"So, does this mean you're going home with Maki-kun for the three-day weekend at the end of next month? I'm so jealous~ So jealous~! I wanna visit Umi's grandma too!"
"Yuu, you just had a blast abroad until the day before yesterday. Try to be a little patient."
"Hmph~ Fine. In that case, I'll just hang out with Nina-chi and Nagisa-chan. Nina-chi, let's do tons of fun stuff during the long weekend, okay?"
"I don't really mind, but I think I'll pass on hanging out with Arae-cchi… Though her personality has gotten a lot softer lately, so I suppose it shouldn't be a problem."
The all-too-short long weekend flew by in a flash, and now it was a regular Monday. With Amami-san back from her trip, the five of us were casually chatting about what happened over the past few days.
The main thing we were talking about was, of course, Amami-san's stories from her trip abroad and the souvenirs she brought back, like sweets. They weren't anything particularly unusual—chocolates and biscuits—but they had a different flavor from the snacks I was used to, and I thought they were good in their own way.
"Man, first a sleepover at Asanagi's house, and now you're visiting her grandmother's place? You guys haven't even been dating for half a year. Aren't you rushing things a bit? Maki, are you getting married next year or something?"
"No, that's not happening, but… well, you could say it's the result of a series of coincidences."
After discussing it with Umi over the rest of the long weekend, it was decided that I would join her on her visit next month. Daichi-san had already contacted her grandmother about it, and surprisingly, she gave her permission without a second thought.
I had no idea what kind of conversation Daichi-san and Mizore-san had… but was it really okay for her to agree so easily?
"I just looked it up on my phone," Nina said, "and it seems there's a small hot spring town in the village where Asanagi's grandma lives. It looks like it's deep in the mountains, so transportation isn't great, and there aren't many people."
"Yeah," Umi replied. "But it's a pretty nice place. It's surrounded by nature, the air is amazing, and there's a waterfall with clean water where you can play in the river. I've only been there once when I was little, but I remember it being pretty fun."
It seemed it had been a while since Umi last visited her grandmother's house. It was a shame we still didn't get permission for a trip just the two of us, but Umi seemed to be looking forward to this, which was a relief.
Of course, she wasn't going to let the matter of our own trip go that easily.
"That's why I was thinking we should go shopping for clothes and other stuff for the trip sometime next month," Umi declared. "Maki, you don't have a single decent set of summer clothes."
"Well, I do have T-shirts, shorts, and sandals at home…"
"I mean for going out. That's fine if you're just hanging out in the neighborhood, but this time we're going to my grandma's house. I have to pick everything for you from head to toe so you make a good impression."
I couldn't help but think that anything comfortable would be fine for summer, but wearing worn-out clothes wasn't a good look either. It was probably time to finally use the part-time job money I'd been diligently saving for our trip since my birthday. It might cost a bit since it was for going out, but I could rest assured if I left it to Umi. She would surely put together a solid outfit within my budget.
…Somehow, it felt like Umi was managing my part-time job money too, but if I were to use it freely, I'd probably waste it on useless things, so I guessed it was fine.
"Speaking of summer," Nina chimed in, "Asanagi, Yuu-chin, what are you guys doing for swimsuits this year? My body shape hasn't changed, so I can wear last year's, but you two… you know?"
"Ehehe~ Nina-chi, you're staring at us so intently. What are you trying to say? Right, Umi?"
"Nina, you seem to have a death wish."
"N-No, no, it was just a little joke, you two! You both have great figures, so I'm looking forward to seeing your new swimsuits this year. Right, boys?"
"…No comment."
"I'm… busy with club activities, regardless of the season."
I didn't know much about Amami-san, but since I was with Umi almost every day, I could tell the difference from last year like the back of my hand. It started after we began dating, but Umi's body had changed just a little. I didn't plan on saying this in front of everyone, but just between us, her chest had clearly gotten fuller. It meant she'd gained some weight, which I was sure was something that bothered a girl.
Besides, neither I nor Nozomu could be brutally honest and say, "I'm interested in how you look in swimsuits," in this situation. While Nitta-san was getting a headlock from Umi for her slip of the tongue, we guys remained silent. No matter how relaxed the atmosphere was between friends, there were some things you just shouldn't carelessly let slip.
"Oh, Nina-chi, you're hopeless… Ah, but let's go choose cute swimsuits together soon, the three of us. The weather was bad last year, so we couldn't go much. We have to enjoy this summer to the fullest! The beach, the pool, fireworks, festivals… We won't have time for that next year, so we have to have as much fun as we can."
"Yeah! And a wonderful encounter with a handsome guy, too. I'm definitely going to find a good one this year."
"Nina, that's all you ever talk about. Well, that's just like you, though."
The true arrival of summer was still a little way off, but as the sun's rays grew stronger and the temperature rose, my mood lifted as well. The first summer I would be spending with people I was comfortable with—I hadn't decided what we would do yet, but I was looking forward to it.
Later, as we were having some idle chatter about upcoming tests and viral videos on social media, someone secretly poked me in the side. I didn't even need to look to know it was my girlfriend, but I wondered if she had something she wanted to talk about secretly.
…Umi, what's up?
Maki, your phone.
?
As instructed, I casually took out my phone from my pocket. There was a message, probably typed secretly while I was talking with everyone else.
(Asanagi) Hey, Maki.
(Asanagi) Look forward to our shopping trip, okay?
(Asanagi) I'll show you before anyone else.
…Show me what?
It's a sec~ret.
With her usual impish smile, Umi cheerfully rejoined the conversation with Amami-san and Nitta-san. From the flow of the conversation, I had a feeling I knew what Umi wanted to show me.
"…Maki, you and Asanagi were whispering about something again. What was it? The usual stuff?"
"Yeah… well, something like that."
Summer was still a long way off, but my heart was already being completely led astray by Umi's hand.
After the long weekend, I somehow managed to drag my body, still not out of vacation mode, through May with studying and my part-time job. In June, as originally promised, we went into the city for a shopping date for the first time in a month. We had one chance for an outing during Golden Week, but I got sick from the crowds and couldn't enjoy it. Seeing the city back to its usual self, I let out a sigh of relief.
"Hey Umi, about the shopping, what should we do first?"
"I don't mind either way, but… by the way, Maki, are you the type to eat your favorite food first? Or save it for last?"
"A sudden question? …Well, if I have to choose, I guess first. It's not bad to save the fun for later, but whether it's hot or cold, it'll get lukewarm if you leave it."
"Hmm, so when you're faced with something you like, you can't hold back and just devour it. You're really hopeless."
"What a way to put it. Alright, then let's do your shopping first."
"Roger that. Well then, off to the swimsuit section it is."
"She's not even trying to hide it anymore."
To tackle the main event of today's shopping for me (and probably for Umi, too), we went into a store inside the station building. As expected at this time of year, most of the prominent displays at the storefronts were summer items. The mannequins dressed in refreshing, cool-looking clothes were the first thing that caught my eye.
"Oh, it looks like they're having a sale starting today. Come on, Maki, don't be shy, over here."
"Whoa… I-I know, you don't have to pull me so hard…"
It seemed there was already a special section for women's swimsuits, and upon seeing it, Umi firmly grabbed my arm and pulled me inside.
"Welcome. What are you looking for today?" a clerk greeted us.
"It's a bit early, but I'd like to see some swimsuits for the summer. Do you have any new cute ones?"
"Of course. It's actually a good idea to buy early so you can get everything ready. Oh, is he your boyfriend perhaps? Please don't hesitate and take your time looking around."
"Ah, no, please don't mind me…"
There weren't many customers in this section, but so far, I was the only guy here. There were men's swimsuits in the corner, so there shouldn't have been a problem with just looking… but what was this hard-to-describe, mysterious pressure?
I thanked the clerk who guided us to the rack of new swimsuits. Now, I had to wait patiently until Umi chose something she was satisfied with and, at times, fulfill my role of giving my honest opinion.
"What kind of swimsuit do you like, Maki? Judging from the 'magazines' I found in the back of your bookshelf, you seem to like the revealing ones."
"Um, could you please not casually mention that you've already searched my room?"
That was just my preference for 'magazines.' When it came to the swimsuit I wanted my girlfriend to wear, it felt like a completely different story. Umi was cute and had a great figure, so no matter what she wore, even a swimsuit, it would surely look good on her. There were things like swimsuit designs and whether they suited an individual's body type, so it would have been fine if she chose the one she liked the most. But knowing Umi's personality, that probably wouldn't be the case. She would surely decide by taking my opinion into account as much as possible.
"Maki, you can be honest, you know? Whether you prefer something cute with less exposure, or if you're okay with something else. I'm only going to show it to you anyway."
"Eh? Only to me… I thought we were choosing one for you to wear this year?"
"Nope. Today is just for my grandma's house, and I'm planning to choose another one with Yuu and the others later. It'll cost a bit, but this time is special."
"Oh, I see…"
I thought she was going to get through this summer season with whatever she chose today.
Just to show me, huh. Thinking that, I suddenly started to feel a mix of happiness and embarrassment.
"There are so many, you'd probably have a hard time choosing, Maki, so pick from a few that I liked. That should be easier, right?"
"Okay. Then, I'll be waiting in that rest area over there. Call me when you've picked out the candidates—"
"No-pe."
And so, I had to endure this atmosphere for a little while longer. Feeling the presence of the clerk watching us with a warm smile from behind the register, I started swimsuit shopping with Umi.
Even just looking at the ones on display, I noticed there were many different types of women's swimsuits. There were some revealing ones like you'd see in gravure magazines, but those were just a fraction of them. It seemed that highly fashionable ones that looked like regular clothes and those designed to not emphasize the body line were popular now. It was a completely different world from the sloppy men's section that seemed to say, "We just put out some patterned shorts for now."
"By the way, what do you prefer, Umi? You chose them yourself until last year, right?"
"Of course. Um… last year, I think it was something like this. With frills, not too flashy. It wasn't like there was no exposure, but I wore a jacket over it except when I was swimming, so you don't have to worry, okay?"
"No, it's not like I'm going to be possessive about what happened last year…"
The one Umi picked up was a camisole type with a short top. Her navel would be clearly visible, but it was a swimsuit, so I guessed that was within an acceptable range. Like that, while listening to my opinion on each one, she narrowed it down to three candidates.
Up to this point, Umi's preferences had been reflected, but from here on, it was my job to choose one. Apparently, she'd buy the one I liked the most after seeing her try them on. If Umi was okay with that, then there was no problem, but was it really okay for me, who knew almost nothing about women's swimsuits outside of magazines, to choose based on my own feelings? In any case, it was a huge responsibility.
"Alright, this time I'm really leaving the sales floor, so call me when you're done trying them on…"
"Okay, let's go to the fitting room."
"…Um, why are you holding my waist so tightly?"
Even if we were a couple, it would be bad to go into the fitting room together… or so I thought. But according to the clerk, they had rooms properly partitioned for people with male companions. They'd appreciate it if we refrained from going inside together, but it seemed it was fine to wait by the side of the room.
…It seems there are still many things in society that I don't know about.
"Well then, I'll call you when I'm done changing. Oh, if you'd like, you can come in with me, Maki."
"…"
"Hehe, sorry, sorry. But please give me your honest opinion, okay? Don't worry about what others might think."
"…Roger."
Finally released, Umi disappeared behind the curtain of the fitting room. I sat down on a nearby chair and waited for her patiently like a dog. If I stayed quiet, I might be able to hear the rustle of her clothes as she changed… or so I thought, but thanks to the BGM playing in the store, it seemed I could kill time peacefully.
As I was trying to empty my mind and become a stone statue, Umi, having finished trying on the first one, popped her head out from the gap in the curtain.
"Maki, you can come in."
"Yeah… but the clerk said to refrain from going inside as much as possible."
"She said it's okay for my boyfriend to come in for a little while if I'm worried about prying eyes. It's a nice, flexible shop, isn't it?"
"Is that so… I didn't hear that, though."
In any case, it seemed to be true that there was no problem, so I entered the fitting room at Umi's beckoning. When I passed through the curtain, Umi was standing in a swimsuit in front of a large mirror, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"Um… what do you think?"
"Ah, um…"
Cute.
My feelings came out first. The first one was a camisole-type swimsuit similar to the one Umi bought last year. I had imagined it would look good on her even before she tried it on, but I thought it suited Umi, who, despite her usually mature demeanor, sometimes showed a naive, childlike, and energetic side. So much so that I couldn't help but think that if we had become friends earlier last year, I might have been able to see this with my own eyes. First, I needed clearly tell that to Umi.
"Hmm, I see. It's a similar style to last year's, but you look like you like it. Well then, let's move on to the second one."
"Personally, I think it's fine to decide right away… it would be over sooner."
Kicked out of the fitting room again, I kept my head down like a work of art and waited for her call, just like before. From the outside, I probably looked calm, but my heart was pounding.
"…Maki, come here."
Next, the second one. This one was a type that covered her stomach completely, unlike the first. It might not be suitable for swimming in the sea, but I thought it was sufficient for playing in the water, also in terms of sun protection. It didn't emphasize the body line much either, which was helpful for me, who would have trouble knowing where to look.
"So, what's your impression of this one?"
"First of all, I appreciate that it's less revealing. Also, I think this would be fine for just playing in the river, and it would probably keep your stomach from getting cold, so I'd recommend it for its functionality too."
"Oh, there it is~ Maki's usual line of reasoning. Well, I think this one is the safest choice too. Okay, then, the third one is the last."
"The last one… yeah. Um, call me when you're ready."
"Y-Yeah."
We created a slightly awkward atmosphere before the last swimsuit, but considering the three different types of candidates, it couldn't be helped. The first one was a similar style to last year's, and the second was a safe choice with less exposure. That meant the remaining third one would be a bit of an adventure.
—Um… i-it's okay, right? Yeah, nothing weird is showing. Yep, it's fine, it's fine.
…I could sometimes hear Umi's muttering, but I wasn't listening. Yep, it's okay. There's no problem.
"M-Maki!"
"Y-Yeah."
I quickly entered to avoid being seen and slowly turned my gaze towards Umi.
"E-Ehehe… I thought it was okay when I chose it, but trying it on again, it's actually quite embarrassing. It's also the first time I've shown this much skin to you, Maki."
"I see. Come to think of it, that's true."
Umi and I were always hugging and playing around, showing off our lovey-dovey side to everyone, but we'd never had any "lucky pervert" moments like taking a bath together or accidentally peeking while changing and seeing each other naked. Once, at the end of the year when I was sick, Umi wiped my shirtless body, but that was really it. And of course, the reverse had never happened.
"I tried to be a little adventurous for a change… how is it? Does it… suit me?"
"Well, of course, yeah."
The last one Umi tried on was a complete bikini. In terms of exposure, it was pretty standard for what was in the store… but when someone with a good figure like Umi wore it, there were parts that were inevitably emphasized.
…Honestly, I didn't know where to look.
"Maki, since I went through the trouble of wearing it, give me your honest opinion. I won't get mad if you stare a little."
"If you say so, Umi… then, excuse me."
Feeling my cheeks getting hotter and hotter, I slowly focused my vision on her in the swimsuit.
"Um, should I do a spin or something?"
"Well, feel free."
"Really? Then, just a little."
I carefully watched Umi as she dutifully spun around in front of me. I'd already talked a lot about the exposure, so that was fine. Compared to the previous two, the atmosphere had become more mature. There were no frills, and it was made of a blue-toned material with a dark color that gave a calm impression. Both the top and bottom were tied with strings.
"…Yes, I understand. Thank you for going through the trouble."
"Mm. So, how is it?"
"It's going to be a very personal opinion, but is that okay?"
"Of course. I told you from the beginning that your preference is fine."
I was definitely going to be called a 'perv' or something later, and this would probably be a running joke for a while, but it would be wrong of me to be weirdly considerate here to Umi, who gathered her courage to be adventurous.
"First of all, to conclude, I think this is the one that makes you look the most beautiful… I guess. You have a great figure, Umi, so there's nothing to be ashamed of even if you show it off."
"R-Really? Well, I do work hard on my diet and exercise, so I guess that's to be expected. If you say this is the best one, Maki, I don't mind going to the register with this… but it seems you have more to say."
"…You can tell, huh?"
"Of course. How many years have we been dating?"
"It hasn't even been half a year yet… Anyway, to continue, I also think this is the one I'd least want you to choose out of the three."
I'd be happy if she wore it, but at the same time, a part of me wasn't. It was a complex, contradictory feeling, but as I told Umi beforehand, this was my honest opinion. I didn't intend to be selfish and expect her to understand, so I'd explain it properly with words.
"That… Umi, you look so mature and beautiful in that, and I'm really happy you tried it on for me, but I immediately thought that I don't want anyone else to see it. Generally speaking, swimsuits are for the beach or the pool… in other words, for public places."
The one we were choosing today was just for our upcoming trip, and the condition was that she'd only wear it in front of me, but the possibility of being seen by others wasn't zero since we'd be outside.
"It's fine if I see it, but not other people… simply put, that's how it is."
"I see. Well, I knew that. I realized after we became friends, but you're quite possessive, Maki. Like during last year's cultural festival, if I'm not with you as much as possible, you get lonely right away."
"That's… I probably got it from you, Umi."
When I was all alone, I thought I was comfortable with it. However, now that I've experienced the comfort of having the girl I love by my side, I've become a complete crybaby.
"So, that's all for my opinion on the third one. All things considered, I think either the first or the second one would be good."
"I see… If you say you want to see it, Maki, I don't mind being adventurous. Even if we go out where people can see us, you might be proud to have me by your side, you know?"
"That might be true, but the feeling of not wanting to show you to others is stronger. To me, Umi, you're not an accessory to make myself look better, you're…"
I felt like I'd said more than I needed to, but now that I'd said this much, Umi wouldn't be convinced unless I finished.
"You're what?"
"L-like my treasure… so."
Accessories are for fashion, but I personally think that treasures are something to be kept safe, so my conclusion didn't change. That's how much I cherished Umi more than anyone else. I'd try my best not to be too possessive and controlling, but it was still difficult for me to control the jealousy and possessiveness that had sprouted.
Because Umi was the same way.
"A treasure… huh. Hehe, I see, I see. If you'll say that much, then I guess I'll do as you say, Maki."
"Thank you. In that case, you'll buy either the first or the second one…"
"Nope. I'll take this one."
"…Huh?"
'This one' meant she was buying the one she was wearing now.
"Umm, Umi-san? Were you listening to me?"
"Of course. This is your favorite, right, Maki? So, I'll take this one."
"Uhh…"
"Come on, I'm changing back. Get out, get out. Or does the naughty Maki-kun want to see something other than a swimsuit?"
"Mmm… I'm going to make you tell me the reason, you know."
"It's okay, I know."
Pushed out of the fitting room, I waited for Umi to change with a feeling of frustration. Although she considered my opinion, the final decision was hers. If Umi said, "I'll take this one," there was nothing more for me to say. She must have her own reasons for this choice… In any case, all I could do now was wait.
After a few minutes, Umi came out of the fitting room, back in her original clothes. With a satisfied expression, she told the clerk she'd be buying the third swimsuit and paid for it at the register.
"Maki, thanks for waiting. Alright, next is your clothes."
"Yeah… I'll ask just in case, but are you really okay with that one?"
"Of course. I feel like it's a waste since I can't bring it this time, but I can just bring last year's for that."
"…Shall we talk on the way?"
"Yup."
Umi naturally intertwined her fingers with mine, and we walked side by side to the men's clothing floor on the upper level. Just as we got on the escalator, Umi spoke.
"Maki, what should I do? I bought it."
"Yeah. You were quite adventurous."
"Hehe, sorry. But like I said earlier, I'll only wear this when it's just the two of us, so don't worry. I'll make sure not to wear it outside."
"But then you can't use it as a swimsuit, can you? That seems like a bit of a waste."
"Yeah. But after thinking about it, I also realized I don't want to show my skin to any other guys besides you, Maki… I didn't even care about that until last year."
Just as my inner self had changed after we became a couple, it seemed Umi's state of mind had also changed. Just as I cherished Umi, Umi also cherished me and was trying to show it through her words and actions. The Umi who teased me so much seemed to be just as crazy about me.
"We'll think about what to do with this later… Maki, I gathered a lot of courage to choose this, so you can't make a sloppy face at other girls, okay? You're only allowed to be all lovey-dovey and look at me with those pervy eyes, okay? Promise. Got it?"
"Yeah. Well, I'm completely smitten with Umi right now, so I don't think that's a possibility."
For some reason, there were a lot of girls around me, but the only one I felt attracted to as a member of the opposite sex was Asanagi Umi. I thought people like Amami-san and Nitta-san were cute… but that was just in terms of appearance, and I could only see them as 'friends.'
"Oh, but you can definitely look forward to last year's swimsuit too. It's plain compared to the one I bought today, but it's still cute."
"I see. If you say so, then I'll look forward to it."
"Yeah. Of course, 'this one' too, eventually… right?"
And so, Umi, back in her little devil mode, clung tightly to my arm with a mischievous smile. I was trying my best not to be too conscious of it, but… Umi, her chest really seemed to have gotten even fuller. Nitta-san had also mentioned it briefly. Would last year's swimsuit even fit, size-wise?
I'd never say it out loud, but for now, that was my only worry.
With the main event of today's date (as I saw it), choosing Umi's swimsuit, successfully over, next was choosing my clothes. Although we still had to choose Umi's clothes as well, we'd already gone through an exciting event at the beginning, so personally, I felt like I was fine with whatever happened next.
"Maki, can I choose everything for you today? We can't do anything about your slightly unhealthy-looking face, but we should at least make your clothes look clean."
"I do go to bed before midnight, though… I've told you my budget, so I'll leave it to you."
I tried to sleep at the same time every day to avoid an irregular sleep cycle, but the time it took for me to fall asleep varied greatly, and there were times when I spent over two hours in bed searching for the optimal sleeping position. When Umi was by my side, I could fall asleep in less than five minutes… but that was being too clingy, so I needed to find ways to exercise more.
"Hehe, now then, which one should I choose~ I guess you don't have to be overly fashionable, but I want to see a different side of you sometimes… Maki, could you try this and this on? Oh, and that hat over there too."
Umi, with a happy look on her face, agonized over various outfits that would suit me, probably because she could let her tastes run free. I couldn't tell if they suited me or not with my skewed fashion sense, but when I occasionally heard her unconsciously mutter, "Yeah, you look cool," I couldn't help but think that I didn't look half bad myself. Being praised by the girl I love was, after all, a very good feeling.
About an hour passed. It took a little longer because Umi was so enthusiastic, checking almost every rack in the men's section, but we finally put together a set that satisfied her, from top to bottom.
"…Yeah. I feel like we could make it look a little better, but that would probably take the whole day, so let's compromise here. Maki, what do you think at a glance?"
"I think it looks great. This should be fine in front of your grandma."
The top was a simple summer knit and the bottom was denim shorts, but because they were simple, the overall look was adjusted with accessories like a bracelet and a hat. I'm not a fan of flashy patterns like aloha shirts or clothes that show a lot of skin like tank tops, so the fact that she took that into consideration also showed her thoughtfulness. I got more tired than I expected because I tried on so many other candidates, but I'm glad that both Umi and I were satisfied with the choice.
…We went a little over budget, but we could just save on lunch and other things. I'd heard somewhere that fashion sometimes requires patience, and this was probably what it was about. Probably.
"Alright. We bought the swimsuit, got your clothes, things are going smoothly. Now that we're done with that, let's take a break. You must be pretty tired since I dragged you around, right?"
"Well, to be honest, a little. I'm a bit hungry too, so shall we get something sweet?"
"Sounds good. Thanks for the treat."
"Jeez, you're so quick to take advantage… Well, I've budgeted for that separately, so it's fine."
"Yay! In that case, let's go to the all-you-can-eat sweets place in the basement. We don't have much time, but it's easy on the wallet."
With my girlfriend, shopping and having a snack. Just for today, we were enjoying a holiday like any other student couple, but since we usually just chilled at my place, spending time like this once in a while was a nice change of pace. The only downside was that there were people around when we wanted to be lovey-dovey… though I could almost hear someone pointing out that we were already a huge lovey-dovey couple. But Amami-san and Nitta-san weren't here right now, so let's just think that.
"~♪ ~♪♪"
Feeling Umi cheerfully humming beside me, we left the sales floor for a short break. It was about to be four in the afternoon, and the number of customers was gradually decreasing, so after our break, we could probably shop with a little less concern for prying eyes.
As I was vaguely thinking about that and looking at the flow of people, I suddenly spotted someone in the corner of an accessory shop, looking around uncomfortably while staring at the products on the shelf.
"…Hm? Is that…"
A tall man wearing a rugby shirt with a cap pulled down low. He was a head taller than the other men with their female companions, and I could tell he was quite muscular. Somehow, a familiar silhouette.
"? Maki, what's wrong? Did you find something?"
"Ah, yeah. That guy in the black hat over there… see, he's picking up a necklace now."
"Oh, he is. He's acting super suspicious… a shoplifter?"
"No, that's not it… doesn't he look like… Nozomu?"
"Seki? …Ah, now that you mention it, he does."
It was hard to tell since he was in casual clothes, but from his light brown hair and the profile I could see from under his cap, there was no doubt. He seemed to be looking for something, and I thought it would be bad to disturb him… but seeing his lonely back, Umi and I decided to call out to him.
"Nozomu."
"Yo, Seki."
"!? What the—it's you guys. Don't sneak up on me like that, you scared me."
"And yet, you look kind of relieved to see a friendly face. Anyway, Seki, what are you doing here? Skipping practice?"
"No way. Practice was only in the morning today because of the coach's family matters. Besides, it's none of your business where I am or what I'm doing."
"Nozomu is right, but the location is a bit…"
"That's right. I don't think you've noticed, Seki, but you were acting pretty suspicious. To the point where I almost misunderstood for a second."
"Ugh…"
If this were a sporting goods store or the men's fashion floor, we would have just passed by, but this was a women's accessory shop. A guy choosing products all by himself among a crowd of young girls was bound to stand out.
"I-It can't be helped. I rarely come to a place like this, and I have no idea what to choose. But if I don't buy it today, I'll have practice until late at night from tomorrow. The summer preliminaries are coming up soon."
My head was full of the trip right now, but it was true that summer was also the season for club activities. For most of the seniors, the summer tournament was their last, so some clubs practiced even on holidays.
"By the way, were you planning to buy something here, Nozomu? It doesn't seem like it's for you… maybe a present for someone?"
"…Yeah. See, it's Amami-san's birthday next month, right? So, I thought I should at least do the bare minimum as a friend."
"…Hm?"
Amami-san's birthday. Come to think of it, I had completely forgotten. I was so preoccupied with Umi that it slipped my mind, but of course, that day came once a year for Amami-san, Nitta-san, Nozomu, and me too.
"Maki, you don't remember Yuu's birthday? She should have mentioned it when she introduced herself."
"Ah, ahaha…"
"Hey, don't laugh it off. But come to think of it, your birthday was the first one last year and you bombed it so hard you weren't in the right state of mind. So I guess it can't be helped."
"You just reminded me of something unpleasant…"
However, that's how Umi and I got together, so you never know what life has in store.
"So, when is Amami-san's birthday?"
"July 7th. Tanabata. She said her name Yuu also came from that."
"Of course, she said that when she introduced herself too."
"I-I see."
It seemed I was still quite forgetful, not even remembering the birthday of a friend I'd gotten quite close to since last year. By the way, my birthday is August 6th, which everyone else knew. Come to think of it, there were a lot of things to think about this summer besides the summer vacation.
"So, I'm gonna stay here and think about it by myself for a little longer. It might not be a bad idea to get your advice, but then my feelings won't come across properly."
"Hmph. You're trying hard, Seki."
"No, it's not like that. This isn't… I mean, I still like Amami-san, but this is just a present as a 'friend'."
For someone just giving a present as a 'friend,' he looked way too serious. But I thought that was also what made Nozomu, Nozomu. A classic tsundere, you could say.
"…I see. Well, I'm sure Amami-san will be happy to accept it, so don't overthink it too much."
"Yeah, thanks. Oh, and please come cheer for us in the summer preliminaries. It depends on the pairings, but it looks like we can go far this year. My jersey number is 10, but I'm still the ace."
"Got it. Of course, not just me, but everyone else too."
"I'll go if I can."
"Hey, hey, in my experience, less than ten percent of the people who say that actually come."
"But depending on the pairings, it could be on a weekday. Then you can't just casually promise to go, can you?"
"If it's on a holiday. …And you know, lately, Asanagi is starting to look like a second Maki to me…"
We were in different classes at school, but we were still together every day, so it wasn't surprising that we influenced each other. Just as Umi influenced me, I was also influenced by Umi.
"Ah, geez, talking to you lovey-dovey couple is distracting, so just leave me alone and continue your date. See ya."
"Haha… see you at school then."
"See you… By the way, Yuu likes earrings and stuff."
"…Thanks for the advice."
After we finished talking, we left Nozomu there and headed for the escalator to the underground restaurant area as planned.
"Maki, what do you think?"
"? About what?"
"About Seki. Yuu doesn't seem to be keeping her distance from him that much lately… so, I was thinking maybe I could give him a little help."
"Hmm… I'm sure Nozomu would be grateful if you said that, Umi, but…"
It was surprising that the suggestion came from Umi, but that was how much Nozomu was starting to be accepted as a 'friend' by her and the others. But that was just as a 'friend,' and I didn't know how Amami-san's feelings would change from there. I was sure Nozomu, not to mention Amami-san, would want to avoid completely crushing any possibility by meddling unnecessarily. If this were Nitta-san, who was always looking for a relationship, instead of Amami-san, the story would be completely different.
"Hey Umi, what kind of person does Amami-san like?"
"I wonder… From what I've seen, I don't think she knows either right now. I could ask her indirectly, but she'd probably say 'a boy like Umi' with a straight face. Seriously."
"That… I think I can kind of see that."
Her straightforward personality was one of Amami-san's good points, but that didn't mean I knew everything that was in her heart. It's not uncommon for relationships to change drastically during summer vacation, but what would happen to the five of us?
The real beginning of summer was just around the corner.
Summer vacation started next month, but for Umi and me, it probably started today.
The three-day weekend at the end of June had finally arrived. Starting on Saturday, and ending on Monday. This long weekend was given only to the students of our high school. I, who was to accompany Umi and Sora-san on their two-night, three-day visit to their grandmother's house, was heading to the Asanagi residence with my bag packed the day before. Of course, with Umi, who came to pick me up as usual.
The forecast for this three-day weekend was mostly sunny. Today, the sun floating in a cloudless sky was bathing my unhealthy-looking pale skin in its rays. The temperature already felt like the height of summer.
"Maki, hold out your arm. I'll put some sunscreen on you, and your neck too. Oh, your lips are chapped again… Don't just zone out because it's morning, okay?"
"Sorry, I was kind of restless yesterday and couldn't sleep well… I can put on my own lip balm, though."
"It'll be faster if I do it… There, done. It's mine, so it's an indirect kiss, but do you mind?"
"No, not particularly."
Sunscreen, lip balm, antiperspirant spray, sweat wipes, and oil-blotting papers—things I never used until last year were all lined up in my bag. Other than that, I had a change of clothes, extra underwear, a towel, and the game I planned to play there, so I ended up with more luggage than I expected. It was a two-night trip, but a trip was a trip, so I was sure this much was necessary. Umi's luggage was already loaded in the car, but I was sure it was one and a half times the size of mine.
"So, Maki?"
"What?"
"How do I look today?"
"I just said it before we left the house."
"Did you? It's been so hot since this morning that even I was a bit out of it, so I might not have heard that part."
"You have a very convenient memory… Well then, for your sake, I'll say it again."
I cleared my throat with a small cough, centered Umi in my vision, and said, "Today you're especially, incredibly cute… Umi."
I had a general idea from our shopping trip the other day, but Umi must have put a lot of effort into it. She easily exceeded my expectations. Since it was a trip, Umi had chosen a refreshing pastel-colored one-piece dress instead of her usual casual clothes. A sleeveless dress that showed her white shoulders without a single blemish or mole, and a short skirt that emphasized the length of her legs. Her toenails peeking out from her sandals were painted, and I could tell she had spent a lot of time getting ready down to the smallest details.
And the straw hat on her head gave a summer-like feel. Looking at her for a long time made me feel like I'd intruded on her summer vacation a little early. It was frustrating that I couldn't express my compliments very well.
In any case, Umi looked even more wonderful today. That was all.
"Hehe, I see, I see. I'm glad. I was a bit too excited just for going back to my grandma's house, and my mom even teased me about it. But still, it makes me happy when you say that, Maki… Ehehe."
I praised Umi every time we went on a date, and when I did, she would blush slightly and smile shyly like this, but today I felt she was fifty percent cuter than usual. But I couldn't let my heart get full here. There was still more to come today.
We continued our lovey-dovey act, repeating similar exchanges many times on the way, and arrived at the Asanagi residence, taking fifty percent more time than usual.
"—Geez, you two are finally here. You were probably being all lovey-dovey without caring who was watching again, right? It's so hot, yet you're still so clingy. Don't you sweat?"
"Eh? I am sweating, but I don't really mind… Hey, Maki! Don't try to go into the shade right after your girlfriend said something nice."
"Yeah, but it's really hot."
I tended to forget when I was fooling around with Umi, but with this temperature, I had to be careful about heatstroke. Especially since I was prone to getting sick, I needed to handle that part calmly so as not to cause any unnecessary trouble.
We were told there was still some time before departure, so we decided to have some cold drinks inside the house. Umi gave me a glass of barley tea, and I took a sip.
With Sora-san still outside, the living room of the Asanagi residence was ours alone.
"Hey, Maki."
"What is it?"
"…Let's kiss."
Umi, sitting beside me, leaned in close and whispered the words into my ear. An unusual silence settled over the Asanagi home. We'd kissed countless times since we started dating, but her whispering it at this particular moment still managed to fluster me.
"I don't mind, but… why so suddenly?"
"Well, we'll be traveling for a bit, so we won't get many chances to be alone, right? I figured I'd like a little something beforehand."
"Ah, you have a point…"
This was, after all, an outing for Asanagi family business. We won't have man chances to be alone. Then again, knowing Umi, she'd probably find some opportune moment to drag me away for some secret fooling around anyway. Besides, it wasn't like I was against the idea.
"Then, uh, could I ask for one too?"
"Mhm. …Doing this in secret is kind of exciting, isn't it?"
"It'd be one thing at my place, but this is your house."
Thrilling, yes, but with our departure looming, it was a little disappointing that we couldn't do anything more substantial. Umi closed her eyes and offered her lips. As always, I met hers with my own.
It was just a personal feeling, but whenever we kissed, the world around me seemed to fade away. My senses dulled to everything but Umi. Nothing else mattered. I became selfish, wanting only to feel the presence of the girl before me. If we weren't about to leave on a trip, I could have been even more selfish… I felt a slight pang of regret, but I was sure there were experiences waiting for us that we could only have on a journey like this.
Reluctantly, I pulled away.
"…Ehehe, we did it. We're a hopeless couple."
"We really are. …So, how was it?"
"I'd like to say it was enough, but…" As she spoke, Umi craned her neck, glancing toward the entryway where Sora-san was likely waiting. "…One more."
"It's gotten quiet. She'll probably come calling for us soon."
"One more."
"You're being selfish."
But I couldn't help but find that selfishness, reserved only for me, incredibly cute. And so, I gave in. Perhaps it was the excitement of the overnight trip, but Umi was being quite assertive today.
"Alright, just one more."
"Mhm."
With her cheeks faintly flushed, Umi waited, just as before. When she looked at me like that, I couldn't stop myself, even with the risk of being seen.
…Or so I thought. Just as our lips were about to meet—
"Mom? I've got my stuff packed, I can take it to the ca—"
"…Huh?"
"Huh?"
"—r…?"
Our eyes met those of Riku-san, who had just strode into the living room without a care. He stared silently at the two of us, holding each other with flushed faces, just moments from a second kiss.
"Ah, uh…"
As the situation slowly dawned on him, Riku-san's lips gradually twisted into a frown. He wore an expression that screamed, I've stumbled into something troublesome.
"Uh, um… G-Good morning, Riku-san."
"Yeah… Mornin'."
"…Die, you stupid brother."
"H-Hey, Umi!… I'm sorry, doing this in someone else's house… I knew better, but, well, I couldn't help myself," I said, trying to cover for her.
"Nah, I'm sure that idiot over there was just being selfish like usual, right? Don't worry, I get it."
He saw right through me. He usually acts annoyed by us (or rather, by Umi), but he's more observant than he lets on.
"You unemployed bum… Anyway, why are you up at this hour, Bro? I thought for sure you were staying home."
"That's what I thought until yesterday. I wasn't feeling well, either. But early this morning, Grandma wouldn't stop nagging me to 'come home, too'."
"Hmph. Well, to Grandma, you're still a precious grandson. You have to show her you're at least barely alive once in a while."
"You talk too much, you idiot. …Anyway, that's why I'm coming along this time. Maki, sorry, but I'm leaving her in your hands."
"Ah, yes. It's a pleasure to have you."
I was surprised, thinking he'd be sleeping in as usual, but with Riku-san coming along, things would be more lively… or at the very least, he'd be a reliable presence. Especially when it came to driving. This was going to be a long trip with highways and long stretches of road; he'd be a good check on Sora-san's slightly questionable driving (a fact she herself doesn't acknowledge). Sora-san had mentioned it before, but Riku-san's previous job was the same as Daichi-san's. He used to drive a lot for work, so he was used to it. Apparently, he still drives for shopping and such.
"Alright everyone, I've finished loading up the car, so we should… What's with the three of you? You're all acting so distant."
"Oh, it's nothing…"
"Y-Yeah. We were just surprised to see Bro all of a sudden."
"R-Right. I also didn't expect to see Maki in the living room."
"Really? But still, there's this… Oh, never mind that, look at the time. If we don't hurry, Mother-in-law will… Come on, everyone, get in the car."
Though it was still early, if we took too long, Umi's grandmother would be inconvenienced. We quickly locked up and departed.
Riku-san was in the driver's seat, with Sora-san beside him. Umi and I were in the back.
"Riku, thanks for driving today. I'll take over on the way back."
"Nah, I can handle this much. You just get some rest next to me, Mom."
"Exactly. You were up early this morning, Mom, you must be tired. Just like Bro said, let's make him work his butt off."
"Oh, you two are so sweet… Well then, I think I'll take you up on that and relax a bit."
Her driving didn't seem particularly rough when she drove me to the hospital… but I guess there are things only family members who've spent a long time together would know.
"Mom, and you two in the back, make sure your seatbelts are… alright, let's go."
And so, with Riku-san at the wheel, our car set off towards its destination: the Asanagi grandmother's house.
"Maki, are you okay with motion sickness? I brought some medicine, so let me know if you feel even a little bit sick. I have a barf bag, too."
"Yeah. Well, just in case, I think I'll take the medicine now."
"Here you go. Oh, I have a water bottle, you can use this."
"Thanks, Umi."
"You're welcome."
Sitting next to each other, we fell into our usual habits. From the front seats came the sound of stifled laughter and a loud, exasperated sigh.
"…Hey Mom, is it going to be like this for the next few hours?"
"That's right. And just so you know, Riku, you'll be staying in the same room as those two. While I'm away on errands, you'll be in charge of them, okay?"
"Huh? Are you serious?"
"Dead serious. Or would you rather stay at Grandma's house in my place? Your room's a complete storage space now, but the others are still there."
"…That's, well, a bit much."
It was understandable that Sora-san found Mizore-san difficult due to their in-law relationship, but it seemed her grandson felt similarly. Riku-san had also lived with Mizore-san during his childhood, so perhaps he had memories of her being strict with him.
"Um, by the way, where will I be staying? It sounds like you've arranged for a separate place."
"Yes. It's not that there aren't any rooms over there, but my mother-in-law has turned most of the second floor into storage. So, I've booked a room at an inn near the house. It's called 'Shimizu,' the largest hot spring inn in town."
"Huh? Then, I'll have to pay for the accommodation later…"
"It's fine, it's fine. I was already planning to have Umi and Riku stay there, so one more person doesn't make much of a difference."
Even so, an extra person meant extra cost. Knowing Sora-san, she would probably cover my expenses as well, and no matter how much I tried to pay her back, she wouldn't accept it. I was the one who selfishly said I wanted to go on this trip… I really can't thank Sora-san and Daichi-san enough.
"…Thank you very much. Um, I'll be sure to thank you properly next time. With my mom."
"Oh, you don't have to. But if you insist, I'll look forward to it, okay?"
I couldn't think of anything specific to do right now, but sending a nice mid-year gift was a definite.
"Shimizu… Shimizu, huh."
"? What's with the long face, Bro? Maki's in the car, so keep your eyes on the road and drive properly."
"Shut up, I know. I'm not Mom."
"Oh? Riku, what was that about me? Could you say that again?"
"Ah, um… Hey Umi, I'm busy driving, so say it for me."
"D-Don't pass it to me…! M-Maki, help!"
"Eh…"
"Fufu. Umi? It's not good to rely on Maki-kun at times like these, okay?"
"Ugh… Um, Mother? Why are you leaning over here? Also, your face is really scary."
"What are you saying? I'm smiling as usual."
"Th-That's what's scary…"
And so, while careful word choice was necessary to avoid stepping on any visible landmines, there were no terrible disasters from Sora-san, and the atmosphere in the car was relatively peaceful. I'm prone to motion sickness, but thanks to the talkative Umi and Sora-san, the conversation never stopped, so I was enjoying the journey so far. …Except for Riku-san, who had been mostly silent since then, diligently playing the driver.
About two hours after leaving the Asanagi house, our car had been running smoothly despite some holiday traffic. We decided to stop at a large service area on the highway. Lunch was waiting for us at Mizore-san's house, but since we'd woken up early, we were all a bit peckish. Riku-san, who had been driving the whole time, also looked tired, so we took a 30-minute break for restrooms and other things.
"Alright, let's have some free time here. Umi, Maki-kun, I'm warning you, don't get too carried away just because you're having fun, okay?"
"I-I know! Maki, let's go."
"Ah, okay. …Excuse me, we'll be heading off."
Parting ways with Riku-san and Sora-san, who were heading to the restrooms, Umi and I went to the service area's shop. It had been a long time since I'd been on a trip, let alone to a place like this. It was just before noon on a Saturday, and the shop was bustling with families and travelers. There were souvenir shops, restaurants using local ingredients, and food stalls selling sweets that had become popular online. I was at a loss as to what to check out first.
"Hmm… I'd love to eat something heavy, but then I wouldn't be able to eat much at Grandma's house… Maki, what should we do?"
"Well, a light meal would be best… Oh, Umi, how about that?"
Glancing around, my eyes were drawn to a product sample at a store gathering considerable attention.
[Our SA's No. 1 Most Popular Item, the Super Long Swirly Soft-Serve Ice Cream]
I'm not a huge fan of soft-serve, but as the name suggested, once it caught your eye, you couldn't look away. It was a long, swirly soft-serve, probably over 30-40 cm tall, perched on a regular cone. It came in various flavors, from vanilla to strawberry, chocolate, melon, mint, and other rare options. For an additional fee, you could also get toppings like cookies and fruits. A group of people our age were gathered around one, holding up their smartphones.
"I see. It might be a bit much for one person, but it's hot today, and there's always room for ice cream. Maki, for once, you've made a good choice."
"I always aim to make the best choice, you know… Alright, let's go with mint—"
"Sorry, I take back what I said."
"Huh? Why? Mint is delicious…"
"I know, I know. But the portion size is just…"
In the end, Umi's sole decision was to go with the classic vanilla. After paying, we waited. In less than a minute, the staff brought out the famous soft-serve. Once it's in the customer's hands, they're not responsible for any accidents, so we had to eat it carefully to avoid getting it on the floor or other customers. I never thought eating soft-serve would be so thrilling, but this was a nice part of the trip. The milk flavor was rich and delicious, too.
"Mmm… Maki, this side is starting to melt, you eat it. Here, say 'ah'."
"Ah… n."
"How is it? Delicious?"
"Of course… Ah, um, thank you for feeding me, Umi."
"Mhm, you're very welcome. Now, it's my turn."
"Shouldn't I be the one saying that… Alright then, here you go."
We offered each other spoonfuls, enjoying not only the soft-serve but also our precious time alone.
I could feel some lukewarm stares, and exchanges like, "Mommy, those people…" "Shh, let's leave them be," but since we'd only see them once, it didn't bother me. It's not that we weren't embarrassed, but if we worried too much about what others thought, we wouldn't be able to enjoy this sweet time. While cooling our flushed cheeks with the ice cream, we ate the rest of the cone, fully enjoying our free time. Of course, we also satisfied our stomachs.
"Phew, that was delicious. Well, our time is up, so let's head back to Mom and the others. I feel like looking around a bit more, though."
"Mizore-san is probably waiting. I'm going to the restroom just in case, so you can go back to the car first, Umi."
"Got it. But be careful not to get lost. There are a lot of cars that look like ours."
"It's okay, I remember the license plate number."
"The license plate… Well, that's very you, Maki. …Hehe."
Letting go of the hands we had been holding, I parted with Umi and went to the men's restroom. I didn't feel the urge yet, but after eating something cold, it was better to be safe than sorry.
As I was following the signs, I saw Riku-san smoking in a designated area in the corner of the parking lot. His melancholic profile somehow overlapped with the image of Umi when she was troubled by her friendships. My feet naturally started walking towards him instead of the restroom.
"Riku-san."
"! Oh, Maki… What's up? This place is probably too smoky for a high school student."
"No, my mom smokes a lot, so I'm used to this… Um, mind if I join you?"
"No, it's not good to have you standing here, let's move a little. I just felt like having one after a long time."
We moved to an area with vending machines.
"What do you want? My treat."
"Ah, um… coffee, please."
"Guess I'll have that too. Black is fine, right?"
"Yes. I had enough sweet stuff earlier."
I took the canned coffee from him and took a sip. The cold, bitter coffee washed away the lingering sweetness in my mouth.
"Um, thank you for driving today. …And for being our guardian."
"Nah, since I'm just lazing around at home every day, I have to listen to my parents once in a while. It's been a while since I drove this long, so I ended up buying this. I don't plan on smoking the rest, though. And a lighter, too."
The white box of cigarettes in his polo shirt's chest pocket didn't seem to suit him. I always saw my mom, a heavy smoker, so I felt that way, but Riku-san's figure among the other smokers seemed out of place.
"…You smoke too, Riku-san? Umi said no one in the Asanagi family smokes, so I was a little surprised."
"Ah… I just quit when I came back home. I used to smoke at my previous job. The reason I started was because all my colleagues smoked, so I just… well, it wasn't that hard to quit."
"I see. I always thought that quitting is pretty tough."
"Well, if you're around my old man, yeah. My old man is super serious, so he doesn't do any of that stuff, but I think the percentage of people who smoke is pretty high overall. It's not like there's a lot of entertainment, either."
I didn't want to pry into other people's pasts, so I had avoided asking about his previous job… but from the way he spoke, it didn't seem like something he was trying to hide.
"…Were you surprised? That I'm talking about my old job."
"Um… yes. I thought maybe it was a sensitive topic."
"You're an honest one. …It's true that a lot of things happened, but if it was really that bad, Mom and Umi wouldn't just let you stay over. I've just gotten too used to resting, and I don't feel like working like I used to. I still have a lot of savings left, too."
"…"
"Hey, don't look so put off… I'm half-joking."
Which meant that half of it was the "scummy NEET" that Umi often talked about… my opinion of Riku-san dropped a little. And it was also strange that Riku-san, who was usually quiet, was being so friendly with me today. If this was the real Riku-san, then I just had to adjust my perception. But if not, then perhaps something did happen before Golden Week.
Being the soft-hearted person I am, I was honestly curious… but Umi was my girlfriend, and Riku-san was just 'her older brother.' He was, in a sense, a stranger. It wasn't a topic I should be sticking my nose into.
"…Well, I've talked too much. It seems we're past our break time, so we should get back."
"You're right."
I checked my phone and saw a worried message from Umi. I chugged the rest of my coffee and headed to the car.
"…Ah."
Just then, I realized I had forgotten something.
"? What's wrong? Did you forget something?"
"Um… I know this is bad timing, but can I go to the restroom?"
"…I'll wait for you, so hurry up and go."
"S-Sorry about that."
I was worried about Riku-san, but it was wrong for a kid like me to lecture an adult. I sent a quick "sorry" to Umi and rushed to the restroom.
Due to my forgotten restroom break, the car left the SA about ten minutes later than planned. According to the car's GPS, we would have to get off the highway and drive on a regular road for a while. Even now, the surrounding scenery was lush with greenery.
"I think the exit is coming up… Mom, I was thinking of stopping at a convenience store after we get off. Could you take over driving then? My eyes are surprisingly tired."
"Sure. Should we buy some snacks and drinks for over there while we're at it?"
"Yeah. Hey, Maki, let's go too. The inn should have a shop, but they probably won't have much, and drinks will be expensive."
"Got it. Then, we'll have a little party tonight."
We got off the highway and headed to a nearby convenience store. A quick search revealed that there were no 24-hour stores further ahead, so we had to stock up. For the sake of my figure, I should avoid late-night snacks, but a small party on a trip is one of the real pleasures.
The convenience store, typical of those in the countryside, had a large parking lot. We parked and went shopping.
"Mom and I will pick out what we'll eat at Grandma's house, so you two go ahead and buy whatever you want to snack on. Let me know and I'll pay for it later."
"Understood. Umi, shall we go?"
"Yeah."
We split up and each put what we needed into our baskets.
"Oh, hey Maki, isn't this a new product? 'Super Devil's Garlic Chili Pepper Mayo Cheese'… It looks like it'll give me heartburn, but it would go great with cola."
"It does. But the portion isn't that big, so it should be fine if we share it, right?"
"Yeah. Then let's add this too."
Chatting with Umi, we grabbed whatever caught our eye—cola, potato chips, chocolate snacks, and cheese. Since Riku-san was paying, she didn't hold back. As for Riku-san, in addition to water and tea, he was also putting what looked like a strong-style canned chuhai into his basket. I thought he would drink in moderation… but then I remembered that Sora-san also loved to drink. According to my mom, who goes out drinking with her once a month, "I only drink lightly, but she's a pretty heavy drinker." So it might not be that surprising to see her putting five, six cans into her basket.
"…Mom, Grandma's here too, so take it easy."
"That's why I'm taking it easy so I won't have a hangover. Besides, I'll only drink after Mother-in-law has gone to bed."
"Are you sure… Well, I guess you need a break too, Mom."
…Anyway, let's just focus on our own shopping. It felt like we had chosen a lot for just two days, but leftovers could be snacks after we got back. Umi had been planning on that from the start.
"Juice, snacks, and wet wipes… I feel like I'm forgetting something, but this should be good."
"Yeah. Even if we're missing something, figuring it out on the spot is part of the trip. Isn't it fine?"
Sora-san and the others were already waiting in the car. I had Umi get in line at the register, and as I was checking my wallet… I saw a shelf displaying certain products. Among health supplements and detergents, once I spotted it, it seemed to have a strong presence despite its small box.
"Th-thin… z-zero point zero one…"
I couldn't help but pick it up. It was a condom, the kind you find in convenience stores. I knew they were sold outside of pharmacies, but considering my current situation, it made my heart race.
"N-No, no, what am I thinking… This is a 'no' right now."
It had been half a year since Umi and I started dating… but right now, we were with her family, and I was just tagging along. There might be a possibility when summer vacation starts, but it was definitely not something I needed to buy right now. I shook my head to dispel the worldly desires—
"Maki, what are you doing? Hurry up and come here…"
"Wha—!?"
Just then, Umi came to check on me. Startled, the package clattered to the floor. Naturally, her gaze followed.
"…"
"Um… Umi-san? You see, this is, well…"
"Stare~…"
"…"
Without a word, she just stared at me with narrowed eyes, and I couldn't help but shrink. Oh man, I've done it again. We'd been having such a good time, but if I kept thinking about things like this, she would surely become conscious of it too. Even though I was such a pervert, the kind she had always forgiven, this might cost me some points.
"Jeez. Anyway, let's just pay quickly. We're already way behind schedule."
"Y-Yeah."
For now, it seemed she wouldn't press the issue. She took my hand and we got back in line. A few more customers had arrived, so it would be a little longer. I bowed my head in apology to Sora-san and Riku-san, watching from outside.
"…Aren't you?" Umi muttered.
"Huh? What did you just say…"
"I-I mean, are you not going to buy it? That thing from before."
"…"
She was looking away, but her ears were bright red. I immediately understood. …Asking "what?" or "is it okay?" at this point felt like something I, as her boyfriend, absolutely shouldn't do.
"Um… well, then, I guess I'll buy it, as a personal purchase. You never know what might happen, and it's not like it'll be a problem to have it, so…"
"R-Really? If you think so, then I guess it's fine? If it's a personal purchase, I don't intend to say anything… I mean, I don't, right?"
"I see. Then, I'll go get it, so could you wait here?"
"Y-Yeah. Of course, it's fine, but."
It definitely wasn't something I needed right now, but if I didn't buy it now, I'd be too embarrassed later. So, riding the momentum, I decided to buy one box, separate from the snacks.
"That'll be one thousand yen."
"Ah, yes… here's the exact amount."
I hadn't done anything wrong, yet I was strangely nervous. I felt the cashier glance at me and instinctively looked away. The air conditioning was blasting, but I couldn't stop sweating. Both me, and Umi as well.
After paying and returning to the car, Sora-san, in the driver's seat, greeted us with a puzzled look.
"Welcome back, you two. Your faces are all red, you don't have heatstroke, do you?"
"Ah, yes. The sun is a bit strong, so maybe we got a sunburn? Right, Umi."
"Yeah. I thought I put on enough sunscreen… Maki, I'll reapply it for you when we get in the car."
"Ah, yes. Please."
As we hastily got into the back seat, I felt Riku-san's gaze on us, but neither of us had the composure to pay him any mind. I carefully tucked it away in the small zippered pocket of my shoulder bag. Considering its contents, it shouldn't have been heavy, but it felt much heavier than my wallet or watch.
The journey would soon be over. A small hot spring town nestled in the mountains—it was where Daichi-san was born and raised, and where Riku-san also spent his childhood. When I opened the window, a faint scent of hot springs drifted in.
"It's been a while, this road… Mom, we'll be there in about twenty minutes. What should we do about Maki? Should we drop off his luggage at the inn first?"
"No, we still have time before check-in, so let's just leave it in the car. Mother-in-law said she wanted to see Maki-kun's face, too."
"…Sorry, Maki. When I was talking to Grandma on the phone, I mentioned you. Oh, but Grandma is nice to me, so you shouldn't be treated badly… probably?"
"I'd be less nervous if you were a bit more certain about that…"
Just because she was lenient with her granddaughter didn't mean I would receive the same treatment. I had to be careful.
After driving along a winding road and passing through a tunnel, we finally emerged into an open area.
"…Wow."
Such a sound escaped my lips. From what they had said, I had imagined a more desolate, 'remote countryside place.' But with the hot springs, the town, though small, seemed to have a certain vitality. As we descended into the residential area, the main street was lined with shops selling geothermal-boiled eggs, souvenirs, and cafes in renovated houses, with a decent amount of foot traffic.
Well, perhaps I only thought so because I was on a trip. There were probably aspects that only residents would understand. In reality, there were no supermarkets or convenience stores for daily necessities, and few hospitals. Hearing this from Sora-san and Riku-san, I couldn't shake the impression that it was an inconvenient place to live.
The Asanagi grandmother's house was in a corner of an area with old private houses, off the main street. We passed through a gate with a nameplate that read "Asanagi" and parked. All four of us let out a sigh of relief. It felt like a very long journey. I looked at my watch; it was already past lunch.
"Riku, could you just get my luggage down? I'm going to go say hello to Mother-in-law."
"Yeah. We'll be right there. Umi, you go with Mom. If you're there, things will probably work out."
"Don't order me around, Bro… is what I want to say, but I have a bad feeling about leaving you two alone, so, roger that. Maki, I'll introduce you, so let's go together."
"Okay."
I got out of the car and walked towards the entrance. It was a wooden house with a tiled roof that showed its age, but it seemed sturdy. A spacious yard, large enough for basketball, came into view, with a tree bearing large yellow fruits. The faint, refreshing scent of citrus tickled my nose.
"Mother-in-law. It's me, Sora. We're a little late, but we've arrived."
"Grandma, it's been a while. I'm here too~"
I tried pressing the '♪' switch, but it seemed broken. So, they started knocking on the glass door. After a short while, slow footsteps could be heard, and a small silhouette appeared.
"Yes, yes, you don't have to be so loud, I hear you."
The door opened with a rattling sound, and an old woman who faintly resembled Daichi-san emerged—Umi's paternal grandmother, Asanagi Mizore.
"Grandma, it's been a while. The last time I came was when I graduated from elementary school, right? I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner."
"It has been a while, Umi. You've become even more beautiful. You look just like I did when I was young. Don't you think so, Sora-san?"
"…Yes, you're right. Her mouth, in particular, has started to resemble my husband's."
From my perspective, Umi seemed to resemble Sora-san more… but Sora-san's hand was tightly gripping my shirt, so I understood. Sora-san, had she been living in this atmosphere every day? It was truly admirable.
As we were observing the tense atmosphere, Riku-san walked past us and into the house.
"Grandma, it's been a while. I'm starving, so let's eat. I'm exhausted from driving."
"…Honestly, Riku, you never change. You should say that after you've found a new job. I've heard all about it from Daichi."
"…That's that and this is this. Mom, is it okay to put the luggage in the usual place?"
"Y-Yes. Mother-in-law, the room is still available, right?"
"Of course, I've cleaned it. …Let's not stand here talking, come on in. Of course, that includes the boy over there."
"Ah, yes. Excuse me for intruding."
Perhaps he did it on purpose, but thanks to Riku-san, the atmosphere was managed. Mizore-san led us to a large tatami room. In the center were two large tables with tea cakes and teacups.
"Lunch should be here soon, so have some snacks. …You there, would you like something to eat?"
"Oh, please don't trouble your… ah, no, in that case, I'll take you up on your offer."
"Alright. I'll go get things ready, so wait here. I'll hear your story then."
I bowed, and she disappeared into the kitchen. It was our first time meeting, but she was treating me as a guest. Like Daichi-san, her expression was stern, but she had a kinder aura than I expected.
"…Maki, what do you think? My grandma is surprisingly nice, right?"
"Well… she definitely feels like Daichi-san's mother."
If she was fine with me, then her discord with Sora-san might just be a matter of incompatible personalities. As soon as Mizore-san left, I handed a sweet snack to Sora-san, who was sipping her tea expressionlessly. Together with Riku-san, the three of us were trying to support her when Mizore-san returned with a plate of fruit.
"Here you go, sorry for the wait. I couldn't prepare anything special."
"No, thank you for preparing this. …Um, is this fruit from the yard? I think it might be a summer mandarin…"
"! Oh my, you know your stuff. That's right, my late husband planted it, and it bears good fruit this time of year. But how did you know?"
"When I was little, my grandparents had a similar tree, and they would give me some. It's sour, but it has a slightly sweet aftertaste… I quite liked it."
As I popped a slice into my mouth, the characteristic sourness of citrus spread. My parents divorced, and I haven't been in touch with them, but the taste from my childhood is still vivid. I wonder if my grandpa and grandma are doing well.
"…I see, well then, that's good. By the way, what's your name?"
"Ah, yes. My apologies for the late introduction. My name is Maehara Maki. …I'm sorry for intruding."
"Maehara Maki-kun, is it. …Hmm, I heard about you from Daichi, but you seem like a good kid. I was prepared to kick you out if you were some flashy guy, being my granddaughter's boyfriend. Umi, you've got good taste."
"Hehe, right~?" Umi whispered "good for you" and clung to my arm. She seemed to have been reading the room, but if the owner of the house approved, there was no need to hold back. I never thought a memory of my grandparents would be so useful here.
"Mom, I've put the luggage away… wait, Grandma, is that what you're having again? You never change."
"I didn't peel this for you. Here, Umi, Maehara-kun, there's still plenty, so eat up."
"…Maki, your taste can be a bit old-fashioned sometimes."
"Well, I'm aware that it's slightly off."
But I like what I like. Things that bring back old memories, chemical-tasting juices, and junk food. I love them all.
"So, when is this 'take-out' supposed to arrive? You ordered it before we came, right?"
"Yes, but I thought you guys would be late, so—speak of the devil, it seems they're here."
Just as Mizore-san stood up, a car engine could be heard. Soon after, the voice of a delivery person echoed through the hallway. It was a clear, resonant female voice.
"Hello, it's 'Shimizu'~! Grandma, I've brought your order~! A case of beer, orange juice, today's lunch sushi, and watermelon for dessert!"
"Ah, I've been waiting. I'll go get the money, so bring it all in. There's a table in the main hall."
"Okay~! Heave-ho… then excuse me for coming in~"
'Shimizu' was the inn where we would be staying, but perhaps they also did deliveries.
"Grandma, is it okay to put the beer case in the usual spot?"
"Yes. Sorry for always making you work so hard."
"Not at all~ the Asanagi family has been a valued customer, so we have to take good care of you. More importantly, how's your back? I got some good compresses from another customer, so I'll bring them next time."
The employee from 'Shimizu' had a cheerful voice and a bright smile. She was probably in her late twenties—around the same age as Riku-san, but unlike him, she looked very healthy. And she was a very beautiful woman.
"Sorry for the wait, here are the five servings of premium sushi~ Oh, the soy sauce and wasabi are in a separate bag."
"Oh, thank you very much for your thoughtful…"
The moment she saw the woman who entered the hall, Sora-san's face froze.
I squinted, staring at her for a few seconds.
"Could it be, Shizuku-chan? No, it's definitely Shizuku-chan, isn't it?"
"…Ahaha, I thought maybe you wouldn't notice me, but I guess you found me out~"
"?? Mom, do you know that woman?"
"Yes. This is Shimizu Shizuku-chan. She's the only daughter of the 'Shimizu' family, and she used to come over to play a lot when we still lived in this house. We haven't seen her since we moved to our current home… but my, you've gotten so beautiful."
"Oh, stop it, Oba-chan, you're teasing me again. The only thing I've gained is age, I'm already a full-fledged 'round thirty' old lady."
As you can tell from their conversation, it seems they've known each other for a long time. It's been over a decade since they last met, after we moved to our current house when Umi was born.
"Geez, Obaa-chan, why didn't you tell me Sora-san was coming back? If I'd known, I would have dressed up more nicely."
"Ah, now that you mention it, I forgot. I'm getting old, so my memory's not what it used to be."
That's not something a person who maintains a perfectly straight posture for their age should be saying.
Sora-san's lips twitched and tightened as if she wanted to say something.
"In that case… could you be Umi-chan?"
"Yes. I'm her daughter, Umi. And this is my boyfriend, Maki."
"I'm Maehara. I'm accompanying them for certain reasons. I'll be in your care today and tomorrow."
"Yep, I heard from my mo… er, from our proprietress. There's not much here but hot springs, but there's plenty of nature and the air is delicious, so please relax with your lovely girlfriend. …And of course, that includes you, hiding behind Maehara-kun all this time, right?"
"!"
At Shizuku-san's words, Riku-san, who had been trying his best to make his large frame smaller behind me, flinched.
…Right. If Sora-san and Shizuku-san know each other, then naturally, she must have been good friends with Riku-san, who also lived here.
Or rather, it was probably Shizuku-san and Riku-san, who are of the same generation, who were the close ones.
"Long time no see, Rikkun."
"…Shii-chan."
Riku's "Rikkun," and Shizuku's "Shii-chan."
Seeing the two of them call each other by their childhood nicknames, as if they had returned to the past, Umi and I immediately realized.
The two of them were childhood friends.
Partly because it was their first meeting in a while, and partly at Sora-san's suggestion to talk a little more with Shizuku-san, the six of us, including Mizore-san, ended up sitting around the table.
Usually, Umi is the center of the conversation in these situations, but this time she's dedicated herself to being a listener with me. Or rather, Sora-san and Shizuku-san's chatter is so intense that it's hard to get a word in edgewise.