Absolute Duo:Volume 3 Chapter 5

Chapter 5 『I Love You』

Part 1

[Julie-chan, you are so slim and fair-skinned, just like I thought. How nice…………] [Neeh--. She’s so small and very cute♪] [Thank you very much. But, I hope I grow a little taller.] [You’re wrong, Julie-chan! It’s better when you're small!] [Is that so…….but my reach is too short, so I want to become taller.] [I think your reason for growing is weird, Julie…….] [------?]

[Hey, save the talking until after we're done changing!] [Ahaha, that’s true………..wait, Tomoe you look stylish. Places that are meant to bulge, bulge, yet you're still slim!] [Just how many guys have you seduced before now!?] [I-I haven’t seduced anyone!] [Then how about seducing Kokonoe-kun♪ He would definitely fall, just like that~] [Seduce…….Ko-Kokonoe……..Huh!? Wh-what are you saying, Sensei!?!?]

*kyai**kyai* I could hear a happy commotion coming from the cave behind me.

When their voices started to drift out, I had no idea what they were talking about even though I could recognize familiar voices and tones within it. Rather----

(Did they forget that I'm here……….?)

I felt my name had been mentioned several times, but it seemed my presence had completely escaped from their minds; it also looked like they wouldn't be done changing any time soon.

I sighed while under the scorching sunlight.

(Why does this always have to happen………..?)

Regarding what I was doing right then-----I was standing guard at the cave entrance to prevent anyone from coming close and peeping on the girls changing. Unlike myself, who changed in the tent before heading out, it seemed that the girls were in the middle of changing inside the cave------which dead ended with a ten meter space.

Because of that, I had been ordered to stand guard and was forced to go through this awkward situation.

Of course, the girl talk was still on-going----

[I thought this during bath time too, but Hotaka-san has some amazing ones huh? What's your cup size?] [Tha-that’s a little………..] [Kuhah, if you won’t answer…..this will happen☆]

[Hyaau……….sto-stop, Sensei, Fuaa…………ah, nuu, st-stop, don’t fondle me, fuann………….] [Amazing♪ my fingers are sinking in☆] [Ah, I’ll touch them too. Uwah, it’s true!! Kuh, I am so jealous!! Thus to tyrants!!] [Kuhahah, do this too while you’re at it☆ Soryah, pinchy pinch♪] [ Hyaa, Hyaaaaaaa…….do-don’t pinch…….Hyuuu……………..] [ It’s going to be worse if you don’t answer you know?] [I-I’ll tell you, I’ll tell you so err, its F…………….HnKuuuun!! Haa, haa……..Hafuu…………]

I could hear rough and seductive breathing, and my imagination was running wild because I couldn't see; I let out a large gulp.

(Mi-Miyabi has F's……….The fantasy F………----nonono, it isn’t the time to be drinking my saliva!!)

In order to get rid of the images in my head, I shook my head vigorously.

(Concentrate! Concentrate on guarding……….! Monitor the surroundings……..!!)

I covered my ears and tried my best to decrease my worldly desires by chanting tongue-twisters in my head.

I wished they would get done changing soon.

…………..if this keeps up, something dreadful would happen to my ethical standards.

“Err so, the biggest breast goes to Miyabi, Imari is three ranks below and another two ranks below will go to Julie-chan. Usa-sensei is third and Tachibana is one rank above her. I would be-----“

The result of covering my ears was excellent. Even though I could still somewhat hear their voices, I couldn’t make out the exact content.

While making a relieved sigh, I continued my mental tongue-twister recital.

Not long after----

My shoulders got poked and I turned around.

At that moment, the girl that popped her face out from behind the rock shade was looking at me shyly.

“Sorry for the wait, Tooru.”

After saying that, Julie timidly came out.

“Oou……….”

I unintentionally let out my voice.

“How is it?”

“What do mean how………”

A fairy in a white bikini appeared in front of me.

There was more exposure compared to her normal T-shirt appearance and that alone set my heart pumping. Also, since the white swimsuit emphasized her pale skin, my heartbeat pumped even faster. On top of that, she had a slender body with modest breasts and slim legs. Finally, the colorful float ring she was holding behind her brought out her girlish charms.

Her appearance was the combination of slight egotism and loveliness, and it was enough to make me wonder if it was okay to look directly at her.

“I-it’s cute…….very cute…….”

The words that I could say normally without any discomposure usually, just felt embarrassing somehow now.

“Ya—♪“

*Chirin* the bell echoed when Julie nodded happily.

At that moment, five more girls appeared from the cave.

---however, there was one person that I hesitated in calling a 'girl'.

Although this should be obvious, everyone was in their swimsuits, and honestly speaking I was having trouble as to where to look.

Everyone was directing their eyes at me while I was struggling with that.

“Tooru. You know what we are going to ask, right?”

“…………you’re going to ask me for my thoughts, right?”

Imari clapped at my answer.

“Correct. You will give us your thoughts on each of us as our male representative♪ Praise us too if you can.”

“What do you mean by male representative, I'm the only guy here……….”

Today’s participants are me, Julie, Miyabi, Tachibana, Imari, Miwa and for some reason Tsukimi was also here: seven people.

I am undoubtedly the only guy here.

It’s not like I wanted to be in this situation. I invited Tora, Tatsu and two other close guy friends but------since Tora chose to sleep on the rest day as usual, Tatsu was muscle training with a staff member he got along with, the other two wanted to have a good rest and go out on a date with a branch school girl respectively; each of them didn't join because of their own reasons and that has caused this overwhelmingly unbalanced male-to-female ratio.

“Okay okay, we will be losing time to play if you don’t hurry up and tell us your thoughts, Tooru.”

It seems I was not permitted to go with 'no comment'.

“Err, for Imari………..”

The swimsuit with frilly attachments was tied together with a big, eye-catching ribbon, creating a cute look and a casual atmosphere that suits Imari very well. Imari’s tight and balanced body was dazzling and posssessed a healthy charm.

“I think you have a very charming body.”

“Bufuu!? Wh-why are you saying something that outrageous suddenly!? What kind of eyes were you using to look at me!?”

“Do-don’t misunderstand! I mean it like, you have an athlete’s body!”

“I-I see……….It’s okay if it’s like that but, it’s not good to put words together that would cause misunderstandings. You said something similar last time too, seriously……….”

*Puri**puri* Imari puffed her cheeks so I decided not to pry any further, and moved my sights beside her.

“Ko-Kokonoe. Don’t look at me that much.”

“So-Sorry………Wait a second? Tachibana told me not to look so, it’s okay if I don’t tell you my thoughts right?”

*Pikoon* I had a good idea, like a neon sign lighting!

“I-I didn't say I don’t want your opinion. Hurry up and say it.”

Again, it looks like I am not allowed go with 'no comment'……..

I looked up and down at Tachibana, a faint blush glowing on her cheeks, while she looked away from me.

The dark color swimsuit looked simple at first glance, but the black lace ornaments attached to it brought out Tachibana's adult charms. Adding her exceptional proportions into the equation, along with her flowing black hair, she'd attract anyone that sees her.

“Tachibana is beautiful, like I've always thought.”

“-----! I-I’m not……..err, not so much worth calling beautiful……..”

“You’re beautiful. Everyone would think the same thing if they saw you.”

While she was facing away in embarrassment, her eyes kept glancing at me.

“……….Ko-kokonoe too?”

“I’ve been saying it now, right?………You’re beautiful, Tachibana.”

“Yo-you don’t have to say it that many times!..........*co-cough* Well, I will gratefully accept your thoughts.”

Even though she was red-faced and embarrassed, it seems she was satisfied. While thinking that’s great, I praised Miwa beside her also.

“Ahaha, Kokonoe-kun is cool too. You’re more slender in clothes than I thought. It’s not to Tatsu-kun’s level but, you have nice muscles there♪ ……….*Slurp*”

“O-ou, Thanks…………”

Her eyes were somewhat scary, so I decided to ignore that while moving next to Miyabi----

At least, that's what I planned to do, but she was wearing a straw hat and cardigan.

“Hey, Miyabi. Hurry up and take off that boring thing.”

“Bu-but, I'm bad at swimming and I think this is enough since I'll be playing in the shallow water………”

Imari got closer to Miyabi and she panicked. Miwa also joined in at that point---------

“We managed to get Tooru to give his thoughts about everyone else, so take that off♪”

“HyaWaa!?”

Two people teamed up to take off Miyabi’s cardigan and her hat was taken away too.

Like that, Miyabi's swimsuit appearance was exposed to me but………

*Do------------------N!!*

Wow. It would be SUGOI in English………..well, if it was in Romaji. Anyways, it's amazing, too amazing. It was hard to maintain my cool, with my thoughts going a little crazy. About what you ask? I am referring to Miyabi. It might sound very crude, but her watermelon sized breasts were swaying around and I was making useless worries about whether or not if the thin strings supporting them would be okay.

“To-Tooru-kun…..?”

“Haah!?”

Miyabi was hugging her breasts to run away from my sight and was twisting her body when my awareness returned.

It's also amazing that her arms could not completely cover her chest.

“Tooru. Comment, comment.”

Imari poked my elbows.

“Ah-aah……….err-----“

Miyabi was wearing a pale color skirt swimsuit with a cute design. However, her voluminous breasts, which could not be restrained completely by the swimsuit, were such that they could be called sensational. I was curious whether the available cloth was too little, or Miyabi’s breasts were too big, but it will remain an eternal mystery since I can’t ask her that.

“I think it’s cute”

“Ah…….ehehe, Thank you……..”

“*Pipi* Yellow card!”

Imari pinched Tachibana’s ribbon and shook it.

“What are you doing. And what's with the yellow card?”

“Tooru. You told that comment to Julie before. R.E.D.O!”

“Uuh. I can’t do anything about it even if you tell me that. Don’t expect an extensive vocabulary from me……….”

“I understand your feelings, but work hard and squeeze those words out. Using the same words on another girl is not even at the impolite level okay?”

“Uguhh, I-I get it. Errrr…………”

Even though I hesitated, there were no good words coming up.

That’s why, I decided to say what I thought. ＊Except for the breast part.

“I-it really suits you……….It’s the first time I've seen Miyabi in a swimsuit but, I think it’s great!”

“Tha-thank you, Tooru-kun. Err, it’s very embarrassing but………..I am very happy about it…..”

“I- I see? Then that’s great.”

“Unn...”

It seems she's really happy.

My heart pumped hard because the shy Miyabi looked more charming than usual and the cause of it might be the swimsuit.

Imari was poking Miyabi's arm for some reason.

[………….This is the first time I showed Tooru my swimsuit though...] [M-me too.] [Well, well…….]

“Okay then, everyone’s comment is done, so let’s swim.”

“………….Wait there <<Irregular>>.”

“Your real face is showing.”

“……………..Iyaaan♥ Oh Kokonoe-kun, I wonder if you're forgetting someone important♪”

*PyoKonn* her rabbit ears swung and there was someone who was directing a pose at me; It’s obvious who the person was, it was Tsukimi.

“How is this how is this, these beach specifications♪ Go ahead and share your comments, YOU☆”

“…………………Isn’t it nice. It suits you a lot, the bitch specifications.”

“Iyaaan, thank you Kokonoe-kun♥ …………….Wait a sec you bastard, who the hell is the bitch? Aarrh? Should I fall down accidentally and pull down your swimsuit to expose your Mr. Elephant?”

“It isn’t an accident if it’s like that…………”

She brought her face closer half-way through that sentence and finished with that whispered threat.

It’s true that the beach specification she was referring to was probably the swimsuit material but, she looks like a bunny girl no matter how much I look. Of course, she has a rabbit tail on too. It would probably make it a complete set if she was wearing net tights or stockings, but I would have to ask her why she even bothered coming to the beach if she did that.

“So, why are you here……..!?”

“It would be dangerous for you students, so I joined in as a guardian, you shithead.”

(Guardian huh……….)

Even though the last day was a free day, everyone was made to put on the armband since it was the rules.

Because of that we can just send out a rescue signal if there is any emergency, so it was incomprehensible that a guardian would be accompanying us.

“………..You just wanted to play.”

“Kuhah, Correct. Look, I am interested in you too <<Irregular>>.”

Ignoring that---

The comment war finally ended and all of us warmed up before running to the sea.

Leaving the two people from the branch school aside, the main school group has only seen such a transparent sea and white beach on television, so I can understand why everyone was in high spirits. We're in a situation where the whole place was reserved just for us.

Swimming in the sea, diving into the sea, playing beach ball, each of them started doing what they wanted and just when I was wondering what I should do----

“Tooru, let’s swim.”

In complete preparation, Julie was already inside the float ring before she took my hand and started running.

I ran onto the beach while holding a girl’s hand.

Just like the first experience between lovers, my heart was pumping hard but-----

*ZaaPaan*. Both of us tripped on a big wave the moment we stepped into the sea.

“I was surprised………..Fuwaah!?”

With her eyes opened wide, the next wave covered Julie’s head while she was on her butt.

I started laughing when I saw her wet already and she was unable to hide her surprise by blinking several times.

“It’s not good to laugh.”

Julie splashed water at me with both her hands.

It looks like she was trying to get me wet too, but the amount of water was pitiable.

I blocked it with my left hand and splashed back with my right hand while laughing before----

“Chance-----!!”

My leg got pulled at the same time a shout suddenly sounded.

*Bashaan* my whole body got dragged into the sea together with that splashing sound.

“Wh-who is that!?”

After I surfaced my face, I saw the back of someone running away while swaying her ponytail.

“Damn that Imari……..”

Imari then jumped into the sea and swam away.

“Tooru, Tooru.”

“Hnn? ………Puuah!?”

Sea water was splashed onto my face when I turned over after Julie called me.

“Payback for laughing.”

The smiling Julie looked kind of satisfied.

“I was already wet……”

“But even so.”

“Then payback for the payback----“

“The first strike wins.”

“Puoooh!?”

My face got splashed with sea water even as I was preparing to splash back.

“No-now you’ve done it, Julie!”

After shaking my head, I looked to Julie and she did the same thing as Imari, and was about to run away into the sea.

However-----

*Spash splash splash*…………..*Zazaan*.

After advancing a little further, she got pushed back to the beach by the waves.

“-----?”

Julie turned around and got shocked that I did not run that far away before trying to swim away to the sea again.

*Spash splash splash*…………..*Zazaan*. *Kuruu*.

*Spash splash splash*! *Zazaan*. *Kuruu*.

“------!?”

She did her very best to run away but, since there wasn't much distance opened from me, Julie strengthened her flutter kick but it only increased the water splash size.

However it was as expected from an <<Exceed>>. She advanced a little further ahead and-----

*DoPaan*.

She got overturned by a big wave and got swallowed into the sea.

“Hahaha…………wait, Julie!?”

I had forgotten that Julie could not swim for an instant, but I immediately recalled that fact back before running to her and-----

A large splash sprung up to the summer skies and the silver mermaid showed her face from the sea. ＊However, she was not swimming.

“Julie, are you okay?”

It looks like she did not drown in the shallow waters, but I called out to her just in case.

“Ya---. I was very surprised….”

Julie turned around to face me, and her upper body was naked.

(Where did her bikini go-------!?)

Lucky or unlucky------------(I’ll leave it as lucky)-----since her silver hair was sticking onto her nipples and successfully acting as a guard, I couldn't see everything.

“Ju-Julie! Up, uppp!!”

I turned my back at her and shouted while bringing her attention to the problem.

“Nice weather.”

“Not that, your swimsuit!!”

“Ah……….”

It seems she finally noticed.

“……………Did you see?”

“I-I didn’t, it was safe…………..it was close though”

“It was a close save huh. Then there is no problem……..but if you saw it, then I have no choice but to give a you strict punishment.”

It seems she would not forgive me even if I saw it accidentally.

“………..I’ll ask this just in case but, what kind of punishment?”

“I will splash water on you. Lots and lots of water on you.”

I’m already in the sea.

“Okay then, it will be embarrassing if this goes on like this so, I will go fix my swimsuit.”

“Aah, got it.”

I nodded while keeping my back to Julie.

I guess I’ll stay like this until she fixes her swimsuit.

The moment I thought that------*Pito*, *Funyuun*.

“Hn?”

Something suddenly touched my back. Something soft.

“My swimsuit is over there, Tooru.”

A hand like as white as a fish was coming out from under my armpits and it pointed a few meters ahead.

Thanks to that, I could easily figure out the true identity of the soft objects touching my back.

(Σ@♀π-------!!)

“Ju-Ju-Juliee!?”

“No, Tooru. You must not look here.”

Julie hugged me tightly when I was about to turn back in reflex.

Then of course, those modest bulges would only press further into my back.

“Wh-wh-why are you sticking onto me…..!?”

“In case the depth is too deep for me to get it alone, I am going to ask Tooru to get it for me. The reason why I am sticking onto you like this is because, this way, I won’t end up showing Tooru my embarrassing spots.”

(Please feel embarrassed when your breasts are pushing onto me-----!!)

Not knowing what kind of basis of embarrassment Julie has, I shouted inside my heart.

Without any choice, I started walking to the swimsuit while Julie stayed glued onto me.

*Puni puni puni puni puni puni puni puni*………….

I would feel a soft sensation on my back each time I moved. I was constantly feeling it.

“Tooru. It’s hard for me to walk if you slouch………”

Even if you tell me that.

Just like that, I fought against a cotton-like body while having distressful thoughts in the sea, before reaching Julie’s bikini top which was floating on the waves-------before I suddenly noticing something.

“Wouldn’t it be okay if I just retrieved it alone?”

“………….That’s true too.”

“Kokonoe, we are going to play beach volleyball now, want to join in too?”

After returning to the shallow waters to knock out the water in my ears by hopping, Tachibana called out to me.

Right now, I decided that it was probably safe to not head back out there since Julie was playing with Imari and accepted the invitation to play beach volleyball.

“Kuhaha. Don’t fail in receiving and drag me down, <<Irregular>>.”

I immediately regretted accepting the offer when the team was organized.

“What’s with that unhappy face?”

“Not just unhappy, disgusted.”

“Should I pull down your swimsuit like I thought huh? You’ll probably feel good hearing *Kyaa**Kyaa* squealed because of you.”

“I'd lose my humanity if I felt good in that situation!!”

"Can we start already," Tachibana sent a tired voice over and we started the match, despite my reluctance to team up with Tsukimi.

Our opponents were Tachibana and Miwa. However, since Miwa was the only one with a lower <<Level>>, we agreed on a rule that we cannot use our dominant hand to attack as a handicap.

*Poon* Tachibana served the ball and a parabola was drawn in the blue sky.

Tsukimi quickly entered the landing point and received it. Tsukimi then spiked the ball I tossed up-----but Tachibana obstructed it with a block.

[As expected from the honor student☆Amazing♪] ＊It seems she was wearing her public personality since Miwa was here too.

“Fufu, I will gratefully accept those words, Tsukimi-sensei.”

Both of them looked at each other with a fearless smile but----

“Eh, I was talking about your boobs? I was referring to the fact that it made a super *Boin*-bounce when you landed on the ground♥”

“Bo-Booinn!?”

Tachibana’s face turned red instantly and she covered her chest.

“Kokonoe you think so too right?”

“Don’t bring me into this!!”

“Ko-ko-Kokonoe! A guy like you; were you looking at me with those shameless eyes!?”

“I didn’t look!!”

Even though I replied like that, it caused caused me to become more conscious of *those*, and I couldn't get rid of those thoughts. Thus the game continued while I was unable to concentrate.

What’s more-----

“Kuhah, they bounced again♪”

A battle plan whispered happily from behind and------

“Kokonoe--. Look at this dangerous angle☆ Look at me♪”

After switching between the front and rear guard, she shook her butt and that caused me to lose my concentration.

(Damn it, she is definitely an enemy!!)

Luckily (?) Tachibana had a huge crack in her movements, and the match was taking favorable and unfavorable turns------

And it reached to the situation where if we could take just one more point it would be our win but...

“Seii!”

Tachibana raised a spirited shout-------but on the contrary, she only tapped the ball and it dropped into our court.

This was the best chance for me and Tsukimi’s attack.

[Kuh…….! I won’t let you!!] [Idiot! Leave it to me--------]

“PuuWaah!?”

An impact was felt after we jumped in to hit the ball.

I crashed into Tsukimi who also came to receive the ball like me, before rolling across the sand.

“Where is the ball!?”

After I lifted my face when I stopped, I saw Miwa unable to reach the ball flying to her.

It seems she made a mistake in her estimations because of the wind.

“I did it!!”

“………..are you happy, <<Irregular>>?”

“Of course. I mean we won!”

“In this posture?”

The moment I moved my conscious from Tachibana and Miwa’s court to my current situation when I heard those words------I spurt out.

I was on top of Tsukimi and my hips were touching her lower body……….

“Iyaaan♪ Kokonoe-kun is spinning his hips and pushing onto me♥”

Faster than I can say anything, Tsukimi performed a kanibasami-like move and locked my hips with her legs.

“Uwaaaaaa, just who is the one pushing me onto you-----!?”

Even though I was panicking from that stupid action, the real trouble happened after this.

“Kokonoe……….You shameless fool-------!!”

Tachibana ran away shouting.

“It’s a misunderstanding----------!!”

Tsukimi performed a giant swing and threw me towards the sea before I could chase after Tachibana.

After we finished playing beach volleyball, everyone enjoyed themselves with the Bento which Miyabi woke up early to prepare. The taste was delicious without any complaints, and Miyabi turned shy when we complimented her. Imari said *Not bad* and kept poking Miyabi’s elbow while laughing.

Everyone commenced the standard watermelon splitting in the afternoon and after that, around the time we started passing the time happily like the whole morning----

I saw Miyabi faraway searching for something, bending over in the shallows, and approached her.

“Oiii, Miyabi. What are you doing?”

“I-I am hunting for seashells. I'm planning to bring back a shell that would serve as reminders of being here.”

Miyabi showed the several shells she was holding.

It’s true that the colorful shells were beautiful, and I agreed with the thought of using them as mementoes.

“Shell hunting huh…….if that’s the case, then can I join in?”

“Eh…………? Bu-but……”

“It’s more fun to do things while talking right?”

“------!? I-i-it’s fun talking with me………!?”

*Splash splash splash*………..maybe they slipped out of her hands; all of the shells Miyabi was holding fell into the sea.

“Haha. What are you doing, Miyabi?”

I crouched down and gathered the shells Miyabi dropped while laughing.

“Ah……….To-tooru-kun. I’ll pick them up myself……..”

“It’s okay it’s okay. ……….okay, that’s all of them.”

I took Miyabi’s hand and placed the shells on top of them.

“Auu…….Uuau………..”

“Hnn? What’s wrong, Miya----“

Miyabi’s face was completely red; and her mouth was constantly opening and closing like a goldfish.

“Pyaaa----!?”

*Banzai* Miyabi raised both her hands together with a weird shout, and all of the shells she had in her hands scattered.

“Auu…….Sorry, just when you picked them up for me………”

“It’s my fault since I forgot about Miyabi’s sensitivities, so don’t worry about it.”

“Uu……..Tha-that just now is well, true, but……..this is different from that……and it’s because it’s Tooru-kun…………”

(Because it’s me……..?)

Half of that was mumbled, but it reached my ears.

I couldn't help but think on the meaning of those words.

(………There’s no way right……….? Because, Miyabi is------)

Although one possibility comes to mind, I decided there was no way it’s true and shook my head.

“Tooru-kun. Errr, I think it’s weird for me to say this after scattering all the shells you picked up for me but…………ca-can you join me in finding shells again?”

“Aah, of course. Let’s find lots!”

“Unn………..!”

Miyabi nodded. Maybe the heat was getting left in her cheeks; they were slightly redder than usual.

After that, we started finding shells while chatting.

Soon, around the time the sun was sinking, Imari came to call us back since it was almost evening.

I nodded, and after telling Miyabi we should head back to everyone------

Suddenly, I found a special-shaped rock half-buried in the sand.

“Hey, Miyabi. This isn't a shell, but-----“

Around the time the sky was turning slightly orange, Tachibana showed herself after changing back into her uniform in the cave. Julie and the others came out behind her a little later.

“Sorry for the wait, Kokonoe.”

“……Ah-re, where’s Imari?”

I asked about the ponytail girl because she was the only one I couldn't find there-----

“Ahaha, sorry. Thanks for the wait”

As Imari came out of the cave with good timing, I decided to head back to the branch school.

“It was fun today. It would have been nice if Tora and Lilith had joined in too.”

We talked about the members that did not join us while walking on the path leading to the mountain ridge.

“Fufuu, Tora looks like someone who prefers sleeping to playing. He is probably having fun on the rest day in his own way.”

“But, it was a disappointment with Lilith-san though…..”

Tora wasn’t the only one we invited to take a dip in the sea with us.

We also called out to the gold girl whose hair color would look attractive against the blue sea.

But regretfully, Lilith shook her head.

Since she had accumulated fatigue, she decided to pass the time leisurely, while having Sara massage her today.

However, she told me she would join if I accepted a condition of hers.

“I wouldn’t mind joining if Tooru would give me an oil massage, you know?”

She complained when I immediately told her to take her time with Sara.

“Well we can’t help it. We just have to invite them when we have the chance to play again-------“

And at this moment...

“Ahhh!!”

Imari stopped after making a sudden shout.

“What’s wrong?”

“I was wondering if I had forgotten something just now and it looks like I left my pouch in the cave.”

“Haha, how clumsy. No one would pick it up I think, but I think it’s better to head back there immediately and get it.”

“That’s true, let’s go with that……………..Ah, oh no. it’s my turn to prepare the ingredients for dinner in the hall. Uuuun, it looks like I would be skipping work if I went to get my pouch………..”

“If you run at full strength from here-----“

'It will probably be enough to make a round trip', was what I was about to say when Imari made a loud shout again.

“Oh yeah! Neee, Miyabi. I apppooooologize for this but, can you go take my pouch for me? Please, I am counting on you!”

“Eh………? Errr………U-unn. Okay.”

*Pan* I thought this when I watched her as she slapped her hands together in front of Miyabi, and Miyabi nodded.

(Miyabi just can’t refuse a favor, huh?)

She might be weak when being pressured by someone, but I can’t imagine this soft-hearted girl refusing someone’s request.

That characteristics is one of the good points of the girl named Miyabi.

“Thanks, Miyabi! I seriously owe you one! ……….ahh but, it would probably be dangerous if one girl went there alone and something happened. That’s no good. I'm worried.”

I wonder why some part of that sounded strange just now.

“Then it’s okay if Kokonoe-kun went along right?”

“Fuuee!?”

“That’s true. Tooru is perfect for the job; I'll be relieved if he goes with Miyabi.”

“Fueeee!?”

Acting as if she thought of a good idea, Miwa said my name and Imari agreed with her.

“You’ll go right, Tooru?”

I had no intention to refuse, but it looks like I was going to be pushed into it regardless of what I thought.

“I got it. Alright then, let’s go get it, Miyabi.”

“Eh? Eh? Eh?”

“Just like what Imari says, it would be bad if something happens while you're alone. So, we'll go together.”

Since the conversation was advancing so quickly, she was probably confused about what was happening.

*Pokan* Imari lightly tapped Miyabi’s back while she was blankly staring at me with her mouth open.

“FIGHT!”

(It’s just retrieving a forgotten object, what does she have to work hard for………..)

However, Miyabi made a shocked expression and [U-un………..!] before replying back energetically for some reason.

[Tooru, Miyabi. I will head back with you as well.] [That’s a good point. I’ll go along too.]

“STOOP! Tomoe it’s your turn too, right?!”

“My turn? No, I-----“

*Pachi pachi pachi pachi*……….

Imari was blinking violently.

Just what’s wrong with her?

“-----!! O-oh yeah! Hahaha, oh silly me……..”

“Ju-Julie too right?”

“Nai. You’re wrong------“

“I asked you last night! Say, might you have forgotten since you were dozing off!?”

“……………It’s true that I don’t remember. I have no choice but to prioritize my duties if I was asked for then.”

I could hear several relieved sighs when Julie replied for some reason.

“…………Everyone is so kind☆”

Ignoring Tsukimi’s weird comment, I headed back to the rocky area where the cave was located together with Miyabi.

“Ah…..it’s over here, Tooru-kun.”

We returned to the cave and started looking for the pouch, and Miyabi finally found it.

(It’s only natural to forget if it’s placed in a place like this……..)

It was a hiding place between the rocks and it’s only natural to wonder why it’s located in a place like that. We took a longer time than expected because of that but we would probably make it back to the branch school before the sun set.

Miyabi put the pouch into the straw bag she wore on her shoulders before we walked out to the beach.

“Waa-ah……pretty……..”

Miyabi muttered that when she saw the evening sun was near the water horizon and it was causing the sea to glitter.

The sun reflected on the sea surface, creating a road of light on the sea.

“This……….is amazing………..”

I agreed with Miyabi’s opinion and stopped my legs to look.

The beach we were playing at during the afternoon had turned into a mystical scene, as if it was from a picture.

But personally, this scenery could not even compare to photos in terms of captivating the heart.

The indescribable scenery created by Mother Nature was beautiful, yet it was somehow heartrending.

“E-err hey, Tooru-kun. If it’s okay with you, can we wait here for a while………I want to watch this scenery for a little bit………….”

“That’s right. I guess it’s alright if it’s not that late. Oh well, let’s look at this scenery together for a while.”

“U-un…………!”

After sitting down on the sand with Miyabi, my ears were filled with the sounds of continuous waves.

The glittering gold color on the sea from the twilight looked even more magical and an awed breath escaped me.

“It’s pretty huh, Tooru-kun?”

“That’s true. It’s really pretty.”

While the sound continued in the background, I looked over to Miyabi and our eyes met.

In an instant, her eyes opened wide before she hugged her legs and buried her face in her thighs in panic-----

After a little while, I had a rush of shyness when she looked over at me after slightly lifting her face up.

My heart skipped a beat when I saw that smile; the tempo of my heart beat gradually increased.

I was looking over a scene so beautiful that it would not be an exaggeration to say that it would remain with me for life, and I was together with a girl at the same time, even if we are just friends.

Together with a friendly, shy and cute girl.

“…………Errr, Tooru-kun. What’s wrong…….? I-it’s kind of embarrassing……..if you stare at me like that……”

“------! So-sorry, I was day dreaming a bit……..”

I avoid saying I got charmed by her and changed the topic after turning to face to the sea.

“B-by the way. I have to thank Imari later. If she did not forgot her pouch, we probably wouldn’t have seen this scenery.”

“Ah……….E-err, about that. I think Imari wanted to show me this scenery…………..”

“So, it’s on purpose?”

“Unn……….That’s because, Imari has been living in this island for three months already. So, I think she knows the perfect time to see this pretty scene………..”

I see, I agreed with her. But, if that is the case------

“If that was the case then, everyone should have come too. Well, it can’t be helped since they have to prepare for dinner.”

“U-un………….with everyone……that’s true…….”

It looks like Miyabi thought the same thing, but her shoulders drooped in disappointment.

“Alright, we should head back now. Everyone will get worried if we take too long.”

“U-un………….”

Even though Miyabi wore a regretful expression, she nodded.

We stood side by side again and started walking while looking at the magical scenery at our side.

“…………..Ah, oh yeah.”

“What’s wrong, Tooru-kun?”

“Aah, there is something I forgot to do.”

*Zazan*,*Zazan* I stared at the waves coming to the shore-----

I then measured the timing and *tatatata* ran on the beach.

The foot trail I made on the beach disappeared immediately after that.

“Haha like I thought, this was something I had to do if I came to the sea.”

“………………..”

Miyabi's jaw dropped, *Pokan*, and stared blankly at me----before bursting into laughter.

“*Giggle*………..Tooru-kun you're like a child!”

“I didn’t do that in front of everyone because I knew I would be told that!”

It’s just too embarrassing doing something that childish in front of girls.

“Fufu. But, I am here right?”

“I thought I would be okay if I showed Miyabi…………ahh, keep this a secret from the rest. I’ll probably get laughed at.”

“If it’s me huh……..fufuun. Un, I’ll keep it a secret."

Miyabi giggled again.

“You swear?”

“It’s okay; I will absolutely keep it a secret. Or what, Tooru-kun does not believe me?”

“I believe you. Tentatively though.”

“……………….Okay then, I can’t expose it now since I'll be an accomplice.”

Before I could ask what does she meant, Miyabi placed her bag on the ground before jogging out.

She then made a trail of small footsteps on the sand.

By the time I understood her meaning, the footsteps were washed away by the waves.

“It’s true that this makes you an accomplice………so, how is it?”

“It was fun, it was like I went back to being a kid…………”

“Right?!”

*Un* Miyabi nodded before making a lively laugh.

This girl with a smile like a big flower blooming and the glittering ocean in the background does not look like someone that had been about to leave the academy because of her fears.

I was glad I extended my hand to her on that day.

If I hadn't, I probably would have never seen this smile.

“Ah………….”

After lifting up her luggage, Miyabi let out a soft voice.

It seems she fell on the sand when she was about to take the bag handle.

“Are you okay?”

“U-un. Sorry.”

Several of her belongings scattered about on the sand because she fell down energetically.

Within them, there was a white stone with the color of the sunset on it.

That was the stone I picked up and gave to Miyabi.

“It’s a memorable object so please don’t forget it like that okay?”

“I-I won’t forget it. I absolutely won’t………”

Miyabi made a wry smile when she received the pure-white special heart-shaped stone.

While still directing that wry smile to me, the wry smile turned into a sweet smile.

“Thank you for finding this stone for me, Tooru-kun.”

“Haha, you already thanked me when I found it. You don't need to thank me every time, okay?”

“Uun, but I still want to tell you……….not only this stone, Tooru-kun keeps giving me things like energy, or encouragement to work hard, etc-------that’s why, I want to keep telling you, 'thank you'……………”

Inside the sunset-colored world, Miyabi started talking.

“Thank you for everything, Tooru-kun. Thank you lots and lots. And-----“

The words that continued after that, were supposed to be a soft mutter that was meant to be covered by the sound of the waves.

But-----

Was this lucky or unlucky-----

The sound of the waves paused at that moment.

“I love you.”

Part 2

In the Kouryou academy branch school-----

The reason for its existence was to be the net for those that had dropped out from the <<Qualification Ceremony>>.

“……………There is a 1 in a 1000 chance someone would have an <<Adapt>>. It really is a strange thing that he seriously thought I would throw them away because of one failure.”

Tsukumo Sakuya made a weak smile, recalling back the conversation she had with Tooru a few days ago.

"Oh my, but wasn't that close to your own thoughts, Sakuya?"

Another girl was there combing her yellow topaz hair while asking a question.

“Yes, that is right…………..I don’t mind throwing away losers.”

Sakuya replied back with her personal opinion to Lilith’s question.

They might have the strength to be second-tier in the group, but they lost because they got unlucky and got paired up with a strong, first-rate opponent. That’s why they thought they would win if they were put together with a different person-------what bullshit.

Those are words that could only be described as funny, spoken by fools that have not thrown themselves into a war of survival with their lives bet on victory.

No matter how much power a person possesses, it's meaningless if they don’t win when the time calls for it.

“Everything ends when you die.”

The results were both extremely logical while also being irrational.

However------it's the simple truth that they live in that kind of world.

But that was still Sakuya’s personal opinion in the end, and the Dawn organization’s objectives were a different story. A huge amount of funds is needed to continue the <<Lucifer>> research. In order to gain those funds, they need as many public maintenance <<Exceeds>> teams as possible----even if they are not people Sakuya needs.

Of course, Sakuya does not think the existence of the branch school is completely worthless.

All of them are sacrifices.

They are sacrifices to plant confidence into the main school students that have survived the <<Qualification Ceremony>>-----and also give them the readiness to aim for the top, for the sake of the loser they defeated with their own hands.

The reason why she allowed them to know of the existence of the branch school through the seaside school was also a type of mental testing for them.

It had been three months since they enrolled into Kouryou academy. During the period when they start getting a little relaxed after getting used to the daily training, they are made to meet up with the branch school and that will cause the students thoughts to follow one of two major tracks.

They would either continue to aim for top knowing that they might be defeated by the losers who had accumulated additional training as branch school students...

Or they would become even more relaxed and lose their aspiration.

It is obvious that Sakuya wished for the former.

If she thought about the future, she would not need people that would be satisfied at this level.

“By the way Lilith. This is about a few days ago, but what kind of intentions did you have when you said I wasn’t honest with myself?”

“It’s more convenient to have Tooru think the chairman is actually a good child. He's too earnest for his own good.”

Sakuya gave a small shrug in response the gold girl who winked at her.

“……………Kokonoe Tooru sure has it rough, to be loved by this two-faced woman.”

“The living thing called 'woman' has two-sides, you know. More importantly, it is a fact that I do love him, so isn’t that fine? Other than that, I move in order to achieve the things I must. In order to reach the <<Absolute Duo>>…………that's all there is to it.”

While placing her hand on her chest as if she was singing in an opera, and spreading out her free hand, Lilith made an exaggerated posture and talked about the contents of her heart.

How much can she believe those words? Sakuya could not begin to guess how much of that was true.

“Now then, a question from me.”

The Lilith from a few moments ago was no longer here.

Her smile was gone and her eyes narrowed; an expression that she does not usually show Tooru was there.

“Will it be tonight, if they are coming at all?”

“Oh my, did you notice?”

"When there is an idiot deliberately blowing its cover that much, there is no way I wouldn't notice."

On the morning of the third day after the start of the Seaside school, Lilith felt someone’s presence.

The presence would not get near the students, but could be seen observing their movements; it kept itself just far enough away, waiting for its existence to be perceived.

“It has been two months since the last incident……………I even set out bait, thinking that <<Equipment Smith>> might start moving around to cause something…………….”

Sakuya made a faint smile while swinging her head to those let-down results.

“No close encounters huh…………but, I don’t think you need to act as bait by going for walks at night. Even though you have Mikuni with you.”

It was every evening until today that they could feel the trespassers presence, and Sakuya took Mikuni along for a stroll about the island. Just like what Lilith said, she was acting as bait.

“It’s either me or you. I just wanted to know which one of us they want………..The results were: they won’t make a move on either one of us, so I just know they are there.”

“I wonder what kind of intentions they have for moving around.”

“I don’t care. I only hope that it makes for good sacrifices.”

Sakuya made a cold smile that was unthinkable from a ten year-old girl.

The reason why that smile broke suddenly was because of the emergency signal sent from Kouryou academy's main school.

“…………a call for reinforcement, why?”

The expression of the black-clothed girl turned dubious, when she received a report that they were under attack by unidentified personnel with guns and were at a disadvantage.

The guards stationed there numbered two <<Exceed>>----<<IV>>, ten <<III>>s, and their power alone can rival an army battalion (around 300 regular soldiers). Adding in the second and third year students from the main school that had survived training, it was only natural for her to be dubious at this unnatural event of receiving a call for reinforcements.

“-------I see, their goal is the research lab………….I understand, please withstand for another forty minutes. I will send Mikuni.”

After cutting the transmission, Sakuya clenched her teeth.

(Their aim was not me, but the <<Lucifer>> data------I predicted that too but………….)

“They sure have sent quite a force there. I wonder if we should say that it's our loss?”

Ignoring Lilith's frivolous chatter, Sakuya ordered Mikuni who was standing beside her.

“…………Mikuni, it’s just like what you’ve heard. Head back to the main school and clean up the attackers.”

“But Sakuya-sama. If an attack occurs here then-----”

It’s only natural for Mikuni to be concerned. It's a fact that they already have one trespasser on the island.

“Judging by this situation, I can’t send Rito over there. She might end up destroying the facilities. I'm ordering you there because you are an assassin type…………..or what, are you saying you will not listen to my orders?”

“…………..I would never do something such as that.”

The gold girl then spoke to Mikuni who was still concerned about his master.

“It’s okay; you don’t have to worry about it. I, the staff and also Tsukimi Rito are here. She is <<V>> right? Unless they sent over a powerful force, it will be impossible to bring us down.”

“…………….Understood. I am counting on you; please take care of Sakuya-sama.”

“Of course.”

Leaning on the wall, Lilith sent a one-eyed wink at him.

Mikuni turned on his heels and headed out of the room.

Lilith did not bother to watch him leave, instead turning her sight to the window.

(I did say that, but there is a bad feeling I'm getting……….)

The presence that was squirming around these past few days was still here.

But something different from that, an indescribable *something* was causing anxiousness in her chest.

Both Sakuya and Lilith were lost in thought.

The room was wrapped in silence but-----

Soon, an echoing knock broke the silence.

Translation Notes and References

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