Parsed with an automated reader. The content accuracy is not guranteed.
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<b>*****</b>
I received my first confession from the school's top super darling.
"No no no....this is impossible, impossible..."
To avoid anyone's gaze I quickly went to the rooftop after school. I hold my head while stressing over the recent event. I keep myself away from the hazy noises from the students. Despite my effort, I can feel a blinding presence right next to me.
"Why is it impossible? You don't have anyone you like, right?"\n"Even though that's true...! Wait why are you here, Mai!"\n"I want to hear your answer. At this rate I won't be able to sleep because I keep thinking about you, and that would be a problem."\n"Aahh, geez...."
I instantly get nervous after looking at that graceful appearance. My brain doesn't work really well, it might only be half of its usual capacity right now. I intended to get used to her as her friend from now on, but she casually dropped a bomb before I managed to do anything.
"Anyway, what did you mean by [I ended up falling in love with you]? Isn't that too quick? We only talked yesterday...."\n"You are right."
Her long hair danced around following the wind, then she leaned her body on the fence.
"You instantly accepted me even though it's my first time complaining about something. Your face kept floating around inside my mind even after I arrived at my house. My heart couldn't stop beating loudly. For the first time in my life, I felt something like that...When I thought about it, I realized that I'm in love with you." \n"You are exaggerating..."
Mai who looks complacent, and me who looks like a fool.
"If Oozuka Mai is getting low-spirited, there's no one who won't try to cheer you up...."\n"But at that moment, the one who was right in front of me and said those words were you, you were the only one."
She pierced my heart with her sharp gaze.
I feel like suffocating.
"That's...don't treat me like I imprinted you...besides, for you to like me just because that one time, no matter how you see it, that's too easy don't you think...?"
The fact that she holds feelings for me and shows it very straightforwardly slowly sinks in, my cheeks are getting hot. To hide my embarrassment I avoid her gaze, but it seems like she misinterpreted my behavior.
"As I thought, it's mutual"\n"That's not it! As a friend! I like you as a friend!"Â Â
I never imagined that I would talk to her so casually like this...and it's just in the span of two days.
I realized that I gave her a very embarrassing answer, but her reply was the worst.
"You misunderstood, Renako. You like me as a lover."\n"Just make sure that you won't collect troublesome enemies by that attitude of yours okay!?"
Me, a simple commoner, slowly took distance from her. She will brainwash me at this rate, I should put my guard up.
"Why are you so reluctant to accept my feelings? Is it because I'm a woman?"\n"That's...not really the case, I think."
In fact, there are some girls who would perfectly be okay dating girls because she's Oozuka Mai whoâs a half beauty and working as a pro model.Â
She also came from a super rich family and has a kind personality. If she's the most beautiful girl in this school, without any doubt she'll also gloriously take the coolest person title among the boys. She has a good reflex and is skilled at sports at the level she could jump off from the rooftop without any scratch. She's really the very definition of a super darling....
Please take note that this is from a general point of view, totally unrelated with my feelings toward her.
"Looks like your pulse isn't getting faster."\n"Of course! Impossible, it's totally impossible!"
Also, please don't get that close so suddenly, it makes me anxious!
I once again avoided this crazy beauty that has been observing me since earlier.
"Hey, let me make this clear. What I want is friends. Someone who stays beside me during my times in high school and having fun together. What I want is a best friend."
Yeah, that's how I picture my perfect high school life. Although, I also want to have a lover but that's for later in the future.
If I become friends with Mai, I already imagine our fun days by hanging out together, playing games in each other's houses, I wanted to spend my days having fun like that.
But what she wants might be different from me.
"Huh...that's pretty similar with lovers, don't you think?"\n"Of course not! In the first place, it's not like lovers have a higher standing than best friends! Those two are completely different things!"\n"But, Renako. For you to choose to keep being best friends after getting confessed by someone you like, that's pretty twisted, don't you think? Or do you prefer a casual relationship with only being physical? Isn't that the same as being unfaithful....?"
This girl! Are we even talking about the same thing now?!
"Fool! Why are you so insistent on me being in love with you!"\n"Is there anyone whoâs not in love with me?"\n"Aaah! Geez. Whatever, stupid, stupid. Oozuka Mai!"
What a woman.Â
Me from yesterday, how could you think that you would become her best friend? This is so confusing.
"Let me get things straight. We only started high school right now. But, if later we broke up, of course it would become awkward between us. I have no other choice to leave you guys and join other circles, and that's a bit...Of course we don't want that to happen, right? That's why, I don't want to get into an unstable relationship like lovers!"
Just like treating a toddler, she's smiling gently toward me.
"I see. I think I can understand that concern of yours. It's better to have a relationship one step behind to make sure that everything is going smoothly, what a lovely point of view. But you don't have to worry, it's okay. I assure you that we won't break up."
I don't have that level of confidence you see!
"The reality won't go as smooth as your ideal...Even though it's Mai, if the feelings are suddenly gone one day...that's possible after all."\n"You had that kind of experience before?"
It hits me. I direct my gaze toward Mai with an irritated feeling.
"I don't."
Amaori Renako, years without lovers = her age.Â
Seeing me that being honest, Mai let out a little laugh.
KachiingăŒ
"Yeah I don't, so what!? That's how it works in this world, right? I never heard about relationships that keep being sweet after three years! And how about you?!"
Mai brought her hands to her chest so naturally, just like a bride saying her oath with a gentle gaze.
"Of course not. Iâve never gone out with anyone before."\n"See! As I thought! See!!!"\n"I already decided to make my first as my last one."\n"That's naive!!!"
I hugged my own body, it's not like my cheeks are red, okay? Geez.
I breath heavily while glaring at Mai.Â
"No matter how long we talk about this, our views will never align."\n"That's true. I'm pretty sure that we won't break up, while you insist that we would. That's why you think our relationship as best friends is the best outcome."\n"Your choice of words is bugging me, but well that's the gist of it."
Mai went silent for a while.
Actually, just getting confessed by her like this already confused me more than anything.
Because I'm someone who can't even stand around my own groups properly, for her to date someone like me? That's impossible. I even never fell in love before. Something like dating...that's so foreign for me. If I have Mai as my partner...that's too hard.
I did get avoided during my middle school years...But that's why I want Mai to understand.
I want to be best friends, not lovers. Because that's the best way.
The wind caresses Mai's hair softly, her strands are looking like a thread of lights that get swayed around. She opened her mouth.
"Then, let's make a compromise here."\n"....What do you mean?"
With an expression full of bravery, she suggested her own idea. With that beautiful smile of hers, she started to explain.
"I want us to be lovers, but you want us to become best friends. That's why both of us should work hard to make it a reality."\n"Well, that's, sure."\n"If right now I'm saying something like [If we can't become lovers, then that can't be helped. Just don't talk to me again] it would become a problem for you, right?"\n"Eh, that's...."
My heart throbs harder than earlier. I feel like the floor below my feet is crumbling down.
In short, she will abandon me...?
"That'd be...a problem..."
Hearing my lonely voice and my furrowed eyebrows, Mai got flustered.
"M-my bad. That was just a joke. Of course, I won't do something that would disadvantage you. I don't want to hurt you."\n"I see...It wasnât that bad, it just scared me a bit."\n"Un, well, what was it again? I just want to make you understand that it's a bit impossible for someone you rejected to keep being nice to you."\n"That's...well..."
I don't really get it, but that must be painful.
"That's why...a compromise?"
I tried to push my guts and question her. With a face full of confidence, Mai nods at me.
"That's rightăŒ"
\n
**
\n
What she suggested was something so unexpected.
[We will have days as lovers, and days as friends. By doing that, we can show and present each relationship's benefitsăŒ]
And also.
[And by doing that, we can decide which relationship suits us more. And that's why, we will determine the outcome by this match.]
When I arrived at home, I'm taking my time inside the bath to think over her suggestions. I absentmindedly looked at the ceiling.
Since a long time ago, whenever I have something on my mind, I always think it over a bath. I soak my body inside the lukewarm water. Recently, I feel like my chest has become too big. I don't really know what I should do with it so I shake it a bit using my hand.
"What is this...."
I'm not talking about my body.
Anyway, my head is filled with Mai since earlier. Her laughs are already burned inside my vision. Having a gorgeous look just like an empress, that's unfair. Besides, she also brought her face too close to mine so the image is uselessly stuck inside my head.
We only became friends yesterday, and today she confessed.
And thenăŒ
"Between lovers and best friends, huh..."
Under a sunny weather during summer on the rooftop, she said to me.
[During our days as lovers, I will show you the greatness of having a special relationship. If after all of that and you still persist that being lovers is impossible, then I will back down. It means that I don't have what it takes to make you fall in love with me.]
During the best friends day, the role is reversed. It's my turn to present her the merit of being best friends.
After experiencing both relationships, we should judge which one is better. If one of us admits that the opponent's relationship is better, then it's the opponent's win.
We will begin our special relationship while spending our time as high school students.
It's that kind of game.
"It became something outrageous..."
I soaked my body up until my mouth and blew air to form bubbly water.Â
The period of our trial is until the end of July, which means one month from now. I won't change my mind so I don't think Iâll lose....
The problem is Mai. What should I do to change her mind...This looks difficult.
But I don't intend to give up. Even Iâve already changed. If I hadn't, I wouldn't have been brave enough to accept her proposal and do this match with her.Â
I filled up my fighting spirit and stood up.
"I won't go back to my loner self! I'll show you that I can win! For the sake of my fulfilling high school life!"
I cheered up myself with a loud voice inside the bathroom and my little sister, who accidentally heard the whole thing, was looking at me with eyes full of pity, "Even though I was already convinced that you finally became a proper human..."
I won't get discouraged!
And then, the curtain of the match between me and Mai has been opened.
\n
**
\n
To determine Mai's mode as lovers or best friends, we used her hair-style as the sign just like what she suggested. When she ties up her hair, it means we are doing the best friends mode. If she lets her hair down, it means we are doing the lovers mode.
Considering the whole situation, we are playing a secret game with just us two, honestly it makes me a bit excited.
And on the third day of our match, during lunch break.
I'm clearly showing my displeasure when I walked toward the vending machine to buy my juice. Also, I pulled Mai who tagged along toward a secluded toilet.
"Fumu, so you really want to be alone with me?"\n"That's not it! Wait, that's it, but the meaning is different!"
I make sure that no one is here so I can clearly voice my complaint toward Mai.
"Why won't you tie up your hair! It's been three days and you keep letting your hair down!"
Fufu, she laughs while touching her bangs. She really makes this toilet into something like a flower field just with her presence.
"It's a waste since my hair is so smooth without any single bed hair. It's a given to let it down as a sign of beauty, am I wrong?"
Just like an actress from a shampoo commercial, sheâs flipping her hair with the back of her hand. Her silky blonde hair is fluttering in the air and reflecting the lights make it look glimmering.
"But that means we can't do our match!"\n"That's true."
She's playing with her hair using her finger.
"But we already became friends for these two months. It won't become a problem if we make the lovers trial have more days, right? If not, it would become kind of unfair, don't you think?"
While saying that, she puts her arms around my waist.
"Wa-wa-wait!?"\n"It's okay, right? We are lovers today so it's not a problem if we act as a couple "\n"W-we are in school...what if we are being seen by someone....!"\n"I don't really mind."
Even a minor movement from her arms make me flinch. Body touch between high school girls is something like a greeting, but hers are different.
From her touches, her feelings...more likely desires...are being conveyed to me....I'm not playing with you, I'm being serious...is what I caught from her movements.
"P-please do mind....Hey, your hands feel kinda indecent...."
She taps her fingers on my hips, and then slowly goes below. When she arrives at my bottoms, I bravely slap the arms of a beauty.
"Why are you touching me like that....So you were that kind of person? Do you really like me that much anyway?"
I flew out a feint jab that I intended as an attack, but she received it perfectly.
"Yeah, I like you."
Straight jab.Â
This girl...really...if she said it like that of course I will get embarrassed....
Mai freezes stiff for a bit and then proceeds to caress my back. She smiles brightly, it reminds me of a golden retriever. It's like she's marking me.
"I don't have any distinguishing features so why would you like me...I don't understand...."\n"I see. While showing your lack of confidence, you can make me shower you with compliments and words of love. Were you scheming this? Even though you insist that you don't want to become lovers with me? That's a clever tactic, you are a sneaky one." \n"That's wrong! It's 100% my true feelings! Don't treat me like I'm a super spoiled girlfriend!"
Once again, I brush aside her arms, this starts to resemble a Kung-Fu movie.
"Listen, I can't really stand that part of yours. This is impossible! Because you are always being like this!"\n"Hoo?"\n"You always have this massive amount of confidence and an expression like everything you wanted will become reality! You must think that by giving me a little nudge I'll totally fall for your trap, but youâre mistaken!"
I already learnt a lot from these past three days. I can't speak vaguely to her because my point won't get across. If I'm not saying my rejection clearly, she would twist my words into something that benefitted her.
This anger is part of my strategy to face her.Â
The me who always observes other people's expressions during conversations, looking for the right timing to respond to someone', trying to keep laying low and not being overeager inside the circle, always paying attention to my surroundings, that me is no longer here! Because it won't help me to cross swords with Mai!
"I see."
She placed her hand on her chin. Mai has an expression like she's thinking about [why would this commoner get angry with me because I left the rice from my sushi], those kinds of eyes.
"But, even though you said that, up until now everything has successfully gone as I planned."\n"......................"
I'm lost for words.
O-Oozuka Mai....
Even my harsh rejection card doesn't work at all. She puts her hand on top of my hand elegantly while stroking it.
"I won't ever give up, that's why you are the one who should."
For the third time, I slap her hand again.
"Aaah, somehow, forget about lovers or best friends! Before that, I really want to destroy that logic of yours where everything in this world would proceed according to your plan..."
After hearing my words, she's unexpectedly smiling.
"That are pretty harsh words, not something I expected from a lover. Or could it be that you are the type of woman who will say something like that to your beloved?"\n"Probably, umm I wonderâŠAh, losing interest already?"\n"No, it makes me like you even more."\n"Why?!"
I hold my head again while she's laughing gracefully.
"For me who always had everything I planned become reality, having one thing that doesn't go according to my ideal is exciting. Besides, having you together with me makes me able to say something selfish. From now on, please keep scolding me."\n"Don't say something to make me want to scold you!"
Looking at her face that looks happy getting reprimanded, I really can't understand her!
\n
After we spent our intimate moment as lovers (ironically), we headed back to the classroom. My friend from the same circle, Sena Ajisai greeted me with a melodious "Welcome ba~ck".
"I have a question for Renako-san. Who would you pick as lovers? Someone rich but their appearance is a bit lacking, or someone who has a good face but is poor?"\n"Eh, eeeh?"
I think the sudden question came from the magazine on top of her desk. She looks up to me and smiles.
"I asked about that, but honestly something like rich or poor isn't really important, right? The best one is someone whoâs kind and treat me well."
For her to show me that angel-like smile...At this rate she will wash away all of my annoyance over Mai just by using that smile.
"Ah, but I might prefer someone mature rather than childish"\n"Aah, you have two younger brothers, right?"\n"Yep, theyâre really bratty that it troubled me, but theyâre cute."
Ajisai-san looks like a petite fairy while saying it, she's so adorable.  Â
Her trademark is curled hair with an angel's feathers bang. She has a soft air around her, just by being in the class, the mood will turn soft instantly.\n(<b>TL Note:</b> For you guys who don't know, apparently angel's feathers bang is a thing in Japan. It's kinda funny so I didn't localize it. Besides, Ajisai really is an angel so it fits her)
Inside Mai's group, she's the most sensible person among us. Her smile is super lovely, and she's kind with everyone.
She really has the air of [everyone's ideal girl].
That's why, the moment Ajisan-san hates me, I think that's the end of my life. Scary.
"Ajisai-san, your presence is really soothing me. Someone whoâs able to date you must be the happiest person alive...."\n"Ehh? If you suddenly praise me like that, you won't get anything other than my smile, you know?"
With a friendly grin, she puts her hands into a peace sign.
Cu-cute.....it's an angel....
If the one who confessed to me is Ajisai-san rather than Mai, I might get troubled. But I can't. Ajisai-san is everyone's angel, I can't hog her for myself.
For now, the two of us are talking about the popular drama thatâs currently airing. (â» Even though I have communication problems, if it's just the two of us, I can manage it somehow!) When we are talking, Mai, the elegant-beauty Satsuki-san, and the little sister character Kaho-chan are back.
It becomes noisy all of a sudden.
"Hey hey, listen to me, y'see, apparently Mai got her exclusive membership for a hotel pool! Isn't that amazing? It's terrific, right? Haa how nice, a pool! Pool!"\n"Kaho, do you like pools that much? Aren't you just being jealous?"\n"Well that's also true! You aren't, Saa-chan? A luxurious hot-water pool! Reclining chairs! Bar counters! Mai in an outstanding swimsuit!"\n".....Rather that jealousy, it purely annoyed me. It suits her too much"
Mai, surrounded by Kaho-chan and Satsuki-san, are laughing while questioning their statement. With her dignified appearance, she really emits the aura of an empress.
Oozuka Mai, Sena Ajisai, Koto Satsuki, Koyanagi Kaho....and Amaori Renako. These five are people from Mai's group. When they are together, one side of the class will turn into a cave of crystals, it's bright.
This is very overbearing. Look at the other students, they are glancing into this direction.
Mai is the center of attention wherever she goes, but that also applies to the other members. Of course, all the members other than me!
\n
\n
Just by being around them, the standard for appearances are soaring high. Their presences are, like, scattering happiness around to their surroundings.
It's not like I prefer girls like Mai, but as I thought, cute girls with a cute appearance are cute. Just by looking at them I felt overjoyed.
While I'm busy erasing my presence, the group's mood-maker, Kaho-chan, is calling for our attention.
"Hey, let's go shopping for clothes after school! Summer clothes! I need some!"\n"No. I'm busy"\n"Oh my, Satsuki-san, have some errands?"\n"Self-study."
Ajisai-san responded with a "Waah~" and looks moved. Meanwhile Kaho-chan looks disgusted while saying a simple "Uwee" with a bitter face.
"Forget that! You have a highly educated college student image after all, it's okay if you are not studying! Hey hey, let's go! Let's go~!"\n"Annoying."\n"Meanie!"
Mai laughs while looking at their antics.
"Even if you work that hard, I'll be the one who wins on the next test."\n"You....Yooouuu.......!!!"
Looking at Satsuki-san who lets out a killing intent, deep down I also feel for her.
"Sounds good, I also want to look for casual clothes, you see. Hey, what about you, Rena-chan?"\n"Eh? Ah, I..."
A sudden conversation pass from Ajisai-san, I freeze up for a moment. I answer her question while raising my hands.
"O-, o-o-o-of, of course I will accompany you"\n"Eh, Rena-chan, you are shaking."\n"T-t-that's not true."
While swinging my hands and pretending to be calm, I tried my best to keep my smile.
[Don't ever reject someone's invitation to hang out.]
This is something like an unwritten rule for me.Â
Even though I should spend my after school with this group which would emptied my social gauge and make me pass out.\nI should never let out any negative behavior in front of them. Without fail.
I won't repeat the same mistakes.
I'm doing my best to keep up my timid smile plastered on my face when Mai continues the conversation.
"Un, going with everyone is the best option...is what I would like to say, but-"
Mai glances at Satsuki-san's direction, "Satsuki has her studies."
Satsuki-san looks a bit surprised. I see, so sheâs actually willing to go if everyone is really going.
And then Mai glances at me. Huh?
"It's unfortunate but I also have my own arrangements for today. That's why, let's do the shopping next time."
Just like usual, the final decision is up to Mai. Everyone is already used to this and sounds their agreement. Judging from the situation, the only one who realized is me.
The fact that she's helping me.
She casually protects me with that strength and kindness.
There's me who feels glad seeing Mai being considerate of me, it's a bit complicated actually. Her kindness is due to her feelings for me, that's why I should appreciate her behavior properly this time...
No, but, even between friends, it's normal to help each other, right...? I see, it's normal, perfectly normal. Then, it's okay. Thank you, Mai! The conflict inside my head has ended peacefully.
"Kaho, tomorrow we have a quiz, right? It's better if you hurriedly go home and study. Also, Satsuki, even though you will never beat me anyway, your effort is splendid. Please do your best."\n"Why did I become friends with this girl..."\n"Now, now...."
Ajisai-san tries to calm the situation.
From the outsider's perspective, the two of them look like they are on each other's throat, but the two of them have actually been friends since before entering high school. They are on good terms enough to fight each other after all.
I said âfight each other" but itâs more like something one-sided from Satsuki-san where she would always challenge herself to defeat Mai....At first, I was kinda stupefied by their antics, but now it has become a daily occurrence and I just went along with it.
"Geez...whatever. I understand that you are that kind of person for a long time."
Satsuki-san chooses to go along with Ajisai-san's effort to calm the situation with a huge sigh.
Complaining by herself to keep Mai from being presumptuous and ending the whole charade at the right time is her style.
"Ahahaha...well, today we will do nothing then."
Just like concluding the result of our discussion, I calmly spoke. Kaho-chan also laughs while saying,
"Then, next time we should absolutely go!"
As long as it's Mai who decides the final decision, no one would get displeased by the outcome. It would become a âwell, it can't be helped thenâ kind of situation. It might be what they call charisma.
"Ah, hey."Â
For once again, Kaho-chan begins the new topic.
"Recently, did something happen between Mai and Rena-chan? You guys are kinda getting along?"\n"Eh?!"
Uwa, she's so sharp. I ended up letting out an exaggerated reaction.
"T-that's not the case! It's normal!"\n"The way you reject her notion is hurting me."\n"Eh, ah, sorry!"
When I almost bow my head and look at her, she's laughing at me. She's just messing with me!
"Look, that kind of thing! The way they exchange gazes is kind of erotic!"
E-ero...?!
I don't really know how to answer Kaho-chan's accusation and get confused by myself. Satsuki-san swiftly chops Kaho-chan's head.
"Amaori is getting troubled, you know. Besides, you are being too observant toward Mai."\n"Do I have any other choice? I'm Mai's fan! Look, here! Idol's color!"
Kaho-chan shows her ribbon on her hair. She looks like a cute girl that often appears in something like an idol hand-shake event.
Satsuki-san furrowed her eyebrows deeper when she saw the yellow-colored ribbon that supposedly has the same color as Mai's hair.
"Even though she's just a cocky bastard character like this, I don't really understand her good points."\n"Eeeh? Mai-chan is a really good girl, right?"\n"Ajisai surely gets it."
Rather than Mai who laughs together with Ajisai-san agreeing over the same thing, I sympathize more with Satsuki-san's remark.
I see, inside this group, the only one who understands Mai's true nature is Satsuki-san...I didn't know that...
I become calmer when I understand the nature of this group. Suddenly, someone hugs me from the back.
"Hyoee!?"\n"But, that's right."
I can feel Mai's breath on my ears. I get instant goosebumps all around my body. In front of these people!? Ah right, she said that she doesn't mind back then!
Mai slowly puts her hands around my stomach from behind and laughs.
"Renako started becoming my fan some time ago"
Like hearing a princess' decree, Ajisai-san simply laughs, Satsuki-san treated it coldly, and Kaho-chan looks surprised. "Why!?" and questions Mai. While looking at the othersâ reactions she's messing with my hair.Â
This is really like an everyday occurrence, the only one whoâs different from the usual is me. I took a deep breath while holding my chest, Kaho-chan in front of me is pointing at me sharply.
"Rena-chan, your face is bright red!"
Ugh.
Really, whatâs her problem. I secretly glare at the person whoâs laughing since earlier. I really don't understand why she likes me....
I'm someone who isn't kind and angelic like Ajisai-san, I also am very different from the mature and cool Satsuki-san, I'm not adorable and bright like Kaho-chan.
I really don't get it. Is it just an elaborate prank from these bright characters to deceive me, or Mai is simply a weirdo.
\n
<b>***</b>
\n
"Explain!"\n"Whatâs wrong?"\n"This situation! That's obvious, right! What about [I also have my own arrangements for today] back then?! Is your errand playing together with me? Why did I totally have no idea about this!?"\n"You're right. Thank you for accompanying me today."
She smartly forced me to end this conversation by thanking me with a smile while I kept clenching my hands since earlier.
But still, it's true that I didn't reject her invitation back then. Besides, it makes me glad when she smiled happily after I accepted her invitation, I can't really refute that.
She puts her tea cup down while wearing a swimsuit.
That's natural.
Because right now, we are inside a very luxurious hotel poolside in Akasaka District.\n(<b>TL Note:</b> Akasaka District is known as a high-class district in Tokyo)
"What is this situation!"
Once again, I can't help but shout about the whole situation.
In fact, compared to hanging out together with five of us, I can reduce my MP consumption, but going out with just the two of us makes me nervous, it's a given.
Then this can't be helped. I will tag along with her. Right now, we are lovers anyway.Â
"We arrived." Mai said in front of a very luxurious hotel.
I'm shocked. I couldn't move my legs so Mai dragged me in with a carefree attitude. She entered the hotel so naturally like it's hers. She tapped her special card in the elevator and we reached the VIP Suite floor.Â
I only ever saw something like this inside a movie where a bunch of people in suits walk around in this kind of corridor. Even though Mai only wore her uniform, there's no feelings of discomfort at all. The only one who looked very out of place here was me.
At that pace, Mai, who received her swimsuit from the front-desk, was changing while I kept on wearing my uniform. After that, we were having tea at the poolside...that's the gist of it.
Inside this indoor pool I saw people who look like gorgeous madams, or someone who looks like a CEO, and in the other direction there's also a foreigner with a great style....
When I'm looking at the menu, the price is not listed.
"Eh....how much is this...? It's not something with a price like 2,000 yen/cup, right...?"\n"As long as youâre a member, these services are free of charge. This time, I already made your membership card so next time you can just come alone and enjoy your time."\n"I feel like there's a hole in my stomach now!"
Due to my vigorous retort, I accidentally look at Mai's swimsuit figure which Iâve avoided to look at since earlier.Â
Uuhh...
She wore a scarlet bikini, both the top and bottom.
She has a slender body with no extra meat. It seems like Mai's 'will' also worked on her body because her figure is perfectly proportioned.
When I'm looking at her bikini figure like this, it reminds me of my doll I received during my childhood...
"Rather than not resembling a Japanese person, it's more likely that you don't resemble a normal human at all...if you had pointy ears like an elf, it would make everything become realistic."
I was protesting against her changing into a swimsuit back then, but after seeing her body, I think it's a natural thing to do...she just looks so great in that swimsuit.
I put her recommended rose-hip tea on my mouth, uwaa, this is certainly good...At first, I thought something like this wouldn't be enjoyable for an amateur like me, but this tea is refreshing and easy to drink. I will definitely buy something like this everyday. But wait, no, this thing must be crazily expensive!
"Anyway, why didn't you change into a swimsuit, Renako?"
It's a fact that wearing a uniform looks weirder in place like this. The feeling of embarrassment is a given since I'm the only one. But above all of that...with Mai and her perfect body here, it's impossible for me to just take off my clothes and wear swimsuit!
"Is that so? Well it's okay. I'm not really in a mood to swim anyway."
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\n
"Even though you already changed."\n"Because, if I chose to dip into the water I would have to tie up my hair, right? If I do that, our date will dissolve into nothing just like bubbles"\n"....Ah, we did have that kind of rule."
I see, she properly protected the hair style rule.
She lifted her fancy tea cup and enjoyed the scent with an elegant smile.
"That's why, let us enjoy this special moment between me and you. The time just for the two of us."\n"Aaah, okay..."
The only sound around us is the sound of water. The time is flowing calmly while we spend our time together. Compared to our time at school, I feel like we went into a completely different dimension.
But I don't hate this. Seeing the wonder of Mai's beauty with her swimsuit, I feel like I can't take my eyes off her figure.
Our hardships, our weariness, everything is melted away by the sensation of the rose-hip tea.
It's frustrating, but it calms me. As expected from a place that she recommended with a huge confidence. While enveloping the cup with my hands, I slowly opened my mouth.
"......Thank you"\n"Un? What is it? That's unexpected. It's cute, Renako."\n"D-dummy"
I grumbled while hiding my lips with the tea cup.
"Because...I should admit that this kind of thing is good, and I will never be able to come here alone if it's not with you...That's why, thank you for bringing me here...kind of gratitude."\n"Fufufu."\n"You are grinning like crazy...."\n"Put aside the situation, if I can make you happy, then it's not a problem to use up the advantage of being lovers, you know?"\n"Yeah yeah...I'm really thankful. The only thing that I'll admit here is your good sense. Geez."
It really is frustrating, but this time I will let her enjoy this mood....
I'm staring at the pool before me. It is so spacious with crystal clear water. It seems those lamps are used when the night falls.
...From now on, I'll spend more time together with Mai like this. I'll change into a swimsuit, and weâll play in the water together. That sounds like...a tempting suggestion....is what I think.
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<b>*</b>
\n
"Well then, see you tomorrow."\n"Aa, see you tomorrow. But is it really okay to not escort you home? It's in the same direction, right?"\n"It's okay. Until here is enough"
We are in front of Akasaka Station ticket gate. It looks like she called her car to pick her up. As expected, I can't let her do more than this, she spent a lot of her money for me after all.
"I see...well then, let's part here."
She said that, but even with my poor mood reading skill, I can easily understand. It's my first time seeing that lonely and sorrowful expression from our school's super darling.
"Come with your hair tied tomorrow, just enter your best friend mode already."\n"Aa, that's right. Iâm not satisfied yet, but I'll tie it up since today was fun."
Pat, pat. She gently stroked my head with a carefree attitude with her warm hand.
To avoid being a nuisance for the passersby, we are standing in the corner right now. But the chance to get seen by anyone is still there. Moreover, Mai kept receiving glances from a lot of people since then.
"No, umm..."
Her slender fingers are moving toward my chin. Just like playing with a precious jewel, she moves her hand to my neck with a delicate movement.
Her face is getting closer, just like a natural hunter that succeeded in catching her prey, she smoothly restrained my movement just by her touches.
But I still manage to slip my palm between our lips. I'm staring at Mai.
"...We haven't even gone out for one week yet and you want a kiss? I'm not that easy to get."
I tried to put on a bluff, she responded by narrowing her eyes. In the next moment, she already grabbed my wrist. She just destroyed my line of defense.
"Hiee!"
Without any guard on my lips, her face is coming closer.Â
Wa-wait, wait, this is, MaiăŒÂ
Just before they touch each other, Mai stops her movement.
"...Fuee?"\n"Being forceful is not my liking. I will endure it just by this."
Mai brings her face closer and puts her lips on the tip of my nose.
The sound of lips hitting my face brings back the ability to move my body.
"!?"
I hurriedly step back and put my hands on my mouth. Wha, wha, wha....
Just now! Her lips! A kiss! Just now!
"Renako is really cute."
That's wrong! It's not like that! This panic is not from a kiss! Besides, it was just my nose! I just thought that I would be able to stop her from advancing but it turned out that she kept attacking! I was just surprised! Geez!
"It's not like...anyway, it's not like that!"
When she showered me with her affection like that, it makes me feel like a lost duck in the middle of a vast lake. When we faced each other like this, I realized that she's too tough as an enemy. I'm slowly losing my confidence to fight her.
The tip of my nose feels like burning.
"Anyway! Next time you should come as my best friend! I'll teach you the charms of being best friends!"
Just like covering the heat on my face, I let out a loud voice while glaring at her. As I thought she's enjoying this.
"I'll look forward to it. To think that I would be able to enjoy the date course you carefully planned for my sake. It's now my time to use up the advantage of being best friends."\n"It's not a date! Wait, an outing between best friends is also often referred to as a date, even though it's only joking. Aaah, girls are so troublesome!"\n"Then, it's better if we just become lovers, isn't it? It's a handful to keep switching between two relationships like this, don't you think?"\n"It's okay! You are being noisy! Let's do it, being best friends! I'll show you!"
Mai only shrugs her shoulders. At the end, I only managed to act like a spoiled child. This is a huge failure...
"Fufu, well then, Renako. I'm really grateful for today. I'm also looking forward to your plan."\n"Yeah yeah! I'll go now since the train is arriving. See you!"\n"See you later...I like you, Renako. Next time we kiss, it will be on your lips."
Tap, she pokes my tip of nose and then walks away. The me whoâs still standing still on the same spot only managed to let her face become redder than before.
Aaaah geez! That girl! That girl!!
I carry on with my steps. Today she really got me.
The me who gazed at her dashing figure from behind makes me look like I'm in love with her, that's why I insert power to my body and turn my body to walk away.
I'm tired. I used up all of my tactics, it's tiring.
As I thought, being lovers is suffocating.
Being bashful, being embarrassed, getting self-conscious and making me nervous.
These things are not fun at all.
"...Just wait, Mai. I'll show you the joy of being best friends."
I said that in a very low voice that no one can hear me. My spirit has recharged once I arrived at my station.
As if I will keep getting carried away by her pace! I'll show you, Mai!
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<b>*****</b>
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For more detailed info about the novel, click here
<b>Credit:\nTL and everything else: Meatbun\nProofread: Mai88</b>