Ryohei Tanaka politely greeted Kobayashi. He noticed that her reaction was a little strange, but he didn't dwell on it. After glancing at Kanna-kun, who had just finished a slice of watermelon, he handed her a piece of melon before turning to Kobayashi. "Are you guys going to a public beach? It's probably going to be a bit crowded at this time."

"There's not much we can do about it. It's the height of summer, and today's a weekend," Kobayashi said, scratching her head. It was mainly Kanna-kun and Tohru who wanted to go. They had seen something on TV about how "you have to go to the beach with the important people in your life during the summer" and had been pestering her ever since. After thinking it over, she realized it wasn't a difficult request to fulfill, and it wouldn't take up too much time. Plus, it had been a while since she had been to the beach herself, so she found herself a little tempted and agreed.

Learning that it was Kanna-kun and Tohru who wanted to go, and for that particular reason, Ryohei gave up the idea of inviting them to stay and play. He hadn't been particularly keen on it anyway; it was mostly just out of politeness. So, after a few more pleasantries, they went their separate ways.

Back with Ryohei's group, seeing that the interruption was over, everyone dispersed and went back to their own activities.

"Ryohei-kun," Yurine suddenly said, turning to him with an expectant look in her eyes. "Let's go on a trip together when my summer vacation starts!" she whispered. "Just the two of us!" Kobayashi's earlier words had struck a chord with her—she wanted to create memories this summer that belonged only to the two of them.

"Sure," Ryohei agreed readily. He had been considering something similar, so her suggestion was right up his alley. "Do you have a place in mind?" he asked.

"Hmm... my old home in this world?" Yurine's gaze softened as she looked at him. "If that's okay."

"Of course, it is." Ryohei quickly did some mental calculations. He didn't have much planned at the moment, except for a food festival on the twenty-third that he had to attend. Yurine's summer vacation also started on that day. However, after the semester ended, she would probably have to go home for a couple of days. In that case... after the twenty-sixth would be a better time.

"Do you mind if a pet tags along?" Lucoa asked, stroking her chin as she watched the two of them openly planning their trip for two.

"Very much," Yurine replied, her eyes narrowing as she looked at Lucoa. 'A pet, she says. How shameless!' she cursed inwardly.

Ryohei was speechless. 'You see yourself as a pet? You don't act like one! More like a succubus who tempts people into sin and corruption!' Even Jashin-chan was more pet-like than her!

Bringing Lucoa along was definitely not a good idea. Ryohei waved a hand at her in refusal. "Next time, I'll take you next time... when we all go on a group trip. This time, Yurine and I are planning to have some time to ourselves."

"Waaah—! I've been abandoned!" Lucoa cried out dramatically, turning her head away and pretending to wipe away non-existent tears with her fingers. Ryohei couldn't help but roll his eyes at her theatrics.

"..." Yurine let out a breath, a slight smile playing on her lips. Happiness level +1!

"..."

Ignoring Lucoa's act, Ryohei thought for a moment. This time, he wanted to travel through a more conventional route—by car or plane. He felt it would be more of an experience and create a better travel atmosphere. However, thinking about the logistical problems that would entail, he turned to Lucoa. "Lucoa, could you help me get a legal identity in China? And help us with our passports while you're at it..."

"You're not taking me on your trip, but you still want me to do this and that for you... Ryohei-kun, you're being unreasonable!" As if switching personalities, Lucoa's demeanor changed completely. She lifted the lid of her left eye and gave him a lazy look.

Ryohei felt a little embarrassed. "So, will you help?" he asked, clearing his throat.

"You're the one asking, Ryohei-kun. How can I say no?" Lucoa said with a shrug.

...

Time flew by, and soon it was 9 AM.

"Medusa—!!"

Medusa, now in a white-printed bikini with a matching sarong tied around her waist, arrived at the cloud pool. Jashin-chan immediately put on a ferocious expression, her snake tail whipping back and forth like a supercharged motor. She charged towards Medusa, creating two white wakes in her path.

"Uh... what's wrong?" Medusa was completely bewildered and had no time to react before Jashin-chan grabbed her by the shoulders. Perhaps intimidated by Jashin-chan's ferocity, she seemed to shrink in size the moment she was caught.

"You bastard! Have you been spreading rumors about me in the demon world?" Jashin-chan glared at Medusa, grinding her teeth. She suspected that her teacher had learned about her inability to return to the demon world from Medusa. Her lifelong reputation was at stake!

"N-no, I haven't!" Medusa stammered, her gaze darting around, unable to meet Jashin-chan's eyes.

"Still trying to deny it!" Jashin-chan roared, seeing right through Medusa's guilty conscience. "If you didn't do anything, then why can't you look me in the eye?" she demanded. "You bastard, I'm going to kill you!" With that, she raised her fist, ready to strike.

"I really didn't!" Medusa quickly raised her hands to block her face, turning her head away guiltily. "It's just that you haven't been back to the demon world in so long, Jashin-chan, so everyone's been talking about you... I just happened to know a little about your situation, so I mentioned it..."

"That's not considered spreading rumors, is it?"

"How is it not!" Jashin-chan's fist landed on Medusa's hand.

"Alright, you two, stop fighting," Minos said, swimming over to separate them. "Medusa didn't mean any harm, so don't blame her."

"Hmph—!" Jashin-chan crossed her arms, turned her head away with a cold snort, and shot a sidelong glance at Medusa, who was looking at her nervously. "It's not impossible for me to forgive you," she said. "As long as you're willing to compensate me with 1 million yen for the damage to my reputation!"

'Are you trying to extort her? What reputation do you even have?!' Ryohei, who had been floating aimlessly on an inflatable boat for the past few minutes, looked over in astonishment at Jashin-chan's words, his mouth agape.

"No problem!" The shameless snake had made an outrageous demand, but Medusa was actually relieved. Money could solve the problem, and that was all that mattered. She smiled at Jashin-chan. "I'll give it to you when we get back."

"ATM!!" Jashin-chan was deeply moved. An easy one million yen! This was the easiest money she had ever made. A bright smile spread across her face, and she threw her arms around Medusa, pressing her cheek against hers. "I forgive you! Medusa, we'll be best friends forever!"

"Okay, it's a promise," Medusa said, hugging Jashin-chan back. In that moment, the sun seemed to shine a little brighter, and the atmosphere became decidedly... yuri.

"..."

Everyone else fell silent. Minos stood with her hands on her hips, at a loss for words as she watched her two friends embracing.

The Second, sitting on an inflatable boat, couldn't help but comment, "Jashin-chan is such a scumbag!" Kouji nodded in agreement beside her. Poporon shot Jashin-chan a disdainful look, and Yurine covered her face with her hand.

Ryohei looked at Medusa, who was beaming with a sunny smile that revealed her two cute little canine teeth, clearly enjoying the moment. 'Oh, well, let them be,' he thought. It seemed Medusa was into that sort of thing...

~~~

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