CH. 110 - A Class Field Trip to Camp Circle V

 In spring… Samuel’s class of fourth year students are rowdy in the morning, excited for the springtime and their futures as soon to be adults. They talk loudly and mingle as Samuel walks through the door, looking quite tired and worn out. Haru looks over, surprised. 

 “Woah, Ms. Samuel, you look beat.” He says. Samuel looks subtly irritated at his words.

 “Thanks, Haru. I try, I do.” She says back.

 “You should take a spa day, Ms. S.” Kuzan says coolly from his desk. Samuel cracks her back as she stretches up straight.

 “No no, I’m alright. My girlfriend is just a little too rough with me.” She says casually as the class blushes a bit.

 “I don’t think you can say that, Ms. Samuel.” Alice says with a smug cat smile, sweating a bit. Samuel approaches her desk and sets down her bag before turning to the class. 

 “It’s not my fault she likes to do wrestling for fun. Get your mind out of the gutter.” She says with a smug look, closing one eye to the class. Daiki smiles wide as he turns to Hikigaya.

 “Oohoo, did you hear that, Hikigaya? She called you stupid!” he says loudly.

“Yeah she did!” Haru teases as Hikigaya doesn’t even look back at them.

 “Did she? I thought she was talking about yo mommas.”

 “Zzwip.” Touma sounds from across the class while pointing a finger gun in the air at Hikigaya’s clapback, causing him to smirk.

 “Huh??” Haru and Daiki voice at his words.

 “Alright, that’s enough about moms and girlfriends. I know you’re all excited for spring, but we still have work to do.” Samuel says, getting the class’s attention. Lucy lays her head down and looks away with a displeased look.

 “I’d rather go camping than do more school work…” she grumbles under her breath as Chizuru’s face lights up. 

 “Ooh! Camping! That’s a great idea for spring vacation!” Chizuru says excitedly.

 “That could be fun.” Sugawara adds.

 “I’ve always wanted to go camping.” Airi says.

 “Yeah, and I’ve always wanted to fight a bear!” Alice says before shadow boxing in her chair. 

 “We should all go!” Suiyoubi says happily.

 “If we do, we should rent out some cabins. I don’t do tenting.” Kuzan says casually. Lucy looks shocked and concerned.

 “I was kidding! I don’t want to go camping!” Lucy complains. The class then begins discussing a hypothetical camping trip as Samuel’s eyebrow twitches in frustration. 

 “You darn kids…” she growls before shouting at them. “Alright! That’s enough about camping! It’s time to focus up!” She commands.

 “Come on, Ms. Samuel! Wouldn’t a senior field trip be super fun?” Hisana says happily.

 “We could make it educational, depending on where we go.” Sugawara offers as the others encourage the idea. Samuel stares at them for a moment before smirking.

 “Alright, how about we make a deal? You all pass this next test with at least a 90% and I’ll go talk to Principal Ai about it. But if even one of you gets a score lower than 90, you can kiss your fourth year field trip goodbye.” Samuel says with a challenging look. The class sweats nervously a bit as Shiori and Hikigaya look at each other. They then smirk back.

 “You’re on.” They say together.

 “Yeah!” Haru shouts.

 “We haven’t been studying all highschool for nothing.” Kitaro says. Samuel smirks mischievously.

 “Well then. Let’s begin.” She says with an evil smile. She passes out the multiple page test to the class as they all get straight to work, trying their best. Samuel watches them with a smug look.

‘These fools… Not only is the test very difficult, there are a few among them who simply won’t be able to keep up!’ Samuel thinks, watching Haru and Hisana think intently. She then looks at Lucy. ‘And one who will most likely throw just because she doesn’t want to go camping. This deal is entirely one sided.’ She thinks to herself as the students take their test.

 Soon, after a fair amount of testing, the final student turns in his test to Samuel's desk as she smirks at the pile, looking up at Haru. He blows steam from his nose confidently before walking back to his seat. 

 “Since that’s all the tests, why don’t we begin with the first one?” Samuel says. She grabs the first test on top, being Haru’s, and flips it over to begin grading. After a bit, she looks up with a plain look.

 “Haru Tanaka. Your score…” The class listens intently, anticipating the first score they are about to hear. “74%.” She says coldly as everyone’s jaws drop in shock. Haru’s face looks lifeless and cold as he stares ahead blankly. They all turn and face him.

 “Haru!” they shout angrily. Samuel clicks her tongue as she stands up with a smug look on her face.

 “Well well, need I continue? It seems our wager has already concluded with the first test. Sorry, but it seems there will be no school trip.” Samuel says with a shrug. The class droops with disappointed looks when suddenly the room phone on Samuel’s desk begins to ring. “Would you look at that? Principal Ai is calling. Maybe I should put her on speaker and tell her the bad news?” Samuel mocks. She answers and does just that. “Hello Principal Ai. I have you on speaker, what is it you could be calling about at this hour?” She answers smugly.

“Hello, class 4-1. I hope you are all having a good morning.” Principal Ai’s voice comes through.

 “More like a super bummed morning!” Alice shouts from her seat.

“Oh? Then perhaps I can brighten your moods a bit. I have just received word about an upcoming school field trip that will take place over the first week of spring. A camping trip for one week to Camp Circle V, a historic site where many culturally enriching events took place.” Outside the classroom, a little down the hall, Principal Ai leans against the wall with a phone in hand and against her ear. She smiles as she continues to talk. “I’m sure it will be very educational for all of you. Oh, and there will be cabins.” She says as the students’ faces begin to light up, Samuel’s face in shock.

 “Cool.” Kuzan says with a smile.

“A runner with the paperwork needed for the trip will be there shortly.” She says as soon as a staff member brings in a box with small pamphlets in it. The students each rush up and grab them one by one with excited looks.

 “No way! This is amazing!” Chizuru shouts.

 “How did she know?” Airi asks.

 “I don’t know and I don’t care!” Hisana cheers as she presses the pamphlet to her chest happily. Samuel watches the students get excited for the trip in shock as Principal Ai continues.

“That means you will be chaperoning them, of course, Ms. Samuel.” She says. Samuel sighs before smiling a bit.

 “Yes, ma’am.” Samuel says warmly. Principal Ai doesn’t respond and hangs up. “I guess that’s that. Make sure you get your parents to sign those papers if you want to come. Otherwise, you know the drill. You’ll be with Mr. Goda for the duration of the trip, so on and so forth.” She says with a slight sigh of defeat as the class cheers excitedly.

 Later that day, Chizuru rushes into her home, closing the door behind her with an excited look. 

 “Dad! Dad~!” she calls out with a smile as she enters the living room, when Henry comes rushing out of the kitchen with a worried look on his face.

 “What?? What is it?? Are you Okay??” he asks with a slightly panicked expression as Chizuru nods, stepping back a bit from her father’s worried grasp.

 “I’m fine, nothing’s wrong.” Chizuru says softly. Pastel follows behind Henry but stops a little back, quickly realizing her daughter is fine. Chizuru sees her smiles. “Oh! Mom, you’re home too. Great! Check this out!” She says excitedly before pulling out the packet and putting it on the table. “We were just told today about a trip the class is doing over the first week of spring! We’re going to Camp Circle V!” Chizuru says happily. Henry grabs the papers and looks at them with a concerned look as Pastel approaches them.

 “That sounds like super fun, my dear.” Pastel says with a smile.

 “I don’t remember the school saying anything about a spring trip..” Henry says, worrying.

 “Well, my friends kinda came up with the idea..” Chizuru says with a nervous look while rubbing the back of her head. “B-but don’t worry! Ms. Samuel and Principal Ai already approved it! I just need signatures as usual to go.” She says, trying to convince them. Henry gets a displeased look.

 “I.. don’t think this is a good idea. Iris High was supposed to be a prestigious highschool but time and time again, these trips turn into total disasters, putting her in danger. And it's so far away, what if-” he says with a worried tone as Chizuru’s expression begins to drop a little. Pastel steps up and interrupts Henry.

 “I think we need to talk about this.” Pastel says to Chizuru, placing her hand on Henry’s hand to calm him down. She then steps closer to Chizuru and leans in to whisper to her. “But don’t worry, I’ll convince your father to let you go..” she says softly as Chizuru’s eyes light up and a big smile spreads across her face. She gives her mother a big hug before rushing off.

 “Thanks, mom!” she says as she runs upstairs. Pastel watches her as Henry looks at Pastel with a conflicted look.

“You know I’m right. How are we supposed to trust some spur-of-the-moment trip somewhere so far when even the more planned out trips put her in so much danger? We can’t just let her do whatever she wants. She’s fragile. Who knows when the next time she’ll-”

 “Henry. Please don’t.” Pastel says, interrupting him. She turns and looks at him with a worried look. “I love my daughter more than anything in the world. I want her safe and healthy as much as you, but I swear, I would sooner gut myself before I hold her back from experiencing her life.” Her eyes glisten with tears as Henry’s expression shifts to soft concern. “That girl has already lost so much of her childhood. We have to trust she knows her limits and if she wants to do this, then we can’t stop her.” Pastel says firmly. She pauses for a moment as Henry looks down with a conflicted look. Pastel exhales softly. “Just… be there for her, please? Just this once?” She asks with a frustrated sigh as Chizuru sits on the stairs above the living room where her parents talk. She listens with a sad expression on her face. Henry debates for a moment before looking down.

 “Okay.” Henry says as Chizuru smiles just a bit, but sadness still persists before she gets up and goes to her room.

 After a few days pass and the class gets ready for the coming trip, the day soon arrives. Early that morning, Chizuru sleeps happily in bed when a soft hand pokes her cheek.

 “Chizuru~” The soft voice calls to her. Chizuru wiggles her nose a bit before getting poked a couple more times. “Chizuru. Time to get up, it’s trip day!” Pastel says softly as Chizuru opens her eyes to see her mom standing above her with a soft smile.

 “Mom..? Shouldn’t you be at the office by now?..” she asks.

 “I took the day off so your father and I can send you off together!” Pastel says warmly with a happy smile. Chizuru smiles a big, tired smile.

 “I love you guys!” she says as the two hug tightly. Pastel then lets her go and gets up.

 “Now come on. Dad’s making you a nice breakfast before your trip. And I wanna make sure you have everything you need so you don’t forget anything.” She says as she walks away. Chizuru sits in her bed for a moment, rubbing her eyes before she excitedly grabs her phone and calls someone.

 In Shiori’s room, her phone rings. Shiori groans as she rolls over and grabs her phone. She looks tired as she answers it.

 “Hello..?” she says with a groggy voice.

 “You up yet, Shiori? Come on! It’s trip day!” Chizuru says happily. Shiori tiredly lifts her arm up.

 “Yippie… trip day…” Shiori groans. Chizuru giggles.

 “Hehe okay. I’ll let you get ready. See you soon?” She asks.

 “Yep. See you at school, Chizuru..” Shiori says before hanging up and dropping her phone to her side along with her arm. She then rolls over and cuddles up to Hikigaya, nuzzling her face into his neck.

 “She’s excited?” Hikigaya asks as Shiori groans. He giggles before relaxing with her a bit longer.

At school, a bus waits in the parking lot as the class gathers along with their families and belongings. The parents say their goodbyes to their children with a mix of excitement and parental anxiety for their kids.

 “You got all your medicine?” Henry asks.

 “Yes.” Chizuru answers.

 “And the backups?” He asks again.

 “Yes..” she answers with a sweat.

 “And the spares?” Henry asks, checking over her one more time before Chizuru huffs.

 “Yes, dad! I’ve been taking the stuff for 17 years.” She says, annoyed. Henry steps back with a worried look.

 “Okay, just making sure. Now remember, it’s gonna be kind of cold up there so make sure you bundle up. And make sure you keep an eye out for danger in those woods. Always run away if you see anything.” Henry warns. Chizuru rolls her eyes as Pastel approaches her. 

 “I can’t believe you actually got dad to agree to this.” Chizuru says with a soft smile.

 “It took a little convincing, but he knows this will be good for you.” Pastel says. Henry droops behind them.

 “I’m right here, you know..” He mopes. They both giggle before Pastel looks at Chizuru.

 “Please be safe, my dear. Especially with your boyfriend going too, just, you know, be safe.” Pastel gives Chizuru an awkward smile before Chizuru blushes and pushes her mom away with an embarrassed look.

 “Ew mom! I know!” Chizuru says with a giggle before taking a step away. She walks towards the bus before stopping and turning around, looking at her parents. They look at her with soft looks, worried smiles on their faces. Chizuru then smiles a big, happy smile as she waves at them.

 “I love you!” She says happily to her parents as they wave back. Asami hugs Hikigaya tightly as Hamasaki kisses Shiori on the forehead. Shiori smiles happily as Hikigaya struggles under his mom’s grasp, the sound of cracking ribs being heard.

 “Be safe, you two.” Hamasaki says softly.

 “If anything happens, just give us a call.” Takanou says.

 “I’m gonna miss you, my baby boy!” Asami says with a big smile. She crushes Hikigaya in her embrace before he tries shoving her off him.

 “Mom, let go! I’ll be okay unless you squeeze me to death first!” He shouts angrily before she lets go. She steps back and sighs, smiling at them.

 “You go on and have your spiritual journey out in the woods. Maybe then you’ll find your calling.” Asami says happily. Hikigaya turns away from her with an annoyed look.

 “Yeah, whatever… Love you, mom.” He says with a pouty face as Asami smiles widely at him while waving. 

 “I love you both so much, my babies! Have a wonderful time!” She shouts as they head towards the group.

 “Have fun! Make sure you don’t blow anything up!” Natsu, Haru’s dad, shouts to Sugawara and Haru. Fuyu waves at him as he holds her by the waist.

 “Shush. He’s not like you.” She says with a smile to the boys as they join the group. Ryuji hugs his mom tightly before they let go and his dad hugs him a bit.

 “Have a good time, sweetie. I’ll be right here when you get back, I promise!” Fuyuko jokes with a laugh as Jun bumps her with his hip a bit. Ryuji sweats as he smiles at her and nods, turning towards the group. Lucy mopes as she stands next to her mom and dad with an upset look.

 “Aren’t you gonna join your friends?.” Kenji asks with a sweat.

 “Do I have to?..” Lucy mumbles.

 “Lucy! Don’t be like that! I know the outdoors isn’t exactly your thing, but this’ll be fun! Try to expand your horizons!” Yuri says before pushing her daughter forward. Lucy stumbles forward before looking back at her parents, upset, but then her look softens. Kenji and Yuri watch her with sad but happy smiles. “Just… try not to expand too far.. you still have to come back to us.” Yuri says softly. Lucy smiles at her warmly before sticking her tongue out and walking off to the group with a wave.

 “Nope. I’m expanding. I’m expanding deep into the woods, never to be seen again.” She teases as Yuri and Kenji look shocked. Lucy giggles as she turns around and mouths ‘I love you’ to her parents. They sigh in relief before waving her off. The group chats as they all come together in front of the bus before turning their heads at the sound of a girl shouting.

 “Now get a move on! Dad expects a full report on those trees!” Emiko shouts before kicking Touma in the butt. He winces in pain as he rubs his butt and joins the group with a pouty look on his face. Both Touma’s mom and dad sweat a bit at Emiko’s actions. 

"Yeah! What she said!" Kitaro's mom says, kicking him in the butt too. Kitaro mopes as he joins them too.

 “They seem happy to see you go.. What was all that about?” Hikigaya asks.

 “Hm… dad said Circle V has pretty unique trees.. Emiko t-took that as an order I guess…” Touma says softly.

"I'm not entirely sure what my mom meant…" Kitaro says too, looking back at his mom as she smiles and waves to him happily, causing him to smile ever so subtly.

 “At least we know this trip will be educational for one of us.” Ryuji says casually, poking a little fun at Touma as he droops a bit. As they stand there, Mormo climbs up Lucy and sits on her head. She looks irritated as he does.

 “Hey, listen here, girlie. I know you don’t like me much, and I mean, I don’t understand why, but why don’t we work past it?” Mormo offers. Lucy looks up at him with an annoyed look. “I have this plan, see? Maybe if we-”

 “Hyah!” Haru shouts before chopping Mormo on the side, sending him flying and slamming against the bus. Lucy smirks before high fiving Haru, who giggles.

 “This isn’t gonna work out, is it?..” Mormo mumbles as he slides down to the ground. He hits the ground before getting up and dusting himself off. He then turns to them and shakes his fist their way. “Whatever! Like I’d ever wanna be friends with the likes of you! I’m gonna be busy this week, anyhow.” Mormo says. Suiyoubi bends over and looks at him, surprised.

 “Mormo! You’re not coming?” She asks, tilting her head. He looks at her before crossing his arms.

 “Nah. Frankle called me and wanted to meet up. Something about something’s going on so we’re gonna talk about it.” He says. Suddenly, a rope flies down and lassos his body. Mormo is shocked for a second. “Oh no.” He says before suddenly being yanked away by Frankle as he drives on by with his scooter. He laughs in his strange way as Mormo screams through the air. Suiyoubi sweats as Hikigaya steps next to her.

 “Good riddance, I say.” He says. Samuel then pops her head out of the doors of the bus.

 “Alright everyone! Let’s get moving, shall we?” she says happily before motioning for the class to get on with all their belongings. The class climbs into the bus as Alice follows the line with a sleepy nose bubble coming from her nose as she basically sleepwalks. Soon, the entire class 4-1 is loaded onto the bus, ready to go. They look out the windows at their parents one last time as they wave them off before the bus slowly pulls away.

 The bus rattles and rolls down the road for hours as the class plays games and tells stories, trying to occupy the time before they get to their destination. They travel further and longer than they’ve ever gone before, as some decide to sleep the drive off. Some stare out the windows as the city streets and sights slowly thin out, leading to long winding roads in the mountains and forests. As thick clouds float in the sky, casting a deep shadow over the land as the sun tries to shine through, they notice a pair of lights coming their way in the opposite direction of travel.

 “I didn’t think we’d see anyone else around here.” Kitaro says casually, getting the attention of the few others who are awake.

 “Are those.. peace officer lights?” Airi asks as she stares. They watch as two peace officer cars escort a large transport vehicle, roughly half the size of the entire bus. They stare in awe as the vehicles drive off as fast as they came.

“Wouldn’t it be crazy if the prisoners on that bus escaped?” Hikigaya asks Shiori with a smirk.

“That would definitely make things more fun.” She responds casually before giggling with him about it. Sugawara sweats a bit at their words.

“Don’t say that…” he says, drooping.

“Come on, Suga! Where’s your ‘lost in the woods’ spirit?” Airi asks enthusiastically while wrapping her arm around his neck.

“We’re not lost in the woods. We’re just going camping at a well known campsite.” Samuel says out loud from the front of the bus. Airi sits back in her seat, pouting.

“Yeah, well, I can at least pretend this trip is gonna be fun...” she pouts.

Eventually, the bus makes a turn down a small road under a large sign reading “Camp Circle V”. They make it all the way down the dirt road to the main entrance where the class all get off the bus, stretching and yawning. 

“Ah~ that was a good night’s rest. Now who’s up for some games?!” Alice asks excitedly. Lucy responds while stepping past her.

“The night is just starting, dummy.” She says casually. Alice stops with a playfully surprised look.

“Ah- Oh..” she says, embarrassed. 

“Welcome, you guys! I hope you’re ready because the next five days will be filled with adventure and exploration of the value of Camp Circle V!” A staff member says enthusiastically as he welcomes the class.

“Yes, they are very excited to learn this week, isn’t that right?” Samuel asks smugly as the class groans. The staff giggles a little before another staff member steps up.

“Okay! But all that learning is for another day. For now, let’s get you to your cabin so you can put your stuff away, then we’re off to the mess hall for dinner!” she says excitedly. Instantly, the class lights up.

“Yeah! I’m starving!” Haru says.

“I hope they have egged toast and red bean soup.” Hisana says, licking her lips as Hikigaya sweats.

“Why would they combo that?..” he asks, drooping a bit. The students then burst into the large cabin, excited to see the living quarters they’ll be staying at. They stand in awe as they examine the warm, pleasant community cabin.

“It’s so cozy in here!” Chizuru says with a big smile.

“I call the top bunk!” Alice shouts, throwing her bag onto one of the top beds in the middle of the room and quickly climbing onto it. Lucy sits on a different bed.

“These are actually pretty comfy.” Lucy says, surprised. Hikigaya sits on one across from her.

“They really are, huh?” he adds with a smile.

“Outta the way! I want this one!” Haru shouts while slamming into Hikigaya, shoving him to the floor before cuddling up in his bedding. “Ah~ This is the spot.” he sighs. Hikigaya gets up and towers over Haru in his bed with red glowing eyes. He begins strangling Haru and shaking him back and forth.

“Is this how it’s gonna be the whole trip!?” Hikigaya shouts angrily as Shiori, Lucy and Chizuru watch them from their beds. Chizuru giggles, Lucy smirks, and Shiori sighs, shaking her head. 

“I hope you kids like it here causeeee this is all you get.” Samuel says to them. The class looks at her with big smiles.

“It’s great!” They say excitedly as Samuel smiles warmly.

“Where will you be staying, Ms. Samuel?” Suiyoubi asks.

“Oh, there’s an adult cabin for staff and such.” she responds, pointing a thumb over her shoulder.

“No supervision in the night? Ms. Samuel, you’re so scandalous~!” Daiki says playfully as he waves his hand at her. Samuel sweats at his words.

“For me or you..? I trust you guys to behave. You’re fourth years now, no more of that childish ‘let’s destroy the place’ mentality. Anyway, come to the mess hall once you’re ready. We’ll be waiting for you.” Samuel says with a smile before walking away. Lucy sweats a bit as she speaks, Shiori turning to look at her.

“I don’t think he was referring to chaos more than something else...” she says softly. Next to them, Daiki looks at Haru and smirks.

“Wanna destroy the place later?” he asks.

“Do you even have to ask?” Haru responds, smirking too. The others look at them and sweat.

“Maybe she was on to something..” Hikigaya says as Ryuji shakes his head, letting out a disappointed sigh.

Soon, in the mess hall, the class steps inside as the staff greets them and shows them around, meeting a few other staff members.

“And this is the mess hall. Feel free to hangout here in your downtime or if you just want a snack. Our head chef loves to feed others, so never be afraid to ask for a little extra.” he says with a smile.

“That’s right! All y'all kids always come in here looking underfed and flimsy. I gotta fatten you up while I can!” the loud but kind looking lady says. She gives them a wink as Alice steps up with her fist in the air and her tongue sticking out.

“Alright then! Let’s get grub going! I’m starving!” she shouts.

“Yeah!” Hisana copies her pose with big smiles on their faces. The chef lights up.

“Yeah! That’s what I’m talking about!” The large lady says loudly with a smile as she begins preparing their dishes. The class sits at the long table, eating and chatting happily as Chizuru looks around and blushes a bit. Touma notices and looks at her.

“What is it?” He asks softly.

“It’s nothing. I’m just.. so happy! This week is going to be so fun, I just know it!” she says with a big smile as Touma blushes a bit and smiles back with a nod. Alice slams her fist down on the table excitedly as she shouts with a mouthful of food.

“You said it! This place is great! We can eat whenever we want, too? It’s perfect because I need to start bulking for my superhero bod!” Alice says as she continues chowing down on a large plate of food.

“And those cabins? The vibes are just right!” Suiyoubi says happily. The class starts chatting happily about how excited they are or what they’re looking forward to as Shiori watches them. She just blushes and looks down with a smile. Hikigaya then bumps her shoulder gently as she looks at him.

“You excited too?” he asks with a smile. Shiori nods before looking back down, still smiling.

“Mhm, but it’s something else... I just feel.. like I finally belong.” She says softly as Hikigaya looks surprised. “I’ve missed out on so much of my childhood because I was either so focused on being angry or my powers got in the way.. But here, now? I don’t have to worry about any of that.. I can just be here with my friends during a school trip I can actually enjoy..” she says in a passionate whisper before taking Hikigaya’s hand in hers and holding it firmly as she looks up at him with bright eyes. “With someone who loves me for me..” she says warmly as Hikigaya smiles at her, feeling the warmth radiating off of her. “My life has become something I want to live. I finally found my purpose, and that’s to be here with all of you!” she says happily before Hikigaya kisses her. She’s surprised for a moment before closing her eyes softly. He then pulls back and squeezes her hand a little.

“You make me so happy.” he says as Shiori blushes and gets a little embarrassed, but smiling nonetheless. Soon, night falls over the camp as the class enjoys their first night together.