Season 1 Episode 7
Summer break is on, in high school as in a dorm, Horikita is sound asleep until her alarm clock rang. She still wanted to sleep some more but as tired as she is, she still got up, stretched a bit and drew the curtains open.
We've finished our term finals and began our summer vacation.
And she started the day with a hot shower even smiling at the feeling of hot water refreshing her clean and fresh. By the time she's done, her handphone rang and it's beside a picture of herself and her older brother. It feels like they went to the same middle school together as Horikita went to check her phone and was surprised to see that it was Ayanokouji calling her. She rejected the call but it happened a second time. Rejected and a third call happened. "Sigh...deja vu I think." She did remember rejecting his phone calls back then so she answered it.
"Can't you understand that you're being rejected."
"Deja vu isn't it?"
"Oh great..." She paused a bit. "Alright you have my attention."
"Horikita. Wanna hang out at the pool to-"
She ended the call but paused. "Pool..." She looked out at the window. The weather is hot today and she thought about it again.
Flashback to last night...
It was raining as most of the students are asleep but under the darkness and at the back alley, 4 hooded figures are waiting by. "It's cold man. The rain is cold."
"What's taking him so long?" At that moment, a 5th hooded figure ran to them. "Sorry I'm late."
"Baka! I told you to be on time!"
"Forget that, you got everything we need right?"
"Ah, mochiron!" The 5th hooded figure showed them a bag containing unknown supplies. "Don't get the set-up point wrong."
"Agreed. We have everything we need so tomorrow, we can commence Operation:Young Lust. Peep on the girl's dressing room." Turns out one of them is the leader for this operation. "This will help alleviate our loneliness." The one that scolded the 5th hooded figure for being late stated. As they talked about it, only one did not speak at all. He just observed and eavesdropped everything.
Current timing...
By now, Horikita has packed up and left to meet up with the others when, "Huh? Horikita-san? It's been a while right?" She looked to her left to see Yousuke and Karuizawa who's clinging to his left arm. "Wow you're still alive? I haven't seen you at all since summer break has started." Karuizawa spoke up. "I just don't have the necessity to meet anyone." Horikita replied as she observed them.
Karuizawa Kei. Alongside Kushida-san, she's one of the leaders of the 2 Class D girl's cliques. Her influence in class has increased even more by dating Hirata-kun. I wonder when did they start dating? I must have lost track on their status updates.
And Hirata Yousuke. A central figure among the Class D boys and above average in both grades and sports. Not to mention he's a member of the Soccer Club which makes him quite popular. The individual that doesn't seem to belong to this defective class but here he is. Most likely to lead and guide the defectives.
"Horikita-san, why don't you come hang out with your friends every now and then?" Yousuke asked. "There's no need. It would be significantly more effective to use the time to do advanced studying or reading."
"Oh is that so? Let's go Hirata-kun. I guess she doesn't want to talk to us." Karuizawa wanted to drag him away but, "Just one thing Horikita-san, where are you going?" He asked. "Nothing much. Juts meeting Ayanokouji at the pool. He invited me." She replied. "Wait, wait, wait did you say pool?" Karuizawa immediately changed her mind as, "Hirata-kun! Let's also go!"
"Alright then. Well, see you later and tell Ayanokouji that we're tagging along!" The 2 went back to the dorms to get ready. "Close friends are unnecessary. I've lived by myself all the time." Horikita thought as she left.
"And yet, what am I doing here?" It cuts to her waiting with Ayanokouji, Kikyo and Sakura as, "I'm so glad you're coming with us too Horikita-san." Kikyo spoke up happily as she observed her angel of Class D.
Kushida Kikyo. The image of kindness liked by both boys and girls. But...I think she despises me bitterly though she doesn't show it.
"I was hoping we could use this outing to get closer. Okay?"
But in her case, why does she try to approach someone she hates? I fail to understand...
"By the way Sakura-san, you look a lot better without your glasses and with your hair down. " Kikyo told her. "Th-Thanks." She replied. "I wonder what made you change into this new look?" Kikyo asked. "Uh...long story." Sakura replied still remembering how she was saved by Ayanokouji. Right now, he and Horikita are having a chat. "Just to let you know, Hirata-kun and Karuizawa-san will be meeting us at the pool."
"I see. The more the merrier." He replied. "And where are Ike-kun, Yamauchi-kun and Sudou-kun? They're not here yet?" Horikita asked. "Yeah I guess they'll be-"
"Hey guys sorry we're late!" They looked to see the 3 idiots show up. "We overslept sorry!" Ike apologized but, "Overslept...yet you're coming from the direction to the pool?" Sakura asked stunning them and allowing Horikita to suspect something but still, "Oh right! We actually arrived early to find out how crowded it is! Glad to say it's not so packed! Anyway, let's hurry!" Sudou was able to cover things up as the group made their way to the pool. During the walk, Ike and Yamauchi did sign language.
(We nearly screwed up but good thing Sudou covered it up)
(Agreed. We still have a chance)
Just then, "Hey! Are you guys going to the pool too?" Both boys cringed and looked up to see Honami and her friends consisting of Kanzaki, Shibata, Chihiro, Yume, Mako and Andou. And then, "Eh? Hi Kiyotaka-kun!"
"Oh Hi Honami."
"EH!?" Some of the 1-B and 1-D peers that have yet to hear about their interactions stared at Ayanokouji when, "Hey guys! Glad we arrived in time."
"Hirata-kun and Karuizawa-san! I'm so glad to see you guys!" Kikyo greeted them for they appeared to have packed up fast and show up in time. "Yo Hirata!"
"Shibata! What's up bro?" They fist bump each other as, "Ah, both of them knew each other since they're in the same club." Horikita thought and with a party gathered, all entered the pool area.
In the changing rooms...
"Today's the last day the pool opens." Honami told the girls as she placed her stuff in a rented locker.
"Yeah. Some of the other students may come too." Kikyo agreed as she unhooked her bra.
Now the girls are in the midst of changing when, "How long has your chest been that way?" Horikita asked Honami who looked surprised by her question. Still, "Since third year in middle school I think. It keeps getting bigger..." She guessed. "What about it?"
"No. I get it now." Horikita went back to changing as she spoke on. "Why you always seems to have more going on than you can handle."
Beside them, "By the way Sakura-san, this might be the first time we've hung out with you." Kikyo told her as Sakura's seen putting on a rash guard. "Do you like swimming?"
"N-Not really! Well I know how to swim and it was Ayanokouji that invited me..." Sakura replied. "That's interesting." Honami called out as she fished out her bikini. "You know, there's been a lot more people hanging out with him lately." Kikyo told the girls as she wore her bikini bottom. "He seem to be really close with you too Ichinose-san. I mean, I'm most surprised that the 2 of you even addressed each other by your first names for some time!" This made her smile upon hearing his name as Horikita observed her.
Ichinose Honami. The central figure of Class B. During our incident in the first term, she helped our class and yet I can't discover her true intention. Especially on how she works very well with Ayanokouji-kun despite his stoic behaviour and facial expression.
"Ne Horikita-san, I bet you're feeling nervous."
"It matters little to me on whom Ayanokouji gets closer." she replied as she put on her bikini bottom.
"Oh really?" Kikyo teased her when Karuizawa and the other 1-B girls showed up. "You girls done?"
"Almost!" Honami just finished suiting up when, "Sakura-san. What's with the rash guard?" Karuizawa asked. "W-Well...I don't like to show too much skin and-"
"On one hand, I like your new look. It looks stunning if you ask me. But on the other hand, wearing a rash guard is too tacky!" Karuizawa then smirked as, "Kushida-san, you thinking what I'm thinking?"
"I see what you're implying..." The next thing it happened, the 2 girls made their move as they attempted to remove the rash guard as, "WAIT! This isn't right! St-Stop! Please!" Sakura panicked as she struggled to keep her rash guard on but the 2 girls are already removing it as the other girls except Horikita laughed.
Somewhere...
Beside the pool is the School General Storeroom and a certain individual is camping there. No not the outdoor camping, the camping where he stays hidden and observes all movement and he's none other than Sotomura aka the Professor and also, the leader of this operation. He has his equipment ready as he stood by an open window, used a mini telescope and made contact via a walkie-talkie. "HQ here. Changing the status. Operation: Young Lust, phase 1 to phase 2. Time limit is today, before the targets go home."
"Argos 1 here. Roger."
Pool area...
Many students are seen having fun splashing each other, swimming around and relaxing on pool floats and already, "Now let's enjoy ourselves today!" Honami declared and she's wearing a multi-coloured floral bandeau bikini. For her friends, Kanzaki wore a pair of blue and white swim trunks, Shibata a pair of wore yellow swim trunks, Mako wore a striped bikini with the colours white, indigo, yellow and purple, Chihiro wore a pink and white plaid bikini with dark brown frills, Yume wore a white bikini top under a blue one and a checkered bikini bottom and Andou wore a black tankini with red rose designs.
For the 1-D group, Kiyotaka wore a pair of brown swim trunks with 2 orange lines curved on his left side, Sudou wore a pair of red swim trunks with white flowers, Ike wore a pair of black and white swim trunks, Yousuke wore a pair of grey swim trunks, Kei wore a yellow green strapless one-piece swimsuit with blue dolphin prints(And don't worry, it covered that scar of hers and shows part of her chest), Horikita wore a white bikini, Kikyo wore a red frilled bikini top and a frilled bikini skirt and Sakura wore a tie-dye bikini and she's still embarrassed over her rash guard removed and discarded by her classmates just now.
Already, Sudou and Ike had gone bananas over the many hot swimsuit girls when, "!?" It appears Honami noticed something because she walked her way to Ayanokouji and stood before him. "Say Kiyotaka-kun, do you exercise?"
"A bit perhaps." He replied trying hard not to look down because Honami is somewhat too close to him for her monstrous chest was slightly pressed onto his especially when it's slightly revealed through her bikini. "Now I see why she's no.1 in the list that Ike and Yamauchi showed me before..." He thought.
"But you are very well-built. Even more than Shibata-kun, Hirata-kun and Sudou-kun. Matter of fact, you got a rock hard, 8-pack abs!" Those names she mentioned whistled a bit but in their thoughts, they can agree with her.
"Well...perhaps good genes." He replied again.
"I find it hard to believe." Honami then poked his abs first. Next, she felt his chest with her hands. Then, she felt his muscular arms and finally, his muscular legs. Each part she poked and felt, it took about several seconds.
During that procedure, everyone had mixed reactions. Ike was furious and envious even wanting to lash out now but Sudou and Yousuke restrained him and gleefully smiled at their friend, Horikita, Kikyo, Shibata and Kanzaki had stunned faces, Sakura felt uneasy and looked away, Karuizawa stared in surprise and finally, Mako, Yume, Chihiro and Andou were giggling and snickering together at their friend.
By the time Honami is done, "Well?" She asked looking directly at his eyes and with her chest more slightly pressed on his' when, "Honami-chan, you sure are bold." Mako began and she cringed flustering up. "Bold enough to feel a man's hot body with your bare and sexy hands." Andou teased. "Say, are you actually flirting with him through the touching?" Chihiro asked while teasing along. "Ooh. We are seeing it now, you 2 are officially dating!" Yume declared and, "Through this video I've recorded through my phone! It's gonna be so memorable!"
"Wh-What? No! It-It's not what it l-looks like! We're not d-dating and I-I was just c-curious about his physical appearance!" Honami tried to reason with her friends and already, her face is red in embarrassment. "Also Yume-chan, delete the video now!"
"One word. Nope!" She teased while grinning at her friend.
"She's right. We're not dating." Ayanokouji spoke up bringing relief to Honami. "Yet."
That word caused her to feel even more flustered as her face became redder and she ended up covering it with her hands. Wow, too much blushing and her friends laughed in amusement. "Look at her face! It's as red as a tomato!" Andou teased. "Ha! Ha! Ha! Tomatonose! We should call you that from now on!" Mako suggested as the girls laughed some more at their friend. Even Karuizawa and Kikyo couldn't help but giggle at this embarrassing scene. On the other hand, Ayanokouji looked up to see Kanzaki and Shibata give him the thumbs-up and behind, Sudou and Yousuke fist bump each other while still restraining Ike. Horikita on the other hand just sighed to herself and Sakura was still feeling uneasy.
And then, "Eh? Where's Yamauchi-kun?" Kikyo noticed as Ike and Sudo stopped what they're doing and cringed. Immediately, "Yeah where is he?" Ike played along. "Funny...he never takes this long and he never told us anything about it!" Sudou played along also as they looked around a bit for their friend. Yousuke was confused at their behaviour as, "Did he get separated from us?" Kikyo asked. "Maybe we should find-"
"It's okay! It's okay! I think he went to the bathroom or something and he probably never told me and Ken about it! Ha! Ha!" Ike spoke up. "Yeah! Oh look! There's a volleyball court! Let's go there now!" Sudou declared pointing at it with a shaking hand. "Uh...why are you freaking out about it?" Honami asked when, "I'm in! After all, it's a good thing I brought my trusty volleyball!" Andou declared showing it to everyone. "Interestingly, she's a member of the volleyball club just like Shinohara-san." Sakura thought as, "You're awesome!" Shibata cheered and it made her smile with a light blush.
Meanwhile, a janitor is seen heading to the leisure pool changing room with some cleaning equipment. Looks like there're a few changing rooms in this pool area and the janitor who's revealed to Yamauchi in disguise looked around before making his move.
At the same time at the volleyball court, teams were made and everyone's ready to play. "I'm...not really good at sports so I'll sit this one out." Sakura told the group. "Same. I mean, we need 6 players in the team so we'll be the substitutes." Karuizawa added so with that, Class D is really and likewise, Class B except for Yume who's their substitute player. "Ready! Here I go!" Honami made the first move passing the ball to them. "Those large assets bounce good..." Ayanokouji thought as Yousuke intercepted it.
Meanwhile, Chiaki and Satou had just arrived and as they approached the leisure pool changing room, "Huh? What's with this sign? Are we suppose to change in the bathroom?" Chiaki complained upon seeing the sign that says that cleaning is in progress. Inside, Yamauchi is having difficulty installing the camera as he struggled.
At the same time in the middle of the volleyball match, "Okay, we're in a good lead so far. 2-1." Shibata told his group when, "Hey, what's going on over there?" Honami was the first to notice something followed by the others including the substitute players. Yup, a long line of students wanting to use the changing rooms. "You think something happened there? I'll go and check it out." Chihiro volunteered. "I'll go with you then." Mako spoke up when Ike went crazy and stopped the girls scaring them with his frantic words over the situation. "What's wrong with Ike-kun?" Kikyo asked Ayanokouji. "I don't know. Maybe he ate something strange this morning." He replied as he walked to him. "Ike."
"Huh? What?"
"You want to rest first and calm yourself down? Scaring girls with this kind of erratic behaviour isn't pleasant."
"Hmmm...I guess I could sit this one out."
"Good. Sakura, get in the field."
"M-Me? Oh...okay!" Sakura and Ike switch places while Karuizawa just watched as the game resumes.
And back at the storeroom, "HQ here. Argos-2, report in." Sotomura is sweating a bit as he waited for a response. "Argos-2! What's going on?"
It cuts to Yamauchi still struggling as he dropped a tool. "I'm having trouble! I'm not sure if a failure like me can handle something like this..."
"Have faith..." Sotomura encouraged him. "In yourself and in your allies who have faith in you. Have faith that it is possible."
Back at the volleyball match, Kanzaki passed the ball over and Horikita passed it back, Honami then tossed the back and Yousuke got it in the air as Sudou ran, jumped and struck the ball so hard that Chihiro was unable to stop it. She even fell back on the sand. "Sudou-kun sure hits hard..." She exclaimed as she stood up fine. Yume who was benching then managed to switch with her as, "Nice! We're tied now!" Yousuke told the group when, "Hey, Yamauchi-kun's pretty late isn't he?" Kikyo brought up. "Shouldn't we go and look for him?"
"W-Well...you don't have to worry about that Kushida-chan! He'll be here eventually!" Ike spoke up.
"But what if he ran into some trouble?" Kikyo asked as Ayanokouji, Horikita, Sakura, Karuizawa and Yousuke watched them discuss about him. At that moment, Ike become anxious and panicked as he did sign language behind his back. Noticing this from his hiding place via the mini telescope, Sotomura frowned in frustration as he gulped down a bottle of water and after that, took out his walkie-talkie. "HQ here. Argos-2, you're out of time. Cancel the operation at once and return to base. There are too many targets outside your current location."
"Forgive me...for my incompetence!"
And back at the field, Sudou is headlocking Ike for no reason when, "Hey guys! Sorry for keeping you waiting!" Yamauchi in his green swim trunks has finally showed up as, "The bathroom sure is packed and I never expected it since I've been taking a huge dump! I think I took forever to do so!"
"Man I told you not to eat too much spicy ramen for breakfast and ah! I gotta go!" Ike suddenly ran off leaving the group more confused. As for Sotomura, he continued observation and gasped. Through his vision, Ryuuen and his followers are heading to the changing rooms. As they got nearer, "Huh?" Ryuuen noticed the sign and, "It's in the way Albert."
"Okay boss!" He kicked the sign down as Ryuuen, Ishizaki, Komiya, Reo and 2 other girls from their class moved in as, "HQ here! Confirmed Enemy-R approaching!" Sotomura panic reported. "But I'm almost finishing the phase 2!"
"No time for that! Argos-1 evacuate and abort the mission!" No response. "Argos-1 get out of here! They're approaching you, eta...120 seconds!" Still no response so he flagged Sudou with a light reflection from a mirror and did some flag signals to warn of the trouble. This caused the red-haired jock to run off immediately. "Awkward..." Kanzaki described as Shibata and Andou looked at each other confused. "Anyway, are gonna continue? We're tied now, 2-2." Kanzaki brought up. "I think I need to rest." said Sakura. So with that, "Karuizawa, come and join the game now." Yousuke called out. "Mou, about time!" She joined in as right now, the team consist of Ayanokouji, Horikita, Kikyo, Yousuke, Karuizawa and Yamauchi.
As for Ryuuen and his group, they finally arrived. "Huh? They're not cleaning in here..." Ryuuen noticed. "Something's fishy around here..."
"I smell a rat boss. And rats always dwell in the sewers." Albert told his boss and he laughed at the big guy's statement. And inside, "Setup complete! Now I have to get out of here!"
"Argos-1. It's too soon to relax. There are 2 girls with enemy R! I repeat, there are 2 girls with enemy R!"
And back at the game, Shibata just delivered a strike but Kikyo intercepted the volleyball and stumbled down. "You okay?" Yamauchi asked. "I'm fine Yamauchi-kun. Thanks for asking." Kikyo replied with a smile. "Oh it's good that you're fine!" He replied with a blush as Karuizawa managed to toss the volleyball to the other side, Mako tossed it to Yume and she tossed it back to the other side with Horikita intercepting it as she tossed it in the air. "Wait for it..." Ayanokouji hasn't done anything since the start of the game but soon enough at the right timing, he ran, jumped and struckthe ball so hard it bounced on the sand and out of the court. "Yes! We won!" Yousuke cheered. "Not bad for a gloomy guy like him." Karuizawa described and as for 1-B, "That move was in perfect form! How did he execute it so perfectly!?" Andou asked in admiration. "So not only his intelligence is at a different level but also his physical fitness..." Kanzaki observed when, "Sugoi Kiyotaka-kun! Sugoi!" A very elated Honami ran to the other side and jumped up hugging him tightly wrapping her legs around him. This surprised him and he ended up catching her with his hands on her back. "I did not expect this to happen..." He thought as he stared at Honami who's smiling brightly before his face when, "CLICK!"
"Hee! Hee! Now this is gonna be a mark of remembrance!" Mako declared showing the girls the photo she took. It made Honami realize what she just did as Ayanokouji put her down and, "Mako-chan! Delete it at once!"
"Oh really? You were so flirtatious in doing that! I bet Ayanokouji-kun's enjoying your milk jugs pressed onto his chest!" Mako teased some more causing Honami to blush harder. "Hee! Hee! Here comes Tomatonose!" Chihiro teased. "Let me take a picture!" Andou had her phone prepared and, "CLICK!"
While the teasing is ongoing with Karuizawa and Kikyo giggling at the scene and a horrified Yamauchi looking thunderstruck at this, "Ike-kun and Sudou-kun suddenly ran off without a valid reason. What are they planning and what's taking them so long?" Horikita wondered feeling like today's pool day has aroused suspicion for the 3 idiots really are behaving strangely.
Speaking of which, Sudou is seen trying to distract Ryuuen and his group until Albert stepped forth intimidating him. "How do you want your face? Fried or scrambled? He asked cracking his knuckles scaring the red-hair dude when, "How unsightly. A fight between 2 bottom leaders." They looked to see Sakayanagi dressed in a cute summer dress and her group had just showed up. The same members from the previous episode except an additional girl wearing glasses is with them.
"Sakayangi? I didn't recall summoning you." Ryuuen shifted his attention to her. "Take your dogs and go home."
"Oh? Perhaps I should make you and your guinea pigs my dogs." She replied to him while Sudou looked at both sides wondering what's going on between them and already, "Tch. She dares to insult us." Ishizaki told Komiya and Reo and they agreed with him. At the same time, "Princess better finish dealing with them fast. I'm itching to see Masumi in her bikini." Hashimoto thought when, "What's all the fuss out there?"
All attention is shifted to Manabu as he approached the students. He wore a purple and dark blue swim trunks with a pair goggles around his neck. Tachibana is also with him and she's wearing a purple frilled bikini. "Even if this is open as a leisure facility, we're still within the school. Don't you understand that?"
"Well, well, the student council president..." Sakayanagi chuckled in amusement while Sudou cringed in fear over his authoritarian presence.
Back there again, "So you were holding back during the entire game?" Horikita asked Ayanokouji. "I'm not good at sports." He claimed. "And I thought you're very athletic." She replied still remembering the night he dodged her brother's moves. "Why don't you unleash your full potential? You could have won the entire game without allowing our opponents to score even one goal from start to end!"
"Is that annoying to you or is it because you really hate to lose easily?" He asked back. "No not really..." Horikita looked away feeling like she should not have asked that question. "I think that's a good thing. Games are boring if you don't get sentimental doing them. It also would help you make some friends." He advised her. "I don't need that." She replied when Honami approached them with 2 cans of soda. "Great game guys! Let's do it again if you feel like it."
"Thanks Honami. But I think we need to cool off at the pool since we've been out at the sun for quite a while." Ayanokouji replied as they took the cans and they started drinking. Now both groups are taking a break from the game when, "Hey! Did something happen over there?" Kikyo noticed a large crowd gathering as the others too noticed it.
And at the same time, "HQ here. Argos-1, what's your status?"
"I'm ready to withdraw but there are too many obstacles outside! I can't get out!" Ike reported. "Damn! After coming this far..."
"You must not give up yet!"
"H-Hey Sotomura...did we make a mistake. More like a miscalculation?"
"What are you saying Argos-1?"
"If...If...If I can't get out-"
"I'm serious! You must not give up yet!"
"Sotomura..."
"Refer to me as HQ, Argos-1. In this moment, you have your comrades awaiting your return. Do not abandon hope." Ike was moved by his words to the point that he had a few tears flowing out of his eyes. "Alright HQ. Contact Argos-4! Have him execute phase extra!"
As the crowd grows outside, Ayanokouji watched when he felt a reflection. He soon caught of Sotomura and his flag signals. "Draw attention away from the changing rooms? The student council president and all the students gathered? You're asking too much." He thought while reading through easily since he's pretty at signal reading or something. So, "Horikita. I need your help with something."
Back at the changing rooms, tensions are about to rise when a commotion is heard outside. And Horikita was mentioned to the point that Ryuuen remembered that Komiya told him on the person who set them up on the day they withdrew their complaint. It cuts to her on the top of the highest diving platform. "Kiyotaka-kun, what's going on with Horikita?" Honami asked. "I wonder about that myself." He replied and on their right, "What's she gonna do? Do a perfect dive performance?" Yousuke asked. "That's half impossible." Kanzaki told him as on the diving platform. "Why do I have to do this..." She asked herself. Sighing, she got ready with arms stretched out on both sides. Seconds later, she jumped with her hands forward and then, "SPLASH!"
Everyone started cheering as Horikita resurfaced and Manabu was impressed. So, "Tachibana, take care of my glasses."
"You're gonna do it?"
"Isn't it obvious?" And soon enough, he's on the diving platform. "Nii-san?" Horikita was surprised to see him there and already, everyone's attention is shifted to him. Once ready, Manabu jumped and rotated 360 degrees during the dive and, "SPLASH!"
Everyone cheered some more and because of that, a few senpais joined the diving allowing Ike to finally slip out evacuating successfully. Operation complete.
Later on...
2 hours left till the pool closes and the 2 groups are now frolicking in the pool. Sakura is slowly opening up to the 1-B girls as she listened to Mako, Chihiro, Yume and Andou gossip about some interesting girl stuff while they sit together on the ledge of the pool, Kikyo is seen getting splashed by Ike and Yamauchi and finally, Sotomura showed up in his dark grey and sky blue striped swim trunks as he did a cannonball in the pool sending a splash onto Shibata and Yousuke.
Standing before the pool, Ayanokouji watched them have fun when, "This is ridiculous." Horikita walked to him. "There were cameras indeed set up in the changing rooms." And a flashback revealed her holding 4 SD cards thus interfering in the operation resulting in failure. "I now understand the reason for the pool invitation." She added. And another flashback took place with her answering his call and finding out about the operation.
"If I had tried to stop them, they might have tried to do it behind my back." Ayanokouji explained. "It's better to let them try and fail."
"You're right and worst case scenario, should they succeed and something happens shortly thereafter, our class status will be severely affected because of their actions." said Horikita. "Indeed. They plan to set up the cameras and retrieve them after the pool closes and everyone's gone but-"
"We can interfere their operations if I just removed the SD cards in advance." Horikita cracked it. "That was the plan, at least. The interference of the other classes made things more difficult." Ayanokouji added. "Is that why you asked me to do a free diving performance?" She asked. "Everyone cheered including Sudou and the others. Even so, your brother also participated and likewise, a few of the senpais with diving experience turning the whole commotion into a competition enough to draw everyone's attention." He replied. "More importantly, you aren't half-bad in the dive so did you enjoy your time at the pool? You've been alone all summer break after all right?"
"I didn't come here to have fun. I told you before, I prefer being alone." She replied. "But come to think of it, why did you call me this morning and tell me about their plan? Obviously I'd figured out you're part of it."
"Why would they endlessly call me multiple times on a rainy night yesterday disturbing my sleep? I slept at 10pm and before midnight, they had the nerve to force me out and have me participate in their plan."
"Ah, that means the biggest interference in their plan was by making you part of it. Should they have not, then their plan will still succeed." Horikita concluded. "Exactly. Well we've talked enough about it. There's still time until the pool closes." The next thing it happened, Ayanokouji pushed her into the pool. "SPLASH!"
Resurfacing, "What are you doing?" She asked in annoyance. "Sorry." He replied when, "AH!"
"SPLASH!"
"Oops." From behind, Honami giggled at what she just did. "Hmph! Serves you right!" Horikita smirked at what she just saw when, "Hey let me join the fun!" Kikyo then started splashing Horikita as, "K-Kushida-san! We're not playing about!"
"Take that! And that!" She cheered happily as she continued splashing when, "Let's join in! CANNONBALL!" From the ledge, Sudou, Ike, Yamauchi and Sotomura jumped in creating a big splash on Horikita and Kikyo as, "Count us in!" Mako pushed Sakura and Chihiro in while Andou pushed Yume. They soon got in as the girls and boys laughed and splashed about. "Hirata! On me!"
"Sure thing Shibata."
"Hey! Why are the 2 of you-" Kanzaki felt his arms and legs being grabbed and after a few swings, he was thrown in as they laughed but it was cut short when Karuizawa pushed both of them in as she laughed but unexpectedly slipped and fell in joining the others as Yousuke splashed her and she splashed back with laughter.
As the students frolicked about, Ayanokouji couldn't help but smile a bit at this. "Eh? I see it Kiyotaka-kun."
"See what?" He asked as Honami jumped into the pool splashing some water onto him. "I saw it. Your smile."
"Honami. I didn't smile."
"You did Kiyobaka!" She teased poking his right cheek. "A poker face wouldn't last long here. One day, I'll make you smile bright enough to vanquish all darkness and light up your freedom!"
"Darkness..." He thought. "So she thinks she can cure me...hmmm...perhaps she not only wants to help me experience freedom but to also help me express myself. This is gonna be a long road ahead for her..."
"SPLASH!" A wave of water splashed onto him as Honami giggled. "Oh what the heck." Ayanokouji got serious and splashed back. "Oh it is on!" She exclaimed and soon enough, the 2 of them had a splash fight while their peers continued their splash war with Horikita still trying to get out of the pool but it was too much for her.
Night time...
By now, everyone's back at the dorms from their pool day as it cuts to Horikita taking a hot shower and after changing to her PJs, she got ready for bed but first checked her phone and it appears that she has an email. Opening it, she was surprised to see 2 images. The first one shows herself, Ayanokouji, Kikyo, Sakura, Ken, Ike, Yamauchi, Yousuke, Karuizawa and Sotomura in a group photo. And sliding to the second image, it shows them again and this time, Honami, Kanzaki, Chihiro, Yume, Mako, Shibata and Andou are in the group photo with them. Plus, she never smiled at both pictures. After seeing them, she lay on her bed and smiled. "It's easier to be by myself..." She then slept peacefully because in truth and in her heart, she did enjoy herself today.
And at the same time, Ayanokouji is looking through the 2 images of the group photos when he received a new email. He went to open it and an image of him and Honami appeared. It shows them in their swimsuits sitting on the ledge of the pool. Even so, he noticed that he had his arm around her and he smiled in the picture. Right now, the poker face he carries now remains the same but a small smile appeared on his face as he admired the picture longer while petting his kitten. "It's easier to believe in the fate that has connected us..."
There are many changes in this chapter. Extended volleyball and swimming pool scenes, operation dialogues and additional characters joining the fun like Yousuke, Karuizawa and Andou joining the volleyball game. Sotomura who lead the operation later joins them for the pool activity. And one additional inclusion is based and from the LN where Honami admired Ayanokouji's incredibly developed body resulting in plenty of ship teasing in this one. Plus, I thought of switching Horikita's speech scene to a free diving scene that resulted in her older brother and a few senpais because I think the speech is not enthusiastic enough. No offense. The group photos also underwent changes.
So summer has begun and I look forward to writing it because there's plenty of fun and thrills. Still, special exams will be involved and I got plans on writing interesting scenes on the cruise ship in the next chapter.
Private Points List
Class 1-A
1. Arisu Sakayanagi-381,459
Class 1-B
1. Honami Ichinose-2,644,084
2. Ryuji Kanzaki-191,522
3. Chihiro Shiranami-172,451
4. Yume Kobashi-128,956
5. Mako Amikura-179,006
6. Sou Shibata-185,286
7. Sayo Andou-163,247
Class 1-C
1. Kakeru Ryuuen-142,663
2. Mio Ibuki-151,597
3. Albert Yamada-135,986
4. Daichi Ishizaki-75,946
5. Kyogo Komiya-122,301
6. Reo Kondou-125,921
Class 1-D
1. Soshi Miyamoto-14,387
2. Satsuki Shinohara-12,305
3. Kokoro Inogashira-23,983
4. Nene Mori-23,478
5. Teruhiko Yukimura-60,283
6. Yosuke Hirata-12,910
7. Kei Karuizawa-9159
8. Kayano Onodera-31,078
9. Kikyou Kushida-47,911
10. Ryotarou Hondou-12,512
11. Hideo Sotomura-8,481
12. Chiaki Matsushita-11,262
13. Rokusuke Kouenji-4,526
14. Haruka Hasabe-47,003
15. Haruki Yamauchi-14,877
16. Akito Miyake-34,564
17. Wang Mei Yu-12,892
18. Kyousuke Okitani-10,173
19. Maya Satou-10,987
20. Kanji Ike-14,218
21. Kiyotaka Ayanokouji-66,925
22. Suzune Horikita-99,124
23. Wataru Ijuin-40,891
24. Airi Sakura-22,825
25. Ken Sudou-16,102
Class Points
A-1004
B-663
C-442
D-140
One last thing, HAPPY NEW YEAR!
2023 has started! And the first thing to do is work on the next chapter! Sayonara and have a good new year everyone!