"Teacher Hoshinomiya."
"I read in the manual that the school provides two tents and portable toilets. What specific models are they?"
With the leader decided, Ichinose and the others moved to the next stage of planning.
"The school provides a large tent that can accommodate eight people. As for the toilet..."
Hoshinomiya took a flat-packed cardboard box from a staff member, quickly assembled it, and placed it on a blue absorbent cloth. In no time, a simple square-shaped portable toilet stood in front of everyone.
"Ta-da!"
Hoshinomiya spread her fair arms in a "K" shape, her hands trembling slightly as she excitedly introduced it:
"This is it! Unlimited supply of plastic bags and absorbent cloth, easy to carry, and we even throw in a free lightweight changing tent!"
"This... is a little..."
A girl hesitated, shifting uncomfortably.
While boys might manage, it was clearly much harder for the girls.
"I'm afraid this won't be ideal for the girls," Shinzo Shibata voiced their concerns. "With forty people sharing just two portable toilets, it's going to be difficult, especially during peak hours. We should consider buying an extra toilet for the girls to use. It'll improve efficiency and comfort."
"That makes sense," Kanzaki nodded. "I support this idea."
Two people already in agreement.
So, they think being considerate toward girls will make them popular? Well, maybe. But they're already popular anyway, so it doesn't really matter.
Hikigaya had no objections. In fact, he preferred not to share a toilet with the girls.
Imagine if one of them started complaining, "Ew, Hikigaya used it! That's disgusting!" He'd rather disappear from existence than deal with that embarrassment.
Better to keep things separate.
"Eh?"
Hoshinomiya puffed up her cheeks in protest. "But it's fine! Even though it's made of cardboard, it's actually very durable! I promise it'll last the full seven days without any issues!"
Wait.
Hikigaya narrowed his eyes slightly.
How does she know it'll last exactly seven days? Has she actually used one before?
The others, however, didn't seem to care. After all, the concern wasn't about durability—it was about comfort.
"Alright."
Ichinose took everyone's opinions into account and nodded with a smile. "Let's buy one first. If it's not enough, we can get another later."
"As for the tents, I noticed in the manual that hammocks are available. With some mosquito repellent, they should be comfortable enough for resting, and they're much cheaper than extra tents."
"And for bathing—well, if we go seven days without a shower in this summer heat, it'll be unbearable. Plus, hygiene issues might arise. I suggest we buy a temporary bathroom. What do you all think?"
Unanimous approval.
There was no reason to object. Ichinose had balanced cost and efficiency well—some things were simply necessary expenses.
"Actually..."
Watanabe raised his hand. "When I used to go camping, we heated water over a fire for bathing. It's convenient, and I think it's mentioned in the manual."
"It is," Ichinose confirmed. "And it's pretty cheap, but do you think boiling enough water for forty people is too much trouble?"
"It should be fine as long as we take turns using it," Watanabe assured her.
"That sounds good."
Ichinose smiled. "It's great to have someone with camping experience in our class. Watanabe, I hope you can provide more suggestions along the way."
"Of course."
Class B's discussion was harmonious. Everyone was thoughtful and considerate of each other, and Ichinose ensured that all reasonable concerns were addressed.
It was almost like planning a school trip rather than a survival exercise.
Congratulatory applause all around.
Except...
Hikigaya couldn't help but notice.
Why had nobody asked for his opinion?
Was he invisible or something?
Well, no complaints from him. He wasn't exactly eager to participate anyway.
"Hikigaya, what do you think?"
Ichinose suddenly turned to him with a bright smile, and the rest of the class followed suit, looking at him expectantly.
Ah. Never mind. He wasn't forgotten after all.
Ichinose made sure to include everyone—though only when absolutely necessary.
"Hahaha."
Hikigaya let out an awkward chuckle. "If you ask me... why not just use the wooden cabin in the west?"
"...Huh?"
Ichinose blinked. The other students also looked puzzled.
"What did you say?" Kanzaki frowned.
Did he say something wrong?
"...No, I mean—"
Hikigaya raised a finger. "The wooden cabin should have a shower and toilet. If the girls sleep there, that solves all our problems, right?"
Silence.
The students exchanged glances.
Wait. There's something like that on this island?
Then why had they spent all this time discussing tents and portable toilets?
"How do you know there's a cabin in the west?" Kanzaki asked, his tone serious.
"Eh?"
Hikigaya sighed. "Didn't the cruise ship circle the island before dropping us off? I saw it while taking pictures..."
Kanzaki's sharp gaze made Hikigaya feel like he'd committed a crime.
Seriously, what was his problem now?
"It's true."
Ichinose clapped her hands together and smiled. "Hikigaya, you're amazing! But next time, if you notice something important, please share it earlier, okay?"
"Ah... yeah, sure."
It wasn't like he'd deliberately kept it to himself. He just didn't think anyone would care.
"Alright, then let's check it out! Hikigaya, can you lead the way?"
So now he was the guide. Great.
"Got it."
Feeling the pressure of everyone's gazes, Hikigaya sighed and started walking.
Ichinose and Kanzaki flanked him on either side, while the rest of Class B followed in groups.
Hoshinomiya and a few staff members trailed behind, likely to oversee any equipment setup.
Hikigaya, however, had a different concern.
The forest path was dense with trees, and Ichinose—wearing a white short-sleeved sports outfit—kept brushing against him.
Not on purpose. Just a coincidence.
But the male brain had a way of overanalyzing accidental physical contact.
He tried to ignore it.
...Still uncomfortable.
It wasn't his fault, though!
The path was narrow, and if he moved away from Ichinose, he'd end up bumping into Kanzaki instead.
...Yeah, no. Not happening.
Better to just endure it.
After all, Kanzaki would understand.
Probably.
End of Chapter
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