98 - Are You Nervous?

RAW

Despite the heart-stopping event of Haruto confirming with his own hands whether Ayaka’s stomach was soft, the three of them finished washing up and eased into the bathtub.

Ryota quickly filled his two water guns with warm water, handing one of them to Haruto.

"Big brother! Here, take this!"

"Thanks, Ryota. Well then... Wahp—!"

Mid-sentence, Haruto was hit in the face with three quick bursts of water.

"Hehehe! Gotcha, big brother!"

"You’re asking for it, Ryota! Take this!"

"Ahahaha!"

Haruto fired back, spraying Ryota with his water gun. Ryota’s laughter echoed joyfully as he splashed about.

The Tojo family’s bathtub was larger than usual, but it wasn’t big enough for three people to move around freely. Unable to dodge Haruto’s attacks, Ryota flailed and dove behind Ayaka’s back for cover.

"Big sister shield!"

"Hey, Ryota! Don’t use me as a shield—that’s unfair!"

"It’s not unfair! You’re my hostage now!"

Ryota’s playful declaration made Ayaka chuckle. She turned to Haruto with a mock plea.

"Help me, Haruto!"

"As your boyfriend, I must rescue you!"

"Big brother! If you want to save her, drop your gun!"

Ryota aimed his water gun at Haruto, parroting a line he must have picked up from some TV drama.

"Alright, Ryota, I surrender."

Haruto raised his hands theatrically and lowered his water gun. Just as it was about to sink into the tub, he smirked.

"Or maybe not!"

He scooped up a large amount of water with his arms and splashed it over both Ryota and Ayaka.

"Ahhh!"

"Whoa—ahaha!"

Ayaka let out a startled yelp, while Ryota’s laughter rang out again.

"Ugh, Ryota, now I’m soaked because of you!" Ayaka pouted dramatically before flicking water at her younger brother.

"It’s your fault, big brother! Take this!" Ryota retaliated with a playful spray of water toward both Ayaka and Haruto.

The three of them laughed and splashed around, filling the bathroom with joyful noise. Even Haruto and Ayaka forgot their high schooler status, playing along with Ryota’s childlike energy.

But after a while, Ryota’s expression suddenly shifted. His bright smile disappeared, replaced by a tight, uneasy look.

"Huh? Ryota, are you okay?" Haruto asked, setting down the water he’d been scooping.

"I... I need to go to the bathroom," Ryota said, his voice tense.

"The bathroom?"

"Yeah... poop..."

"Poop?!"

Haruto’s voice rose slightly in alarm, while Ayaka scolded her brother.

"Ryota, you should’ve gone to the bathroom before getting in the tub!"

"Ugh..." Ryota groaned, bouncing up and down.

"I can’t hold it!"

"Wait, hold on! Just a little longer!"

It seemed Ryota had been holding it in because he wanted to keep playing, but his limit had finally been reached. Ayaka quickly pressed the intercom button on the bathroom wall.

"Yes? What’s wrong?" came Ikue’s voice from the kitchen monitor.

"Ryota needs to use the bathroom!"

"Mom, I need to poop!"

"Oh dear. I’ll come to the changing room. Get Ryota out of the tub."

"Come on, Ryota, let’s get you out."

Ending the call, Ayaka helped Ryota climb out. Soon, Ikue’s voice came from behind the bathroom door.

"Can I open the door?"

Ayaka glanced at Haruto, who nodded and led Ryota to the door.

"It’s okay."

Ikue opened the door and quickly wrapped Ryota in a towel.

"Let’s dry you off quickly and get you to the toilet," she said, smiling at Haruto and Ayaka.

"I’ll take care of Ryota. You two can relax and enjoy the bath."

With that, she closed the door, leaving Haruto and Ayaka alone.

The bathroom grew quiet, the rowdiness replaced by a calm stillness. Ayaka sighed as she sank back into the tub.

"Honestly, Ryota was too excited."

"He was probably just thrilled to bathe with everyone," Haruto replied, sitting opposite her in the tub.

With Ryota gone, the atmosphere grew slightly awkward. Both Haruto and Ayaka became acutely aware of each other’s presence.

"..."

"..."

Haruto tried to break the silence.

"Um... isn’t it a bit embarrassing to be in the bath wearing swimsuits?"

"Yeah... it is."

The two exchanged short, hesitant words, stealing glances at each other and blushing.

"By the way, your bathroom’s really nice," Haruto said, trying to fill the silence.

"Thanks... it’s Mom’s favorite."

"I see... It even has a TV."

"Yeah. Want to watch something?"

"No, I’m fine."

"Not much on right now except the news."

"Right."

Their conversation trailed off into another awkward silence.

Haruto recalled the first time he went to the movies with Ayaka. The nervousness he felt while waiting to hold her hand was strikingly similar to how he felt now.

He chuckled softly.

"What’s so funny, Haruto?" Ayaka asked, tilting her head curiously.

"Oh, nothing. Just remembered something I read online. Did you know romantic feelings supposedly only last three years?"

"Really?"

"Yeah, or so they say. After three years, the dopamine your brain produces when you’re in love stops being released."

"Huh... but my parents have been married for years and still get along."

"Apparently, after three years, love evolves into something calmer, like a sense of peace and comfort."

"That sounds nice," Ayaka said, her eyes sparkling. After a moment, she glanced at Haruto shyly.

"Hey, Haruto..."

"Yeah?"

"Can I sit next to you?"

"Uh, sure..."

Blushing, Ayaka scooted over and sat beside him, their shoulders touching. Haruto froze, acutely aware of the softness of her skin.

"Are you nervous, Haruto?"

"Of course. Who wouldn’t be in this situation?"

"Me too," Ayaka murmured, smiling playfully as she clung to his arm.

"How about now? Feeling even more nervous?"

"Ayaka!" Haruto stammered, his heart racing uncontrollably.