Chapter 309: Chapter 309

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A wicked grin spread across my face at the thought of the view I was about to enjoy.

"Huh? Didn't we book the mixed bathing section?"

"Hmph. In your dreams," Kotori sneered, shooting me a look of pure disdain. "Don't think we don't know what kind of perverted thoughts are running through that little head of yours."

Caught red-handed, I rubbed my nose and tried to mount a defense. "I was just trying to help you get some early practice for your future wifely duties!"

"Heh..." Kotori just rolled her eyes, not even dignifying that with a response. She knew better than to get into a verbal sparring match with a shameless bastard like me.

'The nerve of this guy,' she thought. 'Practice for my wifely duties? He's unbelievable.'

"Get lost," she said, pushing me away with a look of theatrical disgust.

Defeated, I trudged reluctantly toward the men's side of the hot springs. The clear, steaming water was a welcome sight.

Stepping in, I found the temperature was perfect, a faint scent of sulfur hanging in the air. I settled into the middle of the spring, a feeling of pure, blissful relaxation washing over me.

Meanwhile, on the women's side, things were far from quiet. Get full chapters from 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵✦𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮✦𝓷𝓮𝓽

"Ah! Is this heaven?" Miku declared, splashing around like a delinquent. One moment she was scooping up Yoshino in a hug, the next she was pinching Tohka's cheeks, sending her into a fit of giggles. The air was filled with a chorus of laughter and playful shrieks.

"Hey, Kurumi," Sawa said, her eyes wide with surprise. "Have you... gotten bigger recently?"

"Oh my," Kurumi's lips curled into a playful, knowing smile. "Ever since my passionate night with Kyoya, they've certainly been growing much faster. Maybe you should have him try with you, Sawa? Let him give you a little massage," she purred.

Sawa's face turned bright red. She sank deeper into the water until only her head was visible, looking for all the world like a flustered kitten, unable to even look at her best friend.

"Oh, Sawa," Kurumi said with an amused shake of her head. "I know you better than that."

She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "If you like him, I'm sure none of us would mind..."

"Kurumi, you..." Sawa's eyes went wide, completely stunned by her friend's bombshell.

"To be honest," Kurumi continued, settling into a more comfortable position beside her, "I used to dream of that kind of sweet, simple love. But after everything I've been through, my perspective has changed. We, who have spent so much time in the darkness, should understand the value of this light more than anyone."

She looked at her friend, her expression sincere. "So, no matter what you decide, I will support you."

It was true. Over her time with him, she had, without even realizing it, fallen for Kyoya. He was a flirt and a tease, but he was also incredibly reliable and gentle. All this time, she had only interacted with him as "Kurumi's best friend," never once daring to act on her own feelings.

But now, Kurumi had torn down that wall, and Sawa's mind was in turmoil.

"If you're too shy," Kurumi added, pressing her advantage, "it's okay to just let things happen naturally. You don't have to overthink it. Knowing Kyoya, even if you don't make a move, he'll find a way to have you eventually."

"Ngh! Kurumi, stop it!" Sawa finally cried out, her face burning. She swam away to the other side of the pool. "I... I just... let me think about it..."

She rested against a rock, trying to calm her racing heart. As she replayed Kurumi's words, a new resolve began to harden in her eyes. 'She's right. I can't keep running away. I have to face my feelings. Not just for myself, but for Kurumi, too.'

From across the pool, Kurumi watched the change in her friend's expression, a proud, motherly smile on her face. It seemed her efforts had paid off.

And she wasn't the only one plotting.

Overhearing the conversation, a mischievous glint appeared in Kotori's eyes. She swam over to where Shiori was relaxing and, with a playful slap, smacked her right on the rear.

Shiori yelped, slipping under the water for a second before resurfacing, a gentle, confused smile on her face. "Is something wrong, Kotori?"

Kotori licked her lollipop.

"Shiori," she said, her voice serious, "you don't want to be 'just friends' forever, do you?"

"Huh?" Shiori was clearly not following. Kotori just moved her lips, silently mouthing three words.

As Shiori understood, a blush crept up her cheeks. She bit her lip and gave a firm, almost imperceptible nod. "Of course not."

"Then go for it," Kotori said with a grin, giving her a thumbs-up. "Let that jerk know how you feel."

As her sister, she would do everything in her power to help.

'I have to let him know,' Shiori thought, a new fire in her heart.

At the same time, a similar scene was playing out nearby.

"I suggest you use a seduction technique," Origami advised Mana, her expression completely serious.

"S-Seduction... What are you talking about!?"

"I-I would never do something like that!" Mana sputtered, her face instantly turning beet red.

"You don't think it's a good suggestion?"

Mana puffed out her cheeks. Seduction? There was no way. She never should have asked Origami for advice in the first place.

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