Prologue

“Here, have another juice!”

“And some snacks too!”

“……………”

What’s with these guys? What’s going on?

I couldn’t help but wonder about the odd behavior of my two best friends, Sota and Kaito.

It was early July, the summer heat starting to make itself known. We’d gathered at Sota’s place since morning, basking in the glorious chill of the air conditioning. But being around them like this, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off with Sota and Kaito.

(It’s not exactly a huge red flag or anything, but something feels… different.)

This wasn’t just a today thing—it had been going on for a few days now. It wasn’t like they were acting cold or distant, and their attitudes hadn’t changed in any obvious way. Still, my gut was telling me something was up.

“Hey, Sota-kun, Kaito-kun,” I said, throwing in the honorifics for effect.

Both of them whipped their heads toward me, looking utterly shocked. Okay, sure, it was sudden, and I don’t usually call them that, but was it really worth that kind of reaction? Talk about overreacting!

“Lately… don’t you guys seem a little weird? Almost like—”

A spark of inspiration hit me like a bolt of lightning!

I blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “—like you found out some secret about me that I’m not supposed to know you know?”

I meant it as a joke, ready to laugh it off with a “just kidding!” But the moment those words left my mouth, Sota and Kaito sprayed their juice right at me.

“Gross!” I yelped.

“Cough! Hack!” Sota choked.

“Don’t just say weird stuff outta nowhere like that!” Kaito sputtered.

It was supposed to be a joke, but their reactions were way too honest. Wiping juice off my face and the floor with a tissue, I stared at them.

“……………”

They both averted their eyes, not even trying to hide it anymore. I mean, come on, guys, you’re not exactly subtle!

I didn’t want to pry if it was something they couldn’t talk about, but if it was about some secret of mine, I couldn’t help but be curious. What kind of secret could I have that I wouldn’t want them to know? The only thing that came to mind was… well, maybe the fact that I’m dating both Arisa and Aina?

“Is it… something you can’t talk about?” I ventured.

“Well… kinda, yeah,” Sota mumbled.

“……………” Kaito stayed silent, looking even more conflicted.

Seeing them both make such troubled faces and look down like that made me feel bad. Here we were, hanging out at Sota’s place on a weekend, and their expressions were making me feel like I’d ruined the vibe.

“Uh, well…” I started, trying to change the subject since I didn’t want to force it out of them. But before I could, they both burst out as if they couldn’t hold it in any longer.

“No way, I can’t keep this up!” Sota exclaimed.

“Yeah, no kidding! The more we try not to think about it, the more it’s all we can think about!” Kaito added.

Scratching their heads furiously, they fixed me with intense stares. The air, which had been so relaxed before, suddenly felt heavy with their seriousness.

“…So, the thing is—” Sota began.

And then they spilled it.

They knew I was dating both Arisa and Aina. Apparently, they’d had a chance to talk with the girls, and since the girls trusted them as my friends, they’d let it slip.

“They asked us not to tell you they told us,” Sota said, scratching his cheek.

“But, well, like they said, you’d probably figure it out pretty quick,” Kaito added with a wry grin.

“…I see,” I said, nodding.

To be fair, they probably wouldn’t have said anything if I hadn’t prodded them. My sharp intuition had paid off, I guess. But more than that, I couldn’t help but wonder what they thought of me now.

“So… what do you guys think? About me, I mean… I’m—” I trailed off, unsure how to finish.

I’m dating two girls at once. That’s not exactly normal—heck, it’s practically unheard of. Even if they’re my best friends, I couldn’t help but worry they might think less of me for it.

But, as expected, they brushed my fears aside like it was nothing.

“Normally, I’d be like, ‘Explode, you lucky jerk!’” Sota laughed.

“Right?! A real-life harem? I’m so jealous it hurts!” Kaito chimed in.

“Uh… yeah…” I muttered, reeling from their sheer volume.

Before I could recover, Sota and Kaito slid to either side of me, grabbing my shoulders to make sure I couldn’t escape.

“We’re hormonal high school guys, man. Of course we’re jealous of a harem!” Sota said, grinning.

“And with two gorgeous sisters like that? Come on!” Kaito added.

Even in this ridiculous situation, their words carried a warmth that hit me right in the chest. Sure, I could hear the envy in their voices, but there was also a genuine kindness—a sense that they cared about me.

“We were shocked, no doubt,” Sota admitted. “But seeing Arisa and Aina by your side, making you smile like that… that’s all we need to be happy for you.”

“Sota…” I said softly.

“We heard the gist of it from the Shinjo sisters too,” Kaito continued. “Those girls have some serious feelings for you, Hayato. And you being you—kind to a fault—that’s why you’re able to pull off something like dating both of them.”

“Kaito…” I murmured, feeling a lump in my throat.

They both flashed me grins that were free of any malice.

“…Thanks, guys,” I said.

“No prob!” Sota replied.

“You got it!” Kaito added.

This time, they clapped me on the shoulders a little harder than before.

They say friends are something to cherish, but having best friends who accept my unconventional situation with smiles like these? That’s priceless. I felt it all over again—how lucky I was to have them.

“Hayato, you looked way nervous earlier. Did you think we were gonna judge you or something?” Sota teased.

“Well… yeah, kinda,” I admitted.

“Don’t be stupid!” Kaito laughed. “Us, judging you? Never. If anyone tries to give you crap, we’ve got your back.”

Their words hit me so hard I couldn’t help it—tears welled up, and I ended up crying so much it freaked them out. But I quickly pulled myself together, back to my usual self.

With that, my secret was out in the open with them. Naturally, they were curious about what it’s like dating two famous, beautiful sisters. They bombarded me with questions, their eyes sparkling with interest.

“Every day with them is exciting, sweet, and… honestly, there’s not a moment I don’t feel happy,” I said.

“Whoa!” Sota exclaimed.

“And? And?!” Kaito pressed.

“Look, that’s all you’re getting!” I said, blushing. “Even with you guys, there’s a limit to how much I can spill!”

Sure, they’re my best friends, but some things are just too embarrassing to share. Sota and Kaito looked like they wanted to keep digging, but I begged them to let it go.

“…But,” I added, feeling like I had one more thing to say.

I could say with absolute certainty that I’m happy right now. But it’s not just because of Arisa and Aina—it’s also because of these two best friends who’ve always been by my side.

“I’m so happy right now. And that’s not just because of Arisa and Aina—it’s because of you guys too, Sota, Kaito. My best friends.”

I paused for a moment before continuing. “Thank you. And… here’s to many more days together.”

They both grinned and nodded.

“You bet!” Sota said.

“Always!” Kaito added.

Man, I really am lucky to have these two as my friends.

“Alright, you three! Lunch is ready!” came Sota’s mom’s voice from outside the room.

We’d been talking for longer than I realized, and we laughed as we headed to the living room. The smell of curry greeted us—my absolute favorite.

“Whoa, smells amazing!” I said.

“Curry! My favorite!” Kaito cheered.

Sota’s mom chuckled at our excitement as she poured iced barley tea into glasses. “It’s just something quick and easy. If this were dinner, I’d whip up something fancier.”

Her cooking’s always been amazing, like that time at Halloween. Of course, the Shinjo girls’ cooking is phenomenal too—flawless, even. But thinking back, before I met them, I used to come over to Sota’s place a lot and get spoiled with his mom’s food.

“Hayato-kun, what’s up?” Sota’s mom asked, noticing my thoughtful expression.

“Oh, nothing… just thinking about how I’ve eaten your cooking so many times, and it’s always delicious. But it’s more than that—it’s comforting, you know? Really, really good.”

As I savored the curry, Sota’s mom suddenly stood up.

“Mom…?” Sota said, confused.

“Uh…?” Kaito and I exchanged glances.

She tied her apron back on with determination, then turned to us with a thumbs-up. “I’m making something even better! Get ready for a real feast!”

We scrambled to stop her, of course. It was way too sudden, and the timing was all wrong. She looked a bit disappointed, like she hadn’t gotten to go all out, but we managed to calm her down.

“Man… has Mom always been like that?” Sota groaned.

“She gets like that when Kaito and I are over, doesn’t she? Like she flips a switch,” I said.

“It’s embarrassing when she goes off like that in front of my friends…” Sota muttered.

Kaito and I exchanged wry smiles, and after stuffing ourselves, we went back to hanging out—playing games, reading manga, just chilling. Time flew by, and around three o’clock, we called it a day.

I could’ve stayed longer, but I had plans to head to the Shinjo house next.

“Later,” Sota said.

“See ya,” Kaito added.

After leaving Sota’s place, I walked with Kaito for a bit before we parted ways. Alone now, I looked up at the sky and let out a long breath.

“…That was fun,” I murmured.

No matter what, hanging out with my best friends is always a blast. I was a little tired, though—not just from talking about Arisa and Aina, but from trying to keep my expressions in check.

“There’s no way I could tell them everything,” I muttered to myself.

Like the kisses with the girls. Or, more recently, how they came onto me in those cat cosplay outfits… Just thinking about it made my cheeks heat up, and I had to fight to keep a straight face earlier.

“And then there’s Sakuna-san’s cow cosplay…” I mumbled, my imagination running wild.

Arisa and Aina’s cat cosplays were adorable and sexy, no question. But the mental image of Sakuna-san in a cow outfit? That was on a whole other level of devastating.

“…Phew,” I sighed, trying to shake it off.

Before I knew it, I was standing in front of the Shinjo house.

“Got here while lost in my imagination, huh—”

“What were you imagining?” a voice asked from behind me.

“!?” I nearly jumped out of my skin.

Normally, that voice wouldn’t startle me this much, but given the questionable thoughts I’d been having, my reaction was way over the top.

“You okay?” the voice asked, concerned.

“Y-Yeah, sorry, Arisa,” I stammered.

There she was, her long, beautiful black hair swaying in the breeze, her eyes wide with surprise. With summer approaching, she was dressed in a cool, breezy outfit—a crisp white dress that made her look stunning.

“…You’re always so beautiful, Arisa,” I said softly.

“Hehe, thank you, Hayato-kun♪” she replied, flashing a delighted smile.

As we chatted, a commotion erupted from inside the house. There’s only one person in that house who could make that much noise.

“She’s coming,” I said.

“She’s coming,” Arisa echoed.

We nodded at each other and braced ourselves. Sure enough, the door flew open, and there she was.

“What’s going on? Who’s here—oh, it’s Hayato-kun and Nee-san!” Aina exclaimed.

Unlike Arisa’s elegant dress, Aina was rocking a crop top that showed off her midriff. Her curves—those generous assets and that perfectly toned waist—were impossible to ignore.

(…Every time, I’m reminded. These two amazing girls are my girlfriends.)

Gorgeous, kind, and incredible cooks. Thinking about how I get to spend my days with them makes me wonder what kind of good deeds I must’ve done in a past life.

But that’s exactly why I feel this way—I want to work harder, to become someone they’ll always be glad they chose.

“Come on, it’s hot out here! Let’s go inside and get cozy~” Aina said, tugging at me.

“Right, let’s head in,” Arisa agreed.

Arisa took my left hand, Aina my right, and they led me into the house. The living room was empty—apparently, Sakuna-san was out visiting a neighbor but would be back soon.

“Here, Hayato-kun, sit right here~” Aina said, guiding me to the sofa.

“Thanks,” I said.

“I’ll get some cold drinks,” Arisa offered.

“Thanks, Arisa,” I replied.

The U-shaped sofa in their living room had become my unofficial spot. Sitting there, surrounded by Arisa, Aina, and sometimes Sakuna-san, had become so familiar that I’d grown to love the feeling.

“You smell a little like sweat,” Aina teased, leaning closer.

“S-Sorry, I walked here, so…” I mumbled, embarrassed.

“No, it’s fine! I like the way you smell, Hayato-kun,” she said, and before I could react, she leaned in and licked my neck.

The rough sensation of her tongue sent a mix of ticklishness and embarrassment through me. When she pulled back, she was grinning, clearly pleased with herself.

“Thanks for the treat♪ You’re used to this by now, right?” she teased.

“Well… yeah,” I admitted, blushing.

“Hehe! Wanna return the favor and lick me here?” she asked, tugging at her top to flash a glimpse of her cleavage and black lace bra. She wasn’t even trying to hide her teasing—she was all confidence and provocation.

(Since we started kissing, Aina’s been so bold… it’s almost too much!)

It’s not just her—Arisa’s the same way when we’re alone. Is resisting this kind of thing a luxury problem or what?

“Aina, don’t tease Hayato-kun too much,” Arisa chided gently.

“Pfft, as if you don’t do the same thing when I’m not around!” Aina shot back.

I almost jumped in to agree—Arisa does get bold when it’s just the two of us—but I bit my tongue and took a sip of the juice Arisa brought me instead.

“Thanks, Arisa,” I said.

“You’re welcome,” she replied with a smile.

“I’ll take one too!” Aina chimed in.

The cold juice cooled my heated body and calmed the emotions Aina had stirred up. But the moment I finished drinking, they pounced. Arisa and Aina snuggled up on either side of me, wrapping my arms in their softness and pressing themselves close.

The warmth and elasticity of their bodies never got old, no matter how many times it happened. It’s practically a given when I’m with them, but the charm of it never fades.

“…Oh, right,” I said suddenly, remembering my talk with Sota and Kaito.

When I told the girls about it, Aina gave a wry smile. “Guess they found out quick, huh?”

“We thought it was okay to tell them,” Arisa explained. “Not just because we trust them through you, but because they’ve been supporting you all this time. We felt they deserved to know.”

Arisa’s gaze turned a little anxious. “But… we told them without asking you. Are you mad?”

“Not at all,” I reassured her. “I was surprised, sure, but I’m not mad.”

Seeing both Arisa and Aina looking worried made it clear they felt guilty for telling without my permission.

“I’m actually glad you trusted them enough to tell them,” I said. “It gave me a chance to talk about it too, so thanks.”

Their worried expressions melted away.

“Good,” Arisa said, relieved.

“Phew, that’s a relief!” Aina added, slumping dramatically.

Their reactions were so cute I couldn’t resist—I freed my arms and gently patted their heads.

“It’s like being a cat when you pet me like this,” Arisa said with a soft smile.

“Reminds me of a few days ago. Meow~♪” Aina purred playfully.

“!?” My brain short-circuited.

Arisa’s words cracked open the door to my memories, and Aina’s cat impression blew it wide open. The image of them in those dangerously alluring cat cosplays flooded back—sexy enough to make my head spin, and the things we did…

“Hey, Hayato-kun? Thinking about it, aren’t you?” Aina teased, poking my cheek with a grin.

(Of course I’m thinking about it!!)

I didn’t need to say it—my red face and silence gave me away.

“We wanted to make you happy, of course,” Aina said. “But cosplay’s just so fun! Especially when it’s for you, Hayato-kun. Right, Nee-san?”

“Exactly,” Arisa agreed. “I started with the maid outfit, but serving you with Aina in cosplay was… thrilling.”

These girls calling it “thrilling”… Honestly, I was barely holding it together that day.

“If you want, we’ll wear anything you like,” Aina said. “Maybe something naughty like a succubus?”

“S-Succubus!?” I stammered.

“It might be a bit too naughty,” Arisa admitted. “But a succubus just for you? That’s a fun idea!”

I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t imagined them as succubi—or even Sakuna-san, for that matter. But seeing it in cosplay? It’d be too much… but as a guy, I really wanted to see these beautiful sisters in succubus outfits!

“M-Maybe someday…” I mumbled.

“Got it!” Aina said.

“Understood!” Arisa added.

Score! They’re on board!

“Well, well, quite lively, aren’t we? Welcome, Hayato-kun,” came a familiar voice.

Sakuna-san was back from the neighbor’s. She smiled at me, sandwiched between her daughters, and headed to the kitchen, tying on a frilly white apron to start dinner.

“You two can relax for now,” she said to Arisa and Aina.

“Really?” Arisa asked.

“Yay!” Aina cheered.

The weight of their bodies against mine grew even more comforting.

(This… this is happiness.)

Surrounded by my beloved Arisa and Aina, with the sounds of Sakuna-san’s cooking in the background—chopping vegetables, the clatter of pots—it was a simple moment, but one that filled me with joy.

“Summer break’s coming up. Gotta plan it right!” Aina said.

“With Hayato-kun here, we’re gonna make it epic,” Arisa added.

Their voices mixed with the rhythmic sound of the knife on the cutting board. It was such a small thing, but it felt like pure happiness.

“Summer break, huh…” I mused.

“What do you wanna do, Hayato-kun?” Aina asked.

“Maybe the beach…” I said.

“Nice!” Aina grinned.

“Or a fireworks festival…” I added.

“Love that idea,” Arisa said.

“…But mostly, I just want to spend it with everyone,” I finished.

Yeah, there’s a lot I want to do, but that’s the most important thing. Winter break, spring break—we’ve made amazing memories together. Summer break has its own possibilities, and I want to make sure it’s just as unforgettable for them as it is for me.

“This summer break… I won’t be alone,” I said with a small laugh.

And in that moment, I wasn’t just hugged by Arisa and Aina—Sakuna-san joined in from behind, wrapping us all in her warmth.