Just as Suzuki Tsubame was about to set off.
"Suzuki, I'll go with you tonight. It's so dark out—going alone is too dangerous."
Hirata held a backpack in his hand, his face full of concern.
"No need. Hirata, just stay here and keep an eye on everyone."
Suzuki Tsubame raised his left wrist, showing the watch he wore, and declined his offer.
"Don't forget about the watches the school gave us. They have emergency rescue buttons and tracking functions."
He could come and go freely on his own.
If Hirata came along, not only would he slow him down, but if he got hurt, Suzuki Tsubame would have to divide his attention to take care of him.
"Th-then... if you're going alone, make sure you're extra careful."
Hirata sighed. He knew Suzuki was worried that he would slow him down.
"Kano~"
As Suzuki Tsubame walked out of the cave, he ran into Kushida, Sakura, Haruka, and the others.
Kushida held a small bag of rice balls, apparently their dinner for the night.
They were filled with a little wild vegetable and fried egg. Two per person, and they tasted passable.
"Suzuki, we can't really help you with anything."
"This is half of the food everyone had left over tonight. Please take it. You'll expend a lot of energy on the way, and it can help replenish your strength."
Kushida spoke with concern. Seemingly afraid that Suzuki Tsubame would dislike it, she added, "None of us have eaten any of these."
If they had taken a bite, Suzuki Tsubame would at least have given them a taste, but why give him ones nobody had eaten?
"Ones you haven't eaten... I don't want them."
Suzuki Tsubame rather gallantly refused the girls' kindness. He did not want charity handed down to him.
He