Under the gaze of Ichin and Utaha, Toyama Rin's cheeks turned slightly red. Though she was a few years older than the two of them and carried herself like a reliable big sister, in this moment she looked more like a shy young girl.
That only piqued Utaha's curiosity and gossip-loving heart.
But since there were still the masseuses around, it wasn't convenient to pry, so Utaha simply said:
"Once we're done here, let's find a place to talk slowly?"
"That would be best," Rin quickly nodded. She wasn't comfortable talking about such things in front of strangers anyway.
Half an hour later, once their foot massages were finished, the three of them went to a bar inside the hotel.
The atmosphere was very nice—booths, soft music—it felt perfect for relaxing and chatting.
They ordered three cocktails and settled into a booth.
Ichin glanced around at the surroundings with satisfaction, then looked at Rin.
"Well then, Rin, tell us what you wanted to consult about."
Rin lifted her glass, took a sip, then glanced cautiously around before lowering her voice.
"I'm asking for your advice… but please don't tell anyone else, alright?"
After the two nodded in agreement, Rin, her face flushed, spoke very shyly:
"I… I just wanted to ask… how do you deepen a relationship?"
"Hm?"
Both Ichin and Utaha instantly perked up. After exchanging a glance, Ichin was the first to ask:
"Rin, don't tell me your relationship with Kō hasn't progressed at all?"
"I–It's not that there's no progress," Rin mumbled, her face red. "It's definitely not like before anymore, I just… don't know how to take it further."
"Oh?"
Utaha rubbed her chin with interest, then nudged Rin's shoulder and asked directly:
"So, Rin, what stage are you at now? Have you kissed yet?"
Utaha's straightforwardness made Rin's face burn even hotter.
She quickly took another sip of her drink to calm herself before whispering:
"Y-Yes… but you know how Kō is, always so carefree… so I was thinking, maybe we should take it a step further."
"If it's going to the next step…"
Ichin spoke while exchanging another glance with Utaha. Both of their lips curled into small smiles, and a shared sense of amusement rose between them.
Utaha narrowed her eyes, unable to resist saying:
"What a shame Eriri didn't come along. If she heard this, I'm sure the doujin artist side of her would instantly come roaring back to life."
"Don't! Absolutely don't let anyone else know!" Rin shook her head furiously, her cheeks burning bright red.
Usually she carried herself like a caring big sister, but when it came to this kind of topic, she absolutely didn't want too many people to know. It was just too embarrassing.
Ichin gently squeezed Utaha's hand and reassured her:
"Don't worry, we won't say anything. Utaha's just teasing you. But honestly, Rin, your idea makes sense. After all, you and Kō getting closer is perfectly natural. And isn't tonight the perfect chance? Compared to being at home, the hotel atmosphere is definitely better. If I'm not mistaken, you and Kō are sharing a room, right?"
Rin nodded. "Mm, the same room."
"Then there you go."
Utaha snapped her fingers with a smile.
"Hotels are places couples go all the time. Ichin and I often do the same—after going out together, we'll just book a hotel for the night. The atmosphere of being alone in a hotel room is already intimate. If you, Rin, pour a couple glasses of red wine and take the initiative just a little bit, wouldn't that settle everything?"
After Utaha finished, Ichin rubbed his chin and said:
"Hmm, but… it feels like something's still missing."
"What's missing?"
Both Utaha and Rin turned to look at him.
Ichin thought for a moment, glanced at Rin, then shook his head.
"Forget it, I probably shouldn't say it."
Utaha immediately rolled her eyes.
"Honestly, Ichin, leaving people hanging like that is a terrible habit!"
Ichin spread his hands helplessly.
"But really, it's not something that suits me to bring up."
In the end, it was Rin who spoke up.
"Um, Ichin, it's just the three of us here. It's fine, you can say it."
"…Really?"
Scratching his head, Ichin sighed.
"Alright, I'll say it then. I just thought… before coming to the hotel this afternoon, Rin, you should've gone home and brought some clothes. More importantly, I don't know if you've got any, uh… decisive lingerie ready."
The moment he said "decisive lingerie," Rin understood immediately. Her face flushed crimson, and she quickly grabbed her cocktail, downing it all in one go.
Utaha, on the other hand, wasn't nearly as flustered. She thoughtfully nodded.
"True, why didn't I think of that? Ichin, do you think we could have the hotel staff buy some for her?"
"No, no, no, no!"
Rin frantically waved her hands. Between embarrassment and the alcohol, her face was already bright red.
"Alright, alright, forget it then."
Seeing Rin that shy, Ichin decided not to tease her with any more outrageous ideas.
Crossing his arms, he mused aloud:
"Fine, forget the lingerie. What about this instead—why not have the hotel staff decorate your room? Scatter some rose petals on the bed, add a bit of candlelight for atmosphere. But then again, everyone's rooms have twin beds… only Utaha and I have a king-sized bed. Should I get your room changed?"
Rin hurriedly shook her head.
"No need! This is enough—I know what to do now. I'll just ask the hotel to send up a bottle of red wine later. Tonight, I'll make sure to seal the deal!"
Though Rin said it with determination, neither Ichin nor Utaha truly believed she could pull it off exactly as she claimed.
Well, they would just have to wait and see.
After finishing their drinks, the three didn't linger in the bar any longer and went off to find the others.
The hotel had plenty of entertainment facilities, and everyone else was already having a blast.
When Ichin spotted the ping-pong room, he couldn't resist joining in. He ended up sweeping through Yagami Kō, Hajime, Aoba, and Eriri one after another.
A little sweaty from the games, he gathered everyone together—time to go soak in the baths.
On the way to the reserved hot spring, Aoba suddenly remembered something.
"Ah, but what about a change of clothes?"
Outer clothes weren't too much of a problem, but underwear was another story. For a group of girls who all liked to stay clean, not having spares could be troublesome.
Yukino's older sister, Haruno, remained calm.
"Don't worry. The hotel provides clothing—you just have to pay for it. And if you want designer brands, the hotel can even contact the brand shops and bring them over for you. It's really simple."
"Really? Then I'm relieved."
Aoba patted her chest in relief—at least she didn't have to worry about going to bed with nothing to change into.
*
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