In Japan, universities are typically open to the public, allowing anyone to visit freely. Not only the campus grounds but also facilities like libraries, cafeterias, and other public spaces are accessible to visitors.
The university they were exploring was quite large, with many buildings and students bustling between lecture halls. Among them were numerous couples strolling side by side.
Sui and Utaha walked together, close enough to brush shoulders, blending in with the couples around them. The casual intimacy of their walk made them appear as if they were just another ordinary couple.
Utaha noticed the closeness as well, her face flushing slightly. However, she chose not to mention it, nor did she pull away.
"senpai, I can't believe you're heading to college so soon, while I'm still just a sophomore," Sui remarked, breaking the comfortable silence.
"That's right. I'm the older sister, and you're my little brother," Utaha teased with a smile. As if to emphasize the point, she subtly leaned closer, allowing their clothes to brush together.
"But once I'm in university, I'll have a lot more freedom," she added.
Sui observed the students passing by, noting their maturity. Entering college signified stepping into adulthood, and the students looked more grown-up, having shed the innocence of high school. The female students, in particular, were dressed fashionably and had attractive figures. Sui couldn't help but notice a few of them.
Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through his waist. Looking down, he saw a delicate hand twisting his side.
"Are you ignoring me because your senpai isn't pretty enough?" Utaha's wine-red eyes narrowed dangerously, her voice deceptively calm.
"Ouch!" Sui gasped in pain. He quickly grabbed her mischievous hand. "I was just looking! Now, can you please let go?"
Her hand was soft and smooth, warm to the touch, and surprisingly comfortable to hold. Utaha blushed and withdrew her hand, flustered.
"Senpai, have you ever had a boyfriend?" Sui suddenly asked, curiosity piqued.
"Why are you asking that all of a sudden? Are you jealous of my past relationships, Kouhai-kun?" Utaha replied with a sly smile. Without warning, she wrapped herself around Sui's arm, pressing her body close to his, her ample chest squishing against him. Her wine-red eyes sparkled with mischief. "Take a guess—how many boyfriends do you think I've had?"
Feeling the soft pressure of her body against him, Sui rolled his eyes and scoffed. "None. You've never had a boyfriend because you don't even have friends. You've been a loner your whole life."
The only person who got close to her was Eriri, and they argued more than they talked. It didn't seem like they were friends at all.
Utaha's body stiffened momentarily, her face flushing with embarrassment. She pinched Sui's waist in retaliation, making him yelp in pain.
After teaching him a lesson, Utaha finally let go.
"Still, senpai," Sui continued, rubbing his sore side, "don't you feel like you missed out? You're leaving high school without ever having a real relationship. Haven't you ever thought about ending your single life before you graduate?"
Utaha froze, her cheeks inexplicably turning a deep shade of pink. Her heart seemed to beat a little faster. "Sui... are you saying..."
"But it makes sense," Sui cut her off with a teasing grin. "Once a boy sees how lazy and sloppy you are, your looks won't be enough to fool him. I doubt anyone would want to be your boyfriend after that."
He nodded, as if it were a foregone conclusion. "Not every guy is willing to wash your panties and stockings."
"S.U.I!" Utaha gritted her teeth in frustration. Her face burned with shame and anger as she stomped down on Sui's foot and twisted his side even harder with both hands.
"It hurts! senpai, I was wrong!" Sui immediately cried out, realizing he had gone too far.
"Do you know you were wrong now?" Utaha's eyes narrowed, but she showed no sign of stopping.
"Sorry to interrupt," a gentle voice suddenly called out from behind them.
Utaha stopped her attack, and Sui turned around. A young man wearing glasses and holding a camera smiled at them. He looked like a student from the university.
"Um, hello," Sui greeted awkwardly.
"Are you two a couple?" the boy asked, his tone warm and friendly. "You seem to be getting along well, even if it looks like you're having a bit of a lover's quarrel."
"No, actually we're not—" Sui began, but as he glanced at Utaha, he hesitated.
She stood beside him, arms crossed, her face expressionless. Her foot tapped impatiently on the ground.
"Why aren't you answering?" she asked, her voice calm but with a sharp edge to it.
Feeling another jab of pain in his side, Sui quickly blurted out, "Yes, we're dating."
The boy, noticing Utaha's high school uniform, chuckled. "You two are still in high school, I see. Actually, I'm part of the photography club. I'm working on a project capturing daily life moments of couples. Would you mind being my models? I can offer you a small reward."
"Models?" Sui turned to Utaha, unsure of what to say.
Utaha's face reddened slightly, but she didn't respond.
"senpai, what do you think?" Sui asked cautiously.
"It's up to you, Kohai-kun," Utaha said indifferently, narrowing one eye on him. She folded her arms and gave him a sidelong glance.
"Alright, then." Sui sighed, worried about provoking his temperamental senpai any further. He nodded in agreement.
"Haha, so you're in an older woman, younger man relationship? That's really interesting," the boy chuckled. "Now, could you two hug each other for the photo?"
"W-What?!" Utaha's face flushed bright red.