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Chapter 3: Asahi and Senpai Found Out / Part 1
Right now, my mom is in the restroom at 10:51.
My mom has gone to buy some snacks to bring on the plane.
Asahi, have you ever seen my mom before? 10:51
I don’t think so. 10:52
Should I introduce you as my boyfriend? 10:52
Asahi Amaharashi was startled and inadvertently looked towards where Senpai was. In the airport’s departure lounge, the domestic flight waiting area. Amidst the moderately crowded vacationers, Senpai, holding her smartphone that she’d just been messaging on, was looking at Asahi Amaharashi with a smirk.
Asahi Amaharashi thought, ‘Hm,’ and decided to counterattack.
He looked back down at his smartphone.
I’m going to switch my phone to airplane mode soon. 10:53
Okay, got it. Me too. 10:53
I love you. 10:54
Without waiting for a reply, he switched to airplane mode. Almost simultaneously, Asahi Amaharashi’s mother returned. Asahi Amaharashi looked at Senpai, who was now visibly flushed and frozen. Since Senpai was looking his way, Asahi Amaharashi casually shook his phone in response, making Senpai realize his intention and look shocked. But even if Senpai felt frustrated, she couldn’t communicate with Asahi Amaharashi until she turned off airplane mode after landing. No chance for a counterattack.
That’s what Asahi Amaharashi thought, but he was mistaken.
The boarding process for seats towards the back, where Asahi Amaharashi and his mother were, began first. Senpai and her mother, sitting towards the front, also boarded, and soon the plane took off. Once the plane reached a steady altitude and the seatbelt sign turned off, Asahi Amaharashi, who had given the window seat to his mother, waited for the flight attendant to bring drinks while reading an e-book on his smartphone.
He hadn’t been paying attention to his surroundings.
He noticed when a pen rolled to his feet. Someone heading to the restroom had dropped it. That person bent down near Asahi Amaharashi to pick it up. Long hair flowed smoothly, and a pleasant scent wafted through the air. Asahi Amaharashi was startled. Their eyes met — it was Senpai, crouching down.
It was intentional.
He realized immediately. Pretending to go to the restroom, Senpai had deliberately dropped the pen near Asahi Amaharashi’s seat. Frozen by the surprise attack, Asahi Amaharashi saw Senpai relax her cheeks in a grin. Without a sound, her mouth formed the words.
I love you too.
Senpai stood up, her cheeks flushed, trembling slightly. She then walked towards the restroom.
Suddenly, Asahi Amaharashi’s mother turned from the window.
«Hey, Asahi, look at that cloud, it’s so interesting──… Asahi?»
«It’s nothing.»
«Your face is red, isn’t it?»
«It’s nothing.»
I must be on guard around Senpai.
We’ve already checked in. What about you, Asahi-kun? 14:56
I’m currently in a rental car driven by my mom.
We made a detour to an ice cream shop at her request.
She said we’ll be there in about twenty minutes. 14:59
Ice cream. Asahi-kun’s mom sounds lovely. Will you contact me once you’re at the hotel?
I’ll be alone at either the beach or the pool. 15:01
I’ll leave the check-in to my mom and come to you. 15:03
Wear your swimsuit, okay? 15:03
At the hotel’s outdoor pool was a goddess.
Asahi Amaharashi hesitated for a moment to approach. Senpai sat by the poolside, dipping her legs in the water. Already in her swimsuit — the monokini he had seen from the balcony after their date with Tsubasa, but this time without a gown.
Her clear skin sparkled in the pool’s light.
There were other young women around the poolside, some looking like models, but none compared to her in Asahi Amaharashi’s biased opinion. He had always felt that Senpai, tall and slim with curves in all the right places, was extraordinary. Now, under the sun, her beauty was even more evident.
Her monokini, with large lace patterns except for the top and bottom, emphasized her beauty without limit.
If this was a public pool or beach rather than a somewhat upscale resort hotel, there would surely be wolf-like men flocking around her now. Or maybe they would be too intimidated by her elegance?
But Asahi Amaharashi couldn’t hesitate forever.
He must boldly take his place beside her.
«Senpa──»
«Asahi-kun.»
Senpai had apparently noticed him earlier. Although she was still looking at the water surface, their words almost overlapped. Without turning around, she asked.
«Did your mom handle the check-in?»
«Yes. But I was there at first. As they were explaining everything, I excused myself to explore the hotel…»
«Did you ask which room we’re in?»
He had asked when receiving the keycard. Asahi Amaharashi told her the room number. Senpai still didn’t look at him, but a faint smile appeared on her lips.
«The hotel arranged for rooms next to each other. That’s good. When we checked in, I made sure to ask when my mom wasn’t listening. I thought it would be less suspicious after we showed up.»
…No adult would probably think anything wrong if this goddess, Senpai, requested something.
«But if Asahi-kun’s mom is being guided to the room now, we might not have much time to dawdle. Can you swim, Asahi-kun?»
«Eh, ah, yes, I learned a little in elementary school…»
He stopped speaking.
Because for the first time, Senpai turned and looked up at him. In the midsummer light, her eyes sparkled mischievously. Unintentionally, Asahi Amaharashi, looking down at Senpai in her swimsuit, felt his body burning hotter than the surrounding temperature.
Senpai suddenly grabbed Asahi Amaharashi’s left hand.
Before he could react…
Senpai pulled Asahi Amaharashi with her as she jumped into the pool.
In the moment of surprise, Asahi Amaharashi, knowing resisting clumsily would be dangerous, let himself be pulled in unprotected. The sound of water splashing. The water felt cold yet warm, heavy yet light. Disoriented, he moved his hands underwater and touched something.
Senpai’s body.
Her toned, yet soft waist.
He touched it, or rather, reflexively grabbed it. Panicked, Asahi Amaharashi quickly let go and flailed in the light confusion. Then, Senpai, who was in the water up to her chest, came close. Their bodies touched, increasing Asahi Amaharashi’s panic. Dangerous. He might swallow water. His body burned even more. The soft touch, the resilience, and──.
Senpai slid her arms under Asahi Amaharashi’s armpits, lifting his body.
Asahi Amaharashi, like Senpai, emerged from the chest up and felt his feet touch the pool bottom. Finally stable, Senpai’s smiling face was right before him.
«Ahaha, …hehe, hahaha.»
Not a mischievous child-like giggle, nor a thrillingly sexy laugh, but one of pure joy, finding Asahi Amaharashi’s reaction hilarious. Senpai laughed happily. Just that made Asahi Amaharashi savor the happiness of being here with Senpai, unknown to anyone else.
«Asahi-kun, you were surprised, huh? Ahaha, are you mad?»
«…No.»
Asahi Amaharashi wiped the water dripping from his hair and smiled back.
«This time, I decided in advance.»
«What do you mean?»
«Well, effectively, it’s become like a birthday trip for Senpai. During this trip, I’ve decided not to get angry at Senpai no matter what, and to listen to whatever Senpai says.»
«Anything and everything?»
Asahi Amaharashi nods affirmatively.
Senpai, wiping the water droplets from her eyes, grins broadly.
…Come to think of it, I discussed this with Aki before the trip.
A few days into the summer vacation. It was when Senpai was busy with the first half of the summer courses.
«Wow, it’s Kanako Himi’s birthday, huh? …Eighteen years old.»
Aki was, as usual, having a cocktail in Asahi Amaharashi’s living room after dinner. Asahi Amaharashi’s mother was in the bath. As Asahi Amaharashi glanced at the wall clock, Aki continued.
«…Legally, it’s like the green light for adult stuff, right?»
«Aki-neechan.»
Asahi Amaharashi glares at her, and Aki makes an apologetic face.
«Sorry, sorry. …You’re still underage, right, Asahi?»
«Aki-neechan, if that’s what you’re going to talk about, I’m going back to my room.»
«Ahaha, sorry. I just couldn’t help teasing you. Anyway, what you mean is, you want to know what people usually do for their lover’s birthday?»
«Yeah. I want something super cheesy, something that screams ‘lovers’ birthday celebration’… Since Senpai is finally in the mood for it. I want to fully experience and share the kind of romance Senpai talks about.»
«Well, Asahi, you might be surprised, but I’ve never actually spent a birthday with a non-relative of the opposite sex…»
«That’s not surprising. …But didn’t you say you were going to ask a friend who has a boyfriend?»
Aki stirs the ice in her cocktail and nods.
«Okay, I’ll ask again… or rather, I’ll take a survey.»
«Sorry. Thank you. Don’t worry if it’s not helpful.»
«…You can be quite sharp sometimes, Asahi. Only towards me? Well, whatever…»
Aki tilts her head.
«But originally, why does Kanako Himi find the idea of a typical romantic relationship so boring? Even when I ask my friends, sure, the big picture might be a path trodden by others, but everyone’s details are different, right?»
Asahi Amaharashi had been thinking about that too. Ever since Senpai first mentioned it, and even more so after his date with Tsubasa. …Is it because our love is special? But could it be right to dismiss the path followed by so many other happy lovers as uninteresting?
That goddess, Senpai?
Was Asahi Amaharashi so reluctant to experience that mythology, just to think about it? And to feel relieved about dating other girls?
…That Kanako Himi?
«Well, there are some girls stuck with boring guys, but there are also those enjoying amazing relationships on that well-trodden path. If it’s true love, isn’t each one special? Watching Kanako Himi endure the date with Tsubasa was like seeing a pianist perform at a recital while suffering from gastroenteritis. It was kind of tragically heroic. Kanako Himi, with her prim and proper, yet secretly perverted persona, seems like she’d be most capable of enjoying such mythology…»
I’ve finished dinner. 19:39
I just finished too.
Senpai, what did you have? 20:02
Teppanyaki at the hotel!
My mom splurged for my birthday. 20:03
It was delicious! 20:03
Actually, I would have preferred it on my actual birthday tomorrow, but we couldn’t get a reservation.
What did you have, Asahi-kun? 20:04
We went to a buffet. 20:04
More like a ‘buffet’ for us. 20:04
When my mom goes to the bath, can you sneak out to the room’s terrace? 20:05
If Senpai lets me know the timing, I’ll suggest the bath to my mom too. 20:11
Stepping out onto the room’s terrace, I saw the deep, dark, beautiful sea at night.
The sound of the waves is audible. The night breeze is pleasantly cool. In such an atmosphere, Senpai, now in her usual pajamas, is on the neighboring terrace. The terraces of this hotel are shared between two rooms, with a privacy wall built only between them. In other words, the terraces not connected are exposed, separated by less than a meter of space. Asahi Amaharashi’s room and Senpai’s room are positioned with their terraces adjacent without any privacy screen.
«I’ve been waiting. …It feels even closer than home.»
Senpai leans on the terrace railing, looking at Asahi Amaharashi. In her hand is a cup of coffee, probably brewed from the room’s machine. Asahi Amaharashi holds a bottle of water.
Feeling somewhat tense, Asahi Amaharashi nods.
«It’s strange. To be talking with Senpai over the balcony like this, in a place like this… It’s even closer than home.»
«Since we’re on the sixth floor, unlike home, we definitely can’t cross the balcony. Today, we only got to meet briefly, but it was still fun. How about you, Asahi-kun?»
«It’s been really fun. …Even now. Senpai, tomorrow is your birthday. It might be difficult with your mom around, but can you make time tomorrow night?»
Senpai doesn’t ask what he’ll do for her.
Instead, she smiles happily.
«I’ll try. What should I do for the evening… Maybe I’ll give my mom an esthetic treatment as a thank you for giving birth to me and make some time. What about dinner?»
«I’d like to finish dinner before the time we meet, otherwise my mom will get suspicious.»
«Understood. Hey, since I’ll do as Asahi-kun says, can I ask for a little pre-celebration?»
…Pre-celebration? Asahi Amaharashi was puzzled for only a few seconds.
Senpai approached – up to the edge of her room’s terrace. The sound of the waves continued, of course. Below, the outdoor pool was lit up. Senpai leaned slightly over the railing, safely, and chuckled again. Asahi Amaharashi, sensing her intention, felt his heart skip a beat. But at the same time, his own words echoed in his mind.
Do whatever Senpai says…
Asahi Amaharashi walked up to the edge of his terrace, firmly grasped the railing, and leaned forward a bit more. Senpai closed her eyes first. Amidst the tension that felt like it could burst his chest, Asahi Amaharashi kissed Senpai’s lips. They were unexpectedly soft, almost enough to make him lose his reason. He could taste the sweetness of her breath mixed with the aroma of coffee.
When they parted, Senpai opened her eyes, looked at Asahi Amaharashi, and trembled slightly.
Senpai, with flushed cheeks, said, «…Is this the first time since the night we started dating?»
Excluding the «aaah» mouth-to-mouth feeding, of course. Naturally, Asahi Amaharashi wanted to repeat this countless times, and even go further… But why hadn’t there been a chance to kiss since that night? Well, that’s because… every time Senpai caught him off guard, Asahi Amaharashi would be shaken and end up stopping his actions…
A voice interrupted them.
«Asahi?»
His mother’s voice.
Asahi Amaharashi had left the window open a crack to keep an eye on her movements. The voice was coming through that gap. It seemed like his mother was calling out from the bathroom.
«Where did I put my pajamas?»
Startled, Asahi Amaharashi panicked. Senpai, still with a slightly red face, chuckled and suggested he go help.
The night deepened, and eventually, the lights of the outdoor pool were turned off.
Happy Birthday 00:00
I am honored to be able to send a birthday message to Senpai at this time. I hope Senpai’s new year is filled with happiness. I wish to be a part of that happiness. 00:00
You’re weird 00:00
But, I’m really happy. Thank you. 00:01
I’ll say my birthday wishes in person tomorrow. 00:03
Yeah. I’m glad I was awake. Goodnight. 00:03
Goodnight. 00:03
I love you, Asahi-kun. 01:18
Asahi-kun, have you finished breakfast?
I’m alone at the beach right now, come join me if you can? 09:19
The temperature had not yet risen too high, and the white sandy beach, forming a perfect arc, was almost empty, with only a few groups of beachgoers. The hotel’s beach parasols were still not opened. The tide was low, and Asahi Amaharashi found the clear sky and the sound of the waves incredibly beautiful.
Even more so was the sight of Senpai standing at the water’s edge.
Senpai, not in a swimsuit but in a resort dress, gently held down her hair, which was being tossed by the sea breeze.
«Senpai, happy birthday.»
Senpai turned around, relaxed her cheeks, and thanked him.
«Asahi-kun, would you like to take a walk?»
Asahi Amaharashi nodded affirmatively. They walked slowly along the beach.
Like a myth. The wet sand already had footprints from earlier walkers. Asahi Amaharashi thought about how many people had walked this beautiful beach just this morning. Yet, walking here now, next to Senpai, felt special.
Walking the same path didn’t mean their experience was the same as those who walked before them.
With Senpai, their shared path, their memories, felt uniquely special…
«What’s your mother doing, Senpai?»
Asahi Amaharashi asked, and Senpai pointed towards the hotel’s garden.
«Over there. She’s doing morning yoga as part of the hotel’s program.»
«Ah… My mom was also thinking about joining.»
«Does that mean she didn’t? What is she doing now?»
«She was having breakfast with me at the buffet… or ‘buffet’ for us, until just now. She looked like she wanted to eat more, so I left first to take a walk. She’s probably enjoying a fruit dessert by now.»
«Ahaha. …You know, Asahi-kun, despite everything that happened, like the date with Tsubasa and such, I’m really happy to be spending my birthday with you. You wrote something similar in your message last night… I’ll tell you now because it’s the right time. I was initially disappointed.»
«Initially, do you mean when you heard about my travel schedule? The day Aki-neechan was complaining that she couldn’t come along?»
The day Aki suddenly appeared in a swimsuit, doing the same thing as Senpai later.
A small crab scuttled past their feet.
Senpai confirmed, «Yes.»
«As I mentioned before, of course, you didn’t know it was my birthday. I felt too embarrassed to bring it up, thinking it might seem like I was prompting for a celebration. But somewhere inside… I was hoping to spend it with you, Asahi-kun. I hadn’t planned anything, but I was avoiding making plans with others just in case.»
«I’m sorry… I really should have asked about your birthday sooner.»
«No, it’s okay. That’s why I’m saying it turned out great, spending it here with you. There were some hesitations, but I’m glad I decided to come. This decision helped me push through everything before the trip. Motivation really does make a difference… Hey, Asahi-kun… Hmm.»
Senpai started to say something but hesitated, looking uncertain. The ocean bathed in sunlight displayed a gradient of emerald green and deep blue. A slightly larger wave approached near Senpai’s feet, walking on the sea side. Asahi Amaharashi sensed what Senpai was about to suggest.
As the wave receded, Asahi Amaharashi took the initiative and grabbed Senpai’s hand.
…Just like any other couple in love.
Senpai looked down and gripped his hand tightly in response.
«…Asahi-kun. I’ve come to think that spending occasions like birthdays and anniversaries together is very important. No matter what, they leave lasting memories. So, being here like this with you now──»
Before Senpai could finish, Asahi Amaharashi couldn’t wait any longer.
He suddenly let go of her hand, aware of his reaction. From the way he released her hand, Senpai might have instantly intuited something. She didn’t tilt her head in confusion.
Senpai naturally and calmly followed Asahi Amaharashi’s gaze, which was fixed on something.
Asahi Amaharashi’s mother stood there, looking surprised.
«…Oh?»
His mother spoke, but Asahi Amaharashi couldn’t immediately find the words to respond.
She looked straight at Senpai, recognizing who she was, blinking in astonishment.
«Is that the girl Asahi’s walking with? I was surprised when I saw him walking with a girl… even more surprised now. The girl from next door, the… umm.»
«Kanako Himi. Kanako Himi from the Amahare family,» Senpai introduced herself with a smile befitting the «goddess» everyone knew her as.
«Just happened to meet Asahi-kun, or rather Asahi Amaharashi, while walking. I was surprised too, so we were just chatting as we walked. It’s like a miracle, neighboring families coincidentally taking a trip to the same place at the same time.»
If someone from school had seen Senpai in this moment, they wouldn’t have felt any difference from her usual demeanor. But Asahi Amaharashi realized something. Behind the composed, gentle smile that Senpai had crafted, there was something more. Facing Asahi Amaharashi’s mother directly, Senpai seemed somewhat delighted. She glanced at Asahi Amaharashi… there was a hint of amusement in her eyes.
Wow, that was thrilling. 10:43
To think I’d greet Asahi-kun’s mom on my birthday. 10:44
I’m sorry. My mom’s appearance was due to my carelessness. 10:46
No, it was actually quite fun. And your face, Asahi-kun… 10:48
You looked so flustered.
And your mom said I was a very pretty girl.
It was good that we could pass it off as a coincidence. Going to the lounge together was the right decision. 10:50
…It was Asahi Amaharashi’s mother who suggested it. She invited Senpai for a tea, probably a bit excited herself. Was there something between Asahi Amaharashi and Senpai?
Senpai immediately joined the conversation with a smile.
«If it’s not a bother, then absolutely. Such a coincidental encounter is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so I’d love to join.»
Thus, the three of them decided to head to the tea lounge near the hotel lobby.
«Should we invite Mrs. Himi as well?»
«No, no need. I’ve already sent an email to my mom, she’s fine. If she joined us, it might make Mr. Amahare feel like he’s back at home, even though he’s on a resort vacation.»
«Ahaha, you say such interesting things.»
While his mother and Senpai conversed amicably, Asahi Amaharashi felt like he was on pins and needles. It was similar to when Aki had caught him talking across the balcony, but this was different – this was his mother.
With a mix of embarrassment, guilt, and a sense of duty to not show these feelings, Asahi Amaharashi couldn’t even taste the juice he was drinking.
«Kanako-chan, oh, I’m sorry, is it okay if I call you Kanako-chan? Or should I say Ms. Himi?»
«Kanako-chan is fine. If you say Ms. Himi, you might confuse me with my mom.»
«Thank you. Kanako-chan, you go to the same school as Asahi, right? You’re a third-year student? There’s not much interaction between a third-year and a first-year, is there?»
«But sometimes we end up on the same morning bus. We chat then, so when we met at the beach earlier, we were both surprised.»
«Really? Hey, Asahi, you actually talk to her? To such a beautiful girl? Lucky you. Don’t get the wrong idea and fall for her.»
«…Mom. This is embarrassing.»
«Kanako-chan, you’re so… Are you a model or something? You’re so beautiful. Surely you must have a boyfriend or two…»
«I don’t.»
Senpai interrupted firmly.
«Mr. Amahare’s mother. I don’t have the kind of boyfriend you’re imagining.»
«Eh, really? That’s surprising. Right, Asahi? You wanted to know this, didn’t you? Lucky for you, Kanako-chan is currently single!»
«Mom, I’ve always been single.»
«No way, that can’t be. But Asahi, this is your chance… Oh, Kanako-chan, of course, I understand. It’s not easy for Asahi to match up with someone like you. But you know, relationships between boys and girls can be unpredictable, right?»
My mother playfully teased while patting my back. I internally groaned at her excitement and embarrassment. Why is she so worked up? It’s embarrassing, especially in front of Senpai. But I understand why, given Senpai’s presence. Senpai hid her embarrassment behind a smile, but there was a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Senpai sipped her guava juice, using a straw with the same lips that kissed me across the terrace last night.
It seems I haven’t left a bad impression 10:53
Any parent would love a girl as beautiful and pleasant as Senpai 10:54
Asahi-kun, you also said I was beautiful 10:55
Say it again? Am I pretty? 10:55
Asahi-kun? 10:59
Are you embarrassed? 10:59
Hey, are you blushing right now? 11:00
…I was just talking with my mother.
Yes, Senpai, you are beautiful 11:03
Hey, what if. Just what if.
What if Senpai and I, like a couple in a myth, followed the usual steps that everyone does, and started dating normally?
Would I eventually have to formally greet your mother again? 11:20
Would she grow even fonder of me?
Could I visit your house, share meals, listen to stories about your childhood, and see your photos? 11:24
Senpai, if possible, can you come to the lobby quickly by yourself? 11:52
Asahi Amaharashi pondered.
This journey, up to yesterday and today, has been so enjoyable.
Without being stopped by Senpai, without worrying about the gaze of acquaintances – well, we still have to be careful of our mothers’ eyes – it’s truly been a trip like a lovers’ myth.
Walking a path tread by many before us… yet under the midsummer sun, shining brightly, and as clear as this sea on her birthday.
I can’t help but think. I have to think.
What if this wasn’t a family trip overlapping by chance?
What if Asahi Amaharashi and Senpai, just the two of us, had come to this resort hotel for a birthday trip, like a true myth?
…What would have become of us? And I can’t help but wonder, perhaps Senpai is thinking the same. Maybe she has the same «if» swirling in her mind.
On the terrace connected to the lobby, several chairs are set up, with people modestly dressed for the occasion. Everyone seems to be smiling, even from behind. In the best spot, where the wind from the sea blows through, an altar is set up. There, a groom in a white tuxedo and a bride in a mermaid-line wedding dress with a long train of pure white stand facing each other.
The minister speaks.
«In sickness and in health, in wealth and in──»
Then the regular hotel guests – including Asahi Amaharashi and Senpai – watch the ceremony from a distance. Everyone, adults and children alike, respectfully observe one of the most wonderful moments in the newlyweds’ lives. The minister asks the groom.
«Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?»
«I do,» the groom replies.
Then the minister turns to the bride.
«Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?»
«I do,» the bride answers.
The groom lifts the bride’s veil, and they kiss against the backdrop of the blue sky and sea…
«I just found out about it.»
Asahi Amaharashi whispered to Senpai next to him.
After leaving the tea lounge and briefly returning to his room, he came back near the lobby to shop and noticed the setup.
«It’s beautiful, isn’t it?»
Senpai gazed at the newlyweds.
Were her eyes glistening because of the dazzling light from the terrace, or was it emotion? Her expression seemed on the verge of breaking into tears. What could Senpai be feeling deep inside?
«Yes, it’s beautiful… Ah!»
Asahi Amaharashi realized what he said and blushed, causing Senpai to chuckle.
«Even if you say the bride in the wedding dress is beautiful, I won’t get jealous. It’s true. They look so beautiful and happy. I wonder how long it took for them to get to this moment.»
Senpai’s expression turned wistful again.
«It must have been a happy journey. As romantic as a myth. But looking back at that place now, I wonder if it all feels like it happened in the blink of an eye…»
Asahi Amaharashi remembered the words from the night they decided to date.
Senpai had said nervously on the balcony of her room:
«It wasn’t Asahi-kun I wanted to restrain, but myself.»
«I need self-control.»
«I’m scared of the emotions that I’ve been ignoring and living without.»
Perhaps it had been a budding thought in Asahi Amaharashi’s mind. Seeing the overly joyful Senpai during this trip, it became clear. Maybe Senpai’s dismissal of typical relationships as boring was because…
I just left my mother. I suggested a spa treatment, following Senpai’s lead. 20:09
I’m done eating too, so I’m free.
I told my mom I’m going to the gym and sauna.
She drank a lot today, so she’ll probably nap. 20:13
Please meet me at the hotel’s pier. 20:14
…The night sky.
Even from the hotel terrace, the view Asahi Amaharashi and others saw from their town was incomparably different. As a catamaran yacht sped away from the pier, the stars became more visible as the surrounding lights dimmed. In the darkness of the pitch-black sea, when the yacht’s lights were turned off, the stars appeared even clearer.
Senpai gazed up at the night sky and gasped in awe.
«Wow…»
The Milky Way.
As the organizer of this Planet Cruise, incorporating advice from Aki and considering various factors as a surprise for Senpai, even Asahi Amaharashi was lost for words. He hadn’t imagined it would be this spectacular. The hotel staff had mentioned that the Milky Way might be clearly visible tonight. In the local dialect, they called it ‘Tin Gara,’ they said.
He understood why it’s called the Milky Way in English.
Countless lights scattered across the sky, so many that they appeared like a mist or spilled milk from the gods. Despite knowing about it, seeing it for the first time in person was overwhelming. The vastness of space – the universe, this world – was indescribable. Truly, Orihime (Vega) and Hikoboshi (Altair) were separated by this river of stars in the sky, seemingly close enough to touch. Just like Asahi Amaharashi and Senpai across the balcony on a normal day.
But now, Asahi Amaharashi and Senpai were different.
They were actually shoulder to shoulder, looking up at the sky.
A young female staff member brought them non-alcoholic sparkling wine, included as part of the Planet Cruise. Senpai, not expecting this, looked at Asahi Amaharashi with a bit of surprise. After the staff left, Asahi Amaharashi, hiding his embarrassment, tried to look as cool as possible while raising his champagne glass.
«Happy birthday once again.»
«…Thank you, Asahi Amaharashi.»
Even in the nearly pitch-dark, it was clear.
Senpai was tearing up, perhaps even crying. Though tears didn’t fall, she briefly rubbed her eyes and sniffled.
Then, finishing her non-alcoholic sparkling wine, they both lay back near the bow of the boat, looking up at the Milky Way while chatting. They talked about school, the summer vacation, and this trip. There was only one other couple participating in the Planet Cruise, sitting at the stern of the boat, making it feel as if they were the only two in the world, just like their usual balcony conversations.
The difference was that they held hands the entire time.
Their proximity was so close that their breaths and heartbeats seemed to merge, with no barriers between them.
«Wait, Senpai. Just a moment, please.»
Asahi Amaharashi sat up midway, rummaging through his bag.
He pulled out a bag he had placed inside.
«About the date with Tsubasa, you mentioned I bought her a souvenir plushie. But that wasn’t true. I tried to buy a plushie while Tsubasa was in the restroom, but I couldn’t get it in time. To cover up, I bought other goods and gave those to Tsubasa. I told her the plushie was for myself. But actually…»
Asahi Amaharashi took a penguin plushie out of the bag.
Senpai, still lying down, looked at the plushie intently, forgetting to blink.
«It’s for you. I bought it wanting to give it to you. I planned to give it to you right away, but after hearing about your birthday from Tsubasa, I decided to save it for now. It’s a birthday present. Please accept it.»
Senpai’s surprise was not about the plushie, but about the fabric tied around its neck.
«…Asahi Amaharashi. Is that… a scarf?»
«Yes. I might not have much money, but I splurged as much as I could. I’d be happy if you could accept it without reservation.»
The scarf wasn’t a typical large one, but a narrow twilly scarf, almost like a ribbon. Thinking about what would suit Senpai, high-brand was the only choice, but a full-size scarf was beyond budget. He spent a whole day during the summer vacation at a physical store choosing it.
Wondering which one would suit Senpai best.
Senpai hesitantly reached out and accepted both the scarf and the plushie. She hugged the plushie while still lying down, then unexpectedly turned around, showing her back to Asahi Amaharashi.
«Senpai? Um…»
«Don’t touch me right now.»
Asahi Amaharashi reached out, but Senpai’s voice, choked with emotion, stopped him.
On the calm sea, the catamaran yacht rocked gently like a cradle.
Asahi Amaharashi’s Orihime seemed to become aware of the Milky Way that was supposed to separate them, no longer distant but close, and curled up.
With a trembling voice, she spoke.
Chapter Three, Asahi and Senpai Found Out
Right now, my mother is in the restroom. 10:51
My mom has gone to buy some snacks to take on the plane.
Asahi, have you ever seen my mom? 10:51
I don’t think I have. 10:52
Should I introduce you as my boyfriend? 10:52
Asahi Amaharashi was startled and inadvertently looked in the direction of Senpai. In the airport’s departure lobby, the domestic flight waiting area. Amidst the moderately crowded vacationers, Senpai was holding her smartphone that she’d just been messaging on, looking at Asahi Amaharashi with a smirk.
Asahi Amaharashi thought, ‘Hm,’ and decided to counterattack.
He looked back down at his smartphone.
I’m about to switch my phone to airplane mode. 10:53
Okay, got it. Me too. 10:53
I love you. 10:54
Without waiting for a reply, he switched to airplane mode. Almost simultaneously, Asahi Amaharashi’s mother returned. Asahi Amaharashi looked at Senpai, who was now visibly flushed and frozen. Since Senpai was looking his way, Asahi Amaharashi casually shook his phone in response, making Senpai realize his intention and look shocked. But even if Senpai felt frustrated, she couldn’t communicate with Asahi Amaharashi until she turned off airplane mode after landing. No chance for a counterattack.
That’s what Asahi Amaharashi thought, but he was mistaken.
The boarding process for seats towards the back, where Asahi Amaharashi and his mother were, began first. Senpai and her mother, sitting towards the front, also boarded, and soon the plane took off. Once the plane reached a steady altitude and the seatbelt sign turned off, Asahi Amaharashi, who had given the window seat to his mother, waited for the flight attendant to bring drinks while reading an e-book on his smartphone.
He hadn’t been paying attention to his surroundings.
He noticed when a pen rolled to his feet. Someone heading to the restroom had dropped it. That person bent down near Asahi Amaharashi to pick it up. Long hair flowed smoothly, and a pleasant scent wafted through the air. Asahi Amaharashi was startled. Their eyes met — it was Senpai, crouching down.
It was intentional.
He realized immediately. Pretending to go to the restroom, Senpai had deliberately dropped the pen near Asahi Amaharashi’s seat. Frozen by the surprise attack, Asahi Amaharashi saw Senpai relax her cheeks in a grin. Without a sound, her mouth formed the words.
I love you too.
Senpai stood up, her cheeks flushed, trembling slightly. She then walked towards the restroom.
Suddenly, Asahi Amaharashi’s mother turned from the window.
«Hey, Asahi, look at that cloud, it’s so interesting──… Asahi?»
«It’s nothing.»
«Your face is red, isn’t it?»
«It’s nothing.»
I must be on guard around Senpai.
We’ve already checked in. What about you, Asahi-kun? 14:56
I’m currently in a rental car driven by my mom.
We made a detour to an ice cream shop at her request.
She said we’ll be there in about twenty minutes. 14:59
Ice cream. Asahi-kun’s mom sounds lovely. Will you contact me once you’re at the hotel?
I’ll be alone at either the beach or the pool. 15:01
I’ll leave the check-in to my mom and come to you. 15:03
Wear your swimsuit, okay? 15:03
At the hotel’s outdoor pool was a goddess.
Asahi Amaharashi hesitated for a moment before approaching. Senpai was sitting poolside, dipping her legs in the water. She was already in a swimsuit—the monokini he had seen her in from the balcony after her date with Tsubasa. This time, she wasn’t wearing a gown over it.
Her clear skin sparkled in the pool’s light.
Several young women, who looked like models, were also at the poolside. Asahi wondered if it was his bias that made him think none of them compared to Senpai. He had always felt that Senpai, despite her tall and slender figure, had a striking presence. Now, under the bright sunlight, her beauty was even more apparent than it had been in the darkness or through the gown.
The monokini, knitted with large eye-catching lace except for the top and bottom parts, accentuated her beauty to an immeasurable extent.
If this had been a public pool or beach, surely men would be swarming around her like wolves. But perhaps her aura of elegance was too intimidating for anyone to approach casually?
However, Asahi couldn’t afford to hesitate forever.
He had to boldly take his place beside her.
«Senpai──»
«Asahi-kun.»
Senpai seemed to have noticed him already. Even though she was still looking at the pool’s surface, she spoke almost simultaneously with him.
«Did your mom do the check-in?»
«Yes. But I was there at first. I slipped away to explore the hotel while she was getting the explanation…»
«Did you ask for the room number?»
Asahi recalled the room number he had heard when receiving the key card. Senpai didn’t look at him, but a faint smile appeared on her lips.
«It’s good that the hotel arranged for our rooms to be next to each other. I made sure to mention it discreetly to the staff when my mom wasn’t listening during our check-in. I thought it might seem suspicious if I requested it after showing my face.»
…No adult would think badly of a request made by a goddess like Senpai.
«But, if your mom is being shown to the room right now, we might not have much time to dawdle. Can you swim, Asahi-kun?»
«Eh, ah, yes, I learned a bit in elementary school──»
He stopped speaking.
It was because Senpai twisted her body and looked up for the first time. In the bright summer light, her eyes sparkled mischievously. Although he hadn’t intended to, Asahi’s perspective from above her swimsuit-clad figure made him feel an intense heat, hotter than the surrounding temperature.
Senpai suddenly grabbed Asahi’s left hand.
Before he could react, she pulled him into the pool with her.
Asahi, taken by surprise, decided it was safer not to resist clumsily and let himself be pulled in. The sound of water splashing, the sensations of cold and lukewarm, heavy and light. As he struggled to orient himself underwater, his hand touched something. Strangely, he immediately knew what it was.
Senpai’s body.
Firm, yet soft to the touch around her waist.
He didn’t just touch her, he reflexively grabbed her. In the water, Asahi panicked. He quickly let go of her and flailed in slight confusion. Then, Senpai’s body, half-immersed in water, moved closer to him. She clung to him, causing Asahi to panic even more. Dangerous. He was about to swallow water. His body felt even hotter. The soft touch, the resilience, and──.
Senpai put her arms under Asahi’s armpits and lifted his body up.
Both of them emerged from the water up to their chests, feet touching the pool’s bottom. Finally, their postures stabilized. Senpai’s smiling face was right before his eyes.
«Ahaha… hehe, hahaha.»
Her laughter wasn’t like a mischievous child’s nor did it carry a thrilling sexiness, but was purely joyful, amused by Asahi’s reaction. Just seeing Senpai laughing so happily made Asahi savor the bliss of being there with her. A happiness unknown to anyone else.
«Did I surprise you, Asahi-kun? Haha, are you angry?»
«…No.»
Asahi wiped the water dripping from his bangs and laughed back.
«I decided on it beforehand.»
«What did you decide?»
«That this trip would be like celebrating Senpai’s birthday. During this trip, I won’t get angry at anything Senpai does, and I’ll listen to whatever she says.»
«Anything? Really anything?»
Asahi nodded affirmatively.
Senpai, wiping the water from her eyes, grinned broadly.
…Before the trip, Asahi had consulted Aki who had come over to play.
It was a few days into the summer vacation, and Senpai was busy with the first term of summer courses.
«Wow, so it’s Himi’s birthday… Eighteen, huh?»
Aki was sipping cocktails in Asahi’s living room after dinner as usual, while his mother was in the bath. When Asahi glanced at the wall clock, Aki continued.
«Legally, it’s the green light for more adult stuff, huh?»
«Aki-nee.»
Asahi glared, and Aki looked apologetic.
«Sorry, sorry… You’re not there yet, are you, Asahi?»
«Aki-nee, if that’s all you’re going to talk about, I’m going back to my room.»
«Ahaha, sorry, couldn’t help teasing you. Anyway, what you’re saying is this, right? What’s a typical birthday like for lovers?»
«Yes. I want it to be super cliché, an obvious lovers’ birthday celebration… Since Senpai is willing to go along with it for once. I want to fully experience and share with her the myth of lovers that Senpai talks about.»
«But you know, Asahi, surprisingly, I’ve never spent a birthday with a non-relative guy before…»
«Not surprising… But you said you’d ask your friend who has a boyfriend, right?»
Aki stirred her cocktail ice as she nodded.
«I’ll ask her again… or rather, I’ll conduct a survey.»
«Thanks. Don’t worry if it’s not helpful.»
«…You can be kind of harsh sometimes, Asahi. Is it just with me? Well, okay… but still.»
Aki tilted her head.
«The thing is, why does Himi find the myth, or rather, normal male-female relationships so boring? Even when I ask my friends, sure, it might seem like a path trampled by others in the grand scheme, but everyone’s details are different, you know?»
Asahi had thought about it too, ever since Senpai first mentioned it, and even more so after his date with Tsubasa. …Is their own love so special that they can dismiss the path many happy lovers tread without compassion?
That goddess, Senpai?
Asahi wanted to experience that myth for himself, but would she be so hesitant? Would she be relieved to date other girls?
…That Himi Kanako?
«Well, some girls are stuck with boring guys, but others are enjoying wonderful love… on that well-trodden path. If it’s true love, isn’t each relationship special? The way Himi endured watching Tsubasa’s date, it was like a pianist girl suffering from gastroenteritis at a recital. With her pure appearance, Himi, who’s secretly a pervert, seems like she could really enjoy that myth…»
I finished dinner. 19:39
I just finished too.
Kanako, what did you have? 20:02
Teppanyaki inside the hotel!
It was a birthday treat, my mom splurged for it. 20:03
It was delicious! 20:03
Actually, I wanted to do it on the actual birthday tomorrow, but we couldn’t get a reservation.
What did you have, Asahi? 20:04
Went to the buffet. 20:04
We call it a buffet too. 20:04
Can you sneak out to the terrace of your room when your mom goes to the bath? 20:05
If Kanako gives me the timing, I’ll suggest a bath to my mom too. 20:11
Stepping out onto the terrace, the night’s deep, black, and beautiful sea was in full view.
The sound of the waves was audible. The night breeze was pleasant. Amidst this, Kanako was on the neighboring terrace, now in her usual pajamas. The terraces of this hotel are shared between two rooms, with a privacy wall only in between. In other words, the disconnected terraces are exposed with less than a meter of space separating them. Asahi’s room and Kanako’s room were positioned side by side without any privacy wall between their terraces.
«I’ve been waiting. …We’re closer than at home, aren’t we?»
