Chapter 4. The boy's renewed determination
The days flowed by, and it was finally Friday.
Tomorrow was the long-awaited weekend date I’d promised with the two of them, and while I was naturally excited, there were also some small changes stirring in the school atmosphere.
“…Hmm, I see, I see.”
“So that’s the rule, huh?”
During break time, Aina came to visit our classroom as usual, but she was huddled close with Arisa, peering into a smartphone.
What they were looking at was research for tomorrow’s date—gathering info to make it as fun as possible, including studying some simple rules. Whenever they asked me something, I answered to the best of my knowledge.
(They were laughing while watching some compilation of Grandpa’s godlike skills… It’s honestly kinda heartwarming that they’re showing so much interest.)
Watching the two of them dig into their research, I couldn’t help but get a bit too enthusiastic, almost blurting out unnecessary details.
Each time, they’d give me a wry smile, saying things like, “That’s an expression we don’t usually see—it’s refreshing,” or “You really get fired up about this sport, huh?” Well, even if they don’t get many chances to engage with kendo in the future, it still makes me genuinely happy.
“What’re you two looking at?”
“Kendo rules?”
It seemed their friends were curious about what the two were up to.
As for me, while keeping an eye on my two girlfriends, I quietly got up from my seat and headed toward Kaito and Sota.
“Yo, Hayato!”
“Hey.”
“So, Hayato, I heard you showed off your kendo skills before?”
“Huh? Oh, right, you weren’t there, Kaito.”
I gave a wry smile, thinking, Kendo talk even here, huh?
Back during Halloween, I’d shown off a bit while wearing a pumpkin mask, and since Kaito knew the vibe from back then, he was apparently dying to see it for himself.
“No, seriously, you were like a totally different person back then! Hiding your face and unleashing your true power, even your aura changed… Dude, are you some kinda protagonist or what?”
“What’s with the protagonist talk?”
“Haha! But you’ve got that protagonist vibe, don’t you?”
“Seriously, what’s with that?!”
Calling me a protagonist is embarrassing, so cut it out!
I lightly jabbed their shoulders to shut them up, but they didn’t stop—instead, they grinned mischievously and kept teasing me.
“No, no, you’re totally protagonist material! You’re the one who brought us all together, right?”
“Exactly. Plus, you care about your family more than anyone, you’re super kind… and you’re crazy strong at kendo, right? Total protagonist!”
“Well… I don’t know about that.”
If caring about family and being kind makes you a protagonist, wouldn’t that apply to just about anyone?
When I said that, the two of them gave a wry chuckle, admitting I had a point.
“Well, if you were also super popular with girls, I’d be jealous as hell.”
“Jealous? Nah, if you were that popular, we’d have to take you out.”
“Why, though…?”
Still, combining what they said with being popular with girls would indeed make for an almost too perfect protagonist archetype.
…That said, when I thought about the two girls—Arisa and Aina—I couldn’t entirely deny it, which felt like a bit of a luxurious problem.
“By the way, Hayato.”
“Hm?”
“You free tomorrow?”
I immediately shook my head.
“Got plans tomorrow.”
“Oh, got it… Mom was saying we should have everyone over and make a big fuss again. She was all pumped to cook some killer food, so I was thinking we could plan a sleepover, but… alright, we’ll do it another time!”
“Sorry.”
“No big deal!”
If I didn’t have the date, I would’ve nodded in a heartbeat… But it’s not just that Sota’s into the idea—his mom seems to be the one really looking out for us.
“Say hi to your mom for me. Tell her I’ll definitely come by next time.”
“Got it! Mom loves you, man… Like, the other day, she even said something about wishing you were her son.”
“Uh, that’s…”
Seriously, what’s up with that, Auntie?
She’s always been super kind to me and Kaito, which is great, but maybe she could spoil her own son just a little more.
Still, Sota didn’t seem bothered at all—actually, he looked kinda happy.
“Why’re you so happy about that?”
“‘Cause my family gets along with my best friends, dude! What’s better than that?”
“…Man, Sota, you’re kinda cool right now.”
“Yeah, that was pretty slick. What’s gotten into you?”
“What’re you guys talking about? I’m always cool!”
“Huh?”
“What?”
“Come on, just go along with it!”
Nah, sorry, we’re too honest for that.
I apologized to Sota, who was pouting, just as the warning bell rang, and I headed back to my seat.
“See ya later, Nee-san.”
“Mm. You keep at it too.”
“Yup♪”
After the beautiful sisters’ exchange, Aina glanced at me and winked.
That wink was definitely meant for me, but some other guys in the class misinterpreted it and started hooting like idiots.
“Don’t get the wrong idea…”
“Fufu♪ Jealous?”
“Sure, I’m a little jealous… but I know how you two feel better than anyone.”
When I said that, Arisa gave a soft chuckle.
“…That’s right. We’ve laid everything bare, so you’d know.”
“Yeah.”
“And it’s the same for us… Our feelings for you, Hayato-kun, and what we want haven’t changed since the beginning.”
“Arisa… Oh, right, we’re in the classroom.”
“Ahem!”
We’d gotten a bit serious for a moment, but remembering where we were, we both quickly faced forward.
Whenever we have these kinds of exchanges, there’s always one thing that crosses my mind.
Will there ever come a day when we can openly talk about… this relationship?
Of course, I know we can’t just go around announcing that I’m dating both of them. More than anything, I can’t stand the thought of what kind of looks they’d get.
(Could it even get to the point where teachers step in and make it a big issue?)
I’ve thought about it countless times, but no matter how precious our feelings are, no matter how pure the affection that binds us, it doesn’t change the fact that it’s a two-timing relationship.
Would it be called unhealthy and get us scolded? No, either way, the stares from others would be intense, and hiding this relationship is really the only option. Or rather, there’s no reason to reveal it, so hiding it is the obvious choice.
(Well, no point overthinking it. I just need to focus on the two of them. I don’t regret being with them… I want to make sure they feel the same. Chin up, Hayato—you’ve got this!)
I tapped my chest lightly to psych myself up and faced forward.
Arisa noticed and looked at me curiously, but I tried my best not to react, feeling a bit embarrassed under her gaze.
And then, the day of the date arrived.
▼▽
“…Alright, this should do.”
In the morning, I took a bit more time than usual to get ready.
I’ve never been one to care much about appearances, and since Arisa and Aina always say they like me as I am, I’ll admit I’ve been a bit lazy about it.
“I’m not exactly a heartthrob, and there’s a limit to how stylish I can get… but if I’m walking beside those two, I wanna at least look decent.”
That said, the clothes I’m wearing are just stuff I bought because they looked good in a fashion magazine… But isn’t that normal?
“…?”
Right after leaving the house, my phone buzzed with a message.
[Where are you at? Nee-san and I are waiting♪]
It was from Aina, and I could practically feel her excitement and impatience through the text, like she was saying, Hurry up and get here! Man, how are my girlfriends this adorable? No matter how many times I think about it, they’re just too cute!
“Alright! Let’s get going!”
…Ugh, that was kinda cringey. Let’s not do that again.
Clearing my throat to calm myself, I sped up just a little and headed toward the Shinjo house.
“Huh?”
But when their house came into view, I tilted my head in confusion.
There were two figures standing in front of it… Wait, is that Arisa and Aina?
“What’re they doing?”
It wasn’t some shady stranger or a guest—it was definitely Arisa and Aina.
Were they actually waiting outside for me? The thought made me break into a run toward them.
“Morning, you two!”
“Good morning, Hayato-kun.”
“Morning, Hayato-kun!”
When I reached them, greeted by their smiles, an involuntary “Ooh!” slipped out.
I’ve seen them in casual clothes plenty of times before… but still! They’re just so cute—no, gorgeous—absolutely perfect!
“Aina, Hayato-kun’s totally smitten.”
“Ehehe! Well, we got ready to make sure he would be♪”
“Seriously, you guys are the best! Thank you!”
I bowed my head to the goddesses who’d blessed me with this heavenly sight.
But… I kinda wanted to take a closer look, so I decided to ask for permission.
“Can I stare a bit longer?”
“Of course.”
“Uffun♪ Look all you want!”
“…Aina, that sounds a bit like something an old lady from the ‘80s would say.”
“An old lady? That’s harsh!”
Sorry, Aina, for a split second I pictured some gaudy retro gal…
But since I got the green light, let’s take a good look!
“…How do I look?”
First, Arisa.
If I had to describe her casual outfit in one word, it’d be “refined.” That word fits her perfectly.
But beneath that refinement, there’s an undeniable allure in the sweater hugging her upper body.
Those soft, full curves… Just describing it sounds simple, but the sheer presence they exude is undeniable.
“Perfect.”
“Fufu, thank you♪”
Next, Aina.
Unlike Arisa, Aina’s outfit is bold, with a lot of skin showing—a black off-shoulder dress.
The slight glimpse of her cleavage… I don’t want other guys seeing this, but it suits her so well it’s an absolute feast for the eyes.
“Perfect!”
“Better reaction than Nee-san? I’ll take it!”
“Hey, it’s not like it was any different!”
“Really? Felt like you were a tad more into me.”
“…Hmph.”
Arisa shot me a look—not quite a glare, but definitely a pouty stare.
“No, no way! It’s not like that!”
Aina, what are you stirring up?!
Okay, maybe—just a tiny bit—I got distracted by Aina’s cleavage. I’ll own that, but I swear, I genuinely think both of them look adorable and amazing!
When I made that clear, Arisa nodded, seemingly appeased, but she started pondering the difference between her and Aina.
“…It’s probably these, right?”
When Arisa lifted her ample chest, Aina laughed and playfully poked at them, saying, “Yup, that’s it!”
“Hey, Hayato-kun. Are my boobs not attractive enough?”
“Huh? You’re joking, right? There’s no way those aren’t insanely attractive!”
I said it with absolute conviction to make sure there was no misunderstanding.
They already know, but I’m a sucker for bigger curves… So, there’s no way I wouldn’t find Arisa’s chest attractive.
“Hey, Nee-san, Hayato-kun, maybe we shouldn’t be standing outside talking about boobs all morning?”
“Y-Yeah, you’re right.”
“Indeed…”
At Aina’s point, we dropped the topic, but I felt like I hadn’t fully expressed my thoughts on their outfits, so I spoke up again.
“You both look insanely cute.”
The moment I said it, they both clung to me tightly.
We should hurry to the venue, but wasting time like this feels so us, so I decided to savor the moment.
“What about Sakuna-san?”
“Mom’s at work. But she said she might get off early.”
“Got it… She doing okay health-wise?”
“Hm? Yeah, she was super energetic this morning.”
“Cool.”
…Then it’s probably fine.
I’d been worried about that slight off vibe I felt the other day, but if she’s doing well, I can relax.
“Alright! Let’s get going!”
“Yay!”
“Mm!”
And so, we finally set off.
After leaving the Shinjo house and getting closer to the venue—the civic gymnasium—I glanced at the two beside me.
(…A single pair of sunglasses can change their vibe this much? That’s wild.)
The sunglasses Sakuna-san prepared for them really transformed their look. Just covering their eyes made them exude a “capable woman” aura, elevating their mature charm to another level.
Their iconic figures, which had already caught my eye earlier, radiated their beauty as Arisa and Aina even with their eyes hidden, turning heads from passersby.
And, naturally, I—the guy sandwiched between them—got some glares. Unfair, I say.
“We’re here!”
“The civic gym… I don’t come here unless it’s for something like this.”
“Yeah. Sounds like it’s already started. Wanna head to the second-floor seats?”
After exchanging a few words with the receptionist, we finally stepped inside.
The moment we did, a familiar yet nostalgic atmosphere hit me, bringing back memories of middle school.
The sharp pashi, pashi of bamboo swords clashing, the cheers from the crowd, and the players’ shouts as they struck… It was all so nostalgic.
“Hayato-kun, Hayato-kun.”
“Huh?”
“You’re totally engrossed.”
“…Oh.”
I guess I was leaning forward a bit too much.
For a moment, I forgot the two were right beside me, getting caught up in the multiple matches happening simultaneously.
“Hey, sit down and explain stuff to us!”
“Come on, Hayato-kun. Sit between us.”
They tugged my hands, and I was plopped down between them.
By the way, there were plenty of adults around, but also a good number of people who seemed to be from school kendo clubs, meaning it was packed and buzzing with energy.
“Hey, Hayato-kun.”
“Yeah?”
“I can hear the players shouting now and then, but the venue’s pretty quiet overall, huh? Is that normal?”
“Oh, great question, Arisa-kun!”
“Haha, Hayato-kun’s hype is off the charts!”
Of course I’m hyped!
Arisa asked, but I made sure to explain to both, my eyes darting between them as I spoke. I might’ve been a tad too excited, but their smiling gazes reassured me it was fine.
“Kendo’s a sport that values etiquette, so players are generally quiet except when they’re executing techniques. Oh, and it’s rare, but if someone taunts during a match, it’s an instant foul and they’re out.”
“Wow… That’s pretty strict.”
Yeah, kendo’s definitely on the stricter side.
But it’s not like anyone would do something as obvious as taunting. People who’d act like that probably wouldn’t even bother with kendo, and I’ve never seen it happen.
“For us spectators, there’s not much to worry about. Players execute techniques, the three judges make their calls, and the results come from that. Kendo’s just that cycle.”
“Got it.”
“…Hmm.”
Both Arisa and Aina nodded, watching the matches, but Aina muttered under her breath.
“Compared to when Hayato-kun unleashed that technique… these lack impact.”
I blinked in surprise before giving a wry smile, wondering just how vividly it was etched in her memory.
The matches unfolding now were textbook kendo—pretty much the same as when I scored against Irie-kun… or so I thought.
“I thought the same. I don’t mean to disrespect the players out there, but after seeing your strike, Hayato-kun, it’s hard not to compare.”
“Even you, Arisa…”
They were pretty thrilled talking about it back then, huh.
It’s flattering, but now I’m curious to see my own performance objectively. Maybe next time I spar with Irie-kun, I’ll record it.
“Look, look!”
“It landed! Oh, that’s one point!”
“Now over there, Nee-san!”
“They’re staring each other down. Neither’s moving…!”
Before long, the two were completely absorbed in the matches.
I don’t know if they realized it, but every time they spoke, their fingers gripping my hands tightened slightly.
It wasn’t painful—just a sign that they were enjoying themselves—and that made me so happy.
“…Hm?”
But then, my gaze drifted to a group in the stands.
They were probably a high school kendo club, but among them was a familiar face.
(That guy…)
He was a middle school classmate, someone from the same kendo club.
With recent unexpected run-ins like my ex, Saeki, I was starting to think old connections weren’t something to brush off.
Unlike Saeki, though, this was someone I’d rather not talk to if I could help it.
“Yo, Domoto, heard you don’t have parents?”
“We’re inviting a lonely guy like you, and you’re turning us down? Getting cocky, huh?”
“No parents? Must be sooo lonely. How’s that feel, huh?”
Unpleasant, grating voices echoed in my mind before fading.
It was a bad memory, but since we went to different high schools, I hadn’t seen him, and even in middle school, we were in different classes, so we rarely crossed paths. Still, the way he mocked my family left a bitter taste.
(…Part of it was probably because I kept beating him.)
Being in the same club meant we sparred a fair bit.
But I always came out on top, and now that I think about it, he usually taunted me after a match.
“Hayato-kun?”
“What’s wrong?”
Noticing I’d gone quiet, Arisa and Aina looked at me with concern.
I smiled to reassure them I was fine and decided not to dwell on him since we’d likely never talk again… though I had a nagging feeling that these situations often lead to some kind of encounter. People call that raising a flag, right?
Please, no flags!
“Maybe there’s a world where Hayato-kun’s out there, and me, Aina, and Mom are all cheering for you together.”
“That’d be awesome♪ After the match, I’d run up to Hayato-kun and hug him tight, saying, ‘Great job, you were so cool!’ …Kyaa♪”
I’m touched they’re imagining that, but… Aina, please, maybe don’t hug me that tightly in public? The stares are kinda intense… But instead of pulling away, I wrapped an arm around her shoulder, as if declaring to everyone that she’s mine.
“We’re in public, so I’ll hold back… but you’d better be ready when we get home, Hayato-kun.”
That’s a threat I’m happy to face, Arisa.
Still, she’d scooted closer, her shoulder nearly touching mine, clearly feeling competitive.
“…What’s the deal with those three?”
“One’s his girlfriend…?”
“Siblings, maybe?”
“Such cute sisters… or an older sister? I’m jealous…”
I caught snippets of conversation from the people behind us, but then Aina hugged me even tighter, as if showing off, and Arisa’s shoulder finally pressed against mine.
“…Freaking normies.”
“What’s their deal?”
“That’s wild.”
“Even with sunglasses, those two are crazy pretty, right?”
The people nearby were paying more attention to us than the matches, but with so many here and no familiar faces, it just showed how kendo isn’t exactly a mainstream sport.
“Oh, Hayato-kun!”
“Huh? That guy… he’s…”
“Oh, you both noticed, huh?”
There weren’t any familiar faces in the stands… but down below, where we were looking, there they were—Irie-kun and the others from their kendo club, a group formed out of shared interest in the sport.
“Wow… it looks pretty tough, huh?”
“…Yeah.”
I nodded at Aina’s words.
Right now, Irie-kun and his club members were in the middle of a team match… and they were getting crushed, almost in a straight sweep.
Irie-kun, who’d sparred with me before, put up a bit of a fight, but against experienced opponents, he and the others, who were practically beginners, didn’t stand a chance.
“Oh, they lost…”
“You can really tell the difference in their movements when you watch like this.”
Even to the two of them, Irie-kun’s match looked one-sided, but they continued:
“But they look like they’re having fun.”
“Yes, they’ve got that ‘we gave it our all’ vibe. It’s nice to see.”
Exactly. Even though they lost, Irie-kun and his team were laughing, looking like they were having a blast.
It’s a competition, so there’s probably some frustration at losing, but more than that, they seemed genuinely thrilled to be participating as a group of five, and watching them made me smile.
(I was just thinking about some bad memories, but seeing everyone enjoy themselves like this… it’s really something.)
I might not get many chances to feel that sense of fulfillment from kendo anymore, but the everyday satisfaction and joy I feel—thanks to Arisa, Aina, Sota, and Kaito—remind me how much I want to cherish these connections.
“Thanks, you two.”
I said it out loud, grateful for them bringing back old memories and reminding me of what’s important.
They blinked in surprise for a moment but then nodded and, at the same time, kissed me on the cheeks—wait, what!?
“Fufu, it’s in public, but I couldn’t help myself—I was just so happy.”
“Yup, yup♪ Sudden sweet words deserve a kiss in return, right~?”
“…Jeez.”
Ignoring the resentful murmurs from behind us, we continued watching the morning session without ever leaving each other’s side.
When noon rolled around and the morning program ended, we decided to leave the civic gymnasium. I was a bit reluctant, but I was satisfied with all the matches we’d seen in the morning.
“That was so much fun, Hayato-kun♪”
“Yeah! Let’s go watch again sometime♪”
“Haha, deal!”
Hearing them say that made me genuinely happy.
If this weren’t a public place, I’d want to hug them both tightly and thank them instead.
“I’m starving. Wanna hit up a family restaurant?”
“Sounds good.”
“Yup!”
For now, kendo was done.
After lunch, we’d probably spend the afternoon shopping or hanging out, passing the time together.
“But really, this was such a great opportunity.”
“Totally! Getting interested in something new is so fun, and when it’s connected to someone you like, it’s even more special♪”
Watching the two chatter excitedly, I couldn’t stop smiling.
I might as well be gazing at them like some kind of saintly figure.
“…I hope we get more chances like this.”
I glanced back at the civic gymnasium one last time before they called me, and I quickly fell into step beside them.
We headed to a family restaurant a short walk from the gym, had lunch, and started discussing what to do next.
“Shopping’s cool, but I kinda wanna let loose and sing my heart out!”
“Karaoke, huh… I’m fine with it if Hayato-kun’s okay with it?”
They’re leaving the choice to me, huh…?
It wouldn’t be our first time going to karaoke together, but I know Arisa’s a bit off-key and is slightly self-conscious about it.
“Arisa, wanna sing together?”
“Ah… Sure♪”
That one phrase—“Let’s sing together”—instantly got Arisa on board.
Aina laughed at how obvious Arisa’s shift in mood was, and we headed to a nearby karaoke place.
But then, a small problem came up.
“Sorry, we only have small private rooms available right now. They’re mainly for two people, so for three, it might be a bit…”
According to the male receptionist, all the larger rooms were taken, leaving only the smaller ones.
“Hmm, I don’t mind if it’s a bit cramped.”
“I’m fine with it too… In fact…”
“…Hm?”
A small room with three people, including two beautiful girls… It’s the kind of situation that sparks some questionable fantasies.
Aina seemed unbothered, but Arisa was looking at me with a slightly nervous expression, probably imagining something similar to what was going through my head.
“Uh… then we’ll take the private room, please.”
I mean, we’re always together at their house, so a small room shouldn’t be a big deal!
I made the final call, but the receptionist’s stare was oddly piercing… Dude, is that really how you look at customers?
“Please follow me. Let me know when you’re ready to order drinks or anything else.”
“Okay.”
“Got it~”
We were led to the private room, and… yeah, okay.
It wasn’t as cramped as I’d expected, but fitting three chairs still made it feel pretty packed.
“For things like going to the bathroom, we’ll probably need to shift around a bit to let someone out.”
“Yeah, we’ll deal with it when it happens!”
It’d probably be doable, but yeah, moving around would make it easier.
Anyway, we came to karaoke for one thing—to sing.
“Hayato-kun, you cool with sitting in the middle?”
“Yeah, fine. I mean, if I said I’d take the end, one of you would end up separated, so I figured I’d be in the middle anyway.”
They blinked in surprise before breaking into soft smiles.
“That’s right. I was gonna say that.”
“As expected of Hayato-kun! You know everything about us by now, don’t you?”
Nah, there’s still a ton I don’t know… Wait, actually, maybe not as much as I thought?
That crossed my mind, but as I sat down, I said:
“Sure, I’ve learned a lot about you two since we met. But I want to know even more, even the smallest things. I want to know everything about you, Arisa and Aina, because I love you both.”
“Ah…”
“…Hayato-kun♡”
Alright! The mood’s perfect—let’s sing our hearts out!
They leaned in close, practically glued to me, as they browsed the song selection.
“Um, can I go first today?”
“Oh?”
“Ooh!”
Arisa shyly volunteered first.
She probably wanted to get her turn over with to ease her embarrassment, but… I really love Arisa’s singing voice.
As she took the remote to pick a song, I whispered softly:
“I’ve said it before, but I love your voice, Arisa. So sing your heart out, okay?”
“…Fufu, got it!”
Even if she’s not great at singing, it’s just us here, so she should break through that wall and have fun.
Arisa started singing after picking her song. As usual, she was a bit off-key in places, but she looked like she was enjoying herself.
“As expected of Hayato-kun. I’ve said it before, but when you say it, Nee-san always gets in such a great mood.”
“Well, we came here to have fun together, right?”
“Exactly!”
Laughing with Aina, I focused on Arisa’s singing.
I usually stand when I sing, and so do they—right now, Arisa was standing and belting it out.
“~~♪~~♪”
As I said, she was off-key in spots, but her beautiful voice wove a pleasant melody, and I couldn’t help closing my eyes to listen.
When she finished, I immediately clapped.
“That was awesome, Arisa. I was totally captivated.”
“Thanks, Hayato-kun♪”
“That was great, Nee-san! Alright, my turn!”
Aina stood up to take her place and started singing.
Normally, Aina adds gestures, performing like she’s at a live concert, but in this cramped room, she couldn’t quite do that, which was a bit of a shame.
“As always, listening to you makes me realize how good you are, Aina.”
“Yeah, it’s super soothing.”
I closed my eyes again, letting her voice wash over me.
Aina was singing a slightly upbeat anime song, but if it were a slow ballad, I’m confident I’d fall asleep—that’s how mystical her voice is.
“All done♪”
“Wooo!!”
“Amazing as always, Aina.”
“Ehehe~♪”
Satisfied, Aina sat down and passed the mic to me.
Guess it’s my turn. I’d already picked a song, but following Aina’s performance is tough… Oh well, here goes!
“Let’s do this!”
“Yay!!”
“Go for it, Hayato-kun!”
Before I knew it, both of them were holding tambourines, ready to hype me up.
I didn’t exactly feel the need to show off, but I wanted to match their energy and sang with all my heart.
“~~♪~~♪”
It was a recent hit song by a group that’s always on TV.
Since they both knew it, the tambourines chimed in rhythm, and I managed to sing through to the end in high spirits.
“Phew.”
“Great job, Hayato-kun.”
“That was awesome♪”
After that, we fell into our usual pattern of picking songs we wanted to sing, but I started noticing something in this cramped room—the sweet fragrance from the two of them enveloping me.
When we paused to take a break from choosing songs, Aina whispered softly:
“Three of us in this tiny room… It’s kinda thrilling, huh♪”
“Uh… yeah, kinda.”
Her whisper in my ear made my shoulders jump, and my reaction was obvious not just to Aina but to Arisa too.
“It’s strange, isn’t it? Just a change in setting makes it feel like this… Ahh♪”
For about ten minutes after that, they stayed close, subtly shifting their bodies… Their movements were restrained, but I could feel the softness of their figures all too clearly.
“Alright! Break’s over, yeah? Let’s keep going—”
As Aina pulled away to pick another song, that blissful sensation faded.
“…Oh! This looks fun!”
“What?”
“??”
Fun? What’s that?
The song she picked was a ballad we hadn’t sung today… but when the screen switched, it showed a woman in a risqué outfit.
“No way… this is…”
I realized what this was.
It’s one of those karaoke systems where a suggestive video plays throughout the song, and to see it all, you need to score high on each section.
“Come on, Hayato-kun, give it your all and make it to the end!”
“Wait, I’m singing!? Not you, Aina!?”
“No way~ It’s gotta be you! You’ve sung this one before, right?”
“Y-Yeah, but… ugh, fine!”
The song started, so I had no choice but to sing.
But singing my best, surrounded by these two, to keep watching a suggestive video—what kind of torture is this!?
“Come on, Hayato-kun, you got this…!”
“Wow… that’s a bold outfit…”
Both of them were blushing…
Anyway, I had no choice but to sing, focusing on the lyrics on the screen, but the woman’s sultry poses were distracting, and the atmosphere in this room was making me feel weird.
(It’s not like the video’s R-18 or anything, but… those provocative moves are definitely meant to tease.)
It’s definitely suggestive, no question.
Still, while it was thrilling, having Arisa and Aina beside me kept my emotions in check… until.
(W-What are they doing…!?)
Arisa and Aina… both of them were clinging to me, their cheeks pressed against my waist.
They were sandwiching me, their arms wrapped around me, conveying an unmistakable desire to stay close.
“...!”
Even in this situation, I kept singing out of some strange sense of duty.
I’m not as good as Aina, so I couldn’t keep up high scores, and with my voice cracking from the situation, my points dropped. Just as the song was about to end, I felt a jolt at a sensitive spot.
(W-Wait, what!?)
It was Aina’s hand resting there.
She was staring at the screen, so I couldn’t tell if it was intentional, but it made me falter, and the song ended right there.
“Oh…”
“It’s over…?”
Of course it’s over!
Her hand was still there… I thought about shifting to break free, but before I could, Arisa noticed Aina’s hand.
“…”
And then, for some reason, she slid her hand even closer, slipping past Aina’s.
I couldn’t say anything, just glancing at Arisa, who looked up at me with a flushed face… and Aina did the same.
“…Tch, it’s over!”
As the song ended, I quickly sat down, pushing their hands away.
But the strange atmosphere lingered, and before I knew it, both Arisa and Aina leaned in, kissing my cheeks.
(…Oh no… This is bad! The suggestive video might’ve been the trigger, but it’s probably this room’s vibe pushing us like this…!)
They didn’t stop at kisses, softly whispering my name in my ears.
“Hayato-kun♡”
“Hayato-kun♡”
Their sweet, melting voices made my heart pound, and something inside me screamed to give in to the moment.
(I… I…)
Their heated gazes nearly pulled me into dangerous thoughts, but what stopped me was the realization that we were in a karaoke place—and a moment of clarity about my own feelings.
“Hayato-kun?”
“…?”
I held them close with both arms, doing nothing more than embracing them.
“…Just let me have this for now, you two.”
What they wanted… I knew it all too well.
It’s not unusual for high schoolers to do things like that, and I know what precautions to take.
But… if something went wrong, they’d be the ones facing the consequences.
Maybe I’m just being indecisive, or maybe I’m a lousy boyfriend for not giving in to their feelings… but still! I want them to wait just a bit longer.
Until I can take full responsibility, no matter what happens or what unexpected events come up!
“…Fufu, Hayato-kun, you’re all tense.”
“Haha♪ That video was kinda intense, huh?”
Arisa and Aina didn’t pull away, but they sensed my mood and brought the atmosphere back to normal.
“Man, it’s getting hot in here. Let’s order some ice cream.”
“Sounds good.”
“Let’s do it!”
Ice cream’s the best for cooling off!
After the staff brought us ice cream, we ate to cool down, and the usual karaoke vibe returned as we sang our hearts out.
▼▽
“That was so much fun.”
“Seriously, it was a blast!!”
By evening, the three of us were heading home together.
After karaoke, we’d gone shopping and lost track of time.
The karaoke incident left the biggest impression, but laughing and heading home with them after such a fun day… this moment was, without a doubt, the best.
“…?”
Suddenly, I felt an odd sense of unease again.
A bad feeling, maybe something eerie…? I didn’t let it show, though.
“We’re home.”
“Mom, we’re back~”
When we entered the Shinjo house, I felt something off—Sakuna-san, who’d usually greet us, wasn’t there. That unease hit me harder than ever.
“…Sakuna-san…!”
Driven by that feeling, I rushed to the living room—and there she was, collapsed on the floor.
“…Mom?”
“Huh… Mom?”
Sakuna-san, lying there, overlapped with an unforgettable image—the moment my own mother collapsed from illness.
“…Mom!”
I hadn’t consciously thought of it, but I reflexively called out to Sakuna-san like that.
It seemed the day wasn’t over yet… and it had thrown the worst possible trial our way.
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