Splash—
The showerhead sprayed hot water down Takakai's body as he rinsed off.
Wrapping a towel around his waist, he stepped out of the bathroom and into the hotel's large open-air hot spring.
Under the dim evening sky, steam rose from the water, mingling with the soft glow of the fluorescent lights lining the stone path, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere.
It was already evening—after Takakai and Maki had returned from their stroll, the four of them had dined at the hotel's upscale restaurant and taken some time to relax before heading to the baths.
"Haaah... not bad."
Sinking into the hot water, Takakai let out a long exhale, stretching lazily.
The bath was empty except for him. He glanced at the tall bamboo partition separating the men's and women's sections, his mind wandering.
Chika and Maki are probably enjoying themselves over there right now. Ahh, what I wouldn't give to join them... Though, my relationship with Kaguya isn't quite at that level yet. Once I get closer to all three of them, maybe a mixed bath won't be out of the question?
Well, even if a four-person soak is still a ways off, at least Chika and I could manage it. Probably not tonight, but tomorrow... And I've heard girls with bigger chests float in the water—wonder if that's true? Would love to see it firsthand. Maki probably wouldn't float, but they say women can have a second growth spurt depending on how... ahem... diligent their partner is. And I like to think I'm pretty diligent...
A smirk tugged at his lips as his thoughts spiraled.
He submerged himself almost entirely, stretching and even swimming a little in the spacious pool.
There was no need to worry about disturbing others—the entire hot springs resort had been booked out by Kaguya's group for the weekend. As a VIP guest, Takakai could've blown up the bath and the staff would've bowed and praised his demolition skills.
The perks of being rich, I guess.
Though, now that I think about it, didn't I hear about some hot spring in Japan that hadn't changed its water in a decade, with bacterial levels 9000 times over the limit? Please don't tell me it's this one...
The thought made him pause, his enjoyment of the bath instantly evaporating.
...Better not dwell on that.
He sighed, opening his eyes—only to see the shadowy, grotesque figures floating in the air above him.
...Yeah, even without that thought, this isn't exactly relaxing.
His expression twisted slightly as he observed the distorted, ugly apparitions.
The feeling was like... trying to enjoy a gourmet meal next to an overflowing trash can. Or sipping a sweet boba tea while the person beside you projectile vomits rainbow-colored chunks—complete with undigested tapioca pearls. Why am I even making these disgusting comparisons?!
After a few more minutes of half-hearted soaking, Takakai gave up and climbed out, thoroughly unenthused.
Meanwhile, in the women's section, Kaguya and Maki's gazes were razor-sharp—locked onto a certain pink-haired girl whose buoyant assets defied the laws of physics.
"Aahh... the hot springs are the best~"
Fujiwara Chika sighed in bliss.
Kaguya said nothing.
"Hehe, I could do this every day~"
Chika stretched, her upper body swaying dramatically.
Maki's pupils constricted.
How... how is this possible?
I knew she was well-endowed before, but why does it seem even more exaggerated now?!
There's no way they can change that much in a few days! What kind of sorcery is this?!
Her mind short-circuited.
She's gotten even curvier...
It's like she's some reincarnated succubus, designed from birth to seduce men with that body... Damn it, I can't help but envy her! Why does she get to develop like this?!
Kaguya's nails dug into her palms.
"Haa... haa..."
Oblivious to their stares, Chika relaxed fully into the water.
The soreness is fading a bit...
Takakai had been... enthusiastic during their first time, leaving bruises in several places. Though the swelling had subsided, a dull ache lingered. Girls really bear the brunt of these things, huh? That dummy should've been gentler... Though, I guess I didn't mind the roughness too much...
Her cheeks flushed at the memory.
Tonight, though... No, I already decided—next time is for Maki. Ugh, this is frustrating. Who knew I'd be into that kind of play? If Hiroshi finds out, will he think I'm too lewd?
Her thighs pressed together self-consciously.
"I wonder if Hiroshi's getting bored all by himself over there."
Her gaze slid toward Maki and Kaguya, her tone deliberately casual.
"How could anyone be bored in a hot spring?"
Maki frowned, instantly wary of where this was going.
"Hiroshi hates being alone~ Who knows, maybe he's wishing we'd keep him company right now."
Chika's smile turned knowing.
"That's absurd. Takakai-kun has self-control. He wouldn't indulge in such fantasies."
Kaguya scoffed, recalling their chaste cohabitation in the Shirakawa Apartments.
"Oh? So that's what you think..."
Chika's expression shifted to something almost... pitying.
"Anyway~ Maki-chan, what do you think?"
She pivoted smoothly, ignoring Kaguya entirely.
Wait, why is she dismissing me like that?! That look—it's like I'm not even in the race yet!
Kaguya's fists clenched.
When did Fujiwara surpass me like this? What changed?
The answer eluded her.
"W-Why would I care what you think?! Even if I had an opinion, I'd tell Hiroshi, not you!"
Maki's automatic tsundere response kicked in—before she caught herself, hastily backtracking.
"Ehehe, no need to be shy~"
"W-Wait, stop—ahh—!"
Water splashed as Chika gleefully harassed the flustered Maki, their dynamic resembling a demon lord toying with a hapless saint—a spectacle Kaguya observed with detached amusement.
Better her than me.
By the time the trio finished bathing, they found Takakai already waiting in the lounge, half-asleep on a bench.
"Oh, you're out?"
Rubbing his eyes, he took in the sight of the three girls in their yukata, his gaze lingering appreciatively before standing.
Instantly, Chika bounded over, looping her arm through his.
"Hiroshi~ Wanna playtest a board game I designed for the Tabletop Club?"
She tugged him toward the guest rooms without waiting for an answer.
"H-Hey! Don't just grab him—gah?!"
Predictably, Maki charged in—only for Chika to pivot, dragging her into the collision. Both girls ended up pressed against Takakai's chest.
Do I play the gentleman and stay still, or go for the double hug?
The debate lasted approximately 0.02 seconds before Takakai wrapped his arms around both.
"No need to rush~ Maki-chan can play too! Oh, and Kaguya-san, you're also invited!"
Ignoring Maki's scarlet-faced paralysis, Chika wriggled an arm free to wave at Kaguya—
—who stood frozen, her brain bluescreening at the chaotic scene before her.
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