Chapter 1: Kind women

How did things end up like this?

That was the only thought in my head as I walked along, staring at the back of the woman leading the way—Anzai Mina-san.

I just wanted to quit my job… I wanted to get away from that place.

And so, without a conscious plan, I’d drifted to this countryside… Minorisato Village, as Mina-san called it.

"…No."

The name of the village didn't matter right now. Was it really okay for me to just follow her like this? Was it really okay to not just visit, but stay at her house? I was so lost in thought that I didn't realize Mina-san had stopped walking.

"Hehe, you can relax, you know? Takuya-san, you're just a guest I invited over. You arrived in a strange place and got lucky enough to find a bed for the night. Just think of it like that."

Mina-san smiled and gave my hand a firm squeeze.

"It’s dark out, and your hand was shaking."

Ah… so that’s why she grabbed it. The sun had already set, and the wind was starting to bite. My hand was indeed chilled, but Mina-san's hand was so warm and comforting.

…Still, normal people don't do this. Does that mean Mina-san is naive? Or maybe she’s just some sheltered girl who doesn't know how the world works?

"You were just thinking something rude, weren't you?"

My heart skipped a beat, and I felt my shoulders twitch. I don't think my face changed, but she must have felt my agitation through our joined hands… Heh, that was a stupid thought.

"I just… thought it was weird to do this with someone you just met. Is this normal in the country?"

"Hmm… I don't know about other people, but in my case, it might just be because I work with children all day."

"Does that mean I look like a kid to you…?"

"I wouldn't go that far, but you do look like a lost child."

"…………"

Looking at my current situation, I couldn't argue with her. Her words weren't exactly flattering, but I didn't feel any malice behind them. I just felt embarrassed… though maybe that was only because Mina-san was so incredibly beautiful.

"Oh, you can see it now."

"…That’s the place?"

Mina-san pointed toward a traditional Japanese-style house—very "countryside." She led me inside by the hand, and we stepped into the entryway.

"I’m home!"

"I-I’m intruding…"

I’d tried to take a deep breath before entering to prepare myself, but the way my voice cracked made it painfully obvious how nervous I was.

"Hehe, it’s okay. My mother is very kind. I think she’ll really like someone like you, Takuya-san."

"R-Really…?"

"Yes! After all, she’s my mother!"

Mina-san puffed out her chest with pride, and that was when the unexpected happened.

As she puffed out her chest, the button on her cardigan reached its limit and snapped off.

The moment I heard the ping, a sudden, sharp pain exploded between my eyebrows, and I doubled over on the spot.

"Guh… Arrrgh!"

"A-Are you okay, Takuya-san?!"

The pain was intense, but it faded surprisingly fast. Mina-san seemed terrified for me, shaking my shoulder as she checked to see if I was still alive.

"I’m fine… I’m fine."

I can't believe this stuff actually happens outside of manga… I’d been trying to ignore it until now, but Mina-san wasn't just "well-endowed"—she was on a whole different level. Her cardigan already looked like it was struggling to contain her. When she’d puffed out her chest like that, it was only natural for the button to go flying… I didn't want to accept it, but it had happened right in front of me.

"Aww… another button. I’m just like my mother—my breasts are so big that this happens all the time."

"I-I see…"

Um… maybe you shouldn't say things like that in front of a man? I wanted to point that out, but I didn't want to be labeled a harasser, so I kept my mouth shut. As we were making a scene in the hallway, someone else appeared.

"Mina, what’s all the noise about?"

A beautiful woman in an apron stepped into view. She had a face that looked remarkably like Mina-san's. She stood there, blinking, looking back and forth between me and her daughter.

What should I say first? I decided the best move was to bow my head. When I did, the woman mirrored the gesture and bowed back.

"I’m back, Mom. Sorry for the surprise—this is Sumuragi Takuya-san. He arrived in the village today, and after hearing his story… well, I insisted he come stay with us."

"I see…"

Mina-san's mother looked completely bewildered. I knew I shouldn't have come… I was just starting to regret the decision when she spoke again.

"If there’s a reason for it, then I understand. Please, make yourself at home."

"…Eh?"

"That’s my mom! See, Takuya-san? I told you it’d be fine!"

"……………"

Before I knew what was happening, I was being ushered into the living room. It was far warmer than the place I’d lived alone, filled with an atmosphere that made my heart feel strangely at peace.

"Nice to meet you. I’m Anzai Reina."

"I’m Sumuragi Takuya… Um, is it really okay for me to be here?"

"I don't mind. The moment Mina decided to bring you here, it was clear she trusts you. Besides…"

Mina-san's mother—Reina-san—stared at me intently. I thought she was trying to read me, but her eyes held a trace of worry… Just like with Mina-san, I wondered why a total stranger would look at me like that.

"You have a certain fragile quality about you. I feel like I can't just leave you alone. And besides, this is the first time Mina has ever brought a man home! I’m quite curious!"

"M-Mom!"

"……………"

Reina-san had a mischievous grin on her face, making Mina-san blush and move closer as if to stop her. Reina-san just brushed her off and looked back at me.

"It was raining earlier, and you look a bit damp. Why don't you take a bath first?"

The bath… Was it really okay for me to go first? Mina-san insisted, so I let myself be led to the changing room. I was a bit concerned by the meaningful smile on Mina-san's face as she walked away, but before long, I was relaxing in the hot water.

"…Sigh."

It was so warm. It had been forever since I’d actually soaked in a tub. Usually, I was so exhausted after work that I’d just collapse and sleep, then wake up at some ungodly hour just to take a quick shower. I never had the energy for a proper bath, and I certainly never went to hot springs or public baths.

"I guess soaking in a tub really is important… Whew."

As the heat seeped into my bones, I felt like I was finally regaining some mental clarity. I was just starting to feel like I was in my own home when a voice called out from the other side of the door.

"Takuya-san, how’s the water?"

"Ah… it’s perfect. Very warm and relaxing."

When did she get to the changing room? I figured she was just checking in on me. Honestly, both Mina-san and Reina-san were so kind that I worried they might get scammed or something… Of course, I’d never do anything like that. I would never betray the kindness they were showing me.

"…Wait, Mina-san?"

"Yes~?"

"What… are you doing?"

I asked because I could see shadows moving through the frosted glass of the door. Even though the door was closed, I could see enough to realize that, if I wasn't mistaken, Mina-san was taking off her clothes.

"Excuse me."

"Wha—?!"

A moment later, Mina-san stepped into the bathroom. She had a towel wrapped around her body, and she gave me a little smile as she headed for the shower… Wait, hold on! I couldn't stay silent. I tried to speak while making sure not to look her way, but Mina-san cut me off before I could say a word.

"I got a little wet in the rain, too. I thought it’d be more efficient if we just bathed together."

"I mean, maybe, but… still!"

"Hehe, there, there."

What do you mean 'there, there'?! "I mean, what if your mother sees us…?"

"Mom knows. In fact, I told her I was coming in here with you. She just said, 'Have a good time!'"

"What is wrong with that woman?!"

"Oh, look! That’s the most energy I’ve heard in your voice all day!"

"…………"

Mina-san and Reina-san are definitely not normal… right? I wanted to get out immediately, but I realized I didn't have a towel to cover my… well, my lower half. If I stood up now, she’d see everything. It’d be one thing if I were with another guy, but there was a woman standing right there.

"You aren't fully warmed up yet, are you? Please, take your time."

"…Okay."

Her words seemed to have a strange power over me, and I found myself nodding and staying in the tub.

"Hum-hum-hmmm~♪"

"…………"

While I sat there in stunned silence, Mina-san was happily humming to herself. How can she be so relaxed? I kept my eyes firmly glued to the bottom of the tub, but eventually, I couldn't help but steal a glance.

I knew it was wrong, but looking at her again, I realized just how incredible her figure was. And her face was just so… perfect. She was a true beauty. If a woman like her ever set foot in the city, she’d be swamped by guys trying to pick her up.

"Well then, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll join you."

…I had nothing left to say.

The tub wasn't huge, but it was big enough for two adults… still, having a nearly naked woman right next to me created a level of tension and embarrassment I had never experienced in my life.

"It’s been a while since I’ve bathed with someone. I think the last man I shared a bath with was my father."

"Your father… Wait, is this normal?"

"It’s normal in this village. That’s why I’m doing it."

"You're lying, aren't you?"

"Hehe♪"

Yeah, she was definitely lying. If barging into a member of the opposite sex's bath was "normal" in this village, it would have been all over the news by now.

"Do you… dislike it?"

She leaned in closer as she asked. I couldn't give her an answer right away, but if I were being honest… I didn't dislike it.

I’m a man, after all. It’s hard not to feel a certain level of… excitement in a situation like this.

"I don't dislike it… it’s just a huge shock."

"If you don't dislike it, then I’m happy♪"

Mina-san smiled again and began scooping up water with her beautiful hands.

"…To be honest, I was being a bit selfish."

"Selfish?"

"Yes. I wanted to heal you, and I wanted to stay close to your wounded heart… but I also just wanted to see you a little more closely."

"See me?"

"I was worried about you, of course… but you also reminded me a little of my late father. The way you put that bandage on me… the way we talked then… it just reminded me of him."

Mina-san’s expression turned nostalgic. I see… if her father had passed away, that meant Reina-san was a widow. It sounded like he’d died quite young. Mina-san must have sensed the mood getting a bit heavy, because she immediately brightened up.

"When we get out, Mom’s delicious cooking will be waiting for us. I think she said she was making nikujaga tonight."

"Oh…"

Meat and potato stew! It had been so long since I’d had a home-cooked meal like that. My stomach actually growled at the thought.

"…Man, I’m lucky."

"There’s plenty more where that came from. If you want, you could stay here forever, you know?"

"No way, I couldn't possibly—"

"I’m serious."

"Wha—?!"

She leaned in and whispered the words right into my ear. With her this close, I couldn't help but look at her. Her wet hair clung to her skin, and the way her towel had shifted offered a clear view of the valley between her breasts.

And maybe it was just my imagination, but the way she was staring at me… it almost felt like an obsession. No, it had to be my imagination.

"But there’s no need to rush, right? Are you warm enough now, Takuya-san?"

"Eh? Oh, yeah."

"Then I’ll give you this. You go ahead and get out first."

The strange atmosphere vanished as she handed me a towel, and I practically scrambled out of the bathroom. As I was getting dressed in the changing room, I could hear her beautiful voice humming from the other side of the door. The sound of splashing water brought back the images of what I’d just seen.

"…Seriously, what the hell is going on?"

I was starting to develop a theory. Maybe I’d actually died in a bus accident, and this was all some kind of afterlife… No, that’s just morbid. I should stop. It was disrespectful to Mina-san and Reina-san to think like that.

"…I’m back."

"Oh, welcome back."

When I returned to the living room, Reina-san greeted me with a warm smile. She’d clearly been the one to agree to Mina-san’s "suggestion," and she was still beaming at me.

"So, how was the bath with my daughter?"

"…Um, I really don't think that was appropriate."

"I suppose you're right. But it was a nice view, wasn't it? She takes after me—she has a great figure and a beautiful face, after all♪"

She’s praising herself while she’s at it… But she wasn't wrong. Both Mina-san and Reina-san possessed incredible beauty and stunning figures. In fact, Reina-san’s chest looked even larger than Mina-san’s… I wondered what her cup size even was.

"As soon as Mina’s out, we’ll have dinner. Why don't you relax and watch some TV until then?"

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"I’ve got it under control. You're our guest, Takuya-kun. Just relax."

"…Understood."

It felt weird to just sit there, but I did as I was told. I sat down on a soft cushion, and then, for some reason, Reina-san stepped up behind me.

"Reina-san…?"

"You really are a kind person, Takuya-kun."

"Um…?"

Reina-san placed her hands on my shoulders and began to rub them gently. It’s not like I suffered from chronic shoulder pain, and I wasn't so tired that a massage would make a huge difference. But I could feel the care… the kindness in her touch.

"You're a guest, but your face says you feel guilty for not helping. Only a kind person makes a face like that."

"I think anyone would feel that way."

"Oh, I don't know. Some people can be quite shameless, don't you think?"

"…I suppose so."

I gave a bitter smile. I’d seen plenty of people like that before coming here… like my boss, for example. And my boss. And also my boss.

The thought of that hateful bastard must have shown on my face.

"Takuya-kun, breathe. You're making a scary face."

"…I’m sorry."

She patted my shoulder, and I took a deep breath to calm myself. Even if I was thinking about the person who ruined my life, these people didn't know that. I had to control myself.

Soon, Mina-san returned, and it was time for dinner. The table was covered in delicious-looking dishes. Just the smell was enough to make me feel happy. We pressed our hands together.

"Itadakimasu."

I reached for the nikujaga first. I was still feeling a bit hesitant, but both Mina-san and Reina-san were staring at me, waiting for me to take a bite, so I couldn't exactly hold back.

"…Munch."

I took a piece of potato into my mouth. It was perfectly hot and tender, the flavor blooming across my tongue with every chew… God, this was good.

"This is amazing… really, it’s delicious."

"Oh, thank you, Takuya-kun♪"

"I’m so glad, Mom!♪"

Seriously… this was the best nikujaga I’d ever had.

"Come on, Takuya-san, eat up!"

"You can have seconds of rice, too."

Encouraged by their voices, I couldn't stop eating. I kept telling them how delicious it was, and even though I thought I was being annoying, they just kept smiling at me… This warm, lively dinner table reminded me of my grandmother.

My parents and I never got along, but I was very close to my grandma. I hadn't thought about the past in a long time, but now that my heart had a little room to breathe, the memories came flooding back.

"Takuya-san…?"

"Are you okay?"

"…Eh?"

Suddenly, both of them were looking at me with worried expressions. I was confused until I realized why.

I was crying.

Tears were streaming down my cheeks before I even realized they were there.

"I-I’m sorry!"

I tried to wipe them away, but the tears wouldn't stop. Even if I could stop them, I couldn't erase the fact that I’d just broken down at the table. They’d made this incredible meal for me, and here I was, making them worry.

"…Haha, man, I’m a mess."

I tried to laugh it off, but their expressions didn't change. I realized it would probably be better to just tell them the truth.

"I’m just… I guess I’m just moved. My heart feels so full. It’s been so long since I’ve had a meal this good… I haven't been able to just relax in a warm atmosphere like this since I started working."

"Ah…"

"Takuya-kun… you poor thing."

I realized I shouldn't have brought up such a gloomy topic. I was about to apologize again when Mina-san and Reina-san both stood up and came over to me.

The way they looked at me was so full of kindness. Looking up at them, I realized that there were no enemies here… only people who wanted to protect me.

"Mom, we have to… right?"

"Yes… we can't just leave him like this."

"Um… Mina-san? Reina-san?"

The two of them shared a short look and nodded. Their smiles were still there, but their eyes were serious. Mina-san was the first to speak. She took my hand in hers and looked me in the eye.

"I said it in the bath, but please, stay here as long as you want. What you need right now is time to let your heart rest."

Mina-san wrapped both of her hands around mine. Her words felt like they were melting the frost around my heart… they felt so good that I almost nodded right then and there. And then Reina-san added her own voice.

"Like Mina said, stay here for a while. After hearing your story, I just can't let you go."

"Ah…"

Mina-san holding my hand, Reina-san looking at me with such warmth.

"…………"

What do I want to do? The answer was obvious. I knew I shouldn't just say yes, but even so… even so…

"…Um, thank you. I’ll be in your care."

I’d given in. I’d reached out to grab the kindness and warmth they were offering. And so, for a while, I would be staying with the Anzai family.

I didn't know how long I’d be here, but in that moment, all I felt was a massive wave of gratitude.

(We only just met… why are they being so good to me? But I can't just keep relying on them forever.)

Accepting their help meant being a burden. Even if Mina-san and Reina-san didn't see it that way, I couldn't just ignore it. I couldn't just let myself be pampered… even if the warmth they offered was something I never wanted to leave.

(…I wonder what’s going to happen to me.)

I didn't have the answer. For now, I would just let myself be held by this kindness. But when the time came… I would tell them "thank you" with a smile and go my own way.

That was the right thing to do. I was sure of it.