Chapter 5
“...Why is Aina up there?”
“Who knows... Maybe that’s the ‘help’ she was talking about?”
“Would she really go out of her way to stand in line up there just to help...?”
“...Then does that mean she’s a contestant?”
What on earth was going on?
As we tilted our heads in confusion, our eyes met with Aina’s on stage.
She closed one eye and gave us a wink, but naturally, we were too bewildered to respond... Wait, Aina’s friend was right over there.
“Arisa, over there.”
“Eh? Ah, that’s perfect. Let’s go ask her what’s going on.”
Arisa walked toward her, and I followed behind.
“A-Arisa?”
“Yes... Can I ask you something?”
“Is it about Aina?”
“Exactly.”
At Arisa’s question, she gave us a wry smile and explained.
“Um... actually, one of the planned contestants had to drop out, you see? It’s not a super serious event, so it wouldn't have affected the program, but Aina said she’d fill in if it would help.”
“From Aina? It’s rare for her to volunteer for something so high-profile...”
I agreed with Arisa on that.
Arisa and Aina were the kind of girls who stood out even without trying, but Aina hadn't shown any interest at all when she first heard about the Miss Con.
“Right... I thought so too. She asked what it would involve, and as she listened to the details, she seemed to get interested.”
“Huh...”
Hmph, even hearing that, I still didn't understand Aina’s intentions.
Still, there was no helping it now that it had started. Since Aina was in it, we had a definite person to vote for... In a way, it might be killing two birds with one stone.
“Well, since it’s started, why not just watch? I don't know how other beauty pageants are, but we aren't going to do anything extreme, and we don't intend to let them. It’s just about their special skills, what kind of romance they want to have... since we're short on time, it’s just a simple thing where we ask them those kinds of questions and have people vote.”
“I see... That puts my mind at ease, then.”
I nodded along with Arisa, feeling the same way.
To begin with, I didn't really understand what a Miss Con was, but I guess they were aiming for something that anyone could easily participate in and vote for.
“It’s entertainment! Well then, enjoy the show~!”
After seeing her off as she waved and vanished backstage, Arisa and I moved to the very front row, looking up at the stage.
Normally we would have been further back, but it seemed that Aina, having decided to enter, had left word to keep this spot open for Arisa and me.
『And now, let’s start the Miss Con~!』
The MC was, of course, Aina’s friend, Su-chan-san.
Her voice through the microphone was met with a loud cheer, and the noise was so intense that I almost covered my ears... Oh, Arisa was doing the same.
“It’s a bit noisy, isn't it...”
“Well, it can't be helped, can it? Since it’s a Miss Con, the stage is full of beauties.”
There were classmates, upperclassmen, and underclassmen—the selection seemed to have gathered beauties from across the entire school.
From my perspective, I couldn't find any interest in anyone other than Arisa and Aina, but I could honestly admit that they were all beautiful or cute.
“Yo, Hayato and the others are here too.”
“I didn't hear anything about the younger Shinjo sister entering!”
“Oh, you guys were here as well?”
The ones standing behind us before I knew it were Sota and Kaito.
Since our class booth was pretty much finished, it wasn't strange for them to be here.
“We're just as surprised as you are.”
“Yes... I wonder what possessed her.”
While we were talking, it became Aina’s turn for her self-introduction.
『Hello, everyone! I’m Shinjo Aina~! I wasn't really planning on entering, but I thought it sounded interesting, so here I am!』
Aina introduced herself with a cute wink.
The self-introductions of the previous contestants had been lively, but the cheers for Aina seemed to be on a different level.
“That’s our Aina, after all.”
“Haha, look at that smug face she’s making.”
“Naturally, right? It’s because she’s my sister that it’s this exciting.”
“I think you should tell her that more often, you know?”
“That’s one thing, and this is another... I could tell her, but I get embarrassed too, you know.”
Even so, she’d be so happy if you told her... Well, I guess words aren't really necessary between these sisters.
They cherished each other... that much was clear even to me.
I knew that Arisa and Aina truly saw me as someone precious, but the most important person to each of them was likely each other.
A unique existence they had spent their entire lives with... Even I wouldn't be able to surpass the bond they had cultivated as sisters.
『Well now, everyone’s self-introductions are over! Let me explain the purpose of this Miss Con once again~! First of all, please understand that this is not a serious competition! Since we have time constraints, please just vote for the girl you think is the best! Simple as that!』
In short, just follow your preferences.
As I stared at Aina, our eyes met again, and she gave a small wave.
I, Arisa, and apparently Sota and Kaito as well, all waved back, which made Aina giggle.
That smile would surely be a key factor in the judging... but Aina really was the best among them, wasn't she? No matter what anyone says, that’s what I think!
『We have a packed schedule in the gym after this, so we're going to move things right along~! I’m going to ask everyone the same three questions, so I’d appreciate it if the contestants could answer them! Well, I explained this backstage, and you should have had time to think, so please don't kill the mood by saying you have nothing to say and trying to run away~!』
I didn't think anyone would say they had nothing to say in a place like this... but her words drew laughter from the contestants and the audience alike, so it seemed to have helped break the tension in a good way.
『Now then, let’s start with the first question! Please tell us about something happy that happened to you recently!』
It was a very harmless question.
But considering the schedule, it was logical to go through short, easy-to-answer questions like this.
The contestants began answering the first question about something happy.
There were various responses—some that made me chuckle, some that made me want to clap and say "good for you," and some that made me want to offer words of comfort for their hard work.
I thought I would only have eyes for Aina, but focusing on each person and hearing their stories was fresh, and I found myself listening naturally.
『And next, Aina Shinjo-san! Please tell us about something happy that happened to you recently!』
Oh, it was Aina’s turn.
Taking the microphone, Aina began to speak with a constant smile.
『Let’s see... There are so many things that it’s hard to choose, but while I was working at my class’s maid cafe, a certain customer came in. He was really satisfied with my service... and in that moment, he gave me a smile and said "thank you." That’s it~ ♪』
My shoulders gave a start.
I was the only one who knew what Aina’s words meant, but even so, Arisa right next to me let out an "ara ara" laugh.
『I’m sure anyone would smile at your service, Aina-san, but does that mean that customer was different from the others?』
『Of course, I was happy for everyone’s smiles. But if I had to pick the best one, I guess it would be that smile... And in return, he made me feel happy too~ ♪』
I felt like she was saying something quite risky, but other people were saying similar things... Still, more than Aina’s words, it was the beautiful smile on her face that stole my gaze.
“What an exquisite choice of words... don't you think?”
“...Yeah.”
Since Arisa said that while staring at me, Sota and the others started poking me in the back... Hey, stop it, you guys!
『Thank you for that wonderful smile! Well then, next is—』
The questions continued in order, and the first question came to an end.
There were ten girls including Aina, and since some of them had expanded on their stories, just this one round had taken up quite a bit of time. Three questions really did seem like the right amount.
『Now for the next question! Next, please tell us about something you're good at—anything is fine! Truly, anything goes! Since we have such beautiful girls here, I’m sure there’s no heartless audience member who wouldn't clap no matter what you show us!』
Su-chan-san was very good at pumping up the crowd.
Some contestants looked unsure of themselves, while others looked proud... Aina was definitely on the proud side.
“Something Aina’s good at... I wonder what she’ll show us?”
“She won't do anything too difficult, surely. It’s not like she can say her specialty is sandwiching Hayato-kun’s ‘that’ between her breasts or sucking on it with a slurp-slurp sound, after all.”
Um... Arisa-san.
No matter how much you whisper in my ear so no one else can hear, it’s a surprise when you say it so suddenly, so please have mercy.
I sighed at Arisa’s amused expression and turned my gaze back to the stage.
There, the contestants were showing off their specialties, their so-called "special skills," one by one. But due to preparation and time constraints, these were also limited to simple things that could be done on the spot.
『I’ve been doing karate since I was a kid, so... HAAAAAAH!』
『Oh! What a shout...! My, that was a beautiful form, wasn't it?! Wonderful!』
『I’m good at singing. So, I’m going to sing a little!』
『As expected of a member of the choir club! I’m sure it’s the result of your practice, but more than anything, you have natural talent! This is also wonderful!』
『Um, I’m good at playing dead! I’m going to die now!』
『A-ah...? Er, you’re still alive, right...? Are you... breathing?!』
There were some skills that were hard to describe, but the crowd was enjoying it.
Then it was finally Aina’s turn, and the specialty she showed off was her body’s flexibility.
『I’m actually really flexible~! So, it’s like a stretch, but anyway, just watch!』
Aina sat down on the spot, spread her legs wide to the sides, and then slowly lowered her upper body... until her body was pressed perfectly flat against the floor.
『Wow, I knew you were flexible, but that’s incredible~. When I tried that before, I felt like I was going to tear a muscle!』
『Wait, were you actually trying to do that?』
『Ahahaha! It hurt a little bit!』
...No, I think it would be more than just "a little bit," wouldn't it?
After Aina finished showing off her flexibility, she stood up and waved at us again.
When Arisa and I waved back together, Aina gave us that same smile from before.
“It really is a cute smile.”
“Yes, when I see that child’s smile, I can forget all the bad things.”
That was true... It was just as Arisa said.
Well, as far as I was concerned, I could become happy the moment I saw either Arisa’s or Aina’s smile.
Now then, it was finally time for the last question.
Even though they weren't doing anything particularly special, the atmosphere in the gym was completely dominated by the women on stage.
Everyone was focused on their appeal points, so even though Su-chan-san had prefaced it by saying it wasn't a serious Miss Con, looking at the audience’s reaction, I think you could call it a great success.
『Well then! I’ll ask the final question! After this question, we'll head into the voting, so please enjoy the show until the very end~!』
Now, it was finally time for the last question.
『The last question is this! Could you please tell us the type of person you like? To repeat myself, I’ve already notified you that I’d be asking this and received your consent, so no playing coy~!』
Su-chan-san’s words caused a stir in the gym.
The ones standing on stage were beautiful women, including Aina... I could feel the atmosphere suggesting that there was no question more interesting than what kind of person they liked.
“That’s quite a bold question... I wonder how Aina will answer.”
“...I’m a bit curious.”
There was nothing to worry about, but still, I couldn't help but be curious about what kind of answer Aina would give in front of such a large crowd. Arisa and I could only watch over her.
...Or so I thought.
“...?”
“Hayato-kun, what’s wrong?”
“No... I feel like Aina said something just now.”
“Aina did?”
I felt like her lips had moved slightly... as if she were saying something.
It wasn't like I could read lips, but that was probably... I felt like she was telling me to come closer.
“Arisa, let’s go a little further forward.”
“Eh? Oh, okay. It looks like it’s okay to get a bit closer, so shall we go?”
Arisa was dependable, following along without even asking why.
But... I wonder if it was just my imagination that I felt like she was about to pull off something crazy.
▼▽
“...Ehehe♪”
Good, good. Hayato-kun came closer just like he was supposed to. Everything is going exactly according to plan!
If my message hadn’t gotten through, I would have come up with a different answer, but since Hayato-kun picked up on my signal, I can use the response I originally prepared.
“My type of person is... well, I suppose someone with muscles who’s strong.”
“Oh! So you like muscles?”
“Men are all about muscles! I want to bury my face in a big, thick chest!”
“I see, I see! Your tension is weirdly spiking, so let's leave it at that. If we keep going, I feel like you’re going to start talking about some strange fetishes.”
Regarding the final question about their preferred type of partner, all the contestants were stating the answers they had prepared, speaking clearly even while acting shy.
Putting my classmates aside, it was actually quite heartwarming to listen to the seniors and juniors since I don’t usually interact with them. I found myself getting sucked into their stories.
“...There are so many people.”
The view from the stage was overflowing with people.
Naturally, there were many current students, but there were also people from other schools and parents all watching us.
“My favorite type is someone who is just really kind to me... I think. But maybe it’s also okay if they get strictly angry with me sometimes? I long for a relationship with that kind of push and pull.”
“I see! Just being kind isn't enough; being strict at times is important! My, that’s wonderful!”
Still, this question about their "type"... it’s really well-thought-out.
Even though it doesn’t technically count as self-promotion for us, when we’re talking while imagining the person we love... they get to see those bashful gestures and the expressions we make while fantasizing.
After all, a face blushing from embarrassment isn’t something you can easily fake.
“Now, next up is Shinjo Aina-san! Please, give us the dirt on your favorite type!”
Finally, it was my turn.
All the eyes that had been on the girl next to me just a moment ago were now locked onto me, waiting with bated breath to see what I would say... But sorry, everyone—to me, the gaze of anyone other than my precious loved ones is no different from the faceless, unimportant masses.
But, well... in this very moment, I only want to be looking at Hayato-kun.
“My favorite type of person is... let’s see.”
Hayato-kun and Nee-san were standing right below the stage.
I confirmed their position once more and gradually moved toward that side of the stage... Su-chan looked at me dubiously, but this was my goal.
“Hmm... I wonder... It’s so embarrassing... What should I do?”
Ahaha, I’m being so calculated.
There was no need to play hard to get like this; I’d already decided what I was going to say from the very start.
“Okay, please, Hayato-kun.”
I whispered it softly so the microphone wouldn’t pick up my voice.
I caught a glimpse of Hayato-kun, who had an expression that said No way! Meanwhile, Nee-san, standing next to him, looked exasperated as if to say What a troublesome girl... It seems that not just Hayato-kun, but Nee-san as well, saw right through what I was trying to do.
“My favorite type of person... is—”
At that moment, I stepped off the edge of the stage.
Of course, it was intentional... and just in case, I made sure I could land properly on my own, okay?
Even so, I heard a small scream.
I’d have to apologize to Su-chan later... As those thoughts flashed through my mind, my body was falling, but the one who caught me was Hayato-kun.
“...Seriously, what were you thinking, Aina?”
“Ehh? But this was exactly what I was aiming for.”
I was currently being held by Hayato-kun in a princess carry... Naturally, since I was turned away from the microphone, my words didn’t echo through the gym.
“A-Aina, are you okay?!”
On the stage, not just Su-chan, but the other girls were looking down at me with worried expressions.
Ugh... I’m starting to feel a bit guilty... I definitely need to give them a proper apology later.
“Thank you, Hayato-kun.”
Thank you for catching me.
Thank you for sensing my intention.
When I conveyed my gratitude with those feelings, Hayato-kun nodded back with that smile I love so much.
Now then, I guess I’ll give my answer in this position!
While still being princess-carried by Hayato-kun, I lightly scanned the crowd of people staring at us and spoke into the microphone.
“My favorite type of person is someone who will protect me like this no matter what happens... Someone who will accept all of me, someone I feel I can entrust my entire being to from the bottom of my heart... That is my type of person♪”
These were all words I spoke while thinking only of Hayato-kun.
I was supposed to be looking at the people around us at first, but halfway through, only Hayato-kun was in my field of vision.
Ah, geez, I wonder if people figured it out?
I had that thought for a moment, but Su-chan’s excited voice rang out.
“N-No way, to turn an accident like that into a performance... How calculated can you be?! But the impression you made was perfect!”
At Su-chan’s voice, the audience burst into applause.
The applause was directed at me, but since he was princess-carrying me, a lot of eyes were gathered on Hayato-kun as well.
Maybe some people would even connect my words to Hayato-kun?
But... this was my way of driving in a stake, however small.
I wanted to assert the connection between me and Hayato-kun even in this form... It was a stake, it was my own selfishness, and it was the result of being unable to suppress the "I love you" feelings I directed at Hayato-kun!
“Thank you, Hayato-kun. You can put me down now.”
“Got it... but I have to ask just in case, you aren’t hurt? Nowhere hurts, right?”
“...Phew, calm down, me.”
Hayato-kun didn't just understand my intent; even though he knew I was fine, he was still worrying about me... It made me desperately want to cling to him, but I had to hold back here!
“Honestly, you... It was dangerous, but I couldn’t be more envious, you know?”
“Ahaha...”
As expected, Nee-san saw right through my plan... I love my big sister, who understands everything♪
“Well then, see you later.”
I whispered that softly and returned to the stage.
Even though I had intentionally fallen from the stage, to anyone else, it must have looked like I simply had a clumsy slip-up and was in danger... But now, it seemed like the words I had spoken were dominating the room.
“...Wait, I can smell Nee-san all over Hayato-kun.”
When Hayato-kun caught me, two scents had enveloped me.
It wasn't just Hayato-kun’s scent; there was also the thick, sweet scent of Nee-san that had soaked into his body... I did tell her she could monopolize him, but did they spend such an intense time together that their scents became that intertwined?
“Well, I guess I can just ask for the details tonight♪”
By the time I whispered that to myself, all the questions had finished.
From here, everyone in attendance would vote, and the number one among us contestants would be decided.
I wasn’t interested in the rankings at all, but since I’m here, I kind of want to take first place... just a little, you know?
“Alright, everyone! Please circle the name of the contestant written on the paper in your hands! After that, we’ll collect and tally them up!”
For a while after that, I enjoyed chatting with the other contestants.
They were girls I don't usually hang out with, but we were comrades-in-arms who had participated in the same event, even if it was just by chance.
“Shinjo-san, how do you feel about your chances?”
“Hmm, for me, I think it went pretty well.”
“That upperclassman must have been surprised too, right? Having Shinjo-senpai suddenly fall on him... but... auu.”
“Why are you turning red?”
“Um... I just thought it was really nice, being caught like that.”
After the junior girl confessed that while blushing, several others nodded.
I see... from my perspective, there’s no way I wouldn't be happy being caught by the Hayato-kun I love, but it seems other people long for that kind of thing too.
“He seemed very used to it, didn't he? If I caught a beauty like Shinjo-san, I think it’d be natural to panic.”
“Ah, I thought so too!”
“He was... Domoto-kun, right? Lately, I see Shinjo-san and her sister Arisa-san hanging out with him a lot.”
“Ahaha! That’s right. We get along veeeeery well♪”
Even so, none of you know the true nature of our relationship.
You’re asking with such curiosity, but I wonder what kind of reaction you’d have if you found out that both I and my sister are dating Hayato-kun?
“Alright, alright! The tallying is finally finished and we have the results! Everyone, are your hearts ready?!”
It seemed the counting was over while I was enjoying the small talk.
According to Su-chan, they were only going to announce the first-place winner... I wonder whose name will be called.
I waited quietly for that moment... and then.
“The one who won the first-place seat through everyone’s voting this time is—Shinjo Aina-san! Congratulations! Congrats, Aina!”
Su-chan’s voice had spoken my name.
My brain stalled for a second, but it seems I really did take first place in this Miss Con... wait, for real?
“Congratulations, Shinjo-san.”
“Congratulations, Shinjo-senpai!”
“As expected!”
In this situation, it would be rude to say I didn't think I’d win even as a joke.
If I’m going to do it, I want first place... I want the top.
I wasn't the only one who thought that even for a moment; surely everyone here felt the same... In that case, I shouldn’t say anything that would put a damper on things. For the sake of Su-chan, who planned this event, I have to end this with words of gratitude!
I took the microphone that was offered to me and raised my voice.
“Everyone, thank you so much for your votes! I’m incredibly happy to have taken first place! This was my first time participating in something like a Miss Con, and I think it’s become a wonderful memory! Again, thank you so much!”
...Wait, can I say this too?
The atmosphere felt like it was about to end, but when I caught Su-chan’s eye, she nodded as if to say do whatever you want, so I nodded back and continued.
“I already have someone I’ve decided on in my heart, so please don’t fall for me, okay♪ I love him so much I want to give birth to his babies one day, so♪”
“A-Aina?!”
“My older sister has someone she likes too, so please don’t make any moves on her either!”
Phew, that should do it♪
I wasn't trying to brag to anyone and it’s a bit late for this, but I understand that both I and my sister are constantly being noticed by boys, and we get called out every now and then... to a really annoying degree, honestly.
“Er... I guess that’s what you call a preemptive strike! Regardless, thank you for the remarks that really hyped things up at the very end! And with that, the Miss Con has come to an end! Good work, everyone!!”
With those words from Su-chan, the Miss Con was closed.
After the Miss Con ended amid great cheering, I was surrounded by the friends I’m usually close with.
“Hold on, Aina! Was it really okay for you to go that far?”
“I mean, 'the person you like'... who is it that Aina would go that far for?!”
“...Wait, could it be—”
“Now, I wonder who it could be.”
Only Su-chan had an expression that showed she’d suddenly realized the truth.
Well, if you watch me normally, you’d figure it out... and since Nee-san is always right nearby too, maybe they’ll realize that as well?
“But Aina, be careful, okay?”
“Eh? About what?”
“There are a lot of people aiming for Aina. So after hearing what you just said, some people might try to take you by force, you know?”
“Ah, that? That is a bit scary.”
By force, huh... that might be a little frightening.
But for me, and for Nee-san as well, the love we feel solely for Hayato-kun is much stronger than that fear.
“But as everyone knows, my guard is really solid. If anything happens, I’ll talk to someone and I definitely won’t bottle it up... Well, it’d be best if nothing happens, but I won’t show any openings to begin with.”
And then, after a brief pause, I tried asking them this.
“If by some chance me or my sister were about to get dragged into something... all of you that I can rely on would protect us, right?”
When I tried saying that, everyone nodded vigorously.
“Obviously.”
“If someone like that exists, I’ll kill 'em.”
“That’s right! Aina and Arisa are our friends!”
“I’ll crush their balls so they can never hold a girl again.”
Ahaha... it’s a bit scary, but they really are girls I can rely on too much, honestly.
“Of course, if anything happens to any of you, I’ll help out too... Thanks♪”
Exchanging those words, I headed toward the place where Hayato-kun and Nee-san were waiting.
▼▽
The Miss Con ended with great success.
Though there were other events in the gym after that, it felt like there was a sense of lingering regret, as if the afterglow of the Miss Con still remained.
“Come on, let’s go to the next one.”
“Then that’s it! Why don’t we go there?”
Just like at midday, I spent the rest of the time with both Arisa and Aina.
However, since there were many people from outside the school at the Miss Con venue, walking around with Aina—who had just taken first place—meant that the already numerous gazes following us increased even more.
Even so, I wasn't intimidated at all, and it didn't bother me.
And so, the cultural festival I toured with the two of them also reached its end, and I felt a slight touch of loneliness in the silence that follows a festival.
“The cultural festival was fun!”
“It was... It really was fun.”
“...Yeah.”
As we walked the path home, I nodded at Aina’s words.
It was true that the festival was over and I felt that loneliness, but as long as they were with me, I didn't feel lonely at all.
“Hey, Hayato-kun.”
“Hmm?”
“Why don’t you tell Aina too? About what you want to do in the future.”
“Eh? What, what?! You were talking about such an important thing with Nee-san?!”
“Well... yeah.”
“Don’t leave me out~!”
I comforted Aina, who leaned her face in close with teary eyes.
Of course, I didn't think she was truly crying, but since Aina said she absolutely wanted to hear it, I decided to tell her.
“While we were doing the casino, and thinking about everything that's happened until now... and looking at my current environment, I thought of something—I want to try a job in the future that makes people smile.”
“Heh...!”
“Seeing children laugh, seeing friends laugh... and seeing Arisa and Aina, who are always by my side with smiles on their faces... that’s what made me think that.”
“Ehehe, I see!”
Just like Arisa had, Aina gazed at me with a gentle look in her eyes.
“Even if it’s not clear, even if it’s just a vague idea, I think it’s wonderful, you know? We’re still kids after all, so let’s just think about it slowly from here on, okay?”
“............”
Truly, Aina gave me words that made me feel at ease, just like Arisa did.
It’s a bit... a bit frustrating.
If you ask why I feel frustrated despite being so happy, it’s because—as I felt with Arisa too—they just look so incredibly grown-up... They look overwhelmingly older than me right now.
“...I really can’t win against you two. You always act your age and interact with me like that, but the moment you put on a gentle expression, you suddenly have the atmosphere of a mature older sister.”
“Is that so? That makes me happy.”
“Yeah, yeah♪ For Hayato-kun’s sake, we can become both big sisters or little sisters, you know?”
Well, that’s just invincible.
As we walked lively along the path home as it grew dark, Aina suddenly said this.
“Come to think of it! Mom couldn’t come, so I thought I’d at least like to take some photos. When we get home, let’s change back into our costumes and take some pictures with Mom.”
“Oh, isn’t that a good idea? Hayato-kun, you have those sunglasses too, don’t you?”
“Eh? Ah, yeah, since I was given them.”
I had been given the sunglasses to keep, so I had brought them home with me.
But I see... I was planning on telling Sakuna-san all the stories to get her excited, but taking photos like that isn’t a bad idea either.
“Then it’s decided! Let’s get ready before Mom gets back!”
And so, we hurried back home.
Before Sakuna-san returned, Arisa and Aina began changing into their respective costumes.
“Fix this part here...”
“Heave-ho, heave-ho.”
It was the "changing right in front of me" time that I had already become accustomed to.
Since I was already in my school uniform and just had to put on the sunglasses, it seemed like the women’s side had a lot of work and a hard time.
“...Ah.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I forgot that my tights were torn... well, I suppose it’s fine.”
“It’s fine, right? I’m sure Mom will just laugh and say you were being naughty♪”
Is that really okay though...?
I mean, surely there’s a replacement pair of tights... wait, she’s already put them on?!
“Wait, Nee-san... in that state, you look incredibly slutty.”
“Don’t I? I have this feeling like I’ve been completely conquered♪”
“Uwah, I’m so jealous!”
“Aina, why don’t you have yours torn all over too?”
“Stop it, you lewd sisters!”
Phew... I couldn’t help but retort.
“Oh?”
“Heh?”
“U-Um...”
However, in response to my retort, the two of them smirked and looked my way.
Having finished changing, they closed in on me and entangled themselves around me using their hands and legs.
“And who is it that loves these lewd sisters, I wonder?”
“That’s right, isn’t it? Even though you love us being like this.”
Not only were they poking my cheeks, the two of them were fumbling with my body.
Giving me a spine-tingling sensation just by being touched, I once again shouted in my heart, You lewd sisters!
“I’m home~”
Speak of the devil, it seemed Sakuna-san had returned at just the right time.
I slipped out of their restraint and greeted Sakuna-san, who had just walked in.
“Welcome back, Sakuna-san.”
“Yes♪ I’m back, Hayato-kun.”
Sakuna-san had a beaming smile, but when she saw Arisa and Aina coming up behind me, her eyes went wide and she froze.
“...Could it be, were you in the middle of some fun?”
“Wh-?! That’s not it!”
“That’s right, we were in the middle of having fun.”
“We were just a little bit away!”
It’s going to get complicated, so everyone be quiet for a second! Shut up, both of you!
The two of them were smirking, and Sakuna-san was watching us warmly... but first, I have to explain this situation!
“Um, actually—”
I told Sakuna-san why we were dressed like this.
As she listened to the story, she seemed deeply moved at points, but she gave the best smile she’d shown lately, likely happy with our proposal.
“I thought our cultural festival would only finally be over once we included you in the memories too, Sakuna-san.”
“That’s right, so let’s take the photo quickly, Mother.”
“Come on, come here, come here!”
“...Ufufu♪ Yes!”
Sakuna-san was sandwiched between Arisa and Aina, and I immediately readied my smartphone.
...Ah, if I do this, I won’t be in the picture... well, if I can take such a wonderful photo, it doesn’t matter.
Setting aside the daughters' outfits, Sakuna-san’s expression looked truly happy.
“Okay, cheese.”
“Yay!”
Click. I was able to take the best shot.
I was satisfied with this, but it seemed they didn't consider the photoshoot over unless I was in it too.
“Come on, Hayato-kun, let’s take one together.”
“If you try hard and stretch your arm out, I think everyone can fit, right?”
I was beckoned over and headed to the three of them.
“I feel like if I really stretch my arm it might work... can we do this?”
“It’s not about whether you can or can’t! It’s about whether you do or don’t!”
“What are you even saying... but yes. It absolutely won’t do if Hayato-kun isn’t with us.”
“Shall we all press ourselves tightly against Hayato-kun too?”
As I struggled to hold the phone, they all pressed against me.
The elasticity that seemed to envelop my whole body and the sweet scent almost made my cheeks loosen, but since this was going to be left as a photo, I couldn’t let myself make that kind of face...!
But frustratingly, right up until the moment the photo was taken, my cheeks were loose.
“That turned out quite well.”
“Ahaha! Hayato-kun, you look so incredibly happy, you know?”
“It’s not just Hayato-kun, is it? We all have such great smiles.”
...Thank goodness.
It seems I’m the only one who thinks my face looks like a total pervert.
“...Hehe.”
But, I really did take a good photo.
Arisa and Aina... and Sakuna-san.
A single happy shot surrounded by everyone who is irreplaceable... I’ve taken photos of them many times before, but you can never have too many of these.
Our happy appearance... that is surely a great treasure, a wonderful memory that we can all share.
“Alright, I’ll send it to everyone’s phones. Ah, I should send all the photos I took at school too.”
“Thank you.”
“Thanks!”
“Thank you very much♪”
Including the current photo, I sent all the pictures to them.
Watching them look happy while looking at the photos that arrived, I started looking back through the photos I took today once more... but at that moment, I realized I had completely and utterly forgotten something extremely important.
“...Ah.”
“...Oh!”
“...?!”
“Hmm? What is it?”
For some reason, everyone who was looking at the photos stopped moving.
Sakuna-san, in particular, turned visibly red in the face and kept glancing back and forth between her phone screen and me... Why?
“Hayato-kun, this.”
“Eh?”
With an air of resignation, Arisa showed me her phone screen.
What was shown there was, of course, a single photo—it was a photo of Arisa that I had taken. The one of Arisa in her bunny girl outfit in the empty classroom.
“...Ah?!”
In that moment, I wanted to shout "Oh crap!" at the top of my lungs.
But the reason I couldn't was that the feeling of having messed up was too great, and I was panicking over the fact that I had done something unthinkable.
“You really are a scatterbrain... but, it was a little bit funny.”
“Right! Hayato-kun sent that photo with such a gentle expression, you know? I can’t say anything to that♪”
“...Y-Yes, that’s right...! I will make sure to save it carefully!”
“Uguaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!”
If there was a hole, I’d want to crawl into it... someone, please just kill me now.
I felt so much shame that my face was burning hot, to the point where I was thinking that quite seriously.
...But, there was no doubt that this place was overflowing with smiles.
Looking at those smiles, the thing about the photo didn't matter... well, it definitely did matter, but I felt strongly that nothing could surpass the space we shared here.
“In the end, it really was a fun day.”
This year was even better than last year... which means next year is bound to be even more fun than this year—if I’m with them... that’s already a certainty.
“Hayato-kun, look.”
“Heh? ...?!”
As I was wrapping up my thoughts with a very good feeling, Arisa showed me her phone screen again.
The wallpaper... the photo set there was the scandalous picture of Arisa that I had sent by mistake.
“H-H-H-Hey!!”
Arisaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!
Shouldn't you be the one getting embarrassed by that kind of photo?!
It was the night of a perfect day where I couldn't help but think I’d be teased about that photo for quite some time... yes.
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