Last School Activity? - Part 1: Camp and You

After their last conversation, two days had passed. Kai, Yuki, and Mana were very happy about this news, but Mika had talked with Kai and learned that during the event, he would be accompanying the discipline committee instead of his own class. 

When Kai asked him if he knew anything, Mika mentioned that it was Saya's decision. On Sunday, Mika received a message from Saya: 

"Hey Mika, before the camp on Wednesday, the discipline committee students and teachers need to gather. You need to come since I'll have you with me." 

"Alright, I guess I can't refuse." 

"Yeah, I'm sorry."

 "No problem, I'll come," he replied.

On Monday, he put on his school uniform and went to school. Since there was a meeting in the afternoon, he went there later, directly to the discipline committee's classroom without entering his own class. Saya was also there, talking with the other two girls from the discipline committee. When she saw Mika enter, she waved and came over.

 "Hello," Saya greeted him, wearing the discipline committee emblem on her arm and the skirted school uniform.

 "Hey, am I early?" 

"No, not at all. It's starting in a bit. Come, I'll introduce you to the others, and then we can take our seats."

 "Sure."

Mika met the other members and shortly after, the meeting began. The tasks of the discipline committee were slightly different from regular students. They were responsible for planning and supervising activities, explaining camp rules, and finding solutions to basic problems that arose swiftly. 

Mika had been assigned two tasks: assisting in explaining the camp rules and programming the activities. He was content with his role as the workload for the other members was heavier due to their seniority in the committee.

After a meeting that lasted about two and a half hours, all the planning was completed. The school bell signaling the end of the day rang, and students started to leave the school. 

"Well then, that's it for today. We'll meet at the train station on Wednesday," Saya said.

 After bidding farewell to everyone, Mika stood up from his seat. He straightened his chair and was getting ready to leave. At that moment, Saya called out to him.

 "Mika, do you have to rush? Shall we head back together?" She was packing her bag.

 "Sure, no problem," Mika replied.

They started walking home together.

***

"Wow, what a tiring day!" Saya exclaimed, raising her arms and yawning.

"Yeah, but you managed to handle all the planning."

"That's right, we just need to wait for the general rules for the students and your activity program."

"I have the activity program, but what if you don't like it?"

"We'll have it prepared again, hehe," Saya said, laughing.

"Seriously..." Mika said.

"By the way, Chubu Sangaku, huh? I've always wanted to go there."

"Haven't you been there before?"

"No, have you?"

"I think I went when I was little. In fact, Yuki was with me."

"Yuki? Oh, the girl you got the gift for."

"Yeah, my childhood friend. Our families used to be quite close, and our homes were close too. Our parents tell stories of us doing everything together. Then, in elementary school, they moved away."

"Oh... Must have been a big blow for young Mika," Saya teased.

"Nah, I had already lost my feelings by then. I couldn't feel anything."

"Ah, sorry," Saya said apologetically.

"It's okay."

They continued walking in silence for a while.

"So, do you think I made the right choice by bringing you along?"

"Huh? Oh, I guess... There was a discussion about division of tasks in our group. They assigned us the responsibility for the campfire too."

"Is it your group?"

"Yes, Kai, Yuki, and Mana are in it."

"Hmm," Saya seemed a bit uncomfortable.

"What's wrong?"

"N-nothing. Anyway, let's get back to our topic; remember,  I told the disciplinary committee to add you to the messaging group. If someone adds you, don't misunderstand and leave, please."

"Okay, no problem, I'll take care of it."

They walked silence for a while then Saya wanted to talk more:

"How's your family?"

"They're good. Resting a lot and pampering themselves."

"Pampering?"

"Yeah, my dad is being a bit romantic, I guess. They're having a lot of fun flirting with each other," Mika said.

"Hmm, I'm jealous. I wish we had that too," Saya whispered to herself.

"What?"

"N-nothing, it's n-nothing!" Saya stammered, embarrassed.

While there was an opportunity, Mika thought of asking what he had been hesitant to ask: 

"How are you all? Are you managing to cope?"

"Well, yes, it was something we were expecting, you know... My mom seems to be doing okay."

"At least that's good."

"We'll probably part ways here; we're at a crossroads."

"Yeah, see you on Wednesday."

"See you."

After waving goodbye to each other and walking away, Saya called out from behind.

 "Mika!"

Mika turned around and looked back. 

"What's up?" he called back.

"Thank you for coming with me!"

"No problem, I wanted to come anyway. See you!"

"You wanted to come? What?" she was about to say, but Mika couldn't hear clearly and thought Saya had said goodbye.

***

Wednesday arrived, and after bidding farewell to his family, Mika started cycling towards school with his packed bag. 

He thought to himself:

 Saya had taken a suitcase when she went to Suwa. What she'll bring this time? 

The early morning cold breeze as he cycled caused Mika to feel a slight chill. Eventually, he reached the train station. Everyone seemed very excited, some were carrying backpacks, while others had opted for small suitcases. He glanced at his own bag.

Did I choose a bag that's too small?

At that moment, he bumped into Saya.

"Good morning, Mika."

"Good morning."

"Whoa! Is this your bag?"

"Yeah,  is it small?"

"Yes."

"What did you bring?"

"This," Saya pointed to the medium-sized suitcase she had left on the side.

"Hmm, do you really need that big?"

"Of course, it's necessary! Especially because we're girls, it's very important for us."

"I see..."

"The train will be here soon. You can rest until then."

"No problem. By the way, how are we going to get there?"

 "Well... we'll board at Nagano Station, transfer to Matsukawa. After that, there's a long walk."

"Hmm, I see. It sounds like it's going to be tough."

"Yeah, by the way, who will you be sitting with on the train?"

"Kai. Why, is something up?"

"No, I was just curious. Oh, the train is coming! I need to inform the teachers quickly, I'll go."

"Alright, sure, see you later," Mika said, waving to Saya as she walked away.

A few seconds later he heard someone calling him:

"Mika?" a voice called from behind. When Mika turned around, he saw Yuki and Kai.

"Good morning," he said, secretly hoping they hadn't seen him with Saya.

"Were you waving at someone?" Yuki asked curiously.

"What? No, I was just adjusting my bag."

"Oh, my bad."

At that moment, the train had arrived and its doors were open. People were starting to board.

"Do you guys feel excited?" Kai asked.

"I'm really excited," Yuki said.

"Not really," Mika replied.

Kai and Yuki looked at him with envy.

"By the way, where's Mana?" Mika asked.

"She's on her way," Yuki said as she entered the train.

"Could it be that you were wondering about her, Mika?" Kai smirked.

"No, I'm just saying it would be bad if she's late."

"Sure, sure..." Kai said, not entirely convinced.

They entered the train together and found their seats. Mana had arrived just in time, catching her breath as she settled into her seat. Their math teacher, responsible for their class, cheerfully announced:

"Don't let any Chūbu-Sangaku National Park travelers be left behind! We're departing!"