[ENG] Exhausted with Life, I Arrived at a Village Where Beautiful Women Won't Let Me Go Volume 1 Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Sweet Honey Encirclement

"...I ended up leaving the house."

It was Sunday, a total day off.

I knew Mina and Reina-san were planning to stay home all day, and since I didn't have any errands, I knew we'd be together the whole time.

And yet, here I was, walking outside.

Why? It wasn't that I didn't want to be with them; I just needed a little time to clear my head.

"...Well, I was a bit embarrassed, too."

I couldn't stop thinking about last night... everything that happened with Mina.

The shoulder massage for Reina-san was pretty memorable, too... Anyway, I just needed a moment to settle down.

"This village... is really peaceful."

Minorisato was surrounded by rich nature. The river water was crystal clear, and the air tasted sweet.

It was a world apart from the city I was used to... Not to diss the city, but this feeling was something I could only find here in Minorisato.

"I keep saying it, but this really is a great place..."

Hey, past me, probably still slaving away at that company... the countryside is great, you know?

"...Haha. The countryside is great."

It was worth saying twice.

As I continued my aimless stroll, I came across an empty lot where a group of children had gathered to play.

"...They're energetic."

It was fairly hot outside, but they were having a blast playing soccer.

Once kids hit middle school, they tend to stay inside and play games, but I remember gathering with friends to play soccer or baseball back in elementary school.

"Ah! Hey, mister!"

"Hmm?"

One of the boys was waving at me.

I guess "mister" refers to me... From their perspective, I'm old enough to be called an uncle, though "mister" sounds a whole lot better.

"Get the ball for us!"

"Ah, I see... I'm on it!"

I kicked the stray ball back toward them.

The kids all waved and shouted their thanks... Man, what a healing sight.

"...Wait, where are the parents?"

There were only kids in the lot; not an adult in sight.

Maybe they were nearby, but I couldn't see them.

The world can be a dangerous place, and leaving kids alone like this is usually risky.

But in Minorisato, I couldn't even imagine anything bad happening. The people here were just too kind.

"Mister."

"Woah?!"

A voice right next to me broke my train of thought.

I looked down to see the boy I'd kicked the ball back to... Why did he come over here?

"Mister... are you alone?"

"Eh? Oh, yeah. I was just taking a walk."

"Then why don't you play with us?"

"...Huh?"

Play with them...?!

The boy looked up at me with expectant eyes, and the other kids were looking over with similar expressions... I couldn't exactly say no to that.

"Just for a little while, then. Are you sure you want me to?"

"Yeah! Hey guys! The mister says he'll play!"

And so, the boy led me by the hand into the fray.

From there... well, I had to be careful with the little ones, but we had a great time.

Because I'd spent so much time as a corporate drone at a Black Company, I was soon drenched in sweat and gasping for breath—which was pretty pathetic—but it was good exercise, and I felt satisfied.

"Mister, are you sure?"

"Yeah. It's thanks for inviting me to play."

"Thank you!"

"Yay!"

Once we were done playing, I bought juices for all the kids.

I was glad there was a vending machine nearby... Now, what should I get for myself?

"...Wait, aren't you going to drink?"

While I was deciding, the kids hadn't even opened their cans yet.

They could take them home, drink them here, or have them on the way back...

"We're waiting for you to buy yours, mister."

"Let's drink together!"

"That's why we're waiting!"

"...Haha, I see. Then I better hurry up and pick one."

Can I just say one thing? These kids are incredibly well-behaved.

I'd realized that while playing with them, but for kids this young to be so considerate of others... they're going to grow up to be great adults.

Feeling a bit moved, I bought my drink.

We all popped the tabs together. I put one hand on my hip and took a big swig, and it was pretty funny to see all the kids mimicking my posture exactly.

"Bye, mister!"

"See ya!"

"Bye-bye!"

"Yeah, get home safe."

The kids waved as they ran off.

They were good kids. I wondered if they were in Mina's class?

I had no way of knowing, but I'd worked up a good sweat and had a lot of fun.

"...Oh?"

Then, I noticed a figure standing nearby.

I didn't know how long she'd been there, but since I'd spotted her, I figured I should say something. Besides, she was probably only here because I was.

I raised a hand to show I'd seen her, and she—Yua—walked slowly toward me.

"Mornin', Tak-kun."

"Oh, morning, Yua."

It had only been a day since I'd seen her... a quicker reunion than I expected.

Our interaction yesterday had cleared the air between us, so talking to her felt natural.

We were both smiling, after all.

"How long have you been there?"

"About ten minutes. I was out for a walk to clear my head when I heard some noisy kids. I took a peek and saw you were there. Since we just saw each other yesterday, I thought I'd say hi—"

As she was talking, a particularly strong gust of wind blew.

The air surged up from the ground, swirling under Yua's hem and flipping her short skirt right up.

As usual, she was wearing a provocatively short mini-dress... its defensive power was practically zero.

"——!"

I reflexively looked away, but I'd already seen it.

Beyond that fluttering skirt... black lace underwear. I'd seen it perfectly.

The wind died down, and I slowly looked back at Yua.

She was holding her skirt down with one hand, her face bright red as she glared at me... With her slightly upturned eyes, it looked like a proper glare, but the wind was the real culprit here! Though I'm also to blame! ...It's unfair, but it's my fault too!

"Um... sorry."

I figured I should just apologize.

We'd finally become friends; I was worried this would ruin things, but it seemed my fears were unfounded.

"Whatever... you don't really have to apologize. I mean, I'm embarrassed that you saw my panties, and I reflexively glared at you... but that was a total accident."

"...I'm glad you see it that way."

I laughed, and Yua gave a little giggle too.

But apparently, the wind was in a mischievous mood today. It whipped through Yua's legs again, catching her off guard the moment she let go of her skirt.

".........."

The second time, I didn't even look away.

It was an embarrassing moment, to be sure, but at this point, it was so ridiculous I just ended up laughing.

"That's... some persistent wind, huh?"

"Yeah. Some kind of pervert wind."

Yua was still blushing, though.

Since I'd just been playing and Yua had been walking, we were both sweating, so we moved to the vending machine. I bought two teas and handed one to her.

"Here, my treat."

"Really? Thanks, Tak-kun."

Well... I did see her panties twice.

I didn't say that out loud, obviously. But staying hydrated on a hot day like this is important.

We sat down on a nearby bench and quenched our parched throats with the cold tea.

"Ah, that hits the spot."

"Cold tea after sweating is the best."

We both drained our teas with satisfying gulps.

After tossing the empty bottles into the recycling bin, I turned to face Yua properly.

"Do you like kids, Tak-kun?"

"Eh? Why do you ask?"

"You looked like you were having so much fun playing with them. You had such a gentle look on your face."

"Ah... well, it was a lot of fun. It was kind of a spur-of-the-moment thing, but seeing them enjoy themselves so much made me happy, too."

Even though we didn't play for long, it really was great.

Yua told me a bit more about the kids; as I suspected, they were students from the elementary school where Mina worked. They apparently played here or at the school grounds every weekend.

"...Man, it feels so strange."

"What does?"

"I mean, think about it. It's a joke that'll never get old, but considering how we met... you know? I never would've expected us to get along like this."

"That's... true."

"That's why I said it feels strange."

I see... I felt the same way, honestly.

Since we were having a good talk, I decided to tell her what I'd been thinking back then.

"About that time... I really don't hold it against you, you know."

"You said that yesterday, too. Why?"

"Why? Well... I guess compared to the absolute scumbag I was with, your attitude back then was practically cute."

Yes, that was it.

Compared to my shitty boss and that corporate environment, whatever Yua said to me was nothing.

"Ah... Mina mentioned the situation a bit... so that's it?"

I nodded and continued.

"I don't like to talk about it much, but I worked for a real 'Black Company.' Being told I was worthless was a daily occurrence... 'Die' was a regular part of their vocabulary. I'd heard so many insults like that for so long. So when you said all those things to me, I was surprised, but it didn't really get to me."

"...It was really that bad, huh."

"I hated everything so much I ended up drifting all the way out here without even realizing it."

That's right... I hated everything, and I ended up here.

But look at me now. I'd reached a point where I didn't care about anything, yet now this life has become precious to me... I'll have to leave eventually, but the fact that I'm already thinking about staying forever is a real problem.

"Also... I thought Mina was lucky to have someone like you to speak up for her and protect her. I thought she had a really great best friend."

"W-Wait, you were thinking that about me...? Ugh."

"I figured that if you came back just to apologize for going too far, you had to be a good person at heart."

"...Uaaaaah! The more I hear, the more embarrassed I get!"

Yua cried out, unable to take it anymore.

Seeing her reaction, a bit of mischief took hold of me, and I asked a teasing question.

"By the way, what were you thinking when you went home that day?"

"Eh?!"

"While I was thinking those things about you, I wonder what you were thinking about me?"

"...I'm sorry! I'm really, really sorry!"

I didn't need to hear it to know what she'd been thinking, but I decided to stop teasing her.

Her reactions were so entertaining that I kept laughing until she gave me a proper glare to tell me enough was enough.

"Honestly... it's been a long time since someone teased me like that. I guess you really are older than me, Tak-kun."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Just the way you tease me... and the way you choose your words."

"I'm only two years older, though."

"That's more than enough."

Suddenly, Yua leaned in close.

It was the same way Mina and Reina-san closed the distance. I let out a startled "Woah" and leaned back.

Yua smirked at my reaction and leaned in even further to whisper.

"Hmm? You're not used to this, Tak-kun? Even with Mina and Reina-san right there all the time?"

"I-It's not something you just 'get used' to... Especially when I'm constantly around such beautiful women. My heart is always racing."

"The way you say that... it makes it sound like you think I'm a 'beautiful woman' too, since I'm right here?"

"Anyone can see you're gorgeous, Yua. Just so you know, I've never seen women as beautiful as Mina, Reina-san... or you, before I came here."

The words tumbled out of my mouth in my embarrassment, but they made Yua freeze. Her face turned beet red, and she started flailing.

"W-W-Wait, how can you say that with such a straight face?! Tak-kun, you're definitely a playboy! I bet the truth is you've had tons of girlfriends!"

"As if! For your information, I've never had a girlfriend in my life, and my experience in that department is zero... Ah, sorry. I shouldn't be talking about this to a girl. But yeah... never had a girlfriend... not even once..."

"Y-You don't have to get so depressed about it... But sorry, Tak-kun. That was my fault, right? I'm sorry, I'm really sorry."

"You don't have to apologize... It just makes me feel more pathetic, so please stop."

Seriously... what are we doing?

We were taking turns insulting each other and getting depressed. It was a stupid exchange, but in the end, we both started giggling at the same time.

After we'd had our laugh, Yua spoke up.

"Putting aside what we were actually saying, it's been a long time since I've been this expressive while talking. There aren't many people my age in this village, and even if there were, we wouldn't talk about things this personal."

"I feel the same... Other than Mina, you're the only person my age I'm close to right now."

It was true; they were the only ones I could talk to like this.

Thinking about how much of my life I'd spent like flavorless gum makes me sad, but if it led me to these days, I guess it wasn't all bad.

"Oh, also... I actually felt a certain kinship with you."

"Kinship? What's that about?"

Yua leaned in again, looking curious.

This seems to be a habit of hers, leaning in like that. Maybe that scumbag who treated her badly fell for these charming little gestures, too?

Not that it excuses what he did... But man, her skirt is short, her cleavage is right there... it's really a lot to take in.

"You really care about Yame-san... your grandmother, right?"

"Eh? Yeah... of course."

"It's because I felt the same way."

"Felt?"

So, I told her about my grandmother.

It was the same story I'd told Mina and Reina-san, but since she also had a grandmother she was close to, it was perhaps easier to talk about.

"So, yeah. I cared a lot about my grandma too... And when I saw the way you looked at Yame-san, and the way she looked at you, I could tell how much you cared for each other."

"...I didn't know it was that obvious."

I nodded and continued.

"Having spent so much time with my own grandma, I figured right then that you had to be a kind person... And I wasn't wrong, was I?"

"That's... really hard to just nod and agree with, you know...?"

Yua glared at me, but it wasn't scary at all.

I could tell my words had flustered her, but I wasn't trying to be smooth... I just wanted to say what was in my heart.

Yua stared at me for a while longer, then let out a sigh.

"Sigh... I see why Mina and Reina-san like you so much. If someone like you is hanging around, I guess it's bound to happen."

She looked away as she said it, then looked back at me.

Now that I knew her better, the tension was gone, but being stared at in silence like this was a strange, ticklish sensation.

"By the way."

"Yeah?"

"Mina mentioned this too... but Tak-kun, are you planning on leaving this village eventually?"

".........."

I couldn't answer that right away.

I can't just keep relying on them... I know that. It's the only right choice.

But I don't want to throw away these days at the Anzai house... I keep thinking that I don't want to let go of the peace and comfort I've found there.

"You're undecided?"

"...Yeah. I can't keep being pampered like this forever... but it's just so comfortable... Honestly, I don't want to leave."

I gave a self-deprecating laugh, but Yua's expression was serious.

I braced myself, thinking she might not like my answer, but her response was completely unexpected.

"In the end, it's your decision, Tak-kun. But for me... I think I want you to stay in this village."

".........."

"Just like Mina and Reina-san, after talking to you like this, I've come to feel the same way. If you left... I think I'd be sad enough to cry."

"You'd go that far for me?"

"Whether I cry or not, I know I want to get to know you better. Hey, Tak-kun, if you're comfortable here, just stay forever. It'd make me happy, too."

...I'm in trouble.

I'd thought the same thing when Mina and Reina-san said it, but being asked to stay like this feels so good... When people say these things out of genuine affection rather than malice, my resolve starts to crumble.

"I feel like... I won't meet anyone my age I get along with this well ever again. That's what I thought after talking to you today and getting to know you."

...The people in this village must have some kind of magical power to pamper people.

If she'd kept talking, she might have shattered my resolve entirely, but it was almost noon and I had to get back. Our conversation ended there.

But as we were saying goodbye, Yua gripped my hand firmly.

"I'm sure Mina and Reina-san feel the same, but I want you to stay here, too. So, I'm going to make you feel that way—that you don't want to leave, that you want to be in this village forever."

"Yua..."

"The part about me liking you wasn't a lie, okay? Anyway, bye-bye!"

Yua waved energetically and walked away.

I stood there for a while, letting her words sink in. All I felt was happiness... There was no way her words wouldn't reach me. I started thinking that maybe staying here really was okay.

"...I told myself I was only staying until I got back on my feet... Good grief, it's the fault of this village for being too comfortable... It's Mina and the others' fault."

No... it's just that I want to be pampered.

What should I do...? What's the right thing to do...?

I kept asking myself these questions as I walked home. Despite the weight of my dilemma, my steps were light. After all, the place I was returning to had Mina and Reina-san waiting for me.

In the end, that was what mattered most.

▼▽

“Sigh... I wonder if Takuya-san will be back soon.”

I let the words slip out alongside a sigh, giving voice to the loneliness I felt in Takuya-san’s absence.

“Takuya-kun isn’t a child, you know? He probably just needs some time to himself. Just be patient and wait.”

“I know that!”

I knew it without her having to tell me!

I huffed and turned my gaze away from Mother, but she only offered a small, weary sigh in response... Hmph. Honestly, she’s being a little bit mean.

“............”

I know I’m being a bit much, but even I’m surprised by how I feel. Just not having Takuya-san by my side makes me... I don’t even know how to put it. I just can’t help but worry about him.

“If I’d known it would be like this, I should have just gone with him.”

“Then there would have been no point in him going out alone, would there?”

“I’m joking... Yes, just a joke.”

“I wonder.”

I bet Mother wants to be with Takuya-san just as much as I do...

Still, as Mother said, making a fuss wasn't going to change anything, so I decided to try and calm down. I moistened my throat with some cold barley tea from my glass and let my thoughts drift back to last night.

“...Ah.”

Last night... Did I go a little too far?

Thinking back on what I did to Takuya-san, I couldn’t help but wonder.

Letting him feel my breasts, sleeping together... and that kiss on the cheek right before we drifted off.

I did worry that I might have been moving a bit too fast.

But I simply couldn’t suppress my feelings for Takuya-san... Or perhaps it’s more accurate to say that when I’m in front of him, I just can’t help myself.

“...It was a wonderful time.”

It wasn't just me, either; Takuya-san said it wasn't bad.

I would have been troubled if he hadn't spared me a glance at all, but Takuya-san is clearly conscious of me now... It gave me the confidence that one day, I will be able to engrave myself into the deepest parts of his heart.

That’s right... I absolutely won't let Takuya-san go anywhere.

The words I said to him weren't a lie. I’ll make this his home... and I will spend the rest of my life being the person who welcomes him back!

“Hey, Mother?”

“Yes?”

Of course, I understand.

I’m not the only one who wants Takuya-san to stay here forever. Mother feels the same... and she has fallen in love with him, too.

“Since Takuya-san arrived, I’ve been so happy. How about you, Mother?”

“Oh, you don't even have to ask, do you?”

“Well, yes, but I still want to hear it.”

Mother gave a wry smile and spoke with pride.

“It should be obvious. Of course, I was never dissatisfied with our life together, just the two of us, and I was happy... But having Takuya-kun join us has made me so much happier.”

“Right!?”

That was it exactly.

My opinion was almost identical to Mother’s. While our previous days were certainly repetitive, there was no doubt that they were happy.

My life as a teacher, as a member of Minorisato Village, and my time spent with Mother... Those days were irreplaceable and happy, but Takuya-san’s presence had transformed them into something even more joyous.

“I... I want Takuya-san to stay forever. This is the first time I’ve been so interested in a man... I have eyes for no one but Takuya-san anymore.”

“Ufufu, how very bold of you. But I feel the same—I want to protect Takuya-kun... I want to heal him. And I want him to stay right here by our side, without going anywhere.”

Both Mother and I harbored extraordinary feelings for Takuya-san.

These days that we thought would never change... all because of a man named Takuya-san entering our lives. Neither Mother nor I ever imagined we would become this obsessed with him.

“Takuya-kun has many charms, but I think his kindness is the best part of all.”

I nodded vigorously at Mother’s words.

“He’s become so much more energetic these past few days. When he first arrived, I was so worried I couldn’t take my eyes off him... But even in that state, Takuya-kun felt bad about just being taken care of, and he did so many things for us, didn't he?”

“Yes.”

We simply wanted Takuya-san to relax.

It came from a desire to comfort him, and the Takuya-san we first met felt so fragile... Anyway, as Mother said, he was in a state that made you anxious if you weren't watching over him.

Even so, he asked if there was anything he could do, saying he wanted to give back. It was because of that inherent kindness... well, that’s what made me fall for him even harder.

“Even so... Takuya-kun really does have a way with people. I suspect Yua-chan is going to end up feeling the same way we do before long.”

“Ahaha... I was thinking the same thing.”

I had hoped to introduce him to my dear friend, Yua, eventually.

However, Yua had a terrible experience when she went to Tokyo, and because of that, she harbored feelings bordering on hatred toward men from the city.

I thought it would be difficult, so that phone call was a godsend.

“Hey, Mina... I totally had the wrong idea about Tak-kun.”

“Tak-kun...? Oh, that’s right, you met him at the supermarket, didn't you?”

“Yeah. That’s where the nickname came from... Anyway, talking to Tak-kun then made me realize he’s totally different from what I thought.”

“I’ve been telling you that the whole time. Takuya-san isn't the kind of person you think he is; he’s a wonderful man.”

“I don't know if he’s "wonderful" yet, but I can tell he’s a good guy. Good enough that I’d actually want to talk to him again if I get the chance.”

Even Yua was becoming conscious of Takuya-san after just a brief encounter.

Of course, her primary feeling was likely just relief that Takuya-san wasn't the "bad person" she’d imagined, but actually exchanging words with him had allowed her to see his good points, just as I had.

“So, does that mean Yua has fallen for Takuya-san?”

“W-Why does it have to jump to that all of a sudden!? I-I mean, I know I’m a bit of a pushover, but I still don't even know Tak-kun that well!?”

Yua is... well, she’s a pushover and she knows it, but did she realize her reaction already proved my point?

Whatever the case, as Yua’s best friend, I can say for certain—she’ll soon be unable to get Takuya-san out of her head, and she’ll want to be with him too... Yua and I are similar in many ways, and since I’m like this, there’s no way she won't be drawn to Takuya-san.

“Well, I’m the one with the clear head-start on my feelings, though.”

When Takuya-san was touching my breasts, I became certain.

If we ever entered that kind of relationship... if we shared our bodies even once, in that moment, I would be completely bound to Takuya-san.

My body... my instincts are craving him.

“Mina, calm yourself.”

“Hahe...?”

Calm down... about what?

I didn't quite understand Mother’s words and just stared blankly for a moment, but then I realized—it seemed that while I was fantasizing about Takuya-san, my hands had unconsciously drifted toward my chest and my lap.

In front of Mother, no less... I felt like I was going to die of embarrassment.

But Mother didn't look at me with scorn; instead, she stroked my head affectionately.

“I understand how you feel—it’s a deep, physical longing for him. That’s why we must make sure Takuya-kun stays here forever, all right?”

“...Yes!”

Of course... I will never let Takuya-san escape.

As I pumped myself up, Mother suddenly spoke.

“Just as a side note, Mina, are you all right with this? You aren't the only one directing your affections toward him...”

“Ah...”

I thought about it for a moment before speaking my mind.

“I think it’s fine. As long as we love Takuya-san and never let him go... he’ll become our precious person, and ours alone ♪”

Still, haste is the enemy.

What Takuya-san needs most of all is a sense of security he can cling to, and a level of dependency that makes him never want to leave... It’s vital that we make him feel that even more.

“Well, I’ve said a lot of things, but the main goal is to just get closer than ever. It would be ideal if that intimacy continues to grow until we have a relationship where we simply cannot be apart.”

“True... Ufufu ♪ Just imagining it makes my heart race.”

Mother was very enthusiastic; how wonderful.

For me, it’s my first love. For Mother, it’s the reigniting of a love she’d forgotten. I don't know about Yua yet, but if Takuya-san stays here, everything should head in a happy direction.

“Let’s do our best, Mother.”

“Yes, let’s, Mina.”

How nice, Mother. You’re overflowing with motivation.

Mother, who had a constant smile as if she were thinking of Takuya-san, focused on her work... packing her handmade accessories. I stepped away so as not to disturb her.

I headed for the front door and stepped outside.

Takuya-san would be back soon, and I wanted to be here to meet him.

“...Fufu. Just how much do I want to be with Takuya-san?”

The more time I spent with him, the stronger this feeling became.

To be honest, it surprised even me. I mean, think about it. I was just taking shelter from the rain at a bus stop on my way home, and now I’m this obsessed with a stranger who happened to show up for the same reason.

“I wonder if this is what people call ‘destiny.’”

I’ve been conscious of Takuya-san since that very moment.

The way he gently took my hand to apply a bandage... or rather, that kindness. It’s not a lie to say it reminded me of my late father, but in the end, I simply liked Takuya-san from the moment we met.

“Whew...”

“Sheltering from the rain?”

“Eh?”

Yes! The moment we exchanged our first words, it was practically love at first sight.

And in our brief conversation, Takuya-san’s atmosphere and that dark, exhausted expression that looked like he might vanish at any moment—all of it was a factor in making me even more intrigued by him.

“It’s hard to say I liked his dark expression, but love at first sight really is a terrifying thing.”

I realized it then, too—apparently, I’m the type who wants to get my hands on the person I’m interested in, no matter what it takes.

That’s why I was bold enough to burst into the bath when we’d only just met.

“Excuse me?”

“—!?”

When I entered the bathroom with only a single bath towel wrapped around me, Takuya-san’s surprised face was wonderful... but truth be told, my heart was pounding so hard I thought it would burst. But I endured it... because I wanted Takuya-san to know more about me.

“I’m like a runaway train, aren't I?”

Back then, it was a straight line toward a love with no clear destination.

But now it’s different—now I have certain feelings in my heart as I interact with Takuya-san. I want him to stay here... I never want him to go anywhere.

However, I do have one complaint about Takuya-san!

“Takuya-san... you’re way too serious!!”

It’s true... Takuya-san is far too serious!

Mother and I just want him to stay here and be pampered, but Takuya-san thinks that’s wrong of him as a person and keeps his discipline... He won't fall for us at all!

“...You’ve got some nerve, Takuya-san.”

If the cuckoo won't fall, I’ll wait until it does—that’s the idea.

It’s true that his desire to do something for us comes from his kindness and seriousness, and Takuya-san’s thoughtfulness has certainly brought good results to our family.

I’m happy to be cared for, and he’s been a huge help to Mother with her handmade crafts and the weeding... but at this rate, Takuya-san will eventually leave... and I absolutely hate that!

As I said before, I’ll make Takuya-san more dependent... I’ll soak him so deeply in us that he won't be able to imagine leaving for even a second.

“Ah...”

While I was thinking, Takuya-san returned.

He spotted me and raised a hand. I raised mine in return, putting all my "welcome home" feelings into the gesture.

“...Fufu ♪”

In that moment, I found myself licking my lips.

That’s just how much I want Takuya-san... so Takuya-san, you’d better be prepared.

I’m never letting you get away, okay?

“Welcome home, Takuya-san.”

“I’m back, Mina.”

“What is it? You have such a troubled look on your face.”

“Ah... yeah. I was just thinking about my future, I guess.”