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Chapter 39: The long awaited hot springs arc Part 1 (A/N: I can’t think of a proper title for this, sorry.) December 22 All of us woke up early so we can head to the hot springs in Kyoto immediately. Estimated time to travel to Kyoto: maybe 4 hours? "Don’t forget to lock the door, Miyako-nee" aunt Marika said. "Why would I even forgot locking the door Marika-chan?" "Because sometimes, you’re an airhead." We arrived at the Yokohama train station, around 8 a.m If you’re curious on what time we woke up.. maybe 5? There, Shino and Shiori-san is waiting. "Ara, you’re here already Shiori, Shino? Did you wait long?" "No, not really mom." After some idle chitchats, we took the bullet train, which is really packed because of the upcoming Christmas. 1 hour ago, Shiori and Shino. Shiori’s POV Somehow, I managed to have Haru-kun to sleep in my room. But I bet, that Marika will hinder my moments with Haru-kun again. Even if lewd stuffs aren’t still allowed, I think kissing is okay right? (French kiss to be specific) Right? I was about to go to the station, where we are supposed to meet, when I saw Shino waiting outside my apartment. "Shino? What are you doing here?" Shino’s POV I already know that this training camp isn’t training camp anymore honestly. So I decided to stir some mess hehe. I went to Shiori’s apartment, hoping to mess up her mind a bit. I patiently waited until finally.. Shiori went out. I’m a girl too but, honestly, she took too much time preparing. "Shiori, Good morning!" "Shino? What are you doing here?" "Nothing really. It’s boring to go there waiting all alone right? So I think we should go together to pass the time." "Uh, okay, I don’t mind." Together, we took the Taxi, there’s no way we’re gonna walk until we reach the train station. We arrived to early I guess. I glanced at the clock on the station. Its still 6:30. This is good either way. "Uhm, Shiori-sensei, shall we seat and wait for them at that cafe?" "Uh sure." At the cafe. We ordered Macchiato. If you’re curious, but if not, then shut up. "Shiori-sensei? How far did you and Haru went?" "Huh, what do you mean?" "Did you already did the forbidden hot teacher x shota student brutal snu snu?" "Of course not! And I’m not doing it until he reach 18!" Aww this is boring. "How about kiss?" "Uh yeah, we did it." Wow. So they’re not boring as I thought. "Using tounge I guess?" She bowed her head after I asked. "No.. but maybe later.. AH NOTHING!" Aww, to think that this damn demon teacher has this cute side. It’s activating my sadistic traits. "So you want to do french kiss huh? I’ll help you Shiori-sensei. But you know, Haru’s the type who refure even he really likes to do it." "Uh what do you mean" "What I mean is.. seduce him until his will won’t be able to refuse anymore." Her face became so red, but she’s grinning like a devil. "How can I do that Shino?" "Don’t worry, I shall assist you will all my might!" Shino’s guide to perfect seduction 101! (A/N: Shino’s still have her V card guys don’t worry.) First! Wear some sexy outfit! Second! Play cool and act like an Ara Ara mommy! Third! Casually show your giant boobies! Fourth! Make some accidentall panty shots! And last! Step on his face! "Uhm, Shino, as your teacher, I’m concern about this... Why do you know such hardcore things?" "Uh, this isn’t hardcore really. This is pretty normal for us, anime and manga addicts. She’s horny, and innocent at the same time huh? "Shiori-san, if you want Haru to see your feminine sides, use my advise okay?" "But... Haru-kun might hate that aggressive approach." "Trust me. Haru likes it." Because this is the common plots in the erotic mangas he read before. Back to the present. Haru’s POV After that long bullet train travel. We finally reached the hot spring inn aunt Marika mentioned. As expected of an idol. She really has a knack for this things. The wooden architecture of the inn makes it complement with it’s relaxing atmosphere. Perfect to relax after we play SFO nonstop. Nishi’s eyes we’re sparkling. Maybe because it’s her first time going on a hot spring inn. "Uhm, aunt Marika? This place is so good but... I hope it doesn’t cost too much." After all, Shiori-san will pay for our own room. Which is somehow feels guilty for me because I’m sharing with her. But the accomodations, food and the hot springs, aunt Marika will pay for it. "Don’t worry Haru, it’s cheap." "How much?" "Hmm, approximately 100,000 yen only I guess? It’s good for two days by the way. Also, rooms included." 500,000 yen! That’s too much! It’s even as worth as the eSports’ cash price! Anyways, this is not my problem. I have my own concerns too, really! Like.. "Shino... I already told you about that problem right?" "Yeah, yeah, about you and Shiori-san’s identity being exposed. I already have a countermeasures about that. I’ll discuss it later." Countermeasures she say... I doubt it, really. Anyways, we registered on the front desk. After stepping inside the hot spring inn, I felt the tension from the long trip melt away—until I remembered the chaos that was about to unfold. Nishi was still looking around in awe, clutching her travel bag like she’d just arrived in another world. "This place is so pretty..." she mumbled, eyes sparkling. Meanwhile, Aunt Marika was at the front desk, handling the check-in. "Alright, I booked us the best rooms! Two nights, full course meals, access to the private hot springs, and of course, a perfect setting for intense gaming sessions." Shino raised an eyebrow. "Intense gaming sessions? You mean the thing we’re actually here for?" Marika grinned. "Of course! What did you think this trip was about? Relaxation?" Shino crossed her arms. "Yes! That’s what normal people do at hot springs!" "Well, we’re not normal people. We’re an elite gaming guild!" Marika declared, striking a heroic pose. "And we will TRAIN!" I sighed. "I think you just want an excuse to slack off later." She ignored me. "Anyway! Since Shiori-chan paid for your room, Haru, you better be grateful and not waste this opportunity." "Uh-huh." I could already feel my dignity crumbling. Sharing a room with Shiori-san... I had no idea how that would turn out, but I had a feeling my life expectancy had been cut in half. "Alright, let’s settle into our rooms first, then we’ll meet up in the common area for the training session!" Marika clapped her hands. Everyone nodded and went to their respective rooms. --- **One Hour Later - Common Room** The common area had a cozy, traditional vibe with tatami mats, wooden sliding doors, and a giant screen TV—exactly what we needed for our gaming session. Aunt Marika had somehow convinced the staff to set up a console for us. How? I didn’t ask. I stretched and took a seat next to Shiori-san, who was already logged in. Shino and Nishi sat across from us, controllers in hand, while Aunt Marika lounged behind us like a queen. But Shino shove her away. "Alright, listen up, scrubs," Shino said, pointing at the screen. "Today’s training will focus on improving teamwork, communication, and carrying Haru when he messes up." "Oi." She ignored me. "Now, for our first match—" "Wait," Shiori-san interrupted, leaning forward. "You never actually explained your so-called ’countermeasures’ to prevent Haru and my identity from being exposed." "Oh, right!" Shino snapped her fingers. "I got this covered! We’ll use... disguises!" A long silence filled the room. "...That’s your genius plan?" I deadpanned. "Yeah! It works in anime, so why not in real life?" she said proudly. "That’s not gonna work." Shiori-san, on the other hand, seemed deep in thought. "...What kind of disguises?" Shino smirked. "Leave it to me. For now, let’s game!" And just like that, the topic was pushed aside as we launched into the game. --- Match One: Total Disaster We dropped into the battlefield, and everything immediately fell apart. "WHO THE HELL PICKED A HEALER?!" Shino yelled. "ME!" Nishi shouted back. "HEALERS ARE CUTE!" (A/N: Nishi just joined. But she’s not participating in the tournament. "That’s not the point! We need an attacker!" "Oh. Whoops." Meanwhile, I was trying to coordinate with Shiori-san, but she was... distracted. "Haru-kun, you’re injured. Come here, I’ll protect you." "I-It’s fine! I can handle it!" I insisted, only to immediately get ambushed and eliminated. Shiori-san gasped. "Noooo! Haru-kun!" "...And there he goes," Marika muttered, shaking her head. The match ended in under five minutes. Complete and utter defeat. "Okay, I know that some of us are already a pro but... to think that we’re like this, being beaten up by a team of amateurs!" Shino said. (A/N: not really amateurs. Because of their ranks, their opponents are also on the top 100 leaderboards.) --- Match Two: Slight Improvement? After some scolding and strategy adjustments, we launched into another round. This time, we actually lasted longer than five minutes. Progress! This time, we developed a formation. Mom is at the vanguard, Shino, Shiori and Nishi at the rear, me and Aunt Marika at the middle. "Shino, flank them!" I called out. "On it!" she replied, darting around the enemy team. "I’ll cover you with healing!" Nishi added. Things were going well... until Marika decided to go rogue. "I’m going for a solo attack!" she declared, charging straight into the enemy’s stronghold. "MARIKA, NO!" we all shouted. "MARIKA, YES!" she cackled. And just like that, we were wiped out again. --- Match Three: Sweet, Sweet Victory By the third match, we were actually playing like a proper team. Shino led the attack, Nishi provided backup healing, and I focused on support while Shiori-san covered my blind spots. "Nice one, Shiori-san!" I cheered as she took down an enemy with perfect timing. She smiled proudly. "Anything for you, Haru-kun." "...Focus on the game," Shino grumbled. After an intense battle, we finally secured our first win. The room erupted into cheers. "We did it!" Nishi cheered, raising her arms. "See? All it took was teamwork and listening to me," Marika said smugly. Shino rolled her eyes. "You literally threw the second match." Details. --- Post-Training Aftermath After a few more matches, we finally called it a day. Stretching, I let out a yawn. "Whew. That was fun." Marika grinned. "Yep! Now, tomorrow..." She wiggled her eyebrows. "The real fight begins." The way she said that sent a shiver down my spine. Shiori-san leaned in close. "Haru-kun, let’s rest early tonight, okay?" "...Y-Yeah." I had a bad feeling about what will happen this night. ---