Chapter Three: Alone with Aino!
The moment Chika disappeared down the stairs, Aino threw her arms around Toru, pressing her ample chest against him. He froze, startled.
“A-Aino-san?!”
“Three’s fun, but I wanted some alone time to get cozy with you, Toru-kun,” she said with a mischievous grin, rubbing her chest against him to emphasize its size.
“Y-You said we wouldn’t get carried away!”
“This doesn’t count for fiancés, does it?” she teased, giggling.
“Aino-san, people are watching…”
Sakae’s bustling streets were packed on weekends—families, teens their age. The stares were sharper than on the train. A group of middle school girls blushed, whispering, “Wow, so bold…”
Aino tilted her head. “I don’t mind if people see. We’re engaged, after all.”
“Even married couples don’t act like this in public…” Toru stammered, his eyes inadvertently dropping to her chest, where its soft curves pressed and shifted against him.
Aino playfully bounced, her face flushed—she was embarrassed too. “You’re so naughty, Toru-kun.”
“I think you’re the naughty one here…”
“That’s fine by me,” she said. “Once we’re married, I’m gonna cling to you even more, you know.”
The word “married” threw him off balance. “Sure, as fiancés, marriage is a possibility, but…”
“Not just a possibility,” she said, her glossy lips forming the words with conviction.
It hit him—she meant they might actually get married. Their engagement had started as a strategic arrangement, but their relationship had evolved. Aino, at least, seemed open to it becoming real.
And Toru? He couldn’t answer definitively, a weakness he recognized. Aino was precious, his fiancée, and he wanted to stay by her side as long as she needed him. But marriage felt like a distant concept for a high schooler.
Aino giggled. “If we got married, wouldn’t you be excited to do all sorts of things with me?”
“I… yeah, that’d be exciting,” he admitted.
“Thought so!”
Being teased so much felt like it might dent his pride as a guy. Taking the initiative, he wrapped his arms around her back and pulled her close. She let out a startled “Hya!”
Her delicate frame fit perfectly in his embrace. She looked up at him, her heart racing. “You know, Aino-san, if we got married, you might get this every day. Still okay with that?”
She giggled. “Totally welcome. I love your hugs, Toru-kun. But… I’d want more than hugs,” she said, her eyes lingering on his lips.
They’d bathed and slept together, but never kissed. Kissing her would mean accepting her not just as a fiancée in name, but as a true partner.
“I’ll try to live up to your expectations someday,” he said.
“So I can keep hoping?”
“Absolutely.”
He nodded firmly. Chika, Asuka—none of them changed the fact that Aino was his top priority. He’d promised to protect her.
“For now, let’s meet your first expectation—lunch,” he suggested.
“Yay!”
Eating out alone with Aino was a first. They’d shared meals in the school cafeteria, but this was different—not a formal dinner, just a casual high schooler’s lunch, but still special.
Aino smiled. “As long as I’m with you, Toru-kun, any meal’s a feast. But someday, I’d love to go somewhere fancy, like a French restaurant.”
“Yeah, maybe a romantic Christmas dinner, like couples do,” he mused.
“Oh! You’re thinking of us as a couple?”
“W-Well… yeah, if things keep going this way, probably,” he said, then hesitated. Making Aino his girlfriend would lead to marriage, but he wasn’t ready for that commitment—lacking the confidence to fully protect her.
Aino blushed, smiling happily. “That’s enough to make me happy. We’re in a dating phase, right? So we’re close friends for now.”
“The closest,” he agreed.
Even if she wasn’t his girlfriend, Aino was his most important person right now.
“But you’ve got Chika-san, your childhood friend, and Toka-san, who’s like family,” she pointed out.
True—Aino had spent far less time with him than they had. Yet she was still precious to him because she needed him.
She nodded, as if understanding. “I’m gonna beat them all, so be ready, okay?”
“That sounds like a fun challenge,” he teased.
“Hehe, I’ll make you fall for me,” she said, her expression turning sultry, sending his heart racing.
She could probably do it.
But her face quickly shifted to a playful, childlike grin. “So, what should we eat?”
“Oh, right. Chika mentioned a good ankake spaghetti place, but I don’t know where it is.”
“Maybe we save that for when Chika-san’s with us,” Aino suggested. “Got any recommendations, Toru-kun?”
Her sparkling blue eyes raised the stakes, but her wanting to try his pick was heartwarming.
“What do you feel like, Aino-san?”
“Maybe soba or udon.”
Her taste for traditional Japanese food surprised him, given her appearance.
Then it hit him. “How about miso nikomi udon?”
“Oh! I’ve always wanted to try that!”
“You’ve never had it?”
“Locals don’t eat Nagoya specialties as much as tourists, right?”
True—while morning sets at cafes or miso katsu were staples, Toru had only had kishimen a handful of times. Miso nikomi udon, though, was fairly common.
Aino smiled shyly. “My mom’s picky, so we didn’t eat much Japanese food at home.”
That made sense. Though Aino was mostly raised in Japan, her Finnish mother likely wasn’t, so miso nikomi udon wouldn’t come up.
“I’m so excited!” Aino said. “I’ve seen those steaming pots on TV—they look delicious!”
“There’s a great place nearby that’s just like that,” Toru said, leading her through Sakae’s streets to a slightly weathered but dignified shop.
“Welcome!” a bright, soprano voice greeted.
The server was a young girl, maybe their age—a high schooler working part-time or helping family. She froze for a moment before guiding them to their seats.
(What was that pause?)
Maybe Aino’s striking appearance caught her off guard, or perhaps they’d met before. Toru brushed it off—lunch with Aino was more important.
They were led to a tatami room and sat on cushions in seiza. As Aino sat, her underwear nearly flashed, and Toru quickly averted his eyes. Still, her slender, pale thighs burned into his memory.
Thankfully, she didn’t notice. “What should I get? Have you decided, Toru-kun?”
“I’m going with the oyako miso nikomi udon. The egg makes it tastier.”
“Then I’ll have the same!” she said cheerfully, practically humming.
The restaurant was filled with families. Aino giggled. “Do we look like a family?”
“Maybe when we’re a bit older,” Toru replied.
“You mean, like a married couple?”
Her teasing laugh and the unexpected word threw him off. Being with Aino as adults would mean exactly that—they were engaged, after all. But this udon shop didn’t feel like a typical date spot for young couples, making the “married” vibe even stronger.
Soon, their oyako miso nikomi udon arrived, brought by the same high school girl. The steaming pots filled the air with a rich miso aroma, instantly whetting their appetites.
“Wow, it looks amazing!” Aino exclaimed.
They grabbed their chopsticks eagerly.
“Hey, Toru-kun, what do I do with this egg?” Aino asked, eyeing the raw egg atop the udon, its vibrant yolk demanding attention.
“There are different ways,” Toru explained. “You can sink it to the bottom and let it cook, for example.”
“What’s your way?”
He demonstrated, placing the egg on the pot’s lid and dipping a noodle into it. “I like it sukiyaki-style. Mixing it in hides the egg, but this way, you really taste it.”
“I’ll try that!”
Aino mimicked him, dipping her noodles. “Mmm, delicious! So rich!”
Her face lit up, and even the way she brought the noodles to her red lips was alluring. Toru caught himself staring, then covered, “T-The miso’s got a strong kick, right?”
“What’s ‘oyako’ mean, anyway?” she asked.
Surprised that Aino ordered without knowing, Toru blinked, but she giggled and said, “I just wanted to get the same thing as you, Toru-kun.”
Her earnestness was utterly adorable.
He realized he hadn’t explained fully. “It’s like oyako-don. ‘Oyako’ means parent and child—chicken and egg, so it’s called oyako udon.”
“Oh, got it! Eating both the chicken and its egg, huh?” Aino said, then added, “Oh, and ‘oyako’ gets used in naughty ways too, right?”
“How do you know that?!” Toru exclaimed.
He thought it was more often “mother-daughter donburi” in that context, but still.
Aino blushed slightly, blowing on her steaming udon. “Girls can be curious about naughty stuff too, you know.”
“I mean, looking at you, I can tell…”
Big mistake. Aino puffed out her cheeks. “What’s that supposed to mean? Are you calling me a pervert?”
“Pervert” was a harsh word, but she wasn’t entirely wrong. Despite her shy nature, Aino was bold with those she trusted, sparing no affection.
“Not a pervert,” Toru clarified. “But definitely cute.”
Her expression softened, a hint of embarrassment in her smile. “You can’t just dodge with compliments. Though… I’m happy you think I’m cute.”
She nibbled her udon, puffing as she ate. (Yup, definitely cute…)
Pausing, she looked at him coyly. “You know I’d only do naughty things with you, right, Toru-kun?”
“Of course. We’re engaged,” he replied.
“Yup, fiancés,” she said, giggling.
Toru popped a piece of juicy, tender chicken into his mouth—the “parent” in oyako.
It occurred to him he knew nothing about Aino’s mother, the one who’d orchestrated their engagement to save her company by essentially offering Aino to the Konoe family.
“What’s your mom like, Aino-san?”
Her eyes widened. “W-Wait, Toru-kun, are you seriously thinking about a mother-daughter thing?!”
“No way!” he shot back.
Aino laughed. “She’s young and beautiful, with golden hair and blue eyes like me. People say we look like sisters.”
“Wow, that’s impressive.”
“So, if you’re into a mother-daughter thing—”
“I said no!”
She grinned at his retort. “Just kidding. But if you ever wanted to, I’d consider it.”
She dipped her noodles in the egg and ate with relish. Toru gave a wry smile.
“I’ll pass, thanks.”
“Why not? I thought guys were into stuff like mothers and daughters or sisters.”
“Same as you,” he said.
“Huh?”
“You wouldn’t do anything naughty with anyone but me, right?”
“Of course not! I’m your fiancée,” she declared.
“But during this dating phase, technically, you could be with other guys,” he pointed out.
“True, but I’d never let another guy see my skin or hold my hand. Only you, Toru-kun,” she said, her sapphire eyes locking onto his, making his cheeks burn.
If they weren’t in a miso udon shop, the mood might’ve been even more romantic.
“Thanks,” he said. “I’m into naughty stuff too, but only with someone important to me.”
“You mean me?”
“Yup, you, Aino-san.”
He said it clearly. Aino murmured, “I-I see,” trying to sound casual, but her face was bright red. “Just me… you perv.”
“How’d that make me the perv?!”
“It means you want to do all sorts of naughty things with me, right?!”
“That’s not what I meant…”
“You don’t want to?”
“I do, but…”
“Then when we get home, I’ll let you do lots—secret from Chika-san,” she said, pressing a finger to her lips with a playful smile.
Her cute gesture left him momentarily entranced, and he hid his fluster by digging into his udon.
They ate in comfortable silence for a while. When they finished, Aino’s expression softened. “That was so good.”
“Glad you liked it,” Toru said.
“You can eat me up too, you know,” she teased.
“Are you sure you’re not a pervert, Aino-san?”
“Why?!”
Their banter never got old. Despite their short time together, Aino was more fun to talk to than anyone—Chika, Asuka, or even Toka. It was proof she was becoming his most important person.
Suddenly, the high school server appeared. “I knew it was you, Renjō-kun and Ryuti-san!”
Her small frame flushed with excitement as she glared at them. Toru racked his brain, then it clicked.
“You’re Akigawa-san from middle school?”
“Yup! Did you forget me?”
“Nope, not at all,” he said, now that he’d remembered.
They hadn’t been close—unlike with Asuka, he rarely spoke to her. Neither was the outgoing type, and while Akigawa was cute and part of the popular crowd, she kept a low profile, blending in.
She eyed Toru and Aino curiously. “Are you two dating? I know Aino-san?” Toru asked.
Aino gave an awkward smile, her shy side showing—she clearly hadn’t spoken to Akigawa before.
Akigawa was practically bouncing. “She’s famous! The school’s goddess!”
“G-Goddess? No way…” Aino shrank, embarrassed.
Akigawa giggled. “You think she’s a goddess too, right, Renjō-kun?”
Maybe not to the whole school, but for Toru, the answer was clear. “Yeah, Aino-san’s my goddess.”
She was the girl who affirmed him, needed him—not just beautiful, but kind and strong-willed.
Aino blushed deeper but seemed pleased. “Me, your goddess? I like that…”
“Wow, the Ryuti-san’s all smitten!” Akigawa’s eyes sparkled. (Shouldn’t she get back to work?)
“I want a boyfriend too!” she added.
“You’d have no trouble finding one,” Toru said. “You’re popular, easy to talk to, and cute.”
He worried he’d overstepped, but she looked genuinely happy. “Coming from you, that feels nice.”
She grinned cheekily. “My word’s probably not worth much,” he said.
“Not true! You’re cool, kind, and pretty popular. Plus, you’re good at studies and sports.”
He almost denied it but remembered Chika and Asuka’s feelings. Before he could respond, Aino tugged his sleeve, giving him a sulky glare. “You’re getting all smitten with another girl…”
“I’m not!”
“You’re only allowed to get smitten with me and Chika-san, okay?”
(Chika’s fine, huh?) Probably because she was part of their dating arrangement and, as his former fiancée and cousin, Aino gave her some leeway. But strangers like Asuka or Akigawa? Off-limits.
Akigawa looked shocked. “Chika, as in Konoe Chika? Are you two-timing, Renjō-kun?”
“No way!”
He struggled to explain when a voice boomed, “Kotoka! Stop slacking!”
Akigawa Kotoka—her full name clicked. Likely the owner’s daughter.
“See you at school, Renjō-kun, Ryuti-san!” She waved and scurried off.
Toru and Aino exchanged looks, then laughed. “This might start rumors at school,” Aino said. “You okay with that? Not embarrassed?”
Rumors could be tricky. He’d kept his past engagement to Chika secret for that reason. Maybe hiding his relationship with Aino was wiser—classmates’ jealous glares would be intense, and the teasing would be mortifying.
But… “It’s fine,” he said firmly. “You’re my important person, Aino-san. That’s not something to hide or let others judge.”
It was the honest way to honor her feelings.
He turned the question back. “You okay with it, Aino-san?”
She nodded, beaming. “Of course! You’re my pride and joy, Toru-kun.”
“What about the afternoon?” she asked.
He thought it over. They’d planned to see a movie with Chika, but it was her pick, and watching it without her felt wrong. “Maybe we save the movie for next week with all three of us,” he suggested, realizing how natural their trio life had become.
Aino smiled. “You’re so kind, Toru-kun, always thinking of Chika-san.”
“Not really. We were distant for so long…”
He’d thought she hated him and hadn’t reached out, a guilt that lingered.
But right now, Aino was his focus. “Chika’s important, as my childhood friend.”
“I see…”
“But from now on, my fiancée—you, Aino-san—is who I’ll look out for.”
Her eyes widened, then she giggled. “Thank you. If you’re kind to me, I’ll be even kinder to you.”
“You’re already plenty kind,” he said.
“I’ll be even kinder,” she insisted, leaning forward. “I’m always clinging to you, so now I’ll pamper you. I’ll cook, give you lap pillows, the works.”
That sounded tempting. Any guy would want his fiancée’s home-cooked meals. “But… you can’t cook, can you, Aino-san?”
“You’ll teach me!” she said. “Oh… I guess I’m still clinging, huh?”
They locked eyes and laughed. These moments were precious, and Toru was glad Aino was his fiancée.
“I might cling a bit more,” she said. “There’s a place I want to go.”
“Anywhere you want, I’m there.”
“Even Angkor Wat, the North Pole, or Everest’s peak?”
“If you want to go,” he said.
“Angkor Wat sounds kinda cool…”
The Cambodian temple and World Heritage Site was an unexpected interest for her. “When we’re older, maybe we’ll travel abroad,” he said.
“I’d love to show you Finland, where I was born,” she said.
“I want to know more about you, Aino-san.”
She blushed, muttering, “You’re making me shy, Toru-kun…”
(Finland, huh? What’s it like?)
He’d borrowed a book, Getting to Know Finland, from the library but hadn’t read it yet. It might cover the economy, but what he really wanted was to understand Aino. That probably meant visiting Finland.
Aino puffed out her chest. “I’ll teach you!”
“You will?”
“Yup! It’s tied to where I want to go!”
She tapped her phone and showed him the screen: “Sauna Factory Sakae, OPEN!”
“A… sauna? Oh, right, saunas are from Finland, aren’t they?”
He vaguely recalled reading that. Nordic countries, especially Finland, were famous for saunas.
“Yup! It’s the best way to experience Finnish culture!” Aino said, her eyes sparkling.
They paid for their meal and headed out, Aino leading the way with a bounce in her step. The Sauna Factory was a short walk from the udon shop, nestled in Sakae’s bustling streets. The exterior was sleek, with a modern sign that read “Sauna Factory Sakae” in bold letters.
Inside, the reception area was cozy, with wooden accents and a faint scent of cedar. A young receptionist greeted them, her eyes lingering on Aino’s striking appearance. “Welcome! First time here?”
“Yup!” Aino chirped. “We’re here for a private sauna.”
Toru glanced at her, surprised. “Private?”
“It’s more fun that way, right?” she said with a mischievous grin.
He couldn’t argue with that, but the idea of being alone with Aino in a private sauna made his heart race. Especially after their earlier banter.
They walked through the facility, Aino’s skirt swishing slightly, catching a glimpse of her thigh that set his heart racing.
She turned, catching him. “To-ru-kun?”
“Y-Yes?”
“You were trying to peek at my panties, weren’t you?”
“N-No way!”
“Liar♪ You’re the one thinking naughty thoughts, aren’t you? But you can’t look at other girls’ panties, okay?”
“It’s because you’re so cute, Aino-san,” he admitted.
“Oh? Just me?” She smiled. “I don’t mind if you look at mine as much as you want.”
“Aino-san… if you keep teasing me…”
“You’ll give in?”
“Maybe I’ll ask you to show me, then,” he countered, throwing her challenge back.
Caught off guard, she blushed deeply. “W-Weren’t we avoiding naughty stuff?”
“If you want it that badly, maybe I have no choice,” he teased.
“T-Then when we get home, I’ll show you my underwear and let you do all sorts of naughty things… promise,” she stammered, her eyes darting but a hint of excitement in her voice.
(Crap. I meant to tease her, but this got out of hand…)
If Aino came onto him at home, he wasn’t sure he could resist. And this sauna—a private room for just the two of them—was already a risky situation.
Handing their shoe cubby keys to the young receptionist, they received a private sauna key, towels, and rental swimsuits. “For the lovely couple!” she said with a knowing grin, adding, “Enjoy your time.”
Apparently, this private sauna was a popular date spot.
They entered the assigned room, and Aino’s face lit up. “Wow! It’s like a hotel!”
The space was luxurious, as expected for a facility requiring a rest and changing area. A bed sat in the room before the sauna itself.
“Uh… we change here, right?” Toru asked.
“Yup. You and me… changing together,” Aino said, glancing at her bikini.
For a couple, separate changing spaces weren’t needed, but for them, it was awkward.
“I’ll change in the bathroom,” Toru offered.
“No way,” Aino said, grabbing his arm. Her face flushed as she looked down. “We’re fiancés. A real couple. I want to change here with you.”
Her stubborn tone made it clear the “no naughty stuff” rule was already on shaky ground.
As if reading his thoughts, she added, “This isn’t naughty. It’s just changing.”
“Changing with the opposite sex in a private room is kind of a big deal…”
“We’ve seen each other naked already, so what’s the issue?”
“That’s different…”
“And you tried to peek at my panties earlier,” she said, still holding a grudge (maybe?).
“Okay, that was my bad,” he admitted.
“Aren’t you embarrassed too, Aino-san?”
“I’m fine if it’s you seeing me,” she said, tossing her cardigan onto the bed and starting to unbutton her blouse.
A glimpse of her cleavage made Toru whip around. “You’re the one blushing, Toru-kun,” she teased.
“You’re stripping out of nowhere!”
“Payback for trying to see my panties.”
“It’s more like a reward…”
“Then turn around,” she said.
If he did, he’d be completely swept up in her pace. He needed to at least avoid looking. But as he started to undress, Aino hugged him from behind, her soft chest pressing against his back—likely through just her bra, as her blouse was gone.
“N-No, Aino-san…”
“Why not?”
“We said no naughty stuff.”
“Sure, but if you’re in the mood, that doesn’t matter, right?”
“I’m not falling for it,” he insisted.
“Really? Don’t you want to undress me yourself?”
“What if I said yes?”
“I’d love it,” she giggled.
(I’m done for… she’s totally in control.)
“And if I keep holding you, you can’t change,” she added.
“Then let go, please?”
“Nope. Or… since there’s a bed, want to do something even better than the sauna?”
Her sweet whisper in his ear chipped away at his resolve. He was at his limit but tried to hold out.
Then she delivered the final blow. “What, chickening out, Toru-kun?”
His restraint snapped. He turned, pushing her onto the bed. She fell back with a surprised yelp, her eyes wide. “Kyaaa!”
In her underwear, she was pinned beneath him. “T-Toru-kun… h-hya!”
His hand reached for her bra. She looked up, teary-eyed.
“You okay with me taking it off?”
“If that’s what you want…” she murmured, trembling slightly.
Her expression cooled his head instantly. He sighed. “You’re the one who’s scared, Aino-san.”
“N-No, I’m not! I’m fine with anything you do…”
“Then I’ll really take it off.”
“O-Okay…”
Her heart raced as she looked away. Toru slid his hand under her skirt, hooking her panties. “Hya! T-There?!”
“You wanted me to undress you, right?”
“Y-Yeah, but… starting with my panties? You perv!”
She squirmed as his hand brushed her thigh, her body warm. He pulled her panties off, leaving her bare under the skirt. She looked mortified.
Next, he reached for her bra, unhooking it. Her pale breasts spilled free, their pink tips standing out against her flushed skin.
She squeezed her eyes shut. “You’re… gonna do whatever you want with me…”
He swallowed hard, imagining giving in to desire, doing things that could lead to a kid. But that wasn’t his intention.
He gently stroked her hair. She opened her eyes, confused. “Huh?”
“Let’s finish changing ourselves, okay?”
“W-What?! You’re not gonna do anything?!”
“I said no naughty stuff from the start…”
“That’s so mean, Toru-kun! Getting me all worked up for nothing!”
“You are a perv, Aino-san…”
“I’m not!” she huffed, cheeks puffed out. She genuinely wanted him to do something naughty but was probably scared too—a normal girl with no experience, just like him.
Stepping back, he looked into her eyes, not her chest. “I want to do all sorts of things with you, Aino-san.”
“All sorts?”
“Yeah, not just naughty stuff. The sauna, cooking together, going out… Sure, I’m a guy, so I think about that stuff—a lot sometimes—but that’s not all I want.”
His cheeks burned with embarrassment. Aino’s eyes widened, then she giggled. “I feel the same. I want to do all kinds of fun things with you. Naughty stuff too, but… just being with you is fun.”
“If I make you even a little happy, that’s enough for me,” he said.
“What about you?” she asked.
A smile came naturally. “Same here.”
Reassured, Aino changed into her bikini, and Toru turned away to slip into his swimsuit. “I’m done,” she said.
He turned to see her in a plain black bikini, but on her stunning figure, it was anything but tame. The top seemed too tight, struggling to contain her chest.
She laughed awkwardly. “Maybe I should’ve picked a bigger size…”
“You’re petite, so it fits otherwise,” he said, noting how her curves strained the fabric, spilling slightly at the sides and bottom.
“Sideboob and underboob, right?” she said.
“How do you know those terms?”
“A girl’s secret,” she teased with a giggle.
They stepped into the bathroom, rinsing off before drinking barley tea to stay hydrated. Aino warned him about dehydration, especially for a sauna newbie like him.
Inside the sauna, the luxurious setup stunned him—exclusive and serene. He sat in the dim, calming room. “I’ve never really done saunas…”
“Then I’ll teach you!” Aino said, sitting beside him and puffing out her chest, which jiggled distractingly.
Unaware of his fluster, she laughed. “You’re better at school than me, so I rarely get to teach you anything.”
“Not true,” he said.
“It is! You’re smart, good at chores, athletic!”
She leaned closer, and he flinched. Shirtless, he felt exposed as she gently traced his chest. “You’re kinda ripped… muscular…”
“C-Can you stop? It’s embarrassing,” he stammered.
“Why? You touched my chest in the bath,” she teased.
He couldn’t argue—she’d started it, but still.
Suddenly, she sat cross-legged, surprising him given her refined upbringing. “The top’s hotter, the bottom’s cooler,” she explained. “You need to warm your whole body, so keep your legs up.”
“Oh… that’s why you’re sitting like that?”
“Yup. Try it!”
He mimicked her, sitting cross-legged on the bench. It felt odd side by side. “This place has a unique vibe.”
“It’s a kelo sauna,” she said.
“Kelo?”
“It’s made from kelo wood—called the ‘jewel of wood’ in Finland.”
“Wow, that’s fancy.”
“Yup, a real authentic sauna!”
Aino spoke passionately, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. Her fervor for saunas caught Toru off guard, revealing just how dedicated she was to the experience.
Could it be because she was born in Finland?
“Japanese saunas are quite different from Finnish ones, though,” Aino said.
“Oh, really?” Toru replied, intrigued.
“Well, I don’t actually know that much about Finnish saunas,” Aino admitted in a shy whisper, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment.
Upon reflection, Aino had grown up in Nagoya, Japan, and had not spent much time in Finland. Her expertise likely stemmed from frequent visits to Japanese saunas.
“My mom used to take me to saunas here all the time,” she explained.
That suggested circumstances had changed. Aino’s mother, after all, was the kind of person who would push a political marriage on her daughter for the sake of the family business. A fleeting, lonely smile crossed Aino’s face, but she quickly brightened.
“But now I have you, Toru-kun, to come with me. I’m not lonely anymore… and it makes me happy.”
Her words, soft and intimate, carried the weight of a near-confession of love.
Toru couldn’t help but feel warmed by them. If he could fill the void of Aino’s loneliness and remain by her side, that was more than enough to bring him happiness.
However…
The heat in the sauna was intense, almost unbearable, but Toru held back from admitting it. Somehow, confessing his discomfort when Aino, a girl, seemed perfectly fine felt embarrassing.
Suddenly, Aino jumped up, her eyes sparkling with an idea. “I just had a great idea!” she declared.
She strode over to the sauna stove, where a pile of heated stones sat. Bending down, she grabbed a ladle from a nearby bucket of water.
With a flourish, she poured water over the stones.
A loud hiss filled the air as a wave of scorching steam engulfed the room.
The sauna filled with a refreshing citrus scent.
The heat intensified further, almost overwhelming.
Aino, however, appeared completely unfazed. Contrary to the notion that girls were more sensitive to heat, she seemed unaffected.
“This is called löyly,” she said, a smug grin on her face.
“Löyly?” Toru echoed, curious.
“Yep! It’s a Finnish word. In a Finnish sauna, you pour water on the stones, and the steam that rises is called löyly.”
“Huh… but, uh, it’s really hot now.”
Aino picked up a fan-like tool hanging on the wall and waved it, stirring the steam. A blast of heat hit Toru, causing sweat to pour out in a rush.
Toru reeled, eyes wide, while Aino gazed at him as if he were an adorable puppy, clearly enjoying herself.
“Hehe, Toru-kun, you look so surprised!” she teased.
“This is my first time in a sauna like this…”
“Oh, right. This is your first time, isn’t it?”
She lingered on the words “first time,” her voice taking on a sultry tone, clearly intentional.
Toru shrugged, attempting to play it cool.
The heat was intense but strangely pleasant. The citrus aroma, from an essential oil mixed into the water, had a calming, soothing effect.
Perhaps part of that calm came from Aino’s presence beside him.
She sat back down next to Toru, cross-legged, her posture refreshingly casual. Beads of sweat glistened on her skin as she let out a satisfied “Phew!” There was something undeniably alluring about her in that moment.
Toru’s eyes wandered to the curve of her hips and her pale thighs, making him hyper-aware of her presence.
Aino caught his glance and giggled softly.
“You’re sweating a lot too, Toru-kun,” she said playfully.
“Well, it’s this hot, so…”
“Löyly makes you sweat buckets. It’s not just about the heat in a sauna—steam is key too. Those far-infrared saunas at public baths keep a steady temperature, but they can’t do this.”
Aino rattled off her sauna trivia with enthusiasm.
While she appeared completely at ease, Toru was reaching his limit. His heart pounded as if it might leap out of his chest.
“Toru-kun… ready to step out?” she asked gently.
“Nah, you seem fine, Aino-san, so…”
“I’m used to it. But you can’t push yourself too hard, okay?”
Her pure blue eyes gazed at him with genuine concern.
She was likely right. It was time to call it quits. Toru decided to follow his fiancée’s advice.
Stepping out of the sauna, the air felt refreshingly cool.
But the experience wasn’t over yet.
“Next is the cold plunge, right?” Toru asked.
“You’ve never tried it?” Aino replied, surprised.
“It’s always been too cold for me…”
“After löyly, you’ll probably be fine. Normally, you’d rinse off the sweat first, but since this is a private facility, we can just hop in. Ready?”
With a cheerful “Here goes!” Aino stepped into the cold plunge pool.
The pool was just wide enough for the two to sit shoulder to shoulder.
“Don’t hold your breath. Breathe normally—it’s safer,” she advised.
Following her lead, Toru cautiously dipped his foot in. Perhaps due to the intense heat from the löyly, the cold water felt surprisingly bearable. He slid in, submerging up to his shoulders.
Aino giggled.
“You did it! Good job, good job!”
“Are you treating me like a kid now?”
“Well, I’m usually the one clinging to you like a kid, so I thought I’d switch it up for once,” she said with a mischievous grin.
The cold began to seep in quickly. It was tolerable at first, but soon it felt almost too much.
Suddenly, Aino scooted closer, pressing herself against Toru’s side.
“A-Aino-san!?” he stammered.
“I thought this might warm you up a bit. How’s it feel?” she asked, her voice teasing.
“W-Well, yeah, it does, but…”
Her hip, barely covered by her swimsuit, pressed against him. It was hard not to notice, but the cold was too intense to dwell on it.
It was probably time to get out.
As Toru stood, Aino muttered under her breath, “Aw, I was gonna hug you…”
She was always looking for a chance to flirt, keeping Toru on his toes.
They headed outside to an open-air bath area, where a space just big enough for two to lie down awaited.
Toru collapsed onto it with a sigh of relief. Aino lay down beside him, letting out a soft “Phew…” before closing her eyes, finally calming down.
Toru could finally catch his breath.
The experience, guided by Aino, had been surprisingly enjoyable. She truly knew her way around a sauna.
Closing his eyes, Toru let the outdoor breeze wash over him. The earlier flirty tension with Aino faded, replaced by a serene calm that enveloped him.
☆
After three rounds of sauna, cold plunge, and outdoor rest, plus some playful soaking in the bath together, Aino seemed thoroughly satisfied.
They spent some time window-shopping in the bustling city streets before heading home. Aino was a bit worn out, and since they lived together, there was plenty of time for more flirting at home.
“Chika-san’s at the Kōnoe estate, right? That means we can do all sorts of things!” Aino said with a grin.
The implications of “all sorts of things” made Toru a little nervous, but exhaustion from the day’s excitement led him to agree to head home as Aino suggested.
Upon opening the front door, they were greeted by Chika, dressed in a maid outfit—complete with a headpiece, white apron, and dress.
The classic maid outfit caught Toru and Aino off guard.
Aino and Toru exchanged glances.
“W-Welcome back, Toru-sama,” Chika stammered, fidgeting shyly.
“Ch-Chika-san? What’s going on? Are you okay?” Aino asked, concerned.
“Don’t make it sound like I’ve lost my mind!” Chika retorted, puffing out her cheeks.
“But why the maid outfit…?” Aino pressed.
“I-I thought it might make Toru happy…”
So, the maid outfit was for Toru’s sake? He was baffled.
“What about your business at the Kōnoe estate? That was quick,” Toru said.
“Oh, that? It’s already taken care of,” Chika replied hurriedly, brushing it off.
Toru tilted his head, sensing something off. “Chika, are you feeling down?”
“Why would you think that?” she asked.
“Just a hunch. Your vibe, your tone—I can tell.”
Chika and Toru had been together since birth, inseparable through middle school. As cousins and former fiancés, Toru could read her moods instantly—whether she was upset or tired.
At his words, Chika murmured, “Hmm,” a faint smile tugging at her lips.
“My dad and Toka-san were giving me an earful,” she admitted.
“Well, yeah, living with me probably doesn’t sit well with them,” Toru replied.
Chika, his cousin, living under the same roof as him—a guy her age—was bound to raise eyebrows. It was a potential scandal, especially since she had a new engagement in the works.
The Kōnoe family’s secretary, Toka Tokieda, was not only Toru’s guardian but also supported Chika as the next head of the family. She likely kept a close eye on Chika’s actions and wouldn’t approve of their living arrangement.
The Kōnoe family also wanted Aino and Toru to remain engaged, further complicating matters.
“Honestly, I’m surprised you came back here,” Toru said.
“I’m tired of being the perfect little lady. I deserve to be a bit selfish, don’t I?” Chika retorted.
Staying out with a guy was more than “a bit” selfish, but Toru kept that to himself. He knew Chika had been playing the role of the model student and future Kōnoe heir, putting in immense effort. She was likely feeling stifled and craving freedom.
Chika glanced at Aino, her cheeks flushing. “Besides… I finally made a friend.”
Aino’s eyes widened, and she pointed to herself. “Me!?”
Chika mumbled, “W-Well, maybe you don’t think of me as a friend, but…”
Aino shook her head vigorously, beaming. “Of course we’re friends! I’m so happy you said that, Chika-san!”
Before Chika could react, Aino threw her arms around her. Chika flailed, flustered. “H-Hey, Aino-san!?”
“Oh, sorry! Was that too much?” Aino asked, looking crestfallen.
“No, it’s not that!” Chika said quickly, then hesitantly returned the hug.
Aino giggled and whispered, “Thank you.”
The sudden yuri moment unfolding before Toru was overwhelming. When had they become this close?
Chika’s face was bright red. “B-But we’re still love rivals!”
“You’re such a tsundere, Chika-san,” Aino teased.
“Don’t call me that!” Chika snapped, her reaction only proving Aino’s point.
Aino giggled again. “…I know. We’re rivals, but we’re friends too. I want us to get along.”
“I… feel the same,” Chika admitted.
“It’s not just about being with Toru-kun, right? You’re staying here because you like being with me too?” Aino asked.
“…Living here is fun. More than playing the perfect lady at the estate or the model student at school. Here, I feel like I can be myself,” Chika said softly.
Initially, Chika had likely stayed to keep an eye on Aino and Toru, perhaps even to win him back. But somewhere along the way, she began enjoying their time together.
Aino turned to Toru, her eyes sparkling. “Toru-kun, living with two cute girls has to be fun, right?”
“If I say ‘fun,’ I feel like I’d sound like a creep…” Toru mumbled.
“You don’t have to worry about that. This is what we want, right, Chika-san?” Aino said with a wink.
Chika nodded firmly.
Aino’s “dating” plan was still in full swing. Toru’s heart was mostly set on Aino, but neither she nor Chika seemed ready to call it quits.
Toru sighed. “It is fun, but what’s the Kōnoe family going to say?”
“I’ll handle them,” Chika declared, puffing out her chest proudly.
Could she really convince them? It wouldn’t be surprising if Toka showed up the next day to drag her back.
For now, Aino and Chika looked happy.
“Hey, why don’t we go out for dinner tonight, just the three of us?” Aino suggested.
Chika grinned slyly. “That’s a great idea, but… why do you think I’m dressed like this?”
She tugged at her maid outfit’s skirt, emphasizing her perfect maid aesthetic. It suited her ridiculously well, but Toru remained confused. She had said it was to make him happy, but there was more to it, wasn’t there?
“Because you’re secretly a maid?” Aino guessed, tilting her head.
“No way!” Chika snapped, exasperated.
The true mystery was Chika herself.
“So it’s not just to seduce Toru-kun?” Aino teased.
“Don’t call it seducing!” Chika protested.
“Where’d you even get that outfit?” Toru asked.
“Hehe, I borrowed it from the Kōnoe estate. Pretty authentic, right?” Chika said proudly.
The outfit was familiar to Toru. Years ago, he had been surrounded by maids in similar attire, waiting on him hand and foot.
“For dinner,” Chika continued, “I’m going to cook for you both.”
“Really!?” Aino’s eyes lit up.
“Of course. It’s my chance to show Toru I’m the better fiancée,” Chika said confidently.
“Yay! Your breakfast was amazing, so I can’t wait!” Aino cheered.
“W-Wait, Aino-san, do you actually see me as a rival?” Chika asked, suddenly unsure.
“Of course! I’m looking forward to dinner♪” Aino replied cheerfully.
“You totally don’t!” Chika huffed, puffing out her cheeks.
Then she giggled, unable to stay mad.
Feeling hungry, they decided to start preparing dinner early. Chika had already bought the ingredients.
Toru stood next to her in the kitchen as she sliced cabbage. “I’ll help, Chika.”
She lit up, a soft “Oh!” escaping her lips.
“What about Aino-san?” she asked.
“She’s tuckered out from all the excitement. She’s napping on the couch.”
“Heh, that’s kind of cute, isn’t it?” Chika said.
“Yeah,” Toru agreed.
Chika’s expression faltered, a hint of loneliness in her eyes. “It was supposed to be my privilege to be the one you called cute.”
“…Right now, I think Aino-san is cute,” Toru admitted honestly.
Toru wanted to be with Aino. She was adorable, honest, and loved him for who he was. He had promised to protect her and intended to keep that promise.
Chika nodded slightly. “I know your heart’s with Aino-san. You wouldn’t object if I went through with my new engagement, would you?”
“I don’t have the right to,” Toru said.
“I figured you’d say that. The engagement talks are moving forward, by the way.”
“Oh,” Toru replied, unsure of what to say. If Chika accepted, she would marry that man.
Seeing his expression, Chika giggled. “You’re a little sad, aren’t you? That makes me happy.”
“That’s pretty selfish of me,” Toru admitted.
“No, it’s fine. I’m going to refuse the engagement anyway.”
“What!?” Toru blurted out, stunned by her casual tone.
She was serious, her expression resolute.
“I’m sick of being forced into engagements for the family’s sake. I’m just a normal high school girl, you know?”
“Yeah, I get that. Aino-san and I are in a political engagement too, but…”
“If it was a relationship like yours and Aino-san’s, I’d be jealous. But mine’s different,” Chika said firmly.
Toru vaguely recalled Chika mentioning that the man she was engaged to wasn’t a bad person.
Chika shrugged. “I actually met him earlier today.”
“And he turned out to be some awful match?” Toru asked.
“Not really. He’s a good guy, I suppose. But he’s way too old for me, and it’s painfully obvious I’m just a pawn for the Kōnoe family and his.”
For a high schooler, deciding one’s future so early felt far too rushed. Even if someone was loved now, there was no guarantee it would last. And with someone barely known, the desire to avoid it was even stronger.
“If you were my fiancé, Toru, I’d be totally on board,” Chika said with a teasing lilt.
Toru couldn’t bring himself to nod at that.
Chika was preparing tonkatsu for dinner. She spread out the pork and asked Toru to prep the breading.
As they worked, she murmured, “I’ve been thinking about something. Have you heard of polyamory?”
“Uh, isn’t that when multiple people date each other with everyone’s consent?” Toru replied.
Romantic relationships were typically one-on-one, whether between a man and a woman or same-sex partners. Polyamory, however, was a lifestyle where multiple partners, all in agreement, shared a romantic relationship. It had recently become a topic of discussion in Japan.
Toru had a sinking feeling about where Chika was heading with this, and his heart skipped a beat.
“I get that Aino-san needs you, Toru. So, what if you dated both me and Aino-san at the same time?”
Living with two beautiful girls, both showering him with affection, sounded like a fantasy. But when Toru thought about Aino, agreeing to it didn’t feel honest.
Chika flashed a knowing smile. “If Aino-san herself wanted you to date both of us, what would you do, Toru?”
“If Aino-san wanted that…?” Toru echoed, caught off guard.
“Aino-san suggested this ‘dating’ phase, where one of us wins and gets you all to herself. But I know, and you know, that if it comes down to it, you’d choose Aino-san.”
Her words struck hard because they were true. If Toru had to choose now, it would be Aino, his fiancée.
Chika understood that harsh reality.
“And you’re really okay with that, Chika?” Toru asked.
She paused, her knife still, and looked at him. Her dark eyes locked onto his.
“I want to keep you all to myself too. But since I can’t, I don’t mind Aino-san being around. I don’t dislike her.”
“But if we did that, you wouldn’t be able to get engaged to someone else.”
“That’s the point. I have no intention of marrying some guy my family picked. I’d rather stay with you and Aino-san.”
Did Chika truly want Toru to date both her and Aino? Her rejection of a new engagement made sense—she would likely refuse it even without Toru in the picture. Her push for polyamory, then, held some logic.
Chika giggled softly. “You don’t have to decide now. Just think about it.”
They continued cooking in silence, but Chika, standing beside Toru, looked genuinely happy.
Toru wanted to grant her wishes, partly to make up for their past. But would that betray Aino?
Chika’s miso katsu was delicious, and the side dishes were impressive too. Aino couldn’t stop raving, “Chika-san, your cooking is so good…!”
Chika blushed, muttering, “R-Really…?” but she was clearly pleased.
In that moment, everything felt perfect. But Aino and Chika had their own agendas, and their desired outcomes likely didn’t align.
Aino, naturally, wanted Toru all to herself as her fiancé. This cohabitation was a trial period, a “dating” phase, with the goal of outshining Chika.
Chika, on the other hand, seemed to aim for a permanent trio. Deep down, she likely preferred having Toru to herself.
Looming over them was the inevitable interference from the Kōnoe family.
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