Chapter 6: Say goodbye to your shitty bosses
I need to think seriously about my future.
When I thought that, I felt my resolve tighten... While it’s true that just drifting along feels comfortable, the days at the Anzai house are simply too sweet... and they’ve only been getting more intense.
“Takuya-san, let’s spend some time together?”
“Takuya-kun, come over here.”
Mina and Reina-san interact with me with a level of intimacy that makes it feel like we’re lovers.
And it’s not just them; Yua also contacts me frequently... The more time I spend with them, the more I find myself wanting to voluntarily lock myself inside this prison of sweetness and healing.
Of course, I’m not just being pampered.
I do everything I can for Mina and Reina-san, and I’ve become friendly with the neighbors through that... Anyway, the days continued, full of fulfillment rather than just indulgence.
“Takuya-san ♪”
“Whoops... Mina.”
Even now, Mina was right by my side.
Both Mina and Reina-san had work today, but Mina had returned home earlier than usual.
In other words, she’d only just gotten back.
Still in her work clothes, Mina squeezed my arm... lately, it felt like this had become her permanent position.
“Fufu. Clinging to Takuya-san in this outfit makes my heart race even more than usual.”
“Uh... why more than usual?”
When I asked, Mina gave me a beaming smile.
“Until just a moment ago, I was standing at a podium as an educator guiding children, you know? But now, in that same serious attire, I’m clinging to Takuya-san like this... Do I look like an educator right now?”
“...”
Looking at Mina as she gazed up at me, there was no way I could call that the face of a teacher.
If I had to describe it, it would be difficult, but she looked just like she did back then... when we spent that time together as "lovers."
“You might not have... your educator face on.”
“I thought so. I couldn't show this face to the children.”
Mina stood up and took off her suit jacket.
Underneath was, naturally, a white dress shirt... but my gaze was drawn to the large swell of her breasts pushing against the fabric.
The shirt was so tight that I could almost see the color of the lingerie beneath... was it my imagination, or were the buttons about to go flying again?
“...Oh, that’s right.”
Mina clapped her hands as if she’d just remembered something.
“Tonight’s dinner is hot pot, and I was thinking we should all have some drinks.”
“Oh...”
Hot pot and booze!
I love hot pot, and while I only drink occasionally, I enjoy it well enough.
Well, I’ve hardly had a drop in the past few months, and even when I did, it was usually just "hate-drinking" to try and forget my frustrations with work.
“By the way, Yua is coming over too.”
“Yua, too?”
Yua was coming... that was a surprise.
Well, no, she’s Mina’s childhood friend, so maybe it isn't that strange, but Yua rarely came over when I was here... granted, it hasn't even been a month yet.
“As for why Yua is coming, it’s a drinking party that’s also a sort of welcome party.”
“A welcome party?”
“A welcome party for you, Takuya-san. We haven't really done anything like that yet, so I thought it was a good opportunity.”
“A welcome party... for me?”
I found myself stunned.
I’d never really been associated with welcome parties. There was no celebration when I joined my last company, and since I don't get along with my family, I never had birthday parties either.
The only memories I have of such things are from back when my grandmother was still alive.
“Are you... happy?”
“...Yeah.”
“I’m glad ♪”
Mina smiled happily and squeezed my hand.
She doesn't just cling to my arm; she frequently grabs my hand like this, and I’m weak to it when she does.
“...For going to all that trouble for me... thank you, Mina.”
“I’m the one who suggested it, but Mother and Yua agreed immediately. So you can't just thank me, okay?”
Mina placed an index finger over her lips as she spoke, and I nodded, telling her of course.
Just then, the intercom rang, signaling a visitor.
“Looks like they’re here. Wait just a moment.”
Mina headed to the front door and returned shortly with a guest in tow.
“Hey, Tak-kun.”
“Oh, hey, Yua.”
The visitor was, of course, Yua.
Unlike Mina, who looked sharp in her dress shirt, Yua was in her usual mode—a mini-skirt dress with her cleavage in full view.
“I’m going to check on Mother. Takuya-san and Yua, please just relax.”
Mina left, leaving Yua and me alone.
It felt strange being alone with Yua here. It was the first time since we met at that vacant lot... When I stole a glance at her, our eyes met perfectly.
“This is... kind of a weird feeling, huh?”
“Yeah... it is. But I’m happy to see you, Tak-kun.”
“...Thanks.”
I felt a bit embarrassed by her straight talk and scratched my cheek.
Setting aside Mina and Reina-san, I’m sure Yua is busy too, yet she still came... Oh, that’s right!
“This is really late to be asking, but...”
“Hmm?”
“What do you do for work, Yua?”
I hadn't asked Mina about Yua’s profession, so this was a good chance.
Honestly... looking at Yua, I couldn't imagine what kind of work she did. What was she doing?
“I usually work as a dental hygienist.”
A dental hygienist... so she works at a dentist’s office!
“A dental hygienist is... they do the tooth cleanings and stuff, right?”
“That’s not all we do, but yeah, I do that. The clinic is in the next town over, but you should totally come by sometime. I’ll make sure your mouth gets nice and clean, Tak-kun.”
That would be a help, I thought, nodding as I crossed my arms.
A dentist, huh... It’s a distant memory, but I think the last time I went was in elementary school... Luckily, I hadn't had any cavities or oral issues since then.
“I haven't been to a dentist since I was a kid.”
“Eh? Really? You don't have any cavities?”
“None at all. Probably because I’m good about brushing my teeth.”
When I said that, Yua shook her head.
“You know this, but brushing alone doesn't get all the dirt off. You might be fine now, but who knows about the future... cavities, gingivitis, all that stuff.”
“Ah...”
“Basically, they say you should get your teeth cleaned once every three months. So Tak-kun, I totally recommend you start coming to our place.”
“...Seriously?”
Once every three months... so that’s how it is.
Apparently, tooth cleanings are reasonably priced, and Yua lectured me on how teeth are a truly important part of the body. She convinced me to give it a try.
“Okay, let’s exchange contact info. If you want to make an appointment, just message me anytime. The day before is fine, and as for the same day... I’ll find a way to squeeze you in. It’s for you, Tak-kun, so even if the Director complains, I’ll just punch him into silence.”
“No, no, you definitely can't do that! I appreciate the sentiment, but I’d feel bad for the Director!”
“The Director is a total M, so it’s fine.”
“............”
...Well, if it’s fine... No, that still isn't right. Sounds like a pretty intense Director.
I was taken aback by Yua’s workplace situation, but we quickly exchanged contact info.
By the way, I heard more details about the Director. Apparently, he met his wife at Comiket in Tokyo, and he awakened to being a masochist through her hobbies.
“He’s a dandy guy with a muscular build, but... according to his wife, he’s like a cute little baby when they’re in bed.”
“...I’m really curious, but I think I’ll stop listening now.”
Still, I was curious. I’d have to see what kind of person he was when I went to the dentist.
“Fufu. You two really seem to have become close.”
Uoooooh!?
I was so absorbed in my conversation with Yua that I hadn't noticed Mina return.
“D-Don't stand behind me without making a sound!”
It seemed Yua was just as surprised as I was.
Reina-san was right behind Mina, smiling gently just like her daughter.
“Well then, let’s get things ready, Mother.”
“Yes, help me out, Mina.”
And so, the preparations for the meal began.
“Hey, Tak-kun.”
“Yeah?”
“Are you good with alcohol?”
“I like it, but... uh, I’m not sure if I’m ‘good’ at it.”
Liking it and being good at it are two different things.
I used to drink a lot to deal with my stress, but considering I always lost my memory back then, I’d have to say that while I liked it, I wasn't particularly strong.
“Hmm... I like it, but I might not be able to drink much.”
“I see. In that case, you might be in for a surprise.”
“Eh?”
“We’re all really strong drinkers. Especially Mina—she looks like that, but among us, she’s basically the champion.”
“...Are you serious?”
Everyone was strong... but I couldn't imagine Mina being the strongest.
I was looking forward to finding out for myself, and finally, the time came.
Gathered around a bubbling hot pot, we all held beers in our hands.
We were about to toast and start the welcome party, but there was something I wanted to tell them first.
“Mina, Reina-san, and Yua—thank you. I was surprised when you said it was a welcome party, but I’m really happy... Thank you so much.”
The words I spoke were, of course, feelings of gratitude.
“Fufu. It was worth planning it ♪”
“Yes, Takuya-kun is the guest of honor, but we were looking forward to it too.”
“Even if work had run late, I was definitely going to make it.”
Everyone... phew. My chest felt hot, and I almost teared up again.
But I refused to let myself cry so many times. With Mina’s toast as the signal, the welcome party began.
“Mmm ♪ This is delicious ♪”
“There’s nothing like that first sip.”
“Mina and Reina-san, you’re both really going for it.”
Just as Yua had said, both Mina and Reina-san were drinking heartily.
Yua was right there with them, her throat working as she gulped down her beer.
“...Honestly, it’s been a while since I’ve had alcohol.”
The last time was my "hate-drinking."
Thinking about that filled me with a strange sense of emotion, but the taste of the beer after so long... while I found it a bit bitter, it soon felt delicious, probably because I was with Mina and the others.
“Now, Takuya-kun, make sure you eat plenty of the hot pot too, okay?”
“Yes!”
Prompted by Reina-san, I dug into the pot.
I took a balanced mix of meat, white fish, and vegetables, dipped them in ponzu, and as I ate, a superb flavor spread through my mouth.
“...It’s so good.”
Seriously, it was so delicious I couldn't help but smile.
I always tell them how great their usual cooking is, but this hot pot certainly didn't disappoint either.
“Wow, this is great... hmm?”
While I was enjoying the food more than the alcohol, I felt eyes on me.
Apparently, all three of them—Mina, Reina, and Yua—were staring at me.
“Fufu. You look so happy, like a little child. We can't help but stare.”
Reina-san said this, and Mina and Yua nodded in agreement.
“I don't think he looks like a child... but I could watch Takuya-san eating so happily forever.”
“Wait, isn't it unfair that you get to see this all the time? Hey, Tak-kun, why don't you live at my place instead?”
That was... uh-oh, Mina and Reina-san were glaring at Yua.
“...Haha.”
My heart-felt smile didn't fade, and the welcome party proceeded in a warm atmosphere.
Time flies when you’re having fun... the pot was nearly empty, and only a little beer remained.
“You three... are seriously amazing.”
Just as Yua had said, they were strong.
Even though they’d drunk far more than I had, they were perfectly lucid and could carry on a conversation... in fact, Mina’s face hadn't even turned red. If someone told me she was drinking juice, I’d believe them.
“Oh my? Is Takuya-kun not going to drink anymore?”
“Tak-kun... have you hit your limit already?”
“...Uh.”
And now, I was being teased by drunks!
I was flanked by Reina-san and Yua, who were pressing their ample breasts against me with everything they had.
However, in this incredible situation, the scent of alcohol coming from them masked their natural sweet scent, which in a way helped me maintain my rationality.
“Watching Takuya-san and the others is fun, but I hate being left out... Ufufu ♪”
“M-Mina...?”
Mina, who had said something ominous, stood up with a meaningful smile.
As not only I but also Reina-san and Yua watched her, Mina suddenly began unbuttoning her dress shirt.
“—!?”
“Here we go!”
With a cute shout, Mina boldly threw off her shirt.
Her large breasts, contained in her lingerie, jiggled as they were revealed. I was stunned—what was she doing?
“The air conditioning is on, but with the hot pot and the alcohol... it’s only natural to get hot, so it’s okay if I take this off, right?”
No, it is not okay!
I take back what I thought—Mina was definitely the most drunk of all!
Immediately after, there was movement on both sides of me... and in that moment, an incredible sense of dread ran up my spine.
“You’re right. Maybe I’ll take mine off too.”
“I’m stripping too. It really is hot in here.”
“Wait—”
Following Mina’s lead, Reina-san and Yua threw off their clothes.
Since Yua was wearing a one-piece dress, taking it off meant she was down to just her lingerie.
“Everyone, what are you—”
“Don't stand up.”
“Come on, just stay still.”
I tried to stand, but Reina-san and Yua held my shoulders.
I could feel the texture of their skin and the elasticity of their large breasts even more clearly than before, and my body temperature skyrocketed.
“Takuya-kun?”
“Tak-kun?”
They weren't just whispering in my ears; their breath sent shivers through me.
I couldn't smell the alcohol at all anymore, only their sweet scent... It felt like the entire living room was filled with their fragrance.
“When Takuya-kun is near, I’m reminded that I’m a woman. Look, my body is becoming so hot... you’re the one making me feel this way, Takuya-kun.”
“Tak-kun, are you embarrassed? Even though you’re a city boy, are you not used to this?”
I understood now... They might be strong drinkers, but they were completely drunk and out of their minds right now!
But for some reason, I couldn't escape this situation... my body wouldn't move.
And of course, it wasn't just the two pressing against me who were attacking; Mina, standing in front of me, was as well.
“Your thoughtful words, your kindness shown through your actions... they’re all wonderful, of course, but seeing you flustered like this is also so cute and wonderful, Takuya-san ♪”
Mina knelt before me, placed her hands on my legs, and slowly pushed them apart.
The expression on Mina’s face as she knelt between my opened legs was more seductive than anything I’d ever seen. I felt like my already strange mood was about to get even stranger.
“Tell me, Takuya-san, are you satisfied with the welcome party?”
“Y-Yeah... of course. There’s no way I couldn't be satisfied with that... right?”
Fearfully... I could only answer every question with fear.
But these weren't words I was being forced to say; they were my honest feelings. I was deeply grateful to Mina for planning it, and to Reina-san and Yua as well.
“So, that’s enough—”
“Are you truly satisfied?”
“...Eh?”
But Mina said something unexpected.
Was I truly satisfied... what more was there to be satisfied with?
Mina, who continued to look up at me, gave a little giggle and gently placed her palm on a certain part of me.
“This part of you isn't satisfied yet, is it, Takuya-san?”
“—!?”
She began to stroke me gently, and my body trembled.
Any more than this would be bad... I could easily imagine what would happen if I let myself be swept away by this atmosphere, yet there was a part of me that expected it and thought it might not be so bad.
(W-What is this... no, but in this situation... what!?)
Mina, Reina, and Yua—all three were just staring at me.
Their expressions were full of a compassion that said they would accept anything, rather than just waiting for an answer.
“There’s no need to overthink it. We aren't children, so we don't need to hold back. We’re adults who can make our own choices... You just need to tell us what you want to do, and what you want us to do for you.”
It was a cute smile, but her words weren't cute at all.
(This... what is this?)
How did I end up in this situation?
I hadn't forgotten the gratitude and fun I felt earlier, but I still have to say it—what is this?
(Am I... dreaming?)
It was only natural to think so.
I was being pressed by three beautiful women telling me to just say the word if I wanted to do anything... imagine that.
Over and over, I asked myself if I was dreaming.
I felt it particularly strongly this time, and I had a fear that if I reached out, this happy dream would shatter in that instant, and their presence would vanish from my side.
The "real" me hadn't even met them... I was afraid I’d forget all the days I’d spent here and everything would go back to how it was.
“Takuya-kun, give me your hand.”
Reina-san pulled my hand and guided it toward her bountiful chest.
My fingers sank into that warm, soft, nostalgic sensation... and she was even sweating a little, making her skin slightly tacky.
“This sensation is real. Now, what is it you want to do?”
What do I want to do... but!?
Just as my consciousness was completely focused on Reina-san’s breasts, Yua took my other hand and pulled it—naturally, toward her own breasts.
“Well? Soft, right? What do you want to do with these, Tak-kun?”
“............”
In the eyes of both Reina-san and Yua, I could see the color of expectation.
No... I was the one expecting something, too—because I could no longer hide what Mina was looking at.
“Ah... Takuya-san, you have such a strong scent ♪”
Mina rubbed her cheek against me, sniffing and making little sounds with her nose.
“Takuya-kun’s fingers are sinking in... Ah, it feels so good.”
“It’s a little embarrassing, but if it’s you, Tak-kun... it’s okay.”
Sweet voices, the likes of which I’d never heard so close, flew at me from below and from both sides.
With my reason already on the verge of snapping, Mina looked up as if to ask one final question.
“Now, Takuya-san, let’s spend a happy time together.”
In this place, those words had a power that couldn't be rejected.
But even in this situation, all I thought was that I wanted to cling to them... Of course I wanted to release the heat hidden in my body, but more than that, I wanted to soak myself in the kindness they offered.
“I want to... with everyone—”
I was about to speak those decisive words.
“—!?”
“Hahe!?”
“Oh?”
“...?”
Suddenly, a smartphone rang.
It was mine, and the ringtone instantly dragged me from the verge of melting back to reality.
When a human being becomes calm, they also tend to panic.
“Uh, I’m sorry!”
I stood up, moved a short distance away, and answered the call.
“Hello!”
I was saved... or was I?
If things had continued, I would have done this and that with three beautiful women... wouldn't I!? Did I just miss a heart-pounding moment as a man...!?
I felt a pathetic sense of regret, but the voice that came through the phone made my heart nearly stop.
“Hello, I finally got through... Sumuragi-kun, it’s me—Kanzaki.”
Kanzaki...-san?
I thought I’d misheard, but the voice on the other end was definitely Kanzaki-san’s... the voice I’d heard at the office every day until I came to this village... It was the same voice she used when she was being "kind" to me.
“Hello? Can you hear me? I’m sorry for calling out of the blue. I’ve been trying to reach you, and I finally got through... fufu. I contacted your family and they told me... Hey, Sumuragi-kun? What’s wrong? Why are you staying silent?”
“............”
To be honest, I didn't even process more than half of what Kanzaki-san was saying.
How did she get my contact info... did she say something about that? No, I really wasn't listening... that’s how shaken I was.
“Kanzaki...-san.”
“Are you okay? You sound quite tired... Hey, where are you? Why did you stop coming to the office? Did I do something to make you hate me...?”
It was Kanzaki-san’s voice, the kind that stoked my anxiety and made me feel guilty.
I could only manage a single word, but Kanzaki-san’s voice continued to flow from the other end.
“Hey, Sumuragi-kun... Please come back and talk to me. Things are so difficult at the company without you... No one can do the things you were taking the lead on, and our clients are asking what happened to you... It’s truly a mess.”
The work I took the lead on... the clients... Ah, no good. I can't process this.
I don't care about that company anymore... I fled Tokyo because I didn't want to be involved with them. I don't want to hear this voice anymore... I don't want to hear it.
But in a way, this might be a good opportunity.
I’ll never go back, no matter what... This is a chance to tell her that I’m never returning to that place.
“I’ll protect you if you come back... so—”
“I’m sorry, Kanzaki-san, but I’m not coming back.”
“...Eh?”
“I fled because I didn't want to go to work anymore... I’m not anywhere near there now, and no matter what happens, I’m not returning to the company.”
“............”
There was silence for a while after I spoke clearly.
But I could hear a faint sound like someone gritting their teeth, so she probably had a look on her face I’d never seen before.
“Well then, Kanzaki-san, we won't be seeing each other again.”
I could tell that Mina and the others were waiting for me behind me.
...Good grief, it was such a fun time, and now I’m in a terrible mood... I’ll have to apologize later.
“Now, I’m hanging up.”
I had nothing more to say... But as I was about to end the call, another voice cut in.
“Hey, you bastard! Don't you dare mess with us! We’re telling you to come back, so you’d better come back, you piece of trash!”
“—!”
I didn't even have the phone on speaker, but the voice was so loud it pierced through.
Or rather, it was so noisy I instinctively pulled the phone away from my ear. Regardless of my situation, that guy... my trash boss’s voice rang out.
“After we went through the trouble of using you, you pay us back with this!? Listen up! Get back here right now... otherwise, I’ll never forgive you!”
“............”
Is this trash boss... an idiot?
There’s no way I’d go back after he said that. He must have completely misunderstood me.
He probably thought that because I’d stayed quiet and done what I was told until now, it was because I was weak-willed, and that saying this would make me come back... but it’s a pity—a guy who fled his company is, in a sense, an "unbeatable man." It’s rarely used in a positive sense, but right now, I’m that kind of convenient existence.
“You trash bo—”
My attempt to call him by his nickname as a way of saying goodbye was interrupted.
“...Mina?”
“Fufu ♪”
My smartphone was now in Mina’s hand.
She was still in her lingerie, and the gap between her appearance and the situation was incredible... but...
“Do you mind if I have a moment?”
“Eh? Oh... yeah.”
What was she...?
Mina operated the phone and switched it to speaker.
“Hey, are you listening, you bastard!”
“What a violent tone; you’re very noisy. Just listening to you makes me feel like my ears are rotting. That’s how offensive your voice is.”
“...Huh? Wha... who are you...?”
At Mina’s voice, the trash boss made a confused sound I’d never heard from him.
I was just as stunned as the trash boss... but then I noticed the stern expression on Mina’s face.
Could it be... is she angry for me?
“I have no desire to speak with you, but I’ll tell you this. Takuya-san is never going back there. You can't push Takuya-san around for your own convenience anymore.”
“Wha... hey, Sumuragi! Where the hell are you!?”
“Haa, what an annoying voice... It’s amazing that Takuya-san put up with this for so long.”
Amazing... was it?
I just stayed quiet and endured it... well, if Mina says so, I’ll believe it.
Still, it was a strange feeling.
The trash boss’s voice, which had only ever made me feel unpleasant, now almost felt like it was celebrating my new beginning... well, I’m sure it’s my current environment that makes me feel that way.
“Boss-san, please give up on Takuya-san. He’s going to live here, slowly and peacefully, without anyone ever ruining his mood again.”
“SHUT UUUUP! Hey, Sumuragi! You know what’ll happen—”
He really was noisy...
I didn't want the girls to have to hear this grating voice anymore, so I tried to get my phone back to end the call, but then Mina did something that truly blew me away.
“Would it be okay if I switched this to a video call?”
“Eh?”
“Just for a second. Truly just for a second.”
“A-Ah... okay.”
What...?
When I nodded, Mina switched it to a video call.
The screen showed the trash boss and Kanzaki-san, both of whom were staring with wide eyes... and I mean, of course they were.
Because everyone except me was in such an incredible state.
“I don't like being stared at too much, so this is just for a moment.”
“Oh, is that what this is?”
“Nice. Let’s show them.”
“Uh... everyone?”
First, Reina-san and Yua clung to my arms.
My heart skipped a beat at the sensation, but given the situation, I was more focused on what was about to happen.
Mina, looking satisfied with our arrangement, pressed her body into my chest and adjusted the phone’s position so we were all in the frame.
“W-Whaaaaaat!?”
“Wait, what are you doing!?”
As the trash boss and Kanzaki-san made faces I’d never seen before, Mina spoke in a cheerful voice.
“We will be the ones protecting Takuya-san, so good day to you—and don't you dare meddle with Takuya-san ever again.”
With that, the call was cut.
I don't know what they thought after seeing that, but even after a while, there were no more calls.
Mina, who returned my phone, smiled with a look of pure satisfaction.
“Phew, that was satisfying. I’d been hearing your stories, Takuya-san, and I’d been wanting to have a word with them if I ever got the chance ♪”
“Mina... thank you.”
“Not at all ♪”
I see... she’d been feeling that way all along.
Seeing the trash boss and Kanzaki-san’s shocked faces had been refreshing for me, too, but the only reason I could feel this liberated was because I was here.
“I stayed quiet because Mina said she’d do it, but I wanted to say something too.”
“I wanted to tell them off too... like, ‘I’ll kill you!’”
You two... haha, I really have met some kind people.
Now that the call was over, we were back to that suggestive situation, but the girls looked at each other and giggled.
“Fufu. Things have calmed down, haven't they?”
“Yes, shall we clean up?”
“I’ll help, Reina-san.”
It was as if the atmosphere from before the call had been a lie; a peaceful time returned.
Now that everyone was completely sober, the cleanup went smoothly. Afterward, I stepped outside alone.
“...Inhale... Exhale.”
I just wanted a bit of fresh air.
After cleaning up, everyone looked really sleepy, so I figured they might have already gone to bed... but then the front door opened, and Mina stepped out.
“Mina?”
“Yes, Takuya-san?”
She wasn't in her underwear this time, fortunately. She had a light cardigan draped over her shoulders.
“The stars... they’re beautiful, aren't they?”
“Yeah.”
There hadn't been a single cloud in the sky since morning, and the night was just as clear.
It was a romantic moment—gazing at a star-studded sky with a beautiful woman—but I had something else I needed to say.
“Mina.”
“Yes?”
“About that phone call earlier... thanks. For saying all that for me.”
“Hehe, you’re very welcome♪”
The video call had been a bit of a shock, but... seeing the stunned faces of that shitty boss and Kanzaki-san had been incredibly cathartic.
As I was lost in the memory, Mina took my hand. She kept her eyes fixed on the stars as she spoke.
“Hey, Takuya-san... please, stay here forever.”
“...Mina.”
“I’ll say it again, okay? Let’s make this place the home you return to.”
I nodded reflexively.
I didn't even have to think about it. Perhaps it was because I never intended to choose any other path... or maybe because, in my heart, the option of ever leaving this place had already vanished.
“Mina... I want to stay here. I’d thought that eventually, I’d have to leave... I really did... but more than anything, I just want to be here.”
Even if my mind had already been made up, even if it was what I truly wanted... this was the first time I had actually put the wish into words.
Mina’s grip on my hand tightened, and she stole a glance at me.
“Hmm... it’s not quite the hundred-point answer I was hoping for, but I suppose it’s a step in the right direction.”
“Uh, well...”
It hadn't actually been that long since I arrived.
On one hand, it felt like I’d reached this conclusion incredibly quickly. On the other hand, my days with Mina and the others had been so intense that it felt like it had taken forever to finally say it.
“Hey, Takuya-san?”
“What is it?”
“The things that happened before that phone call... and that time you gave me a breast massage... I was being pretty bold, wasn't I?”
“O-Oh... yeah...”
“I did all that because I wanted to tie you down here. I mean, the alcohol might have played a small part earlier, but mostly it’s just because my feelings for you are that strong.”
“...That's...”
Her feelings are that strong. That could only mean one thing.
I wasn't dense enough to think she’d go that far without having feelings for me... no woman would ever let a man do those things if she didn't care for him deeply.
“But from your perspective, Takuya-san, it hasn't been long since you got here. You’re probably wondering why, right? I understand that. But I... we... we’ve simply fallen for the man known as Takuya Sumuragi with everything we have in this short amount of time.”
Mina-san’s smile was dazzling.
In fact, it was so bright that I had to look away. I was too embarrassed to look her in the eye.
“Ngh...”
“Hehe, seeing you get all shy like that is another reason I’m so drawn to you. You’re just so cute when you make that face, Takuya-san.”
“...I’m not exactly thrilled about being called ‘cute.’”
“What’s wrong with that? I suppose a man might feel that way, especially when it’s coming from a younger woman. But surely you don't mind it when it’s me saying it?”
“...Yeah.”
She was right... I didn't mind.
Part of it was because she didn't have a mean bone in her body, but mostly it was because she was someone I had truly opened my heart to.
“And that’s not all, you know. To be honest, the very moment I laid eyes on you, I decided I wanted you for myself.”
“...Are you serious?”
“I’m dead serious.”
She was becoming even bolder with her confessions.
“That time you were taking shelter from the rain... the expression on your face in that moment stole my heart instantly. The more time we spent together, the stronger that feeling grew. Now, I love every single part of you.”
She looked me straight in the eye and told me she loved me.
An indescribable sense of happiness filled my chest. The world around us seemed to go silent until I could see nothing but Mina.
“That’s why I was determined to keep you here, no matter what... I was prepared to use any means necessary to make you mine... I’ve felt that way the whole time.”
“............”
“Me, my mother... even Yua, though she was even bolder than I expected earlier... we were all united. We just wanted you by our sides. We didn't want you to ever go away.”
Then, she wrapped her arms around me in a tight embrace.
Feeling her presence against me brought a profound sense of relief. It made me feel like this was the only place in the world where I truly belonged.
“Hearing that phone call today gave me an even better sense of what your past was like. Anyone would go crazy if they had to listen to such horrible things day after day... You really worked hard, Takuya-san.”
“Did I... really work hard?”
“I think so. And because you did, we were able to meet... If the smallest thing had gone differently, we never would have found each other. That’s why I simply couldn't let this chance slip through my fingers.”
“But...” Mina said, pulling away slightly.
“The main issue is still how short a time it’s been. I can tell you’re happy that we feel this way, but you’re still confused, aren't you?”
“Well... yeah.”
I couldn't deny it.
I was happy to hear how she felt, but the sheer intensity of it all was overwhelming.
“Either way, the way we treat you isn't going to change. Even if you’ve decided to stay, who knows what might happen for the rest of your life? So, we’re going to interact with you with the intent of completely breaking your will and making your heart ours.”
Wait... the atmosphere just shifted.
She was saying something that should have been nice, but why did it send a shiver down my spine?
Mina paused for a moment, and her gentle smile vanished.
No... she was still smiling, but it was so beautiful it was almost frightening.
“So for now, you can just think of it as us liking you a little bit. That’s enough. Let’s just enjoy life here together, okay? Of course, if you’re ever in the mood... we can do anything you want.”
“!”
“Well, I’m going to go on the offensive to make sure I steal your heart completely... and eventually, I’m going to make you say it—“The countryside is a wonderful place, isn't it?””
“I feel like that has a very different meaning than I thought...?!”
“Oh? I wonder.”
Mina tilted her head innocently.
The terrifying smile she’d worn just a moment ago had vanished, and she was back to her usual self.
“Living here in Minorisato Village means you’ll get to experience all sorts of local events. I’m sure that’ll make you love this place even more.”
“Oh yeah?”
“There are events at the Roadside Station that everyone nearby joins in on, and the elementary school sports day brings the whole neighborhood together. And every year, the village shrine has a summer festival. I actually dance there as a miko.”
“A shrine maiden?”
Mina as a miko... that was definitely something I wanted to see.
“If you’re interested, I might give you a private showing.”
She gave me a wink, and I couldn't help but nod.
I turned my gaze away from Mina and looked back up at the sky.
“Mina, you mentioned earlier... about things going differently.”
“Yes.”
“It’s strange, isn't it? We’re looking up at the same sky, but we were originally looking at it from places where we never should have crossed paths... and yet, here we are, watching the same stars in the same place.”
“You’re right... and it’s all because we found each other.”
Yeah... it was much more likely that we never would have met at all.
To be honest, I still hadn't fully processed everything Mina had told me. But now that I knew what it felt like to be needed and loved... now that I knew this warmth, there was no way I could ever let it go.
“Mina, don't you think I’m pathetic? You told me exactly how you feel, and I still haven't quite wrapped my head around it.”
“Of course not. What kind of woman would think the man she loves is pathetic? Besides, we’re the ones who took advantage of your weakened heart.”
“You’re actually admitting that...?”
“I am. I think we’re close enough to be honest with each other now♪”
That... was true.
Our meeting had been sudden, and we’d become close... or rather, Mina and the others had made us close with their own intentions.
But I was incredibly happy about it... as a man, I couldn't help but be thrilled by the circumstances.
“Mina... you’re a human, right?”
“Don't worry—I’m not some fox spirit trying to trick you with a dream. I’m a human being, through and through.”
“Good... as long as it isn't a dream.”
“Hehe, which means you won't be waking up to escape us, either.”
“I guess... I’m already caught.”
“If this were a game of tag, it would have been an instant kill.”
Mina chuckled, but then she added one more thing.
“Yua is into this kind of thing, so I happen to know... just because this is an old village doesn't mean we have any lewd traditions or anything that we’re following.”
“Oh, uh, I wasn't really thinking that...”
“Oh, really? Well, that’s good. The things Yua reads... what were they called, doujinshi? There’s no way such naughty things would actually happen in real life, after all.”
Uh... was I supposed to hear that?
For the sake of Yua’s reputation, I decided to pretend I hadn't. I turned fully toward Mina and looked her in the eye.
“Mina.”
“Yes?”
“From now on... I’ll be in your care!”
“Yes! I’ll be in yours as well!”
Mina looked genuinely delighted by my words.
And so, I made my decision to stay here. I had my answer: I wanted to spend much, much more of my life in this village.
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