Epilogue

Back from the beach, I called out “I’m home” to Mom, Dad… and, well, maybe it wasn’t necessary, but also to Jack, the pumpkin who’d somehow become our household guardian deity. That was yesterday.

Having stayed at the Shinjou house during my muscle strain recovery, being back in my own home felt a bit surreal. But the familiar atmosphere and scent of the place I’d lived in for so long hadn’t faded. After a little time in my bed, it was like I’d never left.

“…Can’t settle down,” I muttered.

I’d already had dinner and was in my room, but an odd restlessness gnawed at me. The reason was clear as day—today was special, a day that promised to change things.

“Oh…”

I was staring at the souvenirs for Sota and Kaito on my desk when the door creaked open.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” Arisa-san said.

“Such nice hot water♪,” Aina-san added.

Fresh from the bath, Arisa-san and Aina-san stood before me. We hadn’t planned anything for the days after returning from the beach, but naturally, they’d come to stay over starting today.

At this point, whose house we stayed at didn’t matter. All that mattered was the desire to be near each other.

“Thanks for getting the room ready, Hayato-kun,” Arisa-san said.

“No big deal. I’m just happy someone’s using it,” I replied.

“Because it feels reassuring to have someone else here, right?” Aina-san said.

“Yeah,” I nodded.

This house was mine alone for now, so it was usually just me. Having others around—especially them—brought comfort and joy.

“Haha! Jack-sama’s looking pretty cool!” Aina-san laughed.

“Nice sense of style,” Arisa-san agreed.

“…”

Their eyes were on Jack, now sporting a stylish hat.

Why the excitement? Well, on our way back from the beach, we’d stopped at an outlet mall. Spotting the hat, Aina-san had declared it perfect for Jack, with Arisa-san and Sakuna-san eagerly agreeing.

“…”

I’d been utterly confused at the time. What were they even talking about? I swore I heard Jack’s mocking laughter, but it had to be my imagination.

“He’s our guardian deity; he deserves this much,” Aina-san said.

“Though I wonder if it’s okay to dress up a god like this,” Arisa-san mused.

I wanted to agree but also point out that calling this a god might offend actual deities. Sigh.

“…”

Silence fell over us. Arisa-san and Aina-san, who’d been so lively, now faced me with flushed cheeks and nervous expressions, saying nothing. I, too, just gazed back, speechless.

The quiet wasn’t uncomfortable. Every moment with them was precious, and as long as we were together, I felt happy.

“You two… wanna sit?” I offered.

“…Sure,” Arisa-san said.

“Yeah,” Aina-san agreed.

They sat on either side of me on the bed. I thought conversation might pick up, but no—we just sat there, time slipping by in silence.

“…We’re overthinking this, aren’t we?” I finally said, breaking the quiet.

I let out a big breath, and they chuckled softly, nodding.

“Seriously… but can you blame us?” Arisa-san said.

“Yeah, today’s… you know,” Aina-san added.

Right. Today was the day we’d take that next step.

“Last night, I thought a lot,” Arisa-san said. “In the end, I realized I want to connect with you even more deeply, Hayato-kun. I want to feel you more than ever.”

“I was so excited,” Aina-san said. “Nervous too, and still am, but thinking about feeling you even more—it fills my heart with happiness.”

Their bodies, leaning against me, were warm. Maybe the cool room from the AC made it stand out, but no—my body was just as heated.

“Deepening our love isn’t wrong,” Arisa-san said. “It’s natural for us, as lovers, to want this. But we’ll be responsible, protect what needs protecting, and take accountability for our actions.”

“Exactly,” Aina-san said. “We’ll be careful, but let’s love purely! Let’s make our love unbreakable, something no one can tear apart. And we’ll make you even more obsessed with us, Hayato-kun!”

“Me, huh?” I said.

“Obviously!” Aina-san declared, thumping her chest with a bold grin.

Their words echoed my own thoughts, carved deep into my heart.

“I’m already pretty obsessed,” I said.

“More,” Arisa-san urged. “Get more obsessed.”

“Yeah, way more!” Aina-san added.

They kissed my cheeks, and that was the signal.

“…”

“You’re nervous, aren’t you?” Arisa-san said.

“It’s okay. We are too,” Aina-san reassured.

“…Yeah,” I replied.

For a moment, none of us moved. The tension was palpable, and someone—maybe all of us—laughed at how nervous we still were.

That day, we took a new step… or something like that. Whatever you call it, our bond grew stronger, no question.

“Arisa-san, Aina-san… I love you,” I said.

“I love you too, Hayato-kun,” Arisa-san replied.

“I love you, Hayato-kun,” Aina-san echoed.

I’d never forget this day—the embarrassment, the fumbling firsts, the silly debates about what was right, the laughter, and finally, all of us falling asleep content.

“Hayato-kun…♡”

“Ehehe, Hayato-kun♡”

The next morning, their happy sleeping faces became another unforgettable memory.