The pool was quickly cleared out as Nagumo and his friends began to increase in number.

If they wanted to talk to me directly, they would send a messenger to me if I left them alone without contacting me.

I interpreted the fact that they didnt do so at the moment as an indication that they had no intention of setting up a place to talk.

Anyway, its not nice to keep drawing attention to myself. In order to escape, I went to the locker room to change my clothes

Ayanokouji-senpai!

Nanase finds me in the aisle and runs up to me with a happy look on her face.

Its not that unusual to see someone two days in a row, because on a ship with a fixed destination, youre bound to pass students you know repeatedly outside of your cabin.

However, the way she appeared reminded me of the scene I saw yesterday.

Can I have a moment of your time?

She seemed to be checking my surroundings lightly to make sure I wasnt with someone else.

She may not have been able to initiate the conversation before since she was working with Ishizaki yesterday.

However, I nodded my head, a little confused by the strong pressure and the close distance.

Actually, Im not sure if I should report this, but, uh, theres something thats been bothering me.

Something thats been bothering you?

The cheerful sign disappears from the cheerful Nanase as she makes a serious face.

Nanase speaks in a whisper, paying attention to her surroundings.

Theres one thing I didnt tell you, senpai. If I tell you, you might get angry.

I might get angry? I wonder what she is talking about.

Well

Nanase tried to speak as her whisper became even quieter

Oh, is that Ayanokouji-kun?

Nanase hurriedly distanced herself when a voice she didnt recognize called out to her.

It was Ichinoses classmate, Yume Kobashi.

In my school life, I wouldnt even say hello to each other.

However, in the uninhabited island test, I spent the same time, albeit for a short time.

That seemed to have changed our relationship.

Oh, am I bothering you? I think maybe Id better wait.

Noticing Nanase who was hiding behind my body, she said that apologetically.

No, its fine. I was just asking Ayanokouji-senpai about something I didnt understand.

Are you sure?

Nanase nodded twice vigorously, as if it wasnt as serious as she made it out to be just a while ago.

Ill call you again when I have more time, senpai.

The only thing that seemed certain was that it was not something that just be told in front of any student.

Im sorry, I didnt notice you talking to her. Shes a first year student, right? Did I offend her perhaps?

I dont think you need to worry about that. So what do you want from me?

Actually, the girls in my class are having a party tonight. I was wondering if youd like to join us, Ayanokouji-kun. I wanted to thank you for helping me with Chihiro-chan.

It was an invitation.

However, the keyword girls from the class stuck out strongly.

What kind of people are going to participate?

I felt scared and tried to confirm, but Kobashi tilted his head saying Hmmm

Were still working on it, I guess. Dont worry so much about it, there are no weird kids.

Its not that Im afraid of strange members joining, but I dont think she understands.

Its only students from your class, right? Isnt it strange that I, a stranger, should join?

Really? Not at all! What do you think, wont you join us? [tl note: uwu]

Im not sure if this is a good idea or not. There are not many people in Ichinoses class that I can talk to intimately. To be honest, I wasnt too keen about it.

Im not sure Id be able to have a good conversation with Ichinose, especially now.

Its a little painful, but I need to decline here.

No, I think Ill pa

Seeing me about to reject her invitation, Kobashi puts her hands together in earnest.

Please! Think of our encounter here as a part of destiny, kay?

It becomes hard to refuse when she puts it like that, but I couldnt give in so easily.

Its obvious that if I let things go as they will, nothing good will come of it.

You mean this is my responsibility, is that correct? [Ayanokouji]

What? [Kobashi]

No, its okay. Ill report this to everyone in my class. Ill say that I invited Ayanokouji-kun, but my way of inviting was so poor that I got refused. [Kobashi]

Wait, how did it come to that [Ayanokouji]

Then will you come?

..Thats..

So you wont come - Ah if only I could invite you in a better way Im so sorry everyone

Ill be troubled if you get so depressed.

You just have to show up. Just come. Besides, Honami-chan will also be there

Once again, she put her hands together with more vigor than before.

At this point, it seems like there is no retreat.

Okay. Its fine if I just come for a little bit, isnt it?

Yeah, thank you! Oh, but its a secret to Honami-chan to attend todays celebration party, okay?

She smiled so brightly that it was hard to believe that she had been depressed and sad just a moment ago.

Its been said that women are born actresses.

But why not tell Ichinose? That part stuck with me a little.

Why not tell her? Id like to have everyones permission for me to participate.

If there is even one student who refuses to participate, Id be glad to know about that.

This way, I can say no to them again in good faith and for a good cause.

Because thats.. Isnt it better if we keep Ayanokouji-kuns presence as a surprise?

I dont think this surprise will turn out as well as she imagines.

Im not going to go too far into it because my classmates already seem to have a lot on their minds when it comes to me and Ichinose.

Okay then, Ill see you in room 5034 at 8:00

Room 5034 is the party is going to be in someones room?

I thought we would be using a rest area or a deck. The room number meant that the girls were sleeping there, not the boys.

Is there any problem with that?

No its just, I just feel like itll be a little hard to blend in

Thats not true. Right?

Kobashis recurring right? is so convincing that I was pushed into a corner.

[TL note: Kobashi uses -ne~ again and again at end of her sentences to persuade Ayanokouji]

A retreat was being robbed of me more and more.

Then Ill be waiting! Be sure to come! Okay?

Perhaps she was satisfied with the outcome, Kobashi walked away quite quickly.

I give up *sigh*

Its not the right time to talk to Ichinose face to face yet, but Since it is with a group of people together I suppose itll be fine. Besides if it is a celebration party, Im sure that not a few boys will participate as well.