Last School Activity? - Part 5: Activities

Towards evening, just before the sun set and the sky darkened, the entire team had safely reached the campsite. Some teachers and curious students were looking at the path they had come from.

After having dinner, the hiking team, exhausted, lay down on their beds. Mika and the others were among them. It had been a while since Mika had felt so tired. His body felt a bit cold, and he drifted off to sleep, hoping not to fall sick.

***

The next day, everyone was woken up early again. Thankfully, he hadn't fallen ill. During the morning exercises, he saw Saya. Her nose was red, and she was sneezing.

Saya has become sick; it must be because of me.

"Alright, everyone, listen up! Today until evening, we have two activities. First, those who want to can participate in a race and go rafting in the nearby river."

Cheers erupted from various places.

"Wait, it's not over! After rafting, those interested can join art or rock painting activities. I expect everyone to participate in something. Those who don't will be assigned chores, so be aware of that."

Now, everyone was grumbling restlessly.

"Hey Mika, should we join the rafting together?" Kai approached Mika.

"Well, I'm not sure. Actually, it's better than doing chores."

"I'm glad we're on the same page, buddy!" Kai said with a laugh.

"But isn't it supposed to be done with at least four people?" Mika asked.

"Well, yes, but that's not a problem. We can invite Mana and Yuki."

"Alright then."

With Mana and Yuki's agreement, they managed to form a group of four.

As all the groups were waiting to board the rafts, Mika spotted Saya. She had a thin blanket over her, wiping her nose. He felt like going over to ask her, but he couldn't leave the group right now.

I'll ask her after the rafting.

Once all the groups were in the boats, the race began. Although it was challenging for Mika and everyone else to get used to it, eventually, everyone found themselves caught up in the spirit of competition. Mana was paddling next to Mika, laughing all the time.

                                                  ***

The rafting race ended. Mika and his group lost. They were all sitting in the sun, soaked and with blankets over them, gazing at the forested mountain in front of them.

"Ugh, I get so frustrated when we don't win!" Yuki said angrily.

"Never mind, sweetheart, it was still a lot of fun."

"Shut up, Kai."

"Sorry..." Kai said, sounding upset.

"I agree, it was really enjoyable. Having events like these at school is wonderful," Mana said, sipping her hot tea.

"You're right, last year we went to Kyoto, didn't we?" Kai chimed in, agreeing.

"Yes, but Mika wasn't with us," Yuki added, joining the conversation.

All three of them looked at Mika.

"What's up?" Mika asked.

All of them sighed.

As Mika looked around, he saw Saya again. She was sitting alone under a pavilion, wrapped in a thin blanket, looking at the natural scenery with a tissue in her hand.

"I'm going for a bit."

"Where are you going?"

"I'll be back in a moment," he said and went over to Saya.

"Good morning, Saya."

"Good morning,"

"Are you okay? You look sick."

"Yes, naturally. But the strange thing is, you're not sick."

"Yeah, I was surprised I didn't get sick either."

"Well, that's good. I'm happy for you," Saya said, gazing at Mika with her blue eyes.

"T-Thanks..."

"By the way, you did well in the rafting. Congratulations."

"We came third from last, but thank you."

"It's alright, it seemed like you were doing your best and having fun."

"Did you watch?"

"Y-Yes, of course I did."

"I see..."

There was silence between them for a while. They were both looking at the same place, not saying anything.

"Well, actually, I wanted to apologize," Mika said.

"For what?"

"It was my fault. You know, I made you run in the rain like that."

Saya suddenly stood up, her eyebrows furrowed.

"It wasn't your fault. Besides, we both knew something like this could happen. We took this on knowing the possibilities. So, don't apologize to me," Saya said.

"O-Okay..."

"Are you going to participate in the other activities?"

"Yes, it's better than doing chores."

"I agree. I'll also participate in the activities."

"But you're sick-"

"It's alright. Actually, they're calling us, let's go. By the way, which one are you going to do?"

"I think I'll do rock painting. I can't really claim to be good at drawing."

"I see. Well, see you for now," Saya said, waving her hand.

"See you."

***

Mika had paired up with Kai, Kai had chosen drawing, and Mika had opted for rock painting. Along with the other students, they were all engaged in their activities by the riverbank and the nearby trees.

After a while, Kai started complaining and grumbling. 

"Man, this drawing thing is so difficult," he said.

During this time, Mika was randomly painting the rocks.

 "Well, I mean, it shouldn't be that hard for you-," he said, looking at Kai's realistic drawing of a mountain.

"Kai... Is this really a mountain?"

"I know, don't make fun of me! Ugh, drawing is just not my thing at all."

"Is this the first time you're drawing?"

"Well, something like that. Come on, let's switch tasks."

"What-"

"Hop, thanks Mika." Kai had already swapped materials with Mika.

"Wait... seriously, what's your problem?"

Mika, resigned to his fate, started to fix the mountain that looked like a trash man in front of him.

Meanwhile, Kai seemed to be painting the rocks however he pleased.

It was approaching noon. Mika was fully concentrated on his drawing when a voice from behind him distracted his attention.

"Well, not bad at all."

Mika looked behind him. Saya, with a thin blanket over her and a stuffy nose, was right behind him, looking at his drawing.

"Saya?"

"Hey, I was getting bored wandering around, so I thought I'd come over."

"Hmm, just a second, is your drawing finished?"

"Yes, right here." Saya pointed with her hand. Several students had gathered in front of Saya's canvas painting, looking at it in astonishment.

"Wow, that look really good," Mika said.

"Thank you," Saya replied with satisfaction.

"Hmm, what are you two doing over there?" Kai asked angrily.

"We're having a conversation," Mika said without caring.

"Deceiving her like this is called cheating, Mika!" Kai said in anger.

"What? What are you even talking about?"

"Ugh. I'm going to report you to Yuki," Kai said as he turned away.

Mika and Saya exchanged looks.

"Hello, Kai. Why are you writing 'Yuki' on every single rock?"

"What? You noticed!" Kai said in a panic.

"Of course, I'd notice. You're writing it in small red letters and tossing them towards the river."

"You're disgusting, Kai. Pervert," Mika said, getting back at Kai for his remarks.

"You two have no right to say anything. I-I'm doing this for my love," Kai said in a panic. He was still writing as he spoke.

"Hmm, is that so? Someone seems to be forgetting that I'm the head of the disciplinary committee," Saya said, smiling in an annoyed manner.

"Oh, right, terribly scary, I apologize, I won't do it again, I'm sorry!" Kai hung his head.

"Great, and since that's the case, if you're so fond of writing names, why don't you go spend some time with her? You could compliment about her painting" Saya said, walking away.

"Of course, ma'am!" Kai said, suddenly getting up.

"Wait, are you really leaving?" Mika asked.

"Yes!" Kai said excitedly.

Both Saya and Kai were gone. Mika was left looking at his drawing.

Why is everyone so weird? Anyway, my painting didn't turn out too bad, did it...