Reina Saeki was in the middle of calibrating a delicate experiment when the announcement came.
"Saeki Reina, please report to the principal's office."
She froze. Her hand hovered in mid-air, dropping the glass pipette back into its holder. A puzzled frown crossed her face."…Why now?" she muttered under her breath.
Himari, who had been quietly arranging notes in the corner of the lab, looked up with curiosity."Reina-chan, did you… do something wrong?"
Reina shook her head firmly. "No. At least, I don't think so."
Still, she obeyed the call, walking down the hallways until she arrived at the quiet office. The door slid open to reveal the school principal—an older woman with kind eyes and a gentle aura, the same person who had allowed Reina the luxury of using an empty classroom as her private lab, who had arranged her funding, and who always supported her strange yet brilliant ambitions.
The woman smiled softly. "Reina-chan. Thank you for coming."
Reina bowed slightly. "What is it, Principal? If it's about the experiment report, I already—"
The principal shook her head, amusement flickering in her eyes. "No, no. This time, I have a little request for you."
Reina tilted her head cautiously. "Request…?"
The principal folded her hands neatly on the desk. "It's about the annual camping trip for our first-year students. As you know, the second-years and third-years are usually not directly involved. However… I would like you to be a group guide."
Reina's eyes widened. "Eh? M-me?!"
The principal nodded as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "Yes. You have excellent leadership skills, Reina. You're brilliant, dependable, and you have a calm presence. The younger students would benefit greatly from your guidance."
Reina stammered, "But—but—but I… I don't do outdoor activities. I—I— I'm… I'm busy. Experiments. Theories. Research. Camping isn't exactly—"
The principal only smiled. "It's decided."
"…Hah!?"
The older woman reached over, pulling out a sheet of paper. Reina's sharp eyes instantly recognized her name signed neatly under Group Leader.
Her mouth opened in shock. "You… already signed me up?!"
The principal chuckled softly, mischief glimmering in her eyes despite her gentle expression. "Of course. I know you too well, Reina. If I gave you the choice, you would refuse. Sometimes, we must push geniuses out of their comfort zones."
Reina pressed her palm to her face, sighing deeply. "This is… unfair."
The principal leaned forward slightly. "You may choose which class you wish to guide, and you may also select someone to assist you. That much, I will allow."
Reina lowered her hand slowly. "…How many students per group?"
The principal's lips curved. "Oh, not many."
Reina's eyes narrowed. "…How many."
The principal calmly said, "The whole class."
Reina slumped in defeat. "Of course."
After a long silence, she exhaled. "…Then, I'll take Himari's class."
The principal's smile warmed even more. "Perfect choice."
By lunchtime, Reina was sitting in her lab with Himari, who was blinking rapidly after hearing the story.
"W-wait, wait, wait… So you're telling me you're going to be… a camping group leader? For my class?"
Reina stirred her tea slowly, looking miserable. "Yes. Against my will."
Himari tilted her head. "Then… are you going to ask someone for help?"
Reina hesitated. Her cool, collected face wavered with doubt. "…I don't know. Who would even…"
The sudden slam of the lab door made both girls jump.
"WE HEARD EVERYTHING!"
Arisa burst in first, eyes shining with determination, followed immediately by Sei, who carried the same energy but with a more exaggerated grin.
Reina nearly dropped her teacup. "…Were you two… eavesdropping?"
Sei raised a finger dramatically. "Not eavesdropping! Gathering intelligence."
Arisa crossed her arms, nodding firmly. "If you're leading a group, Reina, then obviously—you'll need our help."
Reina pinched the bridge of her nose. "…Why do you make it sound like a battlefield?"
Sei laughed loudly. "Camping is a battlefield. Tents, fires, wild animals, mosquitoes—! Without backup, you're doomed!"
Arisa, in contrast, was completely serious. "And besides, guiding a group of first-years is not easy. You'll need coordination. Planning. Support. Himari alone cannot handle the logistics."
Himari flinched slightly. "E-eh? I—I mean, I can help with tea and chores but…"
Reina sighed. "I never asked you two to—"
But before she could finish, Arisa and Sei leaned forward in perfect unison, their faces shining with expectation.
"Pick us, Reina!"
"Yeah, let's make this camping trip legendary!"
There was a long silence. Reina closed her eyes, exhaling deeply. Her usual cool demeanor cracked slightly with resignation.
"…Fine."
Both Arisa and Sei cheered loudly, pumping their fists like victorious warriors.
Reina set her teacup down, muttering under her breath. "…This is going to be a disaster."
Himari giggled softly, covering her mouth. "But… maybe it will be fun, too."
For once, Reina didn't argue.