08: The Sisters, Me, and the Hot Spring Trip

──And finally, the weekend we’d been waiting for.

Through a strange turn of events, I found myself heading on a hot spring trip with my two childhood friend sisters.

Actually, perhaps "getting dragged along" would be a more accurate way to put it. It wasn't that I had any particular reason to refuse, but the pitch they used—"That hot spring inn our families used to visit all the time when we were kids"—really hit me where it counted. Before I knew it, I was just going with the flow.

The weather was perfectly clear, and even though we’d just entered September, it still felt like the peak of summer. It was hot.

"Ta-daaa! We’re here! Oh my god, I’m so hyped right now! ♩"

"Oh! I actually kind of remember this place!!"

"Do you really? Hehe♡ Let’s make sure we have tons of fun before we head home, okay? ♡"

The moment a wave of nostalgia washed over me, any lingering reluctance vanished. My steps grew light, and my own excitement began to redline.

"Hey, our first goal for today is a street food crawl, right? ♡ Apparently, a bunch of new shops have opened up. I did a ton of research watching videos! ♩ Aren't I a good girl? ♡"

"Miu-chan, you’re the best! ♡ Well, let’s go grab something to eat right away then♡ I haven’t eaten a thing since this morning just for this. I’m absolutely faaaamished♡"

(Whoa... so this is what a girls' trip is like...)

I’d been worried about how a trip with two girls and one guy would turn out, but seeing as the atmosphere wasn't awkward at all, I felt a wave of relief. As we walked toward our destination, the gentle babbling of the river visible from the bridge provided a soothing backdrop.

"Ta-daaa♩ It’s right here! I’ve been dying to try the 'raw senbei' from this shop! ♡ I’ve been looking forward to this so much! ♡"

"Raw senbei...?"

"Yep, yep♡ You’ll understand once you try it! ♩"

"Is that so...?"

The sign in front of the shop boasted in large letters: BEST-BEFORE DATE: 5 SECONDS.

(...Wait, does that mean I have to finish the whole thing in five seconds!?)

"Excuse me! Three, please!"

『Coming right up♩ Please eat them immediately after I hand them over! They’re hot, so be careful! 』

The shopkeeper energetically handed us the freshly grilled crackers.

──And they were seriously, incredibly hot!!

"Hot, hot, hot! Ham."

"How is it? How is it? I heard freshly grilled raw senbei is supposed to be all chewy and fluffy♡"

"Whoa, this is amazing... So that’s what the five-second limit is for...!? It turned crispy in an instant!"

"Then it’s my turn♡"

As soon as Momo-nee received her cracker, she brought it to her lips.

"Ah, it’s burning hot... nngh... so goood♡"

"Let’s see... I’m next..."

『Here you go! 』

"Whoa! Ham... ow-ow-ow!"

"Haha (lol). Miu, you were too slow. It’s already gone crunchy."

"Hmph. But it’s still delicious! ♡ It’s got a faint, gentle sweetness to it♩"

In stark contrast to our hectic daily lives, time seemed to slow down here.

Maybe it’s okay to have moments like this every once in a while...

Even if we were childhood friends, we weren't kids anymore, and things couldn't go back to exactly how they used to be. Still, being able to share memories like this with these two—who were practically family—felt like a true blessing.

Looking at their joyful smiles, I felt that sentiment deep in my chest.

"Hey, want to try those steamed buns over there too?"

"Good idea! Since we're here, let’s try to conquer every shop!"

◆◇◆

"Ugh... I definitely overate..."

"This is bad. I'm pretty sure dinner is at 6:00 PM... Wait, what time is it now... 4:00!? Check-in is at 5:00, so we better head to the inn soon."

Since arriving just after noon, we had done nothing but march around and devour everything in sight: steamed buns, freshly fried croquettes, soft-serve ice cream—we’d exhausted the list.

"Ugh... I’m so full it hurts... Maybe it’ll digest a little if we keep walking... urgh."

"We definitely went overboard. I'm actually starting to regret this."

"Hehe♡ I'm sure this will turn into a great memory too, eventually! ♩"

Since we still had a little time to spare, we strolled through the atmospheric stone-paved streets toward the inn. Upon arrival, we passed through the gate and checked in at the lobby. A maid then led us to our room, giving us a brief tour of the facilities along the way. The room we were shown into was... incredibly, a guest room with its own private outdoor bath.

"Whoaaa...!! Seriously? Is it really okay for us to stay in a room this nice!?"

I couldn't help but shout for joy.

"Yep♡ Our mom said that if we were going, we might as well stay in a nice room♩ It’s the perfect way to wrap up our summer memories, don't you think? ♩"

"Seriously... I feel like I'm taking way too much advantage of your parents' kindness..."

"Hehe♡ To my parents, Shin-chan is basically like their own kid, right? So you don't need to worry about it♡"

"Ugh... thank you, Uncle, Auntie... Still, this room is just too awesome!!"

After finishing the explanation of the room, the maid bowed and said, 『Please, enjoy your stay,』 before leaving the room. On the table sat teacups filled with cold tea and individual serving plates. And on the plates were beautiful, translucent water dumplings.

"Ah... this is seriously the best... The AC is kicking in, and the room feels amazing..."

"Right? It’s so relaxing."

"Oh, by the way, we forgot to try the foot bath!"

"You're right! Let’s stop by on our way back if we have time♩"

"Definitely!"

We waited for dinner while resting our bodies in the room.

Thump.

"Lying down on tatami mats feels freaking incredible... You guys should try it too."

"Then don't mind if I do... Ahhh, this is so soothing..."

"I feel like I'm gonna fall asleep like this..."

The three of us lay down together in a row on the tatami. Thinking about how we used to spend time exactly like this made me feel a bit nostalgic.

"I’m really looking forward to dinner♩ I love ryokan food! ♡ Oh, just thinking about it is making me hungry."

"No way! Miu-chan, you’re hungry already?"

"Seriously...! That’s Miu for you. What a glutton."

"Hey, Shintarou! That is way too rude to say to a girl!"

While laughing at our mindless chatter, I stared vacantly at the wood grain of the ceiling.

(This... honestly, this is the most healing thing. Getting away from the everyday, spending time with people I can truly be myself around, laughing over nothing... what an absolute luxury.)

"I can probably close my eyes for just a second... yawn... so sleepy..."

As she said that, Miu slowly closed her eyes. With our stomachs comfortably full from the street food and our bodies pleasantly fatigued, before we knew it────

It seemed we had fallen fast asleep.

"...Wait, what?"

The scent of tatami and the comfortable silence of dusk... I had completely let my guard down.

"Crap!! Hey, you two! It’s already 6:00!"

I woke up instantly and roused the other two.

"Mmm... mumble mumble... just five more minutes..."

"Ah, he’s right... I fell asleep too... yawn. Miu-chan, wake up."

"Nnh..."

"Come on, let’s go!"

Momo-nee pulled Miu up, and she finally seemed to wake up, groggily rising to her feet. With obviously messy "bedhead" hair and sleepy faces, we headed toward the dining area.

"Safe by a hair!"

In fact, we were so early that there weren't even any other guests in sight yet.

『Shibano-sama, this way please! I will show you to your table.』

The maid greeted us with a pleasant smile. It seemed she had already memorized Momo-nee and Miu's names. A true professional. Guided by her gentle voice, we were led to the back of the dining hall. It was a completely private room, and through the large glass window, we could see a stunning panoramic view.

Beckoned by Momo-nee to take the inner seat, I sat down by the window. Before me already sat an array of appetizers beautifully arranged in colorful small bowls.

(...Incredible... This kind of atmosphere makes me a little nervous...)

Embarrassingly, my inner thoughts almost leaked out.

『Now then, I shall begin the explanation of the dishes────』

Listening to the maid’s polite description of each item, I couldn't hide my excitement as I wondered which one to start with.

"Isn't it crazy how I was so full just a bit ago, but the moment I see this delicious food, I'm hungry again? My own stomach actually scares me a little!"

"Me too, me too! Well then, shall we dig in? ♡"

Appetizers, seasonal sashimi, grilled seafood, a hot pot... One by one, a variety of dishes were brought out in quick succession. Every single one looked delicious. I really love the individual hot pots you only ever see in places like this. The smell of the small blue solid fuel tablets made the reality of staying at an inn sink in even deeper.

Taking a breath, I first reached for an appetizer with my chopsticks.

"──So good."

The flavors of the ingredients were well-preserved, brought together by an elegant seasoning. The portions were just right... likely calculated with the following dishes in mind. The sashimi featured sea bream, tuna, and largehead hairtail, all beautifully presented.

"Mmm~♡ It’s so fresh and delicious! ♡"

Momo-nee let out a sigh of pure bliss. Next, I tried the grilled dish—Spanish mackerel grilled with saikyo miso. This, too, was incredibly tasty. It was perfectly fatty, and the savory aroma kicked my appetite into overdrive. And then—just as the hot pot began to simmer...

"Yay! It’s sukiyaki! ♡"

"Miu, were you even listening to the maid’s explanation? (lol)"

"Of course I was...! I mean, I might have been a little too focused on the food to hear everything..."

"Haha, you really are a glutton."

Miu glared at me with a pout. Well, it was the truth, wasn't it?

By the time we had finished most of it, the final course arrived: sea bream rice. When the lid of the clay pot was opened, a cloud of steam puffed out. The tender meat of the sea bream was flaked apart, and a perfect portion of the rice was scooped into our bowls. We were also able to enjoy it ochazuke style, using the condiments and broth provided.

It was a very gentle flavor, and I felt like I could have eaten another bowl, but honestly, my stomach was already at its limit, so I decided to hold back. My heart and stomach were both full, and I let out a satisfied sigh.

"Phew... I’m stuffed..."

"Man, you really ate a lot, Miu... I can't believe you even finished my dessert..."

"I only ate it because you looked like you couldn't handle any more, okay!?"

"Well, I mean, that’s true, but..."

Leaving the dining area, we returned to our room. It seemed the maid had prepared our futons while we were eating. Seeing the fluffy white futons laid out in a row, my excitement reached its peak.

"Shintarou, let me tell you right now: we are not having a pillow fight, okay?"

I was sternly told that we weren't kids anymore... but which one of us was really the kid here?

"I didn't even consider doing that. Which one of us is the kid again? (lol)"

"Hehe. Miu-chan, you used to love pillow fights, didn't you? You always got scolded by Mom... (lol)"

"Right, right. Even though we just got dragged into it, we got scolded right along with her..."

"Hey!! You two were enjoying yourselves too! I remember!!"

""Sure, sure (lol).""

With Miu’s lingering innocence, her childishness was especially prominent when she was with Momo-nee. But from Momo-nee's perspective, I suppose that was part of what made Miu so cute.

"Well, shall we head to the hot springs soon? ♩ We have to enjoy them before we get too sleepy after that meal! ♩"

"Good idea! I think I'll go take a long soak too."

──How long had it been since I last visited a hot spring...? The memory was so old I couldn't even remember clearly.

Momo-nee and Miu would probably change into their yukatas before heading out, and I didn't want to get in their way, so I grabbed my designated basket and left the room alone. Walking down the hallway, I checked the floor map in the elevator to find the way to the baths. Even this process was exciting and fun.

◆◇◆

"Ahhh, that felt great... Outdoor baths are seriously the best..."

I’d intended to enjoy my first hot spring in ages to my heart’s content, but it turned out I was weak to the heat. I got dizzy much faster than expected and left the bath earlier than planned.

(Well, those two are probably still in the baths... I’ll just relax in the room for a bit.)

As soon as I got back, I dove onto my futon. The fluffy bedding, chilled by the air conditioning, felt amazing. My body was still warm from the bath, and I was just starting to drift off into a doze when────

"Hey! Onee-chan, stop it!"

"Hehe♡ It’s fine once in a while, isn't it? ♡ Here, let me wash your back for you~"

(............Huh!? What!?)

Right in the middle of my pleasant nap, I heard the sisters' voices.

"Hey, seriously! That tickles!"

(Wait... are they both in the room’s outdoor bath?)

Hold on, hold on... if it tickles, does that mean Momo-nee is washing Miu’s body? That was a common sight when we were kids, but even now that they're adults...? Is that even allowed!? Isn't Momo-nee treating Miu way too much like a child...!?

──I knew for a fact that this was a terrible idea.

But I couldn't suppress my curiosity, and I found myself straining my ears near the bathroom area. I’ll say it again: I knew this was a terrible idea.

"It’s been a while since we bathed together, hasn't it? ♡ Miu-chan, you’ve really grown up, haven't you? ♩"

"Grown up... compared to you, Onee-chan, I’m nowhere near."

"That’s not true♩ Besides, they might still get even bigger, you know?"

────They might still get even bigger?

(What are they talking about... height? Or is it............)

"I can't compete with your boobs, Onee-chan. They're like ten times bigger than mine!"

"Hehe, they're not that big (lol)."

"They are! Can I try touching them for a second?"

"Eh? Sure... here, go ahead!"

"Whaaaaaaa!! Wait, oh my god! They're way too soft!!"

"Miu-chan, that kind of tickles!"

"This is payback for earlier! Tickle, tickle♩"

"Wait, no! That’s really not fair...!"

(This is bad. I’m definitely grinning like a creep right now. Eavesdropping on a conversation like this between sisters... aren't I just the worst...? But I can't move... I need to know what happens next...)

If I were ever caught eavesdropping like this, I’d be finished. Miu would definitely scream, "You are literally the lowest of the low!!" at me.

...Wait, hold on. Thinking about it normally, they should know I’d be coming back eventually. They're the ones using the room’s bath knowing the risks, right...?

(Then technically, I’m not doing anything wrong, am I...!? If anything, aren't I the victim here!?)

I’m not in the wrong...!! I’m... not──

"Hey, Miu-chan♡ Do you know how to make your chest grow bigger?"

"Hmm? Chest...? I don't know... isn't it just genetics?"

"Well, that’s part of it, but actually............ they say that if someone touches them like this, they grow!"

"Wh-What!? Onee-chan! Don't just do that from behind out of nowhere...!"

"How is it? Doesn't it kind of feel that way? And on top of that—apparently, it’s most effective when the person you like touches them! ♩"

"The person I... l-like... Oh, I see... Hey, Onee-chan! I get it already, stop!"

"Hehe♡ Just kidding! I don't actually know if it’s true♡"

"What was that...? Then does that mean the reason yours are so big is because you let the person you like touch them all the time?"

"Nope, it’s probably just genetics."

"What! So it is genetics after all!"

Wh-What a relief... I thought for a second Momo-nee had been touched all over by some guy I didn't know... wait, no. That’s not the point. I really need to get out of here right now.

Without making a single sound, I erased my presence and crept away from the bathroom so the sisters wouldn't notice me. I managed to slip out of the room and escape the danger, but──

"How am I gonna kill time... My body and my nerves are both chilled. Maybe I’ll go take another bath.

◆◇◆

──────Splash.

As I soaked in the hot spring, I replayed the scene from earlier in my head. Well, not that I actually saw it. It was more like I was leaning against the bathroom door eavesdropping on their exchange... but I could visualize it all too clearly. I wanted to flush it from my mind, but I couldn't stop thinking about it. It was getting to the point where I felt awkward about seeing them again...

"Whoa, it's hot! I’m at my limit."

"Haha. You okay, young man? Your face is as red as a boiled octopus!"

...I’d apparently gotten so flushed that a random old man felt the need to worry about me.

"Hehe, I'm fine. Thank you..."

Glancing at the clock in the locker room, it seemed more than thirty minutes had passed since then. Usually, my bath time is only about ten minutes... No wonder he called me a boiled octopus.

Man, I feel like I'm gonna collapse. I definitely overdid it. I want something cold to drink... Oh, right, the floor map earlier mentioned something about a lounge with free drinks. Maybe I’ll stop by there...

Dragging my heavy feet, I reached the lounge... only to find the two of them already there.

"Oh, Shintarou came too!"

"Welcome back, Shin-chan~♩"

Miu spoke to me while eating some of the complimentary ice cream. Momo-nee, meanwhile, was holding a cold drink that looked like juice... or maybe alcohol.

"Shintarou, your face and body are completely red! Were you in the hot spring that whole time?"

"Eh? Oh, yeah... something like that..."

"Hmm, I didn't realize you liked baths so much."

(Not really... but it’s not like I can tell you the truth... sigh.)

Miu was sitting in a single-person sofa. Since Momo-nee was on a two-or-three-person sofa, I had no choice but to sit down next to her. Just as Miu stood up to go get a drink, Momo-nee seized the opportunity to whisper softly into my ear.

"Shin-chan............ that was quite a long bath, wasn't it? ♡"

"Eh... r-really!? Well, you know, the hot spring felt so good I just lost track of time... haha♩"

Wait a second—this drink Momo-nee is having, it’s definitely alcohol. I caught a faint scent of it.

"Hehe♡ Going in twice... you must really love hot springs, don't you? ♡"

(Wait, "going in twice"...? Wait! Does that mean she knows I was in the room!?)

"H-How do you know I went in twice──!?"

"How? ♡ Because I see through everything when it comes to Shin-chan♡"

"Then that means earlier, in the room────"

"Hmm? What are you talking about? Was there something in the room earlier?"

And as always, Miu returned at the perfect moment, almost as if she’d been listening.

"Ah, Miu!! No, it’s nothing! I just thought I saw something, that’s all!!"

"Huh!? What’s that supposed to mean!? Like a ghost...!?"

"No... of course not..."

"Don't say creepy stuff like that!! I’m already bad at sleeping anywhere that isn't home!!"

"Is that so... (I always had the impression this girl could sleep anywhere, though.)"

"Whatever. Should we head back to the room soon? It’s past 10:00, time for good little boys and girls to go to bed... yawn... I’m getting sleepy."

Miu stood up, rubbing her eyes sleepily. She swayed her body back and forth, waiting for us to get moving. She looked exactly like some kind of mascot character.

“Momo-nee, it’s about time we headed back to the room.”

Momo-nee looked up at us with a lingering sense of regret on her face...

“Hmm... I don’t think I can sleep just yet. I want to drink a little more, so why don't you two head back first?”

“That’s fine, but don’t overdo it. You know you’re a lightweight.”

“I’ll be okay ♡ This stuff tastes just like regular soda ♩”

“There you go again! That’s exactly what you said at the festival, and you ended up causing a total scene!”

“She’s right, Onee-chan! I saw on the news that those kinds of drinks are the most dangerous because you get wasted before you even realize it! Geez. Well... I guess it is a special trip? I’ll allow it just this once ♩ But keep it in moderation, okay?”

Sigh... I can already see where this is going... In less than an hour, she’s going to be a total drunken mess. I should probably head back, get ready for bed, and then come back to check on her...

With that, we left Momo-nee in the lounge and returned to our room.

“I’m so sleeeepy... I feel like I could pass out any second. Big Sis has way too much energy.”

“Well, maybe you only appreciate the joy of drinking alone once you’re an adult.”

“Hmm, I guess you’re right.”

──Scrub-scrub, brush-brush...

Miu and I stood side-by-side at the sink, brushing our teeth.

“Why am I brushing my teeth next to you, anyway?”

“Efficiency, Miu. Pure efficiency. Besides, doesn't it feel nostalgic? Just like the old days.”

“Hmph... Whatever.”

We looked so close that we could’ve been mistaken for some "Couple YouTuber" doing their nightly routine. But precisely because we were childhood friends who had known each other forever, we could share these mundane moments without any awkwardness.

Though, if Morishita saw us this close, he’d definitely start making a fuss again.

But there was a certain "vibe" here—a comfort level as childhood friends that only the two of us understood.

────Flump!

“Aaaah!! This futon is the best! I feel like my body is melting right into it... Mmm... mumble mumble...”

“Wait, Miu. You’re going to sleep already? ...Miu?”

“................Zzz... phew.”

“That was fast! You’re already out?!”

“Snore... Phew.”

“Man... You actually snore. I’m definitely telling you about this tomorrow...”

I gently adjusted her quilt and peered at Miu’s sleeping face.

She must have been exhausted; she was fast asleep, with a bit of drool forming at the corner of her mouth.

She really is just a kid at heart.

I wondered if Momo-nee was still drinking alone.

I had to go check on her...

Trying not to wake Miu, I crept out of the room and headed back to the lounge.

“I guess once it hits 10:00 PM, the crowds really thin out... Now, where’s Momo-nee?”

She was no longer on the sofa where we had left her.

Did she get drunk and wander off somewhere...? No, surely not... But where did she go?

I scanned the area for a moment.

It seemed this first-floor lounge also connected to the outdoors.

Maybe she was out there.

I gently pushed open the glass door to find a spacious, open-air wood deck.

It was lit with warm orange lamps and furnished with several sofas and even something resembling a hammock. The atmosphere was incredible. In contrast to the heat of the day, a cool, pleasant breeze brushed against my skin.

“Ah, there she is. I knew she’d be here...”

Momo-nee was sitting by herself in the far corner, where the view was most beautiful.

Seeing her from behind, she looked smaller than usual—the kind of sight that made you want to protect her. Her slender hands, holding a glass while dressed in the yukata provided by the inn, looked strikingly beautiful under the warm glow of the lights.

“Shin-chan... you came for me?”

“Of course. I couldn't just leave you alone.”

“I’m sorry. For being such a hopeless big sister.”

Momo-nee showed a fleeting, lonely expression I didn't usually see from her.

“No... It’s not that you’re hopeless, but... aren't you drinking a bit too much...?”

“Mm-mm. Shin-chan, you’re just too kind, you know?”

I’m not this nice to just anyone... It’s only because it’s you, Momo-nee...

The moment I sat down beside her, she pressed herself tightly against me.

Yeah, she’s definitely drunk... Her body temperature feels a bit high, too.

Reflexively, I wrapped an arm around her waist to support her.

“Hey, Shin-chan. My heart is beating so fast ♡”

“Well, so is mine...! You’re important to me. You’re someone special.”

“Hmm... And what kind of 'special' is that?”

“Well... let’s see—it’s...”

How was I supposed to put it into words?

To be blunt, if you asked if I liked her, the answer was yes...

But right now, everything felt ambiguous. Maybe I was just infatuated with the idea of a doting, capable, older sister figure.

But... is that feeling alone enough to call it love?

I was awkward and had zero real experience with romance... The truth was, I didn't quite have a grasp on it yet.

Seeing me look down in silence, Momo-nee murmured softly.

“Hmm... Then, how about... 'future wife candidate'?”

“Huh...!?”

F-Future wife candidate...!?

“Just kidding! ♩”

“Oh... come on...”

“Are you disappointed?”

“No... I mean... I’m used to you teasing me by now... ha-ha.”

“Then... what would you do if I was serious?”

If she was serious...?

About being a wife candidate...?

“What would you do if I told you... that I love you, Shin-chan?”

W-Wait, is that what this is!?

Is she saying she likes me...!?

Surely it’s just the alcohol talking... But they say people show their true colors when they’re drunk...

Does that mean this is how she really feels...?

“Oh, I know. Maybe I should make your heart race even more... For example, by picking up where we left off last time...”

“W-Where we left off...?”

“Eh? Did you forget already...?”

“Ah—no, I mean, well...”

“Then I’ll help you remember. Look at me...?”

“Wh-!? Wait!”

“Shin-chan...? I... love you............”

──────Mwah...

Mmm-hmmm...!?

The soft sensation of her lips. Her heavy breathing. And that enchanting, sweet scent...

“Pwah...!”

“Wait!! Whaaaaaaat—!?”

“Hawaaa... I-I-I think the room is starting to spin nowwwwww!”

Thump. Momo-nee collapsed onto the sofa as if falling over.

Wait—!? Crap... That one was a real kiss... Without a doubt, a kiss. I... I finally kissed her. Me!! ME!!

But this wasn't the time for that.

“Momo-nee...! Are you okay!? Are you still alive!?”

I shook her shoulders to check for signs of life.

“Nnngh... mumble...”

...It looked like she had just passed out drunk.

“Are you serious...?”

I had no choice but to carry the sleeping Momo-nee back to the room on my back.

But that kiss just now... Dammit! Was that just some drunken impulse!? Is that all it was!? W-Was I the only one whose heart was about to explode...? Sigh, her back is so warm...

As soon as we got back to the room, I quietly laid Momo-nee down on her futon.

Miu, sleeping right next to her, was still as wild a sleeper as ever.

She was sprawled out so much that her yukata had come undone, creating a very... problematic situation. It was definitely hard to know where to look.

But I had bigger problems.

Ugh... I can still feel the sensation of that kiss on my lips... There's no way I’m getting any sleep now!! Dammit!

Watching the two of them sleep peacefully while completely oblivious to my inner turmoil, I ended up greeting the morning without having slept a wink.

────The next morning.

“Nnnn-gh! I slept so well! Good moooorning ♩ Everyone, it’s morning!! Wake up!!”

“Seriously... How can you be this energetic so early...?”

“What do you mean 'how'...? I don't know. Maybe because I got nine hours of solid sleep! Ahaha ♩”

She’s in such high spirits... I can’t keep up. Especially since I barely slept at all...

“Onee-chan? Wakey! Wakey! Come on!”

“Mmm... Is it time to get up already? Yawn... Morning...”

Momo-nee sat up, rubbing her eyes sleepily.

Ah, I wonder if she remembers last night... This is suddenly so awkward...

“Hey, you two are taking too long! I’m starving! I’m heading to the dining area first! It’s a breakfast buffet, after all! Hehe ♩”

Slam.

“Hmm... Miu-chan is always so full of energy.”

“She’s been like that since we were kids... She’s like a noisy storm...”

“Oh, Shin-chan... About last night──── I think I might have had a little too much to drink... Hehe ♡”

Momo-nee gave me a playful smile and stuck her tongue out, as if to say, “I already forgot ♩”

“Oh, are you talking about the kiss you gave me...?”

I knew it. I knew that would be her play.

Feeling like it was unfair for her to pretend she forgot, I gave her a slightly mischievous reply.

I couldn't forget that sudden kiss, but more than that, I couldn't stop thinking about that "I love you."

Even if someone is drunk, do they really go as far as saying they love someone?

Or was it—the truth?

“Ah, um, right...! Miu-chan is waiting, so we should probably get going!”

Momo-nee looked slightly awkward as she hurried out of the room alone.

She says she doesn't remember anything because she was drunk, but I have a feeling... she remembers exactly what happened last night.

◆◇◆ ◇

After finishing breakfast in a daze, we began packing our bags to head home.

Since it was only a one-night stay, the hot spring trip reached its end in the blink of an eye.

“Waaaaah! I have to say goodbye to the open-air bath in this room! I should’ve gone in one more time!!”

“We’ll come back again, Miu-chan ♩”

Dragging along a very reluctant Miu, we headed to the lobby.

“I’ll go handle the checkout process, so can you two just hang out for a bit?”

“Okay! Thanks, Onee-chan!”

“I guess we’ll wait somewhere out of the way.”

The front desk was crowded with other guests checking out, so we decided to wait on some sofas a short distance away.

“Hey, Shintarou...”

Miu spoke to me with a somewhat sulky expression, tugging on my sleeve.

“Yeah? What is it?”

“Yesterday... you kissed Onee-chan, didn't you...?”

“────Wait, what!? Where did that come from!?”

“Earlier, before breakfast, you two stayed in the room, right? I realized I forgot something and went back to get it... and I overheard you talking.”

“No, wait, that was... more like an accident...”

“Do you love her? My sister?”

“Huh!? Seriously, what is with you today...?”

“Because I...! I...!! I-I-I-I-I l-l-l...!!”

“L...?”

“L-L-L... LUNCH!!”

“Lunch!? ────Mmf.”

I was in the middle of speaking. But suddenly, my mouth was blocked.

By──────Miu’s lips............!!

They were soft, with a slightly sweet and sour, fresh citrus scent... It was a little different from Momo-nee’s... No, no, no! Wait!! While my brain was struggling to catch up with the suddenness of it all, Miu gave me a smile that was part mischievous, part lonely...

“Idiot. Now I’ve overwritten your kiss with Onee-chan.”

“Wh-!? What the hell are you doing!?”

In spite of myself, I felt my heart skip a beat at her expression... No, there’s no way. Absolutely not.

Right then, Momo-nee returned. She seemed completely unaware of what had just happened...

“Oh? What’s with the faces, you two?”

“Hmm? Nothing at all. Let’s go, let’s go!”

Miu linked arms with Momo-nee and started walking away.

Left behind──I could only stand there in a daze.

W-W-Wait, wait, wait!! Overwritten!? Does Miu... does she actually like me...!? No way, that’s impossible!! Then what was that? Now that I think about it... ever since we were little, she always tried to take whatever Momo-nee had. Was that the only reason she kissed me...? Did she kiss me just because she was jealous of her sister!? What on earth is going on here!! Argh!! I don't understand anything anymore!!

“DAMMIT ALLLLLLLLLL!!”

“Hmph, you’re too slow! We’re gonna leave you behind!”

“Fufu ♡ There’s no need to rush, Shin-chan. We aren't going anywhere ♡”

The sisters turned back to look at me in unison.

“H-Hey, wait up, you two!”

The End