The Beautiful Girl Who Asked Me to Pretend to Be Her Boyfriend Didn’t Want to Break up With Me for Some Reason

“Summer! Pools! Youth!”

On a certain day during the summer break, agreed upon by the four of us, Hanaba’s cheerful voice resounded in front of the leisure pool facility, our destination for the day.

Today was another scorching midsummer day. Our outfits were suitably light and cool for the weather.

I was dressed in cargo pants and a T-shirt, while Shirafuji wore a simple yet elegant white one-piece dress. Her hair was tied in a bun, prepared for the pool. Hanaba wore a T-shirt and denim shorts, and Rin’s attire was similar to mine.

Comparing Hanaba’s and Shirafuji’s outfits was amusing, as they seemed to reflect their personalities. Still, both were well put together and cute, which drew considerable attention as we made our way here.

I could only imagine the level of attention they’d get once they changed into swimsuits—not that their outfits were revealing, but due to the inevitable stares from others.

I’d already seen Shirafuji’s swimsuit during her fitting, and I couldn’t imagine Hanaba’s wouldn’t suit her either. Still, I couldn’t rule out the possibility of strangers trying to approach them. Hopefully, Rin and I could fend them off… staying close would be wise.

But anyway, the pool appeared to be quite crowded.

Most of the people entering were either students, families, or couples. Then again, it’s rare for someone to come to a pool like this alone.

“…Even though it’s this hot, why is Kihou-san so energetic?”

“Why? Because it’s fun to hang out with everyone!”

“I kind of understand Hanaba-san’s feelings. It’s hot, but chances to go out and play like this are rare, so I want to enjoy it.”

“Rin’s busy with club activities, after all. Thanks for inviting us, Hanaba. If it were just Shirafuji and me, we’d probably have spent summer break cooped up indoors.”

“It’s fine! I just wanted to have fun with everyone!”

Hanaba said with a laugh, and thanks to her, we had this opportunity. Even though I know we’re friends, I can’t help but feel a little hesitant about inviting others myself, likely due to years of habit.

“By the way, isn’t calling this ‘youth’ just a bit too simple?”

“What? It fits perfectly! If we’re close enough to go to the pool together during summer, that’s definitely youth!”

“…There’s some truth to that. At the pool, swimsuits are mandatory. Going to such a place together as a mixed group implies a certain closeness, which ultimately ties into what society generally considers youth.”

“In this group, that’s Hakuto-kun and Shirafuji-san, right?”

“Exactly! Shino and I are here to watch you two being all lovey-dovey up close! I’m counting on you today!”

Though I felt a little awkward at being told this, the four of us entered the facility together.

After paying the relatively high entrance fee, fitting for a leisure pool, we split into male and female groups to head to the changing rooms.

After changing into our swimsuits, I packed my wallet and smartphone into a waterproof pouch. Since there was a food court inside, we’d likely have lunch there. This was my first time going to the pool with friends, and I was genuinely excited.

Rin’s swimsuit was similar to mine—a boxer style—but he wore a waterproof hoodie over it. He’d probably store it in a locker when swimming. I also didn’t want to risk swimming with my pouch on.

Once ready, we exited the changing room and moved toward the pool.

The air was filled with countless voices and the faint scent of chlorine. Looking around near the changing rooms, we didn’t see Shirafuji or Hanaba yet.

“Pools make me feel kind of nervous. I know it’s silly, but I can’t shake the feeling that people are watching me.”

“I get what you mean, Rin, but it’s better not to think about it. Neither of us has an embarrassing body to worry about.”

“You’re pretty built, Hakuto-kun. I’ve been training with my club, but there’s nothing I can do about my height.”

“Height doesn’t matter, for me or them.”

“I know, and I’m not too bothered by it. Still, I wonder when they’ll come out.”

“Women take longer to get ready. Let’s wait patiently.”

“Right.”

We chatted about various things that had happened over summer break while waiting. After a few minutes, we spotted them emerging from the hallway connected to the women’s changing room—and I involuntarily caught my breath.

Shirafuji wasn’t wearing the bikini she had shown me before in the bath at her house. Instead, she wore a pale blue swimsuit adorned with modest frills that lightly covered her chest and waist. It perfectly complemented her delicate and ethereal look.

Hanaba’s swimsuit was a bright yellow bikini with a twisted design at the chest. Energetic and fitting her image, it had just as much exposure as Shirafuji’s, drawing my eyes before I forced myself to look away.

Even if swimsuits are meant to be seen, it’s not polite to stare.

“Sorry for the wait. It took a bit longer than expected.”

“No, it’s fine. That’s how it is. Rin and I were just chatting, so no problem.”

“Right. By the way… you two are pretty bold, huh?”

“This is a rare opportunity, so it’s fine, right? More importantly… don’t you have anything to say about our swimsuits?”

“That’s right, Hakuto. I don’t think I’ve shown you this swimsuit before.”

Shirafuji smiled softly, while Hanaba asked smugly. It was clear what they wanted to hear.

“Both of you look great. I thought you’d suit your swimsuits, but this exceeds expectations.”

“Thank you. Though I still feel a little shy about being seen.”

“It’s kind of embarrassing to be complimented like that. Oh, and just so you know, there aren’t many guys I’d invite to the pool besides you two.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“And I’m glad to be included, too.”