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The walk to Kairi's apartment was quiet for a while. Tadase didn't know how to bring the topic up to Kairi, so he remained silent. Instead, his mind was brought back to Amu; he hoped she was okay with this decision. He hadn't even had the chance to ask her how she was feeling. He sighed, looking around as he tried not to get too distracted by his thoughts and lose Kairi.
Eventually, Kairi spoke, just to inform Tadase that his apartment was just a little bit ahead of them. Tadase opened his mouth to say something but closed it again and just nodded. Perhaps this was something better talked about when they arrived at Kairi's apartment. After another minute or so of walking, Kairi stopped in front of a fair-sized building and slid a card to open the front doors. Tadase followed the teal-haired teenager into the building and onto an elevator.
"You've been trying to speak the whole way here, haven't you?" Kairi said after pressing a button for one of the floors. It sounded like a question, but it was actually a statement.
"I was just going to ask about what you had in mind for the plan," Tadase responded, not bothering to question how Kairi knew Tadase had wanted to say something.
Kairi adjusted his glasses, not looking at Tadase as he spoke. "Just find a way to get me Amu-san's phone." The elevator door slid open. "I'll tell you the rest later."
…
It had been a long time since Amu had been to Nadeshiko's house. Much like her first time in the house, she almost got lost several times, not only because it was big but because she forgot how fascinating some of the rooms were. If it weren't for Nadeshiko all but dragging her in the right direction, Amu would've been lost wandering the halls for hours. For a while, Rima followed Amu but quickly realized that Amu had no idea where she was going and decided it was better to follow the actual homeowner.
After about 5 minutes of walking and possibly an extra 5 minutes of Amu getting lost and/or distracted, the three finally reached Nadeshiko's bedroom. Nadeshiko let the 2 other girls in, closing the doors behind her. She opened a couple of dresser drawers and let Rima and Amu have free reign over the several swimsuits inside the drawers.
Unfortunately for Amu, most of the swimsuits she saw were not her style, as Nadeshiko's style and her own style were practically polar opposite to each other. While Amu's style was more punk, sometimes even pastel goth, Nadeshiko's style was more elegant and girly. Still, beggars couldn't be choosers and there were some swimsuits that she thought she'd be able to get away with. She hummed thoughtfully, turning to Nadeshiko for a second.
"Say, Nade…" Amu started carefully. "We won't be leaving the house in just our bathing suits right?"
"Not unless you feel comfortable," Nadeshiko responded with a shake of her head. "Just throw your clothes over top."
Amu sighed in relief as she turned back to look through the swimsuits in the drawer. Nadeshiko had a lot more swimwear than Amu has expected. Subconsciously, she found herself drawn more towards the ones that were a bit more conservative. While Amu was struggling, Rima had seemingly found her swimsuit choice with ease. She didn't even need to look at everything before grabbing a simple white two-piece with a high-waisted bottom and faux tie-up top.
After eyeing up her options, the one that stood out the most to Amu was a black one-piece with an open back and mesh panelling on the midriff area. The straps had mesh ruffles on them, and the torso was lace-up. Even though it likely wouldn't cover up her most egregious scar, at least she might still be able to feel cute in it.
Amu picked it up and Nadeshiko smiled. "I figured you'd like that one. Feel free to try it on. Do you need any help?"
"Rima, will you help me?" Amu asked, turning to the petite blonde. She felt bad for being blatantly dismissive of Nadeshiko but was too afraid to expose the injury to her so soon.
"Aw, man, you're too shy to change in front of your own best friend?" Nadeshiko said in mock disappointment.
"S-sorry Nade..." Amu said, rubbing her nape. "I've known Rima…since I started at the new school and it's been so long since I've seen you..."
While her statement was technically true, since she had known Rima for that long, Rima had only recently started getting close to Amu. Even now, it felt a little awkward asking Rima to help her change. However, since Rima was already aware of her situation and scars, she hopefully wouldn't be too offended to see the worst one of all. Luckily, Rima didn't protest at the sudden request; she just nodded her head.
"Don't worry, I'm only pulling your leg," Nadeshiko responded with a giggle. "It seems your friend is the quiet type. You can change in the bathroom just down the hall. Think you can manage that without getting lost?"
Amu rolled her eyes and nodded, leaving Nadeshiko's bedroom. As she headed for the bathroom, Rima trailed behind, once again holding Amu by the back of her shirt. Amu wondered if this was something Rima did to everyone she was close to or if she was doing it so she didn't get lost. Bought thoughts were amusing to think about. As Amu approached the bathroom with no problem, she turned to Rima.
"Are you gonna stay out here?" She asked, holding the door. Rima just nodded her head.
Amu couldn't decide if Rima just didn't want to watch her change, which was understandable, or if she had decided to keep watch in case Nadeshiko came out. Amu just nodded entering the bathroom and closing the door, leaving it slightly ajar. Whichever the case, Amu was glad Rima decided to wait outside. Not only would it be awkward, but she also felt weird showing Rima her wound too, even if it was bandaged. It was also nice to have someone to keep watch.
Amu looked at the swimsuit in her hands for a second, admiring it, before stripping off her clothes and changing into the swimsuit. As expected, the swimsuit did not cover a majority of her scars, nor did it conceal her recovering shoulder injury. She felt satisfied looking at herself in the mirror, despite the small flaws. The eyesore of her bandages didn't help much but at least it was bandaged.
"Amu." Rima's soft voice came abruptly from the other side of the door. "You wanted me to help because you didn't want to show her your scars yet, didn't you?"
Amu bit her lip. "Yeah... I was trying to go for something that could hide it completely but that short sleeve bathing suit top…"
"I wouldn't have let you wear that," Rima said with utmost seriousness, disdain visible on her face as she thought of the tacky-looking swimsuit. "This suit looks much better."
Amu let out a chuckle as she struggled to clasp the back of the suit by herself. "Thanks, Rima. Do you think you could help me buckle the back of this, then?"
Amu opened the door a little wider, her back facing Rima. The buckle was undone, so Amu had to hold up the rest of the swimsuit to shield Rima from an accidental flash. For a second, Amu was worried Rima might be disgusted by the sight of Amu's injury, even if it was bandaged, but there was no such response. Rima just silently clasped Amu's swimsuit together and patted her on the opposite shoulder gently. Amu couldn't help but appreciate Rima for that.
"If you don't want to go into the pool, just hang with me. I can't swim anyway," she mumbled softly, just barely loud enough for Amu to hear. "You can turn around now."
Amu turned to face Rima, who immediately responded with a smile. It was the biggest smile Amu had on Rima since they met, making Amu feel a little shy. She scratched her cheek, trying to resist the urge to cover herself. "H-how does it look?"
Rima examined Amu once more and gave a thumbs up. "It looks great, Amu. I mean it."
Amu blushed and looked down, uttering a small thanks. She glanced back at herself in the mirror, awkwardly trying to cover the bandage on her shoulder blade. She really did like the swimsuit. It was simple but still cute. She threw her clothing over top of the swimsuit before leaving the bathroom to let Rima get changed as well. Once the two were changed, they returned to Nadeshiko's room.
The two girls were met with Nadeshiko, who seemed to have also already changed, looking through a large wardrobe in the corner of her room. Noticing the two had returned, she smiled and pulled out two swimsuit coverups. Amu didn't know what had compelled Nadeshiko to decide to give them coverups but she was grateful for it. Rima had somehow managed to find a floppy hat in Nadeshiko's room and dawned that, as well. Soon, they were on their way towards the pool.
On the way to the pool, they ran into Yaya, who immediately clung onto Amu, disappointed that she wasn't allowed to see Amu's swimsuit yet. As opposed to Rima, Amu, and Nadeshiko, Yaya simply threw a pair of shorts over her swimsuit, exposing her frilly pink top. At least in her case, her swimsuit seemed acceptable to be worn like a top. The same probably couldn't be said for the other girls.
By the time the four girls got to the pool, Kairi and Tadase were already there. She seemed overprotected in a rash guard suit and a pair of teal swim trunks. The rash guard on Kairi was slightly open, probably due to the heat. Tadase had blue swim trunks that faded from light to dark, his upper body partly covered by a loose, grey sleeveless zip-up hoodie. Amu tried not to stare as they approached the boys.
Hearing footsteps, Tadase immediately looked over in the direction the sound came from, to see the four girls walking towards them. Why did he feel disappointed that Amu had the same clothing she was wearing earlier? He shook his head, slapping himself mentally for his inappropriate thoughts. In her condition, she wouldn't want to wear just a bathing suit that openly in the first place.
Perhaps it was better she had put the swimsuit on under her clothes. At least, for now, she had an excuse to cover her scars. It was impossible for Tadase to know what kind of swimsuit she wore, nor whether it would cover her injuries or not. He trusted Amu to make the right choice in regards to that. Tadase watched as Kairi walked up to the girls and met them halfway. He slowly made his way towards them as well.
"You guys took quite a while," Kairi noted, though he didn't seem bothered; it was just an obvious observation. "Perhaps it's a girl thing since my sister is the same way."
"You guys wouldn't understand what it's like being a girl choosing a swimsuit," Yaya said with a pout. "All guys have to do is put on a pair of swim trunks and call it a day."
"Girls have to decide if they want to be promiscuous or conservative, as well as if they want to feel cute or sexy." Rima chimed in, but that was all she would say about the topic. She turned to Amu, grabbing her hand "Come on, Amu. Let's get ready. I have your cover-up."
Without letting Amu get a word in, Rima was already moving. Amu could not help feeling amused at the behavior of Rima, as she was dragged by her to the nearby ladies' changing rooms, leaving Yaya and Nadeshiko to join them later. Amu was glad to see Rima opening up to her a bit; before, Amu had a hard time telling exactly what Rima was thinking. Now, Amu could tell that Rima cared enough about her to want to make sure Amu could delay the inevitable for as long as possible.
Amu quickly slipped out of her casual clothing, once again revealing the swimsuit underneath. Rima handed her the long black lace cover-up Nadeshiko had found that coincidentally matched the swimsuit perfectly. As long as she wore it, it would at least cover most of her scarring and bandaging. For some reason, though, she still felt a little embarrassed and scared to walk out. Unfortunately, Rima had decided to take matters into her own hands and drew the curtains of Amu's changing room. Yaya and Nadeshiko were walking towards the changing rooms.
"Amu-chiiii!" Yaya yelled out immediately, running towards Amu, with Nadeshiko trailing behind her. "You look soooo cute!"
Then, before Amu could even react, Yaya sprang at her, throwing her arms around her. Amu winced as Yaya's arms hit her fresh wound. She played it off as being shocked at the sudden weight of Yaya. Nadeshiko joined Yaya, trying to get Yaya off of her. After successfully getting Yaya away from Amu, Nadeshiko surveyed her best friend, nodding in satisfaction.
"It looks good on you, Amu-chan," Nadeshiko said with a smile. She put her hands on Amu's shoulders. "Just like I thought. I had actually meant to give it to you on your birthday but didn't get the chance. Both the suit and the cover-up are all yours."
Amu smiled, blushing slightly as she looked away meekly. "Thank you, Nade. I love it."
"Alright, let's go show those boys why it took us so long to get ready." Nadeshiko giggled and led Amu, Yaya and Rima back towards the others.
As the girls walked back toward him and Kairi, Tadase's jaw nearly dropped, his eyes focused mainly on Amu, of course. Amu's beauty left Tadase speechless. He could tell Kairi was trying not to stare; his face was flushed as he glanced somewhere other than Amu. Tadase couldn't blame him though, even if he wasn't sure how he felt about another person, who potentially liked Amu at one point as well, looking at his girlfriend. Though, it didn't matter either way, since Tadase was only Amu's 'best friend' until the end of the trip.
Despite Yaya already looking ready to jump in the pool, and Kairi already wading around in the pool, perhaps trying to blow off steam, Amu looked hesitant. She shyly played with her coverup, looking around. Obviously, Tadase knew why, as did Rima. Perhaps Rima and Amu had even devised a plan to delay it as long as possible.
"I think I'm going to chill outside of the pool for a bit," Amu said finally, confirming Tadase's suspicions. "Rima, Nade, do you want to come?"
Rima and Nadeshiko nodded, Nadeshiko saying she had a lot to talk about with Amu anyway. The trio walked towards a set of lounge chairs by the edge of the pool and sat down. They talked amongst themselves, Amu and Nadeshiko doing most of the talking while Rima sunbathed.
Not even 10 minutes later, however, Yaya began to complain to Amu and Nadeshiko about how 'the guys were no fun' and that they should join her in the pool. Amu tried and succeeded to refuse, for a bit. That was until Yaya started tugging her arm; the arm with her shoulder injury. That was where Amu could no longer get away with saying no. Not unless she wanted to risk her stitches popping or something.
"Alright, alright!" Amu exclaimed in defeat. Before she could stop herself, she continued with, "You want me to swim? Fine. But I doubt you'll want me to after you see what's under this cover-up."
Yaya stopped pulling Amu's arm and stared at her in confusion. Nadeshiko turned to Amu as well, a puzzled look on her face. Kairi, who was stepping out of the water, seemed unconcerned, but he almost always looked unconcerned, making it impossible to discern what he was thinking. Amu sighed and reluctantly stood up, wordlessly sliding the cover-up off of her shoulders, and letting it fall onto the lounge chair behind her.
In a heartbeat, Tadase was at her side as she still tried to do anything to hide the bandaged wound. Rima stood next to her as well, gingerly holding onto Amu's hand to show her support as well. At least it was bandaged and not…bare. The others seemed to have noticed the bandage but decided to remain respectful and let Amu speak first. As Tadase's gaze met Amu's own, she knew exactly what she had to do.
"I think I should explain, first…" Amu spoke slowly, looking down. "It's…a long, kind of depressing story, though."
"Well, what a better place to tell a serious story than at a fun place?" Nadeshiko joked in an attempt to lighten the mood. It didn't work as planned. "Let's sit down and talk about it. You can put your cover-up back on if you feel more comfortable."
All of them sat on the edge of the pool, sitting with their legs dangling into the water. Amu wore the coverup again and sat in the middle, Rima and Tadase on either side of her like her own personal support beams. While her old friends looked at her expectantly, she took a deep breath, knowing she had to share what she was about to with them. There was no going back now. The matter could no longer be avoided, whether it ended up involving them in the end or not. She began slowly and carefully to recount the events that occurred after she arrived at Koken high.
N/A: just a bit more wholesome fun before things get more serious again. I tried to touch on the plan that's going on between Kairi and Tadase, as well as the friendship/bond going on between Rima and Amu. There's gonna be one more chapter involving the old friends, and then we're back to the chaotic mess that is wherever Koken high is located bc I never thought that part out.
Anyway, thanks to whoever the heck is reading this, I hope you're enjoying this! Even though it kinda feels like I'm posting to a void haha