“Boy, you’re quite a scumbag.”
“I know. I know, so please don’t look at me like I’m trash.”
That night, while I was training at the Jissoji Dojo as usual, Liza-san glared at me with cold eyes.
Wait, wait a minute. I answered reflexively, but how does this person know about what happened during the day? I haven't told anyone.
“That’s because I told her.”
“Eh?”
Looking toward the voice, I saw Rion wearing tight, easy-to-move-in training wear.
Her hair was tied in a ponytail.
A towel to wipe sweat was draped over her shoulder.
In her hand, she gripped a bottle for hydration.
“…Why is Rion here?”
When I asked that pure question, she blushed and looked away awkwardly.
Liza-san also glared at me with judgey eyes.
W-What? Did I say something strange?
“Boy, there’s only one reason a woman suddenly starts training. It’s boorish to go out of your way to ask.”
“…A diet?”
“Don’t put it into words!”
Apparently, I was right.
I saw Rion in a swimsuit at the sea, and she wasn't fat at all.
If anything, she was slender, and I thought she had a body she wouldn't be ashamed to show anywhere.
As I thought that, I didn't miss the way Rion stole a glance at Liza-san’s abs.
Aha, so that’s it.
In other words, Rion admires Liza-san’s body.
It’s true that Liza-san’s body is toned to a level that could be called a model's.
She has muscle, a moderate amount of fat, large breasts and hips, and a clearly defined waist.
I see, so that’s the ideal physique a woman aims for.
In that case, it really is boorish to touch upon this topic any further.
“Ah—… so, why does Rion know about that thing?”
“I-I heard it from Riran-chan. At first, it was a complaint, but as I kept listening, she started acting all lovey-dovey, saying things like ‘that’s what I like about him’ or ‘he’s kind.’”
From complaining to lovey-dovey… What is that girl doing?
I felt strangely embarrassed and softly scratched my cheek.
Hey, why are you two grinning like that?
Stop it, don’t look at me with those faces.
“*Cough*. Well, I understand the reason… but as I thought, that response was no good, wasn’t it?”
“Yeah, it was bad.”
“It was no good.”
Do these two not even intend to defend me?
“Listen, Akito-kun. You are Riran-chan’s fated person and her boyfriend. And yet, for your first summer festival date, you’re bringing your sister and a junior girl along… Ah, just saying it out loud makes me feel angry. Let me slap you once.”
“No way! I know I’m in the wrong, but I don’t want to be slapped!”
“You did something that warrants it. Are you aware of that?”
“…I know.”
A promise is a promise.
It’s only natural to keep it, and I believe that’s the right thing to do.
But right now, I’m not alone. I have Riran.
It should be natural to prioritize Riran… my beloved girlfriend.
Knowing that, I still had to keep my promise to Noa….
“Gugh…!”
“Boy, steam is coming out of your head.”
“It makes me want to vent it out.”
“…Well, I don’t think you are wrong.”
…Eh?
Liza-san, who smiled gently, placed her hand on my head and rubbed it roughly.
How nostalgic. I was often patted like this when I was in elementary school.
It hasn't happened recently… it’s embarrassing, but nostalgic. That’s how it feels.
“Kindness is your good point, boy. That isn’t wrong. I think the fact that you’re agonizing over your current actions is also because you are kind.”
“…”
“However, don’t corner yourself with that kindness. What you have done isn’t wrong.”
“…Is that so…?”
“Of course. Being able to be kind to everyone isn't something just anyone can do. Have some confidence.”
I-It’s embarrassing when you keep calling me kind like that.
But… being acknowledged like this, I feel somewhat saved.
“Liza-san, you’re being too soft.”
“Even so, if the boy hadn't been there, we wouldn't have been able to be together like this.”
“…Well, I guess so.”
Rion nodded as if reluctantly agreeing.
Thank you. And I’m sorry.
“But boy. This situation can’t continue forever. You know that best, don’t you?”
“…Yes. I know.”
“Then you also know what you have to do tomorrow, right?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Very well.”
Liza-san grinned and picked up the kick mitts to start preparing for today’s training.
What I have to do tomorrow is something that will break the relationships I’ve had until now.
Still… it’s no good to keep Noa’s heart bound forever.
Right… steel your resolve, Akito.
With fighting spirit and determination in my heart, I put on my gloves and headed toward Liza-san.