Chapter 1. What you can do for your best friend

Mid-June has rolled around, and it’s time for our high school to switch to summer uniforms.

That means saying goodbye to the jackets we’ve been wearing until it gets chilly again… Well, it’s a sign that summer’s getting closer.

“…Yawn.”

Hot…? Nah, it’s not hot yet.

There’ve been more warm days, sure, but it’s not like I’m sweating just from walking.

Still, knowing it’ll get to that point soon makes me a bit gloomy.

“But yeah… Arisa and Aina will be in short sleeves too, huh.”

Not that their short-sleeve look is anything new. Even last year, before we got close, I’d catch glimpses of them from time to time.

“…Haha, who’d have thought last year that I’d end up dating both of them at the same time?”

Life’s full of surprises, huh.

“Alright, let’s do this!”

With the uniform change, I psyched myself up for a fresh start and headed to school… only to nearly get splashed by an old man watering his garden, have a crow’s droppings land right next to me, and stop to fix the chain on a kid’s bike. By the time I got to school, it was five minutes before morning assembly.

“…Am I cursed today or what?”

I had to run pretty hard after fixing that chain, sweating more than I expected.

I probably wouldn’t have made it in time if I hadn’t run… Not that I’d blame the kid. Their smile when they thanked me made it all worth it.

“Morning!”

Five minutes before assembly means I’m practically the last one here.

I returned the scattered greetings and headed to my seat, where Arisa, now in her summer uniform, called out to me.

“Good morning… You’re awfully late, aren’t you?”

“Yeah… stuff happened.”

“I see…”

“…”

Our conversation stopped abruptly, and we both blushed.

For me, it was because I remembered the deep kiss, and judging by her reaction, Arisa was probably thinking the same… maybe?

With assembly about to start, Aina’s in her own classroom, and my friends are already seated, but they waved at me, so I gave a wry smile and waved back.

“You’re really close with those guys, huh, Hayato-kun.”

“Well, that’s just how it is with us… Hm?” I paused.

“What’s up?”

…Was that my imagination?

Kaito, one of my friends, is facing forward now, but when he glanced at me, something about him seemed off.

“Nah, might just be my imagination. It’s nothing.”

“Really?”

It could be nothing, but I’ll check with him later.

As I pulled out my textbooks, Arisa spoke to me again, so I turned to her.

“What’s up?”

“How’s the summer uniform… look?”

You’re asking that here, Arisa-san?

She looked cute, waiting eagerly for my response despite the lingering blush from earlier.

With her arms crossed under her chest, slightly lifting it in a suggestive way, I stared at her and said:

“Well… I’m used to seeing you in all sorts of outfits, so it’s not new. But if I had to say… it looks good.”

Looks good sums it up perfectly.

But maybe I was a bit careless… I thought, It’s just a uniform, how different could it be?

I was wrong. There’s something special about a uniform, seen by so many people, that I’d underestimated.

“Hehe, glad to hear it.”

“Yeah.”

Arisa smiled, satisfied, and just then, the teacher walked in, so our chat paused for now.

As I listened to the teacher at the podium, I stole a glance at Arisa.

She didn’t notice me looking, sitting upright and facing forward. Her profile was so beautiful… I could stare at it forever.

But… as expected, I felt something again.

That day… the day we kissed, I felt this odd sense of allure, like an intense sexiness.

(No, I always feel their allure, but… ugh.)

I don’t know… Shaking off my heated cheeks, I faced forward.

As I feared, it wasn’t just Aina… The deep kiss with Arisa came rushing back, and I couldn’t help but be hyper-aware of her too.

(This is bad. Really bad.)

A teenager suddenly experiencing the intensity of a deep kiss… I mean, isn’t this what happens? I don’t know.

“…Ahem.”

Anyway, feeling embarrassed isn’t a bad thing, so I’ll at least try to get used to it enough to keep it off my face… Alright!

With that resolve, morning assembly ended.

Feeling the need to use the restroom, I stood up, and as if on cue, Sota and Kaito came over, so we left the classroom together.

“You were late today, huh?”

“Yeah… stuff happened.”

“Stuff, huh? Like what?”

“Got almost splashed by an old guy watering his garden, nearly hit by crow droppings… Those didn’t slow me down much, but then a kid’s bike chain came off right in front of me. I stopped to fix it, and that made me late.”

“That’s some morning bad luck, huh?”

“…But it’s very you, Hayato.”

They burst out laughing, saying I was too much of a softie. I wanted to complain that it wasn’t that funny, but I didn’t regret helping, so I let it slide.

Still… I was more concerned about Kaito’s vibe.

Something’s definitely off about him.

“Hey, Kaito, you—”

“Shit, I’m about to burst! Gotta run!”

Just as I was about to ask, Kaito bolted, looking genuinely desperate.

What a guy… I started walking, but Sota put a hand on my shoulder.

“Hey, Hayato, you noticed too, right?”

“Kaito?”

“Yeah… he’s acting weird today, isn’t he?”

Seems Sota picked up on it too.

“Let’s ask him at lunch.”

“Yeah, sounds good.”

So, we’d confront Kaito at lunch.

If it’s nothing, great. If it’s something like staying up too late, I’ll chew him out for being obvious… Nah, that’s too harsh.

After that, we made it to the restroom and back to class without issue.

During the break after first period’s math class, Aina burst into the classroom with her usual energy.

“Yoohoo~ Nee-san’s here!”

“…Please, come in quietly.”

It’s just a ten-minute break, but Aina charged in with her loud voice and cute smile, as always.

Everyone else might think she’s here to see her sister, Arisa, or other friends, but I know she’s also here for me… Yeah, it really makes me happy when she comes over like this.

(…Man, when they’re together, it’s a sight to behold.)

Their white blouses… just simple blouses, but what a sight.

I don’t even know what I’m saying, but their amazing figures standing side by side were such a treat for the eyes.

“Yoohoo~ Hey, Domoto-kun, what’s up~?”

“Uh, what’s up~?”

“Yup, yup♪ Looking lively, nice!”

As usual, we’re careful at school to keep our relationship under wraps.

Since they share the same last name, it’s fine if I call them by their first names, but I’m impressed at how Arisa and Aina never slip up and call me by my first name at school.

Though when we’re alone or in the heat of the moment, they almost do, and I think that’s cute.

(…Man, they’re getting a lot of attention today.)

It’s not new for them to draw eyes, but today it feels like even more than usual… I’ve thought this before, but it’s especially obvious today.

As I was thinking that, one girl spoke up.

“Hey, you two, did something happen? You both seem… I don’t know, sweeter today? Like, more mature or something. Am I imagining it?”

Her words sparked others to chime in.

“Right? I mean, they’ve always been gorgeous and mature, but today… it’s like they’re oozing pheromones or something.”

“Yeah, pheromones! They’re giving off this sexy vibe! Could it be… they both secretly got boyfriends?”

Their conversation exploded from there.

Since my seat’s nearby, I could hear everything, but Arisa and Aina kept their cool, deflecting with ease.

“I don’t know about pheromones, but Aina and I are always together, right, Aina?”

“Yup~ Hehe♪ Maybe Nee-san and I are the ones in that kind of relationship, you know? Like this~?”

“Hey, Aina, what are you—?”

Grinning mischievously, Aina hugged Arisa.

Her touch was so… intimate that not only me but the girls asking questions and the entire class turned their attention to them.

“Wow…!”

“Yuri… girls’ love!?”

“Forbidden sisterly love!?”

“Here it comes!”

Oh boy, it’s turned into a whole spectacle.

Of course, no one actually believes it, and the boyfriend topic was completely forgotten.

(But yeah… that conversation finally clicked for me.)

The odd feeling I had, the sense that their charm was overflowing more than usual—it’s those pheromones.

Could it be… because of the deep kiss?

It’s like we’ve climbed a step in our relationship, and experiencing that sensation made them seem this way to others… and that’s why everyone’s reacting like this.

(…That could make things tricky, huh?)

Basically, their overflowing charm means they’ll attract even more attention… Phew, I’ve got to step up as their boyfriend to protect them.

“Come on, Aina, it’s almost time.”

“Yup, yup~ See ya~”

Aina headed back to her classroom, ending the lively moment.

Arisa let out a tired sigh, and I gave a wry smile. She pouted, saying I could’ve helped.

“What could I have done in that situation…?”

“Pushed Aina away or something.”

“Arisa-san, trying to ruin my school life?”

“Just kidding. Though if it’s pushing down, that’s another story.”

Arisa giggled, but even as a joke, I’d never push Aina away… Wait, pushing down?

“Spare me that too…”

“…Right, sorry. But if you pushed us down, we’d welcome it.”

Her slightly flushed words made me blush and look down.

After that exchange with Arisa, time passed, and lunch break arrived, as planned with Sota.

After eating together at our desks, Sota and I nodded to each other and got to the point.

“Hey, Kaito, can we ask you something?”

“What’s up?”

“You… seem off today, don’t you?”

When I asked directly, Kaito’s reaction was obvious.

His eyes widened, like he was shocked we noticed, then he tried to play it off, but it was too late.

“I mean, you’re spacing out too much today. Like your mind’s somewhere else. You’re not even glancing at the girls in their summer uniforms.”

“Well, that’s debatable… But yeah, Sota’s right. What’s going on, Kaito?”

If it’s nothing, fine, but for both Sota and me to notice something means there’s probably something up.

That said, if it’s something Kaito doesn’t want to talk about, we won’t push. If he really doesn’t want to share, Sota and I will back off.

“…I see. I tried to hide it since you guys are so nice, but… I guess it showed a bit.”

Kaito gave a weak laugh and explained.

“The day before yesterday… my mom got into an accident.”

“…What?”

“Your mom…?”

It was something neither Sota nor I expected.

Kaito’s mom… we both know her. She’s been kind to us when we’ve visited Kaito’s place or other times.

She’s a warm, caring woman, always looking out for us, just like Sota’s mom.

“S-sorry, I didn’t mean she’s in danger or anything. She broke her leg and… hit her head lightly, so she’s in the hospital for tests.”

“…I see.”

“Good to know she’s okay…”

Yeah… let’s start by being thankful she’s okay.

I mean, it’s harsh to say, but even someone as lively and full of smiles like Kaito’s mom can end up in the hospital after an accident… It happens, right?

She’s the kind of person who calls us “Hayato-chan” and “Sota-chan” and always ruffles our hair when we meet. She’s genuinely such a good person.

“But that explains it. That’s why you’ve been so out of it, Kaito.”

“Yeah… The doctor said there’s nothing to worry about, and my dad said the same, but hearing she hit her head makes me imagine the worst… I ended up crying a bit.”

“You idiot! It’s only natural to cry when something happens to your family!”

Oops… I got a bit carried away calling him an idiot like that.

I apologized, and Kaito gave a wry smile, saying not to worry about it, then continued.

“Well, that’s why I’ve been a bit down. I mean… Mom’s always been there at home, you know? I never thought something like this… It made me realize this kind of thing can happen.”

“…”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to make things heavy.”

No, I get it, man.

Now I understand why Kaito’s been acting off, and it’s a relief to know his mom’s okay.

“…Uh, sorry about that.”

“Nah, I was gonna tell you guys eventually. But… even if we’re best friends, it’s not exactly a fun topic to bring up.”

Yeah, that’s true… Still, I’m glad Kaito opened up to us.

His expression had been a bit down earlier, but talking to us seemed to lift his spirits a little.

Then Kaito added something else.

“So, until Mom’s discharged… or, more accurately, until she’s back to normal, I’m gonna help out at home.”

“Help out? Oh, your family runs a flower shop, right?”

“Yup. Dad said he can handle it alone, but I want to do something until Mom’s back.”

“Nice, that’s cool.”

It’s hard to imagine from Kaito’s slightly delinquent vibe, but his family runs a flower shop with a great reputation in the neighborhood.

When I’ve visited Kaito’s place, I’ve seen plenty of customers, and since they’re so well-liked in the community, people often stop by to check on his mom.

“So, I won’t be able to hang out after school for a while. I’ll help out on Saturdays too, so maybe Sundays are the only days I’m free?”

“…Hmm.”

“…Got it.”

At that moment, Sota and I locked eyes.

Ignoring Kaito’s confused “What? What’s up?” we nodded to each other in perfect sync and leaned in close to him.

“W-whoa, what’s this? You guys after me or something!?”

“Idiot.”

“I’ll smack you.”

We gave Kaito a light tap and made our proposal.

“Hey, Kaito, about helping out… mind if we pitch in too?”

“Not every day, since we don’t want to impose, but that way we can all hang out, right?”

“…You guys.”

Of course, we’d need to check with Kaito’s dad, not just Kaito… To be clear, Sota and I aren’t looking to work for pay or anything.

It’s more about wanting to be there for Kaito, who might be feeling a bit lonely… That’s where this idea came from.

“We’d need your dad’s okay, but it’s not about a job or anything. We just want to be there for you… What do you think?”

“You guys… Is that really okay?”

“Of course, man.”

“…You guys!”

Forgetting we were in the classroom, Kaito’s eyes started to well up.

“Why’re you crying, dude?”

“Because you guys are too damn nice!”

“Alright, alright, so it’s settled, yeah?”

“Yeah!”

And just like that, we decided to head to Kaito’s place after school.

It’s sudden, so I hope we don’t inconvenience his dad… but since we’re close, maybe we can lean on that a bit.

Time flew by, and after school, the three of us left for Kaito’s place… By the way, I already messaged Arisa and Aina that I had plans with a friend.

“Man… during first period this afternoon, I was in rough shape.”

“Why’s that?”

“You guys are just too damn nice… Normally, even close friends wouldn’t go this far, right? But you guys…”

“Maybe, but that just shows how tight our bond is, right?”

Talking about our “bond” isn’t something I’d usually say, but Sota nodded firmly, and Kaito’s eyes started tearing up again.

“Such a crybaby,” I teased as we walked, and soon we arrived at the flower shop run by Kaito’s parents.

“Oh? Kaito… and Hayato-kun and Sota-kun?”

Kaito’s dad, dressed in practical work clothes, looked surprised to see us.

He seemed to sense something and let out a sigh.

“Dad, hear me out for a sec.”

Kaito took the lead, explaining what we’d talked about at lunch.

When Sota and I added that we wanted to help Kaito out, his dad thought for a moment, then patted Kaito’s back, saying he’s got good friends, and gave us the okay to help.

“So… you guys want to help Kaito out, huh?”

“Not just Kaito—we owe you and Auntie too.”

“Yeah, we want to help you out too, Uncle.”

“…Hayato-kun, Sota-kun… Ugh.”

Oh, is he…?

“Hey, Dad! Don’t cry, it’s embarrassing!”

“Shut up! How could I not cry at this!?”

I’ve always thought it, but Kaito and his dad are so alike… total father and son.

As Kaito tried to console his dad, he started getting choked up too, and the shop front was chaotic for a bit, but we quickly recovered and got a rundown of the work.

“Alright, let’s go over some simple tasks.”

“Please!”

“Let’s do this!”

We put on shop aprons and got to work.

It wasn’t anything complicated—just calling out to customers, arranging flowers, or watering them.

“Hey, new staff?”

“Hello. No, I’m just helping out my friend… Kaito.”

“…Ah, I see.”

As I worked, an old lady struck up a conversation.

According to Kaito’s dad, the neighbors know a bit about his mom’s situation.

“Kaito-kun’s got some great friends.”

“Nah, he’s been there for me when I was down, so it’s only fair.”

“Hehe, is that so?”

She looked at me warmly, which felt a bit odd… I didn’t say anything embarrassing, right?

The lady bought some flowers and waved, saying “Keep it up!” as she left.

“How’s it going, Hayato?”

“All good. It’s kinda like… a workplace experience, you know?”

“Yeah, for sure. It’s not hard work, so it’s pretty chill. Nice change of pace.”

Sota and I laughed and got back to it.

It’s definitely helping, but it doesn’t feel like work—so I think Sota, Kaito, and I had fun the whole time.

By five o’clock, we’d finished up, and Kaito and his dad were super grateful.

“You guys really helped out.”

“Thanks, Hayato-kun, Sota-kun. Here, take this cake as a thank you.”

“Oh, sweet!”

“Thank you!”

I couldn’t exactly refuse the cake, so we accepted it gratefully.

Saying goodbye to Kaito and his dad, Sota and I headed home, feeling an immense sense of satisfaction.

“Feels good to have done it, right?”

“Yeah, and we got some good news too.”

Right—Kaito’s dad gave us more details about his mom.

Her leg injury is serious, but there’s no issue with her head or anything else, which was a huge relief for Kaito, Sota, and me.

“Hayato… you’re really kind, you know.”

“What’s that out of nowhere?”

“When we heard Auntie was okay, you had this super kind look when you patted Kaito’s back. I was happy too, but the kindness and care I felt from you really hit me.”

That’s… honestly, I don’t really get it myself.

I was just so relieved it wasn’t life-threatening and that Kaito didn’t have to go through what I did.

“I’ve said it before, but through you, Kaito and I have learned a lot about how important family is.”

“…Can you, like, stop? It’s so embarrassing I can’t stand it.”

“Haha! Get even more embarrassed!”

“Shut up.”

It’s embarrassing… of course it’s embarrassing!

I gave Sota, who was playfully elbowing me, a light jab, and we parted ways with a “See you tomorrow.”

“…I’m really glad Auntie’s okay.”

From what I heard, it was an accident with a distracted driver.

Distracted driving, drunk driving—whatever the cause, accidents never bring anything good.

“Hm?”

Just then, I got two messages on my phone.

One from Kaito:

“Thanks for today! Seriously, you saved me, best friend!”

And one from Arisa:

“Come over for dinner if you’re free? We’re waiting.”

I replied to Kaito, telling him not to worry, and to Arisa, saying I’d head over now.

Helping out at Kaito’s place was honestly fun.

But being away from Arisa and Aina made me feel a bit lonely, and I really wanted to see them right now… And after this family-related incident, I wanted to see Sakuna-san too.

“Alright, let’s go.”

I jogged to the Shinjo house, arriving sweaty and out of breath.

It’s obvious I rushed over because I wanted to see them, but that’s not something to hide… If anything, I kinda want them to notice and welcome me warmly—or maybe not.

“…Phew.”

I caught my breath and was about to ring the intercom, but I didn’t get the chance.

The door swung open, and Aina popped out.

“Welcome, Hayato-kun!”

“Whoa…”

As if making up for not seeing each other after school, she buried her face in my neck.

It felt pleasantly ticklish, but then I felt her tongue lightly lick me.

“I could tell by your scent, but you’re sweaty, huh? You rushed over that much?”

“…Yeah. I wanted to see you guys.”

“Haha♪ Same here~!”

She grabbed my hand, pulling me to the living room.

“Welcome, Hayato-kun.”

“Thanks for coming, Hayato-kun.”

Arisa and Sakuna-san were sitting on the sofa, greeting me with warm smiles.

“Hey, listen~ Hayato-kun ran over here because he missed us so much! He’s all sweaty… hehe, I even licked him a little.”

“W-wait, Aina-san!?”

You didn’t have to say that!?

At Aina’s smirking words, Arisa and Sakuna-san gave her such dissatisfied looks… Wait, even Sakuna-san!?

“That’s not fair, Aina… I won’t say it’d make me sound like a pervert, but I’ll hold back.”

“…Ahem! Hayato-kun, the bath’s ready. Go wash off that sweat and freshen up.”

“Oh, I’ll take you up on that!”

Escaping the awkward vibe, I headed for the bath first.

I showered, washed thoroughly, and soaked in the tub, relaxing.

“Borrowing their bath has become so normal now.”

I can still remember how nervous I was the first time I used their bath.

So much time has passed since then…

“…”

Soaking up to my mouth, I let out a breath, making bubbles in the water.

I do this at home too—it’s calming, like I can sink into the moment.

(…Our meeting was really something, wasn’t it?)

The door was unnaturally open in the dark, and I saw Arisa, Aina, and Sakuna-san being attacked by a burglar… I put on the pumpkin mask I’d bought by chance and charged in… No matter how many times I think back, it’s an unforgettable, intense memory.

That incident completely changed my daily life… and I’ve been living such happy days since.

(I want this to keep going.)

With a light slap to my cheeks, I stepped out of the bath.

After that, Arisa, Aina, and Sakuna-san took their turns bathing, and then it was time for the much-anticipated dinner.

Tonight, to my surprise, we were having sukiyaki, and the four of us gathered around a single pot.

“…So good!”

“Hehe, there’s plenty, so take your time,” Sakuna-san said.

“This is so tasty!” Aina chimed in.

“Hey, Aina, slow down and eat properly,” Arisa scolded.

It was a lively dinner table.

The meat was delicious, of course, but the tofu and vegetables were perfectly cooked too. More than that, though, sharing this meal with them made it taste even better.

“…Heh.”

“So delicious it’s got you grinning?” Sakuna-san, sitting next to me, noticed my unintentional smile.

I nodded, saying it was the best, and continued.

“It’s not just the food… Sitting here like this, I really feel like I’m part of this table, you know? I know Sakuna-san, Arisa, and Aina all think it’s obvious I belong here, but that makes me so genuinely happy.”

Yes… I can’t help but feel overjoyed.

Eating with them like this has happened plenty of times before… but no matter how many times it happens, it always fills me with satisfaction.

“…So, I’m gonna eat even more!”

Unable to handle the warm gazes from all three, I focused entirely on the feast in front of me.

After dinner, since Kaito hadn’t asked me to keep it a secret and Sota had said he’d tell his family, I decided to share the news with the three of them.

To me, Arisa, Aina… and even Sakuna-san are like family now.

“I see,” Arisa said.

“But, like, I’m so glad she’s okay,” Aina added.

Hearing the story, they were genuinely concerned and then relieved.

Even though it wasn’t about me and they don’t know Kaito that well, they listened so seriously… and sharing their feelings like this made me so happy.

“It sounds like Auntie’s condition isn’t too serious, but Sota and I are planning to help out at Kaito’s shop for the week. So, you two… I won’t be able to hang out after school, and I’ll be helping out a bit on Saturday too.”

“You don’t need to apologize, Hayato-kun,” Arisa said.

“Yeah! It just makes you even cooler, Hayato-kun♪” Aina added.

“Haha… thanks. I just want to help my friend, that’s all.”

At that, both Arisa and Aina smiled, saying that’s exactly what makes me great.

Then, when Arisa and Aina stepped away for a moment, Sakuna-san, sitting next to me, gently placed her hand on my cheek and spoke with a hint of concern.

“Like the girls, the more I hear about you, the more I think you’re wonderful, Hayato-kun.”

“…Thank you.”

“But, Hayato-kun… maybe you were reminded a little of your own family? That’s why you rushed over here, wanting to see us so badly, right?”

I nodded honestly at Sakuna-san’s words.

“Yes… I was definitely relieved about Kaito’s situation, but hearing something happened to his family made me think of my own. That’s why I hurried here… wanting to be wrapped in your kindness.”

The moment I said that, my face was enveloped in soft warmth, and my head was gently stroked.

“A reward for being so honest, Hayato-kun… Though, honestly, this is a reward for me too, since I want to do this the most.”

Ahh… what I wanted came true.

I’m sure Arisa and Aina would do this if I asked, and as a guy, I feel a bit pathetic for wanting this kind of thing… but whatever, I’m not gonna worry about it!

“Wow…”

“Feels good, doesn’t it?” Sakuna-san asked.

“It feels really good. Arisa and Aina are the same, but you never call me pathetic for this, Sakuna-san.”

“Because it’s not pathetic at all. As a mother, I just want to pamper a sweet boy like my own son.”

She’s straight-up calling herself my mom… and me her son.

Wrapped in her soft, warm, fragrant embrace—a triple jackpot—I stayed like that until the girls returned.

“…Ah.”

“What’s wrong?” Sakuna-san asked.

At that moment, I carelessly glanced at Sakuna-san’s lips.

That led me to imagine kissing Arisa and Aina… No, stop it, Hayato! Don’t think such rude things about Sakuna-san! For now, just focus on soaking in her kindness and warmth.

“…Phew.”

“If there’s anything you want, just say it. I’d do anything for you, Hayato-kun.”

Of course, nothing more happened.

After being thoroughly pampered by Sakuna-san, I gathered my things to head home.

“By the way… Aoshima-kun’s shop, huh?” Aina mused.

“What’s up?” I asked.

“Oh, nothing~♪”

“Aina…?”

Aina was smirking, clearly plotting something… From experience, that face means she’s up to no good.

No matter what expression she makes, she’s always cute and sometimes even seductive, so it’s not a bad thing… But since she’s my precious girlfriend, I can’t help but feel excited and nervous about what she’s planning. I’m hopeless, aren’t I?

“Well, I’m off, you two.”

“Take care.”

“See you tomorrow♪”

Of course, before leaving, I shared a light kiss with both of them—not a deep one, just a touch of lips, with Sakuna-san watching us warmly as a bonus.

“What’s Aina scheming, I wonder?”

She’ll probably tell Arisa… but who knows.

“…Man, it’s getting chilly at night. Better get home.”

Maybe I’ll jog home for some exercise.

I’ll probably need another shower when I get there, but oh well.

And so, a hectic day came to an end.

I was relieved about Kaito’s mom, then comforted by my precious girlfriends and their mother… but Aina’s scheming left a lingering concern.

Still, it’s Aina—she wouldn’t do anything bad… probably… right!?

“I’m worried…”

But even if something happens, I don’t mind being teased by them… because I love them that much.

Alright, tomorrow’s another day of helping at Kaito’s shop… Gotta give it my all!