...
After my discussion with Nagisa, I had a rather lengthy group video call with my girlfriends. We talked for hours about this and that. I eventually had to explain my discussion with Nagisa, which earned her some mistrust. Thankfully, none of my girlfriends go to Trinity- if they did, I wouldn't be surprised if they transferred right now, knowing that one of their school's presidents would do shit like this.
All of them were worried for me, especially Haruka, Chinatsu and Yuuka. Shiroko suggested we blow up the Tea Party, to which Haruka readily agreed with that ominous smile of hers. Hoshino, surprisingly, was the most level-headed one. She was clearly worried, but knew I'd handle whatever came my way. They wished me luck and I went to bed soon after.
The next day, I woke up and, after doing my morning routine, went to the room where the girls would be sleeping for the next week. I found them all there, unpacking various things at each of their beds.
Azusa, interestingly, brought explosives and various other military gadgets.
"Mornin'." I greet, causing some of the girls to jolt.
"Oh, good morning, Sensei!" Hifumi chirps.
"So, whaddya think of the room? I tried to tidy it up a bit for y'all last night." I say.
"It's quite nice, Sensei." Hanako says.
"This will be sufficient for our needs." Azusa says, succinctly.
"It's... not bad." Koharu mutters.
"Glad to hear it." I smile. "Anyway, meet me over at the kitchen when ya get done. I already made some breakfast."
"Breakfast...?" Koharu asks.
"Eh? You can cook, Sensei?" The blonde asks.
"And do a damn good job of it, too." I smile, pridefully. "C'mon over when you're done."
—————
The kitchen of the annex was quite large, basically a small cafeteria.
Not long after, the four girls came down to see the massive amount of food I made for them.
"D-Did you seriously make all of this, Sensei?" Hifumi asks, shocked.
"I eat a lot." I say, simply, shrugging. "Plus, you four are gonna need fuel for all that studying you're gonna be doin'."
The four girls sit down around the table. Hanako and Hifumi seem surprised by the amount of food, the former going along with it. Azusa and Koharu seem... hesitant to eat, though.
Hanako takes a bite. "Oh, my! This is delicious!"
Hifumi eats some. "Wow...!"
Koharu hesitantly takes a bite. "Th-This is...?!"
Azusa is the most reluctant to eat. She looks at me for a moment, prompting me to smile and nod to her. Slowly, she takes a bite of the food and her purple eyes widen in various emotions. Shock, surprise, joy, confusion, ecstasy, relief. Too many to count, none negative.
The girls then begin to eat with increased fervor. I chuckle. "Slow down, it ain't gonna disappear on you." I chide. The girls then take their time, savoring the food. Not long after that, the table is clear of all food.
"I didn't know you were that good of a cook, Sensei." Hifumi says, still shell-shocked from my food.
"I've had lots of practice." I say, simply. "I'm just glad y'all enjoyed it."
"It was some of the best food I've had in years, if I say so myself." Hanako says, politely wiping her mouth with a napkin as a high-class person would.
"I certainly wasn't expecting something like that from you." Koharu says, averting her gaze from me.
"I am a man of many talents." I say. I kinda had to be, considering all that's happened these past five years.
"What did you think of it, Azusa?" The taller pinkette asks.
"It was the best food I've ever eaten." The silverette says, honestly.
"High praise." I raise an eyebrow.
"But truthful." The silverette reaffirms. "I would be most appreciative if you could cook for us again."
"You don't have to say it like that." I chuckle. "I'll make some food for y'all whenever ya want."
The four girls smile at my words, happy to eat more of my food in the future. I honestly thought Arona liking it was just because she'd never had food before, but I think I might actually have become a good cook without realizing it.
"Still..." Hanako says, changing the subject as she looks around. "When I heard that we'd be going to an unused annex, I just assumed it wouldn't be furnished at all." She lets out a fake-disappointed sigh. "So much for sleeping naked together on the cold, hard floor. But it's actually quite nice. Our room is comfy-looking and spacious. Even the beds are really cute! I'm so glad we won't have to be on the floor when we sleep naked together~!"
"Why does every scenario end with us sleeping together in the nude?!" Koharu shrieks, planting her hands on the table. "And there are plenty of beds, so stay in your own!"
"Aw, are you sure?" Hanako pouts at the shorter pinkette. "It's not every day we get to attend boot camp together. We're here to study, so... why not study a few other things about ourselves?"
"We're not here to study perversion!" The former JTF member shouts, pointing at Hanako. "No lewdness allowed!"
"A shame." Hanako teasingly hums. "Well, the day is still young. Let's see if your tune later tonight~" She says, causing Koharu to let out a small 'eep' and back away from the table.
I can only sigh, shaking my head at their antics.
"Well, anyway." Hifumi interjects, hoping to fix this derailed conversation. "This is where we're going to be staying over the next week. We'll do everything from eat, to sleep, and study here. And that's why I want you all to..." She trails off, looking around. "Wait, where did Azusa go?"
I pause. Where DID she go? Have I been getting rusty...?
"Oh, yeah. She was with us just a minute ago." Hanako realizes.
Then, Azusa re-enters the room via doorway. "Encampment scouting complete." She announces, a hint of pride in her voice.
"Scouting? Wait, did you just call the annex an encampment?" The blonde asks, confused.
"We're a comfortable distance from Trinity's main building. Sniper fire is unexpected. Location acceptable. There are only two entrances connecting to the outside, which I also find favorable. Worst-case scenario, we could barricade one entrance and lead the enemy to an ambush in the first floor gym. I've also identified several weak points in our defenses., but they shouldn't pose a problem with a little fortification." Azusa says, succinctly. They way she spoke... if she spoke any faster, I'd see some resemblance with a certain lizard-alien scientist with a love of singing.
"U-Uhhhh..." Hifumi is the first to react to Azusa's report.
"You noticed all of that in just a few minutes?" I ask.
"Yes." The silverette says, nodding in affirmation.
"Impressive, Azusa. If only we had someone like you around that one time..." I say, reminiscing.
"And we've already been to the rather luxurious barracks... Excuse me. Dormitory is the proper name, yes?" Azusa says. "I'm surprised such a valuable foothold has been lying unused. What a waste." She scoffs.
"Azusa! We came here to study, not to prepare for a war, remember?" Hifumi asks.
"If you want peace, prepare for war." I quote, earning a surprised/curious look from the transfer student.
"I'm aware." Azusa says, seriously. "We're here to train for a week, correct. High-intensity training where we're banned from leaving the grounds, having free time, and are under a twenty-four hour surveillance a day."
"It isn't quite that strict..." Hifumi tries.
"Don't worry about that last one, I got rid of all the bugs. There ain't any more surveillance." I say.
"Wh-What?!" Hifumi shrieks. Even Hanako and Koharu seem shocked, whereas Azusa takes it in stride.
"I've prepared for anything." Azusa continues. "I brought all of my personal belongings: changes of clothes, gym equipment, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap. dry goods, blankets, water..."
"Oh, my. You're so thorough, Azusa." Hanako says, surprised.
"Naturally. Preparedness is the key to survival." Azusa says.
The taller pinkette lets out a happy giggle. "Eating together, sleeping together, studying toward the same goal... Doesn't boot camp sound absolutely divine?"
"Um." Azusa says. "Yes. I'm looking forward to it." She says, smiling for the first time since I've met her. A very bright and cute smile. Then she stills and schools her features, returning to a neutral look. "But completing the mission comes first. I'll study and pass the second evaluation exam. That is our main objective." Then, she mutters, "It's not my intention to be a liability again."
"Azusa..." Hifumi says, surprised by those last words.
"By the way, I prepared anti-personnel mines and claymores for possible ambushes." Azusa says, ruining the moment. "I also brought the necessary materials to manufacture IEDs and anti-tank mines."
"E-Enough, Azusa! We're not going to need all of that!" Hifumi argues.
I lean over and whisper to Azusa. "I think it'd be a good idea to keep that stuff around, despite what Hifumi says."
My response from the transfer student is another bright smile.
Hifumi can only sigh at our antics. "Still, Nagisa did say that we'd have to go to boot camp if we failed the first evaluation exam. We'll be here for a week until the second exam. The building is showing its age and is a little neglected, but it should be more than fine with some cleaning. And we still have some amenities available to us, like a gym and shower room."
"I did some cleaning while I was here. Trust me, it's better than it was." I point out.
"We even have a swimming pool." Azusa adds. "It looks like it hasn't been used for a long time, though."
"It's got dark green water in it." I add.
"Yeah, and we're in walking distance of the main building. We have a kitchen and Sensei, so we shouldn't go hungry." The blonde continues.
"Am I gonna be you four's cook or something?" I ask, half-heartedly, earning a small giggle from all but Azusa, who's lips curve at the sides just a bit.
"And, like I said, Sensei will be here with us, so we can always ask for help if we really need it." Hifumi continues.
"Yup. I'll be here if ya need me. My room's in the same hall as yours, only on the opposite end." I explain. "So long as you knock first, feel free to swing by."
Hanako's eyes gain a teasing glint as she smiles deviously, but before she can say anything.
"STOP RIGHT THERE, HANAKO! NO LEWDNESS ALLOWED!" Koharu shouts, face red and eyes turned cat-like.
"I didn't say anything at all. I haven't the faintest idea of what you're talking about." Hanako says, dropping the smile.
"That's because it's written all over your face! Do you want the death penalty?!" The small pinkette shouts.
"My, you're so strict." The taller pinkette says, holding a palm to her cheek.
"Nah, I get it, Koharu." I say, surprising the small girl. "Hanako was about to say something like, 'A teacher inviting his students into his room, late at night? How indecent~'" I say, acting like Hanako.
"Exactly!" Koharu says, smiling at my understanding.
"Hmph. I would never say such a thing. I am a polite young lady." Hanako says, denying our accusations with a faux pout.
"Is Sensei using the room down the hall truly necessary? There are enough beds in this room. I find splitting our unit apart to be disadvantageous." Azusa interjects.
"It's fine. Besides, the Tea Party set my room up to basically be an apartment, I've got everything I need down there." I reason. "Like I said, give me a holler if you need me."
"W-Well... I suppose we should finish unpacking." Hifumi suggests.
"You four didn't finish?" I ask.
"W-We were hungry." The blonde admits.
"Wait a minute. Don't you think there's something else we should do first?" Hanako asks.
"Huh?" Hifumi blinks.
Koharu stills, face red.
Azusa guesses, "Practice installing traps while under fire?"
"No..." The busty pinkette says. "I mean cleaning."
"C-Cleaning?" Hifumi asks as Koharu breathes a quiet sigh of relief.
"Yes! The exterior's been maintained, and Sensei's cleaned up some things, but most of the interior is still dusty and dirty from not having been used in so long." Hanako says, observing the room. "How can that be good for us? They say a healthy body leads to a healthy mind, so let's start off by giving this place a good cleaning before we hit the books!"
"I... guess you have a point." The Peroro fan says, slowly. "It makes sense to clean all of the desks at the very least before we begin using them."
I snap my fingers and let out a sigh. "I knew I was forgetting to clean somethin'..."
"Hygiene is a critical responsibility. It has a large effect on unit morale." The silverette adds.
"Seriously? Cleaning?" Koharu asks, before deflating. "Well, I guess if it's just a little bit..."
"I think Koharu makes a good point. We shouldn't push ourselves too hard too soon." Hifumi says. "Let's remember that this is a marathon, not a sprint. We have a long week ahead of us. All right, team! Let's get ourselves fired up with some spring cleaning!" She declares.
"Let's get to it." I say, smiling, just like all four of the girls.
"Ah. Everyone go change so you don't get your uniforms dirty. We'll gather downstairs in ten minutes!" Hifumi says, standing up.
"Understood." Azusa says, coolly.
"Okie dokie!" Hanako says. And the three of them speed off, leaving Koharu and I behind.
"Clothes to wear for cleaning? I guess gym clothes would work." Koharu says, mostly to herself.
"They'd be good as any." I say, standing up.
"Y-You'd better not peek on us, Sensei!" Koharu says, face red.
"Hey, I'll be changing, too. You four'd better not peek on me~" I tease back.
"Heh?!" The tiny girl shrieks, cat eyes returning.
"Heh. Hanako ain't the only one that can tease." I chuckle, walking back to my room.
—————
Ten minutes later, I wait outside, at the building's entrance as Hifumi appears, wearing a gym uniform. She wears a blue and white jacket, blue shorts, and blue and white tennis shoes.
The top of Hifumi's jacket is unzipped a bit and she's still wearing those Peroro hairclips.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Sensei!" Hifumi apologizes as she approaches me.
"You all went with the gym clothes, huh?" I ask.
"Well, I needed to put on something appropriate for the occasion. My gym clothes are plenty easy to move around in and wash if they get dirty." Hifumi explains. "You changed too." She says, smiling.
"Yeah." I say, looking down at my sweatpants and t-shirt. Hope they don't mind my scarred arms. "Felt it'd be good."
"So now what...?" Koharu asks as she exits the building.
Koharu's wearing the same as Hifumi, but her jacket is zipped all the way up, the collar completely hiding her neck and part of her chin. It's also a bit too big for her, as evidenced by most of her hands- only the main bit, not the fingers- being hidden. She looks really cute with her collar up like that, for some reason.
"You got here quickly, Koharu." The blonde observes.
Then, Azusa leaves the building, saying, "Reporting in."
Azusa has her jacket completely unzipped, revealing a white t-shirt underneath. She also has her gun strapped over her shoulder. I guess she HAS been all about preparedness. Probably doesn't leave her gun too far away at all times.
"Um, Azusa. I don't think you need to carry your weapon right now..." Hifumi points out.
"I would rather have my firearm and not need it than need it and not have it. Wouldn't you?" Azusa asks.
"Can't beat that logic." I chuckle.
"I guess you have a point..." The blonde says.
Then, Hanako comes out... wearing her swimsuit from before.
"NO! NOPE! ABSOLUTELY NOT!" Koharu shouts, red face and cat eyes again.
"Oh?" Hanako lets out a surprised sound.
"Why would you need to wear your swimsuit for spring cleaning?! It's completely inappropriate!" Koharu snaps at the taller pinkette.
"But it's easy to move in, and I'm used to getting..." Hanako smiles as she pauses. "...dirty when I wear it."
"What are you talking about?!" Koharu shrieks. "You're supposed to wear a bathing suit in the swimming pool! Wh-What if someone sees?!"
"What's the big deal? It's just us here." The busty pinkette says.
"No! Absolutely, one-hundred percent forbidden! You are forbidden from wearing a bathing suit from now on!" Koharu orders.
"Aww..." Hanako pouts as Hifumi awkwardly chuckles.
Hanako left to change into her gym clothes right after. She comes back a few minutes later. Her jacket is unzipped like Azusa's, and for a good reason. Her chest is too big to zip it up. I'm sure having boobs that big can be a hassle... I hope Hasumi doesn't have problems with hers. Lord knows she must.
"Good, now we can get to work." I say.
"We should start off by clearing the weeds growing around the building." Hifumi suggests. "Also, don't forget to hydrate. Heat stroke is no joke."
"Okie dokie!" The taller pinkette chirps.
"Picking weeds? That shouldn't be too hard." Koharu says.
"Understood. It would be wise to remove the brush around our encampment and give the enemy nowhere to hide." Azusa adds.
"We'll move on to cleaning inside once we're done with the grounds around the buildings." Hifumi says.
"Sound plan." I say, nodding.
The blonde girl smiles. "Let's go, people!"
—————
Over the next hour and a half, the five of us pulled weeds and threw away trash and the like scattered outside.
Then, we moved onto the inside.
"I think we should give this hallway a quick sweep before we pull the mops out." Hifumi suggests, looking at the dusty hallway.
"Roger that." Azusa says.
"On it." I mirror.
"Would you mind cleaning the showers, restroom and laundry room once we're done here too?" Hifumi asks the silverette.
"Of course not. Can do." Azusa smiles.
Azusa, Hifumi and I swept and mopped the hallway efficiently.
—————
In the lobby, Koharu coughs a bit from inhaling some dust. "There's so much dust." She says, recoiling.
"Not surprised, there's a lot of furniture here." I say.
"Yes. We'll have to do a lot of cleaning to keep it maintained." Hifumi adds.
"I know that much! I'm used to taking care of rooms like this for the Justice Task Force!" Koharu snaps. "Put on a mask, use the duster, and wipe the rest away with the mop! I know how to handle myself!"
"S-Sorry. Okay, I'll leave it in your hands, Koharu." Hifumi says, raising her hands in faux surrender.
Koharu and I then dusted every nook and cranny in the annex's lobby, with me occasionally lifting some furniture to help her, much to the short girl's surprise.
—————
"This place..." Hifumi says, observing the bedroom.
"Don't worry, Hifumi. I'll take care of the bedroom." Hanako reassures. "We'll be spending a lot of time here, so it needs some extra tender love and care." She smiles.
"I tried to tidy it up a bit, but ran kinda short on time." I apologize.
"It's fine." The busty pinkette says. "The bedding should be dry by this afternoon if we wash and hang it now. And we should replace the old mattresses with unused ones from the other rooms. Ventilation is also of the utmost importance since we're sleeping here."
"Sounds like you know what you're doing, so I'll entrust the bedroom to you, Hanako." Hifumi smiles.
"Of course~!" Hanako giggles.
"I'll go grab some mattresses." I say. A few minutes later, I surprised Hanako as well by carrying four mattresses with ease.
—————
After a few short hours, the entire annex was spotless. Of course, it wasn't easy, but with five of us it was certainly easier than it could've been.
We all reconvened outside the building to check off which rooms were cleaned and by who.
"Yup. I think we're done." I say, looking over the list I made on my phone.
"Yup! Everything is squeaky clean and feels much more refreshing!" Koharu agrees as I pocket my phone.
"Yes. I have to agree." Azusa adds.
"So do I. Thanks for all of your help, everyone." Hifumi says, smiling.
"Ufufu~ I believe Sensei might've done the most work." Hanako points out.
"You think?" I ask, eyebrow raised. I mean I did a lot, but...
"She's right. You were running all around, doing this and that, Sensei! We would've taken a lot longer if it wasn't for you." The blonde agrees. "Not to mention you cleaned up some stuff before we arrived!"
"Yeah, not to mention how he picked up stuff so easily." The short pinkette adds.
"I do work out in the mornings." I say, a bit pridefully.
"Picked up stuff?" Azusa asks.
"Yup. He carried four mattresses like they weighed nothing." The taller pinkette explains.
"I saw him pick up a whole couch with one hand." Koharu adds. "I still can't believe it."
"I see. Sensei must be much more capable than I realized." Azusa reasons. "Speed, efficiency and strength... Those scars have been earned."
I pause, remembering my arms are uncovered, then mentally shrug.
"Scars?" Hifumi blinks.
"On his arms. Did none of you notice?" The silverette asks.
As one, the other three girls pause and look at my arms, then their eyes widen as they see my arms. Shock, surprise, concern- all evident in their eyes.
"A-Azusa! You shouldn't point out such things so carelessly!" The blonde chides the purple eyed girl.
"It's fine." I interject. "If I wanted to hide 'em, I would've worn a jacket like you four have..." I bend my elbow, raising my forearm up a bit. "If this had happened right after coming to Kivotos, I would've hidden 'em, but... since then I've met some good people who've made me more... comfortable- I suppose- with showing more skin."
I clench my fist, causing my muscles to bulge, further showing off the innumerable scars on my arm.
"But, yeah, as Azusa said, I've earned these scars. Been in more fights than I can count." I say, with a light-hearted chuckle.
"They certainly are intimidating, but..." Hanako pauses, blushing a bit. "It just makes you seem more manly, Sensei~"
What a tease.
Koharu's eyes are still glued to my arms, not rising to the occasion of berating her fellow pinkette for 'lewd behavior'.
"Though, now that I think about it, we still have missed a spot." The busty pinkette says.
"What? Where?" Hifumi asks.
"The outdoor pool." Hanako says.
"O-Oh. Yeah, now that you mention it..." The blonde says, stuttering a bit.
—————
The five of us then go over to the pool to find it just like I did. The pool is nearly empty, but is old and there's a thin layer of dirt on the pool's walls. There's still some water at the bottom, but it's a putrid green on top of being covered in algae and other micro-organisms.
"This place..." Hifumi says, a twinge of sadness in her voice.
"...is rather large." Azusa finishes. Yeah, it's a pretty damn big pool. "It hadn't even crossed my mind that we would need it for our make up work studies."
"That's because we don't!" Koharu squeaks. "Why should we have to clean something we're never going to use?!"
"Are you sure? We may not have use for it, but seeing a pool properly filled with water is important regardless." Hanako reasons. "Imagine it." She says, closing her eyes. "Our camp grounds glittering from a full pool, girls running around and playing outside... Wouldn't that image alone lift our spirits?" She says with a sweet smile.
"Wh-What are you talking about?! What girls?! You're not making any sense!" The former JTF member shrieks. I do hope she doesn't hurt her vocal cords from all this screaming she's been doing.
"No, I sorta get it." Hifumi says, a bit unsure. "Seeing it left dry and neglected like this doesn't feel quite right."
"A pool this size wasn't built to be left empty." The transfer student adds. "At some point it was filled with water and people laughing, enjoying this place as well. But this end was inevitable." She says, suddenly very sullen. "Vanitas vanitatum. That is the truth of the world."
Koharu looks at Azusa with a confused look as Hifumi awkwardly says, "Uh... huh..."
I scoff. "Whoever taught ya that's an idiot. Everything's got worth in the world, no matter how big or small."
Azusa's head snaps over as she looks at me, wide-eyed and conflicted.
"What does that even mean?" Koharu asks.
"Vanitas vanitatum. It's an expression that means the vanity of vanities- all is in vain, in other words. There was an ancient, wise saying like that..." Hanako explains, before trailing off.
Then, the busty pinkette gets a smile on her face again. "Listen up, Azusa! You too, Hifumi and Koharu! We're going to swim and play in the water together!" She declares.
"S-Swim?! And in what water?!" Hifumi is the one to shriek this time.
"Obviously, we're going to clean the pool, fill it up, and jump in!" Hanako proclaims. "We can start studying tomorrow, can't we? We've worked hard enough today, so let's take some time to relax."
"Good point. You'll probably burn out if you push yourselves too hard." I say, agreeing with her suggestion.
"Yup!" Hanako chirps. "Come on, ladies! It's time to start the pool cleaning. So get changed and prepare to get wet!"
"Don't say it like that." I chide, earning a small giggle from Hanako.
"Yes." Azusa agrees with a nod. "Even if everything is in vain, there's no reason we shouldn't give life our all."
"That's a good outlook to have." I agree. "We never know how long- or short- life can be, so we oughta enjoy it to the fullest."
The silverette smiles at me, before schooling her features. "I also remembered to pack my swimsuit just in case. I'll return shortly." She says, before walking back over to the building.
"Azusa!" Hifumi calls out, to no avail, the transfer student is just too quick. "She's already gone... That's just great."
"Well don't just stand there!" Hanako says. "You too, Koharu! Go after her and get changed. It can be your swimsuits or anything. Like I said, as long as you're ready to get wet."
"You REALLY need to stop saying it like that." I chide again, earning another giggle from Hanako.
"Well, okay. But only because it wouldn't feel right to leave this as the one place we didn't get cleaned." The blonde relents.
"Are we really doing this?! It doesn't have anything to do with our make up work classes." Koharu says, groaning.
"C'mon, doesn't the Justice Task Force have group-bonding missions and activities and the like?" I ask the small girl, causing her to avert her gaze, telling me I'm right. "This is the same thing."
"A-All right, then..." Koharu too, relents.
—————
A few minutes later, three of the girls return, all clad in the same swimsuit Hanako was. Guess it's a school swimsuit.
Hifumi's a bit nervous. Koharu is fidgeting, likely not happy with showing so much skin, contemplating whether or not to zip her jacket up all the way. Azusa is indifferent about it all and is still wearing her jacket... and she still has her gun over her shoulder...
As for Hanako, she's still in her uniform. "I love it! You all did exactly as I asked!" Hanako chirps.
"Yes. I'm prepared for water activities." Azusa reports.
"A bit too overprepared." I correct. "I hope your gun is waterproof, or the like, Azusa."
"All we did was put on our school swimsuits." Hifumi says. "It's pretty standard for cleaning a pool, after all..."
"Great! Are we all ready to get down and dirty~?" Hanako teases.
"And what about you?" I ask.
"Yeah! Why are you the only one still in uniform?! You told us to go get changed into something we wouldn't mind getting wet in!" The former JTF member adds, face red.
"Yes. I fail to see the contradiction." Hanako says, innocently.
"Why is this the ONE time you choose to not put on that stupid swimsuit you always wear?!" Koharu shouts.
"You said you were gonna help clean the pool, so why aren't you in a swimsuit, too?" I clarify.
Hanako hums. "That's difficult to answer." I raise an eyebrow at her clearly deflecting the question. "Some people like different things. I suppose you could say this is my... preference."
"Preference...?" Koharu asks, dumbfounded.
"What do you think feels better to get wet in- a swimsuit, or a school girl uniform?" The buxom pinkette asks.
"What do you mean 'feels better'?! And for who?!" The tiny pinkette asks.
"What is...?" I mutter, absolutely confused by this conversation.
"I'm only teasing you." Hanako says with a giggle. "And I am wearing a swimsuit underneath my uniform. It's a bikini I bought with some spare pocket change."
"Huh...? You are?" Koharu asks, face now no longer red.
"Don't you remember? You forbade me from wearing my school swimsuit earlier, but I figured this personal one would be a loophole." Hanako explains, before smiling. "And besides, my school-issued one is already in the laundry, so this is all I have. Think you can let it slide?"
"Wh-Why are you asking me? Do whatever you want..." Koharu says, a bit unsure.
Hanako just giggles in response. "Now then, is everyone ready? Let's get to cleaning!"
—————
After saying that, Hanako took off all of her uniform except her top, revealing a white and red bikini bottom. Then, the five of us got to work.
The girls focus on the bottom of the pool while I focus on the walls. I watch from above with a smile on my face as Hanako cheers, making a rainbow with the water hose.
"Wh-Whoa! Hey, that's cold!" Hifumi shouts, being splashed with water from the hose.
"That's because this water comes straight from the lake next to Trinity." Hanako explains, failing to hide her giggles. "It should even be clean enough to drink from!"
"Why did we have to do this again...?" Koharu bemoans.
"This section is nearly finished." Azusa reports, diligently working. "Advancing soon."
I pause for a moment, watching the four girls working, but having so much fun that it isn't hard work.
—————
Soon, day turns to night as the girls get dressed again and we fill the pool with water.
"We didn't even get time to play in the pool after all that." Hifumi bemoans.
Azusa stares at the water, reflecting the lights nearby, as well as the moon and stars. Her gaze is transfixed on the lights' reflection.
"I'm sorry. I didn't account for the time it would take to fill it with water." Hanako apologizes.
"No need to apologize. It was still an enjoyable mission." Azusa smiles a small smile.
"It's surprisingly pretty at night." Koharu observes.
"It really is. I've never seen a school pool after dark before." The blonde agrees.
"I guess it's a reward for a job well done." I muse, crossing my arms.
Koharu nods in agreement, while rocking a bit.
"Are you still with us, Koharu?" The taller pinkette asks. "You look like you're about to fall asleep on your feet."
"N-No, I'm just... tired. Exhausted from today." The tiny pinkette admits.
"Well, we have been cleaning since this morning." Hifumi says. "Should we all go inside now?"
"Good idea, y'all can start studying tomorrow." I say. "I'll make us some dinner."
The four girls all perk up at that.
"Yes." Azusa says, determined.
"Let's." Hanako agrees.
—————
After eating, the four girls go back to their room while I get ready to head back to mine.
"Phew." Hifumi says, plopping down on her bed. "It's good to be back inside."
"It was a successful day." Azusa adds, smiling faintly.
"Nice work out there, ladies. Let's get some rest." Hanako says.
"Good night..." Koharu says, ready to pass out.
"I'll be down the hall. Don't hesitate to swing by if ya need anything." I say, smiling.
"But of course. I'll be sure to remember that~" The taller pinkette teases, earning a chuckle from me.
"Gah. The Justice Task Force would never abide by your indecency..." The short pinkette mutters.
"Anyway, y'all should get to sleep. You'll be working hard tomorrow as well- not physically, but mentally." I says. "Sleep well."
"You too, Sensei." Hifumi smiles as I shut off the lights and head back down the hallway.
Once inside, I sigh. Today was long, but quicker than expected- if that makes any sense.
I spend a while mulling over Nagisa's conversation with me from before. Azusa's got the Arius logo on her jacket- Nagisa is clearly after her, but...
Why has Azusa been so genuine?
She doesn't feel like a spy, and I don't think she's lied once. Stretched the truth, but not lied. There's something more to this. Something I don't see...
My musings are paused by a knock at the door.
"Are you there, Sensei?" Hifumi asks.
I reach over and open the door for her.
"Sorry for bothering you so late." She apologizes.
"It's fine." I wave her off, letting her in my psuedo-apartment. "What's up?"
"Well, I just can't seem to fall asleep. There's been a lot on my mind..." She admits.
"Yeah, I feel ya." I admit, sighing, as we both sit down.
"Um, thanks for helping us today, Sensei." She says.
"I wasn't just gonna make you work by yourselves. Besides, I gotta stay in shape." I smile, earning one from her too. "But seriously, you four did a good job today."
"We're supposed to formally start our boot camp first thing in the morning, but... are we really going to be able to do this?" Hifumi asks, unsure.
"Is this about the other girl's grades or Nagisa's favor from us?" I ask.
"Both, honestly." Hifumi says with a tired smile. "There's only a week until the second exam. Then there will be a third shortly after if we fail again. And if we fail that one..."
"Yeah." I finish.
"I haven't told the others, and I'm not sure if it's really true, but..." She trails off, groaning.
"Nagisa seems... tense, for lack of a better word." I comment. "Honestly, I think she's being overly paranoid."
"I know!" Hifumi says, loudly. Guess she's glad someone sees it the same as her. "These are standard exams, but they're using this strange collective punishment system. Even the fact that we're being forced to go through a boot camp of all things is odd. And on top of that..." She stops and sighs sadly.
"What exactly did Nagisa tell you, Hifumi?" I ask, seriously.
"Wh-What?!" Hifumi stills. "You... really want to know?"
"I wouldn't be askin' if I didn't." I jest.
"Well... She told me to keep this a secret, but it's hard for me to keep this all to myself." She admits. "There's something going on. It's..."
"About this 'traitor'?" I finish.
"You know about that too?!" She shrieks.
"Yup. I also figured it out before we even started our club." I proudly say, much to Hifumi's surprise.
"...How?!" She all but shouts.
"I remembered the deal with someone attacking that Seia girl. The only thing I could figure was someone did it to impede the Treaty. Then, I figured Nagisa must've thought that someone would be pressed on time if they planned an attack like that- one that would kill their time to study, and likely drop their grades. But there are students in Trinity with worse grades than you four, yet this club has you four girls SPECIFICALLY." I stress. "It was easy to see that she was trying to weed out one of you four. Koharu has bad grades, but has been very vocal and prideful about being part of the JTF. Lastly, you're her friend. That just means she suspects either Azusa or Hanako, most likely- especially seeing as how Hanako's grades have dropped significantly since her first year and Azusa is a transfer student who came here in the middle of the year, rather than at the start."
"You..." Hifumi says, trying to say something. "You're really smart, huh, Sensei?"
"Nah, it was pretty obvious." I smirk.
"Well, when I spoke to her, she specifically asked me to find the traitor." Hifumi explains. "The third exam is supposed to be a 'last resort' and that the exam's results don't actually matter."
I bristle at that.
"She also chose me because of my 'existing relationship with Schale'." Hifumi says.
"So she was using me- and Schale- as a stopgap to make sure the traitor couldn't do anything reckless." I muse.
"Are you kidding me...?" She bemoans. "Is there really a traitor? The thought alone is terrifying... We're all supposed to be students of the same school. We spent all day cleaning together. We ate dinner together. How am I supposed to suspect any of them? They're my friends. It's too much. I can't do this..."
I feel a pang of pity for Hifumi. She's gotten swept up in all of this nonsense, while not really being ready for any of it. And by her friend, no less.
"You're such a sweet girl, Hifumi." I smile.
"What was that?!" She shrieks, face red.
"If it makes ya feel any better, Azusa and Hanako have been completely genuine, showing no ill-intent or lies. They've stretched the truth some, but who hasn't?" I ask. "Like I said, maybe all this pressure is weighing down of Nagisa a bit too much." I get up and sit next to the girl, placing a hand on her shoulder. "And like I said, I'll be here for ya. All of ya."
She remains silent, but smiles at the gesture.
"So don't worry about doing any sleuthing, I'll do all the work, so just rest easy." I say, softly.
"Sensei?" She says, wide-eyed.
"Just leave everything to your Sensei." I say, seriously. "I want you to focus on helping your friends the way that YOU want to, not the way Nagisa wants you to."
"How I want to..." She mutters. "Right! I'll put some thought into what I can do to help!" She declares and stands up. "Thanks for hearing me out. I feel a lot better now."
"Anytime, Hifumi." I smile as she moves to leave my room.
"Actually... I think I have an idea. Could you help me with it, Sensei?"
"Sure." I say. "What is it?"
—————
Meanwhile, in the annex lobby, Hanako stands around, when Azusa walks into the room.
"Hanako?" Azusa asks, surprised. "What are you doing here?"
"You're still up too, Azusa? And you're in your uniform." Hanako observes.
"I've slept enough already. I was thinking of doing a nighttime patrol." The transfer student explains.
"Here?" Hanako asks. "And did you really get enough sleep? You seem exhausted."
"I have... trouble sleeping in places I'm unaccustomed to." The silverette admits. "You don't have to worry on my behalf. I'm trained to go five days without sleep if necessary."
"That's not really the issue here." Hanako says with an awkward smile.
"Anyway, I imagine everyone must be feeling anxious on our first night, hence why you and Hifumi went on walks. I wanted to go on patrol for your sakes." Azusa explains. "In fact, I should be getting back to that."
"Well, okay... Don't stay up too late, Azusa." Hanako says, smiling.
Azusa nods and runs off, never seeing Hanako's worried look.
—————
AN
Also, the singing lizard-alien scientist is from Mass Effect. Been playing Legendary Edition lately.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter and look forward to the next!