Chapter 4: I attacked my cautious childhood friend

I attacked my cautious childhood friend

The second day of the school trip.

Following breakfast, the group splits up according to individual preferences for participation in various activities.

The location chosen for Aya and my rafting adventure is upstream from the hotel.

We board a privately chartered microbus and set off for our destination.

Gazing out of the window absentmindedly, all that meets my eyes is a forest as the microbus winds along a mountain road.

Despite the unrelenting heat, the atmosphere seems cooler than the cityscape.

With a clunk, the microbus jolts. Unlike the tourist bus we were on yesterday, it’s swaying more.

Perhaps it’s due to the uphill drive, as the engine’s noise is notably louder.

Today, Aya doesn’t take a seat next to me. Instead, she’s engaged in conversation with Edato-san, the physical education teacher, who’s seated up front.

Edato-san, a former rugby player in his late 40s, also serves as an adviser for various sports clubs, including Aya’s badminton club.

Is this discussion related to club matters?

As Aya looks at Edato-san, I find myself strangely intrigued by the subtle swaying of his gaze.

“Hey, Boyan…”

A listless voice comes from the neighboring seat. It’s Tokita, Aya’s boyfriend.

As I sit upright, focused on what lies ahead, Tokita is reclined deeply in his seat, almost slipping off.

“Talking about Aya…”

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“What about her?”

I promptly direct my attention towards Tokita.

“Aya hasn’t been responding to my messages since yesterday… She hasn’t even read them.”

Naturally.

Aya’s phone is still in my possession. Now that I think about it, it vibrated in my pocket this morning.

“Why not talk to her directly?”

“Nah, isn’t it awkward to ask why she’s ignoring me?”

Despite my nonchalant response, Tokita continues speaking.

“Hey, Boyan, has Aya discussed anything with you?”

“About what?” Thanks for reading on ManaNovel!

“Well, you know, given that it’s Aya, she might be seeking advice from you.”

“Why would she ask me?”

“Well, because, you know, back in middle school, you encouraged her to accept my confession me from behind, right?”

Wait…?

Hold on a moment.

It’s true, Aya consulted me a few times and being inexperienced in love matters, I wasn’t sure how to respond.

I vaguely recall saying something like, “You won’t know until you give dating a try”, or something clichéd like that.

“Aya mentioned she began dating me because of that. I had my doubts about it being a bit ambiguous, but now… I’m grateful to you, Boyan.”

So, Aya accepted Tokita’s confession based on such a catalyst.

I had assumed there might be a deeper reason.

Well, sometimes a catalyst is simply that.

As they spent time together, Aya likely noticed Tokita’s positive traits and gradually grew fond of him.

“In that case, can you tell Aya from me… how much I appreciate her?”

“…Tell her what?”

“That I’m taking really good care of her.”

The microbus jolted abruptly.

“…Why not tell her yourself? If I tell her on your behalf, she might wonder why”, I responded.

“Oh, right… I guess so. Fine! I’ll call Aya tonight and try to make things right. I’ll send her a message about where to meet up and stuff. Can you also let her know that I want to make up with her?” Tokita said.

…In the past, I might have said something like, “Tell her yourself” and shown disinterest right away.

I would have pretended not to care and shut out any unwanted information.

That’s how I used to be.

But now, my gut feeling, bestowed by a divine instinct, suggests that I should listen to Tokita’s request.

To hear more and to let Tokita speak more.

“…Well, if it’s just that, then it’s okay.”

“Awesome, thanks!”

Tokita started fiddling with his smartphone.

Almost immediately, Aya’s phone in my pocket vibrated.

“Phew… message sent. Will Aya check her phone?”

Tokita leaned out of his seat, peering toward the front.

“Darn, she’s caught up with Edato again.”

Tokita pulled his face back.

Although possession of smartphones is allowed during the trip, for some reason, using them during meals or outside is prohibited.

If anyone is caught using their phone now, it will be confiscated immediately.

“Edato, he’s got this weird way of looking at her… Aya’s getting pretty scared. She said if I don’t protect her… well, you know.”

Is that so?

I extended my body again and looked towards Aya and Edato-sensei.

Now that Tokita mentioned it, Edato-sensei, while talking to Aya with a stoic expression, seems to be glancing at her chest and waist occasionally.

I can understand this sensitivity about Aya now.

“That girl, she acts all laid-back, but she’s actually pretty guarded. Last time, when I tried to make a move, she got really upset and all…”, Tokita muttered to himself.

Even though it’s Tokita, he wouldn’t usually reveal such transparent thoughts to me, her childhood friend.

Is the divine instinct making Tokita more candid?

“Sigh… I wish I could grab her boobs…”

No doubt about it.

This is the work of the divine instinct.

Tokita’s words made my fingers twitch involuntarily.

The soft sensation from last night came back to my palm.

To hide my agitation, I responded to Tokita.

“What’s with the sudden change?”

“Well, you see, her outfit today is amazing… She’s just wearing a white T-shirt, but that’s crazy, right?”

For some reason, Tokita said that in a sulky tone, so I asked.

“Weren’t you supposed to treat her well?”

“I will. I mean, I am. But, you know, how should I get her to…?”

Taking advantage of the rather loud engine noise of the microbus, Tokita candidly expressed his thoughts.

“Yamagishi from Class 3 said he went all the way the other day. Even though we’ve been together for over four years, we’re still stuck at kisses. What do you think, Boyan?”

“…If you do it, can Tokita take responsibility?”

“Yeah, I said her that I cherish her.”

“Forever?”

“Huh? Boyan, you’re thinking in that direction? Like, if you take a girl’s virginity, you have to marry her? Nah, that’s too heavy, Boyan… Women find heavy guys repulsive.”

“Is that how it works?”

But probably not in Aya’s case.

“Oh well, Boyan, you’re so lucky, having no connection to these kinds of love problems”, Tokita said, stretching out.

“Yeah.”

Without looking at Tokita, I continued to gaze at the unchanged scenery outside.

At the narrow riverside scattered with large rocks, we listened to the explanations from the male instructor.

The gathered 14 or 15 students were all listening intently with an air of restlessness.

Aya was the farthest away from me, standing at the very front.

“So, when you’re done, change back in the changing room over there before you leave.”

We were instructed to change into swimsuits at the hotel and then put on a T-shirt, shorts, or half pants over them.

Since we’ll inevitably get soaked during the river rafting, we’ll change into the underwear and clothes we brought in the changing room afterward.

In other words, right now, even the girls are in swimsuits under their T-shirts and shorts.

Aya was wearing a white T-shirt with a print on it and pink shorts.

Her healthy white legs were dazzling.

Her ample breasts were still pushing up the T-shirt.

She seemed to be sweating – the fabric clung to her skin, revealing the outline of her swimsuit.

A light blue string tied behind her neck was peeking out from the collar.

It’s probably a halter bikini.

I have memories of my older sister showing me a similar swimsuit in the past.

The boys were listening to the instructor while occasionally sneaking glances at the girls.

Tokita, who was beside me, was scanning not only Aya but also the backs of various girls.

Edato-san was using a waterproof camera to capture the lecture’s moments.

It seems like he’s focused on Aya a little too often.

“So, everyone, as I explained earlier, please put on your life jackets.”

After donning the yellow life jackets that covered their upper bodies, the boys’ gazes finally shifted away from Aya and the others.

After finishing practice on how to paddle and the commands, we were divided into two groups and got on eight-person boats.

Aya, Tokita and I were in the same boat.

The instructor got onto a different boat to lead us.

Edato-sensei, who held a river guide license, was on our boat, taking command and providing directions.

As instructed by Edato-san, I got onto the boat first and took the front seat.

When I glanced back, I briefly met eyes with Aya as she tried to get onto the boat.

Aya quickly looked away, nearly stumbling in the process.

“Whoa!”

Tokita was the one who grabbed her hand.

“Aya, here.”

Tokita pulled Aya’s arm and helped her onto the boat.

“Yeah, thanks.”

Aya offered a slightly strained smile to Tokita.

She subtly moved her hand away from Tokita’s.

When he held her arm, Aya’s expression resembled the fear she had when I held her down last night.

“One, two! One, two!”

In response to the commands from Edato-san in the rear, we all paddled together.

The rapids were more intense than I thought, making it difficult to adjust our direction.

Spray splashed around and both the T-shirts and the shorts or half pants were drenched.

“One, two! One, two! Watch out!”

A large rock appeared downstream.

Despite paddling vigorously, we couldn’t avoid it and the boat’s side collided with the rock.

“Oh no!”

“Kyaa!”

The sound of screams reached my ears and I quickly turned around.

The boat was tilting toward the water’s surface.

While everyone was holding onto ropes or the person next to them, only Aya’s body was floating unprotected.

“Help!”

…I’ll help!

Almost simultaneously with the intuition from the divine voice, I jumped into the river on my own volition.

Surprisingly, I hit the water before Aya did.

In the water, I caught her falling body.

Swimming has always been a major weakness for Aya.

One of many flaws she has.

It’s not just that she can’t swim – she willingly goes to pools, rivers and the sea without hesitation whenever invited.

This time, now that I think about it, it was Tokita who invited her for rafting.

Even Tokita must have known that Aya can’t swim.

And Aya, in her own way, said, “It’s okay because we have life jackets!”

As a result, Aya is now struggling with water splashes in my arms.

Floating against the current, the boat, which had stabilized its position, came closer.

“Grab on!”

Edato-sensei grabbed a rope and pulled Aya’s body toward the boat.

I grabbed the offered paddle while lifting Aya’s armpits as she flailed her arms and legs and with one hand pushing her buttocks and throwing her feet into the boat.

Once on the boat, Aya was hugged by a girl sitting next to her.

It was Aya’s friend Yukari. She’s a serious-looking girl with distinctive semi-long black hair. I can leave Aya to her care – she’ll be alright.

Coughing and sniffling, Aya’s face was wet with tears and mucus.

Back in elementary school when I saved Aya from drowning in the pool, she looked like this.

When I returned to the hotel room, there was no one else there.

It seems like the rafting group was the first to return.

I left the room and headed straight to Aya’s friend Yukari’s room without hesitation.

None of the members from Aya’s eight-person room who were supposed to go rafting were present.

Only Yukari, who came with Aya, participated from the group of friends.

Feeling a bit lonely being alone in the room, Aya headed to Yukari’s room.

I didn’t need divine intuition to figure it out – it was quite easy to imagine.

In the corridor, I saw Yukari leaving her room.

After seeing her figure disappear down the hallway, I knocked on Aya’s door.

“Yes.”

I heard Aya’s voice from inside and the door opened.

“Huh, Boyan… What’s up?”

Aya’s face clouded over suddenly.

“I came to return your phone.”

“…Yeah, return it.”

“Can I come in?”

“Huh, Yukari’s here.”

“I saw her leaving just now.”

“…She went to buy some juice. She’ll be back soon.”

The frustrating exchange continued at the door.

Of course, there were no passersby in the corridor who could witness us.

“It’s fine if we talk until Yukari-san comes back.”

“…You won’t do anything weird?”

“She’ll be back soon, won’t she?”

Not saying I won’t.

Aya let out a small sigh.

She just wanted her phone back normally.

But she might experience something terrible like yesterday.

Scary.

It’s okay, Yukari will be back soon.

And I need to thank Boyan…

I can see these emotions swirling inside Aya.

“…Just for a little while.”

Saying that, Aya invited me in.

The room was the same Western-style room as mine.

Walking down a short hallway, I saw four beds lined up.

The door made a soft click as it closed.

When I turned around, Aya stood by the closed door without moving.

She looked at me with wary eyes.

Aya was wearing a thin black short-sleeve hoodie and gray shorts.

She was still dressed in the same clothes she changed into after rafting.

She still seems to prefer a boyish style.

“Here’s your phone. I haven’t looked at anything inside.”

I walked back to the door and handed Aya her phone.

“Yeah, thanks…”

Aya took the phone and started tapping on the screen.

Silently scrolling through it.

“By the way, Tokita said he wants to talk to you tonight.”

“I’m reading that email now.”

“He wants to make up with you.”

“That’s what it says.”

“Well, I’ll leave then.”

“…”

Aya glared at me silently.

“Can you open the door?”

“…Thank you for helping me today.”

“Aya, isn’t it a bit reckless to go rafting when you can’t swim?”

I smiled at Aya as usual.

Whether influenced by my smile or not, Aya’s face also relaxed a bit.

“Because I have a life jacket and in case of emergency, I thought Boyan would…”

“Boyan would what?”

…Boyan would save me, huh?

For Aya, I’m a reliable childhood friend no matter what.

He’ll help when she’s in trouble, even if she acts spoiled and childish. That’s the kind of character I am to her.

Maybe she sensed an unsettling atmosphere.

Without saying anything more, Aya put her hand on the doorknob.

Before Aya could turn the knob, I closed the distance between us faster.

“No!”

I grabbed Aya’s outstretched hands and pressed her against the door, keeping it closed.

“It hurts, Boyan…”

It must’ve brought back memories of last night.

Aya was trembling slightly and looking down.

“Aya, how long are you going to keep calling me ‘Boyan’? I told you to call me by my name… Ryuji, right?”

“‘Boyan’ is ‘Boyan’…”

Tears were already mixing in Aya’s voice.

Stubbornly insisting that I’m still the same ‘Boyan’ as before.

That I would never do anything terrible to her, I’m still ‘Boyan’.

I let go of Aya’s left hand from my right hand and immediately slid it under her black hoodie.

Under the hoodie, she seemed to be wearing another layer – an inner shirt.

When I lifted it slightly to touch her stomach, it felt a bit cold.

The dip in the river must have chilled her to the core.

“No, no, Boyan, stop!”

Aya looked up at me with teary eyes, shaking her head as if begging.

With her left hand, she desperately grabbed my right arm, trying to pull it away.

Ignoring her resistance, I continued my exploration under her inner shirt.

While caressing her smooth abdomen, I moved my hand upwards and I soon encountered the firm touch of a large bra.

It was made of rougher fabric compared to last night.

Just as I did last night, I used my thumb to tuck underneath the bra and shifted it upward.

“Ahh, no… I’ve had enough, please…”

With a clenched fist in her left hand, Aya started hitting my arm and chest.

During this, I continued fondling her breast with my right hand.

As always, it was surprisingly soft and clung to my fingers.

Following the same procedure as last night, I used my thumb and index finger to pinch her nipple, which had started to stiffen.

The sensation was satisfying.

As Aya was hitting me, her fist suddenly pressed into my chest.

While enduring my caress, Aya leaned forward, determined not to collapse into me.

At that moment, a tinkling sound came from the other side of the door.

“Oh, come on.”

A muffled voice came from outside the door. It seemed that Yukari was trying to open the door and accidentally dropped the key.

This, too, was a lucky stroke of fate bestowed upon us by the gods.

Aya looked up at me once more.

“Because Yukari is back, stop now.”

With teary eyes, she seemed to plead this message deep within.

I lightly exhaled through my nose and, while still holding Aya’s right hand, started walking down the corridor.

“Hey, wait—”

I heard Aya’s anxious voice.

Entering the bedroom, I immediately opened the door on the left side.

There was a narrow bathroom behind the sliding door – a washbasin, a toilet and a small bathtub.

Just as I pulled Aya into the bathroom, Yukari entered the room.

I quickly closed the sliding door.

“Yuka—”

Aya tried to call Yukari, so I covered her mouth with my hand.

“It would be bad if Yukari and Tokita found out that Aya and I were doing this in the bathroom.”

I whispered rapidly.

As soon as I mentioned “Tokita”, Aya trembled.

I lifted Aya’s armpits and gently placed her in the empty bathtub.

I got in as well and turned on the shower handle.

Water streamed down and quickly turned warm.

With my whole body soaked, Aya glared at me.

“Boyan, you’re a liar!”

“A liar?”

“You said you wouldn’t do anything weird!”

“I never said I wouldn’t.”

While wetting my entire body with water, I placed my hand on Aya’s shorts.