Even though she had just finished dinner, Kotomi Izumi—who had often stayed with her grandparents in Yamanashi as a child—couldn't help but feel her stomach grumble when she saw the photo of the ramen. Anyone who didn't know better would think she hadn't eaten at all.
For a moment, she even considered asking Arisu Sakayanagi to send a few more pictures. It had been a while since she'd eaten ramen like that, and now she was craving it.
But then she remembered—she was supposed to be scolding Arisu right now. If she acted too easily pleased, wouldn't that make her lose face?
Still, Arisu's earlier message—"For now, just think of it as me preparing something that'll bring you surprise and happiness"—had already completely melted her anger.
Kotomi Izumi: [Please. Since I was a kid, I've eaten every kind of gourmet food you can imagine! Did you really think one picture of ramen could make me drool? You clearly haven't eaten good ramen before. Once you taste my grandma's ramen, then you'll understand what real ramen is supposed to be.]
After sending the message, Kotomi looked at it with satisfaction. It perfectly hid the fact that she'd already been appeased—and neatly shifted the topic away from Arisu's leave of absence.
Little Kotomi, very satisfied!
...
Yamanashi Prefecture — Izumi Residence.
Holding her phone, Arisu Sakayanagi smiled softly after reading Kotomi's message. Her eyes were filled with tenderness.
"Little Arisu, would you like another bowl?" Harumari Izumi asked kindly.
"I'd love another bowl."
"Haha, eat as much as you want. There's plenty left in the pot."
"Thank you, Grandma Izumi. It tastes just as good as it did when I was little. Atsuki, could you please get me another bowl?" Arisu said, handing her bowl to Atsuki, who had been standing nearby.
In fact, when she was little, Arisu had eaten this very ramen together with Kotomi. But after the fire accident years ago, both the memory and the scar it left behind had long since faded from Kotomi's mind.
Now, Arisu had returned to Yamanashi for another visit.
Earlier that evening, when Harumari Izumi asked her what she wanted to eat, Arisu had said, "Ramen—I'd love to eat Grandma Izumi's ramen again."
Seeing the gentle smile on Arisu's face, Harumari asked, "From that look on your face, I take it you've already managed to cheer up little Kotomi?"
Arisu smiled and nodded. "Yes. Kotomi's so clever. I knew she'd find out about my two-week leave eventually, but I didn't expect her to learn about it this quickly. She came straight to question me just now—but she's adorable and simple-minded. It didn't take much to calm her down."
"Even though Kotomi has grown up, her heart is still pure and innocent like a little girl's," Harumari said warmly. "Arisu, if one day you and Kotomi truly end up together, I hope you'll protect that innocence in her. Most people think maturity is a good thing, but in truth, people only become mature after going through painful experiences—and those experiences are rarely pleasant.
"As Kotomi's grandmother, my greatest wish is for her to live peacefully, growing up and maturing naturally, without having to face suffering to gain wisdom. I don't want her to lose her innocence through hardship—I want her to remain the same kind, bright child she's always been."
Harumari's tone was calm, but every word carried the deep love and concern of a grandmother for her granddaughters.
Arisu straightened her posture, her expression solemn. "Grandpa Izumi, Grandma Izumi… You might think I'm exaggerating, but I mean every word: I'll prove it with time. I swear I'll devote my life to bringing Kotomi happiness—to protecting her innocence."
Yakken Izumi, who had been quietly eating, finally set down his chopsticks. During meals, he rarely spoke—he believed in the old rule of 'no talking while eating.' But this time, he made an exception.
"I'll remember those words. If Kotomi feels the same about you, the Izumi and Sakayanagi families will immediately arrange your wedding. When that time comes, I hope you'll keep your promise—and give Kotomi a lifetime of happiness."
"Thank you for your blessing," Arisu said, bowing slightly.
Only then did Yakken Izumi's stern expression soften into a smile.
"Haha, no need to thank me just yet. You still have to visit the Hishinaga family after this. Do your best! Even if you've earned our family's approval, it doesn't mean you'll easily win theirs. Ryu Hishinaga, that old stubborn man, has a temper like stone. If he finds out that someone's come to propose to Kotomi when she's only in high school, even if it's the prestigious Sakayanagi family, he won't take it kindly."
Yakken Izumi spoke energetically, clearly enjoying himself. After all, back in the days when the Izumi and Hishinaga families were still business rivals, he and Ryu Hishinaga had exchanged plenty of sharp words. What he didn't realize, however, was that he himself was every bit as stubborn—if not more so—than the man he was describing.
"Is Kotomi's grandpa really that stubborn?" Arisu Sakayanagi asked curiously. Although she hadn't visited the Hishinaga family often, she remembered that Kotomi's grandfather, Ryu Hishinaga, while stern-looking, didn't seem like such an inflexible person.
"He's got an unbelievably stubborn temper. Both of his daughters inherited it too. Otherwise, his younger daughter wouldn't have stayed in Sydney all these years, refusing to come back…"
Yakken Izumi sighed, but then quickly realized he'd said too much. Mid-sentence, he stopped himself.
"Ah, I don't recall drinking tonight, yet somehow I'm running my mouth. Arisu, just forget what I said earlier."
The Hishinaga family's younger daughter?
Arisu thought for a moment. She knew that Ryu Hishinaga had two daughters, but only knew the eldest—Akina Hishinaga. As for the younger one, she knew of her existence, but had never seen her and didn't even know her name. None of the elders had ever spoken of her.
It was as if something had happened with Ryu Hishinaga's younger daughter long ago—something that made everyone consciously avoid mentioning her.
Arisu wanted to ask more about it, but she knew better. Since Yakken Izumi had cut himself off so abruptly, it was clear he didn't want her prying further.
Sometimes, digging too deep wasn't a good thing. It could stir up unpleasant memories—or worse, offend someone and make things complicated.
Understanding that, Arisu pretended not to notice and smoothly shifted the conversation to lighter topics with Grandpa and Grandma Izumi.
For instance—how many children she and Kotomi might want in the future.
...
"Hehehe, I've been sleeping with Kotomi these past few nights. Have I been blessed by the goddess of fortune herself? At this rate, I'll crush Megumi Kato with my eyes closed and take the final victory! Yay!"
Feeling triumphant as always, Aimi Izumi—who believed she was on a winning streak—finished her bath, put on her pajamas, and dashed eagerly toward Kotomi's bedroom. Just before entering, she couldn't resist saying in her usual tsundere tone:
"Onee-chan, it's raining outside. Looks like I'll have to sleep with you tonight. Otherwise, you'd probably be too scared to sleep alone… Eh?"
The moment she stepped into the room, she stopped mid-sentence.
There, lying on the bed, hugging her blanket, was little Kotomi—already fast asleep, her face peaceful and sweet.
Aimi Izumi had originally planned to chat with Kotomi before bed—talking, teasing, and gradually letting the atmosphere heat up until the distance between them disappeared completely and then—!
But just as she finished her bath, smelling fresh and sweet, and dashed joyfully to the bedroom, ready to leap into Kotomi's arms—
She stopped dead in her tracks.
Kotomi was already fast asleep, hugging her blanket tightly, drooling a little, her breathing calm and peaceful.
Just hours ago, she'd been clinging to Aimi, whining that she might be scared if it rained and thundered that night, saying she didn't want to sleep alone.
That soft, spoiled tone had made Aimi's protective instincts flare up instantly. Without hesitation, she had agreed to stay with her—though, truth be told, it wasn't only out of protectiveness. She'd also been looking forward to doing a few… sneaky little things while Kotomi slept.
After all, even on nights they didn't share a bed, Aimi would still quietly unlock Kotomi's door with her spare key and slip inside once she was asleep.
Now standing beside the bed, Aimi looked down at the peacefully sleeping Kotomi and shouted silently in her heart:
Kotomi Izumi!!! I hate you—you block of wood!!!
With a sigh of defeat, she crouched down and muttered, "She must've been exhausted from the culture festival rehearsals at school… fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow."
"Really, even if you're tired, at least cover yourself with the blanket before sleeping. And look at this—you even took off your pajamas and underwear and just tossed them on the floor again. Even if you don't fold them neatly, at least put them on the nightstand… You really love sleeping completely naked, huh? Is that actually comfortable?"
Murmuring her complaint softly, Aimi carefully pulled the blanket from Kotomi's arms and gently covered her up.
Once Kotomi was tucked in, Aimi knelt on the floor, picking up the scattered clothes one by one—her pajamas, her underthings—folding them neatly before placing them on the nightstand.
That way, when Kotomi woke up in the morning, she wouldn't have to frantically search for where her things had fallen during the night.
After finishing, Aimi stretched her arms lazily, turned off the room light, and climbed into bed beside Kotomi under the glow of the night lamp. She lifted the corner of the blanket and slipped under it.
The woman she loved more than anything in the world—right there beside her, close enough to touch.
Her breathing, her scent, her sleeping face—all within reach.
Every time Aimi shared a bed with Kotomi, she was so happy she could cry. In that moment, she felt like the luckiest woman in the world.
"Mmm…"
Kotomi made a small sound, shifting slightly in her sleep to find a more comfortable position.
Aimi wondered what Kotomi was dreaming about.
If possible, I hope she's dreaming about me, Aimi thought tenderly.
Then Kotomi's delicate brows furrowed a little. Even in her dreams, she seemed to sense the darkness after Aimi had turned off the light. Instinctively seeking warmth and safety, she reached out her small hand to grab onto something—anything.
By chance, Aimi had just settled in beside her. She noticed Kotomi's movement but didn't think much of it. From experience, she knew Kotomi often moved around unconsciously in her sleep—not quite sleepwalking, but searching instinctively for the most comfortable position.
Usually, it lasted only a few minutes before she settled down again.
A moment later, a faint, sweet fragrance drifted through the air. Before Aimi could react, she suddenly found herself pulled into Kotomi's embrace.
Kotomi's soft breath brushed against her skin—warm and sweet, like a spring breeze passing through a field of dandelions, scattering their seeds into the blue sky while the gentle wind caressed her cheek.
In that instant, Aimi Izumi was already imagining what she would wear when she and Kotomi got married one day—
A white kimono, or a wedding dress?
...
Thursday.
Morning.
Kotomi Izumi had a wonderfully restful night's sleep. She'd dreamed something truly pleasant.
Why pleasant? Because in her dream, she was lying in the same bed with Megumi Kato and the others—right in the middle, with one in each arm.
When she woke up, she felt both satisfied and blissfully tired.
That beautiful dream only strengthened her determination to work hard, earn more money, buy a big house, and have a huge, huge bed custom-made!
No other reason—she just loved big beds. Simple as that.
After all, little Kotomi didn't have any hidden thoughts. Everyone knew she despised playgirls more than anything.
As Kotomi started to sit up, she realized she'd been hugging Aimi all night.
Before Aimi came upstairs last night, Kotomi had already taken off her pajamas and underwear, but before she could even pull the blanket over herself, sleep had claimed her completely. She had no memory of when Aimi entered the room or when she started hugging her in her sleep.
She must have been really tired.
Noticing her neatly folded pajamas and underwear on the nightstand, she didn't even have to think—of course Aimi had folded and placed them there for her.
Kotomi thought to herself, not for the first time, that she was incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful little sister.
Since Aimi was still asleep, Kotomi didn't wake her. She carefully got out of bed, quietly put on her underwear, then sat on the edge of the bed to pull on a pair of black pantyhose before putting on her school uniform.
If Aimi had woken up at that moment, she definitely would've had quite the view.
Normally, after dressing, Kotomi would grab her school bag and head straight downstairs—but today, in addition to her bag, she also needed to bring a suitcase.
After all, today the entire school would be busy preparing for tomorrow's cultural festival. And when classes ended in the afternoon, those who had applied for overnight rehearsal would be staying at the school.
Just thinking about getting to sleep tonight with Yukino and Yui made Kotomi's excitement soar.
For the first time ever, she couldn't wait to get to school.
She even rushed through breakfast—only five bowls of rice before declaring she was done—and then left home, school bag in one hand and suitcase in the other.
Akina Izumi was shocked. "Only five bowls today?!"
Outside, Megumi Kato had been waiting for Kotomi for a while. Seeing her come out of the house with such a bright, expectant look, Megumi couldn't help but ask curiously:
"Kotomi, what's got you so excited this morning? You look like something amazing's about to happen."
Because tonight I get to sleep with Yukino and Yui! Kotomi thought to herself.
Of course, even if she had ten times her courage, she wouldn't dare say that out loud.
Even though she possessed the time-related ability known as the Clock of the Twilight Demon, which allowed her to reverse time and avoid fatal outcomes, Kotomi wasn't reckless enough to rely on it casually.
After all, there were still too many unknowns.
For instance—did the Clock of the Twilight Demon have a limited number of uses?
If it did, how many times could it be used in a single day?
And if she exceeded that limit… would she really die?
Until she fully understood how the ability worked, Kotomi wouldn't risk using it in everyday life.
Moreover, while the Clock of the Twilight Demon seemed to rewind her time, she wasn't sure whether it affected others around her.
If everyone's memories also rewound, that would be fine—but if not…
Kotomi imagined the scene: a yandere girl stabbing her with a kitchen knife, only for time to rewind and her to revive right before her eyes.
Would that blackened girl drop the knife—or stab her again?
Who could say…
Having once experienced the agony of being stabbed, Kotomi's survival instincts were now maxed out. She avoided every possible situation that might lead to getting stabbed again.
Even after gaining the Clock of the Twilight Demon, she remained extremely cautious.
So when answering Megumi, she gave a harmless little excuse:
"Because when I left home just now, I was thinking about how I get to see you again today! I guess that's why I couldn't help smiling~"
Hearing Kotomi say something that flirtatious so early in the morning, how could Megumi possibly resist?
She immediately pulled Kotomi into her arms and gave her a big, smacking kiss!
Meanwhile, back home, Aimi had just woken up. Still half-asleep, she glanced at her phone, saw it was early, and decided she could afford a little more rest—then promptly curled back up and went back to sleep.
—
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