Even though Mitsuha lived in a rural town like Itomori, that didn't mean she was completely clueless about health and hygiene. At the very least, there were still health education classes, and boys—being boys—often showed a questionable enthusiasm for topics they weren't supposed to be talking about so openly.
You couldn't blame them entirely, but thanks to those after-class gatherings—where they huddled together, pretending to be discreet while talking far too loudly about things not meant for kids—Mitsuha had picked up more than a few things.
Her gaze was fixed on the red box in the drawer, its bold, fluorescent lettering almost glowing. Her hand hesitated in midair. Even though she'd already seen and touched it once before, her heart still pounded inexplicably the second time around.
As her fingertips brushed the edge of the box, Mitsuha bit her lip. Her fingers were trembling.
"This… has already been used, hasn't it?"
The opened packaging was obvious—someone had used it. And the only likely candidate that came to her mind was her.
She glanced toward the window, wondering when that girl would come looking for her. Thinking of that person's relationship with Haruto—and the fact that they had used this…
_ _ _ _
Meanwhile, stepping out of the beauty salon, Yotsuha's hair was now silky and smooth. Haruto held her hand as they continued toward a clothing store.
Yotsuha's clothes weren't bad by any means. She wasn't lacking in necessities, but of all the basics—food, clothing, housing, and transport—"transport" was the least relevant. After all, Itomori was a small town. You could get anywhere just by walking.
"Are we going to meet Onee-chan now?"
"No, first we're going to buy you some clothes. The ones you have now have already been worn for a while. Better to get some spares, just in case."
"Is it okay? It sounds like a lot."
"It's fine. Clothes don't cost that much. Besides, Yotsuha is super cute. I want you to be even cuter."
"Then Onee-chan is definitely going to get jealous."
At the mention of Mitsuha, Haruto chuckled. Yeah, knowing her personality, if she found out he only bought clothes for Yotsuha, she'd definitely sulk. He thought about it for a moment and nodded.
"Alright then, let's pick out something for her too. Do you know her size?"
"Sort of? I've seen her laundry before."
"That works. If it doesn't fit, we'll just come back and exchange it."
"Why don't we just bring her with us and let her choose?"
"..."
Haruto paused. That… actually made a lot of sense. He looked at Yotsuha and nodded.
Without wasting any more time, the two turned around and headed back toward the apartment. Since it was still before noon, they arrived home much earlier than planned—appearing once again in front of Mitsuha.
Alone at home, Mitsuha had no idea how much longer she was supposed to wait until the afternoon. So when Haruto and Yotsuha suddenly appeared at the door again, she blinked in surprise.
"You're back?"
"We are. I thought it'd take longer, but everything got sorted out really quickly. So we came back."
Her gaze lingered on Yotsuha for a second—then gradually shifted to Haruto.
"What's up with Yotsuha?"
"What do you mean?"
"Her hair. It's obviously different from before she left!"
"Just got it trimmed a bit. What? You want to go too?"
"I just..."
Puffing out her cheeks, Mitsuha sulked as she stared at Haruto, refusing to give an answer. She simply fixed her eyes on him in silent protest.
Haruto placed both hands on her soft cheeks and gave them a playful squeeze. When the girl began to retaliate in annoyance, he quickly released her and observed her face from left to right.
"I personally think you're fine just the way you are, but if you really want to go, I don't mind. We can head out this afternoon and take a look."
"Really?!"
"Yeah. But first, let's buy some clothes—for you and Yotsuba. We should also get a few things for Setsuna. Once that's done, we'll go."
"Can't we go now?"
"Are you really that impatient?"
"I was alone! All alone! At home all morning!"
She raised a finger and wagged it in front of his face in protest. Her fingertip nearly poked his nose, and he let out a helpless sigh before agreeing.
"I'm fine with it, but I'm not sure if Setsuna's free. I'll go check with her first."
Glancing at the two girls in the room, Haruto headed for the door.
"You're going to her house now?"
"I haven't seen her since yesterday. I want to check in and see how she's doing. You two stay here and wait a little, okay?"
Sometimes, things could be handled easily with a phone call. But when you want to show someone they matter, when you want to express that you're willing to make an effort—that's what love is.
He wasn't at an age where he'd lose himself in romance anymore. That youthful passion was mostly gone, replaced by a calm and steady heart.
Taking an umbrella, he left the room. As soon as he did, Mitsuha leapt onto Yotsuba, wrapping her arms tightly around her and rubbing her face against her little sister.
"Let go of me!"
"No way! You went out once and suddenly came back all stylish and city-like—I won't accept it!"
"I did not!"
"Ahhh—! I want that too!"
Yotsuba frowned at her sister's face getting too close and pushed her away in annoyance.
_ _ _ _
Ding-dong.
The doorbell rang, and soon, someone opened the door. It was Setsuna, relaxing at home.
She was just thinking about when in the afternoon she should go visit Mitsuha, so seeing Haruto at her door caught her off guard.
"Haruto? Weren't you at the publishing office?"
"I came back."
She stepped aside to let him in, then closed the door behind him. Across the way, Mitsuha, who had been sneaking a peek out the window, quickly withdrew her gaze.
"As if anyone would be standing at the door spying," Yotsuba muttered, glancing at her sister.
Noticing the disappointment on Mitsuha's face, she added a jab.
Mitsuha didn't argue. She lay on the bed, stared up at the ceiling, and let out a long sigh.
"Ahhh—I want a boyfriend. A handsome, movie-star kind of boyfriend."
"It's still daytime, you know."
"Hmph, that's why you're still a kid. You don't understand anything."
Yotsuba couldn't even be bothered to argue back.
—
At the Kiyoura residence.
"I originally planned to meet up with you and Mitsuha this afternoon, together with Yotsuba. But things went smoother than expected. We settled everything in half an hour, so I came straight back."
"Are we not going out later, then?"
"We still are. I thought we could get some clothes for you, Mitsuha, and Yotsuba. It's already summer, after all."
"Didn't we already go shopping last time?"
Setsuna didn't have a strong desire to shop. The last time they went out, she had bought a few summer outfits—just two or three, but enough to get by.
"So... this time you're going shopping with Mitsuha and Yotsuba?"
She didn't plan to buy anything herself, but she didn't mind accompanying others while they shopped.
"Yeah. We'll look around the stores."
"Are we going now?"
She looked at Haruto, who didn't seem to be in any hurry. He shook his head gently.
"We can leave once you're ready. It's only just noon, there's no rush."
"What about Mitsuha and Yotsuba?"
"They're at home, resting."
"Alright. I'll get ready."
"Okay."
While Setsuna went to prepare, Haruto settled in the living room. He sat down on the sofa, picked up the remote from the table, and turned on the TV.
Meanwhile, Setsuna stood in front of her wardrobe, pondering what to wear.
Outside, a light drizzle fell steadily. The wind wasn't strong, and the temperature was mild—not quite cool, but with the sticky warmth of a typical summer rain. If she wore something too thin, she'd feel chilly. Too thick, and she'd be uncomfortably hot. It took her a while to settle on something suitable.
Haruto had barely watched a few minutes of TV when Setsuna came out of her room.
"Ready?"
"Yeah."
Back at home, Mitsuha and Yotsuba were both lost in their own thoughts—one lying on the bed, the other seated at the table. Without Haruto there, the usually inseparable sisters found themselves without much to talk about, quietly unsure of what to do.
"You haven't been to Tokyo Tower, have you?"
"Of course not. I've never been to Tokyo, how could I have?"
"Then we should go. From the top, you can see most of the city."
"..."
Yotsuba wasn't afraid of heights or anything, but she was puzzled by Mitsuha's excitement. Hadn't she said she'd already been to Tokyo Tower?
If she had, why was she acting like it was her first time?
Click—
The sound of the door opening drew both girls' attention.
"I'm back."
"Sorry for the intrusion."
Haruto's familiar figure and Setsuna's soft voice entered the room.
"Are you ready to go? If so, we can head out. Our destination is Shinjuku."
"I've been ready!"
"Then let's go."
After confirming they had everything, the group left the apartment, umbrellas in hand, walking through the drizzling rain toward the subway station.
Their destination was the same LUMINE shopping center that Haruto had previously visited with Rio Futaba. The place mostly catered to women, making it perfect for buying clothes for Setsuna and Mitsuha. For Yotsuba, though, they'd probably need to find a store more suitable for her age.
After arriving at Shinjuku Station, they went straight up into the LUMINE mall. Since Haruto had already been there once, he still remembered the layout.
"Have you been here before, Setsuna?"
"Once, with my mom."
"Mai—Kiyoura-san, huh? Yeah, there are quite a few brands here that suit her style."
Realizing Mitsuha and Yotsuba were right next to him, Haruto nearly slipped up by calling her "Mai." They probably wouldn't care, but he couldn't risk it. They couldn't know—not even a hint.
"Haruto, how do you know this place?"
"I looked it up online."
"I see."
Setsuna didn't press further. She had spent the previous night reading articles about relationships and now understood that digging too deeply into a guy's past wasn't a good idea.
After walking a bit, Mitsuha spotted an outfit she liked and went into a store. The group followed her inside. She pointed at the piece and asked Setsuna for her opinion. As another girl, Setsuna offered her thoughts thoughtfully.
Yotsuba didn't understand much about fashion, but she still listened seriously. Haruto, meanwhile, stood a short distance away, a little absent-minded.
If Setsuna had picked something out, she might've asked for his opinion. But Mitsuha? She'd never ask him—and honestly, even if she did, he wasn't sure he'd be able to offer anything useful.
As the three girls discussed the outfit, Mitsuha eventually took it to the changing room to try it on. Haruto stayed where he was, waiting.
A while later, she emerged.
Standing at the shop entrance, Haruto looked at his sister in her new outfit. His gaze lingered for a moment before he looked away.
"Well? How is it?"
"It suits you. You look great in it."
"What do you think?"
After hearing Setsuna's opinion, Mitsuha turned to her sister. Yotsuba stared at the outfit for a moment, imagining herself wearing it when she was older. After a short silence, she gave a soft reply.
"Well... it's okay, I guess."
"Heh heh—Hey, how do I look in this outfit?"
Standing at the entrance, Mitsuha twirled once and looked expectantly at Haruto.
He gazed at her for a moment, then replied—
~~~~~~~~~~
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