“Good luck Taichi, you'll need it!” I provoke him, and so he takes a deep breath getting up from the table we were sitting at. Hansuke pauses the reading of his book and takes out his smartphone to film the scene that was about to occur as if it were a special chapter of an unmissable novel.

What would happen, at any moment, was the fulfillment of that penalty. This one is a must-see, Taichi's public confession to Hana! There is no escape this time sir Taichi!

We were seated at a shady table next to one of the local pools. If we went ahead and went down the stairs, we would have access to the sea point that connects to the resort. The place was indeed incredible, but yet far from Aether, obviously.

Hana was with a friend, next to a diner. It was a place close to us, so we didn't have to get up to watch the show.

“Kazuki, take it.” Hansuke hands me an... alcoholic drink?? Did he go crazy?! If teacher Saori or anyone else in charge catches us, we're screwed!

“Moments like this should be cherished as beautifully as possible, right?” His evil smile said everything about his arousal. Phew, why am I even surprised? It's Hansuke, the big-time taker, of course he would be more excited than usual.

“…You really thought of every detail, didn't you?”

I don't doubt at all that he chose this place on purpose, because he knew that Hana would stop by at any moment.

“Hmph, but this is obvious. What's more, the camera angle from here to the cafeteria is more than perfect, making for a phenomenal contrast to the sun! Place and better time just don’t exist!”

Yeah... His smartness sometimes scares me, it's worth mentioning.

“Can’t wait to post this online!”

“…Okay, that’s a bit too far.”

“Shh! Look there!”

The event was about to begin. Taichi approaches the two girls and starts a conversation with Hana. He was shaking and sweating a lot. Hana is startled by the unexpected situation but soon returns to her normal self, talking to him.

After a few seconds, Taichi bows to her, and Hana says something to him. Both she and her friend laugh minutely. Taichi becomes silent for a while and says something else, leaving them to return to our table.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

As I imagined, in addition to rejecting him, they even laughed at him. Oh, poor Taichi, don’t worry, this was for your best! Now you will grow as a true man to not let this happen ever again! But sorry, ‘till there I’ll keep laughing at you! Kukuku! I just can’t stop! Hansuke already burst out laughing! Yeah… he’ll sure become depressed for a few days, maybe weeks... Well, at least he moved forward in his life—Huh?! Wait a moment...! What with that expression on his face?! It looks like he had just won the lottery!

“Hana just asked me out to the festival’s party!!”

CLANG!

Hansuke's head weighs and hits the table with everything.

...I think that's what happens when the situation doesn't go as expected.

“Thank you so much, Kazuki!!” He cries as usual. "If it wasn't for that bet, if you hadn't forced me, this wouldn't be happening!! Now we are couple of partners! Take that cursed Hansuke!”

Hansuke says nothing and just remains in the same position, with his face buried in the table.

“Heeee~ I knew this would happen Taichi, I knew it. Of course, I did it for your good!”

Well, in part, this is right. I was hoping for a few laughs, but the situation that has unfolded now was also good. Now that he's taken a step on this romantic adventure of his, I won't have to put up with his daily dramas anymore. Too bad we're not actually a couple of partners though... Even though he still believes that Murakami and I are in something, our situation is worse now than ever... Phew, speaking of her, I should as well put my plans into action.

“And you Kazuki?! You must have already invited Murakami to the ball, right? Ahh! Just imagine, you and I, entering the salon with the hottest girls in the class! I can even imagine that moron Hashimoto cursing us behind our backs!”

Hashimoto? Tch, don't remind me of that guy... I'm glad he hasn't appeared in front of me since then.

“It would be really cool Taichi, but I still haven't talked to her... But good thing, I'm going to do that right now. See you later.” I farewell them, and leave them behind.

According to the class schedule, the first day, that is, today will be completely free. We’ll have access to almost every corner of the resort, with free breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The principal stated that although today is free, starting tomorrow will be a series of class games, which we must attend.

I don't really know what to expect from these games, and I don't care either way to be honest. The only thing that caught my attention was the last event, the dance, which Taichi was talking about earlier. I definitely need to settle accounts with Murakami until then.

Hm? Isn't that the principal over there?

I was running the entire resort looking for her, and so I ended up walking into a different place. There weren't many people here, just a few that weren’t even wearing bathing suits.

"So, did you find anything?"

“Not yet, but according to some of our evidence, at least one of your students must be involved with the case. It’s still too early to confirm anything though.”

He was discussing something with two other people. All three wore suits, and they looked pretty serious.

"So one of them could be the one who has access?" He sighs. “Speed up the investigation! He's waited longer than enough! I want the result within three days!”

“Yes sir!”

“Confirmed!”

What the heck are they talking about? An investigation? Well, that's none of my business anyway. I need to continue my search.

Funny, this is the second time in a week that I spend so much time looking for her without success. At least kidnapped I'm sure she wasn't this time.

What place would she rather go when wants to be alone? When she wants to get some fresh air and reflect a little? Oh! Maybe I know where could it be…

Yeah, as I imagined, she was on the bridge that bordered the sea. Not many people come over here, as it is far away from the major attractions of the resort. It is a very quiet and peaceful place.

Oh man, I think my angel just crossed the line of perfection!

Murakami was leaning over the banister, facing the waves that lapped gently against the rocks. What drew the most attention was certainly the bathing suit she was wearing. Her bikini totally matched her slender body, and the black color contrasted well with her fair skin. She was simply stunning!

“R-Ryouzen?! What are you doing here??”

She is startled by my arrival and immediately looks away. She looked nervous, with both hands behind her back.

"Murakami, I just wanted to apologize... If I did anything wrong that might hurt you I—"

She shakes her head from side to side. "Y-you didn't do anything! The problem is actually me... uh... please, excuse me...”

She closes her eyes and shyly walks past me.

Yep, with that, one more attempt fails...