Chapter 2: Let’s Keep It Hidden, Forever

The observation terrace juts out over the slope.

“…It’s hot.”

The intense sunlight burns my skin. The wind blowing down from the mountain behind me makes my hair flutter. Looking ahead, I can see the grand Mount Fuji and our town thriving at its base in one sweeping view.

Standing at the edge of the terrace, I lean against the railing.

I love Mount Fuji.

That majestic sacred peak hasn’t changed at all since I saw it as a child. The town I look down on from here is the same. From a distance, the changes are so subtle they don’t catch the eye. But when I actually go into town, I can’t help but notice them. During this visit home, I found a few more losses in the town’s scenery.

The difference between the town of my childhood and the town now wears down my heart. I can never revisit the places as they were before. Not wanting to see the daily changes, I left Shizuoka and chose a school in Kanagawa.

But that didn’t solve anything.

I only delayed the problem, because every time I come home, I see this changed town.

Until now, I could only mourn the loss of the landscapes of my memories without any solution, but things are different now. There’s someone who fills in the missing pieces.

Even if my heart gets chipped away and falls apart, even if a gaping hole opens up, Yuu-nii patches those parts for me.

Honestly, the fear of losing memories and having them tarnished hasn’t changed. But with Yuu-nii, I might be able to face those memories.

And… it’s still too much now, but someday, I feel like I’ll be able to move past them.

I hear an engine sound from below.

“Oh…”

Looking down, I see a white car climbing the slope.

“Hehe.”

I jog toward the entrance.

Before I can ring the intercom, the door opens, and Asaka greets me.

“Good morning, Yuu-nii.”

“Morning, Asaka.”

Asaka is wearing a light blue dress. The neckline is wide open, revealing a deep, white cleavage.

“Ugh…”

When I avert my eyes, Asaka leans forward as if to show off.

“Something wrong?”

“N-no, nothing.”

Today, Asaka invited me to visit the Gendoji house for the first time in—ten years. The slope that was such a struggle to climb ten years ago is a breeze by car. Apparently, she invited Miya and Mahiru too, but they had things to do this morning and will come over to hang out in the afternoon.

“It’s hot, isn’t it? Come in.”

Escaping the sunlight and heat, I hurry inside. Asaka takes my hand and leads me to her room.

“Make yourself at home. I’ll get something cold. What do you want to drink?”

“I’ll have some barley tea, then.”

“Sure, right away.”

As Asaka leaves, I look around the room and let out a sigh.

“…No way.”

The moment I step inside, I notice how strange this room is.

The king-sized bed, the huge TV, the color of the curtains, the arrangement of the furnishings—everything in this room is exactly the same as ten years ago, as if time stopped.

I sit down at the table where I used to sit ten years ago.

It feels like I’ve time-traveled.

I’m gripped by the sensation that seven-year-old Asaka, Miya, or Mahiru could burst through that door any moment. We used to bounce around on that bed, didn’t we? I think I met Hanayoshi-san when we were playing pro wrestling.

On that stormy night, Asaka and I played video games on that TV until we got sleepy and slept in the same bed. I used to watch over the brats napping on that bed.

This room, filled with memories, welcomes me not just with echoes of the past but in its exact form.

Nostalgic yet terrifying.

For Asaka, this room must be her last fortress.

In a changing world, the one place where she can refuse change.

The only place Asaka has complete control over.

Soon, the door opens. Naturally, it’s not the child Asaka but the grown-up Asaka who appears.

“Sorry for the wait.”

“Thanks.”

Two glasses are placed on the table. Asaka sits beside me, snuggling close.

“I’m so happy.”

“About what?”

“That you’re back in this room, Yuu-nii.”

“You’re being dramatic.”

I quench my thirst with barley tea.

“…Oh, by the way, didn’t I leave some clothes at the villa?”

“Clothes?”

“These, the ones I borrowed.”

I hand Asaka a paper bag with the clothes.

“I wore these home, so the clothes I was originally wearing should still be at the villa.”

“…I don’t know?”

Asaka tilts her head curiously.

“Huh? They weren’t there?”

“Maybe? I didn’t notice.”

“Oh, well, no big deal. They were cheap clothes anyway.”

“I’ll look for them next time.”

“Yeah, thanks… Wait, huh?”

As I casually look around the room again, my gaze stops at the shelf beside the bed. I thought everything was the same as back then, but that one corner is subtly different.

Because—

“Asaka, where’s the picture frame?”

There used to be a picture frame I gave Asaka for her birthday on that spot. A frame holding a photo of the four of us: me, Miya, Mahiru, and Asaka.

“Oh, that?”

Asaka stands up smoothly and pulls a carry-on case from beside the door.

“It’s a precious photo of all of us, so I brought it to my dorm room to display. I don’t usually bring it back, but this time I brought it home for the visit.”

Asaka takes the picture frame out of the case.

“Whoa, nostalgic.”

A wooden picture frame decorated with hearts and stars. And the photo of the brats inside. Miya, Mahiru, and Asaka all have great smiles. I’m standing behind them, my bangs all fluffy and youthful.

The noise of those days comes rushing back, and my tear ducts feel a little warm.

“Yuu-nii, I actually have a request.”

“Hm? What’s that?”

“I want to take a picture with you.”

“A picture? Sure, but why?”

Asaka lowers her eyes.

“I want to mark a turning point.”

Then, she takes the photo of the four of us out of the frame.

“Hey, what’s up?”

“I want to put a new photo in here. No matter how much I cherish the past, I can’t go back to it. I know that in my head, but seeing it like this makes me too aware of it…”

So, she wants to replace it with a new photo to physically turn away from the past. I see. Asaka’s trying to come to terms with her memories in her own way, but…

“Now that you’re finally back from Tokyo, Yuu-nii, it feels like clinging to unreachable memories forever—”

“Asaka, there’s a better way.”

“Huh? Yuu-nii, where are you going?”

“Just come on.”

We take the Civic and head to Aeon. On the first floor, we look for what I have in mind at a general store.

“Hmm, how about this one?”

I pick up a picture frame. It’s a simple glass design that won’t clash with the room’s vibe.

“A picture frame?”

“We’ll put the new photo in this one.”

“…But.”

“Don’t overwrite your memories. Display them side by side.”

“…!”

“Not every single one, but all of your precious memories are what make you who you are now, Asaka. If you distance yourself from them, I think you’ll be scared to look back on them someday.”

“You’re probably right.”

“If facing your memories gets tough in the future, just tell me. I’ll always be on your side.”

“…Yuu-nii.”

Asaka wraps her arm around mine. A soft, squishy sensation presses against my upper arm, and people around us start glancing our way.

“H-hey, don’t cling to me in public.”

“Ehehe.”

We buy the picture frame and swing by Miya and Mahiru’s houses to pick them up.

“Mahiru-chan, you look tired.”

“Practice was just this morning, but it was so hot.”

“Seriously. Yuu-nii, crank the AC.”

Miya groans lazily.

“Oh, by the way, we’re taking pictures today.”

“Pictures? Why?” Miya says suspiciously.

“It’s been a while since the four of us spent a summer together. Thought we’d take some to remember it.”

“We even bought a picture frame already.”

Asaka, in the passenger seat, shows off the frame we just bought.

“Talk about prepared!” Mahiru says.

As soon as we arrive at the Gendoji house, we head out to the observation terrace.

It’s been a while since I stood on this terrace.

The blazing sun, the sound of cicadas from the surrounding woods, the majestic Mount Fuji, and the town looking like a miniature from up here. The view is the same as that summer.

We ask a helper to take the picture. Ishikawa-san, was it? It’s been a while since I saw her too.

The four of us huddle together at the back of the terrace.

“Alright, everyone, smile!”

Click, the shutter sounds.

2

“It’s freakin’ hot.”

The moment I step out of the car, the scorching sunlight hits me. The shadows on the ground are dark, and heat shimmers on the road. It’s especially hot today, easily over thirty degrees.

The parking lot is almost full. Lucky us. A few minutes later, and we’d have had to walk from the second lot farther away.

Through the fence, I hear cheerful voices mixed with the sound of splashing water. The smell of chlorine carried by the breeze stirs my heart.

Today, we’re at the good old community pool. It’ll probably face fierce competition with the big leisure pool in the next town, but as a local, I want to root for this one.

“Yuu-nii, hurry up!”

Miya beckons. Mahiru and Asaka are already ahead on the sidewalk. There’s a long line at the ticket booth. We join the back.

“Man, this takes me back. Asaka, got your float? I’m not blowing it up for you anymore.”

“Hehe, I can swim now.”

Asaka glances at Miya.

“I can swim too! At least ten meters, for sure.”

“Miya-chan… isn’t that just drifting?”

“Shut up.”

“It’s so hot, though.”

Mahiru fans herself by flapping the collar of her T-shirt. The sun’s extra intense today. Even in the shade, I can’t stop sweating.

A few minutes later, it’s our turn.

“Let’s get season passes. One visit won’t be enough.”

“Yeah, Yuu-nii, let’s do it. Summer’s still long.”

Following Asaka and Mahiru’s suggestion, we buy season passes for everyone and enter. The chlorine smell gets stronger. It’s sharp but not unpleasant—a nostalgic scent.

To the right are the changing rooms, separated by gender. Straight ahead is the disinfection pool and shower area, with the pool beyond.

“See you later.”

Mahiru waves, and the three head into the women’s changing room.

“Ugh…”

When I come out of the changing room, the three are just coming out too. Damn, they’ve all grown so much.

Miya’s in a blue floral bikini with a sheer white pareo wrapped around her.

Mahiru’s massive assets are held up by a black high-neck bikini, looking like it might burst any second.

Asaka’s in a white high-neck bikini with a vertical slit at the cleavage.

“You’re slow, Yuu-nii.”

Miya steps toward me.

“Y-yeah, my bad.”

I used to dream of going to the pool with a curvy girl, but who would’ve thought these kids would grow up like this? Back then, they were flat as boards, but a woman’s growth is terrifying.

The eyes of passing guys are glued to the three. Their stares are so blatant, either they don’t care about being judged, or they’re too distracted to think about it.

Among the guys ogling them are some with girls—probably couples—and one girl, annoyed by her boyfriend’s behavior, yanks his ear and drags him away.

Even I, as their pseudo-big brother, have to admit their swimsuits are top-tier. If I were some other guy, I’d probably do the same. But I’m just their guardian; I can’t look at them that way.

“What do you think? We went shopping for swimsuits the day before yesterday.”

Asaka links her arm with mine. A devilish pressure transmits to my upper arm, and her cleavage peeks through the slit.

“H-hey.”

Looking straight ahead, Mahiru’s overwhelming chest weaponry fills my vision.

No good.

As their big brother figure who’s looked after them forever, getting turned on by these brats is ethically wrong and would betray their trust. I picture Dad, Tatsu-san, and Hanayoshi-san soaking in a hot spring to suppress my excitement.

“Hey, Asaka, stop clinging like a kid in public!”

Miya scolds, but Asaka ignores her.

“It’s the pool, so it’s fine. Besides, Yuu-nii’s left arm is free.”

Miya and Mahiru exchange a glance.

“Come on, you guys, let’s go already.”

I’ve been getting near-murderous glares from the guys around us.

We wade through the disinfection pool up to our waists and finally head to the pool.

It’s crowded everywhere, and I can feel the summer energy on my skin. Soaking in the sunlight feels great. It’s been forever since I came to a pool in the summer—probably since high school. Maybe even since I last swam, ten years ago.

“Yuu-nii, you’re still pale as ever.”

Mahiru puts her hand on my shoulder from behind.

“Get a good tan today.”

“You’re pretty pale too, Mahiru.”

“I’m an indoor athlete. Plus, I’ve got sunscreen on lock.”

In my memory, Mahiru was tanned until early fall, but as a proper high school girl now, she’s clearly careful about that stuff.

“Hey, let’s go do that first.”

Miya takes the lead.

“That?”

“That.”

Asaka points to the pool’s biggest attraction: the water slide. A large, tube-shaped slide twists its way down to the pool below.

“Ten years ago, we couldn’t ride it,” Mahiru says.

Her words remind me that the brats were dying to ride the water slide back then. They line up in front of the height board. You have to be over 125 cm to slide.

“All clear!”

Miya says with a grin.

Oh yeah, back then, they got turned away here and went to the smaller slide instead…

Memories of playing at this pool with the brats come flooding back.

“Ugh.”

“Why’re you crying?”

“Because you guys were so tiny back then…”

“That’s old news.”

Mahiru pats my head.

“Quit treating me like a kid, idiot.”

“Come on, let’s go, Yuu-nii.”

“Wait, you guys.”

“What?”

“What’s up?”

“What is it?”

“Stretching first.”

“Man, it’s pretty high.”

I look down at the entire pool from the top.

The crowd is dense, with people packed right up to the poolside. The lazy river is more like a river of people. Thinking about falling from this height sends a chill down my spine.

“Yuu-nii, it’s our turn.”

“Right.”

“So, who’s sliding first?”

“First?”

Apparently, you can borrow a big float and slide in pairs.

“First? You mean I’m sliding with all of you?”

“We slid together back then, didn’t we?”

Back then—when they were kids—we slid down the smaller slide in pairs because it was a safety rule for kids to be with an adult…

“I want to ride with Yuu-nii.”

Asaka says, and Miya and Mahiru nod.

“Ugh, fine.”

Still, standing before me are three beautiful high school girls in swimsuits. Even a “big” float is small enough that adults have to be pressed close to fit.

“So, who’s first?”

“Uh…”

What am I getting flustered about? Sliding with them isn’t weird, right?

“Let’s settle it with rock-paper-scissors.”

The first pairing ends up being me and Mahiru, with Miya and Asaka together.

“Yuu-nii, sit in front.”

“Got it.”

“You were scared looking down earlier, weren’t you?”

“Huh!? No way I was scared.”

“I’ve got you, so it’s fine.”

Mahiru, sitting behind me, wraps her arms around my waist.

“You can lean back more.”

“Alright.”

When I lean back, I feel something soft against my shoulders. Mahiru’s taller than me. It’s like I’m enveloped by her, giving me a strange sense of security.

“Here we go!”

The staff pushes the float, and we plunge into the tube.

“Whoa!”

“Eek!”

It’s faster than I expected. We zip through the tube, sliding left and right. Mahiru, who said she’d be fine, is screaming louder than me.

Finally, the view opens up, and we splash into the pool.

“Man, that was my first time sliding, but it’s fun.”

“First time? You’ve never done a water slide, Mahiru?”

“I mean, not just me—”

Soon, the float carrying Miya and Asaka shoots out from the tube.

“Kyaaa!”

“It’s pretty fast, isn’t it?”

Miya’s eyes are teary, and Asaka is breathing heavily.

“We promised we’d ride it with Yuu-nii when we came back,” Mahiru says.

Next, I’m sliding with Miya.

“Yuu-nii, you can sit in front.”

I can’t help but notice Miya’s legs seem to be trembling.

“Are you scared of being in front?”

“N-n-n-no way!”

I’m forcefully made to sit in front. Well, whatever. Miya clings to my back.

“…Here we go!”

Pushed by the staff, we dive in for the second time.

“Kyaaaa!”

“Oi, you’re so loud!”

“Kyaaaaa!”

Sure, it’s scary, but by the second time, you should have enough composure to enjoy the speed and thrill… or so I thought. Miya keeps screaming until the end.

“Gyaaaaa!”

“Hey, you okay?”

“…That was fun!”

Well, everyone enjoys things differently.

The third time is with Asaka.

“Yuu-nii, hold me from behind.”

“Like this?”

I support Asaka’s delicate body. Despite her slim frame, the parts that stand out are dangerously eye-catching.

“…Tch, here we go!”

I feel like I was pushed a bit harder and even heard a tongue click, but it’s probably my imagination.

“Kya!”

At the first corner, our position shifts.

“H-hey, Asaka!”

With that jolt, my arm slips, and my right palm lands on a soft bulge.

“Asaka, Asaka!”

“Kyaaaaa!”

Either she doesn’t notice, or before the second corner, Asaka hugs my arm tightly. My right hand sinks even deeper into the massive mound.

By now, I have zero capacity to enjoy the water slide. When we splash into the pool, all my senses are hijacked by my right hand.

“That was fun, wasn’t it?”

“Y-yeah.”

The lingering sensation in my right palm. I can’t look Asaka in the face.

“Yuu-nii, come on, let’s get out.”

She doesn’t seem to have noticed, acting as usual.

“Yeah.”

We climb out to the poolside and wait for Miya and Mahiru. A few dozen seconds later, their pair emerges from the tube. That’s when it happens.

“Hey, isn’t that Haruyama-san?”

“And Ryuushaku too!”

Voices rise from a group of guys and girls on the opposite poolside.

“Fancy meeting you here.”

“Hey, everyone, the Ironclad Maidens are here!”

The group starts calling out to Miya and Mahiru. They look like students, probably their classmates.

Running into friends here—lucky or unlucky?

“Yuu-nii.”

Asaka leans in close.

“It looks like Miya-chan and Mahiru-chan ran into their school friends.”

“Seems like it.”

“Oh, I know.”

“What?”

“Let’s be considerate. They just ran into their friends, so let’s not get in the way. How about we head over there for a bit?”

“Hmm, good point.”

It’d be awkward for them to hang out with friends while we’re around. I’ve been there—running into school friends while with family and feeling that weird mix of embarrassment and awkwardness.

We can pick them up in a bit.

“Hehe, let’s go.”

Asaka pulls me along, and we blend into the crowd.

3

“Wow, Haruyama-san’s wearing a bikini!”

“Running into the Ironclad Maidens here is such a crazy coincidence!”

“Eye candy, eye candy!”

“I could die happy today.”

“Mama!”

Ugh, this is bad.

Who’d have thought I’d run into schoolmates here? At a pool, of all places. I instinctively cover my chest with both hands. Good thing I’m wearing a high-neck bikini that covers everything.

“Mahiru.”

Miya hides behind me. She’s embarrassed to be seen in her bikini by classmates. Her cleavage is fully exposed, so I get it. I don’t love it either, but oh well. I’ll be her shield.

“Just the two of you?”

“No, with… friends.”

“Oh, well, since we’re here, let’s hang out a bit.”

The guys’ eyes are glued to my chest, not my face. I don’t owe these guys I barely talk to at school any time. Let’s wrap this up quick and get back to Yuu-nii and Asaka.

“Just for a bit, come on.”

“Nah…”

“Hey, Mahi!”

“Oh, Kaori.”

Another group of guys and girls joins us from a distance. Among them is my clubmate, Kaori Yamamiya.

“Hey, it’s Miya!”

“Seina-chan!?”

Looks like Miya spotted a friend in the group too—Seina Nonaka.

“That’s a bold swimsuit.”

“Don’t stare too much!”

This means we can’t just brush this group off.

“Yo, Nonaka, get Haruyama-san to join us. You’re close, right?”

“Ugh… Miya, can you hang out for a bit?”

“Yamamiya, come on, please.”

“No choice, huh? Mahi, just for a bit, please!”

Most of these people we don’t really know, and I could just say “nope” and walk away. But if we shut them down coldly, it might make things awkward for Kaori and Seina later.

I can imagine them feeling out of place after we leave.

To save face for Kaori and Seina, let’s hang out for ten or twenty minutes. Gotta let Yuu-nii and Asaka know we’re stepping away for a bit.

“…Huh?”

I turn around, but Yuu-nii and Asaka are nowhere to be seen.

“Mahiru, Yuu-nii and Asaka are gone.”

“…Yeah, they’re not here.”

Seriously?

“Ehehe, this feels nice.”

Asaka floats on her back in the lazy river. Her chest bobs on the water’s surface, dangerously eye-catching.

There are fewer people than when I looked down from the water slide, so we have enough personal space. Still, everyone moves at different speeds, so we need to watch out to avoid bumping.

Some people lounge in floats, drifting freely. A dad carries a small kid on his shoulders. A couple flirts by the edge, barely moving forward.

Some swim fast with the current, while others rebelliously fight against it.

We drift along with the varied crowd.

“Yuu-nii, I want to try that.”

Asaka points to a young couple ahead. The guy is giving the girl a piggyback ride.

“No, Asaka, that’s a bit—”

“You said, ‘Do whatever you want,’ didn’t you? I’ve already got your word.”

“Ugh…”

This clingy girl.

“Fine.”

The moment I agree, Asaka jumps onto my back. Along with her weight, two soft pressures press against me. I hold her thighs to support her. The softness of her skin and the resilience of her muscles balance perfectly. Being in the water, I don’t feel much weight—obviously.

Asaka strokes my chest while saying,

“I thought so at the villa, but you’ve lost weight, Yuu-nii.”

“Hmm, five or six kilos in ten years? Maybe more.”

“That much… Were you eating properly?”

“Well, cutting down on meal time meant more sleep time. Haha.”

“That’s not funny. Your body is your capital, Yuu-nii.”

“I know, I know.”

“It’s not just your body anymore.”

What’s that supposed to mean?

“…By the way, Asaka, can you stop tickling my nipples?”

“Aha.”

For now, we decide to wander the pool with the classmate group while looking for Yuu-nii and Asaka. Asaka’s with him, and it’s a familiar community pool, so we’ll probably run into them eventually.

But Asaka’s so excited to see Yuu-nii after so long that she’s acting weird. If her excessive clinginess makes Yuu-nii get any funny ideas, it’ll be trouble, so we need to find them soon.

“Ryuushaku, don’t get lost. Hold onto me.”

I ignore Hamamoto’s outstretched hand.

“Nah, I’m not a kid.”

We’re drifting in the lazy river. It’s the most crowded spot, so scanning the poolside while floating might help us spot Yuu-nii and Asaka.

“Miya, you don’t have to cling so much. Your feet can touch the bottom, right?”

“B-but the current’s pretty fast, and if I drown…”

“You’re not gonna drown. Also, you’re tiring me out.”

Miya’s clinging to Seina’s back.

“Haruyama-san, want me to give you a piggyback?”

“No, me.”

“Fine, I will.”

“Okay, okay, Miya, come here.”

“Mahiru~”

I give Miya a piggyback and scan the surroundings.

It feels like the crowd’s grown since noon. The water slide line stretches down the stairs. Good thing we rode it earlier… Wait, no.

Yuu-nii, Asaka, where are you?

Asaka’s an idol-level beauty with a unique aura, so she should stand out even in a crowd, but…

“Not here.”

“What’s that… Whoa!”

Someone swims by, splashing water. Miya, taking it full in the face, flails.

“Hey, Miya, where are you grabbing… Ngh!”

“I can’t breathe, I can’t—”

“My swimsuit’s gonna slip!”

“…Oh! Yuu-nii, should we get out soon?”

“Already?”

“Yeah, want to take a break?”

We climb out of the lazy river and head to the cafeteria.

“It’s almost lunch, but let’s eat with Mahiru-chan and Miya-chan. Maybe something light for now…”

There’s a good selection of snacks, ice cream, and shaved ice.

“Good idea. Oh, how about shaved ice?”

“Sounds good.”

“Two shaved ices—”

“Oh, one’s enough.”

“Huh? Really?”

“I don’t want to ruin my appetite for lunch.”

We sit at a table with a Blue Hawaii shaved ice.

“Ugh, my head’s freezing.”

We dig into the single shaved ice together.

Sharing one treat feels like something a couple would do. After eating about half, Asaka sticks out her tongue.

“Look, is it blue?”

“Let’s see… Yup, a bit blue.”

“Show me yours, Yuu-nii.”

“Here.”

I stick out my tongue—and at that moment,

“Take this!”

Asaka shoves a scoop of shaved ice into my mouth.

“Ugh, c-cold!”

It hits the back of my throat, and I writhe in agony. Asaka giggles at the sight.

“Hey, Asaka!”

“Ufufu.”

“—Attention, it’s now break time. Please exit the pool.”

The announcement signals the end of swimming time. We can re-enter in ten minutes.

Guided by staff, people stream out of the pool. Naturally, the poolside gets packed. I scan the crowd coming up, but the two aren’t there.

“Haruyama-san, want something to eat?”

“Ryuushaku, you hungry? I’m heading to the cafeteria.”

“Huh? Then, yakiso—”

I cover Miya’s mouth.

“Oh, we’re fine, fine, didn’t hear that.”

Without waiting for our reply, the group of guys heads to the cafeteria. To avoid contact with others, I take a spot by the wall.

“Mahiru, that hurts.”

“Sorry, sorry.”

I accidentally wall-slam Miya. Her face is right at my chest level, and I must’ve blocked her mouth and nose.

“Phew, thought I’d die. Where are Yuu-nii and Asaka, anyway?”

“No clue.”

“We should’ve set a meeting spot.”

“Seriously.”

“Maybe Asaka’s clinging to Yuu-nii again… A date? That’s not fair!”

“It’s not like that. Probably.”

“Currently, it’s break time. Please wait outside the pool as instructed by staff.”

The announcement comes from a nearby speaker.

Wait a sec. An idea bubbles up from the depths of my memory.

“Miya, I’ve got a great idea.”

“Huh?”

The break ends, and swimming time resumes.

“Guess it’s time to meet up with Mahiru and the others. I’m getting hungry.”

“Yuu-nii, over there, over there.”

“Hm?”

Asaka heads toward the north side of the pool. At the far end, part of the wall juts out like a roof, with water flowing down—a small waterfall-like feature. There’s a space under the overhang you can enter. That’s where Asaka wants to go.

“Oh, there.”

We pass through the water to enter. It’s a bit dim in the shade.

“Good, no one’s here.”

I lean against the wall.

The sound of water and children’s voices echoes. The view outside through the falling water feels hazy, like we’re cut off from the pool where everyone else is.

Asaka snuggles close to me.

“It’s calming, isn’t it?”

“Yeah.”

“Being alone together makes me happy. Spending time with all four of us is fun and precious, but I also want time alone with you. And it’s kind of…”

“What?”

“It felt like an escape, and that was fun.”

“You’re so dramatic.”

“Yuu-nii, if the world ever came after me, would you run away with me?”

“What’s with the sudden leap? That’s way too extreme.”

“Just answer.”

“Don’t worry. No matter what, I’m on your side.”

“…I’m so happy.”

Asaka looks up at me with moist eyes. Their sparkle feels like it could pull me in. Her cheeks are flushed, her breathing heavy.

When I put my arm around her delicate shoulders, Asaka’s body trembles. Water droplets slide down the cleavage visible through the slit.

“Yuu-nii—”

Asaka closes her eyes. At that moment—

“Lost child announcement. Aritsuki Yuu and Gendoji Asaka from the city, your guardians are looking for you. Please come to the reception—”

“What—”

“Oh my.”

As the crackling announcement ends, a nightmare flashes in my mind.

The cursed memory of being called out as a lost child at Aeon when I wasn’t the one lost…

“Those damn brats…”

I’m an adult now! What if someone I know heard that?

“Y-Yuu-nii, let’s go.”

“Yeah, I’m gonna give them a piece of my mind.”

“…In moderation.”

We climb out of the pool, the sun now at its peak.

4

“Mahi, sorry about yesterday.”

Kaori claps her hands together in apology. She’s talking about the community pool. Running into schoolmates there was unexpected.

Yuu-nii and Asaka wandered off somewhere, and dealing with those guys while babysitting Miya was a hassle. In the end, we used the break time to slip away from the guys and, with some quick thinking (?), rejoined Yuu-nii and Asaka. All’s well that ends well.

“It’s fine.”

It’s not Kaori’s fault, and no one’s to blame.

“But, like, that group… was it that kind of thing?”

Going to the pool with guys and girls during summer break sounds like a dating thing.

“No, no, it’s not like that. The class just decided to go to the pool together. It’s not some weird gathering.”

That’s what she says, but Kaori’s face is a bit red.

“Really?”

“It’s true! Volleyball’s my lover right now. Oh, the coach is here.”

“I know, I know. Let’s start practice.”

We have club practice this morning. In the stuffy second gym, shouts and the sound of balls flying echo.

“So hot… Nice serve!”

It’s scorching today, as always. The gym traps the heat like a sauna. Jumping, diving, hitting, and shouting—it’s just our usual practice, but within an hour, my practice clothes are soaked with sweat.

After three hours, everyone’s exhausted and drenched, and there’s a long line for the showers.

“What’re we doing after this?”

“Wanna hit up McDonald’s?”

“Oh, I’ve got plans.”

“Oh, Nattsun got a boyfriend, huh?”

“No way, really?”

“Hehe, got confessed to right before summer break.”

The first-years are caught up in love talk and aren’t leaving the gym.

“Come on, stop chatting and hit the showers.”

“““Yes, ma’am!”””

“Ugh, I’m all sticky. Mahi, let’s go.”

Kaori says.

“I’ve got a meeting and cleanup, so I’ll go last.”

“Alright, I’ll go ahead.”

After discussing summer camp and practice schedules with the coach, I head to the shower room. On the way—

“Kaori?”

By the gym, Kaori’s talking with a guy in a school uniform. I can’t recall his name, but he was at the pool yesterday.

Both look a bit embarrassed, their faces red. The guy awkwardly takes Kaori’s hand. She stiffens for a moment but then smiles, and they walk off together.

“…No way.”

So it was that kind of thing.

Kaori, who’s been all about volleyball since first year without a boyfriend, was all lovey-dovey.

“Love, huh.”

She looked so happy. Are they already dating? Either way, they’re probably into each other. That’s gotta feel great—knowing the guy you like likes you back.

I enter the empty shower room and put my clothes in a basket. I take off my uniform and underwear, slipping them into a drawstring bag. Finally, I remove my wristband and stare at the heart sewn on the inside.

A heart patch I sewed on myself.

“Love… huh.”

Well, that’s got nothing to do with me. I take a lukewarm shower.

The noon chime echoes from afar.

“Hey.”

“Yo, Mahiru.”

I stop by Moonlight Terrace on the way back. Yuu-nii stares into my eyes. His usual gentle, spaced-out gaze.

“You eat yet?”

“Nope, I’m starving.”

“Alright, alright, grab something to eat. Help the sales.”

“Hmm, carbonara, a salad, two pieces of pizza toast, and a cola float.”

“You eat a ton, as always.”

“It’s post-club hunger.”

I could eat more, but I’m not in the mood today.

Yuu-nii takes my order to his dad. Watching his back, I feel a sense of calm.

The doorbell jingles. I glance at the entrance, and Miya and Asaka walk in together.

“Oh, Mahiru.”

“Mahiru-chan, perfect timing.”

They look like they’ve been shopping, carrying paper bags. Miya sits across from me, and Asaka sits beside me.

“Welcome. It’s hot out, huh?”

Auntie brings water and my cola float, then takes Miya and Asaka’s orders.

“Mahiru-chan, your food’ll take a bit.”

“Okay.”

It’s busy around lunchtime.

“What’d you buy?”

“This? Mystery novels. Asaka wants to get into them, so I was giving her recommendations.”

“Oh?”

“Wanna read one, Mahiru?”

“Nah, I’m good. Reading’s not my thing.”

I borrowed a mystery novel from Miya once, but I didn’t enjoy it. Maybe I just don’t like reading in general. Seeing dense text makes me dizzy.

“It’s not for everyone.”

“Mahiru-chan, just got back from club?”

“Yup, done for the day. Free this afternoon.”

“Then let’s eat and head upstairs together. Yuu-nii, that cool?”

“Yeah, sure.”

“Oh, by the way, we should hit the pool again soon.”

Miya says.

“Totally. Yesterday was kind of a letdown.”

“Right, Asaka! What were you two doing yesterday?”

“Miya-chan, now you bring it up?”

“I just remembered.”

“Nothing much. You two got dragged off by your friends, so we just wandered around, right, Yuu-nii?”

“Y-yeah, pretty much.”

“Really?”

Miya stares at Yuu-nii.

“You weren’t all clingy?”

“…Uh, well.”

“You were!?”

Asaka sighs.

“It’s a pool. You naturally get close. Like on the water slide, right? We were just hanging out normally.”

“Hmm, is that how it works? Still, you two alone seems suspicious.”

“Come on, Miya-chan. The only reason Yuu-nii and I were alone was because you and Mahiru-chan ran into your friends, right?”

“That’s true… but.”

“Anyway, Miya-chan, these all look interesting, but which book should I start with?”

“Oh, um, for beginners, try The Astrology Murder Case—”

We had a gaming marathon in Yuu-nii’s room until late tonight.

Things are good as they are.

Spending time together like this, the four of us, is what matters.

The daily life that was once chipped away when Yuu-nii moved to Tokyo.

That fun time with the four of us is back after ten years.

Miya, Asaka, Yuu-nii, and me.

If we can stay together forever, that’s enough.

Forever, forever…

So this bond doesn’t get chipped away again.

So it doesn’t break.

I’ll keep my feelings hidden, forever.