1850 Assistance (1)

Upon being presented to them like that, I could easily sense that every girl whose eyes landed on me had varying degrees of curiosity and confusion. It was so sudden and unexpected, after all. And with them busily fixing their tents as an activity, being interrupted like this wouldn’t look at all delightful.

Moreover, with this place supposed to be off-limits for the boys, seeing me being presented by the leader of the camp managers would naturally raise an eyebrow to some.

As I gave a quick sweep to check on everyone, I easily spotted a few unfriendly gazes among the girls from the other classes. Their displeasure was openly written on their faces. There’s even one among Komoe and Hayakawa’s group. Perhaps, in their head, I was trespassing their haven.

Still, the majority favored my presence. Most were starry-eyed and sighing in amazement at my appearance. And then there were those mischievous girls who were already cooking up ideas regarding what Shiina proposed.

What do they want to do with me?

After a minute or two, someone stepped up. Or not? It’s just one but a lot of them. Furthermore, not all of them were giving a suggestion. They’re just discussing me in front of my face.

“Can he help us with our activity?”

“I’d like him to go around and cheer for us.”

“Let us get to know him!”

“I think having him standing close by is enough. I can feel motivation seeping through me.”

“Huh? What are you saying? It’s our chance to get close to him like the others. If we let this go, he’ll just go to those girls often seen around him. I heard he’s kind enough not to turn down everyone.”

“Really? But the rumors around him say he’s a playboy who juggles himself between different girls. What’s the truth?”

“Why not just ask him? It’s a perfect opportunity.”

“Oh. Right! Miss Shiina, have him go around every group. Is that possible?”

Somehow, hearing all those excited ramblings by the girls, Shiina who pushed me to the front was amazed at the reception. I then heard her whispering what was on her mind, “Onoda-kun, what kind of student are you to be received like this? During our time, even if someone is so popular, girls won’t be this outspoken. They’ll just admire him from afar or send him letters. But you, you can invoke this kind of scene...”

How should I answer that? I also don’t know why they’re this eager. And looking at my girls who never spoke once and simply listened to others discuss what they wanted to do with me, they’re possibly trying to gauge the public perception of me.

Well, I saw Aya waving excitedly and Misaki already preparing to run and jump in my arms. So, there’s that. The atmosphere was just restricting them from making a move when this kind of fervor was happening.

I glanced at the other camp managers and they all appeared troubled. For sure, they’re as baffled as the others for Shiina’s decision to bring inside their area.

“I’m sorry for barging in, girls. It’s my fault to get caught by Miss Shiina. She’s just playing around to spice up the atmosphere. I went here simply to check, not to disturb your activity. Please don’t mind me.”

I waited until the clamor died down a little before making that speech. I used bodily gestures to show I was being apologetic.

Although that immediately disappointed some of them, those who were looking at me in an unfriendly manner dropped it.

However, Shiina wasn’t simply going to let me go like that. She already dipped her feet into bringing me in, she’s probably the type who’d see things through to the end.

She grabbed me by my shoulder, stood next to me, and spoke in a loud volume.

“Come on, Onoda-kun. You said it yourself. You’re here to visit even though you’re aware of the consequences that might fall on your head. I say that requires more than just bravery. That’s dedication.”

That immediately gathered some reaction from the crowd. Their smiles became blinding as they now looked like they couldn’t wait to get their hands on me...

On one hand that could be a dream for every boy on the planet. But on the other hand, it’ll be difficult for me to freely navigate here if everyone wants a piece of me.

All I wanted was to spend some time with my girls, after all. I intentionally let myself be caught to secure permission from Shiina no matter how unlikely that was. It wasn’t within my expectation that she’d present me like this while disregarding the other camp managers’ opinions.

Well, looking at them, they’re not really against her. In fact, they’re also curiously drawn to my presence.

“Shiina, what are you doing? We’re the ones who will get in trouble if the teachers and the Professors find him here.”

Finally, someone from the camp managers also spoke up. I looked at her and she’s one of the few who weren’t that enthusiastic at Shiina’s idea. And when our gazes met, she grimaced at me.

Still, despite that reasonable concern of the woman, Shiina put a hand on her waist and insisted.

“I know. But aren’t you bored with only following the schedules we put up? Onoda-kun here is the right spice for this occasion. If someone shows up, he can hide in one of those cabins or tents. I’m certain a lot of them will be willing to help him out.”

“That... Won’t that be a bigger problem? I get that you want to spice things up but there are better ways.”

“For example?”

“... I haven’t thought of one yet.”

“See. It’s hard. But look at him. A chance is already presented to us. I mean, haven’t you seen the positive reception? Having him here with us can easily provide them with motivation. The monotonous activity became lively all of a sudden.”

Hearing their conversation clearly, I couldn’t help but look at Shiina in a new light. She might be a little playful but her head was in the right place... If it was as she said... then she truly livened up the atmosphere by bringing me here.

Perhaps, if I was some other guy, she wouldn’t even think of this. However, since she's been watching me ever since recognizing me earlier, she’s more than aware of my influence. No other guy could bring this kind of atmosphere.

After a few more back and forth, the other camp manager took a step back, withdrawing her argument.

Upon seeing that, Shiina turned her attention back to me and to the girls who were waiting for her decision.

“Okay. I understand that some of you are not in favor of having Onoda-kun here. Fear not, I won’t force you to interact with him and I’m certain, he also won’t try to cross that boundary. You’re all free to speak your thoughts out.”

“Are we really going to do this, Shiina-san?”

Looking at how the girls went silent from that, I couldn’t help but raise my own doubts.

I only wanted to visit my girls but this girl was roping me in to be a community handyman for everyone.

While that’s not bad at all considering a lot of them welcome my presence, I can already imagine how tiring it will be for me.

“Yes, Onoda-kun. If you complete this task, we won’t be against your visits anymore. Help them out, okay?”

With an impish smile that could cost someone their sanity, Shiina hugged my arm and slowly dragged me closer to the girls.

“Here you go, who wants to borrow him first?”

As soon as she said that, the one closest to us immediately stepped up without hesitation.