Early morning sunlight filtered through gaps in the leaves, scattering mottled patches of light across Class B's camp. Shimiya Kuki stood before a makeshift cooking station, the kitchen knife in his hand rising and falling at astonishing speed with a light, rhythmic sound. The vegetables on the cutting board were sliced into evenly sized strips in the blink of an eye.
"Shimiya-kun's knife skills are amazing..." a girl washing ingredients nearby murmured in amazement. "He's just like a professional chef."
Without looking up, Shimiya replied indifferently, "It's just practice."
Just then, Hino Yuki approached carrying a plate of fresh fruit (the deluxe meal set lid), her cool gaze settling on Shimiya Kuki.
"The two guests from Class D are here. Kanzaki and Ichinose are receiving them, but I think you should join them." She handed him the fruit plate. "We'll take care of things here, so go over to Ichinose."
Shimiya Kuki gently set down his knife. Taking the plate, he nodded. "All right. I'll leave this to you."
He headed toward the girls' quarters. When he lifted the flap and entered the spacious tent, Ichinose had just invited Ayanokoji and Horikita to sit down.
"Welcome, both of you," Shimiya said calmly. He naturally took a seat beside Ichinose and placed the fruit plate on the tarp between them.
Ichinose turned toward him with a grateful smile, then faced their guests and formally began the conversation. "Ayanokoji-kun, Horikita-san, welcome to our temporary camp."
Horikita's gaze slowly swept across the inside of the tent. Her expression remained as composed as ever, but a trace of admiration was impossible to hide in her eyes. "Honestly, this is already far beyond what I imagined a 'camp' would be."
Ichinose smiled in reply. "It's the result of everyone in Class B working together." At