Chapter 43: Beautiful Girl, To the Sea (Part 3)

After dinner, when we got back to our room, the futons were already laid out. I had the sudden urge to dive right into one, but that felt a little embarrassing, so I restrained myself.

Meanwhile, Moeka and Aika immediately flopped into theirs. Maybe I should’ve just gone for it too.

"Moeka—! Quit that, you’re kicking up dust!"

"Sorry, sorry. They just looked so fluffy I couldn’t resist..."

Scolded by Sakurako, Moeka stuck her tongue out playfully. It’s amazing how she can act like that without being annoying—she’s just naturally charming. I couldn’t help but think she was really cute.

I glanced at the clock on the wall. It had just passed eight.

"Shall we get ready for the bath?" Yoshino asked, checking the valuables she had locked in the safe.

We each gave a quick nod and began pulling our underwear and bath supplies from our bags.

Now then, what should I do...? I’d been thinking about it even during dinner, but yeah—taking a bath really seems like a bad idea! Sure, changing clothes also means undressing, but bathing is... different. Even if I ignore the chance of the others teasing me again, there’s still the problem of me accidentally seeing them.

Do I actually want to see Moeka, Sakurako, Yoshino, or Aika naked—like, in a pervy way? Honestly, no. I’d probably get nervous, but there’s no lust behind it.

I guess it’s not just that I’ve gotten used to changing together in the locker room—it’s that over time, I’ve started recognizing the girls around me as the same gender. But even so, the part of me that’s still a boy keeps ringing alarm bells—sharing a bath with girls just feels wrong.

Meanwhile, the girl part of me just goes, “What are you even talking about?”

In my head, one voice says, “I’m a girl,” while another says, “No, you’re still a guy.” I lived as a boy for fifteen years, so of course that voice is louder. Compared to that, four months of living as a girl is practically nothing.

I’ve just been going along with things, fitting in little by little—but deep down, what do I really want to be in the end? Which version of me do I want to stay as?

"Ayu-chan! What’s wrong? Are you feeling okay?"

I snapped out of it. I’d been lost in thought and hadn’t noticed anything around me. When I looked up, Aika was peering into my face with a worried expression.

"I-I’m fine! The bath, right? Let’s go, let’s go!"

Ah—there it was. I said it without thinking, just to keep her from worrying. Way to go, Ayumi.

But at this point, backing out with “Sorry, actually I can’t” would only make everyone more concerned. I just had to steel myself. The boy part of me needed to zen out. It’s basically like the locker room or the pool—just... a bit more intense.

I rummaged through my suitcase for a change of underwear.

When I told Mom that the inn provided yukata, she made me go buy a beige camisole. Apparently, wearing just a bra under a yukata makes the lines show, and that’s “unbecoming.” I said, “But it’s all girls, so who cares?” and nearly had my allowance cut in half. So I went shopping in the blazing heat, practically in tears. Mom’s really strict about appearances.

After packing everything I needed into a small bag, the five of us headed to the changing room.

My heart wavered a little as I stepped under the curtain marked “Women,” but there was no turning back now. I took a deep breath and went in.

Inside, the place was more spacious—and emptier—than I’d imagined.

There didn’t seem to be many guests staying here, and even though it was eight at night, the changing room was completely empty aside from us. Every basket was unused, which meant the bath itself was probably empty too.

That made me feel a little relieved.

If we’d walked in to find a room full of naked women, I’d have definitely freaked out—and felt guilty on top of that. Not that being here with the other four wasn’t already kind of bad...

Each of us picked a spot and started undressing. I found a corner for myself, hoping to quietly change—but then Yoshino came over.

Oh no... I was planning to do this stealthily where no one could see!

"Sorry. You didn’t want me over here, did you?"

"Eh!? N-no, not at all!"

Was my face really that easy to read? I hurried to deny it.

Yoshino just giggled softly. She’d already removed her makeup back in the room, but honestly, she looked just as beautiful without it.

Then she slowly began to take off her shirt.

I caught myself watching and quickly shook my head. What was I doing, staring at someone else when I didn’t even want to be seen myself!?

I hurried to grab my own shirt and pull it off.

That’s when I felt it—an intense stare.

I lifted my shirt over my head, glanced around, and found six shining eyes fixed right on me.

"Haa... Ayumi-chan, your skin really is beautiful."

"Seriously! Totally different from my sister’s!"

"Aika! Don’t drag me into this! You’re not exactly winning any awards either!"

The three of them started inching closer, and I backed away fast.

Sakurako was breathing heavily, flexing her fingers like she was ready to pounce. Danger level: maximum.

And behind her stood the Moeka sisters—my doom, times three. Three against one. No chance. No escape.

Even if we’re all girls, touching each other like that is still a no-go! And it’s never me who starts it—it’s always them! I’m not saying it’s unfair or anything, but come on, it’s best if neither side crosses the line, right? Not that I’m expecting that kind of miracle...

I glanced back at Yoshino. Our eyes met. I sent a silent plea for help—“Save me”—and she smiled gently. Oh no. This was the end...!

"Sakurako, Moeka, you girls need to stop that. Ayumi-san clearly doesn’t like it."

I blinked in surprise. She’d understood my look and stepped in to stop them.

"Eeh, sis! You’re really gonna leave us hanging now? That’s just cruel!"

Sakurako pouted, while the Moeka sisters exchanged awkward glances.

"Sakurako. Don’t do things that make people uncomfortable—or things you wouldn’t like done to you. Understood?"

She said it with a gentle smile, but her eyes were sharp. The kind of look that brooks no argument.

Sakurako twitched, shoulders trembling.

"Sakurako. Your answer?"

"...Fine. I’m sorry."

She hung her head in defeat.

Yoshino didn’t raise her voice once, yet the pressure she gave off was incredible. Watching the two of them, it felt like a tiger glaring down at a toy poodle. There was no winning that.

"Guess I’ll just have to settle for Moeka’s boring naked body, then."

"Wait! Hold on, Sakurako-chan! Saying it like that kinda hurts, you know!?"

"Well, sis, it’s not like you’ve got much going for you—no waist, short legs, and flat chest."

"Stop! Wait! I do have a waist! And my legs aren’t short! Waaaah!"

Finally free from being the target, I let out a sigh of relief. Poor Moeka—I’d pick up her bones later.

I looked at Yoshino gratefully, and she reached out to gently pat my head.

I’d never wanted an older sister like this more than in that moment. Her gentle pat made my heart feel warm.

Once we finished undressing without further incident, Yoshino and I headed into the bath together. My heart was racing, but I tried my best not to think about anything. The others followed soon after.

As expected, no one else was inside—we had the entire place to ourselves.

I sat down on a stool in the corner wash area. First things first: hair. Ugh, what a hassle. I’d thought about cutting it short, but everyone shot the idea down. But come on—it’s hot, hard to wash, and takes forever to care for! What’s the upside!?

I reached out to turn on the shower, but before I could twist the knob, Sakurako and the other two came over.

No way—they weren’t planning something now, were they!? I stiffened instinctively.

"Ayumi-chan, we’re sorry!"

"I’m sorry. It must’ve really bothered you before, huh?"

"Ayu-chan, sorry! Please don’t hate us!"

"Huh?"

Their sudden apology caught me completely off guard.

It took me a few seconds to realize they were talking about earlier. Yeah, I did think they should tone it down a bit with all the touching… but I never expected them to apologize with such serious faces.

Of course, I never once hated any of them. But the sudden turn of events made me panic a little.

"N-no, really, don’t worry about it! It’s just, um… being touched is kind of embarrassing, so I’d rather you didn’t, but… I could never hate you three!"

As soon as I said that, their faces brightened instantly.

"““Thank goodness!””"

I was relieved too—at least things didn’t end up awkward between us.

The four of us shared a small laugh together.

"I’m done! I’ll head out first, okay?"

Everyone else still seemed content to relax and soak for a while longer.

I was starting to feel dizzy, so I decided to leave ahead of them. They say girls love long baths, but I don’t think I’ll ever keep up with that. If I stay in any longer, I’ll turn into a prune!

I got dressed back in the changing room, slipped on my yukata, and used the hair dryer to fix my hair.

Outside the large bath area was a small lobby—a rest space with chairs, a TV, and even a tatami section for lying down. I decided to wait there for the others.

Sitting in one of the chairs, I sipped my juice in small gulps. The cool air felt amazing on my skin still warm from the bath.

No one else was around. It was completely silent—so quiet it almost felt lonely.

As I sat there spacing out, the door to the staff room opened. My eyes turned toward it, and out stepped Aoi-kun.

"Sakura-san? We sure keep running into each other today."

He looked a little surprised, holding a basket overflowing with towels.

Maybe he’d just finished doing laundry for the bathhouse. Now that I thought about it, there was a bin for used towels near the entrance.

"Helping out with the family business?"

He nodded lightly. "Yeah. During summer break, my parents work me to the bone."

He set the basket down for a moment, rolling his arm in a wide circle to stretch.

"So, how was our bath?"

"It felt amazing."

He smiled, looking genuinely happy to hear that.

We ended up chatting about nothing in particular. Despite me usually being shy around people, he was easy to talk to. Maybe he noticed I wasn’t great at keeping conversations going, because he kept bringing up new topics himself.

Even when all I could do was nod along, he still seemed to enjoy talking.

He told me he goes to a nearby high school, is part of the kendo club, and that he’s one year older than me—a second-year student. When I said I was in high school too, he looked a bit surprised, which kind of bugged me. I snapped back with, "I know, I look like a kid, right?" and he just laughed and said sorry. Yeah right—you didn’t mean that apology at all!

After a while, his phone started ringing. He quickly checked the screen.

"Ah, I wanted to keep talking, but my mom just texted saying I’m taking too long. Thanks for keeping me company, Sakura-san."

"No problem! I was just killing time waiting for everyone anyway."

He smiled, picked up the towel basket, and headed toward the exit.

But then he paused, as if remembering something, and turned around.

"Oh, right—I forgot to say. That yukata really suits you, Sakura-san."

Thump—my heart skipped a beat. I could feel the warmth rising to my ears. My face was probably bright red.

By the time I managed to open my mouth to thank him, he was already out the door.

I’d never been complimented like that before—not in such a pure, straightforward way. Usually it’s teasing, half-joking, or… well, lewd. So being praised honestly like that felt refreshing.

Somewhere deep inside, a warm feeling spread through me. Was I… happy? Maybe. I mean, anyone would feel good being told they look nice, right? It’s not anything special… probably.

Even so, I caught myself smiling softly.

Guess I’m pretty simple after all.

"Wow, Ayumi-chan, you look really happy! Something good happen?"

"Wah! Moeka-chan—when did you get here!?"

"Just now! Sorry to keep you waiting."

I quickly shook my head.

I’d been lost in thought again without noticing. I really need to fix that habit.

"Yoshino-san and the others will be out soon, so we can go back to the room now."

Saying that, Moeka-chan sat down beside me.

Her skin still had a faint rosy glow from the bath. Even though she’s as petite as I am, she looked so graceful and mature.

"What’s wrong? Is there something on my face?"

She tilted her head curiously when she caught me staring.

"No, nothing. I was just thinking how cute you look, Moeka-chan."

"Eh—!? Being complimented by Ayumi-chan makes me so happy! Let’s sleep together tonight!"

"Wait, wait—how did we jump to that!?"

She giggled and said, "Too bad," making me laugh too.

"Moeka! Don’t get all cozy without us!"

Sakurako-chan and Aika-chan appeared, both freshly out of the bath.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Ayumi-chan. My sister takes forever after baths, so I grabbed the room key first."

"Hehehe—now it’s time for the long-awaited embarrassing story confession night, Ayu-chan!"

And who exactly was waiting for that!? Certainly not me!

Ever since I became a girl, I feel like every story about me is already embarrassing enough! The last thing I need is to relive them all!

"Moeka and I have known each other since grade school, so we already know each other’s embarrassing stuff. But we don’t know much about you, Ayumi-chan. Tell us all about yourself!"

I appreciate the interest, Sakurako-chan, but… I was pretty much a loner through junior high. There’s nothing worth talking about.

And the stuff she wants to ask? That’s like the top three questions I don’t want to answer.

Number one: "What do you usually do at home?"—the hobby question.
Number two: "What were you like in junior high?"—the past question.
Number three: "What brands of clothes do you like?"—the fashion question.

What do I do at home? I’d like to know that too! I cook, study, and sleep! Riveting stuff.

While everyone else was busy with club activities, I was part of the go-straight-home club. I can’t even remember what I did on the school trip!

As for clothes, my mom handles all that, so I have no clue. Honestly, I don’t even know how many outfits I own.

Yeah… talking about myself is hopeless.

Maybe I can dodge by bringing up Ryoji instead.

Back in our room, we chatted away while munching on snacks and sipping juice.

The night went on with lighthearted conversation that didn’t really matter, but somehow felt meaningful.

Even my boring stories made everyone laugh and smile. I’d always thought my stories weren’t interesting, but seeing them laugh like that made me happy.

When I looked out the window, the moon was shining brightly. The clouds had cleared, revealing a beautiful night sky.

Looks like tomorrow will be sunny.

My eyelids grew heavy, and my consciousness gently drifted away...