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[ENG] Otokogirai na Bijin Shimai wo Namae mo Tsugezuni Tasuketara Ittaidounaru V4 Chapter 1

 Chapter 1 Visiting my grandparents for the first time in a while

That day, I was riding a bus, traveling a fair distance.  

It was the first day of Golden Week… That’s right, I was heading to my grandparents’ place.  

“…Yawn.”  

Being rocked by the vehicle for so long was making me sleepy, but the absolute worst-case scenario would be dozing off and missing my stop. That’d be a real hassle, so I resisted the urge to sleep.  

“…Yawn.”  

Oh no… This sleepiness is seriously bad news.  

I was thinking about distracting myself with a game on my phone to stave off the drowsiness when it happened.  

“…Hm?”  

A sudden message popped up in the group chat I always use with my friends.  

“Have fun with your grandpa and grandma!”  

“I bet they’re super excited to see you!”  

Messages from my best friends, Sota and Kaito.  

Truth be told, the three of us had been on a call until pretty late last night, and I’d mentioned my plans for today. I’d told them before about how well my grandparents have always treated me, and since they know about my family situation, they were adamant that I should enjoy this rare visit.  

“Geez… My best friends always know just what to say to make me happy.”  

I sent a quick thank-you and promised to have a great time.  

It wasn’t a long exchange, but thanks to my friends, my sleepiness faded a bit, giving me the energy to enjoy the scenery outside.  

Then, another message came in.  

“…Aina?”  

After my best friends, it was Aina who messaged me.  

I’d been texting with Arisa and Aina last night, and they’d even sent me a “be careful” message this morning when I set out… So, what’s this about?  

“…!?”  

The moment I saw it, my shoulders visibly shook.  

I’d like to pat myself on the back for not yelping in surprise… That’s how shocking the photo attached to the message was.  

“Tch… This is…”  

It was a selfie of Aina.  

Her tongue was playfully sticking out, her expression teasing, almost provocative… It was cute, sure, but it had an undeniable sexy vibe.  

That impression came from her expression alone, but the real issue was what she was wearing—my shirt, the one I keep at their place.  

(This… This is totally a “boyfriend shirt” situation, isn’t it?)  

Wearing my shirt over her underwear, striking a peace sign for the selfie… The shirt was unbuttoned, completely open, and her ample cleavage was practically waving hello. I hate to admit it, but my eyes were glued to her chest.  

Just this one photo conveyed how large and soft Aina’s chest was—it was almost terrifying. And since I’ve, uh, touched it before, my imagination was running wild.  

“I’ll call you, of course, but use this to tide you over for not seeing me! If it’s not enough, I can send something even spicier~!”  

Even spicier…? Spicier, she says…?  

I was so captivated by this stunning photo that I spent a good while agonizing over how to respond.  

(…No, no, of course I’m gonna stare at it! This thing blew my sleepiness away!)  

In the face of such a steamy selfie, my drowsiness didn’t stand a chance.  

I’ve seen plenty of sexy moments from them in person, but seeing it in a photo like this hits differently… Yeah, it’s really hot.  

“Uh… Um… What do I even say back?”  

Should I just say thanks? Ignore it and change the subject? I kept mulling it over, and that internal debate lasted until the bus reached my destination.  

“…Haha, how long am I gonna stress over this?”  

Still, I’m grateful for this photo—not only did it banish my sleepiness, but it also kept me from being bored.  

“Alright, this should work.”  

I replied, Thanks for the super sexy and super cute photo.  

Almost instantly, Aina shot back a response.  

“Yay! Hey, don’t you want more photos? I’ll send whatever you want, Hayato-kun. Even ones that don’t hide anything important!”  

Reading that, I swear my nostrils flared for a second.  

I glanced around to make sure no one saw my face just then—thankfully, no one was looking my way, so I was in the clear.  

“Alright, time to walk.”  

From here, it was a trek to my grandparents’ house.  

The area was much more rural than where I usually live, with rice paddies stretching out around me.  

“…It’s a surprise, but I hope Grandpa and Grandma are home.”  

That was my only worry… Honestly, maybe I shouldn’t have gone for a surprise and just called ahead.  

Oh well, what’s done is done, I figured, and without any detours, I arrived at my grandparents’ house.  

“It’s been a while.”  

How long has it been since I was last here…? I felt a wave of nostalgia.  

Compared to the house I lived in with my parents, my grandparents’ place naturally had an older, weathered charm.  

It leaned more traditional Japanese than Western, but thanks to renovations a few years back, it was sturdier than it looked.  

“…Alright, here goes!”  

With anticipation for their reactions, I pressed the intercom.  

After a short wait, the door opened with a click, revealing a kind-looking elderly woman… Yep, it was Grand.  

“Yes, who’s… there…?”  

“Hey, Grand. Sorry for dropping by unannounced!”  

Ignoring her wide-eyed reaction, I raised a hand in greeting.  

Grand’s gaze darted from my head to my toes and back again before her stunned expression melted into a warm smile. She spread her arms and pulled me into a hug.  

“Goodness… This is too sudden—welcome home, Hayato!”  

“Hehe… I’m back, Grand.”  

Noticing a few more wrinkles since we last met a few months ago, I was lost in thought when she lightly tapped my shoulder.  

“You weren’t just thinking something rude, were you?”  

“…What’re you talking about?”  

I desperately tried to keep a straight face to dodge the question.  

It seems women, no matter their age, have sharp intuition.  

“Let’s stop teasing my adorable grandson for now. Come on, Hayato, I’ll get you some tea. Come inside!”  

“Alright. Thanks, Grand.”  

…Man, this feels so nostalgic… It’s making me so happy.  

The kindness and warmth in Grand’s every word, the unchanging love after all these years—it always fills me with joy.  

Led by a beaming Grand into the living room, I noticed Grand wasn’t around, so I asked.  

“Where’s Grand?”  

“He’s off playing gateball with the neighbors.”  

“Wow, Grand’s still full of energy, huh?”  

“Oh? Are you saying your grandma isn’t?”  

“That’s not what I meant… Geez, Grand, don’t tease me just because it’s been a while!”  

“Sorry, sorry!”  

Well, if Grand’s having fun, I don’t mind at all.  

I took the glass of iced barley tea she poured and gulped it down, soothing the fatigue of the journey.  

“…Phew! Ice-cold barley tea hits the spot!”  

“That’s some good drinking! Want a refill?”  

“I’m good, thanks, Grand.”  

“Just say the word if you need anything. I won’t let you want for a single thing while you’re here.”  

Haha, isn’t Grand getting a bit too enthusiastic?  

I could get carried away thinking she’s that happy to see me, but knowing her, she probably is.  

“Hey, Grand?”  

“What is it?”  

“This was sudden, but are you really that happy I came?”  

“Of course I am! It’s always a joy when you visit, Hayato.”  

I couldn’t help it… No, it’s not like I messed up, but I felt tears welling up.  

Lately, I’ve been spending so much time with Arisa, Aina, and Sakuna-san, basking in their affection… but Grand and Grand have always, always been thinking of me too.  

I’m… I’m really such a lucky guy.  

“Fufu, you’ve changed a bit, haven’t you, Hayato?”  

“Huh? Have I?”  

Grand nodded.  

“Not just from you, but I’ve heard things from Sakuna-san too. You seem so much happier now, and your smile’s gotten even cuter—probably thanks to them.”  

Guess even Grand, who hasn’t seen me in a while, can tell how much I’ve changed.  

Meeting her gentle gaze, I nodded, puffing out my chest as I spoke.  

“It feels weird to explain how I’ve changed myself, but I really think I have. My friends who’ve always looked out for me are a big part of it, of course… but meeting Arisa, Aina, and Sakuna-san was just huge.”  

“I bet. Whenever you talk about the Shinjo family, your voice changes so much.”  

“…Does it?”  

“It’s super obvious. You can tell how much you love them, and it makes me happy just hearing it.”  

“…I see.”  

By the way, neither Grand nor Grand knows the full details of our relationship.  

They know the Shinjo family treats me well, but not that I’m dating both Arisa and Aina… Same deal with my friends.  

“Now, I know it might be tactless to ask, but… are you getting close with one of their daughters?”  

…Ugh, this is exactly the kind of question that puts me in a bind.  

Still, Grand didn’t seem to be pressing too hard, laughing and saying I didn’t have to think too much about it.  

“Geez…”  

“Sorry, sorry. You’re just so adorable after all this time.”  

“…Fine, I’ll let it slide.”  

Putting that question aside, this atmosphere really takes me back.  

The warmth I feel with the Shinjo family is the same… but the bond I’ve built with my grandparents since I was little is something special, I realized again.  

“Oh, right. I’m planning to stay for about three days. That okay?”  

“Of course! Three days? Stay the whole holiday if you want!”  

“Haha… I promised to spend the second half with the Shinjo family.”  

I bet if I called Arisa and the others now, they’d say it’s fine if I want to stay longer… And that makes me so happy. Part of me even wants to stay the whole holiday like Grand suggested.  

(But… even if I can’t see them over the phone, I can picture their faces.)  

Because we’re together, I can tell things—like whether Arisa and Aina are happy or lonely just from the tone of their voices.  

That’s proof of how close we’ve become, but it’s exactly why, as their boyfriend… as a man, I want to be by their side.  

“What’s that? You look awfully lonely.”  

“N-No, it’s… Well, maybe a little.”  

Admitting it honestly, Grand chuckled softly.  

“The people who’ve changed you this much… I’d love to meet them someday.”  

“You definitely have to. They’re amazing people.”  

I’m sure that day will come, and honestly, I considered bringing everyone this time, but since it’s been a while, I decided to come alone.  

“Grand’s super excited to come here too, so you should visit!”  

“You’re right. I’m looking forward to that day.”  

Grand and Grand have talked to them over the phone before, so I’m sure they’d hit it off even more in person.  

“But you know, earlier, you reminded me so much of Kasumi.”  

“Huh?”  

“When Kasumi started dating Kanata, she’d make that same face you did when they were apart.”  

“…Really?”  

Kasumi’s my mom, and Kanata’s my dad.  

The clearest memories I have are of Mom after Dad passed away.  

(I see… So Mom felt like this too, huh?)  

Since half of her blood runs through me, that makes a lot of sense.  

It’s only a few days without them, yet feeling this lonely is a bit pathetic… but realizing I share this connection with my parents made me happy.  

Lonely or not, I came to see Grand and Grand, so no more moping!  

“Well, since I’m back, I’m gonna focus on you guys for the next few days! So!”  

I stood up, moved behind Grand, and placed my hands on her shoulders.  

“Oh? Giving me a shoulder massage?”  

“You bet. I always do this when I visit, don’t I?”  

“You’re right. It’s not as often now, but it warms my heart to have my grandson dote on me.”  

If something this small makes Grand happy, I’ll do it anytime.  

As we relaxed like this, a familiar voice echoed from the entrance.  

“I’m getting old, but I gave it my all today. I’m back~!”  

That unmistakable voice—it was Grand.  

He sounded a bit tired from gateball, but his voice was as lively as ever on the phone, which put me at ease.  

There was a chance he’d notice unfamiliar shoes at the entrance, but it seemed he hadn’t.  

“Hayato.”  

“Yeah?”  

“I hope your grandpa doesn’t faint from the shock of seeing you…”  

“No way, no way. That wouldn’t—”  

I want to say it’s impossible, but knowing Grand…  

I could easily picture him stumbling in surprise, hitting his head, and ending up in an ambulance. No, no, that’s not happening!  

Trying to calm my nerves, I quietly waited for Grand to appear.  

“Hey, dear, how about coming to greet me with a kiss for once—”  

A kiss? Was Grand always this kind of character?  

But the moment he stepped into the living room and saw me, his eyes widened, and he froze.  

“H-Hayato…?”  

“Yup. I’m back, Grand.”  

His disbelief made me chuckle—that shocked, huh?  

But as I gave a wry smile, Grand took a step back, lost his balance, and—whaaat?!  

“Grand!?”  

“H-Hayato’s here!? W-What’s going on!?”  

If he fell and hit his head on the carpet, it’d be a disaster.  

I rushed to catch him, but… it was unnecessary.  

“I held on.”  

“…?!”  

As if nothing happened, Grand regained his balance, smirking triumphantly. I felt myself deflate completely.  

“…Why’d you scare me like that!?”  

“Hohoho! It’s been so long since I saw my grandson, so I thought I’d surprise you with a bit of overreaction!”  

“…Geez, Grand, think about your age! You really freaked me out!”  

“Sorry, sorry!”  

Laughing heartily, Grand reached out and placed a hand on my head.  

“You did well coming back.”  

“…Yeah.”  

“Welcome home, Hayato.”  

“I’m back, Grand.”  

…This feeling, it’s so nostalgic and makes me so happy.  

Since he was sweaty from gateball, Grand took a shower before joining the conversation.  

“So, Grand, I’ll be here for about three days.”  

“Good! Stay as long as you like.”  

I told him the same thing I told Grand, and he welcomed me warmly.  

I don’t have any big plans, but while I’m here, I want to help out however I can.  

“Man, you’ve grown into quite a fine young man since I last saw you.”  

“You think so?”  

“It’s your aura… Like you’ve grown a new layer.”  

“…!”  

Hearing that from someone who’s always been so good to me since I was little—it really means a lot.  

Our conversation didn’t stop until lunchtime, and even during the meal, the energy didn’t let up.  

“…Phew.”  

After all that chatting, the forgotten sleepiness hit me like a wave, so I decided to take a nap.  

“Rest well, okay?”  

“Yeah. Thanks.”  

The room they prepared was the one I always use when I visit, and it was so clean I could lie down right away—made me a bit embarrassed, honestly.  

Apparently, Grand keeps this room spotless so it’s ready whenever I come back… How could that not make me happy?  

“…Oh, right.”  

I lay down on the cool tatami, but before drifting off, I sent a message to Arisa and Aina.  

“Made it safely and having fun…”  

I thought about waiting for a reply, but I couldn’t fight the sleepiness any longer.

▼▽

It was a nostalgic dream.  

Back when I was little… when both my parents were still alive, and my grandparents were by their side.  

“Come on, Hayato, let’s go!”  

“Okay!”  

“Do your best, Hayato!”  

“Our grandson? There’s no way Hayato can’t hit it!”  

“Dear, don’t get too excited, alright?”

In my dream, a young me grips a bat, poised to hit the ball Dad’s about to throw, while Mom, Grand, and Grand watch over us.  

I can’t help but wonder if this scene ever really happened, but since it feels so nostalgic, I’ll just assume it did.  

(…Everyone’s smiling, huh?)  

Well, that makes sense, I nod to myself.  

Back then, I didn’t know anything about Dad’s hometown, and more than that, I thought this warm, cozy atmosphere would last forever.  

I never imagined someone would be missing, or that both my parents would be gone.  

“Woooh! That’s our Hayato!”  

Grand’s booming voice snaps me back to the dream.  

The younger me must’ve hit the ball just right, because Dad’s clutching his chest like he’s been shot, dropping to his knees, while Mom squeals with delight and rushes toward me.  

“Amazing, Hayato!”  

“Yeah! Dad’s wimpy pitches are no match for me!”  

“Ugh, Hayato…”  

“Hahaha!”  

“…That sharp tongue of yours, Hayato, that’s definitely Kasumi’s blood,” Grand says.  

No way, Mom wouldn’t… Well, maybe I don’t know for sure.  

The scene unfolding before me is so heartwarming that even a stranger would hesitate to interrupt.  

I don’t want to disrupt it either… but I can’t help feeling a little lonely.  

(…That’s just… That’s just how much I loved my parents.)  

Hey… why did you have to leave?  

I want to say it, but I hold it back. Even knowing this is a dream, not reality, I can’t bring myself to voice it.  

Taking a deep breath to calm my heart, the heavy sadness fades, and I take a step back to look at myself objectively, thinking.  

Right now, I have people by my side watching over me… people I want to protect, people I’ve come to love so deeply.  

(I’m not planning to forget or abandon the past. I’ll carry it in my heart and live fully in the present!)  

So, Mom, Dad, please watch over me.  

And every now and then… when I’m feeling lonely or on the verge of tears—just show up in my dreams like this, okay?

▼▽

“Hayato.”  

“!?”  

A gentle tap on my shoulder jolts me awake, and I sit up startled.  

My head’s still foggy from sleep, but seeing Grand standing there, I mumble, “Why’s Grand here?”  

“You’re still half-asleep, huh? You came back here today, remember?”  

“…Oh, right.”  

Her words bring it all back. Did she wake me up for bath time?  

“Bath?”  

“Yep. Go on, now.”  

“Got it… Man, if you’d woken me earlier, I could’ve cleaned the bath first.”  

“You looked so sleepy. Honestly, I hesitated to wake you even now since you were sleeping so soundly.”  

Was I? Well, that’s good, then.  

(It was a dream about my parents, so it wouldn’t be surprising if I was crying in my sleep.)  

If she’d seen me like that, she’d definitely worry.  

I came back to visit this time, and I don’t want to cloud Grand or Grand’s faces, no matter how small the reason.  

“Alright, I’m off to the bath.”  

“Take your time and soak.”  

“Will do~!”  

Heading to the bathroom, I start undressing and suddenly remember I sent a message to Arisa and Aina before napping.  

“…Eh, I’ll check after I’m done.”  

There’s a chance they haven’t replied yet… though that’s unlikely.  

Unless it’s the middle of the night or some odd hour, they always reply within thirty minutes whenever I send a message.  

“Alright! Time to soak and get out quick!”  

I could’ve just showered and been done, but since they went through the trouble of preparing a bath, not soaking isn’t an option.  

After washing my hair and body, I sink into the hot water up to my shoulders, feeling the day’s fatigue melt away.  

“…Ahh~♪”  

Why does a bath feel this good?  

The bath at my place, the Shinjo family’s bath, or my grandparents’ bath… soaking in a tub is the same act, yet it’s always so soothing, no matter where.  

“…Hot springs.”  

Oops, I just thought of the postponed hot spring trip.  

No matter how disappointed I am, it’s set for after exams, so no moping, Hayato.  

Telling myself that, I leave the bathroom.  

After letting Grand and Grand know I’m done, I head back to my room and check my phone. Sure enough, both of them replied.  

“I’m glad you’re having fun. But… if I’m being selfish, I wish I could share that joy with you. If it’s okay, could we make that happen sometime?”  

“That’s great! I’m super happy you’re enjoying yourself, Hayato-kun! But… I guess I don’t like that you’re not here. Sorry… I just have to say it—I miss you when you’re not around!”  

Smiling at their messages, I apologize for replying late and send a response.  

Almost instantly, another message comes in. Aina mentions wanting to call tonight, so I quickly reply that I’m up for it.  

“Alright, that’s settled. Time to help with dinner prep.”

I head to the kitchen to assist Grand with dinner.  

“Oh, you’re quite handy, aren’t you?”  

“Well, I’ve grown a bit in just a few months.”  

“That’s reliable! Honestly, I’m just happy to be cooking with you, Hayato.”  

“Me too, Grand.”  

That said, I picked up some of these skills helping out at the Shinjo house now and then.  

Tonight’s menu is katsu, nikujaga, salad—a pretty lavish spread.  

They probably put this together because I’m here, but Grand’s cooking is always delicious, so I’m excited.  

“I love your cooking, Grand. I’ll be careful not to mess it up by helping.”  

“What’re you saying? Your kindness in helping is the best secret ingredient—it’ll make this meal amazing.”  

“…Grand.”  

“That’s how I won over your grandpa, you Ang Hayato-kun.”  

“Nice one!”  

I see… That’s a lesson, Grand!  

Though she mostly led the cooking, the dishes slowly filled the table… and it was done.  

“Looks delicious!”  

“Thanks to your help, it’s probably even tastier than usual.”  

“You did most of the work, Grand.”  

She’s being extra sweet, probably because it’s been a while.  

But it seems she’s not the only one.  

“That’s right! I’ll eat plenty to taste your kindness, Hayato!”  

“A bit much, don’t you think?”  

“What’re you saying? My adorable grandson helped cook… I’m so happy I could cry!”  

…Geez, Grand’s just as sappy!  

Their words throw me off a bit, but dinner time begins.  

“Itadakimasu! Munch… Yum!”  

I dig into the katsu first, of course.  

As I rave about how delicious it is, Grand and Grand watch me with warm smiles.  

“Such a sight, huh, dear?”  

“Indeed, dear.”  

“C’mon, you two, eat instead of staring at me.”  

It’s embarrassing to be watched like that…  

Then Grand and Grand start eating, and this meal with them after so long is so lively—probably even more than at the Shinjo house.  

Not that I’d compare family time, but it’s that lively.  

“Thank you for the meal!”  

We keep chatting long after eating, but Grand, still tired from gateball, conks out early.  

As he disappears to his room, grumbling about wanting to talk more, Grand and I laugh so hard our shoulders shake.  

“Let’s clean up, then.”  

“I’ll help.”  

“You should rest, Hayato. I can handle it.”  

“It’ll be faster with two, right? C’mon, Grand, let’s do this.”  

With both of us, dishwashing’s done in no time, and we head back to our rooms, but on the way, we talk.  

“Hey, Grand.”  

“What is it?”  

“I really love this house, every time I come back.”  

“…Fufu, do you?”  

“Thanks.”  

“What’re you saying? We’re the ones who should thank you—thank you for coming back, Hayato.”  

…Ugh, that’s embarrassing.  

I cough a couple of times to cover it up, then say goodnight to Grand and head to my room.  

“…Phew.”  

Today… Yeah.  

If I had to describe today in one word, it’d definitely be perfect.  

Calling it a surprise was worth it—seeing their happy faces was amazing, and being welcomed like that felt so good.  

I’m staying here for three days… If the first day was this fun, I can’t wait to see what the rest will be like.  

“I promised to call Aina before bed, so I’ll hit the bathroom first.”  

I don’t want to interrupt our talk, so I’ll get everything ready to focus on her.  

Grand’s already asleep, and the house is filled with quiet.  

Even in this silence, I don’t feel lonely at all—I smile and head to the bathroom, ready to wait for Aina’s call.

▼▽

“So, Grand pretended to collapse, and then he had this smug look, saying it was some ‘overreaction’!”  

“Really? I wish I could’ve seen that!”  

Nighttime rolls around, and it’s the long-awaited phone call with Hayato-kun!  

I thought about putting it on speaker so Nee-san could join, but I kinda wanted to hog Hayato-kun to myself, so I didn’t tell her.  

I can’t be with him or touch him right now, but in this moment, Hayato-kun’s all mine.  

(He sounds like he’s having so much fun… That’s great. But it’s frustrating that we can’t be the ones making him that happy—it’s such a wonderful place, though.)  

Now I’m dying to meet his grandpa and grandma… I wonder if we’d get along?  

“The food was delicious, of course, but I helped Grand cook. You guys have me helping in the kitchen sometimes, right? They were surprised how good I’ve gotten.” 

“That’s awesome!♪ I usually want you to relax, but you always find a chance to pitch in.”  

“I probably slack off more than I help, don’t I? But sometimes I can’t just sit still.”  

Ugh… That’s what makes Hayato-kun so kind!  

I bet if I told him that, he’d say it’s just normal stuff and brush it off… That’s what’s so great about him!  

“Your voice sounds so lively, Hayato-kun.”  

“Haha… Guess I had that much fun.”  

“Ugh, I’m kinda jealous. Sounds like you’re having more fun than with us!”  

I throw in a little teasing jab.  

Just as I expected, Hayato-kun stumbles over his words, unsure how to respond.  

He thinks the time with us and the time there are both irreplaceable, right?  

“Fufu, sorry, Hayato-kun. That was a bit mean.”  

“No need to apologize. But yeah, I can’t compare them… Both places are so fun and happy for me.”  

“…Yeah!”  

Oh… His voice just now was so gentle, it made my heart flutter.  

A fun and happy place… A fun and happy place! Did you hear that, Nee-san, Mom? A fun and happy place!  

“…Well, it’s just me here, though.”  

“What’s that?” 

“Nothing~♪ Hey, can you tell me more about how you’re feeling? I want to hear all about you there!”  

And Hayato-kun’s stories don’t stop.  

He’s only been there a day, but it’s clear it was a huge day for him.  

(I wish I could’ve gone too… Can’t help thinking that. Probably the same for Nee-san and Mom.)  

Maybe because I was thinking such obvious things, a wave of loneliness suddenly hits me.  

It’s not like I’ll never see him again—he’ll be back in three days… but not being close enough to just meet up feels this lonely.  

I… I’m such a clingy girl, huh?  

“…Hey, Hayato-kun.”  

“What’s up?”  

“I’m lonely… Sorry, I just had to say it.”  

Spilling my honest feelings, I want to scold myself for dampening his good mood… but it slipped out.  

“Lonely, huh? Sorry, Aina. I wish I could run over and hug you right now.” 

“Your words are enough. Thank you, Hayato-kun.”  

Lies… Words alone can’t satisfy me when I’m feeling like this.  

Ugh… Am I this clingy? But I can’t be whining over something like this!  

I mean, objectively, I’m being pretty high-maintenance right now!  

“Ei!”  

I lightly slap my cheeks, and the slight sting blows away the negativity.  

“Aina!? Did you just slap your cheeks!?”  

“Just psyching myself up! I’m fine!”  

“Alright… Good, then.”  

“Yup. Ehehe, I really love talking with you, Hayato-kun.”  

“I love it too—obviously.”  

“Oh…♡”  

What is it… This call with Hayato-kun is making my heart and body tingle more than usual.  

(Maybe because I’m lonelier than usual, his sweet words are hitting me harder, like a rebound.)  

Honestly… I wanted it to stop there.  

But Hayato-kun keeps saying things that drive me wilder.  

“I’m happy you’re telling me you’re lonely, Aina. Even if it’s a lot, I don’t mind. They’re words from my beloved Aina.”  

“…♡”  

“…Well, all I can do is act cool like this for now. But I’m lonely too, so we’re even.”  

Any words from Hayato-kun make me happy… Well, not mean or cold ones, but he’d never say those.  

Hayato-kun always puts us first… That’s why Nee-san and I put him first too.  

(…Oh no… This feeling, it’s a bad one.)  

His words make my body heat up… My breathing gets ragged, and I start losing control.  

But this isn’t bad… I’ve felt this so many times before.  

“I’m getting kinda hot. Maybe from talking to you, Hayato-kun?”  

“Hot, huh? It’s not bad here.”  

“Really? Guess it’s just me!”  

I act cheerful on the surface… but I’m unbuttoning my pajamas, sliding onto the bed, leaning against the wall.  

A way to cool this burning body… Ugh, sorry, Hayato-kun.  

I might be a really naughty girl.  

“…H-Hey?”  

“Y-Yeah… Your voice sounds kinda sexy?” 

“What’re you talking about? You’re the naughty one, Hayato-kun!”  

“Sorry! I didn’t mean it like that!”  

“Oh? So I don’t have any sexy charm, then?”  

“That’s not it! Aina, you’re totally teasing me!”  

I am teasing… but I’m also soothing my body.  

I pop in earphones, making it feel like Hayato-kun’s right here, his voice vibrating my eardrums.  

“Geez… Well, yeah, you are sexy, Aina.”  

“…Ah.”  

“Uh… Satisfied?” 

“Y-Yeah… Hey, do you like naughty girls?”  

My free hand touches my chest, fingers sinking into its soft fullness.  

Sorry… Sorry, Hayato-kun, I can’t hold back… I love you so much… I adore you… I’ve done this so many times.  

“Naughty girls? That’s a broad category, so it’s tricky. I’d love you and Arisa no matter what.”  

“!?”  

I grip my chest tightly.  

A sweet, dizzying shock shoots through me, but I steady my breathing so I don’t worry him.  

“…Haa♡”  

“Aina… You okay?”  

I’m fine… Ehehe. Did I just discover something? A new possibility in calls with my beloved Hayato-kun?  

“Your breathing sounds heavy… You don’t have a fever, do you?” 

“Haha! I’m totally fine, don’t worry!”  

He doesn’t know… He has no clue I’m indulging myself while talking to him. A twinge of guilt hits, but hearing his kind voice as I comfort myself feels so blissful.  

(…Wow.)  

I glance at the mirror… It reflects my whole body.  

Rubbing my full chest, my face flushed, eyes glossy… What a sloppy expression.  

“Hey, Hayato-kun…”  

“What’s up?”  

“Can you say ‘I love you’ with all your heart?”  

After a brief pause, he does.  

“I love you, Aina.”  

“~~~~!?!?”  

That gentle, love-filled voice stops time, my body trembling like it’s been struck by lightning.  

(It aches… This aching for Hayato-kun won’t stop…!)  

The throbbing below my stomach torments me, yet the happiness of loving him overflows from within.  

I want his child… This feeling, screaming from deep inside, is so precious.  

“Well, I’ll make sure to spend the rest of the days with Grand and Grand.”  

“…Yeah. I’m waiting for your stories, Hayato-kun.”  

“Got it! Night, Aina.”




“Good night♪”  

The call ends, and my burning body cools rapidly.  

…Ugh, how much do I love Hayato-kun? Imagining a life where I never met him, never loved anyone… It’s so sad.  

“No way. Loving anyone but Hayato-kun? Impossible. A world without him? Absolutely not.”  

Hey, Hayato-kun, I want to pour sweet poison into you.  

It’s something I’ve always said, a belief I hold in my heart—we’ll make sure your heart can never escape us.  

Reaching into the empty void, I glance at the mirror again.  

My face, consumed with desire for one man… It looks almost wickedly distorted—but I don’t care, because that’s exactly what I intend.

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