Exhausted from the early morning boat trip, the group decided to spend the first morning at the villa resting in their rooms. Only Mikihiko and Mizuki were truly under the weather, but Tatsuya suggested they all take it easy, not wanting to leave the two behind to play.
"Sorry, Tatsuya, for making you all do this for me…" Mikihiko said, still pale.
"Don't worry about it. But you'll have your work cut out for you later," Tatsuya said, glancing ahead.
"Huh?" Mikihiko followed his gaze, spotting Leo practically vibrating with eagerness to swim. Guilt mixed with a sinking feeling in Mikihiko's stomach.
"Mikihiko, I'm counting on you to handle Leo," Tatsuya said with a smirk.
"Me, of course!?" Mikihiko groaned.
"It'll be good exercise," Tatsuya teased.
"But you—"
"I already got my workout carrying you earlier. I'm taking it easy this afternoon," Tatsuya said.
"That's not fair…" Mikihiko muttered.
Having been carried, Mikihiko couldn't argue back strongly. Meanwhile, Leo just fidgeted, itching to hit the water.
After lunch and some downtime, the group headed to the beach. As Tatsuya predicted, Leo proposed a long-distance swim, and Mikihiko was roped into joining him.
(When was the last time I relaxed like this?) Tatsuya wondered.
With no threats to Miyuki here, Tatsuya could let his guard down more than usual. As long as no one drowned or caused trouble, he figured these three days could be a rare chance to unwind.
"Tatsuya-kuuun, aren't you gonna swim?" Erika called from the shore.
"It feels great, Onii-sama!" Miyuki added, waving.
Tatsuya glanced at them and gave a small smile.
(Leo's one thing, but if Mikihiko were here, he'd probably bolt,) he thought.
To Tatsuya, Leo didn't seem overly aware of the opposite sex, while Mikihiko was more typically teenage in his reactions—sensitive in both good and bad ways.
"Thinking about something, Tatsuya-san?" Shizuku asked, peering up at him.
"Nah, nothing major," he replied.
Her question shifted his attention to the five girls now gathered around him.
"We're at the beach, so come swim with us, Tatsuya-san!" Honoka urged.
"Exactly, Onii-sama. Staring at the horizon like it's three years ago isn't like you," Miyuki teased.
"Three years ago? Something happen in middle school?" Erika asked, her curiosity piqued.
Miyuki froze. She was deeply embarrassed about that time and avoided discussing anything before three years ago, especially since it tied to family matters. Tatsuya, knowing this, steered the conversation away.
"It's nothing. Alright, I'll swim," he said.
As he shrugged off his hoodie, Tatsuya instantly regretted his casual decision.
"Tatsuya-kun, those…" Erika trailed off, staring.
Tatsuya's body was impressively toned, a testament to his training. Honoka, Shizuku, and even Mizuki were captivated by his physique. But what drew their eyes more were the scars—countless cuts, stab wounds, and vivid burn marks etched across his skin. Oddly, there were no signs of broken bones, but these weren't the marks of mere training. They were the result of blood spilled, not just sweat.
"Tatsuya-kun, what in the world…" Honoka whispered, shocked.
"Sorry, it's not exactly pleasant to look at," Tatsuya said, reaching for his hoodie.
But Miyuki had already snatched it up, clutching it to her chest. Hesitant to reach for it across his sister's body, Tatsuya's hand hovered awkwardly. Before long, Miyuki grabbed his arm and hugged it tightly.
"Wah!" Mizuki gasped.
The other three were too stunned to make a sound.
"It's okay, Onii-sama," Miyuki said, her cheeks flushed. "Every one of these scars is proof of your strength. I know that. Even if the whole world found your body unsettling, I never would. I can say with pride that your body is admirable and beyond anyone's insult."
Her words were fervent, her face red from both the closeness of his arm against her chest—separated only by a thin layer of fabric—and her passionate defense of him. Tatsuya felt her warmth on his right arm, but then a similar sensation came from his left.
"I don't mind either!" Honoka declared. "I know there's a reason for these scars. You might not tell us why, but I still trust you, Tatsuya-san."
"Me too," Shizuku added, calmly wrapping her arms around him from the front. "I trust you like Honoka and Miyuki do."
Miyuki and Honoka tightened their grips on his arms as Shizuku clung to him. Mizuki, watching the scene, muttered under her breath.
"Love triangle… or a quagmire?"
"Shh! It's just getting good—uh, I mean, nothing!" Erika said, barely containing her amusement.
She'd been enjoying the spectacle until Tatsuya's glance quieted her.
"Sorry, Tatsuya-kun," Erika said, sheepish.
"It's fine. Your reaction's probably the normal one," Tatsuya said.
"I-I'm sorry for reacting weirdly too," Mizuki added, looking guilty.
"It's okay," Tatsuya reassured her, offering a slightly bitter smile.
Erika, still buzzing, wasn't ready to let the moment pass. "This won't do! Hey, wanna see mine too?"
"Erika-chan!" Mizuki squeaked, horrified.
If Mikihiko were there, he'd have turned beet red and stammered. Leo might've genuinely worried for Erika's sanity. But Tatsuya, understanding her playful attempt to lighten the mood, took it in stride—he was surprisingly tolerant of jokes.
"Tempting offer, but it'd lower your value as a girl. Let's pass," he said dryly.
"My value, huh? You've got a funny way of putting things, Tatsuya-kun," Erika said, grinning.
"Just being honest," he replied.
"That's what makes it funny," she shot back.
Her dazzling smile could've entranced most high school boys, but Tatsuya was more curious about what she'd say next.
"I know you'll react properly, so I can joke around without worrying," Erika said.
"No one would take that seriously," Tatsuya said.
"Oh, Mikihiko would've been a blushing mess," she countered.
The other four nodded in agreement, though Miyuki, Honoka, and Shizuku still clung to Tatsuya.
"Alright, I'd like to swim, so could you let go?" Tatsuya said.
Realizing how bold they'd been, the three girls blushed furiously but didn't fully release him, staying close as ever.
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