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"Summer vacation is almost here."
Right now, Takuya is walking home from school alongside Yui.
Yui has changed her hairstyle to go out and wears fake glasses, but she still radiates an unconcealable beauty to those around her, and occasionally people passing by turn to look at her.
"So, when summer vacation comes... let's go to the beach..."
Yui said with a bright blush. She looked so adorable, I wanted to hug her right away if we were somewhere private.
"I bought a new swimsuit, so look forward to it."
Although she seemed embarrassed, she made firm eye contact and spoke clearly.
"Are you pushing yourself too hard?"
"It's okay, I'm not forcing myself. It's embarrassing, but... I want Takkun to see it."
"Ah, yeah. I'm happy about that too, but that's not it."
"picture?"
"You've been acting strange lately. Is it about that email?"
He couldn't say specifically what was strange, but he felt that Yui's aura was a little different from before. He felt useless when he thought that maybe his childhood friend Yu would be able to spot the difference at a time like this.
"Am I really that weird?"
She must do whatever it takes to keep the fact that Yu raped her a secret.
There's no way anyone would be happy to have sex with a man who isn't their boyfriend. Even if it was forced. And if Yu realized that Takuya had found out, he might do something more.
Yui wanted to resolve the matter peacefully, without stirring things up as much as possible. As an actress, if this became public, she would end up losing her job. That was the last thing she wanted to avoid.
Therefore, the fewer people who know this fact, the better.
"Well, if you ask me what it is, I can't really answer."
Takuya becomes a little worried that maybe he's mistaken.
Even so, Yui was happy that he was worried about her, but at the same time, she felt sad. Still, there were things she couldn't say that she couldn't say.
"Hmm, well...Thanks for worrying about me, Takkun. But I'm fine."
If Yu is keeping his previous promise, then there should be nothing left to threaten him with. There is a possibility that he will take some kind of action in the future, but as long as there is nothing left to threaten him with, Yui thinks that things will be fine.
However, at the same time, she was worried that Yu might break his promise.
"Really? If there's something you can't say to me, then you should talk to Yu or your parents or someone like that."
The moment Takuya said the name Yu, Yui's face twitched, but since they weren't facing each other, Takuya didn't notice.
"...Hey, Takkun, have you ever been betrayed by someone close to you?"
"Betrayed? Fortunately, I haven't."
"yes..."
"..."
Yui is desperately trying to hide it, but something is clearly wrong. Even Takuya can see that, as Yui has good acting skills due to her profession.
But Takuya has no intention of forcing her to reveal something she refuses to say. Perhaps a pile of trivial worries is making her depressed, or perhaps Takuya is simply overreacting to his first girlfriend.
"Summer vacation is fun"
So Takuya decides to bring the topic back to fun.
"That's right. Besides, if I have free time, I'd like to go somewhere other than the sea."
"...Well, what is it?"
Although he is nervous about asking her out on a date for the first time, Takuya also musters up his courage, knowing that Yui was brave enough to ask him out.
"How about we go to the aquarium together? It's dark there, and everyone will be looking at the fish, so it's hard for anyone to notice... what do you think?"
"...Eh? An aquarium?"
Hearing this, Yui suddenly stopped in her tracks and looked up at Takuya.
Her expression was shining brightly, and the sense of strain that Takuya had felt just a moment ago was gone without a trace.
"Eh, Takkun, is that really true!?"
"I'm not lying."
"I did it! Takkun asked me out on a date!"
Yui jumps up and down in joy, not caring about what other people think.
"That's an exaggeration."
Yu can't help but smile as he watches Yui express her joy using her whole body. While he wishes she'd feel a little more like a celebrity, he can't help but find Yui's cute reaction captivating.
"It's not an exaggeration. I'm really looking forward to going on a date with Takkun! And besides, Takkun was the one who asked me out..."
Even though her cheeks were red, Yui met Takuya's gaze and spoke clearly. This was probably due to her experience as an actress, who always has to act in front of the camera.
Still, it is clear that her embarrassment and happiness are not an act, and Takuya's heart is filled with happiness.
"What's with that funny look on your face?"
"I was savoring my happiness. I was glad I was able to date Yui."
"...Idiot."
Hiding his embarrassment with a sweet, melting tone of voice, Takuya instinctively took Yui's hand as she walked next to him.
"picture?"
" There's not much, so that's okay, right?"
"...This one is better."
While Takuya held Yui's hand normally, Yui held hers in the so-called lover's position, with their fingers pinned together.
The smooth texture of their skin, their long, slender fingers, and the warmth of their body heat are transmitted from their palms. The hot summer sun is pouring down on them, but still, the two of them do not want to let go of their hands. Rather, they tighten their grip on each other as if they absolutely will not let go.
The two of them just looked at each other and laughed shyly, then walked away holding hands.