Now that Yuria and I were alone, we decided to soak our feet in a nearby pool while we waited for the others to return.
We sat on the edge of the poolside and dipped our legs into the cool water. As we settled in, Yuria’s soft, ample thighs spread out against the tiles. Just looking at them gave me an overwhelming urge to bury my face right there.
What are these things...? They’re like living cushions. It’s... it’s scandalous!
"Ryouta, your eyes are doing that pervy thing again," Yuria remarked.
"So what? You were the one who told me to look in the first place!"
"Even so, a normal person would show a little restraint—"
"I have none! Not for this! If it’s all-you-can-view, I’m staying right here until the sun goes down!"
"Good grief... You really never change, do you? Well, I’ll let it slide since it’s me, but don’t go ogling Airi or Rui like that."
I expected her to be completely disgusted, but while she sounded exasperated, Yuria was wearing a soft, almost tender smile.
"Hey, Ryouta. Do you really like thighs that much?"
"Obviously. There isn't another pair in the world as wonderful as yours."
"O-Oh. I see. Well, thanks."
Perhaps because I had been so blunt with my praise, Yuria’s cheeks flushed a bright red. To get that flustered just from a compliment about her thighs—she really did have a maidenly side to her. This seemed like the perfect time to encourage her to show them off even more.
"B-But, you know," she continued, her voice dropping. "Back in junior high, the boys used to tease me. They called me 'Lower-Body Fatso.' My best friend used to stick up for me every single time."
"...Your best friend?"
"My gyaru friend from back then. I told you before, right? We had a falling out after she found out I was an otaku. That’s how I ended up alone."
"Yeah, I remember you mentioned that."
"When we were close, we were always together, just acting like idiots. We were the best duo."
Hearing the somber tone in her voice, I finally pulled my eyes away from her legs and looked up at her face. Yuria was staring off into the distance, her expression clouded with nostalgia for a time long gone. Just like the last time she brought it up, she looked incredibly sad. I couldn’t tell if it was regret or something else, but I couldn't just stay silent.
"Look, I think you’re radiant, whether you’re being a gyaru or an otaku," I said, trying to find the right words to comfort her. "When you’re with Rui and Airi, you’re so reliable and impressive. And I would never make fun of your thighs. In fact—"
As I scrambled to reassure her, Yuria reached out and poked my cheek with her index finger.
"Relax, Ryouta. What is this? Are you jealous because I was talking about a 'girl from my past'?"
"Huh? N-No! I... how do I put it? I just wanted you to know that I’d never make you feel that kind of sadness!"
"Ryouta..."
Even as the words left my mouth, I realized how incredibly cheesy I sounded. Just because she looked a little down while talking about an old friend, I had jumped in with some "I’m the one for you" pitch... Ugh! I was pulling a total creepy-otaku move!
"You're usually such a pervert, but you actually say something cool every once in a while," Yuria said.
"Wait, really? I was just saying what I honestly thought."
"That makes it even cooler, then."
The smile had finally returned to her face. Yuria usually kept a cool, composed mask on, but when she truly laughed, it was an unfairly cute sight to behold.
"I’ve always said I’m your best understander, but I think you’re mine, too. I guess we’re just in a really mutually dependent relationship, huh? It’s almost funny."
"Wh-Why are you laughing?"
"Because... obviously, it makes me happy."
With that, Yuria slipped into the water and dove under the surface.
Happy... Is she saying she’s happy to be in a relationship like that with me?
"Haa, that feels great! Hey, Ryouta, I’m in a really good mood right now. Since you said something so sweet, I’ll give you a reward. I'll do whatever you want."
"Wait, what? Anything!?"
I couldn't believe my luck. Was this really happening? I had just wanted to cheer her up, but... oh man! It turns out that if you live an honest life, the universe rewards you with perverted opportunities! This is the best!
"Ahem... Well then... since you offered to do anything... I would like to request that I, Ryouta Izumiya, be allowed to bury my face in your thighs and have you smother me with all that glorious leg."
"Yeah, no. Absolutely not."
"Wha—! Why not!? You promised! Come on, please!"
I splashed my feet in the water, complaining like a spoiled child.
"I’m telling you, nothing erotic. We aren’t even dating... yet."
"That’s so mean... wait, did you say 'yet'?"
"Ah...! I-I mean, sorry! That’s not what I meant!"
Just as Yuria started to panic, the unmistakable sound of heavy, rhythmic bouncing drew closer from behind us. That specific movement... Airi?
"Ryouta!! Yuria!! Major trouble! Huge trouble! Tanaka-chan is being hit on!"
"What!?!?"