Chapter 3: Summer Days

Man, I really want a younger-guy NTR route…

Ugh, starting with the absolute worst monologue straight outta my head. Yo, it’s me, Netora-san—Reiko Netora, in the flesh.

I’m low-key stunned at how faithful I am to my own desires, but, like, what I want, I want. Ain’t no helping it.

Maybe a stepbrother could just… sprout up outta nowhere? Hey, Dad, got any secret lovechildren tucked away? I’d even help you sweet-talk Mom into it, y’know? ♥

Rocking along in the car for hours, lost in those kinda thoughts, I’d finally made it to my grandparents’ place, far from home, for summer break. Ugh, nothing but freaking green as far as the eye can see.

“Grandmaaa! Your VIP’s here to play!”

“Oh, my! All the way out here, you must be beat. Come on in, come on in!”

Grandma greets me with a warm, people-pleasing smile, tossing out her classic compliments the second she sees my face.

“Reiko-chan, you’ve gone and gotten even prettier since I last saw ya!”

“C’mon, Grandma, you say that every time we meet!”

“Ha ha ha! When a girl gets prettier, you gotta praise her as many times as it takes. Now, come on, there’s cold barley tea waitin’ for ya. Take it easy.”

Urged along by Grandma, I slip off my shoes and head into the living room.

“—Tch!”

There’s a boy lounging in the living room, smartphone in hand, who pulls a super obvious grimace the second he spots me.

Meanwhile, I’m grinning ear to ear, thrilled to find the best toy in this middle-of-nowhere countryside.

“Ohhh! Chi-chan, you’re already here! ~♥”

“Don’t call me Chi-chan! Stupid Rei!”

The cheeky little brat in front of me is Chi-chan—er, Sanzaka Chihiro-kun, my cousin, one year younger.

“That’s harsh! Not that long ago, you were all ‘Big Sis, Big Sis!’ clingin’ to me like a puppy…”

“How old is that story?! We’re only a year apart, so quit actin’ like some big sister!”

Chihiro-kun’s all fired up, but to me, this kid is just adorable. A cocky little shota type… not exactly a common breed around my usual stomping grounds.

“Hmph, I don’t mind, but you shouldn’t talk to your elders like that, y’know? Keep that up, and I won’t hop in the bath with ya!”

“Huh?! Are you—stupid?! You’re in middle school already!”

“What, that matters? We used to bathe together all the time. What, Chi-chan, you hate the idea of bathin’ with me now?”

“N-No way… I mean, obviously I hate it! I’m in sixth grade now!”

That pause was way too long.

See, despite all his tough talk, it’s clear as day he doesn’t actually hate me, which makes him prime material.

Licking my lips internally, I plaster on my innocent face and sidle up to Chi-chan.

“Haha, got it, got it. Chi-chan’s gonna be a middle schooler next year, huh? Guess bathin’ with your big sis is startin’ to feel a bit embarrassing.”

“It’s hot! Quit clingin’ to me! …Man, you really haven’t changed, Rei. Did you even graduate elementary school?”

“I did! Look, check it out—my sailor suit from the entrance ceremony!”

I whip out my phone and show off a pic from my camera roll, me in my crisp new uniform.

“Hmph… well, y’know, even a nag can look decent in the right gear, I guess.”

“Ugh, just say I’m cute already, you tsundere!”

I hand my phone over to Chi-chan, and he starts flicking through the photos on his own.

Big mistake.

Sure enough, he stumbles across the ton of two-shots I’ve got with Yuu-kun mixed into my camera roll. His face darkens. “Fiiiish…” I mutter under my breath, too quiet for him to hear, flashing a squelchy Nichaa grin.

“…Rei, this guy…”

“Oh, that’s Yuu-kun! Y’know, my childhood friend! Didn’t I tell ya about him before?”

“Hmph… this guy, huh…”

Chi-chan stares at my phone with a scowl for a bit before finally speaking up.

“So… is this dude, like… your boyfriend or somethin’?”

“—Wha?! N-No, no way! Yuu-kun’s not… he’s not like that!”

I let my cheeks flush and make a big show of denying it, playing up the flustered act. After letting myself look all shy and smiley, I turn the question back on him.

“…H-Hey, Chi-chan. D-Do I… do me and Yuu-kun look like, y’know, a couple or anything…?”

“—Tch! N-No way! Not even close! I mean, a kid like you with a boyfriend? Talk about a hundred years too early!”

Ohhh, yesss! ~♥

That pure, childish jealousy from a boy who kinda likes his older cousin but can’t stand the thought of another guy in the picture? This is exactly why I come back here every year.

All those years of teasing and winding Chi-chan up every which way have totally paid off. It’s like an annual festival of messing with his head. While I’m stuck away from Yuu-kun and the gang, I’ll just have to soak up all the nutrition I can from Chi-chan.

“That’s mean! Ugh, I’m hurt! As punishment for bein’ so cruel to your big sis, Chi-chan, you’re my body pillow till dinner!”

“Huh?! S-Stop it, idiot! You’re, like, touching stuff!”

He’s my cousin I only see once or twice a year. Time to go full Spartan and wreck his emotions!

＊

I’m Sanzaka Chihiro, and I’ve got this dangerous older cousin.

“Ugh… Morning, Grandma.”

It’s summer break, and I’m back at my grandparents’ place, a regular tradition.

The thick, green smell of the countryside, so different from home, gives me a little thrill of something new as I wake up.

“Morning, Chihiro. Up bright and early, huh?”

Grandma chuckles, clearly impressed, as I shuffle out of the room they set up for me.

Well, yeah, waking up early makes the day feel longer, like you’re getting a better deal. Plus, mornings are cooler and way easier to deal with.

“Once Reiko-chan gets back from her jogging, we’ll have breakfast, alright?”

“…She’s running again? She’s not even in a sports club, man, that’s dedication.”

Muttering with a hint of mockery, I grab a pitcher of cold barley tea from the fridge and pour it into a freshly washed water bottle.

After making sure the lid’s on tight, I tuck the bottle under my arm, slip on some sandals, and step out of the single-story house.

The morning breeze brushes over the asphalt, still cool before the sun’s heat soaks in.

A short walk later, I plop down at a rest stop with nothing but a vending machine and a bench, the kind of place nobody seems to use.

“…Almost time.”

I check the time on my phone and mutter to myself.

Sure enough, a girl in lightweight sportswear—my dangerous cousin—comes jogging around the corner, breathing a little heavy.

“—Oh, Chi-chan? Morning! You’re up early!”

“You’re one to talk, out here running during summer break. Don’t you do this every day back home? You could at least take a break while you’re at Grandma’s.”

“It’s basically a habit now. I get antsy if I don’t run. Plus, it’s nice out here—no people, no cars, and the air’s so clean. Makes jogging feel great. I’m going again this evening—wanna join, Chi-chan?”

“No thanks.”

I shove the water bottle I’d set on the bench toward my dangerous cousin—Netora-san, Reiko.

“Huh, what’s this?”

“…Barley tea. Brought it from Grandma’s, but I didn’t drink it, so here.”

“What, you brought it all the way out here for me?! That’s so sweet! Thanks, Chi-chan!”

Rei gets all dramatic over something so small, and I turn away, embarrassed, scrambling for an excuse.

“I-It’s not like I did it for you! I was just gonna drink it on a walk, but it’s cooler than I thought, so I didn’t need it!”

“Still, I’m happy! Let’s crack it open, yeah?”

Rei tilts the bottle back, her throat moving as she drinks.

The way her sweaty, pale neck shifts feels weirdly… alluring, and I catch myself staring.

“…Phew. Want some, Chi-chan?”

Maybe misreading my gaze, Rei holds the bottle out to me.

…Is she seriously not thinking about stuff like indirect kisses?

My hand almost reaches for it, but pride—or maybe embarrassment—stops me, and I brush her off.

“…N-Nah, I’m good. Not thirsty.”

“Oh? Alright, let’s head back then. Running’s got me starving.”

…Heading back’s fine and all, but what’s with that outstretched hand? Don’t tell me you’re saying we should hold hands?

“…I ain’t a kid. I can walk just fine without holding hands.”

“Ugh, Chi-chan, you’re so cold ~♥”

Grumbling all pouty-like, Rei jogs up to walk beside me.

…Honestly, having Rei right next to me kinda sucks.

I’m not exactly tall. In class, I’m closer to the bottom when it comes to height. The fact that I gotta look up to see Rei’s face stings my puny male pride like a thousand little needles.

And when the person I’m looking up at is a girl I don’t exactly hate, it just makes me feel even more pathetic.

“Man, I’m stoked for breakfast. Grandma’s pickled plums are so fruity, I could scarf down rice forever! ~”

Completely oblivious to my feelings, this dense idiot’s chipper chatter makes me snap, irritation bubbling over.

“You’re gonna get fat.”

“…H-Hmph! I’m fine! What do you think I’m running every morning and evening for, huh?!”

“Your voice is shaking.”

“It’s not! My abs are actually pretty killer, I’ll have you know! I do planks every single day without fail!”

“Oh, yeah? Sure.”

“Argh! Chi-chan doesn’t believe me! Doubting his big sis’s word!”

Her expressions flip like a comic book as she gets all worked up over my teasing, and damn if it ain’t cute. I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from grinning like an idiot.

—Then, this cousin of mine goes and does something insane.

“I’m serious! Look, Chi-chan! It’s not a six-pack, but I’ve got some definition right here!”

“—Pfft!?”

She flips up the hem of her sportswear, flashing her stomach, and for a split second, my brain short-circuits.

Flawless, pale skin. A slender, toned waist that lives up to her boasting. The faint vertical lines of her abs and that perfectly shaped navel—I can’t even look away, I’m so mesmerized.

And this idiot, misreading my reaction, puffs out her nose all smug-like and says something that makes my head throb.

“Pretty impressive, right? Go on, wanna touch?”

“…You moron!”

“Ow!?”

My hand almost moves on its own, but with iron willpower, I lock it down and smack her head hard instead.

“What kinda idiot flashes her stomach to a guy in the middle of the street?!”

“…Huh? A guy? …Where?”

Right here!

We’ve known each other long enough, but this girl is always like this.

She’s way too friendly and looks out for everyone, but her guard when it comes to sexy stuff is terrifyingly low. I’d never say it out loud, but her looks? Straight-up idol-level.

Every time we meet up each year, I’m on edge, worrying she’s gonna get snatched up by some sleazy guy.

Exhausted from the morning already, I let out a heavy sigh.

…That navel’s gonna haunt me.

Her dangerously seductive curves are seared into my brain, and with all the purity of a virgin, I’m shaking like a bobblehead trying to banish the image.

＊

Man, I really want a younger-guy NTR route…

Me—Netora-san, Reiko—sitting through Grandma’s dinner, letting my thoughts wander to the infinite beyond.

Ever since I got to my grandparents’ place, I’ve been playing with Chi-chan all day, and the urge for a younger other man just keeps growing stronger.

The beauty of the younger-guy angle is I can pull the “Oh, I’m not thinking of you that way at all ~♥” card while trying out flirty, naughty moves I’d hesitate to use on Yuu-kun or Fuyuki-kun. It’s like unlocking a new job class in an MMO.

The best part? It gives Chi-chan the thrill of “I’m getting special treatment ‘cause I’m younger,” while simultaneously crushing him with the despair of “She doesn’t see me as a man at all.” A perfect double-edged sword. One move, twice the flavor—chef’s kiss!

But managing a younger-guy NTR route is trickier than you’d think.

I don’t know about adults, but for students, a one-year age gap feels like whole worlds apart. Different grades mean different schedules, and syncing up is a pain. Come graduation season, you’re split across different schools for a whole year, making delicate route management basically impossible.

Weighing all these factors, I’ve been hesitant to lock in a younger-guy NTR slot.

If I really wanted one, maybe I could seduce some underclassman in my second year of high school?

I’m confident I could charm a stranger, but that feels too easy for an NTR role—lacks the vibe.

Chi-chan, though? He’s got top-tier specs.

As his cousin, I’ve slowly built a rock-solid trust over the years, and his cheap tsundere attempts at hiding his feelings? Total appetite fuel. Nichaa

Problem is, we live way too far apart.

Having to speed down highways just to meet up makes him tough to slot into the main chart. Sadly, Chi-chan’s more of a snack before the main course that is Yuu-kun.

Still, I want him.

“…I want Chi-chan…”

“Pfft!?”

Chi-chan chokes. Whoops, my desires slipped out.

“Wha—?! W-What’re you blabbering about, stupid Rei?!”

“Sorry, sorry! I was just thinking how nice it’d be to have a little brother like Chi-chan, and it slipped out.”

Chi-chan’s dad—my uncle—bursts out laughing and jumps in.

“Well, why don’t you just join our family, Reiko-chan? My wife and Chihiro would welcome you with open arms!”

“Haha! ♪ That sounds great! …Chi-chan, would you make me your bride?”

“Ugh, enough already! Thanks for the meal! I’m hitting the bath!”

When I play up the cutesy act and lean into him, Chi-chan’s face goes beet red, and he bolts. So virginy and perfect.

When I start dating Yuu-kun someday, I’m telling Chi-chan first—just to serve up the juiciest BSS.

“Haha, did I tease him too much…?”

“Nah, nah, he’s just embarrassed.”

“Good to know… Thanks for the meal!”

I finish eating and settle onto the porch for some evening breeze.

“Now, then…”

I pull out my smartphone and dial Yuu-kun.

＊

When my phone suddenly rings with a call from Rei-chan, my—Tachibana Yuuki’s—heart practically leaps out of my chest.

Since she left for the countryside, we’ve been messaging in our group chat a few times a day, but this is the first time she’s called me directly.

“I just wanted to hear Yuu-kun’s voice…”

Her words send me over the moon, but I try to play it cool, catching up with small talk.

“—That’s how it’s going here. What about you, Yuu-kun?”

“Me? Same old, I guess. I hang out with Fuyuki-kun or Shirase-san sometimes, but mostly I’m just chilling indoors.”

“Haha, that’s so you, Yuu-kun.”

Her voice through the phone tickles my ears with its sweetness.

—What do I do? I can’t hold back how much I like her.

“Oh, but you gotta stay on top of your summer homework, okay? Especially the math assignments—there’s so much, you need to chip away at it daily—”

“…Rei-chan.”

“Hm? What’s up?”

My heart’s overflowing, like water spilling from a glass, desperate to tell her how I feel.

“I-I know this isn’t something to say over the phone, but…”

“Hehe, what’s with the serious tone all of a sudden?”

“…Rei-chan, I—”

“(Rei! Bath’s free!)”

…A voice that’s not Rei-chan’s cuts through the call.

Probably someone talking to her.

…A guy I don’t know.

“Got it! Chi-chan, you’re so mean! I keep saying we should bathe together, but you always go in alone first!”

—Huh? Bathe together? Rei-chan? With who?

“(Wha—?! Between that bride comment and now, you really need to—)”

“Sorry, Yuu-kun. I gotta hop in the bath before I lose my turn, so I’m gonna hang up, okay?”

“W-Wait, uh, Rei-chan. Who’s that guy—”

“I’m so glad I got to hear your voice. Nighty-night!”

Her cheerful goodbye drowns out my confused murmur, and the call cuts off.

The giddy high from minutes ago vanishes without a trace, replaced by a chilling dread that wraps around me.

＊

“Chi-chan, did you know? If you give tomato plants a little saltwater, they grow super sweet tomatoes.”

“…Huh? What’re you talking about?”

“It’s not just about pampering them—sometimes a little whip makes things turn out better.”

“?”

Chi-chan tilts his head, totally lost.

Sure, nurturing pure, lovey-dovey feelings is nice, but sometimes breaking their brain like this makes them cling to me harder, adding that extra depth to the NTR flavor.

＊

“…So damn hot.”

Under the scorching rays of the sun baking the sandy beach, I—Sanzaka Chihiro—am fidgeting restlessly, waiting around like a sitting duck.

The beach, just a few minutes’ walk from my grandparents’ place, is a yearly summer tradition.

I only get to hit the ocean when I’m visiting here, and I don’t hate swimming.

…But what I’m really looking forward to is—

“Chi-chan! Sorry to keep ya waiting!”

“…!”

Her voice, the one I’ve been dying to hear, hits me from behind, and I stiffen, turning around all awkward-like.

“Y-You’re late, Rei—”

When I turn, I freeze solid for real this time.

“Haha, my bad, my bad. I’m not used to this swimsuit, so it took a bit to get it on.”

Rei’s swimsuit isn’t the one-piece she always rocked up until last year. Nope, it’s a bikini—top and bottom separate, showing off way more skin. That navel, burned into my brain from the other day, is right there, and I clench my teeth to keep from staring like an idiot.

“Chi-chan? What’s up?”

Whether she knows how I’m feeling or not, Rei peers at my frozen face, all curious-like.

Like I said before, I’m a lot shorter than Rei. So when she leans in to look at me, she’s gotta bend forward a bit.

And ever since last year, when her body started getting all… womanly, that means her cleavage is right in my—

“—N-Nothin’! Forget that, let’s just swim already! Waiting for you’s got me roasting out here!”

I wanna dive into the water to hide the situation brewing downstairs, but Rei shuts me down with some annoyingly sensible logic.

“Nuh-uh, no way. Gotta do warm-ups first.”

She stretches her arms high above her head, arching her back to loosen up.

Her chest… her armpits… that navel…!

I’m about to lose it. Someone please do something about this lawless woman.

“…Jeez, Chi-chan? You’re staring too much.”

Finally noticing my sleazy gaze, Rei makes a slightly annoyed face and covers herself with her hands. Doesn’t hide a thing. If anything, it’s more erotic.

“—H-Huh?! N-No, I wasn’t…”

I’m stumbling over my words, no excuse in sight, when Rei flashes a troubled little smile.

“Chi-chan’s a boy, too, huh? It’s not bad to be curious about a girl’s body, but… stare too much, and the girl you like might end up hating you.”

“Ugh!”

Her words, subtly implying I’m not her type, stab right through my heart.

“…But, since we’re here, maybe I’ll ask Chi-chan’s opinion.”

“Huh? Ask what?”

“What do you think of this swimsuit? I put in some effort picking it out. Does it make a guy go, like, ‘whoa’?”

It’s stabbing me to death. My stamina bar’s already in the red.

No way I can say that out loud, so I dodge with something vague.

“W-Well, it’s… not bad for you, I guess?”

“Bit of a backhanded compliment, but… you were staring pretty hard, so it can’t be that bad, right? ~♥”

“Big Sis, I’m begging you, please forget my shameful behavior from earlier!”

I drop to my knees on the hot sand, practically doing a dogeza as she teases me with that smug grin. My knees and forehead are burning.

“…Hehe. Wonder if Yuu-kun’ll like this swimsuit…”

—Her words make my brain freeze.

Again.

That guy again.

I look up, and the girl I’ve got a thing for is blushing, thinking about some other dude.

“—!”

“Eek! Chi-chan?”

Before I know it, I grab her hand roughly and bolt toward the shoreline.

“—How long you gonna keep yapping?! The ocean’s right there, so let me swim already!”

Hiding my ugly jealousy with a childish excuse, I drag Rei into the water.

“Pfft! You little—take that!”

Her black hair soaked, she laughs like crazy, splashing me with handfuls of seawater.

That’s right.

The guy standing in front of you right now isn’t some Yuu. It’s me.

Don’t look away.

Letting out all the pent-up muck in my heart, I go overboard, horsing around with her in the water.

“…Phew.”

In the middle of our beach fun, Rei says she’s thirsty, so I get sent to the vending machine.

Not like I’m complaining—she’s covering my drink, too.

With two sports drinks in hand, one for me and one for her, I head back to the beach.

“…Hm?”

From a distance, I spot an unfamiliar figure next to Rei. Looks like a couple of young guys.

They’re talking to her, but they don’t seem like people she knows.

“…!”

A bad feeling hits me, and I jog over.

Just as one of the guys tries to sling an arm around her shoulder all buddy-buddy, I plant myself between them.

“Kept you waiting, Rei. Let’s go.”

“Ch-Chi-chan?”

I grab her hand firmly and start pulling her away.

“Yo, hold up! You her little brother? We were just chatting with your big sis—”

I glance at Rei as the sleazy guy talks.

She’s got a slight, scared look on her face, and that’s enough for me to turn back to the guys and lay it out.

“Sorry, my girlfriend looks tired, so I’m gonna let her rest. Later.”

The guys freeze, dumbfounded, as I drag Rei away.

“…Ugh, sorry. I forgot the sports drinks back there.”

“N-No, that’s fine, but…”

Once the guys are out of sight, I try to break the awkward silence.

“Just to check, those guys weren’t, like, friends of yours, right?”

“No way. Just some pushy guys hitting on me. They were getting kinda annoying… Thanks for stepping in, Chi-chan.”

Her hand, still in mine, trembles slightly, probably from remembering how scared she was.

…Yeah, I almost forgot with how carefree she usually is, but she’s just a normal girl. Getting cornered by two big guys? Of course she’d be freaked out.

“…You’re safe now, so don’t worry.”

“Huh?”

To reassure her, I lightly pat her head.

I’m probably stretching up in the most pathetic way, cursing my short stature.

But even so, it seems to ease her mind a bit.

She smiles, looking content, letting me pat her.

“You’re such a boy, huh? Kinda gave me a little flutter.”

“…Tch, you’re awfully quiet today. What’re you scheming?”

“Hehe, no joke, I mean it. You were pretty cool back there. Saying stuff like ‘Hands off my girlfriend!’—every girl wants to hear that at least once.”

…God, this girl. How’s she so good at messing with people’s hearts?

“…Hehe, yup, yup. Chi-chan, you’re really, really… delicious.”

“Hm? Sorry, what’d you say?”

“I said the girl who ends up as your girlfriend’s gonna be one lucky gal.”

“Heh, well, thanks for that.”

And so, a certain summer day comes to an end.

＊

Maybe I—Netora Reiko—am a bit more rotten than most. Maybe just a tad more selfish.

Even when I mock myself, calling myself trash or scum, deep down I’m thinking, “Am I really that bad?” I see myself as some tragic dark hero with a sad backstory. And anyone who can’t sympathize with me? I look down on them as small-minded, heartless losers.

Even if I laugh at myself as some evil monster, I want everyone around me to say, “No, you’re human!” I want them to believe there’s some tragic reason behind my bad deeds, that I had no choice.

Humans are creatures that make mistakes. In other words, creatures that do evil.

But even if someone strays from the path, it’s also human to forgive. People can start over, time and time again. Hate the sin, not the sinner. Good words.

So don’t hate me when I mess up. Anyone who does is an evil monster who’s lost their humanity. Unforgivable, right? Q.E.D. (Proof complete).

Anyway, enough with the sappy monologue. Can’t be helped.

The day’s come to say goodbye to Chi-chan, who’s been keeping my heart nice and cozy these past few days.

“Ughhh, Chi-chaaan…”

While Mom and Dad load up the car, I’m clinging to Chi-chan, milking every last second of our farewell.

“Jeez… Every year, you gotta make a big show of this, huh, Rei?”

If he were his usual self, he’d probably be blushing and squirming at this kind of thing, but right now, I’m genuinely tearing up, so he’s just letting me do whatever. Heh, too easy.

“C’mon, I’m lonely! We’re not gonna see each other for a whole year!”

That’s the honest truth.

Lately, I’ve been wrecking Chii-chan’s emotions with some over-the-top skinship, like something straight out of an onee-shota ero manga, or dangling Yuu-kun in front of him to savor all those delicious negative vibes he’s been leaking—“Mmm, so good, so good!”—but now I’ve gotta put that on hold for a whole year. It’s just… purely sad.

“A year’ll fly by, you know. Next year, I’m definitely gonna be taller than you, Rei.”

“Huh? Oh, uh, good luck with that?”

“Don’t just snap back to normal like that! What’s with your brain-shattering mood swings, huh!? Dammit, I’m absolutely hitting one-sixty by next year!”

As we’re bantering, my parents call out. It’s such a shame, but it’s really time to say goodbye.

I pull out my smartphone and fire up the front camera.

“Well then, since this is my last chance to see tiny, adorable Chii-chan, how ‘bout a commemorative photo?”

“You picking a fight, stupid Rei?”

“C’mon, c’mon. Get closer.”

I yank him toward me, pressing our cheeks together so close they’re practically touching. Before Chii-chan, ears red as a beet, can squirm away—snap!

“I’ll send the pic to your messaging app, Chii-chan. Feel free to make it your wallpaper!”

“As if, idiot! The guys in my class would get the wrong idea!”

“…Huh? Wouldn’t they just think we’re close cousins? What’s there to misunderstand?”

I put on my best oblivious-protagonist face, and Chii-chan, realizing he’s dug his own grave, goes crimson. Mmm, so good, so good!

“Ugh, just go already! Your mom and dad have been waiting forever!”

“Fiiiine. See ya next year, then.”

I give Chii-chan one last quick hug and whisper in his ear.

“…Next year, show me an even cooler Chii-chan, ‘kay? I’m looking forward to it.”

“W-What!?”

That oughta be enough to shatter his emotions for now. I hope he polishes himself to a shine chasing that hopeless crush. BSS is like NTR’s close cousin, so I can still savor it deliciously.

“Byeee! Catch ya later!”

I wave at Chii-chan and my grandparents from the car.

Being apart from Yuu-kun and the others stings, but this trip home was pretty damn meaningful in its own way.

＊

“…Dammit.”

Once Rei’s car is out of sight, I—Chihiro Sanzaka—let out a curse.

“…A year’s nothing. No time to waste…”

If I dawdle, that reckless cousin of mine will slip right out of my reach.

There’s only so much a kid like me can do.

But that also means there’s something I can do, no matter how small.

“Maybe I’ll look into transferring to her hometown…”

It might be impossible. I might not make it in time. It could all be for nothing.

A mountain of negative realities piles up in my head.

But none of that’s a reason to give up.

I stare at the two-shot photo with Rei she sent to my phone.

“For now… guess I’ll hit the books.”

Transferring schools in the middle of junior high isn’t exactly realistic.

But high school? If I study my ass off, I could aim for a top-tier city school.

If I pick a good enough school that my parents can’t complain about, they might not agree but they won’t flat-out say no either.

“…Just you wait, Rei. I’m gonna show you the coolest version of me…!”

A fire sparks in the boy’s heart, burning brighter than the summer sun.

＊

Some time after summer break kicked off…

I—Yuri Shirase—am at the local mega-mall, waiting to meet someone.

“…I don’t look weird, do I?”

I check my outfit in a big glass window, then pull out the compact mirror—a gift from a very important friend—no, an important woman—to make sure my makeup’s still on point. I fidget nervously, waiting for her to show up.

“The waiting’s part of the thrill of a date,” I saw on some TV show or something, and it’s hitting me now how true that feels. It’s scary and exciting, this weird mix of emotions.

…Not that my “date” probably thinks of it that way. This is totally my own one-sided wrestling match.

“—Whoa, no way! You’re already here, Yuri-chan!? Sorry to keep you waiting!”

My heart leaps at the voice I’ve been dying to hear.

I turn toward it and see her—Rei-chan—jogging over, slightly out of breath.

“Sorry! Did I make you wait long?”

“N-No, I just got here myself…”

Total lie.

Truth is, I showed up a whole hour early.

But since Rei-chan got here thirty minutes ahead of schedule too, maybe she was looking forward to hanging out with me? I can’t help but get my hopes up a little.

“Ugh, that ‘just got here’ line was supposed to be mine!”

“Eek, s-sorry…?”

“Haha, just kidding. I thought I got here pretty early, but Yuri-chan, how long have you been waiting? …Don’t tell me you showed up, like, an hour early?”

She nails it, and my heart skips a beat, but I do my best to keep it cool. I don’t want her thinking I’m some clingy weirdo…

“N-No, really, I just got here…”

“Hmmm~…”

“Ugh, Rei-chan, don’t look at me like that…”

“Sorry, sorry. Let’s get going! I’ve been so pumped to go on this “date』 with you, Yuri-chan.”

Her casual words make my chest tighten.

“Date』—she’s probably just joking, but hearing the word I’ve been secretly wishing for makes my heart race. I can’t help but be drawn to her.

“…Hey, Rei-chan. Was it okay not inviting Tachibana-kun or Kurushima-kun?”

I’m not the only one who’s been dying to see her since she got back from her grandparents’ place.

I’m thrilled to have her all to myself, but I can’t help feeling a little guilty about the guys, so I blurt out the question.

“…Nah, dragging boys along for shopping today would be kinda cruel, don’t ya think?”

“W-Well, now that you mention it, maybe…”

The main goal of today’s shopping trip is to prep for a pool outing the four of us have planned soon. Specifically, I need a new swimsuit.

Though, Rei-chan apparently already bought a new one during her trip, so I’m the only one picking one out today.

“Ugh, I can’t believe last year’s suit doesn’t fit anymore…”

“Yuri-chan, you’ve got a killer figure. You should be proud, not embarrassed!”

As we browse the swimsuit section, Rei-chan picks out options, rattling off stuff about this year’s trends and coordinating outfits.

I’ve thought this before when she helped me with makeup, but her knowledge is insane.

It’s not just fashion or studying—she’s even talked sports medicine with Kurushima-kun. It’s like there’s nothing she doesn’t know.

When I asked her once, “How do you know so much?” she got all shy and said it was “for a dream I absolutely have to make come true.”

She wouldn’t spill the details, saying it was “too embarrassing,” but the way she’s so dedicated to her dream… it’s like a dazzling light to me.

“Hmm… How about we go for matching designs? Like, a twin-coord vibe? I kinda wanna try it.”

“R-Rei-chan, your swimsuit’s that super bold bikini, right? I-I don’t think I could…”

“I bet it’d look amazing on you, Yuri-chan.”

I blush a little, remembering the photo of Rei-chan’s swimsuit she sent in our group chat.

【REIKO: Beach at grandma’s place! Gorgeous!】

Seeing her in that swimsuit, striking a double peace sign with a huge grin, was… kind of a shock.

She probably doesn’t realize it, but posting a swimsuit pic in a chat where Tachibana-kun and Kurushima-kun can see it? That’s a bit too carefree.

The guys just marked it as read and went silent for a while—it was kinda awkward, you know?

…Okay, fine, I’ll admit I wasn’t totally against having Rei-chan’s swimsuit pic all to myself for a bit.

“Mmm… Yup, this one’s the winner, don’t you think?”

“Y-Yeah, I was thinking the same.”

In the end, Rei-chan picks out a one-piece swimsuit with an integrated skirt—almost like a dress.

It’s low on skin exposure but cute and stylish, totally my vibe. Plus, the fact that she picked it for me makes it an instant favorite.

I’m a little shy about going to the pool with the guys, but I’m excited to hang out with Rei-chan. Clutching my new swimsuit like it’s a treasure, I can’t help but smile.

“Phew…”

“You okay, Yuri-chan? Worn out?”

After finishing our shopping, Rei-chan and I are chilling at a coffee chain in the mall.

“Nah, I’m fine. So, what’s next?”

“Hmm, you got time, Yuri-chan? Wanna catch a movie?”

“A movie? I’m down, but what’s playing right now…?”

When I ask, Rei-chan pulls up the website for the mall’s cinema on her phone.

“How about this one? It’s a movie adaptation of a novel Yamada-kun was reading.”

“Oh, I think I’ve heard of that one.”

It’s an animated film based on a novel—a coming-of-age ensemble drama set in a school. I haven’t read the book, but I think it’s been a pretty big deal.

“Reviews look solid. Sound good?”

“Let’s do it! Book the tickets online, and we can kill time here ‘til it starts.”

“Cool. This’ll be fun, Rei-chan.”

Shopping together, grabbing coffee, watching a movie…

It really feels like a date, I can’t help but think.

…A real date with Rei-chan is probably never gonna happen.

I’m pretty sure I’m the only one looking at her that way.

It’s lonely, but I don’t want to change it. I’ll take these feelings to my grave.

I just want to stay her precious friend forever.

“So, what’s your grandma’s place like, Yuri-chan?”

“Oh, uh, it’s all mountains, nothing much around, but lately, there’s been a lot of people coming to the nearby campsite…”

I’m captivated by her clueless, smiling face, clinging to my place as “her friend.”

If it means keeping this spot, hiding a little unrequited crush or two? That’s nothing.

…This is fine.

(—Or so I thought! What the hell is this movie!?)

I wanna punch the me from thirty minutes ago, all giddy with Rei-chan saying “This’ll be fun!”

It’s not that the movie’s bad. The story’s gripping, the visuals are gorgeous, and it’s definitely entertaining.

—It’s just… the script is wildly intense.

The scenes with guys and girls together? Fine, whatever.

The problem is the over-the-top “friendship” between the girls—ugh, screw it, no sugarcoating.

It’s way too gay. Not just some cutesy yuri or aesthetic vibes—this is raw, heavy, visceral passion hitting me like a truck from the screen.

“…”

Aaaagh, Rei-chan’s looking all awkward next to me.

I should’ve done more research on this movie—thinking that now’s just crying over spilt milk.

I swore I’d take my pervy inclinations to the grave, but what the hell is this!? It’s like some evil god’s toying with me!

“———!”

—On the screen, two schoolgirls are locked in a deep kiss.

The second I catch myself picturing me and Rei-chan in their place, a wave of self-loathing crashes over me.

…After what felt like two hours of torture, the theater lights slowly come up. I let out a quiet sigh.

The movie itself was good, which just makes me madder. And I’m terrified to look at Rei-chan’s face. Not that I did anything wrong, but still.

“…R-Rei-chan? Wanna head out?”

I steel myself and call out to her. But there’s no response.

“…Rei-chan?”

Curious, I place a hand on her shoulder.

“—Eek!?”

Her whole body jolts, and I’m rattled by how unlike her usual calm, composed self this is.

“R-Rei-chan!? W-What’s wrong?”

“Huh? Oh, Y-Yuri-chan? Uh, um, well…”

Rei-chan’s completely losing it, and even though most people have cleared out, the few still in the theater are giving us weird looks. This isn’t good.

“L-Let’s just get outta here, okay? Can you walk?”

“Y-Yeah… sorry, Yuri-chan…”

For now, I drag Rei-chan outside.

“Here, water. …You okay now?”

“Yeah. Sorry, Yuri-chan…”

Rei-chan takes a sip from the plastic bottle I hand her, finally seeming to settle down.

We’re sitting side by side on a bench in a quiet rest area behind the cinema, where it’s just us and no one else around.

“…So, uh, that movie…”

Rei-chan starts speaking, almost like she’s muttering to herself.

“It made me think of the past.”

“The past…?”

I echo her vague words, and she nods.

“Yeah, I… I thought I was over it, but I got scared that if you, or Yuu-kun and the others, found out, you’d hate me, so…”

Her words are all over the place.

It’s like she’s choking on something heavy in her chest, desperate to let it out but unable to.

“Yuri-chan…?”

I take a chance and grab her trembling hand.

“…I-If you don’t wanna talk about it, you don’t have to, Rei-chan. But if it’ll make you feel better, I’m here to listen to anything, okay?”

My clumsy words make her smile faintly, and she takes a deep breath, like she’s made up her mind.

“When I was in elementary—no, maybe even before that. I, uh… I can like both guys and girls.”

“…Huh?”

What did Rei-chan just say?

“…I-I mean, I can fall for either. By the time I hit junior high, I thought it was weird, so I tried to focus on just liking guys, but… watching that movie brought it all back, and… aah! D-Don’t get me wrong, Yuri-chan! I didn’t approach you with any impure intentions or anything like that!”

In short, Rei-chan’s bi—she’s got a thing for both.

—Wait, does that mean I’ve got a shot?

In my head, a rainbow light show goes off, complete with a fanfare and the dumbest mental montage ever.

＊

Nichaa…

Well, that’s about how it went.

Staring at Yuri-chan, who’s got this spaced-out cosmic cat vibe going, I—Reiko Netora—feel pretty damn sure my chart is progressing smoothly.

Yuri-chan’s even more of a shy herbivore than I thought, but I’m thrilled I managed to plant one more seed for her NTR route. Nichaa.

She’s got this lingering guilt about her same-sex feelings, but now that she knows I’m in the same boat, she’ll probably start coming on a bit stronger.

Man, that pool trip with everyone’s gonna be a blast. Squelch!

＊

“—Yo, Yuuki!”

“Hey, Fuyuki-kun! Morning!”

Under the scorching sun and blazing summer heat, I—Fuyuki Kurushima—am heading to a leisure pool a few train stops from home with my best bud, Yuuki.

“Where’re Rei-chan and Shirase-san?”

It’s not just us two dudes sweating it out at the pool, of course. We’re here with the two girls we always hang with—a group of four for some summer fun.

At Yuuki’s question, I check my messaging app to ping the girls. A reply comes back quick.

“They’ll be here soon. Told us to wait in the lobby. It’s freakin’ hot, so let’s get inside.”

We pass through the automatic doors, cool off in the air-conditioned building, and grab some mineral water from a vending machine to kill time.

“It’s been a while since we came to a pool with you and Rei-chan, huh? I’m kinda hyped,” Yuuki says.

“Since we were, what, early elementary? Four years, maybe?”

“They’ve added a bunch of attractions since then. Like a water obstacle course and a huge waterslide,” Yuuki says, flipping through a pamphlet from the entrance, practically bouncing with excitement.

I can’t help but feel a little mischievous.

“Hyped, huh? Well, yeah, it’s gonna be fun—especially seeing Rei and Shirase in their swimsuits.”

“Wha—!? F-Fuyuki-kun!? I-I’m not thinking about that kinda stuff…!”

“Pfft, c’mon, we’re guys. No need to hide it. That bikini pic Rei sent in the group chat? We’re gonna see it live. And Shirase’s got some serious curves too. Any guy’d be stoked.”

Yuuki’s face goes beet red, and I’m having a blast teasing him when a familiar voice cuts through from a distance.

Looks like our VIPs have arrived.

“Sorry to keep you guys waiting!”

“Tachibana-kun, Kurushima-kun, hi.”

Shirase’s in a flowy blouse and long skirt, while Rei’s rocking a cliché white sundress and straw hat.

Yuuki and I, trying not to act like total dorks, manage to keep our cool and greet them back.

“Hey, Rei-chan, Shirase-san.”

“Yo, thanks for trekking out in this heat.”

Rei’s a given, but Shirase, who’s been getting a major glow-up thanks to Rei, is legit a stunner too.

The two of them walking side by side? Total eye-catchers. I’m feeling a bit smug under the curious glances from people around when Rei zeros in on the water bottle in my hand.

“Oh, nice one, Fuyuki-kun. Can I have a sip?”

“Uh, sure, go for it.”

…Indirect kiss. Nah, she’s not thinking anything sexy like that.

Rei’s just way too carefree with people she’s close to.

If I react weirdly, it’ll just make things awkward, so I play it cool and hand her the bottle.

“Thanks, Fuyuki-kun! …Gulp.”

Her lips touch the bottle’s rim without a hint of hesitation.

It’s kinda awkward to watch, so I lower my gaze a bit.

…Hold up, what the hell am I seeing!?

Yuuki’s noticed too—his face is red up to his ears.

This idiot’s wearing a white sundress and didn’t think to wear anything to prevent see-through!?

I can make out Rei’s underwear clear as day, and my brain’s about to short-circuit.

Bra, panties—if you squint even a little, it’s all right there!

And Shirase, you’re a girl, you have to have noticed! Shouldn’t you be the one to say something!?

“—Phew. Thanks, Fuyuki-kun.”

Rei, oblivious to my inner meltdown, hands the bottle back with a carefree grin.

…Okay, this is not okay.

If it was just me seeing this, I’d be—whoops, I mean, it’d be fine.

No, wait—if other guys saw this, I’d be pissed—no, that’s not it either.

…Rei’s not some clueless kid anymore. I gotta say something. I steel myself and draw the short straw.

“Uh, Rei… you’re, uh, kinda see-through.”

“Huh? What is?”

“…Your underwear. It’s showing through your dress. You gotta have a bit more awareness when you’re out like this—”

“Oh, that? No worries, it’s not underwear.”

“…Huh?”

I’m baffled, and while I’m trying to process her words, Rei yanks down the neckline of her dress, giving me and Yuuki a full view of what’s underneath.

What the hell is she doing!?

“See? I’ve got my swimsuit on underneath! I brought spare undies too, and I’ve got an inner layer for the way back so it won’t be see-through. Gotta avoid any embarrassing moments, right?”

She flashes a double peace sign with a smug “perfect prep!” grin. My head’s pounding as I shoot Shirase a look like, “What’s wrong with your partner’s sense of decency?”

Shirase just looks away. Oi.

I glance at Yuuki, and he’s staring at the sky, practically holding his nose to keep from bleeding.

“Alright, catch you later!”

After that chaotic reunion, Yuuki and I split off from the girls to hit the changing rooms.

Guys’ changing is just strip-and-go, so we’re done in no time.

Yuuki and I wait for Rei and Shirase at the pool entrance.

“…I thought this back at school pool too, but your abs are insane, Fuyuki-kun…”

“Don’t sound like Rei. You’ve gotten pretty ripped yourself since elementary, Yuuki.”

Yuuki scratches his cheek with a wry smile at my words.

“Yeah, all that running with Rei-chan. She’s scary good at pushing you to your limits—I’m kinda traumatized…”

“What’s with her freaky coaching skills? She should just be our manager already…”

…We’re laughing and joking, but deep down, I’m getting this itchy feeling about how overprotective Rei is with Yuuki.

I mean, I wanna be closer to Rei too—

“Sorry for the wait!”

“S-Sorry to keep you both waiting…”

Just as ugly flickers of jealousy start creeping into my thoughts, Rei and Shirase’s voices snap me out of it.

Rei’s standing there, brimming with confidence, while Shirase hovers behind her like she’s trying to hide.

…Well, as expected, they’re both stunning.

Rei’s rocking the same light blue bikini from her photo, giving off a fresh, vibrant vibe. Shirase’s in that dress-like one-piece, super modest but still cute. They could legit be magazine models, I think, keeping the cliché observation to myself.

The sheer amount of skin they’re showing—way more than usual—steals my attention, but I force myself to stay cool. Yuuki, though, isn’t handling it so well.

“W-Wow… uh, Rei-chan, um…”

“Damn, you both look great. Super cute,” I cut in, bailing Yuuki out as he fumbles.

Rei flashes a sun-bright grin. “Fuyuki-kun, perfect score! No hesitation in your compliments—high points for that! …Yuu-kun, gotta step it up a bit, yeah?”

“Ugh, sorry, Rei-chan… but, uh, I think you both look really good too. You and Shirase-san.”

Yuuki manages to squeeze out some praise, and Rei shrugs with a wry smile.

“Hmm… I’ll give you a passing grade, barely.”

“Who do you think you are?” I jab, and Rei giggles, starting some light stretches.

“Alright, let’s warm up and hit the water. Where to first?”

“Let’s work our way from one end. The lazy river lets you check out the other areas, so how ‘bout we start there? We’ve got all day.”

It’s still morning.

Rei and Yuuki were so hyped they set our meet-up right at opening, so we’ve got tons of time. Honestly, if we go all-out now, we’ll probably burn out halfway.

“Alright, let’s do this!”

“““Yeah!””” The three of them cheer in unison, and I smirk, heading toward the lazy river entrance.

“Wow, they built a huge slide, huh? Wasn’t here the last time we came as a trio, right?”

We’re floating along the lazy river, detouring to check out the water obstacle course and the wave pool, when a massive structure catches our eye.

“I think it’s a two-person giant waterslide. Wanna try it, Rei-chan?” Yuuki asks.

“Hell yeah, let’s go! Yuri-chan, you in—”

Rei turns to Shirase, who’s clinging to her floatie, face pale and shaking her head.

“S-Sorry, Rei-chan. I’m not good with heights…”

“Oh… well, no biggie. We can hit the slide another time—”

“N-No! Don’t worry about me, go ride it! I’ll wait down here.”

With Shirase’s personality, she’d probably feel worse if Rei skipped out on the fun just for her.

“It’s a two-person ride, right? I’ll hang with Shirase, so you and Yuuki—”

“Rock, paper, scissors!”

“Huh?”

Rei’s sudden call makes me reflexively throw out a fist. Yuuki’s conditioned response is scissors, and Rei’s holding out a fist like mine.

“Alright, me and Fuyuki-kun first, then?”

“W-Wait, I—”

“Aww, I wanted to ride too,” Yuuki cuts in.

“Next round, Yuu-kun gets a bye, and we’ll play for who goes with him,” Rei declares, steamrolling the conversation before I can protest.

…Is Rei cool with this? With me instead of Yuuki?

I’m not that dense. I know Rei’s got feelings for Yuuki that go beyond friendship.

So, no matter how I feel, I was ready to step back and let Yuuki have the spotlight for little things like this…

“Hey, Rei?”

“What’s up, Fuyuki-kun?”

We’re climbing the stairs to the slide, and I take a shot.

“You sure you’re okay with me instead of Yuuki for this?”

“Huh? Well, yeah, I’d love to ride with Yuu-kun.”

“…!”

Her predictable answer stings, and I start to sink into selfish disappointment.

Of course she’d rather be with Yuuki—

“—Which is why it’s kinda lucky I get to ride with you first, Fuyuki-kun! I’m a rock-paper-scissors pro, so sorry, but I’m definitely going with Yuu-kun next!”

“…Huh?”

“‘Cause I wanted to ride with you too, y’know? Oh, and Yuri-chan, of course.”

“What’s that, you greedy or something?”

“Pfft, so what? It’s been forever since we all hit the pool together, so I’m allowed to get a little hyped!”

Rei puffs out her cheeks, and I can’t help but let out a relieved laugh.

I don’t get the romance stuff, but it’s clear Rei cares about me and Yuuki just as much.

…Guess giving up so easily would be a bit premature, huh?

Feeling lighter, I climb the last steps to the slide with Rei.

“Wow… higher than I thought, Fuyuki-kun…”

“Pamphlet said it’s twenty meters. Pretty sure it’s one of the tallest waterslides in the country.”

“…I’m not Yuri-chan, but I’m starting to get a little nervous.”

She says it with a grin, clearly having fun, and I smirk back as we grab a tandem floatie boat for the slide.

“Rei, front or back?”

“Front, obviously! Wanna play for it?”

“Nah, I’m good with back.”

We banter, waiting for the lifeguard’s signal.

…The water flow looks pretty intense.

I’m a little tense as I slide into the back of the boat behind Rei.

“Eep, haha, that tickles, Fuyuki-kun!”

“…Oh, sorry.”

The boat’s setup means my legs slide under her arms, brushing her sides.

Her soft skin makes my heart race, but Rei doesn’t seem to care, so I’m just wrestling with myself here…

As I’m overthinking, the lifeguard gives the go-ahead.

“Fuyuki-kun! Here we go!”

“Don’t get flung off!”

The boat rockets forward, hurtling toward the ground.

“Wahh—!”

“This is way wilder than it looks…!”

I focus on the boat’s twists and turns, Rei’s excited shrieks ringing in my ears.

It’s over in a few minutes. Our boat hits the water at the bottom, kicking up a huge splash.

“Pwah!”

“—Pfft! Rei, you okay—”

I wipe the water from my face and call out to her.

“Haha, that was nuts, Fuyuki-kun!”

Rei turns back, brushing wet hair from her face with a huge grin, and I freeze.

“Wha—!?”

Rei’s—well, more like Rei’s completely bare upper body—leaves me speechless, letting out a pathetic groan.

Since hitting junior high, Rei’s gotten even more… womanly.

I can’t tear my eyes away from her curves and the pink tips, totally paralyzed, until Rei finally glances down and realizes her situation.

“—Huh? …W-Wait, no way!? F-Fuyuki-kun, don’t look!”

“C-Calm down—whoa!”

Her panicked flailing tips the boat, flipping us over.

The water’s only waist-deep, but Rei’s thrashing like she’s in full panic mode, so I rush to her.

“Oi, Rei!?”

“—Pwah! Cough, hack!”

I yank her up, and she clings to me, still coughing and totally freaked out.

…Which, naturally, means her chest is squished right against me…

I’m about to pass out but desperately picture my grandparents’ faces to keep the blood from rushing somewhere it shouldn’t.

Rei seems to snap back to reality, her ears red as she mumbles.

“…U-Um, Fuyuki-kun. If I let go now, uh, everything’s gonna show… so, can we stay like this a bit longer…?”

She presses herself even closer, and I’m begging for mercy in my head.

The feel of her chest against mine is making my grandparents’ faces fade fast.

Fuyuki Kurushima, you’re gonna die here today.

“—Ah!”

Rei lets out a small gasp, like she’s noticed something bad.

Yeah, with us this close, there’s no way she doesn’t feel the situation in my lower half. I silently cover my face with both hands.

“U-Uh, sorry? I mean, you’re a guy, Fuyuki-kun… um, it’s, uh, pretty impressive, I think!”

“Just kill me…”

A few dozen seconds later, Shirase and Yuuki, who’d seen the chaos from the shore, rush over with Rei’s lost top, freeing me from both heaven and hell.

＊

It was all staged, of course.

While clinging to Fuyuki-kun, I—Reiko Netora—let my lips curl into a crescent moon with a Nichaa.

I’d loosened my bikini top with ninja-like speed during the slide, perfectly shattering Fuyuki-kun’s emotions.

And by acting all shy about his reaction, I made sure to signal, “I totally see you as a guy.” Flawless execution.

Scouting the pool beforehand with Yuu-kun and the others in secret was worth it. Four years since we last came? Total lie.

I’m a woman who’ll go all-in for the cause.

For the sake of future NTR, flashing a boob or two—or pressing them against someone—is no big deal for this netorare queen.

After a bit of grinding against Fuyuki-kun’s Fuyuki-kun, Yuu-kun and Yuri-chan bring me my lost top.

I slip it back on, thanking them.

“Haha… thanks, Yuu-kun, Yuri-chan. I kinda freaked out there…”

“Y-Yeah…”

“W-Well, uh, good thing nothing worse happened, right…?”

The two of them, who’d seen me plastered against Fuyuki-kun, are visibly rattled.

Ohhh, so delicious.

＊

“That was a blast! Right, guys?”

At dusk, I’m strolling toward the nearest station from the pool, grinning and chatting up Yuu-kun and the others.

“Haha, yeah, it was fun… but I’m gonna be sore tomorrow,” Yuuki says.

“Ugh… something about leaving the pool always makes me sleepy,” Fuyuki groans.

“Same… I’m kinda worried I’ll miss my stop on the train…” Shirase adds.

The awkward vibe right after the waterslide wardrobe malfunction lingered for a bit, but since I—the one who flashed my boobs—acted like it was no big deal, things on the surface went back to normal by the time we were heading home.

“…What’s up, Rei?”

Fuyuki-kun’s still struggling to hide how rattled he is inside, though.

Totally worth throwing myself into it. Mmm, delicious.

“Hmm? Just thinking it’d be kinda fun and youthful if we all fell asleep on the train and missed our stop.”

“Stop it, don’t jinx us like that!”

“Hehe, if you doze off, I’m snapping a pic of your sleeping face, Yuri-chan.”

“Eek, n-no way, Rei-chan!”

“Oh, speaking of photos…”

While teasing Yuri-chan with some yuri-flavored banter, I fiddle with my smartphone and send a pic to the group chat.

“Huh? What’d you send, Rei-chan?”

“A group photo from the pool. Forgot to share it earlier.”

The chat shows the four of us in a shot from the pool.

Yuri-chan, clinging to me with a shy smile.

Fuyuki-kun, flashing a cool, confident grin like he’s used to these kinds of photos.

Yuu-kun, roped into making a peace sign, looking all embarrassed.

—Yup. Not bad at all.

“…Nice pic, Rei-chan.”

“Right? Makes the whole pool trip worth it, don’t ya think?”

I shoot Yuu-kun a gentle smile.

My precious friends. My important people. A summer memory spent with them.

Every time I look at this photo, I’ll remember it all.

The chill of the pool water.

The taste of the lunch we shared.

The scent of the evening breeze as we walked side by side.

The smiles of the people I care about.

These irreplaceable memories of youth… they’re just the appetizer for my NTR full course.

By the way, my full course menu includes some awful dishes like “Yuu-kun’s despair” and “Fuyuki-kun’s guilt.” I’m a hopeless piece of trash, I know.

Dreaming wistfully of the feast to come, we board the train home from the station platform.

＊

“Ugh…”

The gentle sway of the train feels oddly soothing as I—Fuyuki Kurushima—let out another huge yawn.

“If you’re sleepy, go ahead and nap, Fuyuki-kun. I’ll make sure to wake you up,” Rei says.

Yuu-kun and Shirase-san are already out cold, so it’s just me and Rei awake.

Her soft voice and smile make my heart skip, but I shrug dramatically and smirk sardonically.

“You’re just waiting to snap a pic if I doze off, huh? That’s a bit shady, Rei.”

“Caught me! I already got Yuu-kun and Yuri-chan, so you’re the last piece for the set.”

She giggles, messing with her phone, and I can only give a wry smile.

…Dammit. I can’t stop thinking about it.

That pool incident was way too much for a healthy middle school guy to handle.

No matter how hard I try to forget, my eyes keep drifting to Rei’s chest, and the shape and feel of it dance in my head.

“…Pervert, Fuyuki-kun…”

“Gah!?”

Rei, catching my sleazy gaze, covers her chest with both hands.

“I told you to forget about it…”

“…Look, I’m really sorry, but my brain’s not a smartphone. I can’t just delete or erase memories like that…”

“Ugh! You pressed that thing against my belly button and now you’re acting all shameless!? That’s so not okay!”

“Stop! I’m already dying from guilt and embarrassment! Guys can’t control that kinda thing! And yours were a little stiff too, weren’t they!?”

“Worst! That was just ‘cause the pool water was cold…!”

Our bickering gets loud, and when we notice Yuu-kun and Shirase-san stirring, we both cool it.

“…Let’s drop it. I don’t want Yuri-chan or Yuu-kun hearing this dumb argument.”

“…Yeah. Uh, I really do feel bad, and ‘sorry’ sounds weird, but if there’s anything I can do to make it up, just say it. Can you let it slide?”

Seeing my desperate face, Rei chuckles and throws out one condition.

“Alright, then come with me to the shopping district’s summer festival next week. That’ll square us.”

“Huh? Uh, you mean…”

A date invitation?

The thought flits through my mind, but of course, this girl isn’t thinking anything romantic.

“I’m inviting Yuu-kun and Yuri-chan too, so we’ll all hang out. Summer break’s almost over, y’know.”

Yup, figures. Got my hopes up for nothing, you beast.

But a summer festival as our last summer memory? Not a bad deal.

“Fine, fine, I humbly accept.”

“Good. Then we’re cool.”

Rei flashes a carefree grin and holds out her hand.

I take her small, pale hand and give it a light shake.

“Not like we were fighting or anything.”

“Doesn’t matter. It’s about the vibes.”

The setting sun streams through the train window, making her slightly damp hair sparkle.

—Yeah, I really don’t wanna give up.

The ember of my secret crush keeps smoldering, steady and dull.

＊

“Alright, I’m heading out, Mom!”

“Don’t stay out too late, okay?”

With that, I—Yuuki Tachibana—leave the house.

I’m headed to the main street in the shopping district, where the local summer festival’s being held.

As usual, it was Rei-chan’s idea for the four of us—me, Fuyuki-kun, and Shirase-san—to hit the festival together.

“Yuri-chan and I are going in yukata, so look forward to it!” Her words echo in my head, and I can’t help but feel giddy as I make my way to the shopping district.

“—Yo, you’re early, Yuuki.”

At the meeting spot by the entrance, I’m fiddling with my phone, fan in hand, when Fuyuki-kun shows up first.

“Didn’t wanna keep Rei-chan and the others waiting.”

“Fair point. Those two stand out, don’t they? Wouldn’t be fun if some weirdo hassled them.”

“Exactly. Don’t want anything ruining our last summer memory.”

We chat, just the two of us, waiting around.

The festival’s a big deal, with the main street closed off, and I spot a few kids from our school in the crowd.

“Hey, it’s Kurushima-kun and Tachibana-kun!”

“Yo, looks like plenty of our classmates are here too.”

Some even come up to say hi.

A group of girls from our class, dressed in yukata, greet us and invite us to join them.

“Sorry, we’re waiting for some people.”

“Yeah, thanks for the invite, though.”

They play up their disappointment with a joking pout.

“Aww, shot down.”

“Hit us up if you change your mind. We’ll be around for a bit.”

They wave and head off.

I’m quietly relieved they didn’t push, but Fuyuki-kun smirks mischievously and nudges me.

“Reverse pickup? You’re a real ladies’ man, Yuuki.”

“C’mon, they were after you. I’m just, like, a funny pet at best.”

“No need to sell yourself short. You’re just as popular with the girls as Fuyuki-kun, Yuu-kun.”

We whip around at the voice behind us.

There’s Rei-chan in a morning glory-patterned yukata and Shirase-san in a goldfish-patterned one.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, guys.”

“Sorry we’re late. I had some trouble with my yukata…”

“Big chests make it tough to get a yukata to sit just right, huh?”

“R-Rei-chan! Don’t say that, it’s embarrassing!”

Watching them playfully bicker, I summon the line I practiced.

“U-Uh, you both look really good in your yukata.”

“Pfft, wooden acting.”

“Ugh!”

Rei-chan’s brutal critique hits hard, but Shirase-san jumps in.

“R-Rei-chan, he’s trying. Be a little gentler…”

“Haha, my bad. Thanks for the compliment, Yuu-kun! I’m happy.”

“Y-Yeah.”

I try not to gawk at Rei-chan in her yukata, keeping my face in check.

“But, like, we went all out with these outfits, and you guys just show up in casual clothes?”

“Guys don’t need to dress up, do we?”

“It’s a festival, c’mon! I wanted to see you guys in jinbei or something. Fuyuki-kun would totally rock it.”

“Alright, alright, if I remember next year, I’ll think about it.”

Fuyuki-kun and Rei-chan trade light jabs.

…Is it just me, or have they gotten a bit closer since the pool thing?

“Tachibana-kun? You okay?”

“—Oh, no, I’m fine, Shirase-san.”

Shirase-san notices my uneasy expression, and I quickly play it off, assuring her it’s nothing.

—It’s fine. I’m overthinking it.

Fuyuki-kun knows I like Rei-chan.

Back in elementary school, when I was moping over my hopeless crush on her, he was the one who cheered me up and had my back.

“You’re fine, Yuuki. You’re a great guy, and Rei knows all your good points.”

“But I’m not cool like you, Fuyuki-kun…”

“She cares about you way more than you think. Chin up!”

Every time Rei-chan got confessed to and I was down, Fuyuki-kun was there to lift me up. Doubting him now would be beyond ungrateful.

I shake my head to clear the guilt. The sticky doubts don’t fully go away, but I manage to switch gears.

“Alright, let’s go! C’mon, Yuu-kun, hold my hand so you don’t get lost.”

“R-Rei-chan… stop treating me like a kid…”

I’m not some child you need to take care of forever.

I want you to see me as a guy who can stand by your side.

Those feelings melt into the festival’s clamor.

“…”

Scratch, scratch, scratch.

“Uh… Rei-chan?”

Snap!

“Argh! I was so close!”

Rei-chan yelps as the pink sugar candy board she was poking with a pin breaks.

She’s been obsessed with this katanuki game, and I give a wry smile, putting a hand on her shoulder.

“Haha, tough luck.”

“Yuu-kun, one more! Just one more try!”

Rei-chan, frustrated, pops the broken tulip-shaped candy—snapped at the stem—into her mouth. Fuyuki-kun makes an X with his fingers.

“Don’t waste time on katanuki right at the start. We’ve barely moved ten meters from the entrance.”

“Kurushima-kun’s right. Let’s come back to katanuki later, okay?”

“Ugh, if Yuri-chan says so…”

Coaxed by everyone, Rei-chan reluctantly leaves the katanuki stall behind.

“Man, I wanted to boost our funds here…”

“Give it up. That stall guy’s stupidly strict. He’ll trade one or two wins for prize money, but any more, and he’ll nitpick and fail you.”

“Haha, Fuyuki-kun and I got burned by that a lot back in the day…”

So, Fuyuki-kun and I managed to win one round each, scoring some pocket change. Shirase-san, with her catastrophic lack of dexterity, was just cheering Rei-chan on.

Rei-chan went for the high-difficulty, high-payout shape and crashed spectacularly, so the girls’ team got zilch. Guess I’ll treat them to something later.

“So, what now? Too early for food. Wanna just walk around for a bit?”

“Yeah, let’s scope out some tasty-looking stalls and grab food later.”

We nod at Fuyuki-kun’s suggestion and start weaving through the festival’s bustle.

Maybe because everyone’s clinging to the fading summer, the shopping district is packed. One wrong move, and we could easily get separated.

“Yuri-chan, it’s super crowded, so let’s hold hands, ‘kay?”

“U-Um, sure. Thanks, Rei-chan.”

Shirase-san nods obediently and takes Rei-chan’s hand. Rei-chan flashes a satisfied grin before turning a mischievous one on me.

“Hehe, Yuri-chan’s so honest and cute. Unlike Yuu-kun, who’s too grown-up to hold my hand.”

“I-It’s not that I don’t want to…”

I mumble an excuse, and Rei-chan, apparently satisfied, switches to a carefree grin.

“Kidding, kidding. Yuri-chan’s probably shy about holding hands with guys, and three of us linking up would make walking a pain, right?”

We chat about random stuff—summer homework progress, whatever—while soaking in the festival.

We try our luck at a notoriously rigged string-pull lottery, scoop goldfish, and hit the shooting gallery, wandering the lively street for about an hour.

“Alright, getting hungry from all this walking. Time to grab some food?”

“Totally. There’s a rest area right there—let’s grab a spot.”

Fuyuki-kun’s suggestion gets a nod from Rei-chan, and we head to the rest area, where pipe tents are lined with chairs and tables.

Luckily, we snag a spot for all four of us and take a breather. Rei-chan pulls up photos on her phone of food stalls she snapped along the way.

“So, what’s on the menu? Gotta have takoyaki and yakisoba, right?”

“I’m eyeing that kebab stall too,” Fuyuki-kun chimes in.

“Rei-chan, I saw a tapioca place back there too,” Shirase-san adds.

“No way, really!?”

We’re all hyped, hashing out the food plan while keeping our budget in check.

“Sounds about right? Alright, Yuuki and I’ll go grab the food. Girls, hold the fort—”

“Hold up, Fuyuki-kun. I’m going with Yuu-kun to get the food. You stay here with Yuri-chan.”

We all blink at Rei-chan’s words, and she explains her reasoning.

“Two girls just chilling might attract weirdos, y’know? Yuri-chan looks a bit tired from all the walking, so Fuyuki-kun, be her knight and keep watch, ‘kay?”

“Uh, sure, whatever…”

“Cool, thanks! Let’s go, Yuu-kun.”

“Wha—oh, yeah, sure.”

Rei-chan grabs my hand and pulls me into the crowd.

—For a split second, I feel a weird sort of forcefulness in her move, but her bright, laughing face melts away any unease.

“…”

“Kurushima-kun?”

“—Huh? Oh, sorry, zoned out. What’s up, Shirase?”

“U-Um, nothing really… you just looked kinda scary for a sec, so I was worried…”

“Huh? Was I? Nah, I’m not in a bad mood or anything—”

I catch snippets of Fuyuki-kun and Shirase-san talking behind us, but the festival’s noise drowns them out before it reaches my ears.

——Nichaa.

“Yuu-kun, look, strawberry red!”

Rei-chan sticks out her tongue, dyed red from kakigori syrup, and I—whoa, not turned on, I mean—ugh, not that either—my heart skips a beat as I lightly tap her head.

“Ow!”

“That’s bad manners, Rei-chan.”

“Pfft, it’s festival food—there’s no table manners for this stuff!”

We’re back at the rest area, chowing down as a group.

Bellies full, we’re all in a chill mood.

“How long ‘til the fireworks?” Rei-chan asks.

Fuyuki-kun lights up his phone. “About ten minutes. Wanna move?”

“Nah, all the good spots are probably taken. We can see from here—let’s just relax.”

We’re a bit wiped from all the fun, so we agree and chat to pass the time until the fireworks.

“Wow, you guys actually finished your summer homework? Impressive.”

“Someone’s been nagging me to plan ahead since forever,” Fuyuki-kun says, throwing shade at Rei-chan.

“Well, getting chewed out by teachers for homework in middle school is kinda embarrassing,” Shirase-san adds.

“…Summer break’s really over, huh?” Rei-chan murmurs, a touch of loneliness in her voice.

Shirase-san looks surprised. “I thought you’d be all, ‘Can’t wait to see everyone every day again,’ Rei-chan.”

“I mean, yeah, but when big events like this end, it feels like another chunk of kid time is gone… makes me kinda sad.”

“Rei-chan…?”

Her wistful gaze and cryptic words stir a flicker of unease in me.

I’m hesitating, wondering what to say, when a faint whoosh echoes through the night sky.

“—Oh!”

A boom.

The air trembles as a flower of light blooms in the darkness.

“Wow…”

“Gotta love summer fireworks, right?”

It’s not as grand as a full-on fireworks festival, but the fiery blossoms lighting up the night are breathtaking.

“—They’re beautiful, Yuu-kun.”

Under the table, her hand softly grips mine.

Not the usual firm, guiding grip—it’s hesitant, her fingers delicately entwining with mine. I can’t help but tear my eyes from the fireworks to look at Rei-chan.

“Rei-chan…?”

“…Just for the fireworks.”

Her smile is calm yet tinged with sadness, fragile and fleeting, and I can only look back up at the sky, unable to say more.

A final, massive firework bursts, followed by a slightly crackly announcement signaling the end.

Rei-chan’s fingers slip from mine, like they were a dream.

“Aww, I hate to see it end.”

And just like that, she’s back to her usual cheerful, kind self.

“—Guess we’ll see each other at school next?”

“Yeah, you and Yuuki watch yourselves on the way home—it’s dark,” Fuyuki-kun says.

On the way back from the festival, after seeing Shirase-san off and parting with Fuyuki-kun, I’m walking home with Rei-chan, just the two of us.

“That was so fun, Yuu-kun!”

“Yeah, let’s all come back next year.”

The shadowed, wistful Rei-chan from the fireworks is gone, like it was all in my head.

“…”

But the lingering warmth of her fingertips tells me it wasn’t an illusion.

“Thanks for walking me home, Yuu-kun.”

“Oh, uh, yeah…”

Before I know it, we’re at Rei-chan’s house.

I thank her for inviting me to the festival and turn to leave.

“…Hey, Yuu-kun. You got a bit more time?”

“Huh?”

Her voice, almost holding me back, makes me pause.

She ducks inside her house and comes back out.

“How ‘bout a little overtime?”

In her hand is a long disposable lighter and a bag of sparklers.

I nod at Rei-chan’s suggestion, and we head to a small park a few minutes from her house, each holding a sparkler.

“Been a while since we came here, huh?”

“Yeah, we used to play here all the time as kindergarteners, didn’t we, Yuu-kun?”

The run-down park, with its tiny sandbox and sparse playground equipment, was never popular with other kids back then.

But that meant Rei-chan and I had it all to ourselves, and I didn’t hate that one bit.

“Alright, let’s split the sparklers.”

We fill a small bucket from her house with water from the park’s faucet, getting ready.

“Here, Rei-chan.”

“Thanks, Yuu-kun.”

I light her sparkler with the disposable lighter, watching the tiny sparks crackle to life before lighting my own.

Compared to the festival fireworks, these are laughably small, but they’ve got their own charm.

“…Hey, Yuu-kun.”

The faint glow of the sparkler and a dim streetlight cast a hazy light on Rei-chan’s face.

“When we started middle school, I thought, ‘I wanna get even closer to Yuu-kun.’”

“That’s…”

Same here.

I want to be closer to Rei-chan.

…If I could, more than just friends.

Before I can spill my heart, she keeps going.

“…But then I became friends with Yuri-chan, got closer to Fuyuki-kun too… and you’re always right there. Every day’s so fun now. I’m so happy, all the time.”

Her sparkler’s glow starts to fade, almost like it’s mirroring her heart.

“I want to be even closer to you, Yuu-kun… but I’m so happy right now, being with everyone feels so good it makes me wanna cry… and I’m scared that if I do something, it’ll all end…”

“Rei-chan…”

Her sparkler fizzles out, the tip falling silently to the ground.

“…I’m scared. So scared, Yuu-kun… I don’t want things to change…”

I pull the trembling, downcast Rei-chan into a hug.

“Rei-chan.”

“Yuu-kun…?”

“…I can’t say we don’t have to change. You’re the one who changed me, after all.”

She’s the one who pulled me out of my inferiority complex and resignation.

Now it’s my turn to lift her up.

—Just like she did for me back then!

“—You’re the most important, irreplaceable girl to me. Ever since the day we met, always…”

“Yuu-kun…”

“Let’s change together, Rei-chan. I’m sure what’s ahead will be even more fun, even more amazing.”

I tighten my arms around her just a bit.

“I’m here—we’re here.”

…Not being able to say “I’m here” outright is my weak point, huh.

But I’m sure Fuyuki-kun and Shirase-san feel the same.

We can’t stay kids forever.

So let’s change together. Toward a better tomorrow. A brighter future.

“…Getting cocky for a Yuu-kun, huh?”

“You always have your way with me. Gotta turn the tables sometimes, right?”

I flash a mischievous grin to egg her on.

It’s a painfully obvious act, but she plays along, picking up my vibe.

“You’re so not cute! When did you turn into such a bad boy!?”

“Haha, if you’re that lively, you’re fine. C’mon, let’s finish the sparklers.”

Rei-chan’s face is a mix of mock anger and joy as we wrap up the rest of the sparklers.

Lit by moonlight and the flicker of sparks, her profile is absolutely beautiful.

＊

“…I’m scared. So scared, Yuu-kun… I don’t want things to change…”

Still holding the burnt-out sparkler, I—Reiko Netora—lower my face.

This isn’t an act or anything. It’s my raw, unfiltered truth.

—I’m terrified of things changing.

Right now, I’ve got Yuu-kun, Fuyuki-kun, and Yuri-chan—top-tier NTR actors, perfectly lined up. If I add more rival candidates to the mix, I’m scared the whole chart will go to hell.

Sure, my selection process for rivals isn’t moving as fast as planned.

I still need a delinquent, a creepy introvert, a muscle-bound gorilla, maybe a playboy who can charm older girls… I haven’t locked those down yet.

…But isn’t Fuyuki-kun and Yuri-chan enough?

If I overreach and everything falls apart, sticking to the status quo is the safer bet. No question.

Minimize risks, eliminate mistakes, aim for perfection. That can’t be wrong.

This isn’t a game or a joke. It’s my life’s grand project, with my entire being on the line.

I’m not screwing around!! If Yuu-kun weren’t here, I’d be glowing pink and howling.

While I’m wrestling with these thoughts, Yuu-kun suddenly pulls me into a hug.

“…I can’t say we don’t have to change. You’re the one who changed me, after all.”

Sorry, Yuu-kun, I’m kinda in the middle of something—can we do this later?

But I’m a girl who knows her TPO.

I read the room and listen to Yuu-kun with a perfectly timed, soulful expression. Good girl, me. I mentally pat myself on the back.

“—You’re the most important, irreplaceable girl to me. Ever since the day we met, always…”

“———!”

His words echo something I said long ago.

Back when I was fearless, charging toward my dreams like a reckless warrior—

“Yuu-kun…”

My trembling lips barely manage to whisper his name.

“Let’s change together, Rei-chan. I’m sure what’s ahead will be even more fun, even more amazing.”

—Oh, that’s right.

Yuu-kun’s belief in the possibilities of the future makes me see my mistake.

There’s no point in perfect stagnation.

Perfection means there’s nothing more—no room for creation, no space for wisdom or talent to grow. Not exactly a rom-com heroine line, but whatever, too late now.

What I need isn’t perfection.

A better NTR future than yesterday.

More dazzling rival possibilities than today.

A shining, unknown brain-breaking chaos beyond the present!

This is humanity’s dream! Humanity’s desire! Humanity’s sin!

I’ve neatly shifted my fetish onto all of humanity.

What a rotten bunch, humanity.

I’m just a pitiful victim of the karma we all carry. So pity me. Think I’m adorable. Don’t bully the weak!!

I keep my pathetic excuses and garbage self-justification locked inside, bouncing between them like a high-speed side-to-side drill, and enjoy the sparklers with Yuu-kun before he walks me home.

“U-Um, Yuu-kun…”

“Y-Yeah?”

“I, uh, I was really happy. That you said I’m important to you… I, um, I feel the same about you…”

“Rei~? You back?”

““!?””

My mom’s voice cuts in at the perfect moment, so I wrap up the summer festival event with Yuu-kun here.

A half-confession vibe ruined by a divine interception—I’m thrilled. Nichaa.

“A-Alright, Yuu-kun, good night! Thanks for staying out late!”

“Uh, y-yeah! G-Good night!”

I manipulate my blood flow to blush my cheeks, then forcefully end the conversation and bolt from Yuu-kun’s sight.

Thanks, Yuu-kun. You helped me get back to my roots.

It’s awful, I know!