— — — — — —
If Yui Yuigahama was like a cheerful spirit of spring, then Yukino Yukinoshita was something closer to a spirit of snow.
Her skin was pale and delicate, the kind that looked like it would bruise if you so much as pinched it.
Her waist was impossibly slender. Maybe it had gone unnoticed before because of her usual clothes.
And this time, Oikawa could say for sure—
Yukino wasn't exactly… well-endowed, but calling her completely flat would be going too far. That would just be plain unfair.
Unfortunately, Oikawa only managed a quick glance.
Yukino had already wrapped herself in a white beach towel, hiding that graceful figure away. Somehow, it gave her an almost sacred air.
…Or maybe that was just Oikawa putting her on a pedestal.
"Talking about taking pictures is a bit insulting, don't you think?"
"I just have a habit of appreciating beautiful things. Taking photos is something only perverts do."
Oikawa shot back without backing down.
"Oh?"
Yukino's eyes practically said, 'And you're not one?'
"…."
His fists clenched a little.
"Oikawa, you're pretty popular with the girls, huh? Looks like you're the only one who managed to find us."
Shizuka Hiratsuka walked over and gave him a pat on the shoulder.
Oikawa noticed that behind her stood Yumiko Miura and Hina Ebina as well.
Shizuka was wearing a white bikini. Her figure had the fullness of an adult, though compared to Yui, it fell just a bit short.
What stood out more were her toned limbs. At a glance, words like strength and vitality came to mind.
Oikawa thought she resembled a leopard roaming the grasslands.
"…Hard to believe she's already thirty."
He muttered under his breath, impressed by how exercise kept people looking young.
The next second—
A solid punch landed straight in his stomach.
Oikawa instantly revised his opinion.
She wasn't like a leopard.
She was a leopard.
Otherwise, where did that ridiculous strength come from?
"No one ever told you I have excellent hearing? And I'm still twenty-six."
As he doubled over, filled with regret, Oikawa realized he really shouldn't have tested his luck like that.
Right as he dropped, Miura and Ebina walked past.
Ebina gave him a sympathetic smile.
Miura, on the other hand, wore a flashy bikini.
A fluorescent purple base with gold accents. It looked expensive.
Compared to Yukino, she felt more like a spirit of fire.
Her figure was close to perfect, clearly the result of careful upkeep. Even small details, like under her arms, were impeccably maintained.
And no, Oikawa wasn't being a creep.
It just so happened that from this angle… he could see it.
As for Ebina—
She wore a more conservative dark blue swimsuit. Nothing particularly eye-catching. Maybe she had no intention of competing with the others in that department.
After a quick assessment—
Yeah, not his type.
Compared to Yui, Ebina might benefit from adding more… nutritional variety to her diet.
If she started now, maybe there was still time.
…Though honestly, Oikawa wasn't exactly an expert on that.
"Hmph!"
Miura hooked her arm around Ebina's as they passed by Yukino.
Then, very deliberately, she leaned in close.
As the two brushed past each other, Miura lowered her head slightly, took a quick glance—
Then flipped her hair back with a triumphant smile.
"I win!"
Her voice was full of excitement, like she'd just evened the score in a best-of-three match.
Yukino, meanwhile, looked completely confused.
"It's okay. Maybe one day, they'll rise unexpectedly." Oikawa held back a laugh as he offered his "encouragement."
"Yukino-nee, don't be sad! A girl's worth isn't decided by something like that. Everyone's built differently! Komachi will always be on your side!"
"And, um, Yukino, you really shouldn't worry about it. Being… bigger comes with its own problems too!" Yui added quickly.
Well, if Oikawa didn't know Yui was just naturally airheaded, he might've thought she was throwing out some high-level sarcasm.
The kind that hits hard.
"…Built differently… problems…"
Yukino seemed a bit dazed.
Then she glanced down—
And froze for a moment.
Then her face flushed red at an unbelievable speed.
Immediately after, she shot Oikawa a sharp glare.
Oikawa felt completely innocent.
He hadn't even said anything.
If anyone deserved that glare, it should've been Miura.
"It's fine. I truly don't mind at all."
"A person's worth shouldn't be determined by superficial traits. What matters is the richness of the soul. In that sense, I've always considered myself quite… wealthy. Besides, it's too early to decide who wins or loses. The outcome isn't set yet. I really don't mind."
Yukino spoke in one long breath.
Which probably meant—
She minded a lot.
Especially after seeing Shizuka, Yui, and even Komachi standing beside her.
The frustration in her eyes only grew stronger.
Oikawa quietly got up from the ground and retreated into the shade of a nearby tree.
For now… it was probably best not to provoke her.
.
.
.