After dinner, a sense of contentment and ease settled over the campsite. The School Administration staff efficiently set up the outdoor showers and the gas supply for the portable cooking equipment. The students of Class B began taking turns washing in an orderly fashion. To accommodate the hot-water supply and the equipment's capacity, they naturally split into groups of four, chatting quietly and enjoying a rare moment of refreshment after a tiring day.
Meanwhile, Shimiya Kuki, Ichinose Honami, and Kanzaki Ryuji made their way over to Kaneda Satoru, the Class C student sitting alone on the edge of the campsite.
Ichinose spoke first, her voice gentle and reassuring. "Kaneda, we talked it over a little just now. During these Special Exams, we can provide you with basic lodging and food." She turned slightly and gestured toward the boys' quarters. "Haruto and the others said they'd be happy to take you in, so you can stay with them."
Kaneda looked up, gratitude and a trace of embarrassment on his face. He hurriedly waved his hands. "Th-thank you so much! You offering me food is already a huge help. If it's too much trouble, I... I can just find somewhere near the campsite to rest. Really, it's fine."
"No, no," Ichinose said at once, shaking her head. Her tone was firm but still gentle. "The temperature drops very low in the mountains at night, and the dew is heavy. It would be awful if you got sick. Besides, our shelter is spacious. One more person won't make it cramped at all, so please don't hesitate." Her eyes were full of genuine concern.
Kanzaki's expression was serious as he picked up the conversation, his tone more practical and objective. "Of course, Kaneda, we aren't offering all this entirely for free." He chose his