hardly understand completely. And from that I judge the meaning of living... I don't understand it.
There are many things I would like to reflect on while riding the school bus, but I am currently in the middle of a school field trip and we will soon arrive at our destination.
"So… camping in the mountains," I muttered as I looked out the window from my seat.
***
Once we all got off the bus, we formed small groups. Just as we had agreed before leaving school. Now we just have to wait for the teacher to guide us to the top of the mountain where the Base Camp prepared by the institute awaits us.
"Suiseiseki-sensei is taking too long, isn't he?" One of my classmates complains as he approaches me.
"He must have his reasons, don't be impatient Kirada-san"
"Aren't you equally excited, Sakurada-kun? Everyone wants to get to camp soon."
It's not that I'm not excited, it's just that I'm in no hurry to go up since I'm enjoying this landscape...
"You may be right... I am hungry after all."
There are things that cannot be avoided...
"Sorry for the delay!" she says as Suiseiseki-sensei approaches accompanied by a group of teachers.
"The school staff was in charge of the route through the mountain, but now everything has been confirmed." To the sighs of most of the eager students, Suiseiseki-sensei continued with the explanation. "Alright, without further ado, let's start the camp!"
"Yes!" They all shouted in unison.
A few minutes after entering the forest, the first thing I felt was the humid atmosphere and the fresh air of the thick trees around us. The oxygen was much stronger than in the city, it even penetrates the lungs.
Although visibility is poor and we can easily get lost in this place, fortunately we have teachers who accompany us.
Class 2-A has 40 students who are divided into groups of ten and each group has two teachers: one who leads the way at the front, and the other who is in charge of safety at the back. So we'll be fine as long as they're there.
I guess part of that influences the current relaxed atmosphere among the excursion groups. The students laugh carefree and really seem to enjoy it all. Although there are also others who have stiff expressions and remain unsure of everything around them.
While I was thinking this, some classmates in front of me were muttering some things and looking back from time to time...
That looks bad.
"Sakurada-kun, do you have a moment?" After I was pulled out of my thoughts, I noticed what he was saying.
"Yes?" I replied as I hurriedly walked alongside them.
"I have a very important message for you"
"What is it about, Kirada-san?"
"Do you want your group partner to be Shioriki-san?"
"Eh!?" It wasn't me who shouted first, but Shioriki-san upon hearing that careless request. "Th-That was too direct Kirada-kun!" She continued as she stuttered with a blushing face.
"You are bad, Kirada-kun, to expose Jina-chan like that," Ishinomi retorted in defense of her friend.
"H-Hey, I just wanted to help Shioriki-san..."
"You're doing it wrong, idiot"
"Ugh…"
"Don't worry," I intervened in the argument before it got any worse. Kirada is always insensitive with his words and it's normal to see him in trouble. "If Shioriki-san is okay with it being me, then fine." I know what this atmosphere is about, but I'll feign ignorance.
And besides, I can't let my friend sink under harsh criticism.
"Is that okay with you... Sakurada-kun?" Shioriki said in a voice that was gradually weakening.
"Yes, don't worry"
With that exchange, she smiled to herself. I've known Shioriki for a year since I entered this school: we were just classmates but over time she started to be more open with her feelings. It's no wonder Shioriki decides to be more aggressive with this kind of thing. Besides, I don't dislike her at all, but I feel like things are being rushed too much regarding these topics like romance. But I still won't waste an opportunity...
***
A few hours after arriving at Base Camp, we had breakfast and then began the Basic Environmental Preparation section: where we were instructed about survival in the forest.
The group I belong to, A-1, was assigned to collect firewood. There was no need to mention what we thought after that news... this was the moment of confession.
When the group was ready, we set out with a guide teacher in search of enough firewood for the campfires: we had to collect enough to last a whole day.
A few minutes after arriving at the area, we spread out and began collecting firewood... but not all of us had that thought.
Shit... I won't deny that I'm a little nervous about this matter.
Shioriki and I are acting as normal as ever, but I feel like something is wrong: we are both shy and don't dare to say a word.
If someone hears us among the trees... it could be fatal for us.
All sorts of thoughts were running through my mind, but my doubts were interrupted when I heard a sound coming from the bushes. "Oh, I found them." It was Kirada who was accompanied by Ishinomi.
"Is something wrong?" I asked in a feigned neutral voice…
"Nothing specific, it's just that I thought you two might need some privacy to properly confess to each other."
"I agree with Kirada-kun," Ishinomi said, nodding to herself.
"Well, then what do you propose?"
"Let's go a little further into the forest, it will be convenient for you two."
Huh? Won't it be problematic?
"Are you sure about that? It could be dangerous." If we were to get lost in this thick forest, we would get into serious trouble.
"We won't go too far for that to happen. Besides, we'll just walk a little further into the forest in a straight line, that would be fine, right?"
"Well... but if the guide teacher finds out..."
"Don't worry!" She interrupted me as she continued. "Since we are several students in the same group, he must keep an eye on each one, so he won't notice as quickly if a couple goes missing for a few minutes. Or at least until they quickly return, he won't know what happened."
Kirada may be right, but she shouldn't leave things to a unilateral decision… she should at least confirm it. "What do you think about that, Shioriki-san?" I must know what she thinks.
"Huh? Ah, well... I guess it's okay..." I somehow heard that final murmur... It seems she agrees with the proposal.
If that's the case, then I'll give in too.
After Kirada had confirmed this with both of us, he lightly pushed us from behind to encourage us to take the lead. "You guys walk first, we'll follow a little later. Is that okay?"
If we've already come this far, it's best to finish everything once and for all.
When I extended my hand to Shioriki, she timidly took it and we began walking through the thick trees of the forest.
I won't try to deny it, my heart is at its most emotional point. I'm also shy about these things.
Now we were alone, walking slowly, hand in hand: the silence was awkward, and our hands were sweaty. No one dared to say anything.
This is bad... the atmosphere should be romantic and the silence cozy in privacy... Shit! What should I do?
If this continues, it will not leave good memories for both of us...
I think it's time to break the silence on any topic of conversation.
"Y-you know what Shioriki-san...?"
"Y-yes?"
"... Just the way you and I are right now, it brings back some memories..." Perfect, this should be a good start.
"Ah, yes… he-he" Now his expression softened and we cleared the awkwardness a bit. There was no room for the occasion.
Last year on a field trip to the History Museum, I noticed that Shioriki was missing as I didn't see her anywhere in the group. I immediately went out to look for her before the news spread. It was a risky bet, but I managed to find her soon after along with a large map of the museum. Shioriki was scared and almost on the verge of tears, as she looked like a little girl, I couldn't help but laugh at the scene. She was embarrassed but with an expression of deep relief. After taking her hand, we returned to the school group unnoticed.
"That... makes me a little embarrassed..." Shioriki said that and we both started laughing as we recalled that moment.
The previously awkward atmosphere had completely disappeared at this point.
"Your hand back then… was just as warm as it is now… and it's gentle." She murmured to herself.
After taking a breath to gather my courage, I proceeded with the first thing that came to mind. "Shioriki-san… Is it okay for me to be the one?"
Shit! That's not what I meant... I don't know how to explain it and now she's looking at me in bewilderment.
Swallow me up, earth!
She seemed to have thought about it for a bit and finally made up her mind: filling her lungs with air, with a decisive look and brave eyes, Shioriki let go of my hand and stood in front of me with her hands behind her back while leaning her body towards me. The perfect pose of every adorable girl.
"I really like you, Sakurada-kun… for a long time." When he didn't respond, Shioriki-san continued. "I love you, Sakurada-kun."
Ahg! She's too cute!
She had the courage to say it before me and directly... I need to learn from her!
I'm pathetic! Pathetic! Coward-kun!
"Thank you, Shioriki-san," I said with a soft smile that came naturally from me. These moments don't come so easily and I cherish this sentiment.
"I like you too..." Before I could finish saying those words, I felt a landslide beneath us… and suddenly, I saw Shioriki extending her hand towards me as she fell towards a steep rocky slope below us…
We were standing on a small cliff surrounded by tall, thick trees.
Time stopped, and my heart rate skyrocketed from adrenaline as I watched the fragile Shioriki reach out her hand to me as she fell. Her face remained in a state of bewilderment, unable to process what was happening.
I managed to grab his hand by just a few centimeters while I held on to the ground and stopped myself from slipping on the wet earth. Although it was only a matter of time before the step finished moving and we both fell into a nosedive.
"Shioriki-san, hold on tight!" I shouted unconsciously as I struggled to pull her up. "H-hold on… please!"
"Ugh"
After she heard me, she held on to my hand tightly as tears ran down her face. Now that she had held on to my right arm with both of her hands, I proceeded to lift her up with all my strength.
But suddenly the ground where I was standing began to tear and move down the cliff.
"Ahg! Aaaaah!" On a reflex action, I grabbed Shioriki by the arms and lifted her into the air until I threw her to solid ground. I had used both arms, my back, even my legs and other muscles. I put my whole body and every last breath into that throw.
Furthermore, I had to save Shioriki-san.
But instead, I ended up in the same place where the earth fell down the steep rocky hill.
I knew from the moment I held his arm, only one of us could be saved... but I don't regret my choice and I never would.
Don't make that face, Shioriki-san, this is my decision...
My boring life was short, but peaceful. Finally, a girl confessed her feelings for me. Although I will die a virgin, I hope I have the chance in another life... hehehe
When I caught my breath again, I remembered crashing into rocks and trees as I fell down the steep hill. Now my arms and legs are broken and I'm struggling to breathe, all because of a long, sharp branch sticking out of a tree and impaling my chest.
It's true... I fell off the cliff...
Shioriki's sweet face, who was screaming my name in a heart-wrenching voice, was visibly horrified as she looked at me over the cliff. Her once beautiful and shy face was now a traumatized one... one that refused to accept reality.
Don't make that face, Shioriki-san, it will only spoil your natural beauty.
I thought that to myself as my vision slowly faded and my body temperature dropped.
It was becoming increasingly difficult for me to breathe without coughing up blood in the process.
Ah... shit...
My body felt cold on the outside, but strangely warm on the inside...
I guess this is what death feels like. I don't feel pain and the sound from outside is getting more distant...
Likewise, I surprisingly found myself smiling at Shioriki-san as I said with my dying breath, "I'm sorry."
I think... he managed to understand me... really...
I... will find my mom... on the other side... waiting for me... later... Furthermore, I will know...
I am weak and pathetic...
That's how I died.