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Oarai beach is best known for its pristine beaches of fine sand and gentle clear waters: making it a great place to enjoy the radiant summer sun with visitors of all ages taking up whatever spots they could find. It was a lively atmosphere that Yukihira reveled in as he zig-zagged through the maze of umbrellas and beach blankets to the water with me in tow.

I simply hang on for the ride.

It was high tide. The clear sea waters greeted us with refreshing salty sprays caught by the sea wind as light waves rolled onto the shallow beach. As soon as my feet touched the warm waters, I figured that I might as well enjoy myself.

When compared to the huge expense of the sea: we were merely a couple of people among other beach goers in a wide, blue vastness; it was liberating to catch the sun rays on friendly waters. Yukihira dived and surfaced like a frolicking dolphin while I bobbed on the water, watching his antics.

"I'm very glad that I've decided to come here," Yukihira said as he floated next to me, his usual mussy hair sleeked back by the water, "I rarely get to swim in the open sea."

"You say that, but you seem to swim quite well." I observed.

"Back in my hometown, my dad would take me to a nearby lake to fish and swim," he reminisced, taking a deeper voice, I assume to imitate his father, "builds character!" cocking his head, "how about you? Can you swim?"

I have to confess though: while our school does conduct swimming lessons, I'm not really a good swimmer. Granted, I can float and keep my head above water in a pinch but if the tide rolled out, I doubt I can fight it. Which was why I've limited myself to the water at waist level depth; not that it prevents me from enjoying the water.

And that was when Yukihira decided offering to teach me how to swim. "I was thinking that we could go sea urchin hunting together."

Those words caught my attention. Sea urchin, eh? I always wondered how they were in their natural habitat. He does also make a good point: With two weeks near a wide body of water, I could use the opportunity to brush up on my swimming, perhaps a little coaching will help. "Alright, what do I do?"

"Show me what do you know," he suggested and that's what I did: keeping my head above water and did a short doggy paddle. "Eh, that's a good effort, but that tires you very quickly. Perhaps you can try the breaststroke: it's an easy motion to master." He proceeded explain the kicking motion: bend the knees with toes pointing out, then a wide sweep with both legs, bringing the soles together with toes straight out, and repeat. Sounds simple enough. He then went on to practical demonstration the strokes, keeping his head above water as he explained the moves. "Give it a go."

I imitated his motions: Ok, what was it again? First, Kick off from the ground and body straight; now toes straight out, bend the knees…. Oops; I sunk into the water and stood up before I got any deeper. Seems I wasn't sure of it.

"It's alright," Yukihira encouraged, "here:" he suddenly held my hands, "imagine these are your legs," he continued naturally, "now, bend your elbows as you flex your palms back," he guided the motions, oblivious to my reaction, "and spread out hard, kicking out; this is the power stoke," he followed through adding some emphasis to highlight the instance, "bring your palms together in the middle and you're done!" He let go, "try it," he said patiently.

It was amazing how he seemed nonchalant about his actions while I was left with warmed cheeks and weird tingle at the places where he held. Say what you would make of it but perhaps he shouldn't be faulted for taking my lesson seriously.

I motioned my arms a few times as he instructed, "good, now try with your legs." I was slightly better this time but- "you need more force in your kick." he did it again: this time holding on to my leg and guiding the follow through, "there, like that; this provides more propulsion with every kick."

Is-is he really unaware on what he is doing?

I mean: he seemed innocuous about it and didn't linger any longer than needed. As I complied with his directions, I thought of the parallels on how parents would train their kids how to swim, perhaps this was the most effective way to coach and correct mistakes.

Was I simply overthinking again?

"Much better. Now let's practise with a few strokes." Without pause, he held onto my hands and lightly tugged as he walked backwards in the water. With how things were going, I could only keep up with him.

Frankly though, from the way that I was kicking in the water, his way of coaching was truly effective in teaching me how to swim properly.

"Wow, I didn't know you can teach swimming." Those words startled us and we looked beside us to find that blonde from yesterday. She was wearing in a fashionable bikini and pressing down her wide brim straw hat from flying in the breeze, a short distance from us, standing knee deep in water, "You're an interesting one, Soma-kun."

"Yumiko-san, hi!" Yukihira immediately released his grip as soon as I stood up and faced her, "Just teaching what I know." You could light up a room with his smile.

Yumiko? Are they seriously both on first name basis already?

"That's very nice of you." She then leaned forward, hand on her knees with her arms pressing her ample bosoms together. "So, aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?"

Her flirtatious tone grated and gave me very strong urge to roll my eyes, "Arato Hisako," I announced before Yukihira replied, walking to the shore till we were standing at the same water depth. "And you are?"

She straightened up, a light-hearted smile on her lips, "Fujiwara Yumiko." Being of similar height, we were eye to eye: her generous smokey brown eyes barely concealed a certain pride and confidence. "Soma-kun tells me that both of you are colleagues." There was something bout the way she said it that was as if she was setting that fact in stone.

And he didn't say much about you. "Just for two weeks," a subtle suggestion that we won't be here long.

"Then it's important to make full use of your time for a memorable two weeks, isn't it, Soma-kun?" She turned her attention to Yukihira.

"That's right!" Yukihira said eagerly, "and I'm enjoying it so far." If Yukihira had a tail, it'd be wagging right now.

Fujiwara glanced over to me, her smile widening before focusing on Yukihira, "Ah, the sun is coming out, I was wondering if you'd help me with something, Soma-kun." She beacon to him and he followed loyally to her beach mat and umbrella.

Damn it, Yukihira, restrain yourself!

It was clear who was in control and that I was becoming the third wheel. Being privy to all manner of discussions while accompanying Erina-sama, I know when exercise discretion to make myself scarce. I silently slipped away and headed to a nearby beach shower to sluice off sand and sea water.

Are boys really all like that? Just look at them nicely and they'll be at your beck and call.

I'd never pegged the dense-headed Yukihira to be easily swayed by such things but perhaps the summer atmosphere and teenage hormones had something to do with it.

Stepping out of the shower, I wiped the fresh water off my face and ran my hands through my hair, pressing the excess water off them. I looked over to the two of them as I made my way to the restaurant; it was clear what kind of help she was referring to: applying lotion on her back.

I scoffed at the cliché. That girl really is something.

Turning forward, I immediately flinched; I had almost walked into a lamppost with cheery advertisement for an upcoming beach volleyball competition. Its bright, jolly design was irksome for whatever reason.

Feeling disgruntled I side-stepped the offending lamppost and carry on back to my destination.

I announced my return to Mitamura-san who was also taking a break in the kitchen.

"Ah Arato-san, hope you're having a good break." Mitamura-san said, drinking from his mug, leaning a little to the side to look behind me, "Where's Yukihira-kun?"

"He should return soon." I looked back to where he was, that silly grin still on his lips as he chatted animatedly with Fujiwara, "he's currently occupied but I believe he manages his time well."

Mitamura-san nodded in agreement, "Anyway, I'm thinking for the evening service: both of you can wear the restaurant's T-shirt. I think it's more suitable for the end of the day."

I acknowledged his words then excused myself to go freshen up.

Latching the bathroom door behind me, I unbound Yukihira's bandana and checked my wrist: it was still purple with a slight greenish tint, seems like it's getting better; I gingerly prodded the area to find it tender but not painful.

Peeling my wet swim suit off with a sigh, I caught my reflection in the mirror. I do not have the body of a model: I was neither flabby nor muscular, neither tall nor short, and my chest it was… unremarkably average. I've never did care much for my body and looks, keeping a shoulder length haircut and choosing to wear school uniforms so that I can focus on my secretarial duties. But perhaps meeting that blonde, whom extruded confidence and sexuality, had made me a little self-conscious.

I mean, how does she even manage those… assets of hers? Don't they make her back ache? And, judging from how smitten a certain red head was, how does she keep other hot blooded men away?

Setting my thoughts aside, I got into the shower, relishing the warm water with closed eyes. My mind wandered to the red head and the way he behaved when she was around: It was weird to see him like that.

I mean, when you think of Yukihira, you would think of passionate chef and not lovestruck puppy, won't you?

And that girl: perhaps we've gotten on the wrong foot but I've already had an impression about her.

But hey, that's none of my business anyway so…

Yeh.

Done with my shower, I toweled off and reached for the clothing rack. Oh crap, I was wondering why my shower items felt lighter than usual: in a rare case of absent-mindedness due to an occupied mind, I had grabbed my towel and forgotten a change of clothes. My only option was for a towel wrap. At least Yukihira would still be on the beach, gushing over his girl.

Or not.

Because who else would be just outside the bathroom but the one and only Yukihira Soma? His hand raised, probably about to knock on the door.

Our eyes met, his pools of golden yellow expressed surprise while I clutched the only piece of cloth I had for decency. "Whoa, excuse me," he exclaimed, stepping aside, looking anywhere else. Seems he does at least have some sense of decency. "I was about to ask if you're almost done… so, ahem, I'll be using the shower now."

I hurried into my room, slapping the door shut, face flushed and hot. Covering my face with both hands, I groaned into them.

After taking some time to dry up and make myself presentable, I cautiously opened my bedroom door. Yukihira, already in the restaurant's T-shirt and sitting at the low table. Guys evidently took lesser time in the shower and dress. He leaned back on one hand, looking back to me, waving a dried squid tentacle in the other in greeting, "Yoz, how's the bruise?"

From his usual demeanour, he had apparently decided to pretend the earlier event didn't happen. What's done is done anyway, no use harping over it. "Seems better," I shrugged, silently agreeing to his thoughts.

"Let's take a look." He got to his feet and inspected the injury, "Yeh, it is better but it still seems noticeable." He produced a spare bandana from his pocket and proceeded to bind it like earlier, this time with more deliberate motions; it seemed like he had something to say… but it didn't come up, "there, all done."

"Thanks," I then noticed he had another bandana tied on his usual wrist; Huh? I was pretty sure the one he loaned me earlier is currently being dried, "how many of these do you have?"

"I brought five." He looked at me for a moment then realised what I meant to ask, "what? You mean you thought I only have one all this time?" his eyes widened in disbelief.

"No, no, I was just curious." Holding my hands up to show I meant no offence, "I mean, it would be natural that you have others ready; after all, it's quite a unique signature look for you..."

"It has significance, to be honest." Yukihira said quietly.

I cut off mid-sentence; his words brought gravity to the moment, "Significance?"

"Yeh..." he trailed off, clearly didn't want to talk about it now. "So anyway, I think it's time to head for the evening shift," he smiled lightly and invited me to follow him down with a non-verbal tilt of his head.

I took a moment to glance down at the piece of cloth of at my wrist, considering his words for a moment while curiosity welled up. A clutch of my hand to bring me back to the present, I followed him down the stairs.

Evening service went smoothly since we had a better grasp of the order flow and the crowd preferences. There was a marked increase in beer orders and a sizable number of request for finger foods; perhaps we should adjust the menu to accommodate such requests.

Another thing I noted was a potential benefit for bandana: it serves to identify us as staff. Thinking to the day service, there were quite a few times when our customers were mistaken as staff, perhaps due to the fact that we were all in swim wear without any distinguishing features. This may just be the identification we need.

Time flies when one is busy; It was finally night and we closed the kitchen for service. We then had a debrief while the few remaining customers finished up their beers. In all, Mitamura-san was pretty happy for a first day's performance and was confident of the restaurant's future.

"Alright, I'll be heading back now. Help yourself with whatever is in the kitchen. See you tomorrow." Mitamura bid us good night after getting assurance that Yukihira and I will tidy up once all the customers have left. I gave a polite bow while Yukihira waved him off.

"I'll see what off-cuts we can cook for supper," Yukihira volunteered, "Perhaps you can man the front while waiting for the customers to leave."

If you're not a cook, here's a little known chef's secret: off cuts are usually the best tasting morsels of meat.

I nodded in agreement and got to the service counter, busying myself with sorting and recording the receipts. A good restaurateur would do such things to note the demand for respective dishes: it reduces wastage and maintains the freshness of the ingredients. I was in my element getting paperwork done: handling numbers, facts and figures brings a certain calm and order.

"Arano-san, right?"

I looked up from my work to find Fujiwara Yumiko with a perfectly manicured hand resting on the wooden counter between us. She was dressed stylishly in a simple white T-shirt with light makeup, twining a lock of hair with a finger

My good mood evaporated. "Arato Hisako." I deadpanned while resuming my task, "How can I help?"

"Oh? Didn't Yukihira tell you?" she smiled disarmingly, "he invited me for supper."

I glanced back to the kitchen, Yukihira was vigorously tossing a stir fry in a pan, oblivious to Fujiwara's arrival, then back to her, "he's in there, go on ahead."

Fujiwara shifted, both elbows now on the counter, "Actually, I was hoping we could chat."

"About what?" My bet is it has something to do with Yukihira.

"For a start, how well do you know Soma-kun?" see, told you.

Intending to set the record straight, she got my full attention. I studied her and thought of how I should word my reply. "We are classmates who happened to be teamed together of our stagiaire… our internship," I added, expecting that questioning look due to the unfamiliar French word. "Beyond that, I can't say I know anything else about him… unless you want to hear about his cooking achievements."

She waved off the offer with a dismissive flick of her wrist, "is he dating anyone back in school?"

"What he does or who he is with d-" a lump in my throat checked my words, forcing the need to swallow before I could continue, "doesn't concern me." That was an oddly timed break in my reply; she would have caught that, but I settled with looking her straight in the eyes. "I think we can skip the probing."

She considered me in response, her demeanour turning less jovial, "Let's get straight to the point then: there's nothing between both of you?"

Her question made me think. What are we? Definitely more than school mates as we went through the stagiaire together, and colleagues seems a little too formal… would I now term us as 'Friends'?

The binding presence of his white bandana on my wrist is a silent reminder that Yukihira does think so.

But I'm sure that's not what she was really asking. Is there anything between us? I would say-

"Ah, Yumiko-san, good evening!" Yukihira interrupted us and we looked over to find him carrying a plate in each hand, "Hope I didn't make you wait."

"You didn't, and I was having a nice chat with Arato-san." Fujiwara's attitude changed like flick of a switch. In a split second, she noticed his wrist bandanna and she looked over to mine before brushing it off. "Let me help you with that; These smells delicious!"

Seeing that I am the spare here, I moved to leave them to their meal together; besides the last customers have already left so I better clear the table and head to the convenience store.

Guess it's cup noodles for dinner then.

"Ah, Hisako, let's have supper before cleaning up the tables together!" Yukihira came out of the kitchen again, this time with another plate and a handful of utensils.

"What?!" Both Fujiwara and I blurted out, thinking the same thing: Wasn't it a dinner date?

"It's more efficient to clean everything in one sweep. Come on, let's tuck in before it gets cold!" How dense can this guy be?

There was a short pause of stunned silence. For the very first time, the fact that he had used my first name didn't seem to affect me; on the other hand I had a moment of schadenfreude that the cocky Fujiwara was left speechless.

Fujiwara recovered quickly and got to the table before I did, taking the seat across Yukihira; the only option left was to sit next to her where the third plate was. Fujiwara immediately struck up a conversation with him, suspiciously with intent to edge me out.

Not that I minded though, seeing Yukihira giving her his full attention. I tuned them out and focused on my plate: it was seafood spaghetti marinara. To be precise, Yukihira had substituted the usual spaghetti with soba noodles served with the off cuts like fish belly slices and tender cheek meat.

As expected of Yukihira's culinary prowess, it looks and smells great.

First thing that jumped out were the glistening pieces of meat atop a mound of neatly rolled fragrant buckwheat noodles. A portion of crunchy fresh green baby spinach contrasted the red of the tomato sauce, providing for a feast for the eyes.

And the taste… it contained layers of complexity which, while able to beautifully perform individually, they came together in an orchestra of flavours and textures: earthy al dante buckwheat with a smooth mouthfeel formed the base backed up by the light citric acidity of tomato for an umami beat. The fish bits took centre stage as they complemented each other with the rich buttery firmness of hamachi complementing the delicate salty sweetness of tai. Finally, the spinach leaves rounded up the whole palate with a hint of bitterness and a refreshing crunch. Such was the perk of coming from a culinary school.

I ate quickly but quietly, not wanting to come between the two beside me; Not that they minded as Fujiwara kept Yukihira's attention on her. As soon as I'm done, I silently went off, clearing the last table and washed up.

Intent on distancing myself from their interaction and knowing I didn't have my phone to entertain me, I stepped out the back into the warm night air and intent on going for a short walk.

Pretty sure my absence won't be missed anyway.

I soon wandered into a typical 24-hour shop. The shop attendant was clearly bored as he typed away on his phone while two other customers milled around. I browsed the shelves, seeking "inspiration" on what to purchase. There were the usual fare of snacks, magazines and other necessities but what caught my eye was a local produce: uni flavoured rice puffs.

Interesting.

Thinking that it should go well with my light novel, I grabbed a bag of the locally made snack, along with a free local newsletter that was next to it and… a can of locally brewed tea from the chiller. Just because. I then intentionally took an indirect path back to the restaurant as I allowed my mind to wander; that should give them enough time for them to be done with their meal.

I guessed wrong as I heard light laughter coming from the dining area when arrived at the stairs which leads up to the residential area. Honestly, was there so much to talk about?

… I won't know as I've never dated before.

After a quick shower (this time making sure I got everything I need) I got down to enjoy a break at the common room and leaf through the newsletter while snacking. The rice chips were nothing to write home about but it does cater to anyone who wants a taste of uni… a slightly over-salted version at least.

Absentmindedly snacking, I read through the newsletter's articles and the ads: from an exciting coverage of the fireworks festival preparation, to the same beach volleyball competition advert that I almost walked into this afternoon, and a local lucky draw. On the last page, I saw a familiar face and I choked mid-chew, requiring me to snap open the can of tea and take a deep swig, almost half a can. I can taste the green tea but… is there alcohol in this drink? Looking at the can and spotting a 2% ABV confirmed my suspicion: in my enthusiasm for getting local products, I had grabbed an alcoholic green tea.

ಠ_ಠ

(－‸ლ)

I know Japan does create some weird beverages but making green tea alcohol is just sacrilege… and this would be my first time drinking. Well, since it's already open and I've already gulped half a can, best not waste it.

Anyways, back to the article: isn't that Shon, that guy on the train? 'Up and coming idol, Aida Shon will be performing at the firework festival.' Whoa, I never knew. The photo actually did justice to his good looks as he sang his heart out on stage. I recalled the pause we had over our last conversation when I asked for his name… perhaps he was amused that I didn't recognise him.

I've read many light novels before and my imagination ran wild with the scenarios that may arise from this development. Maybe he can bring me for a backstage tour or something; I always wonder what's it like: sneaking around back stage, trying to avoid the eyes of adoring fans as he kept his focus on me. And when we're finally alone… we shall see how things progress from there.

Now won't that be exciting?

I couldn't help but giggle at that thought, feeling a little light headed while my cheeks felt warm.

Hey, by the way, once you get used to the taste, this drink doesn't taste so bad.

Back on topic: If Yukihira can have his summer fling, why couldn't I? I'm pretty sure he won't care though seeing how taken he is by that Fujiwara tramp. Speaking of whom, are all guys like that? They see a pretty girl and *poof* they become puppies wagging their tails and seeking said girl's attention. I don't see you talking to other girls like that; is it because I don't meet your standards? Are breasts really that big a deal?

Whatever, Yukihira: why would I care what you do…. or who you for that matter. I'm a strong independent woman who doesn't need you! That's it: that's what I'll tell him when he comes up; oh and remind him that we're sharing the place and to have the decency to hang a tie or something at his door knob, eh?

Yeh! That's what I'll do. Now I just need to wait for that horn dog to come up and tell him that.

….

Argh, was this room always so hot?

A/N: I wonder if the last potion does express that Hisako is quite the lightweight, getting drunk over a 2% alcohol drink.

Don't worry about the pairing! It' just character development for our two chefs to grow!

I thank you for your support and reviews!