Chapter 2 The Daze in My Mind Was Apparently a Foreshadowing
Three days had passed since the summer festival.
Those joyful memories... and, of course, the honey-sweet moments with them afterward were etched vividly in my mind.
Their voices, their reactions, their softness, their scents, their... their... haah.
“Hayato-kun!? There's steam coming out of your head!?”
“Haha! What's that, Sakuna-san? I'm human, so of course steam comes out of my head!”
“Hayato-kun!?”
I didn’t say anything wrong, did I?
Humans are creatures that let off steam from their heads... I mean, steam locomotives go chug-chug, puff-puff with white smoke, right?
It’s the same principle... Wait, what am I even saying?
“Sakuna-san... I think I might’ve caught a cold.”
“I figured as much... For now, let’s get you lying down.”
“’Kay.”
This humble warrior seems to have caught a cold.
The moment I calmly registered my condition, my body nearly collapsed, but Sakuna-san, standing right in front of me, caught me in her arms.
Enveloped by her soft, marshmallow-like embrace, I couldn’t help but think how badly I wanted to bury my face in this pillow and sleep. My brain was hit with a sudden, overwhelming overheat.
“Stay with me, okay? We’re heading to your room.”
With Sakuna-san lending me her shoulder, I was slowly guided to my room.
She led me straight to the bed, and as I lay down, she said she’d grab a thermometer and a towel before stepping out.
Left alone, my head still foggy, I stared at the ceiling and let out a soft sigh.
“Haah... I see. I’ve been feeling off lately, and this must be why.”
It’s true—since the festival, I’d been a bit out of sorts.
I’d sneezed a few times, felt faint chills here and there, but nothing worse had shown up. I’d been full of energy... until just moments ago.
“Fever... probably pretty high, huh?”
Now I felt guilty—not just toward Sakuna-san, but Arisa and Aina too.
I was supposed to stay over at the Shinjou house today, so I’d been here since morning. They’d been excited about making an amazing dinner, putting their all into it... and now this.
...I really messed up.
“Sorry to keep you waiting、Hayato-kun.”
Sakuna-san returned shortly after.
Noticing my apologetic expression, she gave me a gentle smile and patted my head.
“Don’t go thinking you’re a burden, okay? Everyone gets sick sometimes, and besides, this is a perfect chance for me to return the favor from before.”
“...But—”
“Kids are supposed to lean on others at times like this, you know♪”
“...Got it.”
If that’s how she feels... I’ll listen to her for now.
I took the thermometer from Sakuna-san, tucked it under my arm, and waited. Modern thermometers are something else—they measure your temperature in a flash.
“...Whoa.”
The thermometer beeped, and I let out a surprised noise when I saw the number.
Handing it to Sakuna-san, she gave an oh my of surprise before promptly placing a cool, damp towel on my forehead.
“Thirty-eight degrees... That’s pretty high.”
“...Yup.”
Thirty-eight degrees—a solid fever, no question.
Sakuna-san had been laid up with a fever before, but going by the numbers, mine was way lighter.
“What about the hospital?”
“Hmm... I think I’ll rest for a bit and see how it goes. If it gets worse, I’ll head there on my own—”
“Hayato-kun.”
“Y-Yes!?”
I got as far as saying I’d go to the hospital alone when Sakuna-san cut me off.
Her smile was beautiful as ever, but it sent a chill down my spine that could freeze me solid.
“Even if it gets worse, don’t you dare say you’ll go alone. And don’t tell me you’re thinking of heading back home, are you?”
“……………”
Slowly, I pulled the blanket over my face, hiding myself.
Sakuna-san didn’t seem angry, but she might’ve felt I was being distant with my words.
“That’s cold, Hayato-kun. This place is like another home for you, and I’m like your mom, aren’t I? Fufu, so when you catch a cold like this, it’s my job to take care of you.”
“…!”
I get it... I know what Sakuna-san means by that!
It’s true—I don’t want to pass this cold to Arisa or Aina. But in this state, there’s no way they’d let me step outside. I knew that, yet I said it anyway... Maybe because...
“Um... maybe I...”
“?”
“Maybe I wanted Sakuna-san to say something like that.”
Yeah... I think I wanted to hear those kind words.
They always think of me with such affection... Their love—their familial love—pulls me in and leaves me no escape.
“…Hayato-kun.”
“Yes?”
“I’m sticking by your side all day to nurse you back to health!”
“W-Wait, what!?”
“Ufufu, oh, you adorable Hayato-kun... My precious son... Your mom’s gonna stay right here with you♪”
“……………”
My words must’ve lit a fire under Sakuna-san’s motherly instincts.
True to her word, she didn’t take her eyes off me, tending to me without pause.
Soon, Arisa and Aina returned from shopping, where they’d gone to get ingredients for a lavish dinner.
“I’ll let them know about you, Hayato-kun.”
“Sorry, Sakuna-san.”
“You’re full of apologies today, aren’t you?”
“...Thank you, Sakuna-san.”
As I thanked her, Sakuna-san nodded and left the room.
Moments later, I heard a flurry of footsteps, then a sudden stop just outside the door.
After a light knock knock, Arisa and Aina poked their heads in.
“Hayato-kun, are you okay!?”
“We heard you’ve got a high fever!?”
As expected, I’d worried them.
They were sweaty from rushing back, but their concern for me overshadowed everything else, and I couldn’t help but smile.
“Sorry, you two... You went shopping and everything.”
“Don’t apologize, Hayato-kun.”
“Yeah, no saying sorry!”
“...Right. Thanks, you two.”
Haha, they sound just like Sakuna-san.
Even with the fever, I was lively enough to talk, and seeing that, they left to change out of their sweaty clothes.
Apparently, shopping took longer than expected, and they’d hurried back to see me, which explained the sweat.
“Sakuna-san.”
“What is it?”
“Those two... how are they that cute?”
“Because they’re my daughters, of course.”
“Makes sense.”
“...It’s a little embarrassing when you agree so easily.”
No, no, how could I not agree?
“I’ve said it before, but Sakuna-san, you’re gorgeous... and I know tons of your cute sides too.”
“…! Oh, Hayato-kun, you—”
Seeing Sakuna-san’s flustered expression gave me a little thrill.
I’m not always the one being doted on—sometimes I want to tease Sakuna-san too. Of course, I know my limits.
Later, Arisa and Aina returned after changing, but by then, I was finally starting to feel sleepy.
“Sleepy?”
“Rest well, Hayato-kun.”
“Yeah... G’night for now.”
With Arisa, Aina, and Sakuna-san watching over me, I closed my eyes.
When I woke up, it was just past noon, and Arisa was gently shaking my shoulder.
“...Arisa?”
“Yup, been a bit, huh, Hayato-kun?”
“……………”
“What’s wrong?”
I couldn’t help but stare, and Arisa tilted her head curiously.
Her puzzled gaze met mine, and with a wry smile, I said exactly what was on my mind.
“Nah, just... waking up to see someone you love right there? It’s pretty great.”
“Ah... Fufu♪”
Maybe it was the fever, but I felt like my words came out more honest than usual.
Arisa, beaming with joy, pulled a chair close and sat beside me, holding a tray with... porridge?
“Figured something gentle on the stomach would be best right now.”
“Thanks, Arisa.”
“No problem. But let me tell you, it wasn’t easy... Winning the right to feed you this porridge was a battle.”
“...What happened?”
Arisa clenched her fist, looking like a warrior back from the battlefield.
I was dying to know what went down, but before I could ask, my stomach growled loudly. Apparently, I was hungrier than I thought.
So embarrassing... I could feel my face turning red from the sound.
“It’s a bit hot, so hold on.”
Arisa scooped up some porridge and gently blew on it.
“Here you go.”
“Thanks.”
I could eat on my own... but those words were the last thing I needed right now.
Porridge is supposed to have a light flavor, maybe a hint of salt at most, and the bowl Arisa was feeding me was no different.
Yet, somehow, it tasted so delicious—like there was some mysterious seasoning making me crave spoonful after spoonful as she brought them to my mouth.
It was in the middle of her feeding me that it happened.
Arisa suddenly stared at the spoon in her hand and blurted out, “Hey, Hayato-kun.”
“What’s up?”
“In a situation like this, we have to do that, don’t we?”
“That?”
“Mouth-to-mouth.”
“Mouth-to... what!?”
What the hell was she talking about? My face must’ve screamed that question.
But let’s be clear—I’m not saying I don’t want to do mouth-to-mouth with her. Honestly, I’d do anything with Arisa... anything naughty, as long as it’s within reason, I’d go all in!
...But right now, I’m a sick guy with a cold.
Which is exactly why mouth-to-mouth is out of the question—wait, Arisa-san!?
“Mmph...”
She’s already got the porridge in her mouth!?
Arisa was dead serious about this, leaning closer with her lips puckered.
“No, no, I’m sick! You’ll catch my cold, so no way, right...?”
“……………”
“Staring at me like that won’t change my mind! This is non-negotiable!”
“……………”
“C’mon, please, get it? Arisa-san, I’m begging you here.”
I was practically bowing my head in desperation... Why am I even doing this?
Arisa stared at me for a moment longer before swallowing the porridge and letting out a sigh.
“...You’re right. What’s wrong with me? I got so caught up in wanting to be close to you, Hayato-kun, that I... haah, I’m really sorry.”
“No... you don’t have to apologize at all. How about this—once I’m better, we’ll do tons of naughty stuff!”
I blurted it out on impulse, but Arisa nodded with a beaming smile, so... I guess that worked out?
After that, she went back to feeding me, and I finished the meal properly.
“Thank you for the meal”
“Thank you for your patronage. Was it good?”
“Crazy delicious.”
“Good. I poured a ton of love for you into it.”
“That’s it... That’s why it tasted so amazing.”
No wonder it was so good.
Sure, I’d say anything they make is delicious, but that’s my honest truth, and I can say it with my chest puffed out.
Still... this is nice.
Even though I’m worrying them with this cold, there’s something about being sick that lets me experience moments like this, and I can’t help but feel thrilled.
“Man... I’ve said it before, but I’m so damn happy. Having someone by your side when you’re feeling rough like this? It’s the best.”
“Hearing you say that makes me, Aina, and Mom happy too. But you know, Hayato-kun, this is how it’s gonna be for life. We’re not leaving you, and you’re not leaving us... so this’ll go on forever.”
“I want it to go on forever... Here’s to a long, long time, Arisa.”
“Yup♪”
Forever... that’s the bottomless swamp of love they’ve created.
I’ve chosen to dive into that swamp, fully aware I’m cutting off my own escape routes.
I’m already caught by them... I can’t get away from them anymore.
“Alright, I’m feeling a lot better, but let’s check my temp just to be sure.”
“Got it.”
I was sure my fever had gone down.
But when I checked with the thermometer... it had actually gone up a tiny bit.
“……………”
“……………”
“...Guess I’ll stay in bed.”
“You can’t underestimate a fever.”
Looks like I’m destined to be a bed-dweller for the rest of the day.
As Arisa left with the empty bowl, my full stomach made me sleepy again.
“...Guess I’ll nap for a bit.”
Still, knowing Arisa, Aina, or Sakuna-san might pop in any second, I figured I’d say something before dozing off.
...Or so I thought, but I must’ve passed out the moment my eyes closed.
I only meant to rest for a second, but my consciousness slipped away, and the clock told me three hours had passed.
“Oh, you’re awake?”
“...Arisa?”
“Yup.”
Arisa was sitting in a chair, wearing glasses and reading a book.
Seeing her in glasses like this took me back to when she tutored me before... but looking at her now, all I could think was she looked like a sexy home tutor.
“You’ve been here the whole time?”
“Wanted to be. By the way, Mom wanted to stay too, but she had to step out for work.”
“Got it... What about Aina—”
I started to ask where Aina was when Arisa put a finger to her lips with a shh.
“Suu... suu...”
“...Oh, I see.”
Turning toward the soft breathing, I saw Aina asleep.
Unlike Arisa, she was leaning against the bed, sleeping so close to me... She must’ve wanted to stay by my side that badly. What an adorable girl.
“There, there.”
“Mmm... Hayato... zzz... mnya”
Even her sleep-talking is cute.
I know I should avoid touching them while I’m sick, but my hand moved on its own, stroking Aina’s head.
After about five seconds, her eyelids slowly fluttered open, her eyes locking onto me.
“Oh... Hayato-kun~”
She let out a fumyaa and snuggled closer like a purring cat.
As much as it pained me, I couldn’t let her hug me right now, so I gently placed my hands on her shoulders to stop her.
“Why~...?”
“Can’t risk you catching my cold... Forgive me, Aina.”
“...Oh, right, yeah...”
Looking genuinely disappointed, Aina pulled back and sat down quietly.
I was still a bit sleepy, but that feeling vanished as I looked at the two of them.
“...Don’t get mad, but hear me out.”
“What’s up?”
“What?”
“Getting sick and having you two worry about me like this... It’s kinda nice.”
They both smiled at that.
I’d asked them not to get mad, but there wasn’t a hint of anger—just pure, joyful smiles, not even the exasperated kind.
“No way we’d get mad♪”
“If anything, that makes us happy.”
Yeah, I figured they’d say that.
Satisfied with their reactions, I decided to ask something that’d been on my mind.
“By the way, you two feeling okay?”
“Us?”
“Yeah... I mean, we, uh, got pretty close before I got sick, right? Like, super close contact. So I was wondering if you’re okay.”
We’d had some seriously close contact, and it was weighing on me.
They both looked fine, no signs of trouble, but I needed to hear it to feel at ease.
“True, you were sneezing a bit back then... but we’re fine so far. Right, Aina?”
“Yup, yup! Fit as a fiddle!”
That’s... good to hear.
If either—or both—of them ended up sick in a few days, I’d feel so guilty it’d crush me.
After that, unless I spoke, they stayed quiet.
As some time passed, a question popped into my head that I wanted to ask.
“Arisa, Aina.”
“What’s up?”
“What is it~?”
“Have you two... thought about what you want to do in the future?”
That’s what I wanted to know—their dreams for the future.
I’ve been working hard on studying and other stuff to become someone worthy of them, but I don’t have a clear vision of what I want to do.
College, or even further ahead, life as an adult—what kind of future do they imagine for me?
“Whoa, jumping to serious talk all of a sudden...”
“Haha, but the future, huh? I’ve totally thought about it!”
I turned to Aina, waiting for her answer.
What kind of future did she envision—
“I’m gonna be Hayato-kun’s bride!”
Her words, delivered with a radiant smile, didn’t faze me.
Partly because it was exactly what I expected, and partly because hearing it made me genuinely happy.
“Alright, permanent employment accepted.”
“Yaaay♪”
Aina raised her hand energetically, but she clearly had a proper answer for what I was asking too.
“I wanna do something in modeling, you know?”
“Whoa...!”
That’s perfect for Aina!
She’s already an undeniable beauty, with a killer figure—curves in all the right places and slim where it counts.
No matter the pose or outfit, she’d look stunning. There’s no way she wouldn’t—she’s that gorgeous.
“Wait a sec... Modeling sounds familiar.”
“You mean the person we met at the beach?”
“...Oh, yeah, that’s it!”
Sakuna-san’s acquaintance, the one who lent us the villa.
I think she runs a big apparel shop and mentioned wanting to use Arisa and Aina as promotional models someday.
She was super friendly even to me, a total stranger, and came off as a really great person.
“That lady... Suou-san, right? She’s not just nice to Mom—she’s been good to me and Nee-san too. And from the looks of it, she’s pretty fond of you, Hayato-kun.”
“Really? I didn’t do anything that impressive to win her over, though.”
I’ll admit, I probably did make a good impression for a first meeting... but as I was recalling that moment, Arisa spoke up.
“Suou-san’s definitely taken a liking to you, Hayato-kun. Why? Because Mom talks about you all the time.”
“...Oh?”
“Mom and Suou-san are practically best friends. When Mom’s always smiling and talking about some boy, there’s no way Suou-san wouldn’t take a shine to him.”
That’s nice to hear... but I’m getting off track.
Aina wants to get into modeling, but what about Arisa? What’s her dream?
“Me? Well... I’m not into modeling like Aina, but I do want to help with Mom’s work.”
“So, like, designing stuff... or maybe just helping out at the shop?”
“Something like that. Mom raised us single-handedly all this time, so I want to give back by being there for her.”
“...That’s really sweet.”
Her words, filled with Arisa’s characteristic kindness, hit me right in the feels.
Maybe it’s my own background, but family stuff always gets me. I can’t help but empathize deeply or worry when something comes up.
Like with Sakuna-san, or that incident a while back when Kaito’s mom got into an accident.
“Nee-san has always been like that. Ever since we were kids, she’d say if she’s gonna work, it’ll be by Mom’s side, helping her out no matter what.”
“……………”
“That was, what, elementary school...? Hayato-kun?”
“What’s wrong?”
“You’re crying!?”
“...Huh!?”
I guess I got so emotional that tears started falling.
I grabbed a tissue from nearby, wiping my eyes and taking care of the snot while I was at it.
“S-Sorry, sorry. Family stuff just... gets me, you know... sniff.”
“...Fufu, you’re too sweet, Hayato-kun.”
“But that’s exactly why we fell for you, right♪”
Hearing them say that makes me so damn happy.
But the way they talk to me like that? That’s why they’re the precious girls I fell for.
“Man... you two have really thought this through, huh?”
“What about you, Hayato-kun?”
“Tell us!”
“...Uh...”
I should’ve known asking them would mean they’d turn it back on me.
I mean, I’ve thought about college and stuff, but beyond that? Honestly... I got nothing concrete.
I closed my eyes, racking my brain for something, but nothing came up.
Since I made them answer, I had to say something... but maybe I thought too hard, because my head started heating up again, and I got all foggy.
“Stop, Hayato-kun!”
“We made you think too hard... We’re so sorryyy!”
“Nah... I kinda forgot I’m sick halfway through.”
I checked my temperature just in case, and sure enough, it’d gotten worse. Guess I learned my lesson about letting my guard down. And of course, when Sakuna-san got back, all three of us got a light scolding.
“Honestly... Well, I won’t get too mad. You all know better, Hayato-kun included.”
“Yes...”
“Ugh, I’m sorry...”
After Sakuna-san’s gentle reprimand, and with my fever creeping up, Arisa and Aina looked crestfallen. Determined to make up for it, they left the room with a fired-up resolve to tackle some housework.
“...This all started because I brought it up, though.”
“True. In this case, are you the one to blame, Hayato-kun?”
“Ugh...”
“Ufufu.”
Sakuna-san’s knowing chuckle was terrifying...!
Still, there’s something about her presence that’s always so soft and kind, never anything else.
I’ve never seen her genuinely angry, and I can’t even imagine it. Hopefully, I never have to see it—and I’ll make sure it stays that way.
“…!”
“Hayato-kun?”
I flinched, feeling a clammy discomfort through my pajamas.
The fever had me sweating quite a bit, and the dampness soaked into my clothes felt cold and gross.
“...Oh, I see. Hold on a moment.”
“Sakuna-san?”
With a clap of her hands, Sakuna-san left the room.
She quickly returned with fresh pajamas, underwear, and a warm, damp bath towel.
“Could it be...”
“You did this for me before, didn’t you? Though, Arisa and Aina wanted to help too, but I won this round♪”
“I see...”
Talk about déjà vu from earlier today.
But since she went through all this trouble, I figured I’d let myself lean into Sakuna-san’s kindness... That’s okay, right?
“Alright, Hayato-kun, strip.”
“Oh, sure.”
I did as she said, peeling off my pajamas.
The sensation of her wiping my back with the towel felt amazing, and I let out a sigh, surrendering to her care.
“Haah... What a fine body... a boy’s... a man’s body.”
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Her voice from behind made my heart skip a beat.
It sounded like she was talking to herself, so pointing out that I heard her felt too embarrassing.
Her words, mixed with breathy sighs, filled the room with an indescribable, mature allure...!
“I’m done with your back. Turn around.”
“...’Kay.”
I spun around to face Sakuna-san.
She wiped my shoulders, chest, and stomach with the same gentle strokes, making me feel like I was a kid again.
I wonder what Mom and Dad would think if they saw me now...?
“That’s my job!”
“H-Hey, calm down, Kasumi!!”
With my eyes closed, I could almost hear their voices in my head, and I gave a wry smile.
“What’s wrong?”
“Oh, I just... thought I heard my parents’ voices for a second.”
“That’s intriguing. What did they say?”
“Mom was saying it’s her job to do this, and Dad was trying to calm her down.”
“I see... I might’ve overstepped a bit there.”
She said that, but Sakuna-san seemed to be enjoying the conversation, playing along with a grin.
After she finished wiping my upper body, I took care of my lower half myself—though, unsurprisingly, she offered to do that too.
“Y’know, having spare pajamas and underwear here... it really makes me feel like part of this family. I love it.”
“Oh my, you say the sweetest things.”
“And...”
“And?”
“...Never mind.”
I almost blurted out what I was thinking while she was wiping me down, but embarrassment got the better of me, and I faltered.
Sakuna-san, though, looked very curious, her eyes practically begging me to spill it without saying a word.
“...Well, when you were wiping me down earlier...”
“Yes?”
“It made me feel like I was a little kid again... If I weren’t sick, I’d wanna hug you tight and just soak in your warmth.”
“Why hold back? Let’s do it—right now.”
“W-Wait, what!?”
Before I could react, she pulled me into a tight embrace, my face pressed against her chest.
Her overwhelming warmth, softness, and sweet scent flooded my senses, seeping into me through my nose.
Everything about Sakuna-san calmed me, making my heart whisper that I wanted to stay like this forever... to depend on her completely.
“You’ll... catch my cold, you know?”
“Hmm, I have a feeling it’ll be fine.”
“Why’s that?”
“In moments like this, colds don’t spread... I just have that certainty.”
“...Then, can we stay like this for a bit?”
“Of course.”
Guess I’ll let myself indulge in Sakuna-san’s warmth for now.
No foggy head, no rising fever, no signs of feeling worse—so even though I know I shouldn’t, I can’t stop myself from leaning into her.
“You get even more clingy when you’re sick, don’t you?”
“Who wouldn’t want to cling to you...? I mean, Arisa and Aina, sure, but your motherly vibe is just too much.”
“Ufufu, right now, it’s all for you.”
“Sakuna-saaan...”
“Good boy, good boy. You’re such a good boy, Hayato-kun.”
Ahh... my heart’s turning into a kid again... I’m practically a baby now...
I didn’t say that out loud—too ridiculous—but that’s the vibe as I kept soaking in Sakuna-san’s affection.
“Oh, by the way, while you were out, I talked with the girls about the future.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah... they both have solid visions for what’s ahead. They asked me too, but I couldn’t give a clear answer.”
Well, I did overload my brain trying to think of one.
“What did they say?”
“Arisa wants to help with your work, Sakuna-san, and Aina’s set on modeling... but she also wants to support you.”
“I see... They haven’t changed one bit, have they?”
“I thought it’s pretty impressive that they’ve got such clear goals at this stage.”
I’d felt it then too, but there’s still plenty of time ahead.
Still, maybe because their dreams are so close to home, it feels like they’re a few steps ahead of me.
“They’ve always said they want to help me out. For me, raising them is just what parents do... It’s only natural.”
“Every family’s probably like that, but how much your kids care about you comes down to how much love you’ve poured into them.”
“……………”
“Just looking at those two, you can feel how much love you’ve raised them with. Not that it’s news, and I mean, who am I to talk, just some kid, right?”
Even as I kept talking, my face was still buried in Sakuna-san’s chest.
It’s a relief knowing she can’t see my expression... but her silence after my words started to make me nervous.
“...?”
I slowly lifted my face from her embrace, only to see Sakuna-san’s face flushed, looking all dreamy.
“Sakuna-san...?”
When I called her name, she cupped my face with both hands.
She leaned in slowly, and for a second, I thought she might kiss me—but of course, that didn’t happen.
“You really... have a way of saying things that make me so happy... Fufu, if I were the same age as my daughters, I’d definitely fall for you.”
“…!”
It wasn’t a kiss, but her words hit me with even more force.
A sudden heat surged from deep inside, and unable to hold her gaze, I sank back into her chest.
“Oh no you don’t. Let me keep looking at your face.”
No escape—she got me!
Trapped in an indescribable atmosphere, I found myself locked in her gaze again.
Is this... heading toward a kiss? My foggy brain was spinning with the thought when a chilling voice echoed like it came straight from hell.
“What’s going on here~?”
“!?”
“Eek!?”
We sprang apart, turning toward the source of the voice.
Aina was peeking through the door, her eyes darting between me and Sakuna-san as she spoke.
“You scolded us earlier, and now you’re doing this, Mom~ nya?”
“A-Aina...?”
“……………”
Her “nya” at the end was cute, but the vibe she was giving off was downright intimidating.
It was enough to make even Sakuna-san hide behind me in fear... It felt like the same kind of pressure from that time a junior confessed to me.
But then Aina let out a little chuckle.
“...Well, I get how you feel, Mom. When someone as lovable as Hayato-kun clings to you like that, it’s hard to hold back, right?”
“Y-Yes, exactly, Aina! I just couldn’t help myself... And he kept saying such sweet things, my motherly instincts just overflowed!”
“I totally get it, Mom! We take care of him because we want to, because it’s natural, but then he gives you that kind smile and thanks you, and it just makes you love him even more!”
Giggling and squealing, Aina and Sakuna-san hit it off and hugged each other.
And so, the lively chaos of the Shinjou household was back in full swing. After dinner, though, a quiet moment finally settled in.
“Hope I’m all better by tomorrow... C’mon, body, do your thing.”
I want to get well and back to my usual self soon.
Back to the days where I can flirt nonstop with Arisa and Aina without worry... and indulge in Sakuna-san’s affection to my heart’s content!
“Still... I feel bad for worrying them, but at the same time, I really felt their love today.”
If I can feel this kind of warmth, catching a cold every now and then might not be so bad.
...Yeah, right. As happy as it makes me, I don’t want to worry them even a little.
“I’d rather be the one worrying about them than making them worry... I want to always be the guy they can rely on—their rock.”
When will I be able to say that with my chest puffed out? I’ve still got a long way to go.
“...Hm?”
I noticed the door was slightly ajar.
I could’ve sworn I closed it when I came in...
“Alright, here we go... All set.”
I lay back down on the bed.
It was only eight, way too early to sleep, but a wave of intense drowsiness hit me hard.
If I give in to this, I bet I’ll sleep like a baby—and I’m pretty sure I’ll be back to normal by tomorrow.
“Good night... and thank you.”
With those final words, I drifted off to sleep.
▼▽
“Good night, Hayato-kun.”
“Night, Hayato-kun.”
Outside Hayato-kun’s room, Aina and I said good night.
I wanted to say it to his face, but if he’s ready to sleep, there’s no helping it.
“……………”
No... maybe just one peek at his face before bed... Is that too much?
My feet stopped as I tried to head back to my room, my eyes glued to the door of Hayato-kun’s room.
“Nee-san, let’s head back.”
“...Right.”
Aina’s... not as bad as me, is she?
It’s not just worry or how much I adore him, but am I more dependent on Hayato-kun than Aina is?
“...Oh?”
Reluctantly suppressing my longing, I turned to go, only to notice something.
Aina, who’d just told me to head back, was still standing there, staring in the direction of Hayato-kun’s room.
“Aina, you’re one to talk.”
“Haha! Busted!”
Aina stuck out her tongue playfully—so cheeky.
I’ve seen that move melt boys and girls alike countless times.
Unlike me, who’s often stone-faced, Aina’s so expressive and adorable.
If I hadn’t met Hayato-kun, I probably would’ve doted on her even more, protecting her with everything I had.
“...Wait a sec.”
“What’s up?”
We’re heading back, sure, but... why is she coming to my room?
Aina, all “it’s fine, it’s fine,” dove onto my bed, hugging my pillow tightly and looking at me.
“Think Hayato-kun will be better by tomorrow?”
“I’m sure he will. He already seemed a lot better earlier.”
He looked rough at noon, but by evening, he seemed like he’d be fine tomorrow.
Still, the recovery phase is when you’ve got to be extra careful. Even if he wakes up feeling great, we can’t let him overdo it. Aina and I need to keep an eye on him so he doesn’t get too carried away!
“...Haah.”
Aina knows Hayato-kun’s probably fine.
But she’s sighing, her eyes drooping... I get how she feels, though.
“I know he’s okay... but it’s hard, you know? He’s right here in the house, but I can’t be by his side... It kinda hurts.”
“...Aina.”
“You feel the same, don’t you, Nee-san?”
After a moment’s thought, I nodded. Of course.
“A cold’s just one of those things. We can always see Hayato-kun, hear his voice... but this cold keeping us away when he’s so close? I’ve never hated anything more.”
“Whoa... Same here♪”
If that cold had a physical form, I’d wipe it out of existence without a second thought.
“...Fufu.”
“Ehehe.”
We laughed at ourselves, wondering what we were even talking about.
I moved closer to Aina, still lying down, and gently stroked her cheek.
“That tickles!”
“Oh? Don’t like it? If you don’t, I’ll never do it again.”
“W-Wait, that’s too extreme! I’d cry if you said that for real!”
“Kidding. Relax, I’d never say that unless you hated me.”
“Then that day’s never coming♪”
Right, I thought, smiling back.
Then Aina sat up, hugged me from behind, and slid her hands to my chest.
“You always do this when you get behind me, don’t you?”
“’Cause it feels so good. Your boobs are just perfect for squeezing.”
Even so, I didn’t shake her off.
It’s just another way to bond with my adorable little sister... or maybe I’m just too soft on her.
“All that’s left is to sleep... but since it’s nighttime, how about some naughty girl talk?”
“...Knew you’d say that.”
Naughty girl talk... Haven’t we been doing that a lot lately?
Ever since we got physical with Hayato-kun, it’s like we crossed a threshold, and our feelings got even stronger.
Maybe that’s why, but our conversations have gotten spicier too.
“I know I’m like this, but you’re getting sensitive too, right, Nee-san? You feel it just from Hayato-kun touching you, don’t you?”
“That’s been true for ages. Sure, just having him near makes me anticipate things, and remembering it gets me all worked up... Ah!”
“You’re thinking about it right now, aren’t you? Look how hard these are.”
Every time Aina poked my chest, a jolt ran through me, making me tremble.
I couldn’t deny it—my body reacts so honestly when I think of Hayato-kun... but that’s not a bad thing.
Because this body is for him, to make him happy... Oh, just thinking that gets me even more excited♡
“What about you?”
“W-Wait, Nee-san!?”
I turned the tables, placing my hands on Aina’s chest.
Her body showed the same obvious signs of excitement... and when I gave a slight pinch, she let out a sultry moan.
“Payback.”
“Ugh... Hayato-kun’s making me so weak!”
Fufu, we’re in the same boat.
Even chatting with Aina like this, my mind’s always on Hayato-kun... I’ve become someone who can’t live without him, more than ever.
But that’s who Arisa Shinjou is—a woman devoted to Hayato-kun, utterly ruined by meeting him, touching him, falling for him down to my very core.
“I think I’ll stick around here for a bit. Feeling like cuddling with you, Nee-san♪”
“One of your clingy phases, huh? Well, do what you want.”
“Love my sweet Nee-san!”
I indulged Aina for a while, but soon she drifted off, falling silent.
Part of me wanted to tell her to go back to her own room, but I couldn’t bring myself to wake her when she looked so peaceful.
“Good night, Aina.”
She was grinning in her sleep—probably dreaming of Hayato-kun.
Smiling at her, I lay down beside her and closed my eyes.
“Good morning, both of you!”
“Good morning、Hayato-kun!”
“You’re all better!”
The next morning, Hayato-kun was fully recovered, greeting us with his usual energy.
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