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E-book Exclusive Short Story: Hinako and the Karuizawa Bath
Summer course, Day 5.
By the time I’d gotten used to navigating the sprawling hotel without relying on signs.
“By the way, Izuki-san, what do you do about baths?”
“Baths?”
Shizune-san asked me, having invited me to Hinako’s room.
While Hinako lounged lazily on the bed, I answered.
“I’ve just been using the hot springs, like normal.”
What’s the big deal? I tilted my head, and Shizune-san gave a small bow.
“I apologize for us always doing things separately.”
“No, it’s fine. I’m the only guy here, after all.”
Separate or not, we could still talk like this. It wasn’t lonely.
This trip was more for the summer course than a vacation anyway. Still, exploring the hotel and having pajama parties had already made it way more fun than I’d expected.
“Oh, but I was thinking of trying the bath in my room today. Since we’re staying in such a nice place, I figured I’d use it at least once.”
“That’s a great idea. Ojou-sama and I have only used the room’s bath as well.”
“Really?”
“Ojou-sama can’t relax in places where people might see her.”
Oh, right. That made sense.
There were other students from Kiou Academy staying at this hotel. If she ran into them at the hot springs, she’d have to put on her usual act.
“…Bath talk?”
Hinako stirred, slowly sitting up on the bed to look at us.
I nodded, and she opened her small mouth.
“Izuki. Wanna bathe together?”
“No… no, no, no…”
I knew she was gonna say that.
(Bathing together aside… I’m kinda curious about the bath in this room.)
This was, after all, a members-only suite for the elite. It’d be a lie to say I wasn’t curious about what kind of bath a room like this would have.
My commoner spirit was practically blazing with excitement.
“…Bathing together’s a no-go, but could I maybe just take a peek inside?”
“You can if we bathe together.”
“No, I mean, I didn’t even bring a swimsuit…”
“Muu…”
Compared to when we first met, Hinako had developed a sense of modesty. Even she didn’t seem keen on the idea of bathing together without swimsuits.
Plus, Shizune-san was watching. I couldn’t exactly nod to this one.
The bath in this room was tempting, but I’d have to back off…
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A few days later.
Back from the beach, I was invited to Hinako’s room again.
“We bought swimsuits, huh.”
“…Yeah.”
No escaping this now.
(Well, whatever. I was curious anyway.)
The furnishings here weren’t much different from the Konohana estate—maybe even a bit less grand—but the hotel’s scenery was stunning. I might not get to come back here, so I was eager to experience it.
“…Shizune-san, is this okay?”
“…Well, I suppose it’s fine.”
Muttering It’s always like this, Shizune-san gave her reluctant approval, and I thanked her.
We stepped out to change into our swimsuits.
The swimsuits we’d used at the beach had been thoroughly cleaned and perfectly dried. When we decided to go to the beach, a few extra Konohana family staff had come along to bolster Hinako’s security. They must’ve handled the laundry too.
Thanking them in my head, I entered the bathroom with Hinako.
“Whoa… a panoramic bath, huh?”
It wasn’t a hot spring, but the large window offered a gorgeous view. The bath was plenty spacious—more than enough for just me and Hinako.
We’d showered at the beach earlier, but the sea breeze during the barbecue had left my skin a bit sticky. I rinsed off again, gave myself a quick wash, and slipped into the tub.
“Phew.”
“Phew.”
Our sighs escaped at the same time.
“Nice view, huh?”
“…Mm.”
We soaked leisurely, taking in the hotel’s harmonious blend with nature.
“Sunburn okay?”
“Might’ve gotten a little.”
Hinako said, glancing at her skin.
I followed her gaze but felt bad staring too long, so I quickly looked away.
“Fwaa…”
Hinako yawned.
“Worn out from today, huh?”
“Mm. But it was fun.”
Couldn’t agree more.
The day’s fatigue melted into the warm water, leaving only a sense of fulfillment.
Proof of a day well spent. I’d sleep like a rock tonight.
“Playing hard at the beach is great, but chilling like this isn’t bad either.”
“Mm… relaxing.”
Back at the estate, bathing together sometimes felt like we were doing something wrong, making it hard to relax. But here, it felt like a vacation, and I could actually unwind.
Playing at the beach, savoring barbecue, and now soaking in a leisurely bath.
What a luxurious day.
Being her caretaker wasn’t half bad. …Thanking Hinako in my heart for days like this, I gazed out at the tranquil night view.
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