Interlude: Boys’ Talk

—On the train, on the way home from the after-party.

“Man, I’m so hyped for the pool! Mei’s gonna look insane, for real!”

“Gross…”

“What’s with you, party pooper? You’re looking forward to it too, admit it. Miharu-chan’s always so guarded, you know! You wanna see what’s under those clothes, don’t ya? Hmm?”

“Not really.”

“Gah! Are you even a guy?! You’re way too cold about this, seriously.”

“By the way, I’ve been meaning to ask. Has Kiyosato always been like that?”

“Huh? Like what?”

“The way she’s always worrying about other people’s business, even when it has nothing to do with her. I’m asking if that’s her default setting.”

“…Huh? Is she?”

“…Never mind. I was an idiot for asking you.”

“Man, I don’t get it. Anyway, why the sudden serious talk?”

“Also, for an idiot, why do you act like such a good boy around Kiyosato?”

“…What? Why are you trying to pick a fight with me now? Huh?”

“Are you really satisfied with just, ‘Yay, I get to go to the pool with my friends’?”

“…No, I still don’t get what you’re on about.”

“Fine. Do whatever you want.”

“…”

“I’m just going to do what I want. So don’t come complaining to me about it later.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? What are you— Ah, hey, Asahi! Don’t just say that and run off! Hey!”