The morning light filtering through the trees of the perimeter forest bathed the landscape in golden hues, while the chirping of birds and the crunching of leaves under the students' feet marked the start of the long-awaited hunting trip. The atmosphere was lively, with groups formed by affinity or convenience organising themselves under the instructions of the teachers. However, the group gathered under the shade of a tall tree, just off the main path, stood out effortlessly.
Haruto stood in the centre, as always with a sincere and enthusiastic expression. Around him, Liz, Haruka and Alice seemed to accompany him naturally, although the tension between them was easily palpable to anyone who could observe.
-This weather is perfect for a walk," commented Haruto, stretching energetically.
-Always so optimistic," Alice said with a sweet smile, though her gaze never left Liz, who stood with her arms folded and a slight frown on her face.
-As long as no monsters show up out of the blue.... -Liz muttered, without looking at anyone directly.
-Maybe you should relax a little, Liz. We're not going to war," Haruka interjected, her tone light, though her eyes, when they looked at her brother, seemed... strangely attentive. As if she was trying to memorise his every gesture.
-That's for you to say," Liz replied, averting her eyes. -But there's always something odd about these kind of outings.
Alice, without losing her affable tone, interjected with a soft laugh.
-I see that not much has changed. It's comforting to come back and find familiar things.
-Even if you're back, don't think you can hog all of Haruto's attention," Liz blurted out, her voice neutral, but the edge was evident.
-Don't even think about it," Haruka added with a serene smile, though her gaze lingered on Alice for a second longer than usual.
-Oh..." Alice tilted her head slightly, her smile widening almost imperceptibly. -I didn't think they were so... competitive today.
Haruto just scratched his head, not quite understanding the exchange, and tried to lighten the mood with a nervous laugh.
-Well, I'm glad we get along so well. I think we'll make a good team.
-That is, if no one interrupts us," Liz murmured with some foreboding, without raising her voice too much.
Just then, as if the universe decided to intervene, a male voice echoed close to the group.
-Oh, well... I see Haruto's team is already assembled.
All four heads turned in unison. Tokura Yoshi, standing a few feet away, smiled at them with that friendly expression he had cultivated as his new façade. His posture was relaxed, his tone precisely measured.
-Haruto, could I join your group for the field trip? I don't know many of the other students, and to tell you the truth... I feel comfortable with you.
The silence that followed was thick.
Haruka frowned.
Liz squinted, clearly annoyed.
Alice, for her part, maintained her smile, but her gaze hardened as if assessing a latent threat.
And yet, Yoshi didn't look at any of them. Only Haruto. As if the rest didn't exist.
-Oh, sure, I don't see a problem," replied Haruto, with his usual politeness.
-Thank you," Yoshi bowed his head modestly, then walked over to stand next to the group, not letting his smile break for an instant.
Haruka snorted under her breath.
Liz turned her face away with an annoyed expression.
And Alice... Alice narrowed her eyes. She still didn't understand why, but this boy... this boy gave her a sense of gentle but constant alarm, like a dissonant note in a melody.
-Well, I guess we have a group of five now," said Haruto happily.
The sun continued to rise, illuminating the path they would soon follow. Silently, Yoshi watched the backs of his companions. His smile was still intact. His gaze, calm. But beneath that surface... the board had begun to move.