Chapter 128: Building a Good Relationship with the Future Sister-in-law
Following a game of rock-paper-scissors before the match, Erina's team secured the first turn to attack.
Despite Totsuki primarily being a culinary school, it also emphasized participation in various sports activities, including volleyball. Naturally, they had received volleyball training.
Erina threw the ball into the air and served it with a standard serving stance.
"Allow me to handle this!"
Observing that Erina had served the ball, Alice displayed no signs of weakness. She swiftly approached the point where the volleyball was descending and adeptly lifted it. Subsequently, Saeko leaped high into the air and executed a powerful spike.
The power behind this spike exceeded the previous attempts, capturing the attention of Shizuka, who had taken up the responsibility of catching the ball.
Once Hisako had lightened the ball considerably, Kotonoha lifted it. Then, Erina soared high and delivered a smashing shot, scoring a point.
"1-0."
At this moment, Hachiman, acting as the referee, had completed the scoring.
What followed was an intense women's volleyball match, with various-sized "balls" moving up and down within Hachiman's field of vision, prompting him to murmur softly.
"Hmm, this one appears to be a C..."
"This one's more like a D+..."
"This one is E..."
"Wow, this one is impressive, at least an F..."
"..."
The fluctuating "spheres," varying in size, both mesmerized and disoriented him.
On the court, the largest player was Kotoha, classified as an F-level player, followed by Erina and Alice at E-level. Then came Utaha, Shizuka, Yui, Saeko, and the rest...
However, when it came to the "balls," most prominent figure, there was someone else entirely.
Unintentionally, Hachiman's gaze shifted toward the woman reclining on the other side, sipping a cold drink - Leonora.
Even in her reclined position, her bosom resembled two towering and shapely peaks, enticing thoughts of ascent.
Yet, she was a married woman, Alice's mother, and with a single glance, Hachiman averted his gaze, refocusing on the ongoing match.
The spirited match on the beach continued, with the girls from both teams fiercely competing, each experiencing moments of victory and defeat.
Under the scorching sun, their efforts caused them to perspire profusely. Glistening droplets of sweat traced paths down some of their chins, dripped onto the sandy shoreline, while others meandered along the graceful curves of their bodies, disappearing into hidden crevices.
As the game progressed, their energy was spent, and collective sighs of weariness filled the air. Breathing heavily, they reflected the exhaustion of their athletic endeavors, their slightly sweaty skin shimmering in the sunlight, alluring to anyone who dared to gaze upon them.
Erina's triumphant spike brought the game to a thrilling conclusion, as the volleyball landed on the sandy court past the defense of Yui and Hina.
With a playful exclamation, Erina cheered, prompting Hachiman, serving as the referee, to blow his whistle, signaling the end of the match.
The beach volleyball match followed a best-of-three format, and Erina's team emerged as the victors, thanks in part to Shizuka's formidable skills.
With their win, the girls were in high spirits, celebrating their victory and growing closer as teammates.
Erina, in her usual confident manner, approached Alice, who had lost the match. She couldn't resist a proud remark. "Well, Alice, I believe I've proven my prowess. Victory is mine."
Alice, however, maintained her competitive spirit, responding with a hint of defiance. "Erina, don't let this victory get to your head. In a one-on-one match, I'd undoubtedly come out on top."
Indeed, both cousins shared a similar determination to succeed, refusing to back down from a challenge.
After the exciting volleyball match, the girls took a moment to rehydrate.
Komachi, realizing there was still plenty of time left in the day and that Hachiman hadn't participated in the match, approached her brother with an eager question. "Onii-chan, what should we do next?"
Sigh, I've gone to great lengths for Onii-chan's romantic interests.
"Do you still want to play? How about taking a break?"
Observing the slightly fatigued expressions on the girls' faces, Hachiman hesitated.
Though Hachiman had changed somewhat, his inherent laziness remained intact. The prospect of typical beach activities didn't excite him; he was content with soaking in the sun and admiring the beauty around him.
"Well, let's opt for something more laid-back,".
Komachi, persistent as ever, relied on her tried-and-true strategy of being cute. "Please, Onii-chan? We've come all the way to the beach; we should have some fun."
Being rather fond of his little sister, Hachiman couldn't resist her adorable plea.
"Alright, I'll go along with your idea. Let's engage in a more relaxed activity."
"Hmm, let me think... how about a watermelon smashing game? I recall there's a watermelon in the fridge."
Watermelon smashing, a classic beach game frequently featured in various anime, was a must. The rules were simple: designate an area, place a watermelon randomly within it, blindfold the player, have them spin in place a few times, and then they had to rely on the surrounding players' directions to attempt to strike the watermelon. Successfully hitting the watermelon meant victory.
Naturally, to inject some amusement into the game, there would invariably be some mischief-makers deliberately giving incorrect directions.
"Great! Watermelon smashing it is. Onii-chan, please go get it," Komachi exclaimed with sparkling eyes, her excitement urging Hachiman to fetch the watermelon.
For Komachi, the specific game wasn't as important as having her beloved brother participate. It was a chance for her to interact more with the older girls.
As they observed this scene, the few girls present contemplated the situation. They could see that Hachiman deeply cared for his little sister. Regardless of Komachi's desires, he went above and beyond to fulfill them. To win Hachiman's favor, building a good relationship with Komachi was their top priority.
After all, she would be their future sister-in-law.
The idea excited Yui, Utaha, and Kotonoha, prompting them to gradually approach Komachi. Unbeknownst to them, Saeko also silently observed from the sidelines, her intentions hidden.
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I fell asleep earlier again..
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