Inside and outside the car, everyone froze, their eyes turning toward the source of the voice.
It was the beautiful diver from earlier. Now, she had peeled off the upper half of her wetsuit, revealing radiant, snow-white skin.
A swimsuit?
Apologies, but aside from the classic sukumizu, Kazuma Kiryuu generally regarded most women swimsuits as undergarments.
"Oh, Nanaka. We're here to pick up the newbie."
The black-haired muscleman returned to his original demeanor, explaining himself matter-of-factly. Clearly, the "Tokita" mentioned by the beautiful diver was him.
"Give me a break! Who picks someone up like this?" Kitahara Iori interjected with a string of complaints.
'Who on earth greets a newcomer like they're out on a primitive hunt?'
"That voice..." Nanaka paused, then leaned down to peer inside the car backseat, "Ah, Iori-kun, you're here! Welcome!"
Kitahara Iori was momentarily stunned by Nanaka joyful, infectious smile. Even more so, the absolute warmth in her expression made him blush slightly.
"Uh... it's nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you? Have you already forgotten me? Coldhearted, aren't you, forgetting what your dear cousin looks like."
Cousin?
Kazuma Kiryuu instantly narrowed his eyes sharply, smiling and saying, "Iori-kun, why didn't you tell us Miss Nanaka here is your cousin? Aren't we close friends?"
Hearing this, Kitahara Iori, who had been stunned for a second time, quickly snapped back to reality. His face darkened instantly.
"Idiot, who says we're close friends? I don't even know you that well!"
Being a guy himself, he could perfectly understand Kazuma Kiryuu true intentions in saying that. Abandoning him during tough times, then immediately cozying up because of his gorgeous cousin? Despicable. Screw you, Kazuma Kiryuu!
"And I still haven't asked—who is this?" Nanaka gaze shifted toward Kazuma Kiryuu.
"Kazuma Kiryuu, freshman in Mechanical Engineering at Izu University. Nice to meet you, Nanaka-senpai," Kazuma Kiryuu introduced himself politely with a warm and immaculate smile. Having graduated from Shuchiin Academy and having dated two heiresses from distinguished families, Kazuma Kiryuu was well-versed in refined etiquette.
"Hello, I'm Kotegawa Nanaka," Nanaka replied, her smile so gentle and refreshing it could put one at ease.
...
Before long, the AE86 came to a stop outside a dive shop named Grand Blue.
"I thought you said you'd never come, even if it killed you?" Kitahara Iori shot Kazuma Kiryuu a sideways glance.
"Well, clearly, I'm not dead," Kazuma Kiryuu replied smugly. "And besides, I didn't know back then that Kotegawa-senpai was the daughter of the shop owner."
In other words, if Kazuma Kiryuu had known earlier, he wouldn't have said such a thing. On the contrary, he might've helped drag Kitahara Iori back here himself.
"If you're thinking of pursuing Nanaka, you might as well give up." A large hand clapped firmly onto Kazuma Kiryuu shoulder. It was Tokita Shinji, the black-haired muscleman.
Kazuma Kiryuu turned to him, looking confused. "What do you mean by that, senpai?"
"Even though Nanaka thinks she's hiding it well, everyone knows she's a hardcore siscon."
Another hand landed heavily on Kazuma Kiryuu other shoulder. It was Ryuujirou Kotobuki, the guy who wasn't even wearing proper shorts.
With that explanation laid bare, both Kazuma Kiryuu and Kitahara Iori fell into silence. Kitahara Iori, in particular, looked completely dumbfounded, his expression frozen in utter disbelief. He felt dazed, bewildered as to what could have possibly turned his dear cousin into a siscon over the past ten years.
But…
Thinking again, Kitahara Iori realized this might not be such a bad thing. If Nanaka was indeed a siscon, then Kazuma Kiryuu shady intentions wouldn't stand a chance.
"So, what you're saying is... to win Kotegawa-senpai favor, I'd have to woo her sister too?"
Kitahara Iori: "?"
Kotobuki Ryuujiro: "?"
Tokita Shinji: "?"
"Although it seems difficult, I think it's worth a shot," Kazuma Kiryuu sighed.
To be honest, Kiryuu wasn't all that interested in two-timing anymore. But if pursuing Nanaka successfully required making a move on both sisters, Kiryuu would reluctantly give it a try. Sigh, and here Kiryuu had initially just wanted a simple life with Nanaka, happily ever after.
"If you really have a death wish, I'll gladly help you out! I guarantee it won't be a pleasant end for you!" Kitahara Iori warned with a cold glint in his eyes, raising fists that seemed powerful enough to demolish a wall. This idiot wasn't just eyeing Nanaka, Kitahara cousin, but was now coming for his younger cousin as well. Truly despicable.
Meanwhile, Tokita Shinji and Kotobuki Ryuujiro exchanged silent looks. The first-years these days... truly a unique set of talents. The kind of words this scoundrel spewed... who could say them so effortlessly?
"Alright, let's head inside first."
Shaking their heads, the two senior students led the group into the shop. As they entered, their arrival caught the attention of Nanaka, who had arrived earlier, and an older man with white hair holding a newspaper.
"Hey, Iori. Feeling less homesick these days?"
"Every man leaves the nest eventually."
"Right. It's something all men have to get used to eventually."
"I agree. It's part of growing up," Kazuma Kiryuu nodded along as if truly moved.
Kiryuu remark made a vein bulge on Kitahara Iori forehead. "Kiryuu, shut your mouth already!."
Iori roared, the intensity of fury evident as though even the background trembled.
Kazuma Kiryuu: ┑(~Д ~)┍
"Well then, Kiryuu-kun, you can continue chatting with the others. I'm off to clean the diving suits," Nanaka said with a smile.
"Oh sure, Kotegawa-senpai, take care."
"Excuse me."
With Nanaka momentarily stepping away, a group of bulky men entered the shop carrying various bags. Clearly, they were acquaintances of Tokita Shinji and Kotobuki Ryuujiro. As soon as they arrived, Tokita Shinji and Kotobuki Ryujiro quickly steered Kitahara Iori over to the group of men.
"Kiryuu-kun, why don't you join them for a drink?" the elderly man with white hair asked.
Drink... together?
Instinctively, Kazuma Kiryuu turned his head and caught sight of Kitahara Iori standing in the middle of the group, hands on hips, gulping down an entire jug of beer in one go. The speed at which Kitahara was adapting was remarkable. Kiryuu couldn't help but think it wouldn't be long before Iori ended up completely naked.
"No thanks, I'm driving," Kiryuu declined with a slight shake of his head.
"Fair enough." The white-haired man nodded before adding, "By the way, thanks again for helping Iori get here earlier."
"It was nothing, really. I just happened to be heading the same way as Kitahara."
"Still, much appreciated. Nanaka mentioned you're here to attend university in Izu?"
"Yes, mainly because I have some distant relatives living in the area."