Last School Activity? - Part 6: Dance With Me

The sun had started to set gradually, and preparations for the grand campfire and meals were underway for all the classes.

Although Mana was disappointed, she had asked for a promise from Mika to dance with her at the grand campfire in return. Mika had no choice but to accept the offer.

"Please be careful while wandering."

"In case anything happens, please let us know by phone."

Both of them had taken turns being on duty at the starting point for the nature walk, welcoming those who arrived, and they were entrusted with the responsibility of the area.

About an hour later, the sky had darkened, and torches were lighting up the surroundings. Saya sat down on a nearby tree stump, wrapping herself in a blanket and taking a moment to catch her breath.

"Are you okay, Saya?" Mika offered her a bottle of water.

"I'm fine, thank you," Saya said, taking the water and starting to drink.

"Why did they assign you to this duty even though you're sick?" Mika asked.

"There's nothing to be done about it. We knew this could happen anyway," Saya replied, still catching her breath.

"Did you take your medication?"

"Yeah, I took it an hour ago. It should be taking effect soon."

"Well, that's good."

While Saya rested a bit, Mika welcomed the people who wanted to go on the nature walk. 

"I guess no one is coming anymore," Mika said.

"Yeah, probably because the campfire event is approaching."

"Most likely. Three days have passed so quickly..."

"Yeah. Do you feel glad that you came?"

"Well, I think so. It was my first time participating in a school event, and it was nice."

There was a brief silence between them.

"Hey, Mika."

"Yes?"

"Since no one seems to be coming, shall we go on this nature walk together?"

"Um... Sure, but what about the campfire event?"

"We'll be back before that event. Are you planning to make someone else dance?"

"More like I promised Mana."

"Mana?"

"Yeah, we had arranged to go on the nature walk, but I wanted to cancel because of the punishment. Then she made me promise to dance at the campfire."

"That girl...," Saya said, irritated and mumbling to herself.

"What did you say?"

"N-nothing. Come on, let's take a stroll. Since it's the last day and the last event, let's go quickly."

"Sure, then," Mika said. He didn't really see a purpose in this, nor did he have any particular desire or reluctance. He was just exploring how much he could put himself in a different situation.

They began walking along the nature trail together. The sounds of crickets and the rustling of leaves were audible in the surroundings. The only light illuminating their path in the darkness was the moon, in its waxing phase.

They walked in silence for a while. When Mika looked at Saya, he noticed that she seemed quite tense and scared.

"Are you sure you're okay, Saya? If you want, we can turn back."

"No need. A-as long as you're with me, t-there's no problem," Saya said, her breath uneven.

Just then, birds flying from a tree on their side made rustling sounds in the branches. Startled, Saya let out a yelp and clung to Mika's arm.

"Sorry."

"It's okay. If you're that frightened, you can keep holding onto my arm if you want."

"O-okay, thank you."

Saya had linked her arm through one of Mika's arms. They continued walking side by side for a while longer.

They went to the wooden bench together and sat down. In front of them, they could see the view of the mountains and the river in the dark, illuminated by the full moon.

"The moon looks so big tonight, doesn't it?" Mika said, watching as he spoke.

"Yes, it's truly beautiful," Saya replied, her voice soft. The moonlight was illuminating Saya's pale face, her blue eyes shining like pearls, and she gazed up at the moon.

"You know, Mika, I've always looked forward to this campfire event."

"Why, though?"

"They always say something about it. They say that if you dance with someone you love at the campfire, you'll be together with them for the rest of your life. I've always dreamed about the campfire. I wanted to go with someone I love."

"Hmm, so are you planning to dance tonight?"

"W-well, I guess not. Even if I thought about dancing with someone, they'd be quite busy."

"Hmm, what a shame."

"Yeah..." Saya's voice was tinged with sadness. She looked at the moon with a melancholic expression.

Mika thought to himself: 

She wanted to dance... especially at the grand campfire, but she won't be able to. In fact, she could ask someone, but Saya is not that type of person. And besides, it's about dancing with someone you love. So, she must have someone in mind she wants to dance with. But for some reason, seeing her like this, with such a gloomy expression, it's making me feel uncomfortable. 

"Hey, Saya."

"Yes?"

"I don't really have much experience or knowledge about this, but would you like to dance with me?"

As Mika said this, he was looking down at the ground. When Saya didn't respond, he lifted his head. Saya was looking at him with wide eyes, clearly surprised. Her eyes were glistening due to the moonlight, and as she stared at Mika in silence, her expression seemed to say something.