05: The Demon’s Triangle...!? ~Fireworks and My Fading Soul~

Around the time the end of August could be felt—

I ended up going to a fireworks festival with the childhood friend sisters... or so the plan went.

Of course, things couldn't possibly proceed peacefully…

◆◇◆

—A few days prior.

Lately, it had become almost a daily routine for me to be treated to dinner at the Momo-nee’s place. That day, I was heading toward the apartment where the two of them lived, just like always.

On the way, I spotted a figure from behind carrying a heavy-looking eco-bag... That’s...

“Momo-nee!”

“Shin-chan!”

Yes, the older of the sisters, the person I admire. The way she turned around and smiled at me was so cute I could literally die.

“Are you on your way back from shopping? I’ll carry your bags.”

Without waiting for Momo-nee’s answer, I grabbed the eco-bag from her hand.

Heavy!

(T-This is insanely heavy... How can she carry something this heavy like it's nothing...? Where is she hiding that kind of power in those slender arms...?)

“Fufu, thank you, Shin-chan. You’re so strong♡”

No, you’re the one who’s... but I didn't say it. Obviously.

“I’m guessing... is it curry today?”

“That’s right~ How did you know?♡”

The contents of the bag were an unreasonable amount of potatoes, onions, and curry roux. I’m sure anyone could have guessed it, but I’ll take the compliment for now.

I’ve been treated to Momo-nee’s home cooking many times since we reunited, and it’s safe to say she has me well and truly whipped by the stomach.

Her specialty seems to be Japanese cuisine, but everything she makes is delicious. Among those, my favorite is definitely the curry. Not that I think there’s a single man alive who dislikes a classic curry, but... the reason it's my favorite is... well, you’ll understand if you watch the incident about to unfold...

“By the way... are your parents doing well, Shin-chan? I haven't seen them in quite a while since back then...”

“Yes! They’re doing great! You should come over to our place sometime. My room’s a mess, though...”

“Fufu...♡ I might be very interested in seeing your room, Shin-chan♪”

“There’s nothing in there but games and manga... hehe.”

“Ah! I think I heard something from Miu! If I recall... something about a dating simulation game—”

“AAAAAAAAH!! What’s that!? I have no idea what you’re talking about!!”

That brat... is she telling Momo-nee everything...!?

“Fufu♡ Is it that much of a 'naughty' game?♡”

“No, not really...! I-It’s just a normal game.”

“I see♪ Well then, I’ll have to come over and play it with you sometime♪”

Ugh... that brat... now I have to make sure I stop Momo-nee from coming over at all costs...!

While exchanging such conversation, we arrived at the apartment.

“I’m home~”

“I’m ho—wait, I mean, excuse me!”

I’d visited the sisters' home countless times by now, so I was used to it.

Back when we first reunited, I was nervous for a while because it had been so long since I’d seen Momo-nee, but I’ve finally reached the point where I can relax.

“Fufu, you can say 'I’m home' too. If it’s you, Shin-chan♡”

(Huh? I don't see Miu anywhere. Usually, whenever I’m talking to Momo-nee, she’s quick to butt in...)

“Is Miu not here today?”

“Ah! Miu-chan went out a little while ago to return some manga she borrowed from a friend~♩ She said she might be a bit late since she’s going to chat with them!”

“I see... (She reads manga?)”

◆◇◆

I was all set to help out, but Momo-nee told me, “It’s fine, Shin-chan, you just focus on your summer homework~” so I had no choice but to wait in the living room, spreading out my homework while occasionally getting distracted by YouTube...

Suddenly, Momo-nee came bursting into the living room in a pink apron, looking like she was on the verge of tears.

She must have been battling in the kitchen; there was a light sheen of sweat on her face and neck.

“Wait... did you make too much again?”

Momo-nee made a face like she was disappointed in her own mistake.

Yes—today was Curry Day.

※Curry Day, as the name implies, is a day when curry is served for dinner. However... this older sister. Whenever Momo-nee makes curry, for some reason, she ends up making an absurd amount.

According to her, she starts off using a normal-sized pot, but every time she tastes it, she adds more roux, then adds more water, then more roux. By the time she repeats this a few times, the curry starts overflowing from the pot. She’s forced to transfer it to a larger pot, only to fall back into the same "tasting dilemma." And—by the time she realizes what’s happened, a monstrous amount of handmade curry has been born.

Last time, it was enough for about twenty people...

—And yet, that’s exactly what makes Momo-nee so incredibly cute.

She’s a beautiful woman who is both calculatingly and naturally adorable. Seeing this seemingly perfect older sister occasionally acting like a total klutz really tugs at a man’s heartstrings.

The fact that it's not on purpose makes it even more devious.

She tugged on my hand, saying "Come here, come here," and led me to the kitchen.

The spicy aroma of curry hit my nose, flipping my hunger switch in an instant. It wasn't quite twenty servings like last time, but at a glance, it looked like at least ten.

“Look... I was being so careful today... but I made too much again...!”

Momo-nee looked up at me with moist eyes, an expression that practically screamed for help.

(So cute... Being asked like that... it makes me want to let both my reason and my stomach explode!! All right!)

“Leave it to me. I’ll devour everything before Miu gets back. Even if it kills me────”

◆◇◆

...Or so I confidently claimed at first. By the time I hit my fourth helping... I finally reached my limit.

“M-Momo-nee... this is my limit... I can't do it anymore...”

“Fufu♡ You really ate too much, you know? Three helpings? Shin-chan, you really do love curry!♡”

(—!? Excuse me, but isn't this happening because YOU made too much!?)

Of course, I couldn't say that... I quietly gave up.

“Ah! I know!”

“Hmm? What is it now?”

“Tomorrow, there’s a fireworks festival! I was wondering... if you’d like to go with me...”

“A fireworks festival... That sounds great! But are you sure? About going with me?”

“Of course!♡ Watching fireworks with you, Shin-chan... it sounds like it’ll be a wonderful summer memory♩ So, will you go with me...?”

“I’d be happy to! Um, what should we wear?”

“Let’s see, since it’s a special occasion, maybe I’ll wear a yukata...? This was sudden, so you’re fine in regular clothes, Shin-chan!”

“Ah, no, I actually have a yukata gathering dust somewhere...! If you’re wearing one, Momo-nee, I think I’ll wear one too...”

“Eh, really!? Then that means it’ll be a yukata date!?♡ Waaah♡ I’m so excited♡”

“T-This is the first time we’ve gone out somewhere just the two of us, right...?”

“Yeah...♡ And a date in yukatas, too... people might mistake us for a couple, don't you think...?♡”

“A couple............ A couple!?”

“Just kidding♡ You don't have to look so shocked~”

Pouting with her cheeks puffed out, Momo-nee poked my arm.

What is this flirting...? It’s too much.

And to think, come tomorrow, I might be able to expect something "even more" than this...

A yukata date with just the two of us...

(Both the expectations and I are SWEEELLING UUUUUUP!!)

◆◇◆

────Or so it should have been on the day of.

“Miu. I shall speak plainly. Why are you here too?”

There at the meeting spot were Miu—who had somehow caught wind of this and was perfectly dressed in a yukata with her hair done up—and Momo-nee, who looked somewhat apologetic.

“Haaaah~? 'Why am I here'? That’s my line!! You were trying to sneak off alone again, weren't you? And look at you, wearing a yukata and everything~!”

“N-Now, now, Miu-chan...! Didn't you say the other day you were going to a festival with your friends? That’s why, um—I already explained yesterday that I was the one who invited Shin-chan...”

“Be quiet, Onee-chan.”

“Ah...”

“I’m just pissed off at Shintarou~!”

(No, no, why me...!? That’s so unfair!! ...Which means today’s fireworks date, which was supposed to be just me and Momo-nee... is the usual trio again... Fine. For now, I just need to figure out how to break through this situation—)

“That aside, Miu! That pink yukata looks amazing on you! And your hair is done in that braided updo, it’s different from usual—you look way too cute!! And and, today’s makeup... did you match it to the yukata? That pure, natural look... I think I like this version of you too!”

“Eh... r-really? You think so...? You praising me like that is throwing me off. It’s actually making me blush...”

Even though she had been turning bright red with anger just a moment ago, it seemed her mood had recovered in an instant.

Miu put both hands to her cheeks, fidgeting shyly.

She’s honest and straightforward—it might sound a bit bad, but she’s very simple. Knowing how to fix Miu’s mood... is practically ingrained in me at a cellular level.

And that is to praise her to an exaggerated degree.

Momo-nee, who had been watching our interaction, gave me a thumbs-up as if to say, 'Way to go, Shin-chan!' while smiling brightly.

While we were doing that, the station had become flooded with people in yukatas heading toward the fireworks festival.

“Wait, if we don't hurry, we’re gonna miss the train! It looks like even more people are coming, we don't have time for this~! (cry)”

“No, no, you’re the one who started this whole drama!!”

“Geh... Shintarou, lately you’ve been starting to sound like Morishita-kun...”

“Hah? What’s that supposed to mean?”

Mingling with the crowds of people in yukatas, we managed to board the train and arrived at our destination after a twenty-minute ride.

Outside the ticket gates, it was even more crowded than before. As far as the eye could see, it was nothing but people.

『Please do not stop! Stopping is dangerous, please move forward!』

A security guard was shouting directions.

With a red light stick in hand and drenched in sweat, he was desperately maintaining safety in the middle of the crowd.

“It’d be a disaster if we got separated in a place like this... okay, I just had a great idea.”

I stepped in between the sisters and held out both my arms.

“Here, grab onto my arms. It’s better than getting lost.”

Miu looked surprised, saying “Eh, for real?” as she softly grabbed my right sleeve.

Momo-nee enthusiastically clung to my left arm as if she’d been waiting for this♩.

The reserved younger sister and the proactive older sister. Seeing the difference in their personalities even here was interesting.

“Hey~ what are you planning to do, walking around with a beauty on each arm~? I’m starting to care about how people are looking at us~”

“Fufu♡ No one’s looking, Miu-chan♡ Since he offered, I think I’ll just indulge in Shin-chan’s kindness~♩”

—Squeeeeze♡♡♡

(Uoohhh! I can feel Momo-nee’s soft warmth against my arm...!)

“Hey~! Onee-chan, that’s not fair! I mean, 'not fair' as in—not in a weird way... ugh!”

—Tight♡♡

(—!? What!? Miu!? You too...!?)

I’d offered my arms to make sure we didn't get separated in the crowd, but I wondered how this scene looked to a third party.

Three siblings... is a bit of a stretch. Friends...? If so, what kind of friends...

Well, regardless, it didn't feel bad being sandwiched between two cute girls.

If anything, this situation could even be called a reward.

After walking for a while, pushing through the waves of people, our view finally opened up.

Red, yellow, and various other colored lanterns served as markers, and we stepped into the street lined with stalls as if being led by them.

The heat from the people combined with the steam from the griddles, and I could feel the muggy, lukewarm air against my skin.

The savory scent of grilled yakisoba sauce, sweet castella cakes, and crepes.

The lively laughter and the energetic voices from the stalls shouting 『Welcome!』────this festival atmosphere... it really made it feel like summer had arrived, and I loved it.

“Ah! Candy apples!”

“Waaah~♡ They have candy strawberries too♡”

“I want to eat castella and crepes too!”

“Yeah, yeah♡ We have to get shaved ice as well~♡”

(They’re immediately getting excited about food... Just like girls, I guess. It’s cute how only sweet things are coming up. I want takoyaki or meat skewers... but putting that aside—)

“Um—excuse me. Since we’ve arrived at the site, I was wondering if you could let go of my arms now............ it’s, uh, hot...”

Asserting the fact that both my arms were being held tightly, I asked the two of them.

The crowd had thinned out a bit, so there was no real need to stay linked like this.

“I didn't even notice, sorry.”

Saying that, Miu looked startled and embarrassed, quickly putting some distance between us.

Momo-nee remained clung to my arm as usual.

“You should let go too, Onee-chan. Shintarou looks hot.”

Seeing that Momo-nee wasn't letting go, Miu stepped in.

“Chee. I wanted to stay stuck to him forever, though~”

Momo-nee looked a bit sulky.

(I mean, honestly, I don't really mind either way... haha...)

“Anyway, you guys want something to eat? Since we’re here, I want to eat something 'festival-y'!”

“Let’s see... I think I’ll buy a crepe, I’m getting a bit hungry.”

“Then I’ll go buy a candy strawberry! What are you doing, Onee-chan?”

“Hmm, I think I’ll get a crepe like Shin-chan♩ Miu-chan, can you go buy it by yourself??”

“Yeah! I’m not a kid, it’s easy♩ Let’s meet back here once we’ve bought them!”

Miu headed off toward the candy apple stall with plenty of energy.

Momo-nee and I decided to line up at the crepe stall.

It seemed to be a popular stall, as there were already about ten people in line.

“Shin-chan, do you come to fireworks festivals every year?”

“Ah, I guess I do, more or less. I usually come with friends.”

“I see~... have you ever come with a girlfriend...?”

“No, never. Embarrassingly enough... this might be the first time I’ve come with a girl.”

“I see!♩ Then I’m even happier that we could come together♡ Let’s make some summer memories before we go home♡”

“...Yes!”

Before I knew it, it was already our turn.

It’s strange how much the perceived time changes depending on who you’re spending it with, no matter how long the wait is.

By the time we’d successfully gotten our crepes, Miu returned at the perfect moment.

“Hey, look~♡ The name 'candy strawberry' is so cute, and it looks cute too, right~♩ I love looking at the smooth surface of the candy♡ Ahhh, I’m really starting to feel the festival mood now~♡ My tension is rising~♡”

Miu happily showed us her candy strawberry.

I think she’s innocent and cute when she’s like this. Usually, she has that cheeky and spiteful image, though...

“Huh? Miu-chan...?”

Miu was called out to by a girl with a voice that sounded familiar.

What is this feeling... this sweet, high-pitched voice that sounded like it came straight out of an anime...

“Eh! It’s Sana~! What are you doing here all by yourself~!”

(I knew it...!! That voice, it’s Tachibana-san...)

“Miu-chan, and Miu-chan’s older sister...!! H-How do you do... I’m Sana. I’ve heard many stories about you from Miu-chan before. ...I never expected to meet you in a place like this!”

“Waaah~♡ Nice to meet you, Sana-chan! Thank you for always being such good friends with Miu...♡ Just like she said, you’re so cute I’m surprised♩”

“Right~? Sana is really cute♩ You’re wearing a yukata today too, Sana! That pastel blue yukata is so cute!”

“Hehe...♡ Miu-chan and her older sister are both very beautiful as well.”

“Fufu♡ Sana-chan, you’re so good at compliments~♩”

Well... while this girls' talk was happening without me, I felt a bit bad, but—

“Um—did you guys forget I’m here??”

Staaaare...

(Wh-What’s with that look...)

“Oh, Miyata-kun. So you were with them.”

(Hah!? For real!? From this distance, I wasn't even in Tachibana-san’s field of vision...!?)

“Eh? Well... um, I’ve been here from the very beginning, you know~?”

“So, Sana. Why are you all alone?”

Miu asked Tachibana-san, as if to cut off my voice.

(True, she’s even wearing a yukata, I can't imagine she came here alone...)

“No... I was with my cousins until a little while ago, but by the time I realized it, we’d gotten separated... I’ve been trying to call them for a while, but their phone has probably run out of battery...”

“What!! It’s dangerous for someone as cute as Sana to be walking around alone in a place like this! What if you get picked up by some guy!”

“True... there are plenty of womanizing men around here...”

“Are you talking about someone like yourself, Miyata-kun?”

“Hey. That’s not it! I’m just worried about you! Gah!!”

“Hmm, then I’ll stay with Sana! Let’s go look for your cousins! Is that okay? What about you guys, Onee-chan?”

“I’m fine, but...”

“Then that’s what we’ll do! I’ll come back once Sana and her cousins have reunited! I’ll call you again later!”

“Miu-chan... are you sure? With someone like me... even though it’s a festival you’ve been looking forward to...”

“What are you saying~! Of course I am~! Let’s go, Sana~! We might as well look while checking out the stalls♩”

“Uugh............ okay!”

From the accidental encounter with Tachibana-san, the conversation flowed rapidly, and like a storm passing through, the two girls disappeared into the festival crowd.

“Whew... just like a storm. Well... it looks like it’s just the two of us now.”

“Fufu♡ Did you hate it? Being alone with me~”

“There’s no way I’d hate it. We were supposed to go to the fireworks festival together to begin with.”

“That’s true♩ Things got a bit hectic, didn't they? Let’s go somewhere quiet and relax for a bit.”

“Yeah. The ice cream in the crepes is about to melt anyway...”

Anyway, it looked like our plan to spend the fireworks festival together as a pair was back on track. I might as well try to enjoy myself...

We shook off the awkwardness and started looking for a place where the two of us could sit.

A short distance away, we found a spot on the riverbank. Even though it was on a bit of a slope, there was a wide, grassy clearing that looked like it would work. Families and couples were already starting to gather here and there, filling the area with a lively hum.

The sun was beginning to set, staining everything in sight with a deep shade of madder red.

There’s something so emotional about a riverbank at dusk. No wonder couples flock to places like this...

(But... it’s still gonna be a while before the fireworks actually start, right? What am I supposed to talk about until then?)

"Hey, Shin-chan? Do you remember much from when we were little? Like, what kind of games we played, or the stuff we talked about?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah. I remember, more or less."

"So you don't remember much after all...?"

"No, that’s not it. Actually... I’ve never really had the chance to say this, but looking back, I remember you very clearly, Momo-nee. Even when we finally reunited after all that time, I knew it was you the second I saw you."

"I knew it was you in an instant, too♡ Though, I did hear plenty of stories about Shin-chan from Miu..."

"Wait, she wasn't saying anything weird, was she!?"

"Nothing at all♡ Well, except she did tell me to be careful because you're a pervert♩ Hehe."

"I knew it! She was saying weird stuff!"

I’d had a feeling, but... I didn’t think I deserved to be called a pervert. That girl... just saying whatever she wants the second I'm not around...

"Actually... if you don't mind me asking, are you seeing anyone right now, Momo-nee? Like—um... do you have a boyfriend?"

(Wait, what the hell am I suddenly blurting out!? I mean, I’ve been curious for a while, and it’s not like I’ll get many chances to ask this. Still, did I go too far?)

"Hmm? I don't have one right now. I haven't for about a year, I think. If I did, I wouldn't be able to spend time alone with Shin-chan like this."

"I-I guess that's true... But if you mean 'not right now,' that means you did have one in the past, right?"

(Ugh... I let my momentum carry me into saying something weird again. Dammit! I must sound like such a total drag right now...)

"Hehe♡ Are you really that curious about my past?"

"No! I was just—you know, asking! I mean, it’s obvious someone like you would have had a boyfriend! It’d be weirder if you didn't! There isn't a man in the world who’d leave a woman as beautiful and kind as you alone... wait..."

"What was that?♡ You're certainly laying on the compliments today♡ You're making me feel so good♩"

"I-I mean, it's just the truth!!"

I’m the type of guy who says something and then immediately wants to die of embarrassment. Honestly, I wished I could just vanish on the spot.

"Do you have a girlfriend, Shin-chan?"

"No, I don't! Besides, if I did have a girlfriend, I wouldn't be coming to a fireworks festival with another girl. I can't forgive a guy who can't cherish the one person he's supposed to love."

"Hmm... You’re surprisingly serious about that kind of thing..."

"O-Of course I am!!"

"I like that. A person who would cherish me like that and give me so much love♩"

"Really? Does that mean I’ve gotten a little closer to being your type, Momo-nee...?"

"Hmm, I wonder about that〜?♡♡"

As she said that, Momo-nee reached out and poked my cheek.

What is this calculated cuteness...? She’s way too adorable.

I could feel that "older sister" composure from her, but the truth was, her sly, teasing aura hadn't changed since we were kids. I knew she was just making fun of me, but I didn't find it unpleasant at all. In fact, it felt oddly comfortable. It was becoming addictive.

"Ah... we talked so much that it's already gotten dark."

"You're right. The fireworks should be starting soon."

Before I knew it, the area was packed with people waiting for the show. I had been so absorbed in talking to Momo-nee that I hadn't even noticed the sun had completely set. The warm glow of the food stalls now illuminated our surroundings.

The "emotional" dusk from earlier had shifted. In the gentle darkness, it felt as if a private space had been carved out just for the two of us.

『The drone show will now begin.』

"Oh! They're doing a drone show too...!"

Momo-nee let out a joyful cry. Even in the dark, I could see her eyes sparkling with excitement. Standing right next to her, my heart gave a little throb.

In the summer night sky, tiny lights of various colors began to dance.

Apparently, the theme for this show was "Faint Love."

Accompanied by a slightly melancholic BGM, the drone show commenced. At first, they looked like mere specks of light dancing in the air, but they moved with a clear sense of storytelling that drew me in.

"I've never seen anything like this before. It's so beautiful... Most of all, it’s amazing that they can create such a wonderful space using the sky as a canvas..."

"It really is beautiful... (Though I couldn't take my eyes off Momo-nee...)"

Eventually, the BGM swelled toward a climax, creating a peak romantic atmosphere. Two small hearts drifted through the air, gradually closing the distance between them until they finally overlapped as one.

(I-I don't really get it, but the mood is getting intense... Wait, look at that couple!)

The couple right in front of us was locked in a passionate kiss.

They had definitely been swept up in the moment... It was like they were in another world. It looked like they could see nothing but each other. Even if I didn't want to look, it was hard to miss when they were being so bold in public...

"It’s... almost embarrassing to watch, isn't it...?♡"

Momo-nee must have noticed too. She let out a soft giggle and whispered right into my ear.

(Too close, too close, too close!! I'm way more embarrassed by what’s happening over here than what’s happening over there!! What is this mood...? Even my head is starting to feel all light and fluffy...)

"L-Let's just pretend we didn't see them..."

"Well, I guess it can't be helped♡ Not when the atmosphere is this romantic〜♡"

Finally, the drone show came to an end, and for a fleeting second, the area fell silent.

The moment a bright, upbeat song began to play, a massive flower of light bloomed in the night sky.

—BOOM! BANG! BANG!

"...!"

The first fireworks I’d seen in a year.

While everyone else was glued to the sky, I... I couldn't look away from Momo-nee. Every time a firework went off, the light vividly illuminated her profile. She looked so beautiful, so cute... I was completely entranced by her.

(She's way too beautiful...)

"Hey〜, are you actually watching?"

The sudden voice snapped me back to reality.

"I-I'm watching! I’m totally watching... Oh, um! By the way, there was something I didn't get to tell you earlier—"

"Hmm? What is it〜?"

Momo-nee tilted her head as she looked at me. Everything about her was just too cute.

"I should have said this when we met at the station, but Miu was so mad that I missed my chance... Um... you look really beautiful in that yukata, Momo-nee! You’re always so mature and wonderful, but today you’ve got your hair tied up and... you just have a different vibe. Anyway, you’re incredibly cute!"

It was true. Today, Momo-nee had her usual black bob tied back, styled perfectly with a white flower-shaped hair ornament. Her yukata was white with soft, light-blue flowers blooming across it. It wasn't flashy; rather, it gave off the impression of a refined, elegant, and sophisticated woman.

"Complimenting me out of nowhere, huh...? When you're that straightforward about it... it actually makes me feel a bit hot...!"

Flashing a bashful grin, Momo-nee looked down, using her hand to fan her flushed face. It was rare to see her get this embarrassed.

We looked up at the sky together, falling into silence for a while.

"............I wonder if we can come back together next summer, too."

"—Eh?"

Those words resonated deep within my heart. They filled my head so completely that even the sound of the fireworks seemed to fade away.

"If that’s what you want, Momo-nee... then next year, and the summer after that... I'm sure we'll be together."

That was how I truly felt. In reality, we weren't in a relationship or anything like that, but being with Momo-nee made me feel at peace. It made me feel like I wanted to build something even deeper with her...

Maybe this was what they called love. But it still felt a bit too "fluffy" for me to be certain.

Still blushing, Momo-nee edged a little closer to me.

"Hey, Shin-chan... have you ever... kissed anyone?"

"A kiss...!? Oh, um... I haven't... done that yet."

I’d acted tough in front of Miu, telling her I’d at least done something like that, but the truth was I’d never even held a girl's hand, let alone kissed one. I couldn't bring myself to admit that as a third-year in high school, I’d never properly touched a girl.

But for some reason, I didn't feel like lying to Momo-nee. I could tell her the truth. Maybe this was what people meant when they talked about a woman’s "all-encompassing maternal aura."

"Then, Shin-chan... do you think you'd want to try kissing?"

"Wait, you mean with you, Momo-nee?"

Momo-nee gave a slow, deliberate nod.

"............Yes. I mean, uh, yes...?"

"Want to try?"

(...!? Did she just say 'want to try'!?)

Momo-nee leaned in, looking up at me with an expression that said she was ready whenever I was. Her soft hair, swaying gently in the breeze, brushed against my cheek. It was ticklish and made my heart race.

I didn't resist. I let myself be swept away by the moment.

The distance between us closed until I could feel her breath against the tip of my nose. She smelled incredibly sweet—likely from the strawberry crepe she’d been eating earlier.

When Momo-nee whispered, "Is it okay?", I gave a silent nod.

At a distance where our skin was just barely brushing...

—Mwah♡

(...Huh!?)

"Just kidding♡ We're not in that kind of relationship yet, are we?♡"

Momo-nee teased me with a slightly mischievous look on her face.

The place she had kissed... was my cheek.

(Wh-What is with this teasing...!! Even so, at this distance... isn't this basically the same thing as having kissed for real...!? No... our lips didn't touch, so I can't call it a kiss. Still, I’m so full of pent-up emotion from this back-and-forth that I feel like I’m gonna explode. My head is starting to go dizzy. This is bad. This isn't enough... but doing more when we aren't even dating is...)

"Momo-nee, your lips were incredibly soft. It was amazing. I have no regrets."

"Huh...?"

"You're actually pretty aggressive, aren't you, Momo-nee...? To think you’d do something so adult with that cute face of yours... Between the sweet scent of the strawberries and your breath, I felt like I was gonna melt into a puddle."

"N-Ngh..."

"It’s your fault for kissing my cheek. I can't hold back anymor—"

"W-Wait a second!!"

Momo-nee suddenly bolted upright. She crossed her fingers in front of her mouth in an "X"—she was actually guarding herself.

Now that I thought about it, the more you complimented this woman, the more she lost her pace and got embarrassed... Miu was the same way, if I recalled correctly. I realized once again just how much the sisters were alike.

"W-Well, it's not like we're dating or anything... so I think doing any more than that would be bad〜..."

"Hehe! You're always teasing me, so I had to get a little payback〜!"

"Geez... Shin-chan, you dummy."

(Guh... even this back-and-forth feels good...!! I wonder if couples enjoy this kind of thing before they officially start dating.)

By the time the two of us were done flirting, the fireworks were reaching their finale.

"We almost ended up like that couple kissing in front of us... (lol)"

"Yeah... I think I might have been tricked by the atmosphere... Ugh, what was I thinking? I'm so embarrassed I can't even look you in the face, Shin-chan..."

"Is it really that bad!?"

"Let's head back toward the food stalls...!"

Momo-nee scurried away, and I followed after her. Maybe it was because we’d enjoyed ourselves a bit too much while ignoring the fireworks, but there was a lingering awkwardness between us.

"Oh, I found something good!"

The moment she said that, Momo-nee ran toward a stall. Since the fireworks festival was ending, the earlier crowd had thinned out significantly, leaving only a few people here and there.

Momo-nee came jogging back, apparently having successfully purchased what she wanted. In her hand was... alcohol?

"Momo-nee... is that booze?"

"Eh? Oh, yeah! But the guy said the alcohol content isn't very high♩ He said it’s basically just juice! I asked the old man at the stall about it〜♩"

"I see... I guess that makes sense."

(That’s right, she is an adult. It’s not weird for her to drink...)

With a pssh, Momo-nee cracked open the can—which appeared to be a chuhai—and started chugging it with surprising intensity.

"Whoa, hey! Is it okay to drink it that fast!?"

I couldn't help but ask. I had no idea how well she could handle her liquor.

"It's fine! I'm an adult, after all! I just need to do something about this embarrassing feeling right now!"

(Do something about the embarrassing feeling...? Did she just flee from me into the bottle...!?)

I see... so after kissing me on her own initiative, she was using the power of alcohol to cope with her shame. Even though I was the one who was supposed to be embarrassed. When she acted this bashful, it... kind of threw me off my game, too.

(More importantly, at this rate, isn't she gonna get wasted and not be able to get home!? I should stop her—)

"No, no, no, Momo-nee... if you drink like that, you're gonna get drunk and it’ll be a whole thing—"

"Ahhh! You finally came〜! I knew you'd pass through here eventually♩ My intuition was spot on♩"

Miu called out to us with a loud, cheerful voice, seemingly still full of energy. Usually, Miu tended to show up at the worst possible times, but for once, her timing was perfect.

It looked like Miu had been waiting here for a while with Tachibana-san and someone who looked like Tachibana-san's cousin. They were having a fun chat while holding those glowing toy wands you always see at festivals.

"Wait, hey! Onee-chan, what are you drinking!? You're a total lightweight, are you gonna be okay〜!?"

"Hehe, even Miu is worrying too much〜. I told you, I'm fine♩ I just thought I'd have a little drink for once because I'm in such a good mood♩"

(Whoa... so Momo-nee... is a lightweight...)

"Well, if you say you're okay, I guess it's fine〜!"

◆◇◆

As the lights of the food stalls faded into the distance, we reached the station and prepared to head our separate ways.

"Sana, see you at school〜!" Miu said with a wave.

Tachibana-san looked a bit reluctant to leave, bowing to us as she waved back.

"Well then, shall we head home too〜?"

Still basking in the afterglow of the festival, we spent the ride in the crowded train simply swaying with the motion of the carriage. Even our local station, which usually wasn't that busy, was overflowing with people returning from the festival.

And then—once we passed through the ticket gates, I noticed something was wrong with Momo-nee.

"Momo-nee...? Do you feel sick? You’ve been awfully quiet..."

"Ngh... the swaying of the train... made the alcohol kick in even more, maybe... I feel all fluffy〜..."

"Geez! I told you so!"

"Miu-chan, I’m sorry〜. Can we go home together...?"

(And here I thought she was just being quiet... she’s successfully evolved into a drunk, huh... Sigh. I warned her. But I can't just leave her like this.)

"Miu, I'll walk you guys home. It's dangerous for two girls to be out alone at night."

"Eh, is that okay? It's getting pretty late..."

"It's only 9:00 PM, it's fine."

"Thanks..."

"Whuh? Shin-chan is coming to our house〜? Hehe♡ I'm so happy♡"

"Muuh! Onee-chan! Pull yourself together!"

With Momo-nee in the middle, Miu and I walked on either side of her to support her. It didn't seem like she was so drunk that she was stumbling, but it’d be a disaster if she accidentally walked into a telephone pole or something...

She was definitely a reliable, capable person most of the time, but every once in a very long while, she’d mess up like this. Well, she was only human, so I didn't hate it. Nobody in this world is perfect. If she were someone who drank all the time, I wouldn't be as worried, but Momo-nee seemed to be the type who rarely drank—and on top of being a lightweight... I couldn't help but be concerned.

Since the apartment where Miu and her sister lived wasn't that far from the nearest station, we soon reached the entrance.

"Momo-nee, we're here."

Miu opened the door and had Momo-nee sit down in the entryway. She slowly helped Momo-nee out of her geta sandals and then guided her toward the living room by the hand.

The familiar sight and the scent of their home finally allowed my heart to relax. Feeling the tension leave her, Momo-nee flopped down onto the floor in the living room. Miu went off to her own room, likely to change clothes.

"Shin-chan...? Come over here—"

(What is it? Does she need to go to the bathroom or something?)

"Okay, I'm coming... wait, whoa!!"

Suddenly, my arm was pulled with surprising strength. I lost my balance and fell to the floor. Momo-nee loomed over me, looking down from above. With her weight pinning me down, I couldn't move much.

"That’s dangerous! Pulling me like that all of a sudden—what if I’d gotten hurt!?"

But my voice didn't seem to reach her. Momo-nee didn't seem to care as she closed the distance between us again.

"I loooove... seeing Shin-chan in a yukata."

"Huh...?"

"Hey, your yukata is all messy at the chest... Are you trying to seduce me?"

"Wh-What are you saying...?"

"Hmm〜...? Oh, that’s right. Do you remember the feeling of that kiss from earlier?"

"Eh? Oh, of course... I mean, it was only on my cheek, but I definitely felt the warmth of your skin..."

"How did it honestly make you feel?"

"I was nervous... but it also made me feel like I wanted more... It’s weird for me to be saying this, though... hehe."

"Then... should we... do the rest here?"

Momo-nee whispered the temptation in a low voice, her eyes dropping to my lips. The living room lights were off, and only the faint glow from the hallway illuminated us.

Compared to before, her hair was quite disheveled, and her legs were peeking out from the gaps in her loosened yukata. Her thighs kept entering my line of sight... the damp, sweaty nape of her neck was incredibly erotic...

While I was desperately trying to maintain my sanity, Momo-nee traced her fingertip along my neck. For some reason, she was gently stroking my Adam’s apple with the pad of her finger... then she slid her finger down toward my collarbone.

(This is bad... if this keeps up, I'm gonna lose it—)

"Ngh... it's tight. Shin-chan, will you take off my yukata?"

"A-Are you serious!? Is it really okay for me to take it off!?"

My reaction at this point was practically a reflex.

"I want you... to loosen the obi right here..."

"Like this?"

"Yeah, it’s coming loose... Ah, but if you go any further, you might see everything..."

"Then let's stop!! You can... do the rest yourself!!"

"Hehe♡ Are you embarrassed? You must have seen me in my underwear plenty of times back in the day..."

"Well, that’s true, but things are different now!! ...Everything is different."

"Hmm, for example—... like here?"

Momo-nee slowly pulled the front of her yukata open. The soft valley of her cleavage was revealed.

The swimsuit she’d worn at the beach recently had technically shown more skin... yet the bare skin peeking from the yukata looked far more erotic to my eyes than ever before.

"Wait, I forgot... I'm not wearing a bra today."

"—HAAH!?"

"Just kidding♡ I heard that in the old days, a lot of people didn't wear anything under their yukata♡ But I'm definitely wearing something, okay? Look..."

She pulled the yukata open even further to reveal... jade-colored lace. It was... incredibly skimpy.

"AAAAAH! UM! I DON'T NEED TO SEE IT, IT'S OKAY!"

"Shin-chan, you pervert〜♡"

(...!!)

I didn't have any impure intentions, and I thought we were just having a normal conversation... but from an outsider's perspective, this must have looked like an insane situation. A situation where something was about to happen.

—Yes, a situation where something was about to happen.

I noticed a silhouette overlapping with the faint light leaking from the hallway. But by then, it was too late.

"Excuse me?"

—Twitch!!

This feeling... it had been a while. A sharp, murderous intent pierced my back from behind. But this was an abnormal level of bloodlust, unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

"Shintarou, get out."

"Eh?"

"Get away from Onee-chan right now!!"

"W-Wait a sec...!"

"Stupid! Shintarou, you're such an idiot! Just get out already!!"

I was practically shoved out of the room and pushed toward the entryway. Usually, Miu would get mad in a joking way, but today, she looked like she was about to burst into tears.

"Why are you always like this!? Can't you even spare a thought for me for once!? You're so oblivious! You pervert!! You're selfish and the absolute worst! I hate you!!"

—Slam.

Before I even had time to breathe, she spat out those words and slammed the door with all her might. My shoes, which had been tossed out of the entryway after me, rolled pathetically at my feet.

"Wait a minute... I was just being teased by Momo-nee...!!"

◆◇◆

Even after I got home, the expression on Miu’s face at that moment wouldn't leave my head. She always acted cheerful, but... was she actually just acting tough regarding the distance between me and Momo-nee?

I’d known since we were kids that she was prone to jealousy. Even when the three of us played together, she’d often get mad and say, "You're forgetting I'm here!" And even recently, I’d heard her say things like, "You're leaving me behind," a few times.

I didn't intend for it to be like that, but it was hard to treat the sisters exactly the same... What was I supposed to do...? Then again, I wasn't dating anyone, so even if I was close to Momo-nee, did she really need to get that angry?

No, excuses aside, I should probably at least apologize to Miu.

I stared at my smartphone screen while typing out a message. But what was I supposed to send...? Honestly, nothing was coming to mind.

“Sorry about earlier...”

No, wait, wait. What exactly was I apologizing for?

“Come over to my place again sometime.”

...Hmm. Saying something I’d never normally say would probably just make things weirder.

"Argh, enough!!"

I kept searching for the right words, but in the end, I closed my phone that day without sending a single thing.

—The next morning.

I checked my phone to see if I could wipe away the gloom I felt upon waking, but as expected, there were no messages from anyone.

(This is awkward... I feel kind of reluctant to even go to school like this...)

Even so, time passed without any progress, and summer vacation drew toward its end.

◆◇◆

On the first day of school, I had no appetite from the moment I woke up, so I left the house without eating anything. Ordinarily, on a school day, Miu would come over to my house without fail. It was her way of being considerate and preventing me from being late.

But—today, Miu was nowhere to be seen.

The fact that a habit I’d taken for granted had suddenly been cut off gave me a slight sense of crisis. This meant she was definitely still angry, or she’d grown to hate me. Either way.

On my way to school, my feet felt incredibly heavy. The heat probably played a part in it... but more than anything, it was probably because of what happened with Miu.

It had been a little over a week since the summer festival. We hadn't seen each other, and there hadn't been a single message. We were both undoubtedly feeling the awkwardness...

However, since seeing her was unavoidable, I played out the scenario of meeting her in my head.

“Morning. Long time no see.”

“You been doing okay?”

—No, that’s weird. If I were my usual self, I wouldn't go out of my way to say things like that to Miu.

What if I tried to talk to her and she was still mad? I mean, should I even be apologizing...? I was still torn.

I’d spent the last week doing nothing but thinking about this, and my mind was dominated by worry. It kept spinning in circles without an answer. My brain was about to glitch out. But through this week, I felt like I’d realized just how big of a presence Miu was in my life. I didn't know if this was just a feeling for a childhood friend or something else, but...

It’s always on the days you don't want to go that you arrive at school the earliest. Despite my heavy footsteps, before I knew it, I was passing through the school gates.

As soon as I arrived at school, I found myself searching for Miu at the shoe lockers, in the hallways—everywhere.

(Ugh, this might be really awkward...)

I tried to look as casual as possible as I opened the classroom door.

—Clatter.

(...S-She’s here...)

Miu was in front of the teacher's podium, chatting happily with Tachibana-san as usual.

(Awkward... I can't avoid this...)

Just as I resolved to speak to her—

"Ah〜! Morning, Shintarou♩"

"Huh? Oh, uh, morning...?"

The reaction was so unexpected that my response came out sounding deflated.

"What's with that? Why do you have such a grumpy face〜? Ah! I bet you're holding a grudge because I didn't go to pick you up this morning!"

"No, not really... it's not like that..."

"Hmm, then what is it? Is there something you want to say〜?"

"What do you mean 'what'...! —No, never mind."

What is with this girl...!! Isn't she being way too nonchalant!? Does that mean I'm the only one who's been moping and thinking about this for days!? It makes me look like I’m the one with the issues!

"Hey, Shintarou’s acting weird today〜. Oh wait, that’s just how he always is♩ Ahaha!"

—...!?

Unforgivable...!! To think she showed me that sad face... After everything I've been through this past week!

But then again, maybe I’d managed to escape a tight spot thanks to Miu’s personality of not holding a grudge (?). Maybe this was the right outcome after all. And besides, there was a chance she was just being considerate and acting cheerful... no, that wouldn't be like Miu.

In any case, it was a relief that the new semester wasn't starting on an awkward note—

"Hey, Miyata! Did you do something to Miu-chan again!?"

"Shut up, Morishita... I haven't seen you in a while, so quit the annoying interrogation already."

"I won't forgive anyone who bullies my Miu-chan!"

"Aww♡ Morishita-kun is so cool〜♡ But I don't belong to you."

"Yes, Miu-chan belongs to me. You boys please stay quiet."

"Yup♡ Sana wins〜♡ I belong to Sana-chan♩ Oh, that’s right. Since summer vacation is almost over, why don't we all have a home party or something to make some memories?"

"Oh♡ That sounds wonderful♡ I agree with Miu-chan's idea♡"

"Wait, is it possible for me to participate in that too?" Morishita immediately cut into the conversation.

"Of course! We might as well all hang out at my place♩"

"M-Miu-chan's house...!? Is it really okay for me to intrude like that!?"

An excited Morishita leaned in, his voice booming.

"Hey, you're too loud. Everyone's looking..."

"S-Sorry, I couldn't help it..."