Afterword

First of all, to everyone who picked up this book, my deepest gratitude.

Thank you very much.

This work was originally serialized on the web novel site 'Kakuyomu,' and I am overjoyed that it won an award in a contest, allowing it to be released into the world as a physical book.

Did you laugh? Did you cry? Did your heart—or somewhere else—grow warm?

Whatever the direction, I would be incredibly happy if I was able to move my readers' hearts.

I poured my feelings into every single character of this book: 'I love seeing girls being happy! I love seeing them feeling good! I want everyone to know the beauty of girls feeling erotically cute!'

If I managed to add one more preference to my readers' tastes, there could be no greater joy.

Now, about this work.

If I were to describe this work in one word, it would be a 'sex-growth story' depicting the protagonist, Tatsuya, crossing the line with the heroines.

If a reader who starts with the afterword reads only this part, they might think this is just some trashy light novel whose only selling point is erotica.

It’s fine. Don't worry. Could a novel that is only erotic win an award in a contest? Would Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko, who releases popular light novels one after another, publish it?

Of course not. ...Of course not, right?

A-Anyway, while it is true that it’s a bit suggestive, that’s not all. I’m sure those who read it were moved by the hard-working heroines and felt like cheering for Tatsuya as he helped them.

Beyond the erotic excitement, I’m sure something like the importance of friendship or effort in life—something beautiful and sparkling—remained in your heart. It must have.

Please. Feel something besides eros.

No, I’m not shifting the blame, not at all.

Now then, diving a bit into the content.

To all of you who read it, which heroine was your favorite?

The refreshing gyaru, Suzuka-san? Or the slightly ditzy older sister, Honoka-san?

The bratty yet cute younger-sister type, Aina? Or the mysterious idol, Yurarin?

If there was a heroine who hit your preferences perfectly, I would be overjoyed if you let me know your thoughts via SNS or any other means.

Tatsuya’s 'sex-growth story' has only just begun. It hasn't been decided yet who he will end up with or what will happen with each heroine.

Your feelings might even decide Tatsuya’s first partner.

Finally, some acknowledgments.

To the illustrator, kakao-sensei, who brought the cute heroines to life. Thank you so much. I’m looking forward to kakao-sensei’s new works as much as my 'little buddy' is.

To my editor, Yuki-san, and the editorial department, who brought out the cuteness of the heroines and allowed the erotica to go right to the limit. Thank you so much. Let’s push even harder for Volume 2.

To the manga artist, Kyoya Sai-sensei, who sublimated the heroines into something incredibly erotic. Thank you for the erotic breasts. I leave the heroines' nipples in Kyoya Sai-sensei’s hands.

To Kuwagata Saurus-sensei, who drew the PR manga. Thank you for crossing the line that can't be crossed in a light novel. Thanks to you, my preferences are being expanded every day.

To the proofreaders, who checked every detail for the publication. Thank you. And I’m truly sorry. I’ll do my best to have fewer corrections in the next volume, so please, please don't abandon me.

To the readers who supported the web version. Without you, this book would never have been published. I truly cannot thank you enough.

And finally, to you, who picked up this book. If a second volume is released, it will be thanks to you. Thank you so, so much. I hope you will stay with me until the day Tatsuya’s wishes are fulfilled.

Hoping to see you in the next volume.

A certain day in January 2026, just before 5:00 AM, outside temperature -3 degrees.

Shivering in a room that just won't get warm.

— Saeki Nagi