Volume 2 Chapter 48 Bonus Time
When I got home, for some reason, even though I wasn't the most tired, I was the one who got to use the bath first.
'My injuries are a bit unique. I won't be taking a bath today.'
Clay declined, and the others,
'Wade-kun, we'll take our turn later. Don't worry, take your time...'
'Yeah, Wade, you got the most results in the battle, so it's only fair you get this privilege!'
'We're three girls, so we might dirty the water. It's better for you to go first so the water stays clean, Wade.'
The three girls decided to let me go first.
"Well, if you insist."
Having died as a virgin in my past life, I'm not that desperate for female attention. I know some people appreciate leftover bathwater, but that's not me.
So, I leisurely soaked in the spacious bath.
"Phew..."
I realized that Japanese baths really do have plenty of hot water.
"The training facility and the dorm only had showers... There was a public bath, but it was a bit expensive..."
Having such a big bath in my house is really the best.
"...Should I swim in it?"
I muttered mischievously. I mean, it's actually big enough to swim in. I could even call it a mini public bath.
"But, three girls will be using it later. It's probably not a good idea to dirty the water too much..."
Very rationally, I decided not to swim. Or maybe I was just feeling too lazy.
"This is heaven... pure heaven..."
I squinted my eyes. As I did, I started to feel sleepy and realized just how tired I actually was.
"Yeah... I did have an aerial battle with only humans..."
While adjusting the gravity points to different fire dragons according to the situation, I had cut off their heads.
I think I used it quite well. I even suspect that I might have become stronger in aerial combat than ground combat.
Defeating the wyvern and engaging in a skirmish on the way back, I really wanted to return quickly. In reality, I couldn't return quickly, burdening everyone, and feeling sorry for that.
"...It was fun..."
Separate from the guilt, I recall that battle.
Flying through the air, pulled by gravity towards the dragon, was exhilarating. Dodging the attacking fire dragons by a hair's breadth with [Point Shift] made my heart tremble.
"It was fun..."
I feel even more exhausted. The comfort of the hot water and the battle of flesh and blood resurfacing in my mind made me feel like I was ascending to the heavens.
That's why. I was late in realizing.
"...Huh?"
High-pitched voices of excitement come from the changing room. I vaguely turn my unfocused eyes in that direction, then a beat later, I realize that something is off.
"Um..."
I cleared my throat. And then, I shouted loudly,
"Hey, I'm inside~!"
The voice from the changing room stopped abruptly. It was a bit awkward at this point, but it was much better than making a scene.
"Ah... um, well..."
"Ah, hahaha~, th-that"
However, the three girls didn't seem to be putting their clothes back on anytime soon behind the changing room. Wondering what was going on, Sandra swung open the door to the bath with gusto.
"Hey, Wade. I've come to attack."
She was completely n*ked.
"What's wrong with your mental state?!"
I quickly turned around in a panic. Oh no. I saw it. I saw quite a lot. Oh man...
Despite my flustered state, the sound of footsteps continued behind me, splashing water as they moved. Wait, seriously?
Ignoring my bewilderment, Sandra confidently walked towards me and then started to soak herself in the bath. Huh? What? What's happening?
"U-um, Sandra-chan..."
"Hey! No sneaking off on your own!"
Then, judging by the voices, Ice and Toxy started washing up and got into the bath too. Seriously, what? Is this a dream? Did I fall asleep in the bath?
"Something amazing is happening..."
"Yes, life has its ups and downs, Wade-kun."
"Sandra started it, but she's acting all nonchalant."
With my eyes closed, I retorted, and Sandra replied, "No."
"The idea was Toxy's. The decision to go through with it was Ice's. I'm the one who led the charge. So, the responsibility is evenly split."
"You've got to be kidding, everyone."
What's going on? What's happening? I don't get it at all.
Just as I was starting to panic, I heard, "E-excuse me, Wade-kun..." and "I-it's kind of embarrassing, haha..." accompanied by the sound of splashing. The bathwater was rippling.
"Sorry. Please explain everything from the beginning. I'm really confused."
I said, and Ice began to speak.
"Um, well, you know? Today, Wade-kun really worked hard, so we want to show our appreciation together. ...Toxy-chan said."
"Hey! Ice-chan, don't sacrifice me! Besides, it was you who insisted on turning my joke into reality, right?"
"Uh... well, that's true, but..."
"I'm more surprised that such an idea came up as a joke in the first place."
As I protested with a stern look, Toxy stammered, "Uh, well..."
Then, Sandra spoke up.
"If it's already been done, there's no point in regretting it. Wade should just relax and be comforted by the three of us."
"Well, hold on. Just so you know, I'm also feeling really nervous. Or rather, I'm quite shaken up."
"Then let's try to calm you down with a shock therapy. Zap!"
My right arm! It feels infinitely soft!
"Ha! At this rate, I'll be left with no space! Left arm, get!"
From the left arm, a softness envelops me. I'm frozen, like a statue, unsure how to react.
"U-um, can I... hug your back...?"
Then, a very soft sensation presses against my back. I hold my breath.
"..."
"Oh, wow... I-I'm being so bold right now... Wait, Wade? You're not moving?"
"He's stopped breathing. I need to give him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation."
"W-well then, first I...!"
"Ahh, Ice-chan, you cheater!"
I come back to life.
"There's no such a thing as too much shock therapy!"
"Oh, you're back. Welcome!"
"Not 'welcome.' So, what? What's going on? I can't stop feeling confused."
"Wade-kun..."
From behind, Ice hugs me tightly. Oh no, this is bad. It's dangerous with how close and soft she is. This is really bad.
"Wade-kun, you know, today, you were incredibly cool and strong—so strong that it felt like you could go far away, which made me anxious."
Listening to the lowered tone of the latter part, I regained my composure.
"Wade-kun. You're really, really strong. Even though we worked hard to defeat the Wyverns, you did something much more amazing all by yourself and came back, Wade-kun."
Ice's embrace became stronger.
"That's amazing, you know? It's exciting, cool, and admirable. ...But, this time, it was a bit scary. I realized how great you are, and at the same time, I feel like I can't reach you, like you're going far away."
"...Ice."
I touched Ice's hand embracing me.
At that moment, Toxy also spoke up.
"M-me too! ...I've been thinking about how to defeat a fire dragon with my poison magic. I managed to weaken a wyvern, but that was because it was on the ground. If a dragon attacked me while flying, I'd be helpless."
Toxy hugged my left arm tightly. I placed my left hand over Toxy's arm.
Finally, Sandra said,
"Why don't you just hug everyone for now?"
"That ruins the moment, Sandra."
The atmosphere had completely changed, so I made sure to cover myself properly and got out of the bath.
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