On the other side—
After her bath, Ako Tamaki lay in bed with Mahiru Shiina. It felt a little weird. She'd slept with her mom as a kid, sure, but now she was sharing a bed with a peer—an angelic girl—and that girl was a girlfriend of the man Ako had chosen. It all felt… odd.
Mahiru watched her reddened face, amused.
"What's wrong, Ako—feeling shy?"
"Nope! We're both girls—nothing to be shy about," Ako denied quickly. "It's just… why pull me in to sleep with you? I was planning to take that first step into adulthood with hubby Hayashi Maki tonight!"
Mahiru rolled her eyes. "They say the first time hurts. You're not scared?"
Ako's body gave a little shiver. Thinking of that, her cheeks went hot and she shrank under the covers. "I'm not scared. I'll power through—and hubby Hayashi Maki is gentle. He won't let it hurt for long."
Mahiru smiled and shook her head. "You really do trust him. But tell me: you two only ever chatted in an in-game text box, even 'married' in-game. Are you truly all-in now—body and soul?"
Ako frowned at the challenge.
"Angel-chan, are you doubting my feelings? It wasn't just an online companion to me. I've partied with others, chatted with others—but only hubby always played with me. And once we met for real, he's so, so handsome—and he can support me. I've chosen him. Not even death will change that."
Seeing Ako's resolve, Mahiru squeezed her hand with a smile.
"Since you love and choose him, you accept all of him—every part—and welcome his family. Can you?"
"Of course! By 'family' you mean you—and his other girlfriends, right? If we can truly be family, I'll work at it—no, I will accept it!"
Hearing such certainty, Mahiru felt a touch more respect for her. She hugged Ako gently, stroking her long hair.
"Then let's try to get along. Maki-kun says you're good at cooking—help me make breakfast and bento tomorrow?"
"Absolutely! I was afraid you wouldn't let me show off, Angel-chan."
"Don't call me 'Angel.' Shiina, or just Mahiru."
"Mm… okay, Mahiru. Thank you."
Blushing, Ako thanked her sincerely.
"For what?" Mahiru asked, curious.
Ako fidgeted, burying her cheek against Mahiru's soft chest.
"For being so kind. I might look ditzy, but I'm not dumb. With the way things are, I feel more like… the other woman."
Mahiru tapped her on the forehead.
"So that reality–online confusion of yours—is it fake?"
Ako shook her head. "Not fake… I just prefer to believe what's online. But seeing everyone trying so hard for me—I think I should buck up and get along with everyone."
They talked late into the night. As expected, the two girls became fast friends. Mahiru's warmth wasn't just for show.
—The night passed quietly—
The next morning, Hayashi Maki pinched Megumi Kato's cheek as she lay in his arms.
She'd been awake a while, poking his chest with a finger. He kissed her forehead.
"Megumi, how do you feel?"
"Mm. Pretty good." She nodded serenely—her once-cute face now carrying a different allure. The girl who'd been green yesterday now had a touch of maturity.
After contracting with Megumi, Hayashi Maki had gained "Protagonist of One"—a power to force a three-minute duel in a special space where he was invincible and could spam skills freely. Such a broken skill—from quietly low-presence Saint Megumi. Contracting heroine-retainers really was the shortcut to power.
After a little cuddle and breakfast together, Hayashi Maki walked her home—and returned to his place. Breakfast that morning was made by Ako and Mahiru together, and Hayashi Maki enjoyed the delicious cooking of both his "wives."
Seeing how well they got along left him relieved. With Mahiru there, she could often take Ako out; with that, the clingy girl wouldn't be glued to him all the time.
Ako's over-attachment was tough—mainly because she had too few friends and confidants; he, as her in-game "husband," was the one she trusted most. With Mahiru's care, Ako would soon overcome her fear of reality and grow.
…
Before he knew it, it was afternoon. Hayashi Maki arrived at Shinya Academy. Under envious looks, he walked off hand in hand with Kotonoha Katsura.
Behind them, Sekai Saionji curled her lip and muttered "Scumbag!" The petite girl beside her—Setsuna Kiyoura—stared at Hayashi Maki's back with conflicted eyes, torn.
She hadn't told Sekai her suspicions; she kept them locked in her heart. Meanwhile her curiosity about this "father" only grew—she wanted to understand him.
Hayashi Maki didn't realize two girls were in knots over him. He had already arrived at the Katsura home. As always, the tiny, adorable Kokoro ran straight into his arms. He held her naturally, sat, and began tutoring.
Time was short. He dipped his head, kissed Kokoro lightly, and tutored her for half an hour—then it was her sister Kotonoha's turn. The gentle, jade-like black-haired beauty felt wonderful to hold. Though her delicate body trembled slightly, she shyly pressed her face to his chest.
"Maki-kun, don't go too far…"
"Don't worry, Kotonoha. I cherish you."
Words aside, Hayashi Maki did what he was planning to do. He lowered his head; their lips joined closely. Kotonoha's body quivered; her heart melted—how could she refuse? She could only respond, letting the tenderness unfold naturally.
~~~
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