Am I The Only Male Tenant Here?

By the time I made it back to my room, I realized the faint smell clinging to me wasn't just from dinner—it was the lingering trace of alcohol.

…Yeah, that wouldn't do. Another shower, then.

The warm spray streamed over my shoulders, sliding down my back. And, of course, as soon as I relaxed, my mind decided to wander. To her.

Mochizuki Haruka.

Tch… even the steam felt like it was teasing me with her scent.

After the bath, I went to the window. The night breeze slipped in, cool and soft against my half-damp hair. I've never liked hair dryers—they always feel too artificial. This was better. The wind ruffled my hair freely, carrying away the last traces of heat.

Outside, the sky was a bottomless black, like it could swallow anything.

…If it could take people's worries, too, that'd be nice. Maybe then life really would be simple.

Morning sunlight spilled into the room, warm enough to wake me without an alarm.

Spring, before the heat of summer—yeah, this is the sweet spot.

It's Sunday. And like last week, I promised to help the water polo club with their training. Which means I'll be spending the day with Shiraishi Lisa.

After breakfast, I headed out.

The streets were full of skirts today—cherry blossom pink, sky blue, fresh white. The sunlight made bare legs shine almost unfairly bright, and every now and then a breeze would toy with the hems.

This really is the best season.

By the time I reached the school gate, there she was—Shiraishi-senpai—waiting, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"I say, Shiraishi-senpai, are you really that eager for me? Waiting at the gate every time?"

I grinned.

"Of course. Without our coach, training can't start. Besides… I did promise the team you'd come."

Her smile was subtle, but her eyes gave her away.

"Alright, alright, I keep my promises."

She nodded once, satisfied.

"Come on, Ginjo-san. Everyone's already here."

"Eh? Isn't it still early?"

"That's how motivated they are."

She took my arm and pulled me toward the pool. Her mood seemed lighter than usual—maybe it was the weather, maybe it was just me.

"Ginjo-kun, good morning—!"

The voices hit me the moment we stepped poolside.

The girls were already in swimsuits, lined up like they'd been waiting just for me. And when I came out in my own suit, they all turned at once, eyes sparkling.

Skin glistened faintly under the lights. The snug fits of their suits framed every curve, and the high-cut designs turned long legs into weapons. And when you multiply that effect by an entire team of them… well.

Of course, Shiraishi-senpai stood out even more. Over 175 cm, all long lines and perfect proportion—like she'd just stepped out of a photo shoot.

…If I had a camera right now, I could probably sell the photos for enough to retire early.

Instead, I just burned the view into my memory.

"Ahem. Morning, everyone."

I stored the images where no one could see them and got to work.

We started with a recap—treading water, same as last week. They warmed up, stretched, then slid into the pool one by one. Before long they were floating effortlessly, elegant as swans.

"Alright. Now hands up—lower body only."

They obeyed, wobbling at first, then finding their balance. A line of water ballerinas, arms raised, legs working unseen.

I glanced at Shiraishi-senpai.

"Looks like your training paid off. They've improved."

She smiled.

"Only because of your detailed explanation last time. I used to just follow online videos… the difference is night and day."

I waved it off.

"Then let's push further today. How about some weight training in the water?"

Her brows rose.

"Weight training?"

"Water polo's brutal under the surface. If you only practice basic treading, you'll get knocked off balance the moment someone grabs or shoves you. Weighted practice makes the body adapt."

She nodded slowly.

"Makes sense. The swimming club has plates. I'll borrow some."

"I'll come. Easier to carry them together."

"Thank you, Ginjo-san. Oh—can you go underwater again during the drill?"

I shook my head.

"Not needed. I just need to see how they handle the extra load."

…Though the truth was, if I did go underwater again, I'd probably end up needing another long "physical exercise" with Tomoko afterward.