1853 No other choice but to hide

A few seconds later, a panicking Kushii peeked her head inside the tent, perhaps to inform us of what was happening.

However, upon witnessing us in our current position where it wouldnt be at all weird to call us out for being shameless, her words got caught in her throat as she froze there.

Shes really making some adorable reactions lately, huh? But then again, I wouldnt blame her for that. This should be her first time seeing us like this, after all.

Shortly after, another set of footsteps approached the entrance and soon enough, another girls head peeked inside the tent, noticing our situation right away.

I knew it. You really wont miss a chance. But Onoda-kun slow down first, okay?

Obviously, it was Shiina with her lips curved into a knowing smirk.

Unlike Kushii, seeing us like this didnt put her in the same state. However, thats probably because she was more concerned about other things. Her face was currently overwhelmed with a sense of urgency.

It wouldnt be correct to say that she was panicking. Its more like shes thinking that it'll definitely be bad for me to be caught here by the newcomers.

Moreover, because she insisted and broke the rule that they set by letting me in and allowing me to mingle with the girls, shed be in bigger trouble. But that will be if they find me here or someone rats her out.

Given that everyone agreed with her suggestion earlier, even those initially unconvinced, the chances are probably low. However, we cannot be too sure, right?

I nodded at her and moved myself off of Chii, taking the space on her side.

When I faced her again, Shiinas eyes locked on me as she explained the situation outside, Ugh I wont comment on what youre trying to do here but this is more urgent. Listen to me, Onoda-kun. Until I return, do not go out of this tent. Close the entrance if you can but its possibly better to keep it open first. Some of our professors arrived to check the progress of our activity. They wont appreciate seeing you here so in the meantime, youll be your girls guest.

I understand.

Theres no other choice, right? Actually, theres one. That is to sneak out of this area by navigating through the woods. In one way or another, it will lead me somewhere out here.

However, the chances of being spotted while I traversed the distance between our location and the edge of the woods would probably be the same if I stayed here.

Thats why staying here is the most optimal solution.

As long as they dont specifically check each groups tent thoroughly, Ill be fine. They can cover me up with anything like piling their bags, futons, pillows, and blankets on top of me, Ill do my utmost to act like a lifeless object.

Upon getting my agreement, her eyes then landed on Chii as well as on the speechless Kushii who was just about to recover, instructing them on what to do. You dont want him to be caught here, right? Act natural. Start bringing your things inside and let him sit in one corner. Once youre done, you can join him inside and wait until they leave.

Without waiting for our response, Shiina retracted her head and walked away from the tent.

Before long, Shiinas voice welcoming their professors reached my ears.

This was incredibly risky but if everyone in the camp cooperated, I will definitely consider that as owing them a favor.

Shortly after, I moved to the side and Chii crawled out of the tent. Dragging Kushii with her, they went to inform Hana and An-rin as well.

A minute quickly passed. I perked my ears to properly hear if someone was approaching while Chii and the girls started bringing in their things from the cabin.

The first one to enter, An-rin crawled to my side and placed her bag down in front of me She then looked at me and teasingly smirked

Onoda-shi, youre in a bind, ya?

Yeah. Help me out?

Seriously, we totally do not have a choice, no? Tell me, Onoda-

shi. Are you totally unlucky? You passed the first three groups without any problems. But once you began approaching those close to you, someone immediately arrived to disrupt your fun.

My fun, huh? Is that how she sees my objective for coming here?

Maybe both? Im lucky to be here, no?

Aiyaa~ youre totally correct. An-rin then tapped my leg as though passing encouragement to me before she crawled back out of the tent.

Following her, Kushii crawled in and paused for a moment to look at me. Without daring to prolong our eye contact, she also moved to my side, picking up An-rins bag and placing it to the side along with hers.

As her eyes landed back on me, she muttered in slight annoyance, Shameless guy, dont hog all the space. We have more to bring in.

Sorry. I swiftly replied which put her in a stump. Kushii then clicked her tongue as she began turning her body to leave.

However, she accidentally got her toe tangled at her bags handle causing her to drag it with her and also slip forward. I had no idea if she was being careless or not but my body quickly reacted to prevent her from being hurt.

I stretched my leg out to have her upper body land on my thigh. Then I slowed her down by holding her arm before removing the tangled bag on her foot.

Almost instantly, I could feel the softness of her chest being squeezed against my leg. Her hand desperately tried to grasp onto something but to no avail.

Theres nothing to grab onto except me.

Due to that, her right hand dangerously landed near my groin as she tightened her grip on it to support herself. That was close

Upon realizing her situation, she closed her eyes as she doggedly attempted to prevent her face from being flustered.

Are you alright? Kunieda-san? I asked as I successfully halted her descent by extending my arm beneath her, my fingers lodged on her soft skin near her waist. The way she lifted her arms in an attempt to grab onto something pulled her shirt up, opening that small window on her navel.

She failed to reply right away but with her body partly pressed against me, I could sense how her heart started beating quickly from tension. Her body heat also jumped a little and beads of sweat started to form from her forehead.

I-Im fine You caught me. T-thank you. Perhaps deliberating whether to look at me or not, her head moved erratically.

Seeing that from my perspective, a chuckle involuntarily escaped my mouth, Kunieda-san, you dont seem to be fine to me.

Shut up Help me get up before they see me this close to you.

Why? Are you worried?

Of course, I am. Youre Chii No. I shouldnt even be this conscious of you.

Youre right, you shouldnt. But you are. Its too obvious. Its my fault, right?

If you know, dont say anything anymore. Ugh. As she spat that response as though she was trying to run away, her face scrunched up to a pained expression.

I quickly looked at her foot and sure enough, that accident also twisted her ankle. However, it wasnt dislocated or anything, she just twisted it a bit, causing a swift rush of pain to her senses.

And here I thought Chii is the queen of clumsiness. Kunieda-

san, youre out of commission, stay here instead.

W-what? No.

I insist, Im sure Chii will also say the same. Right?

As I said that, I gestured with my head and turned my eyes to the girl watching at the entrance.

Huh? Wait Kushii mouthed in panic but Chiis giggling drowned that out.

I see. Thats what happened. I thought Kushii was finally taking matters into her hands but its an accident, huh? With a teasing smile blooming on her lips, Chii shook her head.

The girl then dropped her bag and pushed it inside the tent as she crawled forward to reach our side. Not long after, Hana as well as An-rin who already made a return trip from their cabin also showed up, staring in wonder at what was happening.

With Kushiis ability to move impeded by her hurting ankle, I bent forward to prop her up and drag her to my side. Although she tried protesting at first, she succumbed to her fate soon afterward upon noticing that I wasnt being rough with her.

I had her lean on my left shoulder to support her back while allowing her feet to stretch forward. Naturally, I stretched my arm to her other side to also prevent her from sliding off. In a way, the scene probably looked like I was holding her close to me.

Chii was mischievously smiling but at the same time pouting. Most likely, shes a little jealous of Kushiis position. Hana facepalmed, understanding that this was once again a display of my overwhelming consideration. And lastly, An-rin had her hands pressed together with her fingers slowly clapping.

Not knowing where to hide from the gazes of the three girls, Kushii used her hand to cover her face as she dispiritedly grumbled, Im sorry for this embarrassing display.