By the time Ichin and Utaha arrived at the hotel with the two little sisters, the others had already gone up and been assigned their rooms. Naturally, Hinata and Tamaki were sharing a room with their sister, Ruri Gokou.

On the floor where everyone was staying, Ichin walked the two girls over to Ruri's room.

"Here you go—your sisters, delivered safely."

Holding one in each hand, Ruri smiled. "Thanks, Ichin-kun."

Once Ruri had taken them inside, Ichin and Utaha went to their own room.

The hotel was a five-star establishment in Nerima, and the suite was, unsurprisingly, luxurious.

After a quick look around, Utaha sat down on the sofa in the living area, clearly pleased. "Not bad. So, Ichin, what's the plan now?"

"Didn't Hazuki tell us when she gave the keycards? Some of them planned to bathe before dinner. I've reserved two bathhouses—one large one for all of you girls, and a smaller private one for myself. If you're tired, you can go soak a bit first. Dinner's also been arranged with the head chef here, so it'll take a little while to prepare."

"So Hazuki and the others went ahead to the baths?"

Utaha nodded, then hugged his arm with a smile. "Then Ichin, why don't we go too?"

"'We'?"

Her smile turned mischievous. "Of course. They'll definitely go again later this evening, so I'll join them then. But right now, what's wrong with keeping you company? Or… do you not want me to bathe with you?"

Well, there went any chance of staying sleepy.

"Let's go!" Ichin said without hesitation.

—

By the time dinner rolled around at six, the two of them finally showed up at the private restaurant they'd booked.

Everyone else had clearly already soaked in the hot springs, lounging about in yukata robes with utterly relaxed expressions.

Taking his seat, Ichin asked with a grin, "Enjoy the baths?"

Yagami Kou leaned back with a satisfied sigh. "Totally. It's been forever since I soaked—this was the best idea! But Utaha, I didn't expect you to skip bathing with us."

Sitting next to Ichin, Utaha laughed softly. "We'll all go again tonight. But in the afternoon? Of course I had to keep Ichin company."

Kou eyed the two of them, cozy as ever, and rubbed at her goosebumps. "Ugh, I shouldn't have asked."

Hazuki, already pouring drinks, chuckled. "Exactly. No need to ask. It's just a couple being a couple. You'll get used to it."

Soon, dinner was served—individual plates for each person, which was perfect given the size of the group. And with the head chef of the hotel preparing the meal, the taste was, without a doubt, first-class.

Biting into a big piece of tempura shrimp, Hinata and Tamaki's faces lit up with satisfaction.

"So good!!!" the two said in unison.

Watching her younger sisters, Ruri spoke between bites, "Don't just eat meat. You have to eat your vegetables too, understood? Especially you, Tamaki."

"I knooow~~~"

Drawing out her voice in protest, Tamaki reluctantly picked up a piece of broccoli and popped it into her mouth. She really didn't like vegetables, but with a chef this skilled, even broccoli tasted good enough to swallow without complaint.

After a mouthful of rice, Ichin looked over at Hazuki. "Hazuki, since you all arrived earlier than me, is there anything besides hot springs here for entertainment?"

"Oh, plenty," Hazuki replied brightly. "I asked the staff when I checked us in. They have a whole leisure zone—game consoles, PCs for gaming, several indoor courts for activities like ping pong and badminton. There's also karaoke and a bunch of other entertainment options. Since you booked the service package today, all those areas are free for us to use. You really picked the right hotel!"

Ichin nodded in satisfaction. "So the only downside is the price. After dinner, everyone can choose what they want to do. It's all covered anyway."

The rooms he booked were all deluxe doubles, plus a reserved private bath for the girls, and meals specially prepared by the head chef. They definitely weren't small-time customers, so it was normal for the hotel to throw in extras.

Judging by the service so far, this was worth coming back to regularly for a break. A soak in a hot spring really did ease the body, much better than a bath at home.

By the time they finished the lavish dinner, night had already fallen.

Heading into the hotel's recreation area, Ichin turned to everyone. "Do whatever you want for evening activities. Utaha and I are going for a foot massage. Anyone want to join?"

Rin Toyama was the first to raise her hand.

"Rin, you too?"

She nodded with a smile. "I've been feeling a little worn out lately. A massage sounds perfect."

"Alright then, let's go together."

Since no one else was interested, Ichin let the rest of the group decide freely and left with Utaha and Rin, guided by hotel staff.

Meanwhile, Aoba turned to Kou. "Kou-nee, you're not going?"

"Hm? Foot massages sound painful, so no thanks." Kou shook her head, a bit resistant. "Come on, let's play ping pong! I can't beat Ichin, but I bet I can hold my own against you guys!"

The rest of the group also split off to try different activities.

As for Ichin's group, the three arrived at the therapy area and were assigned female staff for their foot massages.

Leaning back in his chair, feeling the steady rhythm of pressure on his acupoints, Ichin relaxed, a satisfied expression spreading across his face.

"This feels pretty great."

On either side, Utaha and Rin both nodded in agreement.

After a while, Rin opened her eyes, glanced at the two beside her, and spoke softly. "Ichin-kun, Utaha, there's something I want to ask your advice about."

Both turned to her at once. Of course—Rin, who usually took such good care of herself, wouldn't complain of feeling tired without a reason. She clearly had something on her mind.

Ichin chuckled. "Ask away, Rin. We've known each other long enough—what can't you ask us? But let me guess… does it have to do with Kou?"

Rin didn't deny it right away. That was enough for Ichin to know he'd guessed right.

*

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