CHAPTER 28
Manami vents her frustration to Kanda about her recent date with Kio during their double date. She explains that she tried dropping hints and making advances toward Kio, but he remained completely oblivious.
When she tried to hold his hand like Kanda and his girlfriends were doing, Kio merely laughed and said, "We're not kids who'll get lost in our own hometown."
When she hinted that they looked like a couple, he brushed it off, saying, "The real couple here is Kanda, Eris, and Aoi."
The longer the date went on, the more frustrated Manami became. Watching Kanda and his girlfriends share intimate moments only fueled her jealousy. Her frustration finally exploded when she saw Kanda and Aoi share a kiss during a visit to her room.
Manami:
"Ahhhhhhh! Damn that Kio, I tried everything and he's still too dense! And you, Kanda—stop showing off your affection with your girlfriends in front of me! I'm burning with jealousy, you know!"
Manami glared at him after letting out her complaints.
Kanda:
"Hahaha, sorry about that, Manami. I love all my girlfriends, so of course I want to spoil them. Anyway, you need to tell Kio directly that you like him—otherwise, he'll never figure it out."
Manami:
"Humph... NO! I want him to confess to me, not the other way around!"
Kanda:
"That's your choice, but good luck waiting for his confession. It might take forever... or maybe it won't come at all."
Manami:
"…Do I really have to tell him first?"
Kanda:
"Of course. You've seen firsthand how dense he is. If you don't speak up, nothing will change."
Manami:
"But... what if he doesn't like me back?"
Kanda:
"Whether he does or not, at least you'll have an answer. How about tonight? Take him somewhere private and confess before the fireworks show."
Manami:
"Hmm... sigh... fine. I'll do it tonight."
Kanda:
"Hahaha, that's the spirit, Manami. Now, let's get back to the chalet—I'm starving!"
He patted her shoulder and walked ahead toward the chalet where Maya was waiting.
Manami stood still for a moment, then slapped her cheeks lightly, determination blazing in her eyes.
"Yosh! I can do this... I'll do it tonight!"
She quickly chased after Kanda.
Both of them returned to the chalet where they had lunch. Durel joined them, and Kanda reminded Maya to store the fish they caught earlier for tonight's barbecue party and fireworks show.
Later in the afternoon, Eris and the others arrived back at the chalet. Eris excitedly shared stories about their shopping trip and showed off the souvenirs she had bought for everyone.
As evening approached, they all headed to the beach for a 3-on-3 beach volleyball tournament.
Kanda teamed up with Chaika and Melwin, forming a surprisingly well-balanced team.
The tournament had eight teams:
Kanda Team (Kanda, Chaika, Melwin)
Eris Team (Eris, Aoi, Manami)
Antonia Team (Antonia, Sarah, Maya)
Kio Team (Kio and two boys from his club)
Kuune Team (Kuune, Durel, Jack)
Itokazu Team (Itokazu, Arisa, Aiko)
Plus two maid teams, invited by Antonia.
The matches were decided by drawing lots.
First Round:
Kanda Team vs 1st Maid Team:
Kanda's team won easily, 25–10, thanks to his solid court coverage, Chaika's agility, and Melwin's surprising luck.
Eris Team vs Itokazu Team:
Eris's team dominated 25–15, showing off their physical prowess.
Antonia Team vs 2nd Maid Team:
Antonia's team crushed the maids 15–0 at first, but after scolding them to "play seriously," the match became intense. They barely scraped a win at 27–25, with Sarah and Maya's solid teamwork.
Kuune Team vs Kio Team:
The most disastrous match of the tournament.
As soon as Kuune served, her enormous chest jiggled violently, causing one of Kio's teammates to nosebleed and faint.
Jack's jumping spike had similar effects—another teammate fainted.
Finally, Kio himself fainted after taking Jack's powerful spike straight to the face.
Kuune Team won by default, advancing to the next round.
Semifinals:
Kanda Team vs Antonia Team:
Kanda's teasing made Sarah lose her focus, giving his team an early lead (15–5).
After Maya scolded her, Sarah calmed down and the match got tighter, but Kanda's team narrowly won 30–28 thanks to Melwin's lucky serve.
Kuune Team vs Eris Team:
Chaos ensued.
Manami and Aoi grew increasingly frustrated watching Kuune and Jack's assets bounce all over the court, making it impossible to focus.
Kuune's team won easily 25–14, taking advantage of the distraction.
Final Match:
Kanda Team vs Kuune Team:
An intense battle, but extremely painful for Kanda—both emotionally and physically—as he constantly took "damage" from accidental collisions and visual assaults.
Despite this, Kanda's team pulled off a 25–23 win, although Kanda felt he had spiritually lost the match.
The reward?
A premium black card from Antonia Group that offered unlimited spending privileges.
Kanda was hesitant, but... who could say no to free, unlimited money.
As night fell, they prepared for the fireworks show.
While helping with dinner, Kanda whispered to Manami:
Kanda:
"Manami, are you ready?"
He asked while balancing a plate of grilled meat.
Manami:
"I'm a little nervous… Do you think I can pull it off?"
Kanda:
"Just act natural. Be yourself."
Manami:
"Thanks, Kanda. I really appreciate it."
Kanda:
"Hahaha, no worries. Just trying to help a friend find her happiness."
He smiled warmly.
"Anyway, it's almost fireworks time. Better go now."
Manami:
"Alright!"
She straightened her posture, walked over to Kio, and after exchanging a few words, quietly led him away from the group.
Kanda watched them leave, silently wishing her luck.
Returning to his girlfriends, Kanda found himself being fed by Eris, Aoi, and even a shy, blushing Melwin.
Calling her cute only made Melwin pout adorably, until she melted under Kanda's head pats.
Meanwhile, the maids bustled about, setting up the fireworks in record time...
They counted down together, and as the clock hit zero, fireworks burst into the sky, painting a dazzling scene. Brilliant explosions bloomed overhead, forming all kinds of colorful patterns for everyone to admire.
While the crowd was still mesmerized by the spectacle, Kanda happened to glance toward the path where Manami and Kio had gone. He saw Manami returning alone, her head bowed low.
Kanda: Manami, what happened? How did it go?
He hurried over to her, his voice filled with concern.
Manami: K-Kanda... Kio... he didn't accept my confession...
Manami lifted her face, revealing tears streaming down her cheeks, before she threw herself into Kanda's arms, sobbing quietly.
Kanda hugged her tightly, gently stroking the back of her head. Without saying a word, he led her away from the crowd, back to the fishing spot where they had spent the morning together. Sitting side by side, Manami leaned her head against his shoulder, staring blankly out at the ocean.
After a long silence, she finally spoke.
Manami: Kanda...
Kanda: Yeah?
Manami: Am I... not pretty enough?
Kanda: No. You're beautiful, Manami.
Manami: Then... why did he reject me?
Kanda: Maybe... he had his own reasons.
Manami: What reasons?
I confessed first... I laid my feelings bare... What more does he want?!
Manami pulled away from his shoulder, standing up abruptly. Her voice cracked as she shouted her frustration to the night sky.
Kanda: I'm sorry, Manami... I don't know the answer.
Manami: Then, Kanda! Tell me honestly — what do you think of me?
She turned to face him, her expression serious.
Kanda slowly stood up, brushing the dust from his pants. Meeting her gaze, he answered calmly.
Kanda: You want my honest opinion?
Manami: Yes. Please.
Kanda: Well... you're violent, short-tempered, and you freeload at my house all the time. Your only real advantage is your big breasts.
Manami's face twisted with anger.
Manami: Kanda! Are you trying to piss me off right now?!
Kanda: Just listen, Manami.
He raised a hand to calm her.
Kanda: Even with all that, I respect you. You're brave, and you never hesitate to stand up for your friends. You're someone I can admire.
...Although, I won't deny that your big breasts are a bonus for me.
Manami's face turned bright red at his blunt praise before shifting to a look of exasperation.
Manami: I seriously don't know if I should hit you or thank you... But still... thanks for being honest.
Kanda: Of course, Manami.
There was a pause. Then she asked quietly:
Manami: If I asked you to be my boyfriend... would you accept me?
Kanda took a breath, looking straight at her before shifting his gaze back to the ocean.
Kanda: Manami... you should think carefully about that. There are plenty of guys out there better suited for you. Right now, you're hurt — and maybe not thinking clearly. I don't want you to make a decision you'll regret.
Manami stared at him for a moment. Then, slowly, her expression hardened with determination.
Manami: Kanda... look at me.
Kanda: Huh? What is it?
As he turned to face her, Manami suddenly leaned in and pressed her lips against his.
Kanda froze, caught completely off guard by the sudden kiss. His mind blanked for a moment, feeling the soft warmth of her lips against his.
Manami pulled back just a few seconds later, her face flushed bright red, but her eyes steady.
Manami: I'm serious, Kanda. I choose you.
Kanda stared at her, heart pounding loudly in his chest. He could still taste the faint sweetness of her lips lingering on his own.
Kanda: Manami... Are you sure? Even knowing what kind of guy I am?
Manami gave a small, lopsided smile — part shy, part stubborn.
Manami: Yeah. I know exactly what kind of guy you are.
An annoying, blunt, sometimes perverted idiot...
But also someone who always stays by my side when I need it most.
Kanda let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, a soft chuckle escaping him.
Kanda: You're really something else, Manami.
He reached out, ruffling her hair gently.
Manami pouted and swatted at his hand, but there was no real anger behind it.
Kanda: Alright then.
If you're that serious... I'll take responsibility.
Manami's eyes widened in surprise.
Manami: R-Responsibility...?
Kanda: Yeah. You're not the only one who's serious here.
He gave her a small, crooked grin — the kind he only showed to people he truly trusted.
The fireworks still sparkled faintly in the distance, casting soft lights over them as they stood there, a little awkward, a little shy, but smiling together for the first time that night.
END OF THE CHAPTER.