18 Chapter 18: Eruption
Elizabeth-san dropped us off at the private resort and left immediately. Once we got out of the car, Hiroisora and I looked at each other and laughed.
"Well, that was unexpected." I told her in disbelief.
"Yeah. Sorry about that. Well, now that we are here, let's make the most out of it!" She seemed enthused.
"Prepare yourself, then. I'll have to make sure you learn how to swim before the day ends. We can't waste the money your father spent in sending us here." The pressure is real.
"He didn't have to, but I agree. Well, then. Please be gentle with me." She said with a smile.
We decided to enter the resort shortly afterwards.
---
We went straight to the reception. Upon hearing Hiroisora's name, someone immediately escorted us inside. We reached a door after walking for a while and the guide said we can explore on our own from there. When we saw the inside, we were surprised how spacious it was. There were pools and slides and waterfalls. The place is really luxurious looking. I wonder how much it costs to stay here.
When Elizabeth-san said there were few people in here, she meant almost no one. It's like we have the resort all to ourselves. Save for a few… couples.
"Takaiyama-kun." Hiroisora called my name while we were walking around.
"Yeah?"
"Almost everyone in here is a couple." She noticed too.
"Does it bother you?" I'm embarrassed a bit.
"Not really… It feels like we fit right in." She smiled at me. I blushed at what she said.
"You're really funny, you know that Hiroisora?" I tried to laugh off me being flustered. I know she's teasing me again.
"I wasn't joking…"
"What was that?" I didn't hear what she said since I was laughing forcibly.
"Nothing." She walked ahead of me. Now she's sulking? I sometimes don't understand her recently.
---
We placed our things on a bench and table near a pool. Then, we changed into our swimming wear in the changing rooms nearby. I got out first and waited for her at our table. The resort offers food and drinks, and as I was browsing through their menu, Hiroisora called my attention.
"H-how do I look?" She asked nervously. When I looked up, I was dumbstruck by her… beauty. She was wearing a two-piece swim suit. I think my nose is bleeding. "Hey, don't stare at me without saying anything! It's embarrassing…"
"I-I'm sorry. It's just you're so beautiful I can't help but stare." What am I saying?! "No, didn't mean to stare!"
"Hehe. I'm glad you think I look good in this." Look good? That's an understatement. "Eli bought it for me last night. I told her I couldn't possibly wear this, but well, you know how persistent she can be."
"Yeah. She is persistent." Believe me, I know.
"Well, sensei. What do we have to do now?" She had that expectant look in her eyes. I really hope that after all this, she learns how to swim.
---
I first taught her how to float. I thought that she would have a hard time learning, but surprisingly she is a fast learner. I guess her will and drive enable her to accomplish things. Afterwards, I showed her the proper form and stroke. She tried doing what I showed her, but it seems she's a bit tired. I suggested we take a break and eat. She agreed with me and we got out of the pool.
"What do you know, it's almost lunchtime." I checked my watch when we went to our table. We were seated beside each other on the bench. "So, what do you want to eat? I guess we can order some food…"
"Actually…" Hiroisora started to get something out of her bag. "…I brought a bento for lunch!" She excitedly presented the bento to me. Then, she opened it and the food inside is arranged beautifully.
"Wow! Did you make all of this?"
"Well, yes…" She was quite ashamed to admit it.
"It looks delicious!" It really does.
"Let's eat, then." She happily gave me chopsticks and we started to eat.
"It's really good!"
"Really?" She was happy to hear my remarks.
"Yup. I'll take this as payment for today."
"Oh? I thought a kiss was going to be my payment."
"No. This is more than enough." You won't get me again.
"Is that so?"
"Yup." I was busy eating.
"Takaiyama-kun."
"Hmm?" I looked at her while my mouth is full of food. She then suddenly went close to me; our faces almost touch each other. I was surprised. I swallowed all the food at once. She burst into laughter.
"You should've seen your reaction." She hasn't stopped laughing.
"What the heck are you doing?"
"It seems words are not enough to tease you anymore." She's really dedicated in doing things she like, which is unfortunate for me, since she likes to tease me.
"You were almost about to kiss me, of course I'd be surprised."
"You sound disappointed that I didn't."
"I-I'm not!" How can she say things like this so easily?
"Hehehe. It seems I can still tease you with just words, after all." I give up.
We continued eating, and then when we finished, I started another conversation.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"The other night you mentioned about your father and Elizabeth-san forcing you to go on dates."
"Are you jealous?" There goes her teasing again.
"No, it's not that. I was just wondering why…" She fell silent. I guess this topic is off-limits. Maybe it's related to what happened at the aquarium back in Okinawa. I should change the topic. "By any chance… Are you into girls?"
"What? No!" I laughed at her.
"You should have seen your reaction."
"Hmph!" She seemed angry but then she smiled. "Thanks…"
"For what?"
"Anyway, let's look around the resort a little bit. We can't go back to swimming immediately after eating." She grabbed my arm and dragged me. Even though she didn't answer me, I think I understand why she thanked me. It's because I didn't pry any further.
---
We looked around the resort. Hiroisora brought her phone with her which she used to take pictures. She insisted on taking pictures of me. I obliged, though I wasn't too thrilled about it. Then she asked me to take pictures of her. I wish I can get a copy of even one of her pictures… Hahaha.
"Hey, Takaiyama-kun. Let's take a picture together."
"Sure."
She took a photo of us in front of a waterfall attraction. She seemed really happy about the picture.
---
After a while, we went back to practice. She's got the basics down now. If she continues to practice after this, she won't be having any problem passing her exams.
We spent the rest of the afternoon on practicing what I taught her. I think her confidence grew a lot. At least now, she can practice on her own.
"Wow, you learn fast."
"No, I just have a great teacher." She smiled while praising me.
"I'm pretty sure you learned because you wanted to do it. I only had a small part in it. You can practice by yourself now if you want to improve further." She seemed disappointed at what I said.
"So, you won't be teaching me anymore?"
"I don't think I can teach you anything else, although I can be your lifeguard if you want. I do want to eat your cooking again, after all."
"So you really prefer my cooking over a kiss, huh? Hehehe." At least she looked happy again, though she got another chance to tease me.
When we checked the time, it was almost 6 PM. Elizabeth-san said she will be picking us up by that time. We decided to get changed before she gets back. After changing and thanking the staff, we waited outside. It didn't take long before the car arrived. Elizabeth-san got out of the car and greeted us. Inside the car, I was seating beside Hiroisora, unlike how we came here this morning.
"So, how did it go, Kari-sama?"
"I finally learned how to swim!" She was excited to report to Elizabeth-san.
"That is good news. Your father will be happy. Also, I have prepared the clothes you both will be wearing tonight."
"Clothes?" I asked in confusion.
"You will be meeting him at a restaurant in a five-star hotel. You will have to dress formally. You can change at the hotel room we have booked for you." I didn't think about it this morning, but when Elizabeth-san said I'll be meeting Hiroisora's father, I thought I'll be meeting him as her friend. But now I realized that they know me as her boyfriend. This is a big deal to them. And her father seems to be some sort of big shot. I'm not emotionally prepared for this.
"I don't feel so good. Maybe I should just go home, you know?" You have to let me go. I'm sick! Please!
"You're not sick." Elizabeth-san placed her hand on my forehead. "I'm afraid that there is no way you will go home early tonight."
"I'm really sorry about this, Takaiyama-kun. When my father wants to do things like this, I really can't say no…" I guess she loves her father that much too. I give up. What can be so bad about meeting her father?
We arrived at the hotel and went straight to the rooms. My room was separate from Hiroisora's. When I went inside the room, I saw the tuxedo lying on the bed. I suppose I have to wear that. It was difficult to wear something I haven't worn before. After wearing it how I think it should be worn, I went outside the room and waited for Hiroisora and Elizabeth-san. The door of their room opened and Hiroisora came out. She was gorgeous in her dress.
"Sorry for making you wait, Takaiyama-kun." I was just looking at her. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah. Sorry. It's the second time today that I've seen how beautiful you are." I thought it was the makeup that makes her face red, but she was actually blushing.
"It is a sight to behold seeing Kari-sama flirting so openly." Elizabeth-san interrupts the moment.
"We are not flirting!" We protested simultaneously.
We went to the restaurant. While we were walking, I suddenly felt nervous again. What if he finds out I've been using his daughter? Wait a moment, now that I think about it, wasn't he the one who wanted to have someone court his daughter? This is his plan after all, so he has no reason to be angry! Ha! I was worried over nothing. Suddenly, Elizabeth-san whispered to me.
"Kari-sama's father does not know anything about our deal. I wouldn't be too relieved if I were you. He really thinks you love her daughter."
"What?! I thought he was the one who ordered you to do this?" I whispered as quietly as I could, even though I wanted to shout.
"I never said that. I just said he wanted his daughter to not be alone, which is why I have done what I have done." Darn it! Is there no way to avoid this??
"Ah, so you've arrived!" A male voice exclaimed in excitement.
"Good evening, Father." Hiroisora greeted him with a smile. My face is frozen.
"You look beautiful as ever, Kari!" He seemed to be happy to see his daughter in that dress. Then he turned towards me. "So, you're Takaiyama." His tone suddenly changed! What happened to that joyful person?! It sounded like he's going to kill me or something… I want to go home!
"Yes, sir!" I was stiff as a log.
"How long have you been going out with my lovely daughter?"
"Over a month, sir!" I feel like I'm in the military.
"Do you love my daughter?" For a second, I paused. I contemplated the question. Then I realized that there is only one answer in this situation.
"Yes, sir!!"
"I see…" He was silent for a while. I couldn't breathe while waiting for his next statement. "I finally get to see you! Don't be too formal, call me 'Father'! Hahaha. You're like my son now!" What just happened?
"Well, that was unexpected." I told her in disbelief.
"Yeah. Sorry about that. Well, now that we are here, let's make the most out of it!" She seemed enthused.
"Prepare yourself, then. I'll have to make sure you learn how to swim before the day ends. We can't waste the money your father spent in sending us here." The pressure is real.
"He didn't have to, but I agree. Well, then. Please be gentle with me." She said with a smile.
We decided to enter the resort shortly afterwards.
---
We went straight to the reception. Upon hearing Hiroisora's name, someone immediately escorted us inside. We reached a door after walking for a while and the guide said we can explore on our own from there. When we saw the inside, we were surprised how spacious it was. There were pools and slides and waterfalls. The place is really luxurious looking. I wonder how much it costs to stay here.
When Elizabeth-san said there were few people in here, she meant almost no one. It's like we have the resort all to ourselves. Save for a few… couples.
"Takaiyama-kun." Hiroisora called my name while we were walking around.
"Yeah?"
"Almost everyone in here is a couple." She noticed too.
"Does it bother you?" I'm embarrassed a bit.
"Not really… It feels like we fit right in." She smiled at me. I blushed at what she said.
"You're really funny, you know that Hiroisora?" I tried to laugh off me being flustered. I know she's teasing me again.
"I wasn't joking…"
"What was that?" I didn't hear what she said since I was laughing forcibly.
"Nothing." She walked ahead of me. Now she's sulking? I sometimes don't understand her recently.
---
We placed our things on a bench and table near a pool. Then, we changed into our swimming wear in the changing rooms nearby. I got out first and waited for her at our table. The resort offers food and drinks, and as I was browsing through their menu, Hiroisora called my attention.
"H-how do I look?" She asked nervously. When I looked up, I was dumbstruck by her… beauty. She was wearing a two-piece swim suit. I think my nose is bleeding. "Hey, don't stare at me without saying anything! It's embarrassing…"
"I-I'm sorry. It's just you're so beautiful I can't help but stare." What am I saying?! "No, didn't mean to stare!"
"Hehe. I'm glad you think I look good in this." Look good? That's an understatement. "Eli bought it for me last night. I told her I couldn't possibly wear this, but well, you know how persistent she can be."
"Yeah. She is persistent." Believe me, I know.
"Well, sensei. What do we have to do now?" She had that expectant look in her eyes. I really hope that after all this, she learns how to swim.
---
I first taught her how to float. I thought that she would have a hard time learning, but surprisingly she is a fast learner. I guess her will and drive enable her to accomplish things. Afterwards, I showed her the proper form and stroke. She tried doing what I showed her, but it seems she's a bit tired. I suggested we take a break and eat. She agreed with me and we got out of the pool.
"What do you know, it's almost lunchtime." I checked my watch when we went to our table. We were seated beside each other on the bench. "So, what do you want to eat? I guess we can order some food…"
"Actually…" Hiroisora started to get something out of her bag. "…I brought a bento for lunch!" She excitedly presented the bento to me. Then, she opened it and the food inside is arranged beautifully.
"Wow! Did you make all of this?"
"Well, yes…" She was quite ashamed to admit it.
"It looks delicious!" It really does.
"Let's eat, then." She happily gave me chopsticks and we started to eat.
"It's really good!"
"Really?" She was happy to hear my remarks.
"Yup. I'll take this as payment for today."
"Oh? I thought a kiss was going to be my payment."
"No. This is more than enough." You won't get me again.
"Is that so?"
"Yup." I was busy eating.
"Takaiyama-kun."
"Hmm?" I looked at her while my mouth is full of food. She then suddenly went close to me; our faces almost touch each other. I was surprised. I swallowed all the food at once. She burst into laughter.
"You should've seen your reaction." She hasn't stopped laughing.
"What the heck are you doing?"
"It seems words are not enough to tease you anymore." She's really dedicated in doing things she like, which is unfortunate for me, since she likes to tease me.
"You were almost about to kiss me, of course I'd be surprised."
"You sound disappointed that I didn't."
"I-I'm not!" How can she say things like this so easily?
"Hehehe. It seems I can still tease you with just words, after all." I give up.
We continued eating, and then when we finished, I started another conversation.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"The other night you mentioned about your father and Elizabeth-san forcing you to go on dates."
"Are you jealous?" There goes her teasing again.
"No, it's not that. I was just wondering why…" She fell silent. I guess this topic is off-limits. Maybe it's related to what happened at the aquarium back in Okinawa. I should change the topic. "By any chance… Are you into girls?"
"What? No!" I laughed at her.
"You should have seen your reaction."
"Hmph!" She seemed angry but then she smiled. "Thanks…"
"For what?"
"Anyway, let's look around the resort a little bit. We can't go back to swimming immediately after eating." She grabbed my arm and dragged me. Even though she didn't answer me, I think I understand why she thanked me. It's because I didn't pry any further.
---
We looked around the resort. Hiroisora brought her phone with her which she used to take pictures. She insisted on taking pictures of me. I obliged, though I wasn't too thrilled about it. Then she asked me to take pictures of her. I wish I can get a copy of even one of her pictures… Hahaha.
"Hey, Takaiyama-kun. Let's take a picture together."
"Sure."
She took a photo of us in front of a waterfall attraction. She seemed really happy about the picture.
---
After a while, we went back to practice. She's got the basics down now. If she continues to practice after this, she won't be having any problem passing her exams.
We spent the rest of the afternoon on practicing what I taught her. I think her confidence grew a lot. At least now, she can practice on her own.
"Wow, you learn fast."
"No, I just have a great teacher." She smiled while praising me.
"I'm pretty sure you learned because you wanted to do it. I only had a small part in it. You can practice by yourself now if you want to improve further." She seemed disappointed at what I said.
"So, you won't be teaching me anymore?"
"I don't think I can teach you anything else, although I can be your lifeguard if you want. I do want to eat your cooking again, after all."
"So you really prefer my cooking over a kiss, huh? Hehehe." At least she looked happy again, though she got another chance to tease me.
When we checked the time, it was almost 6 PM. Elizabeth-san said she will be picking us up by that time. We decided to get changed before she gets back. After changing and thanking the staff, we waited outside. It didn't take long before the car arrived. Elizabeth-san got out of the car and greeted us. Inside the car, I was seating beside Hiroisora, unlike how we came here this morning.
"So, how did it go, Kari-sama?"
"I finally learned how to swim!" She was excited to report to Elizabeth-san.
"That is good news. Your father will be happy. Also, I have prepared the clothes you both will be wearing tonight."
"Clothes?" I asked in confusion.
"You will be meeting him at a restaurant in a five-star hotel. You will have to dress formally. You can change at the hotel room we have booked for you." I didn't think about it this morning, but when Elizabeth-san said I'll be meeting Hiroisora's father, I thought I'll be meeting him as her friend. But now I realized that they know me as her boyfriend. This is a big deal to them. And her father seems to be some sort of big shot. I'm not emotionally prepared for this.
"I don't feel so good. Maybe I should just go home, you know?" You have to let me go. I'm sick! Please!
"You're not sick." Elizabeth-san placed her hand on my forehead. "I'm afraid that there is no way you will go home early tonight."
"I'm really sorry about this, Takaiyama-kun. When my father wants to do things like this, I really can't say no…" I guess she loves her father that much too. I give up. What can be so bad about meeting her father?
We arrived at the hotel and went straight to the rooms. My room was separate from Hiroisora's. When I went inside the room, I saw the tuxedo lying on the bed. I suppose I have to wear that. It was difficult to wear something I haven't worn before. After wearing it how I think it should be worn, I went outside the room and waited for Hiroisora and Elizabeth-san. The door of their room opened and Hiroisora came out. She was gorgeous in her dress.
"Sorry for making you wait, Takaiyama-kun." I was just looking at her. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah. Sorry. It's the second time today that I've seen how beautiful you are." I thought it was the makeup that makes her face red, but she was actually blushing.
"It is a sight to behold seeing Kari-sama flirting so openly." Elizabeth-san interrupts the moment.
"We are not flirting!" We protested simultaneously.
We went to the restaurant. While we were walking, I suddenly felt nervous again. What if he finds out I've been using his daughter? Wait a moment, now that I think about it, wasn't he the one who wanted to have someone court his daughter? This is his plan after all, so he has no reason to be angry! Ha! I was worried over nothing. Suddenly, Elizabeth-san whispered to me.
"Kari-sama's father does not know anything about our deal. I wouldn't be too relieved if I were you. He really thinks you love her daughter."
"What?! I thought he was the one who ordered you to do this?" I whispered as quietly as I could, even though I wanted to shout.
"I never said that. I just said he wanted his daughter to not be alone, which is why I have done what I have done." Darn it! Is there no way to avoid this??
"Ah, so you've arrived!" A male voice exclaimed in excitement.
"Good evening, Father." Hiroisora greeted him with a smile. My face is frozen.
"You look beautiful as ever, Kari!" He seemed to be happy to see his daughter in that dress. Then he turned towards me. "So, you're Takaiyama." His tone suddenly changed! What happened to that joyful person?! It sounded like he's going to kill me or something… I want to go home!
"Yes, sir!" I was stiff as a log.
"How long have you been going out with my lovely daughter?"
"Over a month, sir!" I feel like I'm in the military.
"Do you love my daughter?" For a second, I paused. I contemplated the question. Then I realized that there is only one answer in this situation.
"Yes, sir!!"
"I see…" He was silent for a while. I couldn't breathe while waiting for his next statement. "I finally get to see you! Don't be too formal, call me 'Father'! Hahaha. You're like my son now!" What just happened?
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