After a month of intense training, I decided we all deserved a break. Today was officially a rest day—and we were going to the pool.
But of course, that meant facing the dreaded swimsuit dilemma.
"I'll just wear my school swimsuit. It's easier."
Rice-chan immediately vetoed that idea.
So off we went to buy swimsuits.
The shopping team: Rice-chan, Thank You-san, and Sei-chan—who tagged along without explanation but was now basically part of our squad. I'd grown attached to her after caring for her these past few days. Seiun Sky might be known as a trickster, but Sei-chan was just a sweet, quiet little girl. I could dote on her endlessly.
Even Nishino-san would probably drop by just to see her if she had free time.
So yes, Sei-chan was now an honorary member of the Team.
We arrived at the department store and headed straight for the swimsuit section.
"Let's pick out Sei-chan's swimsuit first."
"Yeah."
"Sounds good."
The children's section was overflowing with adorable options. I was overwhelmed.
But since we'd be swimming from noon, I didn't want to exhaust Sei-chan with too many choices. We quickly settled on a cute one-piece—simple and sweet.
Then I glanced at the rack and muttered, "I guess I could fit into one of these too?"
Rice-chan raised an eyebrow. "Viola, look at your chest and say that again."
"Yeah, it'll pop right off your chest and butt," Thank You-san added.
Right. I'd forgotten how much my body had changed. My height hadn't budged, but my curves had grown in ways I didn't ask for.
Resigned, I headed to the women's section with Rice and Thank You. Rice picked a slightly revealing bikini. Thank You went for a sporty one-piece.
Me? I had no idea what to choose. I love seeing cute girls in swimsuits—but wearing one myself? That's a different story.
"Viola-sister."
"What is it, Sei-chan?"
"This."
She held up a swimsuit and spread it out.
It was… a string.
"Sei-chan… this is…"
"hm."
She looked genuinely confused.
It was cute, sure. But Viola-onee-chan was not emotionally prepared for this.
I glanced over and saw Rice and Thank You watching with suspiciously innocent smiles.
They were the ones clearly coached her...
"Wouldn't Viola-sister look even cuter in this?"
"I think it suits you."
"Are you serious!?"
Why was Sei-chan so persuasive?
I glared at Rice and Thank You, but they just smiled like angels.
In the end, I bought it. We didn't have much time, and the price was suspiciously low—probably because it barely qualified as clothing.
I didn't even resist. I just gave up and accepted my fate.