Underneath The Bandages, You Are Prettier Than Anyone - CH 16

Translated and Edited by: ynlucca.

Common Honorifics:

-san: A polite suffix, but not excessively formal.

-kun: A common suffix among friends and younger people.

-chan: A common suffix among people you’re close with, mostly used for feminine nicknames and girls, since it’s cutesy and childlike.

The day after our fun outing at the beach, I stood alone in front of the bathroom mirror.

“How the hell can you get this burnt up in one day?”

I didn’t wear any sunscreen, and as a result, the mirror reflected my new tanned-brown color. My skin’s relatively strong, so the suntan didn’t peel off, nor did it turn red. Instead, my color just darkened.

Due to how long we were having fun there, Yuki’s translucent white skin was also slightly tanned. That made her look healthier and sexier than usual.

Well, she must’ve been so absorbed in playing in the ocean, some of the sunscreen must’ve washed off. I admit I was having so much fun I also forgot to help her reapply. Even then, her tan was not as bad as mine, so I guess the sunscreen worked wonders.

As I was leaving the bathroom, I heard a voice calling me from the kitchen.

“Haru-kun, I cut a watermelon!”

“Oh, thanks, Yuki! Let’s have some together.”

To enjoy summer as it’s meant to be enjoyed, we bought a humongous, luscious watermelon at the supermarket. Just to seal the deal, we put it in a tub of water and ice to cool it.

Yuki donned her loungewear, a combo of black shorts and white t-shirt. Grabbing a knife, she cut the watermelon into neat triangles, and brought them on a plate for both of us to enjoy. Placing it on the table, she sat down on the couch with me.

The succulent red flesh was dotted with countless black seeds. I reach for that cool aroma, grabbing a piece of that tempting watermelon.

“I haven’t eaten one in years, feels so nostalgic.”

“Really? When was the last time you had one?”

“Since elementary school. Remember when we were playing together and my mom brought us some slices? Oh, and then we sat by the balcony, and I bit them as hard as I could.”

“Oh, I remember. We had a feast on that hot summer day.”

Memories of the two of us munching on some watermelon and playing with the seeds ran through my mind. I remember my mom telling us to stop since it was bad manners. Well, now that I’m in high-school, I don’t really wanna spit seeds anymore.

“We sure did. Since we’re having some now, why don’t we eat by the balcony together?”

“Oh, for sure. It feels more like summer that way.”

I walked to the balcony with her, still holding my slice.

Even in the shade, it was hot and humid. Both of us cooled down by munching on the cool redness of the watermelon. Its aroma filled the air, and the soft-yet-crunchy texture was a pleasure to taste. Both our mouths were filled with that sweet, sweet juice.

Meanwhile, the chime that hung by the window played a tune along with the wind, a sound befitting of summer. In the distance, we hear an orchestra of cicadas, and we both look up at the large shiny clouds sailing in the blue sky above.

Summer is here, and time passes by slowly. It filled me with joy to spend quality time together with Yuki, and all I wanted at this exact moment was for it to last forever.

“It’s summer.”

“Yeah, it’s summer.”

“It’s hot.”

“Yup, it’s hot.”

“You had a blast at the beach, didn’t you?”

“Mhm, it was my first time swimming in the sea. I’m glad you took me there, Haru-kun.”

“And we had a lot of fun at the summer festival, too.”

“We did. The fireworks were so beautiful…”

“The barbecue was also pretty fun. The meat was delicious, and the night sky was breathtaking.”

“It was. Akina and Rikka were there too, so it was very lively.”

“Where shall we go next?”

“Anywhere with you, Haru-kun.”

The wind that caressed my sweaty skin was warm, yet I found it comforting nonetheless. I took Yuri’s hand, and she squeezed back softly. We gently intertwined our fingers together, her lovely hand and mine.

It was a nice summer day.

It’s not over! Volume 1 is, though.

I consider this my comfort series, it’s just so nice to translate, and is a nice place to come back to for a warm, fluffy read.

Also, if you enjoyed my translation and would like to feed my caffeine addiction, click on the button below and graciously give me my fix—I mean, a cup of coffee.