“Eh, is it okay if I look?”

“That’s a funny thing to say. Who was the one who picked out this swimsuit?”

“Well, that’s true… but you just said you were embarrassed.”

If you asked me whether I wanted to look or not, of course, I wanted to. But right after hearing that, it felt awkward to stare too intently. Besides, I felt a little scared, too. Like my feelings for Tachibana Iori would change in a way I couldn’t turn back from… that kind of feeling.

“Of course… it’s embarrassing. No… maybe I’m scared.”

“Scared?”

It was a feeling that didn’t quite match the midsummer beach scene, and I tilted my head in confusion. Since I was looking down, I couldn’t see what kind of face Tachibana Iori was making.

“I’m scared… that I won’t look attractive in your eyes, Natsuki. Even though… I’m still a girl, you know.”

I almost shouted, “That’s not true!” on reflex. But for some reason, the words wouldn’t come out. The hot sand burned through the leisure sheet beneath my feet, and I shifted my legs.

“I want you to call me ‘cute,’ Natsuki… that’s what I want.”

Her words rode the sea breeze and reached my ears. The warmth of the sand seemed to travel through my body and heat my face. My heart pounded like a drum, trying to drown out the sound of the waves. I felt so nervous I could barely breathe.

“…………”

Tachibana Iori was being brave right now.

Even the ‘Prince of Suzakura’ had things she was afraid of. She had things that embarrassed her. Of course, she had things she liked and disliked, too. She might seem fearless about everything, but that wasn’t true.

The ‘Prince of Suzakura’ was just a girl my age.

Tachibana Iori was being brave right now.

As a guy, there was no way I could ignore that.

“────There’s one thing I want to say first.”

“…………What is it?”

I had to say it. Sooner or later, I was going to have to anyway.

Yamabuki Natsuki would probably end up falling in love with Tachibana Iori.

I felt like that moment was being carved deep into the history of my life.

“…………If I see you in that swimsuit… I think I’ll probably fall in love with you. If you’re okay with that… then I’ll look.”

I was glad I’d skipped breakfast. If I had eaten, I’d probably have lost it all right then and there.

Even though I hadn’t confessed, my heart was already screaming. Maybe it was because I knew I was reaching for someone far above me — an impossible love.

“…………I see.”

I felt like the strength drained from Tachibana Iori’s body. I could sense it from the corner of my vision.

By the time I said it out loud, I realized I didn’t even need to see her in a swimsuit — I already liked her. Or maybe… I always had.

I didn’t know how much time had passed. Just a few cool breezes had swept between us. The scent of the sea drifted from Tachibana Iori’s body, and I thought — so this is what youth smells like. It was a little saltier than I’d imagined.

“────It’s okay, Natsuki. You can fall in love with me.”

Tachibana Iori’s hand softly overlapped mine.