Chapter 6: Before Summer Vacation

Before Summer Vacation

"It's really convenient in these situations."

"Indeed."

It's summer, and summers these days are hot. Temperatures are rising due to global warming and other factors.

I heard somewhere that temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius are commonplace.

Despite this scorching heat, our high school inexplicably lacks air conditioning. It's obvious they don't consider the students' needs at all.

So, out of necessity, I'm using Yuuki's connections, specifically Hakaze-san's, to get to this student council room.

And what's more, the air conditioning here is on 24/7. Thanks to that, we're able to stay cool right now.

Hakaze-san is also smiling, watching us relax in the student council room. It seems she's given up on bringing Yuuki to the student council. A wise decision.

Just being here gets us tea and snacks—VIP treatment. This is undoubtedly the most comfortable space in the school.

"Oh yeah, that long break is coming up soon. Any plans, Haruka?"

"Just say it's summer vacation like any normal person. Well, I don't really care either way, I'll leave it up to you."

"Don't you know that's considered the most difficult answer to give?"

"I know. That's why I'm leaving it up to you."

Just as Yuuki said, summer vacation is almost here. It's the longest break of the year.

For us students, it's a precious time for fun.

Since it's better to have fun than to do nothing, I left all the planning and activities up to Yuuki.

Well, you know, parents/guardian should listen to their kids' opinions, right?

"I felt like I was being made fun of."

"It's just your imagination."

Yuuki's strangely perceptive nature is troublesome. He seems to be able to read my mind.

"Well then..."

Yuuki said this after a brief pause.

"...How about swimming pool?"

★

I never expected Yuuki to mention something like a swimming pool.

Yuuki, who used to be so philosophical and dismissive of such childish behavior, has now started inviting me out to one of the most childish place himself.

There must be something more to this.

Is it the heroines, perhaps?

I'd seriously punch him if he brought all the girls from his harem and bragged, "Good grief! I'm so popular!"

I believe even Yuuki wouldn't do something like that.

...Right?

Pulling myself together, I'm currently facing a problem.

The problem is I don't have a swimsuit.

In this life, the only time I've been to a swimming pool is when my parents took me.

I had swimming lessons until middle school, but those disappeared at some point. Even if they had existed, I probably wouldn't have worn a school swimsuit to the public pool.

So, I don't have a swimsuit.

To be exact, I don't have a swimsuit I can wear for the occasion.

Even though I was a man in my past life, I think it's okay for me, a girl now, to dress stylishly.

I am a high school girl, after all.

I really want to choose a swimsuit that suits me, but I have no one to ask for their opinion.

I need an objective opinion right now, but there's no one who can give me one.

In this life, I'm a girl.

It feels wrong to ask a man like Yuuki for his opinion.

This was a huge problem for me, especially since I don't have any close female friends.

Ultimately, the decision will be mine, but I still want other people's opinions.

I know it's a good idea to ask a reliable adult, like my mother, instead of just a female friend.

But asking my mother to choose for me when I'm in high school... that's a bit awkward.

I don't intend to be an unfilial child, but I'm worried about what other people will think.

"Haa..." I sighed.

I guess I have no choice but to make decisions based solely on my own opinion.

Well, first I need to go to the store and try on as many as I can.

"Is something wrong, Kirihara-san?"

"Hakaze-san."

During lunchtime, I was in the student council room, having some worries, while leaving Yuuki behind, when I was discovered by Hakaze-san.

Seeing Hakaze-san, an idea suddenly came to my mind.

I'd heard rumors that Hakaze-san sincerely listens to anyone who's troubled and guides them towards a solution.

While saying she'd help with anything might be an exaggeration, she'd probably still guide them towards a solution.

"I'm going to the pool with Yuuki."

"Okay..."

"I'm really looking forward to the pool."

"Hmm..."

"I don't have a swimsuit."

"That sounds tough."

There were times when her face looked a little scary, but we managed to talk successfully.

However, all I talked about was the problem. I want to work towards solving it with Hakaze-san's help.

There's a rumor that Hakaze-san can solve any problem. She's a perfect, beautiful girl with impeccable looks, and she's also incredibly intelligent.

Where could I find a more suitable person?

"I.... I'd like you to help me choose a swimsuit..."

"....."

I realized this after I said it, but Hakaze-san isn't exactly idle either. In fact, she's probably busy with the Student Council and other duties.

...Instead of asking her to help me choose a swimsuit, I'll just ask for some advice. Even just advice will be better than choosing one on my own.

"I'm sorry... but still, could you just give me some ad—"

"Sure, I'll choose one for you."

"—vice....Hueh?"

A strange sound escaped my lips. Seriously.

I never actually thought she'd grant my request. Especially since I didn't think she's that free.

"Thank you!"

"Don't worry. This is all for my lovely junior."

An overwhelmingly flawless Senpai!

This is a major reason why Hakaze-san is such a perfect beauty.

She has a kind heart and cares for others, and she scolds firmly when necessary.

It's surprising that Yuuki doesn't feel anything for someone like Hakaze-san.

What will happen if everyone at school finds out about this? One thing I know for sure is that my school life will no longer be peaceful.

"When is Hakaze-san free? I'll leave it up to your schedule."

"...Although I said that, I'm actually going to be busy for about a week from now. So, is today okay?"

"Ah, yes, today is fine."

When I asked Hakaze-san to decide on the time and other details, it turned out to be today.

The Student Council gets busy with adjustments and such before summer vacation. I knew that.

I feel a little bad for having consulted Hakaze-san about it.

However, I was lucky because she had no plans today.

I quickly texted Yuuki on my cell phone and told him to go home first.

I feel bad for Yuuki, but I have my own matters to attend to. I hope he can understand this much.

"Do you and Fujii-kun always go home together, Kirihara-san?"

"Yeah, we do."

"I see..."

Yuuki and I walk home together. It's always like that. It's nothing special, since we've been doing it since elementary school.

"Oh god, this girl is hopeless...."

"Did you say something?"

"Oh, no, nothing."

I thought I'd heard Hakaze-san said something, but it seems I was mistaken.

But I'm pretty sure I did hear it.

"Then wait for me in front of the school gate after school."

"Understood!"

Well, it's probably just my imagination. It wouldn't be good to keep worrying about it.

By the way, how much do swimsuits cost again?

Women's swimsuits are pretty expensive...

But, why not spend money on something that really matters?

To fully enjoy summer vacation, I'll go all out here!

AN:

So, let's choose a swimsuit for the self-proclaimed best friend character.

Why did the self-proclaimed best friend suddenly want to dress up? The truth remains a mystery....

Next episode: "It's great when a TS girl gets teased by her classmates and friends."

Stay tuned!