It’s A Man’s Duty To Compliment A Swimsuit
Although Minato was fascinated by Airi's swimsuit, it would be too much of a nuisance to stand in front of the women's locker room, so they moved a little further away while Minato tried not to be too conscious of her appearance.
"How is it, Kazuma? Does it look good?"
Immediately after moving, Momose proudly showed her swimsuit and asked for feedback.
Although Minato, who was not her boyfriend, had no intention of praising her, he couldn't help but notice Momose's orthodox bikini-type swimsuit.
It had a little ribbon attached to it, which looked very feminine and suited Momose's lively impression.
"It's good and Shiori looks cute."
"Ehehe, thank you!"
Momose was smiling in a good mood at the praise.
When he thought it was amazing that someone could give compliments so naturally, a crystal clear voice reached Minato's ears.
"Um, Minato-san, what about me?"
As Airi said this, she stood in front of him, looking embarrassed.
Since they were at a swimming pool, her hair was tied up in a bun, and although it was quite the change from her usual look, he was impressed with how well it suited her.
Airi's swimsuit was a one-piece type with just enough frills to make it not too bruising, giving off a perfect combination of neatness and cuteness.
The pale blue color was also a good choice. It suited her pure white skin that didn't have a single blemish and her silver hair that shone in the summer sun.
Honestly, Minato thought it was worth the trip to the pool just to see this. Even small shouts could be heard from everywhere the moment she left the changing room.
Minato and Kazuma joined them soon after, so they weren't picked up by anyone, but if they hadn't, the girls would have been approached immediately.
When Minato was speechless at how adorable she was, Airi raised her eyebrows anxiously.
"Does it not look good on me? Um, I'd appreciate it if you'd say something."
"N-No, um–"
"Minato-kun, you have to compliment her on these things properly, you know?"
"That's right, it's a man's duty."
Kazuma and Momose gave Minato a reproachful look.
Surely, he would have to praise the swimsuit of his favorite girl who was asking for his opinion. In that case, there was no time for Minato to be embarrassed, so he took a deep breath and prepared himself.
"It suits you. You look really beautiful."
"I-I see, thank you very much."
Airi was squirming and shaking her body while turning bright red up to her ears. It was so cute that Minato almost patted her head.
Momose then smiled in satisfaction and took charge.
"Now that we're done showing off our swimsuits, let's get swimming!"
"Shiori, make sure you do your stretches."
"I know. Now, come on, Kazuma. Let's go!"
Momose pulled Kazuma along, probably because she wanted to swim as soon as possible.
Instantly, Minato was left alone with Airi.
She was fidgeting, but as if she had made up her mind, she looked up and looked at Minato.
"Then, Minato-san. Please prepare yourself."
As she said this, Airi took Minato's hand and intertwined their fingers. Her fingers, which were thin and slippery, gripped Minato firmly and refused to let go.
Minato was very shocked, as he had not expected that she would be holding his hand like lovers would.
"O-Oi, this is…"
"What is it? This is to ward off men. That's what you said."
"Well, I did say that…"
"…If you're so reluctant, I'll twine my arms around you."
"That's–"
Airi glared at Minato unhappily.
If they were to intertwine their arms, her breasts would be right up against Minato's arm.
Even in normal clothes, he didn't think it was a good idea, but now that she was in a bathing suit, he would be able to feel everything. That would be very bad for Minato's heart.
He thought about stopping her, but Kazuma's words from earlier came back to his mind. The best way to avoid her being picked up was for the two of them to stay close to each other.
The primary goal of this pool trip was to have Airi enjoy herself. He didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable by being picked up or anything like that.
Then, he concluded that it might be better to intertwine their arms.
"No, let's just do it."
"…Eh, really?"
"Why is Airi backing down? You're the one who suggested it."
"Th-That's true, but when it comes to actually doing it, it's a little…"
When Minato gave his approval, Airi suddenly squirmed.
She seemed to have come up with the idea rather spontaneously. Or maybe she didn't expect Minato to come on board.
"So, what do we do? If Airi doesn't want to do it, I won't force her."
"…I'm sorry, but this will have to do."
Airi's cheeks turned red and she gently swayed their joined hands.
It seemed that they would only hold hands like lovers after all. This would normally be strange enough, but Minato tried not to think about it right now.
"Alright, let's go then. Kazuma and Momose are going to be mad if we don't join them."
"Yes, I'm looking forward to today, Minato-san."
Airi squeezed his hand happily.
Minato thought for a moment that if the person he loved was this happy, he might as well hold hands with her on a regular basis, but he shook his head and banished the evil thought that that would be a bad idea.
"But really, there's so many people staring."
As they were moving to meet up with Kazuma and Momose, the eyes of the people were piercing them tremendously.
He felt exhausted, especially with all the jealous glances. When he was dismayed by the number, Airi looked up at Minato with concern.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I was prepared for this. I'm still okay."
"Minato-san, ignore those things. Just ignore them."
"Even so, I don't usually get this many stares."
"Then you should think of it like this, 'What? You guys are jealous of me being with such a beautiful girl?'" (T/N: She said it how Minato would, using the ore, omae pronoun and stuff like that.)
"–Ahaha! Your imitation of me isn't very subtle! And I never thought you'd call yourself beautiful!"
He couldn't help but laugh at the joke, which was unthinkable from the Airi he knew.
Moreover, she seemed to have lowered her voice in an attempt to make it sound like Minato's, but it didn't suit her exquisitely.
Airi puffed out her cheeks in disapproval at Minato's loud laughter.
"You're laughing too much. And Minato-san seems to think I'm a beautiful girl, so I'm not mistaken."
"I guess that's right. Airi is a beautiful girl."
"What's with that response? It's too random."
He was embarrassed to be honest with her face-to-face, so he intentionally said it in a rather throwaway way, but she didn't seem to like it.
Airi stuck her head against Minato's shoulder, not even trying to hide her disgruntled attitude.
"Airi, you're tickling me."
"Shut up. What is it with you? Even though I was just trying to encourage Minato-san…"
"I know, I know. Thanks."
He knew from the beginning that Airi's imitation was to encourage Minato.
He found Airi's sulking attitude to be too cute, so he stroked her head, which immediately put her in a good mood and she let out a pleasant sound.
"Nn~n… It's okay if you know. As punishment, please pat my head some more."
"Yes, yes, as you wish. Thank you so much for encouraging me."
"Well, it is my fault to begin with. I'm sorry for being so selfish."
"Don't worry about it. It's a small price to pay."
" Fufu , then shall I really put my arm around you to thank you?"
"If Airi wants to, it's fine, you know?"
"I'll do it if Minato-san wants me to."
As Minato stroked her head and stirred her up at close range, he heard a dismayed voice.
"Hey. Would you two please stop flirting with each other in your own little world?"
"It's too hot. I'm burning."
Apparently, Minato and Airi hadn't joined them for some time, so they came back.
He had completely forgotten about Kazuma and Momose on the way.
Minato quickly took his hands off Airi's head and the two of them apologized.
"…Sorry."
"…I'm sorry."
"I told you to get along, but I didn't expect this to happen so soon. Should I have left you two alone?"
"That's none of your business. Airi, let's go."
"Yes!"
When he pulled Airi's hand away while swearing at Kazuma, who was glaring at him with half-lidded eyes, she smiled as brightly as the shining sun.