Chapter 3 | Ten Years of Childhood Friends 

For now, after putting Reiji-kun to bed in his room, we decided to hear the full story from Shizuku-san, who came back to our room to thank us again.

Reiji-kun—his full name is Shimizu Reiji, as he said—is the son of Shizuku-san and her “former” husband.

Considering Shizuku-san’s age, it’s not surprising she’d have a young child, but I never imagined she’d been married and already divorced.

Especially not from the way she looked—chatting so happily with her childhood friend Riku-san after over a decade apart, like they’d gone back in time.

“—Reiji saw that the car from the Asanagi place was the same as the one that man used to drive, so he thought his papa had come to pick him up. He couldn’t hold back and ran off… Seems like he was a decent father in front of the kid, so Reiji’s pretty attached to him.”

By the way, Reiji-kun and Shizuku-san live in a staff room they rent on the first floor of the inn, and apparently, the parking lot out back is clearly visible from their window.

That evening, Reiji-kun was quietly waiting in the room for his mom to come back, as Shizuku-san had told him. But then a car—the same kind his dad used to drive and take him out in—showed up in the usually empty parking lot. Thinking his dad had come for him, he wandered off looking for someone who wasn’t there, ending up on the walking path… That’s the truth behind this whole incident.

So, if we’d just breezed through the walking path and returned to the inn quickly, we wouldn’t have run into Reiji-kun so early on.

Thinking back, we weren’t exactly doing anything I’d brag about, but coincidences like this do happen.

As for the Asanagi family’s car, it’s a popular model from a well-known maker, so it’s not that rare for them to overlap. Normally, you’d distinguish them by the license plate or subtle interior differences, but expecting a little kid like Reiji-kun to figure that out is a bit unfair.

Reiji-kun’s four years old now and just started going to a new kindergarten.

So understanding the situation between his mom and dad is still years away for him.

“And… um, thanks, Rikkun. You were tired from driving and napping, but you still helped me look for him.”

“Nah, no big deal… In a situation like this, I had to pitch in. I was kinda shocked you’ve got a kid, though.”

“Sorry… I probably should’ve said something when we first reunited, but… it’s not exactly easy to bring up.”

“Hey, wait—did Grandma…”

“Yeah, I told her properly. Grandma Mizore been a huge help since I came back here… For the reunion too, she said not to worry and that she’d look after Reiji… Oh, she didn’t tell you because I asked her not to. I wanted to tell you myself. So don’t blame her, okay?”

“I get that… I know.”

It might’ve been fine if it were just Mizore-san, Sora-san, or Riku-san, but I’m here too—someone totally unconnected to this town—so it worked out.

Still, that must’ve made it a lot for Riku-san to process.

Your childhood friend, reunited after ages, was already married, divorced, and has a four-year-old kid… That’s way too much info to handle at once.

“—Alright, enough gloomy stuff! Let’s switch gears and have dinner. Because of Reiji, I’m adding an extra dessert tonight, on me, of course.”

She probably figured this kind of talk would spoil the meal. Family matters aren’t exactly something you wanna broadcast to strangers, but Shizuku-san’s just as much of a softie as me, Umi, and Riku-san.

I feel bad for taking advantage of her kindness, but the dinner she prepared was incredible. High-end dishes centered on mountain ingredients—almost too fancy for modern kids like me and Umi, used to junk food. Still, the moment we took a bite, neither of us could stop chopsticking.

…Except for Riku-san, who, for some reason, looked a bit down the whole time.

“—Hey, Aniki, it’s such a fancy spread—aren’t you gonna eat? You’ve barely touched half of it!”

“Nah, I’m full already. You two can have the rest—dessert too.”

“…He says. Maki, what do we do?”

“I’ve still got some room, so let’s take it. Leaving it would feel bad for Shizuku-san and her dad, who made it all.”

“If you say so, Maki… Aniki, no take-backs later—this is ours now.”

“I get it. Geez, you two scarfing it down like that—you’ll get fat.”

“…◯ off, you jerk brother.”

“H-Hey, Umi! And Riku-san, even if it’s family, you shouldn’t say that to a girl.”

“Mgh… Sorry, slipped out.”

I end up playing peacemaker again, but whether getting used to this sibling bickering is a good thing, I’m not sure.

Anyway, thanks to me and Umi—two ravenous high schoolers—the meal, including the bonus fancy melon, got polished off completely.

We’d planned to hit the bath right after, but at this rate, we might need a breather first. That’s how good it all was.

After eating, as we sipped the warm tea left in the room, Shizuku-san came by to clear the dishes.

“You three are heading to the bath next, right? I’ll lay out the futons while you’re gone—how many sets should I prep?”

The futons are apparently in the room’s closet, but sheets and pillowcases come from the linen room, and Shizuku-san’s setting up our beds too.

It’s super nice of her, but why’s she asking how many we need?

“? Uh, me, my sister, and Maki—three people, so just lay out that many.”

“No, two’s fine. One for Aniki, one for me.”

“Huh? Then what about Maki? It’s summer and hot, sure, but no futon’s too much.”

“Geez, Rikkun, you’re so dense. Umi-chan’s saying she doesn’t need one ’cause she’s sleeping with Maehara-kun. Right, Umi-chan?”

“Yup. Even if you lay out three, we’d just crawl into one anyway. Maki’s such a clingy baby—he can’t sleep without me next to him… Right?”

“No, it just makes me fall asleep way faster…”

Umi and Shizuku-san look at me like I’m a kid, while Riku-san gives me a dumbfounded stare—all with these lukewarm gazes.

It’s true I relax and sleep better with Umi nearby, but the one sneaking into my futon’s usually her.

And Umi? She conks out the second I hug her.

…Well, my sleep’s usually way worse, and I don’t have great memories of sleeping well on trips, so I’m not arguing.

I couldn’t go on school trips in elementary or middle school due to Dad’s job transfers, but I did have overnight field trips.

Still, with no friends or anyone I could relax around, I don’t think I slept a wink back then.

So at least tonight, I should rest soundly.

“…I get it, but just prep three properly. Knowing this idiot, if the futons are smaller than expected, I might get kicked out and suffer for it.”

“Hehe, got it. I’ll be back later, then. Oh, the bath’s cleaned 24/7, so feel free to use it anytime—middle of the night, early morning, whenever you feel like it!”

The inn’s guide mentions the hot springs here have various benefits—especially great for skin beauty, apparently.

My skin getting smoother won’t change much now, but I’ll soak well to ease today’s fatigue.

…Plus, Umi’s skin getting smoother? That’s a win for me.

We tell Shizuku-san we’ll bathe once our stomachs settle, so we let Riku-san head to the big bath first.

Left in the room, we kill time with the TV as background noise, playing cards we brought. The juice and snacks in the fridge are saved for post-bath treats.

“…Hey, Maki.”

“What?”

“Aniki seemed pretty shocked about Shizuku-san, huh.”

“Yeah. Well, ‘I got married,’ ‘I got divorced,’ ‘Oh, and I’ve got a four-year-old’—all at once? If I were Riku-san, I’d be kinda floored too.”

I can’t say for sure if Riku-san had romantic feelings for Shizuku-san, but finding out your childhood bestie’s a mom without you knowing? That’s a shock.

But even if they’d grown distant, is it possible Riku-san knew nothing about Shizuku-san’s marriage—a major life event you’d usually tell family or close friends about?

Why didn’t Riku-san know?

And why didn’t Shizuku-san tell him (or Sora-san and Daichi-san either)?

“…Maki, I’ve got a bad feeling this might get messy.”

“Yeah… You feel it too, huh?”

“Yup. I mean, Aniki’s one thing, but I can’t shake the vibe that Shizuku-san’s still hung up on him. Just a hunch, but… her face? It’s full-on ‘maiden in love.’ I’d know—I was like that not long ago.”

Speaking of, Umi’s kinda like that right now, alone with me.

True, Shizuku-san’s expression around Riku-san matches Umi’s right before Christmas—right before we started dating.

Neither me nor Umi wanna meddle in other people’s love lives, though.

Riku-san’s a stranger to me, but he’s Umi’s precious family. They trade “idiot” and “jerk” jabs face-to-face, but apart, they genuinely care—like real siblings.

“Still, sticking our noses in adult relationships is tough, right?”

“Yeah. They’re both single, sure, but Shizuku-san’s got Reiji-kun.”

If this were a kid romance like ours, we might play matchmaker for the awkward pair, but Riku-san aside, Shizuku-san’s past and Reiji-kun complicate things.

They might still like each other, but adult circumstances can’t be fixed with feelings alone… That’s the conclusion, I guess.

Man, being an adult sounds rough.

“—Sorry for the wait, you two! I’ll set up the futons now, so feel free to… Huh? What’s wrong? You both look super bored—did this rural spot bore you young folks after all?”

“Oh, no, not at all… By the way, Shizuku-san, I’ve got a question.”

“Oh? What’s this? Did Maehara-kun catch a crush on an old lady like me despite having such a cute girlfriend? …How about my three sizes? Since you helped Reiji, I’ll give you a special tell~”

“Maki, you idiot. Pervert. Cheater.”

“Why’s Umi mad at me too…? No, it’s about Riku-san.”

“…Oh. Hehe, figured it’d be that. Umi-chan, same question?”

“Yeah, pretty much.”

“Got it.”

Muttering I knew it’d come up, Shizuku-san lets out a small sigh.

Her playful demeanor shifts—mentioning “Riku-san” visibly clouds her expression.

“Riku-kun and I were inseparable since we were born. This place doesn’t have tons of people, so there weren’t many kids our age. We were together 24/7—studying side-by-side at school, hanging out at each other’s houses on weekends, exploring the mountains. I was kinda frail as a kid, so he always protected me… It felt like getting a big brother, and I was so happy. The town was dull, but with Riku-kun, it was fine.”

They were that close, but they couldn’t stay together forever.

Umi’s birth prompted Daichi-san and the Asanagi family to move away.

That was when Riku-san and them were in upper elementary school.

“So, since then, you and Aniki…”

“No, no. Riku-kun’s surprisingly diligent—he kept in touch regularly. Phone calls, emails with updates, even a letter every month without fail.”

“Really? But then, that’s kinda…”

“Like lovers, huh? Hehe, yeah. If we just saw ourselves as regular childhood friends, we wouldn’t have kept it up ’til near high school graduation.”

It’s hard to picture from Riku-san now, but they must’ve had near-romantic feelings to stay connected so long after the move.

But for them now, that’s all “in the past.”

They definitely like each other, but there’s no intent to become a couple—especially from Riku-san, I sense this odd distance.

Like he’s holding back around Shizuku-san.

“…But isn’t that pretty common? Childhood friends who were always glued together drift apart, go their own ways. Especially me—I’m not alone anymore, so I don’t have time to indulge in that kinda thing.”

So that’s where it lands, huh.

During their total no-contact years, they took completely opposite paths.

“Okay! That’s enough of this pointless talk! Come on, I’ve gotta prep your beds before your big brother gets back.”

Cutting the convo short, Shizuku-san shoves us toward the small sofas by the window and starts setting up the beds with practiced ease.

“There… Yup, nailed it again today.”

Fluffy futons, wrinkle-free white sheets—all good, but why move the tissue box from the table to the pillow area where we’ll sleep?

Don’t worry about us, just focus on yourselves—it felt like Shizuku-san was saying that somehow.

“Oh, right. Before Riku-kun gets back, I should tell you… Umi-chan.”

“? What’s up?”

“Come here a sec…”

Some secret talk? Shizuku-san pulls Umi aside, whispering away from me.

Probably more meddling—when Shizuku-san murmurs something, Umi’s ears, turned away from me, go bright red.

“…Hey, what’re you two whispering about behind my back?”

“Hmm, if I had to say, it’s about thanking you for helping Reiji? If you’re curious, ask Umi-chan later. Good night~”

Stirring us up like payback for earlier, Shizuku-san scurries out of the room.

I can kinda guess, but I should check with Umi anyway.

“Umi, about what she said—”

But the moment I open my mouth, Riku-san strolls in fresh from the bath, swapping places with Shizuku-san.

The fusuma slides open with a bang, startling me and Umi into freezing up.

“—Phew, been a while, but that was some good hot water… What’s with you two glaring at me? Did I do something wrong?”

““「……Haa」””

“What’s with the sighs?”

Clueless about our mood, this other childhood friend’s carefree—probably still buzzing from the bath.

That’s the problem, Umi mutters, but Riku-san just tilts his head, puzzled.

With our stomachs settled after chatting with Shizuku-san, it’s finally our turn for the hot springs.

Wearing the yukatas the inn provided, we head to the bath area on the first floor.

“Maki, how’s my yukata look?”

“Uh… different vibe from your usual pajamas, and, uh, very nice, I think.”

“Does it make your heart race?”

“Well, yeah.”

Umi spins for me. Like with her kimono sleeves, Japanese clothes really suit her. The chic dress from Christmas was great, but this has a unique allure.

Her updo exposes her neck, and spotting faint red marks there, I look away.

I didn’t think I’d kissed that hard, but I must’ve gotten carried away. I feel a bit bad for Umi putting up with it.

“By the way, Umi… about what Shizuku-san said earlier…”

“Oh, yeah. You probably guessed, but it’s about the bath today… Bluntly, she said since it’s just us, if we’re up for it, she’ll pretend not to notice us bathing together. She’s on outdoor bath cleaning duty tomorrow, so…”

“Yeah… Thought so.”

Shizuku-san, stirring the pot again.

The inn has two baths: the indoor big bath and an outdoor hot spring. Both are open all day, but since there’s only one outdoor bath, they split usage by gender and time.

Per the guide, it’s women’s turn now. Normally, I’d go to the men’s big bath, and Umi’d pick either the women’s big bath or outdoor one… But Shizuku-san’ll cover for us, so with no other guests today, we can bathe together.

And since we’re the only guests, the other staff besides Shizuku-san have gone home…

Still, Umi wouldn’t blush that hard just from that—probably more was said. But since we pried into Shizuku-san’s past, let’s call it even.

So, flirting a bit in the bath together’s fine.

Within reason, of course.

“So, Maki, what’s the plan?”

“What’s the plan, you say…”

Relaxing with Umi in a spacious outdoor bath—a rare chance, so I’d love to join her… But.

“…Maki, you just imagined it, didn’t you?”

“W-What’re we talking about?”

I play dumb, but I totally pictured her silhouette.

…Can I really hold back if we bathe together?

“Anyway, I’m heading in first. Maki, wait about ten minutes in the changing room, then decide.”

“Uh, so which one are you going to—big bath or outdoor?”

“Who knows~?”

It’s pretty obvious which she means, but Umi’s saying choose.

Join her, or chicken out.

“See you later… okay?”

“…Yeah.”

We part ways to the changing rooms. The guide says the outdoor bath has two entrances—one from each gender’s indoor big bath via a hallway.

I’ll wash up in the big bath first, I guess.

Looks like there’s only one real choice here.

“…I don’t mind Umi seeing me naked all she wants.”

Alone in the changing room, I strip off the yukata and underwear, staring at my naked self in the big mirror behind me.

Thanks to regular workouts with Umi, my once-pudgy belly now faintly shows abs, and my skinny arms, shoulders, and back are about average for a high schooler… I think. My height’s crept up too, slowly passing Umi’s.

The thing dangling down there… Well, no one’s around to compare, so I’m not hiding it desperately.

More than that, I’m worried about staying calm—and not reacting—seeing Umi naked.

Calming myself, I wait as Umi said, then open the men’s big bath door.

“Pardon me… Oh, this is something.”

True to its hot spring hype, the bath’s huge—jet tubs, sauna, cold plunge, the works. Even without the outdoor bath, this’d soothe a day’s fatigue.

Not my focus today, though.

“Right, gotta wash up first.”

Using the showers by the tub, I scrub off sweat and grime. The inn’s shampoo, body wash, and conditioner smell different—kinda a travel quirk.

“…Here I go. It’s fine, right?”

Pushing the “Outdoor Hot Spring” door, it opens easily—no lock. They must lock one side based on time, but Shizuku-san snuck it open for us.

Careful not to slip, I step forward. Through the steamy haze, I spot her head soaking in the spring.

“…I’m here, Umi.”

“Hey! You’re a bit late, huh?”

“I was washing up first… Uh, can I join you?”

“……”

Umi nods, so I ease into the water. Not too hot, not too cool—just right.

The spring’s slightly murky, so once I’m shoulder-deep, nothing below’s visible unless you stare hard.

That’s a small relief.

“Maki, why’re you way over there? Come closer—no need to hold back.”

“…O-Okay.”

Staying submerged up to my neck, I scoot over to her side with my hands and butt.

Not pressed together, but close enough to touch anywhere with a slight reach.

“Phew… Early start, busy day—I’m beat~… And I’ve got more tomorrow.”

“Oh, right, you’re helping Mizore-san in the morning. If it’s rough, wanna skip afternoon plans and rest here?”

“Nope. I prepped a bunch to make your heart race, so we’re using it all.”

“How much more are you gonna torture my heart…?”

Since arriving, it’s been nonstop excitement with barely a break.

The evening walk, now this coed bath—acting on impulse might relieve some tension, but thanks to coincidence and restraint, we’ve kept it (mostly) wholesome so far. No clue what’s next.

If our bodies—barely a fist apart—touch skin-to-skin, my scraps of rationality’ll probably explode.

Looking up, stars twinkle beautifully in the night sky, but with something even more captivating beside me, the view doesn’t sink in.

Seeing me like this, Umi giggles softly.

“Hehe, Maki, you’re way too tense… How’d you pull off something so bold like that?”

“Back then, my head was all fuzzy… Though it’s pretty bad now too.”

“Right? Maki, uh, you’re getting big.”

“!? W-What, no way—”

Umi blatantly turns away, and I panic, checking myself.

Did the hot water mask it? She’d know eventually, but how embarrassing—

Then I touch it and notice something off.

“…Ehehe~ Gotcha~”

“……”

“Wah!? Hey, don’t splash your girlfriend’s face outta nowhere—got some up my nose!”

“Shut it, idiot. Idiot Umi.”

“Oh? What’s that, you coward—wanna go?”

In retaliation, Umi splashes water at my face.

It’d annoy others if they were here, but it’s just us today, so no issue. Still, we keep it moderate to not be too rude.

“Pfft… Geez, Maki, you’re such a kid.”

“Look who’s talking. You’re way more hyped than at school.”

“Can’t help it—it’s fun messing with you like this.”

“Well… Same here, I guess.”

““Hehe””

We lock eyes and burst out laughing together.

Our bodies are growing up, but we’re still kids at heart.

We try stretching ourselves, but we’re nowhere near equals with Sora-san, Riku-san, Mizore-san, or Shizuku-san yet.

“Hey, Maki, can I touch you a bit?”

“Sure, but no sudden tickling.”

“Got it. No messing around this time.”

Pressing her shoulder to mine, Umi pats my upper body.

Shoulders, chest, stomach, back—carefully checking the results of our workouts.

“…Yup. You’ve gotten way sturdier, Maki. Arms are still thin, and your belly’s a bit soft, but… you’re cool.”

“You’re cute too, Umi.”

“Hehe, thanks. But saying that while looking away’s not super convincing~ Really think so?”

“I do. Just… staring at someone’s body, even my girlfriend’s, feels kinda weird…”

“Maki.”

“Yes?”

“Look at me properly.”

“…Yes.”

When she says it like that, I’m powerless.

With a stiff neck creaking, I turn to face her.

“There. How’s that?”

“…Uh…”

She’s covering the key spots with her arms, but her figure’s still clear. No towels in the spring—it’s manners—so we’re both bare.

She’s filled out a bit, but only compared to before—her shape’s still great. If anything, I wouldn’t mind a little more.

Her chest spills past her arms, and the smooth curve from waist to legs is mesmerizingly beautiful.

Her usually pale skin, flushed from the spring, looks good like this too.

Saying all that’d be creepy, so I sum it up for the girl in front of me:

“I could stare forever.”

“Good boy, honest answer… But that’s so much, even I’m getting shy.”

Umi shifts her gaze slightly, but I know she’s checking me out top to bottom too.

Baring sensitive parts usually hidden by clothes is embarrassing and takes guts, but I want Umi to know me—and I wanna know her more.

Plus, we should get used to this, or I’ll worry about when we finally go further.

Blushing with shame, we’re both super curious about each other’s bodies.

“Phew… Maybe the spring’s getting to me—I’m feeling woozy.”

“M-Me too. Fainting’d ruin the bath, so maybe we should get out?”

“Yeah… I’ll head up first, then.”

“O-Okay. See you at the entrance.”

We peel our stuck-together bodies and lingering stares apart, leaving the outdoor bath for our respective indoor ones.

“…That was intense, yeah.”

Closing the door, I mutter that.

Soaking longer than usual’s part of it, but my heart’s still racing even after leaving Umi.

Today’s pushed our relationship forward nicely. I touched her chest earlier, we just bathed together, burned each other’s naked bodies into our minds—that alone hit my limit, so I didn’t push further, but it could happen anytime now.

Tomorrow’s got plenty of alone time with Umi. Especially the afternoon river play… No, let’s not think too much now.

More wild fantasies, and my body might lose it.

To cool my overheated body and head, I dive into the cold plunge—meant for post-sauna, probably not healthy like this, but I need it to tamp down my raging heart.

“…Can I even sleep tonight?”

Worried about dozing off for a different reason, the first night of our three-day weekend ticks by slowly.

Back in the room, we nibble on snacks and juice we brought, chatting idly before slipping into our futons to sleep.

Spending the night with Umi’s nothing new, but it’s still a joy.

After earlier, I wasn’t sure I’d fall asleep, but the long trip’s fatigue hit—both me and Umi passed out the moment we hit the futons.

…Of course, side-by-side, we didn’t forget to sneakily hold hands.

Sleeping cuddled in one futon was an idea, but with Riku-san here, we compromised to avoid too much lovey-dovey stuff.

Feeling my lover’s warmth through our hands, I spend the night at ease, waking the next morning.

“…Ngh.”

Ample sunlight streams through the big window, faint nature sounds—bugs, birds—drift in, waking me gently. We turned off the AC overnight, but the mild temp kept me sweat-free. A really nice morning.

—Rustle, rustle.

Planning to lie there ’til I’m fully awake, I hear that sound behind me.

Curious, I roll over—and catch Umi changing from her yukata into regular clothes.

“Oh, morning, Maki. Sorry, did I wake you?”

“No, I was up a bit before… Is it almost time to head out?”

“Yup. They don’t need me yet, but Grandma and Mom are already prepping, so I figured I’d go early to help.”

Easy to forget in vacation mode, but the Asanagi family’s trip is to help Mizore-san with chores. Relatives are gathering, so they’re cooking now. Umi and Riku-san are on cleaning and organizing duty, she told me last night.

“Umi, where’s Riku-san? He’s not here.”

“I kicked him out so I could change—he’s probably getting the car from the parking lot.”

“Changing… I’m still here, though. That’s okay?”

“Waking you up felt mean, and if it’s you, I don’t mind being seen changing… You peeked a little, didn’t you?”

“Uh… Sorry.”

Just a flash, but rolling over, I caught her white back and light blue undies—etched in my memory.

…Honestly, perfect wake-up fuel.

I apologize for silently watching, and as Umi teases me and we play around like usual, a knock bangs on the fusuma—Riku-san’s back.

“—Oi, done changing? Car’s at the front entrance. Breakfast’s ready for three, so eat and let’s go.”

“Tch, ruining our moment… Yeah, yeah, coming. Maki, it’s early, but breakfast? If you’re still sleepy, I can ask Shizuku-san to push yours back.”

“No, shifting just mine’s a hassle, and I’m awake—let’s eat together. You’re back before noon, right?”

“Yup. I’ll hurry back, then we’ll go play outside. River stuff, but I wanna explore the town too.”

Time for the swimsuits we picked out shopping.

I brought mine too, of course. First time using it outside swim class in forever, but what I’m really stoked for is—

“Hey, Makiii.”

“What?”

“Your face is red. Pervert, first thing in the morning.”

“N-No it’s not.”

“Really? Guess I’ll skip bringing my swimsuit then.”

“That’s… uh…”

“…No good?”

“Uh… Yeah…”

Totally in her palm, I nod honestly.

Umi in a swimsuit—I’d never not wanna see that. Plus, she brought last year’s, not the one we picked, so I haven’t seen her in it yet.

Yesterday’s bath showed me plenty of her body, but this is different.

“Hehe, fine—I’ll bring it. But you’ve gotta praise me honestly like always, okay?”

“Y-Yeah, got it.”

One question: Is her swimsuit really from last year? She says so, but… No, no dirty thoughts this early.

I could, but that’s for later.

“Well, Aniki’s fed up with our flirting and left, so let’s catch up. I’m starving.”

“Yeah. Oh, but first…”

“Huh?”

Timing it as Umi turns—

—Chu.

I lightly kiss her cheek.

The moment my lips touch, her body twitches slightly.

“Uh… Maki?”

“A… morning kiss, maybe? You do it sometimes when you pick me up, so… It’s not school today, but I wanted to.”

“Oh. Well, that’s fine…”

Surprised, Umi blinks rapidly, her face reddening.

“Didn’t mean to startle you—sorry. I’ll avoid surprise attacks from now on.”

“! N-No! It’s fine, really! I do it out of nowhere too, so we’re even, uh…”

Looking down a bit, she glances up at me and adds:

“…You don’t have to stop, okay?”

“Got it. Good to know.”

“Yeah… Do it whenever you feel like it. Even surprise ones—I don’t mind when it’s you.”

“If you’re cool with it… Alright, I’ll do it when I feel like it.”

“Yup. L-Looking forward to it.”

No rejection or displeasure—relief. But at breakfast, Umi stuck to me so much, I might’ve overdone it early. Regrets.

Naturally, Riku-san gave us the usual exasperated look.

“—Maki, I’m heading out.”

“Yeah, take care. Riku-san, look after Umi for me.”

“Sure. See ya later.”

After breakfast, I see them off to Mizore-san’s in the car, then decide to wander the inn. I could rest in the room, but sticking to my usual routine on a rare trip feels lame.

“Huh… Didn’t notice this spot.”

Passing the big bath, I head deeper and spot a corner I’d missed with Umi. Massage chairs, a ping-pong table—little fun stuff to play with.

Even some old arcade machines I’ve never seen—pure curiosity bait. Classic hot spring inn vibes.

Like a kid with new toys, I’m touching everything when a voice calls from behind.

“—Those are my dad’s hobby pieces. No coins needed—play all you want.”

“Shizuku-san.”

Fresh from cleaning, she’s not in her work kimono but the casual tee and jeans from her delivery day, a “Shimizu” towel around her neck, bucket in hand, deck brush over her shoulder.

The kimono suited her, but this feels more her.

“Morning. Yesterday was wild, huh? Sleep okay?”

“I was wiped… Wild’s right, though.”

“Then my meddling paid off a bit. …Checked the baths thoroughly—no suspicious traces, though.”

“Traces of what, exactly?”

“Haha, don’t pout like that!”

Chatting like this, Shizuku-san’s such a chill big sis type.

She’s just the inn staff to me… but being Riku-san’s childhood friend makes her feel oddly familiar.

Like she’s another Asanagi family member, fitting in seamlessly.

“You and Umi-chan are really tight, huh? Are all high school couples like that these days?”

“Nah, people always call us a lovey-dovey mess. We don’t see it that way, but…”

“Oh, that’s fine! I had my clingy phase too—never get tired of sticking to someone you love. …I was like that once. Seeing you two, I’m honestly jealous.”

Probably recalling her past with Riku-san, Shizuku-san gives a dry smile, pressing an old vending machine button to grab two coffee milks.

“Here, Maehara-kun’s share. Yesterday’s thanks—my treat.”

“Oh, thanks. I’ll take it.”

We pop the caps together and sip. Not something I drink often, but the sweet taste isn’t bad.

“Shizuku-san, can I ask something?”

“Such a serious face—I’m bracing myself… What is it?”

“Do you still like Riku-san?”

“…Hmm.”

At my question, Shizuku-san stares into her leftover coffee milk, pondering.

Been on my mind since yesterday—maybe too tough to answer?

“…Sorry, got carried away.”

“Don’t worry. If anything, my wishy-washy attitude’s to blame. So—do I still like Riku-kun, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Hmm…”

After a pause, she looks at me straight and answers.

“…Uh, more like I did like him, I guess. Honestly, I’m still not totally sure.”

“Did?”

“Yeah. ’Cause I confessed to Riku-kun once before and got rejected. Back in school.”

“…Huh?”

Whoa, unexpected backstory.

And not Riku-san confessing to her—Shizuku-san to him?

…I wanna hear more. So bad. But she’s mid-work, and I shouldn’t bug her too much…

“Maehara-kun, you’re dying to hear this, huh?”

“Uh… Sorry.”

“Hehe, well, I let it slip too much… But keep this from ‘Riku-kun,’ okay?”

“Got it… Can I tell Umi?”

“That’s up to you, Maehara-kun. I wouldn’t wanna put secrets between such a refreshingly silly… er, sweet couple.”

“You can just say ‘lovey-dovey mess’ outright.”

Even Shizuku-san, who met us yesterday, says it… What am I doing this early?

Summer trips are wild.

“Anyway, I’ve got work, so I’ll keep it short. It was… right around when Riku-kun graduated high school, I think. That winter, he came back here, and—”

As Shizuku-san sits on a guest massage chair to start—

“—Oh, Mama.”

“! Reiji.”

Right then, Reiji-kun pops up in front of us.

He must’ve dressed in a rush—shirt buttons mismatched, shorts on, handheld game in his right hand.

From his reaction to Shizuku-san, he didn’t chase her here on purpose.

“Reiji, what’s wrong? You can’t keep wandering the inn like this…”

“Sorry. But in the bathroom, I saw Onii-chan.”

His apologetic eyes lock onto me.

Seems his goal wasn’t his mom but me. He spotted me heading to the bathroom and followed… something like that?

“Oh. Still, no, Reiji. Onii-chan’s not your friend—he’s a guest here. Come on, back to the room… okay?”

“…Sorry.”

He didn’t mean to trouble Shizuku-san. Looking disappointed but obedient, he bows slightly.

With that game in hand, maybe he wanted to play with me?

He got super attached yesterday coming down the mountain—maybe he wanted to thank me in his kid way.

If so, sending him back feels harsh.

“Shizuku-san, uh… could I play with Reiji-kun, if that’s okay?”

“…!”

At my words, light sparks back into Reiji-kun’s drooping eyes.

Yup, he really wanted to hang with me.

Honestly, it’s flattering he feels that way so soon after meeting.

“I’m touched by the offer… You sure? You were relaxing alone—won’t we bother you?”

“No, honestly, I was bored, wondering what to do solo. Plus, games are more fun with someone than alone.”

Solo gaming’s great, but playing with someone you click with is too.

Something my favorite person taught me.

Missing her story’s a bummer, but if she’s willing to tell it, we can hear it later—maybe with Umi too.

“Reiji… Onii-chan’s saying this—whatcha gonna do? Can you behave like he says?”

“Yup, I can.”

“Really? Then it’s a promise.”

After a pinky swear, Shizuku-san lifts Reiji-kun and plops him next to me.

“Maehara-kun, you’re a guest, yet you’re helping with everything—thank you. I’ll wrap up morning work early, so can I leave him with you ’til then?”

“Sure. …Alright, Reiji-kun, wanna play games with me?”

“Yup!”

Not babysitting—more like playing with a much younger friend. I can handle that.

Thus, a temporary four-and-sixteen-year-old duo is born.

Seeing off a very apologetic Shizuku-san, we fire up the game right away. Normal guest bookings start today, but check-in’s after noon, so we’re free to use the common area ’til then.

“Reiji-kun, there’s a few options—which one?”

“Hmm… This one.”

He points to an all-ages racing game. Cute characters and fantasy cars—kid-friendly, but its simple controls hide tricky skills. Even adults get hardcore, with regular official and unofficial tournaments.

I’ve got it too and battle Umi sometimes, but with Reiji-kun, going all-out might be too much.

But once we split the controllers and start racing—

“……”

“! Whoa, that shortcut’s tough, and you…”

It hits me fast—Reiji-kun’s good. Maybe he plays tons stuck in his room, but if I faced him online blind, I’d never guess a four-year-old was behind it.

First race, he beats me flat.

“Onii-chan, you bad at this?”

“Mgh…”

His taunting’s on par with any elementary kid too. That shy face from earlier? Gone—now he’s a bit cocky.

Kids this cheeky are cuter, I get it, but losing so easily to someone over a decade younger stings.

“O-One more. I’m getting serious now.”

“Okay.”

After that, we race silently, round after round. No real chit-chat, but the heated matches keep the vibe light, time melting away.

Hitting nearly every course, two hours pass since we started.

Score’s about even. Took more focus than with Umi.

“Phew… Let’s take a break.”

“Wanna keep going.”

“Sure, but too much at once isn’t good. …I’ll grab juice—what do you want, Reiji-kun?”

“…Orange juice.”

“Got it. I’ll get that too.”

I buy two paper-pack orange juices, and we slurp through straws together.

I’ve heard kids this age often chew straws or spill mid-drink, but Reiji-kun sits politely, sipping quietly.

…Is this kid really four? He seems so mature to me.

Shizuku-san’s strict rules help, but his natural personality’s probably a big part too.

“Hey, Reiji-kun.”

“? What?”

“Why’d you wanna play with me? You stuck to me a lot yesterday… Don’t like Onee-chan?”

“Onee-chan?”

“You know, the girl next to me yesterday.”

“……”

He thinks, then shakes his head. He doesn’t dislike Umi, but he’s drawn to me more.

“…Onii-chan smells like Papa. A little.”

“Me? Uh, what kinda smell?”

“Hmm… Kinda smoky.”

“Smoky? You’re tiny and know that word?”

Smoky smell… Tobacco, maybe? I don’t smoke, swear it, but Mom does, and I clean her ashtrays—ash might linger on my hands. Kids’ senses are sharper, so he might be picking up his dad’s memory from that.

“Reiji-kun, you like your papa?”

“…Yup.”

Even I was in middle school when my parents split—losing a parent at this clingy age must be brutal.

Sure, Shizuku-san and her ex had solid reasons for their choice.

But Reiji-kun can’t grasp that yet.

Adults’ decisions always mess with kids.

…Adults are smart, but so unfair.

I get their side a bit, though.

“Got it. Sorry for asking weird stuff. Alright, juice’s done—back to games. What’s next?”

“Yup. Then—”

Dropping the heavy talk, we dive back in.

Puzzle battles, board games—I teach him some, he calls me “Onii-chan, you’re bad” and flexes, and another hour flies.

“—Maehara-kun, sorry! Just got back.”

“Shizuku-san, welcome back.”

“Mama, welcome back!”

“I’m home, Reiji. Were you good?”

“Yup!”

Reiji-kun hops off the sofa, rushing to hug his mom.

Never minded a small kid before, so I was nervous, but… games really are killer communication tools.

Plus, I learned a bit about their situation.

“Oh, right, Maehara-kun—Mizore-san’s place called. Umi-chan’s heading back soon.”

“Got it. Then I’ll head out.”

Checking my phone, Umi messaged me too—Back soon, get ready.

“Onii-chan, bye-bye.”

“Yup. See ya.”

Thanks to Reiji-kun, boredom’s crushed—now it’s just me and Umi, ready to soak up our alone time.