Untitled Draft

"Oh, I see." Rinne nodded in agreement and smiled gently. "Shiori, do your best afterward! I've folded your towel for you."

"Thanks, Rinne." After thanking her, Shiori looked at Rinne, who was also preparing to bathe, in confusion. "Hm? Rinne, are you going to soak in the hot spring too?"

"Mm." Rinne nodded without denying it, her eyes curving into a smile. "Haha, Tohka and I went to so many places during the day. It's time to relax, and it just so happens I can join you all."

—She actually really wanted to see Huanyue wrapped in nothing but a bath towel. She had Shiori to thank for sharing that information with her.

Shiori gently kneaded Rinne's shoulders. "Sorry for the trouble, Rinne. Make sure you relax properly later."

"Mm." Rinne curled her lips into a smile and asked, "Who was that beside Huanyue-chan just now?"

"It's a bit complicated." Shiori's cheeks flushed slightly with embarrassment as she briefly explained what had happened to Rinne.

"I see!" Rinne's eyes brightened slightly, and understanding and interest flashed through her pink eyes.

Inside the hot spring.

At that moment, Kazamachi Yamai entered, fully prepared. Her orange hair was piled high atop her head, with a few loose strands hanging beside her slender neck, beaded with fine droplets of water.

Her impressive curves nearly stretched the thin bath towel to its limit.

"Question. Are you ready?" Yamai wore a fearless smile as her gaze swept across the mist-shrouded pool.

Then she saw Huanyue in the corner, half her face submerged as she blew bubbles, tilting her head in confusion.

"My, my—" First-Meeting Kurumi narrowed her eyes and rose openly to her feet. She unhurriedly changed positions, naturally settling beside Huanyue. "I am Huanyue's dear friend, Kurumi Tokisaki. And you are?"

Her tone was