And I was supposed to be doing something fun with Ishihara-san right about now.
Sounds good to me.
Just go out, have fun, and forget about the small stuff.
Hey, who's up for going to the beach this weekend?
Come to the beach with us, Yukari-chan.
You free this weekend?
Yeah, I am.
Then it's a plan.
He said the whole class is going.
The boys, too.
Oh, everyone?
Hey, wanna go swimsuit shopping?
Yeah, definitely!
When do we go?
Tachibana, you want to come, too?
I'll go if Nao-kun goes.
Even Satsuki?!
S-Seriously?!
Watari-kun's ****** Is about to Collapse
I appreciate what Tokui's trying to do,
but things are still awkward between me and Ishihara-san.
Ishihara-san.
The biggest problem, though...
is that I'll be separated from Suzu for two whole days!
I bet Suzu will get mad and cry,
and I'll be worried, too...
Yeah.
I'd better take her with me.
I'm home.
Onii-chan!
I have to go on a school trip to the beach this weekend! I won't see you for two whole days!
It sounds weird to say it,
but isn't this kind of... perfect?
Actually, I also made plans with my friends to go to the beach this weekend.
What? I want to go, too!
I really want to take you with us,
but we can't have you skipping official school activities.
Who's gonna water the garden?
I'll ask Tamayo-san to do it for us.
I bet she'll hate that.
Heck no
Probably.
But in the past, when we went out with our whole family,
we asked our neighbor to do it.
Onii-chan...
You won't forget me, even after two whole days apart, right?
Why would you even say that?
Of course I won't.
I guess so.
I'll do my best to endure the loneliness,
so you should, too.
But in exchange,
let's go swimsuit shopping tomorrow!
I want you to choose mine.
Promise me!
Okay.
Man...
I'll take her anywhere, but shopping for girls' swimsuits is a bit daunting...
How about I go with you?
I've been meaning to get a new swimsuit, anyway.
Honestly, for this one thing...
I think I'd actually be grateful to have her around.
Sure, why not?
Why don't you go with them?
I don't want to get in the way.
I heard that the two of them are going out.
From Naoto himself?
Not exactly.
Then you don't know for sure.
Tokui-kun, I think I'd better cancel on the trip after a—
Remember first year in middle school?
That's the last time you actively tried to get involved with a guy.
Even if history repeats itself,
I'm sure Naoto will believe you.
Isn't that why you felt drawn to him in the first place?
You think I can still make it?
If you run.
Look, look!
Nao-kun.
Onii-chan.
Which do you prefer, alluring or cute?
Which one makes my legs look longer?
I don't care! Just pick something already!
You don't care? Hmph.
I'm just barely a D-cup, you know. I've got nothing on Miss F-Cup, but still.
I didn't need that information!
How about mine? Sexy, right?
You'll get a chill in your tummy!
Pick one with better coverage!
I'm gonna go find a swimsuit for myself.
Whaaaat
What?!
Now, where's the men's section...
I feel like a stalker.
Hello, miss! What kind of swimsuit are you looking for?
Who? Me?!
Right. I also need to buy a swimsuit.
My size has changed since last year, too.
Um... Something simple and restrained that doesn't draw attention to my chest.
You think he'd like this one?
Totally!
Actually, I might want something a tiny bit bolder this year!
Just a tiny bit, though!
Understood!
I've never worn a bikini before...
It looks amazing on you!
Nope, I can't do it! Too embarrassing!
Could I take a look at something else?
Of course.
I don't suppose this is for a date?
Huh? I wouldn't go that far...
Aw, don't be shy.
You want something to win him over, right?
Does he have any preferences?
Preferences...
GLOOM
He likes bold, slightly mature, slim, pale girls with long hair.
We also carry hair extensions and wigs!
Since you're here, let's just go all-out on making you sexy!
BAM
Your boyfriend won't stand a chance!
There's no way I can ever let Watari-kun see me like this!
I don't know...
It's the perfect look for you!
I guess there are people out there who are even bolder than Satsuki.
m 0 0 l 100 0 100 100 0 100
Hasn't realized that it's Ishihara-san
Suzu, Satsuki, have you decided?
I changed back already, so we just have to pay.
Something's stuck on my back.
Can you help me?
Oh, all right, then.
Hey. I'm coming in.
I, uh... I thought Suzu was in here...
Onii-chan! I managed to change all by myself!
Crap.
I really screwed up.
H-Huh?
Well, I guess it is Satsuki.
Maybe being seen changing doesn't bother her?
Still, even if I didn't do it on purpose...
Satsuki, I'm sorry.
It was just for a moment, so I didn't see much.
Nao-kun, you pervert.
What's the problem? You were showing yourself off to me before that.
Showing isn't the same as being seen.
Huh?
What?
What is this?
What's this feeling I have when I'm with Satsuki?
Thank you so much!
Now, where's Watari-kun and the other—
Nao-kun, I noticed you never badmouth me to other people.
Glasses-kun would have never invited me on the trip otherwise.
If you told them the full story, it'd clear up the misunderstanding with Miss F-Cup, too.
So she does know that what she did was wrong.
That whole thing is between you and me.
Satsuki-chan, you can come sit here if you want to talk.
Thank you.
But I'm fine over here.
I'm fine just watching.
I'll keep my eyes fixed on Nao-kun
and come help if he runs into trouble.
What, is that how you think you'll make amends?
Or is it...
Actually, never mind.
What was I even trying to say?
There's a six-year gap in our time together, and we didn't exactly part on good terms.
Even our current relationship is so brittle that it could shatter at any moment.
Ishihara-san?
U-Um, can I ask you something?
You and Tachibana-san are going out, right?
No, that's not—
It's okay. You don't have to hide it.
No, you're mistaken.
I know what you saw in the hallway before, but...
I can't be mistaken.
Not about so many things.
Besides, you were kissing in the yard at your house, right?
I convinced myself that maybe my eyes were deceiving me.
She saw us.
That was... just...
So I guess I did see right.
I don't think anything I say will convince her at this point.
This is about more than just the beach trip.
It's well and truly over between us.
I didn't mean anything by it, you know.
I'm the kind of girl who'll kiss anyone. In my culture, it's just a greeting.
W-We're not overseas, you know!
It's the truth.
Satsuki!
What are you doing to Ishihara-san?!
See?
Like I said, I'll kiss anyone.
So there's nothing between Nao-kun and me, either.
You get it now?
Yesh...
This is messed up.
Onii-chan, I'm thirsty.
Wanna go get something to drink?
I do!
U-Um...
I'm perfectly fine!
Tachibana-san's a girl,
and that didn't count as my first kiss, either.
Wait, what am I even saying?
Well, see you!
Ishihara-san!
You might not believe me,
but Satsuki and I really are just childhood friends. Nothing more.
Besides, right now...
I'm looking forward to going to the beach with you.
I'm really, really looking forward to it.
I swear.
Me, too.
Nao-kun, it's the ocean.
Yeah...
The ocean's so pretty.
Right?!
Ishihara-san in casual clothes...
That looks great on you!
It really does!
So you went with pink!
It's not weird?
It's super cute!
I started out jealous, but now I'm just captivated.
I wonder what Watari-kun will say.
Huh? Where's Tachibana-san?
She went ahead by herself.
She's a bit unapproachable, huh?
Yeah. I mean, she's the only one who isn't from our class.
It's not so bad, though.
I do feel like we just glossed over a bunch of things pretty quickly, but...
I'm looking forward to going to the beach with you.
This means I'm allowed to get closer to Watari-kun, right?
A day off without Suzu...
I feel uneasy.
No!
I have to do whatever it takes to get closer to Ishihara-san this trip!
Yo!
What should we do first?
How about getting some food?
Naw, let's get in the water.
Watari, what about you? Want to go swim?
Oh... Yeah, sure.
This is my first time ever doing normal high school kid things,
so I haven't the faintest inkling how I should behave.
Hey, girl.
And getting close to Ishihara-san is my main objective,
You look real fine.
No Chance to Approach
but I haven't had a chance to approach her.
But if I give up now, it'll all be for nothing!
A-All right!
Ow!
What is Satsuki doing now?!
Those guys just wouldn't stop hitting on Tachibana.
Yo, her grip strength is insane.
You bitch!
S-Stop! Let go!
Hey, wait!
Give it up, man.
If something like that happens, you should run or call for help,
not pick a fight!
So, I ended up picking this swimsuit.
What do you think?
Cute, right?
Listen to what I'm saying!
Hmph.
You won't even comment.
You haven't calmed down a bit after yesterday, have you?
Nao-kun, why aren't you with Miss F-Cup?
I thought you were "looking forward" to it.
Why did you say it like that?
What are you going to do?
Everyone else went swimming.
This is my first time at the beach.
I don't know how to swim.
What, you never once came with your family or swam at school?
Nope.
I never used to go to school much.
And I always skipped swim class.
Now that I think about it,
I really don't know anything about Satsuki.
What kind of life did she live for those past six years?
But since I'm here already, I do want to get in the water.
It looks like it'd feel nice.
Nao-kun, are you listening?
Y-Yeah.
But you shouldn't try swimming on your own if it's your first time.
Hey, Naoto.
I need you to go shopping for us.
With Ishihara.
Here's the list.
Ishihara's already there waiting for you.
Right. Got it.
Tachibana, I'll introduce you to the girls in our class.
H-Hey, Satsuki...
I don't mind going in the water with you later. Just for a little bit.
Okay.
Your swimsuit...
My swimsuit?
No!
I must remain the gentleman Ishihara-san expects me to be!
I guess it looks weird on me after all.
Don't look! I mustn't look!
Um, let's see what's on Tokui's shopping list!
Go eat lunch together or something.
I'm grateful for the opportunity, but I'm not sure it'll go well.
Here I go!
Got it!
Tachibana, you don't want to play with the other girls?
I don't do well with groups of girls.
Same.
So, are you in love with Naoto?
Straight to the point, huh?
If so, I'm sorry for what I did earlier.
No apology necessary.
It's not like I want to be his girlfriend or anything.
Got it.
Then I won't hold back on rooting for them.
It's not like I want to be her boyfriend, either.
Chicken karaage Yakisoba Curry Chocolate bananas Hot dogs Ramen Tsukemen Takoyaki Grilled corn Kebabs Edamame
Watari-kun, what should we eat?
Let's see...
Yakisoba?
Ramen?
Though I guess you'd prefer something sweet.
How about shaved ice?
Ice Cream 300 Yen
That's such a beach thing.
It turns your tongue a funny color, though.
Gah! My heart can't take much more of her!
Maybe we should get something more substantial, though.
It's lunchtime, after all.
Maybe yakitori or squid skewers.
To be honest, I prefer that kind of thing over sweet food.
Oh.
Me, too, actually.
Desserts aren't really my thing.
Oh, then do you want to... share the shaved ice?
Am I dreaming?
Shaved Ice
Yakitori
They gave me extra!
That's a big portion!
I don't care if I'm dreaming. I just want to spend as much time here with her as possible.
And I'm repeating the obvious,
but Ishihara-san is cute.
Extremely cute, at that.
That girl's super cute.
And she's got a bombshell figure!
Wish that dude next to her wasn't there.
The ice'll melt if we don't start soon.
Wanna come drink with us?
She's got a guy already. And I think she's in high school.
Let's just ignore them.
Yeah.
But you know,
girls that look pure at first glance can actually be the biggest players of all!
I bet she goes through guys like no one's business.
Could you just go away already?
Ishihara-san?
We should head back.
The others are probably worried about us.
Um, Watari-kun... Could you let go?
Oh, sorry!
U-Um, your swimsuit...
It looks good on you.
It's a great color, and it suits you perfectly, and it's feminine,
and I can't help but steal glances at it!
Wait, no...
Anyway, I think it looks really great on you!
It's over.
I'm a blathering mess.
There's no trace of the gentleman left.
I'm sorry for getting creepy all of a sudden!
Please just forget I said anything.
It's fine.
I spent a lot of time picking it out.
So I'm really happy to hear that from you.
That's a relief. She smiled.
Yukari-chan?
It's you, right, Yukari-chan?
It's been a while.
Fujioka-senpai.
I knew it.
You look more mature now, with that haircut and all.
I never thought I'd run into you here, though.
Who is this guy?
I didn't think we'd meet again for a few more years at least.
Hey, Fujioka!
Sorry.
I'd love to talk more, but I'm in a rush.
See you around, Yukari-chan.
Yukari-chan.
I'm not like the other guys.
I would never...
...you.
I'm the only one who's not like the others.
That's why you and I should...
Ishihara-san?
I'm going to go back to the hotel and rest a bit.
Those two sure are taking a while.
I hope they didn't get into some kind of trouble.
Hey, get this!
I just ran into Fujioka-senpai!
Wow, from middle school?
I wish I could have seen him, too!
Apparently he's here on a club trip. They're staying near our hotel.
Ishihara...