Having traversed the same path twice already, I didnt have any difficulties going through it anymore. After a few minutes of walking, I emerged from the straight path through the woods. Upon making sure that no one was around, I turned to the direction where Shiina should be waiting.

No surprises were waiting for me there. As I passed the curve that would lead me straight to their cabin area, the figure of the young woman waiting there appeared in my vision almost instantly.

Likewise, she also spotted me without any difficulty. Shes probably staking out here for me.

Shiina waved excitedly as she waited for me to close our distance. Shes still wearing the same attire as earlier. Theres nothing sexy about it but her posture suggested otherwise. I dont know if thats intentional or not. Maybe this is her way of welcoming me?

Uh. Lets not assume that.

Its great seeing you, young man. Did you bring it with you?

Sporting a wide, pleasant grin on her lips, the woman hollered me over before she edged closer to whisper that last part.

It sounded shady, didn't it?

... Sure. Here it is. But that sounds like were trading something illegal. I pulled the pouch from my pocket and placed it on her opened palm.

Pfft. No worries. This isnt something illegal.

She clutched it firmly before giddily returning to her previous spot. With her eyes showing a glint of her satisfaction and thorough amusement, she lifted the pouch, opened it, and pulled out a folded piece of paper in it. It was folded multiple times despite the size of the pouch, I couldnt feel it because of the cushion.

I honored Sawanos reminder not to look inside it so... my eyes were peeled to sate my curiosity.

What do you think this is? Care to guess, Onoda-kun? Shiina asked as she started unraveling the folded paper.

I played along with her and put out my wildest guess using a sarcastic tone and monotonous voice

Did he seriously write a love letter to you, Shiina-san? Wow.

Yeah. Right. Im that cruel to ask him to deliver his love letter using you as the courier... Shiina said, holding back her laughter, ... Of course not! Geez. Onoda-kun, I told you to guess, not to exaggerate it. Here. Im sure youre curious about this.

After reading its content only once, she handed the paper to me to check it out.

I naturally didnt act reserved and looked at it properly. It was clearly handwritten and the structure of the sentences felt more like an actual report of a subordinate to his superior. So, thats really their relationship, huh?

Well, thats not enough to prove it. Besides, asking this woman would be more reliable.

Wait. Whats this for? I asked after handing it back to her. Ive also only needed to read it once to properly understand it. Its just Sawano talking about our activities. He pointed out those excelling in it and those who were a little problematic. It probably covers a wide range of criteria to be put on that problematic list and theyre all based on Sawanos judgement.

I even saw my name listed in it with a small note saying, A peculiar boy. His group seems disconcerted. Theyre cooperating but theres no camaraderie being built between them. Theyre going separate ways as soon as they finish their tasks.

Looks like hes diligent in observing us as its quite accurate. Fukuda was also listed on it, after all. He noted that the guy was always going off on his own and only returning before the next task.

As for those excelling in this camp, Kobayashi, Shirai, and even Sakuma were listed in it.

Well, I couldnt care less if I was deemed problematic. Its not going to be used to evaluate us anyway. Otherwise, he wouldve sent it to the Dean or the professors instead of Shiina.

But then again, this is Shiina we are talking about. I cannot deny her influence in this camp. Her identity should truly be special or at least, shes not just an ordinary camp manager like the others.

Youre curious, huh? Dont worry. Its not going to matter even if youre listed in it. I asked him to take note of the boys behavior. Later, Ill also have you deliver a list to him. You see, were both appointed to lead this camp. Tomorrow theres going to be a joint activity between boys and girls so... were going to pair one group with another. Instead of drawing randomly, well pair you based on our judgement. Shiina explained.

I tried deconstructing her words to check if theres any falsehood in it but shes possibly telling me the truth.

Then are we wrong with our assumption? No. I cannot rule that out yet. I mean, they can have a meeting to discuss this thing, right? Why use a roundabout method like this?

It doesnt make any sense.

Your forehead was becoming creased, Onoda-kun. Not convinced yet? What if I told you that theres no reason for us to do this at all? I just thought I could use this to bring you to me.

Is that the case? Is there no other meaning behind this?

Well, she could choose not to answer that question and I also didnt think it was that important anymore. Shes just being resourceful, isnt she? Or in this case, this woman was kind of putting this much effort into getting my interest.

No. There isnt any other meaning other than what Ive told you. Its purpose is to bring you here. And its a legitimate report to prepare for tomorrow. The thing is... we can make do without doing this... I simply exploited my position and Sawanos unconditional compliance. Shiinas smile deepened as she closed our distance again, Onoda-kun, does this change your opinion of me?

Alright. So, hes that obedient to her, huh? Its unconditional. Is he a simp? No. Maybe he owed her a favor? I dont know.

Not really, Shiina-san. Maybe Im just overthinking this but should I take this that youre this dedicated to getting to know me personally?

Yes. Im this dedicated. Is it that bad? Are you not into assertive women?

No. This isnt about being assertive or not, Shiina-san. How should I say it? This is our second meeting. You found out that I lied about my identity back then. Not to mention, youve become aware of my closeness to a lot of girls... I can understand being curious but shouldnt your first reaction be something close to being repulsed? I may have shown you a gentlemanly side before for carrying Sara-san but that shouldnt be the only reason for you to be this interested in me.

Shiinas expression didnt change that much as she listened to everything said. In fact, she probably became more interested upon hearing all of that.

Most likely, she wasnt expecting me to act like this. Or rather, shes probably expecting someone whos involved with a lot of girls to not question her interest in me.

Because she had no idea how were maintaining the complexity of our relationship, shes possibly using the other playboys as a reference. Those guys will not question a girl that shows interest in them. As long as they fit right in their strike zone, theyll swing their bat without hesitation.

After a few seconds of contemplation, Shiina clapped her hands once as her pleasant smile returned to her face.

Then, she closed in on me and unhesitatingly hugged my arm.

Oh. I get it, Onoda-kun. Youre also curious about me. I like that. Allow me to answer some of your doubts... Why am I still interested in you in spite of everything I found out about you? Its simple... Because youre one of a kind. Thats all there is to it.

One of a kind, huh? I cant deny that. Im vastly different from any other guy.

Come on, you can ask me more questions later. But Onoda-

kun, arent you going to accompany me?

Taking my silence as still being in doubt about her, Shiina pressed herself further on me before starting to drag me away from their cabin area.

I could still hear the activity from afar but since shes out here, she probably left her post to someone else. Maybe to Sara.

They should be doing an easy task that doesn't really need that much supervision. Theyre being taught survival skills like creating fire using a flint and tying knots.

Alright. Lets get to know each other better, Shiina-san. Please lead the way.

Pfft. I expected you to say that. I promise. This will be worth your time.

With that as our last exchange there, Shiina elatedly hummed as she continued on her steps with our destination set to their cabin.