The next day, after school. Currently Eizan, Ome, Ren, and Mio are walking through a large shopping mall. Eizan whispered to Ome “Thanks for coming along. I don’t know if I could have done this with just the two of us.”

Ome gave him a thumbs up. “No, I should be the one thanking you.” Eizan gave him a strange look. “Thanks to you I get to help Ren pick out a swimsuit. It’s like I’m living in a dream.”

Eizan shook his head and thought “Sometimes, I wish he wasn’t so honest.”

A few minutes later Ome and Eizan were sitting in a chair outside a changing room. Ome whispered to Eizan “What’s wrong man you look nervous?”

Eizan sighed “This whole situation is just going to make things more difficult for me. I’m already having trouble holding myself back at home.”

Ome tilted his head “Why would you have to hold back? Aren’t you two dating?”

“Yeah, we are. That’s the problem. I have a feeling I could get carried away easily.”

Ome laughed “Loosen up man. You’re just overthinking things. Here we are waiting for the two most beautiful girls in school to show off their new bikinis and you’re not even enjoying it. I want to punch you for the rest of the boys in school.”

Eizan laughed “Please don’t. My ribs are starting to feel a lot better. We will be able to spar soon.”

Ome got a serious look on his face “Weren’t you told to avoid contact sports for four months?”

“I’ll be fine as long as it’s just light sparing.”

Ome shook his head “For someone so smart, you’re an idiot.”

Just then from inside the changing room Ren called out to Ome. He went inside for less than a minute and then came out. He looked to be in shock. Eizan laughed “Are you alright man?”

Ome shook his head. “I get what you mean now. She’s too stunning. I think you could have picked my jaw up off the floor. How am I ever going to ask a girl that beautiful out?”

Eizan giggled and put a hand on Ome’s shoulder. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about. She’s definitely going to say yes.”

Ome sighed “I hope you’re right. At least I’ll find a more romantic way to ask her out than shoving a cracker in her mouth.” Eizan hit him fairly hard in the arm. “Ouch, damn man that hurt.”

“I hope she shoots you down now.”

“Hey, man don’t curse me like that.”

“So, you going to do it this weekend?”

“Yeah, were going to the amusement park. I plan to ask her at the top of the Ferris wheel.”

Eizan laughed “That’s corny as hell.”

“Shut it. Still better than you.”

“I thought about waiting. But then I just decided to go for it.”

“Why?”

“Honestly, I just couldn’t hold myself back.”

“I see. I get that. I’ve planned this since Saturday. It’s driving me crazy.”

A few seconds later a soft voice could be heard coming from the changing room. “Eizan, can you come here for a second.” He felt his heart beat increase rapidly. He entered the changing room to see Mio standing there in a small black bikini. Her face was flushed. Her swimsuit left little to the imagination. He gulped. She looked up at him shyly. “So, what do you think.”

He hesitated for a few seconds. “I-I think it suits you. B-but I think you should go with something a little more conservative for the pool. I don’t think I want others to see you in this. Frankly, you’re too beautiful.”

“I see.” She waved for him to come closer so she could whisper something into his ear. “I’ll save this just for you then.” His eyes shot wide open as she scurried back behind the curtain of one of the changing stalls.

He stood there stunned for a few seconds. “When did she become such a seductress? Maybe, she’s a little naughtier than I gave her credit for.” He turned around and left the changing area. He had the same look Ome had on his face when he left.

Ome looked up at his friend “It’s more difficult than you thought too?”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Eizan shook his head “No, I thought it would be this difficult. Haven’t you ever read a manga? If I were to make a bet that’s, were she got this idea from.” He thought to himself “I think she might be trying to seduce me?” They were both dragged into the changing room a few more times before the girls both came out giggling the whole time. “They definitely planned this.” He looked over at Ome. He had a very peaceful look on his face. “I think he might have reached enlightenment.” He laughed a little. “Hey bud you doing alright over there?”

Ome had a calm smile on his face “I think I can die happy now.”

“I’m sure you’ll live a lot longer. Besides.” He leaned over and whispered something to Ome. Ome’s eyes shot wide open.

He shot up from his seat and put a hand on Eizan’s shoulder. “You’re right. I have much to look forward to in the future. I can’t die yet. In fact, I have a new goal in life.”

“Just take it slow man. I’m sure it will take a while before you two get there.”

Ome gave him a thumbs up. “Good luck to you too.”

“I plan to take my time with such endeavors.” Eizan reached into his back pocket and retrieved his wallet. He pulled something out and handed it to Ome. Ome stared at the object in his hand. “It’s best to be prepared. Just in case.” From behind him he heard Mio say “What are you two up too?”

Eizan turned around. He scratched his cheek. “We’re just talking.” Ome was scrambling to put something in his back pocket. Mio was giving him a suspicious look.

“What were you talking about?”

Eizan smiled and leaned in close “It’s a private discussion between men.”

Mio frowned “You and your secrets.”

Eizan smiled mischievously “I can tell you if you want. But you might not like it.”

Ome came up and put a hand on his shoulder and in a stern voice told him “You will not tell her.”

Ren came up behind Mio “Tell her what?” She was staring directly at Ome.

Ome sighed “It’s best you don’t know. I’m horrible at keeping things from you so please don’t ask further.”

Ren smiled coldly “Ok. I understand.”

She grabbed Mio’s hand. “Let’s go.”

Eizan looked at Ome. “I think we’re in trouble.” Ome nodded. They both laughed.

After chasing down the girls they all decided to go out to eat. They could tell both of them were suspicious of them. Eizan just kept smiling mischievously. Mio leaned over and whispered to him “You did this on purpose didn’t you.”

Eizan laughed “You know me too well.”

“What did you hand him?”

“You really want to know?” She nodded. He leaned in and whispered in her ear. Mio’s face turned completely red.

Ren stared at her suspiciously. “What are you two whispering about?”

Mio shook her head “You don’t want to know. At least not yet.” Mio knew that her friend Ren was even more innocent than she was.

Ren frowned “Now even my best friend is hiding things from me.”

Mio punched Eizan in the arm. “Why do you always have to stir up trouble?” Eizan burst out laughing.

Later as they were walking back towards the train station, he could hear Ren probing Ome for answers. Finaly Ome got her to be quiet by telling her “There are some things that are inappropriate to talk about with a lady.” For some reason Ren seemed to understand this.

She turned around and looked at Eizan “Pervert.”

Eizan pointed at himself, acting innocent. Mio was shaking her head “You really are one.” Eizan had a shocked look on his face.

“Et tu, Mio?”

“Don’t quote Shakespeare. Especially, when you’re the one causing problems.”

Eizan burst out laughing. “Their relationship is going too smoothly. Someone needs to cause a little mischief.”

Later that evening. Eizan and Mio were sitting on the couch. “Why did you give him that?”

“Well, he’s planning to ask her out this Saturday. Accidents happen and I know he doesn’t have the guts to go buy something like that himself. I can’t have my best friend end up a teenage father.”

Mio frowned “I don’t think you have to worry about that, so soon.”

Eizan reached up and stroked her cheek. “You never know what could happen.”

Mio blushed. “You really are a perv.”

“Every man is. Some of us are just better at holding back than others.”

“Are you holding yourself back?”

Eizan gave her a wry smile. “More than you know.”

“Why?”

He tilted his head in confusion. “Um… don’t you think it’s a little too soon for those kind of things.”

“You could at least kiss me. We are dating.”

“Well, aren’t you being forward.”

“I mean I’m just a little surprised. You’ve only kissed me on the…” Eizan leaned over and sealed her lips with a kiss. She was stunned.

He parted lips with her and whispered “Is that better?”

In a soft voice she replied “It was a little sudden.”

“Like I said I’ve been holding back.”

“So have I.”

They kissed passionately on the couch until they were out of breath. A few minutes later they were cuddled on the couch together. She looked up at him. “That was better than I expected. Was that your first time kissing someone?”

Eizan smiled “Yeah, it was. What about you?” She nodded. “I think it just became harder to hold back.”

She smiled “Well, that’s as far as your allowed to go for now.”

Eizan laughed “You know, right now I’m trying to figure out if you’re an angel or a devil.”

Mio lifted herself up off his chest and lightly kissed him on the lips. “Didn’t you know? Every girl is a little of both.” Eizan gulped. She giggled. “I’m happy to know I can make your heart race.” She laid her head against his chest.

Eizan looked up at the ceiling. “That’s just not fair.” He thought to himself. “I thought she was supposed to be the shy one?”