129 -128- Why are you keep staring at me?

After receiving instructions from Hori, the entire Class D's outdoor activities became more organized.

The boys were active along the forest edge near the cliff, cutting grass and leveling rocks. Following the manual's instructions, they set up tents after flattening the terrain.

After Hori's brief guidance, the girls immediately grasped the methods of making hammocks and various daily necessities. They showcased their dexterity as females, diligently crafting under the shade of the trees, gradually immersing themselves in their work while chatting and laughing.

The campsite immediately became lively, filling with vibrant energy.

This scene resembled camping rather than survival activities, resulting in a more harmonious and cohesive atmosphere in the class, unlike the previous tense and rigid atmosphere.

This situation seemed to please Hirata Yousuke.

"As expected, entrusting it to Nanaya-san was the right choice."

With that in mind, Hirata Yousuke actively participated in the class activities, joining the boys in various physical activities.

Kushida Kikyou diligently followed Hori's instructions, earnestly drawing maps at the cliff's edge.

Although Horikita Suzune did not join the class's excitement, she quietly worked on her own under a tree's shade, unnoticed by others.

This was unusual. Despite not participating in group activities before, her strong personality always made her presence felt. However, this time, she seemed to have learned from Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, keeping a low profile and quietly focusing on her tasks, even more subdued than usual.

Contrary to Horikita Suzune, another person took an extreme opposite approach.

"Ah, this mountain spring is beautiful, and I'm even more beautiful bathing in it!"

Kouenji Rokusuke, at some point, stripped down to just his swimming trunks, emphasizing his hips, frolicking in the pool, thoroughly enjoying himself.

Since disembarking from the cruise ship, Kouenji Rokusuke hadn't voiced any opinions. Whether Hori belittled Class D or the class collectively appointed Hori as their leader, Kouenji Rokusuke remained uninvolved, either preening in front of a mirror or leaping onto trees, admiring the forest's beauty in his own unique way.

Naturally, without seeking anyone's permission, Kouenji Rokusuke jumped into the accumulated mountain spring, using it for his amusement and bathing, angering everyone.

"Kouenji! You jerk!"

"That was a hard-earned water source!"

"Even if you want to use it, you don't have to jump in directly! Now all that water is useless, isn't it!?"

Sudou Ken yelled angrily at Kouenji Rokusuke, infuriating Ike Kanji and Yamauchi Haruki as well.

But Kouenji Rokusuke ignored everyone, continuing to waste the mountain spring water, infuriating the entire class.

It wasn't until Hori, sitting under another tree's shade with pen and paper, uttered a casual remark.

"Let him be."

With that, the class suppressed their anger and continued their tasks, pretending not to notice Kouenji Rokusuke's behavior.

Of course, no one wanted to use the water in the pool anymore. It would be drained and replenished after Kouenji Rokusuke had his fill.

Kiyotaka Ayanokouji had mentioned this before.

"Aren't you going to do something about Kouenji?"

Not only Kiyotaka Ayanokouji but even Hirata Yousuke was concerned.

"Kouenji-san seems to be ignoring Nanaya-san's instructions. Will Nanaya-san get angry and think we've violated the rules, thus not wanting to lead us anymore?"

This worry also crossed the minds of other classmates.

But Hori didn't comment on this.

"No matter what, I won't consider Kouenji within the scope of the agreement."

For this arrogant man, Hori adopted the same strategy of ignoring him from the beginning, never considering Kouenji Rokusuke as part of the class.

"What is Kouenji's position in your eyes, then?"

Kiyotaka Ayanokouji asked Hori.

At that moment, Hori replied without hesitation.

"A troublemaker."

This crude statement left Kiyotaka Ayanokouji speechless.

But indeed, that was Hori's perception of Kouenji Rokusuke.

"After all, in terms of causing disruption, there's probably no one stronger than Kouenji."

Because this man only cared about himself and would never cooperate with others, he would cause trouble for his reasons while others acted, making him perfectly suited for this role.

However, this stick used specifically for causing trouble could be used to stir oneself, naturally capable of stirring others.

So...

"Before he becomes useful, it's best to leave such a guy alone; otherwise, he'll just cause more trouble."

Therefore, Hori completely ignored Kouenji Rokusuke.

After all, Kouenji Rokusuke was like a child king who was too easy to see through. Letting him play around was probably the best way to deal with him.

And so, Class D's campsite developed in an orderly manner, with hammocks gradually being completed and tied between trees at the forest's edge.

Meanwhile, tents were set up, and various handicrafts were produced, bringing life to the campsite.

Hori continued to sit under the tree's shade, drawing.

After an unknown period, someone finally approached Hori.

"Thank you for your hard work, Nanaya-kun."

Sakura Airi held a freshly made wooden cup, offering it to Hori, filled with cool mountain spring water.

"Please have this. It's the water that just flowed out after Kouenji-kun left. It's safe to drink."

Hearing Sakura Airi's voice, Hori didn't stop his actions.

"Thank you."

Hori accepted the cup of water, took a sip of the cool mountain spring, then resumed drawing with his pen.

However, shortly after, Hori stopped again.

Finally, he looked up and glanced ahead.

"Why are you keep staring at me, Sakura?"

Hori asked somewhat helplessly.

That's right.

After delivering the water, Sakura Airi didn't leave but stood there, seemingly entranced, her gaze fixed on Hori.

"I-I'm sorry!"

Awakened by Hori's helpless tone, Sakura Airi realized and blushed, hastily waving her hands and shaking her head, embarrassed.

Faintly, Hori could still hear Sakura Airi's voice, barely audible.

"Because Nanaya-kun looks cool when working seriously..."

This voice sounded extremely subtle, barely audible if not paying close attention.

How should I put it?

Still as easy to read as ever.