Chapter 4: A Manual for Dating

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“Are things awkward with Sagara? Why?”

Sacchan’s puzzled voice came through the phone.

I was drying the nail polish on my toes while talking to Sacchan. The phone was on speaker mode, resting on the table.

Since we were all going to Lake Biwa tomorrow, I had repainted my nails, both hands and feet, to match my swimsuit. I chose a simple white French manicure. Hugging my knees, trying not to move my feet, I nodded and sighed.

“Somehow, I don’t know how to be affectionate with him. We haven’t made any progress at all.”

“What’s that about? You don’t have to force it, you know?”

“But… Sacchan, you’ve already gone on a trip with Hojo-kun…”

When I said that, Sacchan suddenly fell silent. Puzzled, I asked, “Sacchan?” After a moment, she replied hesitantly, “Oh, yeah.”

“It’s not about me. Maybe it’s because Sagara’s being a coward.”

“I-I don’t think it’s his fault…”

Of course, Sagara-kun wasn’t at fault, but it might be true that he had no such intentions. Even when I drunkenly pushed him down, he ultimately turned me down…

“So, am I not attractive?”

“That’s not true. Sagara will definitely be smitten when he sees you in your swimsuit.”

“…Really? Will he say I’m cute?”

Normally, Sagara-kun is like a paragon of rationality and gentlemanliness. But under the blazing summer sun, maybe he’ll lose his composure a bit. If I actively appeal to him, maybe we can have some natural, affectionate moments as a couple.

“…I’ll try my best to make some progress!”

“…You don’t have to rush it, you know.”

Sacchan’s unusually reserved words made me tilt my head in confusion. Usually, she’s full of bold suggestions, so what’s going on today?

After discussing tomorrow’s plans and what to bring, we finally ended our long phone call. The nail polish was completely dry, and it was almost midnight. Since I’ll be showing Sagara-kun my swimsuit tomorrow, I decided to apply some body cream before going to bed.

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Outside the window, the blazing sun sparkled on the lake’s surface. The cool breeze from the air conditioner brushed my cheeks, and an unfamiliar rock band’s song played on the car stereo.

Leaning back in the seat, I was staring blankly at the scenery when I felt a tap on my shoulder. Reluctantly turning to the side, I saw Hojo, who was driving, pointing at a bottled drink in the holder.

“Hey, Sagara, can you open this and pass it to me?”

…Why am I spending my summer vacation driving with a handsome guy?

Nanase and I were headed to Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, driven by Hojo.

The drive from Kyoto City to our destination, Omi-Maiko, was about an hour. It was just the right distance for a day trip. I didn’t have a driver’s license yet, but I should probably get one for the future. I might need to start saving up now.

“Is this your car?”

Hojo, who picked us up today, was driving a black minivan. When I asked, Hojo flashed a bright smile.

“No, it’s my dad’s. I’d love to have my own, but I can’t afford it yet.”

Still, many girls would pay to sit in the passenger seat of Hojo’s car. Sudo, who was probably used to it, quickly said, “I want to sit next to Haruko,” and climbed into the back row. Left with the choice of sitting next to Kinami or in the front passenger seat, I chose the latter without hesitation.

“Wow, Lake Biwa really looks like the sea!”

Nanase, her eyes shining, exclaimed as she looked out the window.

“You can swim in Lake Biwa! I didn’t know that.”

“Yeah, you can. I went with my club mates last year. It’s not sticky like seawater, and there are no jellyfish. I like it.”

Sudo’s words made Nanase squint with excitement. Dreaming of a rosy college life, she probably had “summer BBQ at Lake Biwa with friends” on her wish list as well.

“The weather is so nice today! The lake is sparkling, it’s beautiful! I’m glad we came!”

Nanase’s joyful words made Sudo smile too. Nanase’s ability to express her emotions openly and genuinely was one of her charming traits. Her presence seemed to lighten the atmosphere, and it was clear that Sudo appreciated that about her.

The two girls were excitedly taking pictures and videos in the car. It was impressive how much fun they were having even before reaching the destination.

Just then, Nanase turned towards me, and our eyes met in the mirror. She gave me a shy smile, making my heart skip a beat. I quickly looked away.

…It’s better that we’re not alone, but it’s still a bit awkward.

Thanks to Hojo’s smooth driving, we safely arrived at the Omi-Maiko swimming area.

The lake gently lapped against the shore, and there was even a white sandy beach, making it look like the sea. The lakeside also had a BBQ area.

“Alright, we’ll go change.”

The girls said and headed to the changing rooms. We also went to the men’s changing room to change into our swimsuits. I wore a cheap one I bought online a few days ago. Praying it wouldn’t tear, I put on a black hoodie over it.

Stepping outside, the girls weren’t out yet. We sought shade and waited for them. The intense heat was starting to lower my spirits.

I never liked summer much, and after getting heatstroke last year, I despised it even more. The cheerful crowds were enjoying their BBQs, and the smell of grilled meat wafted over. The scorching sun was relentless, making me sweat just by standing still. I could take off the hoodie, but I didn’t want to expose my scrawny body. Maybe I should’ve done some workouts…

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“M-Maybe I can’t go out like this…! Sacchan, do you have a rash guard!?”

Standing in front of the locker in the changing room, I was suddenly feeling scared. Even though I had changed into my swimsuit, I couldn’t muster the courage to step outside.

“Swimsuits and underwear cover about the same amount of skin, right!? How can people walk around like this so casually!?”

“You’re overthinking it. Everyone’s in swimsuits, so being embarrassed is what’s embarrassing.”

“Ugh… But…”

The last time I wore a swimsuit was during high school PE. I had never worn a bikini before. Going from a school swimsuit to a bikini felt like too big a leap. Maybe I should have chosen a one-piece…

Sacchan’s swimsuit was a high-neck bikini with a pareo. Comparing myself to her made me feel even more exposed and embarrassed.

“Last night, you were all excited about dazzling Sagara.”

“I-I didn’t say I’d dazzle him… I just want him to think I’m cute… But I’ve never shown Sagara-kun this kind of outfit before…”

“It’s fine. It’s not like you’re showing him your bare body.”

Sacchan’s words made me let out a strange squeal.

…R-Right… Since we’re dating, eventually… I’ll have to show him that side of me too, right…?

In that case, I couldn’t let a swimsuit scare me. Steeling my resolve, I took out a lipstick from my makeup pouch. Reapplying it, I smiled at the mirror. Just that small act gave me the confidence and courage I needed.

…I hope Sagara-kun thinks I’m cute.

“O-Okay! Sacchan, let’s go!”

I stepped forward with determination, walking towards where Sagara-kun was waiting under the sun… while hiding behind Sacchan.