Chapter 105: Training Camp (17)

When Yoshino pointed at Sui and Erina, shouting that they were a couple, Erina was so angry she could almost grind her teeth to dust. She felt that Sui's face had never looked so obnoxious.

"Yoshino, don't tease Miss Erina and Sui-kun like that," Megumi said with a strained smile.

"Tease? I wasn't teasing! I saw Erina-chi kissing him the other day…" Yoshino started to say, but Erina, blushing furiously, covered her mouth.

"I heard there's a hot spring nearby, just five minutes away. Why don't we go for a soak?" Sōma suggested.

"Really? That sounds amazing!" Yoshino said, excitement bubbling up. "After all that brutal training, a relaxing hot spring sounds perfect."

Even Erina seemed interested. She quickly called Hisako, inviting her to join as well. 

Together, the group left the hotel and headed for the nearby hot spring inn. Since the Rapport Training Camp had ended, all of the Tōtsuki Resort's facilities, including the inn, were now open to the students.

To their surprise, they ran into Alice at the entrance.

"Oh? Are you heading to the hot springs too?" Erina asked, somewhat surprised.

"That's right," Alice replied with a nod, though she shot a glare at Sui, clearly still upset about being forced to bark like a dog in front of everyone.

"Great! Let's all go together!" Megumi enthusiastically suggested.

"Look what I brought," Alice said slyly, pulling out two bottles.

"Wait… is that sake?" Everyone looked on in surprise.

"Alice, where did you get alcohol?" Erina demanded, frowning. Drinking underage was illegal in Japan.

"Oh, come on, Erina. Relax!" Alice teased, pulling a face. "If you don't want any, just don't drink!"

"I-I don't drink!" Erina blushed and stammered in response.

With that, they all made their way into the hot spring inn. Much to Sui's disappointment, the baths were not co-ed. He sighed internally, imagining how fun a mixed bath could have been.

"You seem to be having some inappropriate thoughts," Erina observed with narrowed eyes.

"Of course not!" Sui quickly denied.

Once separated, the group entered their respective men's and women's baths.

"This is the life," Sōma sighed as he sank into the hot water, letting the tension of the past week melt away.

Just then, he noticed Daigo Aoki and Shoji Sato sneaking toward the partition, clearly trying to peek into the women's side.

"Damn it! I can't see anything," Daigo muttered.

"Yeah, the steam's too thick," Shoji added in frustration.

Sui shook his head, disgusted by their antics. After all, he had already gotten a glimpse of the tsundere's body during their training.

After the relaxing soak, the group changed into traditional yukata. The girls, having shared a bottle of sake, looked particularly rosy-cheeked and lovely. Even Erina, who had firmly stated she wouldn't drink, was now flushed and a bit tipsy, her eyes slightly unfocused.

When they returned to the hotel, Sōma suggested, "How about we go play some billiards?"

"Great idea. Billiards after a bath sounds like fun," Ryoko said with a smile as she brushed her hair back.

"Erina, would you like to join us?" Sui asked.

Erina blushed and hesitated. "I-I'll just watch."

Sui sighed. Her expression betrayed her true feelings—she clearly wanted to play. Typical tsundere behavior.

As they passed the basketball hall, they saw Miyoko execute a massive dunk, sending several boys sprawling.

"That's terrifying!" Megumi and the other girls gasped in shock.

When they finally reached the billiard room, their steps faltered. Standing inside were none other than Dojima Gin, Shinomiya Kojiro, and several other Tōtsuki graduates, including Inui Hinako.

Dojima noticed them and waved. "Hey, you guys! Come join us for some billiards!"

"Wow, even the head chef and the lecturers are here," Yoshino muttered with a nervous smile.

"Haha, we're leaving tomorrow, so we thought we'd relax a little tonight," Inui Hinako said, laughing.

Though Megumi and the others felt a bit apprehensive, the Rapport Training Camp was officially over, so there was no need to be afraid anymore.

Sui grabbed a table tennis racket and noticed Erina standing by herself, looking like she wanted to join but was too embarrassed.

"Erina, want to play?" he asked.

"Absolutely not," Erina replied haughtily, turning her head.

Twenty minutes later...

"Woohoo! I won again!" Yoshino cheered, sticking out her tongue playfully.

"It's eleven to zero again," Soma commented, astonished. "Erina really needs more practice."

Erina's forehead throbbed with barely contained rage, her grip tightening on her racket.

"This game is so boring!" she snapped, throwing the racket to the ground in frustration.

Meanwhile, Megumi nervously bowed to her opponent, Shinomiya Kojiro. "Please guide me, Shinomiya senpai," she said timidly.

"Sure, I'll teach you a thing or two before I leave," Shinomiya said with a smile.

Ten minutes later...

Shinomiya Kojiro stood frozen, staring in disbelief. He had been utterly defeated, 11-0, by Megumi.

"H-how is this possible?" he stammered, pale with shock.

"Shinomiya-senpai, are you alright?" Megumi asked, concerned. The graduates were now all staring at her in amazement.

"Megumi, you're incredible!" Soma exclaimed. As soon as Megumi picked up the racket, she transformed into a completely different person.

"Didn't you know? Megumi's a table tennis prodigy," Yoshino explained proudly.

On the other side of the room, Sui was locked in a fierce battle with Alice.

"Alright, let's settle this once and for all! The loser has to bark like a puppy!" Alice declared, determined.

Ten minutes later...

Alice: "...Woof woof woof."