Chapter 4: A Trip to Kyoto with Just Me and Aino!

In the end, it seemed the only way forward was a direct breakthrough. Early on a holiday morning, Toru and Aino’s plan was put into motion.

Which meant...

"We're going to Kyoto!"

Aino sounded so excited that Toru couldn't help but feel swept up in the mood. She was wearing an elegant one-piece dress. It was a modest, clean look, but the sheer size of her breasts was still obvious. Sitting next to her, it was impossible not to notice.

Currently, they were seated side-by-side on the Tokaido Shinkansen, traveling from Nagoya to Kyoto. They had passed Gifu-Hashima and were approaching Maibara. On the Nozomi express, the trip between Nagoya and Kyoto took just over thirty minutes. It was over in a flash.

What’s more...

"And yet, we’re in the Green Car. How luxurious," Aino giggled.

Toru stretched his legs and tried out the footrest. This really is comfortable... Normally, it would be an absurd extravagance for high schoolers to use the Green Car. But all of this was funded by the Konoe family. He had withdrawn a significant portion of the money provided for his living expenses.

He had left without a word to Chika or Asuka, but they would probably manage. This was an escape from the Konoe family, so they couldn't bring a large group. Most importantly, they couldn't risk Touka finding them.

Toru and Aino were headed for the Mizunase family villa in Kyoto. The Mizunase family had offered to send a car, but it would have been trouble if the Konoe side spotted them en route. On the Shinkansen, even if someone realized they were heading toward Kyoto, catching up wouldn't be easy.

Mai was apparently already in Kyoto handling the preparations. Toru felt he owed her one, but she had just chirped, "It's all for you, Senpai! ♪" looking quite pleased with herself.

Putting all the complicated circumstances aside, one thing was clear.

"A trip with just you and me, Toru-kun... it’s like a dream," Aino said happily.

It was true. For Toru and Aino, this was their first trip together. Aino looked up at him playfully. "It’s like a honeymoon, isn't it?"

Toru felt his face heat up and looked away. "Kyoto is nice and all, but if it were a real honeymoon, I'd take you somewhere more flashy."

"Like the Maldives...?"

The Maldives—a classic resort destination. Many people went there for honeymoons. That sounded like fun. Toru thought about suggesting Finland, Aino’s home, but it might be too familiar to be exciting for her.

Aino chuckled. "Other Nordic countries might be nice too. Norway, Sweden, Denmark... I've actually never been to any of them."

Even though they were all "Nordic," the cultures were apparently quite different from Finland. Toru thought those were good options. The real question was whether they could stay together until they actually reached marriageable age.

"In a little over two years, we'll be able to get married, right?"

"We'll still be in high school then, though."

Getting married while still in high school seemed difficult. Though at Koubunkan—with its liberal school culture and the Konoe family’s influence—it might actually be possible. Of course, they lacked the Konoe family’s support at the moment.

Aino shrugged. "But we'll be adults once we turn eighteen, right? Then no one can stop us if we say we're getting married."

"True. No matter how much the Konoe or Aino families object, they can't legally stop us if it’s our own will. But..."

In practice, being unable to marry was a real possibility. Neither of them lived in a vacuum; they lived within society, narrow as their part of it might be. They could be forced into a situation where marriage was effectively impossible. They needed money for university, too.

However, Aino quietly rested her hand over Toru’s. Her cool touch made his heart skip a beat.

"It'll be okay. I know you'll marry me. I've already decided I'm going to support you so that happens."

"You're right. No point in being timid now."

For the time being, they had averted the immediate danger of Aino being taken away by the Aino family. In that case, he should just enjoy his time with her. Toru and Aino never grew bored of talking, but they also enjoyed just spending time together in silence. Both had brought books with them.

Aino glanced at the title of Toru’s book and her face lit up. "Oh, that's Asimov’s The Black Widowers."

"Yeah. You recommended it and I liked it, so I'm on the second volume now."

"Hehe, I'm glad you're reading it." Aino gave him a soft smile.

Toru had first helped Aino when she was reaching for a book on a shelf at a bookstore. She was a bibliophile who read a fair amount of foreign literature and mysteries. In that sense, their hobbies overlapped perfectly.

Aino began talking about the book, and time flew by. The Shinkansen announcement signaled their arrival. They stepped out at Kyoto Station—a massive, black-and-white structure that looked like a giant monument. Unlike the functional and simple Nagoya Station, Kyoto Station had a unique atmosphere.

Toru looked around curiously. He must have come here on his elementary school field trip, but he didn't remember it at all.

"Let's see..." Toru pulled out his notes. The Mizunase villa was in Sakyo Ward. It was quite a distance from Kyoto Station. It was located near the "Kamo River Delta," close to Kyoto University, Doshisha University, and Shimogamo Shrine. From the station, they could take a bus, or take the Nara Line to Tofukuji and transfer to the Keihan Electric Railway.

"Mai-chan said to avoid the bus, right? Because it gets so crowded."

"The train it is, then."

Kyoto was packed with tourists—too many, really. Even the Nara Line, which was supposed to be less crowded than the bus, was jam-packed. The Keihan was a bit better.

Finally, they got off at Demachiyanagi Station. Climbing the stairs to the surface, the Kamo River was right there. Kyoto felt different from Nagoya; time seemed to flow a bit more slowly. Perhaps it was because Nagoya was such a car-centric city with wide roads and heavy traffic.

Aino’s eyes sparkled as she headed down to the riverbank. "Toru-kun, over here!" She waved, and Toru hurried down to join her.

Couples, seemingly university students, were lined up along the bank. Aino let out an "Oh!" of realization. "This is the 'Kamo River Equidistant Coupling' thing, isn't it?"

"You mean that thing where couples space themselves out at equal intervals...?"

He’d heard the rumors. No matter the time, couples along the Kamo River supposedly sat at perfectly even intervals. Touka had probably mentioned it—she’d lived in Kyoto during her university days. Looking around, the men and women were indeed sitting with identical gaps between them. Toru was genuinely surprised to see it was true.

Aino’s eyes twinkled mischievously. "Well, we are a couple, after all."

She sat down on the riverbank and patted the spot next to her. Toru sat as he was told. "I-is it really okay for us to be lounging around like this...?" He felt they should get to the villa as soon as possible, fearing someone from the Konoe family might catch them.

Aino giggled. "It's fine. No matter how much they hurry, they can't get here faster than the Shinkansen. I doubt Touka Tokieda and the others even realize we’re in Kyoto yet."

She was right; they had left without telling anyone. Even if Chika, Asuka, or Ririka noticed they were gone, Toru had sent a message saying they were just out for a bit. It would probably be another half-day before anyone realized they had actually run away.

Aino leaned in close, her lips nearly touching his ear for a kiss. "Since we're here, let's enjoy our Kyoto trip, okay?" Her sweet breath tickled his earlobe. Her large breasts pressed against his shoulder, clouding his ability to think straight.

"Y-yeah. Let's do that."

"Hmm? Toru-kun? Are you feeling flustered?"

Apparently, she wasn't pressing her chest against him on purpose. Toru didn't want to admit he was so conscious of her breasts—it felt uncool, though perhaps it was too late for that. If they left now, the problem would be solved...

But Aino realized the reason for his odd behavior before he could move. "Ah..."

Her breasts, with their almost violent level of presence, were resting right on his shoulder. Aino turned bright red, but then a smirk appeared on her face.

"You're such a boob-fiend, Toru-kun..."

"Is 'boob-fiend' even a thing people say anymore...?"

"Oh, trying to deflect? Look, look."

Aino cupped her breasts from the sides with both hands and shook them deliberately, making sure they brushed against him. She wore a delighted smile. "Toru-kun, are you happy?"

"You seem more happy about this than I am, Aino-san..."

"Liar, you love it. Here, look."

Aino tried to force him to appreciate the softness of her chest. Toru couldn't exactly shove her away, so he just let her have her way.

"..You've gotten quite lewd, Aino-san. If anything, you're the boob-fiend here..."

Aino pressed her chest into his and giggled before turning to sit directly on his lap. This... our lower bodies are basically flush against each other... If he got hard now, she would definitely feel it.

"You're the one who made me lewd, Toru-kun."

"M-my fault?"

"Every bit of it is your fault. So I want you to take responsibility."

She whispered the words, pressing her soft mounds into his chest through her clothes. She pulled at her neckline, giving him a glimpse of her white cleavage. Her golden hair, her rich breasts, her moist red lips... everything was right there. If he reached out, it felt like he could have it all.

But.

"A-Aino-san... everyone’s watching."

Aino snapped back to reality and looked around. Nearby student couples were whispering things like, "Whoa, how bold," and "Kids these days are so forward..." Toru suppressed the urge to point out they were also young, and used his hand to close her neckline. For some reason, Aino looked more embarrassed now than she had a moment ago.

"S-somehow, having you dress me feels more erotic than being undressed..."

"I-is that so?"

Feeling the weight of the surrounding gazes, they hurried away from the riverbank. Now that they were here, there was one place Toru really wanted to go.

"Want to stop by Shimogamo Shrine?"

"A shrine? You're interested in that, Toru-kun?"

"I am, but it's also a classic tourist spot. It's a World Heritage site, after all. But there's another reason. There's a 'relationship' shrine there."

The "Aioi-no-Yashiro" shrine within the Shimogamo grounds was famous for success in love. It seemed like the perfect place to go with Aino.

"Hmm." Aino toyed with a strand of her golden hair and looked down shyly.

Toru smiled. "Not interested?"

"I'M GOING!!!!"

Aino’s enthusiastic response made Toru happy. "I definitely want to ask the gods to bless our relationship, Toru-kun."

"Come to think of it, Aino-san..." Since she was from Finland, he wondered if she was Christian. He’d read somewhere that many Finns were members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Aino smiled and shook her head. "I was raised in Japan. I've been to church, but I'm not Christian. Besides, there aren't many denominations that strictly forbid going to a shrine."

"Huh, is that so?"

"I actually like visiting shrines and temples."

Toru was a bit surprised. He realized there was still so much he didn't know about Aino.

Aino laughed. "So don't worry, we can pray for our future together."

With that, the two headed from the Kamo River Delta toward Shimogamo Shrine. The entire shrine was located within an old-growth forest called "Tadasu-no-Mori," which gave it a unique atmosphere.

"What a great mood! Perfect for a date!"

"Haha, it would feel so good to walk through here every day."

"Hey, Toru-kun... should we go to a university in Kyoto after we graduate?"

"Huh?"

"Then we could talk by the Kamo River every day, and go on dates at shrines and temples!" Aino looked up at him. "What do you think?"

Toru thought it wasn't a bad idea at all. But the question was, which university could they actually get into? When he asked, Aino answered immediately.

"Kyodai (Kyoto University)."

"K-Kyodai? That's... well, it might not be impossible."

Currently, Toru was a top student. Koubunkan High School was one of the top preparatory schools in Nagoya, so his grades made it a realistic goal. In fact, people like Chika or Asuka—who were in the top ten of the grade—could easily aim for Tokyo University or medical school. Touka, a Koubunkan grad, had gone to Kyodai, and her sister Haruka was a medical student at Nagoya University.

The problem was Aino.

"Aino-san..."

Aino looked away. Unlike Chika and the others, her grades weren't that great. "W-well, we don't necessarily have to go to the same school, right?"

"But I want to go to the same university as you."

"R-really? I'm so happy." Aino grinned, but then her expression turned serious as she thought. "I can't let you lower your standards for me. I guess I'll have to work hard."

"Hey, you don't have to push yourself."

"But you just said you wanted to go to the same school!"

"Of course I do. But even if we're at different places, I'm still your fiancé."

"Thank you. But if you were at some fancy university and girls started hitting on you... I'd be so worried!"

"I don't think that would happen...?"

"Even though you're already flirting with Chika-chan, and Sakurai-san, and Mai-chan, and Toyotomi-senpai?"

"D-don't make me sound like some playboy..."

"I don't think you're cheating. I know you love me very much, Toru-kun."

Toru surrendered to the blonde beauty’s playful teasing. He knew he was no match for this Nordic maiden.

"But... I’ll do my best. To support you, Toru-kun... I have to pass the Kyoto University entrance exam too!" Aino declared, thrusting a determined fist toward the sky above Tadasu no Mori.

Caught up in her enthusiasm, Toru mimicked her. "Oh!"

In truth, Toru knew he had to buckle down as well. It would be a cruel joke if Aino passed while he failed—she might even lose interest in him if he couldn't keep up. Moreover, he harbored the opposite worry of what Aino had just expressed: if a girl as stunning as Aino lived alone as a university student, she’d surely be swarmed by male students. He could easily see some smooth talker leading her astray.

To prevent that, he felt he had to attend the same university. While lowering his standards for an easier school was an option, he knew Aino would never agree to it. Furthermore, as a candidate for the next head of the Konoe family, graduating from a top-tier university was a strategic necessity. His rival for the seat was none other than Konoe Chika, a girl who could likely waltz into the University of Tokyo without breaking a sweat.

I’ll study hard, help Aino with her lessons, and we’ll win our new life in Kyoto together, he thought. Of course, that was a long-term goal for after the current engagement crisis was resolved.

Eventually, they reached the Aioi-no-Yashiro shrine within the Shimogamo Shrine complex. Standing near a red torii gate was a sacred tree—two trunks intertwined as if embracing.

"This is called the Renri no Sakaki. Two trees grew together to become one," Toru explained.

Aino nodded knowingly. "Like the Renri in Hiyoku-Renri, right?"

The expression referred to the 'Birds of a Feather'—mythical creatures where the male and female share a wing to fly—and the 'Intertwined Branches.' Both were metaphors for a couple in perfect harmony. Toru was impressed by her vocabulary; these weren't words one usually picked up in casual conversation.

Aino puffed out her chest proudly. "I’ll have you know, I’m a bit of a literature girl."

"I suppose I knew that. You’ve always had great marks in English and Japanese," Toru admitted.

"Yeah... but math is a different story. I’m always on the verge of failing," she said, her expression drooping.

"W-well, we’ll work on it together. I can teach you a fair bit of math."

"Thank you. But I feel like I’m always relying on you, Toru-kun..." Aino still seemed to be bothered by the perceived imbalance in their relationship, feeling she wasn't supporting him enough. Toru had never once thought of it that way, but Aino continued.

"If there’s anything I can do for you, I’ll do it—no matter what."

"Just being here is enough for me," Toru said honestly, but Aino shook her head.

"There are things you can't protect without pushing yourself. We're already pushing our limits right now."

She was right. Neither could rely on their parents, and even Touka Tokieda, their usual ally, was currently sidelined. They were getting by through the acrobatic feat of relying on the Mizunase family—complete strangers. They couldn't stay under the Mizunase roof forever.

"That’s why I want to protect you with my own strength. And I know I can," Aino whispered. Toru wondered what she meant; he had a feeling her methods would exceed his expectations.

Before he could ask, Aino gasped, pointing at a sign. "Look! The shrine's blessings! Matchmaking... child-rearing, family harmony, and... safe childbirth!" Her cheeks flushed as she reached the last one, stealing a mischievous glance at him. "Should we pray for a safe delivery?"

"Isn't it a bit early for that!?"

"If I were to get pregnant, you’d have to take responsibility, wouldn't you? Then your engagement to Toyotomi-senpai would be cancelled, and my family couldn't take me back."

Toru hadn't even considered such a nuclear option. Aino grinned widely. "Should we actually do it?"

"If it meant you'd definitely be mine... I would," Toru replied.

Aino blinked, stunned, before covering her mouth with her hands. "R-really!? W-well, maybe a baby is too soon... but I did say I wouldn't mind having your children. If you want to make a baby, Toru-kun, I'll... I'll do my best!"

She was spiraling into a panicked, rapid-fire monologue. Toru had to cut her off. "Aino-san, stop! Stop!"

"Huh?"

"Even if I did get you pregnant, there's no guarantee it would end how we want." It was highly unlikely the Konoe or Aino families would simply bless the union. More likely, they’d be forcibly separated, Toru would be coerced into marrying Ririka, and Aino would be left "damaged" in the eyes of her high-society family. He couldn't be that reckless.

Aino looked disappointed. "Oh. I thought you were finally in the mood."

"Finally? You make me sound like some kind of coward."

"I don't think you're a coward, but I'm always ready," she said, placing her hands over her generous bust to emphasize her point. "If I end up having your baby, my breasts will belong to the child, too. They won't be just yours anymore."

"T-they aren't exactly 'mine' to begin with..."

"No, every part of me is yours, Toru-kun. My lips, my chest, my butt... and the hole for making babies, too," she whispered seductively.

If they were in a bedroom right now, Toru felt he might actually lose control and do exactly what she suggested. Even Emilia, the Aino secretary, had suggested he just take her. Fighting back the urge, he tried to play it cool.

"Do you... want to write an ema tablet?"

"Ah, you're blushing!"

"I am not!"

"Hehe, maybe I'll write 'I want Toru-kun's baby' on the tablet."

"Please don't. That's embarrassing..."

Despite the banter, they completed the ritual, circling the shrine three times before offering their tablets and prayers. They finished by pulling the sacred rope of the Renri no Sakaki, the bells ringing with a clear, beautiful tone.

As they walked the grounds, Aino looked satisfied. "You know, Kyoto has so many other matchmaking spots."

"Want to visit them all?"

"If that's what you want," she giggled. Then, her face turned serious. "Toru-kun... if it meant being with me, would you make a wish to a devil, not just a god?"

"A devil? Where is this coming from?"

"It’s just a metaphor. But maybe to stay together, we’ll have to give up everything else. Even then...?"

"I'll stay with you," Toru answered instantly. He knew this was a moment that required no hesitation.

Aino nodded. "Thank you. If that time comes... I'll fight for you, too."

☆

After their morning of sightseeing, they finally arrived at the Mizunase Kyoto villa. It was a magnificent structure, originally built in the Meiji era and heavily renovated during the Taisho period. It screamed "old nobility," though apparently, it had been purchased from one of the three great zaibatsu families. A grand Japanese mansion stood before a vast garden.

"I wish I lived in a house like this," Aino sighed.

"Isn't your family wealthy too?"

"My home was a luxury condo, but it was just a plain, modern building. I’ve always longed for a place with history..." Perhaps because of her Nordic roots, Aino had a deep fascination with traditional Japanese architecture.

"If you want to live in a place like this, I'll work for it."

"Really? You'll build me a house?"

"Well, if I become the head of the Konoe family, I could build you whatever you like. But even if I don't, I want to be someone who can provide that for you through my own strength." Toru wanted to give this girl everything.

Aino looked into his eyes. "Thank you. But don't push yourself too hard."

"Now we've swapped roles," Toru chuckled. They both shared the same resolve to sacrifice for one another.

Aino intertwined her fingers with his. "Shall we?"

When they rang the bell, they were met by a young woman—or rather, a girl—in an apron dress. With the historic building as a backdrop, she looked like a classic Taisho-era waitress in her modest maid attire. She had braided hair and a quiet, petite, yet undeniably cute appearance.

Her face remained expressionless. "Welcome. I am Saaya Minamikouji, servant to the Mizunase family. Lady Mai has instructed me to look after you both."

"Thank you. I'm Renjō Toru, and this is Aino Lyuti."

Aino bowed nervously; she was notoriously shy with strangers.

Saaya shrugged. "I am a servant. There is no need for formal speech."

"No, I’m not part of the Mizunase family... and we're about the same age, right?"

"I am currently a high school freshman. However, the Minamikouji family were jige-kanjin—low-ranking nobles—until the Edo period. We have served the Mizunase for generations. I support the Young Lady while attending school."

"Then let's just speak casually—"

"I cannot. Our social standings are different."

While "social standing" didn't officially exist in the Reiwa era, it was a reality for families of their pedigree.

"I have been ordered to serve you, Master Renjō. You are my lord. How could I speak to you with such disrespect?"

Toru gave up. There was no point in arguing.

Saaya led them to their guest rooms. "Your rooms are separate," she noted. "Furthermore, my orders are to provide for your every need."

"And?"

"Master Renjō is a young man of age. It is only natural that you would feel... aroused. I will also take charge of your sexual maintenance."

Toru froze as Saaya dropped the bombshell with a completely straight face. Aino blinked in confusion for a second before her face turned a violent shade of red.

"Saaya-san! Toru-kun has me, so he's fine!"

"Does that mean Miss Aino will be handling Master Renjō's sexual maintenance?"

"T-that's right! Toru-kun can use my sexy body whenever he wants! He's always doing naughty things to me—mmph!"

Toru clamped his hand over Aino's mouth from behind before she could shout anything else. She was far too easy to bait.

For the first time, Saaya let out a small giggle. She was just messing with us, Toru realized.

"You shouldn't say things like that, even as a joke," Toru sighed.

"Oh, it wasn't entirely a joke. I cannot refuse a command, and there is always the prospect of marrying up. If I were to fall pregnant, please keep me as your concubine."

Toru was at a loss. As Saaya opened her mouth to continue, a shadow loomed behind her.

"Sa-a-ya!"

Mai appeared like a vengeful spirit, glaring at her maid. "Who on earth told you to provide... 'naughty' services to Renjō-senpai!?"

"Was it not you, My Lady? You said to beguile him, body and soul. That it wouldn't matter if I offered my body and was impregnated by his creampie."

"Stop lying so casually! You're making me look like some monster who forces her servants into sex work!"

"Very well, the Young Lady gave no such order. I simply decided on my own that it might be best to use these meager breasts to comfort Master Renjō." Saaya poked at her own chest. Toru’s eyes involuntarily followed the movement. For a freshman, Saaya’s breasts looked quite substantial, straining against her apron.

"I mean, they're not meager at all... they look kind of big..." Toru muttered.

Silence fell. Aino and Mai fixed him with icy, judgmental stares.

"Toru-kun, you pervert..."

"Senpai, you're the worst..."

"I'm sorry..." Toru wilted under the combined glare of the two beauties.

While the girls grumbled about his "philandering," Saaya giggled happily. She definitely had a mischievous streak.

Mai turned her glare back to Toru. "You're not allowed to do anything weird to Saaya, okay!?"

"I won't, I won't..."

"I-if you can't hold back your... urges, you can always consult m-me..." Mai finished, fidgeting shyly.

Aino puffed out her cheeks. "I'm enough to satisfy all of Toru-kun's sexual desires!"

"Aino-san, don't say 'sexual desires' so loudly!"

Mai raised an eyebrow. "By the way, Senpai... I did say I wanted a reward for helping you two, didn't I?"

"Did you...?"

"Don't play dumb."

"Alright, alright. As long as it's not impossible, I'll do whatever you ask."

Mai grinned and suddenly lunged, hugging him tightly. "M-Mizunase-san!?"

"Ahaha, you're so cute when you're flustered, Senpai!" Her breasts—far too developed for a middle schooler—pressed firmly against his chest.

"Mizunase-san... your chest is touching me."

"I'm making it touch you. You said you'd do anything, so I'm going to have you serve me for a few days."

"Serve you...?"

"You can do that, right?" Given how much she’d helped them, he couldn't exactly refuse.

Mai looked at Aino. "Is that okay with you?"

."..I'll lend him to you, just for a little bit," Aino conceded, despite her possessiveness.

As Saaya led Mai away, warning her not to go too far, Mai winked at Toru. "If you can't control yourself while you're serving me and end up attacking me... well, I'll just have to blame you for it!"

"I'm not going to attack you!"

"You're no fun! You're supposed to say, 'If it's a beauty like Mai, I might just lose control!'" She laughed as she was dragged away.

Toru exhaled. His life with Aino, Chika, and Asuka had been replaced by a new trio: Aino, Mai, and Saaya. He knew this wouldn't end quietly. And true to form, the trouble started that very night.

☆

That night, Toru sat in the old-fashioned wooden bathhouse, his heart racing. It was much smaller than the one in Nagoya, clearly not designed for multiple people. He was on edge, half-expecting Aino to burst in at any moment. Part of him wanted her to—but without Chika around to keep them in check, he was afraid he’d actually lose his mind if he saw her naked.

But the person who arrived was someone else.

"Se-n-pai? Are you in there...?"

It was Mai. She stepped in, wrapped in a single bath towel that did little to hide the deep cleavage of her impressive bust. The towel was so short he was worried her "secret place" might be exposed at any second.

"Your eyes are glued to me, Senpai," she giggled.

"What are you doing here, Mizunase-san?"

"You said you'd serve me, right? So I want you to wash my body!"

"Isn't that a bit much? I am a guy."

"That's why I'm asking!" She laughed. "Look, we're friends. You promised to serve me. Washing a friend's back is totally fine. Understand?"

"I don't understand at all! And that outfit... it's too much..."

"Is it too sexy? You're such a teenager, Senpai."

"I don't want to hear that from a middle schooler..."

"This towel is just in the way. Let's get rid of it." With a flourish, Mai dropped the towel.

Toru let out a pathetic yelp and covered his eyes. "M-Mai-san! You're naked! A girl shouldn't be so shameless before marriage!"

"Senpai, you're so panicked you're starting to talk like an old man. I'm not naked."

Toru peeked through his fingers. He wasn't met with bare skin, but a massive chest encased in a bikini. The valley between her breasts was on full display, and her lower half was barely covered by a tiny triangle of fabric.

She struck a seductive pose. "Tada! What do you think? Am I cute?"

"A swimsuit... It suits you. You're cute."

"I thought for sure you were naked under that towel..."

"Hehe, I had the swimsuit on underneath! You're so cute for falling for it."

Toru decided to strike back. "Don't you feel embarrassed, Mizunase-san? That swimsuit is basically the same as being naked."

He scanned her from top to bottom. Under his intense gaze, Mai finally began to falter, realization dawning on how bold she was being. She tried to cover her breasts and crotch with her hands, but she couldn't hide everything.

"Y-you pervert..."

"The one wearing that swimsuit is the pervert here, isn't it?"

"No! It's your fault for looking with such lewd eyes!"

Toru stood up to leave, but Mai grabbed his hand. "Senpai? Are you trying to run away?"

"From what...?"

"A girl has gone this far. Don't run," she whispered, her voice suddenly soft. Toru knew she liked him—enough to marry him. She had helped him out of love. But he loved Aino, and he couldn't return those feelings.

"You can do whatever 'service' you want to me, Senpai. You can wash my chest... or kiss me."

"Is that really 'service'?"

"I want it, so it is. Though it might be too much for a virgin like you."

"You're a virgin too, aren't you?"

"I'm a middle schooler! But... want to climb the stairs to adulthood with me? Our first bath together!"

Mai suddenly narrowed her eyes. "Wait... do you usually bathe with Aino and Chika-senpai every day!?"

"Not every day... but we have bathed together."

"Unbelievable! Now I definitely can't let you leave for free. At least find the courage to squeeze my breasts!"

"I'm not doing that! If Aino-san finds us—"

"Don't worry. Saaya is distracting her with a massage. Aino is probably in paradise right now."

"You sound like a villain." Toru felt a pang of jealousy at the thought of Saaya touching Aino, even if it was just a massage.

"So, Senpai, let's get naked and—"

Mai froze as Toru stared at the door. Standing there was Saaya in a school swimsuit and Aino in the micro-bikini she’d bought with Toru—the one that was barely more than a few strings.

"Toru-kun... you didn't do anything to Mai-chan, did you?" Aino asked with a flat stare.

Toru shook his head vigorously.

"Saaya! Why are you here!?" Mai screamed. "I told you to massage Aino!"

"Miss Aino insisted on entering the bath first..."

"Then why are you in a swimsuit!? You told her we were here, didn't you!?"

"You didn't tell me not to tell her..."

"You traitor!"

"The Master told me not to let things get too extreme," Saaya said calmly.

Aino giggled, stepping toward Toru. "Unlike Mai-chan, there’s no one to stop me from doing whatever I want with you."

She knelt before him, squeezing body soap onto her breasts. Then, she pressed them firmly against his chest, using her soft, lathered skin to spread the soap across his body.

The slippery, wet sensation sent Toru into a panic. "A-Aino-san, this is a bit..."

"Eeh? Are you blushing, Toru-kun? It's a bit late for that."

"No, no, this is definitely not healthy—eep!"

The soft, pillowy sensation of Aino’s breasts felt so vivid it threatened to numb Toru’s very brain. As Aino playfully teased him, shifting her bountiful chest with a cheerful "Here, look~," the fabric of her swimsuit began to slip. Toru found himself unable to look away, terrified—yet expectant—that her nipples might pop out at any second.

A glimpse of those cherry-blossom areolas peeked out, making his heart leap into his throat. Simultaneously, he felt a surge of heat rush to his crotch as his manhood stiffened and grew. When his erection pressed firmly against Aino, she let out a sweet, high-pitched gasp. "H-Hyauu...♡."

"T-Toru-kun... you're so energetic. You pervert," she teased.

"That’s your fault, isn’t it!?" Toru shot back.

"Mhm, that’s right. I need to make you feel even more perverted because of me," Aino giggled. As she spoke, her swimsuit slipped completely, leaving the cherry-colored buds of both breasts fully exposed to the air. Toru tried to avert his eyes in a panic, but it was too late. His erection throbbed even harder, and Aino reached down to gently wrap her hand around it.

"T-Toru-kun’s thing... it’s all slimy, isn’t it?"

"It’s embarrassing when you put it into words," Toru groaned.

"We’re close, aren’t we? There’s nothing to be ashamed of," Aino reassured him.

"I mean, if it were just the two of us, maybe..." Toru glanced behind them. Mai stood there, completely frozen, while Saaya watched the scene with an amused, analytical expression. It seemed Mai, who had zero resistance to erotic situations, had suffered a total mental overload.

Suddenly, Saaya blurred into motion, appearing behind Aino and ruthlessly kneading her breasts from behind.

"Hyauun!? ♡ M-Minamikouji-san!? What are you doing? Ah, anh...! ♡."

Watching Aino moan so suggestively only served to fire Toru up further. Saaya continued the caress with a perfectly deadpan face. "The Young Lady ordered me to perform a massage, after all."

"Not right now! Hyauu... ♡ Ah, nooo! ♡" Aino cried out.

While Saaya likely intended to stop Aino’s runaway train of lust before it went too far, this display was just as bad for Toru’s heart. Besides, he felt that he was the only one who should be touching Aino. Reaching out to save her from the maid's assault, Toru’s foot slipped on the wet floor. He tumbled forward, pinning Aino to the ground.

"Hyauun! ♡" Aino let out an especially sharp cry. She was now flat on her back, the top of her swimsuit completely stripped away. In the chaos, Toru’s fingers had accidentally pinched her nipple. He tried to pull away, but the lust Aino had stirred in him was reaching a breaking point. Against his better judgment, he gave the cherry-colored nub another firm squeeze and a tug.

ILLUSTRATION

"Aaahn! ♡ Ahh... ♡ Stop, nooo! ♡ Anh, yaaah! ♡ Toru-kun, you pervert... anh! ♡."

Even though his reason told him to stop, he was desperate to see more of her reaction. He teased the pink protrusion again.

"Aaahn!? No, nooo! ♡ I-If you do that... I won't be able to hold back! ♡ I'll start wanting Toru-kun’s baby-maker! ♡ Ah, aaaahn! ♡."

Toru’s desire flared. He wanted her. He wanted to drive his cock into her most private place and fill her until she was pregnant. He felt his lower body about to lose all control. He leaned over to cover her, but at the last second, he managed to restrain himself. If they were alone, he wouldn't have stopped, but the presence of the maid in the school swimsuit acted as a cold shower.

He pulled his hands back and helped Aino fix her swimsuit. She lay there panting, her cheeks flushed a deep crimson as her heavy chest heaved up and down. The sight nearly made him snap again, but he endured it. Saaya looked down at him, seemingly impressed.

"What impressive self-control," she noted clinically. "You really should have just ravished her."

"Aino-san is precious to me," Toru panted.

"Hmm. But Renjō-sama, isn't it difficult with your penis being so big and hard?" Without warning, Saaya reached out and touched his erection with pure curiosity. "So this is what a gentleman’s cock looks like."

"Could you not say that with such a straight face?"

"I shall take responsibility for its care—."

"I don't need that!" Toru barked.

By then, Mai had finally regained her senses. She began to tremble with indignation. "I-I was the one supposed to be serving Senpai...! Aino and Saaya are both being way too indecent!"

"That carries little weight coming from the Young Lady who was trying to seduce him in a bikini," Saaya countered.

"Enough! N-Next time, I'm definitely going to serve Senpai properly!" With that, Mai dragged Aino and Saaya out of the bathroom. Left alone, Toru was hit by a wave of exhaustion, though the lingering sensation of Aino’s breasts continued to haunt his mind.

☆

The next morning, Toru woke up feeling surprisingly refreshed. In their previous home, he had shared a bed with Aino, Chika, and Asuka. While most boys his age would kill for such a "dream" arrangement—complete with occasional erotic accidents—the lack of sleep had been taking its toll. Mai had strictly forbidden him from sleeping in the same room as Aino, fearing he might lose control and attack her. Mai had tried to get him into her own room, but the level-headed Saaya had blocked that plan.

Toru opened his eyes, but his body felt strangely heavy. He thought it was sleep paralysis, but it was something much more tangible.

"Good morning, Toru-kun!" Aino beamed, looking incredibly high-spirited. She was currently straddling his hips. She was wearing her pajama shirt, but the top buttons were pointedly left undone. "Ehehe, I came to see you."

"W-What do you mean 'came to see me'... didn't Mizunase-san ban us from sleeping together?"

"She didn't say anything about waking you up, though."

The clock on the wall read 6:30 AM. Aino began to mischievously grind her hips against him. It was exactly like the cowgirl position.

"W-Wait, Aino-san!? You can't move like that, it's troubling!"

"I'm doing it because I want to trouble you," she giggled. Since she wasn't wearing her pajama bottoms, her white thighs were blindingly bright against his skin. A girl in nothing but her panties was sitting on top of him while her voluminous breasts swayed before his eyes. Toru reached his limit almost instantly.

Aino let out a little gasp. "T-Toru-kun’s thing... it got hard."

"Aino-san... I'd appreciate it if you'd stop teasing me now," Toru pleaded.

"I'm not teasing. I wanted to make you happy. See? You're already so energetic."

"Well, any normal guy would be, after this...."

"Your cock gets so big, doesn't it?" Aino giggled. She began to move her hips up and down even more vigorously, stimulating his member through the fabric.

"A-Aino-san!?"

"Fufu, you're so flustered...! We have thirty minutes until breakfast, so I might have time to make you feel refreshed. Hehe, there, there!"

Toru felt like his blood was boiling. The sight of her jiggling breasts and the friction against his shaft threatened to destroy his last shred of restraint. His chastity was in grave danger—until the door was kicked open with a thunderous bang.

He expected Mai or Saaya, but instead, it was Toyotomi Ririka in her school uniform, breathing heavily and glaring at Aino.

"I-I will not allow you to lay a hand on my fiancé!"

Aino tilted her head, still straddling Toru. "He’s not yours. He’s mine."

"T-That was in the past! I am his current fiancée!"

"I'll say it as many times as it takes: Toru-kun’s heart belongs to me. You can't force that to change."

"We shall see. Status, power, and time are all on my side. Even Toru-san will surely change his mind soon."

Aino asked quietly, "How did you find this place?"

A cold smile played across Ririka’s beautiful face. "It was simple. I detained and interrogated your collaborator, the Aino family secretary, Emilia Eenroot."

Toru was horrified. Emilia had been helping them out of sympathy for Aino’s situation. "You didn't do anything violent to Eenroot-san, did you?"

Ririka didn't answer directly, only smiling. "She is currently being 'protected' by the Toyotomi family. She resisted at first, but she became quite honest soon enough."

A chill ran down Toru’s spine. Ririka was willing to do anything to get him. Abduction and confinement were crimes, but the power of the Toyotomi and Konoe families could likely bury them. Emilia was now a "traitor" to the Aino group’s investors—no one would stand up for her.

The situation was dire. Their protection under the Mizunase family was legally shaky. Their legal guardian, Emilia, was a prisoner. Aino’s parents would obey the Toyotomis, and Toru’s own mother, Megumi, who held parental authority, was no ally. If Ririka moved to eliminate Aino and reclaim Toru, they were powerless.

Aino slowly stood up, stepping off Toru. She smiled brightly. "It seems you didn't hear the most important part from Emilia, Toyotomi-senpai."

"W-What are you talking about? Regardless, Toyotomi family men are waiting outside this room. And...."

Chika appeared in the doorway, her expression blank.

"Chika... why...?" Toru managed.

Chika shrugged. "I owe Toyotomi-senpai a favor. I decided to see this through to the end." She snapped her fingers, and several suit-clad bodyguards from the Konoe family brought in Mai and Saaya, whose hands were tied behind their backs.

"Renjō-senpai..." Mai’s eyes pleaded for help.

"To think you’d defy the main house... how foolish," Chika said coldly.

In this absolute dead end, only Aino remained calm. Her sapphire-blue eyes glowed with a strange light. "Is this how you think it ends?"

Ririka flinched. "O-Of course it is!"

"I see..." Aino turned to Toru, placing a small hand on his cheek. "Toru-kun, you said you’d do anything to be with me, right?"

"Of course. But—."

"Would you even fall to hell with me?"

Seeing her deadly serious gaze, Toru nodded without hesitation. "Anything. I’d sell my soul to the devil."

"Good. Now I can safely make you 'mine'."

Aino turned back to Ririka. "Toyotomi Ririka-san. You don't seem to understand. Aino Japan no longer needs the help of Toyotomi Electronics."

"What...? But to save the company, you need our support!"

"Exactly. That’s why I secured support directly from the head of the Aino Group back in Finland."

Toru was stunned. When had she negotiated that?

"Online meetings make it so easy to stay in touch. I am an Ojou-sama, after all," Aino smiled. "With Emilia’s help, I set two conditions. First, the representative for the Aino family in Japan is no longer my mother, but me—Aino Lyuti."

She had become the head of the house.

"The second condition," Aino continued, "was that I marry Renjō Toru."

"H-How can that be!?" Ririka gasped.

"Toru-kun is the nephew of the Konoe head and carries their strongest blood. By marrying him, the Aino Group establishes a permanent foothold in Japan. And as for his mother..." Aino produced a document signed by Megumi Konoe. "I used Aino Group funds to buy out Toru-kun’s mother. I didn't want to use such a method, but...." Knowing his mother, she had likely sold her son for a mountain of cash the moment the Konoe family cut her off.

"I am free," Aino laughed softly. "Aino Japan is mine. And Toru-kun is mine as well."

Chika sighed, looking at the stunned Ririka. "Can we end this farce now?"

"Yes, thank you, Chika-chan," Aino said. At Chika's signal, the bodyguards released Mai and Saaya. Then, Chika gave a new order: "Detain Toyotomi Ririka."

"What!? Konoe-san, you betrayed me!?"

"I felt bad about stealing Toru away back then," Chika admitted. "But now, I can't let him go. If I have to share him with anyone... I choose Aino-san."

"This is cowardly! A trap!" Ririka screamed.

"Don't talk to me about cowardice after you tortured another family’s secretary," Chika snapped. "By the way, the Konoe family has already arranged for Emilia Eenroot’s release."

Ririka cried out as the bodyguards grabbed her arms. "Do you think you can get away with doing this to a Toyotomi!?"

"Actually, yes," Aino said, switching on the TV. The news was reporting that the president of Toyotomi Electronics had been arrested for bribery. Further investigations into window-dressing had revealed the company was on the verge of bankruptcy.

"F-Father...?" Ririka collapsed.

"You're no longer the daughter of a prestigious family, Senpai," Aino said.

"W-What will happen to me...?"

Aino looked at Toru. "That’s up to Toru-kun. She’s ruined. She can't even go to school anymore. The Konoe and Aino families might make things even worse for her. But if Toru-kun wants to forgive her, I’ll grant that wish."

"Is there any benefit for you in that?" Toru asked. Aino clearly disliked Ririka.

Aino shook her head. "I find her difficult, yes. But we have one thing in common: we both love Toru-kun. Her methods were terrible, but her feelings were real."

Toru couldn't just throw her away. "Then let's protect her here. But... she’ll have to become our maid."

"A-A maid!? Me?" Ririka stammered.

"You can refuse if you like," Toru said.

"I... I understand. If I can be near Toru-san, I’ll be a maid or anything else!" Ririka wept.

As Ririka muttered about getting her revenge one day, Saaya suddenly grabbed her breasts from behind. "Hyah!?"

"We are fellow maids now. Let's get along," Saaya said blankly.

"Who would get along with a mere servant—anh! Nooo!?" Ririka moaned as her breasts were kneaded through her uniform.

Aino giggled. "Now you’re all mine. But I have one request."

"Anything for my princess," Toru joked.

"I want to become the head of the Konoe family," Aino stated firmly.

"Huh!?"

"As your wife, I have a right to join the succession battle, don't I? I want the power to protect everything. I don't ever want to give you to anyone else, for the rest of my life."

She leaned into his ear and whispered in Finnish: "Olet kaunis kuin kesayon unelma" (You are beautiful like a midsummer night’s dream). She hugged him tight, her soft breasts pressing into him. Toru felt he was destined to drown in her soft, overwhelming love.