The group lingered at the entrance, playing around with Kanna for a while. As Sato casually glanced around, he suddenly felt something was off when he noticed the pairs of eyes seemingly glancing over from all directions.
Perhaps because he stood out too much within this small group, people around kept sweeping their gazes toward him. Those looks filled with envy, jealousy, and resentment felt as sharp as knives…
Seeing this, Sato couldn't help but suck in a breath. This really was drawing too much aggro.
Originally, he had thought about inviting Saiki and Kirito to come along, but after careful consideration, he gave up.
The light music club was all girls. They had invited him because he was a member. The reason he could bring Takanashi Rikka and the others was also because they were girls. If he brought unfamiliar boys, the girls might not say anything, but they would definitely feel somewhat uncomfortable.
At the very least, Mio, who was quite shy, would definitely feel uneasy.
So after thinking it through, he abandoned the idea.
Besides, even if he invited them, they probably wouldn't come. On weekends, SAO allowed up to eight hours of gameplay. Kirito would likely be grinding, and Saiki didn't seem to enjoy lively places much.
"Um… let's just head inside quickly."
"Huh? Sato, what are you afraid of?"
Ritsu suddenly leaned in, wiggling her eyebrows at him with a stupid grin.
Sato narrowed his eyes and glared at her fiercely. "None of your business."
"Hehe, are you afraid of getting burned?"
"You even know about that?"
Sato raised a brow, a bit surprised.
"Hmph! What is there that I, Ritsu, don't know?"
Tch, this girl… she hasn't even been praised yet and she's already getting full of herself.
…
Entering the water park required tickets, but the girls from the light music club had already bought them in advance.
"Wow! This water park is huge!"
As they stepped inside, everyone couldn't help but exclaim.
From the entrance, there was a massive swimming pool covered in blue tiles. Water cannons around the edges sprayed mist into the air, shimmering with colorful light under the sun. Beyond that, various water slides twisted and spiraled in all directions.
Farther away was a stretch of golden sand, connected to the gently rolling sea.
The sunlight approaching summer was slightly scorching.
Sato raised a hand to shield his eyes and looked toward the horizon where sea met sky. His mood inexplicably lifted.
He turned back to the group and pointed to a spot. "Let's go change into swimsuits first. We'll meet there afterward."
"Tch! Sato, are you that eager to see Mio in a swimsuit?!"
"Huh?!"
Mio froze, her face instantly turning bright red.
This girl is bullying Mio again…
Sato couldn't be bothered arguing with Ritsu. He turned to Gabriel. "I'll leave Kanna to you for changing."
"Why me?!"
Gabriel shot a disgusted glance at Kanna, yet her body honestly reached out and took Kanna's hand.
"Let's go, little dragon!"
Since when did she become a tsundere?
Sato looked at Gabriel's back with a strange expression.
After everyone dispersed, Sato went to the men's changing room, changed into his swim trunks, and arrived at the agreed spot.
Perhaps because everyone else was female, even though the men's changing room was farther away, he still came out first.
Not long after, the girls walked out together.
Accompanied by bell-like laughter, their youthful figures drew attention. Their fair skin shimmered brightly under the sunlight.
Sato's gaze turned subtle. He instinctively glanced at the supposedly composed male onlookers nearby.
A thought surfaced in his mind. Would something happen to him later?
He began reflecting on himself, but felt confused.
His social circle was clearly normal. There were both boys and girls. So why did it feel strange?
Where exactly was the problem?
Could it be that he had more female friends than male ones?
Well… that did seem a bit unusual. What kind of guy had a social circle like this? It's not like he was some kind of male host…
"Sorry to keep you waiting!"
With that energetic voice, as expected, he instantly received ten times more envy, jealousy, and resentment than before.
Damn it! That scumbag!!
I'm going to burn him alive!!!
What kind of bastard exists like this in the world?!
From the seemingly calm faces of those male onlookers, Sato could read all sorts of hidden emotions.
This world is terrifying.
Sato rubbed his temples, then turned to look at the girls.
Whoosh!
Very quickly, he turned his head back with a calm expression, though waves stirred in his heart.
This is way too dazzling!
"Let's go pick a good spot on the beach first. We can rest there later when we get tired."
Sato pointed toward the beach without turning his head.
"Oh! That sounds good!"
"Nohara-senpai is so thoughtful!"
"Sato, something's off about you…"
Gabriel and Ritsu exchanged a glance, silently communicating.
The next second, both of them stepped in front of Sato.
"Oh? What's so interesting in that direction? Is it better than Mio in a swimsuit?!"
Ritsu deliberately swayed in front of him in her swimsuit, shading her eyes as she looked into the distance.
"Who knows what he's looking at."
Gabriel followed, her golden hair tied into a high ponytail swaying behind her. She glanced at Sato, a devilish smile curling at her lips.
"Nothing. Let's just go."
Sato replied calmly, bending down to pick up the bag and walking toward the beach.
"Haha! No way, Sato, are you embarrassed?!"
Ritsu suddenly jumped in front of him, eyes shining as if she had discovered a huge secret.
"Oh? Really?"
Gabriel also stepped in front of him, covering her mouth as she laughed, her eyes full of teasing satisfaction.
So this Nohara guy can get embarrassed too…
"Huh? Nohara-san is embarrassed?"
"No way!"
"Th-this… even a servant can be this shy?"
"S-Senpai…"
Hearing the surprised voices behind him, Sato's calm expression finally cracked. A rare flush appeared on his face as he said irritably, "You're all so noisy. I'm going ahead!"
With that, he grabbed the bag and practically fled toward the beach.
...
(P.S. This Fanfic could also be titled: "Everyday Life in the Multiverse: Me, a Serious Person!")