The azure sea, but a lonely, fulfilled life.

"It's in the small safe in the activity room."

Iori and Kohei were talking, their serious expressions like those of police interrogating criminals, their sharp, angular faces resembling ancient Roman stone sculptures. If nothing else, they could easily pass as guest stars in a play where a young man beats up a centuries-old man.

Do we have a small safe in our activity room?

"The one that Chisa put on Iori's head when we helped tidy up his room last time, they fixed it up and then modified a keyboard keypad that they found somewhere to use as a cabinet door."

When Shou Ryujiro extended his index finger, the dialog box above his head showed that particularly bizarre cabinet. The cabinet's facade was made from a keyboard co-branded with the popular "Dance Magic Girls" from a few years ago. The cabinet's sides were painted in an eye-catching pink and purple, and in the lower right corner, there was a chibi-style naked man with a lewd expression and a red headscarf.

"Did Iori and the others actually make that cabinet?"

Nana exclaimed in surprise. She had thought that was how it was supposed to be. When she first saw it, she reluctantly accepted the hobby of the person who made the cabinet. It was so ahead of its time, like someone from the Jurassic era.

"Heh, I made it specifically to suit everyone's preferences."

Kohei smiled confidently. Pink represents women, purple represents elegance, the collaboration represents him, the gay man represents Iori, the cabinet represents Hachiman, and the naked man represents the two seniors. It's simply a perfect work.

"Putting aside what exactly your preferences are, aren't we talking about the wrong topic?"

Iori complained, "Come on, isn't the biggest problem right now that Hachiman, who hates fried noodles, not only ate it all but also ordered an extra serving?"

This kid, did he choke on water while swimming and damage his brain? That won't do! He's still waiting for him to introduce them to potential partners! Besides, he's the strategist! What kind of general carries the burden while the strategist plays a game of match-3 on the sidelines, needing hints?

Everyone turned their attention back to Hachiman. Seeing that he had already finished his second serving of fried noodles, their lips twitched. Only Aina, standing to the side, couldn't understand why they were reacting so strongly.

Why would someone eat two servings of fried noodles? Because they were hungry, right? Why such a big reaction? The fried noodles weren't even that bad.

That was her initial thought, but when she thought about the ridiculous things this group of people had done before, she felt something was off. Could it be that they had added something strange to the fried noodles?

When Aina thinks of the scenes in those romantic dramas where something is hidden inside another thing, she can't help but let her imagination run wild.

TV dramas have drugs in black tea, Pab has whiskey in vodka, movies have wedding rings in chicken pot, and Grand Blue has a pervert under women's clothing. Thinking about it this way, it seems quite reasonable.

But she didn't taste anything strange...

Compared to the probing or suspicion of others, Chisa, who was Hachiman's diving partner, was much simpler and more straightforward. She looked directly at Hachiman and slowly uttered a few words that instantly froze the atmosphere.

"Are you out of your mind because you're lacking oxygen?"

"...I was just hungry."

Hachiman said with a wry smile, "Please, he was unconscious until just now. He didn't eat lunch, and he was especially tired after going into the water, so he was just very hungry. Besides, he only ate fried noodles until he threw up for a while, which doesn't mean he hates food."

He's starving, does he even care if the food next to him is chocolate poop or poop-flavored chocolate? If there were other options, he could eat until his belly is round and full.

After hearing the person himself say these words, the crowd, who were easily swayed by their concerns, gradually calmed down and put aside their worries.

"That's good."

Chisa said, and in front of everyone, she put some of the fried noodles she hadn't eaten on her plate into Hachiman's bowl. She said that although going into the water was fun, it was easy to get tired. His body wasn't very good to begin with. Although he had four-pack abs, he still looked thin. He needed to eat more.

"This is bad..."

As Aina was marveling at this scene of youth, she heard Iori's low whispers beside her. Just as she was about to subconsciously ask what was wrong, a faint murderous aura wafted over from the main table not far away.

She was startled when she looked at Nanaka, who still appeared gentle on the surface but whose eyes were vacant between squinting. She quickly looked at Iori, wanting to ask what was going on, but saw him close his eyes and shake his head.

"Thanks."

Hachiman accepted it calmly, even though he was already nine-tenths full. He lowered his head and pretended to eat his noodles calmly, but in reality, he was sweating profusely.

He had never really understood why, as the pampered younger sister, Chisa, couldn't realize that her older sister's doting on her was pathological, something that everyone else could easily notice.

"That's good. After all, Hachiman is still growing, and that's when his appetite is at its peak."

Shinji Tokita laughed, and his unintentional words made Nanaka pause. Oh right, Hachiman is only nineteen years old. According to the development of male bodies, he is at the age of growth, so it is normal for him to eat more. Chisa should also know this. In addition, she was very hungry after swimming today, so she shared her noodles with Hachiman.

So that's how it is! Nanaka tapped her palm, suddenly realizing. She looked at Hachiman with loving eyes, then at Chisa with encouraging eyes. Her sister was such a kind-hearted child.

Hachiman, sensing the change in Nanaka's aura, silently gave Shinji Tokita a thumbs up.

Senior Tokita, you are simply the best senior I know. If there is any activity that harms Iori and Kohei in the future, I will do my best to make sure that these two idiots are sent to the execution ground.

Despite the urge to throw up after just two or three more bites, Hachiman finished his noodles and lay back in his chair. The others went about their own business. Nanaka-senpai was in charge of cleaning up the dishes after the meal, and Chisa and Iori went to help. Kohei went to Iori's room because he had an anime he wanted to watch that night. Aina wanted to go home, but was stopped by the two upperclassmen who said there was a welcome ceremony tonight to celebrate her joining the club.

Hearing those four words brought back unpleasant memories for Hachiman. It was the first time he had ever drunk himself into a stupor without any restraint, and the first time he had ever stripped down to his underwear. If he hadn't been somewhat sober, he probably wouldn't even have had his underwear left, and those drunkards would have ripped it off.

With the wind blowing and his eyes squinting, a wave of drowsiness washed over him after his exhaustion. Hachiman forced himself to stay awake and recalled the scene after going into the sea that day.

Fear and loneliness struck him side by side. The moment he entered the sea, he was so scared that he couldn't open his eyes or hear any sound. Later, with Chisa's encouragement and comfort, he tried to open his eyes and saw the beautiful underwater scenery.

Unfortunately, he only saw it for a few seconds before the deepest despair, which made it impossible for him to remain calm, attacked him. Just as he had said in the pool earlier, once he recalled that scene from his childhood, he was unable to calm down.

Even though Komachi clearly told him in the afternoon phone call that it wasn't his fault and he didn't need to take responsibility for it, guilt still lingered throughout his body.

People who care about you will often tell you it's okay after you make a mistake, just as their first impression of you is always that they care. However, this nonchalant and generous attitude will backfire when the other person sees the hidden wounds.

He can't pretend not to care about something he cares about; it's too difficult for him.

Hachiman looked up into the distance. The calm sea held the poetry and dreams of others, as well as the nightmares that plagued him. The yellowish lamplight above him fell halfway on his shoulders, and a few sharp bird calls announced the end of the day.

The soft sound of footsteps approached from the inner room. He thought it would be Chisa, but it turned out to be Aina.

The blue-haired girl, having removed her heavy makeup, had a pure and innocent face. Their eyes met, and she seemed to have something difficult to say, her expression hesitant.

With that expression, could it be that she wanted to ask him about love? Hachiman raised an eyebrow. If an unfamiliar girl were to show him this coy, half-concealed expression, it could mean she wanted to ask about the beauty of the moonlight, or it could mean that his nose hairs were showing.

He had it trimmed just a few days ago, so it couldn't be the latter reason.

"Are you asking about Iori?" he asked.

The girl was startled, her face flushed bright red, steam rising from her head. She waved her hands frantically, her eyes darting left and right. So sweet (naive)! This girl is clearly giving off an attitude of "You guessed right, but I'll definitely say no."

Although most people in this world are hypocritical, it's always better to be honest when asking about the dating history of someone you like.

Seeing Hachiman's knowing expression that said, "Yeah, I believe whatever you say, but whether you really believe it or not is up to you to guess," Mana clenched her fists and stopped trying to deceive herself, taking a deep breath.

"Excuse me, what type of person does Iori like?"

"Although I don't know why you're asking me about his type, I can tell you that he's good-looking."

That guy likes pretty, busty girls with great figures. Hachiman thinks that's too shallow, since most men in the world like that type, and a small minority are in jail.

"Beautiful, is it really true..."

Mana remembered what Azusa-senpai had told her, and an image of a handsome blond man engrossed in watching anime flashed through her mind. She couldn't help but cover her face with her hands and kneel down on the ground.

The person I like actually likes the same sex. No one can accept that, sob sob (*?????)

"Don't be so disappointed, there's still a chance if you work hard."

With a "the more the merrier" mentality, Hachiman encouraged the girl, saying that it was just that the conditions didn't quite match, and that it was okay. As the saying goes, people's preferences always change over time. Some people might be obsessed with legs one second and leg hair the next.

Moreover, the girl is still in her developmental stage. Who knows, maybe in a year when she's about to stop growing, she'll suddenly have a hormonal surge and turn from a cliff into a hump.

"How could there be such a chance?"

We can't exactly send her on a day trip to Thailand, can we? No way. Our bodies and hair are gifts from our parents; how can we easily change them? There was a fierce man in history who was blinded by an arrow and swallowed it to repay his parents. How can we let her forget such a tragic history?

“I have a friend whose sister has the same problem as you. To help her, my friend planted a whole grove of papayas. When they ripen, I can ask her if she can sell them to you.”

"Papaya? Is that stuff even useful?"

"Since it has not been implemented yet, the effect cannot be determined, but according to medical knowledge, it should have some effect."

As Hachiman said, he couldn't guarantee whether papaya could enlarge breasts, but that's what others said. If you really have this dream, you might as well give it a try.

"Well, I'll give it a try then."

Aina whispered, she still didn't want to give up so easily. She had finally fallen in love during her dreamy youth, how could it end like this?

But could papaya really help her enhance her masculinity?

With a puzzled expression, Aina went back inside. Hachiman sighed helplessly and turned around, finding it more comfortable to lie down like this.

[Step, step]

"Do you have any other questions?"

Hearing footsteps that had gone away and then returned, Hachiman thought it was Aina asking him something again. When he turned around, he saw it was Chisa.

"what happened?"

"Aina's welcome party is about to start."

Hachiman nodded.

"I see."

"And," Chisa pursed her lips, "can you still go swimming in the sea?"

Seeing the worried and regretful expression on her face, Hachiman smiled and said, "Of course, I won't be easily defeated here."

If you don't do something just because it seems difficult, you'll never reach the top in your life. Besides, he came here to overcome his fear.

"I hope you will continue to guide me in (diving) in the future."

"Of course!" Chisa said eagerly, but then realized she was overreacting, so she softened her voice. "I will definitely cherish the time that follows."

After saying that, she turned her head away and left in a hurry. Hachiman watched her back and heard a cracking sound.

He turned his head and saw Nana standing by the door with a plate of fruit. The wooden door frame was missing a piece, and its roughness made it look as if it had been ripped off by me.

A few rough wood chips fell down her tightly clenched left hand. Hachiman looked at Nanaka who was smiling, and only one thought was in his mind.

Uh-oh——

Chapter Seventy: Burned Out

"In the end, I still don't know why you wanted to join the diving club."

In the living room, Iori, holding a beer, asked Mana with a puzzled look. According to normal thinking, after witnessing the madness of that night, one should not go near this club that looks very strange. Why is this guy doing the opposite?

Slightly intoxicated by the alcohol and overwhelmed by the stark contrast to her appearance after removing her makeup, he forgot that half of his earlier madness was caused by the girl in front of him.

"Because I really long for this kind of youthful life."

"I definitely can't reveal the real purpose," Aina said after thinking for a moment.

That statement isn't entirely wrong. She's a girl who loves to daydream, and she's especially sensitive to the words "youth" and "love." Although her friends say she's a cute girl and the kind of girl who's very popular, she hasn't been in a relationship even once.

"Eh? Youth..."

As Iori drank, the taste grew increasingly bitter. He sniffed, thinking back to when he was a pure-hearted young man who dreamed of a wonderful college life, before he even stepped into this shop. But reality had dealt him such a brutal blow.

He would never forget the moment his dream shattered, the moment his shirt was ripped off by two burly men, the sound of his heart breaking so clearly audible.

"Why are you crying?" Kohei asked.

"I'm just lamenting my lost youth and the beautiful future that was cut short before it even began."

As Iori swallowed the bitter wine, he spoke words of bitterness, pursing his lips and pressing his tongue.

What's wrong with you now?

"Can't you understand, Kohei?"

“Of course I understand, but I’m not going to think about it anymore,” Kohei said slowly, raising an eyebrow.

"Wow, you're so open-minded."

"Hmph." Kohei scoffed disdainfully. "Do you want me to kill you right now?"

"……Feel sorry."

I almost forgot that this guy was dragged into the club by him.

"It was a huge help at the time."

Iori affectionately put his arm around Kohei's shoulder. The moment they became partners, he finally understood the saying that women are like clothes and brothers are like limbs. However, he still felt that clothes were very important.

"Do you want cremation or burial?"

Geng Ping's expression was calm, but the veins on the arm holding his hand were bulging. This guy had ruthlessly shattered his dream of a beautiful girl JK harem club, tricked him into joining this naked men's wine tasting club, and now he actually had the nerve to say this. He must be asking for trouble.

To Aina, who was watching from the sidelines, their confrontational demeanor appeared as a flirtatious display of affection. Kohei, with a cold yet tender expression, gently took Iori's hand and awkwardly uttered words of thanks, saying, "It wasn't for you." It was a scene straight out of a forced domineering CEO saying one thing but meaning another.

An urge to vomit blood surged up in her throat. Although she had already learned from Hachiman and Azusa-senpai that Iori might be a lesbian, they hadn't said it was the bottom one! The possibility of straightening her out suddenly decreased by more than half.

"Hey, freshmen, the orientation ceremony has begun!"

Shinji Tokita's voice came, and the two looked at Mana. This made her realize that now was not the time to think about this. She pulled her cheeks and walked to the open space in front of the seniors.

"Well then, let's start with self-introductions."

“Okay.” Aina took a deep breath and placed her hands on her chest. “I am Yoshihara Aina, a first-year student at Qinghai Women’s University.”