The Shinshō Hot Spring Inn had received high scores from over two thousand reviewers online.At the very top of its recommendation list was an overwhelmingly positive tag: "Worth a second visit."
To earn that kind of reputation, it naturally had something special to offer.
Though Minamoto Senya and his group were full of praise for the inn's food, in the end, a hot spring inn was still, at its core, about the hot springs.
If the goal was just good food, there was no need to travel all the way from Tokyo, transferring between multiple trains and buses. The capital had more variety and options anyway.
Where Shinshō Hot Spring Inn truly excelled was in its baths.
The most famous local option was, of course, Hakone's signature sulfur springs, known for detoxifying the body and softening skin.
But the inn also offered unique themed baths.
For example, the Fujin-yu—"the Women's Bath"—rich in iron ions, said to improve anemia and promote circulation.
Or the Bijin-yu—"the Beauty Bath"—alkaline water with a silky touch, believed to whiten skin and fade spots.
Natural or modified, it didn't matter. With clever marketing and so many choices, it was certainly more attractive than the one-note hot spring inns elsewhere.
And since Eriri had booked the most luxurious suite in the inn, their group had access to an additional option.
A private open-air bath carved out in the corner of the suite's courtyard.
Smaller than the public baths, yes—but far more intimate. No strangers, no interruptions. Just family or friends, free to talk as they pleased without worrying about disturbing anyone else.
"It's already past seven," Rokka spoke up first, her voice bright. "How about we all go soak in the hot spring together?"
The other four girls perked up at the suggestion, each harboring her own thoughts.
Senya, on the other hand, barely reacted. He was sitting cross-legged in front of the television, watching the evening news. The American president was on another rampage—chaotic as ever, but entertaining nonetheless.
Eriri stole a glance at him before responding. "She's right. It's about that time. If we finish the bath and head to bed early, we'll have energy for tomorrow. We're still planning to stroll through the hot spring shopping street and visit that mountainside shrine, remember?"
At her words, the others nodded in agreement.
Saeko tilted her head toward the courtyard, where the bamboo fence enclosed their private bath. "So, what's the plan for tonight? Shall we use the big public bath outside, or just stick with this one here?"
Rokka answered immediately. "Let's try the private bath tonight! If anyone's still interested tomorrow, we can check out the big one then."
Eriri chimed in, "Yeah. Since this one comes with the suite, it'd feel like a waste not to use it."
And just like that, the decision was made.
But there was still one question left.
Yukino looked toward Senya, who was still focused on the news, and edged a little closer. "What about you?" she asked quietly.
The room had grown warm since dinner, thanks to the floor heating.
Everyone had taken off their coats.
Yukino, too, had shed her layers. The soft-knit sweater she wore carried the faintly sweet scent unique to a young woman, something Senya's sharp senses picked up easily.
Without turning his head, he answered flatly, "You all go ahead. I'll use it after you're done."
In a private bath like this, there wasn't really a strict "no mixed bathing" rule. Friends could soak together if they wanted—if one were shameless enough, even more outrageous things could happen.
That might have been someone's ultimate dream… but given their current relationships, it was far too early. Best not to even think about it.
Yukino nodded softly. That was exactly what she'd expected, and she had no objections.
But the others thought differently.
Saeko glanced between Senya and the girls, sensing the awkwardness. As a woman herself, she could tell there was something unsaid here.
Eriri, meanwhile, fidgeted. She hadn't thought it through as much as Saeko, nor did she stop to worry about everyone's feelings.
Her thoughts were simpler: It's rare for us all to be on a trip together. If we soak without him, he'll be left alone… isn't that just pitiful?
The idea bothered her. But actually saying it aloud was too embarrassing.
Yukino broke the silence first, her voice calm as she gathered everyone. "Then let's go now. The bath isn't that large, but it should fit all of us."
The thought of everyone baring themselves together was embarrassing, but she didn't want Senya waiting alone. Out of concern for her childhood friend, she decided it was fine.
It seemed settled.
Everyone agreed—except for Utaha, who had been quiet the whole time.
Suddenly, she pressed a hand to her forehead, sighing as if faint.
The others turned toward her, Senya included.
Utaha rubbed at her temple, then sat down weakly beside Senya, her voice soft and frail. "I don't know why, but I feel a bit dizzy. You all go ahead without me. I'll rest a while and see if it passes."
Simple-minded Rokka gasped in worry. "Utaha-senpai, you're not allergic to something, are you?"
It was a fair guess. Dinner hadn't been heavy, but the variety was vast—meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, mushrooms.
Utaha shook her head gently. "No… probably just leftover carsickness. Nothing serious. Go on without me, don't worry."
Relieved, Rokka smiled.
But Eriri frowned. Something felt off.
And Yukino's sharp eyes immediately caught the flaw.
Carsickness didn't "delay" like this. At dinner, Utaha had been perfectly fine, laughing as she swapped publishing anecdotes with Saeko. She'd shown no signs of dizziness at all.
Now, just as everyone was about to bathe together, she suddenly turned frail and delicate?
Suspicious.
If she wasn't actually unwell, then… was her real goal to stay behind alone with Senya?
"…What's wrong, Yukino? Eriri? Saeko? Why aren't you getting your clothes?"
Rokka, innocent as ever, just wanted to enjoy herself. The thought of splashing around in the hot spring with everyone made her grin ear to ear.
But the others? Their minds were far from pure.
Invisible sparks of rivalry drifted in the air.
The harmony that had lasted until now was beginning to fracture.
"…Wait." Yukino's cheeks flushed faintly red, her eyes darting as she spoke. "Is it really right to leave Senya alone like this? We all came here together… shouldn't we stay together?"
She phrased it carefully, then looked toward Eriri, her childhood friend, hoping she'd support her.
Eriri hesitated—until Saeko suddenly brightened, cutting in faster than she'd ever drawn her sword in kendo.
"You're right. It would be wrong to leave him behind. And besides, mixed bathing is a Japanese tradition. As long as we keep towels wrapped around us, there's nothing to fuss over."
With the mood shifted, Eriri quickly found her courage and nodded eagerly. "Yes! That's exactly what I was thinking too. It's way more fun to do everything together! I just… didn't say it earlier because I was worried you'd all mind."
Yukino gave her a weary side glance. That last part was unnecessary.
But she exhaled in relief. At least no one opposed.
Rokka, of course, had no issue. Senya was her brother. She'd climbed on his back for piggyback rides, even sat on his shoulders. Compared to that, this was nothing.
That left only Senya's opinion.
He wanted to refuse. Absolutely.
Mixed bathing with them? What benefit was there? He'd get nothing out of it. Just visual torture—look, but don't touch. Another night of frustrating dreams was the last thing he needed.
But when Yukino, Eriri, and Saeko all looked at him—those eyes weren't forcing him, but they clearly carried their feelings.
In the end, he sighed and nodded. "If you don't mind…"
Saeko smiled gently. "Since no one objects, let's go ahead."
Yukino glanced at Utaha, her words pointed. "Then you should rest well, Kasumigaoka-san."
Utaha's lips curved in a stiff smile. She knew she'd been seen through, but with no proof, she could only swallow her irritation.
Round one of this quiet battle went to Yukinoshita Yukino.
The four girls headed out to the courtyard bath.
A bamboo fence enclosed the open-air pool. From the corridor, they stepped into a small garden, where steam rose from the water.
Pebbled ground surrounded the pool, both elegant and practical—no slipping here.
Bare cherry branches drooped against the bamboo walls, waiting for spring blossoms.
Above, the night sky glittered with stars, while ancient stone lanterns glowed softly around them.
Before entering, they rinsed off in the showers.
Then, towels wrapped around their bodies, they slowly sank into the steaming water.
"Ahh… this feels amazing."
Rokka let out a long sigh of delight, then grinned. "Should I call Senya over?"
The others nodded.
She cupped her hands and shouted. Unlike the rest, she had no need to act modest around her brother.
Hearing her, Senya responded, but didn't move right away. First, he turned to Utaha, concern in his eyes. "How are you feeling? Still dizzy?"
Utaha smiled faintly. "I'm fine now. Go on ahead. I'll join you later."
Her chance for a private soak with him was gone, but she adapted quickly. Strategy could change.
As for Yukino's silent ridicule? Let her laugh. Pride meant little compared to results.
Senya nodded, relieved, and went to wash up.
Unlike the girls, he only wrapped a towel around his waist.
A boy didn't need to worry about modesty above the waist.
When he stepped out, posture tall and straight, his lean muscles perfectly balanced between strength and grace, he looked like a sculpture come to life.
Even Rokka, his own sister, felt her cheeks heat up, heart racing like a startled deer. Weird… I never noticed Onii-chan looked so… handsome.
It wasn't until he lowered himself into the water, shoulders and head above the surface, that the tension eased.
Still, everyone kept sneaking glances at him, the silence growing thick.
Senya could feel their stares crawling over his skin. Uneasy, he opened his mouth—
—and Utaha appeared.
The sound of footsteps drew all eyes to her.
Shock rippled through the group. Even Senya blinked, his body instinctively leaning forward.
"Hm? Why are you all staring at me like that?"
Utaha slid into the water with practiced innocence, tilting her head in feigned confusion.
"You… you…!" Eriri sputtered, one arm covering her chest while pointing with the other, utterly speechless.
Yukino's gaze darkened, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Kasumigaoka-san, didn't you just say you weren't feeling well?"
Utaha had anticipated this reaction. With her excuse prepared, she breezed through it. "Ah, that was earlier. I feel much better now, so I thought I'd join everyone."
But then Saeko spoke, voicing what was on all their minds.
"Utaha… are you wearing a swimsuit?"
Indeed she was.
A black bikini, trimmed with lace, daringly bold. Against her pale skin, it made her look impossibly alluring—every feminine curve highlighted to perfection.
"Ah, this?" Utaha raised a hand to cover her deep cleavage, feigning a sheepish laugh. "It must've slipped into my luggage by accident when I was packing. I thought it would be a burden, but… it turned out useful after all, didn't it?"
As if!
Yukino and Eriri cursed in unison, though only in their hearts.
…