Chapter 3: Arisa Wants to Feel, Aina Wants to Make Her Feel
“What’s with you… What are you trying to say to me?”
I throw out the question.
That guy’s expression, grinning at me… every time I see it, I can’t help but feel like I’m being mocked. It’s as if he’s ridiculing my very existence… or even saying, “No matter what you do, you can’t escape.”
“Hey… Jack.”
Jack… that’s the name Arisa and the others used when they introduced themselves, but I gave it to him—that pumpkin headgear.
It’s… how should I put it?
Just like how the girls see him as some kind of guardian deity, he might be something similar to me. I mean, let’s say—though I don’t want to imagine it—someone broke into my house.
“With this guy around, they’d definitely run away barefoot.”
What, you say a thief bold enough to break into someone’s house wouldn’t get scared? Yeah, I’d love to say that too, but for some reason, I feel like this thing has some kind of magical aura that could even deflect bullets… or maybe not.
“Well, I’m heading out.”
But seriously… trying to have a conversation with a pumpkin first thing in the morning? Am I some kind of weirdo?
With that thought in mind, I leave the house and meet up with Arisa and Aina.
Both of them greet me with a cheerful “Good morning!” and immediately sandwich me, wrapping their arms around mine in a way that feels so good it blows away any lingering sleepiness.
“Hehe, it’s going to get really hot soon, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, that’s why we’ve gotta stick close like this while we can, right? ♪”
“…Can I be honest? This is the best.”
No, really, there’s no other word for it but the best.
At my straightforward words, Arisa and Aina grin and hug me even tighter… or rather, they’re not just hugging my arms anymore—they’re practically sandwiching my whole body.
“Mmm! ♪ We’ve gotta make up for the time we couldn’t spend together last night, right?”
“Exactly… Hey, Hayato-kun, want us to press even closer? If you want, we can make you feel even better.”
“Uh… it’s morning, and we’re outside, you know?”
Getting teased like this first thing in the morning isn’t bad, but I steel my heart and refuse. Still, why does “make you feel even better” sound so… erotic coming from a girl’s mouth? No, it’s definitely erotic. Totally erotic.
“Well, well, you kids are full of energy today, aren’t you?”
“Reminds me of my younger days. Right, dear?”
“Hmm… wasn’t I the only woman you ever got close to?”
“I’m saying we were just as lovey-dovey as they are!”
“Oh my!”
An elderly couple passing by gives us a warm look before getting lost in their own little world.
“We can’t let them outdo us!”
“Right! If we were at home instead of outside, we could give you some really intense service!”
“Intense service…”
I mutter the words under my breath, and Arisa and Aina shoot me intense looks, as if to say, “Oh, you’re interested?” Of course I’m interested, and I’d love to take them up on it, but I manage to hold back. I tell them we can’t just stand here forever and start walking again.
“Ha… the time to part has come, hasn’t it?”
As we get closer to school and start seeing other students here and there, Aina says this in a voice that sounds like she’s about to cry.
“Yeah… Well, Hayato-kun, we’ll have to hold off on the flirting for a bit.”
“Oh, yeah.”
Following Aina, Arisa pulls away with a look of genuine disappointment.
Honestly, we can flirt anytime after school during our free time, and even at school, we could make time to talk if we wanted. It’s not something to get that upset about.
Of course, the two of them are just putting on a playful act, chuckling and waving at me.
“We’ll head on first!”
“See you at school!”
“Got it~”
As always, we part ways when we get close to school.
But in moments like this, I can’t help but wonder—will there ever come a day when the three of us can walk to and from school together? Not just as friends, but as lovers, side by side…
“…Haha, no way that’s happening.”
I give a wry smile at the thought of such an impossible future and head to school a little behind them.
As soon as I enter the classroom and sit down, Sota and Kaito approach me.
“Morning!”
“Yo.”
“Morning, Hayato. I told Sota already, but thanks again, man.”
“No big deal. I’ll help out anytime you need me.”
“…Seriously, I owe you one. This time I was the one who needed help, but if you or Sota ever need anything, just say the word, alright?”
“Got it~”
“Understood.”
Yeah… if that time comes, I’ll take him up on it without hesitation.
Kaito nods with a smile at our responses, then, trying not to draw too much attention, he turns to Arisa sitting next to me.
“Uh, Shinjo-san, thanks too. I really appreciate it.”
“No problem, it was a good experience for us too. If there’s another chance, invite me along with Hayato-kun, okay?”
“You bet!”
“Hehe! ♪”
…Yeah, this is nice.
Seeing my dear friend and my dear girlfriend talking so comfortably… Sure, Sota and Kaito don’t know the full extent of our relationship, but seeing Arisa, who usually avoids guys, act so friendly with someone I trust… it just feels good.
After their conversation wraps up and they return to their seats, Aina shows up as if she’d been waiting for the perfect moment.
“Nee-san~!”
“…Ha.”
“Why the sigh?!”
There’s still some time before homeroom, so that’s probably why Aina came over. When these two are together, it’s like the ultimate duo, drawing every eye in the classroom.
Naturally, other girls start gathering around too, and soon my desk is surrounded by them.
“Irie-kun, help me out a sec.”
“Whoa!?”
Irie-kun, who’d been oddly focused, lets out an exaggerated yelp. He’d been watching a video on his phone with earphones in—could he really be watching that kind of video in a place like this…!?
“…Oh, it’s a kendo match.”
“Yeah, yeah, visualization training’s important, right?”
“Sure is.”
Irie-kun, who I got to know through kendo, is still at it, never slacking off and clearly enjoying it. I may have quit, but I love seeing someone so dedicated to a sport I used to pour myself into.
“Hey, Domoto, this is footage from last year’s nationals…”
“Oh, let’s watch!”
I borrow one of his earbuds, and we watch the video together until homeroom starts. The level at nationals is insane, and we can’t help but get hyped, letting out excited noises at every move. Sota and Kaito aren’t into kendo enough to geek out like this, but man, this stuff is good.
“…Hm?”
“What’s up?”
I tilt my head, suddenly feeling a bunch of eyes on me.
Guys, girls… Sota, Kaito, Arisa, and Aina—they’re all looking at me.
“…Oh.”
It hits me after a moment of calm thought. Two guys huddled close, staring at one phone, sharing earbuds, getting all excited… Yeah, I get it.
“Irie-kun, they might think we’re watching that kind of video.”
“H-Huh!?”
Irie-kun’s face turns bright red as he catches on. I don’t panic as much as he does—honestly, who’d watch something like that in a classroom? Better to just act confident. The glares from the group of guys who always seem annoyed at how close I am to Arisa and Aina are irritating, but then Aina steps in, peeking at the phone screen and speaking up.
“Oh, you’re watching a kendo match! Nee-san and I have been kinda interested in kendo lately!”
“Kendo…?”
“Hmm, well, you wouldn’t watch that in a classroom, right?”
“No reason you couldn’t, though.”
“It’s not okay…”
Thanks to Aina’s quick thinking, we avoid getting completely misjudged. Irie-kun lets out a relieved sigh, and I give Aina a grateful look. She winks back as if to say, “No big deal.”
“Oh, homeroom’s about to start. We’re heading back~!”
“Wait up, Aina!”
Like a gust of wind, Aina dashes off, her friends chasing after her. Showing up out of nowhere, saving the day, and then leaving like that—she’s practically a hero.
“Man… that was rough.”
“Don’t sweat it too much, Irie-kun.”
“Yeah… but watching with you really helps me study the moves. If you’re up for it, could you teach the others sometime? I bet it’d be super helpful.”
“Hm… if I get the chance.”
“Sweet!”
Haha… if that chance comes, I better not mess it up. That’s a bit of pressure.
“…Phew.”
“Rough morning, huh? Almost got caught in a messy misunderstanding.”
As I settle back into my seat, ready for the teacher to arrive, Arisa greets me with her caring words.
“Thanks to Aina, it was no big deal. But seriously, who’d watch that kind of video in a classroom?”
“True… but the world’s a big place. There might be someone out there who would.”
“…Can’t deny that.”
Yeah, there’s probably someone like that out there. That’s just how deep the allure of that stuff goes.
“But you’re a guy, Hayato-kun, so even if you’re interested in that kind of thing, I don’t think you’re the type to lack the common sense to watch it here.”
“Exactly.”
“And besides, Aina and I are way better than any video, right?”
“…Yes.”
“Hehe! ♪”
My barely audible reply clearly reaches Arisa, and she beams with delight. She stays in a great mood, smiling all through homeroom and even into first period.
But as soon as class starts, her good mood leads to an unexpected move.
“Sensei, I’m so sorry… I forgot my textbook.”
“Huh?”
“Oh, that’s unusual, Shinjo-san.”
It all starts when Arisa says she forgot her textbook. Like the teacher said, I’ve never seen Arisa forget anything for class before. Sure, this is our first time in the same class, but I’ve never even heard of her doing something like this.
The proof? The entire class is staring at her, and her friends look genuinely shocked.
“Well then, share with the person next to you.”
At those words, Arisa quickly turns her gaze to me.
“Domoto-kun, mind if I look at yours?”
“Oh, uh… go ahead.”
I’m caught off guard, but forgetting something can happen to anyone, and there’s no reason to refuse her request. Plus, if I’m honest, I’m a little excited about it. This is one of those classic high school moments, right?
“Here we go.”
Our desks are pushed together, leaving almost no space between us.
“Well then, let’s proceed like this. But really, it’s rare for something like this to happen.”
“I’m truly sorry.”
“No worries. Everyone forgets something now and then.”
After the lighthearted exchange, class resumes. Being this close to Arisa, feeling her breath and catching her scent, isn’t new, but maybe because it’s during class, it feels oddly special.
“…Hehe, just for now… I guess I’m a bit of a bad student, huh?”
Arisa sticks out her tongue playfully. The gesture reminds me of Aina—she doesn’t usually do stuff like this, but it’s super cute.
Still, like I thought and the teacher said, forgetting something is no big deal. It doesn’t make her a bad student, does it?
“I didn’t actually forget it.”
“…Huh?”
Didn’t forget…?
Arisa briefly shows me the textbook she supposedly forgot, peeking out from her desk.
“We finally got to sit next to each other, so… I figured this wouldn’t hurt, right?”
Her words make me realize what she meant by “bad student.”
She’s a bit of a troublemaker for this, but I’m also surprised—Arisa doing something like this is a new side of her.
“We’re not going to ignore class and chat or anything… I just wanted to feel close to you for a bit.”
“Got it… Then let’s take this class seriously together.”
“Yep.”
Taking class side by side with my favorite girl… I thought I’d be too distracted to focus, but surprisingly, I’m more locked in than usual. Maybe it’s because I don’t want to look like a slacker in front of her, but I don’t stop taking notes and catch every word the teacher says.
“…?”
“…Oh.”
I suddenly feel her gaze and turn to look. Arisa’s staring right at me, and when our eyes meet, her cheeks flush red. Wait, what’s with her today?
Blushing this much just from eye contact… it’s not unheard of, but it feels a little unusual.
“Is there… something on my face?”
“N-No… sorry.”
“…?”
“Let’s, uh, focus on class.”
What’s going on with her?
She quickly looks away to the blackboard, but her eyes keep darting back to me, making it hard for me to focus on class. I’m way too curious now.
“Well then… Domoto-kun, how about you?”
“Y-Yes!?”
“Oh, nice response. Solve this problem.”
Sorry, that was a startled yelp… but even in this sudden situation, the problem isn’t one I can’t handle.
(…Come to think of it, ever since I started studying with Arisa and the others for tests, I’ve gotten better at studying… or at least, I don’t panic when I get called on in class anymore.)
It’s probably partly because my grades have improved, but studying with the girls I like has literally made me smarter. It’s just too perfect an environment.
The key isn’t just being satisfied with where I’m at now—it’s about keeping this up. That’s what’ll get me closer to the person I want to be in the future.
“Here you go.”
“Correct. Looks like you were paying attention.”
It was sudden, but I managed to solve the problem the teacher gave me without any issues.
By the time I returned to my seat, Arisa had gone back to her usual self, but our desks stayed pressed together, and that closeness continued until the end of class.
Right after class ended, she told me why she’d been so flustered earlier.
“I was thinking about how you looked when you were helping out at the shop for your friend Aoshima-kun. Your serious, focused profile was so dear and gallant… I couldn’t help but stare.”
“Oh… I see.”
My cheeks flare up, and I can feel them burning intensely.
I can’t find the words to respond, and for a moment, we just gaze at each other in this indescribable silence. It’s as if all the noise around us vanishes, and then, unexpectedly, words I didn’t think would come spill out.
“If something comes up, it’s not just those guys I’d help… Arisa, Aina, you’re just as important. I’ll do everything I can, no matter what.”
In that instant, our hands connect under the desk.
Even though class is over, our desks are still pushed together… but that moment is interrupted by the voice of one of Arisa’s friends.
“Arisa~! Wait, your desks are still stuck together?”
“Seriously, you two got close, huh? I mean, isn’t it super rare for Arisa to forget her textbook?”
“Oh, uh…”
Our hands part, and the desks are pulled back to their original positions.
I don’t feel particularly disappointed, but it’s a reminder that we need to be careful. No matter how many people are around or even if we’re in a classroom, we can so easily fall into moments where we only see each other.
“…Phew.”
I take a deep breath, stand up, and leave the classroom.
It’s not like I need to use the bathroom or have any particular errand… I just need to cool off the heat in my cheeks while lingering in the hallway.
“…Huh?”
But then, I catch sight of Aina, her back turned to me.
She’s not just heading away from the classroom—she’s moving in a direction that’s not toward the bathroom, and I can’t help but wonder where she’s going.
“What’s she up to?”
If I’m curious, I act!
So, I immediately follow Aina… and at the landing of the stairs leading to the first floor, there she is, standing still, looking up at me when she should’ve already gone down.
“Wha!?”
“Haha! Yo!”
…Did she notice me?
“You knew?”
“Yup! I mean, there’s no one else around… right. I knew the moment you spotted me, Hayato-kun!”
“No way…”
“I didn’t say anything, but I’ve got eyes in the back of my head, you know? I see everything! ♪”
“Stop with the lies.”
“Boo~! You’re no fun, Hayato-kun! Okay, fine, the eyes-in-the-back thing is a joke, but I really did think you might be there. That’s why I waited.”
That’s still pretty impressive, isn’t it…?
I’m not sure if I’m happy or a little creeped out that she noticed me from that distance. I stand next to Aina, who’s grinning ear to ear, and we head down to the first floor together.
“You got some business?”
“I didn’t mention, but I’m on class duty today. Gotta run an errand to the staff room.”
“Oh, got it.”
I see… wait, huh?
“Arisa didn’t know either?”
“Nope… I didn’t tell her, and honestly, I only remembered right before homeroom.”
Apparently, she didn’t even remember when she came by earlier this morning. She only realized she was on duty when the guy sharing the duty reminded her just before homeroom.
“He went to grab the class log and stuff, so I told him I’d handle the rest on my own.”
“I see.”
“Yup! Ugh, if you were in my class and on duty, I’d totally drag you along with me.”
“Haha, I’d go with you no problem.”
“Then come with me now!”
“Roger that.”
Alright, I’ll spend the rest of the break tagging along with Aina.
When I talk with Arisa, and with Aina too, the conversation just flows, and if I’m not careful, we might end up holding hands.
“Oh, Aina.”
“Hm?”
“Kaito said thanks again.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. He told Arisa directly, but things got hectic when you showed up, so he didn’t get the chance to tell you. If you get a moment, just let him say his thanks, even if it’s quick.”
“Got it~! I’ll ambush him at lunch!”
“Spare him the ambush, please.”
Aina’s smirking… she’s definitely planning to ambush Kaito.
“But he really opened up, huh?”
“Hm? Yeah, I guess. The biggest thing is that they’re your friends, Hayato-kun. I know they’re trustworthy.”
“I see.”
“But no matter how things go, no one will ever top you—that’s something I’ll make crystal clear, okay?”
“Oh, uh…”
Was that her way of saying I don’t need to worry because she’d never fall for any other guy? I’m not worried at all, but hearing her say it so clearly makes me incredibly happy as her boyfriend.
“Excuse me~!”
We reach the staff room, and I wait in the hallway while Aina heads inside.
As I stand there, a group of first-year students in gym clothes passes by, heading to the gymnasium—guess their next class is PE. Man, PE sounds way better than a sleepy lecture… While I’m thinking that, Aina comes back with a teacher.
“Yana-sensei?”
“Hey, Domoto!”
It’s Yana-sensei, the world history teacher who once suggested I run for student council president… and come to think of it, Aina was there that time too.
“Why’s Yana-sensei here?”
“I need this hung up over there.”
Yana-sensei is holding a framed picture, apparently wanting it hung high on the wall.
“Yana-sensei’s got a fear of heights, you know? Even that height makes his legs shake when he’s on a ladder.”
“N-No helping it! Scary things are scary!”
Huh, didn’t know that.
Yana-sensei’s face is bright red, but it’s not something to be embarrassed about. If that’s the case, I’ll gladly take on the task. There’s a ladder nearby, so I start to set it up, but for some reason, Aina climbs up first.
“Aina…?”
“I’ll do it! Come on, Sensei, hand it over quick!”
“…I was gonna ask Domoto since he’s here.”
“That was the plan, right…? Aina, you good?”
“I’m fine, I’m fine! Hayato-kun, make sure no one peeks up my skirt, okay?”
Whoa, that’s a mission I absolutely have to carry out!
If I did it instead, we wouldn’t have to worry about that at all, but since Aina’s already up the ladder, it’s faster to let her handle it.
“I don’t get to do stuff like this much, so I’m kinda excited~!”
“You wouldn’t, would you!”
“No way you would!”
Man, her skirt is so short that even a slight movement could flash her underwear…!
That said, the most important thing right now is making sure Aina doesn’t lose her balance and fall. I’ve gotta stay sharp in case something happens!
(…Everyone’s staring like crazy.)
The first-years who should be moving along keep glancing over, but Aina doesn’t seem to care at all. Holding the surprisingly light frame, she carefully hangs it on the wall… and gets the job done perfectly.
“Alright! Looks good, right?”
“Yup. Thanks, Shinjo.”
“Aina, come down slowly.”
“Got it!”
Yeah, slowly… take it easy, okay?
She lowers her body from standing on the ladder, ready to climb down… but of course, accidents always happen in moments like this.
“…Huh?”
“!?”
Aina misses a step.
The moment I see it, I spread my arms to catch her. It’s not some crazy height, but I don’t want her getting even a minor injury, so I move without thinking.
(No point thinking I should’ve done it instead of her now!)
Everything feels like it’s moving in slow motion, and all I can see is Aina. Her body twists mid-air, her back facing me in some acrobatic flip, but I manage to catch her.
“Guh!?”
“Eek!?”
I can’t fully absorb her weight and end up falling on my butt, holding her against my stomach. There’s nothing behind me, but I brace my whole body to keep from toppling over. My hands, gripping Aina tightly, feel the soft, marshmallow-like sensation spreading across my palms, but I don’t have time to think about that.
“You two okay?!”
“I’m fine… Aina?”
“I-I’m okay…?”
Good, she’s fine… But her voice is oddly high-pitched, and I notice the first-years staring at us, their faces red.
“…Oh!?”
Let me explain our situation.
I don’t even know how it ended up like this, but Aina’s leaning back against me, and I’m holding her close… with both hands firmly on her chest, gripping tightly as if I don’t want to let go of that softness.
“W-Wow, Hayato-kun… pretty bold in front of everyone, huh?”
“!?”
The first-years’ red faces make sense now.
I try to pull away from Aina immediately, but first, I check to make sure she’s not hurt.
“You’re not injured, right?”
“Nope… Sorry about that.”
“It’s fine. As long as you’re okay.”
We get up… and of course, Yana-sensei scolds us, but he also seems guilty for asking us in the first place and looks pretty down about it.
“Sensei, it’s all good.”
“Yeah! It was my fault for being careless…!”
“No, no, I asked you to do it… Anyway, I’m just glad you’re both okay!”
It was definitely close, but since we’re fine, let’s call it good.
“But did you see that, Sensei?! Hayato-kun was like a prince! ♪”
“Shinjo… aren’t you a bit too excited?”
“He saved me… and even grabbed my chest… Eek! ♪”
Aina-san… there are still people around, you know?
She’s even calling me by name like it’s nothing, forgetting we’re at school. But she seems totally fine, which is a relief.
(…That position felt kinda familiar.)
I can’t help but recall that time behind the gym, hidden in the bushes, when I grabbed Aina’s chest from behind. My eyes drift to my palms.
“Haha~! Hayato-kun, you perv! ♪”
Aina pokes at my chest with a grin. Our overly friendly banter makes Yana-sensei’s eyes widen in surprise.
“Aina, we should head back.”
“Yup.”
After that accident, we’re cutting it close to the start of the next class. We say goodbye to Yana-sensei and hurry back to the classroom.
“…?”
I feel a strong gaze from the first-years still milling about, but Aina starts talking, and I quickly forget about it.
“Hehe, that was close, but… it was a nice way to show off our love, right?”
“Y-Yeah, I guess…?”
Maybe it was a good thing in its own way. I can’t help but smile along with Aina.
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