Chapter 146: Ski resort (3)

We took the gondola down from the mountain lodge. Mizuki, though eager to ski, insisted on staying with us.

“I can’t leave you two alone!”

She’d said. Perhaps even Mizuki thought our displays of affection were a bit much. But I couldn’t help it! Being with Aya made my heart race. I no longer felt the need to hide my feelings, so I leaned against her as we walked back to the lodge. Mizuki chattered beside us, but I could barely hear her. The only sounds that registered were the crunch of snow under our feet and Aya’s soft breathing.

Our room at the ski lodge hotel was a spacious and well-appointed triple. After we’d hung up our ski gear and heavy winter clothes, the room seemed even larger.

“Wow…”

The view from the window was breathtaking. Being with my wealthy friends meant I often got to see amazing views like this. Maybe this was why people traveled so much.

“So, who wants to shower first~?” Mizuki asked.

My body was sticky with sweat and covered in minor scrapes from my skiing attempts, so I raised my hand eagerly.

“Me! Me! I want to shower first!”
“Okay~ Rina first! Then who’s next? How about you, Aya?”

“I’ll go last.”

Mizuki nudged Aya playfully, and Aya just smiled faintly. I was curious about their exchange, but I rushed to the bathroom before I could hear more.

Wait… what were they talking about?
I strained my ears, trying to hear their conversation through the door, but their voices were too low.

What were they talking about? I should have waited!
‘No, it’s probably nothing important…’

I tried to suppress my curiosity, but it was no use. I turned on the shower, letting the warm water wash away my anxieties.

‘Today was… really nice, being with Aya…’

I’d missed her so much during the break that I’d constantly touched the promise ring on my finger…
And the thought of Aya waiting for me outside made my face flush.
I was going crazy because of her.

****

Silence fell over the room after Rina closed the bathroom door. Mizuki broke the silence, cautiously asking Aya,

“Aya-ring, aren’t you moving too fast lately?”

Aya looked at the snowy landscape outside the window, then turned to Mizuki.

“I can’t help it. I want to be with Rina.”

Mizuki sighed softly. Her usual cheerful facade faded, replaced by a more serious, almost aristocratic demeanor. Aya knew this side of Mizuki. The pink-haired Mizuki from elementary school had always been reserved and quiet, almost cold.

“I understand how you feel, but expanding the Yukikawa family’s influence beyond the medical field carries significant risks. People tolerate your family’s dominance in the medical industry because of its established power, but politics and media are different.”

Mizuki’s words weren’t just a warning; they were genuine advice, coming from the heir to the prestigious Asakura family, someone who understood the intricacies of Japan’s upper class and its political dynamics. Yukikawa Aya was the heir to the highly respected Yukikawa family, and until recently, she’d always been cautious and discreet.

But after the ball, Aya had been rapidly expending the Yukikawa family’s carefully cultivated reputation. Aya, however, was resolute.

“I’m willing to take that risk. In fact, it’s necessary for the future I envision.”

Mizuki gazed into Aya’s eyes, seeing the unwavering conviction in their depths. She sighed.

“If you’re that determined, I won’t try to stop you. But remember, Aya, what you’re attempting could shake Japanese society to its core. And the people around you will inevitably be affected.”
“I know. That’s why I’m being careful. And I’m not the only one involved in this.”

Mizuki smiled faintly, seeing Aya’s determination. Aya had mobilized her network, connecting with other like-minded individuals from influential families. They weren’t a formal group, but Aya was carefully weaving them together, walking a tightrope of low-probability outcomes.

“Seriously… I’m such an idiot for having such a reckless romantic as a friend… Okay, I’ll support you both. But don’t overdo it, promise?”

Just then, the water stopped, and the bathroom door opened.
Mizuki smiled playfully.

“Rina-tan, you took a long shower~”

“I didn’t! I was quick!” Rina retorted, flustered, and Aya’s gaze softened, her eyes filled with an immeasurable affection. Mizuki, watching Aya’s expression, felt a pang of longing for a love she knew she could never have.

****

Mizuki went to take a shower.
The room fell silent again after the bathroom door closed. It reminded me of the time we went to Osaka for the field trip, though this room was much larger.

I sat down next to Aya, trying to hide my nervousness. Just being near her made my heart flutter.

“Rina.”
“…Yes?”

“You were really cute today.”
“M-Mhm…”

Aya… she was saying such things again… My heart might actually explode. She’d called me “cute” so many times today. In Japanese, “kawaii” also implied “pretty.”

Aya’s profile, as she gazed out the window, was breathtakingly beautiful.

I didn’t know when I’d become so susceptible to compliments, probably after my past and present life memories merged.

I fidgeted, suddenly curious about what Aya and Mizuki had been talking about earlier.

“What were you two talking about while I was in the shower?”
“Nothing much.”
“Liar. It seemed like something…”

I narrowed my eyes suspiciously, and Aya chuckled, covering her mouth.

“Mizuki said… you were cute.”
“…Eh? Mizuki?”

My face flushed at the unexpected comment. Wait… what? Did Mizuki… like me?
No, no, this was just my “protagonist syndrome” acting up. I wasn’t that delusional.

“Aya, are you… jealous?”
“Huh?”

Aya’s eyes widened in surprise, as if she hadn’t even considered the possibility of Mizuki liking me. Seriously? She hadn’t even thought about it? I quickly backpedaled, realizing I’d inadvertently sown discord between them.

“No, it’s just… I know Mizuki doesn’t have any feelings for me beyond friendship!”
“Really? What about… me?”

Aya’s eyes twinkled mischievously as she leaned closer. Ah, where was this conversation going…

Our conversation had gone off track, but seeing Aya’s eyes, I couldn’t resist. I took a deep breath and quickly pecked her on the cheek.

Chu—

“That’s… my answer.”
“…Rina?”

Aya’s face slowly turned red.

“I like you more.”

“I-I… I see…!”

Aya’s stammering was unbelievable. She’d reacted the same way when I’d initiated physical contact before, during our “kabe-don” moments. We had nothing to hide anymore; we’d even kissed. I kissed Aya’s other cheek.

Chu—

“Heehee, your face is so red, Aya~” I teased, and Aya, as if we were dancing, put her hand on my waist, preventing me from escaping, and kissed me.

Chu—

Her blue eyes, so close to mine, reflected my own surprised face. Time seemed to slow down as we kissed again, a deep, passionate kiss.