Love, Romance, and All That Nonsense

It took place in a provincial city surrounded by mountains on three sides, functioning primarily as a commuter community for the nearby urban areas.

Yuma Kawai had a love-hate relationship with his friend since kindergarten, Kosei Kuramoto.

They rode their bikes around the neighborhood, played kick-the-can in the park, had shoe-tossing competitions, and made mud balls together.

In the forest behind the shrine, they caught bugs and built secret bases. At home, they played video games. They did everything together.

But there was one person who constantly tagged along with Yuma and Kosei, a girl who would occasionally drag them into her schemes.

I heard there are crayfish in the irrigation canal over there! Let's catch some!

Hey, hey, wanna compete to see who can collect these materials in the game the fastest?

I bet there's a tengu in that shrine forest!

She was Kosei's younger sister, Suzuka.

She had grown up right alongside the pair of boys.

They played in all sorts of places, got into mischief, were scolded, sometimes got injured, and occasionally made mistakes.

They knew all of each other's good parts and bad parts, even the embarrassing parts.

Suzuka probably thought of Yuma as another brother figure. For Yuma, Suzuka was irreplaceable.

They had a genuine bond, and back then, Yuma innocently believed their relationship would continue the way it were forever.

The first time he felt a crack in that belief was at Suzuka's middle school entrance ceremony.

It should have gone without saying, but Suzuka was wearing a girl's uniform.

Yet for some reason, Yuma mumbled words of surprise.

Suzuka's wearing a skirt.

Surprising, isn't it, Yuma? Turns out Suzuka is actually a girl after all.

I feel weird about it, too. Can't I wear track pants underneath this?

Just bear with it for the entrance ceremony, at least.

Yeah, I guess so.

Until then, Yuma had never really thought much about Suzuka being a boy or a girl.

Looking back, this was the moment when Yuma first became conscious of Suzuka as someone of the opposite sex.

It was early May, when the trees lining the streets were covered with fresh green leaves.

Even though it was just after Golden Week and the days had become warm enough to work up a sweat, the mornings were still chilly. It was one such day, on the way to school.

Yuma let out a sudden gasp when Kosei showed up at their usual meeting spot.

Kosei, what happened to your hair?

Kosei responded with a slightly embarrassed yet smug look on his face.

Heh, I went to a hair salon that Riko recommended. So, what do you think?

That Riko recommended? You look completely different. I'm shocked!

Really?. . . I don't look weird, do I?

Nah, you look totally cool—look, that is. Just your appearance.

Haha, shut up!

Despite Yuma's seemingly cold response, Kosei wasn't entirely displeased. He started fiddling with his smartphone while grinning.

Yuma recalled their outing just the other day with the usual crowd—Kosei's sister Suzuka, and her friend, Riko. They had gone to check out the World Pudding Exhibition at the Goldfish Mall. Named after the local specialty—goldfish—it was the largest shopping complex in the area, its interior design echoing that theme. Kosei's hair had grown out unchecked during that trip.

Now it was cut short and dyed a lighter color. He was naturally well-built, so with his new hair he had somehow transformed into quite the handsome guy with a fresh look.

For some reason, Kosei had begun to show a strange interest in his appearance lately.

He had started working out diligently and was constantly looking for places that are popular with girls.

All this began after he started working part-time at a family restaurant. He was into a lot of social media games and he needed money to fund the in-app purchases.

At first, he seemed to be working reluctantly just to fund his in-game purchases. But at a certain point, he started going to work excited, fidgety, and cheerful.

Aren't older girls great?

A couple between a college student and a high schooler is normal, right?

A three-year age gap isn't something to worry about that much, right?

These comments made it easy to guess what had happened.

Apparently, he had fallen for a female college student who worked at his part-time job.

Yuma felt second-hand embarrassment from seeing his best friend head over heels in love.

Hah . . .

Yuma gave an awkward sigh.

Then, from behind Kosei, a girl appeared sharing Yuma's expression. She had long black hair with a slight bedhead, aggressively gathered into two braids, which gave off the impression of having valiantly attempted some semblance of neatness but gave up, resigned to their messy fate. Her blazer was haphazardly thrown on her shoulders and her skirt remained at regulation length. She was decidedly unfashionable, a plain-looking girl with no interest in style.

It was Kosei's sister, Suzuka, who—like her brother—had been part of Yuma's life for years. Exasperated, she spoke in an undertone that suggested resigned annoyance.

He's been acting like this since yesterday.

Completely love-struck.

He keeps asking me if it suits him over and over. I'm like, are you a schoolgirl or something?!

Hahaha, to think that Kosei of all people would act like this . . .

Yuma looked over at Kosei, who appeared notably restless. He was probably self-conscious of the stares around him.

Yuma thought he should be holding his head high since he looked so different now, but Kosei seemed unable to muster any confidence. Yuma and Suzuka exchanged glances and exchanged ironic smiles.

Oh, that reminds me!

Suzuka exclaimed, showing Yuma her smartphone screen.

Doesn't this look interesting? It's an extra-large rainbow fresh cream super-sweet honey toast!

Whoa, I'm getting heartburn just looking at this! What's with this "Challengers Wanted" thing?

Come on, we've gotta try this out! Yu, let's go completely demolish this thing and win!

Unlike her brother, who was all caught up in romance, Suzuka preferred the physical over the emotional. With gleaming eyes, she attempted to lure him into what was obviously a sugary death trap.

Suzuka had always been inquisitive and often dragged others into bizarre situations like this.

Yuma closed his eyes, furrowed his brows together, and pressed his fingers against his temple as he answered.

Hey, don't tell me you've already forgotten about that tragedy at the grilled offal restaurant we went to the other day.

Ahaha . . . you mean the honeycomb tripe and omasum tripe, right? They looked so gross, it took some real courage to actually put them in your mouth.

And we didn't know how long to grill them, so we ended up burning some of them black.

But there was something weirdly fascinating about it and it turned out to be surprisingly tasty, so I actually want to try it again! But forget that—honey toast is where it's at! This will be my first challenge as a sixteen-year-old!

Having just celebrated her birthday last week, Suzuka grinned mischievously.

Yuma gave a wry smile, imagining that he would end up going along with her plans anyway, despite everything.

Then, curious about their conversation, Kosei looked up from his smartphone and interjected.

Hey, what are you guys talking about?

Oh, we were just saying how we hope that college girl at your part-time job will think you're cool one day.

Just try not to get so fidgety that you start acting suspicious in front of her, bro.

W-What?! T-That's not . . . she has nothing to do with anything—

Sure, sure.

. . . Sigh.

Hey! Are you even listening to me, Yuma?! You too, Suzuka!

Kosei turned bright red, frantically denying everything.

Watching their friend like this, Yuma and Suzuka furrowed their brows and shrugged with a sigh.

The three boarded the train from their usual spot, at their usual time, to get to school.

After three stations, another girl boarded and greeted them with a hand raised. She wore the same uniform as Suzuka but in a more casual style, a petite girl who gave off a flashy impression. Upon seeing the newly transformed Kosei, her eyes visibly widened and a mischievous smile spread across her face.

Good moooorning . . . Whoa, no way! Kosei, you really did get a makeover!

Yeah, I went straight to that salon you recommended, Riko.

That place is so good, right? Wow, even you have become presentable now—at least looks-wise!

Shut up! Don't say the same thing as Yuma!

Tee-hee!

Riko Aburanaga was a year younger than Suzuka and her best friend since middle school. Naturally, she was also on easy, familiar terms with Yuma and the others, so they often hung out together.

Despite being teased by Riko, Kosei couldn't help but grin with satisfaction at the results of his makeover. This only encouraged Riko to tease him more, creating a repetitive cycle.

At this familiar and somewhat endearing scene, Yuma and Suzuka exchanged glances and shared a knowing smile.

Riko is . . .

Yuma furrowed his brow as he considered her feelings. Riko stopped teasing Kosei and came over, her skin radiantly glowing.

Hey, Suzuka. When all is said and done, Kosei had good material to work with, and now he's looking pretty stylish, don't you think?

Yeah, I'm surprised, even though he's my brother.

Suzuka, should I introduce you to the same place? Actually, let's just go! You'll definitely become super cute!

Hmm. I'm fine as I am. It all seems like such a hassle.

Ugh, there it is! Your usual I've-given-up-on-being-feminine statement! Yuma, say something to her, would you?

When the conversation was directed at him, Yuma glanced at Suzuka's appearance.

Though her overall impression was plain, Suzuka had a slender, well-proportioned figure, and her facial features were nicely defined and shapely.

Just as Riko said, she also had good raw material to work with. With proper grooming, she would undoubtedly transform just like Kosei had.

Suzuka's expression changed, as if to say Here we go again.

She had probably heard this comment many times before and responded similarly.

Yuma responded with a resigned smile.

Maybe so. But ultimately, it's her decision.

Aww, what a waste! Even Kosei managed to pull it off!

Yeah! I mean, remember how disheveled Riko was in middle school? And now look at her!

Ugh! Koseiiii!

Riko pouted and raised her fist as if warning him not to mention that topic.

Riko was the complete opposite back in middle school. Her eyes hid behind her bangs, her hair was braided into pigtails, and her skirt was so long her knees weren't visible, which gave her an overall gloomy and unfashionable look.

Ooh, scary, scary!

Geez!

Hahaha.

. . . Sigh.

Everyone burst into laughter at the familiar scene unfolding once again, but Yuma quietly averted his weary eyes from Riko and Kosei.

At the school entrance, they parted ways with Suzuka and Riko, who were in different grades, and headed toward classroom 2-1.

Mornin'!

Good morning.

Morning . . . whoa, Kosei, what did you do to your hair?!

Huh, no way, is that really Kosei?! I didn't recognize you for a second!

Well, actually, I got some tips from my younger friend—

As soon as he opened the door and greeted the class, Kosei was immediately surrounded by classmates.

That was to be expected.

Until now, Kosei, like Yuma, had been plain and unremarkable. Just another face in the crowd that could be found anywhere in their grade.

Now this same Kosei had shown up after Golden Week with a suddenly stylish appearance. It would be weird not to be interested.

What brought on this change of heart?

Could it be . . . you got a girlfriend?!

Introduce her to us sometime!

Classmates came over from all directions, throwing such remarks his way.

Kosei became flustered and started stumbling over his words.

I-it's not about a girlfriend or anything!

I-I just started a part-time job, so I thought I should pay more attention to my appearance . . .

His response was as good as a confession. The conversation only grew more animated.

Yuma, not wanting to disturb the excitement surrounding Kosei, quietly made his way to his seat.

As he set down his bag, the whispered voices of the girls inevitably reached his ears.

Isn't Kosei way hot?! Honestly, he was such a dark horse!

He's not bad, right? I might have a chance! I don't have a boyfriend right now.

So, what happened with that guy from West High you were talking about the other day?

Oh, that? It's whatever, doesn't matter. What about you? How's it going with that boy from the class next door?

Ooh, spill the details!

Listening to these conversations, Yuma's face twisted into a grimace.

Everywhere he turned, Kosei's transformation had triggered nothing but talk of romance.

Well, that's how it was with high schoolers. Taking an interest in the opposite sex was only natural.

This scene surely wasn't unique to this classroom—it was one that was probably happening everywhere.

. . .

As something bitter seeped through his chest, Yuma exhaled it with a sigh and quietly left the scene. The atmosphere in the classroom today just didn't sit well with him.

Then the school day ended.

The classroom that day had been dominated by talk about Kosei and romance-related topics from morning to afternoon.

Yuma—who had felt uncomfortable all day—was hurriedly packing his things to head home as soon as the bell rang when someone called out to him.

Hey.

Kosei?

Uh, Yuma, are you free after this today?

Yeah, I don't have plans.

Then, um, wanna stop by my place on the way home?

. . . Sure.

Kosei invited Yuma over with an uncharacteristically awkward manner.

After spending the whole day immersed in all that romantic talk, Yuma wasn't so oblivious that he couldn't read between the lines of this invitation.

With a faint smile, Yuma left school alongside his childhood best friend.

Usually, they would engage in idle chit-chat on their way home, but today Kosei was restless and completely silent.

Go ahead to my room first. I'll grab some drinks.

. . . You don't need to bother with hospitality at this point.

Don't worry about it, man.

As soon as they arrived at the Kuramoto household, Kosei hurried to the kitchen to fetch drinks he didn't usually bother offering. Yuma furrowed his brow as he headed toward Kosei's room.

The last time he had been in Kosei's room was before the holiday break, during a birthday celebration for Kosei turning seventeen in April and Suzuka turning sixteen in early May. Since elementary school, they had been in and out of each other's rooms, and Kosei's room felt like a second home to him. He knew it like the back of his hand.

He knew where most things were kept in this room—the video games, manga, knickknacks, figurines, and stationery. It wasn't uncommon for him to find items Kosei had been looking for after forgetting where he put them, and hand it back to him.

So it felt particularly strange to see men's skincare products, cologne, astrology books about love, and several women's magazines featuring dating specials strewn about the room.

He plopped down by the new editions, pulled a magazine toward him, and muttered with a grimace.

"Don't miss the signs that your crush is interested in you" . . . That's pretty intense. "Try to use words that make the other person conscious of you. Be sure to maintain appropriate distance depending on the situation. Don't push your feelings without considering their pace" . . . That all makes sense, but isn't this stuff too difficult for beginners?

Yuma continued critiquing the magazine as he read it. He smirked at the thought of his friend likely struggling with these romantic strategies since he was so quick to show his emotions through his behavior.

The girl probably already knows he likes her.

He thought to himself while flipping through the magazine pages.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Yuma heard a voice call out to him.

Kosei.

Uh, well, um, that's . . .

Noticing the magazine Yuma was reading, Kosei's eyes darted around as he became flustered and visibly uncomfortable.

After standing frozen at the entrance for a while, Kosei seemed to steel himself.

Alright.

He muttered as if to encourage himself. Placing a tray with a glass on it in front of Yuma, he sat down heavily cross-legged across from him.

Then, seeming embarrassed, he scratched his cheek with his index finger as he began to speak.

Um, so . . . were you surprised to see stuff that doesn't seem like me?

Well, yeah. They weren't here last time I came. I was shocked, because they don't suit you at all. But considering your hair today, it makes sense . . . I mean, you're seeing results, aren't you?

O-Oh, you think so . . . ? Hey, that comment about things not suiting me was unnecessary!

Haha, let's just hope this new polish of yours doesn't wear off.

S-Shut up, will you!

Kosei scratched his head in embarrassment at Yuma's teasing.

They laughed together for a while.

Kosei cleared his throat with a cough and put on an unusually serious expression.

Sensing they were getting to the main topic, Yuma sat up straighter.

So, um . . . the truth is, I've fallen for someone.

. . . I see. Is it that college girl at your part-time job?

Y-yeah . . . But this is my first time dealing with something like this . . . I have no idea what to do. You're the only one I can talk to about this stuff . . .

You know I've never had a girlfriend either, right? I can't give you any great advice.

Even so—wait, hold on a second.

Kosei's smartphone dinged, notifying him of a message. The instant he saw the name on the screen, Kosei's face lit up with a smile so bright, Yuma could practically see flowers blooming behind him. He eagerly tapped to answer the call.

Hello, this is Kosei! Huh, you're suddenly short-staffed? My schedule? No, no, I'm completely free right now! Should I come now? Yes, yes, I'll be there . . .

It seemed the call was from his crush.

Yuma smirked at Kosei.

Work calling you in?

Yeah, it's an emergency and they need help. Listen Yuma, I know you just got here, but . . .

It's from your crush, right? Just go.

Sorry, I'll definitely make it up to you!

Don't worry about it.

Kosei rushed out like a whirlwind, practically skipping with excitement that the person he liked was depending on him.

Yuma watched his thoroughly jubilant friend leave with a fond smile, squinting as if looking at the sun.

Romance . . . what a pointless thing.

Yuma's face contorted into a grimace, his body tensed, and his back teeth clenched tightly.

After a moment, he relaxed his body and let out a deep breath.

Left alone in Kosei's room with nothing to do, Yuma gathered himself and wondered what to do next.

In the past, even when the room's owner wasn't around, he would often kill time with games or manga. But now, this room contained so many unfamiliar things that it made him feel uncomfortable.

The rarely-served tea sat forlorn on the tray.

Just as he was reaching for it, someone called out to him from the open doorway.

Oh, it's Yu.

It was Suzuka. She was still in her school uniform, suggesting she had just returned home.

Welcome home, Suzuka.

How unusual for him to serve tea . . . But where's my brother?

He just got called in to work a little while ago and left looking absolutely thrilled.

That college girl of his?

Yep. He actually invited me over today to ask for advice because he's fallen for her and doesn't know what to do.

When Yuma shrugged his shoulders in exasperation, Suzuka's eyes widened in surprise.

What? My brother actually asked you for advice?

It was already obvious from his behavior that he has a crush, so the conversation was kind of overdue anyway.

Well, yeah. He stubbornly refused to admit anything to me, but still made me buy him those magazines.

I bet you picked some of those as a joke, huh? Like "Kissing Special: Setting the Mood and Practice Methods You Can Do Alone"?

Ahaha, busted! But I never expected to catch my brother actually sucking on the back of his hand after reading it, or to see him constantly running back to the kitchen for ice so he could practice moving his tongue around.

Haha, well, I guess that shows just how serious Kosei is about her.

Yeah, getting all caught up in love and romance. What—What an idiot.

. . . Suzuka?

Yuma's eyes widened at what Suzuka had let so casually slip out. He stared at her intently.

Suzuka made an uncomfortable face, as if regretting having accidentally revealed her true feelings.

Uh—

She mumbled, trying to cover her slip-up, her eyes darting around for a while.

Eventually, she resigned herself.

Sigh.

She let out a deep breath, sat down next to Yuma, and began talking hesitantly.

You know how they talk about the three-month barrier, right?

Yeah, that thing about how long relationships last before breaking up.

Exactly! Well, we're at that age, you know. Girls are always talking about who likes who and who's dating who and all that. Riko loves that kind of gossip too.

Riko's been enthusiastically giving Kosei advice too.

But most couples break up really quickly, and for all sorts of reasons. Cause they were dating just out of curiosity, or because "this isn't what I expected," or "I put up with it to have someone to brag about but I can't take it anymore," or "he dumped me because I wouldn't put out when he thought I was easy."

That sounds about right.

People give in to spur-of-the-moment feelings, claim they love the person, then bad-mouth them the very next day after breaking up. They never think about how it affects anyone who gets dragged into their drama. I mean, what's the point of dating, really? Is it worth destroying your relationships over? I don't want to make that kind of mistake.

Suzuka's heartfelt words resonated deeply with Yuma.

Suddenly remembering his own bitter experience, he let slip a self-deprecating confession.

Mistakes, huh . . . I've made one myself. Someone was just messing with me as part of a dare, but I took it seriously and paid the price. Since then, I've had my reservations about romance.

What? No way! That happened to you, Yu?! I've never heard about this before!

Yeah, well, it happened. I haven't even told Kosei about it.

Huh . . . So Yu, what did you like about her? Was she cute? Did she have big boobs or something?!

That she was the cheery, pretty type I guess? She'd touch me casually all the time, our conversations flowed easily, and yeah, she had a large chest . . . I won't deny I was obviously into her.

Ahaha! So you were seduced by her feminine charms. You really are just a boy after all, Yu.

Shut up! It can't be helped! We're at that age, and I was curious . . .

Yuma pouted his lips and looked away. Suzuka tried to comfort him by patting his shoulder, then muttered with a somewhat knowing look.

There, there, Yu. It's not like we girls aren't interested in boys' bodies either.

Huh, really?

We sometimes talk about things like "That guy has big hands, I'd like to be gently stroked by him" or "That actor has just the right amount of muscle, I'd like to be held by him" or "That person I saw in town the other day had such sensual lips, I'd like to feel what they're like." Girls have those kinds of conversations, too.

Huh, that's a bit unexpected . . .

When you get down to it, there's really only one thing people end up doing when they date, right? There's even that term, "physical compatibility." Though everyone I know gets caught up in drama before they even reach that point, which is just a pain.

I see.

Romance is ultimately just a process leading to physical intimacy—that was the impression he got from Suzuka's oddly detached yet enlightened perspective. Though slightly surprised, he nodded in agreement with a lopsided smile. He should have known: this straightforward, no-nonsense attitude was so typical of Suzuka.

Don't you talk about that kind of stuff, Yu? Oh, we girls talk about boobs a lot too. It's easy to tell the cup size if you know what you're looking for. But me, even if I push mine up, there's hardly anything to grab. I wish I had as much as Riko.

As she said this, Suzuka placed her hands on her chest, grimacing as she squeezed her small breasts through her uniform.

Yuma blinked in surprise at his best friend's sister's sudden action, yet couldn't help letting his honest thoughts slip out.

No, size isn't the issue. It's more like we're drawn to them because men don't have them.

Then, want to feel mine? They're natural A-cups with room to grow. I wish they were at least B-cups!

H-Hey, don't tease me like that.

Oh, you're embarrassed. Who knew that I could even make you blush, eh?

. . . Jeez.

Suzuka laughed merrily, clearly amused.

Even though they'd always been close enough to talk about anything, since entering middle school, they rarely discussed topics related to sexuality like this.

But whenever they started talking, they tended to get carried away, and now was no exception.

But you know, it's truly depressing how little I have . . .

She said with an obviously exaggerated tone, pressing her small chest against Yuma's arm.

Though she claimed to have nothing, the soft sensation he could definitely feel made his heart race wildly. He couldn't bring himself to push her away.

The mood was growing weirder and weirder.

As Yuma struggled to find something to say, his eyes suddenly fell on the magazine spread out on the table.

Suzuka, catching sight of the words about a kissing special feature, murmured softly.

. . . I hear kissing feels good.

. . . That's what they say.

Yuma nodded intently, aware that he was being swept away by the atmosphere.

The two of them gazed at the kissing feature on the magazine.

As they read about creating the right mood for a kiss, timing, and how to give signals, Suzuka's fingertips suddenly touched the back of Yuma's hand.

Startled, Yuma's shoulders jumped slightly as he looked at her.

Suzuka, her eyes slightly moist and filled with curiosity, whispered as if suggesting mischief.

I wonder if it's true?

Who knows.

Want to try it?

N-No, no, that's . . . I mean . . .

He was shocked by her sudden proposal.

No matter how curious Suzuka might be, this wasn't something they should casually agree to do.

Come on, it's fine. It's not like it would be our first time anyway.

It was different when we were kids—mmph?!

Mm . . .

While he was fumbling with the idea that this was surely different from when they were children, she suddenly pecked his lips.

As Yuma's eyes widened in shock, Suzuka merely flashed a mischievous smile and licked her lips with her tongue as if to say thanks for the treat.

A shiver ran down Yuma's spine.

We did it, huh?

. . . Suzuka.

I mean, that was more like our teeth colliding than an actual kiss. Come on, let's try again.

Mmm . . .

Suzuka pressed her lips against Yuma's once more, as if to verify the sensation.

Then she pulled away, furrowing her brow as she murmured.

It's kind of soft? What a strange feeling. I'm not sure it really feels good—

His head was spinning.

As if some switch had been flipped inside him, Yuma took Suzuka's hand where it was lightly touching the back of his own, entwined their fingers as if not wanting to let her escape. This time, it was he who pressed his lips onto hers.

Mm, mm . . .

He gently sucked on her lips, savoring Suzuka's plump lower lip.

He hadn't noticed when he was on the receiving end, but now that he was initiating, Suzuka's lips were remarkably soft.

They were the lips of a girl, so different from his own.

This was completely different from the kisses they'd shared as children out of mere curiosity.

As if possessed, they became completely absorbed, repeatedly forgetting to breathe as they indulged in one another.

Their ragged breaths echoed through the room as they finally parted, gasping for air.

. . . Jeez, at least warn a girl. So, how was it? Did it feel good?

. . . Well, I'm not really sure.

I guess what feels good is a deep kiss, right? You know, with tongue.

Wasn't that what we did?. . . I guess I don't know how to do it properly, though.

. . . According to the magazine, you gently slip your tongue just inside the other person's lips. Want to try?

No, that's going too far . . .

For the sake of argument, he was okay with a kiss that was just a surface-level press of the lips. Though he'd gotten carried away earlier, this much was still something they'd experienced playfully as children.

But a deep kiss would completely cross the line of what could be considered innocent fooling around.

Yuma's face tightened with reluctance.

Then Suzuka paused.

Hmm.

She made a sound through her nose and whispered provocatively.

What, are you scared or something, Yu?

No, I'm not scared.

Then prove it to me.

Hmph . . .

He knew it was childish, but the thought of backing down and losing to Suzuka made Yuma knit his brow in determination.

He firmly gripped Suzuka's shoulders and, instead of answering her challenge with words, pressed his lips onto hers once more.

. . . Mm.

Mmm . . . mm?!

The moment he slipped his tongue inside, Suzuka's shoulders jumped with surprise and her eyes grew wide.

Yuma hesitated for a moment at her reaction, but as he timidly traced her gums and the inside of her cheeks, Suzuka's eyes gradually took on a dreamy shine.

When he gently tapped at her teeth with the tip of his tongue, they parted slightly. Taking her tight squeeze of his hand as a signal, Yuma ventured deeper into her mouth.

. . . Ah.

As their tongues met, a strangely sensual sound escaped from Suzuka's lips. He had never heard her make that sound before.

As Yuma's mind went completely blank, an irresistible and deeply primal desire took over, leaving him incapable of doing anything but frantically intertwining his tongue with hers.

Mm . . . mmm.

Chu . . . mm . . .

Their bodies grew impossibly hot, as if they were melting and merging into one.

The room was filled with nothing but the wet, slick sounds of their mouth's movements and their ragged breathing.

They couldn't think about anything else.

DING!

Mmph?!

Puah!

At that moment, Suzuka's smartphone dinged with a notification. The two immediately pulled away from each other as if electrocuted.

W-Who's it from?

I-it's from Riko! A message about something to do with cream puffs.

I-I see.

Y-yeah.

The conversation ended there, leaving an awkward yet desperately unfulfilled atmosphere between them.

. . .

. . .

Just moments ago they had gotten carried away, completely consumed by the mood.

Yet their bodies still burned with heat.

It was obvious that they both wanted to continue where they had left off.

They stole glances at each other's flushed faces.

. . . That was amazing just now.

. . . Yeah, it was, like, incredible.

Did it feel good, Yu?

Well, I mean, it ended before I could really tell.

You know, there's more stuff in the magazine we haven't tried.

Right, like embracing each other, passionately intertwining tongues, and stuff.

Ahaha, but if someone caught us trying those things, that would be bad.

True. And Kosei's room has a broken lock.

. . .

. . .

So, um . . . want to come to my room?

. . . Yeah.

Yuma could only nod at Suzuka's invitation.

Suppressing his growing excitement, he followed Suzuka to her room.

The moment they crossed the threshold of her room, they hurriedly locked into an embrace, their tongues and bodies frantically intertwining.

Suzuka's body was damp with sweat and her sweet scent made Yuma increasingly dizzy, dissolving what remained of his reason.

His consciousness grew hazy.

Haah . . . mmm . . . chu . . .

Mmm, nn . . . haah . . . mm . . .

Inside his arms, Suzuka's reaction to Yuma's advances were almost funny.

She felt as though he was staining her with his own essence.

Mmm, haah!

Huh?!

Just then, Suzuka's shoulders trembled sharply, and she collapsed against him as if all strength had left her body.

Breathing heavily, Suzuka spoke with a slightly embarrassed expression.

. . . Wow. My legs gave out. Kissing really does feel good, huh?

. . . Yeah.

Suzuka's shy expression may have been familiar, but it looked unusually cute to him.

His instincts urged him to become much more intimate with her.

However, having briefly separated, Yuma regained a sliver of his reason and understood just how dangerous this situation had become.

If they continue like this, he might give in to his desires and end up taking the innocence of his best friend's little sister.

Yuma grabbed Suzuka's shoulders, pulled himself slightly away, and spoke with a pleading tone.

Suzuka, let's stop here.

Huh?. . . Yu, didn't it feel good?

Yeah, but that's the problem. It feels too good, and I don't know what might happen if we go any further.

Hmm?

He'd meant to be considerate of Suzuka, but she looked somehow pleased, and whispered with an alluring expression that Yuma had never seen before.

I'd be okay with it if it's you, Yu.

. . . What do you mean?

I'm curious about what's next, and we're going to experience it someday anyway. So . . . you know what I mean?

Suzuka . . .

His mind reeled at her suggestion that they go further. Though he called her name sharply as if to scold her, she only responded with a provocative smile.

Yu, you're trying to act tough, but you're pretty much at your limit, aren't you?

Stop it! If you say anything more, I'll really—

Suzuka laughed mischievously, and— as if caressing Yuma's tightly-wound instincts directly—she brought her lips to his ear and whispered seductively.

I'm saying it's okay—if you think you can handle it, that is.

Suzuka!

Ahh!

Those words were the trigger that made Yuma abandon all reason.

When Yuma came to his senses, the evening sunlight streaming through the window had dyed Suzuka's room crimson.

It was a room that prioritized functionality over femininity, now filled with the sound of two people breathing heavily. The sound seemed to echo from far away.

You beast, Yu. I told you it hurt, and yet . . .

Her face buried in a pillow, Suzuka mumbled in a muffled, reproachful voice.

Yeah, she's absolutely right.

Yuma grimaced with regret as he looked down at Suzuka's exposed figure before him.

Her disheveled uniform revealed white skin beneath, freshly marked by the evidence of his desire.

Her bed sheets were stained with crimson, not just by the evening sun, but with evidence of her first time.

In this awkward atmosphere, the air was filled with the distinctive scent of their tangled bodies.

No matter how you looked at it, these were the unmistakable traces of what had just occurred.

We did it. I actually went through with it.

Feeling gloomy, Yuma sat up and turned his face away as if to avoid looking at her, silently adjusting his clothes.

It didn't matter that she had provoked him with that "if you think you can handle it" line.

They had both been consumed by that strange atmosphere, but that was no excuse.

He was the one who actually made the first move, and as Suzuka had said, he'd abandoned all reason like a beast possessed.

His heart was filled with deep regret and guilt.

Entangled with those feelings was a darker desire—one that whispered to him to devour her body once more and drown himself in pleasure.

He was the scum of the earth.

But without the courage to face what he had done, he sank deeper into self-loathing.

If he stayed in this room any longer, he felt like he might completely lose his mind.

Sorry, I'm going to head home now.

. . . ah.

Somehow managing to force those words out, he shook his head lightly to dispel his swirling emotions, then left the room as if fleeing from Suzuka.

After rushing out of the house, he leaned his back against the entrance.

Haah . . .

As he let out a sigh, he felt like he was expelling something more than air from deep within his chest.

On this day, Yuma had crossed the line with Suzuka, his longtime friend's sister.

Returning to his house with unsteady, ghost-like steps, Yuma recalled what had happened and fell into deep self-loathing.

One could say it was consensual.

But the fact remained that he had given in to desire and defiled his friend's sister whom he'd known since childhood.

At that moment, he had been nothing but a beast.

. . . How am I supposed to face her tomorrow?