Chapter 52: The Hot Spring Proposal

The fireworks end, leaving a trail of glittering smoke and a contented silence in their wake. We are all walking back to the ryokan, full of grilled squid and a sense of peaceful accomplishment. The romantic, magical atmosphere of the festival has worked its insidious magic on everyone.

Especially Kenji.

"That was amazing!" he sighs, clutching his chest dramatically. "The lights, the sounds! My heart is full of poetic passion! I feel spiritually cleansed!" He stops walking and turns to the group, his eyes shining with a new, terrible idea. "But our journey of purification is not yet complete! Now that we have cleansed our souls with the starlight of the fireworks, we must cleanse our mortal bodies in the sacred, healing waters of the onsen!"

I groan internally. I knew this was coming.

"It is a brilliant idea, Kenji-kun!" Rina says, immediately siding with him. The two of them are a chaotic alliance of bad ideas.

"The main baths are gender-separated, Kenji-kun," Miki reminds him, her voice laced with a weary patience.

"Ah, but my dear Miki-chan," Kenji says, wagging a finger at her. "I made inquiries at the front desk! This esteemed establishment has several private, reservable, open-air baths! They are called 'kazokuburo' - family baths! And what are we, if not a family? A family of artists, united in our noble cause!"

He turns his full, pleading attention to the group. "I propose a Team Ectiqa Full Bonding Session! In a private, co-ed bath! Think of the synergy! The unity! We will emerge from the waters as one, our spirits intertwined, ready to face the final battle!"

"Absolutely not," I say immediately, my voice firm. "That is the single worst idea in human history. I am not getting in a hot tub with my sister and my friends. That is the opposite of a relaxing experience. That is my own, personal, customized nightmare."

"I am with Rui-kun on this one," Miki says, crossing her arms. "Gender separation exists for a reason, and that reason is primarily to protect civilized society from you, Kenji-kun."

"But think of the efficiency!" Rina argues, her eyes twinkling with a devious light. "We could have a strategy meeting while we soak! It is multitasking! We could discuss the final stages of the costume construction. It is a work-related activity!"

"You cannot be serious," I say, staring at her. She is trying to justify a co-ed bath as a business expense. Her audacity knows no bounds.

Hana, who has been silent, is now blushing a shade of red that is visible even in the dim lantern light. "I- I do not know," she stammers. "It does seem a little… improper."

"Improper? It is team building!" Kenji insists. "Great leaders have made great decisions in baths for centuries! It is historical!"

The debate rages all the way back to the ryokan. Miki and I are the steadfast, unyielding wall of sanity (Team No). Rina and Kenji are the chaotic, unstoppable force of terrible ideas (Team Yes). Hana is the terrified, blushing swing vote, currently leaning towards our side out of sheer propriety.

We arrive back in our rooms, the issue unresolved. The air is thick with the unspoken conflict. The ryokan, once a symbol of peace, has become a steamy battlefield, and the private baths are the strategic high ground that must be conquered.