1843 Accompanying Sara

Faced with those questions, the first thing I did was to put on a smile and wait for her to calm down with her barrage of questions.

I put a hand in front of her and said, Are you that interested, Sara-san? Have you not heard anything from the girls? I think I have quite a reputation in our school.

I did hear about it. They said youre the most popular boy. But Onoda-kun, that doesnt answer everything. Miwa-san and the kid with you... Are they actually your m-mother and brother?

This woman. Shes not holding back with her curiosity, huh?

Im sorry. I cannot answer that. Its confidential.

Eh? But that will just make me think that its true.

Well, its up to your interpretation Sara-san. Still, I will say one thing though. I love that mother and son a lot.

As though she was hit by a stone coming down from a waterfall, Sara wobbled on her steps. She was hit by a great deal of confusion. Shes trying to make sense of it. However, she also couldnt bring herself to make assumptions.

And seeing how she was about to fall over, I closed in and supported her until she recovered.

Upon realizing that, the woman immediately became flustered before she started apologizing to me again. Of course, I stopped that before telling her that we should start walking to her destination. Weve been stalled for too long. Someone could show up and find us talking here.

Sara timidly nodded again and followed my words. Although she was supposed to take the lead to guide me to their cabin area, she somehow became stuck at occasionally glancing at me. Most likely, shes still waiting for me to answer the questions she presented.

Her curiosity was getting in her way.

Unfortunately for her, I decided to keep it vague for now. I was also curious why she was still with her boyfriend. However, theres no way I would bring that up myself. That would make her feel like I wasnt interested in her in any way.

Truthfully, theres only curiosity so it still fits. If shes going to talk about it then Ill listen to her.

A few minutes later, we arrived at the open area where we gathered, cooked, and ate our breakfast.

This should be like the crossroad for those who are going to the cabin areas on this side of the hill. Then, theres another path that should lead towards the peak which we climbed back during our scouting trip.

Anyway, with neither of us talking, it became a rather awkward stroll that felt a little suffocating. Nevertheless, I kept up with my act which slowly frustrated the woman walking beside me.

Onoda-kun, I was only curious. I hope you didnt feel offended by it.

As we took a turn to another path which would probably lead us to another cabin area, Sara opened her mouth again. Thats probably all she could muster after thinking for a while. Since I showed her that I wasnt willing to talk about myself openly, she realized that she could only take a step back from it.

Its fine. I understand why youre curious. But Sara-san, thats too personal, right? I believe you also wont like it if I ask you those questions.

... Yes. I apologize.

Thats enough. Lets leave that topic behind. You dont need to apologize too. Even though I said I was going to accompany you, it seems that I made the situation awkward for us. Should I just wander somewhere else?

Since I already know the general direction of where I might find Shio, Eguchi-sensei, and Juri, theres no point in me staying with Sara anymore.

Things might even get more complicated if her boyfriend suddenly showed up. It will be a lot better for me if he continues to not connect me with the guy who carried his girlfriend. That way, he wont be able to mess with me during our next Tasks. He looked like a petty guy who would take offense over it, after all.

Eh? No. Ill feel bad if you leave. Ive been too nosy. I should be the one reflecting on how I acted.

Perhaps as a reflex to what I said, Sara grabbed onto my arm, preventing me from even taking a step away from her.

Upon realizing what she did, she got flustered once again before saying, I mean, lets clear things up. Youre in your free time, am I right? You have nowhere to go so why dont I show you to our cabin?

This. What kind of suggestion is that? This is probably her attempt to change the topic and clear the air. But really, she couldnt think of anything else, huh?

Alright. If Sara-san insists on it then Ill be the one feeling bad for turning you down... Anyway, will it be fine? Im a student while youre one of the camp managers. Wont the teachers question us?

Oh. Youre right... Uh... Ill think about it. Im going back to the cabin to rest while the girls are doing their Third Tasks. Someone replaced me in guarding the entrance. Ill make an excuse for you to be here.

Shes going to rest? Then by bringing me to their cabin, is she going to have me stay with her? Wait. No. She possibly just brought that up since she couldnt think of any other reason to make me stay. And since shes repenting for being too nosy, she couldnt take it back anymore.

Sara-san, wont this trouble you? You know I can leave after I escorted you to your cabin.

... I insist, Onoda-kun.

With a slight pause, the woman reaffirmed herself before a stubborn expression showed on her face.

Yep. At this point, shes now forcing this.

She realized that she truly could get in trouble but shes doing this to make it up to me. How is she this dedicated and remains with her boyfriend?

Ugh... Anyways... I could probably slinked away without any repercussions even if the teachers called me out for being there. And isnt this my opportunity? I can probe for information from this woman.

You reminded me of the girls around me, Sara-san. Youre quite stubborn.

Maybe I misspoke but hearing that from me seemingly energized her, Girls? So, youre that close to them. Im still curious, Onoda-kun but I wont force you to answer anymore.

Thats a slip of my tongue. My bad.

Pfft. No problem. I think its quite normal if its you.

You think?

Yeah. Youre a natural charmer. I remembered when I first saw you, Shiina and I gasped at your dashing appearance.

Come on, Sara-san, youre teasing me, arent you? But I appreciate the compliment.

Shaking her head at my response, Sara willfully laughed. Somehow, her mood easily swung in that direction. The somewhat timid and low-spirited aura around her was instantly dispersed.

Truly, youre kind of extraordinary.

Stop. I can only thank you for one compliment. Another more and I dont know what to say anymore.

Hmm? You should just silently accept it then, Onoda-kun. Thats the way.

Is it? Then is it also fine to throw compliments back to you?

No? I dont think so. You dont have anything to compliment me for.

But I do. Youre pretty, Sara-san. I think some of the boys are checking you out.

Pfft. Those immature brats arent worth it. But do you think so, as well?

Immature brats? So thats how she sees them. And Im different? This woman... she knew how to handle her priorities.

Of course. Otherwise, I wont bring it up. I shrugged and repeated it to her, this time, I closed in and whispered into her ear. Youre pretty, Sara-san.

Almost instantly, Saras whole body visibly shuddered. Her laughter stopped and her flustered expression deepened. Before long, the notorious streak of red started decorating her face.

Thats a foul move, Onoda-kun. You shouldnt suddenly whisper close to a girls ear! She adorably stomped her feet and sprinted ahead of me.

However, a few steps later, she stopped and glanced behind as though waiting for me to catch up, L-lets stop with the compliments. Hurry up, Onoda-kun.

Shes quick to raise a white flag. In any case, it was fun while it lasted.