Chapter 10: Sensei Goes on a Field Trip (Part 6)

The morning after a night filled with emotions, everyone except Haruki wakes up late. Haruki, lying on the beach, gazes at the sky, his mind drifting in a peaceful slumber. Sakura, finding him lost in sleep, lays beside him, staring at the clear sky adorned with scattered clouds. She quietly muses to herself, "I wish I were the sky, so I could watch over you from above, even after death, you'd still come to me."

Izumi, hearing her, teases as he settles on Haruki's other side, "You wouldn't rush us to die and join you, would you?"

Mitsuha joins them, lying next to Izumi, playfully adding, "That's a bit mean, isn't it?"

Sakura, not one to back down, counters, "If I were to rush you guys, would you come to me?"

Yuki suddenly chimes in, "There are stars in the morning too; then we can all be stars together."

Izumi grins and replies, "Then I want to be in Mitsuha's constellation. What about you, Yuki?"

Yuki, looking at Haruki and Sakura, softly says, "I want to be in Sakura's and Haruki's constellation."

"I bet that would be the biggest constellation ever," Izumi remarks, his voice filled with warmth as they all drift back to sleep beside Haruki.

Hours later, Haruki stirs, startled to find Sakura lying so close. He jumps up, realizing the others are also nearby. A gentle smile crosses his face as he murmurs, "Did I doze off here? That's embarrassing."

He wakes everyone, announcing, "It's already noon, but don't worry. Today, we're going to build a huge campfire! Sakura, Yuki, make sure you catch some fish. Tonight, we'll have a party—an evening campfire dance party. Maybe it'll spark some romance, who knows?"

Sakura, blushing, asks softly, "Haruki-San… I want to dance with you."

Haruki's face flushes a deep red. He hesitates, his thoughts swirling. "If I agree, it might make her miss out on finding a true love…" Despite his inner turmoil, he stammers, "O-Okay…"

His mind races, "Why did I say that? My mind went blank, and suddenly I'm agreeing. Oh no! I'm going to ruin her future…"

As the sun begins to set, the students gather wood and fish. The golden light of the setting sun casts a warm glow over the beach, its reflection shimmering on the water, creating a surreal and enchanting scene. The sky, painted with hues of orange and red, merges with the deep blue of the ocean, blurring the line between sea and sky.

As the evening approaches, the students build a massive campfire, stacking the wood into a large square. When the fire is lit, it bathes the beach in a soft, orange light, its warmth radiating through the night. The gentle crackling of the fire is accompanied by the laughter and chatter of the students, as they cook fish and prepare for the night's festivities.

Haruki, standing by the fire, announces, "The dance party begins now!"

Sakura, her cheeks glowing in the firelight, approaches Haruki. His heart races as he takes her hand, leading her into the dance. Each step they take together feels like a dance of destiny, their movements synchronized with the rhythm of the waves gently lapping against the shore.

Mitsuha and Izumi join in, dancing close, their eyes locked in a shared moment of happiness. Ruka, Ren, and other students follow, pairing up and swaying to the music that fills the air. Yuki is asked to dance by Asuna, one of the brightest students in class, with medium-long black hair and wide red eyes. He agrees, smiling, and they dance together under the star-studded sky, their laughter blending with the sound of the waves.

As the night deepens, the sea and sky seem to merge into one vast expanse of space, as if they have all been transported to another world. The students gaze at the stars, feeling the immensity of the universe around them. Sakura looks at Haruki, catching him already staring at her. His face is flushed, and their eyes meet in a moment of silent understanding. She quickly looks away, biting her lip in embarrassment, her heart pounding in her chest.

Izumi, feeling a surge of excitement, runs into the sea, calling out to the others. He splashes water at Mitsuha, laughing, "I just splashed you with the power of space…"

Everyone, including Mitsuha, gives him a playful look, rolling their eyes at his corny remark. But soon, they all join in, splashing and laughing, the water shimmering with the reflection of the stars above.

As the night progresses, the sound of the bus arriving brings a bittersweet end to their fun. The students, now tired but happy, frown as they realize it's time to leave. They slowly make their way back to the bus, the mood quiet and reflective.

Asuna sneaks a glance at Yuki, who's already asleep, his face peaceful in the soft light. Haruki, too, watches Sakura, a smile playing on his lips. They both find comfort in the sight of those they care about, knowing this night will be a memory they cherish forever.