After watching Haruka and the others leave, I returned to the bench where Yamamoto-san was sitting.
Despite it being summer vacation, the department store was sparsely populated. At this time, which would normally be a weekday afternoon, I figured adults were at work, and it made me feel a pang of regret over my few remaining student days.
When I stood in front of Yamamoto-san, she welcomed me with a polite "Welcome back," and seeing how happy she looked just from saying those words made me feel a bit embarrassed too.
Unlike Miyu, Yamamoto-san clearly expressed her feelings of "liking" someone.
That sensation felt fresh, and above all, facing this goddess whose smile suited her far too well, it was impossible to suppress the pounding in my chest.
Still, I had to keep my composure.
I had to properly face Yamamoto-san's affection as Miyu's lover.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting. Since it's a rare opportunity, how about we walk around a bit? I want to talk too."
When I suggested that, Yamamoto-san nodded quietly and stood up.
Because of Miyu's instructions, I ended up inviting her along with the flow, but I'd gotten to the point where I could say something like this without hesitation.
Habit is a scary thing.
"Haruka-chan and the others have gone home, haven't they?"
"Yeah, things would get complicated if they stayed. The original plan was just to have lunch together. So, no real date or anything. Haruka probably just got overly excited and was teasing Yamamoto-san."
"I see. Sotomichi-kun was surprised too."
Yamamoto-san walked beside me, glancing at the shops, responding in a way that showed little interest.
She was probably relieved to learn that my flirting with Haruka was one-sided from her.
"As for Yuka... there are some deep circumstances. Miyu knows about it, so it'd help if you didn't mind."
"Hmm. So you will have sex, then."
"W-Well, yeah, probably. We haven't decided specifics yet."
Yamamoto-san seemed particularly concerned only about me having sex with someone other than Miyu.
But she appeared calmer than when Haruka and the others were here, and not angry.
Maybe she sorted her thoughts while alone.
"...That's nice."
Yamamoto-san suddenly let out that honest feeling.
The space between us fell silent.
She hid her mouth with her hand as if thinking "I said it," turning away with an embarrassed face.
Not knowing what to say in response, I walked through the department store with Yamamoto-san in silence.
Just aimlessly, advancing because the floor continued.
Yamamoto-san didn't say anything after that either.
In that subtly awkward air, yet not unpleasant time.
After getting used to the silence, I decided that time doing nothing was necessary too and enjoyed window shopping.
Wondering what shops I'd visit on a date with Miyu.
Hoping they wouldn't display lingerie right at the front where it's hard to know where to look.
Thinking about such things idly for a few minutes.
I noticed Yamamoto-san's hand bumping into the back of my left hand with a frequency that couldn't be coincidence.
Glancing sideways at her, she seemed to be looking at shops just like me.
But clearly, her hand was bumping independently of her arm swing.
And her fingers twitching occasionally.
Was she perhaps wanting to hold hands?
I understood her hesitation out of consideration for Miyu.
I never imagined I'd see such a pure-hearted Yamamoto-san, like a middle school boy nervously trying to hold his crush's hand in a crowded summer festival.
I wonder what I should do with this hand of Yamamoto-san's.
It's clear affection from Yamamoto-san, so I knew I shouldn't brush it away.
But if I took it myself, it might be taken as accepting cheating.
However, how do I put it.
By now, Yamamoto-san had no intention of hiding her feelings, even poking the back of my hand with her fingertips.
This hand really wants to hold mine badly.
Ignoring it continuously would be the same as rejecting her.
Yamamoto-san has even said that she would be up for sex. If I don't take her hand now, things won't make sense later on.
So, as per Yamamoto-san's wish, I decided to firmly hold her hand.
It was with such light feelings.
"-!"
The moment we held hands, Yamamoto-san's body jolted, and her face flushed bright red.
The heat from her palm surged, and I felt like I could sense her pulse even from her fingertips.
Yamamoto-san stayed silent for a while even after holding hands.
Without looking this way, desperately fighting her grinning facial muscles to maintain a composed expression.
But she wasn't hiding it at all.
"Ah, um..."
With a voice lacking composure, she finally started the conversation.
"What does this... mean, exactly?"
Meaning that I accepted holding hands.
Even though she initiated it, she probably didn't expect such a direct response.
"After leaving Yamamoto-san's house last time, Miyu scolded me a bit. Saying, 'How can you as a man flirt and then suddenly reject her?'"
Honestly, I had some regrets too.
I want to prioritize Miyu, but thinking that I couldn't cherish Yamamoto-san while loving Miyu felt wrong in another way.
No matter how convenient that thinking was for me.
"That's just like Miyu-chan, isn't it."
Yamamoto-san looked somewhat convinced and firmly regripped our awkwardly held hands.
"I mean, yeah."
I'm not perfect enough to not want to get along with Yamamoto-san like this at all.
On the contrary, just a few months ago, I was a gross otaku with zero resistance to women.
No way I wouldn't develop feelings when approached by such a cute girl.
Normally, comparisons like "I like Miyu so I don't like Yamamoto-san" or "I like Yamamoto-san so I don't like Miyu" should be irrelevant.
But society's rules require choosing one person, making choosing someone mean abandoning another.
So we hide our true feelings, and hiding liking someone truly gains nothing.
Because of Miyu's instructions, I can use that as an excuse to speak my true feelings.
Since I started speaking honestly, Yamamoto-san's attitude has gotten closer to her true self.
Surely, Miyu's aim is to make us bare our true feelings like this.
"She told me to make up with Yamamoto-san no matter what, so I tried this for now. Was it bad?"
When I asked, Yamamoto-san hurriedly strengthened her grip and shook her head.
"I think this way... we can make up faster too."
Yamamoto-san pressed close to my side, then stepped back just one pace.
I didn't have much hand-holding experience, so I didn't know, but walking close, it's more comfortable on the arms to be slightly offset rather than side-by-side.
We, who should have experienced more intense sex than average couples, explored the department store clumsily chatting like virgins on their first date.
Holding hands like this reminded me of going to the convenience store to buy condoms together.
The clerk gave us dirty looks back then.
If I were in the reverse position, I'd probably feel murderous too, just filled with apologies.
That week, I had lots of sex with Yamamoto-san, ending with sex while on the phone with Miyu.
Thinking about it, Yamamoto-san might like showing off, or surprisingly have strong possessiveness.
On the other hand, since Miyu loves marking, when alone like this, they get fired up in rivalry.
Being fought over by cute girls is a man's romance, but as the person involved, it's troubling.
"We've gone around this whole floor."
We stopped in front of the last shop, essentially a dead end.
We were too busy probing each other's excitement through our hands to really look at the stores.
"Where should we go?"
Yamamoto-san asked with heated eyes.
She seemed to want to keep enjoying this time, preferring to continue walking.
Now, what should I do.
It had somehow turned date-like, so as the guy, I should lead.
"Just to check first, is there anywhere you want to go?"
This department store had about as many shops as a small mall.
The station itself wasn't very developed, but since lines allowing one transfer to central Tokyo intersected, development was progressing lately.
Places girls frequently check wouldn't be strange here.
If Yamamoto-san had nowhere, maybe the crepe shop on the first floor.
Before leaving, Miyu mentioned a trending sweet on SNS.
"Where I want to go? Hmm, what to do."
Yamamoto-san swung our joined hands like a kindergartener, smiling happily.
Yamamoto-san regressing to childlike behavior was cute too.
"With Sotomichi-kun... maybe somewhere we can be alone..."
Yamamoto-san fidgeted, leaking sex appeal.
I'd felt it for a while.
Yamamoto-san had a lot of pent-up sexual desire, hadn't she?
Thanks to Miyu's presence, she was somehow holding back, but her resistance to cheating was lower than I thought.
Or rather, her willpower was too weak.
Yuka and Haruka whispering strange things must have affected her a lot.
When Haruka told me, I couldn't believe it, but at this rate, she could ask for my body anytime.
If sex with Yamamoto-san started, would one ejaculation be enough?
I'm starting to lose my confidence.
"Just kidding. Ehehe. There's an unfamiliar brand's jewelry shop upstairs; I'd like to see it."
As if covering her words, Yamamoto-san pulled my hand and hurried up the escalator.
The place she led me to was a nice shop with accessories in showcases.
I worried if our summer vacation casual fashion was okay, but an old guy in sandals and shorts was already talking to a clerk, so no resistance to entering.
Being seen holding hands was embarrassing, but Yamamoto-san gripped so tightly like she'd never let go, so I gave up.
"Diamonds for 30,000 yen? Yeah, luxury item."
"Right. For everyday fashion, under 1,000 yen, or at most 3,000."
Small gem earrings had pearls on chains, or metal shaped into hearts or clovers.
Most of the price was the diamond; same carat meant similar prices.
"I have quite a few earrings, but not many rings. Sotomichi-kun, which do you think is best?"
Casually asking that.
Meaning she wanted to buy the ring I liked.
Well... fine.
Metal colors basically gold or silver, with pink or yellow variations, differing in gem attachment.
Basic was flashy and luxurious, but colored blended better with skin, so pink gold etc. for fashion.
But Yamamoto-san was goddess-level beautiful.
Luxury might suit her everyday style unexpectedly.
Lost in such thoughts, I was late noticing Yamamoto-san staring at me.
"What... is it...?"
An intense gaze straight at me.
Overwhelming emotions rushing in.
"You were thinking seriously. I'm happy. Your profile is wonderful."
Yamamoto-san stared with eyes sparkling more than gems.
"W-Well, if you're buying, it's going to be expensive."
I couldn't stand it anymore and decided to pick a ring quickly.
Nearby cases had similar designs, hard to choose, but another had simple refined shapes, perfect for Yamamoto-san.
"That ring over there might suit Yamamoto-san."
The ring I pointed to.
Looking at what I pointed, Yamamoto-san blushed dazedly and quietly shook her head.
"Sotomichi-kun. That's a wedding ring."
Yamamoto-san smiled softly, and chuckled "Ufufu," as if she wasn't entirely displeased. Completely flustered, I couldn't stay there any longer. I chose the gold-toned, slender ring that had caught my eye from the start and told Yamamoto-san about it.
Yamamoto-san immediately called the clerk "This please" and decided instantly.
For payment, I temporarily released hands, waiting in front.
The new clerk and Yamamoto-san chatted enjoyably during procedures.
"If you'd like other colors, or fitting?"
"It's okay. Just size please."
Yamamoto-san brightly interacts with anyone at school too.
She looks happy.
I genuinely like that about her.
"Ehehe. I put it on."
Yamamoto-san came to me outside.
A gold ring shone on her left ring finger.
Yeah, left hand.
They say fashion rings have no meaning on any finger.
Just put there because it looks good.
"...Is it bad?"
Yamamoto-san rubbed the ring, eyes wandering.
Even knowing there's no meaning, realistically I can't help but be aware that finger is for engaged.
"If Yamamoto-san put it where she thinks it's prettiest, it's fine."
"Yeah. For rings, here feels best. It fits perfectly."
Still looking down, rubbing.
Then she suddenly stopped, apologetically raised her face, and shyly spoke.
"It's a lie. I was excited putting it on this finger."
"Then let's put it on the right hand."
"I'll do that..."
Instructions were not to deny affection, but if it causes awkwardness with Yamamoto-san, better say no, I judged.
Switching to right hand, as expected, beautifully suited her.
With Yamamoto-san's hand size and tone, gold blended naturally.
It was a good choice, if I say so.
Anyway, purpose and reality completely mismatched, but I had to cherish Yamamoto-san's affection while getting her to accept my relationship with Miyu.
What's the next thing I need to do.
Miyu told me to say I like her too, but in this situation, it might go all the way.
But anyway, at least this I had to say.
"The ring suits you well."
This is minimum manners as a man, unrelated to Miyu.
She bought, put on, showed it, so I have to say it.
"Thank you, Sotomichi-kun. I'll treasure it forever."
Yamamoto-san happy made me happy too.
I think it was honestly good seeing her happily gaze at the ring, genuinely liking the design.
But when I thought about the person Yamamoto-san would eventually date, the idea of her treasuring it forever made me feel complicated.
If she told me the earrings she wears were from an ex, I wouldn't ask her to throw them away or anything.
But that's only because we're not dating.
"What should we do next?"
Since the jewelry shop was her suggestion, now it was my turn to take her somewhere.
I decided to skip the crepe shop for now.
If we went there, we'd probably end up feeding each other in a lovey-dovey way, and I wanted to avoid any more obviously couple-like spots.
Maybe a general goods store.
Something ordinary and chain-brand would be perfect.
It might feel repetitive, but that's exactly why it would help cool things down a bit. There probably wouldn't be anything too exciting in a nationwide chain store anyway.
"There's a lifestyle goods section further in. I want to buy something."
"Of course. Let's go together."
Naturally, we started walking hand in hand again.
I've never had a date like this with Miyu, so I couldn't help but feel guilty.
I wonder what Miyu thinks of this interaction with Yamamoto-san.
"Sotomichi-kun, are you looking for stationery or something?"
"Yeah. I wanted some highlighters and sticky notes."
When I researched study methods before, I found that many people recommended using sticky notes, so I wanted to get some.
When we arrived at the store, Yamamoto-san immediately let go of my hand.
Probably because there were a lot of people and it would get in the way.
That kind of consideration is very like her.
Then we went to the stationery section, bought what I needed, and that was supposed to be it.
But on the way, Yamamoto-san suddenly stopped.
There were lots of loose-leaf paper, envelopes, and other paper products, including some collaboration items with famous anime.
I wondered if she'd found something cute and followed her gaze.
There, displayed among the items, was a marriage registration form.
Why is there a marriage registration form here?
Aren't those supposed to be picked up at city hall?
One with anime characters printed on it probably wouldn't be legally accepted. Maybe it's for pretend play?
Still, the entry fields looked exactly like the real thing.
"Ah, sorry."
Yamamoto-san quickly looked away and started walking again.
I decided not to ask what she was thinking.
"Sticky notes are for studying, right? Want me to recommend some good ones?"
"That would be helpful. I've only ever used them for problem sets."
She picked out a few sticky notes and pens that she said were easy to use.
Apparently, using brighter colors than the usual yellow or red makes notes look prettier.
When I tried a few on the sample board, I started to understand which colors worked best for writing text and which were good for underlining.
Just trying out different pens already felt motivating. I got strangely excited despite my age.
"Are you going to buy some too, Yamamoto-san?"
While I was testing her recommendations, she was quietly writing something.
She seemed to be having fun, so I peeked and saw she had drawn a cute shared umbrella with my name written under it.
She really seems like the type who would be good at taking care of kids.
"Sotomichi-kun's closest, after all, is Miyu-chan."
On the other side of the umbrella was Miyu's name.
And then, very quietly, she added her own name next to it.
"If only the three of us could get married… though I don't know if Miyu-chan would allow it."
That's something not allowed by law in this country.
Even Miyu and I getting married is an impossible wish.
When I think about it again, our relationship is really warped.
"The first wife is Miyu-chan, and I'm second. The two of us take turns giving our love to Sotomichi-kun."
"What about my days off...?"
"You have to work hard there."
"Y-Yes."
I can't even imagine what kind of life that would be.
It sounds both fun and terrifying.
"Honestly, though… I want to be the one closest to you."
Yamamoto-san muttered her true feelings under her breath.
So she does have possessiveness after all.
I'm so lucky to be wanted this much by someone.
I want to make Yamamoto-san happy too.
Not as a lover, but as a friend.
Miyu wants that too, and I'm following her instructions to find the way to make Yamamoto-san happy while still loving Miyu the most, a way that only Miyu knows.
But I wonder if there's really a happy ending for everyone down this path.
"I, Kanade Yamamoto, promise to be with you in sickness and in health."
Yamamoto-san erased her name that had been written next to Miyu's and rewrote it on my side of the umbrella, circling it with a heart.
Now it looked completely like an affair. But that's exactly what the current situation is, so I couldn't deny it.
"I promise to cook delicious meals for Sotomichi-kun every day and to have pleasant sex with him every day."
She finished with a beautifully written pledge in bold letters.
That slightly bold promise felt like something only Yamamoto-san could truly fulfill.
Then, satisfied, she smiled once, quickly blacked it out with a marker.
"This would definitely make Miyu-chan angry."
There was no shadow in Yamamoto-san's voice.
Maybe by speaking her true feelings, she was gradually coming to accept the situation.
"You know, Yamamoto-san."
I figured she wouldn't get mad no matter what I asked.
Because of that kindness, I had avoided asking her certain things until now.
"Why does Yamamoto-san like me?"
We both already knew how we felt, but we had never treated it as an official thing.
Haruka told me to ask Miyu, but I felt this was the right moment to talk about it.
"Why do I like Sotomichi-kun?"
Yamamoto-san didn't seem surprised by the question at all. She tucked her hair behind her ear and put on a calm, composed expression.
"You'll probably be disappointed when you hear it."
It wasn't teasing or dodging. She was just stating a fact.
I'd braced myself for something more, but she looked almost proud, like "I'm glad you finally asked."
"You know, during that week we spent having sex at my house, you never once asked me about any of my exes, right?"
In Yamamoto-san's story, which began suddenly, I vaguely recalled that as she brought it up.
I'd been too caught up in how good the sex felt to remember much else, but if she said so, it must be true.
"That's why I fell for you."
She poked my upper arm lightly and that was it.
It was the end of her confession.
I was so taken aback I didn't understand what she meant.
"Everyone else kept asking about your previous boyfriends?"
"Nfufu. No."
She laughed knowingly.
She was enjoying my reaction.
"The most common time was when I was cooking."
Yamamoto-san nostalgically speaks of the past.
It didn't seem like a painful memory anymore.
"When I went to my partner's house, I often cooked for them. And every time, they'd ask, 'Did you cook for your ex too?' Everyone was careful not to ask about sex or presents, but when it came to cooking, they couldn't help themselves."
Yamamoto-san's cooking is perfect in taste and appearance. Anyone would be thrilled.
But as her boyfriend, thinking another guy enjoyed it too would feel weird.
Especially since his girlfriend is an incredibly beautiful girl, one of a kind in the world.
You'd want to monopolize everything.
"So I'd answer, 'Yes, I did.' Because I did. They were someone I loved, even if only for a while. But then they'd all lose their appetite and stop saying it was delicious."
Yamamoto-san's eyes reddened slightly as she complained.
Being blamed just for loving someone must have been unbearable for her.
"The relationship always started falling apart from things like that. And in the end, like I said before, they'd get anxious about not being good at sex, then demand to do it right away, saying 'You did it with your ex, so you'll do it with me too.' Most of the time we fought and they broke up with me."
They were probably good guys at first.
But when they self-destructed from jealousy despite her devotion, there was nothing she could do.
Miyu said Yamamoto-san takes on everyone's burdens because she can't hate people. In other words, she loves everyone.
That's so like her.
I never thought someone like me would be the only one she'd like.
Miyu can only love one person because of her personality and condition.
"About Yamamoto-san's old days. I wouldn't want my past dug up too."
I won't pretend my old pathetic self didn't exist.
That would deny everything Miyu did for me and all my own efforts.
But having it exposed and judged by others is different.
If I were dating Yamamoto-san, would I have cared about her past?
If Miyu had an ex, I'm not sure I could stay calm either.
It really depends on whether you're the one involved.
"So you're not curious if I actually did it with them?"
I was slightly dismayed by Yamamoto-san's unexpected question.
"Uh… well, now that you mention it, maybe a little."
"He-h. Then I won't tell you."
She teased me even now.
Maybe saying I was curious would have been better.
"It's not that I'm not interested, but I like the current Yamamoto-san. So it's fine."
"See? The way you talk. That's exactly why I fall for you more."
Yamamoto-san poked my cheek hard.
It hurt so much it felt like serious embarrassment hiding.
"Don't you think the reason I didn't pry into Yamamoto-san's affairs was because I'm not your boyfriend?"
"I don't think so."
When I asked her about what was bothering me, Yamamoto answered instantly.
Moreover, with total certainty.
"I feel it in you. I can't explain it well, but there's this comfort where I suddenly want to be together. So I know you wouldn't ask things that would hurt me."
Yamamoto-san's answer is very vague.
However, I remember a considerable number of people saying the same thing to me.
From Sachiko, to Yuka's friends, and Harumaki-san.
Why is that?
"And there are tons more reasons I like you. I've said a lot already, but you only noticed half, right?"
"I-I'm sorry..."
With no one around, Yamamoto-san pressed her body closer.
I couldn't tell if she was praising or scolding me.
Did she compliment me that much?
I remember doing things that were impressive, but I don't remember that many, or maybe I just didn't notice.
I cursed my own denseness.
"Also, it's weird you don't realize this, but being able to cook and being able to go multiple rounds in bed are amazing qualities no one else has. You're attractive both as a person and as a man. Otherwise you wouldn't have been the first person to suck on my breasts."
"What!? Seriously!?"
"See? You didn't notice. I didn't confirm because I knew you wouldn't believe it."
There's no way I could believe that.
With breasts as perfect as Yamamoto-san's in front of me, not sucking them would be unthinkable. What was the point of dating then... wait, no, stop, that's super rude, calm down, me.
"A-Anyway, people far away are starting to stare, so let's leave."
"You shouted, Sotomichi-kun. Here, these are my recommendations. Meet me in front of the store after you pay. I'm going to look at cosmetics real quick."
Yamamoto-san put the items in the basket and headed to the makeup section.
I think her sidelong glance was smirking, but maybe I imagined it.
I waited outside for a few minutes after paying.
My chest felt restless. I didn't even want to check my phone.
When Yamamoto-san came back, she looked even more girly than before.
"Welcome back. Did you put on makeup or something?"
"Hm? I didn't change anything."
She spun around lightly and stood next to me.
She held out her hand palm-up, and I took it without thinking. There's a creeping panic at how naturally I had gotten used to it.
As expected, it seems that Yamamoto-san's cuteness was starting to erode my mind.
She really is insanely beautiful.
We walked again, destination unknown.
I had already lost sight of where we were going or even the purpose of this date. What should I do now?
...Onii-chan must honestly admit and tell that you like Kanade-san too. No holding back toward me or her.
Stuck, I recalled Miyu's second instruction.
Compared to the first one, this was vague.
Admitting I like Yamamoto-san. How should I interpret that?
I casually told Yamamoto-san that I liked her earlier, but there was no dramatic change other than Yamamoto-san looking a little cuter.
No, becoming even cuter when she's already that beautiful is huge, but it still hadn't affected anything between us.
Maybe I need to say it more seriously.
Haruka said telling her I like her means "using kindness to break down Yamamoto-san's sense of ethics."
In other words, make her fall so hard she stops caring about cheating.
But forcing her to fall isn't my true intention.
Besides, I have to insist Miyu is number one, so making her fall harder would just leave Yamaoto-san with an impossible wish.
That is cruel treatment.
"You know, Sotomichi-kun."
Yamamoto-san slowly opened her mouth.
We were still just walking around, barely looking at shops.
"Miyu-chan is allowing skinship between us so we can make up, right?"
She clung to my arm while still holding hands.
Since I wasn't pulling away even after such close contact from the guy who rejected her, she must have figured out the situation.
"Yeah. Until we make up, at least."
Honestly, telling us to make up in this state doesn't even make sense.
We already look like a lovey-dovey couple. If anything, Miyu and Yamamoto-san are the ones who need to make up.
"So I can stay close to you, keep liking you as a person, and eventually my romantic feelings will fade. That's the relationship she wants, right?"
"Yeah. It's a tough deal for you, though."
"…I've been given the choice to either lose the love or wait until it cools off. So I'm grateful, not resentful."
That's a difficult position too.
Kanon-san's romantic ending depends on me, I left that choice to Miyu, and her instructions are still unclear.
Right now, Yamamoto-san and I are in this ambiguous state where conflicting options cancel each other out.
Floating without anchor, waiting for something external to tip the balance.
"I thought being allowed to be this close to you meant I should bare all my feelings and spoil you as much as I want, so eventually I'd feel better. So I said everything I was thinking."
Yamamoto-san suddenly slows down and stops.
I stopped too, since she was pressing her whole body against my arm.
I thought the goal was for both of us to open up.
But her feelings hadn't faded at all.
Rather.
"…I feel refreshed. I said what I wanted to say, and the weight on my chest is gone. Thanks to that, I could face my honest feelings. And then… well…"
The conclusion Yamamoto-san hesitated to say was obvious.
Because I shared the same feeling.
Although it is not the same as what Yamamoto-san is holding, it's still clear enough.
From school, that week, and today.
Time spent together like this was more fun than with anyone else.
"It seems I ended up liking Sotomichi-kun even more."
The words turned into her heartbeat, transmitted through our arms, and my heart synced with it.
Thump, thump, the loud pounding rang in my ears.
"What should I do?"
Yamamoto-san whispers in my ear.
The area of contact between our bodies increased further.
"Uh… about that…"
There's no way I could spend all this time being so lovey-dovey and not like her.
I feel the same.
If I follow Miyu's instruction to tell her I like her, it'll basically become a serious confession.
Was it too late?
Or was this what Miyu wanted all along?
"For now, people are watching, so let's not cling like this."
"Ah, sorry. I got carried away… This feels calmer."
Kanon-san loosened her arm hug but kept our hands linked.
She was losing control of her lust along with her love, and my own racing heart was making me aroused too. I couldn't ignore the ache in my lower body.
Should I call it a day here?
I already said I like her, so I fulfilled my role, right?
"...Hey, Sotomichi-kun."
Yamamoto-san peeked into my face intently.
When I turned to her, she wrapped both hands around my right hand holding the shopping bag.
"You've been spacing out at weird times all day. Is something on your mind?"
Her sharp question hit me.
My shaken emotions had turned her suspicion into certainty.
"Ah... That's..."
I can't lie when cornered like this.
She probably won't press too hard given the situation.
Maybe saying it casually would be easier.
Saying "I like you" seriously was just my imagination. The light one in the stationery store might have been enough.
So I'll say it the same way.
I like Yamamoto-san.
That's the truth, so there's no need to fake it.
This will fulfill Miyu's instruction and clear up Kanon-san's doubts.
Okay, I'll say it.
I will.
Casually, like a greeting.
As naturally as I complimented the ring.
With as much heart as saying thank you.
"Um... uh..."
Calm down. Time it right.
Feel our breathing rhythm, the distance of people around us. Find the perfect moment.
Quickly.
The longer I hesitate, the denser the air between us gets.
I have to say it before the mood turns weird.
Practice in my head.
I like Yamamoto-san.
I like Yamamoto-san.
Yamamoto-san, I like you.
Okay.
"S-So… I… um…"
Kanon-san squeezed my hand and waited with flushed cheeks, mouth closed.
The tension transferred to me, and I messed up the first word.
I have to say it already.
If we keep staring, I'll end up falling for her too.
"I… also like you, Yamamoto-san."
After I said it, I couldn't continue.
My own voice sounded more passionate than planned, and seeing Yamamoto-san's ears turn bright red made regret and panic swirl in my head.
"…But, uh, Miyu is still number one…"
I tried to salvage it, but I don't know if Yamamoto-san heard.
Her grip on my hand became painfully tight. She seemed to have lost control too.
"Sotomichi-kun, um, if it's okay…"
She started to pull my arm, then thought better of it, and said something unbelievable.
"Would you like to come to my house now?"
She looked straight into my eyes, occasionally glancing around.
This is just a guess.
This invitation means, "It's hard to get lovey-dovey here, so come to my house?"
Normally, a guy with a lover shouldn't accept. But having sex was part of the original plan.
That's proof that Operation Reconciliation Sex with Yamamoto-san is going smoothly, so it's nice to be happy.
But because I'm genuinely starting to fall for Yamamoto-san, I'm hesitating.
Still, we've come this far. There's no turning back.
"…Yeah. Let's go."
Even if it's a love confession or a sex invitation, Miyu's plan doesn't allow me to reject Yamamoto-san's "like."
Probably because of my one sentence, the dam holding back Kanon-san's lust and ethics broke.
I still don't know if this was really right.
Fingers intertwined, sharing a faintly sweet tension, we headed toward the bus stop.
In the midday summer sun.
Yamamoto-san's body, glistening under the light, looked incredibly erotic.
Comments