Chapter 6 First experiences of jealousy and anxiety
"…Haah."
In the quiet solitude of her room, Arisa lets out a sigh.
Lately, she’s undoubtedly been in the midst of happiness… and yet, here she is, wearing such a gloomy expression. The reason is simple—Hayato.
"…Hayato-kun."
She mutters his name under her breath.
If he were by her side, he’d surely ask her what’s wrong and, not stopping there, pull her into a tight embrace to reassure her.
"…Hehe♪"
Just imagining it brings a natural smile to Arisa’s face, even if he isn’t there. But… soon after, she lets out another "haah," a sigh escaping her lips. What flashes through her mind is the image of Hayato with that other girl… and the way he brushed it off with vague answers.
"…Haah."
They say the more you sigh, the more happiness slips away. Arisa knows this all too well, yet she can’t stop the sighs from coming, one after another.
Just as she’s about to let out another unconscious sigh, Aina steps into the room.
"Aina?"
"Sorry to barge in, Nee-san."
Aina enters and quietly sits beside Arisa, who’s perched on the edge of the bed.
Arisa doesn’t say anything in particular, accepting Aina’s presence without protest. Aina, too, refrains from starting a conversation. The two of them simply stare into the void as time passes silently.
This goes on for a while until someone grows impatient—Aina.
"Ugaaaah! Nee-san!"
"Wha—!?"
With a sudden lunge, Aina throws herself at Arisa.
Caught off guard by the momentum, Arisa is pushed down onto the bed. Yet, far from complaining, she lets Aina do as she pleases. In fact, she even takes on an exasperated big-sister expression and gently pats Aina’s head.
"…Nee-san."
"What’s wrong?"
As if to say, "Come on, tell your big sister everything," Arisa smiles warmly at Aina. Aina, lying atop her, rests her chin on Arisa’s chest and begins to speak.
"…It’s about Hayato-kun."
"…Ahh."
Hearing Hayato’s name, Arisa gives a wry smile, as if she’d expected it.
Perhaps it’s because they’re the closest of sisters—twins, no less—that they find themselves troubled by the same thing at the same moment.
"I know there’s nothing to worry about, just like you do, Nee-san… but even though I *know* that, I can’t get that scene out of my head."
"…You’re right. I feel the same way."
Arisa strokes Aina’s head gently, as if comforting a small child.
Basking in Arisa’s kindness, Aina buries her face in her sister’s ample chest and continues.
"Hayato-kun said he was just shopping that day… but we saw everything. We *know* it wasn’t just that."
"…"
Arisa and Aina had witnessed that moment. That’s why they know Hayato wasn’t just shopping that day… But because he said nothing happened, they didn’t press him further.
If Hayato says nothing happened, then nothing happened—they’d convinced themselves of that. Yet, they can’t help but dwell on it, precisely because they’re his girlfriends.
"When we’re with Hayato-kun, we’re the same as always. But… maybe we’re starting to feel a little anxious."
"Yeah… maybe a little. I keep thinking about how to make Hayato-kun even more crazy about me."
Aina sticks out her tongue playfully, but Arisa shoots her a half-lidded glare.
"Saying stuff like that… You’re not just trying to make him more crazy about you—you’re plotting how to create a *fait accompli*, aren’t you?"
"Oh, you caught me?"
With a "tehe," Aina adds a light tap on her own head for effect.
After that, the two of them keep talking about Hayato for so long that their throats grow dry, and they decide they need a drink.
Heading to the living room for some tea, they find Sakuna there.
"Oh? What’s up?" Sakuna asks, her eyes widening as she looks at them.
Explaining that they’re just thirsty, the two grab some tea from the fridge to quench their parched throats.
The winter chill makes their bodies shiver slightly, but thanks to the heater, it’s bearable.
With their throats soothed and their bodies cooled, their minds naturally calm down too… which, of course, leads Arisa and Aina to sigh once more.
"Is it about Hayato-kun?" Sakuna asks.
"…!"
"Pfft!?"
Sakuna’s spot-on guess catches them off guard. Arisa manages to hold it in, but Aina spits out the tea she’d been drinking.
The sight of Aina mid-spit is far from ladylike, and it’s so ridiculous that even Sakuna doubles over with laughter.
"Seeing how you two usually are, it doesn’t seem like there’s anything to worry about. Honestly, just looking at Hayato-kun, worrying feels almost disrespectful. But… maybe this is just the kind of trouble that comes with having a boyfriend, huh?"
"…Maybe so."
"…Maybe, yeah?"
The two nod, conceding that it might be true.
They’ve never had a crush before, let alone dated anyone. Everything about this is a first for them, and on top of that, their feelings for Hayato are overwhelmingly strong.
Normally, seeing your boyfriend enjoying time with another girl would naturally stir up unease and jealousy.
Arisa and Aina have absolute love and trust in Hayato, so they aren’t truly worried—but the faint "what if" lingering in their hearts complicates things. That tiny sliver of doubt coexists with their unshakable trust, making it all a mess.
"It might be good to let yourselves worry plenty now. I’m certain there’s no chance of anything going wrong for you two, but being able to worry like this might only happen at this stage, you know?"
"I’d rather not if I could help it…"
"Hehe, that’s what love is all about♪"
Exuding a mature confidence and warmth, Sakuna pulls Aina into a hug and then opens her arms to Arisa, beckoning her over. Arisa follows Aina’s lead, slowly stepping into Sakuna’s embrace.
"Even if something *did* happen with Hayato-kun, just leave him to me. I’ll make him happy in your place♪"
"What… are you saying!?"
"We’re the ones who’ll make Hayato-kun happy!!"
Even nestled in their mother’s warmth, the two can’t let that slide.
Glaring at Sakuna as if she were some sworn enemy, Arisa and Aina still recognize that her words were meant to spur them on.
(*…When Mother says it, it doesn’t sound like a joke.*)
(*…When Mom says it, it doesn’t sound like a joke.*)
Wary of Sakuna, their thoughts align perfectly—truly, they’re twins through and through.
Turning their backs on Sakuna, who chuckles amusedly, the two return to Arisa’s room.
"Nee-san."
"What?"
"Can I sleep with you tonight?"
"I don’t mind."
Aina beams at the permission.
They climb into bed, pulling the covers tight to warm up. Then, with a sly grin, Aina slips her hand toward Arisa’s chest.
"What’s that for…?"
"Ehehe… We’ve done this before, haven’t we?"
Rubbing Arisa’s breasts, Aina continues.
"Like this… I told you once to think as softly as these boobs, didn’t I?"
"Yeah, I remember that."
"It’s the same now. Instead of overthinking it… why don’t we just be our usual selves and go on the offensive even more? Make it so no one else can even get a foothold—make Hayato-kun so dependent on us that he can’t live without us!"
Aina says this with a cheerful tone, though she can’t quite hide a trace of urgency.
Arisa, still having her chest fondled, closes her eyes, lost in thought for a moment.
(*I feel the same as Aina… I want Hayato-kun to be more and more crazy about us. I want him to say that we’re the only ones he can rely on… Above all, I want us to be the only ones who fill your world.*)
The depth of their feelings is painfully clear—always directed solely at Hayato, yearning only for his love while longing to give him theirs in return.
"Aina."
"What?"
In the darkness, the sisters’ gazes meet.
"You and I love Hayato-kun from the bottom of our hearts… That’s why we don’t want to do anything that would trouble him… But maybe it’s okay for us to be a little more selfish."
"Yeah… you’re right! We can afford to be a bit more selfish, can’t we?"
Of course, only to the extent that it wouldn’t bother Hayato.
For a while after that, they let their worries fade, reminiscing about their time with Hayato and even veering into slightly naughty topics.
"Nee-san, don’t you ever think about doing it with Hayato-kun?"
"Of course I do, obviously."
Arisa’s eyes snap open as she answers Aina’s question instantly, while Aina, perhaps imagining something, blushes.
"I feel the same way… I’m trying so hard to hold back, you know?"
"We’re still high schoolers, after all… But if Hayato-kun asked for it, I wouldn’t have any reason to refuse."
"Yep, yep♪ I’d spread my legs in a heartbeat!"
"Your phrasing is crude, Aina."
"Sorry♪"
Arisa gives a wry smile at Aina’s complete lack of malice, then closes her eyes, citing tomorrow’s schedule.
Whenever the sisters sleep together like this, it’s a sign of unease or restlessness—a scene Hayato would never overlook if he were around.
*Who was that girl?* If they could just ask, it’d be settled in an instant. But this being their first time in such a situation, combined with their fear of being disliked—however impossible it seems—for prying too much, their complicated maiden hearts leave them tormented.
(*…Hayato-kun, I love you.*)
(*…Hayato-kun, I love you so much.*)
Though they trust him endlessly in their hearts, that unshakable anxiety lingers—proof of how heavy their love is, making them just a little bit troublesome as girls.
▼▽
"It’s almost that time again, bro."
"Yeah, you’re right, bro."
"…"
Sitting at my desk, spacing out, I overhear my best friends chatting.
That time approaching… February 14th—Valentine’s Day, a day with special meaning.
"I wonder if I’ll get chocolate this year…"
"How many will I get?!"
"How many…? You think you’re getting a bunch!?"
"Chocolate… I want chocolate from *her* so baaad!!"
The classroom’s buzzing with noise—guys showing off to the girls, some girls watching with fond smiles, others looking annoyed by the racket. It’s a bit of a mess, to say the least.
"Hayato, you expecting any from someone?"
"You mentioned something before… What about those Shinjo sisters!?"
"Whoa, back off, you’re too close!"
Sota leans in way too close, so I shove his face back with my hand. He doesn’t give up, though, so I turn to Kaito for help.
"Jeez, Sota, chill. If Hayato gets chocolate from someone, we should just be happy for him, right?"
*Oh, thank goodness for friends—*
"Just kidding… So, what’s the deal, Hayato?!"
…Never mind, scratch that. You’re just as bad, Kaito!
"Well… I’d be happy if I got some."
I’m pretty sure—no, almost certain—I’ll get chocolate.
From Arisa and Aina, obviously… and maybe Sakuna-san too?
*"Look forward to the chocolate, okay?"*
*"We’re making it with tons of love!"*
Valentine’s is a few days away, but just recently, they said those sweet words to me.
Back in the day, I got candy chocolate from my mom, and in middle school, I got small chocolates from classmates, including Saeki—though we weren’t dating then, so it was just obligation chocolate, of course.
(*But this year’s different… It’s different!*)
I duck my head so Sota and the others won’t notice… I’m probably grinning like an idiot right now.
They’re too caught up talking about last night’s anime or some variety show to notice me, which I’m grateful for at the moment.
(*…But… still…*)
Even so… grinning like this is only natural with Valentine’s—an event I’m so excited for—right around the corner. But there’s something nagging at me.
"…Sorry, gotta hit the bathroom."
"Sure thing~"
"Don’t wet yourself~"
Mind your own business. With that, I stand and leave the classroom.
"…Haah."
A small sigh escapes me.
No matter how minor the worry, they’d pick up on it. They’re great friends who always keep an eye on me… which is why, even in the middle of banter like that, they’d notice a shift in my expression and check on me right away. I’m thankful for it, but honestly, I don’t want to burden them too much.
"…Well, the bathroom excuse isn’t a lie."
It’s not untrue that I left for the bathroom, but my real goal is something else.
As I pass by the classroom where Arisa and Aina usually hang out, I catch a glimpse inside through the window.
"…There they are."
Surrounded by a bunch of friends, they’re right there.
I can’t hear what they’re saying, but I know they’ve got a lot of close friends, and judging by those smiles, they’re having a good time.
Yeah… what’s been on my mind is them.
Since their birthday… it might just be my imagination, but they’ve seemed a little restless.
*"I want to be more helpful to you, Hayato-kun…"*
*"I want to flirt with you more, Hayato-kun…"*
Their words alone show they’re thinking of me—something I’m undeniably happy about.
But… for some reason I can’t pin down, I feel like they’re anxious.
"…Hmm."
I reach the bathroom, enjoying a moment of solitude in the liberating space.
Even then, all I can think about is them… After finishing up, I glance at their classroom again on my way back.
"…Oh."
That’s when my eyes meet Arisa’s.
At school, we keep our relationship under wraps, so we don’t act like a couple where others can see… but this time, she winks at me.
"…Haha."
Gestures like that make me wonder if what I’m worrying about is pointless. But gut feelings like this tend to be spot-on, and I don’t want to brush it off as nothing.
Even if I casually ask them, they dodge it… Or maybe I really am overthinking this?
"…Crap!?"
Realizing class starts in a minute, I bolt back to the classroom.
Even after that, once the thought creeps in, it’s like I’m caught in a wave—I keep mulling it over, even after school ends.
"…Did I mess up somehow…? No, I haven’t done anything… right?"
To me right now, Arisa and Aina are incredibly important.
It might sound like the ramblings of a sixteen-year-old kid, but they’re so precious that I want to walk through the future with them forever. I’d never intend to make them sad, and I don’t think I’ve done anything to that effect.
"What’s wrong?"
"Huh? I was just wondering if I did something to them… Wait, what?"
Hold on, who am I talking to?
I’m a good distance from school, and I was supposed to be heading home alone today… but there’s definitely someone behind me now. And there’s no way I’d mistake this presence.
Just as I start to turn, my vision goes dark, and a soft, marshmallow-like warmth presses against my back.
"Guess who~?"
"…"
Honestly, this is way too easy.
I’d know from the voice alone, and even the softness against my back… Okay, maybe that’s a stretch to say out loud, but with them, I somehow just *know*. Kinda freaky, but I’ll play it cool and score some points!
"Arisa, right?"
"…You answered that way too fast."
"Your voice gives it away instantly."
"Really… Is that so?♪"
Her delighted tone rings out as Arisa steps in front of me.
I’d figured this kind of thing was Aina’s specialty, so it’s a little surprising to see Arisa pull it off too.
"Where’s Aina?"
"She went to karaoke with friends. I was planning to head straight home, but when I spotted my beloved boyfriend, how could I not say hi?"
With that, she gives me another cute wink.
I glance around, and sure enough, no other students from our school are nearby. So, we decide to walk home together.
We hadn’t made any plans after school today, so spending some impromptu time with Arisa doesn’t sound bad at all.
"Hey, Arisa… wanna hang out for a bit?"
"Of course. I was actually about to suggest it myself."
"Cool."
"Yep♪"
Even if someone saw us, we could play it off easily.
Back at New Year’s, her friends didn’t even notice me—kinda sad, but it means we’re probably fine.
(*…Maybe I’ll ask her after we walk a bit more.*)
Lately, what’s been up with you? I’ll just ask her straight-up.
We wander aimlessly for a bit, and Arisa brings up a timely topic.
"Valentine’s is coming up soon, huh. Are you excited, Hayato-kun?"
Excited? I nod enthusiastically.
If I didn’t have a girlfriend, maybe not, but this year’s different! I can’t help but care, expect, and above all, look forward to it!
"Super excited. You two are giving me chocolate… right?"
"…Hehe, you’re really looking forward to it, aren’t you?"
"Heck yeah!"
I clench my fist, and Arisa giggles, gazing at me.
Her look—warm and almost protective, not quite Sakuna-san-level but reminiscent of her—conveys a comforting strength through her eyes alone. Impressive, to say the least.
"Wanna come over today?"
"We didn’t plan it, but… is that okay?"
"Of course. We’re lovers, after all—plans or not, it doesn’t matter."
Hearing her say that makes me really happy.
Instead of heading straight home, we decide to stop by a café, which works out since I’ve got some things I want to ask.
(*Alright… I’ll ask her here!*)
I psych myself up internally, but then Arisa lets out a small "ah."
What’s up? Did she spot someone she knows? Maybe Aina? I follow her gaze—and freeze.
"Oh…"
Because there, walking happily with a friend, is Saeki.
(*…Huh? Why’s Arisa…*)
I take a moment to think calmly.
Maybe I got it wrong. I trace Arisa’s line of sight again… Yep, it’s definitely Saeki, and Arisa’s clearly looking at her. But what’s the connection?
"Arisa… what’s wrong?"
"…It’s nothing."
She says it’s nothing and looks down—but it’s obviously not nothing.
What do I do…? Damn it, I hate how slow I am to pick up on whatever’s bothering her. No, thinking negatively won’t help right now.
"Let’s head to the café—"
"Domoto-kun?"
There’s a café nearby, so I start suggesting we go, but then this happens.
It’s not about who’s at fault—just bad timing. I turn toward the voice, and Saeki’s looking at me curiously… then at Arisa.
"Hey, Saeki…"
"Hi, Domoto-kun… Is that, by any chance…?"
Saeki claps her hands as if she’s figured something out.
Arisa’s usually unfazed by anyone, but in front of Saeki, she’s noticeably off.
"Arisa…?"
"Hey, Domoto-kun, is she the girlfriend you mentioned before?"
I nod at Saeki’s question, meeting her gaze… and then Arisa tugs hard on my uniform.
"Oh… uh… sorry."
"No… you don’t need to apologize, but…"
Seriously, what’s going on…?
I tilt my head at Arisa’s odd behavior, but then Saeki speaks up—her gaze fixed steadily on both me and Arisa.
"Sorry about that? I feel like I interrupted a good moment… Um, Domoto-kun and I were classmates in middle school. The other day, some guy from our class dragged me into an alley, and he stepped in to help me out."
"…Huh?"
Arisa blinks, dumbfounded by Saeki’s words.
She slowly turns to me, then back to Saeki as if eager for more, and Saeki continues with a wry smile, noticing Arisa’s reaction.
"That’s why we ended up catching up after so long… I slipped at one point, and Domoto-kun had to help me again, but he told me about his girlfriend then. He said she’s someone precious to him, someone he wants to be with forever… He talked about you with such a gentle look on his face."
"…That’s what happened?"
"Uh? Y-yeah…"
I confirm Saeki’s story, and though Arisa’s still got that stunned expression, it gradually softens.
Letting out a relieved breath, she murmurs something I can’t ignore.
"That’s how it was… So that’s what we saw that day."
"That day… wait, what!?"
Hold on a second—what’s she talking about?
While I’m thrown into confusion, Saeki giggles, her shoulders shaking, and puts an end to the misunderstanding unfolding between us.
"I had a hunch it might be something like that. Your girlfriend probably saw us that day by chance, right? And maybe she started wondering if something was up."
Arisa nods, her face flushing and her eyes glistening slightly.
Seeing her like that, I’m genuinely shocked—but more than that, I feel an overwhelming guilt toward both her and Aina.
(*I… I lied to Arisa and Aina.*)
It’s about an ex, so I didn’t think I needed to bring it up… but if they saw that moment, then I’ve effectively lied to them.
Did I make them worry more by trying to spare their feelings?
"Sorry… Arisa. I lied back then—"
"It’s totally fine! I knew there was nothing to it anyway!"
"Uh, o-okay…"
W-wait… what? Suddenly, the heavy mood from a moment ago vanishes, and she’s brimming with confidence.
Arisa’s stunning face—enough to captivate anyone—lights up with joy, and as she leans in close, exuding a floral scent, I’m so dizzy I almost forget Saeki’s standing right there.
"Haha♪ You two are perfect together—this is so hot I can feel it just standing here!"
Arghhh, give me a second to process this! I need a moment to calm down!!
"You’re right…! There was nothing to worry about after all…!"
"Uh, Arisa-san?"
Muttering to herself, Arisa clings to my arm—not stopping there, she rubs her cheek against my shoulder.
Even with Saeki watching, or the chance of schoolmates spotting us on the street, Arisa doesn’t seem to care about anyone’s eyes right now.
"With such a cute and gorgeous girlfriend, it totally makes sense why Domoto-kun said what he did. Don’t ever let her go, okay?"
"I know… Thanks, Saeki."
"No need to thank me. See ya!"
Waving, Saeki heads back to her friends, walking off without glancing our way again.
After seeing her off, we head to the café.
We order tea to warm up our chilled bodies and some cake since we’re craving something sweet—then we talk about that day.
"You saw it… right, Arisa? Aina too?"
"Yeah, we happened to catch it. You were chatting so happily, supporting that girl when she nearly fell… and letting her touch your arm after."
"…"
Objectively, that could totally look like a cheating scene.
Of course, it wasn’t, and their trust in me kept it from spiraling… but knowing why they’ve been acting off lately lifts a weight off my chest.
"Actually…"
"What?"
Maybe it’s fine to tell her now… With that thought, I keep going.
"That girl… her name’s Saeki Aika. She’s someone I dated back in middle school."
Arisa’s eyes widen slightly in surprise.
Her hand rests over mine on the table, urging me to continue while silently telling me not to feel pressured.
"Everything Saeki said was true. I didn’t mention names or that I’ve got two girlfriends… but I told her there’s someone precious to me, someone I want to spend my future with."
"…I see."
"So… uh, that ties back to the question you asked on your birthday night. I didn’t think it was the right time to bring up an ex. Maybe I could’ve phrased it differently instead of dodging, but my attempt to keep things simple ended up making you both anxious, huh?"
"Well…"
She said it was fine earlier, but in the end, I made them worry—wondering if something was going on, if I was hiding something.
"I’m really sorry… I swear nothing happened. Please believe that."
As I say it, Arisa’s hand squeezes mine tightly.
"I’m sorry too. Even though I told myself it was fine, part of me couldn’t stop dwelling on it… and that made you worry about us."
…This is one of those moments.
If one of us doesn’t stop this, we’ll just keep apologizing in circles forever.
"Let’s just be glad it didn’t turn into a mess… Though, I doubt we’d ever have to worry about that!"
"Hayato-kun… Hehe, you’re right!"
It’s not quite a misunderstanding, but this clears up the unease I’ve been feeling lately, right? Arisa’s back to her usual self too, so it really seems like everything’s okay now.
"…But."
"What’s up?"
"The way you two clung to me more because you were anxious… I kinda liked that, personally…?"
"…Oh, Hayato-kun."
I’d actually thought about that for a fleeting moment… Arisa looks exasperated at my sudden confession, but then her expression shifts—provocative, almost like a seductress luring a man.
"Let me make one thing clear: Aina and I are always thinking about you, Hayato-kun. If I could throw away all reason and live purely by my desires with you… I’d have you bind me forever. My existence would be for you—I’d let you chain me, even my soul, eternally."
"…!"
Her words are a bold challenge.
The mood, her voice, her expression—everything overwhelms me… and yet, I find myself thrilled by it all.
"…Arisa, you’re mine alone. Someday, I’ll make sure you can’t ever escape me."
"Ah… Ahh♪"
At my words, Arisa’s face melts into ecstasy, and in that moment, the serious Shinjo Arisa is nowhere to be found.
Afterward, we leave the café and head to the Shinjo house.
I want to tell Aina too, so it’s killing two birds with one stone… but honestly, I’m just relieved it didn’t turn into a mess.
(*If they ever hated me… I dunno… I might not be able to go on.*)
That’s how much I’ve been dyed in their colors—an undeniable truth, an emotion I can never cast aside.
▼▽
"Valentine’s is coming up soon… huh."
After karaoke with friends, I walk home alone under the cold sky… and my thoughts drift to Valentine’s, just a few days away.
I’ve never given chocolate to a guy before, but I’m planning to pour my heart into making some for my beloved Hayato-kun… And not just that—I want to add a little mischief… *ahem*! I mean, make it a fun time for both of us to enjoy!
"…Hayato-kun… huh."
Hayato-kun… Domoto Hayato-kun, someone so precious to me, someone I love… If I could, I’d want his child right now—I love him so much I’d want to conceive for him.
Thinking about him makes my lower belly tingle and ache… It was intense even before we started dating, but lately, it’s gotten worse… It’s a real struggle! My heart *and* my body crave him!
"…Haah."
But… recently, there’s been something bothering me.
It’s about that girl he seemed so friendly with.
"…I try not to let it get to me, but it won’t leave my head… Ugh! I know from Hayato-kun’s behavior there’s no need to worry!"
Jealousy… and anxiety.
I talked about it with Nee-san, but I never imagined I’d be plagued by feelings like this… Still, it’s proof of how much I care about him. That thought warms my chest a little.
"Oh, forget it! I’ll call Hayato-kun before bed and bask in some happy vibes!"
But first… ehehe, maybe I’ll think about him and make myself feel good♪
I head home, still carrying a faint unease, only to be met with an unexpected twist.
"…Huh? Hayato-kun’s shoes?"
Opening the door, I spot his shoes—something that shouldn’t be here.
What’s going on…? As I ponder, Hayato-kun peeks out from the living room door. The second I see him, I kick off my shoes and rush over.
"Hayato-kun!"
"Whoa…"
I don’t just leap at his chest—I wrap my arms around his back and squeeze tight.
I hold him like this for a while, gripping him fiercely as if I’ll never let go, enveloped in his scent.
"Such a clingy girl."
"That’s me! But… why’re you here?"
"Oh, well—"
Apparently, he ran into Nee-san on the way home and ended up coming over.
And here’s where it gets big for me—he tells me about that girl he seemed close with, explaining everything that happened that day.
"S-so that’s what it was… Haah!"
Learning the full truth, I feel an immense wave of relief.
There really was nothing to worry about, and it hits me again that Hayato-kun puts me and Nee-san first.
"So… that girl was his ex, huh?"
"Yeah."
"We only talked briefly, but she seemed polite. Maybe next time… yeah, I’d love to hear about Hayato-kun’s middle school days from her."
"Oh, that’s a great idea! I’m kinda curious too!"
"No way, that’s embarrassing!"
Hayato-kun’s face turns bright red as he recoils at me and Nee-san’s scheming.
Aww, I think it’d be fun… But making my boyfriend uncomfortable would make me a bad girlfriend, so I’ll respect his wishes here!
"Arisa, can you help me out?"
"Sure, got it."
Nee-san gets called away by Mom to help with dinner prep.
Left alone with Hayato-kun, I snuggle up to him and hug his arm… He seems to love it when I do this.
He especially likes it when I squeeze it tight, pressing it between my boobs.
"…!"
"How’s that? Soft, warm, and the best, right?"
He nods, blushing, when I ask.
Seeing him like that, I think he’s adorable—but it sparks a mischievous urge to make that shy face even redder.
"This whole thing turned out to be nothing, just us worrying over nothing… but it still bugged me for days… Hey, Hayato-kun—can I spoil myself with you a ton?"
"…Yeah."
"Ehehe, yay♪"
Then I’ll take you up on that and spoil myself silly♪
Until dinner’s ready, I cling to Hayato-kun relentlessly… but in the midst of it, my mind wanders elsewhere.
(*No matter what happens, Hayato-kun always makes us smile like this… But you know? That’s something we want to do for him too.*)
We’re able to laugh and live in the moment thanks to him… but it’s not just about receiving—we want to give him that happiness too.
When something happens to him, when he’s hurting, we want to be there for him… That’s what Nee-san and I both feel.
"Hm?"
"Valentine’s… look forward to it, okay?"
"Yeah. I’m really looking forward to it."
Valentine’s is just a few days away, and I’ve got to make it a day he’ll never forget!
Post a Comment