"There you are, Melt."
"Swimsuits, huh? Well, we're going to the ocean, so they're a necessity."
"Exactly! The school-issue ones are so plain, and since our figures are filling out, we need something that actually fits right!"
Melt spoke with a bright smile as Setsuna and Anhel arrived at the swimsuit section.
On the surface, it seemed like typical girl talk, but the air between them crackled with invisible sparks.
(Are they trying to scout my choices and gain an Information Advantage? I won't let them!) Melt thought.
(As I suspected, Melt is leaning toward a bikini. The combination of classic cuteness, sexiness, and her energetic personality... she's a threat,) Setsuna analyzed.
(Dammit! I’ve got them beat on chest and hip size, but they have the edge when it comes to the waist! I have to account for how we'll be compared there...) Anhel cursed internally.
Melt maneuvered carefully, trying to sniff out their choices without revealing her own hand. Setsuna processed the data, identifying threats and formulating counters. Anhel, despite possessing the most formidable biological weapons, knew her Defense—her waist tightness—was a step behind the two girls from the General Department, and she adjusted her tactics accordingly.
In that brief exchange, each girl had already drafted a strategy and begun testing the others' defenses. Even as they stood shoulder-to-shoulder browsing the racks, they continued to probe for weaknesses.
"Hmm, what should I do? What kind would look best?"
"Oh, are you actually wavering? That’s not like you, Melt. You're usually so decisive."
"I’ve settled on a bikini, but the color and design are the problem. What about you, Setsuna? Tell me what you're thinking, for reference!"
"I’m still undecided. Yamato’s designs are completely different from what they have here, so I’m not sure what suits me best."
"Ah, right. I guess there are cultural differences to consider."
Another seemingly normal exchange, but their true thoughts were far more intense.
(Tch! She dodged it. Setsuna is as sharp as ever... she won't be an easy nut to crack!)
(Impressive, Melt. You tried to use my known background to force my hand. I can't afford to be careless.)
It went on like that.
While the two were locked in their mental tug-of-war, Anhel called out to them with a grin.
"Hey, check this out. Don't you think this looks interesting?"
Both Melt and Setsuna gasped.
The garment Anhel held up was a slingshot-type swimsuit with a daringly provocative design. While it was somewhat modest by retail standards, the orange fabric was destined to radiate an overwhelming sexiness once worn.
"It matches my hair, so I thought it might work! A string bikini might be pushing it, but I think this design is within the realm of possibility, don't you?"
"Y-Yes, certainly. It seems perfect for you, Ann..."
"J-Just make sure you don't have any... wardrobe malfunctions."
Imagining Anhel in that outfit, the two had to admit it possessed terrifying power. Anhel was the most well-endowed of the trio; seeing her in that design would be like witnessing the birth of a living Weapon of Mass Destruction.
"I-I think I'll go check out that section over there..."
"I’ll browse on my own for a bit, too."
They needed a counter-strategy, and they needed it now. Melt broke away to scour the store, her mind racing as she simulated different looks.
(Should I go with a string bikini to emphasize my waist and hope for a 'lucky accident'? Or should I double down on cuteness to contrast Ann? But I need something bold to catch Yugo's eye...)
As she agonized over her tactical options, she spotted a micro-style bikini that pushed the boundaries of decency. She swallowed hard.
(This... this could actually compete with Ann!)
It was provocative but just barely stayed on the right side of the law. As she reached for it, another hand grabbed it at the exact same time. Melt jumped and looked up to find Setsuna staring back with an equally stunned expression.
"Ah, Setsuna! A-Are you planning on buying that?"
"U-Um! I simply thought it had a... unique shape. I was curious, that's all. What about you, Melt?"
"Ah, no, well... I mean, I don't think I could actually wear it."
As they spoke with strained smiles, they gradually regained their senses. The suit was technically acceptable, but the sheer embarrassment of wearing it in public was a heavy price to pay. Melt was just feeling relieved that running into Setsuna had stopped her from making a rash purchase when a sudden realization hit her like a lightning bolt.
"Wait! I forgot about Fee-kun!!"
"Eh? ...Oh!!"
Setsuna let out a strangled cry as she realized exactly what Melt meant.
The Elementary Division was joining the School Trip. Yui was going, and more importantly, Fee was going. Yugo, being the protective older brother he was, would undoubtedly spend his time at the beach looking after his younger brother.
Which meant Fee would always be by Yugo's side.
If they approached Yugo wearing micro-bikinis, his reaction wouldn't be attraction—it would be horror. He would tell them to stay away because they were a bad influence on his brother, or demand they go change immediately.
Their entire plan would be ruined.
"Wait... was the reason Anhel showed us that swimsuit earlier—?!"
"She wanted us to fall for it?!"
They looked toward the other side of the shop. There stood Anhel, now holding a perfectly normal swimsuit, wearing a look that clearly said, So you finally figured it out.
She had tried to bait them into sabotaging themselves.
The two let out long, collective sighs of relief.
"The battle has already begun," Melt muttered. "And it's even more vicious than I thought."
"You're right. Melt, let's be clear—no hard feelings after this. I don't plan on losing."
"The feeling is mutual. No matter who wins, don't hold a grudge."
Sparks flew one last time before the two turned and walked in opposite directions.
The Swimsuit Selection Battle—the definitive opening skirmish of the School Trip—raged on within the confines of the shop.