Ch.66 How They Met. Aristia's Story - Second Half

And so, summer vacation began.

When it comes to summer vacation, most students spend it playing.

However, students struggling financially, those who are financially responsible, and those who enjoy part-time work tend to take on many part-time jobs instead.

I do not have any particular issues with money, but since there is no harm in earning more, I put in about 3-5 hours a week.

Well, I am technically the shift leader after all ja.

That is one of the reasons why I have added a fair amount.

Then one day...

"M-Mahiro-kun, can I talk to you for a moment?"

After I finished changing and came out of the changing room, Tokino, looking nervous and a little hesitant, spoke to me.

Her face seems a little red... I wonder what is wrong noja?

'Tis as if she is about to make a once-in-a-lifetime confession ja.

"What is wrong noja?"

"U-umm, Mahiro-kun, you're free the day after tomorrow, right?"

"Why are you so certain?"

"I-I mean, I've heard that Mahiro-kun usually just sleeps all the time... so I was wondering if you'd be loafing around at home the day after tomorrow too..."

"..."

The fact that she is not entirely wrong makes it harder to deny it.

Just as Tokino said, now that summer vacation has started, unless I have a day off from work or I am hanging out with Kengo and Yuya, I basically spend my time loafing around at home.

I have already finished my homework, so 'tis great to be able to just laze around without any worries.

"So, what is the matter noja?"

"Oh, uh, yeah. Um, Mahiro-kun... doesn't like going out, right?"

"Going out? Hmm, 'tis not that I dislike it, but I prefer not to go outside if possible, and I am the type who would rather stay indoors if I can. So, well, I am not particularly concerned."

"Oh, I see..."

Mu? She seems quite disappointed.

I tilted my head in confusion.

Suddenly, I felt like someone was watching us, so I looked around and saw several of our colleagues looking at us from behind something.

If I look closely, it seems like they are glaring at me...

……Mu?

"Hey, Tokino yo."

"...What is it?"

"What is that thing you are holding behind your back ja?"

I can see something briefly, but I cannot tell what it is. So I ask Tokino, the owner.

"Th-this is... um, tickets."

"Tickets? For what?"

"...Pool."

"Hou, tickets to the pool, is it?"

But why would Tokino have something like that?

...Ah, no, that does not matter at this point.

Judging from what Tokino is holding, the question she asked earlier, and her disappointed reaction from earlier...

"Fumu. Perhaps you want to go to the pool with me?"

It seems like there is no other possibility.

It might be conceit on my part, but considering that Tokino is not the type to lie easily, and that she generally shows her emotions, this seems like the only possible explanation.

If I am wrong about this, it will be incredibly embarrassing though...

"A-Actually, that's my intention..."

Bingo.

"Well, if that is the case, you should have just said so. If 'twas something like that, I would have gone outside too, especially since 'twas an invitation from Tokino."

"...So, then, will you go with me?"

"Of course ja. In fact, did you really think I would refuse because I just want to laze around?"

"......I-I didn't think that, okay?"

"Oi, what was that pause at the beginning ja? Also, do not look away."

Apparently, that's what he thought.

How offensive ja, truly.

"...So, even the incredibly oblivious Ouka-senpai noticed?"

"You're surprisingly perceptive in strange ways, Ouka-senpai."

"But even Ouka-senpai can't win against Alice-chan in a swimsuit, right?"

"""I hope so."""

...Those colleagues over there are whispering to each other.

However, I feel hesitant to barge in, so I will just try not to worry about them.

"So, the meeting time and place?"

"O-okay, then... how about meeting at the station at 10 am?"

"Understood ja. I will set the alarm to go off every minute for an hour."

"Isn't that a bit much...?"

"No, seriously, sometimes I cannot wake up unless I sleep that much. I am naturally a long sleeper."

I might be close to being a long sleeper.

In fact, if I do not get at least 9 hours of sleep, I get really sleepy.

"R-really? That's tough."

"Well, 'tis a bit tough on school days, but I love sleeping, so personally, I am kind of happy about it."

"That's a positive attitude."

I am not sure if you can call it positive, though.

"Anyway, in front of the station at 10 am ja, right?"

"Un."

"Understood ja. I will get ready then."

"Thank you, Mahiro-kun!"

With a big smile on her face, she hugged me tightly.

"Oop. ...You really do like to hug me a lot."

"Ehehe, because I'm happy."

"I see."

Are you really that happy to go to the pool with me?

But this fellow always clings to me.

I cannot remember when it started. 'Twas like, before I knew it, she started hugging me like this.

Tokino's breasts are seriously huge, so at first I was a little nervous, but surprisingly I got used to it and stopped feeling nervous.

On the contrary, I became worried.

Perhaps because she lived in America for so long, she is very physically affectionate.

If this kind of thing keeps going on, I am worried that some idiot will eventually get the wrong idea.

What would happen when that time comes noja?

But even the innocent and carefree Tokino would notice something like that. After all, she is a girl.

Let us hope that will be the case.

◇

And then, 2 days later...

I usually wake up after my alarm clock, which is set to ring every minute, has gone off about 37 times.

The time was around 9:20.

"Fumu. I managed to wake up fairly early today."

I get out of bed, quickly get ready, and move to the living room.

I then make a light breakfast, and by the time I finished eating, the time is just right.

It was definitely the right decision to finish the preparations the day before.

"Well then, time to go."

I arrived in front of the station at around 9:50.

I walked along enduring the heat, found a shady spot that looked perfect for waiting, and started to head there when...

"Mu, what ja, Tokino, you are already here?"

Tokino was already waiting.

"Ah, Mahiro-kun!"

When I called out to her, her face lit up with a "Bwah!" and she came running towards me and-

"Good morning!"

She hugged me.

Uumu, as expected, quite intense.

"Hey, hey, do not hug me in a place where so many people can see us. We are getting a lot of stares, you see."

"I don't mind."

"You should mind a little."

Tokino is surprisingly mentally strong.

That said, I do not feel particularly embarrassed about something like this.

...However,

"Tch, what's with that guy? Is he trying to spite us unpopular guys?"

"His hair is long, but from the looks of it, he's a guy. ...I wish it would just fall off."

"Explode!"

I was met with jealous stares from the men around me.

This is the only pain.

"'Tis a little earlier than our meeting time, but shall we leave now?"

"Un!"

She looks so happy ja.

◇

And so we arrived at the pool.

We arrived at a leisure pool facility in a town 2 towns away from Okinari City.

(TL: I have 0 idea where in the world this Okinari city is. This is either a typo, or a fictional city)

'TIs a fairly large pool, and apparently the water slide is its main attraction.

Well, when you think of a swimming pool, you think of water slides, right?

"Mahiro-kun! Hurry, hurry!"

"Haha, do not be so impatient."

She must have really wanted to go to the pool ja.

In that case, this reaction is not surprising.

I was led into the park by Tokino's hand.

◇

After Changing in the locker room, we then meet up near the exit.

For men, changing clothes is quick; 'tis just a matter of taking off their clothes and putting on new ones.

...Well, because of my appearance, men who are changing clothes freeze up, and an elementary school-aged children-

"Daddy, why is there a woman over here?"

Asked so...

Do I really look that much like a woman?

I have always been told I have androgynous features or a feminine face... but when I see this reality firsthand, even I feel a little down.

I wish I could be a little more manly noja...

Cutting my hair would probably make it a little better, but at this point, I do not want to cut it...

It has already grown down to about waist height.

...Well, once I start changing, there should not be any problem.

"There we go..."

I casually take off my clothes from my upper body.

...Hmm, I feel like I am being watched?

I suppose they have mistaken me for a woman after all...?

Well, I guess I will just accept it as the usual thing.

'Tis pretty much the samw thing as when I go to a public bathhouse ja.

"...Should I change my hairstyle?"

No, it would be like pouring water on a hot stone, in my case.

...Well, even if I cut my hair, I would probably still be mistaken for a girl, so I guess I will just have to give up on that idea.

Why am I already suffering damage before I even begin to play...?

And so, with a faraway look in my eyes, I wait for Tokino.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Mahiro-kun!"

"Oh, you have come."

Tokino came over here.

At a light jog.

...What I'm trying to say is, well...to put it simply, they were shaking.

Tokino's breasts were shaking violently.

Oh, so that is how breasts jiggle.

"What do you think? Does it suit me?"

She asked, her face slightly flushed, a look that seems a mixture of anticipation and anxiety.

Fumu.

A white bikini, is it?

Considering her American hourglass figure, it suits her perfectly.

She is also wearing a hoodie with it, though.

Her hairstyle is also refreshing; instead of wearing her hair down as usual, she lightly tied them in two pigtails.

"Umu, 'tis cute and suits you."

"Really?"

"Really ja. You look quite different compared to usual, so that makes you look even cuter."

"Yay, Mahiro-kun praised me!"

Is it really something to be so happy about?

Well, girls generally enjoy being complimented, especially when it comes to their clothes.

So Tokino was no exception, then?

"Okay, let us start playing."

"Un! Let's go!"

It has been a while since I have been to the pool, I have to enjoy it!

◇

2 hours later.

"Ugh... I feel sick..."

I am downed.

"Are you okay, Mahiro-kun?"

"...Tokino, I am done for...So, please give my regards to the manager..."

"You're not going to die, so stop saying weird things!"

"...S-sorry. I just felt like messing around."

I got scolded for messing around.

Even Tokino gets angry, huh?

"Mou... Anyway, here, have a sports drink. I just bought it. Can you drink it?"

"...Sorry. I cannot put my strength properly...and honestly, I am feeling awful..."

I am currently resting in the shade inside the facility.

Combining being outside for the first time in a while, being a (sort of) recluse, and my naturally low stamina, I was completely knocked out by the midsummer sun ja.

At first, we were both playing in the pool ja, but for the reasons I mentioned earlier, I started feeling sick.

Tokino panicked and went to the infirmary to get some ice and other supplies, and in the process, she bought some drinks.

Tokino, angel...

"Is it even difficult to get up?"

"...Apologies. That is a bit tough..."

"Okay. Then I'll just lift your head a little."

"...U-umu."

"Well then, if you'll excuse me..."

Saying that, Tokino sat down near my head, then lifted it up and rested it on top of her thighs.

Is this... what they call a lap pillow?

...Oh, this soft feeling...'tis so comforting...

"Okay, I'm going to give you a drink, so just lift your head up a little."

"Understood ja..."

I lift my head slightly as instructed.

But even so, 'tis still pretty tough.

Perhaps sensing my distress, Tokino supported my head.

...Her thoughtfulness is wonderful.

Then, she brought the sports drink to my mouth and let me drink it slowly.

"Gulp... gulp... haaah. Ah, I feel a little better now..."

"That's good then. Oh, is the ice in the right place?"

"That part is fine... In fact, it feels quite nice..."

Feeling feverish and flushed, the cool ice feels incredibly refreshing...

"I see, I see. That's reassuring then."

She gives me a lovely, sweet smile.

...Fuumu, now that I look at her like this, Tokino really is a beautiful girl.

A new part-time worker (a girl) who started a little while ago attends the same school as Tokino, and is even in the same class noja. I heard from her that Tokino is apparently quite popular at her school.

At first, she had trouble fitting in with the class due to language difficulties and the tension and wariness she exuded, but gradually her true personality began to emerge, and now it seems she has a fair number of friends ja.

I was relieved when I heard that noja.

However, perhaps because of that, Tokino seems to be quite popular with the boys ja.

However, waiting until they could understand her was apparently a bad manner, and the boys are now being looked at somewhat disapprovingly by the girls.

The reason is apparently that "it annoys her when someone approaches her with ulterior motives once they've become comfortable talking to her".

Basically, what that means is that she dislikes the sudden, complete reversal of their attitude.

I understand that to some extent, but I feel like most men are like that ja. In fact, I think 'tis rarer to find someone who approaches you with 100% genuine kindness ja.

That said, being popular is probably a good thing ja.

That means she could make more friends, too. She just has to chase away the weirdos.

"Ah... I feel kind of bad about it..."

Suddenly, Tokino said this looking genuinely apologetic.

"What is wrong all of a sudden noja...?"

"Inviting Mahiro-kun to the pool."

"Mu? Why ja?"

"Because Mahiro-kun got sick... I felt really bad about it."

Ah, I see.

Is she worried about what has happened to me?

"Do not fret on it. I do not believe you did anything wrong. In fact, I was happy that you invited me."

"R-Really?"

"Really ja. After all, the people who are inviting me are my childhood friend and someone I met and became friends with this year."

"...A childhood friend. Mahiro-kun, is your childhood friend a boy or a girl?"

"I do not know why you are asking that, but... 'Tis a boy ja. We live next door to each other. We have known each other since kindergarten. I guess you could say we are inseparable."

"Oh, I see. Phew..."

Mu? Why did this fellow suddenly seems relieved ja?

Is that it? Is she relieved that I have a friend?

Considering Tokino's personality, that is probably the case.

"Once I recover, shall we go to a water slide?"

"Is that okay!?"

Whoa, she replied really aggressively.

"Of course. In fact, the main attraction here is the water slide, right? If so, it would be a shame not to go ja."

"Y-Yeah, that's right... Hmm, Mahiro-kun, I wonder if you know what kind of water slide this is...?"

"Mu? Did you say something?"

"Oh, no, don't worry about it, I was just talking to myself."

"I see."

Well, anyway, I need to recover quickly.

◇

After about 30 minutes or so, I recovered, so we are both moving to the water slide.

Well, as expected, there is quite a long line of people.

It certainly lives up to its reputation as a major attraction. I mean, the wait is 30 minutes! Apparently, that is actually on the fast side, on really busy days, the wait can easily go for over an hour.

Since we have come all this way, we shall join the line too.

While we are waiting in line, something suddenly caught my attention.

"Hmm... Looking closely, it seems like there are a lot of male-female pairs."

For some reason, there were many couples standing side by side.

I would say about 60% of the total. The rest are just people lining up alone or with friends, but couples are definitely the most noticeable. There are a lot of them.

"It seems like there's a superstition about that."

"Superstition?"

"Yeah. Apparently, if you slide here as a couple, you'll stay happy together."

"Hohou, so such a thing does exist."

People like those kinds of charms and incantations, do they not?

I have heard there are some folk tales where if you can eat an entire noodle without breaking it even once, your wish will come true.

I suppose the Japanese like these kinds of things.

"S-so, you see? There's another superstition..."

"Mu, is that so?"

"U-un. Well, when a man and a woman slide together here—"

Just as she was about to say something about the superstition, her face turning red-

"Next person, please."

We were guided by a staff member.

"Oop, let us put that off for now and just go sliding."

"Ah, u-un... Sigh, this timing is really bad..."

Mu? Why is she so disappointed ja?

She did say something about timing, but...

"Um, is it alright if the two of you go inti the slide?"

"Umu, no problem ja."

"it's okay"

"I understand. ...On this water slide, you basically slide down while hugging each other. Is that alright?"

"It's okay."

"Umu, no proble—Eh?"

Oi, wait a minute. Did he just say "hug"?

...No, no, no, no! Surely that is a bit problematic, no!?

We are not actually a couple, you know!?

Actually, Tokino is really getting into it!

"So, you both agree that it's okay. Well then, gentleman over there, please sit down first."

"Eh, seriously?"

"Seriously."

"Mahiro-kun, sit down, sit down!"

"Ah, d-do not push me!"

Tokino pushed me from behind, grabbed my shoulders, and made me sit down.

"Now, please wrap your arms around this man and sit on his legs. Oh, and make sure your thighs cross when you sit."

"What a really detailed order!"

"W-well, then, excuse me..."

"--!?"

Tokino actually sat down.

What is more, she puts her arms around me, so we are pretty close... Honestly, her chest is dangerous!

Well, 'tis true that Tokino had been physically close to me before, but she was always wearing clothes. So I did not really think much of it, and besides, I thought that kind of physical contact was common overseas, so 'twas just a little embarrassing.

But...but then ja.

Swimsuits are a no-go ja!

What is worse, 'tis a bikini type, which makes it even worse.

Even this me is a healthy high school boy ja, believe it or not.

'Tis impossible not to feel anything when a beautiful girl the same age as you has those hourglass breasts pressed against you!

To be honest, I am desperately trying to suppress my instincts!

So, if possible, I would like to get away!

"A-apologi--"

I was about to excuse myself when-

"Oka—y, good luck out there!"

We were encouraged by the staff before ended up taking the plunge.

"Whoaaaaa!?"

"Kyaaaaaa♪"

Hey, why is she hugging me even tighter now?!

Whoa, fast! This water slide is really fast!

The water splashes are insane!

No, more than that, Tokino's breasts pressed against my body are the most dangerous! They are seriously huge ja! I cannot believe she is only a first-year high school student!

In fact, whenever I was standing next to Tokino, we would get stares from other men and women!

I received jealousy from men, Tokino received simply vulgar stares from men, and envious stares from women.

How could you stay calm with someone like that pressing their chest against you? Normally.

...No, thinking about it normally, she hugs me all the time!

Y-yes, right ja. Even though they are swimsuits, it does not mean 'tis all bare...!

"Kya!"

Whoa!?

She hugged me even tighter!

And now that I think about it carefully, her thighs, stomach, my back, and other parts were also touching!

The moment I realized that, I felt like heaven and hell had come to me at the same time.

◇

We managed to finish the slide safely, after struggling to suppress my various instincts.

"Haaah...haaah...'twas, 'twas tough...!"

"Are you okay, Mahiro-kun? Perhaps you're not good at thia...?"

"N-no, I do like thrill rides like water slides and roller coasters, but... well, there are a few things, you see."

I certainly cannot say that my heart was pounding with excitement from her chests pressing against me, and that I was desperately trying to suppress my instincts.

"...A-anyway, what was that superstition you were going to tell me before we took the slide noja?"

"Well, um... if a man and a woman who aren't lovers slide here..."

"If they slide?"

"...A...a lover—no way! I can't say it!"

"After saying all that, why did it turn out like that!?"

"I-it's so embarrassing to say!"

She said that to me with all her might.

"I-I see."

...Well, if she is embarrassed, I guess there is nothing I can do about it.

It would be cruel to force her to say it.

Also, if I really want to know, I can just look it up.

"...Well, we still have some time, so let us continue having fun."

"U-un!"

Let me forget about what happened earlier.

◇

Since that incident, Tokino has been clinging to me more than ever before.

I have no idea why, but at least I started to think 'twas better than when she was wearing a swimsuit, and I was able to spend my time relatively peacefully.

◇

"—Well, something like this, I guess?"

"""Youth...""""

"That may indeed be true."

Now that they mention it, compared to the previous 2 stories, this is a pretty ordinary incident.

Both were rather heavy, you see.

"Speaking of which, what was that superstition about water slides that Alice mentioned?"

"Ah, un. Actually, it's something where if a man and a woman who aren't a couple take the slide together, they can become a couple."

"It's been wonderfully fulfilled, isn't it?"

"...Maybe it's actually pretty accurate."

"That's amazing!"

"Yeah, actually, I was surprised too."

I see, so that is what 'twas about.

The reason she cannot say it back then was probably because she thought it would sound like a confession.

"I never imagined that Mahiro had such a youthful experience."

"...For now, this is the most normal."

"Yes, that's true... but I'm a little envious of the swimming pool."

"Indeed, I would love to go to the pool with Hiro-kun too~."

"Ahaha, then let's all go together next time!"

"That's a good idea. I agree."

"So, let's say we'll go when summer comes."

"...OK"

"Sounds like it will be fun~!"

Looks like I have got one more thing planned for the summer.

...But going to the pool with this group, huh?

I am sure people will think I am their little sister or something.

Technically, these we are a married group.

...I wonder what it is. A bad feeling suddenly crossed my mind noja...Well, 'tis probably just my imagination. I will just have to assume so.

(TL: You should trust your intuition more)

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