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"Clothes, to me, are a kind of shackle," Ichika continued, her voice soft yet resonant, carrying a quiet intensity that filled the dimly lit room. "Wearing them always feels like I can't breathe, like they're suffocating me." Her words were a confession, each syllable laced with a vulnerability she rarely showed, as if she were peeling back layers of herself to reveal something raw and unfiltered.
She paused, her gaze drifting to the lush greenery surrounding them, the faint glow of the grow lights casting delicate shadows across her face. "But I know how strange that sounds. It sets me apart from everyone else, makes me feel like an outsider. So I've kept it hidden, never daring to share it with anyone."
Shuichi sat across from her, his eyes adjusting to the dimness as he took in her unadorned form. Ichika's long hair cascaded over her shoulders, partially draping across her chest, her legs crossed elegantly at an angle—not to conceal, but simply out of habit. As she spoke, her hair shifted with each subtle movement, her legs adjusting slightly, offering fleeting glimpses that teased his senses.
"When I was a child, I didn't know what naturism was," Ichika continued, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "I just felt uncomfortable in clothes, like they were a punishment. I'd throw tantrums, refusing to wear them, much to my parents' frustration. They scolded me, taught me to conform, to blend in with everyone else. I learned to endure it, to mimic those around me, but that sense of confinement never went away. It's not something you can just ignore forever."
She let out a soft, self-deprecating laugh, her fingers brushing against the edge of the sofa. "So I created this little world, here in my private space, where I can be free, where I can relax without those restraints. But even that feels like self-deception sometimes. Trapped in clothes or trapped in a house—it's still not true freedom, is it? But it's the best I can manage, the closest I can get to peace. Does that make me strange, Chiba-kun?"
Shuichi had been listening quietly, his mind turning over her words. There was something almost poetic about her confession, but he couldn't shake the feeling that she was weaving a metaphor, hinting at something deeper. Without overthinking, he shook his head gently. "Everyone's strange if you peel back the layers," He said, his voice calm but thoughtful. "No one can fully understand another person, not completely. We're all a little weird in our own way."
Ichika's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. "That's… an interesting way to put it," She murmured, her lips curving into a faint smile as she considered his words.
"And besides," Shuichi continued, leaning forward slightly, his tone direct but warm, "You're telling me this because you think I'm strange too, right? That's why you feel safe sharing this with me." His eyes met hers, a playful challenge in his gaze, though his sincerity shone through.
Ichika's smile deepened, her eyes sparkling in the dim light. "I'd prefer to call it special," She said, her voice soft but deliberate. "Most people I've met fall into two categories. The first kind have these… oversized expectations, almost worshipful admiration. They put me on a pedestal, like I'm some untouchable ideal."
"Like Nagase-sensei?" Shuichi interjected, a knowing grin tugging at his lips as he caught her meaning.
"Exactly," Ichika said, nodding with a faint chuckle. "I can see it in their eyes. If I let them into my little world, if they saw the real me, they'd be shocked. Disappointed, even. They might turn against me, repulsed by the truth, because it shatters their perfect image of me."
Shuichi nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah, that tracks. They'd probably rather you keep your distance, stay their flawless fantasy, than face reality and risk their illusions breaking."
"Precisely," Ichika said, her smile tinged with a quiet joy, as if relieved to be understood. "The second kind are different—possessive, aggressive. If I let them in, they'd try to claim this space, reshape it, force me out of it and mold me into something that fits their desires."
Shuichi tilted his head, considering her words. "Or maybe they wouldn't act right away," He mused, his voice low and contemplative. "They might be fine at first, but over time, they'd struggle with how different you are from the norm. Maybe they'd worry about rumors, about being embarrassed by other people, and then they'd push you to change, to conform."
Ichika's eyes lit up, her smile widening as she leaned forward slightly. "You really get it, Chiba-kun," She said, her voice warm with appreciation. "My parents tried to change me for that exact reason—they were ashamed of my differences."
Shuichi waved a hand, his grin turning self-deprecating. "Don't get too excited. I'm just throwing out ideas. No need to put me on a pedestal either." Her intense gaze, paired with the surreal atmosphere of the plant-filled room, sent a slight chill down his spine. This setting is a bit too eerie for comfort.
Ichika's expression softened, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "I'm not expecting miracles from you, Chiba-kun. And you don't seem to expect them from me either. That's how normal people connect, isn't it? No illusions, just honesty."
"So I got picked because I'm normal?" Shuichi teased, raising an eyebrow. "Not because I'm weird? That's a letdown." His tone was light, but his eyes searched hers, catching the faint loneliness in her voice—a rare crack in her usual composure.
"To me, that kind of normal is rare," Ichika said, her voice tinged with a quiet melancholy that hadn't been there before. "If I'm understanding you right, you don't want someone to disrupt the peace of this little world, or to 'save' you by changing you. You just want someone to stop by now and then, to sit and chat with the real you, in your natural state. Is that it?" Shuichi asked, his tone careful but curious, testing his interpretation.
Ichika's eyes gleamed, a radiant intensity in her gaze that was impossible to ignore. "Would you be willing to spend that time with me, Chiba-kun? To be that person?" Her voice was soft but earnest, carrying a weight that made the air feel heavier.
Shuichi's mind raced. She's been holding this in for a long time, he thought. He recalled her mention of a failed attempt with a female colleague, likely a desperate bid to ease her loneliness that had ended in disappointment. Her vulnerability now was palpable, and he felt the gravity of her request.
When he didn't respond immediately, Ichika's expression faltered, her hopeful spark dimming. Her shoulders slumped slightly, and a quiet resignation settled over her. Of course, she thought, her heart sinking. Someone as strange and unyielding as me is doomed to hide behind a mask, living alone in this corner of the world.
She began to rise, her voice steady but tinged with regret. "I was too forward today. I've troubled you, Chiba-kun. You don't have to feel pressured. In the future—"
"Wait," Shuichi interrupted, his voice firm but gentle as he leaned forward, his eyes locking onto hers. "It's not about being troubled. It's just… Do you want the honest truth, Kitagawa-san? I'm worried if I say it, you might revoke my special guest pass." His tone was half-teasing, but his expression was serious.
Ichika blinked, curiosity flickering in her eyes as she settled back onto the sofa. "Please, tell me," She said, her voice soft but encouraging, her posture attentive.
Shuichi took a breath, choosing his words carefully. "If I've got this right, you chose me because I don't idolize you, I don't have some aggressive need to possess you, and I don't… well, show that kind of desire, right?" His voice was cautious, his gaze steady as he tested the waters.
Ichika nodded, her expression calm but attentive. "That was my initial reasoning, yes. Though there are other factors now, you're mostly correct."
Shuichi spread his hands, a rueful smile tugging at his lips. "Here's the thing—I can stay so calm around your… charm because every time I come here, I'm already completely drained. Physically, mentally, you name it." His words hung in the air, blunt and unfiltered.
Ichika froze, her lips parting slightly as she processed his confession. Drained? Her usually composed expression cracked, a mix of shock and disbelief flickering across her face. If Sumire had seen her now, she'd have been floored—Ichika, the epitome of serene elegance, rarely looked so rattled.
Her mouth opened and closed for a moment before she found her voice. "Chiba-kun… that's certainly surprising," She said, her tone a mix of astonishment and amusement. "Things are definitely not what I imagined. But you didn't have to tell me that—I never would've guessed."
Shuichi shrugged, his grin turning playful. "But if I didn't, I'd be doing the same thing you do with Nagase-sensei, right? Hiding the truth to keep up appearances? Pretending to be the person you expect me to be? That's not what you want, is it?"
Ichika fell silent, her eyes widening as his words hit home. He was right—pretending would undermine the very honesty she craved. Her philosophy of naturism was about shedding barriers, not creating new ones. She felt a pang of admiration for his candor, even if it complicated things.
Shuichi's smile softened, unperturbed by the risk of losing this unique connection. "So, are you still inviting me to be your special guest? If you're okay with it, I can keep coming by after I'm… well, wrung out. That's not a big deal." He chuckled, his thoughts drifting to his hectic life—between Tsuki the president, An the bubbly class rep, Sumire and Naomi-sensei at school, and now Fumika and Sayuki, staying "drained" was practically his default state.
Ichika's expression wavered, her mind clearly racing. This was uncharted territory for her. She'd never encountered someone who achieved such calm detachment by being physically exhausted, their desires sated elsewhere. Her past admirers had always been careful to present themselves as pristine, untainted by other connections, terrified she'd sense another woman's presence. Shuichi's blunt honesty was a curveball she hadn't prepared for.
If he comes here without being drained, will he still be so calm? She wondered, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her mind. Will he disrupt the peace of this sanctuary? The question lingered, making her hesitate.
Shuichi, meanwhile, scratched his head, a wry grin on his face. This perfect beauty's got some strict conditions for getting close, he thought. First, no idolizing her—Nagase-sensei's fangirl tendencies would've disqualified her instantly. Shuichi, thankfully, had never bought into the idea of flawless people, so Ichika's allure didn't blind him. Second, no possessive or aggressive vibes—thanks to Fumika's thorough "efforts," he arrived each time in a state of serene exhaustion, his desires thoroughly quenched. And finally, a tolerance for the unusual, an ability to accept her quirks without judgment. That's all thanks to Tsuki's weirdness, he thought with a smirk. Not liking clothes? That's nothing compared to her.
Looking at Ichika now, Shuichi saw past her stunning exterior. Beneath it was a sensitive, introspective, lonely soul—a literary girl craving acceptance but burdened by the expectations her beauty brought. Her "strangeness" was just a shield, a way to protect her fragile sense of self.
Ichika remained silent, her gaze fixed on the floor, lost in thought. Shuichi didn't press her, instead leaning back on the sofa, his eyes tracing the elegant lines of her form in the dim light. Her silhouette was like a work of art, each curve catching the faint glow of the grow lights. He waited patiently, content to let her sort through her thoughts.
After a long pause, Ichika lifted her head, her composure restored. "Sorry for keeping you waiting, Chiba-kun," She said, her voice calm but carrying a newfound lightness.
"No worries," Shuichi replied, his tone relaxed. "Looks like you've made up your mind."
Ichika nodded, a small, liberated smile gracing her lips. "If you're willing, I'd love for you to come by and sit with me from time to time." Her eyes shimmered with a quiet warmth, reflecting the starlight filtering through the window.
Shuichi raised an eyebrow, a playful grin tugging at his lips. "You sure? No issues with… you know, my situation?"
Ichika's laugh was soft, almost musical. "I've spent my life avoiding being put on a pedestal. It'd be hypocritical to demand you perfectly meet my expectations, wouldn't it? Besides, I'm the one asking for your help, imposing on your time." Her gaze softened, a flicker of vulnerability in her eyes. "And… you don't seem like the type to try to change me, even if you're not… 'calm' all the time."
Shuichi nodded, his expression earnest. "Never crossed my mind," He said honestly. Between juggling Tsuki, An, the teachers, and the Ogawa sisters, he barely had time to think, let alone plot to reshape Ichika's world.
"That's enough for me," Ichika said, her smile blooming like a rare flower under the starlight, fleeting and breathtaking. "So, Chiba-kun, will you spend some time with me?"
"As you wish," Shuichi replied, his voice light with a hint of teasing. "As long as there's no extra homework. I'm good with anything else."
Ichika's eyes twinkled with amusement. "No promises there. You're already troubling me so much—I have to give something back. Literature and flower arranging are all I've got to offer." Her tone was playful, a rare glimpse of her lighter side.
Shuichi scratched his head, feigning dismay. "Can I take it back now?"
Ichika just smiled, her silence warm and inviting as she watched him.
"Alright, fine," Shuichi said, standing to leave. "It's getting late. I'll head out and come back tomorrow night—once I'm, uh, calm again." He shot her a cheeky grin, already plotting how to rub this in Nagase-sensei's face.
"Oh, and you don't need to use honorifics with me anymore," Ichika added, rising to follow him to the staircase.
"Nagase-sensei's gonna be so jealous," Shuichi said, laughing as he imagined her reaction. 'You've worshipped her for years, and I'm already on casual terms with her, seeing her in all her glory.'
The thought felt oddly familiar, like a playful jab he'd thrown before. Ichika, unbound by clothing, didn't follow him downstairs, stopping at the edge of the second floor. Shuichi paused beside her, his gaze lingering on her form, now closer and clearer in the faint light. A single step closer, and he could've brushed against the graceful curves that seemed almost within reach.
"Knowing I'm not actually free of desire," He said, his voice low but teasing, "Does it bother you that I'm seeing you like this?"
Ichika met his gaze, unflinching, her expression serene. "There's nothing else in your eyes right now, Chiba-kun. Just honesty, pure and simple. That's enough for me. Naturists aren't devoid of desire—we just don't automatically tie this state to those thoughts."
Shuichi tilted his head, a grin spreading across his face. "Okay, Ichika-san—can I call you that?"
"Whatever you like," Ichika said, her smile warm and unbothered.
"Then don't tell me you're about to say I've got naturist potential and try to recruit me," He teased, his eyes narrowing playfully.
Ichika's gaze swept over him, a spark of curiosity in her eyes as she seemed to imagine the scenario. "I hadn't considered it," She admitted, her voice tinged with amusement. "But… would you be interested in trying it?"
Shuichi paused, pretending to mull it over. "No weird secret societies behind you, right, Ichika-san?"
Her laugh was soft, almost melodic. "Nothing like that. I barely leave this place, let alone join groups. No need to worry."
"Alright then," Shuichi said, waving a hand as he turned to leave. "I'll think about it. But not tonight—too beat. See you tomorrow." His tone was light, but his heart felt oddly full, buoyed by the strange, honest connection they'd forged.
"Good night, Chiba-kun," Ichika called softly, standing at the top of the stairs. She watched as he carefully descended, navigating the vine-laden steps until his figure vanished into the darkness below. She lingered there, alone in the quiet, her silhouette framed by the soft glow of the grow lights, lost in thought for a long, long time…
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