For two whole days after that night, Imaizumi Keita responded to Yanami Anna's demands without reservation, in a manner that was almost like "fulfilling an obligation."
Whether it was when the morning sun was just right, in the drowsy afternoon, or even on the sofa while they watched boring variety shows side-by-side.
With just one look or a hint from her, he would unhesitatingly fulfill his duties as a "boyfriend."
It wasn't until Yanami Anna took the initiative to beg for mercy, accusing him of being an "unrestrained monster," that the matter finally came to a temporary close.
As a result, far from being drained dry, Imaizumi Keita's mental state was more vibrant than ever because of this intensive activity.
On the contrary, it was Yanami Anna who became much more docile after thoroughly venting the insecurity and possessiveness born from his "betrayal."
Sigh.
Who told him he was an incubus? Otherwise, he definitely wouldn't have been able to take it...
...
On the afternoon before the Fireworks Festival, the Literature Club's group chat became lively again.
Tsukinoki Koto: [@All Members, confirming the final details for tomorrow's Fireworks Festival! The meeting time is 4:30 PM at the entrance of Seaside Park in the neighboring city. Everyone, remember not to be late!]
Tamaki Shintaro: [Received! I'm already looking forward to it!]
Shioyaki Lemon: [No problem! I'll definitely be there on time! [Shiba Inu Salute.jpg]]
Komari Chika: [...Mm, got it.]
Yanami Anna: [Everyone is going to wear a Yukata tomorrow, right? I've already prepared my super—duper—cute Yukata! [Sparkle.jpg]]
Tsukinoki Koto: [Of course! We agreed to wear them together! @Imaizumi Keita, Imaizumi-kun, is your Yukata ready?]
Imaizumi Keita: [It's ready.]
With everyone's confirmation complete, the group chat returned to peace.
Just as Imaizumi Keita set his phone aside, he received a private voice call invitation from Yanami Anna.
Imaizumi Keita pressed the answer button, and Yanami Anna's cheerful, smiling voice came through the receiver.
"Hello, Keita? Are you busy?"
"Not really, I was just about to write something." Imaizumi Keita leaned back in his chair, his voice relaxing as well. "What's up, Anna-chan? Missing me again?"
"Hmph, who's missing you? You narcissistic guy."
Yanami Anna gave a light huff on the other end of the line and changed the subject.
"Is the Yukata you're wearing tomorrow all ready?"
"It's ready." There was a hint of helplessness in Imaizumi Keita's tone. "Didn't I just say so in the group chat?"
"That's different," Yanami Anna whined and acted spoiled on the other end. "In the group, it was everyone asking, not me. Right now, I'm checking on you privately as your girlfriend."
She paused, then spoke with a slightly smug tone: "Have these past two days been very hard? I feel like you don't have much energy in your voice, Keita."
"...It's fine."
Imaizumi Keita felt that Yanami Anna's ability to gloat after getting what she wanted was becoming more and more proficient.
"Hehe~" Yanami Anna was very satisfied with his defeated look. She hummed a bit before bringing the conversation back on track.
"Speaking of which, Keita," her voice still sounded sweet, but it gained a touch of unquestionable composure, "tomorrow, you have to stay properly by my side."
She paused, a hint of mischievous laughter entering her voice.
"Lemon-chan is also going to the Fireworks Festival tomorrow. I'm actually a bit curious how she'll maintain our 'ordinary friends' relationship in front of us."
"I say, Anna-chan," listening to her wicked sense of humor, he slightly regretted telling her about this, "you aren't... looking forward to some kind of battle royale, are you?"
"How can you call that a battle royale? I'm simply curious about the complex and delicate friendship between girls."
"Then you'd better not bully Lemon. You're both equally important in my heart..."
Hearing Imaizumi Keita's words, Yanami Anna couldn't help but roll her eyes.
Thinking of something, her cheeks began to turn crimson again.
...
Meanwhile, in Shioyaki Lemon's room.
The young girl was standing in front of a full-length mirror, clumsily adjusting the brand-new Yukata she was wearing.
It was a bright sunflower yellow base, dotted with large, blooming white daisies.
This Yukata, full of summer vitality and spirit, complemented her healthy, wheat-colored skin, making it look even more radiant.
This was the one Kin-chan had personally said was "very much your style."
Shioyaki Lemon had thought about buying a Yukata in a different style to surprise Kin-chan, but after picking for a long time, she couldn't find a more suitable design. In the end, she had no choice but to buy this one.
She turned around clumsily a few times in front of the mirror, the wide sleeves fluttering gently with her movements.
Mm, indeed... it looks much better than that white one from before.
She looked at herself in the mirror, a satisfied smile appearing on her face, which was quickly replaced by determination.
Her mind recalled her confession to Kin-chan in front of the station, and Kin-chan's response to her.
"I like you."
"...I also like (Anna)."
The bitterness in her heart was quickly replaced by an even stronger competitive spirit.
Since in Kin-chan's heart, she and Anna were "equal."
Then, this race was not over yet.
"Since it's a race, I have to sprint with everything I've got."
Shioyaki Lemon clenched her fists and spoke lowly but firmly to herself in the mirror.
She knew that at tomorrow's Fireworks Festival, Anna would definitely stay by Kin-chan's side every step of the way.
Regardless of whether Anna announced they were a couple, she herself couldn't be too proactive.
She had promised Kin-chan that she would continue to play the role of a "good friend" in front of Anna.
But that didn't mean she was going to give up her offensive.
Quite the opposite.
Since it was a race, she had to sprint with all her might.
She recalled the chemistry of running side-by-side with Kin-chan, and the way his eyes looked at her with a gentle smile.
She also remembered the sweetness of him feeding her ice cream with a spoon at the shaved ice shop.
And the palm of his hand with fingers interlaced with hers in the movie theater.
Wait.
These things were secrets that belonged only to her and Kin-chan.
Under the safe cover of her identity as a "friend," she would show her charm to Kin-chan without reservation.
She wanted him to see that besides sweating on the track, she could also have such a feminine and cute side.
She definitely had to make Kin-chan's gaze shift from Anna to herself.
Even if it was only for a few seconds.
Wildflowers are more fragrant than domestic ones, and colorful flags are more eye-catching than a single red one...
"Anna..."
Looking at herself in the mirror wearing the sunflower Yukata with determined eyes, a smile full of fighting spirit appeared on her face.
"I won't easily lose in tomorrow's race."
-------------------------
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