Volume 3 Chapter 33 Swimming Class
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”See you later, then.”
”…Mm.”
Suu-chan let go of my hand, looking quite reluctant to part. I know she doesn’t want to be away from me for even a second, but there’s really no helping it this time. She and Shiho-chan were led away by Mayumi-san toward the girls’ changing room. Suu-chan kept looking back over her shoulder, so I kept waving until they turned the corner and vanished from sight.
”Well then, Makoto, do your best,” Mother said.
”I will,” I replied.
After saying goodbye to Mother, I headed for the boys’ changing room.
As it happens, we’re currently enrolled in a limited summer session at the local swim school. Today is the fourth session-the final day. (Since it’s the grand finale, I’d better make sure I enjoy it to the max.)
Inside the boys’ locker room, kids my age were milling about and causing a ruckus. Some were getting scolded for running amok, while others were getting help changing from their parents. Since it was pretty packed, I wove through the gaps to find an empty spot and started getting ready. I already had my trunks on underneath, so I just stripped off my clothes, stuffed them into my bag, and pulled out my yellow swim cap. I found a random shelf, shoved my bag inside, and I was good to go.
I headed out, hit the restroom, and waited for the girls at the designated meeting point between the locker rooms.
”Maa-kun!”
Before long, a familiar, bubbly voice reached my ears. Keeping her promise not to run in the halls, Suu-chan approached at a very brisk power-walk, with Shiho-chan desperately trailing behind her. She came at me with so much momentum that I had to brace myself to catch her.
”Suu-chan, we’re technically in public, you know…”
”Mm. I forgot,” she whispered.
(Every time she gets into a swimsuit¹, Suu-chan makes a point of hugging me. Sure, the sensation of direct skin contact makes the ‘happiness factor’ skyrocket, but is this really how a proper young lady should behave? Maybe we should keep this as a ‘home only’ rule?)
By the way, she’s wearing the same school swimsuit from our kindergarten. Apparently, there’s an official swim school version, but since this is just a summer special, we can wear whatever we want.
”Did you go to the bathroom?” I asked.
”Mm, I’m okay,” Suu-chan said.
”Shiho went too!” Shiho-chan added.
(Unlike us boys, it’s a total ordeal for girls once they’ve squeezed into those suits. It looks like Mayumi-san made sure they took care of business beforehand.)
The three of us rinsed off in the shower and headed poolside. It was a massive six-lane pool. Shiho-chan had been terrified of the scale compared to our kindergarten at first, but now she looks like she can’t wait to jump in. As for Suu-chan… well, she’s shy with strangers, but she’s surprisingly fearless when it comes to activity. She was ready to go. I spotted Mother and Mayumi-san behind the large glass windows of the spectator gallery, so the three of us waved to them.
”Alright, roll call! When I call your name, give me a nice, loud ‘here’!”
The voice belonged to our instructor, a young woman in a professional racing suit. She was as energetic as ever, her voice echoing off the walls.
”Suzuki Makoto-kun!”
”Here,” I said.
”Suzuki-chan!”
”Here,” she said.
”Shiho-chan!”
”Here,” she said.
”Kenta-kun!”
”Here!!”
There are eight of us in total for the three-year-old plan²… but two are missing today. (Just like at kindergarten, there’s always someone out sick.) Once attendance was finished, we started our warm-ups. Following the teacher’s lead, we rotated our arms and stretched our legs. One, two, three, four—
Suu-chan, standing right next to me, was uncharacteristically close. Her hands kept bumping into mine as we moved. And then, into the water! Well, just our feet to start. We sat on the edge of the pool and splashed the water back and forth.
”Who can make the biggest splash?!” the teacher cried.
At the teacher’s prompt, everyone started kicking with everything they had. Compared to the first day, the spray was getting pretty intense. Next up was flutter-kick practice while lying face-down on the deck. It takes a surprising amount of stamina; everyone was already huffing and puffing. (That’s what happens when you use nothing but brute force, guys. I’m sure this is exactly what the parents and teachers wanted-to tire us out.)
With the warm-ups out of the way, it was finally time to actually enter the pool. The area for the toddler course was just a section of the end lane. The pool is usually over a meter deep, but they’ve stacked several layers of red platforms so that even kids our age can stand. On the first day, it was shallow enough to do a “crocodile crawl,” but by the fourth session, they’d removed some platforms. Today, the water came up to our waists.
”Alright, let’s make a whirlpool! Follow me!” the teacher said.
The teacher started walking in a large circle. We formed a line and followed. At first, the water resistance made it hard to move, but as the current picked up, it became easier and easier to walk. I noticed Suu-chan’s hands had been resting on my shoulders for a while now…
”Suu-chan, are you hitching a ride?”
”…Not hitching,” she replied.
(Apparently, I was just imagining things.)
After about five minutes of circling, the vortex was broken just as the youngsters were starting to flag.
”Okay, now we’re going to squat! All the way down until your face is in!”
Suu-chan and I are used to this from our “skin-diving” games in the bathtub, but the other kids haven’t quite become comfortable in the water yet. They squeezed their eyes shut and pinched their noses before dunking themselves in. Suu-chan and I sank down in perfect, fluid synchronization. Our eyes met underwater, and we immediately started a staring contest. I puffed out my cheeks by shoving my tongue into my upper lip and rolled my eyes back. Suu-chan shot to the surface instantly.
”Muu! Maa-kun, that’s cheating!”
”Eh? Whatever do you mean?” I asked.
She started protesting by playfully bumping into me, so I bumped back. (The water acted as a perfect cushion; it didn’t hurt one bit.)
Once the underwater games were over, it was time to level up to actual swimming practice. First, everyone climbed back out onto the deck. We had those foam floaties attached to our arms and were handed kickboards.
”Alright, everyone watch! Makoto-kun, show them how it’s done!”
Once again, I was picked as the honorary demo-student.
”Relax your body and just float,” the teacher said.
Following the teacher’s instructions, I let my body go limp. Since I had the kickboard, my face stayed above water. The teacher supported my stomach, though honestly, having someone hold you like that makes it harder to balance.
”Okay, I’m going to give you a push… and flutter-kick!”
She pushed me off from both sides, and I started kicking. Slowly but surely, I moved forward. After about five meters, I reached the end and was caught by another teacher.
”Let’s hear it for him!”
The teacher led the group in a round of applause. The other kids’ eyes were sparkling. It’s like they just realized that they, too, could actually swim.
”Alright, next person, go go go!”
The other kids took their turns one by one. Of course, it didn’t go perfectly for everyone, but as they went back and forth with the teacher’s support, they gradually got the hang of it.
”I did it! I swam!” Shiho-chan cried.
”Congratulations!” the teacher replied.
Shiho-chan was hopping up and down with joy. She was terrified of the water just a few days ago; her growth speed is honestly staggering. Incredibly, all six kids managed to swim with their floats and boards. With everyone’s spirits at an all-time high, we moved into the final free-play period. We went down slides made of the underwater platforms and waded through piles of colorful floating balls.
”Maa-kun, look. I’m doing the ‘Maa-kun.’”
Suu-chan showed me her starfish float on her back. She was completely relaxed, drifting peacefully on the surface.
”Suu-chan, you’re so cool!” Shiho-chan watched, green with envy.
(We’ve been practicing this in the bath every day lately. Though I did wonder if it was very ladylike to do in a tiny tub…)
”Shiho wants to try too!”
”Mm. The trick is to let go of your strength,” Suu-chan said.
(She says it like it’s easy, but it’s actually pretty tough. Suu-chan only pulls it off because she’s a freakishly fast learner.)
”Gah… glub!”
Predictably, Shiho-chan sank and started flailing.
”I’m gonna practice so much!”
”Yeah! Go for it!” I cheered.
And so, I ended up spending the rest of the time helping them practice their starfish floats. (I know it’s the last day, but I guess this is as good a way to spend it as any.)
* * *
I finished changing a bit earlier than the girls and met up with Mother.
”Good work, Maa-kun. Did you have fun?”
”Yeah, it was great,” I said.
(I felt a pleasant sense of exhaustion-the kind I never got back in my days as a working adult.)
”Do you want to come swim with us next time, Mom?”
”Well, it is hot out. I suppose I’d like to take a dip every now and then. Though, I’d have to buy a swimsuit first… Would you help me pick one out, Maa-kun?”
”Really? You mean it?”
”Fufu. Make sure you pick something that looks good on me,” she said.
(Yes! I’ve got her on the record! The only problem now is my own taste. A sleek racing suit would be great, but a bikini is also hard to pass up… Ah, wait, if I think about other guys seeing her, maybe I shouldn’t go too aggressive with the style. I’d be perfectly happy if she just wore it for me at home, but then I’d lose my excuse for picking one out in the first place… Urgh… I’ll have to brainstorm a solid plan by next season!)
While I was chatting with Mother, Suu-chan and the others finished changing and came out. As soon as she saw me, Suu-chan made a beeline for my side.
”Maa-kun…”
”What’s up?” I asked.
”I’m hungry.”
”Tell me about it. I’m starving too.”
(Our tummy-growls had been growling quite loudly for a while now. It had only been about thirty minutes of activity, but I guess we burned more energy than I thought.)
”Should we go grab something to eat?” Mother asked.
”Good idea. What does everyone want?”
”I want ice cream!” Shiho-chan cried.
We had planned to eat out anyway, and Shiho-chan was over the moon at the suggestion. I expected Suu-chan to be just as excited, but—
”…What about Mama?”
She was worried about Mio-san, who can’t move around much because of her pregnancy. She couldn’t bring herself to be happy if her mom was left out. I exchanged a glance with Mother. I had a feeling this would happen.
”How about we just get some ice cream here, and then buy some dinner to take home to her?” I suggested.
”…Mm. I want to be with Mama,” Suu-chan said.
(That should satisfy both of them. Mitsuhisa-san might have already started cooking, but…)
”That sounds like a plan. Shiho-chan, is that okay with you?” Mother asked.
”Yeah! That’s fine!”
With Shiho-chan’s okay, we stopped by the food truck³ parked in front of the swim school. The smell of takoyaki sauce was a massive temptation, but for the sake of dinner, I held back and looked at the sweets. Taiyaki might be too heavy… so we went with soft-serve.
”What flavor do you want?” Mother asked.
”Ssu… I want strawberry,” Suu-chan said.
”Shiho too!”
The two girls went for strawberry.
”What about you, Maa-kun?”
”Hmm, let’s see… Suu-chan, is there one you’re curious about?”
”………”
”Can I try the melon one?” I asked.
”Mm!”
I asked Suu-chan, but since she was clearly having trouble deciding, I picked the melon flavor she was staring at.
”Here you go!”
”Thank you!”
I took the cone and had a bite. It melted instantly, and the sweet scent of melon filled my senses. The sugar felt like it was soaking right into my tired bones.
”Suu-chan, want a taste?”
”Mm! …It’s good!” she said.
I gave Suu-chan a bite. Then, I looked at the other girl who was watching us with envious eyes.
”Shiho-chan, you want a taste too?”
”Is it okay?”
”Of course. It’s really good,” I said.
”Thanks!”
Watching the two of them eat so happily made all my tiredness vanish.
”Maa-kun, have some of mine too,” Suu-chan said.
”Thanks.”
As we savored our ice cream together, another summer memory was officially in the books.
—
Summary:
Makoto and his friends finish their final day of a summer swim class. Makoto displays his ‘adult’ competence by demonstrating swimming for the class. The day ends with the families sharing ice cream and showing consideration for Suu-chan’s pregnant mother.
—
Trivia:
- Makoto’s internal age-gap manifests in his fatigue, which he compares to his past life as a salaryman.
- Suu-chan’s physical affection is heightened specifically when they wear swimsuits.
- The ‘school swimsuit’ is a uniform standard that remains consistent even across different schools in this setting
—
Character Insight:
Suu-chan demonstrates a high level of empathy and emotional intelligence by prioritizing her mother’s feelings over her own desire for ice cream.
—
Behind the Scenes:
The use of ‘kitchen cars’ (food trucks) is a common sight in modern Japanese suburban settings during events or at leisure facilities.
—
TL Notes:
Notes:
• Mayumi – Shiho-chan’s mother is an elegant, refined adult woman who accompanies her daughters—older daughter Hina and younger Shiho—to swimming school, assisting them with changing. A graceful presence, she’s a trusted “mom-friend” to Mio-san and close to Nanami and Akari, balancing maternal care with warm, supportive friendships among the parents.
• Shiho – Shiho‑chan, a three‑year‑old Rose‑Class girl with shoulder‑length hair in a side‑up ponytail, uses training chopsticks and a white kitten‑themed placemat. Sleepy, she leans on Makoto’s “secret” advice and makes mud dumplings. Neighbor of the Yoshikura family, classmate and peer of Makoto, younger sister of Hina, and friend of Suu‑chan and Yuma. Older sister in the senior group, she quietly competes with Suu for Makoto’s attention, wishes happiness for the Tanabata deities, and, despite a childhood fear of water, now eagerly embraces swimming.
• Makoto – 93 cm, 13 kg three‑year‑old boy in a neat shirt and cap, short hair, backpack, booster seat in Hinomori’s Rose Group. He is a reincarnated 30‑year‑old salaryman with architectural know‑how, social‑management skill, hidden English and analytical mind, living with the Totsuka family (mother works) and protecting Suzuka‑chan; called Maa‑kun by Suu‑chan and leader of Rose Class. Secretly possesses high‑level social and gaming abilities, mediating among the children.
• Suzuki – Suu‑chan, 4, daughter of Mio and Mitsuhisa, sports a topknot, braided pigtails, sleepy eyes that sparkle, pink rain boots and a tiny umbrella. Competitive yet nervous, she is Makoto’s Queen of the Jungle Gym, giving hugs, pouts, and coordinating his things. Close friend Maa‑kun, sandbox leader, sings, uses chopsticks skillfully. In Hinomori Kindergarten’s Younger Class she is shy, socially anxious, sits in a booster seat, and clings possessively to Makoto.
• Mio – 28‑year‑old pregnant mother of Suu‑chan, round belly, bed‑resting for health; wife of Mitsuhisa (164 cm, 57 kg, baby‑faced, G‑cup curves, elegant in gray). Former relay runner and badminton star turned teacher, cook, photographer who bakes strawberry shortcake and chirashi‑zushi, adores babysitting Ma‑kun, subtly pushes his marriage to Suu‑chan, avoids crowds, captures family chaos, dresses the protagonist’s mother, devotes herself to her daughter’s education, playful, theatrical, neighbor/family friend in a joint‑destiny child‑rearing unit.
• Mitsuhisa – 184 cm, 71 kg, 33‑year‑old IT specialist; slick‑back hair, deep voice, often scowling. Breadwinner of the Totsuka family, doting husband of Mio and father of Su‑chan. Reserved with Akari, family photographer with a DSLR and tripod. Close to former college‑athlete Makoto, sharing playful‑sometimes‑sinister humor and gaming lag. Desk‑working salaryman, surprisingly toned, protective yet occasionally lonely as kids grow independent. Now works from home to care for pregnant Mio and manage household duties.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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