Chapter 3: A Childhood Friend-Style Date with Rinoa-san
“…I’m sleepy,” I mumbled.
It was lunchtime. For the first time in a while, the sun shone brightly without a cloud in the sky, bathing the rooftop in warm, crisp light. I let out a huge yawn.
“How many times do I have to tell you, Anno-kun?” Rinoa-san scolded. “You can’t keep staying up late every single day working!”
“I’ve told you before, it’s just until this crunch period is over, so I’m fine,” I replied, savoring the homemade bento Rinoa-san had prepared for me. In my head, I added, Part of the reason I’m sleep-deprived is because of you.
“By the way, Anno-kun,” she said suddenly, “have you made any plans for the summer?”
“That’s pretty out of the blue,” I said. “It’s still June, you know?”
“I heard on the news this morning that the rainy season’s almost over,” she explained. “Once the rainy season ends, it’s summer, right? And summer means the beach, doesn’t it? And the beach means swimsuits, doesn’t it?”
“That’s quite possibly the sloppiest syllogism I’ve ever heard,” I said, shaking my head. “I’m beyond shocked—I’m just Treasured.”
“…I’m confiscating your bento,” she threatened.
“Swimsuits are totally a summer thing! Yeah, I totally agree!” I backpedaled quickly.
It wasn’t like I was caving to her pressure or that she had me by the stomach. It’s just that it’d be a waste to let her homemade bento go uneaten. Leaving any of Rinoa-san’s cooking would be a crime, absolutely.
“Ha…” she sighed, her tone shifting. “Joking aside, you wouldn’t actually say something like, ‘Since summer’s coming up, I want to go swimsuit shopping this weekend,’ would you?”
“Exactly!” she exclaimed, laughing as she playfully slapped my shoulder. “If you already knew, don’t play dumb—just say it upfront! You had me all startled!”
I let out an internal sigh as Rinoa-san gleefully whacked my shoulder. I never would’ve expected someone like her to spout such a cliché manga trope.
“The thing is,” she continued, placing a hand on her chest with a mischievous, sultry smile, “the favorite swimsuit I bought last year has gotten a bit tight.”
Her seductive expression made my heart skip a beat. My eyes were irresistibly drawn to the ample curves visible even through her uniform, and I swallowed hard.
“I-I see,” I stammered. “Guess you’ll need to buy a new one…”
“…” Rinoa-san didn’t respond, just fixed me with a blank, piercing stare. Her expressionless gaze was unnerving, and a bad feeling crept into my mind.
“Uh, Rinoa-san?” I ventured cautiously. “No way you’re thinking… you wouldn’t say I should come along for that shopping trip, would you?”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying,” she replied, her eyes narrowing. “If you already knew, just say so—part two! Play dumb again, and I’m really taking your bento!”
“No, no, wait!” I protested. “Wouldn’t it be better to go with a female classmate instead of me? I mean, for swimsuit shopping, that makes more sense, right?”
In my opinion, nothing good comes from a guy tagging along for swimsuit shopping. Men either turn into a “cute” parroting bot, unable to offer real advice, or they push their own tastes, which never ends well. But with an angelic beauty like Rinoa-san, who has a devilish streak, the situation’s a bit different. It’s not hard to imagine her trying on swimsuits just to make my heart race.
“Of course, I considered that,” she said. “Last year, I went with friends. But something annoying—no, unpleasant—happened…”
“Unpleasant?” I asked.
“Well…” She shivered slightly, as if recalling the memory. “After we bought the swimsuits and left the store, some college-aged guys started hitting on us. Apparently, they’d been eyeing us while we were shopping, and…”
“Oh… I get it,” I said, nodding.
I didn’t need her to spell it out. Honestly, it’s surprising I hadn’t heard stories like this about her before. At school, her fan club keeps watch, so this kind of thing doesn’t happen. But outside? That’s another story.
“When I’m alone, I just ignore them,” she continued. “But my friend responded, and no matter how much we refused, they wouldn’t give up. It was such a hassle.”
“Yeah, I can imagine,” I said sympathetically.
“A security guard happened to pass by and helped us out, but I can’t count on that kind of luck every time,” she added.
She explained that after such an experience, she couldn’t go with classmates again—it was too traumatic. I understood her feelings completely.
“So, Anno-kun!” she declared, her tone brightening. “This weekend, you’re coming shopping with me! You’re not going to say no, right?”
“…What if I politely decline?” I tested.
“That’s too bad,” she said with a sly grin. “I was hoping you’d pick out my swimsuit. If you refuse, I guess I’ll have to share those sneaky photos you took of me—”
“I’d be delighted to join you!” I interrupted, throwing my hands up.
I knew it. I never had a choice to begin with. I was just testing the waters.
“In that case,” she proposed, leaning closer, “instead of thinking of it as swimsuit shopping, how about we call it picking out a costume for a summer beach photoshoot?”
“Oh… I see,” I said, catching her drift.
I mentally grumbled, Who’s the pervert here? Even if we call it a “costume,” it’s still a swimsuit, and switching mindsets isn’t that easy. Still, it’s better than lingerie, I suppose.
“By the way…” she said, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper as she leaned toward my ear.
Her tone shifted from angelic to something akin to a succubus draining life force. “The only person in the world who gets to see me in my new swimsuit is you, Anno-kun. You understand what that means, don’t you?”
“Ngh!?” I choked, my heart rate spiking.
The idea of having exclusive rights to see Rinoa-san in her swimsuit sent a shiver through my brain. Man or woman, who could say no to such an enticing privilege? If anyone could resist, I’d like to meet them.
“…What time should we meet?” I asked, my voice barely steady.
“Hehe,” she giggled. “I knew you’d come around, Anno-kun. How about two in the afternoon? I’ll come pick you up at your place.”
“You don’t have to come to my house,” I said. “The station’s fine, isn’t it? No need for the extra trip.”
“It’s about the story!” she insisted. “You said it yourself, didn’t you? The image of a childhood friend coming to pick you up. I could even wake you up in the morning if you want!”
I wanted to shrug off her ridiculous idea, but since I’m the one who brought up the childhood friend scenario, I couldn’t argue too hard. My mind wandered, imagining Rinoa-san as my childhood friend—together since birth, families intertwined, inseparable through kindergarten to high school. Whoever that guy is, he’s one lucky bastard. But with her overwhelming beauty drawing guys like moths to a flame, it might not be all smooth sailing.
“Hehe,” she laughed, snapping me out of my reverie. “I know I brought it up, but waking up a sleepyhead like you, Anno-kun, sounds fun. Should I make it happen?”
“…How about we shoot it as a childhood friend date scenario?” I suggested impulsively.
It could tie into last week’s shoot of “Girlfriend Soaked in the Rain During a Date.” But as soon as the words left my mouth, I realized my mistake. Rinoa-san’s face lit up, and she leaned in close, her excitement palpable.
“That’s perfect!” she exclaimed, practically throwing herself at me. “Let’s do it! I’ll be your childhood friend, and we’ll have a shopping date!”
“Okay, okay, calm down!” I pleaded, holding up the bento box. “You’re gonna spill the food if you keep clinging to me!”
My desperate cries went unheard as Rinoa-san’s enthusiasm took over. I might’ve spoken too soon.
“Alright then!” she chirped. “I’ll come to your place before noon. Oh, for extra realism, can I borrow your spare key?”
“Spare key?” I echoed, alarmed.
“Instead of ringing the bell, a childhood friend would barge in like it’s their second home, right!?” she said, eyes sparkling.
“That’s only if we were actually childhood friends!” I shot back. “We’re not, and I’d rather not have my house treated like your playground!”
“Then…” she said, her voice softening, almost wistful, as she placed a hand on my chest and looked up at me. “What are we, Anno-kun?”
Her fingers traced lightly over my heart, her gaze locking onto mine. My thoughts scrambled. Were we just classmates? A twisted bond forged by her blackmail over my sneaky photos? No, it felt like something more—
“And…” she added, her voice teasing, “we agreed to use first names when we’re alone, didn’t we? Did you forget again?”
“Guh…” I groaned, caught off guard.
“Come on, tell me,” she pressed, her hand brushing my cheek, her smile dangerously alluring. “What do you think our relationship is? Or… what do you want it to be?”
Her touch was soft, her expression a fallen angel’s, radiating a charm that could make you forget how to breathe.
“Our relationship…” I started, my voice faltering.
“What’s our relationship?” she asked, leaning closer, only to yelp as I flicked her forehead with a quick chop. “Ow! What was that for, Anno-kun!?”
“You’re getting too full of yourself,” I said, smirking. “Don’t toy with a teenage boy’s pure heart.”
Deep down, if I had to choose whether I wanted our relationship to grow closer, I’d lean toward yes. But getting too close to her feels like stepping into a trap I can’t escape. If someone told me it’s already too late, I wouldn’t have a comeback.
“I wasn’t toying with you,” she pouted. “But fine, I’ll let it slide for today. Don’t think you’re off the hook forever, though!”
“I’ll pray I forget,” I muttered.
“Changing the subject,” she said, her tone turning serious. “There’s something I want to talk to you about…”
“Sounds serious,” I said, raising an eyebrow. “I’m listening if you think I can help.”
She nodded solemnly, a rare sight. The last time she looked this serious was when she asked me to photograph her.
“It’s about my sister,” she began, her expression conflicted. “It’s frustrating, and it ticks me off, but since you and Onee-chan get along, I was hoping for some advice…”
“You’re making a pretty complicated face,” I noted. “I doubt I can offer much advice about Alice-san, though…”
“Look at this,” she said, holding out her phone.
The screen showed a series of messages from Rinoa-san to Alice-san, detailing her day—fun moments, tough moments, everything.
“Come to think of it,” I said, “Alice-san was thrilled when you first reached out after leaving home. You’ve been trying to patch things up—wait, hold on. This conversation looks off.”
“…Yeah,” she admitted, her voice lacking its usual spark. “No matter how many messages I send, she’s leaving me on read. Does she hate me?”
“What do you think?” she asked, her eyes searching mine.
I hesitated. From what I knew of Alice-san’s reactions—her joy at Rinoa-san’s messages and how she acted when we met at her place—she didn’t hate her. No way.
“If she hated you, she wouldn’t even open the messages,” I reasoned. “Maybe it’s been so long she’s unsure how to respond and missed her chance.”
It felt like a weak excuse, but it was the best I could muster to explain Alice-san’s perspective.
“If it’s bothering you that much,” I offered, “I can casually ask Alice-san about it. What do you say?”
“It bugs me that you and Onee-chan are so chummy,” she said, puffing out her cheeks. “But… could you?”
“Got it,” I said. “I’ll bring it up next time I see her.”
“I’ll keep trying on my end too,” she said. “Thanks. But no secret meetings, okay? No meeting her alone!”
She leaned in, her cheeks puffed out in a pout. I’d already met Alice-san at a café one night to discuss Rinoa-san, but I wasn’t about to admit that. I just nodded with a strained smile.
The weekend arrived with no progress on the Alice-san read-but-no-reply issue. Today was the promised shopping date with Rinoa-san, but I was still half-asleep in bed, lingering in a drowsy haze. I reached for my phone to check the time—just past nine.
“…Back to sleep it is,” I muttered.
With three hours until our meeting and the rendezvous point being my place, I’d prepped everything last night. A little more time in dreamland wouldn’t hurt.
As I pulled the covers back over my head, a sharp click of metal echoed, followed by the slow creak of my door opening.
“…Just my imagination,” I told myself.
No way Rinoa-san would show up this early, no matter how excited she was. Sure, I’d given her a spare key after she pestered me about the childhood friend act, but she wouldn’t actually barge in. I closed my eyes, reassuring myself, but then the floor creaked faintly. And then—
“An-no-kun~” a soft voice called. “Are you awake~?”
The door opened with a quiet squeak, and Rinoa-san slipped into my room, whispering my name. I bolted upright, kicking off the blankets.
“R-Rinoa-san!?” I gasped. “No way! You’re here already!?”
“Hehe, good morning!” she chirped, sticking out her tongue playfully. “I came early just to see that shocked look on your face, Anno-kun!”
Her every gesture was unfairly cute, making it impossible to stay mad about her breaking and entering. I scratched my head, climbing out of bed, only for Rinoa-san to leap onto it, blocking me.
“Ei!” she exclaimed.
“Guh!?” I grunted as her full weight landed on my stomach, amplified by the force of her jump, drawing a sound like a crushed frog from my throat.
“Hehe!” she giggled. “This is the classic childhood friend scenario, right? Waking up the sleepy friend! Total cliché, but perfect!”
“Sure, it’s a trope in manga,” I admitted, “but we’re not childhood friends—just classmates. And seriously, using the spare key to break in!?”
“Of course I’d use it!” she declared, puffing out her chest proudly. “Why wouldn’t I, when you so kindly lent it to me?”
I let out a heavy sigh. I knew I shouldn’t have given it to her so easily.
“Fine, whatever,” I said. “Can you get off me now, Rinoa-san?”
I tried to sound casual, but inside, I was panicking. To put it delicately, a certain physiological reaction was brewing where her hips were pressing, and it was becoming a problem.
“Hey!” she scolded, leaning forward, her hands planting on either side of my face. “You’re doing it again, Anno-kun! What do we call each other when we’re alone?”
Her shift in position made certain… assets dangle enticingly before my eyes, swaying with gravity. It was doing things to parts of me I wished would stay dormant.
“Please, get off me, Rinoa-san,” I begged.
“Well done!” she praised, but her smile turned wicked. “But the answer’s no. Guess why?”
She grabbed my camera from the bedside table, her grin mischievous.
“As expected, Anno-kun,” she said. “You predicted I might show up this morning and kept your camera close, didn’t you?”
“…Spot on,” I said, averting my gaze to avoid her figure. I really wished this prediction hadn’t come true.
“Let’s start shooting!” she declared.
“Fine, but can I at least change?” I asked. “Or wash my face?”
“Shooting right after waking up is tough, right?” she teased, her voice sweet yet venomous, like a poison that lingers forever. “We’ve got plenty of time, so go get ready—did you think I’d say that?”
She leaned closer, her body pressing against mine, soft and warm like the finest bedding. If I could fall asleep wrapped in her, it’d be pure bliss. But her sweet, refreshing perfume and the hot breath against my ear ensured no rest. Worse, I was fighting a losing battle against an unwelcome uprising below.
“I’m actually pretty hurt, you know,” she said, her tone not matching her words. “Can you guess why?”
She didn’t look or sound hurt. If she was, I’d apologize a thousand times if she’d just get off.
As I squirmed under the mix of embarrassment and creeping pleasure, Rinoa-san’s excitement only grew.
“I was really looking forward to our date today, you know?” she said, slowly sitting up, gazing down at me like a queen. “I even dressed up, hoping you’d call me cute.”
Her outfit was pristine— a sheer white blouse, a light cardigan, and a glossy, elegant flare skirt, the epitome of refined style. Yet her lips curled seductively, her eyes gleaming with allure, a goddess who could toy with gods themselves. I grabbed my camera, framing her in the lens, and snapped the shutter without a word.
“Or maybe,” she continued, “you weren’t looking forward to our date?”
Her hands moved to her shirt, slowly unbuttoning it. “I even wore my special win-or-lose lingerie for today.”
“Win-or-lose lingerie?” I asked, my camera clicking. “What kind?”
Catching my intent, she smirked, her fingers teasing the fabric. The curve of her collarbone emerged, followed by a glimpse of the valley formed by her generous assets, a hint of lingerie peeking through.
“If you say the word, I’ll show you,” she purred. “Or maybe you’re more interested in—”
Her hands slid from her chest to her abdomen, each movement dripping with seduction, stirring my emotions and leaving my throat dry. My finger never left the shutter.
“—this?” she finished, her hands resting on her skirt.
With her straddling me, a slight tug would reveal the treasure beneath. My brain was overheating.
“So, what’ll it be, Takumi-kun?” she asked, her voice honeyed. “Up or down? I’ll show you whichever you want.”
“—!?” A wordless yelp escaped me as she called me by my first name for the first time, her sweet tone shattering my composure.
Her delicate hand rested near my navel, close enough to reach if she chose. “We agreed to first names when alone, right? That applies to me too, doesn’t it?”
“So… you want to call me Takumi too?” I managed.
“Yes,” she said, her voice soft. “I want to call you Takumi-kun. I’ll do anything… please.”
“Anything?” I echoed, my face burning. “What do you mean?”
Her cheeks flushed with anticipation and embarrassment. If this weren’t through a lens, if we weren’t shooting, could I have stayed rational?
“Anything you want, Takumi-kun,” she whispered, her voice barely audible, her eyes closing as she leaned closer. “Even my first—”
“Stop!” I interrupted, pressing my hand to her forehead to halt her advance.
We’d gotten plenty of good shots in a short time. There was a slight disconnect between my vision and her childhood friend fantasy, but it’d do.
“Ugh, you’re so mean, Anno-kun!” she whined. “That was the best part! I mustered all my courage to pounce on my oblivious childhood friend, and you ruined it!”
“You were planning to pounce!?” I exclaimed.
“It’s your fault for being so dense!” she huffed, puffing out her cheeks and turning away.
“So it’s my fault?” I said, incredulous. “That’s rich.”
“Fine, I’m sorry,” I said. “Now get off, please.”
“Nope!” she declared. “Not until you answer my question.”
No need to ask which one. With her lips pursed in an adorable pout, I sat up, ready to give the goddess what she wanted.
“Call me whatever you like,” I said gruffly. “Takumi, Tak-kun, whatever suits you.”
Her face lit up, and she threw her arms around my neck, hugging me tightly.
“Yes!” she squealed. “Then it’s Takumi-kun from now on!”
“Only when we’re alone!” I warned. “Don’t you dare slip up in class!”
“Of course!” she agreed. “It’s our little secret, right? Hehe, another secret just for us.”
“At this point, what’s one more?” I muttered, shrugging with a wry smile.
“How about one more secret, then?” she teased.
“…Huh?” I blinked.
“Did you forget?” she said, closing her eyes and puckering her lips. “I said I’d do anything. My first… you can take it, Takumi-kun.”
My heart pounded at her alluring expression. A voice in my head urged me to act, but the adage about not eating what’s served crossed my mind. A teenage boy’s dilemma ended with—
“I can’t take it so carelessly!” I declared, delivering another forehead chop and shoving her off to flee the bed.
Booing echoed from my room, but it was surely my imagination.
Despite the mental exhaustion, I stood in contrast to Rinoa-san, who was practically skipping with excitement as we reached the shopping mall. The morning’s photoshoot, with her straddling me, had been more than enough for me, but the real goal was buying her a new swimsuit for summer. With only a month until our second—and likely last—carefree high school summer, we had to make it count.
“Hey, Takumi-kun!” she called, holding up a T-shirt with a popular mouse character. “Isn’t this cute!?”
“…Yeah, it’s cute,” I agreed.
The simple design would look great on her, though I doubted anything wouldn’t.
“Maybe pair it with long, slim pants?” she mused. “Or… do you prefer hot pants, Takumi-kun?”
“Don’t put words in my mouth,” I said. “I’m voting for long pants.”
Still, I couldn’t help but imagine her in hot pants. The bold, almost gyaru-style outfit Alice-san wore in a magazine shoot had been striking for its contrast to Rinoa-san’s usual princess vibe. Not photographing it was a regret.
“Oh!” she exclaimed. “Why don’t we get matching shirts and wear them to an amusement park!?”
“…I’ll have to decline,” I said firmly.
“Why not!?” she protested, stomping her foot. “It’d be fun! Matching outfits are my dream!”
“We match every day in our uniforms,” I pointed out.
“Uniforms!” she huffed, puffing her cheeks. “I want to match in casual clothes!”
Her un-princess-like tantrum was almost endearing, but matching casual outfits felt too much like we were actually dating. If we ran into someone—like Yuzha-san or Alice-san—I’d be done for.
“Fine,” I relented. “We don’t have to wear them the same day. Let’s just buy them.”
“I’m scared of an accidental run-in,” I admitted, “but if you insist, okay.”
Just owning matching clothes was fine. They could gather dust in my closet. How did we go from swimsuit shopping to buying matching shirts, anyway? And we’d already stopped by a bookstore earlier.
“Yay!” she cheered, bouncing with joy. “Let’s buy them! And maybe try them on after!?”
Her bouncing drew my eyes to her swaying assets, and I fought to focus while glaring at the men sneaking glances her way.
“No trying them on,” I said. “I’ll wait here. Go pay.”
“Ehh!?” she whined, grabbing my arm and swinging it like a petulant child. “Come with me, Takumi-kun! I’ll feel lonely and nervous alone!”
Her antics were drawing attention in the store, and I wished she’d stop.
“It’s just paying at the register,” I said. “You don’t need me for that.”
“…You’re okay with me getting hit on?” she asked, her eyes wide and pleading.
“Let’s go,” I said instantly, my resolve crumbling under her vulnerable gaze.
“Next up, the main event—swimsuit shopping!” she said gleefully. “Think about what kind you want me to wear, Takumi-kun!”
“I have to choose!?” I protested. “Pick what you want!”
“I’m excited to hear what kind of swimsuit you like,” she said, ignoring me. “Not your taste—your preference.”
“Listen to me!” I snapped. “And your correction didn’t help!”
She giggled, hugging my arm tightly as she trotted toward the register. I hurried to keep up, grumbling internally while picturing swimsuits that would suit her perfectly.
As I tried to think, the only women’s swimsuits that came to mind were the sexy, competitive ones sold at Emocion. By the time I realized my limited knowledge, I was already surrounded by a dazzling array of colorful swimsuits.
“There’s way more variety than I expected!” Rinoa-san said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “What do you think, Takumi-kun? Which one’s good?”
The store was filled entirely with female customers, and I was the only guy in sight. A wave of dizziness hit me, followed by an overwhelming sense of being out of place.
“…I’ll wait outside,” I said. “Take as long as you need, Rinoa-san, and pick what you like.”
“No way!” she protested, grabbing my arm. “I want to choose based on your taste, not just mine! Stop whining and let’s go!”
“Please, have mercy!” I pleaded.
But she gripped my arm firmly and half-dragged me along. I thought to myself, What’s the difference between a swimsuit and lingerie, anyway? The fabric area’s about the same, right?
“Now, tell me your preferences, Takumi-kun,” she said, her tone teasing yet encouraging. “I’ll accept anything you like, so don’t be shy.”
“What kind of humiliating game is this…?” I muttered, letting out a heavy sigh.
Realizing escape was futile, I resigned myself to walking the sales floor with Rinoa-san.
“Bikinis are classic and cute,” she mused. “One-pieces are nice too, and camisole-style ones aren’t bad either.”
“…There’s a lot to choose from,” I admitted.
It went without saying, but this was my first time seriously picking out women’s swimsuits.
“I’m surprised,” Rinoa-san said. “I thought you’d have experience choosing swimsuits for Yuzha-san’s costumes.”
“Sorry to disappoint,” I replied. “Yuzha-san takes charge of all her costume choices.”
It wasn’t just costumes. Yuzha-san decided everything—the themes, the scenarios, the characters she’d cosplay. She might ask for my input, but I rarely suggested anything myself. For professional cosplayers with agencies, it might be different, but for Yuzha-san, the joy of cosplay came from fully embodying the character she wanted to be. I believed there was no room for a third party’s opinion in that process.
Right now, Rinoa-san was still new to this, so I was suggesting costumes and scenarios. But as she got more comfortable, she wouldn’t need my input anymore. I was like training wheels on a bike. When that day came, would I feel happy or lonely? What emotions would I have? Lost in thought, I picked up a V-neck, floral skirt one-piece swimsuit.
“I see…” Rinoa-san said, eyeing it. “So this is the kind of thing you like, Takumi-kun.”
“Yeah, yeah, exactly,” I said, playing along. “I thought it’d look amazing on you, Rinoa-san. Got a problem with that?”
“No, no problem at all!” she said, beaming. “I’m thrilled you picked it out so seriously! Alright, let’s try it on and have a fashion show—ah!”
“What’s wrong?” I asked, turning as she let out a startled yelp.
Her gaze was fixed ahead, where her older sister, Alice-san, and Yuzha-san—the very person we’d just mentioned—were walking toward us, chatting. The silver lining was that they hadn’t noticed us yet. As the saying goes, speak of the devil, and he shall appear. Whether this was coincidence or fate, I felt justified in lodging a complaint with the heavens.
“Takumi-kun, this way!” Rinoa-san whispered urgently.
“W-Wait, Rinoa-san!?” I yelped.
She grabbed my arm and pulled me through the store at a brisk pace, shoving me into a fitting room and following me inside.
“No, no, no!” I protested. “This is way out of line!”
“Be quiet!” she hissed, yanking the curtain closed.
In the cramped fitting room, our bodies were pressed close. Her silky hair, soft skin, and sweet, refreshing scent overwhelmed my senses. The illicit thrill of being secluded in a crowded store sent my heart racing, threatening to shatter my rationality. Compared to this morning’s straddling incident, that was child’s play.
“R-Rinoa-san…” I stammered. “This is seriously not okay…”
“I know it’s bad,” she admitted, “but it’s better than being spotted by Onee-chan or Yuzha-san!”
“That’s true, but…” I trailed off.
When we saw Yuzha-san and Alice-san, they were still outside the store. They might not even come in, so hiding like this might’ve been unnecessary. But now, with no idea what was happening outside, rushing out could be riskier.
“No time to waste,” Rinoa-san said. “I’m going to try it on.”
“H-Huh!?” I gasped. “No, that’s—!”
Before I could finish, she reached for her skirt and slid it down without hesitation. I screamed internally, Why start with the bottom!? and squeezed my eyes shut, turning away. Unfazed by my attempt at courtesy, Rinoa-san continued undressing.
The sound of fabric rustling, buttons snapping open, and clothes hitting the floor filled the air. With my eyes closed, my hearing and touch were heightened, making it all too easy to imagine her state. It was more thrilling than usual.
“You can open your eyes now, Takumi-kun,” she said after what felt like an eternity.
I wasn’t ready to trust her yet. Knowing her, she might still be half-dressed to tease me. I cracked my eyes open cautiously.
“How… how do I look, Takumi-kun?” she asked, her voice tinged with nervousness. “Does it suit me?”
Only then did I relax and open my eyes fully. The swimsuit’s clear blue fabric, adorned with delicate flowers, evoked a bright summer sky. It looked modest at first glance, but the deep V-neck revealed her cleavage, blending innocence with allure. My choice was spot-on.
“Yeah,” I said, nodding. “It looks amazing on you.”
The mix of cuteness and sensuality was overwhelming, momentarily short-circuiting my brain.
“How about a photo?” she suggested. “Since we’re here.”
“No way,” I said. “I don’t have my camera, and shooting in a fitting room is a no-go.”
I wanted to, but it was against etiquette. We could do it at home, where I could capture her from every angle. Imagining those shots—maybe a low-angle full-body one—sent my excitement soaring.
“Hehe,” she giggled. “Your face is red, Takumi-kun.”
“Huh!?” I squeaked. “W-What are you talking about!?”
She pressed closer, her soft warmth against me, her breath tickling my ear. The heat of the cramped space made her body feel faintly warm, and the sensory overload nearly made my heart leap out of my chest.
“This is the swimsuit you picked, Takumi-kun,” she said. “Don’t be shy—look at me properly. Or do you only look at me through a camera?”
“N-No, that’s not…” I stammered.
“Then you can do it, right?” she pressed.
“Y-Yeah, got it—” I started, glancing down, only to be met with the captivating valley of her cleavage. Startled, I stumbled, tripping over the fitting room’s ledge and tumbling out.
“Ow, ow—ah!” I groaned, rubbing my backside.
“Takumi?” a voice called.
“Hey, Tak-kun?” another chimed in.
I looked up and locked eyes with two women. Worst-case scenario. No other words came to mind.
“Takumi-kun, are you okay…?” Rinoa-san asked, peeking out from behind the curtain, her voice laced with concern.
The bustle of the store seemed to freeze, time itself halting. I looked skyward, cursing the heavens.
“R-Rinoa-chan, that swimsuit—” Alice-san began.
“O-Onee-chan…” Rinoa-san faltered.
Of course, it was Yuzha-san and Alice-san, the very two we’d seen outside. This is ridiculous, I thought. What kind of perfectly timed flag is this?
“—it’s super cute!” Alice-san exclaimed, rushing toward Rinoa-san with sparkling eyes. “Did you pick it out? Or, wait, did Tak-kun choose it for you!?”
Flustered, Rinoa-san darted back into the fitting room, yanking the curtain shut like a cat fleeing its owner. It was kind of adorable.
“Hey, Takumi,” Yuzha-san said, standing over me with a beaming smile that belied the vein pulsing at her temple. “Care to explain exactly what you were doing with Rinoa-chan?”
I wanted to watch the Shinomiya sisters’ exchange, but Yuzha-san’s chilling presence snapped me back to reality. Her smile was terrifying, a contradiction of calm and fury. Any poor excuse would be like pouring a barrel of oil on a fire, so I chose my words carefully.
“Please calm down, Yuzha-san,” I said. “You’re disturbing the other customers.”
“I’m perfectly calm,” she replied coolly. “Why are you so flustered?”
Her measured tone sent shivers down my spine. I’d have preferred her yelling—it’d be less terrifying.
“No way you were doing something shady with Rinoa-chan in there, right?” she pressed, leaning closer. “Well? Explain.”
I racked my brain, but no clever excuse came. Objectively, this didn’t look innocent, and I knew it.
“Wait, Yuki-chan,” Alice-san interjected, stepping between us. “I get you want answers, but like Tak-kun says, let’s calm down!”
Rinoa-san peeked through the curtain’s gap, watching.
“I am calm,” Yuzha-san said, her tone sharp. “Don’t say the same thing as Takumi.”
“No way, you’re totally pissed!” Alice-san countered. “This is a rare chance, you know!”
“Chance?” Yuzha-san asked, frowning. “What are you talking about, Alice?”
“Rinoa-chan’s trying on a swimsuit, and Tak-kun’s here,” Alice-san explained, winking at me. “There’s only one conclusion: Tak-kun was picking out her swimsuit, right?”
I nodded, grateful for the save. Yuzha-san’s wide-eyed expression showed that, if she were her usual calm self, she’d have reached that conclusion without me saying a word.
“So, what I’m saying is,” Alice-san continued, “let’s use this chance to have Tak-kun pick swimsuits for us too!”
“…Alice, you come up with some great ideas sometimes,” Yuzha-san said, her tone grudgingly impressed.
Alice-san beamed, though whether it was truly praise was debatable. I wanted to be spared, but escape wasn’t an option.
“Sounds good, right, Takumi?” Yuzha-san asked, her smile laced with pressure. “You wouldn’t… refuse, would you?”
“…Please go easy on me,” I said, sighing deeply and nodding.
“Alright, Rinoa-chan,” Alice-san called. “We’re borrowing Tak-kun for a bit!”
“No way,” Rinoa-san replied, emerging from the fitting room in her regular clothes, her cheeks puffed out in displeasure.
“My Taku—er, I mean!” she corrected. “I can’t let Anno-kun be alone with Onee-chan out of my sight. I’m coming too.”
“Right!” Alice-san agreed. “You want to stick with Tak-kun, don’t you, Rinoa-chan? That’s fine, right, Yuki-chan?”
“We’re the ones who should be asking Rinoa-chan’s permission,” Yuzha-san said. “Sorry, Rinoa-chan. Is it okay for a bit?”
“Sure,” Rinoa-san said. “If it’s Yuki-san’s request.”
“Hey, hey, Tak-kun,” Alice-san whispered, poking my side. “Isn’t Rinoa-chan’s attitude toward me and Yuki-chan, like, way different? Like north wind versus sun different?”
I shrugged. It was obvious Rinoa-san treated them differently, but admitting it would only cause trouble.
“Dunno,” I said. “Doesn’t seem that different to me. Maybe it’s your imagination, Alice-san?”
“No way!” Alice-san protested. “Your eyes must be blind! She’s totally giving me the cold shoulder!”
“Onee-chan,” Rinoa-san said, suddenly close, her smile masking a fiery glare. “If you have complaints about me, say them to my face, not to Anno-kun.”
Startled, Alice-san and I stepped back.
“Uh, excuse me, customers,” a store clerk interrupted. “You’re disturbing others, so please keep it down…”
We’d gotten too loud. We bowed apologetically, and the clerk moved on.
“Ugh,” Yuzha-san sighed, shrugging. “Enough chit-chat. Let’s get Takumi to pick our swimsuits before Rinoa-chan changes her mind, Alice.”
“Yes, ma’am!” Alice-san chirped, hurrying after Yuzha-san as they headed back into the store.
Rinoa-san and I followed, not wanting to lose sight of them.
“Sorry, Anno-kun,” Rinoa-san said, her tone apologetic. “Onee-chan’s weird ideas caused all this.”
“It’s not your fault,” I reassured her. “Just bad luck and timing.”
If I hadn’t tripped, or if I’d escaped the fitting room alone, this wouldn’t have happened. But it was too late for what-ifs. I had to accept reality.
“Yuzha-san aside, getting caught by Onee-chan of all people…” Rinoa-san muttered.
“If it’s awkward, you could wait outside—wait, no, scratch that,” I corrected quickly. “Please stay here.”
“Why?” she asked, tilting her head curiously.
It was a weekend, and the store was crowded. Leaving a beauty like Rinoa-san alone outside could lead to a repeat of last year’s incident. I had to prevent that.
“If you’re standing outside alone, some creep might swarm you,” I explained. “So, stay with me—”
“Hehe,” she giggled, stepping closer, our shoulders nearly touching. “Got it. I won’t leave your side, Takumi-kun. I wasn’t planning to anyway, so don’t worry.”
Her smile suggested she might’ve grabbed my hand—or even linked arms—if Yuzha-san and Alice-san weren’t nearby.
“Hey, Takumi!” Yuzha-san called sharply. “Stop chatting with Rinoa-chan and get over here!”
“If we keep dawdling, Yuzha-san’s gonna lose it,” Rinoa-san said, chuckling.
“Ugh, what a hassle,” I muttered. “Let’s go before that happens.”
We exchanged wry smiles and headed toward Yuzha-san and Alice-san. If Shin were here, he’d probably yell, “Stop complaining about such a luxurious problem!” But honestly, walking through a swimsuit store with three gorgeous women was exhausting.
“What kind of swimsuit did Takumi pick for you, Rinoa-chan?” Alice-san asked.
“A floral one-piece,” Rinoa-san replied. “It’s not a design I’d pick myself, so I was surprised, but it was really cute when I tried it on.”
“Takumi’s got good taste, despite how he looks,” Yuzha-san said. “I’m excited to see what he picks for me.”
“I can’t wait to see you in a swimsuit, Yuzha-san!” Rinoa-san added.
The two chatted cheerfully as they wandered the store. I felt nauseous under the pressure but started looking for a swimsuit for Yuzha-san.
“Hey, Tak-kun,” Alice-san said quietly. “Can I ask you something?”
“…What?” I replied cautiously.
I’d chosen something cute for Rinoa-san, but for Yuzha-san, a design emphasizing mature allure would suit her. A childish one might work for Alice-san, though.
“How’s Rinoa-chan doing lately?” Alice-san asked.
“Not much has changed,” I said. “Since switching to summer uniforms, the guys have been buzzing about maybe seeing Rinoa-san’s bra through her shirt. She’s as popular as ever.”
“Rinoa-chan’s bra!?” Alice-san gasped, grabbing my shoulders and shaking me. “That’s outrageous! I haven’t even seen it! Tak-kun, you have to stop them!”
Her shaking rattled my brain, nearly blacking out my vision.
“That’s not what I meant!” she huffed. “I want to know how Rinoa-chan’s doing at school!”
“Why ask me?” I said. “If you want to know, ask her directly. She messages you every day, so you should know what’s going on, right?”
“…Guh!?” Alice-san flinched, looking away.
Even a grade-schooler wouldn’t react that obviously. This was my chance to fulfill Rinoa-san’s request.
“You haven’t been replying, have you?” I said, sighing as I continued browsing swimsuits. “Ignoring her messages isn’t cool, you know.”
“H-How does Tak-kun know that!?” Alice-san stammered. “Did Rinoa-chan tell you!?”
I picked up a simple black swimsuit, thinking it’d complement Yuzha-san’s golden hair, evoking a moonlit night.
“She was really hurt,” I said. “She thinks you might hate her. Ignoring her like that is harsh, don’t you think?”
“I’m not… ignoring her,” Alice-san mumbled, pouting like a scolded child.
It was cute, but I shook off the thought before it led somewhere dangerous.
“I was so happy when she messaged me,” she admitted. “But I overthought my reply, and by the next day, another message came… and then…”
“You let the read receipts pile up?” I finished.
“Yes…” she said, her shoulders slumping.
She wasn’t some lovesick teenager. She could just reply casually, especially to her sister. A simple sticker would show she was reading. But saying that was easy. Their strained relationship wasn’t something a sunny day could fix. Alice-san felt guilty for hurting her sister, so her caution was understandable, even if ignoring her wasn’t.
“If you want to make up, you need to try too,” I said. “Rinoa-san’s waiting for a reply from her Onee-chan.”
“…Is she really waiting?” Alice-san asked, her eyes misty and uncertain.
Her usual bubbly demeanor was gone, replaced by vulnerability that stirred my protective instincts. She should show this to Rinoa-san, not me.
“She is,” I assured her. “I guarantee it. Since you’re here buying swimsuits, why not suggest matching ones? The one I picked for Rinoa-san has a color variant.”
“Great idea, Tak-kun!” Alice-san exclaimed, her energy returning. “You’re a genius! Handsome! I love you! Rinoa-chan, let’s get matching swimsuits!”
She charged toward Rinoa-san like a fish to water. Suggesting it so lightly might’ve been a mistake. Rinoa-san, caught off guard, resisted fiercely, but Alice-san was relentless once she set her mind on something.
“Come on, it’ll be fun!” Alice-san urged. “Matching with your big sister!”
“No way!” Rinoa-san snapped. “Takumi-kun picked this swimsuit for me! Why should I match with you? And I don’t even want him picking one for you!”
When it came to Alice-san, Rinoa-san got emotional, losing her usual composure. It wasn’t a fight, more like playful cat-like sparring.
“No way you’re saying I’m not okay but Yuki-chan is, right?” Alice-san teased.
“W-Well… if I had to choose, Yuki-san’s better than not okay…” Rinoa-san stammered. “What are you making me say!?”
“Hehe,” Yuzha-san chuckled, nudging my side. “You’re loved, Takumi.”
“Don’t tease me, Yuzha-san,” I said, shrugging and handing her the swimsuit I’d chosen.
“You actually picked one,” she said, smiling. “Thanks, Takumi.”
“I’ll find one for Alice-san too,” I said. “Can you keep an eye on the Shinomiya sisters?”
“I like that serious side of you,” Yuzha-san said, winking playfully. “Leave them to me and go.”
Urged on, I hurried to find a swimsuit for Alice-san. I felt bad for suggesting matching swimsuits when their reconciliation was still rocky. Maybe matching T-shirts, like the ones we bought earlier, would’ve been better. I’d never say that to Alice-san, though—she’d buy them gleefully.
“Ugh… what a mess,” I muttered, searching for Alice-san’s swimsuit while pondering ways to help the sisters reconcile.
While waiting for Yuzha-san and Alice-san to try on their swimsuits, Rinoa-san stood beside me, her cheeks puffed out, radiating an aura of I’m upset.
“Uh… why are you mad, Rinoa-san?” I asked cautiously.
“I’m not mad,” she said, her tone sharp. “If you think I’m mad, maybe it’s because you know you did something to upset me?”
They say a beautiful rose has thorns, but Rinoa-san right now was more like a bristling hedgehog, ready to prick anyone who got too close.
“I’m okay with them crashing our shopping date,” she said. “I’ll even forgive you for picking their swimsuits. But suggesting I match with Onee-chan? That’s unforgivable!”
“…I’m sorry,” I said sincerely. “I messed up on that one.”
“You refused to match with me but tried to make me match with Onee-chan,” she huffed. “That’s just too selfish, Takumi-kun.”
“I have no excuse,” I admitted.
“I demand compensation,” she declared. “Then we’ll call it even—”
“Sorry for the wait, Takumi,” Yuzha-san interrupted, emerging from the fitting room.
“Sorry to keep you and Rinoa-chan waiting, Tak-kun!” Alice-san added.
Just as Rinoa-san was about to let it go, the curtain opened, revealing the two in their swimsuits.
“Hehe,” Yuzha-san said, a proud smile on her face. “I didn’t expect you to pick something this bold for me, Takumi.”
Despite her words, she seemed pleased. I’d chosen a halter-neck bikini with a loop accent at the chest and a high-waisted bottom, accentuating Yuzha-san’s stunning legs. The sleek black design exuded undeniable allure.
“So, Takumi,” she asked, “what do you think? Does the swimsuit you picked suit me?”
“Absolutely,” I said. “It’s perfect. You’d steal every gaze at the beach.”
I was mentally patting myself on the back when Rinoa-san shot me a withering glare.
“You’re such a flirt, Takumi-kun,” she muttered under her breath.
I pretended not to hear. As a photographer, I’d grown used to giving praise freely.
“Stealing every gaze is a bit much,” Yuzha-san said, chuckling. “But I don’t mind the compliment. Thanks, Takumi.”
Her radiant smile was so captivating I forgot how to breathe. If I had my camera, I’d be snapping away.
“Hey, Rinoa-chan!” Alice-san called. “What do you think of the swimsuit Tak-kun picked for me? Cute, right!?”
“…It’s cute, I guess?” Rinoa-san replied, her tone reluctant and questioning.
“Don’t say it so halfheartedly and with a question mark!” Alice-san whined.
Alice-san wore a flared bikini with a skirt, the soft chest frill highlighting her youthful charm. She’d wanted to match with Rinoa-san, but after being firmly rejected, I chose a different color but kept the floral pattern to console her.
“Ugh, Rinoa-chan’s bullying me, Tak-kun!” Alice-san cried.
“Don’t go crying to Anno-kun!” Rinoa-san snapped.
As the Shinomiya sisters bickered, Yuzha-san and I exchanged exasperated glances, shrugging. They fought like close friends—one fretting over unanswered messages, the other too thrilled to know how to reply. It didn’t feel like a real rift.
“I’ve got an idea!” Alice-san exclaimed. “Hey, Tak-kun! Let’s all go to the beach or pool this summer! We can shoot and stay overnight!”
“Don’t just decide things!” Rinoa-san retorted.
Yuzha-san and I could only offer wry smiles.
“I’ll pass,” Yuzha-san said. “Crowds like that aren’t my thing.”
“Same here,” I added. “I’m an indoor guy. The scorching sun’s a bit much.”
“What!?” Alice-san gasped. “You two go to those huge summer and winter events every year, and you’re saying this!?”
She had a point. Comiket and the beach or pool both involve crowds, but they’re worlds apart. The attention at events isn’t entirely absent, but the beach would be on another level.
“Let’s table that for now,” I said, turning to Rinoa-san. “What about your swimsuit, Rinoa-san? Are you buying it?”
She’d been holding it the whole time without heading to the register.
“Um… I’m still deciding,” she said. “It feels a bit too cute for me…”
“No way,” I insisted. “Like I said, it looked great on you. Really cute.”
I wasn’t just saying it to push her to buy—nor was it flattery.
“Ugh, that’s embarrassing, Anno-kun!” she said, blushing. “Saying it so directly in front of Yuzha-san and Onee-chan is unfair!”
“Wow, Tak-kun’s such a charmer,” Alice-san teased. “Even I’m impressed!”
“Ugh, seriously,” Yuzha-san sighed. “Show some restraint, Takumi.”
This was unfair. All I did was encourage Rinoa-san, yet I was getting scolded.
“B-But…” Rinoa-san said, hesitating. “If Anno-kun says it like that, I’ll buy it.”
“Wait here,” she added, heading to the register.
As I watched her go, Yuzha-san nudged my side.
“You never say things like that to me,” she said, “but you’re awfully sweet to Rinoa-chan.”
“Come on, I said it suits you too, didn’t I?” I countered. “I always say that during shoots. Don’t tell me you think I’m lying?”
“…I don’t think that,” she mumbled, turning away with a slight blush.
I pretended not to notice.
“Don’t forget the convention at the end of the month,” she said, pouting.
“As if I would,” I said, chuckling. “That’s why I’ve been sleep-deprived making the photo book. I’ll be there to help, don’t worry.”
She thought I’d flake despite my efforts? That stung a bit.
“Good,” she said. “You can even bring Rinoa-chan if you want.”
“Really?” I said, excited. “She’d love that. I’ll ask her!”
“If she’s interested,” Yuzha-san added, heading to the register.
It was a stroke of luck. Bringing Rinoa-san to the event could help her find the “unknown self” she was searching for.
“You and Rinoa-chan really get along, huh, Tak-kun?” Alice-san said, her voice tinged with melancholy and envy.
I shook my head. “It’s just a coincidence. Honestly, I’m surprised you two seem so distant. Rinoa-san’s still working on being open, but it’s just a matter of time, right?”
“You think so…?” Alice-san said, uncertain. “I hope you’re right.”
I wished she wouldn’t show this vulnerable side only to me. It made me want to comfort her. To change the mood, I switched topics.
“By the way, Alice-san, are you buying your swimsuit?” I asked.
“Huh? Why?” she replied.
“It looked good on you,” I said, then backtracked. “Sorry, it’s weird for me to say that after picking it, right? Forget it.”
I’d done enough self-praise for a lifetime today. My embarrassment was at its limit.
“I see…” Alice-san said, grinning. “So that’s the natural flirt skill that won Yuki-chan over. Gotta watch out for that.”
“…Huh?” I blinked.
“Alright!” she declared. “I’m buying it too! Wait outside for a bit, Tak-kun. I know it’s lonely, but hang in there!”
With her sunny smile back, she skipped after Yuzha-san. She was exhausting.
“What were you talking about with Onee-chan?” Rinoa-san asked from behind, startling me so much my shoulders jumped, despite having done nothing wrong.
“Don’t sneak up like that!” I said. “It wasn’t a big deal, just casual talk.”
“Really?” she said, skeptical. “She had a huge smile when we passed. I thought you said something to her. My mistake?”
“Yeah, your mistake,” I said.
“Really?” she pressed, her tone sharp. “I thought you praised her swimsuit and she was thrilled, but I guess not?”
“…I think it’s not like that?” I said weakly.
“Idiot Takumi-kun,” she huffed. “Natural womanizer.”
I grumbled internally that I wasn’t charming anyone.
“Let’s get out of here, Takumi-kun!” she said, grabbing my hand and pulling me along.
I considered resisting, but staying with Alice-san any longer wouldn’t end well, and if this cheered Rinoa-san up, so be it. I didn’t object, though I’d need to message Yuzha-san and Alice-san later so they wouldn’t worry—or get mad.
“Fine, but where to next?” I asked. “Anything you want to see?”
“Well…” she said, hesitating. “My underwear’s been feeling a bit tight. Can we look at some?”
“No way!” I exclaimed. “Didn’t you just buy new ones recently!?”
My eyes instinctively flicked to her chest. She’d been sending me selfies in her new underwear just the other day. Had she grown even more since then? At this rate, she’d surpass Yuzha-san in no time.
“…Takumi-kun, where are you looking?” she said, her tone teasing. “My eyes aren’t down there.”
“S-Sorry!” I stammered.
“Hehe,” she giggled. “You’re such a boy, Takumi-kun. As punishment, you’re picking out my new underwear.”
“How does that even follow!?” I protested. “Underwear’s completely different from swimsuits!”
I argued it was too much, but Rinoa-san flashed a seductive smile, pulling my arm closer and whispering in my ear.
“You’re such a pervert, Takumi-kun,” she purred. “But… I don’t mind if it’s you looking.”
“R-Rinoa-san!?” I gasped.
“So… look at me,” she said, her voice sultry. “Only at me.”
Her enticing plea sent my heart racing, my face flushing red. Satisfied with my reaction, Rinoa-san gave me another, softer smile, this one pure and radiant.
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