Ryu turned and
gave Fumiko-chan a helping hand. She hadn't brought a proper day-pack
and staggered as they climbed uphill.
Ahead and
behind of them a long line of club members slowly ascended the path
to the camping site.
He wiped sweat
from his face, allowed Fumiko-chan to pass him and reached out with
his hand to help Nori-kun navigate the difficult climb. After that
Ryu continued himself. The motor mouth would stay and help
Sakura-chan.
A little
further up Ruy saw Hiroyuki-kun help Noriko climb over a log that had
fallen across the path. Good man, I'll switch with you when I get
there, Ryu thought and forced his burning legs upwards.
He was
astonished so few of the members complained about the murderous
climb, but it seemed like Urufu's walking talking sessions earlier
that summer had given them stamina as well as the ability to start
thinking outside the box.
We've
become a real club. Urufu, you did it! They're helping each other
without asking. For a moment elation rose in him, but then
thinking of Urufu soured Ryu's good mood. What happened back then?
You still haven't told.
Halfway to the
log he caught up with Fumiko-chan who was panting heavily and
staggered with her arms hanging by her side. She looked like she
could use some extra motivation. He tapped her shoulder and prepared
a smile. “Fumiko-chan, Aika-chan is ahead of us. Climb to her and
have something for me to drink when you get to the summit, will you?”
The girl
stopped in her tracks, turned and blushed. “Would you share it with
us, Ryu-kun?”
That's
gutsy of her. “Of course, how could I live without the company
of two beautiful girls?” Ryu said and flashed her a grin. She
averted her eyes, but he could see the smile playing over her lips.
Prince of Himekaizen, and of this club. That's my job. “I'll
join you after I've helped everyone.” Well, they're pleasant
enough. I could do with worse company.
He watched her
scamper away to where Hiroyuki-kun still stood ready to help people
climb over the log.
I've
thought of us six as the core, but we're not really the
core of the club any longer. He gave Hiroyuki-kun a tired smile
and waved him onwards. Half the members take action by themselves
now. Urufu, you really changed us. Ryu shook his head and took
the position Hiroyuki-kun had held just moments before. Looking back
he could see Nori-kun arriving hand in hand with Sakura-chan. The
motor mouth would help the girl he so obviously was crushing on
without Ryu's help, so Ryu just waved him on after Sakura-chan was
safely over the log.
Wonder
who's next? So tired I didn't even check who replaced Nori-kun down
by the rocks. Ryu wiped more sweat and grime from his face with
his arm.
Kyoko arrived
helped by Yukio. Another pair that wouldn't need his help. “Who's
down there helping people up?”
Yukio looked
up and grinned. “Kuri. She's almost as strong as us boys. Urufu's
down there taking a rest as well.”
Taking a
rest? From what I've seen he should be able to run up the trek.
Ryu blinked. He'll piss off the third years when it's time for the
marathon, cause I don't see anyone in Himekaizen matching his
stamina. “Sure about that?”
Yukio managed
to smirk despite his fatigue. “He's back to his bad self again.
Kuri will help him up when all the rest have passed.”
Ryu sighed and
made space for Yukio. He watched him help his girlfriend over the
log, and after that they vanished up the path, still holding hands. I
envy you a little, but I'm happy for you both. You of all people
deserve it.
Heavy panting
from below had him turning his head, and soon afterwards he was
helping one of the new girls in the club. Have to learn their
names.
It was slow
work, but member by member he saw them all passing the log, and
shortly afterwards Kuri and Urufu came walking up the path. Ryu only
waved at them and started climbing up himself. Kuri would help Urufu
anyway, and she'd only complain if he offered them any help.
It didn't take
him long to overtake the trailing members, and some cajoling, some
insults and some insubstantial promises later he saw them to the
summit. Fumiko-chan and Aika-chan stood waiting for him with a bottle
each in their hands. That wasn't an insubstantial promise he had
given earlier, so he grinned at them and followed them to the table
they had chosen. Gratefully he received the first bottle and downed
it in one go.
“Thanks, I
really appreciate that. You're angels, both of you,” he said, and
for once he really meant it.
“Isn't he
just adorable?” Aika-chan suggested to her friend.
“And
charming, a real prince charming,” Fumiko-chan agreed, and both
girls burst into laughter.
“Hello! I'm
here you know,” Ryu protested.
They just
looked at him, and after Fumiko-chan handed him the other bottle both
of them started laughing again.
He couldn't
help it. He loved the company of girls, even when they made fun of
him, and he soon joined them in their merriment as if it was the
natural thing to do. To him, he realized, it probably was.
Mood rising
and the worst of his thirst slated he watched how Kuri dragged Urufu
the last metres to a waiting table. She sat him down and went for
something to drink.
I wonder
how they keep it together, Ryu thought, but the company was good,
and Urufu was in good hands after all, so Ryu allowed himself to
enjoy the atmosphere and continued joking with the girls. Rather
unsurprisingly they were joined by two more, and then by a couple of
the guys.
It was a good
day, cooler up here than by the seaside and it promised to be a
pleasant camping experience.
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