By mid-June, summer heat was rising in waves, making the days increasingly sweltering.
A few weeks had passed since then.
Kasumino Oka Shiho and Togijima Saeko had reconciled.
Of course, after what had happened, Shiho still carried a subtle reservation toward Saeko, even though it had only been a short time.
It wasn't obvious, but someone as perceptive as Saeko could still notice it.
Yet noticing it didn't bother her at all. She treated Shiho just as she had before, slipping back into their usual interactions.
At school, during lunch breaks—if the club didn't have other obligations—Saeko would invite Shiho to eat together.
Sometimes, when the two classes had joint PE lessons, after sprints or high jump assessments, Saeko would proactively find Shiho to buy cold drinks from the vending machines.
To outsiders, they seemed like inseparable, sisterly best friends.
However, while some issues had temporarily settled, others were only just beginning.
The arrangement Saeko had suggested earlier was, by her own definition, an apology to Shiho.
For the past weeks, she had strictly adhered to the promise she had made on that afternoon at Shiho's house—after Senya left.
She had made it clear that for a while, until Shiho had fully cooled off and felt the previous concealment was forgiven, she wouldn't initiate any intimacy with Senya beyond the bounds of friendship.
Shiho had even asked, deliberately provocative: if I never forgive you, what would you do?
Saeko had remained calm, responding that even if that happened, it would be fine.
At that moment, Saeko had carried an air of unshakable certainty—an assurance that inexplicably reminded Shiho of how Minamoto Senya had already almost completed the "Four Bodies Two Scenes" masterpiece in secret. Everyone knew it, yet the main figure remained indifferent.
Saeko's calm and confident aura, even weeks later, still left Shiho bewildered. Where had that certainty come from?
Was she really not afraid Shiho would try to take Senya away from her completely?
Not only was she unafraid, but recently her reminders had become increasingly frequent…
"After school yesterday, Shiho, you didn't go find Senya, did you? His free time is limited. If there's a chance, you really should seize it."
Just like now…
Shiho herself didn't appear particularly urgent, yet Saeko seemed intensely concerned, constantly offering advice.
It was lunch break.
At the school cafeteria.
As the weather heated up, rooftops, playgrounds, and corridors became unbearable. Even small shaded spots were already occupied by those quicker on their feet. So, for the past few days, Shiho and Saeko had been meeting in the cafeteria during lunch.
It was busier and noisier than other spots, but air-conditioned, cool, and tolerable.
After lunch, they could head to the library until the afternoon classes—a perfect schedule.
Shiho listened to Saeko's words with a hint of helplessness.
"I've been focusing on my novel lately."
"A novel… isn't Senya also good at writing? If you go to his place, spending time together could improve your relationship and maybe he could offer advice to speed up your writing."
"That's just idealistic. Honestly, if I went there, do you think I'd even be able to focus seriously on my novel?"
"True…"
Saeko considered Shiho's words, resting her left palm on her cheek, a shy, thoughtful expression crossing her face.
No explanation was needed—her expression said it all.
"Saeko…"
"Ah, sorry. I just… couldn't help thinking about Senya when I followed your train of thought."
"No need to explain so thoroughly!" Shiho snapped lightly. "You said you wouldn't interfere until I fully cooled off, so why are you thinking about him so openly now?"
"So strict. You can't even think about it?"
"Think all you want, but don't show it in front of me."
"I understand." Saeko nodded, then smiled lightly, unconcerned. "You're surprisingly assertive, Shiho. I hadn't noticed before."
"…"
Show some anger! Even a little!
Shiho let out a sigh. She realized something: Togijima Saeko, in many ways, was virtually untouchable.
She had no answers left.
Saeko took a small bite of soba and continued the conversation.
"So, Shiho, once you finish your novel, are you planning to make your move on Senya?"
Shiho, eating udon, didn't show much outwardly, though she wanted to inside. She replied faintly, maintaining her composure:
"I'll decide when the time comes. I'm not in a hurry."
"Is it really okay to continue being so leisurely? I don't mind, but from your perspective, the sooner you deepen your relationship with Senya, the better."
"What do you mean?"
"Summer vacation is almost here."
"Summer vacation? So what?"
"Yukino will likely return home as usual."
"…"
Shiho's calm aura faltered when she heard the name.
Her chopsticks paused midair; the noodles slowly slipped back into the soup.
That name had triggered a sudden sense of urgency.
Saeko, seemingly harmless, continued:
"Compared to us, Yukino and Eriri have an inherent advantage. They've been with him since childhood, while we were absent. That kind of advantage can't be replicated by effort. I acted so urgently before because I knew this. So Shiho, you'd better feel some urgency too. The current situation favors you, but it won't last forever."
"…"
Shiho lowered her head, pondering.
In every sense, Saeko's words were meant to guide her.
But… it was strange. All of it was strange.
She had already been pushed toward her own boyfriend, yet Saeko urged her to act quickly and "enjoy" him…
Was Saeko genuinely treating her as an ally, or did she secretly have that strange, unspoken thrill of handing over her lover and enjoying the resulting sense of humiliation?
Shiho couldn't tell. She really couldn't.
Still, Saeko's reminder instilled a sense of urgency.
Shiho hadn't been proactive lately—her focus was on her novel.
And, of course, there was still the slight embarrassment.
Advancing her relationship with Senya this way felt unnatural.
But, as Saeko said, this wasn't the time to hesitate.
Her latest novel volume had been submitted to her editor; time was on her side.
Eriri wasn't much of a threat, but the overseas-studying heiress… she needed to be taken seriously.
The childhood bond mattered.
"I'll go see Senya after school today."
Shiho, after a pause under Saeko's gaze, answered firmly.
"Is that so?"
Saeko looked genuinely pleased, her expression openly joyful.
She had tied her hair in a high ponytail, her neck cool and exposed.
The spots Shiho had noticed before had returned to their normal pale color.
"By the way, I have a suggestion."
Saeko suddenly set down her chopsticks and lightly clapped her hands.
"?"
Shiho looked at her, puzzled.
"Why don't you find some excuse and come over to my house today?"
"Wait, why would I go to your house?"
Shiho didn't understand. Saeko's suggestion seemed completely contradictory to earlier plans.
"I mean, you should invite Senya and come to my house together."
"What do you mean?"
Shiho furrowed her brow, confused.
Saeko explained:
"Whether you go to Senya's place or invite him to yours, there will always be interruptions—Rikka, your mom, whoever. You won't be able to be fully alone. But at my place, none of that happens. My dad's away most of the time, I'll be busy with club activities until late, and even if I'm home, I won't disturb you. You can enjoy yourselves freely, no worries."
"…"
"Is there anything unclear about what I just said?"
"…There's one thing."
"What?"
"Saeko… you're not secretly thrilled that I'm finally getting close to Senya, are you?"
Saeko didn't answer directly. She brushed past the question lightly, and Shiho eventually agreed to the plan.
They would meet at Saeko's house after school—Shiho's first deliberate move toward her crush, at the home of his ex-girlfriend.
Thinking about it made Shiho feel strangely excited and awkward.
After school, Saeko quickened her pace to meet Shiho and went over some details:
If Senya hasn't arrived yet, Shiho could go inside first; the door code was…
It was hot; she could help herself to fruit or ice cream from the fridge.
If she wanted a shower, clean towels were available in the bathroom cabinet.
She could wear Saeko's clothes if she wanted, or wash her own in the washer-dryer combo.
In short: meticulous, thoughtful, and welcoming.
"…Anyway, good luck, Shiho. Be happy."
Walking out of the school gates, Shiho felt the weight of those words.
She glanced back and saw Saeko waving at her from the entrance.
Shiho suddenly felt exhausted.
Her phone vibrated. She checked it.
[Saeko: Senya's hug is incredibly warm, and his body under his clothes is amazing. Shiho, enjoy today. I'll be back late. Have a great date.]
Insane…!
Not just Saeko—the thought of it made Shiho herself react the same way.
What once seemed absurd and impossible now felt… natural.
Still, this situation was ridiculously over the top…
Not even adult films had plots this extreme…
Shiho carried her conflicted thoughts as she took the train and walked the remaining distance to Togijima's house.
Revealing her home code to a friend so freely… that was almost unbelievable.
Shiho didn't enter immediately. She stood in the shadow of the eaves and called Minamoto Senya.
"Hey, Senya, it's me…"
"…"
"You're at the supermarket… I've arrived…"
"…"
"I'll wait outside. It feels weird to go in first. I'll come in with you."
"…"
"No rush. Yes, it's hot, but it's fine… I'll come straight to you and carry some things too."
"…"
"Okay, I'm on my way."
After hanging up, Shiho exhaled. Despite her many concerns, her girlish excitement won out.
Blushing, she checked her map app, memorized the route, and headed down the street to the right.
…
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