Our time in the private pool ended in the blink of an eye, and we started changing our clothes.

The employees still had to do things like cleaning before the next reservation came, so we couldnt extend. Us 3 took quick showers, changed our clothes and left the private pool. The girls werent there, probably because they needed more effort to change compared to boys.

Looks like the girls still arent here.

Since we hadnt talked about what we would do after this, we waited for them to come out.

Ayanokouji-senpai!

Hm?

When I noticed that someone was suddenly looking at us, it was Nanase.

Including today, Ive been meeting her everyday since we boarded the ship.

Nanase worked with me in the written special examination. And she really saved me a lot of times on the island too.

Heeh? So shes a pretty amazing girl then.

Akito nodded in admiration, slightly raised his hand and greeted Nanase. Keisei did the same.

Could it be that Nanase rented the private pool next? I thought that, but

I happened to be passing by.

As if to deny that, Nanase said that it was just a coincidence.

Okay.

I might be bothering you so I will excuse myself now, okay?

In this area, there was no place for students to play in except the private pool.

Nanase started walking away. In truth, I dont see her reason for coming here.

No believing that she came here just as a coincidence would be too naive.

It looked like Nanase had somewhat of a grasp on my whereabouts and was keeping track of me in detail.

Although I cant feel any malice from that.

If thats the case, then why?

In front of us three, Nakaizumi and Suzuki were walking through the path.

Though I saw that, the other two didnt seem to notice anything strange.

Whats the matter Ayanokouji? Is there something up with those two?

No I was wondering where they were going.

Ah- right. Theres not really anything past here. You think theyre lost?

Beyond this point there were no special establishments at all. Its not as if it was unlikely for them to be lost.

To start with theres nothing to see on this level other than the private pool.

Like Nanase, they were walking along a very unusual place.

On the subject, I saw Nakaizumi and Suzuki near Nanase on the bow of the ship yesterday, too.

But Airi sure has it rough. Looks like she has a lot of strong competitors.

What?

Akito whispered behind my back. Keisei retorted.

No, its nothing.

Shortly after Nanase disappeared, the two finished changing and came out.

That was fun, Haruka-chan.

Yeah. If youre with friends, playing in the pool might not be bad.

The two women seemed very satisfied. Even after changing they were all smiles.

Haruka is probably worrying about what I said to her a while ago, but she wasnt showing it.

Ah

After we all gathered and left the private pool, another person appeared who seemed to have the next reservation.

What the heck, the next guy is Ike.

H-Hey. I couldnt get any reservations aside from now.

Youre not alone are you? Wheres Sudou?

Akito looked behind Ike in curiosity, but no silhouette could be seen.

Ah~ no, uh

Ikes words clogged up and he panicked. Then he saw something ahead.

Sorry for making you wait!

Damn thats rare. Shinohara and Ike hanging out together. What about the others?

Akito and Keisei didnt question anything and asked indifferently.

Of course, Haruka and Airi guessed right away and pushed the guys even while they were surprised.

Come on, come on. That doesnt matter so lets go already.

Hah? Why so sudden?

Sa-Satsuki, lets go.

Yeah.

As if to run away he took Shinoharas hand and the two went to the private pool reception desk.

Time was limited so they didnt have time to waste on something like this, right?

Satsuki?

Calling each other by their first names and holding each others hands happily. After seeing that, Akito finally noticed something abnormal with the two as they went to their respective locker rooms.

Those guys eh, since when!?

What are you talking about?

Keisei didnt understand yet, but Haruka gave a short explanation.

Arent they going out?

What are you saying? Ike and Shinohara are like water and oil. Why would they go out?

He denied it with a straight face, saying that it was unthinkable since they hated each other.

Yukimu is smart but an idiot.

I dont know if they hated each other to begin with, but I guess theyve been closing the distance little by little. Ive kinda been noticing it recently.

It looked like girls were stronger with love talks. Airi also understood and nodded.

More or less. But to think that theyd actually start going out, Im surprised.

Is-is that so? Ike and Shinohara? No, I really dont get it.

Keisei understood the situation and, seeming surprised, looked for the two, but they could no longer be seen.