Prologue
“Just a little longer until Golden Week, yesssss!!”
Golden Week—that grand stretch of holidays spanning late April to early May, the first major break of the new year for students and workers alike. People often talk about “May sickness” this time of year, but since I don’t mind going to school, I’m immune to that pesky condition.
“Golden Week, yesssss… yess… haa.”
My excitement crashed from its peak, ending in a heavy sigh. For me, Golden Week isn’t something to dread. This year, I was looking forward to it more than ever… because… because, come on!
“A hot spring trip… I really thought we’d make it happen…”
Yes, this Golden Week, I had planned a hot spring trip with my precious girlfriends, Arisa and Aina, and their mother, Sakuna-san. But the popular inn we had our hearts set on was already fully booked… completely booked!
“…Haa.”
With a second sigh, my shoulders slumped in defeat. It was supposed to be our first trip together since we started dating, a special event in my mind, so I was really bummed out.
“And…”
Arisa, Aina, and Sakuna-san at a hot spring trip… As a guy, it’s only natural to hope for a little lucky-sukebe moment, right?
“…But that’s gone now.”
And so, my shoulders drooped again. Still, our time together will continue, and there’ll be plenty of chances for trips in the future. It might sound like stating the obvious, but just being with them makes me happy and fulfilled. Even if we just hang out at one of our houses or go somewhere nearby, that’s totally fine.
“…Well, if that’s the case, this Golden Week—”
Just as I settled on how to spend the holiday, the intercom buzzed. It’s Saturday, and Arisa was scheduled to come over today. Aina, unfortunately, had plans with friends and couldn’t make it, but Arisa was pumped over the phone about having me all to herself.
“…She’s so cute, isn’t she?”
How many times have I said that since we started dating? I’m grateful to have someone I can say that about, someone I can spend time with. I want to become an even better guy… the kind of man they’ll still say that about, no matter how many years pass.
“Oh, I’d better hurry.”
Not wanting to keep her waiting, I rushed to the door, but it wasn’t Arisa standing there.
“Good morning! Delivery for you!”
“Oh, sure.”
It was a delivery person, not Arisa. The fairly large cardboard box made me wonder who it was from for a moment, but I quickly realized it was from my grandparents.
“No mistake, right? Please sign here.”
“Got it.”
I took the pen from the young delivery guy and signed. He left the box in the hallway, and just then, the girlfriend I’d been eagerly awaiting arrived.
“Good morning, Hayato-kun… Looks like you just got a delivery.”
“Oh, morning, Arisa.”
Her beautiful black hair swayed in the breeze, and though her outfit was modest, it did nothing to hide her striking figure. My charming girlfriend, Shinjo Arisa, smiled at me.
“…So gorgeous,” the delivery guy muttered under his breath.
Seeing him captivated by Arisa, I couldn’t help but want to pat his shoulder and say, Right? Right?
“W-Well, I’ll be going now!”
“Thank you!”
The delivery guy kept stealing glances at Arisa until the door closed, but just before it did, Arisa planted a quick kiss on my cheek. I was watching his face, so the kiss caught me off guard, but I caught his stunned expression perfectly.
“It wasn’t a lewd stare, but being stared at like that makes me want to stake my claim, you know? To say, I belong to this guy.”
“So that’s why the kiss?”
“Exactly. Nothing says it more clearly, right?”
Fair point… Arisa chuckled, but her gaze soon shifted to the delivered package.
“That’s a big box.”
“Yeah, and it’s pretty heavy too.”
With a heave, I lifted the cardboard box. I had a guess about what was inside, and its weight confirmed it. Careful not to drop it, I set it on the living room table and opened it. As expected, it was exactly what I thought.
“Rice, vegetables… and snacks too.”
“My grandparents send these. It really makes me feel… cherished.”
“They sound so kind.”
“Seriously, they are!”
I’ve told Arisa, Aina, and Sakuna-san about my grandparents before, always mentioning how much they take care of me and dote on me. They’re truly, truly important to me.
“I’ll put this stuff away, so make yourself at home, Arisa.”
“I’ll help. It’ll go faster together, right?”
“…Yeah, thanks.”
“No problem. This kind of teamwork feels nice, doesn’t it? ♪”
“Like we’re a married couple or something?”
“Exactly!!”
Arisa leaned in close, nodding enthusiastically. It wasn’t quite her “hidden side,” but it was the unguarded, excited expression she only showed me, complete with a little huff of enthusiasm.
(…It’s amazing how even with that expression, Arisa’s elegance doesn’t fade.)
Most people would look silly making a face like that, but not her… I thought as we worked together to put away the things my grandparents sent.
“Arisa, tea.”
“Thanks, Hayato-kun.”
Sipping cold tea and leaning back on the sofa, I relaxed. There are many ways to spend a day off, but chilling like this is the best—especially with my girlfriend, which makes it even better.
“Hey, Arisa.”
“What?”
“How are you so beautiful?”
“…Huh?”
Sorry, I know it was sudden, but I had to ask. As expected, Arisa’s eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly smiled, reached out, and cupped my cheeks. Her gaze felt like it was saying, You’re not escaping, but her hands were gentle, barely touching me. I could pull away if I wanted, but who would want to escape this?
“The reason I’m beautiful? It’s simple. Because my beloved Hayato-kun is by my side. Your presence keeps making me grow as a woman.”
My heart skipped a beat, and joy spread through every corner of my being. I really, really love these girls.
“Arisa…”
“Mm… ♪”
When I placed my hands on her cheeks, she nodded once and closed her eyes. I leaned in for a gentle, fleeting kiss. We both blushed and smiled… and just as we pulled apart, Arisa leaned in again, reigniting the kiss.
“Mwah… Kissing is strange, isn’t it? Just lips touching lips, such a simple act, yet it feels so blissful.”
“…Yeah, it’s weird, isn’t it? Kissing… kisses, huh.”
“Kisses… kisses, yeah.”
How did kissing even start, anyway? Arisa and I paused, both wearing serious expressions as we pondered the origin of kissing.
…What are we even doing?
“Hey, Hayato-kun.”
“Yeah?”
“Have you ever imagined it?”
“Imagined what?”
Her joyful expression shifted—not entirely different, but now tinged with a sultry allure.
“A simple kiss feels this blissful, right? So, what about the next level… a deep kiss, where our tongues intertwine. How much happiness would that bring?”
“…”
A deep kiss—tongues entwining, the so-called French kiss. I’m not so naive that I don’t know what that is. And honestly, with how often Arisa and Aina’s allure tempts me, I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t thought about it or wanted to try it.
“…My heart’s racing now.”
“Y-Yeah… mine’s pounding like crazy.”
I tried to calm my racing heart, but it wouldn’t settle. The topic of deep kissing drew my eyes to Arisa’s lips, and noticing my gaze, she gave a suggestive smile and flicked her pretty pink tongue.
“Wanna… try?”
Her teasing words, paired with that provocative smile, made me swallow hard. I met her gaze, determined not to back down… but then my phone buzzed.
“Oh… Aina?”
“…Hmph.”
Arisa’s visibly annoyed expression made me give a wry smile as I answered the call.
“Hello?”
“Morning, Hayato-kun!”
Her voice wasn’t ear-piercing but loud enough that I almost pulled the phone away. It was Aina—Arisa’s younger sister and my other precious girlfriend.
(…Phew, saved by the bell, Aina.)
If that mood had continued, who knows what would’ve happened? Not that it would’ve been bad—definitely good, even—but I was grateful to Aina.
“What’s up?”
“So, looks like we’re wrapping up by early afternoon, so I was thinking of heading over to your place after!”
“No need to ask, just come over.”
“…That gentle tone just made my heart skip a beat! ♪”
I thought I sounded pretty normal, but… whatever. The call ended with Aina’s friends teasing her about who she was talking to, but it seemed both sisters would be together by the afternoon.
“…I thought I’d have you all to myself today,” Arisa said, pouting.
“Haha…”
From her earlier expression, she probably saw this coming. But for me, it’s great news, so I couldn’t help but smile.
“Sorry, Arisa. I’m happy about it.”
“I know. It’s not like I mind… So, I’m going to monopolize you until Aina gets here!”
She dove into my chest, and I caught her. We stayed like that for a while until she suddenly spoke up.
“Oh, right, Hayato-kun.”
“Yeah?”
“About the hot spring trip. We have midterms in May, right? I was thinking we could plan it for after that.”
“Oh… Oh!”
“You were so disappointed about it, weren’t you? Hehe, were you that excited to go to a hot spring with us?”
Her teasing words made my heart skip, but I nodded. No point hiding it here.
“I was… looking forward to it in a lot of ways.”
“I know. But you know what? Aina, Mom, and I feel the same. We want to make memories with you… to spend happy times together. That feeling is strong.”
Knowing they were just as excited about it made me incredibly happy, even if I already suspected it.
“By the way, I was kind of pathetically moping about the trip being postponed.”
“Oh…”
Might as well spill everything. Arisa blinked in surprise but soon started giggling, her shoulders shaking. Was it that funny?
“Sorry for laughing. I was disappointed too… but Aina was even more so.”
“Really?”
“Oh, yes. The moment it was officially postponed, she shouted so loudly the neighbors might’ve heard… Wanna guess what she said?”
“…Hmm?”
I stepped back from Arisa, crossed my arms, and thought. What would Aina say? A few ideas came to mind, but nothing I could pinpoint with confidence. What could it be? When I looked to Arisa for the answer, she told me.
“She said, ‘I had all sorts of naughty pranks planned for Hayato-kun! I was so ready, and now this?! It’s not fair!’ Something like that.”
“…”
What kind of naughty pranks was Aina planning?! I’m curious, but for now, knowing we’ll go on the hot spring trip after midterms is something to look forward to.
“Now I’m even more motivated to study for those tests… Gotta work harder for my future too.”
“Of course, we’ll study together, right?”
“You sure?”
“Absolutely. Let’s do our best.”
I gave a wry smile at how simple I am. Sure, as a teenage guy, I’m excited about the naughty possibilities, but more than that, I want this trip to be a memorable one with everyone. We’ll make tons of memories in the future, but I want this to be one happy moment we can always look back on.
“…Haha.”
“…Hehe.”
As Arisa and I locked eyes, smiles naturally spread across our faces, and we leaned closer again.
“Oh, by the way.”
“What’s up?”
“Since our Golden Week plans fell through, what are you going to do, Hayato-kun?”
“Oh, actually—”
I was going to tell her anyway, so might as well now.
“I’m thinking of spending the first few days of Golden Week at my grandparents’ place.”
I want to cherish that time with them. Arisa, and later Aina when she arrived in the afternoon, both happily agreed.
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