Chapter 34: Summer Vacation Luxury Cruise Trip
Late July. On the vast and endless sea, a luxurious cruise ship sailed slowly, basking in the gentle embrace of summer. The first semester had come to an end, and the school, in a show of extravagant generosity, chartered the entire cruise ship for the students.
Complete with cinemas, theaters, swimming pools, restaurants, and indoor entertainment rooms, the vessel offered an experience of unparalleled luxury. Most facilities were free, making it almost too good to be true. Of course, nothing in life comes without strings attached. As for the incident between Class C and Class D, I heard that it ended up with Class Ds victory. Never mind that none of that involves him.
Hikigaya stood on the top-floor café deck, savoring his solitude. "This is incredible. Komachi is going to be so jealous when I show her these photos," he mused.
Holding up his phone to snap selfies. With a victorious grin, he posed proudly against the backdrop of the glimmering ocean. Unfortunately, the for taking selfies is limited. It would be great if someone could help him. But of course that would`nt happen in reality For an ordinary person, boarding such a cruise ship would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and Hikigaya intended to make the most of it—without any social interruptions. However, nothing in this world is free he always remember that.
Why go at the café? Simple. His shared dorm room, packed with Kanzaki, Shibata, and Watanabe, felt suffocating. While his roommates were polite, Hikigaya wasn't one for crowded living arrangements. The café, on the other hand, was mostly deserted, as everyone else explored the ship's myriad attractions. It became his haven.
Except for one thing. Recently, Hikigaya felt the prickling sensation of being watched. Turning around for the umpteenth time, he scanned the area but found nothing unusual. "Must be my imagination," he muttered, scratching his head. But was it? Theres no way someone is watching him, After all, hes always been alone and never offended anyone, right? Except for that store clerk, However, that guy has already been fired by the school.
Suddenly, the ship's PA system cracked to life. "Attention, all students. Please gather on the deck shortly. We're approaching an island island and you will see beautiful scenery in just a few minutes."
Curiosity piqued, Hikigaya wandered over to the railing. Ahead, a small, lush island emerged from the horizon, its dense greenery a stark contrast to the endless blue of the sea. Snapping a few pictures, he watched as the cruise ship sailed closer, eventually docking at a pristine port.
"[We are now preparing to disembark onto the school's private island. Students, please change into your sportswear and pack only the essentials in the provided backpacks. Leave all other belongings in your rooms. Additionally, mobile phones must be handed over to your class instructors before stepping ashore.]"
Hikigaya frowned. Private island? Essentials? What kind of school owns an island, and what's with the ominous restrictions? His gut instinct whispered the same refrain: There's no such thing as a free lunch.
Back in the dormitory, Hikigaya found his roommates bustling about.
"Ah, Hikigaya-san, you're back!" Shibata greeted him warmly. "Did you hear the announcement?"
"Yeah," Hikigaya replied, tossing his phone onto his bed.
The conversation swirled around him. Kanzaki speculated about outdoor exams, while Watanabe lamented the potential for survival challenges. Shibata, ever the optimist, brushed off concerns with a laugh.
"Don't worry! If things get tough, Ichinose will lead the way," Shibata declared.
"Yeah, Sure" Watanabe nodded "By the way Kanzaki, you and Ichinose are quite close did she say anything?" He added.
"No, she didn`t say anything," Kanzaki shook his head. "I just went with her to get to know the people in Class D. Also, You know that Ichinose isn`t that close with anyone particularly. Just forget it, Well talk more about these things later."
Hikigaya silently packed his bag, suppressing a sigh. The chatter made it clear—whatever awaited on the island, it wouldn't be a vacation.
Now Shibata picked up his backpack and said, "Hikigaya, havent you finished packing yet?"
"Why is he suddenly calling to him does he want me to join them?" He thought.
"Itll take a while" Hikigaya answered and he wished that Shibata would take a hint that he wanted to be alone.
"Hikigaya well help you pack your bag no worries," Watanabe said while preparing his own pack.
"Let me help too Hikigaya, what do you want to bring" Shibata walked over to him and folded a change of sports clothes.
Are these guys serious? Can they do something without turning it into a group activity?
"Just a few spare clothes," Hikigaya said giving in to their kindness.
After helping him for a few minutes. Shibata So smiled at him and said "Come on guys, Lets go."
No wonder why he`s the centerpiece of the boys group in Class B. Shibata was simply the male version of Ichinose. No matter who you are he will provide help with a smile on his face. In addition, his athletic performance has always been the best in Class B. His looks aren`t something to be dismissed, with his cheery personality I concluded he`s a man among men.
The deck was abuzz with students, each class clustering into distinct groups. Hikigaya stayed on the outskirts, ensuring a comfortable distance from the throng. The teacher's instructions were clear: no phones allowed on the island. Reluctantly, Hikigaya handed his device to Hoshinomiya Chie, his class instructor.
"Hikigaya-kun," she teased, winking mischievously. "Don't think I won't notice if you slacking off!"
"Understood," he replied with a dry laugh, walking down the gangplank.
As his feet touched the island's sandy soil, Hikigaya felt a mix of trepidation and resignation. Whatever lay ahead, one thing was certain—it wouldn't be as simple as lounging on a cruise ship. Here we go again, he thought, bracing himself for the unexpected challenges to come.