03 Sea, Swimsuits, and Me Caught Between Shifting Sisters

I thought summer vacation would be nothing but a gaming marathon... but with Momo-nee coming back, my involvement with the sisters had been on the rise lately.

I’d been over to their place a few times, getting treated to dinner and spending peaceful days together.

Today, however, was a rare day where I had plans with Morishita.

That said, we played online games together almost every day anyway...

──Bzzzzzzzt!

I woke up at the very first alarm.

Usually, I’d have a lazy morning... but when I have plans, it’s a different story.

I opened the window and took a deep breath of the morning air. A cloudless summer sky. Perfect.

Ping! ♩

《Hey! You up!? Hurry up and get ready—! Today is the long-awaited day at the beach!!》

...Right. Today was the day we’d planned to go for a swim.

The message from Morishita was suspiciously high-spirited.

Truth be told, the guy intended to go on a hunt for a girlfriend today.

Otherwise known as "nanpa"... [^1]

(T/N:

(Can a guy who’s never even had a proper girlfriend really work up the courage to talk to a random girl...?)

Well, despite my doubts, I was secretly excited to see what kind of mess Morishita would get himself into.

I got ready in a flash and hurried out of the house, meeting Morishita at the station as planned before heading toward the coast.

As we got closer to the beach, the town began to take on the colors of summer.

Just as the scent of the tide began to tickle our noses and our excitement reached its peak──

“Whoaaaa...!! We finally made it!! The summer sea—!! Let’s gooooo!!”

Before us lay the sparkling blue ocean, a clear blue sky, and a white sandy beach dotted with colorful parasols... and a swarm of girls in flashy swimsuits that made it hard to know where to look.

──However, the heat hit me harder than expected. As soon as we arrived, I was already over it.

“It’s so hot... I can feel my skin sizzling...”

“Daaaamn!! To the right, the left, front and back!! It’s a literal sea of bikini babes...!! This is incredible!! Hey, Shintarou, you listening?”

“Yeah, yeah, I hear you... but it’s hotter than I imagined... I feel like I’m gonna collapse if I stay out here...”

“Haaah!? Are you serious? You really are something else—! You’re only this weak to the heat because you shut yourself inside and do nothing but play games all day!”

“Uh... you could say the exact same thing about you.”

“I have fighting spirit and guts. I don't feel the heat even one bit... Okay, never mind. I lied. Even I can’t handle this. It’s too hot.”

“Right...? Let’s go rest in the shade for a bit...”

“Yeah... the shade is where we belong...”

In a rare moment of agreement, we staggered into a nearby beach hut.

Luckily, we found some empty seats and managed to escape the sun. Wait... what exactly did we come here for again?

“Oh, by the way, Morishita, did you eat lunch?”

“Ah, not yet. I slept in until the very last second.”

“Seriously? Even I woke up at the first alarm.”

“Heh... Oh? Check out the menu! They’ve got yakisoba and stuff!! You want something?”

“Way to change the subject... Hmm, I already ate, so maybe I’ll just go grab some shaved ice.”

“Nice. That’s peak summer vibes.”

“I’ll grab yours too. Yakisoba's fine?”

“Wait, really? Is it your treat!?”

“As if. Just give me the cash! Seven hundred yen!!”

“Tch... fine, I’m counting on you.”

“Just make sure to hold the seats~.”

(Good grief... Give him an inch and he’ll take a mile...)

Since it was summer vacation, the beach hut was bustling with people.

There were lots of families, and the happy, harmonious atmosphere was actually kind of heartwarming.

As expected for a crowded place, the staff were incredibly efficient—absolute pros.

They handed me a receipt that doubled as a number tag, and my order was ready just a few minutes later.

With the yakisoba and a Blue Hawaii shaved ice in hand, I headed back toward our table... but even from a distance, I spotted a pair of very familiar faces.

“Ah~! Yahoo~! Shintarou~!!”

“Shin-chaaan♡ Over here, over here~♡”

──I knew it!? Momo-nee and Miu...!?

“Wha—!? What are you guys doing here!?”

“Hmm? What do you mean~? Today is a sisters-only beach date day for me and Onee-chan! ♩”

“Yep, yep♡ We were just saying how much we wanted shaved ice and came to buy some when—surprise! Morishita-kun called out to us♡ He told us he was Miu’s classmate, so we were just saying hello♡ Right, Morishita-kun? ♡”

As she spoke, Momo-nee leaned forward across the table toward Morishita.

Her breasts, pressed together by her arms, were heavily emphasized... her cramped bikini looked like it was about to burst at any moment.

Momo-nee was wearing a simple black bikini paired with denim shorts.

The zipper was left open, which felt strangely distracting... but maybe that was just the style.

She had a thin white shirt draped over her shoulders, but her presence was so large that the fabric couldn't hope to hide much skin.

In stark contrast to Momo-nee, Miu was wearing an oversized white T-shirt over what was presumably a bikini, completely hiding the lines of her body.

Since Miu was showing so little skin, Momo-nee’s visuals stood out even more...

The sheer power of it made it impossible to know where to look... the temptation of that incredibly deep cleavage was unreal.

And just as expected... Morishita was...

“Ohooooo~♡ Wow... what a spectacular view♡♡ Such a deep gorge♡ An alluring abyss of temptation♡ I believe that is the term? ♡ Good heavens, I would very much like to peer inside, if I may say so myself! ♡”

As soon as he opened his mouth, the words came out in a non-stop torrent. Typical Morishita.

The more he talked, the more it meant he was getting carried away.

“...What the hell are you even saying... Did the heat get to your brain? You okay?”

“See? Morishita-kun is in top form today too. His way of speaking is so... otaku...”

“Fufu♡ It’s good to be energetic! ♡”

“Ahehe♡ Oh, I’m so energetic it’s actually a problem! ♡”

Miu and I looked at Morishita with exasperated expressions, but Momo-nee seemed to be enjoying it, listening with a smile.

Is this what they call "adult composure"?

“Hey~ the shaved ice is gonna melt, you know~?”

“Ah, right, I forgot.”

“That’s yours, Shintarou? Can I have a bite~?”

“Eh, fine, but only one bite.”

“Say ‘aaan’!”

“Huh!? Feed yourself!”

“Don’t be such a cheapskate~!”

“Listen, you... if you keep doing stuff like that, Morishita’s gonna get the wrong idea again...”

“AHA!! I knew it!! You guys really are in that kind of relationship after all!!”

──Dammit, I was too late.

But... what bothered me more than anything was that Momo-nee, sitting next to Morishita, looked a little bit sad.

She was smiling, but it was a very strained, awkward smile.

Come to think of it, this might be the first time I’d ever shown her this kind of interaction with Miu.

(This is awkward... I didn't mean it like that... but yeah, maybe this kind of thing isn't great. We aren't kids anymore, after all. I should probably try to avoid stuff like this...)

Unaware of my internal conflict...

Miu leaned her face toward the shaved ice I was holding and took a big bite out of the portion piled high at the top.

“Mmm~♡ It’s cold and delishooos~♡ Give me one more bite! ♩”

“N-No! That’s enough!”

“Come on~! There’s no way you can eat this much by yourself anyway, right~?”

This time, she used the spoon to shovel a generous amount of ice into her mouth.

“Hey! You’re eating too much!!”

“Ahaha♡ Sorry, sorry! Oh, that’s right! Doesn't Blue Hawaii turn your tongue a different color when you eat it...?”

“Eh, does it?”

“How about it? Take a look~”

“No, I’m good...”

I didn't want the atmosphere to get any more awkward, so I tried to decline immediately... but Miu didn't care. She stuck her tongue out and showed it to me.

“Hey~, well~? Is it turning blue~?”

“Yeah, yeah, it’s changed. It’s blue.”

“Hehehe♡ Now I’m dyed in Shintarou’s color♡”

“Haaaah!?”

“...Wait, you guys. If you eat that with the same spoon, doesn't that count as an indirect kiss...?”

(...!? Morishita, you idiot! Shut your mouth!!)

“What~? Shintarou, why do you have that awkward look on your face? Don't tell me you think it’s gross? It’s not like I’m dirty or anything! ♡”

Miu complained, completely missing the point.

(Ugh... that’s not what I mean... but no matter which way this goes, it’s not ending well... Honestly... Aaargh!! Everyone is so high-maintenance!!)

“I’m gonna go buy some yakisoba too! Watching Morishita made me hungry! Miu! You can have this shaved ice. My treat!”

“Heh, really~? Shintarou, you’re so nice~♡ Lucky! ☆”

Miu, who had been pouting and puffing out her cheeks a second ago, brightened up the moment I handed over the shaved ice.

Phew... I think I managed to slip through that one.

Avoiding the spoon-sharing that would have led to an indirect kiss was a huge win.

By dodging it successfully, I avoided hurting Miu’s feelings and didn't have to look at Momo-nee’s sad face anymore. I’m actually pretty quick on my feet, aren't I?

Still, the sisters have been acting weird lately...

Ever since that day we played games at my place, it feels like the distance between me and Miu has been way too close... and as for Momo-nee, while she doesn't say anything or act outright aggressive, seeing that subtly sad face... well, it makes me feel weirdly self-conscious. It’s not like I have impure thoughts, and I don't think it’s "love" or anything... but women are complicated.

(Oh, nice, the register is empty. I said I was getting yakisoba, but... honestly, it’s so hot, I think I’ll just get more shaved ice...)

“Um, one shaved ice, please. Melon flavor.”

“Then... I’ll have a strawberry one! One check, please! ♩”

──Hm?

Before I knew it, Momo-nee was standing right next to me.

By the time I realized it, she had already tapped her payment for both of us and was smoothly receiving the shaved ice.

“Ah, the money...”

“Fufu♡ It’s okay! ♩ I thought I might have made you feel a bit self-conscious earlier... so consider this an apology. Don't worry about it! ♡”

“No, it wasn't really that I was self-conscious... but, thank you.”

“Here you go♡ This one’s for Shin-chan♡ Man, I wonder how long it’s been since I’ve had shaved ice~♡”

Momo-nee was in a great mood with her shaved ice in hand. Honestly, she was way too cute.

And—well, she really is the older sister... seeing her be so thoughtful like this... it made me feel the charm of a mature woman.

I bet more than a few guys would find their hearts skipping a beat in a casual moment like this.

“Well, in that case... thanks for the food.”

“Hey, Shin-chan... say ‘aaan’♡”

“...Wh-Whaaaa!?”

“I haven't touched it yet, so it’s fine, right?”

“N-No, but still...”

“Come on♡ Aaan...”

“A-Aaan──”

(Wait wait wait!! Was she actually holding a grudge about what happened earlier after all!?)

“How is it? Is the strawberry flavor good? ♡”

“I-It’s good! It’s sweet... very sweet...!”

“Fufu♡ I’m glad♡”

(This is so embarrassing...!! But... it’s only polite to return the favor, right...? Surely!?)

“Um, w-would you like some of mine? It’s melon, though...”

“Eh, really~? Well, don't mind if I do♡”

“Aaan,” Momo-nee said as she looked up at me, opening her mouth slightly.

The height difference was about 15 to 20 centimeters... Looking up at me through hooded eyes, her face slightly flushed from the heat... I felt like I was going to lose my mind... (?)

(Wait, she’s waiting for the ‘aaan’...!? I can’t exactly back out now... but feeding someone with a spoon is so embarrassing!! Do even couples do this!?)

With a trembling hand, I moved the spoon to Momo-nee’s mouth.

She accepted it smoothly, and I survived the ordeal.

Momo-nee looked incredibly satisfied.

Wait, that means... we just fed each other using our own spoons... which means...

──AN INDIRECT KISS WAS INEVITABLE!?

I’d been played. Is this the power of a mature woman? No, it wasn't like I hated it, but I’d walked right into a trap—or rather, was this the plan all along...!? It felt so perfectly executed that I couldn't help but wonder.

A masterful... trap.

Am I just going to keep being swept along at Momo-nee’s pace like this...? Without even noticing... until I can’t escape anymore...!?

(Well, I guess it’s not all bad. Yeah.)

To be honest, it’s sometimes more fun to just go with the flow. More than anything, being played with in the palm of an older girl’s hand feels... pretty good. The right amount of stimulation, the sense of security from someone older who seems to wrap you up in it, yet the consideration of not treating you too much like a kid... it was perfect.

“Let’s head back now, shall we? ♡”

“Yeah... I completely forgot about those two...”

When we returned to our seats, the two of them were surprisingly deep in conversation—about me.

“And that’s how it is~, Shintarou and I have been in that kind of relationship since way back~”

“I see... so you guys really do have a deep history together, huh...?”

“What’s going on...? Deep history? What are you guys talking about...”

I’d been worried they’d be mad that we were late, but seeing them chatting happily made me breathe a sigh of relief.

I’d been terrified of how to explain what we’d been doing...

After a while, we finished our shaved ice and ended up spending the rest of the time at the beach together.

──Well, I suppose it was obvious it would turn out this way...

Efficient as ever, Momo-nee and Miu laid out a beach blanket on the sand, shoved the parasol deep into the ground, and created a cozy space in no time.

It felt a bit stifling for two guys to be squeezed into a space filled with girly leisure goods... but it couldn't be helped. I’ll just consider myself a bodyguard for the day.

“Ta-daaa♡ I brought a floating ring~! We have a beach ball too~♩ What should we play?”

“We’re at the beach! There’s no option other than getting in the water! Right, Shintarou!?”

“Mmm... well, I’m good for now... I’ll stay here and watch everyone’s stuff!”

“Ehh~ what’s with that~? Okay, Morishita-kun, let’s go! Pull me along in the ring! ♩”

“Eh!? Me...!? With pleasure!!”

Morishita probably hadn't expected to be the one chosen. His eyes widened in shock as he and Miu ran off toward the water.

“They’re both so energetic, it’s great♡ It’s fun just watching them♩”

“They’re like that at school too, it’s exhausting...”

“Ah, but are you sure you didn't want to go in too, Shin-chan?”

“I’m fine! Honestly, just being at the beach is enough for me... What about you, Momo-nee? Are you just staying here to be polite? Do you want to go in?”

“I’m not just being polite...! I can’t swim, so I figured there wasn't much point... and only Miu-chan brought a floating ring...”

“If anything happens, you can just grab onto me! Since we’re here, let’s go in!”

“Really? I guess you’re right! ♡ Well, maybe just the shallow parts will be okay♩”

With that, Momo-nee immediately began to shed her thin white shirt and denim shorts.

(Whoa... crap... I definitely shouldn't be looking at this...)

Walking alongside a woman with such an incredible figure was bound to draw attention.

Sure enough, the eyes of every guy on the beach were glued to Momo-nee.

Her simple swimsuit only served to highlight how good her proportions were, and while her chest swayed with every step—making it hard not to stare—I tried my best to act like a gentleman and look away...

“Okay♡ Let’s go! ♡”

“Y-Yeah, let’s!”

I kept my gaze down as much as possible to keep her out of my field of vision... and took Momo-nee’s hand, leading her into the shallows.

The seawater felt amazing against my feet.

Even Momo-nee, who hadn't been very keen at first, seemed to get used to it, and we waded in until the water reached our waists.

“Shin-chan♡ The water feels so cool and nice♡ I’m glad we came in! ♩”

“I’m glad! Just watch your step; it’s easy to lose your sandals in the current...”

“Yep♡ Thanks♡ Still, I wonder how long it’s been since I went to the beach~♩ And it’s been years since I’ve been to one with you, hasn't it? We used to come here every summer when we were little.”

“True, that brings back memories...”

Unlike back then, our bodies and hearts had matured quite a bit, but spending the same kind of time in the same place after all these years... it felt kind of "emo."

“──Whoa!”

Suddenly, a strong wave pushed Momo-nee, causing her to lose her balance and cling to me. Honestly, this was within expectations. It happens all the time in manga and anime.

I immediately grabbed her hand tight to help her regain her footing.

A perfectly executed sequence.

“Sorry, Shin-chan. Thanks for catching me~”

──Well, that part was expected, but Momo-nee was getting buffeted around by the constant waves.

Every time, the distance between us closed, and—likely unconsciously—she pressed her body right against mine... She wrapped her arms firmly around my waist, clinging to me so she wouldn't be washed away... She was so cute it was almost too much to handle.

I’d been trying not to notice, but I could see Momo-nee’s breasts being squished against my stomach... Her wet hair, her damp skin... her flushed face was just... way too erotic...

(This level of contact... it’s bad. I’m starting to feel like I’m in trouble. More importantly, if Miu and Morishita see this... it’s gonna be a disaster. I have to avoid that at all costs.)

“Eek!”

Momo-nee suddenly let out a cry and clung to me even tighter.

“Is something wrong?”

“...I-I think something touched my leg... it was cold... wh-what was it...?”

She seemed genuinely scared, tightening her grip so much she wouldn't let go of me at all. Seeing her like that, my protective instincts outweighed any impure thoughts, and I hugged her back to reassure her.

“Maybe a jellyfish...? I heard there weren't any at this beach, though.”

“M-Maybe...”

“W-We’ve come out a bit too deep, so let’s head back to the shallows before it gets dangerous...!”

I pulled her by the hand back toward the shore, but Momo-nee remained stuck to my side.

Then, as she looked up at me, she whispered:

“Shin-chan, you’ve really grown into a dependable boy♡ When you grabbed my hand just now, my heart skipped a beat...”

As she said it, she took my hand in both of hers.

(Crap... I’m seriously about to lose my mind.)

“Um... should we take a break for a bit...!”

“Fufu♡ I guess so♡”

Unable to hide my agitation, we returned to where we’d been earlier.

Nearby, Morishita and Miu were having a blast playing with the beach ball.

“Welcome back~! Where’d you guys go~?”

“Oh, we just went into the water for a bit since we’re here.”

“Hmm... well, whatever! Morishita-kun, here it comes~! Catch it~!”

“Bring it on~!”

(Well, look at that, those two are actually having a great time...)

“What should we do? Stay at the beach until evening?”

“Ah, what do you think? Personally, I think I’ve had my fill... and I’m pretty wiped out from the heat...”

Maybe because I usually spent my life cooped up inside playing games, I was surprisingly weak to the heat.

It was a mystery why Morishita, who lived the exact same lifestyle, was so energetic today.

Well, maybe he was just on a high from Miu asking him to play.

“If you want... do you want to lie down?”

Momo-nee patted her lap as if to say "come here."

“You might feel better if you lie down for a bit, you know?”

“Ah, no, a lap pillow... that’s way too embarrassing... hehe. But maybe I will lie down...”

“Then use this♡” Momo-nee said, folding up the white shirt she’d been wearing to use as a pillow for me. Just how kind and thoughtful can one person be...?

“If you overdo it, you might actually get sick... Oh, I know♡ How about we go somewhere cool? Just the two of us, let’s sneak away...♡ Just kidding~”

“Wait, just the two of us!?”

“I’m joking... haha...”

“EXCUSE ME!! You two over there!! Whispering together like that! You think I don't notice~!? I won’t allow any sneaking away! I can hear everything, you know!!”

Miu had sniffed us out from nowhere. She’d probably been pretending not to notice... but it seemed she’d been keeping her usual watch on us the whole time.

“No, no, Shin-chan’s just feeling a bit of heatstroke.”

“Eh, really? Are you okay? Now that you mention it, I’m starting to feel a bit tired too~”

“Whaaaat!? But Miu-chan!? What about our promise to go in one more time~!?”

“Ah, sorry Morishita-kun, Miu is tired~ You can go by yourself.”

“Wh-Whyyyyy~!? Why are you suddenly being so cold~!? (sob)”

“Hmm, well, everyone looks pretty tired... should we head home soon?”

“Whaaa! I still want to play with Momo-san and Miu-chan!! (sob)”

“Morishita... you’re pathetic...”

“Sh-Shut up! My summer has only just begun—!!”

And so, we decided to retreat before the heat completely did us in (except for one person...).

Well, I got to eat shaved ice, go into the sea, and had an indirect kiss with Momo-nee... no, wait, that’s not right.

“Well, we came by car, so we’ll say goodbye here...”

“Thank you for today...! It was really fun.”

“Man... it really was fun! If you’re okay with it, please play with me again sometime! ♡”

“No! Morishita-kun was staring at Onee-chan’s boobs all day, so no!”

“Eh!? Me!? What do you mean!?”

“Fufu♡ Miu-chan, stop teasing him~ Morishita-kun, let’s play again sometime♡”

“Y-Yessssssss!! ♡♡♡♡♡♡”

In the end, Morishita was a total perv with a goofy grin on his face all day. Well, that’s just like him.

After parting ways with the sisters, Morishita and I took the train home.

I decided to look back on the day’s events.

“Today was fun. To be honest, it was so hot I almost couldn't enjoy the beach... but how about you, Morishita?”

“I had an amaaaaazing time!! I mean, those sisters are just unreal... maybe you’re used to it, but their faces and bodies are on a level you just don't see around here. Miu-chan is so slender, her voice and face are incredibly cute, and her personality is bright and energetic—she’s the best, right? And the older sister... well, it goes without saying that her boobs are insanely huge. Her face is cute too, and she was even nice to a guy like me... she’s the ideal ‘Onee-san’ that everyone dreams of. The way she talks and acts makes you want to sink into her pace; every guy in the world would fall for her at least once. If she whispered, ‘Let’s sneak away... just the two of us...♡’ to me, I’d... I’d finally become a man.”

“I-I see... (so he did hear that part, too).”

“You know, you should really be more self-aware. Having sisters like that around you... that only happens in anime. You should be more grateful for your environment!! I mean, there are guys out there who can’t even talk to girls that cute!! Yeah, like how I used to be!”

“O-Oh...”

“Still... Miu-chan was so cute.”

“What? In what way?”

“I mean... my heart was just pounding!! I’ve never spent time one-on-one with a girl like that in my life! Every second felt like it was sparkling.”

Morishita looked back on the time he’d spent with Miu with sparkling eyes.

Almost as if he’d fallen in love.

“Well, we can just all hang out together again, right? It was pretty fun.”

“Wait, really!? You’re the best! You really are my best friend!!”

“Haha...”

While we were talking, we arrived at my station.

Morishita’s stop was one station further, so we said our goodbyes here.

“See you at school tomorrow~”

“Wait!! We have school tomorrow!?”

“Yeah... it’s a school day, remember...?”

“Crap, you saved me! See ya~!”

“Yeah, later~”

As I walked home alone through the evening streets, the words Morishita had said earlier suddenly crossed my mind.

“Those sisters are just unreal... maybe you’re used to it, but...”

──Hmm.

True, since I see Miu so often, the word "used to it" might fit... but as for Momo-nee, even I get nervous a lot... even if we are childhood friends, things are different now than they were back then.

I’d been continuing my relationship with the sisters without much thought, but I wonder if things will really stay like this forever...? Or rather, is it okay if they do...?

At this point, I didn't have any answers.

To be honest, I figured that as long as I was having fun now, that was good enough.