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Chapter 7: Trash tracing.

Hajime was suddenly woken by the loud blaring of an unknown alarm. He'd scared awake from a dream that had quickly faded and his body was still numb and prickly when he threw himself out of bed. Was this the fire alarm? He wasn't smelling any smoke. Besides, fire alarms had more of a beeping sound, this was an alarm that resembled more of an ambulance. Did someone get hurt, then? Were there even ambulances on the island? On the small wall television in Hajime's room, a picture of Usami appeared. Distress could be read in her button eyes. ''Everyone, this is an emergency! Someone has littered on our island!'' The adrenaline evaporated from Hajime's body. It was only the litter alarm, nothing important. He sighed and stretched. Why was that alarm so loud, then? If he was going by Usami's logic, it'd probably be because littering was the worst thing that could happen on the island. There was no way Usami would allow the students to hurt one another, and the animals weren't dangerous, either. Hajime changed into his everyday clothes and exited his cottage. It was a shame Usami wouldn't leave them time to shower, it'd do him good after sweating so much last night. When Hajime entered the open air, the only one who was also outside was Kazuichi, who was covering his ears. The mechanic sped towards Hajime and yelled: ''Why won't they turn off the stupid alarm already?! We know there's litter somewhere! Who cares, right?!''

At that moment, the alarm turned off, and Usami appeared behind Kazuichi. ''Don't say things like that!'' She lectured.

Kazuichi gasped and turned around. ''Why... am I getting used to this?'' He mumbled.

''Littering is a horrible thing to do!'' Usami continued, ''Not only are you leaving your own trash for others to clean up, it's unsightly and bad for the environment! What if a seal eats that plastic bag? He'll die of plastic poisoning! There are birds building nests with straws and cigarette buds! Isn't that super gross?!''

Hajime sighed. ''Although I don't like being lectured about the environment, I agree with Usami. Garbage belongs in the garbage can.''

''Then what're we gonna do?'' Kazuichi sputtered, ''Search Jabberwock Island for the piece of trash?''

''That's exactly what you're going to do!'' Usami cheered.

''Seriously?!'' Kazuichi exclaimed, ''We weren't the ones who littered, and we don't know where it is or what it is! What if it's a small piece of plastic hidden beneath a bush? None of us will find it!''

''Don't worry about that! I already know where it is and what it is. Everyone will search in groups of four to learn about the importance of cleaning after yourself and about shared responsibility! Chiaki and Gundham are with you two.'' Then, Usami whirled around, and disappeared.

''Why do I have to be in a team with that creep?!'' Kazuichi complained, ''Especially after what happened yesterday?!''

''Knowing Usami... it's probably to learn to get along with him. That might be why she brought Chiaki as a mediator, in case you two start fighting.''

In the distance, Chiaki approached. Hajime felt his heart beating quicker with anticipation as she walked closer and closer, and he wasn't sure if he should keep staring at her, or look away. When she'd arrived, she asked: ''We're still missing Gundham, right?''

Hajime nodded. ''He should be somewhere around the music hall, that's where we last saw him.''

''Passed out on the ground,'' Kazuichi chuckled.

Chiaki nodded, but didn't say anything. She didn't even look up at Hajime. Instead, her pink eyes were focused on the wooden walkway below her, where she could see the water of the sea swirling about. Hajime wondered what was so interesting about that wooden walkway, and why she continued staring at it without even looking at him. Was she avoiding him? No, it was too soon to jump to conclusions. She'd danced with him yesterday, of course she wouldn't be avoiding him today. Maybe she was just tired. After all, she went to bed later than usual, and was awoken quite early and rudely today. Maybe she was just a little groggy. Hajime's train of thought was interrupted as Gundham loudly announced his presence.