Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093092067930254/episodes/16818622171645993337
With the start, I kicked the wall. I stretch my body and ride the momentum of the kick to the surface of the water. I turn my hand to scoop the water out behind me.
I check Hoshirobe’s timing for breath-holds, but her speed is about the same as mine. I swam as fast as I could, but it seemed that she would not let me win easily.
In the meantime, the wall of the turnaround point comes into view. I dexterously turn my body around, kick the wall, and head for the starting point. Hoshirobe also got off to a good start.
The last 25 meters. I move my body as fast as I can. It was a competition I had set myself. I would not let a miserable defeat be the outcome.
With less than half a meter to go, I accelerated the movement of my feet. I also accelerated my hand movements for the last spurt.
Hoshirobe, not to be outdone, also increased her speed. Her physical ability is superb. In no time at all, the gap that I thought I had widened a little, was quickly closing.
Five meters to go. It was my last gasp. I move my body as fast as I can. The first one to touch the wall and raise their head wins. I reach for the wall as it comes into view. And then
“”Puhaa…””
“……, which one was first?”
“I think it was at the same time. …… this game seems to be a draw.”
“Really, ……, I was pretty confident.”
“Fufu, that was pretty fast, darling. I got a bit impatient.”
“You’re the one who always swims, aren’t you? Could you even be a swimmer?”
“Fufu I don’t know. …… Then, let’s go one more time. This time in the breaststroke.”
“Wait, wait, wait. Let me take a break. …… I’m tired from swimming so fast.”
“Darling, the game is always sudden and unexpected. Let’s go!”
“Wait, wait, wait, wait!”
▼▽
“Haa, haa…”
A few minutes later. I was defeated by Hoshirobe.
I continued to be overwhelmed by her inexhaustible physical strength and the numerous swimming techniques she performed based on her honed athleticism. I may have been a little carried away. I had naively thought that I could beat her, who had been fighting on the front lines for so long. After the first few times, it was just a matter of time. After that, it was just a defeat
Hoshirobe kept swimming without resting even after I was exhausted. She didn’t even look out of breath. What a monster she is!
“Darling, have you lost your strength? I feel like you were still moving more when you were in junior high school.”
“Of course… I’m not in the sports club anymore. And you’re just too much of a monster. How are you not tired after swimming that much?”
“I’m an experienced swimmer. If I don’t swim this much, I won’t get strong.”
She got out of the pool and sat next to me. Her profile perfectly suited the expression “a beautiful woman dripping with water.”
“….. Hey, darling. Are you going to play volleyball again? Since you live so far away from home, why don’t you?”
“No ……. I’m so used to it now, and it’s already summer vacation for sophomore year. I can’t go back now.”
“Well,…… darling, I don’t think it’s too late. Or maybe you want to come to the tennis club? I’m sure you’ll be able to make it so that you can compete in the prefectural tournament during this summer vacation if you’re okay with me?”
“Haha, Shinomiya is going to kill me, so I’ll pass. The racket doesn’t suit my skin very well.”
“I see. …I really like the look of your serious profile, darling. So much so that I used to secretly go to the gym after club activities to take a look at you.”
“Really,……, I didn’t notice it at all.”
“Fufu, I was peeking in from outside so I wouldn’t be noticed. Darling isn’t the only one always watching.”
“You’re just as weird as I am.”
“We are an odd couple… Darling, you’ve been acting unstable for a while since you quit the club, so I was worried about you. When Mao-sensei told me you’d collapsed in front of the school gates, I wondered what would happen.”
“…That happened, too.”
“Since darling became like that, I haven’t been able to see your serious profile for a while, but I was relieved to see it the other day during the Miyabi incident… I’m a little annoyed that it wasn’t when it was me, though.”
“I’m sorry. But I was serious when you first approached me.”
“…. you’re serious about me?”
“Yeah. Before you’re a member of the opposite s*x, you’re a dear friend. We support each other. Right?”
“Yes. Yes, that’s right. My darling and I support each other. So, you should rely on me once in a while, too.”
Suddenly, her hand touched mine. I felt as if her hand and words were carrying her genuine concern, and I couldn’t help but smile a little.
“…I see. Maybe I’ll rely on you if it’s just occasionally.”
“You’re not very honest, darling. …Well then, let’s settle this for now.”
“Uh, I forgot… A man never brings two. Bring it on.”
“Is that okay? Well then…”
▼▽
After leaving the convenience store, I went to Hoshirobe, who was waiting outside. I took out an ice cream from the plastic bag I was carrying and handed it to Hoshirobe.
“Here. You like peaches, don’t you?”
“Oh, you remembered!
Nice choice.”
“…I know I shouldn’t say this, but is this really okay? Buying someone ice cream at a convenience store?”
“It’s little things like this that matter. If you always do something elaborate, you will get tired of it.”
“I’m surprised. I think the old you would have said something worse.”
“Like what?”
“Like sleeping together.”
“Hahaha. That’s true.”
“……, you’ve changed lately, haven’t you? You used to be more obsessed with me.”
“Ah… I suppose so. I may have more love rivals these days, but in the end, darling loves me equally. I think rushing everything will just tire me out. Besides, I don’t care what happens as long as darling is close by.”
“Would you resent me if I chose Yamanashi or Miyabi first?”
“I will resent you, but I think I can understand. relationship with Darling is one of mutual giving.”
“A mutual relationship?”
“Yes. With Miyabi chan, you give love. With Anri chan, you give vitality. When my darling gets hurt or something, I compensate for it, so I’m usually the one who enjoys being with you, not me who is useful in emergencies, but the two of us who give and receive.”
“…. though I get enough from you too.”
“Eh? From me?”
“You’re the one who gave me the courage to look forward, the courage to stand up, and the courage to …… be the person I am today, aren’t you? Don’t be so down on yourself.”
“…Fufu I see. Darling is so kind.”
She smiles happily next to me. In fact, I received a lot from her. We spent a very intense time together during our adolescence. There’s no way I can let her go so easily.
“….Then, please cherish the time you spend with me. The expressions you show only to me, the cool things only I know, the gestures you do only to me…treasure them all and save them for me alone. Don’t show them to the other two. I won’t forgive you if you do.”
“That’s a bit sudden… but it’s alright. I’ll accept it. Just do your best for me.”
“Fufu, yay. Can I kiss you?”
“Suit yourself.”
The mark of the kiss that hit my lips felt strangely hot.
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