Chapter 4:
"…I'm so bored."
It was Sunday afternoon, and I muttered to myself while washing out a cup ramen container. Last week had been so hectic—getting to know Arisa and Aina and growing somewhat close to them—that this weekend, with no school, felt unusually quiet and empty.
"Well, I’m the only one at home, so it’s no wonder I’m bored."
I could’ve invited Sota or Kaito to hang out, but unfortunately, both of them had plans, and our schedules didn’t align. I debated whether to zone out watching anime or reading manga, but since it was a rare chance, I decided to head out instead.
"Maybe I’ll have some amazing encounter… or something like that," I thought to myself.
And perhaps because I’d entertained that idea, the event of that "encounter" unfolded as if it were inevitable.
"…Huh?"
"Oh?"
I’d decided to check out some clothes for a change and visited a certain discount store. But standing right in front of me was none other than Arisa. We stared at each other, eyes wide with surprise, until my gaze drifted to the outfit she was holding.
"A maid outfit?"
This store sold all sorts of things, of course, but it also had a small selection of cosplay costumes. Among them were items like maid outfits—things you wouldn’t normally see. I never would’ve imagined Arisa looking at one with such interest, and I froze in place.
"Hello, Hayato-kun. What a coincidence meeting you here, hmm?"
"Ah, uh… hello, Arisa."
Now that we’d run into each other, it didn’t feel right to just say goodbye and leave. I wasn’t exactly expecting her to stop me, but I had a hunch that the moment I turned my back, she’d call out to me. So, I stepped closer to her.
"That, uh… caught me off guard. Are you interested in maid outfits?"
"Yes. As the embodiment of someone who serves others, I don’t think there’s anything better than this. What about you, Hayato-kun? Do you think a maid outfit would suit me?"
Her question made me picture it. In this world, there are things like maid cafés, and I’d glimpsed photos of people in maid outfits on social media before. But I’d never seen someone I knew wearing one up close.
"…Hmm."
So, what about Arisa, standing right in front of me? I had a feeling it’d suit her perfectly. For one, her long, beautiful black hair reminded me of a classic Yamato Nadeshiko. And maybe it was just my imagination, but something about the aura she exuded seemed to match it too.
(It’d probably suit her amazingly well. A submissive, pure, busty maid… That’s the kind of thing you see in manga all the time—one of every guy’s dreams, right?)
I was lost in those thoughts, completely ignoring Arisa’s question, when she took the maid outfit and headed toward the fitting room.
"Arisa?"
"I’m going to try it on for a bit."
"Eh…?"
With a swift turn, she disappeared behind the curtain, leaving my question—Why is she trying it on?—hanging in the air. But… did that mean I had to wait for her?
"…Guess I’ll wait. Arisa in a maid outfit feels kinda rare, after all."
We hadn’t known each other long, so "rare" might not even be the right word, but for now, I decided to stick around. I killed time scrolling through the internet on my phone, and after a few minutes, she finally pulled back the curtain and stepped out.
"…Whoa."
"What do you think…?"
Standing there was, without a doubt, a maid. The outfit was mostly black and white, but the frills here and there added an extra touch of cuteness. It was a miniskirt-style maid outfit, so Arisa’s healthy, plump thighs greeted me right away. But more than that, the way it hugged her figure made her chest stand out prominently, the curves of her body impossible to ignore.
(…Wait, what the hell am I analyzing so calmly!? This just makes me look like a total pervert!)
As I glanced up at Arisa, who was looking at me with a flushed face, I muttered a single quiet sentence.
"Uh… it suits you."
"Really? Could I become your maid, Hayato-kun?"
"…!"
What the heck is that supposed to mean? I bit my lip hard. I’d already figured out since getting to know her that Arisa has a bit of a natural airhead side, so I knew her words probably didn’t carry any deeper meaning… but still, the way she phrased it and the vibe she gave off were so suggestive that I nearly lost my balance for a second.
"Hey, Hayato-kun, why don’t you try giving me an order? Think of me as your personal maid and command me however you like."
"Uh… um…"
Urgently seeking advice: how to deal with randomly meeting a girl on a day off who asks you to order her around!
"Hayato-kun."
"………"
She wasn’t letting this go. I had a feeling I wouldn’t be able to leave unless I humored her request. As proof, she’d grabbed my wrist firmly, so I had no choice but to push past my embarrassment and say:
"Serve me…?"
Wait, "serve me"? What the hell am I saying!? I mentally kicked myself, but Arisa’s reaction was something else entirely—her face turned bright red, and her eyes glistened as if they were wet.
"…Ah… ♡"
Her body trembled slightly, and she quickly pulled the curtain shut again, hiding herself. I was shocked, wondering if my phrasing had creeped her out that badly, but it turned out that wasn’t the case. She explained it to me after she finished changing and came back out.
"It just surprised me because it was my first time hearing something like that. But it’s nice, isn’t it? Being told to serve someone."
"Is it?"
"Yes. It means I can be useful♪"
I didn’t quite get it myself, but if Arisa was happy about it, then I guess I hadn’t chosen my words poorly.
"Isn’t Aina with you today?"
"No. Mother’s home today, so I think she’s probably with her."
"Huh."
It really seemed like their family got along well. To me, they were still technically strangers, but hearing about a family with such a good bond made me feel pretty good too.
"You guys really are close, huh?"
"Yes. After Father passed away, it’s been me, Aina, and Mother—the three of us living together. I truly believe our family bond is stronger than anyone else’s."
Arisa said it with such confidence. I envied her ability to feel that way, and at the same time, I found her earnestness endearing. Maybe it was because her image overlapped with the memory of her trembling in fear during that robbery, but before I knew it, I’d reached out—toward her head.
"…Oops."
I pulled my hand back the moment it made contact, but the fact that I’d touched her didn’t change. I quickly apologized.
"No need to apologize, Hayato-kun. It felt… well, it reminded me of the kindness my late father used to show. It didn’t bother me at all."
"…Does that mean I seem old or something?"
"Hehe, no, not at all. But it did make me feel like you’re someone reliable, someone I could lean on."
So, she was overlapping me with her late father? Was that something I should feel honored about, or should I be bummed out that I’m still young and being compared to someone older…?
"Oh, that reminds me, Hayato-kun. There’s something I’ve been wanting to suggest for a while now."
"Suggest?"
Arisa nodded.
"Aina and I have gotten to know you like this. But Mother still doesn’t know you… I know it might feel like a hassle to you, Hayato-kun, but she was one of the people involved back then, and I think she’s always wanted to thank you properly."
"…Ahh."
Arisa and Aina’s mother, huh? I already knew she was stunningly beautiful—after all, she’d given birth to those two—and her overwhelming allure was something I’d noticed before. Back when I helped them, I hadn’t thought much about it, but… well, even if I didn’t expect any thanks, now that I’d gotten to know the two of them, I couldn’t exactly stay uninvolved, could I?
"You could just tell her about meeting me through the two of you, but I guess the person who was helped would naturally want to say thanks themselves, huh?"
"Exactly. If Aina and I hadn’t met you, I’m sure we’d feel the same… Well, Aina found you pretty quickly, but I kept thinking about it for a long time."
"…I see."
I could sense the earnest plea in Arisa’s eyes, asking me to meet her mother. I figured just meeting her wouldn’t hurt, so I nodded.
"Really? Thank you, Hayato-kun!"
"Yeah. But meeting your mom, huh… I’m kinda nervous."
"I know it’s odd for me to say, but she’s really a kind person. So don’t worry."
I already figured that much, given she’d raised these two, so I wasn’t too concerned. It wasn’t like we’d meet today out of the blue—we settled on next weekend, syncing up our schedules. Visiting their house felt nerve-wracking, but there was an odd sense of comfort too, knowing it came from our connection.
After that, we parted ways, but Arisa picked up the maid outfit she’d returned to the rack earlier.
"Wait, you’re actually buying it?"
"Of course I am."
No surprise there—I couldn’t help but widen my eyes as she confirmed it.
▼▽
"…And here I am."
The next weekend came faster than I expected—the day I’d promised Arisa had arrived. Actually, the night after I made that promise, Aina called me. She was upset that they’d made plans without her and insisted I absolutely had to come.
"Maybe I jumped the gun…"
Now that I was here, I was starting to feel oddly nervous. But I’d already come this far, and I couldn’t back out after making the promise.
"Alright… here goes."
Steeling myself, I pressed the intercom. I heard hurried footsteps from inside, and then the door flew open as Aina burst out.
"Welcome, Hayato-kun!"
"Whoa!?"
She launched herself at my chest, and I braced to catch her. The momentum made me stagger back a bit.
"Hayato-kun’s here♪ Thanks for coming today♪"
"Uh, yeah…"
Could she maybe let go now? As if she’d heard my silent plea, Aina stepped back, but her radiant smile didn’t falter. With the lingering sensation of her hug still buzzing through me, my heart wouldn’t stop racing.
(…She’s so cute.)
It was mid-November, and the weather had turned chilly. Like me, Aina was dressed warmly. Her large, soft chest, wrapped in a knit sweater, had pressed against me in a way that was soft in two senses—I’d felt it loud and clear.
"Come on! Hurry inside!"
"Wait, slow down!"
She tugged me into the house like she couldn’t wait another second. Thanks to that awful incident from before, I already knew the layout of the first floor well enough that I wouldn’t get lost heading to the living room, even without her guidance. I smirked to myself about it.
"Big sis! Mom! Hayato-kun’s here!"
"Sorry for intruding…"
Beyond the door to the living room stood Arisa and another woman. She bore a striking resemblance to Arisa and Aina—an almost terrifyingly beautiful woman. Her body’s curves surpassed even theirs, and I had to fight to keep my eyes from wandering. Her calm brown hair flowed down her back, exuding sensuality, and a tear-shaped mole only heightened her seductive charm.
"You… you’re the one, aren’t you?"
Overwhelmed with emotion, their mother stepped toward me and bowed with graceful elegance.
"This is the first time we’ve spoken since that day. Thank you so much for what you did. If it weren’t for you, we… we surely wouldn’t be here smiling like this now."
I wasn’t used to an older woman bowing to me, so I scrambled to respond.
"Uh, please lift your head! I’ve already received thanks from the two of them for that day… and now I’ve gotten it from you too. So let’s just call it even—everyone’s safe, and that’s what matters!"
"Haha, Hayato-kun’s panicking♪"
"Hehe, but now we’ve all finally met, haven’t we♪"
Don’t just stand there smiling—help me out here, you two! It took a while for their mother to finally lift her head, but she eventually agreed with my words and straightened up.
Meeting all three of them again today brought me a deep sense of relief and satisfaction that I’d been able to help.
"…I was a little worried that incident might’ve left some kind of trauma on all of you. But I don’t sense anything like that from Arisa or Aina, and it doesn’t seem like you have it either, so I’m relieved."
For women to go through something like that, it wouldn’t be surprising if it left deep scars… Of course, there’s probably still some lingering fear, but seeing them live normally like this made me feel like what I did had meaning.
"Please keep living happily together as a family. Just catching glimpses of that from time to time, like I have been, is the best repayment I could ask for."
It felt embarrassingly sappy to say out loud, but it was my honest feelings. Their mother’s eyes widened briefly before she let out a soft chuckle.
(…Wow, she’s incredible. She’s gotta be in her forties since she’s their mom, right? She looks way too youthful—someone could tell me she’s their older sister, and I’d believe it.)
Her beauty, paired with that mature allure, must make it tough for any guy working near her, I thought idly.
"I understand. But please let me thank you one more time. Thank you so much."
She squeezed my hand tightly as she spoke. With that, this chapter really felt closed—though there was still one important thing left to do.
"Let me introduce myself properly. I’m Domoto Hayato. Nice to meet you."
"I’m Shinjo Sakuna. Since you call my daughters by their names, I’d be happy if you’d call me that too."
"Then… Sakuna-san?"
"…Yes!"
Sakuna-san nodded with a cute smile that blended her mature charm perfectly. The first meeting couldn’t have gone more smoothly, and I felt relieved—until the moment the conversation settled, when Arisa and Aina suddenly grabbed my hands.
"Come on, Hayato-kun, don’t just stand there—let’s sit!"
"Yeah, yeah! Ehe, it’s so weird having Hayato-kun in our house♪"
They ushered me toward an expensive-looking sofa. Sitting down, I took another look around the living room. It was a beautifully built house, no doubt about it. But for just three women, it might feel a bit too spacious.
(Their dad used to be here too, huh… If nothing had happened, the four of them would probably still be living happily together.)
As I mulled that over, Sakuna-san brought out some tea.
"Here you go. Is tea alright with you?"
"Perfectly fine. Thank you!"
I don’t drink tea often—coffee’s more my thing—so it felt refreshing. The aroma was pleasant, the taste light and not overly sweet, warming me from the inside with a comforting sense of ease.
"There are snacks too, so please help yourself."
"Thank you."
A basket overflowing with snacks was plonked down in front of me. It felt like they were going all out for me, which made me a bit guilty, but with all three of them beaming at me, it seemed worse to ignore what they’d prepared.
"By the way, Arisa, Aina?"
"What?"
"What’s up~?"
There’d been something on my mind for a while now. Sitting on either side of me, the two of them were awfully close. Arisa’s presence was subtle, just brushing against me, but Aina was pressing in so hard that her full, soft chest was practically squishing against me, distorting its shape. I wasn’t used to this at all.
"Now, you two, don’t tease Hayato-kun too much."
"Are you bothered, Hayato-kun~?"
"…Uh."
Being at that age, I couldn’t deny the happiness I felt from their soft touch. Honestly, I didn’t dislike it or feel troubled by it… but that question was a little unfair.
"Just kidding. Sorry, okay? I got a bit excited. Come on, Big sis, let’s give him some space."
"…Alright."
They backed off, and as they did, Sakuna-san watched the three of us with an amused giggle. I didn’t feel embarrassed under her gaze—those gentle eyes just quietly reminded me of what a mother’s presence was like, stirring a faint nostalgia.
"…?"
What was it? Feeling nostalgic about this family dynamic, I suddenly grew drowsy. Does tea make you sleepy? I’d always heard coffee keeps you awake… or maybe it was because I’d been too nervous to sleep well last night?
"Oh my, are you sleepy, Hayato-kun?"
"Uh… well, I might’ve stayed up a bit late."
Muttering that, Sakuna-san brought her hand to her mouth with an "oh dear" and a smile. Arisa and Aina, sitting beside me, started bickering over who’d offer me a lap pillow, and with a wry smile, I leaned back to relax… until my consciousness slipped into darkness.
▼▽
Losing family so suddenly comes with immeasurable sadness. But that initial grief, followed by the loneliness that lingers… it’s frustrating how time forces you to get used to it.
When my father died in an accident, and a few years later my mother passed from illness, it felt like a hole had been carved into my heart. There were some complicated reasons I wasn’t liked by my paternal grandparents, but my maternal ones adored me. Naturally, when I ended up alone, they’d said, "Come live with us."
"…Sorry, Grandpa, Grandma. I don’t want to leave this house."
Their offer was genuinely kind, but I couldn’t bear leaving the home filled with memories of my parents. It was too big a part of my life.
"Alright. We’ll respect your choice, Hayato. But promise us—if anything happens, you’ll rely on us right away, okay?"
"…Yeah, thanks."
As their only grandson, of course they’d worry. Even so, they supported my decision to keep living as I had been.
Since then, a world without my parents became my norm. Time dulled the strangeness of living alone until it felt like nothing. Still… I couldn’t stop imagining it sometimes.
"Hayato."
"Hayato."
Even now, I’d dream of them calling my name, only to realize it was impossible and look down in resignation. What I’m trying to say is, even if I’d grown accustomed to it, the part of me yearning for familial warmth never faded. Sometimes, without thinking, I’d recall my late parents and feel lonely, but each time, I’d push myself to shake off the gloom.
"I’m fine. I’ve got grandparents who care about me, and Sota and Kaito, who see me as a dear friend… so I’m fine."
No matter how lonely I got, those human connections kept me going. I wasn’t crushed by solitude, nor did I ever think of following my parents into the afterlife in some pessimistic spiral. Spending time with my buddies was great, and now, hanging out with Arisa and Aina—heart-pounding as it was—brought me joy too. So I’m fine. No matter what, I’d be okay.
"Hayato-kun? Hayato-kun?"
…Hm? Who’s that?
A gentle voice called my name, paired with a light tap on my shoulder. Without thinking, I snapped my eyes open.
"…Huh?"
I was speechless. Right in front of me wasn’t a big ball… but a large chest wrapped in a sweater.
"…What?"
My memory was fuzzy, but I realized someone was giving me a lap pillow.
"…Oh, right. I fell asleep."
I recalled growing drowsy while talking with Arisa, Aina, and Sakuna-san. I must’ve passed out mid-conversation… wait!?
"S-Sorry!"
"It’s fine. Stay there a little longer if you’d like."
I tried to sit up, but a hand on my shoulder stopped me. The voice belonged to Sakuna-san, and it seemed I’d been resting on her lap.
(…More comforting than embarrassing—this is what they call maternal embrace, huh?)
I thought that oddly calmly, but figured it was bad form and seized a brief chance to sit up.
"Oh…"
Sakuna-san let out a disappointed sound, her eyes almost pleading why?, making me feel a pang of guilt. Speaking of which, while I’d been on her lap, what about Arisa and Aina? Glancing over, I saw them in the kitchen, cooking.
"…Curry?"
The aroma wafting over was unmistakably curry.
"Oh, you’re awake, Hayato-kun."
"I wanted to give you a lap pillow… Mother, that’s not fair."
Sakuna-san brushed off Arisa’s pointed look without a care. I wondered why they were making curry, but it was already noon—probably why they were cooking. I’d planned to head home before lunch, but were they making this for me?
"The girls wanted to cook for you, Hayato-kun. You fell asleep, so it was a sudden decision, but if you don’t have plans after this, please stay and eat."
"…Uh, well, I’ll take you up on that then."
I hadn’t expected to be treated to lunch, but the smell was already teasing my appetite.
"…Oh."
My stomach growled loudly, and Sakuna-san, sitting beside me, heard it.
"Hehe♪"
"…!"
Having your stomach rumble in front of someone is embarrassing for anyone. My face heated up, but Sakuna-san’s hand-covered smile was so beautiful. I’d said it before, but she could pass for their sister—no one would doubt it. She looked that youthful.
"What’s wrong?"
"No, uh… you feel more like an older sister than a mom."
"Oh my, that’s flattering."
As expected of an adult woman, she didn’t blush at my words. Soon after, Aina called out that the curry was ready.
"It’s done~!"
"We’re coming. Come on, Hayato-kun, let’s go."
"Oh, yes!"
The four of us sat around the table. Before me was a mouthwatering plate of simple curry—no fancy ingredients, just classic.
"…This looks so damn good."
It’d been a while since I last had homemade curry. I might be exaggerating, but it smelled so appetizing I could drool.
"Go ahead, Hayato-kun."
"Eat, eat♪"
I should’ve been the eager one, but Arisa and Aina were the ones urging me on, excited to hear my thoughts, while I stayed oddly calm.
"…Thank you!"
Clasping my hands, I scooped up some rice and curry with my spoon.
Chomp… "…Delicious."
"Yes!"
"Yay!"
They high-fived at my natural reaction, and their joy made me even happier. My hand didn’t stop moving.
(…So good… so good. Seriously good… and… and…!)
It wasn’t just delicious—it felt nostalgic. The taste was standard, yet the care they’d put into it seemed to stir old memories.
(Was Mom’s curry like this too?)
I’d meant to keep the mood light, but the three of them noticed something, staring at me intently.
"Hayato-kun?"
"What’s wrong?"
I didn’t say I’d been reminiscing. Forcing a smile, I brushed it off to avoid souring the vibe. Afterward, I finished every bite of their curry without leaving a crumb.
"If there’s another chance, I’d love to cook for you with all my skill next time. Please let me treat you, okay?"
"…Gulp."
During lunch, we’d chatted about various things. Apparently, Sakuna-san had taught Arisa and Aina how to cook, and they could handle most dishes. Today’s curry was just a quick fix—they’d wanted to make something more elaborate. Imagining how good Sakuna-san’s cooking must be, my stomach nearly growled again from anticipation.
"Uh… if there’s a chance, I’d love that."
"Yes! Definitely then♪"
Afterward, they saw me off at the entrance. I stepped outside with brief goodbyes.
"Uh… you really don’t have to go out of your way, you know?"
"Don’t say that, Hayato-kun."
"Yeah! Let us see you off a bit further, okay?"
Arisa and Aina insisted on walking me out a little more. I told them it wasn’t necessary, but since they’d already stepped outside, I couldn’t refuse.
"Today was really fun. I was nervous at times, but I got to talk with Sakuna-san, and I guess this wraps up that whole thing for now, huh?"
"…Yeah."
"…Right."
"? What’s up?"
We were about to part, but they looked oddly down. Worried I’d done something, I racked my brain—no memory of messing up. I had no clue what was bothering them.
(…Wait, didn’t Sakuna-san have a similar expression earlier?)
Just as that thought hit me—
"Hey, Hayato-kun, during lunch… why did you look like that?"
"…!"
Arisa locked eyes with me, direct and serious. So that’s it—they’d both noticed and been concerned. Aina was staring too.
"…Sorry, Hayato-kun. It’s just, that expression and vibe weren’t like you at all, so it stuck with me. Am I prying too much…?"
Sure, I could’ve easily said it was nothing and asked them to drop it. But for some reason, I couldn’t brush them off… I felt like it was okay to tell them.
"Hold on. Look, there’s that park nearby, right? Let’s head there."
"Yeah. It’d be easier to sit and talk properly."
"…Thanks."
It was the park where I’d met them before, back when I’d worn that pumpkin head. It was just a short walk, so I had no reason to refuse.
"It’s been since that time, huh?"
"Yup! A reunion with Hayato-kun, the Pumpkin Knight!"
"Stop with the Pumpkin Knight!?"
That cringe nickname needed to die! I sighed at Aina’s giggling, and like last time, I sat between them on the bench. No point dragging it out—I decided to be straight.
"So… your curry was amazing, but it wasn’t just that. I could feel the heart you put into it. It warmed me up and reminded me of the curry my mom used to make."
"I see… Wait, ‘used to’?"
"Your mom ‘used to’ make…?"
They caught on quick. I nodded and continued.
"Truth is, I live alone now. My dad passed a long time ago, then my mom later on… and being with you, Aina, and Sakuna-san brought back that family warmth. It hit me, and I got a little sentimental."
That’s why I’d been off, I explained.
"Sorry, huh? It’s kinda heavy and gloomy. But my maternal grandparents look out for me, and I’m living fine in the house my parents left, so I’m okay. So—"
I was about to say I was really fine when Arisa and Aina suddenly hugged me from both sides.
"You two!?"
"Hayato-kun, just let us do this for now, okay?"
"Yeah. Sorry for making you remember something painful."
"No, it’s not that big a deal…"
Sota and Kaito knew already, and I didn’t mind sharing. I was about to say not to worry when Arisa pressed a handkerchief to my eyes… wiping tears I hadn’t noticed falling.
"…No way. Was I crying that much?"
"Maybe your heart’s been wanting to let it out for a while."
…She might be right. Since losing my parents, I’d lived alone, determined not to worry them in heaven, pushing myself to stay upbeat. But crying over this, through them, was unexpected.
"I’ll grab some drinks from that vending machine."
Arisa stood up. Aina stayed, still hugging me, then shifted to cradle my head.
"Hayato-kun, here—this’ll calm you down, right?"
"Wha—!?"
Squish. My face sank into her ample chest. I wanted to say this was more nerve-wracking than calming, but her scent, softness, and warmth oddly soothed me. I was stunned.
"See?"
"…Yeah."
It was like the comfort of Sakuna-san’s lap pillow. Until Arisa returned, Aina held me close, and I found myself thinking—
(…This is strange. What is this feeling? I want to stay in this warmth forever… drown in it… Oh no, this is too good—it’s breaking me.)
When I finally pulled away from Aina, I felt a faint pang of longing.
"Aina, that’s not fair. I’m doing it too."
"Huh?"
Arisa, back now, did the same, and I felt that same pull again. Reluctantly parting, I downed the soda she’d brought.
"…Ahhh!"
The sharp fizz snapped me back to life. Sure, their hugs were a bonus, but their kindness truly lifted me.
"Thanks, Arisa, Aina. Honestly, hearing about someone else’s family tragedy isn’t fun, but you both cheering me up meant a lot."
"Don’t say it’s not fun. I’m glad you told me—I feel like I know you better now, Hayato-kun. It makes me want to chase my own goals even more."
"Yeah, Hayato-kun. You’re our hero who saved us, but seeing you have a vulnerable side… it makes me want to be stronger, like Big sis, and work harder♪"
I didn’t get what goals or efforts they meant, but their fierce determination shone through. When I told them to go for it, they exchanged looks and nodded with stunning smiles.
"Oh, right. Hey, Aina, should we start tomorrow?"
"Yeah! Hayato-kun, Big sis and I will make you bentos!"
"…What!?"
Their words floored me. Sharing my story had clearly set something in motion.
▼▽
It was past 11 p.m.—normally bedtime—but Arisa slipped out of bed, threw on a jacket, and headed to the balcony. Opening the window, a cold breeze rushed in, but she stepped out unfazed.
"Oh, Aina?"
"Yup. Same idea as me, Big sis?"
"Yeah."
Nodding in sync, they huddled shoulder-to-shoulder, gazing at the sky. Since returning home, Arisa hadn’t stopped thinking about Hayato—and it seemed Aina was the same.
"My feelings for Hayato-kun have grown even stronger."
Seeing his sad past and the tears in his eyes, Arisa felt a renewed, fierce desire to support him with everything she had. Her wish to serve him hadn’t changed—it’d only deepened.
"Same here! Honestly, it’s unfair someone so kind and good hasn’t been rewarded."
Arisa nodded at Aina’s words. Hayato had shared his parents’ deaths and living alone, but it felt like he was still hiding something. That nagged at her, but for now, she just wanted to help him—heal him, support him.
"…Hey, Aina."
"What’s up?"
"I… I don’t understand my own heart."
"What do you mean? Tell me."
Aina gazed at her sister gently. Arisa hesitated, troubled.
"Well… I want to serve Hayato-kun. Be useful, support him, ease his heart, devote myself to him—that’s all I wished for. But the more time I spend with him, the more I feel pure affection too."
"Uh-huh."
"Which should I prioritize…?"
Unable to find an answer, Arisa voiced her confusion. Aina sighed with a playful oh, you.
"You’re too rigid, Big sis. Why not both?"
"Huh?"
Grinning, Aina circled behind Arisa, reaching around to cup her sister’s ample chest.
"Hey!?"
"See? Think as soft as these boobs."
"…What’s that supposed to mean?"
Arisa let Aina knead her chest from behind—since it was her sister, she didn’t mind, just let her do as she pleased.
"Don’t overthink it. Just follow your heart—do what you want for Hayato-kun. I’m the same♪"
"…Is that okay?"
"It’s fine, I said!"
"Eek!?"
Aina pinched a sensitive spot on Arisa’s chest, making her let out a high-pitched yelp. Arisa glared at her, but Aina just cackled like a kid who’d pulled off a perfect prank, completely unapologetic. Her laughter faded, though, as her expression turned serious, and she continued.
"Big sis, we both adore Hayato-kun. That’s not changing, and the more time we spend with him, the stronger those feelings get."
"Yeah."
Arisa nodded.
"We don’t want to let him go. We want his love… We want to drown him in ours, make him depend on us."
"Depend…"
Dependence—Arisa wasn’t sure if that was a good thing. But she didn’t reject Aina’s words. If it came to that, Hayato would stay by their side forever… and that, at least, was a future she desired.
"Our feelings are heavy, aren’t they? You get that too, right, Big sis?"
"Yep. I’ve known from the start that this isn’t some ordinary affection."
She understood—they understood—that their feelings were heavier than most. That’s exactly why they couldn’t stop themselves from craving Hayato, their savior, from the depths of their hearts.
"Some might laugh, saying it’s just because he saved us once. But that doesn’t matter—our hearts want him, and that’s that."
"Exactly♪ So, Big sis, let’s catch him. Let’s fill the hole in his heart with our love and sink him into our swamp♪"
After that exchange, a shiver ran through them both from the cold. They’d been talking so long it was nearly midnight. Time to sleep? Arisa suggested, and Aina nodded… but then—
"Wait, why’re you coming over here?"
"Isn’t it fine? Let’s sleep together tonight, Big sis♪"
Suddenly, it was a sisterly sleepover. The bed wasn’t huge, but if they squished close, it’d work.
"Big sis, it kinda feels like we just held a sneaky little meeting, but really, we just love Hayato-kun so much we can’t help it. We want him to be ours alone—don’t want to hand him over to anyone."
"Sure, it’s not that pure, though," Aina added with a laugh, and Arisa let out a soft chuckle too.
"That thing you said earlier."
"Hm?"
"‘Sinking him in our love’—it’s not bad."
"Oh… right?"
Hayato was their savior, someone to serve. They didn’t want to burden him or force their feelings on him one-sidedly, but if he genuinely fell for them and drowned in their love, that’d be different.
"…Lovely♪"
"Nice, nice! You’re into it too, Big sis!"
Staring into Aina’s eyes, Arisa gazed at an imaginary Hayato. Her dimly lit eyes bloomed with a woman’s desire to love, envelop, and devote herself to him. Fate was already in motion—the two girls wouldn’t let their beloved escape. Like predatory spiders, they’d begun weaving a web of love, an inescapable nest he’d never break free from.
"Oh, right, Big sis."
"What?"
"Hayato-kun, apparently he had a girlfriend back in middle school. They broke up quick, though. Let’s make him forget all about her, okay?"
"…So, you’re saying some fool threw away her chance to be Hayato-kun’s slave?"
"…That’s not quite it, is it?"
Arisa was, as usual, a little off the mark.
NOTE: This is save google
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