On the fourth day aboard the ship, the sunshine was just right.
Natsukawa Sosuke carried a tray piled high with grilled meat and seafood, found a window-side seat in the buffet restaurant, and sat down. The sea breeze drifted in through the open windows, carrying a faint salty dampness that lifted his spirits.
Free buffet meals really are the best.
Especially when the quality's this good. If I don't eat more, I'd be letting the school's generosity go to waste.
He leisurely cut off a piece of steak, placed it in his mouth, and enjoyed this rare moment of leisure.
Just then, a gentle voice sounded beside him.
"Um... Natsukawa-kun, is anyone sitting here?"
Natsukawa Sosuke looked up to see Hirata Yosuke standing beside his table with a tray in hand, wearing his trademark flawless, gentle smile.
Here comes Class D's central heating unit.
The thought flashed through Natsukawa Sosuke's mind, while outwardly, he calmly nodded. "No one. Have a seat."
"That's great, thank you!"
Hirata Yosuke thanked him and sat down across from Natsukawa.
The two did not talk much afterward, instead quietly enjoying their lunches. Hirata's table manners were excellent, and he ate in a refined, gentlemanly manner—much like the impression he gave people.
It was not until they had both nearly finished eating that Hirata wiped his mouth with a napkin and took the initiative to speak.
"Natsukawa-kun," he said, looking at Natsukawa with a sincere invitation in his eyes, "this afternoon, Karuizawa and the others are holding a small party by the open-air pool on the top deck. We invited a lot of classmates. We'll play in the water, chat, and relax together. Would you like to come too, Natsukawa-kun?"
Natsukawa Sosuke put down his knife and fork and shook his head.
"I'll pass," he declined