"Class, I have an announcement."
The homeroom teacher's voice snapped everyone's attention.
"After your midterms next week, summer vacation officially begins. You've all earned it—use the time well. Just don't forget your homework packets."
"Yesss!" Ren stretched his arms with a huge grin. "Finally! Freedom!"
"Let's hit the beach!" a boy in the back shouted.
Rika leaned toward Hikari. "You're planning something already, aren't you?"
Hikari smiled mischievously. "Maybe."
"Oi, Yuuto," Ren nudged him with his elbow. "You and your girlfriend got any secret plans?"
Yuuto blinked. "H-Huh? N-No, not really…"
"Aww," one of the girls nearby giggled. "You guys should go on a date. It's summer after all!"
Yuuto's face turned red. "I-it's not like that!"
"It is like that," Hikari cut in smoothly, flipping her hair. "Isn't that right, Yuuto?"
He sank lower into his seat as everyone laughed and teased.
A Few Days Later…
Yuuto sat in his room, flipping through a manga, then his phone buzzed.
Hikari: "Come shopping with me. Right now."
Yuuto: "Why?"
Hikari: "I feel like it. You're coming. No excuses."
Yuuto: "I'm not really into shopping…"
Hikari: "Too bad. I'm outside."
Yuuto's eyes widened.
He ran to his window and peeked down. There she was—Hikari, leaning against the wall like some trendy heroine from a shoujo manga.
He groaned, grabbed a hoodie, and headed out.
At the Mall
The mall was bustling, full of summer energy.
Yuuto walked awkwardly beside Hikari, trying to calm his racing heart.
"This feels like a date… right? Our first real one…"
His cheeks warmed at the thought.
"Something wrong?" Hikari asked, glancing at him.
"N-No," he stammered.
She smirked. "You're blushing. Cute."
He immediately turned away.
"So… what are we buying?"
Hikari grinned. "Swimsuit."
Yuuto stopped in his tracks, coughing. "S-Swim… what?!"
"Swimsuit," she repeated calmly. "I need a new one."
His brain short-circuited. "W-Why did you bring me for that!?"
"Because I felt like it," she said with a wink, grabbing his arm. "Now don't run."
Inside the Swimsuit Shop
Yuuto stood near the changing rooms, trying not to look at the sea of bikinis around him. His face was already red, and he hadn't even seen anything yet.
"Yuuto," Hikari called sweetly. "Ready?"
He gulped. "N-Not really…"
Round 1: White Bikini with Blue Ribbons
She removed the curtain, twirled once, and struck a pose.
"So? How do I look?" she asked.
Yuuto looked for half a second and immediately turned away. "T-T-T-Too much skin!"
Hikari giggled. "You barely looked."
"Exactly!"
"You know, boyfriends usually want to see."
"I-I'm not like those boyfriends!"
She smirked. "That's what makes you nice."
Round 2: Sporty Black Two-Piece
She removed the curtain confidently. The suit had bold side ties and a sleek design.
"Well?" she asked.
Yuuto turned a bit more this time, but still kept his hands half over his face. "You look… strong. Like a beach volleyball champ."
She leaned in. "Does that turn you on?"
"Wha—?! N-N-NO!"
She laughed and went back inside. "You're so easy to tease."
Round 3: Frilly Red Bikini with Hearts
Hikari removed the curtain and did a slow spin, pouting playfully. "This one's super cute, don't you think?"
Yuuto gasped. "T-That's illegal!"
"It's sold in stores, genius," she said, giggling. "Should I wear this to the beach?"
"NO—wait—I mean—y-you can wear what you like— I'm not—"
He was visibly overheating.
Hikari looked like she was having the time of her life.
Round 4: White One-Piece with a Flowing Skirt
This time, Hikari stepped out more shyly, holding the sides of the skirt.
Yuuto looked up properly for once.
His breath caught in his throat. "That one…"
"Hm?"
"It really suits you."
She blinked.
"Y-You look beautiful," he mumbled.
There was a small pause.
Then Hikari turned her head, pretending to cough to hide her smile. "Guess we have a winner."
Afterward
They walked out of the store, Hikari holding the bag with the swimsuit inside.
Yuuto finally asked, "Why did you want my opinion anyway?"
Hikari glanced at him, her expression softening.
"Because you're my boyfriend," she said plainly. "So I wanted to wear something you'd like."
Yuuto's eyes widened, and his heart stuttered.
His face went completely red.
"I-I see…"
"Blushing again~," she teased.
By the Fountain
They sat by the mall fountain, sipping cold drinks. Yuuto finally worked up the courage to ask:
"So… where are you going to wear it?"
She smiled brightly.
"Not just me. We're going to the beach."
Yuuto blinked. "We?"
"Yup. You, me, Rika, Ren—everyone. It's a summer beach trip."
She stood, stretching under the sunbeam pouring through the glass roof.
"Get ready," she said with a wink. "This summer's gonna be unforgettable."
Yuuto sat there, stunned, heart pounding.
She's dangerous, he thought.But even so…
I don't want this summer to end.
To be continued...