Despite its simple name, Shimizu Scenic Area was a small resort with the most complete and innovative facilities in the region.
It had a connected hotel and a shopping street stretching from the mountain slope to the base. It also featured entertainment facilities like a Ferris wheel and a pirate ship. Looking around, modern buildings and natural forests blended seamlessly—anyone could find their joy here.
The meeting and dispersal point for Sobu High students was the lobby at the scenic area's entrance.
The path to the Ferris wheel on the mountainside was still far, requiring part of a climb.
Fortunately, the park had considered visitors who didn't want or couldn't hike the mountain. They specially built a monorail that went directly to the mountainside Ferris wheel. No extra ticket was needed for round-trip travel—saving a lot of time and energy.
"Let's just take the monorail." Yumiko decided without hesitation.
Yuigahama had let go of her. After a brief explanation from both of them, she no longer held strong hostility toward Yuu, who clearly had no intention of hitting on her friend. She now ignored him, only speaking with Yuigahama.
As for the idea of going to the shopping street, since the Ferris wheel sounded more fun, Yumiko had already dismissed it. She immediately treated the Ferris wheel suggestion as her own idea.
Yuu didn't care either. After all, he was broad-minded. He wouldn't argue with a childish high school girl.
"The girl with the golden drill hair is right. If we still want to visit other attractions, wasting time walking is unwise."
"...What did you say about my hair?"
The Fire Queen instantly flared up. She could no longer ignore someone begging to be provoked. She looked ready to argue with him on the spot.
Yuu shrugged casually, completely unafraid of her threatening fierce aura. He felt as refreshed as in spring.
If his opponent were someone else—say, Yukino—he might just give her a cold glance, sneer sarcastically, and ignore her like a rabid stray cat.
The effect wasn't strong, but it was deeply insulting. Yuu usually couldn't do much against such an attitude. He could only change the subject or provoke further. It was harder than teasing a cat.
But now, facing an opponent like Yumiko, who was as easily provoked as a Bronze-tier player, Yuu somehow felt the pleasure of defeating a weak opponent. In his heart, he'd already thought of a series of words that could make her cry...
Of course, that was just a thought—Yuu, the straightforward one, what ill intent could he possibly harbor?
"Alright, alright! Since Yuu has no problem, let's take the monorail and ride the Ferris wheel!"
Seeing the happy smile on Yuu's face, Yuigahama obediently stepped forward again to mediate, preventing the situation from escalating. She separated Yumiko's sharp glare. Actively grabbing both their hands, she tried to liven the atmosphere.
"Today's school picnic only happens once during our second year! Our goal today is to visit all the fun and beautiful places before we go home!"
"Come on, Yuu, Yumiko—let's go together—"
"Eh, eh, ooo—!"
Yuigahama raised their hands high, cheering joyfully.
Unfortunately, the only response was awkward silence.
"..."
Yumiko on her right rolled her eyes with a helpless look, as if watching a fool.
Yuu on her left looked at her with a gentle gaze, as if observing someone mentally disabled. He said nothing, but it hurt the girl's heart even more.
"Ahahaha..."
Yuigahama awkwardly lowered her hands, her face slowly reddening. Amid the faint laughter from onlookers, she couldn't help shrinking her neck, lowering her voice in embarrassment:
"Nothing happened just now! Let's go quickly!"
"Good grief..." Yumiko couldn't help sighing while holding her forehead.
She didn't know what Yui was thinking, shouting like that in public. Now she felt embarrassed too.
But as she prepared to leave this awkward spot with Yui, she heard a loud shout from beside her:
"Ooo—!"
A male voice rang out.
An even more awkward atmosphere instantly descended.
Amid curious, strange stares from everyone, Yuu smiled calmly. He looked down at Yuigahama, whose hand he was raising.
"I was a bit slow to react, sorry... Our first group journey starts now, right?"
Their steps to leave instantly stopped.
"Eh? You don't have to do this either, after all, it was my own idea..."
The longer Yuigahama spoke, the quieter her voice became. Finally, as if understanding the meaning of his smile, her sweet dimples appeared on her cheeks. Her slumped shoulders and neck, somehow, were now straight again. A natural, warm smile shone brightly toward him.
"Thank you, Yuu!"
"You're welcome. I won't let my friend feel embarrassed alone." Yuu passed her, turning to smile at Yumiko. "You agree, right, Miura-san?"
"...Meddlesome!"
Yumiko gritted her teeth. Suddenly, she lifted their hands high beside her ears and shouted in a forced tone:
"Ooo—this is enough!"
When she lowered her hands at high speed, her beautiful face was also red. She bit her lip, suppressing her embarrassment. She glared at Yuu in annoyance.
Yuigahama giggled, swinging her arm as if comforting: "Thanks to you too, Yumiko~ It's so nice being in a group with you both!"
Yumiko snorted, released her hand, and quickly stepped forward.
"Don't say useless things. Let's get going!"
"Ah, wait for me, Yumiko!"
Shouting, Yuigahama turned. As she wanted to say something to Yuu, she realized he'd already let go of her hand. He was walking casually toward the Ferris wheel.
"Why are you spacing out? You're our captain." Yuu said to her, still standing in place.
Yuigahama was startled. She pointed at herself: "Captain? Me?"
Yuu wore a perfectly normal expression: "Who else? A group needs a captain. She doesn't like me, and I don't want to listen to her. So only you can take on this role."
"But..."
"No buts. From now on, you'll have to organize our activities, or we'll end up fighting sooner or later." His tone was firm and straightforward. Yuu put his hands in his pockets, walking without looking back.
"I'm still waiting for you to make us get along and enjoy this school picnic together. Have you given up already?"
It was the promise Yuigahama had made to him in the corridor yesterday.
Yuu hadn't forgotten it—and Yuigahama wouldn't forget it either.
"There's no way I'd give up. This is just getting started! I'll do my best so you two won't fight!"
Her pink hair fluttered as she followed with light steps.
Her round dango hair, her honest, cheerful smile, shining brightly under the warm autumn sunlight.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Meanwhile, in Class 2J.
Yukino and Masuzu stared at each other, each with arms crossed over their chests. The air felt frozen.
"To the cat house."
"To the Ferris wheel."
Their stubborn voices clashed head-on, lightning sparks flying through the air.
Beside them, an ordinary-looking high school girl trembled, clutching her head under the pressure from these two extraordinarily beautiful girls. She looked like she was about to cry.
"Hic hic hic... Anywhere is fine. How about you two play rock-paper-scissors..."