IS:VolumeSS1 Chapter4

Chapter 4: At the End of Summer

Maybe that went a bit too far…

While reflecting on the idea that she let herself get carried away, Charlotte peered at Ichika sleeping on the bed.

“…………”

Charlotte nervously looked around her.

The doctor suddenly got called away, and Laura went to go get drinks so she isn’t around.

I should be all right for just a little…

The bed creaks from the added weight.

Charlotte slowly moved towards Ichika…

“nn…..”

Surprised to awaken to a pleasant feeling, I experience a moment of haziness.

“Lala… La…”

Is this a… lullaby?

The sweet sound of the melody gently permeates into my body. In addition to that, my pillow is unusually soft and makes for a comfortable sleep.

What is this… it’s so relaxing.

The feeling of my hair being softly caressed.

With my mind still unclear, I indulge myself in these sensations.

“You bitch! What are you doing!”

I open my eyes to a sudden piercing cry.

In the next instant, something forcefully pulls at my neck.

“L-Laura? You came back quickly.”

“I can’t leave you two alone! Ichika! How long are you going to sleep on Charlotte’s lap!”

I realize what’s going on now that she says so.

It would appear that Charl is giving me a lap pillow.

“Ah… ummm… Ichika, you see… this is…”

“Who cares about that! If you want a lap pillow then I’ll give it to you!”

“Uwaa, Laura, don’t pull him!”

What a horrible mess.

**Assessing the Situation: Start**

…

………

…

**Assessing the Situation: Finished**

“So, I lost consciousness and was carried here. After that, Charl kept an eye on me and Laura went out to get drinks.”

While drinking the tea Laura bought for me, I look around at the others.

In the first aid room with their swimsuits on, it’s kind of unusual.

“Charl.”

“Y-yes.”

“Laura.”

� “What is it?”

“Got something to say?”

“…”

“…”

The two were silent.

After a period of silence, they both lower their heads.

“I’m sorry.”

“I was mistaken.”

“Good. Besides, why did you take it so seriously?”

“Eh? Well, that’s because … Laura…”

“W-what!? I was only competing against Charlotte!”

“Ah, sure sure. It doesn’t matter.”

It didn’t seem like much would come out of hearing this, so I cut the conversation short.

“What time is it?”

“Umm... 4:00 PM.”

“Gotcha, well let’s get back to the Academy.”

“Eh?”

“What do you mean ‘eh’? It’s a long way back, it’d be best to get going early.”

“That’s true but… mmm…”

Charl and Laura seemed unsatisfied. I have to do something.

“I got it, I got it. Let’s have dinner out somewhere then.”

“Okay!”

I finish drinking my tea as I stare at them nervously fidgeting for some reason.

“Let’s get changed then. We’ll meet at the front gate.”

. . .

Damn Charlotte, getting affection for herself alone.

Laura enviously thought back on the earlier lap pillow incident while getting changed, and stared at Charlotte.

I’m not really mad at her…I’m just going to need some sort of compensation from Ichika!

While thinking on what happened, Laura finished getting changed and got out of the locker room together with Charlotte who was also in plain clothes.

“Hey Laura.”

“What is it?”

“Are you angry about before?”

“Not really.”

“That’s not true, you’re in a bad mood.”

“I am not!”

After realizing that she rose her voice without thinking, Laura covered her mouth with her hand, ashamed over what she had done.

All of a sudden, Charlotte embraced her.

“W-what are you doing!?”

“Cheer up! Okay? Okay?”

“Ehh, stop this. Enough, get away!”

“Ehehe~”

“Stop having fun!”

� Charlotte smiled cheerfully as she hugged onto Laura.

“Because, I really do want Laura as a friend rather than a rival.”

“Ugh…well, I admit I was overly persistent today.”

“Mm, let’s make up then.”

“F-fine.”

“Here, pinky swear it.”

“We’re going to take it that far!?”

Different people passing by turned their glances on the two making noise as they walked along, wondering what was going on.

Taking notice to the reactions of the people around them, Ichika came walking up quickly.

“Looks like you’re having fun.”

“Yep! I made up with Laura.”

“Don’t go saying strange things. We weren’t really on bad terms or anything…”

“Really? Then let’s hold hands as we walk.”

“I refuse!”

Charlotte was smiling happily and Laura was not smiling whatsoever.

Looking at them, Ichika muttered ‘I don’t understand women’ to himself.

“Ehehe, let’s always be friends, Laura.”

“Hm, hmph.”

Laura’s hand as she turns away was tightly grasped with Charlotte’s, as if it represented the tight bond of their friendship and affection.