EPILOGUE
On a website that introduced the latest topics in astronomy, a news article was posted.
It was about a comet discovered by an amateur astronomer. The discoverer was a famous figure in the community who had discovered several comets before and had even had them named after him.
In the center of the photograph posted on the site, I whispered to the faint, tiny dot of light in my heart.
I’m glad someone found you.
According to orbital calculations, the comet would approach the sun at the end of next month and would become bright enough to be just barely visible to the naked eye.
Someday, we would be the ones.
“Sorry to keep you waiting, Ryuuichi-kun.”
“I’m sorry, I took a little longer getting ready than expected.”
Hearing Miharu and Sayuki’s voices, I looked up from my phone. Both of them were wearing V-neck sweaters paired with flare skirts. Miharu’s was pink and Sayuki’s was gray, but they were likely the same brand, just in different colors. They were doing the "twin look."
“Ehehe. How many years has it been since we wore matching outfits, Onee-chan?”
Miharu looked happy as she linked arms with Sayuki.
“I was always open to it. But you started making a face every time Mom bought us matching clothes, Miharu. I tried to be considerate and started choosing clothes you wouldn't likely wear.”
“Urgh. I mean... if we wear the same clothes, you can see... well, you can see all the differences.”
Miharu was right. When they stood side-by-side like this, the difference in their styles was even more pronounced. Because they were dressed the same, it was very obvious.
Miharu had the kind of slender, athletic build any girl would envy, but Sayuki had a model-like figure on top of that—plus, even through her clothes, you could tell her bust was much larger. It was no wonder Miharu had a bit of a complex.
“But! I’m not gonna lose!”
Miharu declared war, suddenly letting go of Sayuki’s arm and jumping over to cling to mine.
“Oh? In that case, neither am I.”
Not to be outdone, Sayuki grabbed my other arm and hugged it tight.
I was sandwiched between two girls from both sides. Wrapped in their respective body heat, it felt so hot I was sweating, even though it was the middle of winter. I could feel two very different sensations against each of my arms.
“H-Hey, both of you... we’re in public...”
I tried to warn them, but the twins just started talking to each other across me.
“Hey, hey, Onee-chan, where should we go today?”
“Let’s see. It’s our first triple-date, so why don't we go a bit further out? Look, this park on top of the hill... apparently you can see the stars there if the weather is good.”
Sayuki showed her phone with a map app open.
“That sounds great! Let’s go, let’s go!”
I whispered a interruption between the two of them as they talked over me.
“That’s fine, but in this state, it’s hard to walk. I don't feel like we’re gonna get there today at this rate.”
“But it’s warmer when the three of us stick together like this, right? You’re happy to have a flower in each hand, aren't you? Just be honest and enjoy it,” Miharu said with a mischievous grin, poking my cheek with her index finger.
“W-Well... I guess getting a taste of what Mars feels like, surrounded by two satellites, is a little fun... maybe.”
“You’re so dishonest,” Sayuki chuckled.
It wasn't that I wasn't happy, but admitting it in front of them was embarrassing. Plus, the fact that people were staring at us as they passed made me feel a bit awkward. I liked observing things, but I wasn't used to being the one observed.
“Well, it is going to be hard to get to the park if we keep Ryuuichi-kun sandwiched like this. Miharu, let’s let him go for now.”
“Yeah, I’m warm enough now, so I guess it’s fine.”
With that, they both let go at the same time. I felt a sense of relief, but at the same time, the winter chill hit me again. I found myself missing their warmth just a little bit.
“Ugh... it really is cold. Onee-chan, hold my hand.”
“Of course.”
Sayuki took the hand Miharu offered. They gripped each other’s hands tight, sharing their warmth.
“Hehe, it’s big sister’s hand.”
“Fufu. I wonder if this will help you warm up a bit? Now, let’s go. Don’t fall behind, Ryuuichi-kun!”
Sayuki began leading the way toward the park, checking the route on her phone. The two of them walked ahead of me, looking perfectly in sync.
Watching them, it felt like our complicated relationship had reached a temporary state of stability. I didn't know anything about the future yet, but maybe it was enough for things to be peaceful for now.
Just then, the phone in my pocket vibrated. I pulled it out to check the notification. It was a picture from Sayuki. I assumed she was sharing the map to the park we were headed to. I opened the image.
“...!”
It was nothing of the sort. It was a selfie of Sayuki. Based on her outfit and the background, she must have taken it in her room before we left today.
It was shot from a high angle, looking down. The V-neck of her sweater revealed her cleavage. Below Sayuki’s face, as she winked at the camera, a deep valley between her generous breasts shimmered brilliantly, as if showing off for my eyes only.
A message followed immediately after.
"Next time, just the two of us ♡"
The words sent a thrill through my heart. I quickly looked up from my phone and looked at Sayuki walking ahead of me.
Still holding Miharu’s hand, Sayuki was operating her phone with her free hand. She looked like she was checking the map, but she’d actually just sent me that picture and message.
Noticing my gaze, Sayuki softly covered her mouth with her phone. Beneath it, I was sure she was wearing a mischievous smile.
Beside her, Miharu walked on, completely unaware of her sister’s actions or the selfie that had been sent to me.
This peaceful atmosphere was just a momentary respite. A turbulent future might be waiting just around the corner.
“Hey, Ryuuichi-kun! If you don't hurry up, we’re gonna leave you behind!”
Knowing nothing, Miharu turned back and smiled at me, still holding hands with Sayuki.
If you measured our relationship by the ruler of common sense, I’m sure it would look twisted. But if we could someday reach the infinite distance beyond where the gravity of common sense and the restorative force of time could reach... I still don't know how we’ll get there.
For now, I’ll just keep chasing the binary stars walking ahead of me at 1.41 times the speed. I have a feeling I’ll never be able to escape the gravity of my two "girlfriends".
END
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