Chapter 8 | Same day (7:15 PM)

(Dormitory・Cafeteria)

 

“Let’s all take a bath together.”

The president suggested this while everyone was gathered in the cafeteria having dinner.

“Since ancient times, bonding in the nude has been the best way to deepen friendships. That’s just how it is. Let’s follow that tradition, shall we? What do you say, Dorm Head?”

“Hmm. I wonder… Is that really a good idea?”

Tilted my head as I reached for the sawara fish marinated in saikyo miso with my chopsticks.

“It’s true that the bath here was built to accommodate a lot of people at once. So, we could all go in together.”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“Also, if everyone goes in separately, we’d have to keep reheating the water, which isn’t very efficient.”

“Yeah, it’s not efficient at all.”

“Looking at the dorm’s records, it seems they’ve always kept the bath open for a short time and had everyone go in together.”

“Yeah, yeah. That’s definitely true.”

“So, I basically agree with the president’s suggestion.”

“Yeah. You’re the Dorm Head, after all. You get it.”

“But here’s the thing.”

I gave the president a dull look and said,

“This is only if everyone else is okay with it. I don’t think anyone would want to take a bath with the president, who’s known as the ‘Predator.’”

“Hmm. Well, for now, are you saying you’re in?”

“Yes. I don’t have any particular reason to oppose it.”

The dorm’s management follows the precedent set by our predecessors, and having a large group go in together seems beneficial.

“Well then, let’s ask the others. Vice President, what do you think?”

“I don’t mind.”

Surprisingly, Nasuhara-san seems to be in favor.

“Nikaidou Arashi is indeed a beast, but she’s surprisingly good at reading the room. She wouldn’t do anything reckless in this situation.”

With her usual expressionless face, yet elegantly sipping clam soup, Nasuhara-san supports the student council president.

Indeed, I can see that side of the president. She may be a dangerous predator, but she thoroughly understands rules and manners. Despite having once been surrounded by dozens of lovers, I’ve never heard a single bad rumor about Nikaidou Arashi.

“I don’t have a problem with it either.”

Ginbei, while serving dinner, says something like that.

“It’s a good opportunity for everyone here to deepen their bonds. I don’t see any reason to oppose it. …What do you think, little sister?”

“…Honestly, I’m not really keen on it…”

“Oh? Why’s that?”

“Because I can’t really believe Nikaidou-senpai wouldn’t do anything in that situation. And besides, I’d rather take a bath alone and relax.”

“Nikaidou Arashi is, after all, the student council president of a prestigious academy. Her words carry weight. And it’s not like she’s suggesting we bathe together every day. Don’t you think it’s fine to have this kind of opportunity just once?”

“It’s pointless to argue with her, Gin-Gin. She’s just making excuses, but in the end, it’s just her lack of confidence in her own body. Right, Himenokouji-san?”

“Muuh!? What do you mean by that, Nasuhara-san!?”

“Exactly what I said. You’re inferior to me in measurements, height, and leg length, so you don’t want to stand next to me in your birthday suit, right? You can hide it with clothes, but in the bath, that won’t work. …Well, that’s all there is to it, Gin-Gin.”

“I see. So you don’t want to join because you’re insecure about your figure, huh? That’s pathetic. Even someone like me, who might be mistaken for an elementary schooler, has no hesitation in baring it all. What a shameful story.”

“That’s not it at all, I didn’t mean—”

“Then prove it with your actions. As the student council secretary, I’d like to see you show some cooperation. …By the way, is the nickname ‘Gin-Gin’ really going to stick?”

“Well, anyway, that’s how it is.”

So says the president, with a mischievous smile.

“You might not like it, but just go along with it this once, Himenokouji. If you don’t want to undress, you can stay in your clothes, and if you want to take your time alone, you can go in after we’re done.”

“Uuu… Okay, okay. I’ll join in. Is that fine?”

“Yeah. That’s more like my cute subordinate.”

The president grins, satisfied.

But really, four girls in the bath, giggling and having fun?

For the male population across Japan, there’s hardly a more thrilling scenario. Of course, the same goes for me. I’m a guy, after all.

Sadly, though, it’s a moment of relaxation exclusive to the girls. As a guy, I can only thank the heavens for this paradise-like event happening under the same roof and be content with that.

“Alright. Let’s head to the bath after we finish dinner. It should take about thirty minutes for the tub to fill up, right?”

“Ah, I’ll take care of that, so everyone else can get ready. Girls tend to take a while to prepare for the bath, right? Oh, and I’ll clean up the dishes while you’re in the bath.”

Just as guys have their own kind of fun, girls have their own world too. I thought I’d play the background role and let the girls enjoy their bath time in peace—but.

“Huh? What’re you talkin’ about?”

The president looked puzzled as she declared,

“I said everyone’s joinin’, right? I can’t leave you out of it, can I? Huh?”

◆

And so, I ended up joining them in the bath.

…Even as I write this, I’m not sure what’s going on or why everything feels so wrong, but however absurd and unbelievable it may seem, I have to accept the reality unfolding before my eyes.

Thus, I feel compelled, with all the pride of a novelist, to dutifully record the facts as they are.

“Phew. Man, this is some good water.”

“It’s strange, isn’ it? It’s not a hot spring or anything, but it feels really nice. Maybe it’s because the bath is well-built, even if it’s old.”

“…More like, I can’t believe Akito-kun’s actually joining us. The flow of things sometimes leads to strange outcomes…”

“Onii-chan in the bath… Onii-chan in the bath…”

Splash splash.

Splish splash.

Amid the sounds of the bathwater, the chatter of the student council members of St. Liliana Academy reaches my ears.

“Man, I can’t believe they were planning to tear this dorm down. A bath this nice deserves to be maintained and used properly.”

“Even the president says something sensible sometimes. The atmosphere of this bath, well-used yet clean… and the retro yet modern design. Both are wonderful. I heard it was originally a girls’ dorm, but that makes sense. Like the building as a whole, you can feel the traces of the care taken by generations of dorm students.”

“…It’s impressive how casually you’re all discussing the bath in this situation. Well, maybe I shouldn’t say that since I ended up joining in…”

“Onii-chan in the bath… Onii-chan in the bath…”

“Hey, Himenokouji Akito. You haven’t said a word since we got in, but you’re enjoying the bath, right? It’s nice, isn’t it?”

“Y-Yeah, I guess so.”

Even though I answered, there’s no way I’m relaxed enough to enjoy the bath. In this bizarre situation of sharing a tub with naked girls, any guy who can casually say, “Yeah, the water’s nice,” isn’t a real man.

“Hahaha, what’re you so nervous about? Even if we’re in the bath together, you’re blindfolded and wearing swim trunks. It’s no big deal, right? Huh?”

“No, no, no, no.”

She’s saying something ridiculous.

Well, sure, I admit I might be a bit more indifferent about the opposite sex than average, but I’m not so enlightened that I wouldn’t feel anything in a situation with four girls in the bath and me, the only guy.

Naturally, I can’t just brush it off as being fine because I’m blindfolded. If anything, having my sight taken away only heightens my senses of hearing, smell, and imagination.

“Well, even so, I have to commend you for stepping into this hostile situation. Even if it’s a tasty scenario, most guys would’ve turned tail and run by now.”

“Akito-kun is oddly stubborn yet easily swayed… Well, I can’t really judge this time… Honestly, I want to get out of the bath right now…”

“Why’s that, why’s that? Gin-Gin, you’re gonna wimp out too? Even if we’re naked, it’s not like the dorm head can see us. Just think of us as decorations or something.”

“The president’s right. Now that we’re here, we should enjoy the bath with pride.”

“I can somewhat understand the president, but you too, Nasuhara-kun? It’s truly baffling.”

“Oh? Then you’re free to leave, Gin-Gin. I’d be more than happy to see my rival gone. Of course, if anything exciting happens after you leave, you’ll be the only one left out.”

“There’s no way I can back out after hearing that. Who knows what would happen if I left you and Akito alone? ‘In for a penny, in for a pound,’ as they say… By the way, is that nickname really going to stick?”

“Onii-chan in the bath… Onii-chan in the bath…”

“Hey, isn’t Himenokouji’s little sister acting kinda weird?”

“She’s always weird.”

“She’s been muttering to herself with a dazed expression. I guess just the fact that she’s in the bath with Akito is enough to overload her happiness circuits.”

“Her eyes are completely glazed over… She’s a bro-con to her very core, isn’t she?”

“At this point, it’s really like a disease.”

“Hmm. I think your sister should reconsider her relationship with Akito. It’s for her own good.”

Well, well.

Since my vision’s blocked, I can’t see the details, but aside from Akiko, who’s been muttering to herself, everyone else seems surprisingly comfortable with the situation. Ginbei, who was initially reluctant, also seems to be getting used to it.

By the way, this whole fiasco seems to have been pushed forward by the president’s quick pace, supported nonchalantly by Nasuhara-san, Akiko getting swept along, and Ginbei and I just going with the flow. The fact that the two of us, who recently transferred here, ended up on the same side is probably no coincidence. It’s probably the ethos of St. Liliana Academy that allows such absurdity to pass so naturally. Truly a fearsome prestigious school, in every sense.

“By the way, you guys.”

So says the president, changing the topic.

“The reason we’re doing this whole ‘naked bonding’ thing is to deepen our bonds. So, how about we do a little event?”

“Huh? An event?”

Still feeling uncomfortable, I ask the president, who I can’t see.

“I don’t oppose the idea, but could we keep it tame? The current situation is already pushing the limits of what the academy would allow. As the dorm head, I’d rather not go too far.”

“Relax. It’s just a simple back-washing thing.”

“Back-washing? Like, scrubbing each other’s backs?”

Indeed, it’s a traditional Japanese bath activity.

It’s harmless, serves the purpose, and is fundamentally wholesome—though the co-ed aspect is another matter.

“But well… It’s the president’s idea, so…”

“Don’t worry. I’m a woman who loves style and eccentricity, so I hate anything uncouth or boring. I’m not planning anything weird or underhanded. I guarantee it.”

Hmm.

Nikaidou Arashi’s words are never to be taken lightly. If she’s saying this much, it’s safe to trust her. Even if she’s planning something, she’d probably do it at a different time, in a different way.

“We’re living under the same roof, bathing naked, washing each other’s backs. If we do this, our bonds will deepen, no question.”

“Well, that’s true. But if you think about it, isn’t this event just a way for the omnivorous president to benefit? All your potential lovers are gathered here, after all.”

“If you’re worried about me joining, you can do it without me. Like I said, this is about deepening bonds, not my personal desires… Though it’d be lonely if I were left just watching, so I’d like to join if possible.”

“Well, if you’re putting it that way, I’ll trust you. You’re welcome to join.”

“Thanks. Appreciate it.”

“I’m fine with it, but what about everyone else? Nasuhara-san, for example?”

“I don’t mind.”

So replies the vice president.

“Aside from her usual behavior, the president’s words make sense in this context. I don’t see any reason to oppose it.”

“Hmm, I see.”

“More importantly, I’ve repeatedly asked you to call me ‘Ana,’ but when will that thick skull of yours remember? If you keep ignoring my request, I’ll replace your underwear in the changing room with a loincloth.”

“You’re bringing out that favorite gag now…”

She didn’t say anything when we were discussing nicknames earlier. She’s really an enigma.

“By the way, I’ll generously apply mentholatum to the crotch area of the loincloth, so look forward to it.”

“No, please don’t do that.”

What if I develop some weird fetish because of it?

“So, Ginbei, what about you? Do you agree with this plan?”

“I’m not keen on it.”

My friend’s voice is laced with a sigh.

“But backing out now would be a hassle, so I’ll go along with it as much as possible. ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do,’ as they say.”

“Even you’re going along with it…”

This long-time friend of mine is generally serious, rigid, and diligent. Though she’s changed recently, she used to often scold me for my lazy tendencies.

In other words, despite her striking character traits—her Nordic heritage and boyish way of speaking—she’s probably the most normal person in this dorm… So the fact that even she’s being influenced by St. Liliana’s culture is a bit chilling.

“It can’t be helped.”

Perhaps sensing my feelings, Ginbei says with a wry smile,

“I considered myself a sensible person, but being with these student council members, I can feel the framework of ‘common sense’ being rapidly destroyed.”

I completely agree.

Since transferring here, I’ve been bewildered countless times by the differences. Who’d have thought the top students of this prestigious academy would be such eccentrics? The fact that my little sister is among them is more than I can handle.

Well, it’s too late now.

Ginbei and I are outsiders, best friends, and we’ll need to rely on each other to survive. As a minority, we’ll have to band together against external threats.

“So, Akiko, what about you? Are you joining the back-washing?”

“Onii-chan in the bath… Onii-chan in the bath…”

I try asking my sister, but she’s just muttering to herself, unresponsive.

Years of experience tell me she’s completely lost in her own world. I can picture her dazed, contented expression.

Hmm, I’ll just leave her be. If she snaps out of it, things could get more complicated.

“So, Akiko’s out, and the rest of us will do the back-washing, okay?”

“Yeah. Can’t wait.”

“But before that, I’d like to confirm one thing.”

“Huh? What’s that?”

“Am I participating in this event too?”

“Of course! In fact, it wouldn’t even start without you.”

“But, I’m a guy. Barely managing to get into the bath blindfolded with the girls is one thing, but touching their skin is…”

“Don’t worry about the small details now. Washing someone’s back over a towel doesn’t count as touching, right?”

“But if you’re blindfolded and moving your hands, wouldn’t it be hard to control where you’re touching?”

“What? That sounds like a great situation to me. Isn’t it the perfect chance for a real man to cop a feel in the chaos?”

“You can think whatever you want, President, but don’t push your values on me.”

“You’re such a stiff… Alright, how about this? You don’t have to be the one washing, just be the one getting washed. That should be fine, right?”

“Well, even that’s still pretty problematic.”

Getting your back washed by a naked girl is the kind of service you’d only get at an adult establishment that complies with the Entertainment Business Act.

That said, if we keep bringing up such points, we’ll never make progress. As Ginbei said, “When you’ve eaten poison, you might as well finish the plate.” So, for now—

“I think it’s problematic too.”

Just as I thought that, Ginbei raised an objection.

“The only reason I reluctantly agreed to this event was because it was supposed to be between girls. If Akito’s joining in, that changes everything. Just having him here is already wrong in so many ways. If that’s the case, I’ll have to excuse myself.”

His argument was perfectly reasonable.

In fact, it was something I wanted to argue even more strongly.

“Ginbei, it’s too late to back out now.”

The President expressed my exact feelings with a sigh.

“You’re ruining the mood just when we were getting somewhere. Think a little more about cooperation, will you?”

“What you’re saying makes sense, President, but there are limits. Considering common sense and decency, I can’t agree to this.”

“Hah. You’re sharp-tongued and seem smart, but you’re surprisingly inflexible. You’re bad at knowing when to give up, aren’t you?”

“Ginbei’s just pure-hearted.”

This time, Nasuhara-san chimed in.

“I thought he’d be more aggressive since he came all the way from Kyoto alone. Turns out I was wrong. But it makes sense when you think about it. After all, he’s been just friends with Akiko for six long years.”

“…What are you trying to say, Nasuhara-kun?”

“Nothing. Just stating my honest opinion.”

“Really? To me, your words sound like an insult.”

“Oh, that’s a misunderstanding. It’s quite the opposite. I’ve started to find you quite adorable.”

“Adorable? You’re definitely looking down on me. That’s not the kind of evaluation I want.”

“Whether you like it or not, you’re adorable. You’re earnest, reserved, and single-minded—your body might be small, but your limbs are slender, and your waist is so slim. Your eyes are big, your eyelashes are surprisingly long, and your silver hair is so smooth… Ah, how could I have not noticed until now? Ginbei, you’re really an incredibly cute girl. I’d love to dress you up and keep you in my room.”

“…Nasuhara-kun, aren’t you acting a bit out of character?”

“And your skin is as smooth as a baby’s—hey Ginbei, can I touch it?”

“Wha—stop that, it’s disgusting.”

“Eek, even your slightly repulsed face is so cute. Hey, can I give you a hug?”

“D-Don’t say such foolish things. Don’t tell me you have the same tastes as the President?”

“Oh, you misunderstand. I just love cute things.”

…The situation was taking a strange turn, but since I was blindfolded and couldn’t see what was happening, I found it hard to interject.

The only thing I could understand was that a peculiar relationship was forming between Nasuhara-san and Ginbei.

“Let’s leave it at that, Vice President.”

The President stepped in.

“Ginbei’s seriously uncomfortable, and we’re straying too far from the main point. We’ll never make progress at this rate.”

“Oh, my apologies. How careless of me.”

“Anyway, Ginbei. There’s one thing I can say for sure. Faced with this fact, all your hesitation will vanish in an instant. Want to hear it?”

“…I’m listening.”

“It’s simple. Can you stand by and silently watch as another girl washes Himenokōji Akito’s back?”

“………”

Silence.

For a while, only the sound of running water filled the bath.

“…Just this once, okay?”

Almost groaning, Ginbei squeezed out the words.

“That’s my cute subordinate for you. The way you’re trembling with anger but still making a difficult decision is honestly pretty arousing. With this, you’ve skyrocketed to the top of my ‘People I Want as My Lover’ ranking.”

“Enough nonsense. Let’s get started. What’s the order and method?”

“The method doesn’t matter. This isn’t a contest but an event to deepen bonds. As for the order… Ginbei, you can go first.”

“Wha—me first?”

“Yeah, as a token of respect for your difficult decision. Himenokōji Akito will probably get used to the stimulation soon, so the first time is the most delicious.”

“W-Well, I’m not used to situations like this, unlike you guys. Going first is a bit…”

“What’s this? Are you chickening out now? Show some guts, won’t you? If you hesitate here, you’ll be out of the race in no time. You came all the way from Kyoto for this.”

“Ugh…”

Ginbei seemed to be agonizing over the decision, but eventually, I heard a small sigh.

“Akito. Sit on the washing area.”

“Ah, okay.”

I got up from the tub and, relying on memory, fumbled my way to the washing area, sitting on a bath stool.

Since I’d been in the hot water for so long, my legs felt a bit unsteady. Maybe I’m suffering from heatstroke?

“Ahem. Well then, I’ll begin.”

“Ah, yeah. Thanks, Ginbei.”

“Needless to say, this is my first time in a situation like this. I’ll probably make mistakes, so bear with me.”

“Yeah. Got it.”

“So, do you have any requests for how I wash your back? I’ll do my best to accommodate.”

“Well, this is my first time too, so I’m not sure what to ask for. It’s not like going to a barber or beauty salon.”

“I-I see. Well, we’re both unfamiliar with this situation, so let’s just get started.”

With that, Ginbei began preparing.

The sound of water being poured into a bucket.

The sound of a towel being soaked and soap or body wash being lathered.

And the tension rising without reason.

“Well then… here I go? Akito.”

“Y-Yeah. Ah, but Ginbei, you’ve been in the bath for a while. Are you okay? Not feeling faint?”

“Ah, I do feel a bit dizzy. But it’s fine, washing your back won’t be a problem.”

“Okay. Well, take it easy.”

Then, Ginbei’s hand, covered by the towel, touched my back.

“…It’s surprisingly broad. Your back.”

“R-Really?”

“Yeah. Even though you’ve been slacking off, you’ve still been training at Takanomiya, Akito. It shows.”

“Well, I’ve been putting in some effort the past few years. When I first moved to Takanomiya, I wasn’t serious… By the way, Ginbei.”

“What?”

“Are your hands shaking a bit?”

“They’re not shaking at all. Stop making things up. Anyway, talking distracts me. Let me concentrate—”

“Ow!”

“S-Sorry! I accidentally used too much force… I’ll be gentler…”

“No, a bit stronger is fine. A little pain feels kind of good…”

“R-Really? Okay, like this?”

“Ah, there. That feels good.”

“Okay. How about this?”

“Ah… yeah, that’s nice too.”

“And this?”

“Ah—yes, that’s good. Keep going—”

“…Hoo hoo.”

And then.

The President chimed in.

“Well now, what do we have here… Vice President?”

“Yes, it’s quite a situation, isn’t it?”

“Even I, who suggested this, am getting overwhelmed just watching. And it’s not because of the hot water.”

“Absolutely. If it were Himenokōji’s sister, I’d berate her until she apologizes on her knees. But Ginbei’s so cute that I’ll let it slide.”

“W-What’s with you two? Stop with the roundabout comments.”

Disturbed by the heckling, Ginbei stopped washing my back.

“I can’t concentrate with all this chatter. Can you please be quiet for a bit?”

“Sure, sorry about that. But hey… Vice President?”

“Yes, I understand what you’re saying, President. Anyone in our position would feel the same way.”

“…If you have something to say, say it clearly. Otherwise, it’s just interfering.”

“Oh? Then let me oblige—”

A brief pause.

And then, in a smirking tone—

“Ginbei. You were against this, but you’re getting into it, aren’t you? The sight of a naked girl blushing while washing a guy’s back is more erotic than I expected. I’m honestly regretting this.”

“Indeed, even I’m a bit taken aback. Ginbei, you might not realize it, but the atmosphere between you two is exactly like a newlywed couple’s first night.”

“Wha—!?”

The intense agitation transmitted through the hand on my back.

Immediately, I sensed Ginbei standing up.

“Stop saying such nonsense! Akito and I are nothing like—ahh!?”

The next moment, I felt a thud on my back.

I found out later that Ginbei, feeling faint from the heat, had stumbled and fallen onto my back. Since I was blindfolded, I couldn’t avoid it, and I ended up—

“Whoa!?”

Falling onto the tiled floor.

Needless to say, Ginbei fell with me.

“Ouch… ah.”

I opened my eyes, grimacing in pain.

“…Ah.”

Ginbei was right in front of me.

She seemed unaware of what had happened, looking down at me with a dazed expression, completely naked as one would be in a bath.

And by some twist of fate, my blindfold had come off when I fell.

“………”

“………”

Ginbei and I stared at each other, frozen in place.

We’ve been friends for years.

But we’re still a boy and a girl, and we’ve never been in situations like this before. We’ve always changed separately in the locker room, and our physical exams were separate too. So, naturally, we’ve never had the kind of ‘naked friendship’ that guy friends usually have.

So, of course, this was the first time.

And Ginbei was truly beautiful.

Sure, she’s short and her curves are modest. But her face is small, her limbs are long, and her proportions are perfectly balanced. Her Nordic skin was smooth and repelled water so easily it was almost dazzling.

…Even as I thought all this, my head felt strangely fuzzy.

“Eek!”

The next moment.

A crushed sound escaped Ginbei’s throat, her big eyes filled with tears, her expression twisted like crumpled paper, and then—

◆

And so.

The event ended with Ginbei’s adorable scream, which I’d never heard before in all our years of friendship. Due to Ginbei’s strong insistence that ‘the same tragedy must not repeat,’ future events like this were to be suspended.

Naturally.

In fact, it was puzzling that it even happened in the first place. From now on, we’ll make sure to be more self-aware and restrained to prevent such occurrences. Yeah.

Also, there’s one byproduct of this event worth noting.

My sister, who was completely satisfied just being in the bath with me and had no role in the event, ended up being the deciding factor in a certain proposal due to her extreme brother-complex tendencies.

“Shouldn’t Himenokōji Akito and Himenokōji Akiko live in separate rooms?”

A proposal that was earth-shattering and utterly unacceptable to her.