After the delightful blur of spring break, June finally arrived, heralding the imminent arrival of my favorite season.
Summer is my favorite time of the year. Sure, the heat can be intense, and a few minutes outside is all it takes to get a tan, but that's a small price to pay for all the fun it brings. There's swimming at the beach, lounging by the pool, festivals, and fireworks. Not to mention all the delicious seasonal food like watermelon and cold somen noodles. And, of course, the best part for any student: summer vacation.
The only real downside is the mountain of homework the school dumps on us, but once that's out of the way, we're unstoppable. I had a blast last year, but this summer—my second year of high school—I'm determined to make even more incredible memories. I want to spend bright, fun, and fulfilling days with the new friends I've made, and with my best friend, who I've grown closer to than ever.
I, Amami Yuu, was idly pondering these things while rolling around on my bed in my blissfully air-conditioned room when──
"──Hey, Yuu! It's almost time for our appointment, you know. Just because it's a day off doesn't mean you can sleep in forever."
The towel blanket I was using as a futon was suddenly stripped away, and I wriggled like a caterpillar. Through my barely open eyelids, I saw the face of my reliable, kind-hearted best friend—the complete opposite of my lazy, sloppy self.
"Nmyu… Umi, five more minutes~…"
"…Want me to hit you?"
"Ugh… G-Good morning."
"That's better," she said, sighing. "Geez, you're still just as hopeless in the morning."
"But they say a sleeping child grows well."
"You've already grown more than enough, Yuu," she retorted. "…Now, hurry up and wash your face. You were the one who suggested we leave early for breakfast at a cafe, remember?"
"Okaay…"
Right, I did say that yesterday… My groggy mind finally recalled the plan. I splashed my face with water, trying to wake myself up properly.
Today was a Sunday in June, blessed with the kind of clear, beautiful weather that felt rare for the rainy season. The day before yesterday, on Friday, I had made plans to hang out in town with Umi and our other friend, Nina-chi. It would have been the perfect long weekend if we'd hung out all day Saturday and maybe even had a spontaneous sleepover… but I didn't want to push my luck by being too selfish with my best friend's time.
Fridays and Saturdays are for lovers after all… It's precious time for my beloved Umi and the boy she loves.
"Hey, Umi."
"What is it?"
"Did you have fun two days ago?"
"…W-Well, I guess so?" she stammered, a faint blush on her cheeks.
"Fufu, I see."
"W-What is it?"
"Nothing~ …You're just so cute, Umi."
"…I'll hit you."
"Kya~"
It seemed she'd gotten to be all lovey-dovey with Maki-kun to her heart's content this week, too. Satisfied by her adorable reaction, I hummed as I tried to tame my messy bedhead. I had no idea what they did, but as long as Umi was happy, that was all that mattered to me.
I changed into some casual clothes, and soon, Umi and I were on our way to the cafe in front of the station where we were meeting Nina-chi. While enjoying our toasted sandwiches and iced tea, we started planning our day.
"By the way, Yuu-chin, summer vacation's just around the corner," Nina-chi began. "Decided what you're gonna do?"
"Hmm, I'm planning to visit my dad's family for Obon, but other than that, not much," I admitted. "…Plus, depending on my scores, I might be stuck in supplementary classes."
"Ugh, don't remind me… Who was the genius who decided to schedule final exams right before a long break?"
"It's always been like that," Umi pointed out reasonably. "You just have to study regularly so that doesn't happen."
"Easier said than done… Oh, speaking of which, there's something I wanted to ask you two."
"Don't just change the subject…" Umi sighed. "So, what is it?"
"Ah, yeah. So, um, what are you two doing about swimsuits this year? I mean, I still have the one from last year, so I could just wear that… but if we go to the beach, we'll probably invite those two, right?"
"By 'those two,' you mean Maki-kun and his friend?" I asked.
"Yup. Who else?"
"? Yeah, you're right."
Until last year, it was usually just the three of us hanging out. But since the start of our second year, two boys had joined our little circle: Maki-kun and his friend, Seki-kun. We've pretty much been a group of five since the fall of our first year, so I didn't see what the big deal was. They're both important friends, and the more the merrier, right?
"…You know, Yuu. Nina is a girl, too." Umi said, giving me a pointed look.
"Huh? So am I…"
"Fufu, you two are still so hopeless," Nina-chi giggled. "…As expected of Yuu-chin."
"???"
It turned out Nina-chi was debating whether to buy a new swimsuit. I'd pretty much stopped growing, so my figure hadn't changed much from last year. I didn't particularly mind either way… but then again, you can never have too many cute swimsuits.
"Well, putting Yuu-chin aside for a moment… Asanagi, what about you?" Nina-chi asked, turning to Umi. "It's your first summer with a boyfriend. You gonna tempt him with a daring swimsuit and seal the deal?"
"What kind of person do you think I am…?" Umi mumbled, her face turning red. "I mean, Maki and I are planning a trip, so I was thinking about getting a new one, but… I'm happy just being able to spend time with him, you know…?"
"…Is it just me, or does that sound kinda pervy?" I teased.
"I-It's just you! Yuu, don't just sit there with a blank look on your face, say something!"
"Ahaha, even if you say so~…"
I didn't really get everything they were saying, but I did understand one thing: they were both conscious of the boys' gazes. Unlike them, I've never been in a relationship, so I can only imagine what it's like. But I guess it's nice to be called "cute" or "pretty" by someone, even if they're just a friend. And with swimsuits, people tend to notice your body shape and all that, so it's natural to be a little self-conscious when picking one out.
"Being seen by Maki-kun and the others, huh…" I mused. "Yeah, when you put it like that, it does make me a little nervous. They're my friends, but they're still boys."
"Exactly! That's what I'm talking about, Yuu-chin," Nina-chi said. "Obviously we'd beat them up if they looked at us weirdly, but it's still a pain if they think we're uncool."
"Yeah, yeah, I get it now. It's like with our everyday clothes. We want them to think we always look good. Right, Umi?"
"You're suddenly acting like you get it…" Umi said with a smile. "Well, that's just like you, Yuu."
If that was the case, then our plan for the day was set.
"Alright, then today is officially swimsuit-scouting day!" I declared, pumping a fist in the air. "Let's go find some super cute swimsuits and blow the boys away! Yay!"
"Those two would probably be surprised by anything you wear, Yuu-chin…" Nina-chi laughed. "But hey, why not? Sounds like a perfect summer activity. Right, Asanagi?"
"…It feels a little early," Umi said, but she was smiling. "But if you're that excited, Yuu, I'll come along."
"Yay! Thanks, you two! I love you both!"
With summer just around the corner, our strategy meeting was off to a great start.