The Pool

"Everyone, gather around."

The muscular teacher in swim trunks began preparing for class, calling the students to assemble.

Even for a physical education teacher, most students thought his muscles were a bit excessive; the girls might even find them off-putting.

...This teacher's taste was a bit unique—that chest, those muscles, a back like a bear's—truly impressive, but those spindly legs... a bit much...

"If everyone's here, I'll start the lesson."

The teacher spoke up front, while certain people whispered behind.

"Hey~... Professor, did you record everything? Got the stats yet?"

"Almost, almost, don't rush me."

"Ugh... damn it, at least you guys can still compete, but I've lost without even fighting. Damn it!"

"Well, what does it matter, Yamauchi? I'll thank you for those points in advance, and besides, isn't Qiuyue keeping you company? Don't worry about it."

"But... I bet 5000 pr, and Qiuyue only bet 1000 pr. How's that the same?"

Sigh... 1000 pr is still points. Who could've guessed Sakura and Hasebe would both get their periods right now? Losing without a fight really stings.

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

"You're right, I shouldn't hold back at a time like this. I'll just consider those points an entry fee! Where's Kushida?"

"Over there."

Ike quietly pointed with his finger, and Yamauchi followed the direction.

Kushida, in her school swimsuit, her graceful figure faintly visible, radiated endless charm and allure.

Her body curves were exquisite, every line outlining her unique appeal.

Yamauchi was momentarily mesmerized, his eyes full of desire.

The other boys in the class were also appreciating the girls' swimsuits, but they did it discreetly, unlike Yamauchi's piggish expression.

Qiuyue was naturally among the boys, and he too was looking at Kushida.

Those big melons must be a legendary 36D, no, maybe even reaching E-cup territory.

Much bigger than I imagined. Her thighs and butt have a real feel to them—oh no, I mean, not too skinny, not too plump, but that's exactly the kind of figure that draws us gentlemen's eyes.

If... compared to Ichinose, Ichinose would be more voluptuous, plump, just right, very eye-catching.

"Oi, you there, what are you doing? Whispering earlier, and now sneaking a peek while bent over? This is class time."

The muscular teacher's stern voice reached everyone's ears, and all eyes turned to where he was looking.

Young Yamauchi, caught sneaking a look at Kushida's swimsuit, snapped to attention, afraid anyone would notice he'd been admiring her.

Though some girls might not have caught on, the boys all knew what he was up to—only a guy understands a guy's little schemes.

After the boys realized Yamauchi had been caught, including Qiuyue, they all restrained themselves a bit.

But a few old hands still appreciated the exposed skin beneath the girls' swimsuits.

Ah, what a nice day today... Another peaceful day, truly wonderful.

...If a certain physiological reaction occurred, it would cause a huge commotion, and then even jumping into the Yellow River wouldn't wash it clean.

After this, I'll go sit on the side and rest, close my eyes and meditate. For now... form is emptiness...

In the swimming class, the muscular teacher wanted everyone to learn to swim and held a race, even offering 5000 pr as a prize for first place.

As for those who couldn't swim, the teacher taught them hand over hand until they learned.

Faced with such a responsible teacher, everyone actively cooperated.

The girls' group competed first, and unsurprisingly, Horikita won in the end.

However, during the competition, Kushida overwhelmingly won in popularity over Horikita—no, over all the girls in the class.

Then came the boys' group. The first batch started competing, while Qiuyue was in the second batch, sitting alone in the distance, spacing out.

Just as Qiuyue was zoning out waiting for his turn, Kushida suddenly came over to chat.

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

"No, just a bit bored."

"I see... Come to think of it, Qiuyue is always alone. I'd like to be friends with everyone, but you always disappear right after class."

With that, Kushida sat down beside Qiuyue.

Of course I'm avoiding you! With you being a pink-haired black-hearted snake and a traitor, I naturally keep as far away as possible.

...And can you not sit so close? Do you realize you're wearing a school swimsuit?! If something reacts, you're responsible, you know!!!

"...Ahaha... Didn't I mention in my self-introduction that I like novels? I go to the library to read."

That's a lie; he reads in his room.

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

"...Is... is that so? I don't... seem to recall?"

Amitabha, form is emptiness, second brother, now is not the time...

"How mean! I was really looking forward to talking with Qiuyue-kun... so, can we have a proper talk now? Can we?"

"Mhm, mhm, go ahead."

"You're so half-hearted... Qiuyue-kun, eh... what's wrong? Your face looks kind of red... Could it be you were just putting up a brave front earlier? That won't do, you need to go to the infirmary."

"No, no, nothing like that at all... it's just a bit hot out."

That was a lie. It wasn't the weather—it was his own body burning up.

"Really? I guess so. Come to think of it, it's strange—summer's still a ways off, yet we already have swimming class."

"Right..."

Kushida suddenly grabbed Qiuyue's left hand with both of hers, looking at him seriously. "Can we become friends?"

Actually, I hadn't forgotten what happened in the cafeteria. I already guessed you'd say that line, so I figured the best response was—

"Aren't we already?"

Qiuyue asked Kushida back with feigned doubt.

Kushida paused for a moment, then broke into a sweet smile, stood up, and leaned over to tilt her head at Qiuyue.

"Mm! Thank you, Qiuyue-kun."

With that, Kushida walked back toward the crowd.

If I didn't know you were faking it, I might've actually fallen for that... Ah, someone else is coming.

"Qiuyue."

"What's up?"

Ike wrapped an arm around Qiuyue from behind and whispered.

"Kushida-chan belongs to all of us, so don't think you can sneak ahead. Though I doubt she'd take an interest in you anyway."

I wouldn't want that kind of pink-on-the-outside, black-on-the-inside girl as a girlfriend—being friends is already pushing it. And even if I didn't want to, you'd never succeed either. She's not the kind of simple girl you guys can handle.