Chapter 6. Sisterly love and the occasional awakening of maternal instinct
Several days had passed since the day Sakuna-san collapsed… the day I went on a date with Arisa and Aina. As promised, Sakuna-san was taking the entire week to focus on a full recovery, so she should be resting at home, taking it easy.
“Hayato?”
“Hmm?”
“This week, you seem even more lively than usual, don’t you?”
“You think so?”
During a break, Kaito, who was nearby, said this to me.
“Why do you think that?”
“Just a feeling, but… you’re putting in more effort than usual, or something like that?”
“Something like that” sounds a bit vague, but I didn’t point it out. After all, I was aware of it myself.
“Well, I’ve got something that’s making me want to try a bit harder.”
“Oh?”
“It’s been a few years… maybe. I can’t go into details, though.”
“That’s fine. Seeing my best friend looking so energized is more than enough for me.”
“What kind of ridiculously understanding best friend are you… you and Sota both.”
As I said that, Kaito grinned with a “nishishi” and gave my back a few light pats. They weren’t hard slaps, so I didn’t mind too much and let my thoughts drift briefly to recent events.
(Lively, huh… I’m probably remembering the past.)
This week, I’ve been stopping by the Shinjo household every night until late, helping Arisa and Aina. But even amidst that, I’ve been making sure to cherish my time with Sakuna-san. It might not be entirely accurate to say I’m “taking care” of Sakuna-san, who collapsed from a cold and overwork, but doing something for her—someone who’s become like a mother to me—brings back old memories.
(…Ugh, this is bad. I’m starting to remember that moment too.)
The time I wiped down Sakuna-san’s body… the vivid memory of directly touching her large chest comes rushing back… sigh.
“Hey, your face is red.”
“It’s nothing. Let’s head back.”
“Alright.”
Just as we were about to return to class since the lesson was starting soon, something happened.
“See ya, Nee-san!”
Aina, who had come to hang out in our classroom, bumped into me as she was leaving.
“Kyaa!?”
“Whoa!”
Her small yelp drew some attention from those around us, making me flinch, but catching Aina and naturally placing my hand on her waist felt like a smooth reflex.
“You okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine♪”
Aina gave a light smile before heading off with another friend.
“…Man, the way you saved the younger Shinjo sister was pretty slick.”
“Uh… isn’t that kind of thing normal?”
Well, sure, for most people, putting a hand on someone’s waist to steady them might be a bit much. Hmm… I don’t quite get it myself, but I think my hand moved so naturally because it was Aina. I’d probably do the same for Arisa.
“Whatever, it’s fine. Let’s get back.”
“Sure thing~”
When I returned to my seat, Arisa spoke up.
“I could see a bit from here. Honestly, that girl is such a klutz.”
“Haha… well, I managed to catch her, so it’s all good.”
“True. By the way, my friend was impressed by how smoothly you handled it, Hayato-kun.”
“Really?”
I feel like we’ve had a similar conversation before… or is it just my imagination? As I tried to recall what it was about, the teacher walked in, so instead of speaking, Arisa slid her notebook to the edge of her desk to show me, just like before.
‘If it had been me instead of Aina, would you have caught me like that too?’
That’s what was written. I gave a wry smile and nodded, as if to say, “Obviously.” That seemed to satisfy Arisa, and for the rest of the class, she was beaming so brightly it almost distracted the teacher.
“So, let’s have… Shinjo-san answer this one.”
“Yes.”
“Oh? You seem in quite a good mood.”
“Do I? Maybe something nice happened.”
That exchange drew some curious glances from the guys who have a thing for Arisa, wondering what was up. It was kind of amusing to see them so worked up. Arisa stood at the blackboard, chalk in hand, writing out the equation neatly. Though it was a tough problem, she answered it perfectly, earning a satisfied nod from the teacher.
“Correct. You can sit down.”
“Yes.”
As Arisa returned to her seat, I muttered under my breath.
“Impressive as always.”
“Of course. Right now, I’m radiating the ultimate happiness aura.”
That’s… got it, so she’s in her strongest state!
During the rest of the class, I couldn’t help but feel a warm vibe coming from her, like that “aura” she mentioned was emanating something cozy. Every time I glanced at her, Arisa was smiling, and it made me feel like I was witnessing something truly special.
“Domoto? Something good happen?”
“Nah, it’s nothing.”
Iriejun, sitting on the opposite side from Arisa, noticed my goofy grin but I brushed it off. Even during class and breaks, my thoughts kept drifting to Sakuna-san. I knew she was fine and resting properly, but the fact that she collapsed was still weighing heavily on my heart.
(…There’s still that embarrassment from when I wiped her down, but every time I leave her room, she gives me those lonely eyes.)
Those eyes are dangerous… I can’t quite explain why, but they’re seriously intense. They make me think I should just stay by her side instead of going back to the girls. Is she really the same age as my mom? This might just be a lifelong mystery, I thought seriously.
“Hayato~! Let’s eat~!”
“Coming~!”
It was already lunch break, so I grabbed my bento and stood up to join my friends. Before digging in, I sent a quick message to Sakuna-san to check if she was okay.
“What’s up?”
“Nothing, just… let’s eat, I’m starving!”
“Hell yeah!”
“Man, I’m starving~! Itadakimasu!”
▼▽
Phew… I’m feeling much better. Well, aside from the fact that I collapsed, it wasn’t that bad of a cold… no, I can’t say it wasn’t a big deal after worrying Arisa, Aina, and Hayato-kun so much.
The scene shifts to the Shinjo household. Sakuna, who had been sidelined by a cold, murmured to herself as she let out a small sigh. Her demeanor was back to normal, and she looked healthy again. It seemed certain she’d be able to return to work next week.
“…Not just Arisa and Aina, but making Hayato-kun worry like that? That’s no good, Sakuna.”
The moment she said it, she gave a wry smile and shook her head, as if scolding herself for saying something she shouldn’t. Worrying them was unavoidable, and saying it was “no good” would only upset Hayato—though he wouldn’t get mad. Arisa and Aina, on the other hand, would probably sprout horns and chew her out for saying something like that at this point.
“Itadakimasu.”
With no one else home, Sakuna naturally prepared her own meals. It wasn’t a problem or a hassle at all, and being able to eat without issue and handle dishes and some chores was proof of her recovery.
“Hmm… I’m totally fine, but I promised to take it easy this week, so I can’t break that.”
With a wry smile, she returned to her room. For someone as work-driven as Sakuna, sitting still felt frustrating, but she steeled herself, lay on her bed, and suppressed the urge to do something.
“I can’t calm down… I really can’t. But with Arisa and Aina taking care of laundry and other chores, there’s nothing for me to do… ugh, I really have nothing to do!”
Her expression clearly screamed, I’m not satisfied.
“Oh?”
It was then that Sakuna noticed a notification on her phone.
“Arisa, Aina… and Hayato-kun too?”
Messages sent during lunch break brought a wave of joy. Arisa and Aina’s texts reflected their personalities but clearly conveyed their heartfelt concern, making Sakuna feel a bit ashamed for causing the situation.
“…Hehe, Hayato-kun, really.”
Just as her thoughts started to turn blue, Hayato’s message brightened her mood.
‘Sakuna-san, how’s your condition? If anything comes up, please let me know right away. No matter what, I’ll come to you. I’ll head over with the girls after school. See you this evening.’
Sakuna stared at Hayato’s message, reading it aloud, unable to contain her happiness.
“Hayato-kun… why are you such a good boy? I can’t help but… can’t help but…?”
Can’t help but… what? Sakuna tilted her head, unsure of what she meant to say next.
“What’s wrong with me?”
As she gazed at the phone screen and sat up, she felt her body grow warm and her heart race while reading Hayato’s words.
“What’s wrong with me…?”
Was this a fever from the cold returning? No, she shook her head. It was pure excitement… Sakuna was thrilled by Hayato’s message, her heart fluttering.
“Hayato-kun…”
Recalling the days since she collapsed, Sakuna thought of her daughters, Arisa and Aina, whose presence was undeniably immense. But Hayato’s presence had grown even larger in her heart, more than it already had been.
‘Sakuna-san, are you okay? Is there anything I can do for you?’
Hayato always said that when he stopped by her room, almost like a son.
“…Hayato-kun, you’re so kind, just like him.”
“Him” referred to her late husband. His constant kindness, always putting Sakuna and their daughters first, and even sending messages like this—it all reminded her of him. No matter how much she tried not to think about it, Hayato’s kindness overlapped with her husband’s, filling the lonely gap in her heart directly.
“…No! What am I thinking?!”
She lightly slapped her cheeks, trying to halt the feelings she shouldn’t have. Yet, her racing heart wouldn’t calm, and Sakuna set her phone down, hugging herself as if to contain the passionate emotions she couldn’t let out.
“Ha… ha… ha♪”
But the warmth wasn’t unpleasant—it felt good. After all, Hayato was someone she trusted enough to leave her daughters with, a reliable and kind person she couldn’t help but care for.
“Hayato-kun is my daughters’ boyfriend… their boyfriend.”
Even as she told herself this, her body refused to listen, as if her mind was urging her to let it out.
“…Ah♪”
Her ample chest, passed down to her daughters, jiggled with every step, squished when she crossed her arms, and strained against her clothes. As she placed a hand on it and squeezed slightly, a sweet sensation coursed through her like an electric current.
“This feeling… no, Sakuna, you can’t go further. Not any more than this.”
Her rationality was on the brink. Just as the dam holding back her emotions was about to burst and the woman inside her was about to fully awaken, it was Hayato’s presence that stopped her.
‘Mom!!’
“!?”
The desperate voice of Hayato echoed in her mind, a memory from when her consciousness was hazy.
It wasn’t something she just recalled now; it was something Hayato had told her when they were alone in this room, talking.
‘Actually… when I saw you collapsed, Sakuna-san, I couldn’t help but call out “Mom.”’
Hayato had said it with a shy, slightly regretful gesture, but that moment was deeply etched in Sakuna’s memory. It held the power to cool the heated passion that had nearly overwhelmed her.
That magical word—Mom—tamed her body, which had been craving the joy of womanhood, and restored her calm.
‘I told Arisa and Aina too, but when I saw you collapsed, Sakuna-san, it overlapped with my mom. That’s why I’m so happy you’re okay and getting better.’
How many times had she thought it back then—if only this boy were her son… no, she wanted to make him her son.
“If Hayato-kun were my son… hehe.”
The smile that crossed her face was both enchantingly alluring and filled with the tender, loving gaze of a mother. Time and again, Sakuna had told Hayato to treat her like a real mother. It wasn’t as if she’d never thought of him as a son—truthfully, she might have thought of him that way more often than not.
“Hayato-kun… you’re my son.”
That was Sakuna’s resolute declaration.
From now on, she would love Hayato even more… she decided in her heart to love him like her own flesh-and-blood son.
“This time, it was my fault for causing this… but I won’t let Hayato-kun worry like this again, nor will I let him show that sad, lonely expression.”
Sakuna held her phone, displaying Hayato’s message, close to her chest as if it were precious. She stayed in touch with Hayato’s maternal grandparents—his only family—occasionally, and they trusted her completely, entrusting Hayato to her care. That fact further solidified her determination, pushing it one, no, two steps further.
“Arisa and Aina spend time with Hayato-kun as his lovers, and I’ll spend my days with him like a parent and child… just imagining it makes my body tingle♪”
With an ecstatic expression, Sakuna was unstoppable. While Arisa and Aina sought to drown Hayato in their love, Sakuna aimed to envelop him in parental affection. In this moment, the Shinjo family’s encirclement of Hayato was complete in the truest sense.
“I wish he’d come back soon… I want to love him… love him, love him, Hayato-kun♪”
Anyone who saw Sakuna now—except her daughters—would doubt their eyes. Her behavior was so unusual, yet Sakuna’s sense of propriety kept her from going off the rails… though whether that restraint was a good or bad thing in this case was hard to say.
“Phew… I got a bit too excited. I feel like my temperature’s risen a little, so I’ll rest quietly until evening.”
With that level of excitement, it’s no wonder her body felt warm—someone might quip.
“For now, goodnight.”
With that, Sakuna fell asleep… and mumbled something in her slumber.
It was already known that Arisa and Aina, born from Sakuna, carried desires for submission and motherhood, respectively. But the woman who gave birth to them also harbored those desires in a corner of her heart. A hybrid of those two desires—that was the woman named Shinjo Sakuna.
Hmm? Why mention this now? No particular reason… just something to convey.
▼▽
“…Achoo!!”
A sudden tickle in my nose led to a massive sneeze. I covered my mouth with both hands, so no harm was done, but if I hadn’t, I might’ve sprayed Sota, sitting in front of me, with a face full of droplets.
“You got a cold?”
“I don’t think it’s a cold… probably. Maybe someone’s talking about me.”
“Haha, gossip, huh? If it’s bad rumors, let’s make ‘em regret spreading it.”
Kaito, maybe cool it with the quick-to-fight attitude. That said, I’m not worried since he’s honorable and doesn’t pick fights lightly. His kindness makes me hope he’d stand up for me if needed. And, of course, if anything happened to those two, I’d throw myself in to help with everything I’ve got.
“Man, April’s almost over, huh?”
“Yeah, Golden Week’s coming up… and then midterms right after.”
“Ugh, not looking forward to that.”
But yeah, May’s packed with events. A five-day Golden Week, followed by midterms right after the holiday. Tests used to feel like a drag, but since I started studying with Arisa and Aina, even that time has become fun.
“What’s with you, Hayato? Smiling at the word ‘test’? You some kinda masochist?”
“How’d you jump to that? Tests mean studying, and getting results feels rewarding, that’s all.”
“Studying’s fun…?”
“Don’t look at me like I’m a freak, you guys.”
I snapped back at their wide-eyed stares, but honestly, studying alone isn’t fun for me either. Having the two girls I love by my side, patiently explaining things I don’t get, and the ultimate relaxation waiting for me during breaks—that kind of environment makes even the grueling task of studying enjoyable.
“Thanks for the meal! Alright, back to class.”
“Got it~”
“Yup~”
After lunch, I returned to my seat. Arisa was still eating with her friends, chatting lively with their desks pushed together, but she glanced at me and smiled.
“Hey, Domoto-kun, ‘sup~!”
“Feeling good~?”
I gave a short “Yo” back to Arisa’s friends and headed to the bathroom.
(I wonder if Sakuna-san saw my message.)
I’ll check when I get back to class. She usually replies right away if she sees it, so there might already be a response. If not, I’d be more worried than disappointed… ugh! Worrying too much will wear me out, but I can’t help it—please understand how I feel!
“Who am I even talking to?”
Muttering to myself in the empty bathroom, I looked at my reflection in the mirror. My face looked the same as always, but worry was clearly written all over it. I can’t be like this, I thought, washing my hands and splashing water on my face.
“…Phew.”
Wiping my face with a handkerchief, I felt refreshed and left the bathroom. As I headed back to class, I saw Yanagi-sensei coming down from the third floor, carrying two large cardboard boxes.
“Is he… can he see where he’s going?”
He looked unsteady, and it seemed like he couldn’t see his feet, which could be dangerous on the stairs. I hurried over.
“Yanagi-sensei?”
“Hm? Oh, Domoto.”
It was Yanagi-sensei, our world history teacher.
“Those look heavy.”
“To be honest, they are. I didn’t want to make two trips, so I grabbed them both, but it’s a bit tough.”
“What’re you doing?”
Sighing, I swiftly took one of the boxes from him.
“I’ll help. It’s dangerous to go down stairs when you can’t see your feet.”
“Sorry about that. Thanks, Domoto.”
“No problem. Gotta earn some points where I can.”
“Haha, honest kid.”
Good grades for behavior are important in high school, after all. Yanagi-sensei didn’t seem bothered by my comment and started walking with a wry smile, so I followed.
“I was hoping some student would help out, but I didn’t expect it to be you, Domoto. You’re really a kind kid.”
“That’s embarrassing.”
“The teachers all think highly of you for that. How about running for student council president next year?”
“That’s not my thing.”
“Really? I thought it’d suit someone like you.”
I shook my head vehemently, as if to say, No way. Student council president is like the face of the student body… I can’t imagine myself in that role, and even if I could, I don’t think I’d want to lead or organize everyone… yeah, no way.
“What’re you guys talking about?”
“Something about Domoto as student council president… huh?”
“Oh, about Domoto as student council president… huh?”
Wait, Yanagi-sensei and I reacted in sync—does that mean we’re on the same wavelength? …Nah, that’s beside the point! I just heard a super familiar voice from the opposite side of Yanagi-sensei.
“…Aina?”
“…Shinjo?”
“Yup! Shinjo Aina here~♪”
As expected. Somehow, Aina was right next to me. I’d just called her by her first name so naturally, but Yanagi-sensei didn’t seem to care much about a student calling another by their first name.
“Domoto-kun as student council president!? How’d that come up!?”
“Curious? Well, here’s how it went—”
Yanagi-sensei started explaining how we got to that topic. Not only did Aina join us so naturally, but she also tagged along until we delivered the boxes to the staff room.
“Thanks, Domoto. You saved me.”
“No problem. See ya.”
“See ya~! Yanagi-sensei, don’t hurt your back, okay~?”
“Leave it to me! I’m still young… ugh!?”
Just as Yanagi-sensei, buoyed by Aina’s smile, did a squat on the spot, a painful crack echoed through the room.
“Yanagi-sensei!?”
“Mayday, mayday!”
“Arghhh!?”
“He’s not speaking human anymore! To the hospital!”
“What’re you doing…”
“What a bunch of idiots.”
The staff room erupted into chaos. Aina and I sighed in unison, as if to say, Told you so, and stepped out into the hallway.
“Man, adults aren’t so different from us kids.”
“Haha… that’s a special case, or maybe it’s because he’s so lively?”
“Lively, huh. Even the vice-principal joined in, so this school’s pretty peaceful.”
“No doubt about it.”
Even after leaving the staff room, we could still hear the commotion from here… Yanagi-sensei’s definitely enjoying this, isn’t he?
“Hey, Hayato-kun.”
“Yeah?”
“There’s still some time left in lunch break… wanna sneak off for a bit?”
Aina smiled with a grin and stuck out her tongue playfully. The vibe was unmistakably flirty, but it was just about going somewhere private, so I went along with her suggestion.
“Where to?”
“Where, huh~… hehe♪”
With a mischievous giggle, Aina led me to the back of the gymnasium. It’s a spot where people rarely come—a hidden gem, you could say. I’d heard it used to be a hangout for delinquent students smoking or causing trouble back in the day.
“Hayato-kun♪”
“Here I come!”
“Woo! Then charge~!”
I knew the moment we got here that Aina would jump at me, so I opened my arms to catch her. Coming all the way here just to flirt might seem a bit much, but if my adorable girlfriend wants it, I’ll do my best to make it happen.
“The back of the gym has this image of delinquents shaking people down, but with all the trees and greenery, it’s actually a nice spot.”
“Right?♪ That’s part of why I brought you here, Hayato-kun~.”
Even though it’s our school, the back of the gym isn’t a place we visit often. Even during gym class, there’s no reason to come here… but the sound of branches swaying in the breeze has a certain charm.
“Hey, Hayato-kun.”
“Yeah?”
“The way the branches hang down hides our faces, doesn’t it? Kinda feels like a perfect hideout, right?”
“Not exactly super secretive.”
“Haha! You’re not supposed to say that!”
Sure, our faces might be hidden, but Aina’s beauty and figure would probably give her away, so it’s not like it matters much. But then, I noticed something off about Aina. It didn’t seem like she brought me here just to flirt.
As proof, she whispered softly.
“Hey, Hayato-kun. With minimal movement, glance at the path we took to get here.”
Following her words, I subtly shifted my gaze… and noticed it.
“…Who’s that?”
I could tell someone was there, and I panicked, thinking we’d been caught in a compromising moment. Given our relationship, that was a natural reaction, but unlike my flustered state, Aina remained calm and continued.
“They didn’t follow us from the start. It seems they spotted us when we turned that corner.”
“You noticed that?”
“I’m the one who dragged you here, so I was paying attention♪”
Aina’s amazing… I was glancing around too, but I didn’t notice that person at all. Aina giggled but then said something even more surprising.
“He’s a first-year… and he’s the one who gave me a love letter.”
“…What?”
A love letter… I’d heard about it before. I knew Aina wouldn’t be swayed by it and didn’t seem interested, so I didn’t think much of it. But seeing the guy in person stirred a dirty feeling in my chest—a possessive urge not to let anyone else have Aina.
(No, it’s natural for a boyfriend to feel this way. It’s not the first time, and it’s not wrong to feel possessive about my girlfriend.)
Convincing myself of that, I realized it’s mutual—her possessiveness toward me feels good too.
“We haven’t really talked. A few days ago, I bumped into him when I went to the staff room with a friend, and apparently, he fell for me at first sight. It was a hassle, so I didn’t respond, but he gave me another letter this morning, asking me out.”
“…I see.”
What a pain, Aina said, turning toward the boy while gripping my hand tightly and guiding it to her chest.
“Ahh♪”
Aina let out a cute, heart-pounding sound. Glancing at me, she looked thrilled and said something that set my heart ablaze.
“He can’t see your face, Hayato-kun, so let’s give him a show. I’m tired of dealing with him, so let’s teach him a lesson he won’t forget… hehe, am I a bit mean for this?”
“I don’t know… but I kinda want to show off too.”
“Yup, yup♪ Like, let him see you touching me like this♪”
Aina guided my fingers across her chest, pressing them to let me feel its softness clearly.
“I… I really love this. I love when you touch me like this, Hayato-kun…”
Her eyes glistened as she turned to me, then bent down… wait!?
“A-Aina!?”
“Huff! Huff!”
With an expression a girl absolutely shouldn’t make, Aina stared at a certain part of me. I could almost see heart shapes in her eyes, and her excited, heavy breathing made me feel even crazier.
“Look… I’m not doing anything, okay? This is just to show off… this position will break his heart enough!”
“O-Okay!”
Aina’s intensity overwhelmed me. Thanks to the hanging branches, my face was probably hidden, but we could see him… though the first-year boy was already gone.
I placed my hands on Aina’s shoulders, patting them to signal it was okay.
“Aina, he’s gone now!”
“R-Right! Got it!”
Standing up, we locked eyes, standing in silence for a moment… what is this atmosphere? Someone, anyone, help! Wait, no, if someone came now, it’d be bad!
“…Haha.”
“…Hehe.”
But as we gazed at each other, the awkwardness faded. There were ten minutes left until the end of lunch break… wait, ten whole minutes? It felt so intense I thought we were down to the wire.
“Let’s head back in five minutes?”
“Sounds good. Let’s chill a bit more then.”
“Okay!”
Not minding the dirt on our uniforms, we sat in the shade. The four-step staircase made it comfortable, but for Aina, even with her legs closed, anyone in front could probably see her underwear.
“…Phew.”
“Good work, Hayato-kun.”
“You too, Aina. He’s… not coming back, right?”
“Probably not. That was perfect, trust me.”
“…It was embarrassing, though.”
“I was thrilled and excited! Plus…”
Aina trembled, pressing her lower abdomen… okay, that gesture really gets to me, please stop! I love seeing her like this—she’s adorable, and knowing she’s excited because of me makes me happy! Super happy! But… that gesture is seriously bad for my heart!
“I thought I might get pregnant just from your scent.”
“Ugh!?”
Aina, please, don’t glance down like that! I gave her a rare half-lidded stare, and she apologized, nudging my shoulder playfully.
“Just being playful♪”
“That was way too intense for playful.”
To hide my probably flushed cheeks, I looked up at the sky, taking a deep breath.
“Inhale… exhale.”
Aina probably noticed my turmoil, but this was my teenage resistance, no helping it.
(That position was wild, though…)
Aina staring at my lower half with that excited look… thinking calmly, anyone seeing us would totally misunderstand what we were doing. Alright, let’s stop thinking about it!
“Your face is red~.”
“…”
It can’t be helped… it just can’t.
▼▽
“See ya after school, Hayato-kun.”
“Yeah, later.”
I waved to Hayato-kun before we parted. Going back together might make people suspicious, so it’s better to be thorough about these things!
“…Phew… haa♪”
But why is it? As I walked back to class after parting with Hayato-kun, my breathing got heavier… not from exhaustion, but excitement, I realized. It can’t be helped, right?
“…It was a guy’s scent… so strong… uhn♪”
This is bad… just remembering that scent makes my head spin. The first-year who gave me the love letter was already out of my mind—my head was full of what just happened.
“Aina, welcome back… wait, what’s wrong!?”
“Huh?”
My friend looked at me in shock… why?
“Your face is bright red! And you seem feverish… or rather, kinda sexy?”
“What are you—”
I started to say, then it clicked. I’d been thinking about what happened earlier while walking back, and I still couldn’t shake that scent… oh no, this is bad. I tried to stop my body from trembling, but it was no use—the sweet sensation was coursing through me.
“Hey, I’m telling you, you’re giving off a vibe!”
“Huh? I don’t think I did anything weird, though?”
“Your aura is insanely sexy!”
An aura that’s sexy? I don’t get it, silly! I brushed it off by telling my friend it was nothing, but knowing Hayato-kun’s scent like that is something I could brag to Nee-san about… I’m looking forward to after school!
“…I wonder if Mom’s okay?”
But still, I’m worried about Mom. She seemed completely fine already, but her collapsing was a first… if it happened again, I’d seriously curse the heavens.
“Now you’re looking down… you okay?”
“I’m fine. Sorry for worrying you.”
“…Hey, you sure you don’t have a fever?”
Rude much… but I get it, my mood swings are probably to blame, so I’ll let it slide. As I sat at my desk, preparing for the next class, my mind was filled with Hayato-kun, Nee-san… and Mom.
(Of course, Nee-san and I are working harder than ever on chores, but Hayato-kun’s helping out so much too… worrying about Mom, and paying even more attention to us… ugh, come on!)
Really… just how amazing is Hayato-kun? I know he’s a great guy… but that’s exactly why I can tell he’s pushing himself too hard.
(He’s worried about Mom, looking out for us… but he’s not thinking about himself, is he?)
He’s so focused on us that he’s neglecting himself, I think… maybe he doesn’t feel burdened, but he definitely needs some time to relax!
“Alright! Let’s get class started~”
“Stand, bow.”
Oops, class is starting—gotta focus! I diligently took notes on what the teacher said and wrote on the board. With midterms coming up after Golden Week, I need to make sure I’m prepared!
“…Hehe.”
A smile slipped out. The reason? I was thinking about studying with Hayato-kun… because he genuinely listens to me and Nee-san’s explanations.
‘You two are teaching me, so I’ve gotta work hard, right? Plus, it’s just fun studying with you both.’
Ugh! His words, his actions—everything’s so cool! He says stuff like that to thank us for teaching him, but that’s not it, you know? When he says things like that, it makes us genuinely happy too!
“…Hehe.”
The more I learn about Hayato-kun’s charm, the more my heart races for him. And the most important part of me screams—I want him, I want to take all of him inside me.
“A baby… I want one.”
…Oh, I said that out loud. I glanced at the people next to me, but they didn’t seem to hear, so I relaxed… and since I was already hyped up, I thought back to earlier.
“…Ahh♪”
That scent… I remember it all. I love Hayato-kun’s smell… but that scent was one that pulled out my desire to bear his child.
“Ugh… my body’s hot… if I were at home, I’d definitely be doing something alone.”
I rocked my body to distract from the heat… but then I noticed the boy next to me blushing and looking down. I tilted my head, wondering what was up, when my friend’s words came back.
‘Your aura is insanely sexy!’
Am I oozing pheromones or something? Did thinking about naughty stuff make me radiate pheromones, and that’s why she said that? Oh well, doesn’t matter. No matter what people think, Hayato-kun’s the only one I’ll ever think about like that, and he’s the only one I want to do those things with for life!
“I wish it’d be after school already…”
I muttered, deciding to focus on class for now… well, sort of. That’s a bit rude, gotta do better.
▼▽
Right after school, I headed straight to the Shinjo house without detours. Arisa and Aina joined me along the way, but… for some reason, I stopped in front of the door.
“Hayato-kun?”
“What’s wrong?”
“…”
Their gazes asked what was up, but I didn’t know myself. It was simple—just go inside like always, see Sakuna-san, and feel relieved. Yet my feet wouldn’t move, as if I sensed something unexplainable in this house.
(No, what am I thinking… let’s go in.)
Chalking it up to my imagination, I opened the door and stepped inside.
“I’m home.”
Saying “I’m home” here has become second nature. As I took off my shoes and slipped into slippers, Aina dashed off to check on Sakuna-san. Arisa and I watched her go, sharing a wry smile.
“That girl’s so restless.”
“But I get it. Even you, Arisa, were fidgeting a bit.”
“W-Was I?”
It wasn’t super obvious, but Arisa couldn’t completely hide her anxious expression either. For now, I figured I’d check on Sakuna-san once Aina came back, and until then, I’d relax in the living room.
“Here’s some tea, Hayato-kun.”
“Oh, thanks—my personal maid’s the best!”
I said it jokingly, and Arisa’s reaction was immediate. She set the cup down smoothly, sat next to me, and smiled like a loyal servant.
“Ufu♪ Anything else you’d like to order?”
I’m not big on the word “order”… but since I started this, Arisa’s in that mode where she’s craving some kind of command. What to do…
“Mom’s doing great~!”
Aina’s return interrupted our staring contest, and I let out a relieved sigh as the moment passed.
“Later, okay?”
“…”
Looks like I’m not getting out of this. Her mischievous grin was like that of a villainous mastermind—unfairly fitting, since her perfect face makes any expression look good.
“Guess I’ll go check on her next.”
“Then I’ll go after you.”
“Have fun~!”
Alright, time to see Sakuna-san! From what Aina said, it sounds like she’s fine, but we agreed she’d rest for the whole week. It might be boring for her, but she’s gotta stick to it.
“…?”
Standing in front of Sakuna-san’s room, that strange feeling hit me again—the same unexplainable something from outside the house. Still, I felt compelled to call out and step inside.
“Welcome home, Hayato.”
…Huh?
It was Sakuna-san… sitting up in bed, looking at me with an expression no different from usual… no, even kinder than usual. But why… why did she feel like Mom just now?
“…Uh.”
“Hehe, sorry for startling you, Hayato-kun. I just wanted to try treating you like my real son♪”
“Oh, that’s… got it.”
I don’t even know what I mean by “got it,” but… maybe because she’s their mom, it felt so real… real enough to almost call her Mom again.
“Aina said you’re doing a lot better?”
“Yes. Honestly, resting this long is getting a bit boring.”
“Haha… yeah, I get that.”
I like chilling too, but boredom’s the worst, so I totally understand. When I said so, Sakuna-san’s smile deepened like a kid who thought of a prank, and she said:
“Even if I’m stuck in bed all day, I wouldn’t be bored if you were in here with me, Hayato-kun.”
“…Huh?”
I asked reflexively, but I knew it was a mistake right away. Sakuna-san’s demeanor shifted, her gaze fixed on me as she continued, every word making my heart race.
“If you were in bed with me, I’d wrap my arms around you, press myself close, and never let go. Not just my arms—my legs too, all tangled up… and I’d whisper in your ear: Thank you for worrying about Mom. As thanks, I’ll pamper you lots.”
“Pamper… how?”
“Oh, curious?”
“!?”
A sweet scent wafted from Sakuna-san like a wave, hitting me. Unable to handle it, I turned to the door.
“You seem fine! I’ll head out now!”
“Ah…”
I heard a disappointed sound for a moment but left the room anyway. Pressing my hand to my chest, my heart was pounding so loud it was practically shouting how much Sakuna-san’s vibe and words had rattled me.
“…Is Sakuna-san’s motherly aura breaking through the heavens today or what?”
I muttered without thinking… she was so sensual and mom-like. …Wait, sensual and mom-like? What am I even saying… sigh.
“Welcome back, Hayato-kun.”
“How was Mom?”
“She seemed fine.”
“Good. I’ll go next.”
Back in the living room, Arisa headed to Sakuna-san’s room in my place.
“Hayato-kun, c’mon!!”
“C’mon? Alright~”
Come sit next to me, bam bam! Aina patted the sofa. No need to rush me—I’ll sit, don’t worry.
“Mom was doing okay, right?”
“Huh? Oh, yeah… I’m relieved.”
I stumbled over my words, thinking back to earlier. Aina tilted her head but didn’t press further, which was a relief. I sipped the leftover tea Arisa had poured… but then Aina dropped a bombshell.
“Hey, Hayato-kun. Lunch break… that was wild, huh?”
“Pfft!”
“Kyaa!?”
Lunch break… that word brought back that tantalizing, steamy memory. I’d been trying not to think about it, but Aina bringing it up caused such a huge reaction that I sprayed tea all over her face.
“S-Sorry, Aina!!”
“No, it’s my fault for saying something weird out of nowhere.”
Still, spraying tea in her face is the worst, man… All I could do was wipe her face with my handkerchief… but Aina didn’t look upset—she seemed happy?
“I got totally drenched♪ It’s yours, Hayato-kun, so I don’t mind at all~♪”
“…”
“What’s going on?”
Oh, Arisa’s back. I explained what happened, and she gave me a look like, What are you doing?, grabbing a towel to wipe Aina’s face.
“What are you doing?”
You’re right, I’m sorry! But Arisa didn’t seem genuinely mad, smiling warmly as she glanced between me and Aina.
Anyway, after all that, I got to work on the Shinjo household chores. As usual, I volunteered for bathroom cleaning, and once that was done, I tackled some light hallway cleaning too.
“Hayato-kun, want first dibs on the bath?”
“Oh, really?”
“Yeah. You even cleaned that much?”
“Well, I had time before dinner. Guess I’ll take the first bath then.”
So I bathed, then helped with dinner prep while one of the girls took their turn. After dinner, while Arisa washed dishes, I folded laundry with Aina.
“This goes here… and this here.”
“Haha, you don’t get embarrassed folding our underwear anymore, huh, Hayato-kun?”
“…It’s not like I don’t feel anything. But I’m kinda used to it now.”
“Gotcha♪ I really loved how cute you were when you stared at me and Nee-san’s bras~.”
“I wasn’t staring!”
“You were. No lying, Hayato-kun.”
“…Fine.”
“Hehe! Don’t look so down about it~♪”
Then don’t tease me like that! Sure, I’ve had plenty of happy chances to see their underwear, but folding it is different—it’s not like I get to stare otherwise… so when I held it, I just thought, Wow, they wear stuff this big.
“All done.”
“Finished here too.”
Made it through today. At this point, there’s usually nothing left to do at the Shinjo house, so it’s time to head home, but I kept sighing, probably from accumulated fatigue. Arisa and Aina must’ve noticed—they stopped me at the door as I was leaving.
“Hayato-kun.”
“Hayato-kun.”
“Yeah?”
Their synchronized voices made me turn reflexively.
“You’re exhausted, aren’t you?”
“Yeah. Since Mom collapsed, you’ve been pushing yourself too hard, Hayato-kun.”
“…Have I?”
Their words startled me. I didn’t think of it as a burden, but I was aware I was a bit tired… but that’s just how it is. I wanted to do it—for them.
“I know you’re doing it for us, and we’re truly grateful for that. But if you push too hard and end up collapsing yourself, it defeats the purpose, right?”
“Exactly. I’ll say it again, your kindness means the world to us… so much. But we’re also at fault for relying on it too much. That’s why we wanted to talk—Hayato-kun, don’t overdo it.”
“…”
For you guys, I’d… That kind of self-sacrificing mindset isn’t good, huh. I’d do anything for the people I love, even things I wouldn’t normally do, because I want to help however I can… but yeah, I get it.
“Maybe I was too tense. Sakuna-san collapsing… it wasn’t just someone else’s problem for me, and I kept thinking about you two.”
“It’s because you’re too kind, Hayato-kun. That’s exactly why.”
“Yup, yup♪ Mom’s fine now, so relax, okay?”
I nodded, understanding. In that moment, I felt the tension slowly leave my body, surprised at how tightly wound I’d been.
“Alright, I’m heading home… but first—”
Right before parting, I hugged them tightly and said:
“Will you keep calling me out like this? Not to scold me, but to keep me in check…”
I didn’t want to be scolded—I wanted them to guide me.
“Hehe, got it. Though I wouldn’t mind being scolded and tamed myself… cough.”
“Got it! But in return, we’ll pamper you tons later, so be ready~!”
Is that something to be ready for…? Either way, everything with them ends up making me happy. After chatting a bit more, I left the Shinjo house.
“…Phew, what a day… this week was wild.”
Introducing Arisa and Aina to kendo was fun, but Sakuna-san collapsing… we supported each other, overcame the worry, and our love and bond grew stronger.
“Sakuna-san’s better now, so all’s good.”
Still, those feelings I had for her might linger in my mind for a while… what was that all about?
“Mom… huh.”
Sakuna-san’s presence is growing in my heart… like a mother, that much I know for sure.
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