Chapter 94: Swaying on the Sea (4)

Chapter 94: Swaying on the Sea (4)

But Im glad. It seems Niihama-kun is really able to relax.

Huh? Do I seem that stressed and unable to rest normally?

The voice that came from Shijouin-san, lying on the floating mat, was filled with a sense of relief.

As someone who died from overwork, I do try to prioritize sleep and rest but

No, its just that Niihama-kun always gives his all in everything he does, and I find that incredibly wonderful. However

She paused for a moment, hesitating a little before continuing.

I might be imagining things but sometimes, it seems like youre being driven by something. As if theres something you must accomplish, and if you dont give it your all, it wont be forgiven

!

Her words hit home more than she probably realized.

My regrets from my past life and my genuine desire to be happy in this life were true.

They were my own wishes, not imposed on me by anyone.

However I cant deny that Ive also felt an obligation to fulfill the miracle of time looping.

I know its probably just my own assumption, but this time, I really wanted Niihama-kun to enjoy himself and find peace. When I consulted Yamahira-kun and the others before noon, they seemed to be considerate, and it ended up with them dragging you out forcefully

So, thats what happened

Ah, I see. When Ginji forcefully dragged me into the sea earlier, it was because of that.

I guess his high energy at the time was also fueled by a desire to show concern and say, Ill make sure you have fun! I wont let you worry! or something like that.

For some reason, my opinion of you keeps rising, Ginji.

But, well

Shijouin-san is truly kind

Huh?

You worried about me and took care of me all this time. Thanks to you, I realized that I had become too rigid and was able to fully enjoy the summer at the beach Thank you, really.

This angelic girl had been watching over me the whole time, caring for me so that I could truly spread my wings. As someone who was used to being criticized and ridiculed by those around me in my past life, her kindness left an even stronger impact on me.

Oh, come on! Thats too much! If you say that, it makes me feel embarrassed

No, its not too much. Normally, not many people

As we continued to gaze up at the sky, we turned our faces towards each other while lying side by side. We noticed it.

On the double-sized mat floating on the sea, when we turned our faces towards each other while lying down, our faces were just a few inches apart.

We had been in a similar situation before when we ended up sleeping together on the sofa at my house, but this time, with both of us in swimsuits and lying down, there was a different kind of awkwardness and a difficult-to-express atmosphere.

Um well

Shijouin-san tried to express her gratitude, but her words were interrupted midway.

I momentarily wondered why, but the reason was clear.

It was because I had my arm around her back, holding her close within my embrace.

I hadnt been paying close attention to my actions as I had acted on instinct to help her. But now, I noticed that we were in a very intimate position, with her in her swimsuit pressed closely against my bare chest, and something incredibly soft was touching my chest.

S-Sorry! It was just an instinctive reaction I-I mean, um, are you hurt? Can you stay afloat by yourself?

I-Im fine.

Confirming that she was okay, I quickly released Shijouin-sans shoulders and got back up onto the floating mat. The sensation of our bodies touching was still fresh, and I couldnt bring myself to look at her face directly.

(I really held her tightly in the heat of the moment Moreover, thinking about it calmly, it might not have been such a dangerous situation to warrant diving in like that)

In a more composed state, I realized that there probably wasnt much danger when she fell off the floating mat. While this place wasnt shallow enough to stand, Shijouin-san could swim, so she should have been able to surface without any trouble if I had waited.

As I pondered such thoughts, I took Shijouin-sans hand from the floating mat and pulled her small figure back up onto the platform.

Thus, with our still-damp bodies, we returned to the safety of this enormous double-sized vinyl plaything.

Uh Im sorry. My mind went blank, and I acted out of instinct to save you, but it led to me touching a girls body Once I calmed down, I realized it wasnt that dire a situation to intervene.

Huh? N-No, its not like that! I know you were just trying to help me! Its no big deal that you touched my petite body a bit!

(Petite???)

Her words, which would undoubtedly invite sarcastic remarks from Hashibashi and Kazehara, were her generous way of comforting me.

No, its because her voluptuousness is so far from being petite that I feel even more guilty

Besides it might have been a valuable experience.

Huh?

To be hugged by a man who isnt family was a first for me I was surprised by how strong you were, and it made my heart race a bit

With a faint blush on her cheeks, Shijouin-san shyly confided in me.

It was a heartrending line and smile that shook the very core of a mans heart. I couldnt help but feel overwhelmed and captivated by this sweet moment.

H-Huh? W-Whats wrong, Niihama-kun? Why are you suddenly hiding your face?

Im sorry Its just that I cant look at you properly anymore

Unable to bear the gaze of an angel any longer, I covered my face with both hands.

My heart was pounding like a maidens, overwhelmed by the captivating allure of the girl I had been observing all day today, from her seductive swimsuit figure to her adorable expressions. In a sense, I had underestimated the power of the summer sea, where happy couples gathered

As the summer sun started to dip towards the west, I realized the immense charm of the girl who had left a vivid impression on me throughout the day, and I was helplessly controlled by some sweet, mysterious force.

(TLN) Was that god? Do I have to dive into this story and fight god? (O_O)

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