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I quietly slipped out of the still-hyped venue and headed to the large public bath. I had gotten pretty sweaty from the tag and the concert, so I was looking forward to a refreshing dip. If I had stayed at the venue any longer, I would’ve likely been surrounded by my classmates and unable to go anywhere.

“So, why are you guys following me?”
“I can read your mind clear as day, Kotochan!”

I was sure I’d escaped without anyone noticing, so how did Ayaka and the others find me? The star of the concert had already left the venue, likely putting a damper on the mood there. Not that I care.

“Bathing together with Kotochan is an opportunity that’s too rare to pass up.”
“Ayaka, you already bathed with me the other day.”
“I still haven’t bathed with you, so I want to go! Ghack!”

Don’t force yourself to speak out loud. Isami’s throat has somewhat recovered, but it’s far from fully healed. It’s clear she poured her all into that last song. But why is Shirose just fine, standing next to her? I don’t think she contributed much to the vocals. After all, Isami is the main vocalist.

“You know that I don’t like bathing together with other people, right?”

Whether it’s with males or females, I don’t like seeing people naked. Now, I find myself heading to the bath with my former female classmates; this is torture. I don’t want my serenity disturbed. But these guys probably find my reaction entertaining.

“Frankly, you’re all nuisances.”
“Your gripes are nothing more than appetizers for us, Kotochan.”

The main course, I assume, is teasing and poking fun at me, right? My reactions and protests are just entertainment to them. To me, it’s nothing but a nuisance. Moreover, I hate having the bath I was looking forward to disturbed.

“I want to relax.”
“Being alone in a large public bath is lonely, in my opinion.”

Isn’t solitude the best part? Unwinding in a large empty tub while your mind and body heal from exhaustion. You can even enjoy the evening view visible from the window as much as you like. I’m okay with people being noisy around me; it’s not a private space, after all. Just please don’t bother me.

“No one here is listening to Kotochan’s opinions, though.”
“Right?”

Everyone’s in agreement with Ayaka. For these girls, bathing with me is their main goal. If I remain quiet and unresponsive, like an inanimate object, it’s not fun for them. Our feelings are diametrically opposed.

“Now then, Kotochan. We’re here; have you prepared yourself?”
“Unfortunately, I’ve already given up.”

We reached the changing area while talking, and I’m not prepared at all. From the looks of it, the situation won’t improve. Ayaka’s amused expression is really getting on my nerves. The others, excluding Ran, are blissfully clueless.

“I don’t mind being seen naked at all. But only by you, look.”
“Don’t strip all of a sudden!”

While undressing is natural in a changing area, I don’t appreciate people disrobing without warning. Give me time to brace myself. After Ayaka stripped down, the others started undressing too. Now I’m having a hard time finding a place to look.

“Kotochan, why aren’t you undressing?”
“She’s shy, obviously. She’s uncomfortable with both seeing others naked and being seen naked herself. How delightfully tease-worthy.”

I can live with Isami understanding the situation, but Ayaka’s last comment feels like a direct jab. I hear them grinning and approaching me; although I’ve turned away, I can hear their footsteps.

“You used to be okay with me being naked, you know.”
“Don’t dredge up our childhood. And for heaven’s sake, cover yourselves with towels!”
“Kotone is the pure, innocent type, I see.”
“Ruru, don’t you even think about basing a story on me. I mean it!”

If she ever crafts a romance tale starring me, I’d die of embarrassment. Doesn’t matter if the love interest is male or female; I’d probably react negatively. Just don’t do it; I’m not in the public eye anyway.

“There’s no point lingering in the changing area forever. Thrillseekers, get a move on or I’ll kick you out.”
“Understood!”
“I haven’t done anything, though.”

While it’s true that Shirose hasn’t actively instigated anything, she’s been silently observing and enjoying the situation with a smile. That makes her as guilty as any of the thrillseekers. The saving grace is her generally subdued nature, as she’s mainly an observer.

“Come on, Kotone, hurry up and change. If you’re uncomfortable being seen, we’ll go ahead.”
“Thank you, Nako. I appreciate it.”
“It’s pretty much what I’m here for.”

With another caretaker around, managing these thrillseekers becomes slightly more feasible. Otherwise, I’d probably throw in the towel and succumb to the chaos. I might even have bolted from this hotel.

“Japanese-style baths are wonderful, but this night view isn’t too shabby either.”

Finally undressed and wrapped in a bath towel, I step into the bath. As expected, the evening vista from this elevation is stunning. My initial plan was to unwind while enjoying the view, but that’s out the window now. There’ll be no relaxation tonight.

“Kotochan, let me wash your back.”
“I’d rather you didn’t. With you all, there’s no telling what could happen.”
“Misbehaving girls get the cold water treatment. Remember that.”

Ran chimes in, reminding everyone of past lessons. Ayaka visibly shivers, but we both know that’s not going to deter them. I decide to rinse off quickly.

“Your skin looks amazing up close. I thought Souji was clueless about skincare.”
“Your voice sounds better. And you’re right; I had no idea. I was a guy, after all.”

I’m clueless about things like facial lotions. I haven’t bothered to delve into the details. Despite all my housework, my hands don’t even feel rough. I suppose the twelve families are just biologically different.

“I’m not just envious as a woman; I’m downright jealous.”
“Shirose, you’re not too different in that regard, though your skin is almost sickly pale.”
“I’m aware it’s unhealthy, but I don’t plan on doing anything about it any time soon.”