Once Sophie was left at the tram stop, Rina and Aya were now on their way to Indigo Beach, in the direction of the Aquamarine, the nice shop of the parents of the young surf champion.

They take the opportunity to tell each other in more detail about the small juicy details of this afternoon.

“…and that’s how I got through my introduction without messing up too much.”

“Um, I don’t know if I should congratulate you or worry that you had to make such an effort for something so basic.”

“Hey, that’s not very nice, of course you have to congratulate me, it’s still the first time since we’ve met that we’re not in the same class. It takes a while to absorb the shock.”

“You think so?”

“I’m sure of it, I bet you Sophie freaked out too!”

“Okay Rina, I’ll take that bet, we’ll ask her tonight. What are you betting?”

“…”

Rina gently rubs her chin with her fingertips and looks at the sky and the surroundings. She then spots a small, inconspicuous ice cream stand out of the corner of her eye.

“I know! I’ll bet you a round of soft-serve ice cream at the best ice cream shop on the entire coast!”

“Oh oh, you don’t shy away from anything, it’s ok with me, bet on it. I still hope you’re ready to treat me because, me and ice cream, it’s a great love story you know.”

“Argh, your confidence just put me in doubt now… Can’t we change the terms of the bet?”

“Too late!”

Rina lowers her head realizing that she may have spoken too quickly. It’s not a good idea to start betting without being 100% sure of yourself, haste will get the better of you poor thing.

“Well, we’re talking but without realizing it we’re already almost to my house.”

“What are you going to do until tonight?”

“I have to help my mom at the store, apparently it’s more crowded than usual and they’re kind of struggling.”

“Ok, so I’ll leave you here, I wouldn’t want to disturb you if there are people around.”

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

“You can come but I probably won’t be able to stay with you.”

“No, don’t worry, I’ll go join my parents too, they might need me too.”

“See you tonight Rina.”

“Good luck to you, see you tonight.”

Rina leaves on her side, leaving Aya, left to herself in front of a crowd of customers.

And besides, among these customers…

“Hey Aya !”

That fiery and all too loud voice sounds familiar.

“Ah, Noah.”

“So my dudette, fancy seeing you here.”

Aya’s hand takes flight to come and flatten itself on Noah’s too close face.

“You know the principle of respect? Keep your face away from me and especially don’t disturb the customers please.”

“What a harshness…when I’m the one who brought in that clientele.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

Over the crowd of Aquamarine’s customers, a hand gestures towards Aya.

“Aya, you’re finally here, come quickly put on your work clothes. We’ll take care of this wave here and then I’ll let you get ready.”

“I’m coming mom, I have to get rid of Noah first, he’s bothering everyone.”

“Leave him alone, he’s the one who brought us all those customers.”

“What?”

“See? I brought you all my new surf club buddies and even my dive club buddies.”

“You’re in luck, then. Take this, since you want to make yourself so useful by helping the Aquamarine, put on that apron and come and advise our clients.”

“I can’t deny you anything when you do your tsun tsun like that, haha.”

Low kick in the buttocks of Noah.

“Come on hurry!”

…

Let’s leave our two workers aside and come back to our dear Rina.

Where is she by the way?

…

Already in front of the family ryôkan? Let us thank the effort of incredible staging of my narration which avoids us the long not very interesting walks eh?

“Mummy didn’t tell me which room we were going to have this party in. Let’s go ask at the front desk, I hope Satsuki-san is here today. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen her.”

The automatic door opens and lets discover behind it an unexpected and … deplorable spectacle.

“Eh? Papa…”

The image of Papa-san mopping the floor like a sad building superintendent who no longer enjoys his job.

With a dark and tearful face, he cleans the entrance hall with low enthusiasm… what happened Papa-san?!

“Ah… Rina… How was your day?”

“Uh, good.”

Over the shoulder of Papa-san, appears the receptionist Satsuki-san in front of Rina.

“Good evening Rina-chan, are you okay?”

“Satsuki-san! Yes I’m fine and you?”

“Yes very well thank you. You’re just in time, Mrs. Shimizu is starting preparations for your meal tonight.”

“What happened with Papa? Why is he mopping the hall?”

“Let’s just say he failed in his role as manager and owner by being out of control during his business appointments and now he is suffering the consequences of his actions.”

“Ah right, as usual.”

“Correct.”

“Which room is Mummy in, by the way?”

“She just finished preparing the Golden Pavilion.”

“No way! The best room.”

“It’s a rare opportunity for Mrs. and Mr. Shimizu to invite friends, so they take advantage of it.”

“We’ll be able to get comfortable with Aya and Sophie in the outdoor bath.”

*Noise of mop and Sniff*

“I’m joining Mummy to help her, see you later Satsuki-san. Come help us Papa-san when you’re done here.”

“I’m taking orders from my own daughter now? She’s starting to look more and more like Elsa and it’s scary…”