Chapter 31: Beautiful Girl, Enjoying the Pool? (Part 3)

In front of me sat Moeka-chan, Sakurako-chan, and Ryoji—all kneeling in seiza. Beside them stood Togo, watching stiffly.
I was angry.

The first and most infuriating thing: I’d been touched all over, squirming and moaning, right in front of everyone. To have that kind of shameful scene on full display—what were people even thinking when they saw me like that? They probably thought I was some kind of pervert!

And to make it worse, even if nothing actually popped out, I still ended up flashing a completely indecent pose. That’s reason number two.

After all that humiliation, how am I supposed to get married now!?

…Well, not that I was planning on getting married anyway, so maybe that’s fine.

"Ayumi-chan, I’m so sorry! Please forgive us!"

"Sorry, Sakurako-chan. But… I. Can. Not. Forgive. You."

Sakurako-chan’s face instantly drained of color.
Beside her, Moeka-chan wore a gloomy expression.

They’re always teasing me and touching me, but that’s only when we’re among friends—or at worst, at school. I tolerated it. Not that I ever wanted them to do it!

But this time? They pulled that stunt in front of actual guests! Of course I’m mad! Who wouldn’t be!?

"Ayumi."

"What, Ryoji? Got something to say?"

"Those were some great boobs!"

My face went hot.

Ryoji—you touched my chest too!? That’s not teasing, that’s molestation! Just because you know I used to be a guy doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want!

And you’re saying this now? In this situation!? Learn to read the room!

Beside him, Togo buried his face in his hands. Finally, a normal reaction.

"I’m sorry, Ayumi-chan. What can we do to make it up to you?"

Moeka-chan looked like she was about to cry.

…Ugh, now I kind of feel bad. It’s not like I want to stay mad at them.

"If you can swear never to do it again, I’ll forgive you."

There. A simple condition. We could end things peacefully.

"Um…"

What’s with the hesitation, Moeka-chan!? It’s not that hard—just don’t do it again!

And Sakurako-chan, why are you looking away!? You two clearly aren’t sorry! Forget it, I take it back—you’re not pitiful at all!

"I’m afraid we can’t accept that condition, Ayumi."

Ryoji rose smoothly from his kneeling position.

No, wait—what!? Why are you acting like this is a negotiation between equals!? You’re the offender here! You have no right to negotiate!

Ryoji placed both hands on my shoulders, staring straight into my eyes with an absurdly serious expression. I opened my mouth to say something, but his sudden intensity froze me.

Then he began speaking—no, declaring:

"Ayumi, your skin is flawlessly fair and smooth, glistening as the pool’s droplets slide right off it. When sunlight hits, those drops sparkle like jewels. Your flowing hair, your softly flushed cheeks warmed by the heated water—it’s like seeing a fairy. And your chest—small, yet perfectly marshmallow-like—makes one want to lick it all over. Your cute little butt, perky and perfect, just begs to be devoured. And when that sight is laid bare before me, how could my hands possibly resist? No—no one could stop themselves. Isn’t that right? I don’t even need your answer, because I already know it’s true! And then that fairy—when touched—lets out the sweetest little cries, as if she might ascend to heaven! Tell me, how could anyone hold back in that situation, huh?!"

"Eh!? Ah… um, yeah?"

I accidentally nodded. He’d just unleashed a speech longer than an essay, and then suddenly threw that question at me—my brain couldn’t keep up!

"Then we’re agreed. Let’s consider the matter settled."

"Wait—what!? How!?"

"I thought Ayumi just said, ‘I guess I’m too cute for my own good,’ meaning she understands and forgives us."

I—I didn’t say anything like that!

And why are Sakurako-chan and Moeka-chan nodding along like, “Yeah, yeah, it can’t be helped”?

You toyed with me, humiliated me, and now you’re brushing it off like that!?

That was the final straw. I was genuinely mad now.

"That’s it! I’m done with all of you! We’re through!"

My outburst struck them like thunder. The air trembled, and for a moment, it was as if time itself froze.

Ah—maybe I went too far? Saying “we’re through” was a bit much… but come on, none of them even apologized properly!

Moeka-chan slowly turned to me, her eyes brimming with tears.
Wait—she’s actually crying!?
Oh no. And now Sakurako-chan’s eyes are red too.

Seeing them like that, guilt hit me like a brick. Maybe I really messed up this time…

"Ayumi-chan, we’re sorry! Please don’t hate us!"

Both Sakurako-chan and Moeka-chan threw themselves at me, sobbing.

And now here I was, having made two girls cry—both clinging to me while wailing—and I had no idea what to do.

What do I even do in this situation!? I feel like crying too!

"…S-sorry. I might’ve gone a bit too far. I didn’t really mean it—we’re not through or anything. So stop crying, okay?"

"Really?"

"Really?"

Please don’t both look up at me like that with those teary puppy eyes… I can’t handle it.

"Really, really. So stop crying, okay?"

I pulled them close and gently patted their heads.

"Thank goodness…"

Both smiled through their tears.

Yeah, thank goodness. Truly. I’m sealing away the phrase “we’re through” forever.

Everything before kind of got swept under the rug, but between embarrassing myself and making two girls cry, the latter was definitely the bigger problem. So honestly, whatever—my humiliation doesn’t matter anymore.

That was exhausting. I even broke into a cold sweat.

I never knew girls’ tears could be that powerful. If I were still a guy, I’d probably be branded a monster for making a girl cry.

Anyway, since they’d finally stopped crying, I figured this whole ordeal could end. I let out a sigh of relief.

…Oh, right. I forgot about Ryoji.

He was still kneeling there, staring blankly into space. Well, maybe that’s for the best.

I gathered Moeka-chan, Sakurako-chan, and the flustered Togo to leave.

"Hey! Ayumi! Hug me too! Pat my head!"

You never learn, do you, Ryoji…

That unshakable lack of shame was so ridiculous that I couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

Fine. I’ll forgive you too, Ryoji. Just this once.

After (somewhat?) resolving everything, we took over a corner of the food court.

"Sorry, Ayumi-chan! Today, it’s on us!"

"Yeah, yeah! Me, Sakurako-chan, Ryoji-kun, and Yoshikawa-kun are all treating you!"

"Huh!? Me too?"

Togo looked surprised by the sudden inclusion.

"Yep! Me, Yoshikawa, Aikawa, and Minase are all covering it. Just wait at the table, okay?"

"Huh!? So me too?"

Togo was forcibly roped in. He’d been a mere spectator during the floating mat incident, so it was a little unfair.

But honestly, he could’ve stopped them from treating me like that, and instead, he just watched. So I guess I can’t feel too sorry for him.

"Alright, we’ll go grab some food. Wait here, okay?"

Moeka-chan and the others headed off toward the stalls.

The pool itself wasn’t that crowded, but the food court was packed around lunchtime. Waiting in line was going to be rough.

I stayed behind to watch our stuff. Once they left, it suddenly felt quiet—and a little lonely.

I fiddled with my phone for a while, swinging my legs as I sat, trying to pass the time.

They weren’t coming back anytime soon. I rested my elbows on the table and propped my face in my palms, looking as bored as possible while I waited.

"Hey, hey, you—got a minute?"

A voice called from behind me.

"Me?"

I turned around.

"Wow, super cute! You’re a total jackpot, Daichan!"

"Told you, didn’t I?"

…What’s going on with these guys?

Could it be this table and these chairs were already reserved? I really don’t want to get kicked out.

"Um… do you need something from me?"

I asked cautiously.

…Wow. Both of them were easily over six feet tall, maybe around twenty. Big builds, tanned skin—kinda intimidating. My heart started racing.

"Yeah, yeah. You look bored—wanna hang out with us?"

"Sorry, I’m meeting someone."

At first, I thought they had the wrong person. But apparently not.

…Wait, is this a pick-up attempt!? What are they thinking, hitting on a former guy? Objectively, I look like a girl, sure—but still!

I just wanted them to leave. Now. This was way too stressful.

Being looked down on by those tall, broad-shouldered bodies was intimidating as hell. My palms were sweaty.

"No, come on, forget those boring guys. Come play with us!"

"Yeah, we came all the way to the pool! Let’s have some fun in the water!"

Persistent.

No matter how many times I refused, they wouldn’t give up. My hesitation seemed to irritate them, and the atmosphere was starting to feel… dangerous.

It’s so unfair. I have my own plans!

"Hey, Daichan, let’s just take him with us!"

"Yeah! You wanna play anyway, right? Come on, let’s go!"

The guy called Daichan grabbed my arm. His huge hand clamped down hard—ouch!

My arm’s already thin, and it felt like it could snap.

And I wasn’t even standing yet! Don’t pull me!

Still sitting, I was yanked forward, and my balance gave out.

"Ah! Kyah!"

With a loud clatter, my chair tipped over. I let out a small scream and crashed to the ground.

"Ow—"

I sat on the concrete, clutching my knees. I’d scraped them on the floor, and blood was starting to seep through my fingers.

The guys finally seemed to realize something was wrong and asked, "Are you okay?" But they still hadn’t let go of my arm.

Of course I’m not okay! Do they even know how much it hurts to scrape skin that’s been softened by water!?

"Let go… please…"

I begged, half in tears.

But they didn’t loosen their grip.

"Ah, we can’t swim like this, huh? Let’s skip the pool and patch you up behind that building."

"Yeah, swimming’s impossible now—can’t be helped."

…What? They still won’t give up?

I don’t need patching up—and there’s absolutely no reason to go behind some building.

The two of them grinned, tugging my arm harder. This was bad—I was actually going to be dragged off. If they took me somewhere out of sight, I wouldn’t be able to meet up with the others, and who knows what they’d do.

They were lying. Obviously.

I can’t fight. I’m timid, and now that I’m a girl, my body’s weaker than before. Even if I tried to resist, they’d overpower me easily.

I looked around, but the nearby people only watched from a distance.

No one was helping. I was really being taken somewhere.

Realizing that, fear welled up inside me, making my whole body tremble.

—Scared.

For the first time since becoming a girl, I truly felt fear. Being forcibly grabbed by men bigger and stronger than me—it was terrifying.

Someone, please… help me.

"Ayumi! Are you okay!?"

"Ayu-chan! Are you okay!?"

As if my silent plea had been heard, Ryoji and Togo came running. Even though they were juggling juice, okonomiyaki, and other snacks, I couldn’t help but think they looked a little cool.

They glared at the man still gripping my arm, while I sat there nursing my injuries.

"What’s the deal? Are these guys with you?"

The two men shot Ryoji and Togo an irritated glare.

"What the… brats, huh?"

The one who’d been smirking suddenly had his face introduced to Togo’s foot.

The guy called Daichan took the kick square in the face and hit the ground hard—out cold from a single blow.

"W-what the hell!? What did you do?!"

The other man lunged at Togo, furious.

This was bad. He was bigger and more muscular than Togo—if it came down to a straight fight, it wouldn’t end well.

But Togo didn’t flinch. He met the man’s glare without hesitation.

"Oi, say something…!"

Before the man could throw a punch, Ryoji slammed a tray piled with eight steaming-hot takoyaki into his chest. The man flinched, startled by the heat.

Then Ryoji drove his foot straight into the guy’s groin. He collapsed, writhing in pain.

…Okay, this is brutal. I’m starting to lose track of who the real villains are here…

"Now get out of here already!" Togo shouted.

The man on the ground groaned, muttered, "Damn it," then hauled Daichan’s limp body onto his back and stumbled away.

Th-thank goodness.

I let out a shaky sigh of relief.

"Ayumi, you okay? Can you stand?"

Ryoji ran over and offered his hand. I took it and got to my feet.

"Ugh…"

My scraped knees throbbed sharply, making me wince. Togo picked up the fallen chair and set it upright, and I gratefully sat down.

"Ayumi-chan, are you okay? Your knees… they look sore. I wonder if Aikawa or Minase has a bandage…"

"Thanks for worrying about me. I’m fine—it’s just a little scrape," I said, smiling at Togo. My face flushed slightly.

As for the injury… honestly, it hurt quite a bit. But it wasn’t serious. If I just toughed it out, the pain would fade soon enough.

"Sorry we were late, Ayumi," Ryoji said.

"No, it’s okay. I’m just glad you came. Thank you."

I was genuinely relieved that he and Togo had stepped in. Thinking back to my days as a guy, I’m not sure I would’ve been brave enough to intervene if I saw someone getting harassed. I was really grateful for their courage.

"So, the thank-you kiss… you’re gonna do it mouth-to-mouth, right?"

"Huh?"

"I-I’ll settle for a cheek, Ayu-chan!"

"Huh?"

I couldn’t process the sudden topic change and blurted out a dumb noise.

K-Kiss!? M-Mouth kiss!? How did it even come to that!? And would Ryoji really be happy being kissed by a former guy? Is he… gay? But technically, I’m a girl now, so maybe not…? Forget it!

N-No way. Absolutely no way.

"Haha, I know, I know. That flustered look is cute, Ayumi," Ryoji teased.

"Yeah, exactly. That’s why it was worth coming to help," Togo added.

Ah, so it was just a joke.

Being teased like that strangely eased the leftover fear. I still wanted to thank them somehow—but a kiss was definitely out of the question. I wished there was some other way.

After that, things somehow became even more troublesome than the harassment attempt itself.

When Moeka-chan saw my scraped knees, her face darkened with fury.

"I’m going to go get their necks," she said ominously.

Sakurako-chan, on the other hand, burst into tears again—even though I was the one who got hurt.

It took a lot of effort to calm both of them down, but knowing they were angry and crying for my sake made me really happy.

The injury wasn’t serious. Sakurako-chan had a small bandage that was enough to stop the stinging when I got back in the water. I could walk fine, so we’d still be able to enjoy the pool after lunch.

And so, our slightly delayed lunch—cooled off a little from all the earlier chaos—finally began.

Since it was on them, I had to eat properly!

A little late, but… itadakimasu.