Chapter 3 | The Night of the Sea and Fireworks

Having safely completed our supplementary classes, we gathered the next day to discuss our upcoming plans.

Me, Umi, Amami-san, Nitta-san, and Nozomu. For me, this group feels completely familiar.

Normally, we’d meet at the family restaurant near our high school, but this time, we’re gathered somewhere else.

Nozomu, sitting next to me, looks overwhelmed and nudges my side lightly.

“H-Hey, Maki.”

“What’s up, Nozomu?”

“Where are we?”

“Where? Like I said earlier, we’re at Nitori-san’s house.”

“Not, like, a hotel or something?”

“Nope. There’s even the basketball court we practiced on before, so this is definitely the place… right, Umi?”

“Obviously. Though, I’ll admit, I was pretty shocked the first time I came here too.”

“Same here! It’s, like, exactly what you’d imagine a rich person’s mansion to be, right?”

As evident from the basketball court we used for class match practice, today all five of us were invited to Nitori-san’s house.

It’s to plan and prepare for the beach trip and other activities starting next week at a vacation home. Naturally, Houjou-san, the co-owner, is joining us too.

This is my second time being invited to Nitori-san’s home, but the first time was just at the basketball court on the edge of the property. Standing in front of the mansion now, its sheer size is nothing short of overwhelming.

Nitori-san’s family (and Houjou-san’s too) is apparently well-known in the area as wealthy, with a residence that could easily pass for a historic estate. While some parts have been rebuilt, the roof and detached buildings still carry an air of timeless history.

Truly the epitome of a refined young lady from a prestigious family.

“Hello, everyone. We’ve been expecting you. Manaka is already here, so let’s have some snacks and chat leisurely.”

“Yo~!”

Guided by the two, we’re led to a living room deeper inside. I thought Amami-san’s living room was big, but this one feels at least two or three times larger at a glance.

“Hehe, thanks, Sanae-chan, Manaka-chan. But, like, are you sure it’s okay? You two can’t join the basketball tournament, yet we’re just using your vacation home without you.”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s a shame to let the vacation home sit unused at least once a year. Besides, if Yuu-chan and Umi-chan are happy, that’s more than enough for us.”

“Yup, exactly. Though, in exchange, we’ll need you to help clean the place…”

“That’s a small price to pay. …Sanae, Manaka, thank you, really, for everything. I’m so grateful.”

“Umi-chan… you’re welcome. This is nothing—tell us anything. Manaka and I are always here for you.”

“Let’s hang out again, the four of us, sometime soon!”

“Yup, it’s a promise!”

The four elementary school friends, whose bond was rekindled through the class match, seem to be doing just fine.

Seeing Umi smile softly, her eyes slightly misty, I let out a sigh of relief.

“Alright, enough of our chit-chat. Shall we get to the main topic? Maehara-san, just to confirm, the vacation home is reserved for Monday and Tuesday evening, two days, correct?”

“Yes, that’s the plan for now… Sorry for asking again, but we don’t need to arrange a chaperone, right?”

“No need. We’ll have one person from my family and one from Manaka’s, so don’t worry. We’ll also arrange transportation to the vacation home.”

As Nitori-san says this, a woman preparing snacks in the dining room gives us a polite bow.

It seems Nitori-san’s side has everything perfectly under control.

“…Hey, Yuu-chin, it’s like they’ve thought of everything, but is this really okay? We’re not, like, gonna get roped into working on a crab or tuna fishing boat later, are we?”

“Haha, Nina, come on. …Umi and I were surprised and hesitant at first too, but for Sanae-chan and them, this is just normal.”

“Exactly. It’s their way to go all out for important guests—that’s what they say, right, Sanae, Manaka?”

“Yes.”

“Yup~!”

The two exude an air of let us pamper you, making Umi and Amami-san exchange wry smiles.

They’re probably still a bit reserved, but knowing those two, they won’t be held back for long—they’ve likely given up resisting.

If even those two, with their long history, are like this, then maybe we should just fully lean into their hospitality.

They only ask us to clean the vacation home in return, but honestly, I wonder if that’s enough.

Afterward, Nitori-san gave a brief explanation for the three of us (me, Nitta-san, and Nozomu) who’ll be visiting the vacation home for the first time.

The property, jointly owned by the Nitori and Houjou families, is about a two-hour drive from our town, located in a coastal area. Surrounded by lush greenery, the private beach is in a cove, shielded from outsiders, so we can let loose without bothering anyone—a major perk. Even fireworks, often banned on public beaches, are fine on private land.

The building is three stories, with bathrooms and toilets on each floor, plenty of spacious guest rooms, and indoor entertainment like a karaoke room and billiards table. Hearing all this, I’m already stuffed just from the description.

Honestly, it’s probably impossible to enjoy everything in a single day.

“Hehe, I’m getting excited just thinking about it. Playing on the beach all day, then having a barbecue at night while setting off buckets of fireworks… Ugh, I know club activities are important, but I wish I could join you guys and just let loose for once…”

“Seriously… I’d love a break, but if I said that to the captain, I’d get more than just a scolding.”

As second-years and key members of their clubs, they likely have to set an example for others, making it tough to skip practice.

It’s a real dilemma for high schoolers dedicated to their clubs.

“As for room assignments… well, there are plenty of rooms, so you can decide freely. Is it just the five of you staying? We need to finalize the number of people for meal and drink preparations.”

“Yes, it’s just the five of us for now—”

“Maki, sorry… can you hold on a sec?”

Just as things were wrapping up and we were about to iron out the details, Umi, unusually, raises her hand slightly.

“Yes, Umi-chan?”

“Sanae, Manaka, I’m sorry for bringing this up last minute, but would it be okay to change the number of people? I mean, to add more.”

“Oh, sure. We’re fine with that if you let us know…”

Nitori-san and the others seem okay with it, but their concern is for the four of us besides Umi.

Naturally, this is the first we’re hearing about adding someone else to the group, just now from Umi.

If I’m caught off guard, the other three—Amami-san and the rest—must be too.

“Sorry, Maki. I should’ve talked to you first, but I haven’t even confirmed if they’ll join… I mean, I haven’t even invited them yet.”

“Got it. I don’t mind if we add or lose people… but who are you thinking of inviting?”

“…Nakamura-san.”

“Nakamura-san… that Nakamura-san, right?”

“Yup, that one.”

Nakamura Mio-san. Umi’s classmate and the newly elected student council president. It’s surprising that Umi wants to invite her at this point.

They talk a lot in class, but I rarely hear about them hanging out after school or on weekends. If they do, it’s usually for something specific, like class match practice.

I don’t have any objections to inviting Nakamura-san. She’s already familiar to us, and it could be a good chance to bond. She’s a bit quirky but fundamentally a good person.

“Nakamura-san, huh. I was a bit shocked since it came out of nowhere, but I’m totally fine with her—actually, I’d love it. She’s a little weird sometimes, but talking to her is so fun and never boring.”

“I’m cool with it too. Chilling with just the five of us isn’t bad, but for a day or two, it’s more fun to make a big, lively group.”

“The new student council president, right? I’ve never talked to her, but her speech at the last closing ceremony sounded interesting, so I’m good with it.”

Since the other three are on board, I have nothing to add.

…Of course, I’ll need to hear more details from Umi later.

“Understood. Then, we’ll prepare for one or two extra people, just in case. If Nakamura-san doesn’t join, we can just take the extras back.”

“Thanks, Sanae. …I’ll make sure to repay you properly later.”

“Oh? Then I’ll have to think about what I want in return. That’s one favor owed, right, Umi-chan?”

“…Yup!”

Owing a favor means their relationship will continue.

Repaying it, maybe overdoing it a bit, and carrying the excess to the next time… keeping the connection alive without fully settling the score.

I don’t know if that’s the best way, but it’s working for us.

So, it’s fine.

“Aw, that’s nice! I wanna owe Umi-chan a favor too~ Hey, Sanae, let me take some of that debt off your hands~”

“Hmm, I could, but this is just between me and Umi-chan.”

“Ugh, Manaka, don’t make things complicated.”

“Muu~ You three are having all the fun, that’s not fair~ Hey, Umi, what about me? I wanna owe you tons too~”

“…Yuu, before that, how about you pay back the massive debt you’ve racked up since elementary school? We’ve been through a lot, haven’t we?”

“Ugh… I-I’ll try my best…”

The four of them start playfully bickering again, leaving us high school friends completely out of the loop, but sometimes it’s nice to just watch from the sidelines.

As they dive into nostalgic stories, Nitta-san, who moved to the seat next to me, mutters softly.

“Hey, Class Rep.”

“Hm?”

“…That’s nice, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, I guess. I’ve never had a childhood friend or anything, so it’s hard to relate. You’ve got one, right, Nitta-san?”

“Nope.”

“Really… wait, what?”

She says it so casually I almost let it slide, but that’s an unexpected answer.

“What, is that so surprising? Come on, Seki’s the same, right?”

“Nah, I’ve got one. Though, we go to different schools, so I haven’t seen them much lately. Nitta, didn’t you move here or something?”

“Nope. Born and raised in this town… Guess that means I can’t really talk, huh. Oh well.”

Nitta-san gives a small, bitter laugh, but is it really that strange to not have a childhood friend or best friend?

If you ask me, just making friends is hard enough.

“Sorry, sorry. I felt a bit left out being the only girl not in their group, so I got a little moody. …Anyway, I’m not here to mope with you two guys. I’m joining them. Hey, Yuu-chin~ It’s mean to leave me out like that~”

Shaking her head and snapping back to her usual self, Nitta-san throws herself at Amami-san, effortlessly blending into their circle. Despite her shorter history with the Tachibana girls, her natural charisma lets her fit right in.

…Maybe what she said earlier wasn’t entirely a joke.

“…Maki, wanna talk about something? I’m bored.”

“…Sure.”

Trying to keep up with the girls, Nozomu and I attempt some small talk, but our interests rarely align, and the topics we could discuss aren’t exactly ones we’d bring up in front of others. Eventually, the conversation fizzles out, and we silently munch on the prepared snacks.

Thanks to Umi, I’ve managed to get a “girlfriend,” but finding a “best friend” is still a long way off.

After the weekend, the long-awaited beach day finally arrived. Early in the morning, we gathered at Nitori-san’s house, loading our luggage into the cars.

“Maki, that’s all our stuff, but you didn’t forget anything, right? Handkerchief, valuables, all with you?”

“Yeah, I’m good… Oh, wait, I forgot to take my motion sickness meds.”

“Knew it. I figured, so I brought some. …Here you go.”

“Thanks, Umi. You’re so prepared.”

“Hehe, it’s probably not that big a deal, but it’s Sanae’s family’s car, so just in case. Oh, I filled a water bottle, so use that.”

“Got it.”

We’re already flirting lightly before we even set off, but since this is par for the course in our group, Amami-san and the others don’t tease us or watch our every move.

“Looks like the luggage is mostly loaded. Umi-chan, it seems Nakamura-san hasn’t arrived yet…?”

“Oh, yeah. She got a bit lost on the way… Oh, there she is! Hey, Nakamura-san, over here!”

Umi waves, and Nakamura-san, spotting her, heads our way.

Without her usual glasses, I almost didn’t recognize her at first, but that warm, friendly smile is unmistakably hers.

“Whoa, sorry, everyone! Thanks for the last-minute invite, but I still managed to show up late.”

“It’s Nakamura-san! Forget student council stuff for now—let’s have tons of fun together today and tomorrow!”

“Heck yeah, I’m gonna milk this invite for all it’s worth. A night at a rich person’s vacation home? That’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing for a commoner like me. …Right, Souji?”

“Mio-senpai, I feel the same, but maybe tone it down a bit…?”

Umi’s sudden request led to Nakamura-san joining us, and with the student council on a brief break this week, she agreed without hesitation.

And right behind her, to our surprise, Vice President Takizawa-kun is tagging along too.

“…W-Wait, hold up, Class Rep! Why’s Takizawa-kun here too?!”

“Ow… Nitta-san, I get it, no need to elbow me so hard. …Let’s just try to stay calm, okay?”

“Calm?! How?! I thought this was just us regulars, so I showed up barefaced, no makeup, nada!”

Ignoring Nitta-san, who’s frantically checking her appearance in a hand mirror, Takizawa-kun’s presence isn’t actually that surprising.

Umi didn’t just invite Nakamura-san—she invited Takizawa-kun too. She should have told everyone, but Nitta-san, thinking it didn’t concern her, apparently didn’t check the message properly.

“Thank you so much, senpai, for inviting me today. I’ve never gone out with a big group like this before, so when Asanagi-senpai reached out, I’ve been looking forward to it ever since.”

“Really? Then as your senpai, we’ll make sure you have a blast. I’m Amami Yuu, nice to meet you, Takizawa-kun.”

“Yes, Amami-senpai. I look forward to getting to know you too.”

Amami-san and Takizawa-kun exchange a natural, refreshing greeting.

The rumored school beauty and the hot new freshman everyone’s talking about— their first meeting looks like it could grace the cover of a fashion magazine. But one guy isn’t thrilled about it.

“……”

“…What, you too, Nozomu? Ow, ow, it’s fine. I’m on your side, man.”

Nozomu’s nudging my side with a desperate look, mirroring Nitta-san’s panic. I get why he’s rattled— seeing those two together stirs something up. They just look like a perfect couple, even if we don’t know how they feel.

For Nozomu, who’s been quietly (but obviously) pining for Amami-san since she turned him down, Takizawa-kun’s arrival feels like a major rival.

Meanwhile, Nakamura-san, who’s been observing us, sidles up with a sly grin.

“…Heh, pretty cool, huh? Our Souji’s quite the looker, right, Seki-kun, star of the baseball team?”

“Yeah, sure. But, Prez, you’re okay with this? He’s your cute kouhai, but if he keeps this up, he might fall for Amami-san.”

“Thanks for the concern, but no need. Who he falls for is his business, and I’ve got no right to meddle. He’s a great kouhai, so I don’t want him tangled with some bad girl, but Amami-chan? No issues there. She’s a bit airheaded and silly sometimes, but Souji’s kind enough to handle that. Always has been, ever since he was a kid.”

“…You really think highly of him, huh?”

“Of course. He’s my pride and joy as a kouhai… since he was just a tiny little bean.”

Personally, I think Nakamura-san’s expression isn’t exactly neutral, but unlike Nozomu, she seems determined to see Takizawa-kun strictly as a kouhai.

I don’t know what Takizawa-kun was like in middle school, but if he’s changed a lot since then, it wouldn’t be weird for her to see him romantically.

Childhood friends, senpai-kouhai—sometimes those old ties make it hard to take that next step.

After greetings and loading all the luggage, we pile into the cars heading to the vacation home.

With Nakamura-san and Takizawa-kun, we’re seven people plus luggage, so we split into two cars. The drivers, as arranged, are staff from the Nitori and Houjou families.

The cars seat five each, so logically, we’d split three and four…

“Hey, which car’s everyone taking? I wanna ride with Umi. That cool, right, Umi?”

“Sure. Then it’s me, Maki, and Yuu in one car, and the other four in the other. I need to be there in case Maki gets carsick.”

“Oho, Asanagi-chan’s playing the protective girlfriend, huh? I’d love to have a girls-only chat with the four of us, though. The guys probably prefer that too, right? Souji, what about you?”

“I’m fine either way… but if I had to choose, I’d like to talk properly with Seki-senpai and Maehara-senpai. I really admire them both.”

“O-Oh… well, I’m cool with that. Right, Maki?”

“Nozomu, you’re so easy to read… I’m not opposed, though.”

Normally, splitting into girls and guys makes sense, but when you’ve got close pairs like me and Umi or other tight-knit friends, it complicates things.

If I’m thinking just for myself, riding with Umi and Amami-san would be less stressful, especially for motion sickness, but that leaves the other car’s vibe a bit worrying.

Nakamura-san and Takizawa-kun’s senpai-kouhai dynamic from middle school is solid, but Nitta-san’s got her eyes locked on Takizawa-kun, Nozomu’s subtly wary of him, and he and Nakamura-san didn’t exactly click earlier. Takizawa-kun’s respectful enough to smooth things over if it gets awkward, but…

Still, I don’t want to put all that pressure on a single kouhai.

With just our usual five, I wouldn’t even have to think this hard… As I’m mulling it over, Nitta-san sneaks behind me and pokes my back.

“Hey, Class Rep, got a sec?”

“? What’s up, Nitta-san?”

“I’ve got a preference… about which car to ride in.”

“Oh, got it. …You wanna ride with Takizawa-kun, right?”

“No, the opposite… actually.”

“Huh?”

The opposite—meaning she wants to ride in a different car from Takizawa-kun.

Given how excited she was earlier, I’d have bet she’d do anything to ride with him.

“Can I ask… why? Are you sure you don’t want to be with him?”

“Oh, I want to. He’s hands-down the hottest guy I’ve ever seen, and just thinking about getting closer makes me so happy I could forget the beach entirely.”

“Uh, if you feel that way, shouldn’t you ride with him…? Ow, Nitta-san, why’re you pinching my side?”

Between Umi and Nitta-san, my sides are taking a beating. Is that spot really that vulnerable? Anyway, Nitta-san’s glaring at me with a pout.

“Class Rep, you don’t get a maiden’s heart at all. And you’re the only one here with a girlfriend?”

“Well, thankfully, things with her are going great…”

When it comes to romance, Umi’s always straightforward with her feelings, so I just take her at face value, and she’s happy. I might not understand the “typical” maiden’s heart, but I’m learning Umi’s, and that’s enough for me.

“Back to the maiden’s heart thing—I’m saying I get nervous too. It’s thrilling to have your celebrity crush or dream guy next to you, but then you start overthinking: ‘What do I say?’ ‘What if I say something rude and he hates me?’ You end up not saying anything at all. You’ve had that, right, Class Rep? …Wait, maybe not, but just imagine it.”

“Uh… I kinda get it.”

So, Takizawa-kun’s that important to Nitta-san, and she wants to approach him carefully. Instead of jumping in during the car ride, she’s probably planning to get closer during the beach activities or barbecue.

I always thought Nitta-san was bold with guys, so seeing her fidget and sneakily pinch my side feels surprisingly… shy.

“Anyway, that’s my preference. Me, you, Asanagi, Yuu-chin in one car, and the student council duo plus the baseball guy in the other. That work?”

“At least call Nozomu by his name, Seki.”

Sorting out the preferences so far:

Me… Fine with anyone as long as Umi’s there (flexible depending on the situation)

Umi… With me (non-negotiable)

Amami-san… With Umi (probably, if possible)

Nitta-san… Not with Takizawa-kun

The other three… No specific requests (or unclear)

That’s about it.

The main goal is the beach and other activities, but with a long drive, who you ride with matters for kicking off the trip.

I could go with Nitta-san’s plan to maximize everyone’s wishes, but that might leave the other three feeling left out.

…Including me, we’re kind of a selfish bunch, aren’t we? Nozomu’s probably the most mature here.

“Maehara, everything’s ready—let’s hit the road. You’re the leader, so we’ll follow your call. Right, Souji?”

“Yes. Maehara-senpai, don’t worry about me—just decide what works best for you.”

“Guess I am the leader, huh… Kinda figured.”

We can’t keep hanging out in Nitori-san’s yard forever, so I’ll just make a call.

I can’t fulfill everyone’s wishes perfectly, but if I think it through carefully, I’m sure they’ll understand.

“Alright, four of us—me, Umi, Nakamura-san, and Takizawa-kun—in one car. Amami-san, Nitta-san, and Nozomu, you take the other. …That okay for now?”

No objections, so I’ll assume everyone’s fine with it.

Maybe I’m overthinking, but organizing a big group outing is tougher than I expected.

“Ugh, bummer. I’m not with Umi.”

“Can’t help it with the numbers. Yuu, I’ll ride with you on the way back, so deal with it.”

“…Promise?”

“Yup, promise. Wanna do a pinky swear since we’re at it?”

“Hehe, sure, why not?”

Amami-san has to compromise for now, but we’ll make it up to her on the return trip.

“Seki, you’re in the front seat. And if you even think about sitting next to Yuu-chin, I’ll toss you out the window.”

“I get it. …Honestly, that’s less nerve-wracking for me anyway.”

“? Seki-kun, did you say something?”

“N-No, nothing…”

Those three will probably keep things lively on their own. Nozomu gets quiet around Amami-san, but Nitta-san should cover for him.

Which means the pressure’s on me, the so-called leader.

“Maehara, we’re in different classes, but let’s get along today and tomorrow.”

“Senpai, looking forward to it.”

“Uh, yeah… I’ll, uh, do my best…?”

“…Maki, they’re both nice, so just take a deep breath and relax, okay?”

I made the call, but now that I’m stuck in a car with Nakamura-san and Takizawa-kun—people I don’t know well—for a long ride, my old shy, loner self is creeping back.

Umi’s here, so I’m keeping it together for now… but I need to work on this if I want to grow.

Bidding farewell to Nitori-san and Houjou-san, who couldn’t join due to their tournament, our group of seven piles into two cars and sets off safely toward the vacation home.

The cars looked luxurious from the outside, but sitting inside, everything feels worlds apart from any vehicle I’ve ridden in.

“—Oh, Maki, the side of the seat’s a fridge! …Uh, excuse me, is it okay if we drink the water and juice in here?”

“—Whoa, the back seats have TVs, and they’ve got all the major streaming services… Come on, Souji, enjoy this. If us commoners hold back, we’ll regret it.”

“I’m fine, Mio-senpai, do whatever you want… Sorry, Maehara-senpai, our president’s being a nuisance.”

“Nah, I’m kinda the same…”

The Amami-san group’s chatting about it too—our five-person chat’s been flooded with pics of the car’s features, with Amami-san or Nitta-san always in the frame, totally their style.

I was stressing about how to keep the conversation going, but that worry’s proving unnecessary.

“By the way, I know I invited you, but is it okay with student council work?”

“It’s busy, sure. But it’s summer break—gotta have some fun. I usually spend summers alone, so thanks for inviting me.”

“What, you’re alone, Nakamura-san? I thought you’d have plans with Ryoko-san and the others…”

“Unlike me, a club-less girl with no real hobbies, they’re pretty busy. Ryoko’s got her club, Miku’s got band gigs outside school, and Kaede’s at Comiket. …So, you’re pretty much the only one who’s got time for me right now, Asanagi-chan.”

With school, clubs, and hobbies, it’s natural to get spread thin.

Maybe it’s us who are the odd ones, still hanging out as a tight-knit group of five, even planning an overnight trip.

Hearing this makes me realize how behind I am. Friends are fun, but maybe I should’ve gone all out with that stuff in elementary or middle school.

“Uh, Takizawa-kun, you sure it’s okay coming with us? I spent most of my life alone, so I don’t really get it, but… you know, catching up with middle school friends or something?”

“Some classmates do that, yeah. In high school, friends you were always with suddenly scatter to different places, so it can feel lonely sometimes.”

“‘Sometimes’… you don’t feel that way?”

“Not really… I’m more the type to stick close to home.”

“…Got it.”

It feels like a topic I shouldn’t pry into, so I drop it there.

Even Umi and Amami-san have their own struggles with relationships, so Takizawa-kun probably has things he’d rather keep private.

Looks don’t matter. Popularity doesn’t either.

“Oh, right. We’re going swimming today, so, Asanagi-chan, you got a new swimsuit for Maehara, right? A spicy one.”

“Watch how you phrase it… Anyway, what about you, Nakamura-san? You’re not gonna pull a ‘I’m not swimming, so I didn’t bring one’ card, are you?”

“I brought one. Check it—school swimsuit. From middle school, no less.”

“No way…”

Nakamura-san pulls out a classic school swimsuit with ‘Nakamura’ written on the chest, straight out of a school catalog.

It’s so her, but digging up her middle school one? Even Umi’s stunned.

It’s probably a practical choice—her figure hasn’t changed, and it still fits—but still.

“What? What’s wrong with a school swimsuit? It’s functional, durable. Right, Maehara?”

“Uh, don’t ask me… I mean, buying a new one costs money, so it’s up to you. Right, Takizawa-kun?”

“W-What?! Uh, y-yeah… haha.”

I cave under Umi’s silent pinch on my side and toss the question to Takizawa-kun, but his face is redder than I expected.

As I suspected, he’s definitely got a thing for Nakamura-san.

Sure, Nakamura-san probably has a cute side she doesn’t show us, but for now, Takizawa-kun’s feelings seem stronger.

To blush and look away just from her swimsuit—wow.

My do-gooder instincts are kicking in, but I can’t help wanting to cheer on this kouhai’s crush.

…Maybe that’s why Umi invited them both.

“Hey, I showed you mine, so show me yours, Asanagi-chan. The one you got for your big showdown with Maehara.”

“Stop making it sound like a weapon… Fine, just a peek, and only for you, Nakamura-san.”

Instantly, Takizawa-kun in the front seat and I, by the rear window, focus hard on the passing highway scenery.

I’m pretty sure Umi’s wearing the dark blue bikini she bought last month, but Nakamura-san’s occasional murmurs are oddly distracting.

“Oho… Asanagi-chan, I hate to say it, but this is pretty naughty.”

“Nakamura-san, are you switching characters or something? …It’s fine, right? I’ve got a hoodie to wear over it anyway.”

“And when you’re alone with Maehara, you take it off… Got it. Me and Souji will handle Amami-chan and the others, so you go have your fun with Maehara.”

“Ugh, Mio-senpai, always so tactless… Senpai, don’t mind her just because she’s the president. If she says something rude, feel free to shut her up.”

“…Sounds like a tough job, Vice President.”

“It’s part of the gig.”

Takizawa-kun gives a wry smile, but he seems to be enjoying himself.

Nakamura-san’s personality might not be for everyone, but that’s probably what Takizawa-kun loves about her.

“Oh? Getting cocky after not seeing you for a while, huh, Souji? Guess I’ll have to reteach you who’s in charge over these two days.”

“Bring it on. I’ll show you how much I’ve grown this past year, senpai.”

“Oh yeah? Then let’s start right now—drop your pants and—mmph!”

“Nakamura-san? Time to behave, okay?”

“…Mmf.”

Deciding the car’s getting too chaotic, Umi lands a rare iron claw on Nakamura-san, usually reserved for Nitta-san.

This seven-person overnight trip won’t have a dull moment, but I’m already bracing for the exhaustion when it’s over.

Thanks to Umi calming things down, our car safely arrives at the beachside vacation home.

Designed for big groups, the building rivals Nitori-san’s mansion. There’s a huge garage for multiple cars, a pool, a basketball court, and even a fitness room with gym equipment inside… Cleaning this place is gonna be a workout.

We drop our luggage in the spacious living room and head straight for the beach.

From the vacation home, it’s just a few seconds down some stairs to the sand.

“…Maki, what do you think?”

“…It’s amazing.”

Holding Umi’s hand as we step onto the beach, I can only manage one word in response.

I could’ve said more, but “amazing” was all that came out.

Shaped over years by waves and erosion, the beach is tucked away, surrounded by greenery. The emerald-green waves, calm and clear, sparkle under the summer sun.

It’s not as vast as a typical public beach, but it’s more than enough for a small group like us.

…Plus, there are some rocky spots perfect for a quiet moment together. Within reason, of course, since we’re here with friends.

“Mmm, the salty breeze smells so good… It’s been a while, but this place is still awesome. Hey, Umi, lunch is soon, but let’s play now! I couldn’t wait, so I’m already wearing my swimsuit under this.”

Amped up by the private beach and the thrill of swimming, Amami-san suddenly strips off her T-shirt.

“! W-Wait, Yuu, I get it, but change back in the house… Guys, stop staring and help set up!”

“Y-Yes! Nozomu, Takizawa-kun!”

“Got it… Geez, Amami-san, that’s bad for my heart.”

“Roger that.”

While the girls, including Amami-san, head back to change into swimsuits, we guys set up sunshade parasols and coolers for hydration.

Changing into our swim trunks on the beach, we hustle to prepare the base for the four girls. Nozomu taps my shoulder and mutters.

“Hey, Maki… I knew it already, but Amami-san… she’s, like, wow, you know?”

“Well… she’s got a great figure.”

I didn’t get a good look, so I can’t say much, but as the guys often whisper during gym class, Amami-san’s “assets” are pretty striking.

A woman’s charm isn’t just about looks or figure, but at our age, it’s hard not to notice the obvious. I get why Nozomu feels that way.

…I’m acting calm now, but when I see Umi in her swimsuit, I doubt I’ll be thinking about anything else.

While we help the staff set up for the barbecue lunch, we wait about ten minutes.

“—Hehe, sorry to keep you boys waiting~! We’re all prepped too~”

Led by Amami-san, who’s proudly showing off her dazzling swimsuit, the four girls return, armed with beach balls, shark-shaped floaties, and water guns, ready for action.

“Maki, sorry for the wait. Thanks for setting up.”

“No prob. …Umi, you’ve got that cover-up on today, huh? It’s called a rash guard, right?”

“Yup, that’s it. But underneath, I’m wearing that.”

“Oh, yeah, that…”

I saw it when we shopped last month and during our recent trip, but Umi in a swimsuit never fails to make my heart race.

Amami-san didn’t faze me, but seeing Umi with her cheeks slightly flushed? My pulse is out of control.

“Yo, you two lovebirds~ It’s still broad daylight, you know~ You get that, right~?”

“Sneaking off to a quiet beach, hiding from friends behind rocks or trees… Heh, so this is the so-called ‘ao’…”

“? Nakamura-san, ‘ao’… what’s that?”

“Yuu, don’t take her seriously. Let’s play, okay? Come on, Maki, don’t just stand there.”

“Right. Guess I’ll join in.”

Pulled by Umi, I wade into the water. I’m not a strong swimmer, so I stick close to shore, but just floating on a ring is plenty fun.

The cool water’s perfect for calming my head, which is overheating from imagining Umi’s skin under that rash guard.

“Take that, Yuu-chin, you’re wide open!”

“Ugh! If you’re playing dirty, Nina, I’m fighting back… Take this~!”

“Gah! Amami-chan, I’m on your side! Don’t splash me~!”

“Takizawa-kun, wanna race to that rock over there? You can swim, right?”

“Yes. I’m your kouhai, but I’ll give it my all.”

The girls are splashing around in the shallows, while the guys race toward deeper water. Free to enjoy the beach without worrying about strangers, everyone’s acting like kids again.

“Maki, wanna swim a bit? There’s a rocky area over there—bet there’s some pretty fish.”

“Sounds good. They’ve got gear ready, so let’s have fun.”

Grabbing snorkeling gear from the parasol, Umi and I decide to explore underwater.

It’s just the two of us, naturally… Though Amami-san and the others are teasing us, they’re giving us space.

“Keep the mouthpiece in tight, and you’ll be fine. Breathe slow and steady. Should be okay, but if you swallow seawater or anything else happens, tell me right away, got it?”

“Got it.”

Holding Umi’s hand to stay close, I dive into my first-ever snorkeling experience. The gear’s basic, so we start by dipping our faces in to practice breathing.

(…Okay?)

(Yup, okay.)

With eye contact and hand signals, we communicate, scanning the gaps in the rocks and the small fish darting by.

(…Whoa, so this is what the ocean’s like.)

I’ve seen it on TV, but experiencing it firsthand is different. Even if it’s nothing spectacular, everything feels fresh and new.

Brightly colored fish weaving through rocks, creatures and seaweed living quietly on the ocean floor—it’s a vibrant world unfolding before me, no effort required.

“…Phew!”

“Haa… Maki, how’s your first beach day? Having fun?”

“…It’s alright.”

“Oh, come on, don’t be shy. It’s just me—you can smile like a kid, you know?”

“…I just wanna savor it quietly for now.”

“Fine. Guess I don’t need to take off this rash guard then.”

“…How’d we get to that logic?”

This is prime time to flirt while everyone’s distracted, but Umi always turns into a little devil at moments like this.

Her words shift my awe-struck mind from the underwater world to her bikini, filling my head completely.

In the end, I’m just a normal high school guy.

Pausing snorkeling, we sneak off to a rocky area, probably obviously, but the others glance at us, then go back to playing, so it’s fine.

We’ll probably get teased to death later, but that’s it.

We know we’ll get flak for this, but if that stopped us, we wouldn’t be called the “lovey-dovey couple.”

“Umi, the rocks here are slippery, so watch your step.”

“Yup. That’s why I’m sticking close to you.”

We move to a spot hidden from the others, settling on a flat, comfortable rock side by side.

“Uh… should I look away?”

“Maybe… No, wait, hold on.”

“Mmph?”

Umi grabs my face with both hands, pulling me toward her.

“W-What’s up, Umi?”

“…Um.”

The air feels charged, like she’s about to say something bold.

When she avoids my eyes and her face flushes up to her neck, I know she’s thinking that. I remember the same look from our mixed bath at the hot spring.

“If you wanna see, you can take it off yourself… I mean.”

“…Y-You mean the rash guard you’re wearing, right?”

“What else would it be? But, like, if you really want to take off more or do something naughty and beg for it, I…”

“N-No, that’s way too bold for now.”

That’d be more than just teasing—it’s a hard pass for now.

…We’re at the beach, so I didn’t bring that.

Though, as always, I’ve got one tucked in my wallet, just in case.

“Okay, fine. I’ll… take it off, then?”

“If you really want to.”

“…Why’s it suddenly my request?”

It’s all consensual, and if Umi wants it, I’ll do whatever she says, but saying it out loud is embarrassing, even if it’s just a playful act.

Before I know it, my face is as hot as hers. If this keeps up, steam’ll shoot out of my head.

“Alright, I’m asking, okay?”

“O-Okay.”

“Umi, please. Can I take it off?”

“…Ugh.”

“C-Come on, answer properly.”

“I did… but, like.”

Neither a “yes” nor an “okay,” Umi just looks down, her face shy.

We’re the lovey-dovey couple, but we’re still so awkward at this stuff.

“One more time, Umi. …I’m taking off the rash guard, okay?”

“…Mm.”

With a small nod, Umi leans closer, her arms relaxed, completely defenseless.

“I’m unzipping it now, alright?”

“You don’t have to narrate every step…”

Feeling my heart pound, I slowly reveal the skin hidden beneath.

The sound of waves hitting the rocks and the distant chatter of our friends fade away.

All my senses are locked on the girl I love in front of me.

“…Ngh.”

“Hehe, you just swallowed hard, didn’t you, Maki? Your throat moved so obviously.”

“Well, yeah, it’s my favorite girl in a bikini.”

The swimsuit under the unzipped rash guard is, as expected, the dark blue bikini she got this season. It’s not my first time seeing it, but it feels like the most stunning view yet.

Swimsuits really shine at the beach or pool.

…Though they’ve got a different kind of appeal in other settings too.

My eyes are glued to her smooth, white stomach and the hint of cleavage peeking out.

“Geez, Maki, you’re staring too much. I’ll let you look properly later, so finish taking it off.”

“R-Right, sorry…”

With a light flick to my forehead, I carefully slide the rash guard off her shoulders, revealing her fully.

The sight before me is even more breathtaking than I imagined.

“Maki, uh… how do I look? Am I pretty?”

“Yeah. I think you’re gorgeous, and, uh, super sexy… I’m thrilled.”

“Hehe, too honest. But I like that.”

Seeing Umi’s bold swimsuit after a month is incredible, but just looking is kind of torturous.

If we were completely alone, I definitely wouldn’t hold back.

Her gaze keeps drifting that way, and it’s clear her body’s ready too.

I’d rather hide my own excitement, but we promised to be open when it’s just us.

As proof, Umi’s got her arms behind her back now.

“D-Don’t tell the others… but, um, I’ve gotten a little bigger.”

“R-Really? I’m totally fine with that… I mean, I’m thrilled.”

Amami-san’s display earlier was impressive, but up close, Umi might have her beat.

And that’s something I want to keep to myself.

“Umi, can you turn around a bit? I wanna see your back too.”

“…You perv, Maki.”

She mutters but turns as I ask.

Her flawless skin pulls me in, every inch perfect.

Before I realize it, I’m hugging her from behind—

“Ah… Geez, it’s not our first time, but you’re this excited?”

“S-Sorry. I know, but I couldn’t help it…”

“Fine… Just a little, okay?”

“Y-Yeah.”

Feeling Umi relax into me, I press a soft kiss to her neck.

The saltwater makes my mouth salty for a moment, but with her permission, I don’t stop until she says so.

“Mm… Maki, that’s not fair… I want in too.”

As I lose myself in her skin, Umi starts to get into it, nibbling my neck in return.

We know the others might come check on us soon, or that ditching our friends for this might shock them, but the moment’s too perfect, and we’re lost in our own world.

“Umi, uh…”

“What? I’m listening, so be honest.”

“I… kinda want to untie the top strings too…”

“…Hehe.”

Neither a yes nor a no, Umi just giggles at my blatant desire.

Her bikini’s tied with strings at the neck and back—if I undo both, nothing would cover her.

“…Umi, I’m gonna touch a little, okay?”

“…Mm.”

She doesn’t say more, so I slowly reach for the neck tie. Like that time at the ‘Shimizu’ estate when we almost crossed the line, I gently touch her waist and sides, letting actions speak instead of words.

The strings are tightly knotted to stay secure, but I tug lightly. As the knot loosens and the fabric supporting her chest slackens, Umi squirms slightly but doesn’t resist.

Controlling my trembling fingers, I fully undo the first knot.

Her smooth skin, her softness, and the faint sweet scent are driving me wild.

“Maki, are the others looking? We good?”

“Probably. If they see, I’ll take the blame, since I asked.”

“If Sanae and the others find out, we might get banned for life…”

We won’t cross the final line here, but after our last trip, most other barriers are gone for us.

Usually, something interrupts moments like this, but today, our understanding friends are all we’ve got.

…They’re reading the room too well, aren’t they?

Of course, I’m gratefully taking advantage of that.

After enjoying our private time behind the rocks to our hearts’ content, we finally cool down as the smell of something grilling wafts over.

While we were lost in our world, the other five had already wrapped up swimming and started the barbecue on the beach.

“—Yo, Maehara, Asanagi-chan, welcome back. Looks like you two had your fill of your private beach time. …Man, I’m jealous.”

“…Umi and Maki-kun, so naughty.”

“You two are full of energy, huh? As long as you’re not bothering anyone, do whatever.”

“…Maki, for a guy like you, you sure go big.”

“Haha… Oh, senpai, dig in. The meat and veggies are mostly cooked.”

They didn’t see details, but our flushed faces gave us away. Half smirking, half exasperated, they welcome us lovebirds back.

We tried to act normal and fix our appearances, but the lingering blush on our cheeks makes it hard to play it off.

Maybe we went overboard right off the bat, but I don’t regret it much.

Thanks to that, I think I can hold off on more flirting until tonight.

“Umi, I’m starving. Let’s eat.”

“Y-Yeah. Yuu, can I sit next to you?”

“Sure, let’s eat together, Umi.”

With some light teasing, we join the group, digging into the delicious-looking food sizzling on the grill.

Premium marbled steaks, thick beef tongue, massive oysters and scallops, plus classic barbecue staples like frankfurters and veggies… Almost all of this is covered by Nitori-san and co., but feeding seven hungry high schoolers with leftovers to spare? I can’t even imagine the cost.

…Let’s not think about it.

“Mmm, Umi, wanna play after eating? They said we could use a boat, so let’s go out to sea!”

“Yuu, I get that the thick beef tongue is amazing, but swallow before talking. …A boat to the open sea sounds fun, so I’m in.”

“The fact you two understand each other like that is so you and Amami-san…”

Apparently, one of the staff with a boating license is offering to take us out on a cruiser. The sea’s calm today, perfect for fishing, and it’d be a great way to burn off lunch. Any fish we catch can go into tonight’s dinner.

“Maki, I’m going with Yuu. You in? If you’re worried about seasickness, you can stay and rest at the vacation home.”

“Nah, I’ll come. I’m a bit tired from all the fun, but riding a cruiser’s a rare chance.”

“If Yuu-chin’s going, I’m in… Hey, Takizawa-kun, what about you?”

“I’ll head back to the vacation home to prep for everyone’s return. …Mio-senpai’s looking sleepy too.”

“Nice, Souji, you get it… Yawn I’ve been going nonstop since morning, so I’m hitting my limit. Full stomach, happy vibes.”

“Alright, Nakamura-san and Takizawa-kun rest at the vacation home, and the five of us take the boat… Nitta, you look torn, but what’s your call?”

“…I’m going.”

So, we split up—the usual five and the student council duo—for the afternoon.

This was a golden chance for Nitta-san to spend time with Takizawa-kun, but maybe she sensed the vibe between him and Nakamura-san. After agonizing, she sticks with us.

It’s a prime opportunity to get closer to her dream guy, but… maybe something happened while Umi and I were off flirting.

After a quick break at the vacation home to change from swimsuits to regular clothes, we board the cruiser, driven-By one of the staff, heading from the emerald shallows to the deep blue horizon.

The boat rocks a bit, even with calm waves, but staring at the distant scenery keeps my seasickness at bay.

“Yo, Maki, I borrowed some fishing gear from the staff. Wanna fish? I’m pretty good at it, so I’ll show you the ropes.”

“Cool, I’m in.”

“Hey, that’s not fair, you two! We wanna fish too! Right, Umi?”

“Sure, but Yuu, you okay with bait? It’s kinda gross up close.”

“Huh? Isn’t fishing bait, like, little fish or shrimp? Like, catching a big fish with a shrimp?”

“No way a beginner’s catching a whopper. …Seki, show Yuu the reality.”

“Uh… for small fish, it’s more like this…”

“……”

Nozomu holds up a clear case full of wriggling worms, and the color drains from Amami-san’s face in seconds.

“…U-Umi.”

“Yup.”

“I-I’ll just watch from behind.”

“…Same here. Nina, help me with Yuu.”

“Got it.”

Amami-san’s enthusiasm fizzles fast, and Umi and Nitta-san shift to support mode, leaving the fishing to me and Nozomu.

The cruiser rocks gently as we cast our lines, the open sea stretching endlessly before us.

It’s a perfect summer day, and with Umi by my side, I can’t ask for more.

Even someone as bold as Amami-san couldn’t handle the shock of seeing live bait for the first time. I’m not exactly fond of creepy-crawlies myself, but with my favorite girl by my side and the sea around us, I want to at least look like I can handle it.

“Alright, here we go, Maki!”

“Yeah… Here’s my shot!”

Mimicking Nozomu’s movements beside me, I cast my rod toward the sea. It’s my first time fishing, whether in the ocean or a river, but I think I did pretty well for a beginner.

Whether I actually catch anything is another story.

Following Nozomu’s advice, I jiggle the rod occasionally, patiently waiting for a fish to bite.

“Sorry for the wait, Maki. How’s it going?”

“Nothing yet… How’s Amami-san doing?”

“She was a bit out of it, but she’s fine now. Look, Yuu, we put the wriggly stuff back in the box, so come over here.”

“O-Okay… Sorry, you two. I’ve never seen anything like that before, so it totally freaked me out.”

Led by Nitta-san, Amami-san rejoins us. She seems to have calmed down after a bit of time, her color looking better, but we should probably keep the bait out of her sight for now.

“Seki, you’ve been quiet. Still no bites? I thought an experienced guy like you would’ve reeled something in by now.”

“Sure, I’ve got a bit more skill than a newbie, but it’s not that easy. It’s like you, trying all sorts of approaches but still striking out with new guys.”

“You picking a fight? …Ugh, can’t argue when it’s true.”

Judging by Nitta-san’s sour expression, she hasn’t made any progress with Takizawa-kun. It seems she’s being cautious, trying not to come on too strong and risk turning him off.

“Nina, maybe it’s time to give up on Takizawa-kun? You’ve seen it too, haven’t you? His thing for Nakamura-san is pretty intense.”

“Tell me about it. I put a lot of effort into my swimsuit, but all Takizawa-kun kept sneaking glances at was the school swimsuit next to me. And at the barbecue, he was all smiles, fussing over his senpai. I tried talking to him without being too pushy, but breaking through with just my charm? Yeah, that’s gonna be tough.”

I thought Umi and I were the only ‘lovey-dovey couple’ in our group of seven, but it seems another pair slipped in under the radar.

“Hey, Umi, don’t tell me you saw this coming and invited those two on purpose?”

“…Busted, huh? Well, mostly, I wanted to thank and cheer up the new student council president who took over for me. That’s the real reason.”

Even to me, their relationship feels frustratingly slow, so for Umi, who’s in the same class and has to deal with their (conscious or not) lovey-dovey vibes, or for the other student council members spending long hours with them, it must be a lot.

Still, this is pretty bold for Umi, which is rare.

“Of course, if Nina’s set on not giving up on Takizawa-kun, that’s her call. …Judging by that face, you’re still all in, huh?”

“Duh, obviously! I get that they trust each other like crazy, but they’re still not dating, right? So, I’ve still got a shot.”

Even with the advantage of being senpai and kouhai since middle school, human relationships are tricky—it doesn’t automatically make them lovers.

From what I’ve seen, Takizawa-kun’s feelings for Nakamura-san are almost certainly romantic, but the reverse isn’t necessarily true… and that’s one reason their situation feels so maddeningly stuck.

Nakamura-san’s attitude is just too ambiguous.

“So, there’s an opening. It might be tough now, but no one knows what the future holds. For now, I’ll play the ‘kind senpai’ card. Then, the second I spot a crack, I’m going all in.”

“That’s so you, Nina… but you’re really going hard this time, huh?”

“Gotta go big, or I’ll never stand a chance with a guy like him. Unlike you or Yuu, girls like me don’t get noticed just by standing around. If I want something, I’ve got to plan and make my move.”

So, despite knowing the odds are against her, she’s decided to keep at it a bit longer. With her looks, her friendly approach to even new senpai like Takizawa-kun, and her calm, kind personality, it’s not something she can easily let go of.

This crush is clearly serious for Nitta-san.

“But if you like Takizawa-kun that much, wouldn’t it have been better to stay back at the vacation home? Just the two of them with Nakamura-san—by the time we got back, they might’ve already been a couple.”

It depends on Nakamura-san’s attitude, but since they’re already close, if the timing clicked in those few hours, they could’ve greeted us in a post-flirty state, like Umi and me earlier… Okay, maybe that’s a bit too imaginative.

“Yeah, I know it’s a long shot, and if it happens, I’ll try to bow out gracefully… though I’m not sure I can. But I definitely won’t make things awkward.”

“Huh? Hey, Class Rep, your rod—it’s bending like crazy!”

“What? …Oh, you’re right!”

While we were caught up in chatter, a fish must’ve bit. The moment I notice, the rod jerks hard toward the water. It nearly slips from my hands, so it’s probably a decent-sized catch.

“N-Nozomu, this feels big. What do I do?”

“Don’t yank too hard, or the hook might come loose. Keep it steady and slowly reel it in. …I’ll grab the net.”

“Beginner’s luck, huh? Hang in there, Maki!”

“Fish and girls just come to you, huh, Class Rep? That’s cheating! Come on, Yuu, let’s cheer too!”

“Y-Yeah! Go, Maki-kun!”

Bolstered by everyone’s cheers, I focus on reeling in the fish.

Following Nozomu’s expert advice, I pull it up meter by meter, carefully hauling the fish from the ocean floor.

“Whoa, not bad for basic bait. Nice one, Maki!”

“That’s awesome, Maki! You did great!”

“Tch… Thanks.”

According to the staff, the fish is fresh enough for sashimi, making my first fishing attempt a huge success.

We’re making curry for dinner tonight, so we’ll just fillet it for now, but this’ll definitely make tomorrow’s breakfast even fancier.

Seeing my friends’ excited “oohs” and “aahs” over the fish, I feel a small swell of pride. It might just be beginner’s luck, and I may never pull this off again, but I caught it with my own hands, and that’s what counts.

“Maki, can I try next to you? Seki, you’ve got extra gear, right?”

“Yeah. The driver’s got enough for everyone, so grab some if you want. You too, Nitta.”

“Huh? I haven’t said I’m doing it… but sitting around’s boring, and if even a newbie like Class Rep can catch something, maybe I’ll give it a shot.”

Inspired by my catch, Umi and Nitta-san, who’d been content cheering from the sidelines, go to grab their own gear.

Including Nozomu, who’s setting up his rig to outdo me, it’s shaping up to be a little fishing showdown.

…Except for one person, who’s looking unusually down compared to her usual self.

“Maki-kun.”

“! Amami-san… If you’re still feeling off, you can rest a bit longer.”

“No, don’t worry, I’m totally fine now. I was shocked at first, but looking closer, they’re kinda cute. See, I can even pick one up like this.”

Her hands are hesitant, but her color’s back to normal, so she seems okay.

As always, Amami-san adapts quickly, which is impressive. She could probably join Umi and Nitta-san fishing in no time.

“…You’re not gonna fish with Umi and the others?”

“Um… I think I’ll just cheer everyone on from back here today. That’s plenty fun for me.”

Even if she’s gotten used to the bait, she’s not quite back to full energy. She’s trying to act cheerful, but her face looks a bit off.

Normally, she’d dive right into the group (or straight at Umi), but her gaze is fixed on Nitta-san, who’s laughing and making a racket with Umi while setting up their gear.

“So, Maki-kun, about Nina-chi…”

“? Something up with Nitta-san?”

“You know, what we talked about earlier… Her not giving up on Takizawa-kun.”

“! Oh, that.”

I don’t have a stake in it, so I just listened, but it seems to have struck a chord with Amami-san.

“I get that Nina-chi really likes Takizawa-kun, and I can tell she’s serious, so as her friend, I want to support her… but the way she’s going about it feels kinda wrong.”

“…Yeah, some people might see it that way.”

Waiting for an opportunity sounds nice, but in reality, it’s like she’s hoping for a rift between Nakamura-san and Takizawa-kun—a ‘waiting for failure’ approach.

Even for someone as close as Nitta-san, Amami-san’s straightforward nature makes it hard to cheer her on wholeheartedly.

“Hey, Maki-kun.”

“What?”

“Love’s actually super complicated, isn’t it? Until now, my idea of ‘love’ was just you and Umi, so I thought it was simpler.”

“…Our case probably isn’t the best reference.”

For Umi and me, being each other’s first love and most important person made it straightforward, but love isn’t always that simple.

Caring too much can lead to misunderstandings, and feelings that start as love can sometimes twist into something like resentment.

That’s why unexpected things happen.

Wanting to keep someone you love all to yourself—anyone who’s ever been in love has probably wished for it at least once. But that’s when love gets messy and complicated, or so I think.

“…For now, instead of stewing alone, why not talk it out honestly with Umi and Nitta-san? Not right now, but maybe during the fireworks or before bed. You’ve got plenty of chances to open up.”

Amami-san’s all about fair play, while Nitta-san’s willing to bend the rules to reach her goal. Their views will likely clash, but airing it out is better than bottling it up. With Umi there, it probably won’t turn ugly.

And of course, Nozomu and I are in the background if needed.

“Right… Yeah, you’re right. Thanks, Maki-kun. I’ll talk it out with Nina-chi and Umi.”

“Sounds good. You can decide whether to support Nitta-san after that.”

You don’t have to cheer someone on just because they’re a friend or best friend. Support them when you genuinely want to—that’s all there is to it.

After spending the afternoon fishing and relaxing on the sea, we returned to the vacation home where Nakamura-san and the others were waiting. Swimming in the clear shallows, fishing for the first time offshore—we were exhausted by the time we stepped off the boat.

There’s still some time before dinner prep, so a quick nap might be in order.

“—Welcome back, everyone. Looks like you had a blast.”

“Thanks for your hard work, senpai. I’ve prepped some stuff for dinner, so feel free to rest for a bit.”

“Thanks. Guess I’ll take you up on that… Yawn So sleepy… Umi, I’m heading in first.”

“Sure. I’ll be back soon, so nap away. Yuu, we’ve got to shower first, so hang in there… Ugh, come on, don’t lean on me—stand on your own. And Nina, you too.”

“Mmm, Umi, carry me~”

“Asanagi, we can’t move another step~”

“Geez, you two…”

As the three girls disappear toward the shower, Nozomu and I collapse onto the living room sofas. The perfectly balanced firmness cradles my body, and my eyelids start to droop.

“—Maki, still awake?”

“Nozomu? …Barely hanging on.”

“Same here. Thought I’d be fine since I’m used to club practice, but going all out like this wears you down just as much.”

If even Nozomu, sprawled out on the sofa next to me, is this wiped, I think I held up pretty well.

I’m half-worried I’ll be sore all over tomorrow—this is easily the most I’ve played during any summer break. This day will probably stay etched in my memory, never to be topped.

“…Nozomu, thanks. I know you’re busy with club, but you still said yes to coming.”

“Don’t sweat it. This is probably my last chance to cut loose like this, and I’ll make up for the two days off with extra practice. …Not to say it too loud, but, y’know, Amami-san’s… look was totally worth it.”

He apparently begged for an extra day off from his one-day club break, so it must’ve been worth the effort for him.

Some might not get it, but for a high school guy, seeing your crush in a cute (and private) swimsuit is that valuable.

“Hey, Maki.”

“Hm?”

“You decided on room assignments yet?”

“Not yet, but… probably splitting into two rooms, girls and guys.”

Honestly, I’d love to share a room with just Umi, and with enough rooms, it’s doable, but I don’t want to make everyone else tiptoe around us, so I’ll hold back.

“Got it. Then let’s talk more before bed, just us guys. Including Takizawa-kun.”

“Sure, but do the three of us even have topics in common? You and Takizawa-kun aside, our interests don’t overlap at all.”

Nozomu’s into sports and club stuff, I’m into indoor things like games and movies, and Takizawa-kun’s probably into novels and mysteries. There’s not much we can all dive into together.

Sure, there’s guy talk, but I’m not sure Takizawa-kun’s up for that kind of crude stuff.

Before we can open up, we need to get to know him, and he needs to know us.

“…Let’s sleep on it for now. My brain’s shutting down.”

“…Mine too.”

Unable to fight the waves of sleepiness, we mumble a few incoherent exchanges before slowly drifting off.

I feel someone gently stroking my head, but once I’m out, I can’t even twitch.

—Good work. Rest well.

With someone’s soft whisper lingering in my ears, I sleep soundly until dinner’s ready.

After a two-hour nap and feeling somewhat recharged, I join everyone for the curry they prepared, then we lounge in the living room.

The bright daylight outside has given way to complete darkness, the blue horizon now a sea of black.

Only the faint sound of waves carries through the calm, quiet night.

Normally, we’d bathe and sleep, but tonight’s far from over.

Amami-san bursts back into the living room, arms full of a bucket brimming with fireworks.

“Hehe~ Everyone ready? I hereby declare the start of tonight’s main event: the fireworks festival!”

“Yuu, declarations are great, but let’s get to the beach first. Come on, Maki.”

“Yeah. When’s the last time I did fireworks? I’m kinda excited.”

Holding Umi’s hand tightly to avoid tripping on the stairs or sand, we head back to the beach after a few hours.

The beach is pitch-black compared to daytime, but the staff have set up a bonfire, so lighting’s no issue.

The roaring flames in a metal drum and the moon and stars twinkling above… The night sea has a different charm from the day.

“Hey, everyone, what’s our first pick? Big rockets? Dragons? Ugh, so many choices… Umi, what do you think?”

“If we do them one by one, we’ll be here till midnight. Why don’t we each grab what we want and do our thing? Maki, let’s do sparklers and chill.”

“Sounds good. The flashy ones are cool, but watching everyone else from a distance is nice too.”

After some discussion, we each grab our favorites from the bucket and play as we like.

Amami-san, Nitta-san, and Nozomu go for big, showy ones like dragons and rockets, while Takizawa-kun and Nakamura-san pick handheld fireworks, laughing and shrieking like kids as colorful sparks fly.

It’s the summer break scene I always pictured, my first as a second-year.

“Maki, shall we?”

“Yeah. I’ll light ’em.”

“Thanks.”

Using a lighter from the vacation home, I ignite the tips, and we watch the sparklers crackle softly.

A little apart from the other five, we were pressed close together, our bodies practically glued to each other.

“…It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

“Yeah… The fireworks, sure, but, y’know, you too, Umi…”

“Cute, huh? Hehe, thanks. It’s still a bit stiff, but you’re getting better at sweet talk, Maki. …If we weren’t holding sparklers, I might’ve kissed you on impulse.”

“Guess I missed my chance… Haha.”

Chuckling quietly, we savor our first fireworks together since we met.

They’re not flashy, but this feels more my style.

…Though, honestly, as long as Umi’s beside me, anything’s fine.

“Hey, Maki.”

“…Yeah?”

“While you were napping earlier, I talked with Yuu and Nina.”

“…Oh?”

Probably about what Amami-san mentioned to me. While I was snoozing on the sofa, Amami-san must’ve shared her thoughts with them.

“I thought this overnight trip could be a chance for Nakamura-san and Takizawa-kun to move forward a bit, so I invited them last-minute. They’re so obviously into each other, so I hoped this could spark something… Like with my brother and Shizuku-san.”

“…Got it. That’s why.”

It was an unusual spur-of-the-moment move for Umi, but it seems tied to our recent hometown trip.

The moment Riku-san and Shizuku-san’s feelings connected is still vivid in our hearts. It was undeniably moving, no question.

But this time, it ended up being a bit of meddling that backfired.

“It didn’t go as planned, though. I just wanted Nakamura-san to be honest, but I ended up making Nina and Yuu feel bad without realizing… So I got a little down. No fights or anything, so don’t worry.”

“Yeah. So it didn’t work out, huh?”

“…Yeah. I couldn’t do it like you, Maki.”

As Umi finishes, the sparkler, which had been fizzing brightly, quiets and falls to the sand, fading out.

“…Maki, can I lean on you a bit?”

“Yeah. Go ahead.”

“Thanks.”

I spread my arms slightly, and Umi buries her face in my chest.

Lately, I’ve been the one leaning on her, so now it’s my turn to be strong, to hold and support her.

“…I’m okay, right? You’re always there for me, Maki, and even when I’m down, you comfort me like this. …I know it’s selfish, but I can’t stop relying on you. I don’t want to.”

“That’s… fine, isn’t it? Having someone you can lean on and open up to isn’t a bad thing, and it’s not selfish.”

From experience, bottling up worries is bad for your mind and body. If you’ve got family or friends you trust, you should talk to them.

Sure, some people, like the old me, have to carry their burdens alone, and that might be more common. But that doesn’t mean we should make it the standard.

I think people should lean on others more. Family, friends—sometimes you might inconvenience them, but you can pay it back later.

Over the months since becoming ‘friends’ with Umi, meeting all sorts of people, that’s what I’ve learned.

“You’re fine. You did your best, and you didn’t do anything wrong.”

“…Really?”

“Yeah. I guarantee it. …Not that my word means much.”

“It does. If you say so, I’m good. …Hehe.”

Relieved, her tension eases, and her clinginess shifts. She wraps her arms around my back, pressing close, nuzzling my neck like an affectionate puppy, sniffing my scent.

Not to be outdone, I slide my arms around her waist, pulling her in and ruffling her hair. She giggles ticklishly, her expression blissful.

“…Umi, we’ve got more fireworks. Wanna keep going?”

“Hehe, yeah. Ugh, if we were alone right now, I might’ve let you do anything.”

“That’s a shame. …Alright, lighting up.”

“Yup. There’s tons left, so I’m going fancy with two at once.”

“Nice idea. Me too.”

After exchanging a quick kiss on the cheek, we return to our spots and light up the remaining sparklers.

It’s not the most refined way to enjoy them, but the lively sparks bursting from both our hands look pretty in their own way.

And the others, burning through their fireworks with gusto, are just as vibrant.

“Alright, time to show you all Nakamura’s way of fireworks! First, stick a few rocket fireworks in an empty can—”

“Mio-senpai, that’s going too far and dangerous, so let’s not.”

“Nina-chi, look, look! Hiyah—flamethrower!”

“Whoa, Yuu-chin’s killing it. Seki, come on, don’t just stand there—light mine too. That’s your job, right?”

“Geez, fine… Oi, Maki, stop flirting with Asanagi and come help. We’re about to set off the big ones.”

“Oh, right, right. …Umi, they’re calling. Shall we?”

“Yeah. But it’s still a bit awkward with Yuu and them, so stay close, okay?”

“Of course. I’ll be your shield anytime.”

“Thanks. …Hehe, I really am selfish, huh?”

Umi’s hand, slightly cold before, warms up as I hold it tightly.

Even for our tight-knit group of five, as we grow closer, clashes and misunderstandings like this will happen. It’s not just surface-level friendship—we’re learning each other’s thoughts, talking it out, understanding deeper, and strengthening our bonds. We’re just halfway there.

By morning, we’ll be back to our usual selves.

After an hour of burning through nearly all the fireworks in the bucket, we wrap up most of the first day’s plans and head to our assigned rooms.

As expected, we split safely into three guys and four girls. No special treatment for Umi and me sharing a room.

Secretly, I wrestled with that decision until the last moment.

“Man… today was intense…”

Collapsing onto the bed after a late bath, the day’s exhaustion hits me all at once. The nap helped, but one or two hours isn’t enough. To avoid carrying fatigue into tomorrow, I need sleep.

…But I’m in the mood to stay up just a bit longer tonight.

“First time with just us three, but even you and me crashing together like this is a first, huh, Maki? Feels like a school trip—kinda exciting.”

“Same. …Never been on a school trip, though.”

“What? Maehara-senpai, you’ve never gone? Oh, maybe you were sick or injured or something…”

“Nah, I was perfectly healthy. …Just bad timing with my dad’s job transfer. Oh, right, I haven’t told you this, Takizawa-kun.”

Since Takizawa-kun’s not the type to spread rumors, I let Nozomu fill in some details and give a brief rundown of my situation.

I gloss over the heavier stuff like my parents’ divorce, but Takizawa-kun picks up on the vibe and listens seriously without prying. He’s a great kouhai.

“…I see. Sorry, I didn’t know and might’ve been rude.”

“It’s fine. It’s all in the past, and now I’m living peacefully thanks to everyone. …Want more details? I can talk a bit.”

“That’s a bit much… Oh, but if it’s okay, could you hear my story instead? It’s about middle school.”

Since it’s middle school, probably about meeting Nakamura-san or transforming from a ‘tiny bean’ (her words) into the heartthrob he is now.

Nakamura-san’s kouhai since middle school—that’s about all we know. The rest of Takizawa-kun’s past is a mystery, and yeah, Nozomu and I are curious.

“Nozomu, what do you think?”

“Why not? I’m curious about Taki too. As long as we don’t push him to spill stuff he doesn’t want to.”

“Alright… Wait, Nozomu, did you just say ‘Taki’?”

“Yup. While you were off with your girlfriend, we got pretty chummy. Right?”

“Yeah. Maehara-senpai, feel free to call me whatever. Nicknames feel friendlier than formal stuff.”

I’d almost forgotten, caught up in the beach day with Umi, but making a new guy friend was also on my list.

…To be honest, my head’s been full of Umi’s bikini and everything Umi-related until just now.

Slipping into only thinking about her is one of my bad habits.

“—Alright, here’s the main topic. First, I want you senpai to see something…”

““??””

Takizawa-kun pulls out his phone and shows us a picture.

It’s two people—a tall girl with black-rimmed glasses and a short, timid-looking boy. No clue when it was taken.

“Could this be—”

“Yup. As you guessed, it’s me and Mio-senpai from middle school. I was a first-year, and she was a second-year.”

Nakamura-san looks much the same, but Takizawa-kun? He’s like a different person compared to now.

He barely reached her shoulder, his long bangs and downward gaze hiding most of his face.

To think this kid transformed into the pretty boy sitting next to me in just two or three years… Nakamura-san must’ve been shocked when they reunited.

“This photo’s my treasure. I was short, frail, and had a lousy attitude, but she treated me like anyone else, all casual and friendly… It was the first time I started liking school. She was the first to truly see me.”

Against a backdrop of a bookshelf stuffed with what looks like mystery novels, Nakamura-san’s got her arm around him, flashing a peace sign, looking as lively as ever.

Her bluntness can rub people the wrong way, but she’s consistent with everyone, which must’ve been a lifeline for the old Takizawa-kun.

I won’t pry, but he probably felt pretty lonely before that.

“…You really like Nakamura-san, don’t you, Takizawa-kun?”

“Yeah. As my senpai, as the student council president, and of course, as a woman. I’m who I am now because I wanted her to see me as a man, even a little. …Didn’t expect changing so much would attract this much attention, though. Some of it’s been a hassle.”

“Seriously? You’ve had it rough, huh, Taki. Between us, how many… y’know, girls have hit on you since starting school?”

“Well… just counting letters or direct confessions, not too many. But add in people pestering for my contact info or sending DMs through friends even after I block them, and it’s honestly exhausting… Haha.”

His looks naturally draw eyes, so it’s unavoidable, but making a first-year say ‘exhausting’ is rough.

If he had a girlfriend as an excuse, it’d probably be easier to brush them off.

“So, senpai, any advice on how to get closer to Mio-senpai? I tried hard today, but every time I muster up the courage to confess, she dodges me all smooth-like…”

There were moments—like before dinner or during the fireworks—where they were alone and the mood was right, but Takizawa-kun didn’t get the results he wanted.

Like Umi said, they’re almost certainly into each other. One spark could shift them from ‘senpai-kouhai’ to ‘lovers.’

…Is something holding Nakamura-san back? Or is she just that oblivious? With her, it’s plausible.

“Hmm… Maki, what do you think he should do?”

“Me?”

“Duh, you’re the only one with a girlfriend here. …Unless it’s too tough, then I’ll have to step in.”

“…That might not be great either.”

I want to help this cute kouhai, but Nozomu’s never dated, and while I have a girlfriend, my success feels like pure luck. We’re not exactly qualified to give love advice.

…I really want to ask Umi, but what’s the girls’ room like right now?

I excuse myself to Nozomu and Takizawa-kun and send Umi a message.

(Maehara) Umi

(Asanagi) Yo, what’s up?

(Asanagi) What, missing my skin so much you can’t sleep?

(Asanagi) Geez, even here, you’re such a clingy boy, Maki.

(Maehara) …I’ll admit I miss you, but that’s not it.

(Asanagi) Oh? Then what?

(Maehara) How’s Nakamura-san doing? She’s in the room, right?

(Asanagi) Nakamura-san? Sleeping… probably.

(Maehara) Probably?

(Asanagi) Yeah.

(Asanagi) We were all chatting until just now, but when it turned to love talk, she suddenly dove under the covers.

(Asanagi) Said she always sleeps by eleven.

(Asanagi) Now she’s fake-snoring super loud.

(Maehara) Got it.

Is she just serious about her sleep schedule, or dodging love talk about herself?

…Probably the latter, but either way, it’s a perfect chance to loop Umi in.

“Takizawa-kun, is it okay if I talk to Umi about this?”

“No problem. I trust you and Asanagi-senpai to handle it.”

“Thanks. I’ll check with her.”

With the client’s approval, I invite Umi to come to the guys’ room.

(Maehara) I need to talk about something. Can you come to the guys’ room now?

(Asanagi) Naughty.

(Maehara) This exchange is getting way too familiar… That’s not it, okay?

(Asanagi) Hehe, I know. I can guess what it’s about.

(Asanagi) It’s about Takizawa-kun, right?

(Maehara) Spot on. Impressive.

(Asanagi) Hehe. Well, we were just talking about something similar.

(Asanagi) I can come, but is it okay if Yuu tags along? She’s been glued to me and won’t let go.

(Maehara) Amami-san’s fine. Nitta-san… maybe not.

(Asanagi) Yeah, Nina might not want to hear this. I’ll ask her to stay with Nakamura-san.

(Asanagi) As a lookout.

(Maehara) Sounds good. Sorry for the hassle, Umi.

(Asanagi) No worries.

(Asanagi) I’ll get ready and be there in about ten minutes.

(Maehara) Thanks.

I let the two in the room know Umi and Amami-san are coming, and after about fifteen minutes of fidgeting, there’s a soft knock at the door.

“Sounds like them. …Nozomu, just to check, we good to let them in?”

“Y-Yeah.”

Since hearing Amami-san was coming, Nozomu’s been obsessively checking his bangs and eyebrows in his phone camera.

We’re usually together at school, but this setting’s got him nervous.

I’m not nervous, but I’m secretly thrilled Umi’s coming at this hour.

“—Hey, come in. I cleared my bed, so you two can sit there.”

“Cool. …It’s mostly the usual crew minus Takizawa-kun, but this late, it feels kinda weird.”

“Hehe, sorry for barging in so late~ Wow, this is the guys’ room… Same layout, but the vibe’s totally different.”

They’re ready for bed, dressed in sleepwear. Umi’s in a cheap T-shirt like me and loose gray sweats, while Amami-san’s in light pink pajamas with cute floral patterns.

The girls’ arrival brings a faint sweet scent into the once guy-heavy room.

And Nozomu’s moving super awkwardly.

“Evening, Takizawa-kun.”

“Hey, Asanagi-senpai, Amami-senpai. …Sorry for dragging you out so late for my sake.”

“Takizawa-kun, none of that! Heehee, my first love talk since Umi… It’s late, so I’m kinda hyped!”

“Yuu, I’m warning you, this is serious, so take it seriously.”

“Of course. I’ve never dated, so I don’t know much about love, but I can talk about how it feels to be confessed to.”

Guh! Nozomu next to me flinches at the sudden jab, but he’ll have to hold out till we’re done.

Takizawa-kun repeats his earlier story for Umi and Amami-san, and once they’re up to speed, we dive in.

“Got it… Nakamura-san’s causing trouble for such a sweet guy. She’s sneakily a heartbreaker.”

“But I kinda get her too. Takizawa-kun’s so cool, being too close might make her nervous. Probably like Nina-chi feels, right?”

“…So, she doesn’t hate me or find me annoying?”

“Nope. I’ll vouch for that as her classmate.”

“R-Really? …That’s a relief.”

Takizawa-kun’s face softens at Umi’s words.

I don’t know what she said when they were alone, but even a hint of rejection can make you worry you did something wrong.

Valuing the current relationship too much can sap the courage to take the next step.

We just saw something similar recently.

“Ugh, it’s so bittersweet and frustrating… Why’s Nakamura-san so wishy-washy? They like each other, so they should just get together like Umi and Maki-kun. ‘I love you, Umi!’ ‘I’m so happy, I love you too, Maki!’—then a passionate kiss… Eee~!”

“…Yuu, can you not start weird skits? That’s not even close to what happened.”

“Huh? I thought it was kinda like that in my memory…”

“Maki?”

“…Uh, maybe not. Amami-san, making stuff up isn’t, y’know, great.”

Two words from Umi, and I’m instantly cowed.

Half a year in, and I’m already whipped. It’s set in stone by high school.

“Anyway, forget us… Takizawa-kun, I think you should be honest with your feelings. Not for Nakamura-san, but for you.”

“For me?”

“Yeah. I get wanting to respect her feelings, but I don’t want to see you stressing over it.”

Respecting Nakamura-san’s feelings matters, but Takizawa-kun’s heart should come first.

I know confessing takes timing and mental prep—I took over a month to confess to Umi after realizing my feelings, so I’m not one to talk.

But bottling up love too long isn’t healthy.

If I hadn’t confessed to Umi last Christmas and let it fizzle out, where would I be now?

“I’ve said this before, but… being lovers with someone you love is amazing. …Not something to brag about publicly, but there’s stuff you can do with a lover that friends can’t.”

“Hey, Umi-san, Maki-kun’s saying that, but how’s it really?”

“N-No comment!”

I feel bad for embarrassing Umi, but like I told Riku-san, this is my honest take.

Staying friends is fun, but if you’re both in love, being lovers is way more fun and fills you with happiness.

“…I’ll deal with Maki later, but I agree about being straightforward. People talk about timing or the mood, but if you really love someone, that stuff doesn’t matter much.”

“I’m with Umi. It might be a shock if it’s sudden, but that’s not the case here, right? Then Nakamura-san will probably be happy… Huh? Seki-kun, what’s wrong? Getting sleepy?”

“N-No, just… struggling with reality a bit…”

“??”

Nozomu takes another hit from Amami-san’s words, but he’s already at his limit, collapsing onto his back behind me.

…He’s barely hanging on. Poor guy.

“I understand. …Yeah, if I love her, maybe I should just tell her straight, without overthinking. But how do I get her in the mood? Sooner’s better, right?”

Takizawa-kun’s right—better to act before his resolve wavers. Not now, but at least before summer break ends.

“…I’ve got an idea, actually.”

“Really?”

My words spark a hopeful look in Takizawa-kun’s eyes.

I’ve got one plan to drag Nakamura-san out of her fake sleep and pique her interest.

A summer classic, perfect for this midnight hour, that Nakamura-san would jump at.

“…Hey, everyone, can we push bedtime back just a bit more?”

My question seems to click with everyone present.

We’ve had a full day—swimming, barbecue, fishing on the cruiser—but there’s one place we haven’t hit yet.

The small shrine near the mountain’s peak behind the vacation home.

I’m suggesting we all go there now.

Just before midnight, with minimal prep, the seven of us leave the vacation home and gather in front of the torii gate nearby.

“…Hey, Umi.”

“Nope.”

“I haven’t said anything yet!”

“You want to cancel the test of courage, right? …Yeah, it does feel super creepy.”

The flashlight beam reveals a long stone staircase leading to the peak and a striking red torii gate. It’s apparently a shrine for Inari-sama, with small, cute fox statues flanking the gate.

I checked with the staff before we left, and this place is a local power spot.

Visiting for a regular prayer, day or night, should be fine—or so they said. But I’m kinda regretting this.

“Hey, Yuu, didn’t we come here with Sanae and them?”

“Yeah. But I think it was a morning walk. Never at this hour… Manaka-chan and I tried to drag Sanae and Umi, but they were too scared.”

“…Was it like that?”

“Yup!”

“You’re way too enthusiastic about that…”

“Hehe~”

With her first test of courage with her best friend and the late-night vibe, Amami-san’s beaming brighter than ever today.

And then there’s the person who was (supposedly) asleep until just now.

“Oho, so this is the legendary haunted Inari shrine… Midnight, no one around, only faint moonlight illuminating the main hall, a mysterious body found deep inside, and a cryptic message left at the scene… A curse, or—?”

“…Mio-senpai, I get that your mystery-loving side’s fired up, but stop making stuff up.”

Nakamura-san kept up her (alleged) fake sleep even in front of Nitta-san after Umi and the others left, but as I predicted, the moment the test of courage came up, she sprang out of bed, eyes sparkling like Amami-san’s, saying, “Can’t sleep anyway, so I’ll tag along!”

Getting her hooked was great, but at this rate, it might just end as a test of courage.

…Of course, I’ll make sure it doesn’t.

“Alright, we’re drawing lots for pairs now. Red, white, yellow—two sticks each. Same color, you’re a team. At the top, pray and grab an omikuji. They’re there, apparently.”

“Hey, Class Rep, that leaves one person out. What then? Stay behind? Or go solo?”

“Solo… was my first thought, but that’s too harsh. Let’s say the person who draws the blank stick joins any pair they want.”

…Otherwise, if I end up alone, I don’t think I’d survive.

Risk management’s key.

We draw lots using chopsticks I rigged up, and the pairs are:

Pair 1: Maehara, Nakamura

Pair 2: Asanagi, Amami

Pair 3: Takizawa, Nitta

Nozomu, who drew the blank, agonized a bit but chose to join me and Nakamura-san.

“…I wanted to be with Maki.”

“Hehe, sorry, Asanagi-chan, I nabbed Maehara-kun first.”

“Nakamura-san, watch your phrasing.”

“…Maki, you cheater.”

“It’s just lots, I swear…”

I’d rather be with Umi too, but I kept the lots (mostly) fair, so this is how it goes.

…Umi knows that, but still.

“Alright, Umi, I’m heading up.”

“…Maki, when you’re back, you’re with me.”

“Two trips for me? …I’ll think positive.”

Leaving the four behind, me, Nozomu, and Nakamura-san climb the stone steps, guided by flashlight beams.

“Tough luck, guys. Stuck with a weirdo like me instead of your crushes.”

“Yeah, well. But you’re in the same boat, right?”

“Hehe, am I? What do you think, Maehara-kun?”

“…Nakamura-san, can you cut the teasing?”

The others can’t see us anymore, but I swear I feel a glare from behind.

…Maybe we should’ve just discussed pairs instead of drawing lots.

Nakamura-san seems to have caught on to our plan.

Time to be me and cut straight to it.

“—Nakamura-san.”

“Hm? What’s up?”

“Takizawa-kun came to me for advice earlier.”

“…About what?”

“Do you dislike him?”

My casual question, thrown out as we climb, stops Nakamura-san in her tracks.

“…Heh, Maehara-kun, you look all mild-mannered, but that’s a mean question.”

“I’m only mild at school. This is more my usual vibe. …So, what’s the deal?”

“…Heh.”

After a pause, Nakamura-san gives a resigned, bitter smile.

“I don’t dislike him. …Okay, that’s a bit of a cop-out.”

“Then—”

“Yeah. I… like him. Properly.”

Properly. Meaning she sees Takizawa-kun romantically.

He likes her, and she likes him.

…They’re in love, yet somehow keep missing each other.

“I like him properly, but… y’know, I’ve got my own stuff. Circumstances, you could say. Future plans, studies, all that. You had your own twists and turns before getting with Asanagi-chan, right, Maehara-kun?”

“Not really… We started as friends in the second term, but by winter break, I was staying at Umi’s place. All through New Year’s.”

“Sorry, I clearly asked the wrong person.”

Even for Umi and me, there was a gap between ‘mutual crush’ and ‘lovers,’ but we were already acting like a couple as friends, so we never had this ‘avoiding feelings’ thing Nakamura-san’s doing.

“A-Anyway, I’ve got my own plans, so just leave it be for now. When the time’s right, I’ll face his feelings properly.”

“When’s that ‘time’… specifically?”

“S-Soon, hopefully… Or, well, by the time I graduate!”

With that, Nakamura-san ditches us, bounding up the steps two at a time.

“Graduate… That’s just like middle school all over again, isn’t it?”

“…Yeah, I think so too.”

But her flustered reaction suggests she’s torn between ‘senpai-kouhai’ and ‘lovers.’

Now, how are Umi and the others holding up?

We catch up to Nakamura-san, pray together, and draw omikuji (ten yen each; I got ‘small luck’). Then we take the gentle slope back down.

“Ugh, I should’ve kept faking sleep… Everyone’s on Souji’s side… I mean, I’m…”

Nakamura-san keeps her distance, muttering grumpily.

…Maybe we overdid it, like she says. But without this push, their senpai-kouhai dynamic might never budge.

Like the ‘childhood friends’ from the other day, relationships that are too close for too long can have their own downsides.

“! Oh, Umi, Maki-kun and them are back! Hey, you three, good job~ How were the ghosts?”

“Sadly, nothing… How about you guys?”

“We were just chatting the whole time… Hey, Souji-kun, that photo we took as a group, how was it?”

“Uh, let’s see… Hmm…”

“Takizawa-kun, you don’t have to dig that hard for Yuu’s sake.”

“Souji, show me too… Oh, it came out pretty nice~”

The four of them seem to have bonded while waiting, but one girl’s glaring at them, clearly not amused.

“Huh? …Souji-kun? A group photo? With four of you? Came out nice? First names??”

Nakamura-san repeats the words that caught her ear, confirming each one.

She looks at Amami-san, then Umi, then Nitta-san, and finally at Takizawa-kun, surrounded by the three.

“…Tch.”

She lets out a loud, unmistakable click of her tongue. It’s dark, so I can’t see her face clearly, but she’s obviously ticked off.

Looks like this group of four also misjudged how far to take their “chummy act.”

“Alright, my turn with Umi. Umi, what do you say? Sorry, Maki-kun, but it’s scary, so come with us.”

“Yeah. Maki, scary. Stick together.”

“Why the sudden caveman talk… Fine, if you say so, I’m in.”

It feels like this kinda defeats the point of drawing lots, but since the original goal’s been met, honestly, the rest can be as sloppy as it wants without causing any real issues.

Even someone like Takizawa-kun might not be completely immune to other girls’ charms—yep, as long as I can spark even a tiny bit of urgency in Nakamura-san.

“What’s with that jerk Soushi, having a blast with girls other than me… Like Amami-chan or Nitta-chan—ugh, is being cute the only thing that matters? …This makes me look like an idiot for getting all hyped up… Idiot…”

Of course, we’ll make up for making her sulk later.

With all sorts of emotions swirling together, our summer night drifts by, slow and steady.