The Pool

"Everyone, gather over here."

The muscular teacher, wearing swim trunks, began getting ready to teach and called all the students over.

Even though he was a P.E. teacher, most students thought he had taken his muscle-building a little too far. The girls might even find it off-putting.

...This teacher had some unusual taste. Those pecs, those muscles, that broad back and shoulders—he really did look cool. But those skinny legs...

"If everyone's here, I'll get started."

The teacher was speaking up front while someone or other whispered in the back.

"Hey... Professor, have you recorded everything? Have you tallied the results?"

"Almost done, almost done. Don't rush me."

"Ugh... Damn it, at least you guys can still compete. I lost without even getting a chance to fight! Damn it!"

"Well, what can you do, Yamauchi? I'll just thank you for your points in advance. And you've still got Qiuyue to keep you company, don't you? Don't worry about it."

"But... I bet 5,000 pr! Qiuyue only bet 1,000. How can those be the same?"

Sigh... 1,000 pr was still points. Who could've expected Sakura and Hasebe to get their periods at the same time? Losing without even getting to compete really was frustrating.

"What's the difference? Look, there are still so many girls here in swimsuits. That's more than enough to feast your eyes on. Especially Kushida—she's an angel!"

"You're right. I shouldn't be holding back at a time like this. I'll just think of these points as the price of admission! Where's Kushida?"

"Over there."

Ike stealthily pointed, and Yamauchi followed his finger.

Kushida wore a school swimsuit, her graceful figure showing through just enough to radiate irresistible charm and allure.

Her curves were perfectly proportioned, every line accentuating her unique appeal.

Yamauchi stared, his eyes filled with desire.

The boys in class were all admiring the girls in their swimsuits, too, but they were doing it on the sly. None of them looked as shameless as Yamauchi.

Qiuyue was naturally one of the many boys watching, and he was looking at Kushida as well.

Those huge breasts had to be the legendary 36D, right? No, maybe they'd even reached an E.

They were much bigger than I'd imagined. Her thighs and butt were pretty enticing too. No, better to say she wasn't too thin or too heavy. That was exactly the kind of figure that caught the eye of gentlemen like us.

If... I compared her to Ichinose, Ichinose had a fuller, more voluptuous figure. It was just right, and very striking.

"Hey, you students over there! What are you doing? You were whispering down there just now, and now you're crouching and sneaking a look at something. It's class time."

The muscular teacher's stern voice carried to everyone in the class, and they all looked in the direction he was facing.

Yamauchi, who'd been peeking at Kushida in her swimsuit, snapped to attention, afraid anyone would realize what he'd been admiring.

Some of the girls might not have noticed, but the boys all understood what he'd been doing. Only boys could understand the little tricks other boys got up to.

Once they realized Yamauchi had been caught by the teacher, the boys—including Qiuyue—became a little more restrained.

Still, a few shameless old hands kept admiring the exposed skin beneath the girls' swimsuits.

Ah, it was another beautiful day... Another peaceful day. What a wonderful thing.

...If I got physically aroused, it'd cause quite a stir. And then I might not be able to clear my name even if I jumped into the Yellow River.

Once it was over, I'd go sit somewhere nearby and rest with my eyes closed. For now... all is emptiness...

During swim class, the muscular teacher wanted everyone to learn how to swim, so he held a swimming competition and even offered 5,000 pr to the winner.

As for those who couldn't swim, the muscular teacher patiently taught them step by step until they could.

Faced with such a dedicated teacher, the students all cooperated enthusiastically.

The girls competed first, and, as expected, Horikita came out on top.

However, during the competition, Kushida's popularity had overwhelmingly surpassed Horikita's—or rather, that of every girl in the class.

Next came the boys' competition. The first group began, while Qiuyue was in the second. He sat by himself in the distance, staring into space.

Just as Qiuyue was spacing out and waiting for his turn, Kushida suddenly came over to talk to him.

"Qiuyue, why are you sitting here by yourself? Are you feeling unwell?"

"Not really. I'm just a little bored."

"I see... Come to think of it, you're always by yourself, Qiuyue. I want to be friends with everyone, but you disappear as soon as class ends."

As she spoke, Kushida sat down beside Qiuyue.

Of course I'm avoiding you! You're the Pink-Haired Schemer, and a traitor to boot. I'm staying as far away from you as I can.

...And could you not sit so close? Do you realize you're wearing a school swimsuit?! If I get aroused, are you going to take responsibility?!

"...Ahaha... Didn't I say during my introduction that I like novels? I go to the Library to read."

That was a lie. He read books in his room.

"...I see. Qiuyue, do you remember what happened when we met in the cafeteria? I said I wanted to have a proper talk with you alone. Do you remember?"

"...I... did I? I don't think... I remember."

Amitabha, all is emptiness. Little brother, now isn't the time...

"That's so mean! I was really looking forward to talking with you, Qiuyue... So, can we have a proper talk now? Is that okay?"

"Mm-hmm, go ahead."

"You're so dismissive... Qiuyue, huh... What's wrong? Your face looks a little red... You weren't forcing yourself to stay out here, were you? That won't do. You should go to the nurse's office."

"No, no, nothing like that... It's just a little hot."

That was a lie. It wasn't the weather; his own body was running hot.

"Really? I suppose so. It's strange, though. Summer's still a while away, but we're already having swimming lessons."

"Yeah..."

Kushida suddenly took Qiuyue's left hand in both of hers and looked at him earnestly. "Can we be friends?"

Actually, I hadn't forgotten what happened in the cafeteria. I'd already guessed you'd say this, so I thought the best way to handle it was...

"Aren't we already friends?"

Qiuyue pretended to be confused and asked Kushida in return.

Kushida paused for a moment, then smiled sweetly. She stood up and leaned over, tilting her head as she looked at Qiuyue.

"Mm! Thank you, Qiuyue."

With that, Kushida headed back toward the others.

If I didn't know you were pretending, I might really have fallen for you... Ah, someone else is coming.

"Qiuyue."

"What is it?"

Ike put an arm around Qiuyue from behind and whispered to him.

"Kushida belongs to all of us, so don't try to sneak off with her, okay? Though I don't think she'd be interested in you anyway."

I don't want a Pink-Haired Schemer as my girlfriend. She'd be a handful even as a friend. Besides, even if I wanted to, you couldn't succeed. She's not the kind of simple girl you guys can handle.