Chapter 3 The overlapping image of the mother and the first shrine visit of the year
It might not exactly be "regularly," but I see the past in my dreams.
"Mother, it’s okay. I’m right here with you."
"Hayato… thank you, Hayato."
In front of me, a younger version of myself and Mother-san are huddled together.
Watching that young me and Mother-san are my paternal grandparents… This is the scene right after we lost Father-san, when they hurled heartless words at Mother-san.
Even though Mother-san was reeling from the shock of losing Father-san, those grandparents berated her with cruel words just because they didn’t like her.
"It’s because our son married a woman like you that he turned out this way."
"Exactly. If he hadn’t met you, he never would’ve gotten into that accident."
Back then, I couldn’t understand what their words meant.
All I knew was that their words hurt Mother-san, and seeing her like that made me recognize them as enemies.
"Shut up! Don’t bully Mother-san!!"
Back then, I was just an ignorant kid, and naturally, my body was much smaller than it is now.
Even so, I desperately spread my arms and stood in front of Mother-san like a shield, trying to protect her.
"…Yeah, that’s right… Now that I think about it, it was something like that."
Given the circumstances, a single trigger can bring back such vivid memories.
If… If the me of now had been there back then, I’m sure I could’ve been more considerate of Mother-san.
Well, there’s no point in thinking about that now, but I can’t help imagining that "what if" just a little.
"Hayato."
Maybe because I let myself dwell on it, Mother-san in the dream looked at me.
As she approached with a gentle smile, I naturally walked toward her too… and then, I hugged her tightly.
▼▽
"Mother-san…!"
"Kyaa!?"
I squeezed the presence in front of me hard.
Soft… warm, with a nice scent… ahh, it’s calming… wait, huh? What am I doing right now?
I didn’t even know what I was doing, but the warmth and softness enveloping my face felt so good that I kept my face buried in it… Did we have a fancy cushion like this at home? I tilted my head, but even that movement was absorbed by its elasticity.
"Ufufu, Hayato-kun is so cute. If this is enough to calm you down, I’ll do it for you anytime."
"…Hm?"
I definitely just heard a voice clearly.
A gentle tone came from above my head… It wasn’t Arisa or Aina, and unless I misheard, this was… Sakuna-san!?
I cautiously lifted my face from between the two soft mounds… and sure enough, it was Sakuna-san looking down at me, smiling brightly while staring right at me.
"I came to wake you up since it’s time, but I didn’t expect you’d suddenly hug me like this."
"…Ah."
Only then did I finally grasp the situation.
"S-Sorry… I came over early this morning and dozed off—"
"Ah… muu!"
As I pulled away, Sakuna-san puffed out her cheeks a little.
Cute… I thought to myself as I glanced at the clock to check the time.
"Ten o’clock… it’s about that time, huh."
"Yes. Arisa and Aina should be finishing up their preparations soon."
Hearing that, I straightened up… or maybe not quite that formally.
Winter break had started, and after spending the end of the year, the new year finally arrived.
For me, since losing my parents, it hadn’t been a particularly special event, but this time, Arisa and Aina invited me to go to the shrine for the first visit of the year.
Even if they hadn’t invited me, I probably would’ve asked them myself… Anyway, that’s how I ended up visiting the Shinjo household early in the morning, dozing off from sleepiness, and now here we are.
I’d already exchanged New Year’s greetings… and being able to say "Happy New Year" to them first thing felt amazing.
"I wonder what kind of kimonos they’ll wear…"
"Fufu, they’ve been excited about showing you for days, Hayato-kun. They asked me to join them, but this time, I’ll just enjoy watching my daughters in their New Year’s finest♪"
"…"
Honestly… I kind of wanted to see it too.
As I stared at her, she asked, "Did you want to see me in one too?" and I nodded honestly.
"Of course. I think I’ve said this before, but Sakuna-san, you’re so beautiful you could pass for a college student—how could I not want to see that?"
"…Hayato-kun, you’re bold."
"Being around your daughters has made me this way."
"That’s… ufufu, I suppose that’s true."
"So, well… I think anything would look good on you, Sakuna-san, but I’d love to see you in something I don’t usually get to see…"
"…I see. Understood."
Part of it was me saying I wanted to see it, but… what did that "Understood" mean…?
Imagining Sakuna-san in all sorts of outfits for a moment, I popped the snacks she’d prepared into my mouth.
As I passed the time like that, the princesses finally made their appearance.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"All done~♪"
The moment I saw the two of them step into the living room, I was, predictably, entranced.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say I was dazed… That’s how much I couldn’t take my eyes off the two in front of me.
"Judging by Hayato-kun’s reaction, I’d say it was worth it."
"Yup, yup♪ Seeing you this enchanted makes it all worthwhile for us too♪"
I don’t know much about kimonos, but I do know they’re way more expensive and luxurious than regular clothes.
I studied the two of them closely.
First, Arisa wore a kimono with an overall purple theme, her hair tied up in a ponytail… Even just a different hairstyle changed her vibe a lot.
On the other hand, Aina’s kimono was red-themed, balancing flashiness and brightness, and she’d taken off her usual ribbon to let her hair fall straight and silky… Yeah, Aina’s impression shifted a bit too.
"…They’re so different… but they both suit you so well."
When I said that, Arisa and Aina smiled and quietly came closer to me.
A faint floral scent wafted from them, mixed with a slight sweetness that might’ve been perfume… Seeing them in this special attire, different from usual, I felt a mature allure that made my heart race.
"It’s a little tight, isn’t it? Especially around the chest…"
"True… it does feel a bit constricting."
"I get it. Big chests can be a hassle when wearing a kimono, right?"
Arisa and Aina nodded along as Sakuna-san spoke.
As a guy, I had no clue what they were talking about, and I wished they wouldn’t surround me while chatting about their chests… But in a way, getting to hear this felt like a perk.
(Still, it does look tight. You can usually tell their size, but it’s really cinched in… or something? I don’t know how kimonos work, but it makes them look so sleek.)
Of course, it’s not that they look fat normally—it’s just that their chests seem smaller than usual… It’s like some kind of magic.
I ended up staring a bit too hard, but thankfully, they didn’t seem to notice, which was a relief. And so, we finally headed out—except, as we stepped out the door, Aina whispered in my ear.
"If you want to touch them that badly, I’ll let you anytime, okay?"
"…cough!"
"Ahaha♪"
Looks like she noticed after all… Yep.
▼▽
The first shrine visit of the year… It only happens once annually, and I’d never bothered inviting anyone to go with me.
Well, if nothing had come up this year, I might’ve gone with Sota or Kaito, but I never dreamed I’d end up here with them… No, wait, I could’ve imagined it once I got a girlfriend, but I never thought I’d have one again in high school.
"So many people…"
"Yeah. Oh, don’t get separated, Hayato-kun, okay?"
"I know."
I kept my eyes on the two walking ahead, staying shoulder-to-shoulder with Sakuna-san.
A New Year’s shrine visit means a crowded shrine, and sure enough, it was overflowing with people.
It was noisy, and bumping shoulders was unavoidable, but with this many people, I kept a close watch on Arisa, Aina, and Sakuna-san.
(In a place like this, there might be molesters or creeps trying to cop a feel in the chaos.)
Luckily, we hadn’t run into anyone like that yet, but the two in their kimonos—and Sakuna-san too—were drawing plenty of attention and standing out.
"Sakuna-san, don’t get separated, okay?"
"I know. I can’t worry Hayato-kun or my daughters."
Knowing she understood put me at ease.
Still… I was a little surprised not to run into any classmates or familiar faces.
I caught a few vaguely familiar ones, but didn’t they recognize Arisa and Aina in their different looks? Well, Aina aside, Arisa’s ponytail alone changed her vibe so much—maybe that’s why?
Despite my wariness, we managed to move forward without incident.
"There are a lot of people in kimonos, huh."
"Yeah. It’s once a year, so everyone’s putting in the effort."
Regardless of age, quite a few people were dressed in kimonos.
I passed some women with flawless makeup, and a few caught eyes, but after seeing Arisa and Aina, I wasn’t fazed… Guess that’s just how captivating they are, I thought, when Arisa spoke up.
"I don’t know how others see it, but Aina and I went all out for this. We wanted you to see us, Hayato-kun."
"Arisa…"
She stared at me as she said it, and I turned away, feeling shy.
Stopping like that was a mistake, though, because Sakuna-san nudged me forward.
"I don’t mind you showing off how close you are, but let’s keep moving, okay?"
"…Right."
"Yes."
"Yup~"
Stopping would inconvenience others, so I was grateful for Sakuna-san’s nudge.
After that, we chatted happily as we walked, reaching the front of the main hall. We tossed coins into the offering box and rang the bell.
The jangling sound echoed as I closed my eyes, clasped my hands, and silently made my wishes for the year.
(May Arisa and Aina live happily… May I spend fun times with everyone, including Sakuna-san. May I get along with Sota and Kaito… May Grandpa and Grandma stay healthy.)
I prayed for every wish I could think of.
I’m not really the type to believe in this stuff, but I want to dream that strong wishes can come true… Alright, that should do it.
"…?"
I glanced to either side.
Arisa and Aina were also praying, standing perfectly still with hands clasped… They looked so serious, but I couldn’t tell what they were wishing for… Though I had a slight hunch.
"May Arisa and Aina live healthy lives… May we all, including Hayato-kun, stay happy together forever."
Sakuna-san said hers out loud, and I couldn’t help but feel warm inside.
After praying, we decided to buy charms—Arisa and I got ones for health and academic success, while Sakuna-san picked health, family safety, and even one for financial luck, which felt very adult of her.
"I’m not worried about work or savings, but you can never have too much of this, right?"
"Huh…"
I see… A financial luck charm.
It couldn’t hurt to have, so maybe I’d grab one later for good measure.
"Aina? What charms did you get?"
Like me and Arisa, Aina got health and academic success charms, but she’d bought one more… Wait!?
Grinning mischievously, she showed it off, and I nearly choked, covering my mouth… Because… because that charm was—!!
"Ta-da~♪ It’s for safe childbirth~♪"
"…"
"Aina… you little…"
She proudly held up the safe childbirth charm right in front of me.
There were people of all ages around, some staring at Aina in shock, others smiling warmly at her.
She clearly looks like a high schooler, so it’s not exactly a joke, but… maybe it’s oddly endearing?
"It’s for me and Hayato-kun’s baby’s safe delivery♪ It’s a bit early since we’re still in high school, but… I figured it wouldn’t hurt to have it~♪"
I was getting fidgety under the gazes gathering from all around, but it was Sakuna-san who came to my rescue.
She took my hand, saying we’d be in the way if we stayed here, and started walking. Arisa and Aina followed behind her.
"I don’t entirely not get how you feel, though…"
"Doesn’t Nee-san want one too?"
"…It’s not that I don’t."
"See~? Then why don’t you buy one too, Nee-san?"
"…Hmm."
Arisa fell into thought at Aina’s words and almost turned back toward the charm stall, but she shook her head as if disciplining herself.
I wouldn’t stop her from buying one if she wanted… but, well, I decided not to butt in on this one. Honestly, it’s not like I could say much about it anyway.
"Arisa and Aina, you’re both so young… I’m a little jealous, you know."
Sakuna-san, you’re plenty young yourself… Still, from her perspective, we’re just kids—lumps of youth. Maybe one day, when I get older, I’ll look at my own kids and say something like this too, just like Sakuna-san.
(If that happens… what would that scene look like?)
What faintly came to mind was a vision of me, Arisa, and Aina with kids of our own.
Whether this future comes to pass depends on my—on our—efforts, on how much we nurture our feelings and how long we can keep wanting to be together.
(…Oh, if that’s the case, God, I know I’ve already left, but I’d be grateful if you’d let me pray for a future like that too.)
So, God! Please hear me out!
"…Fufu, that’s a gentle expression. It’s really lovely."
"Ah… thank you."
I felt shy under Sakuna-san’s keen gaze, and afterward, the four of us drew fortunes. Aina was the only one to pull a "bad luck" fortune, leading to a pretty indescribable outcome.
Since Arisa and I got "great luck" and Sakuna-san got "moderate luck," Aina’s dejection was intense. In front of the fortune-tying rack, her expression was so terrifying that people instinctively backed away… something like this:
"Bad luck…? No way… There’s absolutely no way… Don’t mess with me… I don’t even know the character for ‘bad luck,’ never seen it, never heard of it… It doesn’t exist!!"
"Calm down, Aina! The character for ‘bad luck’ definitely exists!"
"Y-Yeah! It’s just a fortune, nothing more!"
That’s a bit of a stretch, Arisa-san…
As Arisa and I worked together to calm Aina down, a voice called out from behind.
"Huh? Arisa and Aina?"
"Wait, really?"
Turning around, I saw two girls.
Unlike Arisa and Aina, they weren’t in kimonos but casual clothes. Their faces looked familiar—pretty sure they were Arisa and Aina’s classmates.
"You two came too, huh."
"Haha, Happy New Year!"
By the way, they were so focused on the kimono-clad duo that they didn’t even notice me.
Mid-conversation, Arisa seemed to signal something with her eyes, and Sakuna-san tapped my shoulder, whispering to me.
"…Did I make them worry?"
"I don’t think it’s a big deal, but they probably didn’t want to deal with any probing."
That makes sense… I’ll make sure to thank them later for being considerate.
"Aren’t you acquainted with them, Sakuna-san?"
"Well… I vaguely remember seeing them at the entrance ceremony, but my daughters don’t usually bring friends home. So, in that sense, I wouldn’t say I know them."
"I see."
Arisa and Aina tend to hang out with friends outside rather than inviting them over… That’s something I didn’t know.
As Sakuna-san and I stood by watching the two, she whispered softly.
"Hayato-kun, do you visit graves?"
"…Ah, yeah. I go every year, so I’m planning to this year too."
"Then, would it be okay if we came along?"
Her suggestion made my eyes widen.
It was already enough that they’d prayed at our family altar, but now they wanted to visit the graves with me too.
"Is that okay?"
"Of course. Honestly, I was about to ask you myself."
Well then… I had no reason to refuse, so I nodded.
But if that’s the case, there’s something I absolutely can’t compromise on. Looking back at Sakuna-san, I said:
"Then, could I also pay my respects to Arisa and Aina’s dad… your husband, Sakuna-san? I’ve prayed at the altar before, but if we’re doing this, I feel like I should too!"
"…Understood. Would you mind if I asked you to?"
"Yes!"
This would be a real, face-to-face greeting… I’ll say it again.
He might see me as the guy who’s charmed his daughters… but my feelings for them are second to none.
With full resolve, I’ll respond to their feelings… and declare once more in front of his grave that I want to keep being with them.
"Hayato-kun, sorry for making Mom wait."
"I’m back~!"
"Whoa…!"
The two returned, and I barely caught Aina as she threw herself at me.
Their friends had apparently already left, as I couldn’t spot them, but I naturally patted Aina’s head as she clung to me… then tilted my head in confusion.
"What’s up?"
"No, it’s just… You usually tie your hair with a ribbon, but without it, it feels a little different."
"Just for today, huh."
"Because of the ‘bad luck,’ right?"
"…Don’t remind me, Nee-san! The character for ‘bad luck’ doesn’t exist!"
"Just for today" and "bad luck"… huh.
I didn’t expect Arisa to crack a pun like that, but hearing "bad luck" flipped Aina’s mood again… I get how she feels, but since we tied it up for purification, it should be fine.
"There, there, it’s okay."
"Babuu!"
Oh no, Aina’s turned into a baby…
Since we’d mostly done everything we wanted, we bought some New Year’s decorations for the house and headed toward the food stalls.
With so many stalls out, we decided to eat outside.
But… that’s where I messed up big time.
After buying takoyaki, yakisoba, and a grape soda, I bumped into someone and ended up splashing the drink all over Arisa.
"S-Sorry!"
Strictly speaking, it wasn’t my fault… but it was partly due to my carelessness.
I know kimonos like hers are way pricier than regular clothes, and I’ve heard cleaning them costs a fortune too.
More than the cost, I’d ruined the kimono she’d prepared specially for today… I must’ve looked pretty panicked right then.
"Fufu, it’s okay, Hayato-kun. Sure, it’s a bit of a hassle, but it’s not your fault."
Arisa said that while wiping the wet spot with a handkerchief.
I was really grateful she’d say that, but the guilt still outweighed it by far.
Aina helped wipe Arisa’s soaked kimono too, smiling at me as if to reassure me.
"Exactly! That guy walking without looking ahead is to blame. You don’t have to feel bad, Hayato-kun."
"…"
"Arisa and Aina are right. In this crowd, it’s bound to happen."
Sakuna-san said the same, and I nodded, accepting it.
It wasn’t snowing, and the sun was out, but the temperature was still low, and there was some risk of catching a cold.
It might not do much, but I pulled Arisa closer, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.
"Ah… ufufu♪ You’re warm, Hayato-kun."
"If this is enough for you to call me warm, I’ll do it anytime."
It was my carelessness that caused this, but since they’re saying this much, maybe I’ll take their words and stop apologizing here.
We kept the takoyaki and stuff we’d already bought, and with nothing else to do, we decided to head back. In the car Sakuna-san drove, Arisa let out a cute "kushun" sneeze, making me panic again… That’s how our first New Year’s shrine visit together went—full of chaos.
We returned home without detours, and Arisa headed straight for the bath.
"Hayato-kun, really, don’t worry about it, okay?"
"Ah… yes. Thank you, Sakuna-san."
I’d tried not to let it show, but it must’ve been obvious on my face, because Sakuna-san spoke up again.
"Well… it’s hard not to care at all, but… alright! I’ll seriously take everyone’s words to heart!"
"That’s the way. Leave the rest to Mom, okay?"
"…Yeah."
Oh, saying that out of nowhere is unfair, Sakuna-san…
As I watched her walk off with Arisa’s kimono, Aina quietly took my hand.
"Aina?"
"Ehehe, I kinda get why you’re still bothered, Hayato-kun. If I were in your shoes, I’d feel the same."
"Really…?"
"Yup, yup! So, you see? Nee-san’s in the bath, and Mom’s gone… which means I thought I’d cheer you up a little!"
Winking, Aina said that and dragged me to her room with momentum.
Her bed and the adorable dolls on her shelves greeted us… Uh, what’s she planning?
"So, to get back to it, what’d you think of me in this kimono?"
"Yeah, you were really beautiful… Sorry if it’s a generic compliment."
"No, no, a thought-out compliment is great too, but the first thing that pops out is the truest, right? That’s what makes me happy♪"
"…I see."
"Yup♪"
Now, after being comforted by Arisa and Sakuna-san, it was Aina’s turn… and it seemed she was finally getting to why she brought me here.
(She said she’d cheer me up… but how?)
I don’t really need more comforting… Hmm?
As I stared at Aina, she grinned mischievously—for some reason, a chill ran down my spine.
Looking like she was up to something, Aina poked my chest and spoke.
"Hayato-kun, do you know about kimono structure… Well, ‘structure’ might not be the right word. Like, how they’re put on?"
"Nope, not at all."
"Thought so~ Could you help me take it off a bit? It’s tough alone."
Huh…?
Help her take it off… Did I hear that right, Aina-san?
"Just this part… Could you untie it a little?"
"…Uh."
"That’s all! Once that’s done, I’ll handle the rest myself."
Oh, well, if that’s it, sure.
I hadn’t seen it, but I’d been right there when Arisa and Aina changed before… If I leave right after, it’s the same thing.
(Well… normally, people might know this stuff, but I’ve never had a reason to look up how women’s clothes work.)
I reached for the obi she pointed at.
I thought it’d be tightly fastened, but Aina had already loosened it a bit, so it seemed easy to undo—except I was completely off guard.
I didn’t know how these things worked, so it’s not my fault, but I quickly realized what Aina meant by "cheering me up."
"This should… come off, right?"
"Yup!"
"Okay… Huh?"
I untied the obi… and it fell to the floor with ease, causing the kimono Aina was wearing to slip open beautifully.
"Wha!?"
My mind blanked for a second, thrown into confusion over what I’d just done.
Not everything was visible, but Aina didn’t flinch at all as her kimono fell open. She turned to me and smiled brightly.
"This kinda thing? The obi’s the key. Once it’s off, the kimono just falls apart like this♪"
"A-Ainaaaa!!"
"Eek~♪ Hayato-kun, you perv♪"
I didn’t say sorry for looking or for undressing her.
I just shouted, feeling totally tricked, and covered my eyes—shutting them tight and throwing my hands up in perfect defense… But her onslaught was only beginning.
"Here goes!"
"Wha!?"
I felt a jolt in my stomach and was pushed back onto the bed.
The soft cushioning protected my back and head, so there was no pain—but even if there had been, it would’ve been blown away by the sight of the kimono-clad beauty staring down at me. Anyone would react like this.
"…Hmm."
"Aina?"
Aina gazed down at me, her flawless skin, cleavage, and even underwear fully exposed without any attempt to cover up, lost in thought… After a long stare-down, she muttered quietly.
"When I tease Hayato-kun like this? Nee-san always shows up."
"…Huh?"
"Like, remember the Santa cosplay thing? Whenever I’m having a little fun like this, Nee-san always—"
The door swung open with a click, cutting her off.
"Ah!" we both exclaimed, turning toward it—and just as Aina predicted, there stood Arisa, fresh from the bath.
She sighed the moment she saw us.
"Aina, get dressed first."
"Eh? But—"
"No buts—got it?"
"Y-Yes, ma’am!"
Arisa shot her a sharp glare.
Aina jumped up, saluted, and started changing as told, so I quietly slipped out of the room.
"Thanks, Arisa."
"Oh, really? You’re not disappointed or anything?"
"…Maybe a little?"
"Fufu, honest as ever."
Well, yeah, it was a wild moment, but as a guy, it definitely got my heart racing… Like Arisa said, I was a tiny bit disappointed.
"Let’s go to my room until Aina’s done changing."
"Sure."
We headed to Arisa’s room and sat around her round table.
"The start of the year couldn’t have been better today. There was that little mishap at the end, but it’s no big deal."
"Glad to hear it… But man, I broke out in a cold sweat."
Ugh… They keep telling me not to worry, but if it’d been someone else, they might’ve demanded cleaning costs or compensation.
I shouldn’t just think I got lucky with Arisa—I need to be more careful so this doesn’t happen again, even if it’s over now!
"Oh, right. I told Aina this too, but—"
"Yeah?"
"You both looked really beautiful today. I said it before we left, but yeah."
"Thank you. We put in the effort because we wanted you to see us, Hayato-kun."
Arisa just said the New Year started perfectly, but hearing that from both of them? That’s what makes me the happiest.
"…Hey, Arisa."
"What?"
"Am I… making you two happy? Like, am I doing enough as a boyfriend?"
For some reason, the words slipped out unconsciously.
Arisa’s eyes widened at the sudden question, but as if sensing something, she took my hand and leaned in close with her refined face.
The faint, sweet scent made my head spin a little, but I locked eyes with her beautiful gaze.
"Whether we’re happy, whether you’re doing enough… If I had to say, I’m more than satisfied. But look—what kind of expressions do Aina and I have when we’re with you?"
"…You’re smiling."
Yeah, Arisa’s smiling… and Aina too, of course.
…It came out of nowhere, but I see… I can be confident. If I’m not, I might end up saying this again if I let my guard down.
"Exactly, we’re smiling. Because we’re with you… because you’re here, Hayato-kun."
Arisa placed a hand on my cheek.
Whenever something’s up, it feels like she does this… With her face so close, we end up staring into each other’s eyes, and that naturally leads to what comes next.
"H-Hayato-kun?"
"Just… gonna lean on you a bit."
Taking advantage of the cushion behind her, I pushed Arisa down.
Forgetting everything else, I savored her warmth, sinking into this sweet moment, and quietly said, "Thank you."
"No, thank you."
We stayed like that for a while, me pinning Arisa down… until Aina showed up, flipping the situation around again.
"Arisa’s ponytail look… it’s nice."
"Oh? I just tied it up for a change of pace."
"Hey, Hayato-kun, you think so too? Depending on the outfit, she kinda looks like a shrine maiden, right?"
"Oh, yeah, totally!"
"Shrine maiden… A shrine maiden cosplay could work."
"Arisa-san?"
"Nee-san?"
▼▽
"…Alright, looks good."
"Yes. I’m sure he’s pleased too."
Lowering my clasped hands, I stood up.
Before me was the grave where Sakuna-san’s husband rests… Today’s the grave-visiting day we’d planned.
I’d just finished visiting Mom and Dad’s graves, and now Arisa and Aina were over there paying their respects.
"Since it’s the same town, the graves are in the same place, huh."
"Right. This cemetery’s pretty big."
Maybe… we’d passed each other here before, just briefly, without it sticking in memory.
"He was a really kind person. He adored Arisa and Aina so much… and he always thought of me too."
"I bet. Not just as your husband, Sakuna-san, but with two amazing daughters like that, he must’ve couldn’t help but dote on them."
"Ah…"
Sakuna-san froze at my words, looking surprised.
I watched her, wondering what was up, and her eyes started to tremble. I got worried for a second, but that future didn’t come—she just turned back to the grave.
"What you just said… He used to say something similar. That Arisa and Aina were so cute he couldn’t help it, always looking at them with such gentle eyes."
From here, her hair hid her eyes, and I could only see her profile, making it hard to guess her expression.
But I didn’t sense any gloom from her, which was a small relief.
"Hayato-kun, Mom too."
"All done with the greetings. Maybe… she told me to take care of her son♪"
"Whoa, seriously? But yeah, she’d totally say that."
Mom would… No, Dad too, at this point. They’d probably whack my back and say, “Make Arisa and Aina happy, or you’re not a man!” …Actually, that’s definitely Mom.
"Grave visits… They feel nostalgic, but a little lonely too."
"True… But that’s why those of us left behind have to find happiness."
Yeah… I completely agree, and it’s a sentiment I need to keep close forever.
With that, we’d all finished what we came to do.
Snow started falling lightly, so we gathered our things and turned from the grave to leave—when a familiar face approached.
"Ah…"
An elderly couple walked toward us.
If they were just any old couple, I wouldn’t care, but those two weren’t strangers… not exactly, though they’re tied to me in a way I can’t easily cut.
(Oh, right… It’s that time of year, so running into them like this could happen.)
The two coming our way were Dad’s parents… the ones who spat venom at Mom.
I don’t have a single good memory of them and hate them enough to never want to see them again.
"Hayato-kun?"
"Hayato-kun?"
My name was called from both sides in different tones, snapping me out of it.
That alone was enough for them—Arisa pulled my hood up over my head, and Aina hugged my arm tightly.
"Uh…"
We passed the old couple, and I let out a small breath.
"Hayato-kun, were those…?"
"Yeah… that’s them."
"I see—alright, you two, we’re heading straight home today."
"Got it."
"Yup."
We returned to the car and headed back.
Inside, Arisa and Aina were lively, chatting away, with Sakuna-san joining in occasionally—it was a blast.
The whole ride to the Shinjo house was filled with fun conversation… and not once did they mention my paternal grandparents, probably out of consideration for me.
(I really made them worry… But yeah, unexpected run-ins are startling, though I’m way less shaken than I used to be.)
That’s surely… because meeting them gave my heart so much more room.
And not just that—I think it’s because I’m trying to grow stronger, to change from the old me.
"Hayato-kun?"
"What’s up?"
"No, nothing! Phewwoooo!!"
"W-Wait!?"
"Did Hayato-kun break!?"
I’m not broken or losing it, okay!?
I was just happy about my own growth and wanted to thank them for changing me… Huh? Even so, yelling out of nowhere does make me look crazy.
(W-Well, stuff like this happens!)
I reflected instantly and settled down to wait for Sakuna-san’s delicious cooking.
And so, my year-end and New Year passed—sweet, warm days with them… not ending, but rather hinting that the real journey was just beginning.
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