Chapter 89

"Tomorrow is the marathon, isn't it?"

On the way home.

While walking home with Arisa, she said this to Yugen.

Yes, tomorrow is the day when boys have to run ten kilometers and girls seven kilometers.

And for Yugen, it's also the day of the "competition" with Soichiro and Sei.

"Do you... not like it very much?"

"Yes... well, I don't hate it, but..."

When Yugen asked, Arisa smiled wryly.

There are people who are good at long-distance running, but it's rare to hear someone say they like it.

Yugen would rather not run if he didn't have to.

Arisa seemed to feel the same way.

"Running voluntarily and being forced to run as part of a school event... they are different, after all."

"Yeah. ...At least, I want some kind of reward for my efforts."

Incidentally, the marathon day ends with a half-day of school.

So, it can be considered a reward.

However, if asked whether he would want to go out and play after running ten kilometers, it's a bit of a mixed feeling.

He would rather relax at home and recover from the fatigue.

"...A reward, huh?"

"What's wrong?"

Arisa seemed to be thinking about something.

Her cheeks... seemed slightly flushed.

"Um... after the marathon is over tomorrow..."

"Uh-huh."

"Can I... stop by your place?"

"Sure, no problem. I don't have any work that day either."

Yugen was more than happy to have her over.

However, considering how exhausted they would be, they couldn't do anything too strenuous.

"Like, play some games or something?"

"That wouldn't be a reward, would it?"

"True, that's a good point."

It's something they usually do on weekends.

It's not that he dislikes it; in fact, he enjoys it... but whether it would be enough motivation to run ten kilometers (or seven kilometers) is a bit questionable.

"Then, what do you want to do?"

"Well... um..."

After a moment of silence, Arisa spoke in a small voice.

"Maybe... a massage?"

"...A massage?"

When Yugen asked, Arisa's face turned bright red, and she started to explain desperately.

"Ah, no... not in a weird way. You know, we did it before... during the sports festival. It felt really good..."

"Oh, right... we did."

Yugen also remembered that time.

Arisa had been... very alluring then.

Thinking about various dangerous things, Yugen forcibly erased those memories from his mind.

"Of course, I won't just let you do all the massaging. I can... well, I'm not sure how good I am, but I can at least give you a shoulder rub. ...What do you think?"

"Sure, that sounds good."

Getting a massage outside can cost several thousand yen for an hour.

This means that even at that price, there is still demand... in other words, it feels that good.

Getting a massage from someone else feels different from doing it yourself.

Plus...

"Yeah, that sounds good. A massage sounds fun."

It would be a legitimate way to touch Arisa.

Thinking about it, Yugen answered like that.

Yugen is a healthy high school boy, so he wants to touch his favorite girl's body in various ways.

...Of course, touching her chest would be a bad idea, so he needs to be careful.

"That's good... I'm glad."

Arisa seemed relieved.

Yugen isn't a mind reader, so he doesn't know what she's thinking, but...

(Maybe Arisa also...)

Does she have some ulterior motive to touch or be touched by Yugen?

Yugen wondered.

It's unlikely for Arisa, but... Yugen and Arisa, while they haven't confessed to each other, are probably in love with each other.

It wouldn't be strange if Arisa also has feelings similar to Yugen's desire for her.

(I need to be careful.)

Mistakes must be avoided.

At the very least, Yugen needs to be on his best behavior.

Yugen clenched his fist and resolved himself.

"Ah, right... can I use your shower? I'll bring my own change of clothes and towel."

While Yugen was making his resolve, Arisa asked him this.

Thinking about it, their bodies would be dirty from sweat after running.

Massaging each other's bodies afterward...

(That would be perfect.)

Arisa's body odor and sweat are totally fine.

Yugen thought this, but if Arisa heard, she would probably punch him.

However, Arisa would probably be uncomfortable with it.

"Yeah, sure. ...It's better to take a shower before the massage to improve blood circulation."

Yugen said this matter-of-factly.

Arisa nodded in agreement.

"Right. ...By the way, what about some bath salts? I have some at home, so I can bring them if you want."

"I don't have any bath salts. Sure, please bring them."

The effect is unknown, but since he doesn't dislike them, it would be better if she brought them.

"Um, and... this is just a suggestion... but..."

"What is it?"

When Yugen asked, Arisa shook her head.

"Um, no, never mind."

She fell silent.

What did she want to suggest?

Yugen tilted his head in thought but looked forward to the marathon day.

---

"Of course, suggesting we wear swimsuits and go in together would be... too much, right?"

"Huh? ...Did you say something, Arisa?"

"No, nothing."

45% → 50%

I've posted the cover illustration on my activity report page.

Please take a look if you'd like. It's a wonderful illustration.

https://mypage.syosetu.com/mypageblog/view/userid/430380/blogkey/2680160/

If you think the illustration is cute, beautiful, or that Arisa is adorable,

I would be grateful if you could bookmark the story and rate it (change the ☆☆☆☆☆ to ★★★★★) at the bottom of the table of contents.