Two pairs of pool tickets...
I’d just been given another demonstration of Sara-senpai’s incredible Goddess-ness(?).
While we’d considered going just the two of us twice, I decided to honor Sara-senpai’s request to invite Natsumi-senpai, so we agreed to each bring a friend along.
The problem now was which of my friends I should invite: Yuji or Hayato.
Truthfully, I hated having to pick one over the other...
If Natsumi-senpai was going to be there, I felt like I should probably give Hayato the nod. As his friend, providing that kind of backup felt like the right thing to do.
On the other hand, this was a perfect opportunity to finally introduce Sara-senpai to Yuji. Plus, since I’d moved, we hadn't really been able to hang out much, so in that sense...
"It’s been so long since I’ve been to a pool! To think I’ll be going with Kazunari-san... and Natsumi... and... fufu, we’re all going to play together!"
Rarely for Sara-senpai, she was acting completely giddy, her face lit up with a radiant, beaming smile.
While the idea of a private pool date for just the two of us was certainly enticing, we were always together lately anyway. It didn't seem like such a bad idea to spend some time having fun with friends for a change.
Besides, Sara-senpai was clearly happy, and that was what mattered most.
"Kazunari-san, thank you for indulging my selfishness."
"No, it's not selfish at all. I'm really looking forward to it, too."
Sara-senpai, who had been practically skipping with joy, suddenly shifted to a mischievous expression.
I wondered what was up.
"By the way, I don't actually own a swimsuit suitable for an outing. Therefore... I would like Kazunari-san to choose one for me. I’ll be counting on you, okay?"
Whoa, now that was a high-difficulty request.
And so, as promised, we headed out to buy swimsuits today... however...
"Man, being able to go to the Marine Garden Pool is all thanks to Lady Sara! I’ve wanted to go for ages, but I never dreamed I’d get in for free."
An exuberant Natsumi-senpai was making quite the scene.
...Wait, this was weird. Wasn't this trip supposed to be just for Sara-senpai's swimsuit?
"It makes the invitation worth it to see you so happy. I’m quite looking forward to it myself."
"Since we’re going to a fancy resort pool, I figured I might as well get a new swimsuit of my own."
Apparently, she’d been inspired to shop after hearing Sara-senpai was getting one.
That was fine and all, but... she wasn't going to make me help choose hers too, was she?
"I’m counting on Takanashi-kun’s refined sense, too."
...I’d really prefer it if the two of them just picked things out together.
"How about this one?"
"Um... how should I put this... it’s a bit indecent. It’s hardly the sort of thing one wears in public..."
The swimsuit Natsumi-senpai was holding up looked entirely impractical—or rather, it was a daring piece that prioritized "appeal" over actually covering anything.
Personally, the idea of letting Senpai walk around in public wearing something like that was absolutely out of the question.
"But look, Takanashi-kun might be happy to see it."
"No, I definitely don't want Sara-senpai showing herself to the public in a swimsuit like that. In fact, I hate the idea."
"Kazunari-san..."
Sara-senpai looked over at me, her eyes shimmering with delight.
When I really thought about it, the honest truth was that I probably didn't even want other men seeing her in a normal swimsuit...
"If it was just the two of you, wouldn't you want to see her in it?"
Sara-senpai, wearing a swimsuit with that little coverage...
Since she didn't usually wear clothes that emphasized her silhouette, it was easy to overlook, but she actually had an incredible figure.
If she ever actually stood in front of me wearing something like that, I’d probably be in serious trouble in more ways than one.
"...I can tell exactly what’s going through your head by that look on your face. Well, I suppose Takanashi-kun is a Wholesome Boy after all."
"Kazunari-san... you pervert."
Sara-senpai’s face turned crimson as she whispered the word bashfully.
...That actually stung a little.
"Now, now, Sara. Takanashi-kun is a boy, after all. You should forgive him for that much."
Noticing my slight look of shock, Natsumi-senpai stepped in to offer some cover.
Sara-senpai seemed to realize it too; looking flustered, she hurried over to my side, snuggling up against me as she began to Stroke my Head.
"I-I am so sorry. Um... it just slipped out. But, if it’s just Kazunari-san... then, um, while it’s embarrassing... I... I wouldn't..."
As she spoke, Sara-senpai’s face grew redder and redder, yet she showed no sign of stopping her rhythmic stroking of my hair.
"N-No, forget that one. I’d much rather see Sara-senpai in a cute swimsuit... even if the truth is I don't want any other guys looking at you..."
"Oh ho? So Takanashi-kun is the type with strong Possiveness, then."
Natsumi-senpai teased with a smirk.
Ugh... I wondered if showing that much possessiveness would actually turn her off.
I worried I’d made a mistake by letting my true feelings slip, but Sara-senpai actually looked even happier than before.
"Kazunari-san... if you truly dislike it, I can wear something over my swimsuit—"
"No way. Going to a resort pool just to hide your swimsuit is a total waste," Natsumi-senpai interjected, stating the obvious.
I didn't intend to go so far as to tell her to cover up, either.
"If Kazunari-san asks it of me, wearing a cover-up at the pool is a small price to pay," Sara-senpai countered, her tone suggesting it was the most natural conclusion in the world.
I realized then that I had to be very careful about what I said from here on out.