6 Chapter 6: Half Moon (2/2)
”I see.”
”You do?”
”Yeah. That's why you're as boring as plants.”
”Oh, really? Too bad then.”
”Too bad about what?”
”I was going to tell you the secret to being popular, but since I'm BORING, I don't want you to be boring so--”
”Please tell me, sensei!!” He was at my feet, begging. Sweet revenge.
---
We went to the botanical garden shortly afterwards. The class was allowed to go around the greenhouse freely. While almost everyone was looking at all the different flowers, I went to see the fruit bearing trees and other plants.
”Oh. You really seem to be enjoying this.” Nariyuki appeared out of nowhere.
”Well, yeah. I'm really fond of plants.”
”Wow. You're weird, aren't you? Hehe.”
”Tch. And you sound like Jirai.”
”Are you mad? Hehehe.”
”Not really. I just think that plants are delicate, and if you don't take care of them properly, they won't grow and then they… die.”
”I didn't know you were romantic.” You only realize it now? Tsk tsk. ”I thought you were just… effeminate.” Damn rumors…
”You're lucky there is no poisonous plant nearby that I can feed you--”
”Why would you need a poisonous plant for?”
”Well, trying to act innoce-- Hi-Hiroisora?? W-where's Nariyuki??”
”I saw you two standing here so I came here, but she left after seeing her friends over there.”
”Oh. I s-see.”
”So, about that poisonous plant--”
”I-it was nothing. W-we were joking a-around is all. Haha…”
”Hmm? I was just wondering if you're able to identify poisonous plants by just looking at them…” Ohhhh… I thought she heard what I said. That was not going to help my cause if that happened. Whew.
I explained to Hiroisora that there are certain traits shared by different plants to indicate if it was poisonous or not. For example, its color or texture, though it is not a given; instead it is just something to look out for. She seemed to believe everything I said. Haha.
Strangely enough, I felt like I was being hugged by a cactus. When I looked around, I understood in an instant. All the guys were looking at us. If looks can kill, I might have died a hundred times by now.
---
We went back to the hotel and had dinner. The teachers were informing everyone that the outdoor hot spring is reserved to us up to 9 pm only; we should all take a bath by then. Each class has 45 minutes to use the bath. Of course, the hot spring is separated into men's and women's baths. I was hoping for a mixed bath. Hehe. Sigh.
”Yeah. Me too. What a letdown.” Was I talking aloud again?? ”Why the surprised look? It was written all over your face.”
”Really?”
”Yeah. I think we all had that face tonight.” Jirai can get serious if he wants, although for the wrong reasons…
---
While soaking into the hot spring, I was staring at the night sky. It was a beautiful night. Which I think will be ruined any moment now…
”Hey guys!!” Jirai was calling everyone in a low voice. ”Will we let these bamboo fences hinder our spring time of youth?”
”No!” Everyone collectively answered in a low voice.
”Will we let the rules of society stop us from our right as adolescent males to indulge in the pleasures of this world?”
”No!!” Why is this sounding like a revolution?
”Then, my brethren, join me in my quest to achieve what few high school boys have achieved before… peeping without getting caught!!”
”Yeah!! Woah!!!” Wow, he really can rally men under his leadership. Too bad it's something as juvenile as this.
”It's good to see that everyone is on this.” Yup, when he said everyone, he meant everyone, including me. I just hope we can achieve the goal of this mission: Don't get caught.
Everyone was getting ready and starting to form a human pyramid. As the leader, Jirai is the one who will be pushed up to look at the women's bath. This type of cooperation is seldom seen, as we have been moving swiftly and silently. Little by little, I can see that Jirai is almost at the top…
”Ok guys! Time is up. The next class is going to use the bath-- What are you doing!?!” A teacher suddenly came outside and saw us. We were all surprised and everyone fell down. We dropped Jirai.
”Were you trying to peep at the girls' bath!?” The teacher shouted.
”Kyaaaaa!!” The girls from the other side started screaming.
Mission: Failed.