Epilogue
In the end, Toka’s maneuvering resolved Chika’s engagement issue. The betrothal was canceled, the transfer scrapped. It was almost too easy, leaving Toru stunned. It proved Toka wielded enough influence to meddle in the Kōnoe family’s internal affairs, even overturning the head’s approved engagement. How she persuaded everyone remained a mystery.
For now, she was Toru’s ally, but she would be a terrifying enemy.
And she had made Toru promise something outrageous.
He had agreed to aim for the Kōnoe family’s leadership—a daunting path. This whole ordeal might have been her setup.
But thanks to her, their peaceful days were back.
A week after their talk, in the living room, Aino and Chika were engrossed in a fighting game.
“I won again!” Aino cheered.
“That’s not fair, Aino-san!” Chika pouted.
It was a popular game where players controlled iconic characters, knocking opponents off-screen to win. Surprisingly, Aino was a pro, while the refined Chika struggled.
They both looked like they were having fun, appearing as ordinary high school girls in moments like these.
Toru had just finished washing dishes—not forced, just part of their chore split. Chika had cooked, Toru cleaned, and Aino handled the bathroom.
As he headed to the living room, they both lit up, turning to him.
“Toru-kun, play with us!” Aino said.
“I can totally beat you, Toru!” Chika added.
Toru chuckled, sitting between them on the sofa. He was getting used to being sandwiched like this.
Their peaceful cohabitation was back. But one thing had changed: Aino and Toru were lovers now. Normally, Chika might have felt left out, but she seemed fine.
When Toru mentioned it, she shrugged. “It stings, and it’s a shock, sure. But you and Aino-san were already like a couple, engaged and all. Not much has changed.”
“But as his girlfriend, I’ll be way more lovey-dovey,” Aino said, tilting her head.
“That’s enviable and frustrating,” Chika admitted. “But I’m okay. I’ve got our childhood bond.”
She smirked, placing a hand on Toru’s knee, her soft palm gently stroking. Since the gym storage incident, she had been bolder, as if she had let go of her reservations.
“I haven’t given up on our polyamory idea, you know,” she said.
“Sure, but I’m keeping Toru-kun to myself,” Aino replied firmly, their gazes sparking with rivalry.
“Oh! How about a bath-time service contest?” Aino suggested.
“S-Service contest? What’s that?” Chika stammered.
“Whoever makes Toru-kun feel better wins!”
“That’s too shameless!” Chika protested.
“Says the girl who wanted to get pregnant with his kid,” Aino teased.
Chika faltered, speechless. In the storage room, she had intended that.
Aino puffed out her chest proudly. “I’m ready to get pregnant anytime, though.”
“Don’t say that so smugly!” Chika snapped.
Aino giggled, while Chika puffed her cheeks, realizing she had been teased.
“Hey, Chika-san, I have a request,” Aino said.
“What?”
“Can I call you Chika-chan?”
“Huh!?”
“It’s cuter.”
“R-Really?” Chika lowered her eyes, blushing, but nodded.
“Yay! Chika-chan it is!” Aino cheered, making Chika flush deeper but not entirely displeased.
Chika wanted their trio to last, while Aino wanted just her and Toru. Yet both seemed to cherish this life. Aino had even considered a three-way arrangement to save Chika’s engagement.
Their relationship—Aino, Chika, and Toru—existed on a delicate balance.
Toru wanted to prioritize Aino but didn’t want to hurt Chika, his childhood friend to whom he owed so much. His choices would shape their future.
And then there was Toka’s challenge: “Take over the Kōnoe family.” This peaceful life existed because Toru had agreed to it.
Becoming the Kōnoe head required courage, resolve, and ability—things Toru felt he lacked. But he had allies.
He glanced at Aino. Her sapphire eyes sparkled like gems, fixed on him. Her red lips moved softly.
“Mennaan naimisiin.”
(T/N: "Mennaan naimisiin" in Finnish means "Let's get married")
“What?”
“I won’t tell you what it means. You’ve heard it from me plenty of times already, Toru-kun.”
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