Chapter 2: Asuka

“That was so fun!” Aino said.

Chika nodded. “Yup!”

“Even if Toru got a bit naughty,” Chika added.

“You enjoyed it most, didn’t you, Chika-chan?” Aino teased.

“N-No way!”

“I was happy getting naughty with Toru-kun.”

In the car’s backseat, their banter made Toru’s heart race.

Toka, driving, chuckled. “You’re a sinful man, Toru-kun.”

“Didn’t you wanna swim too, Toka-san?”

“I’m an adult, got tons of work—work, work, work. Plus, cleaning up a little scandal.”

“Sorry for dragging you out on a holiday…”

“Don’t sweat it. Big sis would dive into fire, water, or Kamakura for you!”

“You don’t need that kind of resolve!”

“Then maybe another kind~”

“Huh?”

“I want you to look after another girl~”

Mai? Toru thought. She seemed connected to Toka.

He was wrong.

When they reached home, an unexpected figure stood at the door.

“Renjō…”

Asuka, looking nervous, was at their doorstep. Toru hopped out of the car. Why was she here? She’d rejected Aino’s dating invitation and had never come to their house.

She looked up at him. “Um, Renjō…”

“What’s up, Sakurai-san? Did I forget something?”

She hesitated. “Can… can I stay here?”

“What?”

“I don’t have anywhere else to go…”

Her near-tears expression sent him into a panic. He turned to Toka.

“What’s going on?”

“Exactly what it looks like. She’s homeless.”

Toka’s tone was serious.

Toru brought Asuka to the living room, asking Aino and Chika, who looked worried, to head upstairs for now. Toka stood back, arms crossed.

He needed to hear Asuka out.

“First off, you can stay here tonight.”

“Really?”

“You’re an important friend.”

She looked relieved.

“And if you’re in trouble, I’ll help.”

“Thanks. You’re so kind, Renjō.”

He started to make tea, but Toka handed him a bottled tea. “Not the master of the house’s job, right?”

Right—Toka was technically a Konoe servant, though her attitude made that hard to believe. She was also his guardian, outranking him.

“Besides, you’re gonna be her master too,” Toka said.

“Huh?”

Toru looked between Asuka and Toka. Asuka blushed.

“Um… I have another favor.”

“Anything I can do, I will.”

“C-Can you hire me as a maid?”

The request was so out of left field, Toru couldn’t process it.

Toka grinned mischievously. “Her dad worked for a Konoe Group company. He colluded with a client to inflate outsourcing fees, embezzling two billion yen. Got fired, obviously, and has to pay it back.”

She paused.

Asuka gave a strained smile. “Dad got arrested this morning. I had no idea. When I got home, I couldn’t get in. I’m the kid of a criminal now.”

“That’s… rough.”

It was a lot. Could Asuka even keep attending school?

Then it clicked. “So, to support her, you’re making her a maid?”

Toka nodded. “That’s right. She’s not obligated to repay the money, but she’s got no way to live. I was handling the scandal’s aftermath and realized she’s your friend. Knew you’d wanna help.”

Toka was right. But the Konoe family’s money wasn’t Toru’s, and two billion yen was no small sum.

He had no way to help Asuka on his own.

That’s where Toka’s plan came in—hiring Asuka as a maid.

“She won’t have to worry about living expenses or school. Plus, she gets to stay close to her beloved Toru-kun. Two birds, one stone, right?” Toka said.

Asuka stammered, blushing, “B-Beloved? It’s not… like that…”

Toru got Toka’s reasoning, but what did the Konoe family gain from this? Still, he had no reason to refuse.

“You okay with this, Sakurai-san?”

“Of course! If you’re okay with it, I’ll be a maid or anything!” Asuka said fervently.

“Then it’s settled. I’ll talk to Aino-san and the others, but given the situation, they won’t object.”

Asuka gripped his hand, her eyes glistening. “Thank you, Renjō!” Her warmth made his own temperature rise.

Toka stood to leave. “Well, I’m off. See ya.”

“Wait a sec, Toka-san,” Toru said.

Asuka looked up at him nervously as he stood.

Anger simmered in him—not at Asuka, but at her father for putting her in this position and at the Konoe family for offering help with strings attached.

He was fed up with being jerked around by adults.

He chased Toka to the door, grabbing her arm.

She turned, chuckling. “Miss big sis already?”

“What if I said I did?”

“I could move in with you.”

“That’d actually be reassuring.”

“You just wanna get naughty with your cute classmates, don’t you? Or maybe with me too?”

“Doing that with you sounds… terrifying.”

“No way, I’m sweet~” she teased, grinning.

It wasn’t realistic anyway.

“Why make Sakurai-san our maid? This isn’t just charity, is it?”

“It’s for you,” Toka said.

“Huh?”

“To be Konoe head, you need practice leading. Asuka’s talented, right? She could be useful to you later.”

“But she’s my classmate. My friend.”

“Exactly. The path you’re on might mean crushing friends. She likes you, so why not make her your mistress?”

“That’s absurd.”

Toka shook her head and hugged him. Her soft chest pressed against him, throwing him off balance.

“T-Toka-san?!”

“It’s normal for a Konoe head. If they told me to be your mistress, I couldn’t say no.”

“No way.”

“It’s true. That’s why my family was torn apart by the Konoe.”

Her whisper confirmed his suspicions—she held a grudge against them. That’s why she wanted him to take over and change things.

“Save everyone, okay?”

Her hair carried a sweet, feminine scent. He hesitated to hug her back, and she patted his shoulder, stepping away.

“Call me if you need me. I’m on your side.”

Her phone rang, and she answered it hurriedly, leaving.

Toru sighed. Toka was an ally but could just as easily be an enemy.

Protecting Aino, Chika, and now Asuka from her and the Konoe family was his responsibility. And yet, it felt like part of their scheme.

What did Chika’s father, the current Konoe head, want with him? Once a shield for Chika, then a failure, now a pawn for political marriage. Was that all?

Pondering this, he returned to the living room—and froze.

“Welcome back, Master.”

Asuka, face red, greeted him in a maid outfit—revealing, with a short skirt.

“W-What’s with that?”

“That Konoe secretary gave it to me. Said I had to wear it to serve you…”

She tugged at the skirt. “I-Isn’t this too short?” Even Asuka, who wore her uniform rebelliously, was self-conscious.

(Is Toka really trying to make her my mistress?)

The provocative outfit seemed calculated. If Toru made a move on Asuka, it’d give Toka leverage to control him.

Asuka gave a small laugh. “Oh, I shouldn’t call you Renjō anymore. Master Renjō? Or just Master?”

“No, no, just be normal!”

“But I’m here as your maid because of my dad’s mess. I’ve gotta act the part…”

It wasn’t her fault, but her father’s actions had cost the Konoe dearly. She likely felt she had to atone.

“By the way, you’re Chika’s cousin and ex-fiancé?”

“Sorry, the Konoe and Chika told me to keep quiet about it.”

“I get that. But no more secrets. I’m your maid now, right?”

She looked up at him, almost pleading.

☆

Toka had gone all out preparing for Asuka’s move-in. Apparently, while Toru and the others were off splashing around at the pool, she’d even rearranged the place.

Take, for instance, the extra futon for another room.

Unlike Aino or Chika, there was no way Asuka could just crash in the same bed. Though, Toka had apparently upgraded the bed size just in case Asuka wanted to bunk together.

Toru explains this to Chika. They’re in the bedroom now. Aino, in her comfy loungewear, is tuckered out from the pool and napping soundly on the bed.

Her sleeping face is so adorable that Toru can’t help but want to stroke her hair, but with Chika right there, he holds back.

Chika’s dressed casually too—a T-shirt and shorts. Arms crossed, she lets out an “Hmmm.”

“That Sakurai girl, she was sizing me up like I’m her rival, wasn’t she? Living under the same roof might be… tricky.”

“Sakurai’s a good kid. I don’t think she’d openly challenge you just because you’re sharing a house.”

“Maybe, but I still don’t know how to deal with her.”

Chika sounds uneasy. She clicked with Aino right away, but that’s because Aino doesn’t see her as competition.

Toru gets why Chika’s worried.

Plus, both Chika and Asuka have a thing for him, which makes them love rivals.

Chika shoots him a half-lidded glare.

“By the way, you were totally ogling her in that maid outfit, weren’t you?”

“I wasn’t ogling.”

“Oh, so you were just leering at her?”

“…That outfit’s a menace to my eyes. I’ll ask her to change.”

“I wore a maid outfit for you too, y’know.”

Chika mutters under her breath.

Back when she wanted to make Toru happy, Chika had gone out of her way to wear one. For a refined young lady, she can be surprisingly bold, Toru thinks.

It’s flattering, though, knowing how much Chika cares about him.

Without thinking, Toru pats her head gently. Chika’s face flushes bright red.

“W-What’re you doing?”

“Sorry, was that bad?”

“…No way it’s bad. It’s you, after all.”

Chika lowers her eyes, her voice soft.

“…Do it more.”

Toru ruffles her hair, her sleek black strands giving way under his touch.

“I’ll always protect you, Chika.”

“After Aino-san, right?”

Toru falls silent, unable to answer. Aino’s his number one, but his desire to protect Chika is real too.

She’s his precious childhood friend and cousin, after all.

Chika lets out a small chuckle.

“I’m having fun with this life—way more than before. I’ve got Aino-san as a friend, and you’re right here with me. I just want you to feel the same.”

Then, closing her eyes, she puckers her lips, offering them up.

She wants a kiss. Toru panics. He hasn’t even kissed Aino yet—there’s no way he can do this.

But rejecting her would hurt her feelings, he knows.

“Whoa, Toru-kun and Chika-chan are getting all lovey-dovey!”

A teasing voice cuts in. Toru and Chika whip around to see Aino, awake on the bed, giggling.

“Making moves while I’m asleep? That’s not fair.”

“N-No, it wasn’t like that!” Chika stammers, flustered, but Aino’s not letting her off easy.

“Naughty Chika-chan deserves a punishment!”

“Wait, hold on—stop! Eek, ahn!”

Aino pounces, trying to grab Chika’s chest from behind. Chika squirms to escape, but her thin T-shirt makes the shape of her breasts obvious, bouncing with every move.

Aino grabs them, kneading freely.

“Aino-san! That’s sexual harassment…! Ah, nnh, don’t slip your hands under my shirt!”

“Chika-chan, you’re so naughty. Your boobs are bigger than mine too.”

“You’re not exactly small yourself! Ah, yahn!”

As Aino gropes, her own curves—visible even through her loungewear—jiggle with each movement.

Toru can’t help but stare at the two gorgeous girls’ antics but quickly averts his eyes.

The tables turn. Chika breaks free, pinning Aino to the bed and straddling her.

Now it’s Chika’s turn to knead Aino’s chest. Aino tries to wriggle away, flustered, but can’t.

“Ah, yahn! Chika-chan, fighting back’s not fair! Hyau!”

“This is payback! Oh, no way, touching my lower half is cheating…!”

Their clothes are slipping off—Chika’s T-shirt rides up, exposing her stomach, and Aino’s pants slide down, nearly revealing her underwear.

Feeling like he shouldn’t be here, Toru starts to slip out of the room.

“Hey, Toru-kun’s got a punishment coming too!” “Toru, you’re running!?”

Their voices chase after him, but Toru just calls out, “Gonna take a bath!”

Between the pool and home, Aino and Chika have been teasing him relentlessly. He’s a healthy high school guy—getting worked up over them is only natural.

But that doesn’t mean he can cross that line with them.

Mai’s threat looms large: if he takes Aino’s virginity, their engagement’s off.

To avoid screwing up, Toru figures a cold shower will cool his head. The best part of this house? The spacious bathroom.

But then…

As he strips and steps into the bathroom, something skin-colored catches his eye.

A girl’s showering there.

“R-Renjo!?”

It’s Asuka, completely naked.

She freezes for a split second before letting out a shriek. “Kyaa!”

Worried Aino and Chika might hear, Toru instinctively clamps a hand over her mouth.

“Nnh!”

Her showerhead clatters to the floor. Toru presses her against the wall, still covering her mouth.

(This… this looks like I’m attacking her…)

“Look, I didn’t want you to scream and cause a scene. I didn’t know you were in here, I swear.”

Toru speaks quickly. Asuka, teary-eyed, nods frantically.

They’re both naked, her chest and lower body fully exposed.

She seems to calm down, so he releases her mouth.

Asuka glares at him. “You idiot, Renjo!” She swings to slap his cheek.

Toru dodges, but she stumbles forward, losing her balance.

“Kyaa!”

He catches her, but his hands land on her chest and butt, gripping soft, pliable flesh. His heart skips a beat.

“Ah…”

Asuka’s face goes beet red as she looks up at him.

“Y-You’re trying to do something dirty to me, aren’t you?”

“No way, I just—uh, I’m leaving.”

“No!”

Her words stop him cold. Still pressed against him, naked, she gazes up with a pleading look.

“If you want to do that kind of thing, Renjo… it’s okay.”

“What?”

“I’m your maid now, right? Maids… they might have to do, y’know, naughty stuff…”

“Normal maids don’t do that.”

“I’m not a normal maid. And… you’ve got the right to order me to do anything, don’t you?”

Oh, right. He’d won that bet at the pool, earning the right to make her do whatever he wanted.

He had no intention of using it.

But Asuka presses on.

“Are you gonna use it to make me do something dirty?”

“I’m not that desperate.”

“But you’re… you’re hard…”

She’s staring right at it. Between Aino and Chika’s teasing and now Asuka’s naked body pressed against him, it’s no surprise he’s reacting.

“That’s how guys get…”

“Don’t stare like that…”

“Don’t make me sound like some slut who’s obsessed with dirty stuff!”

“I didn’t say that.”

“But you’re totally into my body, aren’t you? Ah, hyau!”

His hand brushes her chest, and she lets out a sweet moan.

“S-Sorry.”

He lets go, helping her stand steady.

Asuka shyly covers her chest and crotch with her hands.

Her flushed skin glows, wet hair shimmering under the water.

“Don’t apologize. If the guy I like is getting hard because of me, I’m… kinda happy.”

“No, it’s not like I’m turned on by you specifically. It’s just a physical reaction—”

“I don’t wanna hear excuses. Just admit you wanna ravish me.”

“That’s…”

“I won’t tell Lyuti-san or Konoe Chika. So… you can do whatever you want with me.”

Asuka throws her arms around him. Her small but soft chest, slender arms, long legs, and lower abdomen press tightly against him.

“Why are you going this far…?”

“I have to, or I’ll never beat Lyuti-san or Konoe Chika.”

Her chest heaves, rubbing against his. Then, her hand gently brushes his length.

“S-Sakurai-san… you don’t have to force yourself.”

“I’m not forcing anything! I bet you’ve already done stuff with Lyuti-san and Konoe Chika that could get them pregnant.”

“I haven’t.”

Sure, he’s come close to losing control with them, but he’s never crossed that final line.

“Hmm,” Asuka murmurs.

“Then maybe I can be your first.”

She kneels in front of him, kisses his length, and starts licking it gently.

“Your cock… it’s so big…”

This isn’t like the usual Asuka. Or maybe this is who she really is?

She looks up at him, licking all the while.

“Rero… chup… Just so you know, I’m a virgin too, okay?”

“I figured, but… let’s calm down, Sakurai-san.”

“Your here isn’t calm at all.”

He’s undeniably worked up, his body burning. Asuka’s acting off too.

(Was I… drugged?)

Maybe that water bottle Toka gave him had an aphrodisiac. It’s not unthinkable.

If that’s the case, he has to stop Asuka before she loses control completely.

But she doesn’t seem like she’s stopping anytime soon.

“Chup, rero… Your taste, Renjo… You don’t have to hold back, y’know? You’d be in trouble if you went back to the room like this, right?”

It’s true—staying here might just push him to pounce on Aino or Chika.

But giving in to Asuka right now feels like a betrayal of Aino.

In the end, it’s his fiancée who saves the day.

“Caught you in a really naughty moment…”

Aino stands there, face flushed red, wearing a micro-bikini. It’s the scandalous one she bought but didn’t dare wear at the pool.

Toru feels his head clear in an instant. Asuka seems to snap out of it too, yanking her lips away from his cock, a glistening thread trailing behind that makes his heart lurch.

“L-Lyuti-san!?”

“No way you’re sneaking ahead without me.”

“Sneaking ahead? Why do I need your permission?”

“Because I’m Toru-kun’s fiancée. His girlfriend.”

Asuka falters, words catching in her throat. Then, as if suddenly aware of what she’s been doing, embarrassment floods her face.

“Uh, um… I-I’m outta here!”

Covering her chest and lower body with her hands, Asuka bolts from the bathroom.

But her bare ass is fully exposed, and the provocative sight makes Toru’s heart skip.

Aino pokes his cheek playfully.

“No way, Toru-kun. Staring at another girl like that?”

“I-I wasn’t staring like that.”

“Liar. Then what’s this?”

Aino grabs his cock, whispering close.

Toru jolts, sensitive to her touch.

“A-Aino-san… you can’t do that.”

“Sakurai-san’s fine, but I’m not?”

“It’s not like that…”

Aino’s too alluring for her own good, and he doesn’t know where to look.

One tiny slip of that bikini, and her nipples, her most private parts—everything would be bared.

If he just nudged that fabric with his finger…

Aino giggles.

“You’re totally checking me out.”

“It’s that bikini’s fault. And you’re touching my cock…”

“True. But I’m kinda jealous she got to do the same.”

Aino kneels. Toru braces for her to lick him like Asuka did, but she surprises him.

Pressing her breasts together, she traps his cock between them.

(This… this is that thing…)

He’s seen it in porn—the infamous titjob.

Aino moves, her soft, full breasts rubbing against him.

She looks up at him.

“How’s it feel? Good?”

“Honestly… it’s fucking amazing.”

Toru lays his feelings bare.

It’s because Aino’s his fiancée. He could never admit getting turned on by Asuka, but with Aino, it’s okay.

She probably wants to hear it.

And she does, beaming.

“My service is the best, right?”

“You’re always my number one, Aino-san.”

Maybe it’s a bit cheesy, but he means it.

Aino laughs softly.

“Good. This is kinda embarrassing… nnh, ah… chup.”

Her breasts envelop his cock, stroking him relentlessly.

Maybe it’s the aphrodisiac, or Asuka’s earlier teasing, but Toru’s at his limit.

Aino’s tits bounce, her micro-bikini slipping, nearly exposing her pink tips.

Toru can’t help but hope for a glimpse.

She notices his stare and grins mischievously.

“Totally worth buying this bikini. You’re loving it, huh?”

“Yeah. You look insanely cute—and sexy as hell.”

“Glad you think so. I’m only showing this to you, y’know.”

“I know. I’d lose it if another guy saw you like this.”

“Want me to service you in this bikini in the bath every day? Or maybe I’ll get even naughtier outfits… ah, your cock’s so big… nnh, lick , your taste…”

His cock twitches, and Aino licks it lovingly.

“Aino-san… I’m at my limit, so maybe stop…”

“What’s wrong with going past your limit? I’m okay with anything you do to me, Toru-kun. Stuff I’d never let Chika-chan or Sakurai-san do. Even naughty stuff… or making a baby. Because I’m…”

“Your fiancée.”

Aino nods firmly. She tugs her bikini aside, baring her cherry-pink nipples.

Toru looks away, flustered, but Aino keeps his cock trapped between her breasts.

“You have to look.”

“But…”

“I want you to look.”

Then, she takes his cock into her mouth, working it fiercely with her lips, hands, and breasts. Her pink nipples graze his shaft.

“Chup… slurp, ah, your cock… it’s so cute… ah, kyaa!”

Toru can’t hold back anymore.

“Aino-san, I’m gonna come!”

His cock erupts, desire spilling onto her. She tries to catch it in her mouth, but it twitches, spraying white streaks across her face.

Aino, blushing furiously, takes it all.

She swallows his cum with a gulp.

“A-Aino-san, you don’t have to…”

“I’m not forcing myself. It’s the stuff that’ll make your babies.”

She scoops the cum from her hair and licks it off her fingers.

“Your taste…”

Seeing her face and golden hair streaked with his cum, Toru’s heart races. It’s like she’s entirely his.

If he could claim her completely right now…

Aino gazes at him, eyes misty.

“Next time, I want your cum inside me.”

She points to her bikini-covered pussy.

Even she looks embarrassed.

Toru rests his hands on her shoulders.

“Ah…”

Aino lets out a soft gasp.

He’s tempted to pull her into his arms. She’s okay with it, and the Konoe family would approve.

Plus, Aino could face danger someday. Being tied to the Konoe family makes that a real risk. When Chika was kidnapped, everyone feared the worst.

Part of him wants to claim Aino’s first time before anything happens to her.

But he shakes his head.

“No, Aino-san. We can’t.”

“Why not? I’m a girl, and I’m telling you I’m ready.”

She pouts, cheeks puffing out.

Toru clasps his hands together apologetically.

“I’m a guy, and I want to do that with you, but… Minase-san’s threat…”

If Toru took Aino’s virginity, the engagement would be called off. Whether Mai could actually enforce that is unclear, but he’s not willing to risk it.

He and Aino love each other. But their ability to live together hinges on the the Konoe family’s engagement arrangement.

If that falls apart, they could be torn apart.

Toru explains this, and Aino nods reluctantly, “I see…”

Then she flashes a mischievous grin.

“Well, then I’ll clean you up instead.”

“What…?”

Aino’s tongue glides over his cock again, licking away the cum. Her micro-bikini’s completely off now, and as her tongue moves, her bare breasts sway, cherry-pink nipples dancing.

Toru’s head spins. His cock swells again.

“Ugh, Toru-kun, you’re getting horny again. Gotta punish naughty boys… ah, hyau!”

Maybe it’s the drugs, but his desire won’t quit. He pinches her nipple.

Aino, unused to being on the receiving end, moans sweetly, “Nnh!”

His mind blanks, and he nearly pounces on her.

But a cold shower douses him, snapping him back. Aino yelps, “Cold!”

Asuka and Chika stand at the bathroom door. Asuka’s face is beet red, flustered. Chika… she’s livid.

“Toru? Aino-san? What the hell’s going on?”

Aino glances around, giggling sheepishly.

“I was servicing Toru-kun.”

“You mean doing dirty stuff!? That’s not okay!”

“Not like you’ve got room to talk, Chika-chan…”

“Whatever! No baby-making stuff, got it!?”

“Okay, okay,” Aino laughs, looking unrepentant.

They all leave the bathroom. Aino, suddenly shy about her near-nakedness, hurries to the changing room first.

Chika whispers in Toru’s ear.

“If you’re about to jump Aino-san, I’ll… y’know, take care of you instead.”

“Huh!?”

“Mai said you can’t take Aino-san’s virginity, right? If you’re about to screw up, I’ll… suck you off or whatever…”

Asuka, overhearing, blushes furiously. “Konoe Chika, you can’t do that either!”

Chika looks down, embarrassed.

So, Toru’s stuck living with Aino, Chika, and Asuka, all throwing themselves at him.

But going too far with Aino would break their engagement, and anything with Chika or Asuka would betray Aino.

He’s caught in a torturous limbo.

In the changing room, Aino’s still in her underwear, blushing. “Maybe this has more fabric than the bikini?” she mumbles.

She starts dressing, flaunting herself at Toru. He can’t look away.

Then Aino drops a bombshell.

“Sakurai-san, wanna sleep in our bed?”

“W-What… but that’d mean sleeping with Renjo too, right?”

“If you don’t want to, fine. But it’s kinda unfair if Chika-chan and I hog Toru-kun.”

Asuka hesitates. Not long ago, she’d have scoffed at sharing a bed with Aino and Chika.

But they’re already living together. Sleeping alone in another room might feel lonely.

Aino seals the deal.

“Toru-kun gets handsy in his sleep. Chika-chan and I get groped… or even naughtier stuff…”

“I’m sleeping with you!” Asuka blurts out.

Chika panics. “W-Wait, does Sakurai-san have to join?”

“I’m not letting Konoe Chika have her way!” Asuka snaps back.

Toru gapes at Aino.

He’s never touched her in his sleep. Maybe accidentally brushed her in the morning, but that’s it.

As Chika and Asuka bicker, he whispers to Aino.

She blinks, then blushes and giggles.

“You didn’t even notice, Toru-kun.”

“What? You’re saying I actually groped you!?”

Sure, he’s unconscious while sleeping, but still.

Aino presses a finger to her lips.

“Secret. I’m not telling. But I’m always up for it. Wanna jump me tonight?”

“Jump you…?”

She leans in, voice sweet.

“I’m your fiancée. I want you to show me I’m more important than Chika-chan or Sakurai-san.”

☆

That night, Toru, Aino, Chika, and Asuka end up sharing the same bed.

Aino’s in her usual negligee, Chika’s in a button-up pajama shirt, and Asuka’s in a modest gown.

Asuka looks nervous, and Aino flashes her a warm smile.

“No need to stress, Asuka-san. Toru-kun’s a sweetheart, so you’re safe. Even for your first night… ouch!”

Chika bops Aino on the head. “Stop with the crude jokes.”

“Sorry, sorry,” Aino giggles.

Asuka glances between the three, then mumbles, “I-I’m not… a bother, am I?” She’s a polite, serious girl at heart, and sleeping in someone else’s house—let alone the same bed—must feel way outside her comfort zone.

Aino steals a look at Toru.

“This house belongs to Toru-kun, and he doesn’t mind… right?”

Toru nods. The house was provided by the Konoe family anyway, so adding Asuka to the mix alongside Aino and Chika doesn’t change much.

Asuka’s expression softens slightly.

“But, like, I’m technically a maid, right? Is this… okay?”

“If you hold back, Toru-kun’s gonna end up all mine,” Aino teases, pressing her chest against Toru’s arm.

He panics, especially with Chika and Asuka watching.

But Asuka doesn’t snap. Instead, she gets serious.

“Why are you trying to push me and Renjo together? I mean… Lyuti-san, you’re his fiancée, his girlfriend, right?”

“Yep. We’re love rivals, aren’t we? But it didn’t feel fair otherwise.”

Aino seems to be going out of her way for Asuka. She probably feels guilty, thinking she stole Toru from Asuka, who’s liked him for a while.

Aino chuckles.

“Besides, Toru-kun being my fiancée? That’s set in stone.”

Her confidence seems to spark something in Asuka.

“Just you watch! I know Renjo better than anyone!”

As Aino and Asuka bicker loudly, Toru feels dizzy.

(All these cute classmates fighting over me…)

Chika, meanwhile, stays quiet, arms crossed, lost in thought.

“Alright, lights out!” Aino announces, flipping the switch.

The four settle into bed: Chika to Toru’s left, Aino to his right, and Asuka next to her.

He needs to keep that straight.

Aino had practically begged him to mess with her a bit, and Toru figures it’d be dishonest not to, since it’s like a fiancée thing (or so he tells himself).

But the pool must’ve worn him out, because he passes out instantly.

He wakes up around 3 a.m.

(Crap… almost slept through to morning.)

Using his phone’s light, he searches for the girl beside him. Time for that prank. Aino’s on his right.

Toru sidles up to her, left hand groping her soft, full breasts, kneading them freely.

Her sweet, girlish scent makes him dizzy. This should be enough to wake her, right?

But something’s off. Then the girl moans.

“Nnh… ah…”

That’s not Aino’s voice.

(Chika!?)

What the hell? Aino was definitely on his right… but their sleeping positions must’ve shifted. They’re all terrible sleepers.

In the dark, Aino and Asuka are tangled up together.

Worse, Chika’s awake. And he’s still groping her chest.

“Wha—!? T-Toru!? What’re you… nnh, ah!”

Toru clamps his right hand over her mouth.

Her muffled moans escape as she squirms. He grabs her breast harder to keep her still.

It feels like he’s assaulting her, and a thrill shoots through him. Perfect, untouchable Chika, completely at his mercy.

“Nnh! Mmph!”

“Calm down,” he says, but with his hand squeezing her breast, it’s not convincing. Letting go would just make her thrash more, though.

He feels a small, hard nub under his palm—her nipple, obvious even through her pajama shirt. His heart skips.

“Chika, this was an accident. Promise you won’t freak out?”

Tearfully, she nods.

He releases her mouth.

Instantly, she snaps, “Idiot! Pervert!” Her voice carries, and Toru hurries to cover her mouth again.

“You’ll wake Aino-san and the others!”

“Nnh! Mmph!”

Her muffled moans stir a slight thrill in him. This is bad—he’s acting like a creep.

When she finally quiets, he lets go. Chika glares at him, breathing heavily.

“Toru… you want to do dirty stuff to me that bad?”

“N-No, it’s not like that.”

“Then why… were you groping my tits?”

He scrambles for an excuse but comes up blank.

Sure, Aino might forgive him for sneaking a feel, but normally? That’s straight-up criminal.

Yet Chika, blushing, says, “I mean… if you wanna touch me, it’s fine.”

“Huh?”

“I-I knew this might happen, sleeping together like this.”

It’s true—sharing a bed like this is already absurd.

And Chika’s already tried to get physical with him before.

Still, groping her without permission? That’s messed up, he thinks.

But she shakes her head.

“If you’re looking at me like that, I’m… kinda happy.”

“Really? You’re okay with it?”

“My chest, or… anywhere else. I’m fine with it.”

Her eyes glisten as she whispers.

“But,” she adds, “you’re not the type to just grope a girl out of nowhere. What’s up? Doesn’t seem like you were so horny for me you lost control…”

She’s sharp, picking up on the weirdness.

Toru hesitates, then comes clean: Aino asked him to prank her, and he mixed them up.

Chika lets out a stunned, “Haa!?”

“A mistake!?”

“Sorry, that’s what happened…”

“I got all worked up for nothing…”

Then she huffs, “N-Not that I was happy you were messing with me or anything!”

With a half-lidded glare, she hugs him tightly. Her cleavage peeks out from her shirt, right in his face.

“Chika!?”

“This is your forgiveness. You’re holding me all night.”

“W-Wait, that’s too much… I promised Aino-san I’d prank her.”

“Oh? You screw up, and you’re still acting like that without a proper apology?”

“Sorry, I’ll hold you all night.”

Chika smirks, “That’s better.”

“Hey, prank me properly too, okay?”

“What?”

“You can touch my chest, my butt, whatever.”

“No, I shouldn’t…”

“Do it.”

Urged on, Toru reaches for her chest.

As he gropes, Chika trembles. He strokes her melon-like breasts, slipping his hand into her cleavage.

“T-Toru, you perv…”

“You told me to.”

“I know, but… ahn, my butt…”

His other hand roams her ass. She’s embarrassed but seems thrilled.

Toru’s the one in trouble, heart pounding, unsure he can keep his cool.

(My… lower half…)

His cock’s heating up, growing hard and pressing against Chika.

She gasps, “Ah!”

“Pervert!”

“I can’t help it… and you’re…”

“I-I’m not feeling anything…”

Realizing her slip, she blushes furiously.

“Toru, you idiot!”

“Don’t take it out on me…”

“One more penalty,” she says. “Stroke my hair.”

Toru’s caught off guard. That’s nothing.

He runs his fingers through her sleek black hair.

Chika squirms, a shy, happy smile spreading across her face. She looks so joyful, he can’t help but stare.

“Thanks. I wish I could stay like this with you forever.”

☆

For a long while after that, Toru was pressed up against Chika. At some point, Chika had drifted off into a peaceful slumber. When he lightly brushed her chest, she mumbled, “Nnh, Toru… not there… you’ll make a baby…”

(What kind of dream is she having?)

At first, Toru was all worked up, but before he knew it, a calm settled over him, and he slipped into sleep himself.

The real trouble came the next morning.

The blanket was yanked off, jolting Toru awake. Rubbing his bleary eyes, he sat up and found Chika right beside him, clinging tightly. Looking up, he saw Aino’s face looming overhead. Asuka wasn’t in the room—probably up early, as usual.

From this angle, Aino’s panties were in plain view, leaving Toru scrambling for where to rest his eyes. But that wasn’t the real issue.

The real problem was Aino’s demeanor. She stared at him, her sapphire eyes brimming with sorrow.

“Toru-kun… why didn’t you come for me? I asked you to…”

“W-Wait, Aino-san, this is a misunderstanding—”

“You got all hot and bothered looking at me, didn’t you?”

Chika, who’d apparently woken up, cut in with that bombshell. Talk about pouring fuel on the fire. She shot Toru a half-lidded glare.

“Had your fun with my body and still not satisfied?”

This was probably Chika’s way of getting back at him. After all, he’d pounced on her while she slept and touched her chest—her letting it slide at all was a mercy.

The bedroom turned into a bed of nails in an instant.

Tears started spilling from Aino’s eyes.

“You like Chika-chan more than me…”

“No, that’s not it! I—”

“I hate you, Toru-kun!”

With that, Aino stormed out of the room. Toru, at a loss, turned to Chika. Even she seemed to feel a pang of guilt.

“Should I go explain things to her?”

“Think she’ll believe you?”

“Sorry… I might’ve gone too far.”

“It’s fine. It’s my fault to begin with.”

Still, Toru hadn’t expected Aino to take it that hard. Her saying she hated him hit like a ton of bricks.

Chika tried to reassure him. “No way that girl could ever truly hate you.” But the unease lingered.

Either way, he had to clear up the misunderstanding and make things right.

Chika took his hand and pressed it to her chest. Startled, Toru was momentarily thrown by the warmth of her skin.

“This help you calm down a bit?”

“Uh, it’s doing the opposite…”

“I’ll help you sort out the misunderstanding. But, you know, it doesn’t have to be a misunderstanding.”

Chika’s face flushed as she whispered that, the morning sun casting her in a glow that made her expression—and her body—vividly clear. The glimpse of her cleavage through her disheveled pajama shirt, the pink bra peeking out, was downright mesmerizing.

Maybe it wasn’t a misunderstanding after all, with the way he couldn’t help but see her like this.

But he had to show through his actions that Aino was the one he cared about most.

Step one: letting go of Chika’s chest.

But Chika didn’t pull away.

“Even if Aino-san really does end up hating you, I’ll stay by your side. I won’t leave you this time…”

With that, she leaned into him, pressing herself closer.

Already shaken and unsteady, Toru’s composure crumbled under Chika’s full-on assault.

Then came a knock at the door.

Toru and Chika flinched, instantly pulling apart.

In walked Asuka, decked out in her usual maid outfit, chipper as ever.

“Good morning, Master, Mistress♪”

Toru and Chika exchanged a glance.

Chika spoke up hesitantly. “You’re keeping up this maid act forever?”

“It’s not an act! I’m hired as a maid, aren’t I?!”

“Being called ‘Mistress’ by a girl my age feels so weird…”

“Your family’s filthy rich, right? Don’t you have, like, a ton of maids?”

“Not the kind you’d see in a manga.”

“What?! Really?!”

Asuka looked positively shocked.

Toru let out a small chuckle. “But it’s cute, so it’s fine, right?”

“C-Cute? For real?!”

Asuka’s face lit up, and seeing her like that made Toru feel a little warm inside. Asuka, Chika, and of course Aino—they all cared about him. But how long could this cohabitation with these gorgeous girls last?

They were all balanced on a razor’s edge, and mornings like this with Aino proved it.

Without the Konoe family’s protection, this life wouldn’t be possible.

And even within the Konoe family, there were cracks.

Asuka started to mention breakfast when the intercom blared through the house.

(Who could it be this early?)

Toru decided to handle it himself. Asuka insisted it was her job as the “servant,” but he pointed out she was a girl, and if the visitor was shady, it could be trouble.

Asuka gave him a look—half exasperated, half pleased. “You’re kinda overprotective, huh, Renjō?”

Maybe he was. But after Chika’s kidnapping scare, he couldn’t help being cautious.

In the end, Toru threw on his uniform and headed to the intercom, Asuka trailing behind. Chika stayed back, needing more time to get ready.

The camera showed the visitor, easing his fears of danger.

Or maybe, in a way, this was the most dangerous person.

“Sen-pai♪ I’m here to pick you up♪”

It was Mai Minase. She was rocking her uniform with flawless style, leaning forward to flaunt her delicate beauty.

Come to think of it, she was half-Estonian—a Nordic beauty, no less.

Asuka stared at Toru. “Renjō… don’t tell me you’ve got another underclassman girl fawning over you besides Aino-san and Konoe Chika?”

“No, she’s more like a typhoon…”

Toru tried to explain, but Asuka’s eyes stayed skeptical.

“So, what, this underclassman’s into you too?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Then why’s she showing up at your place this early?”

“Let’s ask her.”

Opening the door, Mai launched herself at him, arms outstretched. Toru dodged on instinct.

She crashed into the wall, shooting him a resentful look. “That was mean, Senpai.”

“Self-inflicted, wasn’t it?”

“So cold~ You’re so sweet to Lyuti-senpai and Konoe-senpai, though.”

“That’s ‘cause you’re our enemy.”

“No way! I’m your ally. The best option is obviously me marrying you and taking over the Konoe family.”

“Even if that were true, I’m not signing up for it.”

Aino was his fiancée. That was the most important thing, the foundation he couldn’t shift.

Mai let out a “Hmph” and then smirked. “Still, having three girls under one roof? You’ve got some serious game, Senpai. Holding wild, steamy parties every night, huh?”

“What do you take me for?”

“A harem king surrounded by school beauties?”

Asuka had said something similar. Toru didn’t see it that way, but the situation the Konoe family—Toka and the others—had set up sure made it look like that.

Mai clasped her hands in front of her chest, grinning. “If I spilled this at school, it’d stir up some trouble. Maybe even get you expelled for ‘improper relations.’”

“The Konoe family’s already cleared it with the school. It’s a private academy, and they’ve got board members in their pocket.”

“Oh, my dad’s on the board too. Don’t underestimate the Minase family, one of the Konoe’s seven branches.”

The Minase family, though a branch of the Konoe, was a powerful old house. Their influence wasn’t something to brush off.

This was getting complicated, Toru thought. He couldn’t quite read what Mai was after.

Was she seriously plotting to marry him and take over the Konoe family?

“I hope you make the smart choice, Senpai.”

With that, Mai flashed a villainous grin…

And then her stomach growled.

Her face went red with embarrassment, a look so middle-schooler-cute that Toru saw a new, age-appropriate side to her.

“P-Pretend you didn’t hear that!”

“You hungry?”

“I-I just haven’t had breakfast!”

Flustered, Mai blurted it out. Toru thought for a moment and made an offer. “Wanna eat breakfast with us?”

The suggestion stunned both Asuka and Mai herself.

Mai looked at him warily. “Is that okay? I’m your enemy, right?”

“Didn’t you just say you’re our ally?”

Teasing her, Toru grinned, and Mai puffed out her cheeks. “You’re so mean, Senpai.”

Maybe she was simpler than he thought—a good kid at heart. If she were really out to seduce him, she’d have tried something more cunning from the start.

Mai hesitated, but when Toru added, “Don’t be shy,” she relented. “Well, then, I’ll come in.”

The three headed inside, closing the door with a soft thud. Suddenly, Mai’s face turned scarlet, and she panicked.

“W-Wait, this means I’m in a guy’s house, doesn’t it?!”

“Yeah, so?”

“It’s my first time in a guy’s house…”

She sounded genuine. Toru had assumed someone as popular as Mai—maybe even more than Chika—would’ve been to a boyfriend’s place, but apparently not.

Mai glared at him. “You’re thinking something rude, aren’t you?”

“Nope.”

“You’re totally thinking, ‘She acts all flirty but plays innocent!’ or something, right?”

“No way. Also, ‘playing innocent’ is such an old-school term.”

“That’s not the point! I’m a virgin, okay?!” She froze, then flushed even deeper, looking away. Toru considered it might be an act to seduce him, but it didn’t feel like it.

Maybe she’s just kind of an airhead, he thought. Smart, but a little ditzy.

Leading her to the living room, Mai seemed a bit nervous. “Lyuti-senpai’s here too, right?”

“Yeah, why?”

Why’s she so worried about Aino? Toru wondered, then recalled that Mai and Aino used to be friends.

He still didn’t know why they’d fallen out. But the tension between them was obvious.

Toru opened the door, gesturing grandly to Mai. “After you.”

“Why do I have to go first?”

“You’re the guest. And, you know, ladies first.”

“These days, saying ‘ladies first’ can come off as sexist, you know.”

“Really?”

As Toru blinked in surprise, Asuka piped up. “I’m all for Renjō being sweet to me!”

Mai gave her a look, clearly exasperated.

“Renjō-senpai, you’re really popular, huh?”

“I think that’s giving me way too much credit.”

Asuka giggled at that.

“I don’t think so. But, Minase-san, you better not fall for Renjō too.”

Mai’s face twisted in discomfort, and she didn’t respond. Maybe she thought it was impossible.

Either way, Toru led Mai to the dining room.

Chika and Aino were already there, in the kitchen. They seemed to have put the morning’s drama behind them, working together on breakfast like nothing had happened.

Chika was the culinary whiz, while Aino was hopeless in the kitchen. Lately, though, Chika had been teaching her the ropes.

“Wow, Chika-chan, you’re amazing!” Aino’s eyes sparkled as she praised her, and Chika looked pretty pleased with herself. “Well, it’s no big deal.”

Watching them, they could’ve passed for sisters.

Then they both turned, spotting Mai, and froze in surprise.

“M-Mai-chan!?”

Aino’s voice came out in a squeak. Mai shot her a sour look.

“Don’t call me by my first name like we’re buddies.”

“S-Sorry…”

Yup, their relationship was definitely rocky.

Chika stepped in, trying to smooth things over. “C’mon, Mai, don’t sweat the small stuff.”

“It’s not small! You’re the one who’s all prim and proper about details, Konoe-senpai.”

Chika brushed it off with a breezy air. These two clearly went way back. Main house daughter versus branch family girl—some rivalry, but not outright hostility.

“What’s with you calling me ‘Konoe-senpai’ all formal-like? You could go back to ‘Chika-neechan’ like you used to.”

“As if I’d call you that!”

Mai bristled, her cheeks puffing out.

Somehow or other, Mai ended up at the table. The massive dining table, big enough for eight, had plenty of room for one more.

Asuka, playing the perfect maid, served up the lavish Japanese-style breakfast Chika and Aino had prepared. The spread was as impressive as ever.

Everyone clasped their hands together. “Itadakimasu!”

Aino beamed. “Chika-chan’s cooking is so good!”

“Of course it is. I’m good at everything. But you helped out today, didn’t you, Aino-san?”

“I-I only did a little!”

“You’re getting way better, though. Soon we’ll be taking turns cooking, and I’ll get a break.”

“Yay!”

Aino nodded eagerly, and Chika chuckled.

Toru spoke up cautiously from the side. “Uh, I could help with cooking too. Feels wrong being the only one doing nothing…”

“You’re the master of the house, so it’s fine,” Chika said casually, leaving Toru flustered. Aino glanced at him, murmuring, “I want to cook for Toru-kun too.” Hearing that, after her “I hate you” earlier, Toru felt a wave of relief—she didn’t truly hate him.

Still, he couldn’t relax yet.

(Gotta make things right with her soon…)

But right now, everyone else was here.

Asuka, especially, was giving him a half-lidded stare. “I’m here too, you know.”

Chika smirked. “Oh? Can you whip up a breakfast like this, Sakurai-san?”

“I-I could totally do this… eventually!”

“So you can’t right now?”

Sparks flew between Chika and Asuka’s glares, while Aino giggled.

It looked peaceful enough. But a high school guy living with three girls? That was far from normal.

Mai seemed to think so too.

After finishing breakfast, she clasped her hands. “Gochisousama. That was delicious.”

Pretty polite, Toru noted, revising his opinion of her.

Chika, basking in the praise from her rival, was in high spirits. “Well? Ready to rethink your opinion of me?”

“Rethink? You’ve always been miles ahead of me, Konoe-senpai.”

“What’s with the flattery? What’s gotten into you?”

“…You’re talented, perfect, the Konoe family heir, living the dream. And you get to be close to the guy you like.”

Chika’s face went red at Mai’s words.

Then Mai turned to Aino, her expression darkening. “And you, Lyuti-senpai. Engaged to a cool guy, living together, surrounded by friends. Must be nice.”

Her words carried a sting—she clearly didn’t mean it.

Aino squirmed uncomfortably. “Mai-chan…”

“Stop calling me that.”

“Um, Minase-san, I—”

“You betrayed me! I’ll never forgive you…”

Mai suddenly shouted, slamming the table and standing up. Seeing Tō babbling Toru, Chika, and Asuka, she looked sheepish. “Sorry for ruining the mood. I’m heading to school.”

Grabbing her bag, she stormed out.

Toru and Chika exchanged a look.

(What happened between Aino-san and Minase-san?)

The question lingered, unanswered. Aino, too, said, “Sorry, I’m going to school alone today,” and retreated to her room.

Chika looked at Toru. “She’s avoiding you, huh?”

“Don’t rub it in.”

“On the bright side, I get to walk to school with you alone this morning, don’t I?”

Chika couldn’t hide her glee, but Asuka cut in. “Uh, I’m here too?!”

“Oh, right, forgot about you.”

“K-K-Konoe, you—!”

As the two bickered, Toru tried to slip away, but Chika grabbed his right arm, Asuka his left.

“Trying to escape?” they said in unison.

They might actually get along pretty well.

In the end, Toru walked to school flanked by Chika and Asuka.

Chika was one of the school’s top beauties, and Asuka was just as popular. Naturally, they drew a lot of attention. Toru worried it’d cause trouble for him—and for them, with rumors flying.

But Chika shrugged. “I’m used to being envied.” Asuka added, “I don’t care what people think when it comes to you, Renjō.” Neither seemed fazed.

With both girls clinging to his arms, their chests brushing against him, Toru’s head was spinning.

Chika suddenly spoke up, like she’d noticed something. “Hey, Sakurai-san, you call him ‘Renjō.’ Why not use his first name, ‘Toru’?”

“N-Names? That’s, like…” Asuka trailed off, blushing. They’d always been just classmates, so she’d never called him Toru, and he’d always stuck with “Sakurai-san” too.

Asuka glanced at him. “Is it okay if I call you by your name?”

“Of course. No reason you can’t.”

“Good…”

Asuka smiled. “Toru.”

Her voice was clear and lovely as she said his name, her face lighting up with joy.

Aino was his fiancée, Chika his childhood friend, and Toka his guardian. All three called him by his first name, but hardly anyone else did. Before he got close to Aino, he and Chika had drifted apart, and Toka wasn’t always around. So having someone new call him Toru felt… special.

Asuka giggled. “Not bad. But I’ll stick with ‘Renjō’ for now.”

“Why?” Chika asked, surprised.

Asuka smiled. “There’s a strategy here. If I have any edge over Lyuti-senpai or Konoe Chika, it’s that I’ve been Renjō’s friend. That’s my thing. Calling him by his last name feels right.”

“Hmm…” Chika nodded, unusually impressed.

“But,” Asuka added, “if I ever become Renjō’s girlfriend, I’ll call him Toru. That’s a promise.”

She laughed, her eyes shimmering as they locked on his.

Toru didn’t know how to respond to that look.

But he was glad Asuka was his friend, even if he couldn’t return her feelings.

“Thanks, Sakurai-san.”

“You’re welcome, Renjō.”

Chika puffed out her cheeks, glaring at Asuka’s smile.

All the while, they clung to him, drawing stares from other students on the way to school.

Finally, they reached the campus.

Toru worried about the gossip that might spread.

But something bigger happened.