66 - Naked Companionship

RAW

After enjoying their campfire dinner, Haruto and the others walked to an onsen located about ten minutes from the campsite.

They separated by gender, with Haruto heading into the men's bath with Shuichi and Ryota.

"This is the essence of camping: a campfire dinner followed by a hot spring soak," Shuichi remarked cheerfully as he took off his shirt in the changing room.

"Indeed. Thank you so much for inviting me today," Haruto replied.

"No need to thank me. You’ve always done a great job helping us with the housework," Shuichi smiled as he pulled off his pants.

Haruto smiled back, pleased by the compliment. Just then, he noticed Ryota struggling to take off his shirt after removing his pants. The fabric was stuck around his head, and he wiggled around, trying to free himself.

Haruto couldn’t help but smile at the scene. "Ryota, why don’t you lift your arms up?"

Ryota stopped struggling and raised his arms. Haruto pulled the shirt off in one smooth motion. "There you go."

"Thanks, big brother!" Ryota beamed, now in his underwear.

Shuichi, also down to his underwear, chuckled. "Watching you two, it feels like you’re real brothers."

Haruto laughed. "I’d love it if Ryota were really my little brother."

Shuichi’s eyes glimmered playfully. "You know, if you marry Ayaka, he could be your brother-in-law."

"Wait, marry Ayaka?" Haruto stammered.

"Marriage? Marriage?" Ryota echoed, bouncing around excitedly.

Haruto was stunned into silence. Meanwhile, Ryota, now completely undressed, jumped up and down, looking up at Haruto with shining eyes.

"Uh... well..." Haruto struggled for words.

Shuichi laughed heartily. "Just kidding! You’re all still in high school. There’s plenty of time for that later."

"Ha... haha, right," Haruto replied, feeling relieved but noting the serious look in Shuichi’s eyes.

He decided not to think too much about it.

Once they were all undressed, they grabbed their towels and headed into the large bath. Ryota stared curiously at Haruto’s stomach. "Big brother, your tummy has bumps!"

"An impressive six-pack, Haruto," Shuichi remarked, impressed.

"I’ve practiced karate since I was a kid," Haruto explained.

"Right, you’ve been a karate enthusiast since childhood," Shuichi recalled.

Thanks to his grandfather’s strict training, Haruto had attended karate classes from a young age. Without intense workouts, his muscles had naturally developed.

Shuichi looked envious. "I used to work out a lot, hoping to impress my wife when we were younger. But life’s been busy lately."

"You're still in great shape, Shuichi," Haruto pointed out.

"Really? Maybe I’ll start working out again. How about joining me, Haruto?"

"I’d be happy to," Haruto agreed.

They settled in, washing up and then soaking in the bath. Shuichi leaned back, placing a towel on his head. "This is the best."

"Agreed," Haruto sighed contentedly.

Ryota tested the water with his toes before fully stepping in. Shuichi turned to Haruto. "I’m truly glad you joined us, Haruto."

"I’m grateful, too. Helping your family has been very rewarding," Haruto replied sincerely.

"That’s good to hear," Shuichi smiled. "Since you’ve been around, Ayaka seems much happier."

"Really?" Haruto was surprised.

"Yes. She’s always been a bit wary of men. As her father, I was worried."

"I see..." Haruto nodded thoughtfully.

At school, Ayaka often surrounded herself with female friends, keeping the boys at a distance. Before working for their family, Haruto had wondered if she disliked men altogether.

"She was always very cute, even as a child. The boys would tease her a lot," Shuichi continued.

"That makes sense," Haruto agreed.

Shuichi looked up at the ceiling. "These teenage years pass by so quickly. The joys, struggles, and pains you experience now enrich your life later. As a parent, I want Ayaka to experience it all."

He lowered his gaze, smiling warmly. "I know adults shouldn’t meddle too much, but still..."

He bowed his head to Haruto. "Please continue to be friends with Ayaka."

"Shuichi, please, you don’t have to bow!" Haruto panicked.

Ryota splashed into the bath, looking confused. "Dad, are you having a breath-holding contest?"

Shuichi laughed and raised his head. "No, I was just asking Haruto to stay friends with you and Ayaka."

Ryota turned to Haruto. "But you’re on a regular contract, right? You’ll still come over after summer vacation, won’t you?"

"Uh... well..."

"Don’t go away, big brother!" Ryota pleaded, eyes glistening with tears.

"Big brother, marry sister Ayaka! Then you can stay with us forever!"

"Ryota, I... I’ll still visit as a friend," Haruto tried to reassure him.

"But why not get married?" Ryota persisted.

"It’s... not that simple..."

Shuichi finally stepped in. "Ryota, marriage costs a lot of money. Haruto and Ayaka need to save up first."

"Really? Marriage needs money?" Ryota pondered this.

"Exactly," Shuichi confirmed.

Ryota clenched his fists. "Then save up, big brother! I’ll cheer you on!"

Haruto managed a strained smile. "Th-thanks, Ryota. I’ll do my best..."

As the bath conversation ended, Haruto felt like an invisible wall had been quietly built around him.

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Inside Ryota's mind

The people I'm always with = marriage