As it turned out, Hiratsuka Shizuka's blind date plans were not going well.
Not long after parting ways at the Chiba Zoo that day, Mori Shinra ran into her again at the mass-market KTV Yuigahama had picked out.
Unsurprisingly, she was still alone.
"Ms. Hiratsuka Shizuka?"
"Mori Shinra... it's you again... Are you alone?"
"No, Hikigaya, Yuigahama, and the others are here too."
Mori Shinra shook his head, then noticed the drink in her hand and asked, "And you, Sensei?"
"My throat got a little dry from singing, so I came out to get a drink."
"Alone?"
"Mhm... alone." (Her voice trembled)
"Well... Sensei, would you like to join us?"
Hiratsuka Shizuka just looked so pitiful, and since they had run into each other, plus she generally had a good relationship with everyone present, Mori Shinra took the initiative to invite her.
"I'm happy you invited me, but I think I'll pass. I just want to vent some stress alone."
"Adults definitely need a space to be alone."
"You get it, don't you."
With that, Hiratsuka Shizuka patted Mori Shinra's shoulder, then, as if remembering something, she said to him, "Do you remember I mentioned organizing an excursion before?"
"I remember." Mori Shinra nodded.
Around the time of the second-year's first regular exam, Hiratsuka Shizuka had mentioned organizing a club trip.
But later, something went wrong with the workplace visit, and she had to go clean up the mess.
Coupled with many other things she had to deal with, the plan was temporarily shelved.
Since she was mentioning it again now, she must have a plan.
"When you go back later, you can mention it to Yuigahama and the others, so they can prepare. I'll confirm the specific date in the next few days," Hiratsuka Shizuka said.
"Does everyone have to go?"
"It's based on personal willingness. Oh, just leave Hikigaya to me. If I drag Komachi along, I'm not afraid he won't come. Also, don't worry about the cost. This club trip is actually in the form of volunteering. Someone will help reimburse expenses like food and lodging." Hiratsuka Shizuka clenched her fist, seemingly ready to use force.
To deal with a stubborn mule like Hikigaya, you have to use an iron fist.
As for Mori Shinra, Hiratsuka Shizuka wasn't worried at all.
She knew very well that as long as Yukinoshita went, this kid would definitely go.
Speaking of which, when this kid told me he 'wanted to join a club that helps people', could it be that he had his sights set on Yukinoshita even back then?
Hiss... a terrifying thought.
But on second thought, what was she worried about?
Hiratsuka Shizuka might not be able to find a boyfriend, but her judgment of character was still quite sharp.
She knew Mori Shinra wasn't a bad kid.
If he and Yukinoshita really did get together, it could be considered a good thing.
Besides, if the two really weren't suitable, there were others who were more anxious than she was.
As far as Hiratsuka Shizuka knew, Yukino's older sister, Haruno, already knew about Mori Shinra's existence.
She had even helped with this upcoming Service Club trip.
Since the other party was happy to play matchmaker, there was nothing more for her to say.
Mori Shinra returned to the private room, placed the tray full of glasses down, and began to tell everyone about the club activity.
"Is it possible not to go?" Hikigaya, as expected, asked this question.
For him, the goal for this summer vacation was to avoid stepping outside his house as much as possible.
Summer vacation, summer vacation... the reason for the vacation is because it's too hot.
To run out at this time of year for a club activity that only normies would do... Hikigaya was ten thousand percent against it.
"In principle, it's voluntary. But for you, Hikigaya... Ms. Hiratsuka said she would come and 'invite' you personally."
If it's 'yes' in principle, that means no. If it's 'no' in principle, that means yes.
Hikigaya understood this kind of rhetoric better than anyone.
It was just like in a job interview when you ask HR if the company forces overtime.
The answer will definitely be "overtime is voluntary."
You just have to know how to read between the lines.
It was clearly the same logic here.
An image even appeared in Hikigaya's mind—Hiratsuka Shizuka, taking a drag from a cigarette, exhaling a puff of smoke, and saying to him with a clenched fist: "I don't remember who goes, but I will definitely remember who doesn't."
Oh god!
"You don't need to worry about the cost. Sensei said we are going as volunteers for an elementary school's summer camp. Food and lodging are covered, and the work isn't hard. It's just helping to look after the elementary schoolers. The rest of the time is basically free, and we can camp for free." Mori Shinra laid out all the information he had.
"And participating in this kind of activity can add points for university applications in the future."
Hearing this, Kawasaki Saki, who had been part of the background, put down her phone.
This was worth sitting up for.
"Free camping!" Yuigahama's eyes lit up.
"Also, this activity isn't limited to just our club, which means if Saika-san wants to come, he can also come. Just go and sign up with Ms. Hiratsuka," Mori Shinra said, looking at Saika.
"Really?" Saika thought this was a special perk for the Service Club.
He didn't expect he could participate too.
"Yukino-chan, are you going?" Yuigahama asked.
"As the president of the Service Club, I see no reason not to go," Yukinoshita Yukino replied.
Seeing as she didn't look surprised, she must have known about this for a while.
That makes sense. As the Service Club's advisor, if Hiratsuka Shizuka had any activities planned, Yukinoshita would be the first to be informed.
"Komachi-chan can come too," Mori Shinra said to Komachi.
Hikigaya Komachi hadn't expected to be included.
She pointed at herself and said, "I can go too?"
"Of course. Since it's a volunteer activity, the more the merrier."
"Sounds like a shady company recruiting cheap labor," Hikigaya said in a grave tone, as if warning his sister not to fall for the sweet talk.
"I'm going, Komachi is going!" Komachi completely ignored her brother's warning.
Sweet talk or not, why pass up free camping?
Besides, with her idiot brother's personality, if she didn't go, he would most likely find all sorts of excuses to bail. That won't do.
Her brother's 'loner' disease finally has a chance to be cured. How can she not strike while the iron is hot?
If he really stays at home for the entire summer, he'll rot!
"OK. I'll let Ms. Hiratsuka know. Also, remember to bring your brother with you that day," Mori Shinra said, giving an OK sign and not forgetting to add a reminder.
"Mission accepted!" Komachi gave Mori Shinra a military salute.
"Is no one going to ask for my opinion?" Hikigaya was still trying to struggle.
Mori Shinra thought for a moment, then motioned for him to lean in.
With just one sentence, Hikigaya immediately changed his attitude.
"If you don't come, I'll drag Kawasaki Taishi along instead."