Aiko wasted no time making her intentions clear. "Stay away from Isamu," she said, her voice low and insistent. "He's mine."
I blinked, taken aback by her directness. "I'm not interested in Isamu," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I don't care about him."
Aiko's eyes narrowed, and she leaned in closer, her tone dripping with a mix of challenge and threat. "It doesn't matter if you're interested or not. Just remember that Isamu is off-limits."
I glanced over at Isamu, who had moved a few rows back but was still within view. His expression was one of mild frustration but also a resigned acceptance of the situation. It was clear he was used to this kind of interaction with Aiko, but it didn't make it any easier.
Aiko continued to lean in, her words becoming more pointed. "I've seen how you look at him. Don't think you can play innocent. He's not some prize you can win."
Aiko's gaze remained unwavering, her expression a mixture of scorn and possessiveness. "I saw how you acted at the festival. You know, when Isamu left me to be with you? Don't think I didn't notice. You were practically thrilled by his attention."
I felt a hot flush of irritation. "I wasn't thrilled by anything. Isamu's decisions are his own. I didn't ask him to leave you, and I certainly didn't encourage him to do so."
Aiko's eyes narrowed further, her voice growing more intense. "Oh, please. I saw the way you were interacting with him, how you hung around him like he was some sort of prize. It was clear you were enjoying the attention."
I tried to keep my voice steady, but frustration seeped through. "I wasn't trying to steal him from you. I just wanted to have a normal conversation and enjoy the festival. I'm not interested in getting involved in your drama."
Aiko's gaze was unrelenting, her tone laced with accusation. "Well, your actions spoke louder than words. You were thrilled that he chose you over me, and now you're acting like you're completely innocent. It doesn't work like that."
I clenched my fists, struggling to maintain my composure. "Look, I'm not interested in Isamu, and I don't want to be part of this mess. If you think I'm some kind of threat to your relationship, you're mistaken. I just want to get through this trip without more of your accusations."
Aiko's lips twisted into a smirk, clearly not satisfied with my response. "Well, I guess we'll see. Just remember, if you try anything or get too close, I won't hesitate to put you in your place."
I shot a frustrated glance at Isamu, who had shifted his attention back to his sketchbook, seemingly trying to ignore the escalating tension. His expression was a mix of frustration and resignation, making me feel even more exasperated.
"Fine," I said, my voice tight with barely contained anger. "I'll stay away from Isamu. But please, let's just drop this. I don't want any more trouble."
Aiko's gaze softened just a fraction, but the underlying challenge remained. "Good. Just remember what I said."
With that, she settled back into her seat, crossing her arms with a finality that suggested the matter was closed as far as she was concerned. I was left feeling both exasperated and relieved as the bus pulled up to the campgrounds.
As I disembarked, I was eager to put the uncomfortable confrontation behind me and focus on the camp experience. The fresh air and the change of scenery offered a much-needed escape from the tense atmosphere that had plagued the bus ride. I hoped that the days ahead would be less complicated and allow me to enjoy the trip without further disruptions.
...
I stepped out, eager to escape the recent tensions and start afresh.
The campgrounds were picturesque, with tall trees casting dappled shadows over a sprawling area dotted with tents and activity stations. The teachers, already gathered near a large wooden sign that read "Welcome to Camp Horizon," began to call the students together for orientation.
