Sunday, Fukuda Sogo had no matches scheduled. Haizaki Shogo had originally planned to enjoy a relaxed weekend by himself.
However, around noon, he received a call from Shimizu Rena, arranging to meet in the afternoon at the fencing hall for practice.
Under his mother's satisfied gaze, Shogo devoured a table full of food—so much that he felt uncomfortably full.
Carrying his basketball, he decided to walk around a nearby park to aid digestion. Walking his small dog alone through the quiet park, he felt an unparalleled sense of comfort.
The midday park, crisp and clear under the autumn sky, was nearly empty—a setting Shogo greatly enjoyed.
For some reason, he found himself increasingly drawn to quiet environments. In such calm surroundings, his emotions, mindset, and even breathing all steadied, leaving him deeply satisfied.
Time flew, and two hours passed in the blink of an eye.
Arriving at the fencing hall, Rena had not yet appeared. Shogo immediately clashed with Coach Miyazaki, who shot him a cold, piercing glare.
On the piste, Shogo performed a swift flick-stab, and his rapier struck the stunning Miyazaki with precision and speed.
He had gone all out, no holding back. The force was enough to leave Miyazaki panting, quickly conceding defeat.
Removing her mask, her curves and form visible, Shogo triumphantly removed his own mask and said with a smirk:
"Feeling that sting, Miyazaki-sis? Hehe!"
"Get lost!"
Amid their teasing sparring, Rena finally arrived. She swapped in for Miyazaki and engaged Shogo in a lively duel of her own.
Feeling the sharpness of her blade, Shogo focused completely, every nerve alert.
After persistent effort, Shogo managed to overcome both female fencers, ending the session panting from exhaustion.
After showering and leaving the locker room, Shogo played with his basketball outside the fencing hall, feeling slightly bored while waiting.
Not long after, the two long-haired beauties appeared, and the three naturally headed to their usual café for coffee.
Listening to unfamiliar country music, Shogo relaxed, drifting off in thought from time to time.
"Shogo-kun, Rena and I are going to the hot springs later. Do you want to come?"
Rena's question snapped him out of his daze. His eyes lit up, and without a second thought, he nodded enthusiastically, murmuring:
"Yeah, I'll go, I'll go!"
Thus, accompanied by Rena's smile and Miyazaki-sis's rolled-eyes, Shogo followed the two, boarding Miyazaki's car to the famous Nennen Island Hot Springs nearby.
After showering outside the changing room and slipping into a white bathrobe, Shogo entered the small hot spring Miyazaki had reserved—a compact pool under 15 square meters.
The courtyard was empty, only a few lounge chairs arranged quietly around. Shogo removed his bathrobe neatly, leaving it by the edge, and stepped into the steaming water.
Exposing just his head, the heat enveloped him, leaving his body blissfully relaxed.
Leaning on a step inside the spring, Shogo let the warmth soothe him, drifting into a light sleep.
When he stirred awake, he noticed two familiar, delicate faces—heads wrapped in towels—staring directly at him from the water.
Startled for half a second, Shogo instinctively crossed one arm over his chest and used the other to shield himself.
"Shield what? While you were asleep, we already saw everything," Rena and Miyazaki said with soft laughter.
Miyazaki's bluntness made Shogo relax. He stretched his arms behind his head, studying the two faces with wolfish intent.
Unfortunately, the rising steam from the hot spring blurred his vision, making it impossible to discern any details.
The two women, wrapped in towels, felt his hungry gaze and blushed. The thick mist conveniently masked whether it was embarrassment or just the heat.
After a while, seeing nothing, Shogo gave up his staring and relaxed. The two women followed suit, and the conversation shifted to topics all three enjoyed.
Rena and Miyazaki asked about Shogo's adventures abroad last summer. He recounted exciting, dangerous, and funny stories, eliciting exclamations of surprise and awe.
When he mentioned killing a leopard and a lion, both women were stunned, their wide eyes fixed on him.
Seeing their skeptical expressions, Shogo admitted he had brought the leopard skin home, which softened their disbelief into genuine care.
They also discussed the national basketball tournament, sparking Miyazaki's interest. She declared she would definitely come watch Shogo play when possible.
After sufficient time in the spring, Shogo gently nudged the two to turn around. Amid their giggles, he awkwardly got up and put on his bathrobe.
A triumphant smirk appeared on his face. He dragged a lounge chair to the hot spring and plopped down, refusing to leave.
"You pervert! Get up, we're leaving!"
"Why should I leave?"
"You…"
Shogo lay back, eyes wide, staring at the two women as if daring them to move.
Miyazaki gritted her teeth in irritation, nearly lunging at him.
"Call me 'Onii-chan' once, and I'll leave immediately."
"Onii-chan!"
Shogo froze. Rena had just called out, her voice sweet and spontaneous. He glanced at Miyazaki, eyes mischievous, signaling: Your turn.
Finally, Miyazaki pouted, biting her lip, and reluctantly said:
"Onii-chan."
Shogo couldn't hide his delighted, naughty laugh as he exited the small courtyard.
Miyazaki and Rena hurriedly donned their bathrobes. Waiting nearby, Shogo was soon met by the two, and Miyazaki immediately kicked him in the waist.
Shogo reflexively held on, but realizing it was a public area and she wore a bathrobe, he grudgingly let go, absorbing the playful kick.
Rena, hiding a smile, glanced at the still-irritated Miyazaki. Shogo quickly apologized:
"Alright, alright. I'm sorry. I'll treat you to a big meal later!"
"That's more like it!"
Miyazaki's anger softened, and Rena laughed, clutching her stomach.
Even a fool like Shogo understood—they were teaming up to put on a playful show.
But it was fine. Peaceful, cheerful, and relaxing—life felt wonderfully carefree.
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