It was morning, a few days after the turn of events that led to me sharing a bed with Haruka.
"Pardon the intrusion..."
The sound of the door opening made my consciousness flicker within a shallow sleep. But my heavy eyelids wouldn't budge. I chose the comfort of the warm futon and the cool air-conditioning over wakefulness.
I felt someone shaking my shoulder. I groaned, "Mmm..." but didn't open my eyes immediately. When I finally rolled over and squinted, the first thing I saw was Haruka's face.
Close. Way too close.
She was smiling happily at point-blank range. For some reason, she seemed to enjoy watching me sleep. I didn't quite get the appeal, but I didn't mind her watching.
...As long as she only watched.
"Morning, Haruka." I reached out and squeezed her cheeks to keep her at a distance, greeting her flatly.
Haruka, her plan to wake me with a kiss thwarted, puffed out her cheeks in a pout while my hands still held them. She was soft and cute—I felt like I could touch her forever.
"Mornin', Taffumi-kun! Why'd you ftop me?"
"Because morning breath is gross. No."
"Mumu... then is a cheek kiss okay?"
I would have preferred her to wait until after I washed my face, but once wouldn't hurt.
I gave a reluctant nod. A light kiss echoed against my skin. I squinted at the ticklish sensation, then quickly pulled her away when she aimed for a second.
She made a show of being utterly dissatisfied. I gave a wry smile as I sat up and stretched.
"I’m going to brush my teeth. Ask me again after that."
"...Hehe. So you do want to, Tatsumi-kun?"
"You're the one who started it... though you aren't wrong that I want to, either."
My brain wasn't fully awake yet. The words slipped out before I could filter them. Haruka's eyes sparkled, and she lunged at me with a hug.
I was used to this by now. I caught her small body, my arms naturally wrapping around her as she nuzzled her cheek against my chest. Her warmth spread through me. It was ticklish, but incredibly comforting.
"I can't move if you stay like that. ...Mm, smells good."
A savory aroma from the Living Room drifted into the bedroom. Haruka looked up and beamed.
"Oh, right! Breakfast is ready. It's our Beach Date day, so you need to eat up and get your energy!"
"Thanks. I'm looking forward to it."
My groggy brain finally clicked into gear. Today was the day we’d promised to go to the beach.
I'd finished the preparations last night. The Bathing Beach was thirty minutes away by train. We weren't in a dire rush, but the earlier we got there, the longer we could play.
I wanted to get ready, but...
"At least do it from the back, not the front."
"Okay!"
I ended up shuffling to the Washroom with her clinging to my back like a koala.
Ever since we started sleeping together, the threshold for physical contact—already quite low—had plummeted. At first, I’d resisted, but I slept so well and woke up so refreshed that I was starting to worry if I could even sleep without her anymore.
Well, it was better than overthinking things. Haruka seemed happy, at least.
After a thirty-minute train ride with our swimsuits and luggage, we arrived at the Bathing Beach.
"Wow! It's so huge and beautiful!"
"Yeah. It's not as crowded as I expected. We should be able to relax."
Haruka cheered at the sight, and I agreed while scanning the crowd. The midsummer sun was relentless, reflecting off the water like millions of tiny glass shards. The white sand shimmered with heat, and the distant rhythm of the waves breaking was soothing.
The sea breeze carried the scent of salt, tickling my nose. It felt like the ultimate summer experience. Parasols and beach chairs dotted the shoreline. Children ran across the sand while adults lounged in the shallows or sat chatting. There were some groups of young people, but it was mostly families. It was a lively, open atmosphere.
"Okay, let's go change. We can meet up near that Beach House over there."
"Got it. It might take me a while, so make sure nobody hits on you, okay?"
"That's my line..."
Haruka was a beauty—even standing next to me, she was drawing looks from the local guys. Once she was in a swimsuit, I couldn't imagine the chaos.
As for me, I wasn't some idol-tier guy like Hashimoto. I was just a slightly taller-than-average high schooler. I doubted any woman would go out of her way to hit on me.
"You're actually... well, whatever. Just stay as you are."
"?"
"Nothing! See you in a bit!"
Haruka left me with a cryptic smile and headed off. I tilted my head, then made my way to the Changing Room.
It didn't take long for me to get ready. I stripped, pulled on my swim trunks, and stuffed my clothes into a locker. I grabbed my bag with my wallet, phone, and water bottle, threw on a thin Rash Guard, and I was done.
It hadn't even been five minutes. Haruka would still be a while.
I decided to rent a parasol. I headed to the Beach House and paid for a parasol and a large Swim Ring. The price felt a bit steep for a half-day rental, but maybe that was just my lack of experience talking.
I shouldered the gear and turned around.
"Hey, mister. Are you alone?"
I ignored the voice, assuming they were talking to someone else. It was noisy, after all.
Then, two shadows blocked my path.
"Hey, don't ignore us."
"We're trying to talk to you."
I looked up to find two women who looked like college students. They had flashy sunglasses perched on their heads and wore a bit too much makeup. They were smiling boldly, standing uncomfortably close.
They were definitely talking to me.
"...Me?"
"Duh. Who else?"
"Wanna come swim with us?"
One spoke with a devilish tone while the other looked at me expectantly. I didn't know them. I'd never seen them before. Why would they... Oh.
"...Is this what people call a pickup?"
I remembered the conversation with Haruka.
The two women blinked at my bluntness. "Wow, straight to the point! I mean, you're not wrong..."
"Let's just be friends first! How about it?"
So it was a Reverse Pickup. I flinched as they pressed closer. I'd prepared for Haruka getting approached, but I hadn't even considered this possibility.
"Sorry, I'm here with my girlfriend."
I wanted out of this. If they were looking for a hookup, knowing I was taken should make them back off.
"Really? You're not just making that up to get away?"
"Don't be so cold! We just want to hang out for a bit."
God, this was annoying. Even if I was lying, the fact that I was trying to get away should have told them I wasn't interested. My patience for being polite to "older" women evaporated.
"Sorry, I'm busy."
"Wait—!"
I slipped past them while they were startled. I ignored their calls. Why were they so persistent? I wasn't the only guy on the beach.
I scanned the area, desperate to find Haruka, and noticed a commotion near the women's Changing Room. Every guy in the vicinity was staring in one direction. I quickened my pace.
"Whoa, she's incredible." "So cute..."
I heard the murmurs as I pushed through. At the center of the attention stood Haruka.
She spotted me and waved happily. "Tatsumi-kun! Sorry to keep you!"
"It's fine. I just got here."
I positioned myself to block her from the surrounding stares.
"Oh, you got the parasol and the Swim Ring. Thanks! Is it heavy?"
"I can handle it. Let's head to the beach and set up."
"You're right..."
Haruka noticed the guys staring over my shoulder and gave a small, wry smile. Then her eyes narrowed mischievously.
"So, you haven't told me yet. What do you think? Do I look cute in my swimsuit?"
I took a proper look.
She was wearing a blue Halter Neck Bikini. The frills on the chest and hips accentuated her petite, well-proportioned frame. The cool blue made her fair skin look even brighter. She was soft, vibrant, and utterly captivating.
"You look cute. It really suits you. I thought the same in the fitting room, but it looks even better out here in the sun."
"Ehehe... you're over-praising me. But I'm happy!"
Haruka beamed, a genuine, melting smile. I definitely couldn't let other guys see this.
"Do you have your hat?"
"It's in the bag. Do I need to wear it?"
"I want you to wear it until your face stops being so red. You're too cute."
"Hehe, okay, okay."
She giggled and pulled her Straw Hat low. We held hands, and I made sure to walk with a bit of an intimidating posture as we headed to the sand.
We found a quiet spot and I started setting up. Haruka spread out the ground sheet while I drove the parasol pole into the sand with all my strength. I twisted it in, packed the sand down with my feet, and attached the top.
Haruka clapped for me.
I sat down in the shade and exhaled. "Whew. I practiced at home, but I'm glad it's sturdy."
"Good job! It's so hot. Want a drink?"
"Thanks. The breeze helps."
I took the water bottle and downed the cold sports drink. It felt amazing. I pulled off my Rash Guard to let the wind cool me down.
Haruka giggled beside me. "See? I told you so."
"...Told me what?"
"I saw you being surrounded by those women."
I winced. She'd seen that?
But she wasn't mad; she seemed amused. "You looked so blatantly annoyed, it was hilarious. They were actually pretty cute, too. Their swimsuits were sexy."
"They were persistent and annoying. Besides... I didn't look closely, but I'm sure you're way cuter."
"Oh..."
Haruka blushed, looking impressed.
I felt embarrassed after saying something so sappy, so I tried to change the subject.
"Anyway, I don't get why they picked me. It's not like I'm a model."
"You're very cool, Tatsumi-kun!"
"That's just the 'girlfriend goggles' talking."
Haruka puffed out her cheeks and shook her head.
"Maybe a little, but not just that! You've been working on your grooming, right? Your skin is nice, your hair is perfect... you're handsome!"
"Is that... so?"
"And your vibe! The way you walk and move. You don't look insecure; you have this natural confidence. It's attractive!"
I was speechless. She was praising me so earnestly. I only cared about my appearance so I wouldn't be an embarrassment walking next to her. If I looked confident, it was only because she was with me.
Haruka leaned in and lowered her voice to a whisper.
"...And since you're barely wearing anything right now, I can see your muscles. It's... a little erotic."
She looked up at me with a sultry, mischievous glint in her eyes. I swallowed hard. She was dangerous when she acted like that.
"Oh, I just remembered!"
Before I could respond, she started digging through her bag. She pulled out a bottle.
Sunscreen.
She rattled the bottle and started scooting toward me on the sheet. I backed away. Her eyes were fixed on my arms and chest with a predatory intensity.
"Come here, Tatsumi-kun... I'll put it on for you. Lie down."
"I can do it myself! Your eyes are terrifying!"
"You can't reach your back! Besides, I'm going to make you put it on me later, so this is just a down payment!"
"I don't need a— Stop moving your hands like that! Calm down! Stop—stoooop!"
"It's okay, I'll be gentle... I'm just going to poke and stroke a little bit...!"
I was thoroughly slathered after that.