SCPK 04

Chapter 4

Taking Shelter from the Rain

“Damn it!”

It had been so sunny, and yet the moment we stepped out of the library the clouds covered the sky and it started pouring rain.
Summer weather really is unpredictable. You can’t help thinking, Is Japan gonna be okay? There’s so much freak weather lately.

“There’s a bus stop over there!”

The one getting soaked alongside me is Kamunagi Tsukiyo—my best friend’s little sister. We left the library at the same time, so of course we’re both in the same situation.
The forecast said it would be sunny today, so neither of us brought an umbrella and we ended up sprinting.
We sat down on the bench under the roof of the bus stop.

“Ugh, I’m totally drenched.”
“I should’ve brought a folding umbrella…”

We both muttered our regrets. Ugh, even my underwear’s soaked. I wrung out my loose T-shirt to get the water out. Thank god for shorts and sandals. Also thank god for a waterproof bag—my books inside should be okay.
She took a handkerchief from her bag and began drying her chestnut-colored hair.
Her hair, long enough to reach her back, caught the water and seemed to gleam. The way it clung to her back was unusual—and beautiful.
It was like she’d just stepped out of a bath. Somehow, it felt… sexy.

“Taiyō-san?”
“Nothing.”

Guess I was staring too much. Can’t help it, she’s cute.
If you think of it as a feast for the eyes, getting soaked in the rain isn’t so bad.

“You don’t have a handkerchief?”
“Embarrassingly enough, I forgot…”

I normally don’t carry one. Even in the bathroom I just wipe my hands on my clothes. This sloppy habit really isn’t good.
In summer, your wet hair and face dry on their own in the breeze. But the way she’s pressing that handkerchief…

“Hey—!”
“Please don’t move.”

She gently started wiping my face with her handkerchief. M-more importantly, her face is way too close. Her big round eyes, her long lashes… her lips probably feel soft too. No, stop it—looking at her face is dangerous!
I lowered my gaze to somewhere else. Her white blouse was see-through… and I could see the pink underneath.

“Oh crap—!”
“Please look straight ahead.”

I already knew she had a nice figure. When everyone went out to play at the start of summer, that size burned itself into my memory.
Beautiful and a great figure—she’s perfect! On top of that she’s smart, has a lovely voice, and a kind personality… perfect in every way!
But I’d never seen her underwear before. This was seriously too stimulating. Still… as her friend, as my best friend’s friend… I had to tell her.

“Why do you keep closing your eyes?”
“W-well… your clothes are see-through, so…”
“See-through…? Kya!”

I figured it was safe to open my eyes now. She turned her back, covering her chest with both arms. Her back was see-through too, but whatever.

“Thanks for wiping me off. I’m okay now.”
“Uuuh… Taiyō-san… you’re pervy.”

Don’t say that with tearful eyes. That expression is even more seductive. She glared at me sideways, but even that look suited her. Still, I started feeling awkward, and we both fell silent. I couldn’t find anything to say. The rain showed no sign of stopping. The bus didn’t seem like it’d come anytime soon either… maybe we’d be here a while.

“Achoo.”

A sneeze? Oh—she must be chilled from the rain.

“You okay?”
“Yes, I just got a little cold.”

She was wearing only a thin blouse. Obviously she couldn’t take it off. If only there was something she could put over her shoulders… Oh, I’d completely forgotten.
I pulled it out of my bag and draped it over her.

“Taiyō-san?”
“I forgot I’d brought a jacket in case the library was cold. You shouldn’t let your shoulders get chilled.”
“But what about you, Taiyō-san?”
“Ha, I’m in the sports club. I’m tough.”
“You were hospitalized just the other day.”

Ugh, when she puts it like that I’ve got nothing. I’m still not fully back to normal. But I can’t let a girl catch a cold.
I folded my arms and stood tall, acting tough.

“It smells like Taiyō-san…”

Wait, do I stink?
I didn’t wash it super recently—maybe sweat or something?
If she gagged I’d seriously want to die. I nervously checked her expression. But it wasn’t the disgusted look I’d imagined.
Her face softened, her eyes went gentle. She held my jacket in both hands like it was precious, gripping it as though she wouldn’t let anyone take it away.

“Taiyō-san’s jacket…”

I think… I might have fallen in love with you, Taiyō-san.

Do people make that kind of face out of friendship?
I don’t know. But my chest felt hot, my face burned, and suddenly I didn’t need a jacket at all.