It was the fourth day of boarding, and the sun was just right.
Natsukawa Sosuke carried a plate piled high with grilled meat and seafood and found a window seat in the buffet restaurant. The sea breeze blew in through the open window, carrying a hint of salty moisture, making one feel refreshed.
'Free buffet is great.'
'Especially when the quality is pretty good; not eating a lot would be ungrateful for the school's generosity.'
He unhurriedly cut a piece of steak, put it in his mouth, and enjoyed this rare moment of leisure.
Just then, a gentle voice sounded beside him.
"Um... Natsukawa-kun, is this seat taken?"
Natsukawa Sosuke looked up and saw Hirata Yosuke standing by his table, holding a plate, with his characteristic, impeccable gentle smile on his face.
'Here comes Class D's Central Air Conditioner.'
This thought flashed through Natsukawa Sosuke's mind, but on the surface, he calmly nodded: "No, take a seat."
"Great, thank you!"
Hirata Yosuke thanked him and sat down opposite Natsukawa.
After that, the two didn't exchange many words but quietly enjoyed their lunch. Hirata's dining etiquette was excellent, and he ate very gracefully, much like his overall demeanor.
It wasn't until both had almost finished eating that Hirata wiped his mouth with a napkin and spoke first.
"Natsukawa-kun," he looked at Natsukawa, with a sincere invitation in his eyes, "This afternoon, Karuizawa-san and I are organizing a small party at the rooftop outdoor pool. We've invited many classmates. We'll play in the water, chat, and relax. Would Natsukawa-kun like to join us?"
Natsukawa Sosuke put down his knife and fork and shook his head.
"I won't go," he politely declined, "I'm not very interested in such lively occasions."
'A noisy pool party with a bunch of people? Spare me. I'd rather go back to my room and read a few more pages of a book if I had that time.'
Hearing this expected answer, Hirata Yosuke showed no sign of disappointment, merely nodding gently.
"Is that so? What a pity."
Then, as if remembering something, he continued to ask: "By the way, what about Horikita-san? Does Natsukawa-kun know where she's been these past few days? I haven't seen much of her since we boarded. If possible, I'd like to invite her to join us too."
"She probably won't go either," Natsukawa Sosuke replied, "You should know what she's like; she doesn't like group activities. As for where she is... I'm not too sure, she might be resting in her room."
'Horikita, she caught a cold as soon as we boarded, and she's probably still holed up in her room.'
"Is that so... alright then." Hirata's tone carried a hint of regret.
He was silent for a moment, seemingly organizing his thoughts, before finally looking up and, with a more solemn tone than before, stating his true intention for coming today.
"Natsukawa-kun, actually... I came to you today because there's something I'd like to ask of you."
"Speak."
"I hope... you can help me establish a channel of communication between Horikita-san and me." Hirata's gaze was incredibly serious. "As you saw, regarding the Sudo-kun incident, Horikita-san displayed astonishing leadership and judgment. To be honest, after witnessing her abilities, I increasingly feel that I... am not a qualified leader."
His voice carried a deep sense of self-reproach and powerlessness.
"Although I really want to unite the class, I often feel powerless. If... if I could have Horikita-san's help, I believe our Class D could definitely become better. So... please, Natsukawa-kun! Please help me!"
Natsukawa Sosuke looked at the good-natured person in front of him, who was working tirelessly for the class, with no ripples in his heart. Hirata Yosuke, though limited in ability, had a sense of responsibility that was commendable.
"Okay." Natsukawa Sosuke nodded. "When I see her, I'll convey your message to her. Whether she agrees or not is not something I can decide."
Upon receiving the affirmative reply, Hirata Yosuke's face immediately broke into a grateful smile.
"Really? Thank you so much, Natsukawa-kun!"
He glanced at the time and stood up.
"It's getting late, and I still need to inform others, so I'll take my leave. Thank you very much today!"
With that, he hurriedly left.
Natsukawa Sosuke watched his retreating back and continued to leisurely finish the remaining food on his plate... Happy days are always as short as a National Day holiday, slipping away to an end before you know it.
On the morning of August 1st, Natsukawa Sosuke had just leisurely finished his morning tea and was about to explore other floors for any unplayed entertainment facilities when a clear broadcast suddenly echoed throughout the entire cruise ship.
"Attention all students, attention all students. This cruise ship is about to arrive at its destination for this trip. Before officially disembarking, we will circle the island once. Students who are able are encouraged to come to the deck to watch; we believe this will be a highly significant sightseeing experience in your lives."
"Additionally, all students must leave their mobile phones, cameras, and all other personal electronic devices and private belongings in their rooms. No personal items are allowed when disembarking. Later, your Class teacher teachers will conduct checks at the disembarkation point, so please cooperate."
As the broadcast ended, Natsukawa Sosuke stood on the stairs, listening to the sea breeze outside the window, and sighed softly.
'It's finally here, seven days of survival on a deserted island.'
He walked down the stairs and onto the deck.
At this time, quite a few students had already gathered on the deck in small groups. Everyone's gaze was directed toward the same spot.
At the end of the horizon, a lush green island lay quietly on the azure sea.
That, presumably, was where they would be vacationing for the next seven days.
Just as Natsukawa Sosuke was gazing at the uninhabited island, his shoulder was gently patted.
A cheerful voice sounded from behind him.
"Natsukawa-kun! Good morning!"
Natsukawa Sosuke turned around and saw Ichinose Honami standing behind him, with that radiant, sun-like smile on her face.
She walked to Natsukawa's side and looked at the island, following his gaze, her eyes also full of curiosity and anticipation.
"Wow... is that the island we're going to? It looks so beautiful!"
She exclaimed, then turned her head, her clear, big eyes filled with an undisguised curiosity and admiration as she looked at Natsukawa.
"Speaking of which, Natsukawa-kun, you're really amazing! When I saw this island, I suddenly remembered the advice you gave me at the beginning of the school year. Thanks to Natsukawa-kun, everyone in our Class B has now more or less mastered some wilderness survival knowledge."
'How did Natsukawa-kun know that the school would send people to an island in the summer? And he already knew at the start of the school year, it's truly incredible!'
Ichinose Honami's heart was full of questions, but she didn't ask them directly, just quietly watched Natsukawa.
"But..." she changed the subject, a hint of worry appearing on her face, "The broadcast said we can't bring any personal items. How are we going to spend our time on the island then? We're not really going to have to make fires, cook, and find food ourselves, are we?"
Natsukawa Sosuke looked at her cute expression, a mix of excitement and worry, and merely smiled faintly.
"Later, when we're sailing around the island, watch carefully," he reminded her, "There will be unexpected rewards."
"Eh? Really?"
Although Ichinose Honami was puzzled, out of trust in Natsukawa, she nodded vigorously.
"Okay! I'll definitely keep my eyes wide open and observe carefully!"
After saying that, she didn't ask any more questions but stood beside Natsukawa, shoulder to shoulder with him, waiting for the island to draw closer.
As the cruise ship slowly sailed towards the island, the outline of the green solitary island became increasingly clear.