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A few days had passed since Mizuha had returned from her trip to visit her grandparents in the countryside the previous week.
That morning, Mizuha had just finished her summer break homework and was now working on a new drawing.
Many things had happened last week when I visited Grandpa and Grandma, Mizuha thought, recalling her time at their house.
She reminisced about the fun experiences—helping with farming activities at the family orchard, picking mikans from the trees, going fishing with her father and relatives, learning to cook traditional dishes from her grandmother, and playing with her cousins who were also visiting.
She had even explored the countryside, capturing beautiful nature scenes to use as inspiration for her drawings.
As she thought back on those memories, Mizuha remembered a message from Hikaru three days ago. He had texted her, "There's a surprise waiting for you when you get back!"
I wonder what kind of surprise Hikaru has in store for me, Mizuha murmured to herself.
Just then, a notification popped up on their group chat.
Hikaru had sent a message: "Hey, guys! Are you all free now? Let's meet at our usual family restaurant if you are. I've got something to tell you!"
Everyone in the group confirmed they were free and agreed to gather at the restaurant in the afternoon.
As the time to meet approached, Mizuha changed into her casual outdoor outfit. Heading downstairs, she grabbed her bag, ready to leave.
"Going out?" her mom asked as she saw Mizuha coming down the stairs.
"Yes, I'm meeting Hikaru and the others," Mizuha replied with a smile.
"Take care of yourself out there," her mom said warmly.
"Understood! Mom, I'm heading out now," Mizuha called, closing the door behind her as she stepped outside.
As she stepped out of her house, Mizuha began walking toward the family restaurant. After a short while, she suddenly heard the ring of a bicycle bell from behind.
Turning around, she saw Hikaru calling out to her while riding his bicycle down a steep, hilly road.
"Mizuha!" Hikaru shouted, waving his hand enthusiastically.
"Hikaru!" Mizuha called, smiling.
Hikaru waved, lost his balance, and the bike wobbled before shooting downhill.
"Whoa—aaagh!" he yelled before crashing into a wall and tumbling off.
Mizuha immediately ran over to check on him. "Hikaru! Are you okay?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.
"I'm fine, thanks," Hikaru said with a sheepish chuckle.
"Geez, this isn't funny, you know! You could've really hurt yourself!" Mizuha scolded. "What about your bike?"
Hikaru inspected the bike briefly. "It's fine—just a little scratched, nothing serious. Maybe I'm just not used to riding it yet," he said, scratching the back of his head.
"Oh, by the way, welcome back, Mizuha," Hikaru said with a warm smile.
"It's good to be back, Hikaru," Mizuha replied, returning the smile.
Mizuha eyed the bike. "Since when do you ride a bike? I don't think I've ever seen you riding one before," she asked curiously.
"Well, I just bought it yesterday," Hikaru said.
"It's faster than walking, and I figured it'd be handy for getting around. I'm even planning to ride it to school after the break. Oh, and I could give you a ride home every day too!"
Mizuha shook her head, laughing softly. "Geez, you don't have to go that far just for me!"
"By the way, Hikaru, is this bike the surprise that you wanted to show me, as you said earlier?" Mizuha asked.
"Hmm, this? No, not this bike. It was worth less than the surprise I will show you along with the others when we arrive at the restaurant soon," Hikaru replied.
"Then Mizuha, come on, get on!" Hikaru said as he steadied the bike. "I'll give you a ride to the restaurant."
"Are you sure this is, okay?" Mizuha asked, hesitating. "I mean, you just said you're not used to riding it yet."
"What are you so scared of? Haha, sorry about that mess earlier," Hikaru said with a confident grin.
"Don't worry, that was my fault—I took one hand off the handlebars while riding. This time, I promise not to make the same mistake."
"Well... if you say so," Mizuha said, reluctantly climbing onto the back of the bike.
"Uh, am I making the bike a bit heavy?" she asked nervously.
"No, not at all. It feels the same to me," Hikaru said.
"Okay, then... Let's go," Mizuha said, holding onto Hikaru's back tightly.
"Alright! Hold on tight!" Hikaru said as he started pedaling carefully.
This time, he was extra cautious, ensuring a safe and steady ride to their destination.
"See? Like I said, this is much faster than walking," Hikaru said with a grin.
"Yes, you're right about that," Mizuha replied, nodding.
"By the way, how was your visit to your grandparents' house last week? Did you enjoy it?" Hikaru asked suddenly.
"It was really nice being there," Mizuha said with a smile. "I did so many activities with my grandparents and my other relatives. There's so much to talk about, I don't even know where to start! But overall, I really enjoyed it."
"I see. I'm glad to hear you had a good time," Hikaru replied warmly. "As for me, well... I didn't go anywhere special last week. I mostly stayed at home, but sometimes I hung out with Zul. It was just the two of us, wandering around town," he added.
"Oh, that sounds fun too," Mizuha said.
"Oh yeah, Mizuha," Hikaru said, a bit more animated now. "There's a place I want to stop by before we head to the restaurant. I think you'll like it."
"Huh? What is it?" Mizuha asked curiously.
"That's a secret," Hikaru said with a sly smile. "But I bet you'll love the food at this place."
Hikaru didn't mention that he was planning to take Mizuha to a bakery he had discovered last week, a place with treats he knew she would enjoy.
Meanwhile, Takeru, busy with his part-time job, was handling his customer. "Thank you so much, please come again," he said, standing at the bakery counter.
"So many customers today; I didn't have time to slack off even for a moment," sighed Takeru.
Suddenly, another customer came inside, and he greeted them. "Welcome," he said.
Takeru was glad that the person coming was his classmate, Akemi. "Oh, it's you, Akemi-chan! Welcome!" he said, greeting her.
Akemi flinched. "Erk!? Why are you here?" she said, clearly uneasy.
"Why am I here? I work part-time here, of course," said Takeru.
"Then why are you here? Coming to see my face? I'm flattered," Takeru said, joking with her.
"Oh, come on, please. No one wants to see your face. The face I want to see is Hikaru-kun's, not yours," said Akemi.
"I'm coming here because I heard this bakery is famous recently," she said, ignoring Takeru as she chose bread.
"Don't be so mean to me, Akemi-chan. Hey, how about hanging out with me later?" said Takeru.
"Me? Hanging out with you? Oh, come on, please. I'm not interested in you at all," said Akemi.
"You're really showing your true nature today, huh? It's different from your usual self at school, I see," said Takeru.
"Speaking of Hikaru-kun, he just stopped by here earlier today, before you came," said Takeru, mentioning him.
"Really, he's coming here too? What bread is he buying? Is he with someone today? Where did he go after stopping here?" asked Akemi.
"Hey, please calm down. Who are you, a police officer, asking me so many questions like this?" replied Takeru, chuckling.
Akemi gave him a scary glare after he said that. Woah, that glare is scary, thought Takeru.
"Well, he came here with Mizuha to buy his favorite donut and introduce this place to her. I don't know where they went after stopping here," said Takeru.
"Tch, again with that girl," Akemi muttered.
"Hmm, did you say something?" asked Takeru.
"It's nothing. Here, ring these up," said Akemi.
"Yes, yes, I know. Why are you so cold to me today?" said Takeru, complaining.
Akemi left after paying, and Takeru waved. "Please come again," he said and waved his hand at her.
You really like him, huh, Akemi? thought Takeru.
Back to Hikaru and Mizuha, they finally arrived in front of the restaurant.
Hikaru parked his bike. "We're a bit late. I bet Shimizu's going to complain about it inside," he said.
"That might be true. I wonder what she'll ask us to do because of it," Mizuha said with a chuckle. Together, they entered the restaurant.
"They're late. What were they doing?" Shimizu complained, sipping her drink.
"You're right. They're a bit late," Zul said.
Noticing their arrival, Eri waved her hand. "Mizuha-chan, over here!!"
"Oh, here they are," Mizuha said as she and Hikaru approached.
Shimizu stood up. "You two are late. What were you doing?" she complained.
"Ah, sorry, sorry, something happened on the way here," Hikaru said, scratching the back of his head.
"Because you two are late, Eri-chan drank three melon sodas waiting! Who pays?" Shimizu pointed to the three empty glasses.
"Wait, Shimizu-chan...," said Eri.
"As punishment for being late, you need to pay for those," Shimizu added.
"Really!? I'm sorry about that, I'll pay for it," Hikaru replied.
"No need, Hikaru. It wasn't Eri. It was Shimizu. Eri hasn't even finished hers," Zul said, sipping his drink.
"Zul, you traitor! Why'd you have to say that?" Shimizu exclaimed.
"You're so mean, Shimizu-chan. How could you use my name like that?" Eri said with mock indignation.
"You're the worst, Shimizu," Mizuha added, putting her palm to her forehead.
"Shimizu... I knew it was you!" Hikaru said, upset, clenching his fist.
"Haha, you caught me! Just kidding, tee-hee!" Shimizu giggled.
"Take this!" said Hikaru, punching Shimizu's head.
"Ouch, that hurt," Shimizu said.
"What are you doing, Hikaru? I thought you didn't hit girls!" said Shimizu.
"Oh yeah, I forgot you were a girl. Sorry about that. Tee-hee," said Hikaru, smirking.
Woah, he seems really upset, thought Shimizu.
"Enough, both of you. People are watching. Watch your manners," said Mizuha.
"Yes, you're right, sorry about that," said Hikaru.
They all sat back down and resumed talking.
"Then, what do you want, Hikaru? Why did you suddenly call us here?" asked Shimizu.
"Hehe, I'm glad you asked. There's something I want to show you guys. Zul, did you bring it?" said Hikaru.
"Yeah, I brought it. Here," said Zul, handing over the resort vacation pamphlet and the ticket he had won.
"Wait, Hikaru, is this...?" asked Mizuha.
"Yes, this is a ticket for a vacation at this resort. Zul won it in a lottery last week."
"You won it, Zul? Wow, that's so cool," said Eri, amazed by her childhood friend.
"It was just luck that day," said Zul.
"So, what do you want to do with the ticket? You won it, right? Why not go with your family?" asked Shimizu.
"My family is busy this summer break. They don't have time, so I discussed it with Hikaru. We decided to use the ticket and invite you all. What do you think?" said Zul.
"Wait, do you mean you want to bring all of us to this resort?" asked Eri, a bit shocked.
"Yes, that's what I planned with Hikaru," said Zul, smiling. Everyone was happy to hear it.
"Yahoo!" shouted Shimizu. "Wow, that's nice. Thank you, Zul, for inviting us!"
"Hey, Shimizu, lower your voice. Everyone is looking at us right now," said Mizuha.
"Oh, sorry. I was just too happy," said Shimizu.
"Hey, Hikaru, is this the surprise you wanted to show me earlier?" asked Mizuha.
"Yes, this is it. Surprise, right?" said Hikaru.
"Yes, that really did surprise me," replied Mizuha.
"Let's go there together, Eri," said Zul. "Yes, I can't wait!" Eri said, smiling.
As they talked, Mizuha suddenly felt something was off. "You guys, sorry to interrupt, but we actually forgot something."
"Huh!? What's wrong, Mizuha-chan?" Eri asked.
"When are we planning to go?" Mizuha replied.
Everyone froze, shocked. "Oh, yeah, we haven't discussed that yet, right, Zul?" Hikaru said, facepalming. "Yeah, we totally forgot. Sorry," Zul said.
"Then what are you guys waiting for? Let's discuss it now," Shimizu said. "What date is suitable for us to go?" Hikaru muttered. "What do you think, Mizuha?" he added.
"I have no idea, I'm leaving it to you guys," Mizuha said.
"I know! How about three days from today? Do you all agree?" Hikaru asked.
"Oh, that's not bad," Zul said. "How about you, Eri?"
"I'm fine with it," Eri replied.
"Three days from today, huh? Let me check my schedule," Shimizu said, checking her smartphone. She was shocked when she saw the conflict.
Damn, I have a meeting with my editor in three days, Shimizu thought.
"What's wrong, Shimizu-chan? Does it clash with your other schedule?" Eri asked.
"Yes, it does," Shimizu sighed.
"Sorry, guys, I'm busy that day. Can we change the date?" Shimizu said.
"What are you doing that day, Shimizu? Going on a date?" Hikaru teased.
"Of course not! Have you ever seen me with another guy? I have my reasons," Shimizu retorted.
Ah, she must have a meeting with her editor, Mizuha thought.
Everyone was quiet for a moment.
"Then how about five days from now? It's the weekend, too. How about that, Shimizu? Does it clash with your schedule?" Hikaru asked.
"Wait, let me check... umm... okay, it's clear. I'm free that day and four days after," Shimizu replied.
"Then it's decided. We'll go on Saturday! Everyone okay?" Hikaru asked.
"Agreed!!" they all said.
"Sorry, Zul, I’m taking the role of leader for this discussion. It was supposed to be you since you were the one who won the ticket for it," Hikaru said.
"Don't worry, I don't mind. You're perfect for the role," Zul said.
Suddenly, Eri leaned in, whispering. "Umm... Mizuha-chan, Shimizu-chan, can you come with me to the restroom? There's something I want to talk about."
"What is it, Eri-chan? Too embarrassing to say here?" Mizuha asked.
"Yeah, something like that," Eri replied.
"Got it. Let's go then," Shimizu said.
The three girls stood up and headed to the restroom.
"Huh? Where are you guys going?" Hikaru asked, looking at them curiously.
"Restroom. We need some girl talk," Mizuha answered.
"What’s the matter, Hikaru? Want to follow us too?" Shimizu teased, smirking.
"No thanks, I’ll pass. Pretty sure I’d get caught if I entered the girls' restroom," Hikaru shot back.
"Haha, glad you understand," said Shimizu.
With that, the trio left, leaving Hikaru and Zul alone.
"What's with them? Is it some secret they need the restroom for?" Hikaru complained.
"Who knows? Maybe they didn't want us to listen to it," Zul replied.
"Ah, I'm thirsty. I'll order something at the counter," said Hikaru. "Zul, do you need anything? I can order it for you," he added.
"No, thanks. I think I'm good. My drink from earlier isn't finished yet," replied Zul.
"Okay, I'm going now. Wait here," Hikaru said.
Inside the restroom, the girls began talking.
"What's wrong, Eri-chan? Is there something you need to tell us?" Mizuha asked.
"Yeah, is something on your mind?" Shimizu added.
"No, it's just... can you guys come with me to town after this?" Eri said hesitantly.
"Sure, we can go with you. Where do you want to go?" Mizuha replied.
"Well, I want to buy a new swimsuit..." Eri said, cheeks reddening.
"Huh? A new swimsuit? But didn't we just buy swimsuits before our picnic at the river?" Shimizu asked.
"Yeah, I remember," Mizuha said.
"Well, when I wore it on vacation last week, it felt too tight. I think I gained a little weight," Eri admitted, covering her face.
"I see. That's why you didn't want them to hear," Mizuha said.
"Wait, Eri, are you sure?" Shimizu asked, stepping behind her.
"What do you mean, Shimizu-chan?" Eri replied, confused.
Without warning, Shimizu hugged Eri from behind and began fondling her chest. "There, there, there," Shimizu muttered.
"Kyaa! Shimizu-chan!" Eri yelped.
"Hey, Shimizu, what are you doing? Stop that right now!" Mizuha shouted.
After a moment, Shimizu let go. Flustered, Eri ran to Mizuha and hugged her.
"What's wrong with you? You're acting like a complete pervert!" Mizuha said.
"I knew it... they've grown," Shimizu said.
"Eri, listen," Shimizu continued. "You haven't gained any weight at all, but..."
"But what is it, Shimizu-chan?" Eri asked nervously.
"Your chest has grown a little since last time," Shimizu said bluntly while pointing her finger at Eri's chest.
"Really? Are you sure about that?" asked Eri.
"Yes, I'm sure; that's why your swimsuit felt tight," said Shimizu confidently.
"If you don't trust me, you can ask Mizuha to touch and check it," Shimizu added.
"Me? No, thanks. I'll pass on touching, but let me look," said Mizuha.
Mizuha looked closely at Eri's chest. I know they're always bigger, but I never expected they'd grow again, she thought, unconsciously comparing them to her own.
"How is it, Mizuha-chan?" Eri said.
"Sorry, but Shimizu was right; they've grown," said Mizuha, feeling a pang of jealousy.
Mizuha and Shimizu glared at Eri's chest, thinking the same thing: they had really grown.
"Alright, we'll accompany you to buy your new swimsuit after this, right, Shimizu?" said Mizuha.
"Of course, I'll come too," said Shimizu.
"Really? Thank you, Mizuha-chan, Shimizu-chan," said Eri, grateful to them.
After that, the trio returned to Hikaru and Zul. Hikaru and Zul were talking and eating. Hikaru had a donut from the bakery, while Zul ate French fries he'd just ordered.
Shimizu approached them and said, "Ah, not fair! You guys started eating without waiting for us," she complained.
"Well, you guys took a long time talking in the restroom earlier. We got hungry waiting for you, so we started eating first without waiting," replied Hikaru.
Shimizu eyed Zul's fries. Those look good; I'll order some, she thought.
She sat and raised her hand. "Excuse me, French fries, please," she said.
Mizuha and Eri chuckled at Shimizu. "Let's join in, Eri-chan," said Mizuha.
"Yes," Eri said, sitting back down.
They enjoyed their food and talked about the vacation plans.
After eating, they gathered outside and split up: the girls went to help Eri buy her swimsuit, leaving Hikaru and Zul behind.
"Okay, see you later," said Mizuha, walking off with Eri and Shimizu.
"See you," Hikaru said.
"So, they're hanging out," said Hikaru. "Yeah," replied Zul.
"So, what should we do, Zul? It's still early; I don't want to go home yet,” said Hikaru
"How about our usual batting centre? Let's see if you can beat me this time," Zul suggested.
"Woah, great idea, Zul! Alright, let's go. This time I'll beat your score," Hikaru said.
"We'll see," Zul chuckled. After that, the two of them headed to the baseball batting center to enjoy their day.
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