Several weeks flew by since the goukon. Finals, three-way conferences, and other events came and went, and today was the final school day before summer break.
In the afternoon, with breakup-for-summer essentially here, the class was loose. Closing ceremony, deep cleaning, long homeroom, then a half-day — all clubs canceled. Free time guaranteed.
“Yuito — how were your finals?”
Kaito asked while I was looking at my grades. Visibly cheerful — probably did well.
“Fifth this time.”
“Are you serious.”
“Trade with me.”
Kenji and Shou made their sounds. Both presumably struggling. Avoided failing marks, but couldn’t show their parents.
I’d hit a new personal high. My brother was first again, of course, but the bitterness wasn’t as sharp as before.
The Ayato-inferiority complex used to put me in dark moods, but realizing I do have my own areas — that’s helped.
I’m visibly lighter recently, classmates have noticed.
“Oh — let’s hit the pool this afternoon, all of us.”
“Yes — hot day, perfect.”
“Definitely. Summer means pool.”
“In.”
Kenji’s pitch immediately got us. Pool was overdue.
“Where?”
“Tokyo Summer Hills is close — that one?”
I suggested it. Tokyo Summer Hills is a glass-domed heated pool that opened a few years ago.
Water slides, jacuzzi, relaxation pool, sauna, restaurant — the works. You can spend a whole day there.
“That place is huge.”
“Don’t want to go far — going back is a pain.”
“Yeah, normal clubs tomorrow.”
“Decided.”
We chatted briefly and parted to gear up. We’d meet there with swim gear.
I dug out my swim trunks from the closet. My build hadn’t changed from last year — fit fine.
I packed everything and was leaving when I heard a familiar engine outside.
“Yo, Yuito.”
”…Figured it’d be you, Kano-san.”
The door open, there she was on the lime-green bike. Yeah — knew it.
“Don’t you have a college test right now?”
“Done. College tests let you leave early.”
“Ah — so you didn’t skip.”
“Obviously not. Skipping tests is an instant credit-loss.”
She gave me a flat look at my joke. She looks like a full gal but is exceptionally serious internally.
“So why are you here?”
“To hang out with bored Yuito. Why else.”
“What do you take me for?”
“A man with too much free time?”
Apparently her opinion of me is vicious.
“Sadly, I have plans.”
“Plans more important than your big sister?”
“I’d love to hang out with you, but they’re prior commitments.”
”…What plans?”
“Tokyo Summer Hills.”
The instant I said it she dismounted and pressed in.
“With whom? Are girls coming? You’re not trying to get cozy with other girls when you have me, right?”
“T-the three guys from the after-party — you met them at the ball-sports day after-party. Just us four.”
Backing up under the pressure. Since she stopped hiding her feelings, she gets like this sometimes — caution required.
(Hypothetically dating her and cheating — there would be blood.)
“Hmm — so I’m coming too, right?”
“Uh —”
“Or is there a problem with me joining?”
”…Fine. Come along.”
I couldn’t withstand her pressure. So much for a guys-day.