What Arisa wore was a white bikini.
It was a simple design, without any particular decorations.
It felt like a colour variation of the black bikini she had worn at the pool before.
The design differed slightly, but the level of exposure wasn’t that different.
“…Um, Yuzuru-san?”
“Ah—right… sorry.”
Snapping back to his senses at her voice—delivered while she shyly averted her gaze—Yuzuru scratched his cheek and spoke as if making an excuse.
“I thought you’d wear your competition swimsuit.”
He hadn’t expected her to bring a bikini.
As Yuzuru stood there slightly surprised, Arisa gave a bashful smile.
“Well, with a competition swimsuit, it’d be hard to wash properly… and it didn’t seem very hygienic to bathe in the same one I used in the pool.”
“…That’s… fair enough.”
That said, it didn’t quite explain why she had brought a white bikini.
…but Yuzuru decided to accept it as better safe than sorry.
“Then I’ll get in first.”
“Yes.”
For now, Yuzuru slipped into the bath ahead of her.
Meanwhile, Arisa quickly washed herself.
If she took too long, Yuzuru would overheat first.
Since she could wash properly again later, it was enough to rinse off lightly so as not to dirty the bath.
After rinsing herself, Arisa stood up, as if gathering her resolve.
“Then… excuse me.”
She lifted her leg and stepped into the tub—
then settled in facing Yuzuru.
“……”
“……”
Silence took over.
Both of them looked down, avoiding each other’s eyes.
(…This is bad. Really bad.)
At the pool, he’d felt embarrassed, but not to the point where he couldn’t look at her.
But now, he simply couldn’t bring himself to look at Arisa.
Partly because she was wearing a more revealing white bikini instead of a competition swimsuit—
but more than that—
(Being alone together in a confined space… this isn’t good.)
They were alone, in a small enclosed space.
And close enough to touch just by reaching out.
“U-um, Yuzuru-san…”
Arisa spoke first.
Yuzuru jerked his head up.
Her face flushed bright red, she spoke to him.
“Um… how is it? The swimsuit.”
“Uh… well…”
Prompted, Yuzuru turned his gaze towards her.
Beneath the clear water, her pale skin seemed to glow.
Her figure was graceful, yet full of soft curves.
A simple piece of white fabric covered her chest and lower abdomen.
Soaked with water, the fabric clung to her skin—
slightly revealing the healthy tone beneath.
…White was prone to that.
“I-it suits you… I think. It feels pure and… cute.”
“I see. That’s good.”
Arisa smiled shyly, but happily.
It didn’t seem like she had noticed how slightly sheer it had become.
She likely hadn’t chosen white for that reason.
Fortunately, nothing that absolutely shouldn’t be seen was visible.
It was proper swimwear, after all—not something meant as a joke.
Perhaps wearing under-shorts would prevent that issue.
…Though it seemed she hadn’t worn any this time.
“Which do you prefer, Yuzuru-san?”
“…Which?”
“You know… compared to the one I wore at the pool before.”
In other words—black bikini or white bikini.
“Hmm… let’s see…”
The black one felt more mature and alluring.
The white one felt pure and cute.
Both suited her, but—
“Black, I think.”
“Oh? Why?”
“Your skin is fair and beautiful, so I think black contrasts it better.”
It brought out both her complexion and her flaxen hair.
“I see… Then next time we go to the pool, should I wear black?”
“No… you don’t have to match my preference. I’d like to see you in all sorts of looks.”
At that, Arisa lowered her gaze shyly.
“I-is that so…”
Then, she leaned slightly closer.
Their skin brushed faintly, and Yuzuru’s heart skipped a beat.
“You said earlier… that you liked my skin. Do you really like it?”
Looking up at him with moist eyes, she spoke softly.
There was a heat in her expression beyond mere embarrassment or warmth.
“Of course. …I like everything about you.”
“E-everything…”
Her face flushed even deeper.
Then, with a faintly graceful shift of posture, she asked—
“…Do you want to touch it?”
“Are you sure?”
Caught off guard, Yuzuru raised his voice.
Arisa nodded.
“Well… um, no weird places. But my shoulders… are fine.”
At that, Yuzuru looked towards her shoulder.
It was pale like porcelain, smooth, and delicately shaped.
Only the thin strap of her bikini partially covered it.
He reached out and touched her shoulder.
Arisa flinched slightly, tensing up—but kept her gaze on him.
“S-so… how is it?”
“…It’s really smooth.”
Whether from water or perspiration, her damp skin felt incredibly soft.
After a brief touch, Yuzuru pulled his hand back, raising both hands slightly.
“…That’s it?”
“Well… yeah…”
Of course, he wanted to touch her more, but—
“…I don’t think my self-control would hold.”
He muttered quietly.
Arisa seemed to take it as a joke and let out a small laugh.
“Honestly… you’re hopeless.”
Then, her gaze drifted downward.
“—Kya!”
She let out a small scream and covered her face with her hands.
“W-what are you thinking!?”
“W-what do you mean… about you?”
“Don’t try to brush it off!!”
Peeking through her fingers, she protested loudly.
