"Are you ready, Tomoki?"
"Yes, Mom!"
Today, we're moving to my father's house. From here on, everything will be new to me.
To be honest, it feels a bit strange—going to live with sisters I've never had in my original world, and in my father's house. I think it's better to imagine them as distant relatives or something… otherwise it's just too weird.
When we arrived, my father's house was just as I expected—large. Not quite Ayame-san's mansion, of course, but still impressive.
A cheerful girl, about my age with twin-tails, greeted us at the entrance.
"Hello, Aunt Haruka. Hello, Tomoki. Long time no see!" — she said brightly.
"Hello, Natsumi-chan. It's been a while." — Mom replied.
"Long time no see, Natsumi-chan." — I replied brightly as possible too.
For some reason, she went quiet for a moment before smiling again.
"I see… let me help you carry your bags."
"That would be helpful. By the way, where's everyone else?" — Mom asked.
"Dad went with Mom to buy lunch. Aunt Sayori and Aunt Yuna are here with Hiyori and Miyuna. Aunt Serina had to work today, and Erina-nee will come later from the library."
Holy—! Will I even be able to remember all those names? Dad said I'd already talked with them before, so I have to act like I know them.
First things first: Natsumi-chan. I need to pay attention to all their names.
"I see. Tomoki, help me with the luggage" — Mom said.
"Leave it to me."
I took the heaviest bag, but Natsumi-chan tried to switch with me. As a man, I couldn't let her take it. I told her it was fine and asked her to carry something lighter.
Inside, two adult women greeted us.
"Long time no see, Tomo-kun! Haruka-san, welcome home!" — said the younger one.
"Hello, Tomoki. Haruka-san, feel free to relax." — the other added, looking about Mom's age.
"Thanks, both of you. After we bring the bags to our room, I'll help with cooking." — Mom replied.
"We're almost done making dessert. Masaru-nii and Mizuno-san are bringing lunch, so no need to worry." — the younger woman said.
Masaru-nii? As far as I know, Dad doesn't have a sister… maybe she calls him that because of their age difference? I wonder how they met.
And I guess that means Aunt Mizuno is Natsumi-chan's mother. Noted.
"So, Tomoki, how's school? I bet you're popular with the girls now." — the older one teased.
"Sayori…?" — Mom's tone was a little intimidating.
"Sorry, my bad. So, Tomoki, are you enjoying school?"
"Yes! It's really fun. I don't know about being popular, but my friends say everyone at least knows my name."
Okay—so she's Aunt Sayori. That makes the younger one Aunt Yuna. I really need to write these down before I forget.
"Time really flies. Tomo-kun's grown so much since the last time you lived here." — Aunt Yuna said.
"Yuna, if you talk like that, it feels like we've aged years. It's makes me sad." — Aunt Sayori joked.
"Well, let's carry our things to our room. Then we can talk more leisurely." — Mom suggested.
Aunt Sayori and Aunt Yuna headed to the kitchen, while Natsumi-chan guided us upstairs.
First stop—Mom's room.
"You can put it here, Tomoki. I'll organize it later. Thanks."
"Okay. By the way, this room's really spacious. Even your bed's huge—big enough for the whole family, hahaha… wait—"
"Tomoki, you're old enough to know the reason… or maybe not?"
"No need to explain. I can already guess."
Please let my room not be right next to theirs.
"Natsumi-chan, can you show Tomoki his room?"
"Sure, Aunt Haruka. This way, Tomoki."
Thankfully, my room was at the end of the hall.
Phew… glad it's not beside Mom's room.
"Thanks, Natsumi-chan, but I have to say—I expected it to be dustier. Did someone use it before?"
"No, don't worry. Nobody used it. My sisters and I cleaned it. Well… except Miyuna."
Did something happen with Miyuna? Either way, I should thank them later.
"Thanks, Natsumi-chan. Now I'll be able to sleep well."
"..."
"Natsumi-chan?"
"Oh—sorry, you're welcome. There's still luggage in the car, right? I'll bring it here."
"Feels bad making you do all this, but if you're okay with it, thanks again."
"Don't worry."
She went downstairs, and I followed. But as we returned, someone opened a door and bumped into her.
"Kyaa!"
"You okay, Natsumi-chan? Did it hurt?"
"I'm fine, Tomoki. Thanks."
"Sorry, Natsumi-nee! I should've been more careful—" The girl stopped and looked at me.
"Hello, I'm Tomoki. From now on, I'll be living here."
"Hmph!"
And she stormed into her room.
Did I upset her? Maybe it's just a rebellious phase.
"Miyuna!? Sorry. I'll talk to her later—she's a good girl."
"It's fine. By the way, I can carry this from here. You've helped enough."
"It's okay. The only thing damaged is the box. Look—"
Her face turned red as a tomato.
Ah. The box had all my underwear.
"These are… mine. Let me carry it."
"O-okay…"
Back in my room, I stacked my things in the corner. I could unpack later.
"Thanks again, Natsumi-chan."
"You're welcome."
An awkward silence hung between us—should I say something?
"So—"
"I'm home! Tomoki? Haruka? Are you here?" — Dad's voice boomed from downstairs.
"Yes, darling! We're here!" — Mom replied, then called me. — "Tomoki, let's go to the living room."
"Guess we should go." — I said to Natsumi-chan.
"Yeah."
Everyone gathered in the living room. Big family, indeed.
"Tomoki, Haruka—welcome home. I'm really happy we'll be living together again." — Dad said warmly.
"Masaru~"
Is it just me, or is Mom easier to sway in this world?
"Tomoki, if you need anything, don't hesitate to tell me."
"Sure, Dad. But don't worry. I'm satisfied right now."
Then each wife and daughter spoke to me.
"Tomo-kun, don't be shy to rely on me. Miyuna, greet your brother." — Aunt Yuna said.
"Geez, Mom… Hello..." — Miyuna muttered.
I waved to her with a smile, but I couldn't help wondering—did I do something to upset her? Or maybe it was the Tomoki from this world who did. Now that would make a lot more sense.
"Tomoki, if your aunt says something silly, just ignore it. Hiyori, say hi." — Aunt Sayori prompted.
"He-hello, Tomoki. Long time no see…" — she said shyly.
"Hello, Hiyori-chan. It's been a while."
She wore an apron—probably helping in the kitchen earlier. Maybe one day I'll ask her to teach me to cook.
"Hey, Tomoki! You've really grown up! If you need advice, your friendly Aunt Mizuno's here!" — she said cheerfully.
"Yeah… you've really changed." — Natsumi-chan added.
"Hahaha… you think so? Thanks."
"Serina and Erina won't be here for lunch, so… let's eat." — Dad said.
"Yes!" — we all replied in unison.
Lunch was a feast—delicious from start to finish. The dining table was huge, big enough for all of us.
Even though they still feel like strangers, I look forward to getting along with them. After all, they're my sisters now. I never thought I'd have siblings.
After lunch, my sisters went upstairs, while Mom, Dad, and my aunts stayed to talk. I followed my sisters' example and returned to my room.
The midterm exam is coming soon… I should study for now.
But before that, let's note all their names.