I could still feel two pairs of eyes burning into my back, but since they weren't causing any harm, I decided to ignore them.
After arriving at the pool, Nazuna-san and I split up to change. I'd picked out my swimsuit at random, but I couldn't help but wonder what Nazuna-san would wear.
Stepping out of the changing room, I made my way toward the crowded poolside. The private pool where I'd hung out with Arisu and the others had been reserved for us, so even though this one was the same size, it felt oddly cramped in comparison.
Buzz.
"Hm? Takahashi?"
I pulled out my phone, carefully sealed in a waterproof pouch, and saw Takahashi's name on the screen.
"Hikigaya-senpai. Do you have a minute?"
"Yeah, it's fine. What's up?"
"I've noticed something going on among the first-years. Since it involves you, I thought I should report it."
Seems like Takahashi's finally getting the hang of playing his role. Lately, he's been proactively reporting things like this more often—a trend I very much appreciate.
"Thanks. I'll send you your usual compensation later, so go ahead."
No need to spell it out—our relationship runs on transactions. Best to make that clear upfront.
"Understood. Lately, more first-years have been trying to form alliances with your class. Or rather… they're targeting you specifically, senpai."
"Targeting me? Shouldn't they be talking to Ryuuen if they want an alliance?"
It makes sense that some first-years would want to team up. Our class made a big splash in the cross-grade exam, so it's natural they'd want to leverage that.
But what did he mean by targeting me?
"Since my class isn't seeing the same movement, this is just speculation, but… I think it's a personality thing. Ryuuen-senpai and Kouenji-senpai are, well… not exactly approachable, you know?"
"Yeah, I get it. Say no more."
Kouenji was a given, but even Ryuuen wasn't the type people willingly struck up conversations with.
"Also, part of it is just that you've gotten more popular, senpai."
"Popular?"
"You're actually pretty well-liked among first-years. Between dominating the deserted island exam and being seen as the 'nicer' one next to Ryuuen-senpai…"
"...That's not exactly a flattering assessment."
"Any other guy would kill to hear that, you know?"
Come to think of it, Nazuna-san had said something similar at the café earlier.
"For now, none of the class leaders seem to be making moves, but there are definitely first-years who want a connection with you. Some might even just… like you."
"Got it. Solid intel—appreciate it."
"...You don't seem to realize it, so I'll say it outright: be careful, okay?"
"Yeah, yeah."
I hung up, shoving my phone back into the pouch with a sigh at Takahashi's mix of concern and exasperation.
So I've gotten more popular, huh?
It's true that I've been more noticeable since the exam, but was it really something to worry about?
Probably not worth stressing over. Nazuna-san should be out soon, so I'd better scout out a good spot to swim.
"Um… Hikigaya-senpai, right?"
"Huh?"
While scanning the pool area, I heard a voice from behind. Unfamiliar. Turning around, I saw two girls—probably first-years, since I didn't recognize them.
"Ah! S-Sorry, did we get the wrong person?"
"No, I'm Hikigaya. What's up?"
"Phew… Good. I was worried we messed up!"
They sighed in relief, but I had no idea what to do in this situation.
"So… did you need something?"
"W-Well, not need, but… right?"
"Yeah, yeah!"
They nodded at each other before turning back to me in unison.
"If you're free… wanna hang out with us?"
"Uh, no—"
"We've always thought you were so cool, senpai!"
"Wow! You're way more ripped than I expected!"
What's the correct response here?! This was not in the script. Nazuna-san would be out any minute, so I had to turn them down politely.
"Flattered, but I'm actually here with someone today. Sorry."
"Aww~, that's too bad."
"Boo… Well, can we at least exchange contacts?"
I guess giving them my number wouldn't hurt. I did just reject them.
"Let's hang out next time, then~!"
They waved as they left, and I waved back.
Thank god they were reasonable. If they'd been pushier, things could've gotten messy.
"...Sorry! Took me a bit!"
"Don't worry, I just got here too."
When Nazuna-san stepped out of the changing room, her swimsuit accentuated her already stunning figure. Even now, part of me couldn't believe I was on a date with someone this gorgeous.
"That outfit…"
"Notice something? It's the same one I wore during the deserted island exam~!"
She did a little twirl as she said it.
Now that she mentioned it, I did recognize it.
"Didn't expect that. You've got such great fashion sense—I figured you'd never wear the same thing twice."
"Well… you complimented me in this swimsuit, Hachi-kun."
She fidgeted slightly, her cheeks tinged pink as she mumbled that.
"...Did I?"
"Wha—?! You don't remember?!"
"Kidding. Of course I remember. It looks amazing on you."
"...Hachi-kun, you're such a tease."
She puffed out her cheeks in a pout.
That childish side of her was oddly endearing.
"Shall we? It's too hot just standing here—let's get in the pool."
"Yeah… but before that—"
Nazuna-san grabbed my hand, stopping me mid-step.
"Who were those two girls earlier?"
...Oh.
So she did see that.
.....
After that, as you might expect, while I was trying to cheer up Nazuna-san, who was in a bad mood, we ended up enjoying the summer pool to the fullest.
"Man, that was fun~"
"Yeah. I'm honestly exhausted."
"Me too~"
With beach volleyball, diving boards, and all sorts of attractions, there was no shortage of things to do. It had a different charm compared to a private pool.
After wearing ourselves out, Nazuna-san and I lay down on the beach chairs to rest.
"It's been so long since I've had this much fun. Being with Hachikun is really, really fun."
"I'm glad you enjoyed it. I had a great time with you too, Nazuna-san."
When I turned my head, I met Nazuna-san's gaze as she lay beside me.
"Hey… even after today's date is over, will you go out with me again?"
"...I was about to ask you the same thing."
"Yay! Then it's a promise, okay?"
Just as we were having that conversation…
"...Hikigaya-kun?"
"Ah, it really is…"
Two familiar voices came from above. Why did I keep running into people I knew today?
"Matsushita...Sato…"
I sat up from the beach chair and, as expected, there stood Matsushita and Satou.
Matsushita glanced between me and Nazuna-san with a slightly displeased expression, while Satou averted her eyes awkwardly.
"Huh? Friends of Hachikun?"
"Yeah, my friends Matsushita and Satou."
When I was called "Hachikun," I could've sworn Matsushita reacted a little too strongly for a second.
"Um… Hikigaya-kun, are you… on a date?"
Satou glanced briefly at Nazuna-san before hesitantly asking.
"Well, something like that."
"O-oh, I see…"
Satou shot another glance—this time at Matsushita.
"Hmmm~"
"Uh, Matsushita?"
"I invited you too, you know. So your 'plans' were a date, huh~?"
"N-No, it's just a matter of who asked first…"
Matsushita bent forward slightly, glaring at me with half-lidded eyes.
She was wearing a navy-blue bikini, and her leaning posture put her cleavage right in my line of sight. I averted my gaze, but it might've been too obvious, making me seem even more suspicious.
"I even picked this swimsuit just to show you, Hikigaya-kun~"
Matsushita pouted, sounding genuinely disappointed.
"So? What do you think?"
"Think… about what?"
"Whether this swimsuit suits your tastes."
"Uh, well… yeah, it looks good on you."
"Kinda lukewarm, huh? Hikigaya-kun's a pervert, so maybe something skimpier would've been better?"
"W-Whoa, Matsushita-san, that's bold…!"
Satou's face turned bright red as she stared at us like we were in some kind of romance drama.
Still leaning forward, Matsushita glanced at Nazuna-san beside me, sighed deeply, and finally straightened up.
"Next time, go on a date with me too, okay? If it's just the two of us, I'll wear a swimsuit you'll like even more."
"Uh, s-sure, got it."
She smiled sweetly at my response, said, "See you," and walked off toward the changing rooms with Satou.
"U-Um… Nazuna-san…?"
"You were staring at her chest too much. …Pervert."
What was with that look? Like I was some kind of hopeless degenerate.
"That girl totally sees me as a rival. She was clearly provoking me."
"Matsushita's a good person, though."
"...That's not the point."
For some reason, Nazuna-san seemed displeased. She rolled over, turning her back to me.
The hearts of women are truly mysterious.
.....
Time: 5:00 PM
After changing back into our uniforms to leave the pool, I was waiting outside the changing rooms for Nazuna-san when—
"So, Ryūen-senpai. Don't break our promise, okay?"
"Not plannin' on it. Look forward to it when we get back to school."
I spotted the unlikely duo of Ryūen and Amasawa deep in conversation. Though I couldn't make out the full details, they seemed to be discussing something serious.
Then, the two noticed me. Amasawa immediately latched onto my arm.
"Senpaaai~! What are you doing here? I asked you out on a date, you know~!"
"I appreciated the offer, but I already had plans today."
"Kukuku, probably with some girl, right?"
"Eh? Seriously, Senpai?"
Amasawa reacted dramatically to Ryūen's offhand remark.
Dammit, don't just blurt that out.
"...More importantly, what were you two talking about?"
"Hah? You forgettin' already? The deal we made with this brat on the first day of exams."
Oh, right. That. Though calling it a "deal" is generous—you two just decided that on your own.
"Mind telling me what this deal is?"
"Like hell I'd tell ya. Call it a little… future entertainment."
"Doesn't sound entertaining to me."
"Hey, Senpai. Forget that—who were you with today? Tell me so I can crush her."
Amasawa said that way too casually.
Crush her?! What do you mean by crush?!
"Ah, there you are! Sorry for the wait!"
"Senpaaaaai—HER?!"
At the worst possible timing, Nazuna-san emerged from the changing room, and Amasawa glared at her with enough intensity to kill.
Ryūen, meanwhile, subtly took a step back to avoid getting involved. Smart move—but at least put your damn phone away first.
"Who's this girl?"
"Hi there~! You're Asahina-senpai, right? What gives you the right to just take my Senpai out like that~?"
This was a disaster. Nothing good could come from this.
And Ryūen—stop recording this, you bastard.
"...Why should I have to explain myself to you? Hachikun isn't your property, is he?"
"Hachikun? Ohhh, a nickname? Didn't take you for the possessive type~."
"Nicknames are for people who are close."
"Senpai, you should drop this girl. She's definitely the crazy, clingy type who'll suffocate you in a relationship."
Says the girl who's just as intense.
Amasawa's jab must've struck a nerve because Nazuna-san's smile tightened, her eye twitching slightly.
"That doesn't matter. I'm the one on a date with Hachikun today, so back off, okay?"
"Yikes, clingy girls are scary~. Senpai, you'd rather have a fresh, lively first-year than some controlling third-year, right?"
This wouldn't end unless I stepped in. Time to play mediator.
"Amasawa, I already had plans with Nazuna-san today."
That shut things down. Nazuna-san smirked victoriously while Amasawa pouted at me.
"See, Amasawa-chan? I'm the one on a date with Hachikun today."
"Ugh, whatever. Crazy, clingy old hag."
"Wha—?! OLD?!"
Sticking out her tongue, Amasawa dashed off.
"W-Wait, I'm not old! Right, Hachikun?!"
"Uh, yeah. Nazuna-san's beautiful."
She sighed in relief. Did she really worry she looked old?
"Hah, there you are, Hikigaya."
"Ugh."
Nazuna-san let out an audible groan at the sudden appearance of the newcomer.
"Hey, what's with the 'ugh'?"
"That's just the natural reaction. Why the hell are you here, Nagi?"
Nanase—no, Nagumo—grinned, sweeping back his hair in an exaggerated display.
"Don't be like that. I came to invite Hikigaya to dinner."
"I told you! He's on a date with me today!"
"I'll pay for both of you. Hell, I don't even mind if you tag along, Nazuna. That works, right, Hikigaya?"
"If Nazuna-san's okay with it."
"No way. I want to eat with Hachikun alone."
"Then no deal."
With that settled, Nazuna-san and I turned and walked toward the lobby. Behind us, Nagumo's frustrated shout echoed, but we chose to ignore it.
.....
After finishing dinner and visiting popular spots around the ship, the time had already reached 9 PM.
By now, Nazuna-san and I must have felt this day as a "date" more intensely than most. It was filled with moments that could only happen between a man and a woman—things that would never occur between just friends.
Students were allowed to roam the ship until 10 PM.
It was almost time for us to part ways.
Perhaps sensing this, Nazuna-san asked to go to the deck one last time, and so we headed there.
As we arrived, the night breeze gently brushed against our skin. Only the ship's streetlights and the moonlight illuminated us. At this hour, the deck was completely deserted—like it was reserved just for us.
"Ahh~ That was so much fun!"
Stretching her arms wide, Nazuna-san turned to face me. Her hair, glowing under the moonlight, looked even more beautiful than usual. To put it simply, she was incredibly alluring right now.
"This was the first time I've ever had so much fun hanging out with a boy."
"I'm really glad to hear that."
"But you know… you seem pretty composed, huh? Even though you're on a date with such a pretty older girl."
"I was nervous the whole time. I kept worrying whether you were enjoying yourself."
Judging by her expression, that worry seemed unnecessary now.
"We should probably head back soon. It's already 9:30."
"...Yeah. You're right."
As if reluctant to let the moment end, Nazuna-san nodded slightly.
"Today was really fun. Thank you for accepting my invitation."
"Ahaha, no need to be so formal! I had a great time too."
"Still, this was my first time asking someone out on a date."
"Eh, really? You seemed so experienced, though."
"Then please erase that image right away."
Seeing my reaction, Nazuna-san gave a small smile.
"Well then… bye-bye."
"Yeah. See you later."
I turned around and began walking back into the ship.
Since we were in different grades, our rooms were in separate areas.
Walking at a steady pace, I suddenly heard hurried footsteps approaching from behind.
"——Wait!"
Nazuna-san hugged me from behind, pressing herself tightly against me.
"Is something wrong?"
"...You're unfair."
Her whisper reached me as I faced away from her.
"You knew I liked older guys, yet you were the one who asked me out. You dressed up nicely and complimented me so much."
"..."
"You called me pretty, cute… You made my heart race so many times. Even though there are other girls chasing after you, you still chose me first."
"..."
"How am I… not supposed to get my hopes up after all that?"
Feeling her arms gradually loosen, I turned around to face her properly.
"Asahina-senpai."
"Call me Nazuna. I don't like that."
Her glistening eyes locked onto mine.
"You like older girls, right? I have big breasts, and you said I was pretty. If you want to do… those kinds of things, we can do as much as you want. Because… I really like you that much."
"...Nazuna-san."
Her jewel-like eyes stared straight at me as she forced out her next words.
"——Go out with me."
I stayed silent for a few seconds, saying nothing.
"Why… aren't you saying anything? Do you hate me?"
"...You're incredibly beautiful, Nazuna-san. Your personality, your figure—there's nothing about you I don't admire."
"Then it's fine, right? I'll do anything you want."
Her expression was on the verge of tears. Whatever I said next would surely make them spill over.
"I've… never been in love before. I don't understand affection or romance. In this state… I can't possibly return your feelings properly."
"Then——fine."
Nazuna-san rose onto her tiptoes, closing the height difference between us, and pressed her lips against mine.
It lasted only a moment, but it didn't take long for me to realize what had just happened.
"I'll… make you fall for me no matter what. I won't let any other girl have you."
With those final words, Nazuna-san walked away toward her room.
"..."
Standing there dazed for a while, I eventually headed back to my own room as well.
Recalling Nazuna-san's words, I quietly formed a thought in my heart.
——————————
So this is how it happens.
From now on, what kind of influence would Asahina Nazuna have on me?
Even though I noticed it.
Even though I understood it.
It seemed I wouldn't be able to stop myself from learning—from falling.
=================================
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