And so, each of us guys, including myself, carried our beach gear onto the beach.
The large tarp, tables, and barbecue grill were all borrowed from the ryokan inn, and it was our job, of course, as men, to set them up. We also inflated floaties and beach balls and carried the heavy cooler box together. Thanks to some of our members arriving by car, we were able to bring quite a bit of stuff.
By the time everything was set up, a literary club zone had been established on the beach. However, the girls still hadn't arrived, and the guys were either gathered in groups, restlessly chatting, or needlessly rearranging the charcoal in the barbecue grill.
The reason the girls were late was that the changing room was located a bit further away. Besides, they probably had various preparations to make.
Being kept waiting only heightened our anticipation. All the guys were curious about what kind of swimsuits the girls would be wearing, and they couldn't help but let their imaginations run wild.
Even I, for no apparent reason, was in an unsettled mood and found myself gazing at the sea. However, just by watching the waves come and go, I gradually started to feel calm, as if I were being rocked gently by the waves. The scent of the sea breeze, which was usually distant, and the sound of the waves felt oddly nostalgic.
The sparkling sandy beach, illuminated by the brilliant sun, was dazzling, and any worries or unnecessary thoughts were painted over in white. Even the small excitement that had been building up inside me had completely subsided.
Yes, waiting for the girls in their swimsuits was undeniably exciting. However, that excitement should never be revealed. Because it was a sight I didn't normally see, I had to approach it with pure and innocent feelings, devoid of any impure desires.
During my training days, letting such things disturb my mind would have meant receiving a beating. Even though I was no longer in training, as a Hero, I had a heart as strong and unyielding as steel. Once I regained my composure, it would never waver.
After a while, Matsuda, who had been wandering around aimlessly, appeared next to me and said,
"Yuusuke, it looks like everyone's here."
"Oh, I see."
"What's with that wise look on your face?"
While delivering an Iron Claw to Matsuda's face for his rude remark, I stood up.
Finally, they had arrived. But no matter who came, I wouldn't be shaken. Whoever came, it didn't matter. This imposing pillar of unwavering spirit would never crumble.
As I stood up with the feeling of a hermit who had completed a long journey, I looked back.
"Wow, thanks for getting everything ready!"
"Sorry, it took me a while to change."
"Don't worry, I'll take care of the cooking!"
Skin, pink, blue, skin, red, skin, pink, skin――!
A violent assault of colors dominated my field of vision. The female members of the literary club, who were walking towards us, had, of course, completely transformed from their usual attire, wearing revealing swimsuits. In this age of the internet, people could easily see women in swimsuits with just a click. However, the sight of the girls in their swimsuits, whom I saw on a regular basis, overwhelmed me with its irresistible charm.
My thoughts were shrouded in a bewitching spell, and my gaze jumped restlessly from one person to another. If I let myself be carried away by such shameless lust, I would undoubtedly charge recklessly towards the girls without any sense of shame.
"Hmph!"
But don't underestimate me.
I struck my thigh with my fist and clenched my back teeth to anchor my thoughts. This minor temptation would not sway me. Throughout my long journey, I had never laid a finger on Eris, no matter how tempting the opportunity. Whether this was due to my strong mental fortitude or simply my lack of experience was up for debate.
Matsuda, standing next to me, spoke casually,
"Yeah, this is what the beach is all about. They all look cute."
Despite being an extreme pervert most of the time, this guy always remained calm during times like this. His thought process was so far removed from the norm; he was probably some kind of supernatural creature.
But I had to agree with what he was saying.
"Yeah, there's just something different if it's about beach."
"Yuusuke, what type of swimsuit do you like?"
Even if he asks me what type, I'm not really that knowledgeable about swimsuit varieties—
"First of all, it's nonsense to have preferences based on swimsuit types. Of course, it's amazing when glamorous people wear classic bikinis – it's sexy and the best. But it's also adorable when those who aren't confident about their bodies wear cute swimsuits with ribbons and frills, and I like sporty one-pieces too. I don't mind a slightly high-cut style that emphasizes the butt and legs – in fact, I'd welcome it. Of course, even within bikinis and one-pieces, it's important how individuality shines through with colors and unique touches. If someone who's usually reserved suddenly shows up in a one-shoulder bikini, I have the confidence that I won't be able to stop looking, even though I might be disappointed by my lack of imagination. Well, in the end, what I'm trying to say is..."
"What are you trying to say?"
Matsuda, did you even listen to what I just said? It's obvious.
"What's important is whether it suits the person wearing it."
I still remember that day when Tsukiko, who was always so prim and proper, showed up in a pure white frilled bikini. She usually didn't like bright colors and always wore modest, fabric-heavy clothing. So when Tsukiko came out in a bold and lovely swimsuit, it was nothing short of earth-shattering.
Until then, I had argued that bikinis were supreme, and there was nothing better than school swimsuits. But in that moment, my worldview was shattered.
It wasn't about the swimsuit itself; it was about the compatibility with the person wearing it.
"I see. So, Senpai, do you think this swimsuit suits me?"
"What are you saying, Matsuda? I couldn't care less about men's swimsuits."
What?
As I turned to give Matsuda a piece of my mind for his nonsense, I found not a youkai but a little devil. Hinata had changed into a swimsuit without me noticing and was grinning up at me.
I was rendered speechless by her appearance. I had always known that Hinata was cute, with her round, cat-like eyes and mischievous smile. But today, in a swimsuit, she seemed more mature than usual. The simple swimsuit accentuated her natural charm, and her healthy, toned physique was evident. Her skin looked fair and slim in the swimsuit, making me realize that she was the type who looked even better in it.
"Senpai?"
"Oh, uh, yeah, Hinata, don't surprise me like that. That swimsuit looks good on you."
"Hehe, I thought so. Well, anything looks good on me, after all."
Normally, I would have made a snarky remark about her being conceited, but I didn't feel like it now. She exuded a dazzling cuteness while also giving off an air of maturity.
She may be a junior, but when I really thought about it, we weren't that different.
That's why the stylish bearded guy was targeting her.
Perhaps noticing my unexpected reaction to her, Hinata deepened her smile and leaned in closer.
"Hey, Senpai, are you, by any chance, captivated by my swimsuit? It's okay; I won't get mad if you just look."
"Don't get carried away."
"I'm speechless. ...By the way, Senpai, you are a guy, after all."
What do you mean? I'm obviously a proper young man.
During my time in Asteris, I had been seen as everything from a bear-like giant to an unsightly brute or even a beautiful noblewoman, but at the very least, no one mistook me for a woman now.
Hinata shrugged with an amused expression.
"What's with that look? You don't seem very interested in girls most of the time."
What do you mean? I'm very interested.
Moreover, if someone said, "Hmm, I see," with a sly look, it made me feel like they were making fun of me. In this situation, I had to deny it as a man.
"No, it's not like that. I look at girls with a perfectly normal level of interest."
"Well, even so, it's kind of creepy when you say it like that."
What's with the attitude?
But as we continued talking, Hinata returned to her usual self, and I started to feel more at ease. Despite her appearance, she was still the same Hinata inside.
Taking a deep breath, I realized something.
"Hey, where are Lisha and Kanami?"
"Oh, about those two..."
Hinata seemed to look away awkwardly. Just that expression hinted at what might have happened.
Hmm, so it didn't work out after all. For this camp, Lisha and Kanami had gone swimsuit shopping together with Hinata. Lisha was all excited about the big event of swimming in the sea, but when they returned, she didn't even make eye contact with me and just crawled into her futon.
It seemed that modern Japanese swimsuit culture was a bit too stimulating for the Saint.
They had apparently bought swimsuits, and they should have brought them to the camp, but they probably couldn't bring themselves to actually wear them.
I did want to see what Lisha looked like in a swimsuit, but I couldn't force the issue, and honestly, I felt a little relieved.
If Lisha wore a swimsuit, all the guys on the beach would probably be hovering around her, and I couldn't help but feel annoyed at the thought of them looking at her that way.
"If they don't come out, should you go fetch them?"
"Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. They seemed more open to that kind of thing."
"Lisha is quite sheltered, so——"
My response to Hinata was cut short.
Or rather, what came next was abruptly drowned out by sudden cheers.
While just a moment ago, the circle of people, both familiar and unfamiliar, was engaged in lively conversations regardless of gender, this time, the voices were distinctly different.
I instinctively turned my head toward the source of the sound, and there I saw the literary club members forming a half-circle. I didn't notice when they had moved, but Matsuda was among them, crouching down.
The reason was clear. In the center of the circle were two figures. One stood boldly, as if commanding all the attention, a girl with violet hair. The other girl stood slightly hidden behind her.
It was Kanami and Lisha.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)