I'm a Kept Man for the Three Most Beautiful Girls in School - Chapter 32: Bathing Together

Chapter 32: Bathing Together

Ugh, I’m at my limit. 

I can’t eat another bite.

After devouring a lineup of carb-heavy foods like pizza and sushi without leaving any leftovers, I collapsed on the table, groaning with heartburn I had never experienced before.

My stomach, on the verge of bursting, felt like a high-temperature, high-density universe right before the Big Bang.

Since Tsu-chan and Kokoa quickly claimed they were full, I ended up eating most of the large pizza.

It’s wonderful to eat until you’re full, but I strongly recommend eating in moderation.

“I’m so full ♡ I want to relax in the bath while digesting ♡”

Kokoa suggested, rubbing her belly.

“Yeah, I get it. I want to take a shower too.”

“Kyosaka-chan, join us in the bath? ♡ It’s really spacious ♡”

“No, no, that’s too much.”

“But you always bathe with Tsukasa, right? Why can’t you join me? ♡”

“Well, I’ve spent more time with Okeihan than you have, so it’s only natural.”

“Time doesn’t matter. It’s about how we feel. Or do you dislike me, Kyosaka-chan?”

“Eh? Oh, no, um…”

I found myself at a loss for words. Kokoa was being her usual pushy self, but after spending the whole day together and getting closer, her tone seemed more serious than ever.

How should I respond to her? Probably, there’s no right answer.

“Hey, Kokoa, don’t make Okeihan uncomfortable.”

“Tsukasa, be quiet. I want to be treated specially by Kyosaka-chan too.”

“Yeah…”

“I’m serious about Kyosaka-chan, so I want you to understand that.”

“Yeah…”

Kokoa is a sensitive girl. 

She always acts cheerful, but she often worries that she’s being rejected or disliked. This tendency to overthink things led to her growing distrust, which eventually caused a rift between her and Tsu-chan.

It’s sad.

I can’t let the same thing happen again. The only thing I can do is be honest and sincere. I need to convey my true feelings to Kokoa with genuine sincerity.

“I’m happy about your feelings, Kokoa. Really happy… But there are people I already like. Hearing ‘I like you’ from them makes me happy, but even now, I’m not sure if I can handle the feelings from three people. So… well…”

“So, because you have relationships with Tsukasa, Karasuma, and Daigo, you don’t have room to consider my feelings?”

“Um… to put it simply, yes.”

“Okeihan, that’s not fair. Saying you can’t respond to Kokoa’s feelings because of us means you’re using us as an excuse. That kind of thing… it makes me more anxious. If you don’t like her, then being clear about it would be better for Kokoa, right?”

“…Tsukasa, are you trying to crush my spirit?”

“Kokoa, you’re no better. Trying to get closer to Okeihan through me is too early for you. What’s important are our feelings. My relationship with Okeihan isn’t your concern. It’s about what you and Okeihan want. I think love is difficult because it’s simple and straightforward, don’t you?”

Kokoa and I fell silent. Tsu-chan hit the nail on the head, leaving us both speechless.

As I pondered how to respond, Kokoa clenched her fists tightly and spoke up.

“…Because, Kyosaka-chan, you can never really like me, right? I’ve done so many awful things… I know I have to appeal through Tsukasa to get your attention. But I don’t want you to hate me. I think about things like a physical relationship or something convenient just because I don’t want to be disliked. I thought maybe if we took a bath together, we could get closer… It’s stupid, right? I don’t know how to get your forgiveness or how to make you look at me, and I keep bothering you like this. I’m really sorry.”

Kokoa’s monologue. So, that’s what she was thinking.

I believe everyone makes mistakes. Not mistakes defined by rules someone else made, but deeper feelings like ‘Why did I do that?’. 

Nowadays, there’s a tendency to blame those who make mistakes. Sometimes, a sense of justice can push someone to the edge. While I understand the need to address wrongdoings, I don’t want to condemn someone who genuinely feels remorse.

Some might call me soft or hypocritical or say I don’t understand the real issue. Third parties might throw around selfish words, but I’ve decided to forgive Kokoa. So, I don’t feel any dislike toward her.

As Tsu-chan said, the feeling of ‘love’ is special and simple, but right now, it’s difficult for me to respond to Kokoa’s ‘love.’ However, saying my heart isn’t moved at all by such a passionate confession would be a lie. I can’t deny that I’m being influenced by the moment.

“Is it okay if I think about it positively? I can’t give you an answer right away…”

“Does that mean I still have a chance?”

“Uh, well, I can’t say for sure, but…”

“Then I’ll believe I have a chance♡”

“If that’s Okeihan’s decision, I won’t interfere, but you should explain it properly to Chikage and Sakura.”

“Yeah.”

“Then let’s deepen our bond by taking a bath ♡ I’ll wash your body, Kyosaka-chan ♡”

Wait, what?

“Hey, Kokoa, we already finished talking about that.”

“But if things are going this way, I might have a chance ♡”

“Tsu-chan…”

“Don’t look to me for help. But, well, why not?”

“Huh…?”

“Look, I got physically involved with Okeihan pretty quickly. Chikage was all over you from your first day at work, right?”

“Well, that’s true, but this feels different…”

Despite my feeble protests, Kokoa and Tsu-chan paid no attention and dragged me to the bathroom.

※

The luxurious bathroom was much more well-equipped than the one at the Kyosaka house. 

There was an overhead shower and a spacious bathtub that could fit two adults with room to spare. The floor was smooth and shiny, meticulously cleaned to perfection.

The shelves were lined with what appeared to be expensive bottles, not just shampoo, conditioner, and body soap but other beauty products as well, showing Kokoa’s dedication to her beauty regimen.

(I wonder if Akari wants things like these too.)

My little sister rarely asks for anything. 

But I’ve been wondering lately if she’s secretly interested in things like lotions, creams, silicone-free shampoos, or even slightly expensive clothes. Tsu-chan’s house also has many beauty products that I would never use myself.

As I was thinking about this in the changing area, Kokoa and Tsu-chan began taking off their cosplay outfits.

“Hey…”

I turned my back, not knowing where to look. It would be nice if girls showed a bit more modesty.

“Okeihan, you’re so shy, it’s hilarious.”

“…There’s no such thing as a shy ghost.”

“Come on, Kyosaka-chan, get ready ♡”

“Get ready for what… Anyway, Kokoa, are you okay with me seeing you naked?”

“You’ve already seen plenty, so it’s too late to worry about that♡ And how many times do you think we’ve done it?♡”

“That’s because you kidnapped me and forced it.”

“Hehe ♡ Well, you know, that’s just how it is.”

Kokoa laughed, trying to brush it off.

“Besides, I don’t mind being seen, I actually want you to see. So, why don’t you get undressed too, Kyosaka-chan?♡”

“Well, I will, but… being watched while I undress is a bit… Can you both go in first?”

“You’re so shy, Okeihan. Classic Okeihan quality.”

What is that supposed to mean…?

I didn’t fully understand, but I knew I was being teased. 

After watching the two of them, completely naked, disappear into the bathroom, I undressed, covered myself with a towel, and slid open the glass door.

“Wow ♡ It’s been a while since I’ve seen Tsukasa naked ♡”

Kokoa was sitting on the edge of the bathtub, watching Tsu-chan wash herself on a bath chair.

Putting aside any jokes about this being a yuri paradise, their white and tanned skin was dazzling. Even a hundred-carat diamond couldn’t outshine them.

“Kyosaka-chan, hold off on the fun for a bit. I’m filling the tub right now ♡”

“Oh, okay…”

The fun, huh?

“By the way, Kyosaka-chan, are you going to that mini reunion?”

“Oh… yeah.”

Is she talking about what Nishioji-san mentioned? I’d prefer not to delve too deep into conversations about her, but there’s no point in dodging it.

“I plan to show my face, at least.”

“You shouldn’t go. Okeihan, you’re not really close with that girl, right?”

Tsu-chan said, pouting while playing with her soapy hair.

“Yeah, that’s true…”

It’s not just about Nishioji-san. During middle school, I didn’t have anyone I could call a friend.

There was a time when I wanted friends, and a time when I thought being alone was fine. Those experiences led to a feeling of resignation.

…It’s pathetic, but back then, I couldn’t imagine myself happily laughing with someone.

“But… since she invited me, I feel like I should go.”

“Why bother?♡ I never liked her vibe. Not out of jealousy, but because I didn’t like seeing you so tense around her, Kyosaka-chan ♡”

Kokoa really pays attention… I tried hard not to show it on my face.

“If you’ve decided to go, I won’t stop you, Okeihan. But if anything happens, contact me immediately.”

I was grateful for Tsu-chan’s overprotective and caring nature.

“Yeah. Thank you.”

Feeling a warm sensation in my chest from Tsu-chan and Kokoa’s unconditional kindness, we all got into the bathtub together.

I ended up sandwiched between them, enjoying the marshmallow-like softness from the front and back, or from both sides.

The seal of rationality broke, and the monster of emotion surfaced—

In a mix of spontaneity and liberation, we stayed in the bathroom, entwining our bodies until the bathwater cooled down.

I would apologize to Chikage and Sakura properly another day.