Chapter 4 | Riku and Shizuku

After saying goodbye to Reiji-kun and Shizuku-san, I returned to the room to prep for heading out.

Since we’re planning to splash around in the river a bit, I pack my swimsuit, plus a towel, change of clothes, and some bug spray. Valuables and the room key can apparently be left at the front desk, so I’ll just bring the bare minimum cash.

I change into outing clothes, slip my phone into my pocket, and now all that’s left is waiting for Umi, who should be back soon…

“What should I do about this?”

Staring at an unopened item lurking in my bag since yesterday—one I haven’t used even once—I hesitate.

Today’s just for fun, so I don’t think I’ll need it, but leaving it in the room feels risky. Worst case, if Riku-san comes back later and sees it, I wouldn’t know how to explain myself.

…Well, guess I’ll just let it sleep in the bag for now.

The only one who’d check my bag is Umi, and if she finds it, I can just say, “I forgot it was in there from yesterday.” That’d be excuse enough.

Nodding to myself in quiet agreement, I seal it back deep in the bag.

Right on cue, Umi returns to the room.

“Umi, welcome back. Looks like nothing went down, huh?”

“I’m back, Maki. Well, we were so busy there wasn’t even time to fight, and with relatives around, we couldn’t exactly go at it like usual. More importantly, were you okay? You must’ve been lonely without me, right?”

“Nah, I was just playing games with Reiji-kun until a bit ago, so not really… Ow, Umi-san, don’t pinch my side in silence.”

“…I was lonely without you, though. That’s not fair.”

Seems Mizore-san and Sora-san were too busy with their own tasks to give her much attention. Even as she sulks and pinches me, Umi clings to me tightly—she’s adorable.

I bear the sharp sting in my side and hug her back for a while.

It takes a little time, but staying quiet like this usually cheers her up, which I’m grateful for.

I’m a pushover, sure, but Umi’s just as much of one when it comes to me.

“Umi, it’s almost noon. What’s the plan? We could pay for bento boxes from the inn if we want.”

“Hmm, since we’re here, let’s eat out while we’re at it. Yesterday we only saw the town from the car, so I wanna explore more.”

“Got it. Then let’s grab some food first.”

“Yup!”

With Umi back in high spirits, we hold hands and head to the front desk to drop off the room key, where Shizuku-san greets us.

“Oh, you two off on a date now?”

“Something like that. By the way, Shizuku-san, thanks for earlier.”

“No, no, thank you. Reiji had fun playing with someone for the first time in a while… He still hasn’t quite settled into his new kindergarten.”

He seemed fine with me, but outside, his shyness probably takes over.

That inward boldness reminds me so much of myself as a kid.

“Oh, right. The town center’s a bit far on foot, so take our bikes. They’re not electric, but they’ve got gears—hills’ll be a breeze.”

“Really? Hey, Maki, let’s use them! It’ll cut travel time, so we can play longer.”

“Hmm…”

Riding bikes together is a rare chance, and it’s way easier than walking, so maybe we should take her up on it.

We’ve got river play later, too, so saving energy on the move makes sense.

“…Alright, we’ll take you up on that.”

“Settled, then. Here’s the key. The bikes are in the shed by the parking lot—put ’em back there when you’re done. Off you go!”

“Sure. See you later.”

After thanking Shizuku-san, we hop on the bikes and pedal down the slope toward town. They might get used for work sometimes—a small “Shimizu” plate on the basket catches my eye—but just borrowing them is plenty. They’re well-maintained, pedaling smooth as butter.

“Hey, Maki, I kept quiet earlier to feel things out, but did you talk to Shizuku-san about anything while I was gone? Like Reiji-kun or whatever?”

“Yeah. I’ll fill you in later, but it just kinda happened.”

Especially Shizuku-san’s slip: “—I mean, I confessed to Riku-kun once before and got rejected.”

If she’s telling the truth, it seems the root of their messy fallout might lie with Riku-san.

…We know we’re meddling too much here. Still, I can’t help wanting them to talk it out properly and find an answer they’re both okay with.

Even if they end up as “just childhood friends,” growing distant with their feelings still unresolved would be too lonely.

We decide to save the morning’s report and discussion for later and start exploring the town. It’s a holiday noon, so the main street’s decently lively with what look like tourists. The muggy rainy season heat makes cold treats like shaved ice and ice cream stand out at every shop.

“Oh, Maki, look over there! Whole-fruit shaved ice!”

“Whoa, you’re right. They’ve got light snacks too—wanna check it out?”

After parking the bikes at a nearby paid lot, we head into the busiest shop on the street.

The menu says they shave frozen fruit right off the block—strawberries, muscat grapes, melon, mango. Pricey, but seeing others dig in happily, the taste must be legit.

It’s clearly SNS-bait with huge portions, so to avoid chilling our stomachs, we split one. We also order a burger and sandwich set.

“Whoa… Whole strawberry shaved ice. Looks a bit different than I pictured, but it smells totally like strawberries.”

Drizzle on some condensed milk, take a bite—fluffy texture hits with a sweet-tart strawberry burst. They’re picky about the berry type too; this beats regular shaved ice by miles.

I love cheap syrup ice with just flavor and color, but splurging like this once in a while isn’t bad.

“Maki, this spot’s loaded with condensed milk—super sweet. Here, ahh~”

“Mmm… Yup, sweet and delicious. Here, your turn.”

“Ahh… Mmm. This side’s great too. Thanks, Maki!”

“You’re welcome.”

We’re at a corner table, but flirting this openly still draws stares. After yesterday’s soft serve, though, this is nothing to us now.

Six months as a couple, and it still feels like the honeymoon phase.

We finish the shaved ice and polish off the snacks too. Next, we’ll stroll the town to digest, then head to the river on the outskirts.

But first, I fill Umi in on the morning’s details.

Yesterday, Reiji-kun, and what happened between Shizuku-san and Riku-san.

“Seriously…? Shizuku-san went for Aniki? Some people have wild tastes.”

“Umi-san, you’re one to talk… Well, Riku-san did have a serious job phase once. He’s a bit of a slacker now, though.”

“Too much of a slacker. He’s healthy now—time he got his act together, work and personal life. Dad and Mom are worried.”

Umi’s harshness toward Riku-san probably stems from that worry.

In this mess, I can’t help thinking things might be different if Shizuku-san were by his side as his “girlfriend.”

Why did Riku-san turn down her confession?

With info shared, we leave the main street, climbing a gentle mountain path to the clear upstream river.

A local secret spot—barely any cars or people around.

It’s like diving into the brush. Some grass is trimmed, but compared to yesterday’s trail, this feels way more untouched.

“Here’s the entrance. Ten-minute walk from here, so hang in there. I’ve got a reward ready for your effort.”

“Reward… Well, I’ll look forward to it.”

We stash the bikes out of the way and follow the river’s flow to our spot.

“So nostalgic… It’s been forever, but it’s just like I remember—hasn’t changed a bit.”

“Huh. But Umi, this path’s pretty rough. You didn’t come here alone as a kid, right? Years ago means elementary school, yeah?”

“Of course not. With Dad and Aniki. In summer, most kids here played around—water fights, secret bases, or getting scolded for falling and scraping up.”

“So it’s a memory spot for the Asanagi family, huh?”

“Now that you mention it, yeah, I guess so.”

Guiding me here—does that mean I’m that important to Umi now?

If so, it’s thrilling and happy, but since it’s special to Daichi-san and Riku-san too, maybe we shouldn’t go too wild just ’cause it’s us two.

…No, I didn’t plan on that anyway.

Just… y’know, moderate river fun. That’s all.

Supporting each other over the rough path, we reach what seems like the spot. The water flows from higher up, but the trail gets dicey beyond here, so we settle for this point.

“Well? Pretty, right? It’s raw spring water—not recommended to drink, but they used to fetch it for that way back.”

“Huh. So a little splashing’s fine, then?”

Like Umi said, it’s crystal clear. We brought drinks, so no issue, but it’s muggy again today—if we hadn’t, I might’ve caved to temptation.

I dip a hand to gauge the temp, then move to a calmer flow spot, sitting on a big rock with just my ankles in.

The cool, gentle current feels amazing on my travel-heated body.

“Phew… The flow’s a bit strong, but otherwise, it’s quiet and nice.”

“Huh? You mean the sound masks any mischief you pull on me, so no one’ll notice and you’re thrilled?”

“You just 100% fabricated that.”

At least tweak the original a little, geez.

Still, now that we’re settled, I wouldn’t mind flirting with Umi a bit.

Noticing my gaze, she smirks mischievously and clings to my arm.

“Hey, Maki.”

“Y-Yes?”

“Want your reward?”

“…”

“Want it?”

“…Yes, I wanna see. Your swimsuit, Umi.”

“Hmm~ What to do~? Hehe.”

She’s fully prepped but teases me to drag out my honest feelings—sly as ever.

Kicked out of the room before leaving the inn, I figured she’d slipped her swimsuit under her clothes then.

“Okay, but first, a little quiz. Get it right, and I’ll let you stare all you want.”

“Umi, you’re a tad meaner than usual today… What’s the quiz?”

“Yup. Here it is—”

Leaning closer, Umi whispers in a ticklish tone.

“—Which swimsuit am I wearing today, this one or that one?”

“…That’s not a ‘tad’—it’s full-on mean.”

The new swimsuit from the other day was supposedly for later, so logically, there’s one answer.

“Umi, did you maybe bring the new one after all?”

“That’d ruin the quiz, silly. Come on, which one?”

“Uh… well…”

Maybe she’s wearing the bold one.

I said I didn’t want others seeing it, but it’s her call in the end.

Plus, the “just us” condition’s met right now.

She’s toying with me, but that just shows how hooked I am on her.

“──────”

I mutter my guess by her ear, and she giggles softly.

“…Pervert. You were hoping for it, huh?”

“No, I just thought maybe… So, the answer?”

“Geez, don’t rush me. I’ll show you properly.”

Slowly peeling off her short-sleeve hoodie and the tee underneath, Umi reveals the truth.

Seeing it, I puff my cheeks out obviously.

“…Umi.”

“Ehehe, sorry~ Didn’t meet your expectations.”

As she’d said, it’s last year’s swimsuit—top and bottom separate, navel out, but the chest covers the cleavage, and the bottom’s like hot pants. Compared to the “showdown swimsuit” (or whatever you’d call it), it’s less revealing. Frills on both pieces make it super cute.

So, toyed with perfectly, I got the quiz wrong.

Still, I got to see her in it, so it’s a reward either way.

Kind of mean, kind of sweet… Not sure if she knows it, but Umi’s got a devilish streak.

Just for me, though.

“Come on, Maki, we’re here—hurry over! It’s shallower than I thought, so no swimming, but we can cool off.”

“Yeah. Gimme a sec to change.”

I strip quick, swap to my swimsuit, and join her.

“Maki, watch your step—it’s slippery around here.”

“Huh, really? The rocks are smooth, no moss or anything—Whoa!”

The second I look down, a faceful of water hits me.

“…Umi.”

“Nihi, you fall for it so easy, Maki. Too gullible.”

“Sorry for that… Here’s payback!”

“Wah, whoops! Hehe, weak, weak. Ten years too early to beat me with that!”

We wade through the clear stream, splashing like kids—clinging, tickling sensitive spots, playing around, soaking up our summer moment. Not much different from yesterday’s outdoor bath, but with Umi, it’d be fun and heart-pounding no matter how many times we did it.

One beloved person beside me turns a quiet place lively in an instant.

“Oh, Maki, look! Tiny crabs over there!”

“Yeah. A few scuttling sideways. A family, maybe?”

“Could be. Geez, even crabs have a proper household, but Aniki…”

“From crabs to dissing Riku-san outta nowhere… Poor guy…”

One-on-one chats like this should be my weakness, but with Umi, words flow effortlessly.

Even if I goof or say something tone-deaf, she’ll respond right—I don’t have to fear speaking.

Talking’s fun.

Enjoying scenery or nature alone isn’t bad, but right now, being with Umi makes this irreplaceable.

We watch critters in the water, splash more, rest a bit… By the time I notice, it’s slightly darker than midday.

“Almost four, huh… Umi, it’s early, but we’ve played plenty—back to the inn?”

“Yeah. Oh, wait—wanna hit the town again first? We leave tomorrow morning, so I’d like souvenirs for Yuta and one more stop at Grandma’s.”

“Oh, right… Sorry, I forgot about souvenirs, too caught up in fun.”

“Geez, Maki, you’re hopeless… Shops’ll close if we dawdle—let’s change quick. And just so you know…”

“I-I’m fine! I won’t peek while you change or anything!”

“Hmm~ Really~? …Hehe.”

Joking aside, we wipe down with towels and slip into spare clothes. I’d be lying if I said Umi changing behind me didn’t tempt me, but I’m a gentleman. I won’t trouble her.

…The coed bath and swimsuit stuff? She okayed those, so that’s separate.

“Sorry for the wait. Hehe, good boy for following orders.”

“Am I a dog…? Well, kinda, in a way.”

We head back down the path together, reaching the entrance where the bikes wait. Locked, but I half-worried someone might’ve nabbed them—they’re right where we left ’em, patiently waiting.

“Maki, Grandma’s place is closer from here—let’s go there first. Left at the bottom of the hill, then straight ’til you see the house.”

“Got it.”

Downhill’s a breeze—no pedaling needed. A gentle breeze weaves through my half-dry hair, feeling great.

A few minutes of easy riding, and Mizore-san’s tiled roof comes into view. Umi says relatives are starting to head out now, so we won’t be a bother. Since I didn’t help earlier, I’d at least like to pitch in with cleanup.

But as we descend a shortcut staircase and reach the back of the house—

“……!”

“—, —!”

I can’t make out words, but loud arguing spills from inside.

“…Sounds noisy in there.”

“Yeah. Too loud for just random clatter… And I think I heard Aniki’s voice. The other one, not sure.”

“Riku-san’s?”

“Probably. Let’s check it out.”

Yesterday, Shizuku-san brought beer cases for prep—maybe an alcohol-related mess? We park by the gate, and as Umi reaches for the door—

“—Rikkun, wait!”

“Shizuku, sorry. I need to cool off.”

After that exchange, the door flies open, and Riku-san barrels out toward us. Thanks to Shizuku-san’s shout, I step back quick—Umi doesn’t crash into him, and I catch her stumble behind me. A split-second later, and someone could’ve gotten hurt.

“Wha—Aniki, barging out like that’s danger—”

“Umi, huh… Sorry.”

“Huh?”

Before Umi can finish complaining, Riku-san bolts—not from us, but dodging Shizuku-san behind us—vanishing around the house’s backside.

“Rikkun, wait! Rikkun!”

A beat later, Shizuku-san emerges from inside. Maybe she was asked to help—she’s still in her inn uniform, not the delivery casuals from yesterday.

“Shizuku-san, what happened?”

“Umi-chan, Maehara-kun… Uh, I’ll explain later. For now, can you help Grandma and the others? The main room’s a mess.”

Her kimono slows her, but she shuffles after Riku-san with tiny, frantic steps.

Looks like a fight went down, and Riku-san’s one of the players.

“Maki, I’ll handle the house. Can you check on Aniki? He’ll listen to you more than me.”

“Got it. I’ll join you with Riku-san later—let Sora-san and Mizore-san know.”

We fist-bump and split—I chase Riku-san and Shizuku-san; Umi heads to Sora-san and Mizore-san for cleanup.

The trouble’s one thing, but mild-mannered Riku-san being involved surprises me.

His face as we passed didn’t look drunk—no boozy smell either—so I’d like to believe he didn’t start it.

I spot them near the stairs in the narrow alley we just came through.

“Rikkun, why’d you… I’m used to work stuff—those comments don’t faze me.”

“But you didn’t like it, right? Even if he’s some backwoods geezer, there’s a line.”

“Rikkun…”

“…Sorry. I tried to hold back, but my hand moved first. Guess I’ve lost my patience while out of work. Geez, even a high school kid’s got more self-control.”

I don’t know the full story, but it seems a drunk relative said something rude to Shizuku-san at the family gathering, sparking a fight.

Riku-san’s at fault for swinging, but the guy who hurt Shizuku-san with words first is the real problem.

Words can cut just as deep as fists. “I was drunk” doesn’t excuse it.

If someone said that to Umi, I wouldn’t stay quiet either.

“…Hehe.”

“W-What’s so funny, Shizuku?”

“Sorry, sorry. But you’re still you, Rikkun. Same as ever—big, kind, clumsy, always looking out for me… When you decked that creepy old perv, I’ll admit, it felt kinda good.”

“That’s okay? Wasn’t he a customer or something?”

“Maybe back then, but times change. Rude, harassing jerks? We’re better off without ’em.”

“Guess so… Still, I should apologize. Jerk or not, he’s Grandma and Dad’s relative.”

“Yeah. We’re adults, after all.”

I worried their vibe might sour after the bad start, but since Riku-san acted for Shizuku-san’s sake, it seems fine.

Maybe Umi heading back early—and Mizore-san suggesting it—was to avoid this. Thinking that, I’m starting to get mad at “that guy” too.

How does a long life turn someone that rude?

Good people, bad people, hopeless ones… Adults come in all types.

“Hey, Rikkun, remember this spot? Right by the stairs… Season’s opposite now, though.”

“Kinda. But maybe not the time for that… Look, there’s a snoop behind you.”

“I’m bringing it up on purpose. It’s old news now. Right, Maehara-kun?”

“…Uh, yeah, I guess.”

I’d been lurking, waiting for a chance to step in, but they totally saw through me. Blending into the shadows was my loner specialty… Maybe hanging with Umi’s given me some presence.

Giving up, I step out. Riku-san scratches his head, looking sheepish.

“Maki, uh… You know? About me and Shizuku, what happened?”

“Um… Yeah. After Reiji-kun yesterday, it came up. I told Umi too.”

“Even that idiot, huh… Nah, it’s fine. It’s true, and now it’s just a good memory.”

“…Yeah. Exactly.”

They say it firmly, like they’re convincing themselves—and me, the “kid” in front of them.

I get what they mean. I feel it too.

There’s still a faint spark between them, but they can’t cling to it forever.

They’re not kids anymore. Closing in on thirty, they’re full-grown adults. The long years apart taught them the world, and they’ve matured.

The time when just liking each other could fix everything? Long gone.

So this is done—ancient history, they say…

“Hey, Rikkun. Wanna grab drinks after my shift? A high school friend of mine runs an izakaya nearby. Just enough not to mess with tomorrow’s drive, of course.”

“That much, sure… But you okay? You’ve got work early, and Reiji-kun…”

“It’s fine. Tomorrow’s an afternoon shift, and Mom’ll watch Reiji. It’s a rare childhood friend reunion—she’ll approve.”

“Right. So your mom knows about, uh, back then…”

“…Yeah, she does. I cried a lot when I got home that day.”

“…Sorry.”

“Don’t worry. That’s why we should talk properly. I wanna know what ‘Riku-kun’ was thinking then, and I want you to know what I’ve been up to these ten years—failures included.”

With our return tomorrow morning, Shizuku-san’s set on baring it all to Riku-san.

To spill everything, turn those memories fully into the past, and settle her feelings for him once and for all.

“…Got it. Then hit me up on my phone after work. Number’s the one from check-in.”

“Sure. Oh, Rikkun, no SNS? Let’s connect there too—it’d be fun.”

“Uh… We’ll figure that out over drinks. Maki, that’s the deal—let Umi know.”

“Understood. We’ll head to bed first, then.”

I tell him dinner’s fine for just me and Umi. Riku-san pulls himself together, leading me and Shizuku-san back to apologize to Mizore-san and the others for the fight.

Umi’s the first to greet us.

“…Welcome back, Aniki.”

“J-Just got back. Uh, where’s Mom and them?”

“Cleaning up spilled beer and stuff. That jerk uncle? Grandma Mizore kicked him out a bit ago with a ‘Never come back.’”

“Got it… Umi, sorry.”

“It’s fine. Family’s family, even like this. But if you’ve got time to apologize to me, go face them already. Hurry up.”

“R-Right.”

Pushed by Umi’s insistence, Riku-san heads to the main room where Sora-san and Mizore-san wait.

They bicker usually, but in moments like this, they’re proper siblings.

I’m an only child, so watching Umi and Riku-san makes me a little jealous.

“Aniki aside, you okay, Shizuku-san? Mom told me a bit—did he touch you anywhere weird?”

“Just a little on my butt and thighs, but nothing major—no groping. Honestly, I’m bummed I didn’t slug him myself. Ugh, now I’m getting mad—should’ve chased him down and torched his thinning hair with the gas burner from the car, give him permanent baldness.”

“Nice. I’d follow up with a knee to the face from a mount—total destruction. All harassing creeps should vanish from this world. Right, Maki?”

“Uh, yeah… Sure.”

They’re joking (probably), but that fleeting glimpse of serious intent in their laughs is terrifying.

…So glad I’m Umi’s boyfriend. Otherwise, I’d be a broken mess by now.

A few minutes of light chatter later, Riku-san returns from apologizing. Heading out for errands, maybe—he’s lugging paper bags stuffed with fruit and snacks.

“…I’m back.”

“Rikkun, did you say sorry to Grandma properly?”

“Obviously… But I’ve gotta make the rounds to the other relatives I ticked off, so you guys head back first.”

“No way. I caused trouble too—I’ll go with you, Rikkun…”

“Nah, Grandma said ‘Go alone.’ Plus, you’ve got work ’til late, right? Hang with me, and we’ll miss drinks.”

“True… Then I’ll treat tonight. Thanks for sticking up for me too. That’s okay, right?”

“You don’t hafta push so hard… Fine, treat if you want.”

“Yup. I will… Off you go, Rikkun.”

“Yeah… See ya.”

Sent off by a re-energized Shizuku-san, Riku-san drives away.

I was worried, but it won’t blow up big, at least.

“…That idiot. Shizuku-san’s calling him ‘Rikkun’—he should at least call her ‘Shii-chan’ back.”

“Right? He’s always been shy, though. Actions are great, but I’d give him a hundred if he’d say it too.”

“Exactly! Maki, you listening?”

“…Yes, studying hard over here.”

I try putting feelings into words, but embarrassment stiffens me up at key moments.

Umi and I seem solid, but really, her big heart’s just tolerating my immaturity—I’m far from Shizuku-san’s “perfect score.”

Dating’s not the end. You’ve gotta keep showing “I like you” to sustain it… That’s what I think.

…So we don’t end up like Riku-san and Shizuku-san.

After thanking Mizore-san and Sora-san, we wrap up our tasks and head back to “Shimizu,” our lodging. The earlier mess ate time, so we didn’t browse souvenirs much, but we grabbed enough for everyone—mission accomplished, I’d say.

Standard tourist manju and a quirky mascot keychain—meh picks, but Amami-san’ll probably love ’em.

“Umi, wanna hit the bath quick before dinner? We played hard today—I’m kinda sweaty.”

“Yeah. So, wash each other’s backs today?”

“N-No way. Other guests are here now—it’s off-limits.”

“Hehe, kidding~ …But at home?”

“……”

“Silence, huh? Spill it, you~”

Honestly, I’d love to, but our tiny home bath… Naughty images flash, so I dodge for now (not well, though).

Toyed with by devil-mode Umi, we split to the big baths. The outdoor one’s locked for cleaning—switching from men’s to women’s time.

I soak quietly in a corner of the big tub, avoiding others.

“…Phew.”

Splashing hot spring water on my face, I stare at the ceiling.

This fun trip’s flown by—tomorrow afternoon, we’re back home to normal life.

Time with Umi’s so great I forget, but July’s coming post-holiday. Finals are soon, and next year’s goal—same class as Umi—means no slacking on prep.

After tests, summer break hits… but first, Nozomu’s baseball team prelims, and July 7th—Tanabata—is Amami-san’s birthday.

Then August, my birthday.

Studying, fun, celebrating key friends—it’s about to get hectic.

Spacing out, summer’ll pass, then autumn—the season Umi and I became “friends”—rolls back around.

That’s our near future, roughly.

“…Wonder what those two’ll do.”

Maybe it’s from earlier, but I can’t stop thinking about it.

Not sure if our meddling helped, but tonight, Riku-san and Shizuku-san’ll drink and lay everything bare.

Shizuku-san’s marriage-to-divorce story, Riku-san’s life after rejecting her—stuff only they can share one-on-one, delicate bits included.

“What’ll they do?” I say, but it’s almost certainly heading to the obvious conclusion.

Two grown adults, calmly weighing their current lives—that’s their call. No room for a kid like me to butt in.

…I know that, but still.

“Guess I’ll head up.”

Dwelling on it makes me dizzy fast, so I leave the bath earlier than usual.

I slip into a fresh yukata and sink into a massage chair in the lounge, cooling my woozy head while waiting for Umi.

“! Oh, Maki, you’re done already?”

“Umi… You’re way early too. You usually take your time.”

“Yeah, but… I was zoning out about Aniki and Shizuku-san, and suddenly felt woozy.”

“Same here, then.”

“You too? Geez, we’re so alike—even caught your meddling streak.”

Realizing we’re on the same wavelength, our eyes meet, and we burst out laughing.

Feeling connected even apart warms my heart again.

“Hey, Maki.”

“Yeah?”

“We’ll always be together, right?”

“…Yeah. Like we wrote on that purikura—always together.”

“Hehe, thanks. Yeah, we promised, didn’t we?”

Reassured, Umi’s face softens, and she buries it in my chest, hugging me tight.

She gets clingy like this sometimes, usually when something’s bugging her.

Worrier that she is, maybe she’s projecting Riku-san and Shizuku-san’s vibe onto us.

To ease her quiet unease, I hug her back even tighter.

“…It’s okay, Umi. No matter what, I’m not leaving your side.”

“Yeah. Thanks, Maki… Seeing people I care about like that up close—it’s my first time, kinda.”

“I’m not used to it either. I thought I’d moved past Mom and Dad, but they still pop up in dreams sometimes.”

Even if I think I’ve dealt with it, it’s never a happy memory.

Guess I still need a bit more time.

“…Umi, wanna sleep together tonight?”

“Sure, but… same futon, right?”

“Yeah. Might be cramped and warm… Oh, just cuddling—no funny business like touching you mid-sleep, I swear.”

“Really? But when we sleep together, your lower half usually gets all—”

“T-That’s… a physiological thing, so it doesn’t count.”

I tried hiding it during naps, but she’s caught on completely.

…I really can’t win against Umi.

“A-Anyway, we’ll ask for three futons like yesterday, and I’ll slip into yours at bedtime.”

“Got it… Thanks as always, Maki.”

“No, thank you for always letting me lean on you. It really helps.”

Mindful of other guests, we keep the flirting light and head back to the room.

Inside, Shizuku-san’s setting up our dinner.

“Welcome back, you two. Rice is in the pot there—serve yourselves for seconds. Someone’ll grab the dishes later.”

“Got it… Shizuku-san, heading to the bar now?”

“Yup. Riku-kun’s waiting in the lobby, so I gotta change and hurry.”

With a quick “See ya,” she dashes out.

No clue when they’ll be back, but by the time we wake, it’ll all be settled.

It’s frustrating, but if they talk it out and agree, Umi and I will accept it.

Like yesterday, we stuff ourselves with delicious dinner, then munch on snacks and juice we bought for a mini party before slipping into bed without waiting for Riku-san.

I meant to stay up, but past midnight, today’s exhaustion hits—keeping my eyes open’s impossible.

After brushing and a bathroom trip, I return to the bedroom. Umi’s waiting, patting the spot beside her.

“…Maki, come here.”

“Yeah. Uh, excuse me…”

Lights off, I slide into the futon as told. Umi scoots close, pressing against me.

Matching her, I wrap my arms around her, pulling her gently into my chest.

“Hehe… Sleeping this close at night—it’s been a while. Since before Christmas, maybe?”

“Yeah. This position might be the most relaxing.”

Two futons side-by-side, holding hands, is nice, but feeling Umi this close is my favorite.

Her faint sweet scent, silky black hair brushing my nose with soft breaths, smooth pale skin, and soft curves—it’s one of the happiest moments with her.

Open my eyes, and her sleepy, adorable face stares back at me.

“…Umi, not sleeping?”

“I’ll sleep once I’m sure you’re out.”

“What if I fake it?”

“Hehe, too bad. I’d know from your heartbeat… It’s a little faster than usual right now, by the way.”

“Whoa, that’s wild… Well, guess I’ll go first, then.”

Can’t control my pulse, so I give up, close my eyes, and let my mind drift.

Her gaze right beside me nags a bit, but with my beloved here, I’m so at ease it won’t keep me up.

Yesterday and today, spending nights with Umi—I’m happy. Just as I sink into cozy sleep—

—Poke, poke.

“…Ngh.”

A few minutes later, something nudges my cheek. I crack my eyes open.

Naturally, Umi’s sleepy face is right there.

“Umi, what’s up?”

“Hehe. Wondered if you were asleep yet. Just checking.”

“I was about to. You’re sleepy too, right? Tomorrow’s early—let’s sleep.”

“Yeah.”

I pull her closer again and shut my eyes.

Listening to her faint breaths, the day’s finally ending—or so I thought.

—Poke, poke.

“……”

—Poke, poke-poke-poke.

“…Umi.”

“Ehehe.”

Sleepy as I am, the poking’s too distracting to ignore.

I open my eyes to her impish grin right beside me.

“Umi, still not sleepy?”

“No, pretty sleepy. But falling asleep now feels like a waste.”

“You’re the one who said staying up’s bad for you.”

“One night’s fine. Come on, Maki, let’s push sleep’s limit together?”

“I’m already near mine… But I get the ‘waste’ feeling, so let’s chat a bit more.”

“Heh, not letting you sleep tonight!”

“Sleepy yet so lively… Fine, I’ll stick with you ’til the end today.”

“That’s my boyfriend!”

“You’re welcome.”

So, indulging my cute girlfriend—who gets all unserious with me—our second night’s chat goes into overtime.

We’ve covered the trip already, so it’s the usual home stuff—games, manga, trivial things—but the new place and vibe make it feel fresh.

That’s gotta be one of travel’s perks.

For me, though, Umi being here might be enough.

I don’t recall much after, but chatting and goofing around, we hit our limits and fell asleep, nestled together quietly.

Clean futons, comfy, AC on point—no stuffiness despite being so close.

If we weren’t leaving tomorrow, we’d probably sleep ’til late morning, breathing softly.

…This trip, though, doesn’t seem to allow that luxury.

—Maki, Maki.

“Ngh… Y-Yeah…”

Someone’s voice calls my name, and I half-open my eyes. The room’s faintly bright—dawn, maybe?

Rolling over, I look toward the voice.

“Riku-san…?”

“Hey. Sorry, Maki. Just got back.”

“Welcome back… Morning return, huh?”

“Yeah. I didn’t drink ’cause I’m driving, but Shizuku got a little carried away. Dropped her off with the landlady just now.”

My phone says it’s past 5 a.m.—Shizuku-san left around 8 p.m. last night, so drinks must’ve been a blast… mostly for her.

Not exactly praiseworthy for a mom of a young kid, but they likely talked it out and settled things clearly.

…Yet, despite that, Riku-san’s face in my bleary eyes looks more troubled than yesterday.

A bit mean, but I should ask straight up.

“…So, what’s up? Waking me this early… It’s not even close to checkout or breakfast. Was me and Umi sleeping together that bad?”

“Nah, you two can do whatever… It’s not that. I’ve got something to talk to you about.”

“At this hour?”

“…Sorry. But I really need to. Just us two.”

“Me? Not Umi?”

“Yeah. She’d make it noisy.”

From his vibe, it’s something heavy.

Rubbing my eyes, I focus on his face.

It’s the look of someone torn—head down, avoiding my gaze, cheeks slightly flushed.

He didn’t drink, so it’s not booze… That leaves one option.

“Maki, uh… I’ve got something to ask you.”

“Something… specifically?”

“Well, uh…”

Hesitating, Riku-san spills it honestly.

“A love consultation… or something.”

“…I see.”

Waking just me hinted at something, but their one-on-one must’ve stirred him—rekindled feelings he’d buried.

And time’s tight. Checkout at “Shimizu” is 9 a.m.—roughly four hours left for Riku-san to sort his heart.

Stay cool and rational as an adult, or bare his true feelings to her?

Which way should I nudge him?