The Final Exams at the end of July came to a close in a tense but orderly atmosphere. Everyone in Class B had lived up to expectations, earning excellent results and making it through without a hitch. This time, however, Hoshinomiya Chie-sensei stood at the podium and faced the students' eager, expectant gazes with a sweet smile that held a hint of mischief.
"Everyone did wonderfully! I'm so proud of you~!" She clasped her hands together, her voice bright. "But there won't be any extra Point Rewards this time!" Seeing the disappointed faces that appeared in an instant, she wagged a finger. "Because getting good grades is simply your responsibility and duty as students! That's what real 'value' is!"
Just as the mood in the classroom began to dip, Hoshinomiya-sensei changed tack. Her smile grew even brighter, like a flower blooming in summer. "But—! As a 'reward' for everyone diligently fulfilling their responsibilities, the school has prepared a super-luxurious surprise gift! Ta-da-da-dum—!" She spread her arms wide in an exaggerated gesture. "Starting tomorrow, we'll be setting off on a two-week—Luxury Cruise Ship voyage!"
"Whoa—!!!"
"Are you serious?!"
"A Luxury Cruise Ship?!!"
"That's amazing!!"
After a brief silence, the classroom erupted in deafening cheers and incredulous exclamations! The disappointment vanished, replaced by indescribable excitement and anticipation. Pure joy lit up everyone's faces. Even Kanzaki Ryuji's usually composed mouth curved into a rare smile, while Shibata Sassa was so excited he nearly jumped up. Shiratori Chihiro and the other girls gathered together, whispering excitedly. All of Class B was swept up in the enormous surprise and the prospect of a vacation.
The sky was clear and cloudless. The enormous white Luxury Cruise Ship cut through the deep-blue sea like an elegant white swan, sailing smoothly across the vast Pacific Ocean. Sunlight poured down without restraint, scattering countless golden scales across the glittering water. The sea breeze, carrying its distinctive salty tang and an air of freedom, swept over the students enjoying their vacation on deck.
The members of Class B were scattered throughout the ship. Kanzaki Ryuji, Hamaguchi Tetsuya, and several other boys were by the Outdoor Swimming Pool, enjoying the cool water as they discussed life aboard the ship. Shiratori Chihiro and the other girls from Class B had claimed a section of the Lounge Chair Area with Sun Umbrellas. Some chatted softly, while others read quietly behind their sunglasses. Ichinose Honami was like a cheerful little sprite, stopping by the pool to greet everyone before running over to share stories with the girls. Her golden hair shimmered in the sunlight, and her smile was brighter than the sunshine.
Shimiya Kuki leaned alone against a white railing near the bow. Before him stretched a magnificent canvas of deep blue: sea and sky merged into one, endless and boundless. White waves chased one another alongside the hull, breaking apart with a rhythmic rush. The sight was enough to make anyone feel small and awestruck, but reflected in his deep, ink-black eyes, it was like a stone dropped into a still pool, raising only a few faint ripples before the surface quickly grew calm again. His expression remained as indifferent as ever as the sea breeze stirred the loose hair over his forehead.
"The ocean is so vast, isn't it?" a familiar voice said beside him, full of laughter. Ichinose Honami had appeared at some point and leaned against the railing like he had. Facing the sea, she took a deep breath, then spread her arms as though embracing the blue expanse before her. "I can't believe the school really kept its promise and let us experience such a luxurious trip! It feels like a dream! (≧▽≦)"
"Mm." Shimiya's gaze remained fixed on the distant horizon as he gave a simple reply.
"Aw! (´-ω-`)" Ichinose lowered her arms and turned sideways, puffing out her cheeks as she pretended to glare angrily at the excessively calm boy beside her. "Kuki-kun, you're such a mood-killer! When you're faced with such a beautiful, breathtaking ocean, all you have to say is 'Mm'? Weren't you moved by this magnificent view, even a little?" Her blue eyes were full of confusion and a hint of playful reproach.
Shimiya finally turned his head slightly to look at her, his voice as flat as ever. "Maybe you just didn't see me when I was amazed."
"I can't even imagine what you'd look like when you're amazed!" Ichinose spread her arms in an exaggerated gesture of disbelief, her playful expression clearly saying, I don't believe you. But then she laughed and turned back to the sea. "Still! We have to make the most of this rare trip! Let's throw our worries and exams into the ocean for now!" She spread her arms toward the sea and shouted again, full of energy.
After a while, she rubbed her stomach and turned around. "After looking at such an amazing view, I'm getting hungry! I'm going to get something to eat. Want to come, Kuki-kun? I heard the ship's Buffet Restaurant is incredible!"
Shimiya didn't object, and followed Ichinose.
The two left the bow deck and entered a huge restaurant with floor-to-ceiling glass windows on the ship's middle deck. The restaurant was brightly lit and lavishly decorated, and the air was filled with the tempting aromas of all kinds of food. The long buffet counters were laden with delicacies from around the world: sashimi and Sushi so fresh they seemed to carry the scent of the sea, beautifully marbled Wagyu steaks sizzling as they were sliced to order, colorful salads and fruit arranged artfully, fragrant pasta and pizza, and countless exquisite little Dessert Cakes displayed in the refrigerators like works of art. Servers in neat uniforms moved among the guests, refilling their drinks. The restaurant was full of tempting food and the relaxed atmosphere of a vacation.
The two chose the foods they liked and found a window seat. They enjoyed the plentiful lunch while admiring the endless ocean outside. Ichinose was clearly delighted with the food, her eyes narrowing happily as she occasionally murmured praise for a particular dish. Shimiya ate quietly, as unhurried as ever.
After their meal, the two wandered around the ship for a while, then returned to their assigned dorm rooms to rest. Shimiya Kuki's roommates were Kanzaki Ryuji, Shibata Kaede, and Hamaguchi Tetsuya. The four-person room wasn't especially spacious, but it was comfortable and well-equipped. As soon as Shibata came back, he flopped onto his bed with a satisfied sigh. Kanzaki took out a book and began reading quietly, while Hamaguchi unpacked his things. Shimiya leaned back on his bed and closed his eyes to rest.
After an unknown amount of time, a clear, gentle announcement rang out through the speakers installed throughout the ship:
"—We have an announcement for all students. If you have time, please gather on the deck. We'll soon be able to see an island. We believe you'll witness a truly meaningful sight in the near future."
The announcement repeated itself, then stopped.
A meaningful sight? That choice of words seemed especially out of place and thought-provoking amid the vacation atmosphere. Shimiya Kuki opened his eyes, a trace of puzzlement flashing across his dark gaze. Shibata and Hamaguchi also stopped what they were doing, while Kanzaki looked up from his book. They exchanged puzzled glances.
"Let's go take a look," Kanzaki suggested, closing his book.
"Sure! I've had enough rest!" Shibata sprang right up from his bed.
Shimiya Kuki stood as well, straightened his clothes, and left the room with Kanzaki, Shibata, and Hamaguchi.
By the time they arrived on deck, quite a few students who had heard the announcement had already gathered there. They came from different classes, and everyone wore a curious, expectant expression as they chattered among themselves. Most of Class B had gathered near the bow. Ichinose Honami was standing at the edge of the crowd. When she saw Shimiya and the others approaching, she immediately rose onto her tiptoes and waved energetically at them, smiling excitedly. "Kuki-kun! Kanzaki! Over here!"
Shimiya walked over without a word and stood beside Ichinose.
"What kind of island could it be? It sounds so mysterious!" Ichinose gazed expectantly at the broad expanse of sea ahead.
Just then, a wave of startled exclamations rose across the deck.
"Look over there!"
"It's an island! It's huge!"
"It really appeared!"
Everyone turned their eyes in the direction the ship was heading. On the distant horizon, a hazy outline began to emerge, rapidly growing larger and clearer as the ship approached.
It was an island.
An island covering an area of about half a square kilometer! Lush greenery blanketed most of it: dense, almost-primordial tropical rainforest brimming with life and carrying a hint of mystery. Steep peaks rose sharply from the island, imposing and rugged. Most striking of all was the dazzling ring of fine white sand that encircled the entire island. Under the sunlight, it looked like a brilliant diamond necklace set between the blue water and the thick green forest. The whole island was like a giant treasure of emeralds and diamonds set in blue velvet, radiating a wild and magnificent beauty.
"Wow—! It's so beautiful!" Ichinose exclaimed, unable to hold back her admiration. She rested both hands on the railing and leaned forward slightly, her eyes full of wonder.
"It certainly is... impressive in scale." Kanzaki Ryuji adjusted his glasses, a hint of seriousness in his voice.
"That beach... it's amazing! I want to go down and walk on it!" Shibata, meanwhile, was focused on something else entirely.
Once the island was close enough to offer a perfect view, the enormous cruise ship began to adjust its course and slowly circle the mysterious island, apparently to give the students a chance to admire it from every angle.
"It's so big... It feels like a little kingdom."
"The forest is incredibly dense. It looks like you'd get lost if you went in..."
"Look at those mountains! They're so steep!"
"That beach is beautiful! I wonder if we'll get a chance to go ashore and play?"
The students from Class B couldn't help discussing the island, marveling at its size and untouched appearance. Ichinose even took out her terminal and kept snapping pictures, eager to capture the spectacular scenery.
Shimiya Kuki stood quietly, gazing at the island. In the sunlight, it looked so beautiful and abundant, yet it was also filled with a primitive wildness. The sea breeze stirred the hem of his clothes as his deep gaze calmly swept over the dense forest covering the island like an emerald crown, the steep and rugged mountains, and the diamond-bright beach that might conceal unknown dangers. Faced with this unfamiliar environment, he instinctively began memorizing some of its more prominent terrain features. The Luxury Cruise Ship's vacation atmosphere remained unchanged.
A meaningful sight... was it?
The sudden appearance of this enormous island, along with the announcement's significant wording, formed a clear conclusion in his mind.
It seemed that the true destination of this vacation, dubbed the "Luxury Cruise Ship voyage"—or rather, a special exam—was about to begin on this island that looked like paradise.
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