After that, we would have a test of courage and a campfire at night.
…To tell the truth, I had overheard conversations in the classroom that this was the most popular time.
Something about inviting the person you like.
And the last day, the third day, was a travel day, and we would go home. And after that, it would be a make-up holiday.
「Since we’ll basically be acting as a group, Honjou, don’t pick fights with people from other schools, okay?」
「…I won’t pick fights, really.」
「Actually, my sister said that a lot of couples get together during this school trip.」
She said that while looking at us, but it seemed like the person Totsuka was most interested in was Takasaki.
Takasaki and Kuki reacted visibly for a moment, and Sophia tilted her head.
「Is there such a story?」
「Yeahー. As you cooperate and do various things together, various things start to bud, you know? And then, during the test of courage, which is the most exciting part, and the campfire, a lot of people confess their feelings.」
「Hee, that’s youthful.」
「But, it seems like sometimes the love cools down pretty quickly because it was a misunderstanding, like the suspension bridge effectー.」
「Could you stop talking about such realistic things?」
That’s right, that’s right. Takasaki and Kuki, who were looking happy until a moment ago, are looking a little down now.
「But, you can become closer there, and then there’s a make-up holiday a little after Golden Week, right? So, you can use that to hang out together.」
「…I see. So the school trip is a perfect event to get closer to the person you like.」
「Exactly. It might be helping with the declining birthrate!」
Stop it.
Takasaki and Kuki are looking a little embarrassed again.
Perhaps sensing that, Honjou asks in a mocking tone.
「If it’s such an important event, wouldn’t it have been better to decide on the groups more carefully?」
「Hah, I’m not really interested in real life.」
「What’s that supposed to mean? You like 2D or something like that?」
「Yep. My oshi is the VTuber Honjou Ryuuki-samaー」
──Light Novels──
──Read Here──
VTuber. People who use illustrations and such to do livestreams.
I don’t watch the livestreams myself, but clips and such sometimes pop up in my recommendations, and I watch them then.
「…Wha.」
Honjou lets out a surprised voice, then his gaze wanders.
Totsuka, seemingly used to his reaction, speaks up.
「Ah, did you think it was creepy or something?」
「No, not really… Everyone has their own hobbies… I’m not making fun of you or anything… you know.」
He responded in a higher-pitched voice than before, looking troubled.
「Well, I don’t care what people think. So basically, I’m saying I don’t care about this stuff. For those who want to experience youth, good luck with that. Ah, but I’ll cheer you on, so feel free to ask me for advice. I’ve got plenty of knowledge.」
「…From manga and such, though.」
Sophia added that, and it seemed like Takasaki and Kuki had decided not to consult with her.
…Totsuka is amazing.
She can talk about her hobbies so confidently. I… haven’t told Sophia about my real hobbies after all.
Doesn’t she worry about being rejected or something?
While I was thinking about such things, Honjou at the edge of my vision was acting strangely.
His heart is beating faster. His breathing is getting shorter.
…It’s been like that since he heard Totsuka’s story earlier.
Since he heard that Totsuka wasn’t interested in romance… but it didn’t seem like he was interested in Totsuka or anything.
Agitation and anxiety.
I could sense such an atmosphere from Honjou now. He was clearly exposing his weaknesses, and if this were a fight, I would exploit that.
…We’re not at the dojo right now, so I’ll put aside such thoughts.
As for possible explanations… I thought of one.
Could it be that Honjou is also a fan of the VTuber that Totsuka was talking about earlier?
…If that’s the case, it might be good to create an opportunity for them to talk about the same topic during this school trip.
As I was vaguely thinking about such things, the sixth period, which was allocated for group formation, ended.