Speaking of going to the beach, one essential activity is naturally swimming.
After all, if you're not getting in the water, what's the point of wearing a swimsuit? Though, of course, that might also be a factor, surely they didn't come just to show off in front of me, right?
In that case, I suggested they take a lesson from Hanako's admirable character.
"Ah, but the task on the checklist says [Learn to Swim]…"
Hifumi noticed the blind spot and worried, "Then it wouldn't be enough to just take photos of people swimming. We'd have to take photos of people who can't swim learning to swim, right?"
This was probably something Hasumi didn't consider when writing the checklist… or maybe she subconsciously put herself into the scenario.
Speaking of which, Hasumi's athletic abilities did seem average.
After all, those thick, heavy black wings, with a wingspan of about three meters, would be a hindrance to almost any physical activity.
Once the feathers were soaked with water, even with the superhuman physique of a Kiwotos student, floating would be quite difficult.
"Um… among us, is there anyone who can't swim?"
Hifumi looked around. "I can swim a little."
Azusa replied calmly, "Although this is my first time at the beach, I've undergone countless swimming training sessions applied to combat."
Mashiro added, "As for me, I've swum to some extent as well."
Everyone then turned their gaze to Tsurugi, who had been silently standing off to the side.
Sensing the attention, Tsurugi flinched slightly, then shyly pursed her lips.
I understood and continued translating: "Tsurugi means that she can swim."
"So, that means…" Hifumi panicked again. "This is something no matter how hard we try, we can't accomplish!?"
At this, Azusa's eyes changed. "I see. So it's that kind of trap. It's not uncommon in past stories. To refuse indirectly, they deliberately set impossible tasks… we've been set up…!"
"No, I don't think that's it… but… this does make things difficult."
I considered whether I should politely tell them they don't need to follow the rules too strictly, or sacrifice my self-image and admit that I actually can't swim…
Though, due to my amnesia, I genuinely wasn't sure if I could swim. It seemed like I could, but also seemed like I couldn't.
After all, the cards weren't cooperating. Maybe I should just reveal a related ability?
Just as I was thinking this, a soft, sweet, almost hallucinatory voice echoed in my ear again—
[The people on the ship saw it and panicked. That's a monster.]
…What does that mean now? A hint? A critique? Or just nonsense?
I thought for a moment and decided to ignore the baseless rambling.
"Right!" After worrying for a bit, Hifumi suddenly brightened and had an idea. "Since we only need to take photos of learning, can't we just pretend not to know how to swim?"
"I see. Although the checklist says learn to swim, the essence of the task is to photograph a learning-to-swim scene," Azusa said thoughtfully, smiling. "Using poison against poison, huh? Hifumi, that's a good idea."
Then she looked at Mashiro. "No problem, right? Surveillance officer?"
"Ah? You mean me?" Mashiro, eating her popsicle, was momentarily confused, then murmured, "Um… should be fine. Probably…"
"All right. Since we have the surveillance officer's permission, let's begin."
Azusa nodded slightly. "Then I'll play the role of the one learning to swim, and sensei will play the role of the one teaching."
Hifumi seemed a bit surprised. "Eh? You're deciding this right away? Ahaha… Azusa-chan is unexpectedly proactive today…"
"Of course," Azusa said, puffing out her chest. "Because sensei specially went with me to buy this swimsuit, it's only natural to put in corresponding effort at the appropriate moment."
Even I couldn't help but be taken aback by Azusa's abrupt words.
Was she really thinking this way? Or had being called out made her feel she had a special bond with me, and now she couldn't wait to show it off?
Either way, Azusa was pure-hearted. Yet, at the same time, her words made the atmosphere feel strangely tense.
"Ah wah wah… I see… well, there's no helping it then…"
Hifumi lamented, but then shifted her tone. "But this swimsuit was picked by sensei for me too, you know?"
"…Hm?"
Azusa frowned.
"Sorry, Azusa-chan, I didn't call you when we had agreed earlier," Hifumi said apologetically. "Sensei and I didn't mean to leave you out. You were just busy at the time, so…"
Is this… a battle for attention? And she even remembered that? Could it be that she just recalled it now?
All right, all right, my favorite Trinity [Best Friends] segment is about to happen!
"Ah, you guys too?" Mashiro suddenly interjected, smiling. "Sensei helped me pick this swimsuit as well. Sensei said it suits me perfectly and is very cute."
The previously tense atmosphere instantly shifted.
But it seemed to shift in a direction I hadn't expected—
"I see." After a moment of thought, Azusa asked calmly, "By the way, when did you all go? The day before yesterday? No, even earlier? For reference, sensei and I went to the shopping center yesterday after visiting Koharu."
Mashiro answered, "Um, the day before yesterday, that was me."
Hifumi's face lit up with a bright smile. "Wow∼ I went probably last week! So sensei really did work hard∼"
Upon hearing this, Azusa and Mashiro exchanged a glance and nodded in agreement.
Seeing this, I, who had planned to watch the show quietly, instantly started sweating all over.
Th-This isn't right.
Is it my imagination? It feels like they're communicating more harmoniously, even like they've formed some unified front.
No, this can't be. Every time, I'm the one being arranged for, right? Could the three of them all be misunderstanding something on their own?
On the surface, it looked like normal conversation, but I honestly couldn't tell if there were hidden intentions in their words.
I've always been unafraid to assume the worst from these Trinity students.
Fortunately, I wasn't the only one feeling the pressure—
"Guuuuaaaahhh!"
Tsurugi, the only girl whose swimsuit I didn't pick, covered her contorted face with both hands and let out a piercing wail, startling everyone.
I quietly cheered and hurriedly translated: "Tsurugi says she wants to play the role."
Tsurugi suddenly stopped wailing and looked at me with a puzzled expression.
I thought my Tsurugi translation still needed work, mistakes were normal.
Keeping my composure, I said, "All right, everyone, let's take turns!"