"Hm?"
When Amamiya accidentally took Komi's hand, he half-expected her to pull away. Yet, to his surprise, she didn't resist. Instead, she let him hold her hand quietly, her demeanor uncharacteristically compliant.
Why is she so well-behaved today? Amamiya wondered, glancing at her flushed face. Isn't she usually so shy?
His gaze shifted briefly to the fierce-looking cashier behind the counter, then back to Komi. Lowering his voice, he asked, "You don't come to convenience stores alone?"
Komi-san didn't respond. Instead, she lowered her head further, her dark hair falling over her blushing face.
"If you're not shaking your head, I'll take that as a no."
Amamiya pieced it together quickly. So there really are people who are so socially anxious they avoid talking to cashiers and going into convenience stores altogether.
"Let's go buy a swimsuit," he said, casually tugging her forward.
Her hand was soft, almost impossibly delicate, and Amamiya couldn't help but notice how comfortable it felt in his grasp. Without thinking, he gently pinched her fingers.
Komi stiffened at the unexpected sensation, the redness on her cheeks deepening.
Noticing her reaction, Amamiya gave her fingers another experimental squeeze.
Once.
Twice.
A third time.
By the fourth time, Komi had had enough. Her blush now a brilliant shade of crimson, she pulled her hand away in a silent protest.
"Don't move," Amamiya said, feigning seriousness. "This convenience store is huge. What if you get lost by yourself?"
Komi froze, her lips parting slightly in disbelief. It's not a jungle—how could anyone get lost here?
She wanted to protest, but just as they turned a corner, a small group of tourists appeared. The strangers paused, casting curious glances at the pair before breaking into hushed whispers.
"That girl is so beautiful!"
"The boy's good-looking too."
"If they have a kid someday, the child will definitely be gorgeous, right?"
Kid?!
Komi's mind blanked as the words reached her ears. Her body trembled slightly, and she felt as though steam was rising from her head. Overwhelmed, she abandoned all thoughts of resistance, lowering her head even further and letting Amamiya lead her like an obedient child.
Soon, the two arrived at the clothing store.
"Good morning! How may I assist you today?"
A cheerful saleswoman approached with a polite bow.
"We're here to buy her a swimsuit," Amamiya said, nodding toward Komi.
"This way, please." The saleswoman led them to a rack of swimwear. She gestured at the neatly arranged rows with a smile. "These are this year's latest styles. If you see a color or design you like, feel free to try them on in the fitting rooms."
Komi glanced nervously at Amamiya, her expression a mixture of shyness and unease.
Understanding immediately, Amamiya reassured her, "I'll go check out the swimming trunks. Take your time and choose whatever you like."
Boys' swimwear didn't exactly leave much room for variety. Amamiya picked out a pair of swimming trunks with minimal effort and returned to the women's section.
The saleswoman greeted him with a knowing smile. "Your girlfriend is trying on clothes in the fitting room. She's tall, has a lovely figure, and is so beautiful—she'll look amazing in anything."
Her words were loud enough to carry into the fitting room.
Inside, Komi froze mid-change. Her face flared red as her mind raced. No! He's not my boyfriend!
Panicking, she shook her head instinctively, even though no one could see her.
"Don't compliment her too much," Amamiya responded in a mock-serious tone. "If you do, she'll never stop. She'll insist on trying on every single swimsuit here."
The saleswoman chuckled, covering her mouth as she stifled a laugh. "Oh my, you two are such a cute couple."
"I wouldn't try everything on!" Komi thought in frustration, wanting desperately to refute them. But the words remained trapped in her throat as she listened to their banter outside.
Before long, the saleswoman was called away to assist another customer, leaving Komi alone in the fitting room. She sighed softly, willing her racing heart to settle as she finished changing.
Amamiya stood patiently outside the fitting room, his arms crossed as he waited.
One minute passed.
Then two.
By the time nearly three minutes had ticked by, his patience began to wane. Finally, he stepped forward and knocked lightly on the door.
"Komi-san, are you still in there?"
"…"
The door creaked open, just a crack, revealing half of a pretty face flushed a deep crimson.
It was unmistakably Komi.
What are you doing in there? If someone heard you moving around so much, they'd think you were hiding something!
Suppressing a sigh, Amamiya asked helplessly, "You haven't finished changing into your swimsuit yet?"
Komi hesitated, her pink lips pursed tightly as if struggling to find the words. Her expression wavered, caught somewhere between shyness and indecision.
Amamiya checked the time and tried again.
"Chika just sent me a message. She says we need to hurry to the beach if we want to catch the sunrise over the ocean. If we're any later, we'll miss it."
Komi's eyes widened slightly at the mention of the sunrise, a flicker of excitement breaking through her hesitation.
She inhaled deeply, as though steeling herself, and then—before Amamiya could react—she reached out, grabbed the hem of his shirt, and pulled him inside the fitting room.
"W-Wait! What are you doing?" Amamiya sputtered, thoroughly caught off guard.
Does she not know that pulling a guy into a fitting room is completely scandalous?
Most people would have assumed the worst from a scene like this. Yet Amamiya didn't resist, knowing full well that Komi wouldn't act so boldly without a good reason.
The door clicked shut behind them.
Inside the small space, Amamiya turned to face her. Komi stood with her back pressed against the wall, her hands clasped tightly over her chest, and her face glowing as red as molten fire.
Under the bright overhead light, there was no hiding her beauty.
Her long black hair cascaded like a silky waterfall down her back, and her figure struck a perfect balance—delicate and slender, yet with soft curves that added to her charm. Her porcelain-white skin seemed to glow faintly, the faintest pink flush creeping up her neck and ears.
Amamiya quickly averted his gaze, coughing lightly to suppress his thoughts. "Why did you pull me in here?"
Komi opened her mouth to speak, but her voice was barely above a whisper. Her embarrassment rendered her almost inaudible.
Realizing this, Amamiya leaned closer, tilting his head toward her. "What did you say? Speak up."
"S-Sorry..." Komi's warm breath brushed against his ear as she finally managed to speak, her voice trembling with shame. "M-My swimsuit... It's tied into a knot, and I can't undo it…"
Amamiya straightened, his eyes narrowing slightly in understanding. He glanced at her back and asked, "The knot's behind you?"
She nodded meekly, her shoulders rising and falling as if bracing herself for his reaction.
"So that's why you dragged me in here." Amamiya let out a quiet sigh, the mystery finally solved.
In her haste to change quickly, Komi had accidentally tied the swimsuit straps into a hopeless knot. Too shy to ask for help outside, she'd resorted to pulling him in instead.
"Turn around," he said firmly.
"…"
Komi hesitated but ultimately obeyed, turning her back to him. Her long black hair shifted with the movement, and even the nape of her neck had turned a faint shade of pink from her embarrassment.
The first thing Amamiya noticed was her hair. It was impossibly glossy and reached her waist, shining faintly under the light. It wouldn't be a stretch to say she could star in a shampoo commercial.
"Your hair's in the way," he murmured, reaching out to gently gather it and drape it over her shoulder.
Her exposed back revealed the tangled knot in the swimsuit straps. He examined it for a moment and muttered under his breath, "This is pretty bad…"
As he began working on the knot, his fingers inadvertently brushed against her bare skin. Komi flinched, her body trembling slightly, but she didn't pull away.
"Don't move," Amamiya said softly, his tone steady. "Lean against the wall and stay still. I can't untie it if you keep fidgeting."
"…"
Biting her lower lip, Komi obediently leaned forward, pressing her hands against the wall for support. She squeezed her eyes shut, her entire body radiating mortified energy.
Her chest rose and fell in rapid, shallow breaths as she silently endured the overwhelming embarrassment.
Meanwhile, Amamiya focused on the task at hand. The knot was tighter than he expected, and his fingers occasionally brushed her soft, warm skin as he worked. Each accidental touch caused her to flinch, her shoulders shaking slightly.
"Almost done," he said, trying to reassure her.
Komi didn't respond, her lips pressed into a thin line as she willed herself not to react.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity to both of them, the knot came undone.
"All done," he said quietly.
"Fuu..."
Komi, who had been bracing herself the entire time, sighed in relief. Still clutching her chest with one hand, she extended the other to push Amamiya toward the door.
Hey, at least let me bask in some gratitude! I just helped you with that impossible knot. You don't have to thank me, but kicking me out like this is a bit much!
However, just as the fitting room door cracked open, Komi froze, her eyes widening in shock.
Standing just outside was the store's female attendant, who had evidently returned at some point without anyone noticing.
Their eyes met.
The silence in the air was deafening.
"Ah..." The store clerk hesitated for a few moments, her expression an odd mix of surprise and discomfort. After a brief pause, she managed a tactful smile and said, "I'm sorry, but store policy strictly forbids sharing fitting rooms."
"…"
Komi swayed slightly on her feet. The overwhelming shame of the situation hit her all at once, and tears welled up in her eyes as if her very soul had been crushed.
Noticing her unsteadiness, Amamiya stepped forward, steadying her with a hand on her shoulder. He leaned in and whispered mischievously, "If you can't even stand straight, do you want me to help you change into the swimsuit?"
"…No! Don't you dare!"
That single sentence was enough to snap her back to reality. Komi-san, face flushed red from ear to ear, regained her composure with lightning speed and shoved him out of the fitting room without hesitation.
Amamiya shrugged, then turned to the female clerk and explained the situation with a calmness that belied the awkwardness of the moment.
A short while later, Komi emerged from the fitting room. Her head was bowed low, her long black hair hiding much of her face as she walked over quietly.
"Do you want to try another swimsuit?" Amamiya asked with a straight face.
Komi shook her head almost instantly.
Trying one was embarrassing enough. No way am I going through that again.
"Alright, then," Amamiya said, slipping his phone into his pocket. "Let's head to the beach."
After settling the bill, the two of them made their way toward the shore.
The sky was still dark, with the faintest glow of dawn creeping over the horizon. The beach was nearly empty, save for a small group of girls near the rocks.
Amamiya immediately spotted Kaguya standing by the water, her ever-reliable maid, Hayasaka, by her side. The two of them were dressed in matching red and black swimsuits, the gentle waves lapping at their calves.
Further ahead, Chika was already swimming, her cheerful splashes audible even from a distance.
Meanwhile, Sajuna, the smallest and perhaps the flattest of the group, stood on the shore with her arms crossed, glancing back toward the path as if waiting for someone to arrive.
"Hey! Amamiya, what took you so long?"
Sajuna's face lit up the moment she saw them, and she hurried over to greet them with an impatient glare.
"We got delayed a bit," Amamiya replied casually, turning his gaze toward her.
Sajuna's petite frame, paired with her frilly pink swimsuit, made her look even smaller and more endearing. Despite her best attempts to appear stern, her naturally adorable demeanor shone through.
It's a shame. Even with the lotus-pod design on her swimsuit, she looks more like a little kid than someone trying to be intimidating.
"What are you staring at?!" Sajuna huffed, covering her chest as she glared up at him.
Relax, I wasn't even looking that closely!
Maintaining a straight face, Amamiya said seriously, "Sajuna, your swimsuit is adorable."
"Hmph!" Miko turned away, her cheeks tinged with pink. "Don't try to sweet-talk me… Komi-san, come on! Let's go get you changed into your swimsuit."
Komi-san quickly nodded, eager to escape the spotlight, and followed Sajuna toward the changing area.
Meanwhile, Amamiya slipped into his swimming trunks and strolled toward the beach, his demeanor resembling that of a carefree fool.
Seeing his approach, Hayasaka maintained her composure, stepping back quietly to make space. As a maid, it was second nature to always prioritize her young lady's comfort.
"Why don't you go for a swim in the ocean?"
Amamiya's calm gaze landed on the young lady in her swimsuit as he posed the question.
School swimming classes aside, this was his first time seeing Miss Kaguya in a swimsuit. She wore a sleek black ensemble with a chic, cooler style. Delicate ruffles adorned the chest, enhancing the visual appeal. Her snow-white skin glowed under the morning sunlight, her slender waist and long, straight legs adding to her elegance. Even her jade-like feet, pressed against the sandy beach, appeared soft and adorable.
Truthfully, aside from her unapproachable demeanor, Kaguya was flawless in every aspect.
One of Shuchiin's celebrated four beauties—she truly lived up to her title.
However, the events of the previous night had clearly shaken her composure. Kaguya stood awkwardly, one hand resting on her abdomen, the other crossed over her chest. Her pretty face was turned slightly away, gazing at the sea. She finally responded in a cool tone:
"The water's too cold."
Amamiya glanced silently toward the sea, where chaos was brewing among the waves. The figure causing the commotion appeared entirely unaffected by the cold. He mused inwardly—people with higher body fat really must be more resistant to the cold.
"Hey, what do you think of Kaguya-chan's swimsuit?"
A cheerful voice interrupted his thoughts. Shimizu emerged from the shadows, her tone brimming with playful curiosity. "Amamiya, tell us your honest opinion."
Raising his right hand, Amamiya replied seriously, "Miss Kaguya is the best in the world."
Shimizu's smile grew even brighter. "Amamiya, be specific—what exactly is the 'best' in the world?"
Amamiya didn't miss a beat. "The cutest thing in the world."
Kaguya's face froze for a moment. While she held full confidence in her looks, being deemed "the best in the world" seemed a tad excessive.
Struggling to keep her composure, Kaguya pressed her lips together, fighting off a grin. Despite her best efforts, the tips of her ears turned a noticeable shade of red. She replied with feigned indifference, "Tsubame-senpai is also very cute. When she appeared at the classroom door after school last week, you all cheered for her."
The corner of Amamiya's mouth twitched. She still remembered something as trivial as that? She must have been harboring quite the grudge.
He gave her a deadpan look. "Oh."
Kaguya's lips twitched. "That's so insincere! There's no emotion behind it—it's not even a real compliment!"
Suddenly, the sound of water splashing broke through their banter.
"What are you all talking about?" Chika's lively voice called out as she swam closer, her face beaming. "Come down and swim with us!"
Kaguya shook her head firmly. "The water's too cold. I don't want to—"
Before she could finish, a cascade of seawater drenched her completely.
"It's not that cold, actually," Chika said with a mischievous grin, wielding a small water gun. "Once you're in, you'll get used to it in no time."
Seething, Kaguya turned to glare at her maid, standing a short distance away.
"Miss," Hayasaka said calmly, handing over a large water gun. "Here you go."
"Eh? Eh?! That's huge!" Chika's eyes widened in shock as Kaguya accepted the weapon with a wicked glint in her eye.
"This is cheating! Absolutely cheating!"
[Note: Hanamori aka Hayasaka Ai.]