Editing Kakegurui Trip Fulltext (section)

=Chapter 3: The Beach and the Ace=
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==Chapter 3, part 1==

I left my room while rubbing my eyelids, still sleepy from staying up late, and headed to the restaurant. The breakfast was extravagant, just like yesterday's dinner. I couldn't help myself and overate. This was luxurious vacationing at it's finest. The freshly made pancakes with whipped cream were to die for. I grew a bit self-conscious while I was stuffing myself with them. Here I was, devouring a large pancake pile on my own and everyone walking by saw me do it.<br>
Yumeko and Mary weren't here yet. The girls were probably taking their time to prepare and may be skipping breakfast entirely. We hadn't agreed to eat it together, at least.
<br><br>
After defeating the whole pancake pile, I strolled to the lobby. This was where we agreed to meet. I plunged myself onto one of the leather sofas in bliss and waited.
<br><br>
The school uniform was not mandatory today until evening.<br>
Students could dress like they wanted, as long as they kept it decent of course. I went with jeans and a light blue shirt. Nothing fancy.
<br><br>
The elevator chimed. Yumeko and Mary stepped out of it.<br>
Yumeko was dressed in a pure white off-the-shoulder dress while Mary wore a t-shirt with a wide neck line and hotpants. Both kept their usual hair styles so they were instantly recognizable.<br>
My heart skipped a beat.
<br><br>
''"Sorry to keep you waiting!"'' Yumeko said cheerfully while running towards me. Her dress was swaying. It was long and almost covered her ankles.
<br><br>
Mary was strolling behind her in a less flattering way. She was massaging her neck with her palms and looked tired. 
<br><br>
''"Are you alright, Saotome? You look wasted."'', I said.
<br><br>
''"I stayed up late to play at the casino. When I did go to bed, Yumeko kept clinging to me"'', Mary replied.<br>
''"I didn't get wink of sleep and it's all because Yumeko lost to Kifune."''
<br><br>
''"With Mary-san next to me, I was able to sleep soundly and peacefully"'', Yumeko said. You would think that this was a taunt, but Yumeko said it with an honest look. She did seem full of energy and there was no trace of malice in her voice.
<br><br>
Mary closed her eyes and let out a long, deep sigh.
<br><br>
''"Suzui-san, did you bring your swim shorts?"'', Yumeko asked. She brought this up yesterday as well and told me I was going to need them today. 
<br><br>
I knew there was a beach here so I packed them for the trip.<br>
''"Yeah, I'm wearing them. Are we going to the beach right now?"''
<br><br>
''"Yes! It would be such a waste to come a place like this and not go for a swim. Right, Mary-san?"'', Yumeko said while turning to her.
<br><br>
Mary sighed deeply again. ''"Why do I have to swim?"''
<br><br>
''"We just talked about this in the room. You promised that you would do as I say while we're on this trip"'', Yumeko replied.
<br><br>
It seems Mary had been off the hook for her pledge of obedience to Yumeko. Until now.
<br><br>
Mary groaned. ''"I know that! I'm even wearing the swimsuit you brought for me. How did you know my size, anyway?"''
<br><br>
''"Girl's intuition!"'' Yumeko replied, tilting her head and narrowing her eyes.
<br><br>
So, Yumeko anticipated Mary not bringing a swimsuit and bought one for her herself... It occurred to me that the strange clinging may have been part of a plan to measure Mary's size. Was I overthinking this? With Yumeko you never know.
<br><br>
''"Yumeko is right. Since we're here anyway, let's have some fun"'', I said sheepishly to Mary. It was meant to calm her down, but had the opposite effect.
<br><br>
''"Aaaah! I hate you!"'', Mary screamed and slapped my ass.
<br><br>

==Chapter 3, part 2==

I left my belongings in a locker, took some of the provided beach supplies and headed towards the water. The sunlight was warming my toes while sand was getting trapped between them. It was a great day.<br>
The beach wasn't that big, but since it was only for the hotel guests, there was plenty of space. I looked for a spot that was not too close to any of the other students and planted the parasol there. I spread the large towel in it's generous shade.
<br><br>
I turned around and saw Yumeko take off her dress. She was rolling it up with both arms raised. When the roll up fished, her long hair dropped down, as if it was a splash of black liquid. She shook it and then trapped a yellow flower between it and her ear. It was a large flower with each petal as long as a finger.<br>
Her skin was without the slightest blemish, forming a stark contrast with her navy-blue swimsuit.<br>
When she noticed my gaze, Yumeko turned her head towards me and smiled in silence. 
<br><br>
I was looking at the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Her figure was like you'd find in classic art. I was wondering where she got that flower from, but other things I was wondering about more. I averted my eyes, feeling guilty for staring.
<br><br>
''"What's up with that swimsuit?''", I asked. 
<br><br>
''"Huh? What do you mean 'what's up with it'? It's the school-issued one. Here, it reads '2nd Year - Jabami', see?"'', Yumeko said while pointing at the patch on her chest.
<br><br>
Everybody received school-issued swim clothing, but the rule for wearing it was never enforced. In practice, this meant nobody ever used it. I wanted to tell Yumeko she was setting herself up for ridicule, but decided not to. I'm sure she would know how to rescue herself out of a pinch like that.
<br><br>
Mary still had her clothes on and looked at Yumeko with a mix of disapproval and embarrassment. It occurred to me I hadn't seen Mary's swimsuit yet. With the questionable fashion choice Yumeko made for herself, Mary might be in some trouble with what was picked for her.
<br><br>
''"There's no point being shy!"'', Yumeko said while running up to Mary. She started to lift her shirt in an attempt to undress her.
<br><br>
''"Hey, don't look!"'', Mary shouted at me.
<br><br>
''"Sorry"'', I said while turning around.
<br><br>
Behind me, Mary was having her clothes ripped off by Yumeko. 
<br><br>
''"You look great, Mary-san! Suzui-san, take a look at how cute she is!"'', I heard Yumeko say.
<br><br>
''"No, don't you dare turning around!"'', Mary shouted at me again.
<br><br>
''"Maybe I can't help myself with those uncontrollable urges you accused me of earlier"'', I replied.
<br><br>
''"You pervert! Go back to the hotel!"'', Mary kept shouting.
<br><br>
''"Mary-san, keep your promise. We're all going for a lovely swim together"'', Yumeko said with a calm voice.
<br><br>
I slowly turned around. Yumeko was pushing Mary towards the water. I finally saw the swimwear. It was a bikini with a white and pink flower pattern. The many frills gave it an innocent look. Mary was still embarrassed, crossing her arms in front of her chest.
<br><br>
''"See, Suzui-san, she's adorable! Let's take lots of pictures later!"'', Yumeko snorted.
<br><br>
''"Enough already, and stop pushing me!"'', Mary yelled.
<br><br>
I laughed. ''"And here I was, thinking you would have the school swimsuit too, Saotome."''
<br><br>
''"Oh no, I wanted Mary-san to wear something cute!"'', Yumeko said.
<br><br>
''"Suzui! Stop staring!"'' Mary picked up a lost beach ball and threw it at my head.
<br><br>
The ball hit it's target and bounced away. I chased after it and picked it up. As I turned around to took at the girls, I saw Yumeko holding Mary's hand and leading her into the water. They were up their knees in it. Yumeko waved at me with a beaming smile. Mary seemed to have finally surrendered and forgotten her embarrassment.
<br><br>
Somehow, despite everything, they got along well. Mary would never admit it, but beneath all the superficial bickering there was a bond of trust.<br>
''"Alright, here we go!"'' I hit the ball with the palm of my hand, aiming for them.<br>
I'm so glad I came to this island. 
<br><br>
The water looked clean and the breaching waves were sparkling as they moved up the beach. It was a fitting background for such a radiant duo. I saw that several other guys on the beach took notice too. 
<br><br>

==Chapter 3, part 3==

It's impossible not to feel exhilarated at a beach under a cloudless, sunny sky.
<br><br>
We enjoyed ourselves at the coast, splashing water at each other and playing volleyball. Then we ventured a bit deeper into the water with the inflatable tube. Yumeko and Mary got inside the tube while I was pushing it while swimming. 
<br><br>
''"Too slow! Push harder!"'', Mary commanded me. She was the captain, it seemed.
<br><br>
''"Oh, I'm getting scared! Mary-san, stay close to me, okay?"'' It turned out Yumeko was not an experienced swimmer. She was clearly uneasy about not having anything supporting her feet.
She could have just held on to the tube, but she clung to Mary instead. 
<br><br>
Mary took advantage of the situation and ordered me to keep going. Surely, this was payback for the embarrassment from earlier. I obeyed the captain and moved us a little further out into the ocean. 
<br><br>
There was a snack stand at the beach. We bought some frankfurters there before returning to the parasol.<br>
I was exhausted from pushing the tube the whole time but Mary thanked me for the hard work. 
<br><br>
Yumeko was less grateful. ''"It was scary! You two were so mean! I told you so many times that we should go back, but you wouldn't listen at all!"''
<br><br>
We sat in the shade of the parasol while we ate the sausages.
I was eating mine slowly, but the girls were devouring theirs. They had missed breakfast, after all.
<br><br>
Mary was commanding me again. ''"I'm getting thirsty now. Suzui, go get us something to drink."'' 
<br><br>
''"Sure. In fact, since I scared Yumeko, I'll treat both of you as an apology"'', I replied. 
<br><br>
''"How generous of you, Suzui, I'll have a cola." "Thank you, Suzui-san, I'd like something fruity."''
<br><br>
''"Got it. I'm off then. Hold on to my frankfurter, Saotome"'', I said and went back to the snack stand.
<br><br>

==Chapter 3, part 4==

Ryota left, leaving me with his frankfurter. Yumeko waited until he was out of earshot before speaking. "Mary-san, I'm glad you came." 
<br><br>
''"Hmm..."'', I replied.
<br><br>
For sure, you should have fun while you can. What's the point of it all if you don't? Letting time just pass you by is no good. Now that I think about it, since I met Yumeko, time has been flying by like a hurricane. 
<br><br>
What would my school life be like if I hadn't met her? A lot smoother, I bet. I managed to enroll to Hyakkaou with a scholarship and was top dog among my classmates. I was in a position I seized with my own strength. It was not like how my pathetic parents live. They are happy sucking up to the upper class, thankful for the breadcrumbs they receive for their obedience. Then Yumeko arrived and I was back to what I was so desperately trying to get away from. 
<br><br>
I wasn't a housepet for long, but my pride was smashed and all my efforts were undone. My blood still boils when I think back to it, but yet I somehow don't hate Yumeko. 
<br><br>
It's isn't like she is pushing people into a hurricane. She is more like the hurricane itself. A force of nature that knows no malice or jealousy. Or maybe she is more like an ocean. Calm and inviting on the surface but with unimaginable depth you can sink into with pure desire for risk and thrill at the bottom.
<br><br>
''"Hey... How are you doing?"'' There was a new shadow on the sand. 
<br><br>
The first thing I saw when looking up was a bright red flash. It were the guy's swim shorts. Looking up further revealed a toned body. Then a pointy nose. All the way up top was, also pointy, gelled up, dark brown hair. He brushed some of it aside as he looked at us. 
<br><br>
Ah yes, of course. Ryota leaves us and we get male attention immediately.
<br><br>
''"I'm Ace. Call me Ace"'', he said. 
<br><br>
What a creep.
<br><br>

==Chapter 3, part 5==

Handsome face Ace was not really my type.
<br><br>
''"What can I do for you?"'', I asked.
<br><br>
''"What you can do for me? Well... You can get to know me better! How about we get some drinks together? My treat!"'', Ace said with gleaming eyes.
<br><br>
''"We're with someone. He is getting us drinks right now"'', I said emphasizing the 'he' to make sure the hint was obvious.
<br><br>
Ace ignored it. ''"Let's not drag out the introductions. Please, pretty lady, tell me your name. Don't worry, I'm not some criminal. I'm third year Hyakkaou, so a schoolmate of yours.
I saw you at the ship. You must be friends with Kifune-san."''
<br><br>
''"Nice to meet you. I'm Yumeko Jabami. This is Mary Saotome. We're second year classmates."''
<br><br>
What was she doing?! I nudged Yumeko with my elbow. Surely she knows better than to act like innocent and easily impressed prey.
<br><br>
''"Thank you, black haired maiden. However, it is you I need to speak to, Mary Saotome, with your beautiful blond hair. Please allow me to call you Goldilocks."'' Ace knelt before me.
<br><br>
I shivered. That language... I didn't mind that I was being hit on, but why did it have to be such a self-absorbed slime ball who did it? 
<br><br>
''"Eh... No"'', I said. 
<br><br>
[[Image:Kakegurui.trip.05.ace.meet.webp|frameless|right|300px|Ace appears]]
''"Don't be so cold. I've already made up my mind about you. By the time we board the ship to return, you will be by my side."'' Ace grabbed my hand and kissed the back of it.
<br><br>
''"What are you doing?!"'' I shook him off with all my might.
<br><br>
''"Sorry to keep you waiting. Here are the drinks. There was a queue, so it took a while... What's going on here?"'' Ryota returned with cups in his hands. 
<br><br>
Ace was ignoring him. ''"Hmph, you're being so harsh, my dear. I understand you're confused by this sudden display of affection. I want you to understand, I don't do this with just anyone. I've met my soulmate, so my feelings got ahead of me.''<br>
''I'll just ask it straight up. Will you go on a date with me?''"
<br><br>
A soulmate? So he's not just a self-absorbed slime ball, but a presumptuous one too.
<br><br>
''"You are a complete stranger. I have no obligation to entertain you. Please go away"'', I said. Hopefully that was rude and direct enough to get rid of him. 
<br><br>
Ace was undeterred. ''"That date. Will you allow me to... gamble for it?"''
<br><br>
''"Ooh, a gamble! Sounds good. Yes, she'll do it"'', Yumeko chimed in.
<br><br>
Oh no!!
<br><br>
Yumeko turned to me putting a finger on her lips, gesturing to me that I should stay silent. ''"Remember, you promised, Mary-san."'' She was singing those words rather than speaking them.
<br><br>
''"Even if you lose, it's just a date! We've come here to do stuff we normally wouldn't, after all. Isn't that right, Ace-san?"'', Yumeko continued.
<br><br>
Ace was delighted. ''"Black haired maiden, you speak wise words. I understand that Goldilocks has sworn obedience to you?"''<br>
<blockquote>Translator's note: Untranslated, Mary's new nickname is Yamabuki-chan. It's comparing her hair color to the bright yellow blossom of the Kerria Japonica plant. Yumeko's nickname is more straightforward, however it is implying that her black hair has a beautiful gloss.</blockquote>

Yumeko nodded.
<br><br>
''"Goldilocks, the date can be whatever you want it to be. What we'll be dong and where we'll be eating is up to you. I intend to provide perfect escort no matter what the plan is"'', Ace continued.
<br><br>
''"That sounds wonderful"'', Yumeko said while looking at me and poking my cheek.
<br><br>
''"Argh! Fine, I'll do it"'', I said while swatting away Yumeko's finger and standing up. ''"It doesn't matter anyway, because I'll win."''
<br><br>
Ace kept up the sweet talk. ''"Oh, Goldilocks. Even if you speak in anger, your voice is so sweet. Your temperament is beautiful, like that of a vengeful angel descending from the heavens."''
<br><br>
''"Oh, shut up!"'' I crossed my arms and squinted. ''"Yumeko! You better appreciate this!"'' 
<br><br>
''"Wait a moment. I'll be right back"'', Ace said and quickly left.
<br><br>
''"Don't get angry, Mary-san! This is so exciting!"'', Yumeko giggled.
<br><br>
''"I'm unsure what's happening, but anyway, here is your cola."'' Ryota was smiling at me sheepishly while handing me a cup.
<br><br>
I took it and stuffed the frankfurter I was holding for him in his mouth. 
<br><br>

==Chapter 3, part 6==

After giving the girls their drinks, my hands were free and I could finish my sausage.
<br><br>
So, there would be a gamble, Mary was unhappy and Yumeko was smiling. This felt like a familiar situation.
<br><br>
Ace was back in a few minutes. He was holding a box with a colorful print on it. ''"Goldilocks, I'm so sorry I kept you waiting. This is the game. Let's have a fierce battle."''<br>
He showed us the front of the box. It was Twister.
<br><br>
''"Oh, that's a classic"'', Yumeko said.
<br><br>
''"Are you kidding me! I'm not playing that with you!"'', Mary screamed. ''"This is not a game for strangers. You pervert!"''
<br><br>
Ace stayed undeterred. ''"Aw, don't say that, Goldilocks. I'm sure it will be a fun summer memory no matter how it turns out."''
<br><br>
'''Twister is a balance game. Players have to share a mat with colored circles on it. In turn, a spinner is used for each player to determine to what color circle they need to move what limb. Hands and feet must be touching a circle with the color that was determined by the spinner. No other body parts may be touching the ground. As the game progresses, the bodies of the players become entangled and keeping balance becomes harder. The player who loses their balance first, loses the game.'''
<br><br>
This is the kind of game Mary would hate the most. It would be a real challenge to get her to play it.<br>
I looked at Yumeko. She was staring intently at Mary with a gentle smile.
<br><br>
Mary noticed her gaze. ''"W-what are you looking at..."'' 
<br><br>
Yumeko kept staring and took a step closer. 
<br><br>
''"No, absolutely not..."'', Mary said while Yumeko crept in another step. ''"Just because I promised doesn't mean you can make me do anything..."''
<br><br>
They were so close now, their chests were touching.
<br><br>
''"Argh!"'' Mary turned away and stomped her feet on the sand. ''"Fine, fine! But there is a condition! There will be a gamble first on who gets to play against Ace. I absolutely demand it. You'll allow that, Yumeko, or else I'll just break my promise!"''
<br><br>
The wooden sticks our frankfurters had been pierced on were laying in the sand next to our towel. They had one dull and one pointed end. Mary grabbed two of them. ''"Here, break these in half"'', she said to me. 
<br><br>
I hesitated.
<br><br>
''"Or must you let a frail maiden like myself do these kind of things?"'', she said, manipulating me into obedience. 
<br><br>
I did as she asked. ''"Is this good enough?"''<br>
I had four sticks in my hand now. Two of them had a dull end and the other two a pointed end. All four of them had a broken-off end on the other side.
<br><br>
Mary took the sticks from me and turned to Ace, showing them to him. ''"The game is on. However, these sticks determine who you will play Twister with. We will all draw one. Whoever has the same stick end as you, is your opponent."''
<br><br>
Ace widened his eyes. ''"Oh, I see. I defeat someone chosen at random to get a date with you. Well... It's not how I wanted it, but it will have to do, I suppose."''
<br><br>
''"Mary-san, why all this extra delay? Just play Twister with the guy yourself and --- mumble."'' Mary quickly slapped Yumeko's mouth shut with her hand. ''"Be quiet. You got me into this mess, so you should share some of the risk yourself."''
<br><br>
As Yumeko was trying to say something with a muffled voice, Mary turned to me. ''"Suzui, I'm sure you already understood that you are drawing a stick too."''
<br><br>
I nodded.
<br><br>
Ace picked up his sweet talk again. ''"Whoever my opponent is, I'll defeat them! Nothing will stand between me and a date with my beautiful Goldilocks!"''
<br><br>
''"Arg! Why did it have to be a guy like this to hit on me."'' Mary muttered some curses and pressed the sticks into my hand. ''"You stick them into the sand. It's fairer if I don't do it myself. Hurry up!"''
<br><br>
''"Okay."'' I rolled the bundle of sticks between my palms. I wanted to do something to help Mary, but no bright ideas popped into my head. It's gong to be pure chance then. Ace didn't seem to care that I was preparing the sticks while also being a friend of Mary's.
<br><br>
I knelt in the hot sand. While I was placing the sticks, I covered them with my free hand while looking away. When I stood up, all four of them were visible, pointing straight up with the broken-off end exposed.
I didn't know which stick was which and it was unlikely anyone else did either. ''"So, who's drawing first"'', I asked?
<br><br>
''"Hmm... I'll let the enemy go first"'', Mary said while glaring at Ace.
<br><br>
''"The enemy, huh? It hurts me if you say it like that. You are such a sweet angel, destined to be mine. I'm certain of it."'' Ace grabbed one of Mary's hair locks and stroked it. ''"You will soon smile at me, you know."'' 
<br><br>
Mary shivered and stepped away. ''"Just back off already!"''
<br><br>
It didn't seem to bother Ace too much. He looked calm and collected. It was the calmness of someone observing while planning their next move. 
<br><br>
''"Okay then, lets do it"'' Ace bend over and pulled out one of the sticks without hesitating. ''"Dull end"'', he said while looking at it.
<br><br>
''"Yumeko is next. I'll go after that"'', Mary said.
<br><br>
Yumeko wasn't objecting anymore. Before drawing, she let her fingertip pass over all of the sticks. ''"Which one should I choose...?"''
<br><br>
Whoever drew a dull end now would have to play Twister with Ace. I knew what result I was hoping for at this point. Since I'd hate any of the girls being coerced into Twister, it left me as the preferred player.
<br><br>
''"This is the one!"'' Yumeko said, while yanking out a stick and holding it high with a dramatic gesture. All of us looked up. It had a pointed end. I felt relieved.
<br><br>
''"Right then. My turn"'', Mary said with tension in her voice.<br>
She bend over, keeping her knees straight, and stared at the two remaining sticks intensely. Her behind was on display for us and I looked away to not stare. Ace was staring shamelessly with wide open eyes, however.
<br><br>
''"This one!"'' Mary raised a stick to the sky in one quick move. It was even more dramatic than how Yumeko did it.
<br><br>
I needed to squint to see the stick in the bright sunlight.
<br><br>
''"Pointy end! I did it! Suzui, you are playing Twister with Ace! If you lose, I'll kill you!"'', Mary shouted with joy. 
<br><br>
Clearly pleased with herself, Mary turned towards us and brushed away her blond, twin-tailed hair. It glimmered in the sun. 
<br><br>
Standing with his arms crossed, Ace was clearly dejected. ''"If you, my golden haired angel, really don't want to play Twister with me, I have no choice."''
<br><br>
Then Ace turned to me. ''"Sorry that we skipped the introduction. You are Suzui-san, right?"'', he said while extending his hand. I shook it.
<br><br>
''"This is a serious battle. I won't hold back and neither should you"'', Ace said. His handshake was strong and his gaze pierced me. There clearly was a lot of fighting spirit behind those eyes. I couldn't let myself be intimidated by it. After all, I was chosen to defend the honor of our fair maiden Goldilocks.
<br><br>
''"You're on. Fair match. No mercy"'', I replied.
<br><br>
Ace's smile was refreshing. ''"Yeah, that's the spirit!"''
<br><br>

==Chapter 3, part 7==

''"Stay focused, Suzui! Don't even think about falling over!"'', I yelled.
<br><br>
The sunlight was merciless and the positions the guys were in uncomfortable. Both of them were sweating and groaning from the strain. 
<br><br>
I used the spinner. ''"Suzui, left hand to green!"''
<br><br>
''"What? That's impossible"'', he squeezed out between breaths.
<br><br>
I kept encouraging. ''"Just do it like your life depends on it!"''
<br><br>
''"If I stretch like that, I'll end up between his legs"'', Ryota groaned.
<br><br>
''"Just do it! No mercy, remember?"'', Ace said with heavy breathing. 
<br><br>
It was as if Ryota and Ace were forming one giant spider together. It was an amusing sight, but I had other things on my mind. If Ryota lost, I'd have to date creepy Ace.
<br><br>
''"Turn the spinner, Goldilocks! I'll overcome any challenge for you!"'', Ace managed.
<br><br>
Neither of the guys were looking at me. Ace even couldn't if he wanted to. He had no way of turning his head this way.
<br><br>
I didn't use the spinner. ''"Ace, right foot to Red!"''
<br><br>
''"Suzui, your ass is in the way, but that's an obstacle I'll overcome, for love!"'', Ace exhaled. His muscles were now trembling from the load. 
<br><br>
''"Mary-san, that's cheating"'', Yumeko said quietly.
<br><br>
''"Shut up. It's strategy. You are an outsider now. Don't interfere"'', I hissed.<br>
''"Suzui, left hand to yellow!"'', I continued without touching the spinner.
<br><br>
''"That..., I can manage somehow..."'', Ryota groaned.
<br><br>
After two more turns, I set Ace up with a truly impossible move. The game was over.<br>
Ryota stood up and let out a victory roar, beating his chest. Ace was catching his breath, sitting on the mat with his head between his knees. Sweat was dripping from both of them.
<br><br>
After a minute, Ace rose up. He had the look of a knocked-out boxer. ''"Suzui-san, I admit defeat. Thank you for the man-to-man match."''
<br><br>
''"I'll leave now, but I'm not giving up on you, my sweet Goldilocks"'', he said to me. He started to walk away. ''"I'll definitely make you come around"'', he added with his back to us.
<br><br>
The sun was starting to set. Ace was now a silhouette in the distance, casting a long shadow in the sand. Suddenly there was a dampened whistling sound. Something was cutting through the air, like a bullet. A playing card landed at my feet. I picked it up. It was the ace of hearts.
<br><br>
''"I'm a poker pro! I'm in the tournament this evening. Watch me play, see my bravery!"'', Ace yelled form afar.<br>
He surely was an odd one.
<br><br>
''"Okay, now that we've dealt with this troublemaker, we should head back to the hotel. It feels great to have won. Thanks Suzui! I couldn't have done it without you!"''
<br><br>
''"My pleasure"'', Ryota said with his usual sheepish smile. ''"I wonder where Ace got that card from so suddenly."''
<br><br>
I looked at the card, then it occurred to me what Ryota meant. ''"Eeew!"'' I dropped it out of my hands. 
<br><br>
''"Mary-san, we're not done with this game yet"'', Yumeko said.
<br><br>
''"Huh? What do you mean?"'', I replied while brushing off my hands on the sand.
<br><br>
Yumeko smiled. ''"Drawing sticks gave us another Twister pairing. I want to try it too! You'll play with me, right?"''
<br><br>
''"Arg! Why play something so pointless?"'', I protested.
<br><br>
Yumeko said nothing but the message was clear. My promise to obey her was in effect.
<br><br>
''"...Ah, alright, alright! Just once! I'm not betting anything! Suzui, you work the spinner!"''
<br><br>

==Chapter 3, part 8==

A crowd had gathered. The guys were cheering on their champion of choice while the girls were laughing in embarrassment.
<br><br>
There was no wager, but Mary remained her competitive self. ''"Uhh... I'm not going to lose!"'', she yelled while planting her foot with force on the new circle.
<br><br>
''"Mary-san, don't move so violently."'' Yumeko was terrible at sports but she was flexible enough to be fair competition here.
<br><br>
''"Give it up, Yumeko! You'll never win with those heavy boobs of yours"'', Mary said while being smothered by them.
<br><br>
Yumeko could now only keep balance by leaning on Mary. ''"I wonder how long you can endure this with that slender body of yours, Mary-san."''
<br><br>
Mary won eventually. The crowd gave a roaring applause.
<br><br>

==Chapter 3, part 9==

''"Midari, wait!"''
<br><br>
''"Pick up the pace! Both of you! You're like snails!"'', I yelled back.
<br><br>
The beach I was walking on with my two friends was bathing in the orange light of the setting sun. There were still people here. Some were swimming and some were barbecuing in groups. Here and there were couples, looking at the sunset together.
<br><br>
Seriously... Why can't they keep this place clean?! I came here a day late, planning to go for a swim and enjoy myself. It seems I won't have time for any of that. I changed into my swim wear and was ready to go. Then I saw the state of the beach. I simply couldn't have fun with all this litter everywhere. So here I am, with my trash bag, picking up juice cartons and cans.
<br><br>
''"It's so funny to see you picking up trash in such a flashy purple bikini"'', I heard from behind me.
<br><br>
''"Shut up! You're useless. You haven't picked up anything yet!"'' I didn't turn around to check, but I was sure her bag was still empty.
<br><br>
''"That's because you're so fast. There is nothing left for us"'', my friend replied.
<br><br>
Two guys were crossing my path, on their way to the ocean. They threw their drink cups onto the sand. I picked up the cups and went after them. I caught up just as they were about to go swimming and grabbed one by shoulder.<br>
''"Hey, you! Look at me!"''
<br><br>
''"Huh?"'' The guys turned around to me in surprise. 
<br><br>
''"Didn't your mom teach you how to clean up after yourself?!"'', I yelled.
<br><br>
He was stumbling over his words. ''"O-oh... Student counselor Ikishima-sama... H-head of the Beautification Committee..."''
<br><br>
I dropped my trash bag and threw one of the cups at the guy who was further away. I easily hit my target as he was too stunned to react. Then I turned back towards the one who's shoulder I had grabbed. 
<br><br>
''"Don't you know plastic is bad for the birds and fish when they eat it? Maybe I should shove some of it down your throat to make you understand that?"'', I said looking him straight in the eye from up close.
<br><br>
''"Ah, I-I'm sorry"'', he answered with the same stumbling voice. 
<br><br>
I was twisting up the other cup in my hands as if I was about to make good on my threat. ''"Both of you, pick up some of the trash and leave. I'll let you off the hook. This time."''
<br><br>
''"I-Immediately! Excuse me!"''
The boys quickly filled their hands with litter and ran off.
<br><br>
''"Pfff... Being on the Beautification Committee isn't easy. So may ill-behaved students. It's a real pain in the butt"'', my friend said. She bend down and picked up a playing card. The ace of hearts. 
''"And here are some frankfurter sticks. Broken, no less. They were playing cards and violently eating sausages, or something"'', she continued.
<br><br>
''"This is endless. You two, get out of here and have some fun. I'll keep collecting for a bit longer"'', I said.
<br><br>
''"We can check up on you later. If we come back in some hours this should be a perfect spot to stargaze"'', my friend replied.
<br><br>
''"Hey, you're probably right. I didn't even think of that"'', I said while looking up. It was cloudless and we were far from any city.
<br><br>
''"Oh by the way, there's going to be a poker tournament tonight. It's the main event of the summer camp. That Kifune chick from the Kansankai really got the hang of swindling money from idiots. A lot of cash is going to change hands"'', I said.
<br><br>
As I was talking I started picking up trash again.<br>
''"I'm not interested. There may be trouble if it gets out hand, though. The council president might show up to inspect the event. Maybe she's interested in the activities of the Kansankai. Those guys have been suspiciously successful lately."''
<br><br>
''"None of it is really any of my business, anyway. I just run the Beautification Committee"'', I continued while walking to the next trash pile. Among the cups and cans was a lost beach ball.
<br><br>
''"She's adorable, isn't she?"''
<br><br>
''"Yeah, I think so too."''
<br><br>
''"What are you two even talking about?!"'', I yelled.
<br><br>
''"Well, you are. Despite everything, you deeply care about animals and nature. It's very touching, you know."''
<br><br>
I threw the beach ball at them. ''"Oh, shut up!"''
<br><br>