"Well, I used to take walks to get some fresh air when I was halfway through studying," she explained with gentle nostalgia.
"I discovered this place completely by accident one day. It's incredibly peaceful here, and it's easy to just... let go of everything."
"It seems like I'm genuinely honored to be brought to Shiraishi-senpai's secret hideaway," I replied, genuinely touched by the gesture.
After hearing my words, she turned her face away slightly in embarrassment, placing her hands demurely in front of her body with that adorable shyness that made my chest tighten.
"So from now on, this will be our secret base, right?" she asked softly, lowering her head with tender vulnerability.
"Absolutely. This place really is incredibly relaxing. Maybe we should make this a regular thing," I agreed, turning my attention to the flowing water while picking up small stones to skip across the surface.
"After all, we haven't had much time alone together since the school festival..." her voice gradually became quieter until the second half of her sentence was barely audible, though I could sense a note of loneliness in her tone.
"You're right. So much has happened recently," I acknowledged, turning to really look at Lisa beside me.
Her face was like something from a classical painting, and the twilight sky served as the perfect backdrop to highlight her fair, smooth complexion.
Lisa raised her head slightly, a gleam of expectation flickering in her eyes that made my pulse quicken.
I found myself naturally moving closer to her face, drawn by some invisible force, and the next moment our lips met in a kiss that felt both inevitable and electric...
After our passionate kiss, Lisa still looked slightly embarrassed, her cheeks flushed with that beautiful pink tinge that made her look even more attractive.
I settled down on the riverbank, and Lisa carefully lifted her skirt before sitting gracefully beside me.
For just a moment, my eyes caught a glimpse of soft fabric shifting gently, revealing the smooth curve of her inner thigh.
Lisa leaned against my shoulder with comfortable familiarity, and I could sense that she understood how much our relationship had evolved.
There was no need for formal confirmation at this point—she simply liked the guy sitting next to her.
She was deeply attracted to me, genuinely admired me, and this growing emotion was beginning to fill her with infinite hopes and possibilities for what might come next.
Lisa hugged her knees with her arms and looked up at me with those expressive eyes.
"I really wish time could stay frozen at this exact moment forever," she said in a voice so sweet it seemed to float on the evening air.
"Is that so? Maybe the future will be even better than this," I replied, following her wistful train of thought.
"Yeah, you're absolutely right," she agreed, looking at me with obvious joy.
The scene gave her a sense of déjà vu—this light, floating feeling of excitement was exactly like that magical night when I'd walked her home after the school festival...
Although she typically preferred to keep her emotions private, right now she felt completely, overwhelmingly excited.
At this close distance, she gazed up at my profile silhouetted against the setting sun and unconsciously held her breath.
As the sky gradually darkened, we both realized it was time to head back to reality.
"See you tomorrow, Shiraishi-senpai."
"See you tomorrow, Ginjo-san."
"Also, I really hope this summer will be better than last year," she said softly, displaying a bright smile as she waved goodbye.
With moments like this, how could it not be amazing?
I found myself walking alone along the path bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, still thinking about that incredible moment by the river with Lisa.
Soon came the evening song of crickets hidden somewhere in the grass.
Glancing around casually, I spotted an elderly couple enjoying watermelon under the eaves of their house, the very picture of domestic tranquility.
A old electric fan turned its head lazily from side to side while curtains swayed gently in the evening breeze.
I continued my leisurely stroll and soon arrived at the familiar entrance to our apartment building.
Home sweet home. Time to check on Tomoko-san and see how her recovery is—
"Ngh... ngh... ngh..."
What the hell is that sound?!