Chapter 3. The boy is confused by his mother's stronger feelings
“Arisa… mumble”
Whenever I let my guard down, his face comes to mind… Hayato-kun’s adorable sleeping face, so dear and irresistibly lovable, is something I can’t forget.
I’ve seen so many of his expressions—cool, cute, serious—and each one etches itself deeply into my memory. But every new expression he shows seems to overwrite the old ones.
It feels a little lonely, watching the old memories gradually replaced by new ones… but to me, those memories are all precious because they’re of Hayato-kun, Aina, and Mom—my most important people. That’s why it makes me happy.
“…Hehe, wonderful, isn’t it?”
“Nee-san, that’s not wonderful at all.”
The voice next to me was my little sister, Aina.
I can’t help it if she overheard my muttering, but it’s a bit unfair to call my feelings not wonderful.
I turned to glare at Aina, ready to retort.
“Aina, I—”
“But look at what you’re holding!”
“…Huh?”
Her words drew my attention to my hands.
It was a pair of toy handcuffs… Oh my?
“Someone as beautiful as Nee-san shouldn’t be holding something like that with a smile.”
“…Oh no, what am I doing?”
I hurriedly put them back where they belonged.
I felt embarrassed for staring at something like that in the middle of this huge shopping mall. But I must’ve been thinking how much I wanted Hayato-kun to use these to bind me, to keep me close… Very wholesome, right?
“Hey, wanna get some ice cream?”
“Sure. Let’s buy some over there.”
We approached the ice cream shop and ordered chocolate and vanilla.
Once our ice creams were ready, we sat on a bench to enjoy them.
“This is delicious.”
“So good!”
Savoring the sweet vanilla, I couldn’t help but wonder what Hayato-kun was doing right now.
Today’s the last day of Golden Week.
I would’ve loved to spend it with him like yesterday, but he got an invite from friends, so we let him prioritize that.
Aina and I always want Hayato-kun by our side, looking only at us, unable to pull away… but we don’t want to restrict his friendships.
“Nee-san, you’re thinking about Hayato-kun right now, aren’t you?”
“Of course. And you are too, right?”
“Correct♪ Wonder if he’s having fun with his friends?”
“I’m sure he is.”
Hayato-kun and his friends are really close, after all.
While chatting happily about him and eating our ice cream, I felt something.
(…We’re being watched.)
It was the gaze of men.
Aina and I know we’re attractive, but we don’t care about standing out or showing off.
Maybe because of Hayato-kun, I’ve gotten somewhat used to it, but the discomfort never fully goes away. It makes me realize how incredible it is to love someone—because despite how much I used to dislike men’s attention, now I want his touch, to belong only to him.
“Alrighty, where to next?”
“Hmm… I’d like to check out some accessories.”
“Nice! If we find something good, let’s get something for Mom too!”
Aina stood up swiftly and, aiming for the trash can, tossed her ice cream wrapper.
“Yes!”
The wrapper landed perfectly in the bin.
I hate to ruin her moment, but as her older sister, I can’t let bad manners slide, even if it worked out.
“That’s bad manners. Go put it in properly.”
“Fiiine.”
I sighed at Aina’s complete lack of remorse, but I know she’s a good kid who won’t repeat a mistake once corrected, so it’ll be fine from now on.
“Hmm-hmm-hmm♪”
“You’re in quite a good mood, aren’t you?”
“Yup! It’d be even better with Hayato-kun, but hanging out with Nee-san? There’s no way it’s not fun!”
“…You’re such a cute little sister.”
“Yay!”
I adore Aina, but her affection for me might just surpass mine for her.
To live up to that love, I need to hold my head high as her big sister.
“Come on, let’s go.”
“Let’s do this!”
After shopping at the accessory store, it was noon, and my stomach growled softly.
“…”
I know it’s just a natural reaction, but it’s still embarrassing when my stomach growls.
“Hungry, huh?”
“Ugh!”
Don’t point it out!
I turned my face away from Aina and started walking ahead.
“Sorry, Nee-san! Ugh, I’m hungry too, so let’s eat soon!”
“You’re too carefree.”
“Ehehe~… Oh, how about that place?”
Aina pointed to a katsu-don restaurant.
The mall has plenty of dining options, but we don’t often go to places like that.
The restaurant was bustling, with a sign at the entrance proudly declaring it a popular spot.
“We don’t usually go to places like this, right? When we hang out with friends, it’s always family restaurants.”
“True.”
“So let’s try it! The pictures look super tasty.”
“Alright, let’s go.”
Katsu-don… huh.
As we entered, a cheerful male staff member’s voice rang out.
“Welcome~!”
Other staff echoed him, and the lively atmosphere made it clear this was a great place.
It was nearly full, but there were just enough seats for us.
Or rather… did we take the last ones?
“That was close.”
“Any later, and we’d have had to wait.”
If that happened, we’d have gone elsewhere, but the delicious aroma here made me glad we chose this place.
After ordering and chatting with Aina, our katsu-don arrived surprisingly quickly.
“…”
The sight of the mouthwatering dish made my stomach growl again, but thankfully, Aina didn’t seem to hear it this time.
“Let’s eat.”
“Let’s dig in!”
Clasping our hands, we took a bite… Delicious.
Such a simple word, but it was genuinely delicious—not something I’d eat every day, but good enough to come back for regularly.
“Nee-san.”
“What?”
“Be honest—you wanted to spend today with Hayato-kun too, right? Just like yesterday.”
“Of course I did. And you?”
“Same! Obviously, right?”
Even without Aina asking me or me asking her, we both knew the answer.
“Are you maybe upset with his friends for inviting him?”
“Nah, not at all. I know going that far would make me a bad person and a bad girlfriend for Hayato-kun.”
Right… I knew that too.
Aina had already eaten half her katsu-don… Half!? She’s fast…
“Phew, down to half already.”
“Chew properly, okay?”
“I know, I know. But it’s so good, my hands won’t stop!”
This girl… Oh well, I won’t say more.
If she were eating rudely, I’d scold her, but Aina’s not like that, and I’m not worried.
Everyone wants to enjoy their food freely, and seeing Aina happily eat across from me is just so cute.
(It’s not like Aina’s smile fills my stomach, but it almost feels like it does—how strange.)
Is this what it means to be a big sister with a little sister? It must be.
A few minutes later—Aina had already finished, and I finished shortly after.
“Phew, thank you for the meal.”
“Thanks for the meal! That was so good.”
“It really was.”
The portion was bigger than expected, leaving us quite full, so we decided to linger a bit longer.
“I’m getting another ice cream.”
“Again?”
“Worried I’ll get fat? It all goes to my chest, so I’m fine.”
“It’s not about getting fat… You just eat a lot.”
“Growing girl, you know.”
Fair enough… but even if the fat goes to her chest instead of her stomach, getting any bigger might be its own problem.
“What’s up? Staring at my chest like that.”
“No, I was just thinking it’d be a hassle if they got any bigger.”
“Oh, gotcha!”
Aina lifted her chest through her slightly revealing top, jiggling it up and down.
“Sure, it’d be a pain if they got heavier, and keeping their shape takes effort, but oh well?”
“True.”
“Right~? If they get bigger, they get bigger—can’t help it… But it’s fine, isn’t it?”
“Huh?”
Aina grinned and continued.
“Hayato-kun loves big chests, doesn’t he?”
“…Hehe.”
I couldn’t help but smile.
If Hayato-kun knew we were having this conversation, he’d probably be embarrassed, but that’s exactly why I find it so endearing.
Aina, lost in thought, kept kneading her chest with varying pressure.
Even though the partition kept other tables from seeing, well… we both get like this when it comes to Hayato-kun. Love’s comforting but a little scary, isn’t it?
“Sorry for the wait~!”
“Oh, it’s here!”
The ordered ice cream arrived, and Aina quickly let go of her chest.
Watching her eagerly eat the strawberry ice cream, I savored the relaxed moment quietly.
“Thanks for the meal.”
“You ate every bit.”
“Sweets are a separate stomach, you know. But I thought Nee-san liked sweets more than me.”
“My stomach’s not as separate as yours, apparently.”
“That’s a shame♪”
Hey, don’t give me that too bad you can’t enjoy it look.
Without saying it, Aina read my expression, stuck out her tongue, and apologized.
“It’s fine. I don’t get mad at you over little things anymore.”
“That’s my Nee-san! As an apology, I’ll give you a kiss!”
“No thanks… Hey, get off!”
Not wanting to make more of a scene, we paid and left the restaurant.
Aina came at me with such force I thought she’d actually kiss me, and I struggled to push her off—she’s so strong! Where does that strength come from? Thankfully, she wasn’t serious about the kiss.
“Gotcha~!”
“Eek!”
She hugged me tightly.
I braced myself for whatever she was planning, but it seems she just wanted to do this.
“Let’s sit on that bench over there?”
“…Fine.”
Still firmly held by Aina, I sat down on the bench.
She buried her face in my chest for a bit, then finally let go, satisfied.
“So, what’s up?”
“Nothing major… but do you remember Hayato-kun’s face when he saw us waiting at the bus stop?”
“Of course. That was—”
The surprise we planned for Hayato-kun… His expression then shook my heart.
Just three days apart, and the moment he saw us, his face lit up with a smile, like he couldn’t wait any longer.
“He looked like he needed us. I know he cares for us and needs us… but that look, it was proof he’s falling for us even more.”
Oh… what a cruel tone I let slip.
I love Hayato-kun… I want to be his, carrying this impossibly heavy feeling. Yet I’m a terrible woman, enraptured by seeing him drown in our love.
“Hehe, I felt the same. Seeing his face, I thought he’s getting closer to how we want him to be♪”
With a similar tone and surely a similar expression, Aina said the same.
“But…”
“But…”
We both said “but” at the same time.
Facing Aina, in a world where sound seemed to vanish, I spoke.
“It’s not just Hayato-kun, is it? We’re the same.”
“Yeah… just three days without touching him, and I was so lonely.”
“I couldn’t stop wanting to touch him… to be touched by him.”
“I wanted him to look at me… to stare until it burned a hole through me.”
“We want him to drown in us… but we’re even more drowned in him.”
“We can’t live without him anymore… we’re drowning more than he is.”
As we spoke, staring at each other, we both burst into laughter.
“We’re hopeless, aren’t we?”
“Yup. We’re the heavier ones, after all.”
Our love is heavy… in the way people call someone a “heavy” woman.
But Hayato-kun accepts this heavy love… so we want to envelop him, the one who holds it all, even more.
“We’ve been with Hayato-kun for less than a year, and we’re like this. What’ll happen if we’re together longer?”
What… would happen?
Aina and I gave troubled smiles, unable to hide the emotions within. Our eyes reflect each other, but deep down, it’s always Hayato-kun’s figure we see.
“Hehe!”
“Haha!”
Enough staring.
We stood up and resumed shopping… Oh, I want to see Hayato-kun soon.
Can’t time move faster to evening?
---
“…Achoo!!”
“Oh my, a cold?”
“No… probably just someone talking about me.”
Sakuna-san reached out and placed her hand on my forehead.
Um, I’m pretty sure it’s not a cold, so you don’t need to check my forehead.
I wanted to say that, but I couldn’t bring myself to refuse her care.
“No fever, it seems. I got worried since I was bedridden with a cold before…”
“No, I’m really fine. I don’t want to worry anyone, so I’m being careful!”
I puffed out my chest as I said it.
I didn’t mean to bring up Sakuna-san, but getting sick makes others worry… I’m okay with being worried about, but I hate causing worry.
“Be careful, okay? I know I’m not one to talk.”
“Not true. Even someone as careful as you, Sakuna-san, caught a cold. That just means the cold was one step ahead.”
Yeah, it couldn’t be helped.
It taught me that even someone as cautious as Sakuna-san can get sick… like resistance is futile.
“So don’t worry about it.”
“Alright, I understand.”
Her apologetic expression faded, and Sakuna-san smiled.
This exchange happened around 2 p.m. I’d been hanging out with friends, but one of them, Sota, had to leave for a family matter, so we all decided to call it a day.
“It’s not a big deal… sorry, I totally forgot about it. Really sorry!”
Sota was insanely apologetic, but neither I nor Kaito are so petty as to get mad over that.
We told him to prioritize his family, parted ways, and since I’d see Kaito at school tomorrow, I came to the Shinjo house early with my schedule free.
“Wondering about Arisa and Aina?”
“Huh? Oh… yeah, I guess.”
I nodded, of course.
I’d just messaged Arisa and Aina to let them know I’m with Sakuna-san now.
“Couldn’t you have joined them?”
“I thought about it, but I didn’t want to interrupt their sisterly date.”
“I see… but those two wouldn’t mind at all. They’d probably be thrilled to have you join.”
Yeah, true, but Sakuna-san?
If you say that, why… uh, why are you holding my arm so tightly and sitting so close?
Maybe I’m overthinking it, but it feels like she’s saying “don’t go” despite her words.
(…Oh, it’s that.)
Sakuna-san’s smiling at me… but I recognize the loneliness in her eyes. It’s the same look Mom had when she was lonely.
(Sometimes, when Mom looked like that, I couldn’t pull away… I never found it bothersome or annoying. If my presence eased her loneliness, I wanted to stay by her side.)
And now, I feel that with Sakuna-san.
Her maternal aura has been overwhelming lately, and moments like this remind me of Mom… So I’ll follow this feeling and stay by her side.
“Arisa and Aina said they’ll be back soon. They’re done with their errands.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yeah, but it’ll still be a bit.”
They’re not sprinting back, so it’ll just be me and Sakuna-san for a while.
I gulped down the chilled barley tea she’d given me.
I needed that cool sensation to distract myself from the incredibly soft touch of Sakuna-san’s arm, still holding mine.
“Hayato-kun.”
“Yes?”
“There’s some time before Arisa and Aina return. If you’d like, is there anything you want to talk about? A consultation?”
“A consultation…?”
I tilted my head at her suggestion.
“Anything I can help with—something hard to tell Arisa or Aina, something only an adult like me could understand, or even something embarrassing you wouldn’t tell others. Anything at all.”
“…”
Worries about Arisa and Aina… Honestly, I don’t have such luxurious concerns.
To me, they’re precious girls, the best girlfriends I could ask for.
…Oh, but there is one thing… But consulting Sakuna-san about that? No way, that’s absolutely impossible, right…?
“Judging by that look, there’s something on your mind, isn’t there?”
“Uh… well…”
Hesitating like this is basically admitting it already.
Sakuna-san, still clinging to my arm with no sign of letting go, stares at me intently, completely cutting off any escape.
But running away from someone who cares this much feels wrong… ugh.
“Alright, fine.”
In the end, I gave in.
But instead of blurting it out, I hedged my bets and said,
“As Arisa and Aina’s mother… you said even embarrassing things are okay to talk about… Are you sure it’s fine?”
“Of course. If I can help with Hayato-kun’s worries even a little, please don’t hold back.”
Alright, if she’s that insistent, I’ll take the plunge.
What I wanted to ask… Honestly, even now, as I think about bringing it up, I’m agonizing over it… but here goes!
“Sakuna-san, if it’s too much, you can stop me anytime.”
“Oh my, is it that serious? I’m getting a bit excited.”
Excited… huh.
As expected, talking to Sakuna-san gives me this sense of reassurance that she’ll listen to anything… No, I’m sure it’ll be fine.
“Well… in relationships, there’s always… you know, intimate stuff, right?”
“Yes, sex.”
“Uh, yeah.”
Whoa, she just said it so bluntly…
Her straightforward use of “sex” stunned me for a moment, but if I clammed up now, I wouldn’t be able to continue, so I quickly explained.
“A while back… or rather, there’ve been a few times when things got close to that with them. I’m a guy, and I see them… naturally, as objects of desire too, of course.”
“Of course. You’re a high schooler, Hayato-kun, and those girls are incredibly attractive, even from a woman’s perspective.”
“Yeah… Honestly, sometimes it still feels like a dream that girls that amazing are my girlfriends.”
I genuinely feel like I’m living a dream.
But that’s exactly why it’s not always something I can brush off lightly. I care deeply about them—so I’ve been thinking I want to be someone truly worthy before taking that step with them… Arisa and Aina understood and nodded, but I wanted to know how a woman might feel about it. Since Sakuna-san is their mother, I figured this was my chance to ask.
After spilling everything, Sakuna-san nodded thoughtfully.
“I understand your feelings perfectly, Hayato-kun, and I also get how Arisa and Aina must feel, wanting to be held by the one they love. But as their mother, no matter how much I understand them, I can’t condone that behavior while they’re still in high school.”
“Right…”
“Yes, it’s a tricky issue, isn’t it?”
She calls it tricky, but Sakuna-san’s smiling like she’s enjoying this.
The topic’s so embarrassing I’m second-guessing whether it was okay to bring it up with their mother… but as if reading my mind, she let go of my arm and gently enveloped my hand with both of hers.
“You don’t need to feel so pressured. I do think those two probably want an even deeper connection with you… oh.”
“Sakuna…-san?”
Her eyes glistened as she leaned closer.
The captivating pull of her gaze and her sweet scent made my head spin, but I gripped my thigh with my free hand to stay grounded.
I winced from the pain, but if I didn’t do this… huh? What’s so bad about this situation? It’s Sakuna-san, after all.
(…Come on! Focus, focus!)
While I was lost in thought, Sakuna-san returned to her usual expression but kept gazing at me.
Her kind eyes… being looked at like that truly puts me at ease.
The embarrassment from earlier faded, replaced by the comfort of confiding in Mom.
“Hayato-kun? Are you okay?”
“Uh… yeah, I’m fine. Sorry… Talking to you like this feels like confiding in Mom—”
Before I could finish, my face was enveloped in something incredibly soft.
No need to think about what it is—I’d been pulled into Sakuna-san’s chest, held tightly.
“It makes me so happy to hear you say that, Hayato-kun. I’m not trying to compare myself to Kasumi-san, but sometimes, think of me as a mother and rely on me for anything, okay?”
I nodded… or tried to, but I couldn’t in this position!
Moving my face would mean brushing against this softness… so all I could do was stay still and respond with my voice.
“G-Got it.”
“Hehe… It tickles when you talk like this♪”
Then let me go, please!?
Even if I wanted to pull away, Sakuna-san’s embrace completely saps my will to resist… I just want to stay like this forever. This overwhelming maternal aura I’ve been feeling lately… that’s what this is.
“…Hayato-kun.”
“Y-Yes?”
Still holding me tightly and stroking my head, Sakuna-san continued.
“Back to the topic—you don’t need to rush. Arisa and Aina understand your feelings, right?”
“Yeah… They said it’s fine if that’s how I feel, but if they tempt me and I give in, it’s my fault, or something like that.”
“Oh my, that sounds like them.”
Sakuna-san laughed, genuinely amused.
Even though she’d said any consultation was fine, this was pretty embarrassing… but I was glad she listened so earnestly.
“They’re not the type to say they hate you for not holding them, so you’re fine.”
“They don’t… think I’m unmanly?”
“Not at all. Everyone has their own pace in love.”
“…”
“When you’re ready, when you feel like taking the next step, that’s the right time. Honestly, knowing how much you care probably makes them happy enough.”
“Really…?”
When I told them my thoughts, they didn’t seem disappointed—actually, they smiled and said it was very “me.”
“You’re still young, so it’s okay to agonize over it. I can say with certainty that no matter what, Arisa and Aina won’t leave you. They care about you that much.”
“So… it’s okay to take it slow?”
“Yes. Take your time, at your own pace.”
“…Got it! Thanks!”
“Good boy.”
She patted my head, and I hugged her a bit tighter, grateful for her earnest advice.
The softness and sweet scent made me feel like I could sink into an abyss I’d never escape… This terrifyingly comforting maternal aura of Sakuna-san’s… that’s what it is.
I thanked her for listening to something I could never tell anyone else and for being so supportive.
“No need to thank me. If I can help you, that’s more than enough for me.”
“Really…?”
“Really♪ Your expression looks much lighter now, Hayato-kun. Shall we have some snacks?”
“Yes, please!”
What followed was a time that could only be described as peaceful.
Until Arisa and Aina returned, I spent a calm, warm moment eating snacks and sipping tea with Sakuna-san… a time so comforting I wished it could last forever.
When Arisa and Aina came home—
“Mmm, Hayato-kun and Mom alone together? No way nothing happened!”
“Nothing happened.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
Aina asked first, then Arisa, and I answered the same.
Sakuna-san watched our exchange with amusement, occasionally giving me a look that seemed to say, “Shall I spill?” I could only pray she’d spare me.
“Oh, right. Mom, we bought this—it looked nice!”
“Oh, thank you, Aina.”
“This girl couldn’t stop after buying one thing.”
Whoa… I thought that shopping bag looked big, and sure enough, it was filled with all sorts of accessories.
Some were practical, others situational, but Sakuna-san happily examined each one.
“I’ll head to my room first, Aina.”
“Wait, I’ll come too!”
“Let’s relax until evening. See you later.”
“Okay~!”
Urged along by the two, we headed to Aina’s room.
Since we’d all been out, no one suggested anything specific, so we just spent the time as we pleased.
“…Pretty interesting.”
What was I doing? Reading a shoujo manga from the bookshelf.
It’s not rare for guys to read these, but I don’t usually, and even Sota, a hardcore otaku, avoids this genre.
“It’s pretty good, right?”
“Not just pretty—it’s really good.”
The story’s a Cinderella tale about an ordinary girl noticed by a prince, growing closer while overcoming obstacles.
“The villainess is charming and fun too.”
“Right? Stories with compelling rivals are so good.”
Totally agree.
A good story is key, but it’s the characters that make it. If they’re charming, the story naturally becomes engaging, and you get so immersed you lose track of time.
“Rivals, huh… Hey, Aina? If a rival for Hayato-kun showed up, what would you do?”
Arisa tossed the question at Aina, who answered instantly without hesitation.
“Nothing. No one can beat our love for him.”
“…Hehe, true.”
Arisa nodded as if it were obvious.
I don’t think I’ll ever be fought over like that, but if it happened, my answer’s clear.
“Hey, Hayato-kun.”
“What?”
“The opposite—say a rival for us showed up. What would you do?”
Oh, now they’re asking me.
Aina, who asked, and Arisa both stared at me, frozen with curiosity.
Unlike Aina’s instant reply, I took a moment, but my answer came without doubt.
“I’d fight like hell. I’m not some perfect guy, and I’m not good at most things… but when it comes to you two, I won’t lose to anyone.”
“Hayato-kun…♪”
“…Ugh~♡”
Seeing them so happy just from my words… Protecting girls who love me this much? I’d never lose to anyone—it’s only natural.
“Gotta work harder for that… Alright!”
I slapped my cheeks to psych myself up.
“First, the midterms before the hot spring trip… I’m aiming for over 80 in every subject.”
“That’s a big goal.”
“Let’s study hard together, Hayato-kun!”
“Yeah!”
Over 80 in every subject… that’s a tough road for me.
I’m fine with my strong subjects, but math and English? I’ll have to work hard.
At best, I hit around 70; at worst, maybe 50… Anyway! Gotta give it my all!!
“You’re weak in math and English, right, Hayato-kun?”
“Yeah… not disastrous, but definitely weak.”
“You’ll be fine. Effort always pays off.”
Right… yeah.
I can’t help but imagine failing, but the higher the goal, the better, and facing a big challenge makes me fired up.
“…Haha, never thought I’d feel this way about studying. Obviously, studying’s important as a high schooler, but wanting to be someone worthy? That’s a new goal.”
And it’s absolutely thanks to Arisa and Aina.
The moment I said that, Aina leaned in from one side, then Arisa from the other.
The soft sensation wrapping my arms, being sandwiched between them… I keep saying it, but lately, I genuinely feel there’s no greater happiness than this.
“Hey, Aina, I really feel it. We really love Hayato-kun.”
“Yup, I love Hayato-kun!”
Grateful for their straightforward love, I recalled my talk with Sakuna-san.
(I can be myself… and move at my own pace.)
I was overthinking, too self-conscious… but Sakuna-san’s words loosened my rigid thoughts.
Of course, Arisa and Aina know how I feel, but their mother’s words, coming from someone who knows them better than I do, carry weight.
“Oh, what’s up?”
“You look so happy!”
Relieved and sandwiched between them—how could any guy not be happy?
I gently pulled my arms free and, this time, wrapped them around both girls.
Surprised, they yelped as I pulled them down with me.
“…Phew~!”
“W-Wait, what’s gotten into you?”
“You’re super hyped… Mmm, you definitely had something going on with Mom~!”
“Who knows~! Arisa! Aina!”
The final day of the long holiday, and a precious moment spent with the two of them.
As their boyfriend, I’m going to make full use of the privileges granted to me!
I pull the two girls I’m holding even closer, savoring the simple joy of being like this… or rather, because it’s these two, with their stunning figures, the soft sensation of their touch is all the more vivid.
“My, my, you really wanted to stick this close to us, didn’t you?”
“You wanted to get all lovey-dovey, huh? Well, we feel the same way!”
Their legs entwine with mine as if to pin me down, and their hands gently rub my stomach.
No… I just wanted to relax and be affectionate like this.
But, as expected, being so close to them like this gradually makes the air feel… a bit more heated, or rather, my heart starts pounding.
(I could’ve easily predicted this would happen… I knew it, didn’t I? But thinking about it now, wanting to study hard and become a better version of myself is true, but… isn’t the real reason the hot spring trip waiting afterward?)
The hot spring trip looming on the horizon is probably a big part of why I’m so motivated… I can’t entirely deny it, so there’s definitely some kind of “hot spring buff” at play here.
“It’s so calming, isn’t it…?”
“Yeah, it really is…”
Calming… yeah, I nod in agreement.
How long did we stay like that, I wonder? Neither of us made a move to pull away, and as time passed with our conversation flowing, Arisa spoke up.
“For Hayato-kun, who’s so determined to study hard, Aina and I came up with something.”
“Huh?”
“We thought of a way to help Hayato-kun stay motivated and feel refreshed while studying together. Look forward to it, okay?”
“Oh…?”
What could that be…? For now, it seems the details of this “refreshing method” will be revealed once exam prep begins.
“By the way, this year’s Golden Week was the best, wasn’t it? Hayato-kun was here, and we had so much fun with Nee-san and Mom too.”
“You’re right. Next year… I’d love to spend the whole time like this from the start.”
That’s exactly what I’d want too.
It’s next year, so who knows what’ll happen, but I hope we can have another Golden Week filled with happiness like this.
And so, the Golden Week spent with my two girlfriends came to an end, and school started again.
With the midterm exams I vowed to tackle approaching, the teachers’ lessons are noticeably more intense, clearly geared toward test prep.
“Exams… ugh, am I gonna be okay?!”
“No way I’m failing, no way I’m failing!”
“I wanna live in a world without exams!”
As always, the pre-exam period brings out the usual chaos, with some classmates descending into a state of panic and despair.
“It really feels like exam season, huh?”
“…I might be in trouble too. Gotta seriously buckle down.”
My two best friends… Sota’s as chill as ever, but Kaito, whose grades are, to put it politely, not exactly stellar, is already freaking out about the exams.
“Kaito, if you study, the results will follow. Let’s do this!”
“Y-Yeah… what’s with you, Hayato? You’re, like, super pumped.”
“I was wondering the same thing. Something happen?”
I nod firmly at their words.
“This time, I’m aiming for 80 points or higher in every subject.”
My declaration leaves them staring at me, not even trying to hide their disbelief.
For someone with top-tier grades, this might be an easy goal, but for me, it’s a tough challenge… Still, I’m going to give it my all.
For the hot spring trip… sure, but also to get closer to the version of myself I want to be!
“…Hehe♪”
“Arisa?”
“Why’re you laughing all of a sudden?”
“Oh, it’s nothing.”
Arisa’s giving me that warm, amused look… I try to act like I don’t notice, but she’s probably thinking something like, Is he that excited about the hot spring trip?
Yeah, I’m thinking about it, so what?!
Just you wait, exams! I’m gonna breeze through you and come out on top!
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