It was when she came to the open space a short distance away from the beach that Hinata regretted her mistake.
Hinata stifled her breath to prevent laughter and made an effort to maintain her smile.
Beside her, a senior from the Literary Club continued to talk incessantly.
(Oh, it would have been better if someone had come along.)
It all began when she finished playing at the beach and returned to the base, contemplating having some food. While chatting with Kuroi Hana as she read a book, she picked at some meat. That's when a senior, unmistakably recognized by his neatly groomed beard, approached her. It was definitely Takayama-san, whom she had encountered a few times at group drinking sessions. She vaguely remembered him even inviting her to join him for drinks.
He was a considerate person and not a bad guy.
"Hinata, can I bother you for a moment? Sorry to ask, but we're running low on drinks, can you help me go buy some?"
"Oh, sure. I understand."
Out of habit, she replied promptly. This sort of task was typically assigned to juniors, and it was probably a bit awkward to ask when Hana was right there beside her.
As they headed to the beach house together, Takayama suddenly spoke.
"By the way, I heard there's a square nearby that overlooks the sea. Want to stop by for a moment?"
"A square? But we came to buy drinks."
"We still have some left, and taking a little extra time won't be a problem."
"Is that so? In that case..."
She couldn't turn down the senior's invitation. Hinata reluctantly agreed with a smile.
As she continued walking while listening to Takayama, she could indeed see the square he mentioned. It was a simple place with some benches on a slightly elevated area. Perhaps due to the time being midday and the beach being nearby, there were hardly any people around.
The intention behind going to such a place with just the two of them was clear.
Takayama took Hinata to the edge of the square.
"How about this? It's quite nice."
"Yes, it's beautiful... I didn't know a place like this existed."
Perhaps because the square was on a slightly higher ground, Hinata could see a vast expanse of the sea reflecting the sunlight. The sea breeze gently tousled her wet hair.
Indeed, it was a wonderful place. The stunning scenery momentarily made her forget why she had come here in the first place.
"Hey, Hinata, do you have someone you're dating?"
"Huh? No, not really."
She naturally responded with a two-word answer, a habit she had developed over time. When she looked to his side, she saw Takayama earnestly watching her. She already knew the question that would follow.
"Well, in that case, would you consider someone like me? I've been interested in you for a while."
Ah, just as she had expected.
How many times had she been confessed to since starting college? While it was nice to be liked, rejecting someone still felt difficult.
"I'm sorry."
Just one word. Hinata didn't say anything more. She lowered her head without making it seem too heavy, speaking in her usual tone.
From above her bowed head, a voice filled with disappointment descended.
"I see... I didn't really think I had a chance anyway. So, is there someone else you're interested in?"
"..."
This question wasn't the first time she had been asked. She usually responded with a light laugh, saying there wasn't anyone.
Hinata was well aware that being in the spotlight like this would lead to troublesome rumors. She didn't want to inconvenience Yuusuke and the others.
However, at this moment, Hinata's mouth moved on its own.
"Yes, there is someone. Someone I'm interested in."
Takayama momentarily looked surprised, then smiled.
"I see. Sorry for bringing it up suddenly. Well, if there's ever a chance, please let me know."
With that, Takayama left the square, apparently going to buy the drinks by himself. It was considerate of him since Hinata felt awkward going to buy drinks together in the uncomfortable atmosphere.
But still...
"I went and said it."
Takayama might or might not gossip about this, but once such words leave her lips, they tend to leak from somewhere. It's unrealistic to expect silence from a university student who loves drinking and gossiping. She didn't intend to say anything, but it just slipped out.
It was different from the conversation she had with the club president during the drinking party. Back then, she denied any romantic feelings, but this time, she clearly expressed her interest. What could be the reason for this change?
Is it the allure of the attractive women who always surround Yuusuke, or perhaps lingering feelings for an old flame that she can never surpass? Or is it for a simpler reason, one that she can no longer keep hidden in her heart?
As she pondered this, she chuckled at herself.
"It's become a sickness at this point."
How long had she absentmindedly gazed at the sea from this square? Takayama should be back soon.
All that's left is to return to the tent, act nonchalant, and carry on a casual conversation. That's when she looked back.
"You're alone? What are you doing in a place like this?"
Three men were standing around her, blocking her way. They all had a rugged, beachgoer's appearance, exposing their tanned, muscular bodies.
――Oh no.
After making this judgment, she acted swiftly.
"No, I'm not alone. I'm here with friends, so I should head back."
She mustn't engage with these types of people. It's best to forcefully leave the situation, even if it means being somewhat assertive.
However, the men subtly positioned themselves to obstruct her path.
"We happened to see you here, but is it a breakup or something?"
"If there's anything troubling you, we can listen."
"No, it's nothing. I'm fine, so could you please let me through?"
Annoyed by being watched from the sidelines, she uncharacteristically spoke firmly.
The man with long hair frowned at her words.
"Was that really necessary? We were just concerned."
"It's fine, really. You're bothering me!"
Suddenly, the man with long hair grabbed her arm and forcefully raised it, making her look up at his lecherous grin.
"Oh, you're cute after all. So, is it a breakup or something? We'll listen if you want."
"Let go... I'll scream."
"It's no problem, but if you make a scene, we might get rough."
Grinning, the long-haired man gestured with his chin, and another man pointed his phone at her.
"――What!?"
A shiver of fear ran down her spine. Despite wearing a jacket, she was in a swimsuit. With the men's strength, it would be easy to strip her. If she didn't comply with their demands, they would resort to threats.
She glanced around for help through the gaps between the men, but there was no one in sight on the square.
"Come on, it's over here. We have a car parked nearby. You can contact your friends, and it'll be over soon."
These guys are experienced.
A place with few passersby, a posture that obstructs the view, and the progression of threats.
Upon closer inspection, none of them seemed wet despite wearing swimsuits. They didn't come here to swim.
Realizing this, Hinata's breath gradually became shallow and fast. She understood that her will to confront the blatant malice directed at her was fading.
"Come on, this way."
"No, stop!"
"Don't make too much noise. Or should we have a little photoshoot right here?"
"That's... just..."
Just those words were enough. Those words and the camera pointed at her stripped away her resistance.
As the men walked, Hinata naturally started walking too.
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