Prologue: A Deliciously Complicated Relationship

I’m on a video call with my beloved girlfriend, holed up in my room.

Out of her sight, I’m surrounded by some of the most gorgeous girls in school.

“If things keep going this well, I might be able to live with Shiki starting the year after next!”

There’s no way they’d show up on the screen unless they moved, but the thought that a slip-up could give me away sends cold sweat trickling down my back.

My eyes can’t help but dart to the three girls around me… No, it shouldn’t matter if she finds out. They’re all just friends. I haven’t done anything shady. I swear to God I haven’t.

Still, I’m not confident this scene wouldn’t be misunderstood if she saw it.

“Shiki, what’s wrong? You’re sweating buckets… Is it hot? Maybe turn on the AC?”

“Nah, I’m totally fine.”

I hurriedly wipe the sweat with my hand, and a slender arm stretches out from my side, offering a handkerchief.

My heartbeat’s racing faster by the second. The mix of guilt and adrenaline is driving me nuts.

“Living together, huh… Aren’t you excited?”

“No, I’m super excited! Like, really excited!”

I manage to choke out a response, but from the other side, someone impatiently nudges me to take the handkerchief. My eyes instinctively flick to the phone screen they’re holding up.

—If I screamed right now, senpai, you’d be done for, wouldn’t you?

When did things get like this?

No, maybe it’s not about “when.”

This reality, one I can’t reset, has been building up all along.

It’s better not to say anything unnecessary. If it’d make her anxious, it’s better she doesn’t know at all. For the sake of this shaky long-distance relationship, for both me and my girlfriend, that’s the smarter move.

But the sins I’ve piled up, keeping quiet like this, are now taking shape right in front of me.