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"Shichen, where are we?"
In front of a coffee shop, Yatogami Tohka held Shichen's hand and looked at the door, asking curiously.
On Shichen's other side, Yoshino clutched his big hand with her small one and stuck close to him. Surrounded by strangers, she felt a bit nervous.
"This is our home," Shichen replied with a smile.
"Our home…? So this is your world, Shichen?" Tohka's eyes sparkled; she couldn't help but ask.
"More or less…"
"What do you mean, 'more or less'?"
"Haha—let's go inside first. I'll introduce you to everyone."
"Everyone…? There are others?"
"Quite a few."
"They're not all women, are they?" Tohka pressed.
Shichen said nothing, simply leading Tohka and Yoshino through the door.
"Knew it!"
"My, Onii-chan, you really are sinful," Yoshinon teased.
Ignoring her, Shichen guided them into the shop.
"Welcome—oh! Shichen-nii!"
It was mid‑afternoon. As expected, Nishikigi Chisato was busy inside, with Takina Inoue helping. Their red‑and‑blue uniforms were striking.
Without even glancing at the newcomers, Chisato dropped her tray and dove into Shichen's arms.
Shichen freed his hands from the two girls and caught her. "I'm back, Chisato."
"Shichen-nii, I missed you sooo much!" Arms around his neck like a sloth, she wrapped her legs around his waist.
"I missed you too. Where are Tohru and Kanna?" He stroked her short hair, smiling.
"Tohru went to buy groceries, and Kanna tagged along."
"I see." Shichen nodded.
"Hee‑hee—Shichen-nii, it's been ages. Give me a reunion‑kiss!"
Chisato's crimson eyes seemed to gleam; without hesitation she kissed him.
Smack!
"Ah!"
Tohka could no longer hold back. She glared at Chisato. "Who are you? Why are you taking advantage of Shichen!"
"Hmm?"
Only then did Chisato notice her—and was instantly dazzled. "And you are…?"
"Let go of Shichen!"
"Shichen-nii, who is she?" Chisato asked.
"Oh, let me introduce you. This is Yatogami Tohka, and this is Yoshino. They'll be living with us from now on," Shichen said.
"Ohh—"
Chisato got the idea instantly. Instead of jealousy, she laughed. "As expected of you, Shichen-nii."
"…Hop down, okay? There are customers watching."
"Okay ~"
Chisato obediently slid to the floor and finally gave the newcomers a proper look.
"You're really pretty. And you're adorable, too."
"Th‑thank you…" Yoshino answered shyly.
"But who exactly are you?" Tohka stared at Chisato. "What's your relationship with Shichen!"
"Shichen and I… heh‑heh, same as you."
"Same as me… Did Shichen give you your name, too?"
"Hmm?" Chisato looked at Shichen, puzzled.
"It's a long story. I'll explain later," Shichen said, ruffling her hair.
"Okaaay."
"You keep working; I'll take Tohka and the others upstairs."
"Got it."
"Tohka, let's go."
"Huh? I still don't know who that Nishikigi Chisato really is!"
"I'll explain. Yoshino, come on."
At the stairs Shichen paused and smiled back at Takina. "Takina, I'm back."
"Welcome home, Sh—Shichen-nii…" she replied awkwardly.
"Huh? What's with the 'nii'?"
"I told her to! Isn't it great—an aloof girl calling you 'nii'?" Chisato winked.
"She listens to you that well?"
"Ahaha—last time we accidentally busted an arms deal together, and she's admired me ever since." Chisato scratched her head.
"…An arms deal? You can explain that tonight." Shichen flicked her forehead.
"Ow…"
"Get back to work."
"Yes, sir!"
Chisato snapped to attention and cheerfully served the customers.
"Sorry to keep you waiting!"
"No worries—now the manager's back, we understand."
"Right! We're your fans, Chisato‑chan!"
"Thanks, hehe ~"
"But be careful, Chisato‑chan. The manager's popular—don't let anyone steal him."
"Not gonna happen!"
Shichen watched Chisato chatting happily, smiled, gave the still‑shy Takina a nod, and led Tohka and Yoshino upstairs.
Shichen took them to his small room. Before he could speak, Tohka blurted, "Shichen, who exactly is that Nishikigi Chisato?"
"She's family—just like you two." He sat them on his bed.
"Family?"
"Mm‑hmm. So try to get along, okay?"
"If you say so…" Tohka pouted, reluctant.
"I will!" Yoshino nodded earnestly.
"Good girl. In a minute I'll introduce you to a good friend—I think you two will get along." He patted her head.
"A good friend?"
"You'll see."
"Okay…"
"Tohka, don't you want more friends?" he asked gently.
"I do… but she just…" Her eyes drifted to Shichen's lips.
"So you mind that? How about this?"
Shichen pulled her into his arms, cupped her cheeks, and kissed her.
Smack!—even louder than Chisato's earlier.
Yoshino quickly covered her eyes—though her fingers were spread.
"Mmm…" Tohka melted, cheeks scarlet.
"Is it okay now?" he asked.
"M‑mm… it's okay…" she nodded bashfully.
"Then will you try to get along?"
"I'll do my best."
"Good girl."
Shichen hugged her, then looked at Yoshino, who was furtively peeking. "Yoshino, want one too?"
"I‑I'm fine…"
"Next time, then."
Only now did he introduce the room. "So—this is my bedroom. What do you think?"
"This is your room?" Tohka looked around. "It's smaller than the last one, and the bed's kind of tiny."
"Why is that what you care about?" Shichen twitched.
"With a bed this small, how can we all sleep together?" she retorted.
Shichen realized he'd overlooked something important. Tonight might be tricky—Tohru and Chisato also slept with him. The real problem was the bed wasn't big enough.
Maybe he'd better buy a larger one…
"Shichen-dono!"
While he pondered, the room flashed red. A magic circle appeared on the floor—voice before the figures.
Moments later Tohru and Kanna materialized inside, bags of groceries in hand.
"As I thought—Shichen-dono!" Tohru dropped everything and launched into his arms.
"Shichen-dono, I missed you!"
"Tohru, I missed you too." He hugged her tight.
"Hee‑hee—Master's scent… I missed it!"
"…Could you not be so pervy the moment we meet."
"Shichen~ Shichen~" Kanna toddled over, grabbing his clothes. Her voice was soft as milk.
"Aww, Kanna, I missed you!" Shichen freed a hand and scooped her up.
"I missed you too, Shichen."
"Yeah, yeah ~" He rubbed cheek to cheek with her.
"Shichen-dono—don't just spoil Kanna!" Tohru pushed their faces apart, pouting.
"I'm spoiling you too." He rubbed faces with her as well—smooth and springy.
"Hee‑hee, that's better."
"Shichen… who's she?" Tohka finally asked.
"She even has a tail," Yoshino added, staring at Tohru's tail.
"Huh? And you are?" Tohru noticed them at last.
~~~
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