On the first floor of the annex, in the gymnasium.
A flash of white light streaked across the sky outside, followed by a deep rumble of thunder that momentarily drowned out the patter of rain.
"So, for the first memorable event, the Make-Up Work Club's swimsuit party is about to begin∼?"
Hanako, sitting beside me, spoke in a cheerful, clear tone that reflected her delight.
Not everyone, however, seemed comfortable.
"Why… why has it come to this…"
Koharu, cheeks flushed red, her pupils nearly slits from embarrassment, let out a mournful groan as she struggled with her emotions.
Another clap of thunder made her nearly jump from the floor, while the preceding lightning briefly illuminated the gym, turning it almost as bright as day.
All the girls were already in swimsuits, and I, wearing my Schale work uniform, sat with them in a circle atop blankets brought in from the rooms.
Subtly surveying them, I took note of how the thin, breathable fabric of their swimsuits accentuated the natural beauty of their youthful bodies (etched into my mind) and I couldn't help but murmur:
"This is really something… in every sense of the word."
"Hehe, it can't be helped∼" Hanako replied with a smile.
I nodded in agreement, feeling grateful~
If not for this series of unexpected events, how could I have had the chance to witness such a beautiful sight at this stage?
Though I had seen them in swimsuits a few days ago while cleaning the pool, the setting made all the difference.
Wearing swimsuits in the gym feels thrillingly rebellious, doesn't it?
At that moment, appreciating the benefit of the situation, I felt I understood Hanako a little better.
Moved, I proposed what I considered a constructive suggestion:
"Since it's a swimsuit party, maybe I should also—"
"Shut up! What are you thinking!? Pervert! Perv! Scumbag!"
Koharu, having leapt up halfway through my sentence, pointed at me in a flustered rage.
Perhaps embarrassed by the sight of my attractive physique, I generously chose to forgive her outburst.
Hanako, clearly excited, chimed in: "Hehe∼ Sensei finally wants to try too? The feeling of taking it all off∼?"
I protested with feigned righteousness: "What are you talking about? I just thought it might be awkward for you all, so I wanted to fit in a bit."
"Uh… I see… that makes sense. But…" Hanako's tone shifted with a hint of implication, "I'm guessing you didn't bring a swimsuit with you, Sensei? Going back to get one might be inconvenient, right?"
I furrowed my brows, realizing she must have deduced something from her rich theoretical experience.
Damn it. Just because I didn't bring swim trunks, I can't participate in the swimsuit party?
This is outright discrimination!
Besides, Hanako's own "swimsuit" from before. Was that really a swimsuit? I don't think so.
"If Sensei is only in a swimsuit, you might lose heat too quickly."
Azusa paused thoughtfully, then continued: "But maybe we can take turns… skin contact with Sensei to keep warm…"
"STOP—!!!"
Blushing furiously, Koharu shouted loudly: "Azusa! What kind of weird idea is that!? Did Hanako corrupt you!?"
Hanako blinked innocently: "Ah, is that my fault…?"
"Of course it's not just you! Sensei too! It's all your fault!"
That mischievous Koharu... not only ruining my fun but also trying to tarnish my heroic image?
Her intentions are clearly suspect. With that hair color… she's practically a Trinity traitor!
"Ahaha… Azusa-chan can be unexpectedly bold sometimes…"
Hifumi said this, but I felt she might not be in the position to comment.
Yet Azusa, usually hard to read, seemed slightly wistful: "I just wanted Sensei to enjoy the swimsuit party too…"
She actually thought that way?
I gazed warmly at the white-haired girl, quietly filled with affection.
Azusa truly is a student worth protecting, an important one.
"Ahahaha…"
"Azusa-chan…"
In this warm atmosphere, only one person seemed out of place, looking around anxiously and questioning without much tact:
"Wait a minute! Why are we even having a swimsuit party!? There are other options! This is lewd!"
"I see∼" Hanako nodded approvingly. "As expected of Koharu-chan. An underwear party would also be a valid option∼ Thinking carefully, there are a few alternatives, but is that really okay…? Hehe."
Trembling, Koharu shouted: "What are you even talking about!? Can't you think like a normal person!?"
"But we can't go to class like this anyway," Azusa complained. "With a thunderstorm this strong, the building shuts down. The safety system here is terrible."
Hifumi nodded in agreement: "It's an old building, after all."
"Don't veer off-topic!" Koharu shouted. "I agree about not going to class and having nothing to wear, but we can just stay in our rooms and rest!"
…She actually had a point.
But as they say, one situation calls for another.
"Koharu-chan, that's wrong," Hanako said seriously, though a faint smile lingered in her eyes. "Don't you think times like this are the point of the retreat? Everyone snuggled together, being honest… It's raining, and with the power out it's pitch dark, this atmosphere is amazing!"
Her bright eyes looked at Koharu, twisted in concern, then scanned the room: "Hehe∼ A rare chance to relax, don't you think spending it like this is more meaningful?"
As expected of Hanako! A former Trinity prodigy, displaying debate skills worthy of her reputation.
At this moment, I felt a connection with this pink-haired girl I had once clashed with.
After a brief pause, Hifumi seemed convinced, though still a bit hesitant: "Ahaha… yes, this really does feel like a retreat tradition."
Koharu nodded instinctively, then suddenly realized and exclaimed: "No, no, no! How can you accept this!? What's the point if it's about swimsuits!?"
"Ahh… indeed…"
Hifumi's stance wavered again.
"Well, it's a rare opportunity, so let's enjoy it together," I interjected, playing the voice of reason. "As long as I can see everyone in swimsuits, happily enjoying the party, I'm satisfied."
At times like this, Koharu was surprisingly perceptive: "The point is all about 'wearing swimsuits,' right!? No lewdness! Death penalty!"
Luckily, she hadn't noticed that I secretly harbored ambitions to go further one day.
Hanako, smiling, came to my rescue:
"Alright, Koharu-chan, don't get so worked up. Even though it's called a party, it's just us chatting together, any topic is fine∼
Fufu∼ I've always wanted to try this, so I'm just a little excited."
Indeed, Hanako's mood visibly surpassed her usual level of enthusiasm.
…Perhaps she sensed that the other Make-Up Work Club members were slowly opening their hearts.
Finding genuine friendship among peers pursuing the same goal in a school one dislikes, and a place to belong, it's wonderful.
And most importantly, finding someone you can trust for life... me of course.
Truly, I felt happy for Hanako.
She probably isn't thinking about quitting anymore.
After hearing Hanako's words, Azusa also smiled and said:
"I understand your feelings. I've felt the same since joining the Make-Up Work Club."
Hanako looked surprised: "Ah∼ really?"
"Mm." The white-haired girl, who had seemed cold at first meeting, nodded firmly. "Whether it's studying, eating together, washing clothes, or cleaning, I find it all very enjoyable."
It seems the joy of Make-Up Work Club life isn't limited to just one person.
Hanako smiled, gratified: "Ah∼?"
Azusa continued: "I used to think swimsuits were only for swimming. This is the first time I've seen them used like this. I'm happy to learn something new."
"Y-You misunderstand swimsuits er…" Hifumi said awkwardly.
But Azusa said thoughtfully: "But they're easy to move in and breathable. Now I understand why Hanako walks around school in hers."
…Imagining that scene, I decided it's better not to try too hard to understand.
"See? Didn't I tell you?" Hanako, pleased, looked at someone else nearby. "Koharu-chan."
"No way!" Koharu snapped. "Walking around like that is a crime! Absolutely unacceptable! Public indecency!"
"Studying with Koharu is fun too."
"Eh!? W-What are you saying all of a sudden!? Why say such cheesy stuff!?"
Koharu, initially shocked, then glared at Hanako, embarrassed, and scratched her cheek: "W-Well, studying with someone elite like me should be quite beneficial, right?"
Though still slightly defensive, it was clear she was pleased.
Azusa simply said: "Mm, that's true."
Especially after receiving such sincere feedback from her companions, she almost started giggling.
"Azusa-chan…" Hifumi, moved, said: "At first I was worried because I couldn't read your expressions… I'm so glad."
"Hifumi, of course. You've always taken care of us—thank you."
Hifumi froze, tears glistening in her eyes at such straightforward words.
"Azusa-chan! Uwaaa—!"
Unable to contain her excitement, Hifumi hugged her friend tightly.
"Hi-Hifumi," Azusa said, slightly panicked, "I can't breathe…"
But likely too excited or finally seeing her efforts rewarded, Hifumi didn't hear Azusa at all.
The white-haired girl, helpless, looked at me for help.
At a time like this, as a normal adult male and their Sensei, I couldn't just stand by.
I gave Azusa a reassuring nod.
Then I stood, took a few steps, and enveloped the two girls in my arms—
Since it's a celebration, how could I not be part of it?
"Se-Sensei!?" Azusa panicked even more, "You too!?"
I ignored her, smiling: "This is wonderful, Azusa, Hifumi."
"Ugh…"
With one of Hifumi's hands naturally around my waist, Azusa, somewhat relieved, exhaled.
But in the next moment—
"Ah∼ sneaky! For fun like this, let me join too∼"
Hanako said as she came around my side, almost tackling me and hugging both me and Azusa.
And so, surrounded by the girls, laughter filled my ears. The rain and occasional thunder, along with someone else's outraged shouts, seemed to fade into another world.
Soon, I felt a tiny figure cautiously snuggle in, letting out a reluctant squeal.
Thus, I found myself at the center of the problem students, and couldn't help but think sincerely:
Friendship in the Make-Up Work Club is amazing!
I'd suggest some other student council members take note.
After an unknown amount of time, whoever let go first, the temporarily subdued group finally sat back in their places, faces flushed and breath heavy.
"Ahaha… sorry, I think I got a bit too excited just now…"
Hifumi was the first to apologize.
Azusa just shook her head: "It's not your fault, Hifumi."
Then, I finally received the reaction I had anticipated for some time: Azusa's slightly puzzling but endearingly glaring look:
"Sensei, I was asking for your help just now. You should have realized that."
"Yes. But don't you think it made it even more fun?"
"…Mm. Being with Sensei is also extremely, extremely enjoyable for me."
Blushing still, Azusa gave me a soft, heartfelt smile, her voice gentle:
"Thank you, Sensei."