I decided to empty my mind. It's not like I'm feeling lewd at all, but just in case, you know, just in case. Should I empty it just to be safe? Like that. Go with nothingness? Like that.
And in that state of nothingness, I pulled off Lucie-chan's casual dress like pulling up a big turnip.
Pure white, smooth skin was exposed before my eyes. When faced with something incredibly beautiful, people's hearts should pound, but since I was in a state of nothingness, it was nothing to me. Amaori Renako isn't here. There's only nothingness in human form.
The dress retained Lucie-chan's warmth, and I could sense her lingering scent...
—It was nothing to me!
I folded it neatly and put it on the table! Mission complete! Dismissed!
But that wasn't the end.
"Mm..."
Lucie-chan still wasn't moving. Her back still turned toward me.
Hmm...?
Lucie-chan was now in her underwear. Before me was the back clasp of a black bra with delicate embroidery.
...That too!?
Well! This is also just one page of an ordinary, everyday scene! I can do this! After all, we're just gaming friends! And I'm in a state of nothingness right now!
With trembling fingertips, I unhooked Lucie-chan's bra clasp.
A trophy notification popped up in the upper right of my vision. I had unlocked the achievement of undressing a girl's underwear for the first time in my life.
Lucie-chan wriggled to remove the shoulder straps. It was nothing really... Well, I put on a bra every morning too... Actually, I learned for the first time that taking it off is easier than putting it on. Though my fingers are still trembling...
But for the third time.
When Lucie-chan turned toward me on the bed, she extended her legs together toward me.
Lucie-chan was now topless, wearing only panties.
"Mm."
In other words, that too...?
...
I climbed onto the bed and sat down in front of Lucie-chan.
Then, as I reached my fingers toward her panties...
I am nothingness. I am nothingness...? What exactly is nothingness... Uggggh...
As I reached out...
My hand toward Lucie-chan's pure white skin. Just as I was about to touch her soft groin area.
Yup!
Can't do it! (※No freaking way I can do it!)
I forcibly pulled Lucie-chan's arms.
"Alright! Let's take a bath! Lucie-chan, we're taking a bath!? We're taking a bath so you need to undress yourself! Okay!"
"...Fai."
Pulling the drained Lucie-chan's hand, we headed determinedly to the bathroom.
No matter how kindergarten-level her emotions are, Lucie-chan's appearance is that of a peerless beauty! There's no way I could do it!
Lucie-chan sank up to her shoulders in the large, bowl-shaped bathtub.
"Phew..."
Looking down at that scene, I felt accomplished.
Youko-chan probably takes care of things like this regularly. My sympathy for Youko-chan continued to grow boundlessly.
Just from accompanying Lucie-chan for one day, I'd been swung around like a morning star and was completely worn out physically and mentally...
Days like this, every day...
You worked hard, Youko-chan... You're admirable... You're a model maid... Even biting my body was because you were stressed, right, yeah... I forgive you now... If it's okay with me, you can bite me as much as you want... Sorry, that's a lie.
"Renako-sama..."
"Mm."
I turned around at the weak voice.
Lucie-chan was looking up at me like a wet cat.
"...Won't you join me?"
"...Mmmm."
I furrowed my brow for a while.
Bath... a bath, huh.
How is that... Is that cheating... or not cheating...?
I reflected on my life. When I bathed with Kaho-chan, I wasn't dating Mai and Ajisai-san yet. Hanatori-san just scrubbed my body, and with Youko-chan it was force majeure...
This time it's a pattern where I can relatively decide whether to get in or not by my own will...
Among those choices, if I choose the 'get in' option, it would feel unfair to Mai and Ajisai-san...
...H-how about it?
But (the Mai in my heart) quietly shook her head.
'Please take care of Lucie, Renako. Be kind to her.'
...R-right.
I can't really push away Lucie-chan, who's lost her place and thinks Mai and Satsuki-san hate her...
Ajisai-san (in my heart) also gently nodded, saying 'That's right.' Yeah yeah. Ajisai-san really is kind.
...But really? Lately I feel like Ajisai-san has been directing somewhat complex feelings toward me...
Let me ask more carefully. I-is it okay? Ajisai-san.
The Ajisai-san in my heart smiled warmly and brightly.
'...Yeah, I think it's fine.'
That felt like quite a long pause!?
"...Renako-sama?"
Ugh...! I went to the washing area and took off my top.
Sorry, Ajisai-san... I'll definitely make up for this! Definitely!
Just for now... please close those cute little eyes!
After undressing and quickly washing my body with the shower, I sat down next to Lucie-chan...
Taking a bath alone with a friend... This is one moment I never feel like I'll get used to. Well, if I got used to it, I think it'd be over...
"..."
Silence echoed in the steamy bathroom.
Lucie-chan had been clinging tightly to my arm like a small child hugging a teddy bear.
Which means Lucie-chan's chest was pressing firmly against my upper arm.
F-friends...!!
Lucie-chan leaned against my shoulder with absolutely no impure thoughts. Ugh... She's really close...
Why does a girl's skin feel so pleasant when you touch it...
Everywhere is soft and warm...
Even without attachment or romantic feelings, it makes my emotions surge. Almost enough to make me misunderstand something...
Discomfort, ticklishness, and just a little bit of comfort.
Lucie-chan murmured.
"I'm sorry about today."
"U-um."
"For dragging you around in various ways."
That's absolutely true! Because of Lucie-chan, I had my first cabaret club experience...!
But somehow... I didn't feel like simply saying 'That's right'... I put on an ambiguous smile.
"W-well, I think it's fine...! When you're about to become self-destructive, having a friend who'll keep you company is something to be grateful for."
When I was worrying about how to answer Mai and Ajisai-san's confessions, Kaho-chan kept me company in various ways, which is why I can still be living like this.
If someone needs me, I want to help them too.
I think that's how the world goes around.
"Renako-sama..."
Lucie-chan said in a voice that seemed deeply moved.
"Won't you marry me?"
"—Uweh!?"
A scream involuntarily escaped. Th-this is too much need!
I turned to see the wet-eyelashed beauty right next to me.
Eyes like amethyst steadily reflected me.
"...Would you hate it? Becoming family with Lucie..."
"Ah, um...!"
I involuntarily swallowed my words.
I understood. There wasn't a speck of joking in Lucie-chan's tone. She might just be hurt with tunnel vision, clinging to someone nearby who's being kind... but in this moment, Lucie-chan was undoubtedly serious.
So I have to answer seriously too... But what should I say...
Saying 'Sure, sounds good! Let's do it!' as if it were a joke would be the easiest way to get through this situation, but it would be the worst possible choice...
"And so I ended up marrying Lucie-chan! (lol)" If I reported that to Mai and Ajisai-san, they'd push me off the rooftop and coordinate their stories to commit the perfect crime.
But if I answered 'Impossible,' I'd hurt Lucie-chan again!
No. I want the world to stop entrusting me with choices. All of this is because I got cocky and said 'I'll steer my own life! lol'...! Sorry God! I won't say things like that anymore! Please forgive me!
I decided on a third option—stalling for time.
"W-well, to begin with, girls can't marry each other in Japan!?"
"? You can in France."
Lucie-chan said it like it was perfectly natural. Well, of course! Otherwise she wouldn't use the word 'fiancée' in the first place!
With a forced, artificial smile plastered on, I asked back.
"Do you like me, Lucie-chan?"
"I like you."
Lucie-chan declared it decisively.
A direct confession straight on! My heart was shot through!
Amaori Renako, age 15! Death!
"But—"
No, I was alive... Close call, barely survived with just a fatal wound...
Lucie-chan looked down there.
"I like everyone who stays by my side."
Lucie-chan murmured as if it were something very lonely.
"I like Mai and Satsuki because they were my very first friends. I like Renée because she gave me a place to belong. I like Youko because she stays with me. I like Renako-sama because you're kind. I think Lucie would be happier than now no matter who she married."
As I thought, the feelings Lucie-chan directs toward me aren't romantic.
Well... it's not like you have to have romantic feelings to get married... If both people can acknowledge that value system...
"...Renako-sama."
Lucie-chan's skin pressed against me urged me to choose.
Ugh...
Even as I was almost completely distracted, I voiced my true feelings.
"Um... you know, I... like Lucie-chan too... as a friend."
Lucie-chan's face didn't light up at those words I added like an excuse.
"I'd never had a friend I could talk about games with, so I was happy to meet Lucie-chan. We just met, but I feel like Lucie-chan and I could become much closer friends."
It's really difficult to talk about important things while thinking about what you want to say and how the other person will feel if you say it.
"I want to keep being friends with Lucie-chan from now on... That's all my true feelings."
But.
"But... I can't marry Lucie-chan."
This was completely different from rejecting Mai and Satsuki-san's words about marriage. I was really scared of hurting Lucie-chan, who was still earnestly waiting for my answer.
Still, if what we're both seeking is at cross-purposes, I have to tell her.
That's surely what it means to face someone seriously.
"Because I have someone I love."
Lucie-chan didn't look away and asked back.
"More than Lucie?"
What a cruel question!
Ugh... I don't want to rank anyone... But I can't dodge this by saying 'I like you both the same amount!'...
"Yeah... Sorry..."
My sense of guilt swelled and I couldn't help adding that unnecessary 'sorry.' If I'm going to apologize, I shouldn't have refused in the first place! The sharpness of the knife stabbing me increased...
Lucie-chan nodded slightly as if she'd known all along.
"I see."
The knife's point wavered and turned toward Lucie-chan.
...Because Lucie-chan likes Mai and Satsuki-san more than me too, right?
Maybe I should have said that defiantly. But I couldn't. I just fell silent.
Lucie-chan changed position. She buried her face in my chest from the front.
Wait, that's...!
Pretty embarrassing. Clinging tightly to me, Lucie-chan murmured:
"Then, as a concubine..."
"Wait!?"
Stop presenting me with third options!? I already chose something similar once before!
"Hehe, just kidding."
"Really? Really?"
Making jokes at this timing shows some real character, Lucie-chan... She has a different type of devilish woman attribute from Kaho-chan...
Alternating between serious and joking, my emotions are completely messed up...
In the silence that fell again.
"...Maman..."
Still clinging to me, Lucie-chan spoke wistfully.
...Lucie-chan who said she had no family and was lonely.
My chest tightened.
What must it feel like to go home every day to an empty room with no one there? I can't really imagine the harsh fate that Lucie-chan, not much different in age from me, carries.
Isn't there some way for all of us to be happy?
I always end up empathizing with everyone. This probably isn't a good thing.
...I want Lucie-chan to be happy too.
Yeah.
I let my words slip out.
"Hey, Lucie-chan. If you really had nowhere to go..."
I put my arms around the back of Lucie-chan who looked up at me.
As if accepting those feelings.
"When that time comes, um... Eventually, as friends, want to share an apartment? We might not be able to stay together forever... but maybe it would make you a little less lonely."
"...Renako-sama."
Beautiful eyes sparkled, reflecting light.
...What should I do? I said it on impulse.
Maybe sometime there really will be an opportunity to properly introduce Lucie-chan to Mai and Ajisai-san...
But somehow, just somehow.
I felt like that future wouldn't come.
Lucie-chan pressed closer to me.
"...I really do love you. Renako-sama is so kind."
"Mm..."
"If I had a maman, I think... she would have been kind to me like this."
I suddenly became a mother!?
I had a big sister, but such a big daughter would be completely overwhelming... Plus, she's too beautiful to be my daughter...
"I'll think about it more... slowly. What Lucie really wants to do..."
"...Mm."
Lucie-chan smiled shyly, just a little.
"If the result is that what I really want to do is blow up Queen Rose, then please help me again."
"Nn! Hard to say yes!"
At my cry, Lucie-chan giggled.
"Hehehe."
This time, as if truly reassured, Lucie-chan buried her face in my chest.
And then—
"—!?"
I involuntarily writhed.
Wait!
Covering my chest with both hands, I cried out with my whole body.
"Lucie-chan!? Did you just suck on my chest!?"
Lucie-chan whimpered sweetly.
"Maman~"
"Hey!?"
Amaori Renako, age 15.
For the first time in her life, she unlocked the achievement of having her breasts sucked—.
After that... we rested a bit and left the hotel.
Then Youko-chan (!?) who had been waiting outside collected Lucie-chan and took her home.
Apparently she'd been following us all day. Since taking care of Lucie-chan was her job, after all.
She could have helped out partway through...!
Seeing my face that clearly had a lot to say, Youko-chan promised to make it up to me later. Really now... really now...!
And one more thing.
What Lucie-chan decided was what she "really wanted to do" would greatly change the fate of me, Mai, and Satsuki-san... but that's a story for a little further ahead.
*** ***
Bedroom. Sitting on the large bed in her home, Oduka Mai stared into the darkness.
The door opened. Light filtered in faintly as Koto Satsuki entered.
"Still bothering you?"
"...Mm."
Satsuki sat next to Mai, who gave an ambiguous response.
Wrapped in a bathrobe, Satsuki dried her wet hair with a bath towel.
"We decided this together."
As if opening a heavy mouth, Mai murmured.
"Deceiving Mama, and even hurting Lucie."
No trace remained on Satsuki's slapped cheek. While there was no doubt Lucie had been serious in that moment, she probably couldn't bring herself to truly strike Satsuki hard.
"That's right. But you still want to be with that woman, don't you?"
"..."
Mai's eyes wavered.
Seeing this, Satsuki frowned slightly.
"That's your 'love,' isn't it?"
"Satsuki, I—"
As if crushing Mai's attempted words.
"What? Or are you giving up?"
When she looked over, Mai stared back at her.
A serious expression filled with strong will.
"If that's what you want, I wouldn't mind. If you say that mere love isn't worth deceiving family and hurting a childhood friend."
At those words, Mai:
"...That's right, yes."
She clasped her hands together in front of her chest.
Words of determination overflowed.
"The moment I involved you, I could only move forward. Following my heart's call. To fulfill my own wishes."
"..."
I see. Still only that much.
Satsuki lit a dark flame in the depths of her eyes.
Are you that intoxicated with yourself for being in love?
Then more.
Piling up many difficulties and sacrifices ahead on this path—.
Satsuki stroked Mai's cheek.
"Mai."
Calling that name she'd called thousands, tens of thousands of times since childhood.
Drawing her face closer.
Mai didn't look away.
She just called back.
"Satsuki."
That voice was strangely gentle.
As if accepting all of her.
"...!"
As if repelled, Satsuki pushed Mai's shoulders.
Mai fell back onto the bed. Satsuki looked down at Mai, covering her.
"Since we're fiancées."
Satsuki spoke with an expression like biting her lower lip.
"We should do at least this much, or we'll surely be suspected."
If told she had to offer her body as well, what kind of face would Mai show? Satsuki just wanted to know that.
But—
"...I see."
Mai's eyes, lying on her back, reflected Satsuki.
"I understand."
—I understand.
...I understand?
Does that mean it's fine?
You're dating that woman, aren't you?
Yet you don't mind if I steal your lips? Is that your determination toward 'love'?
—You would go that far?
Mai, who had been looking up at Satsuki, closed her eyes as if entrusting even her heart.
—Her pulse was disturbed.
She felt like she could hear her heart creaking from within.
"...Fine then."
She turned away.
"That was just testing your feelings. If your heart is that decided, you won't slip up."
Standing up, she tried to leave Mai's room with the excuse of blow-drying her hair.
A voice called from behind.
"Satsuki."
Satsuki stopped.
But didn't turn around.
"I'm grateful to you."
—At words that seemed to see through even her heart.
"Disgusting."
Satsuki left a murmur resembling spitting and exited the room.
**Chapter 3: There's No Freaking Way Three People Can Date! (※It Actually Worked!)**
"So then~"
Ajisai-san clapped her hands half-heartedly and announced with a somewhat jaded smile.
"First meeting of the 'Let's Console Me and Rena-chan Who Got Dumped by Mai-chan Society'~ Yay~"
"That's what this meeting was!?"
And right next to us was the person in question.
"Well well... what a predicament."
Mai smiled like someone fondly exasperated by a beloved pet dog.
Is this okay!? Isn't there tension from the get-go!?
—This won't do. Walking between the two of them, I raised my index finger to lighten the mood with an extra-large joke.
"Yeah... you're having a real *Mai-jor* problem!"
My voice echoed emptily.
...Huh? Didn't they hear me?
"A *Mai-jor* problem... right!?"
Both Ajisai-san and Mai showed no reaction.
"Well, you see... you said 'what a predicament' so... that's why, um, 'Mai-jor'... like 'major' but with your name Mai... it's a double meaning, you know...?"
... ... Should I just die?
"So then, Mai-chan."
Ajisai-san cleared her throat and moved the conversation along as if nothing had happened. Amaori Renako, survival route—.
"Today we're going to spoil you lots and lots, so be prepared!"
Ajisai-san pointed at Mai cutely but firmly.
Mai put her hand to her chest and smiled gracefully.
"Of course. I'm sorry for making you both so anxious. And thank you for creating this opportunity to make up for it, Ajisai."
Oh, there was no tension at all. I was the only one who was overwhelmed (death).
Right. Today was a date with all three of us—Mai, Ajisai-san, and me.
At first we talked about redoing our amusement park date that Mai couldn't attend due to work, but Mai herself said that since she'd caused us both worry this time, she wanted to plan the date content herself.
So today's escort was Mai.
We'd already talked things through with Mai about the recent incident with Lucie-chan (including Satsuki-san). We decided to leave Lucie-chan alone for a while. Our views matched! Good. Satsuki-san also seemed (on the surface) not too angry, which was a relief.
So we were leisurely walking through Tokyo's streets in early December.
Somehow, going out with just the three of us felt like it had been a really long time.
We hadn't had time to rest lately...
Both Mai and Ajisai-san had already switched to winter clothes—Mai in her elegant long coat and Ajisai-san fluffy in her flare coat both embodied beauty and cuteness. So wonderful to look at.
Oh, I'm wearing the duffle coat I bought in middle school. I don't have money to buy new winter clothes... When my next allowance comes in (and if there aren't any games I want), maybe...!
"So where are we headed?"
When I asked, Mai smiled with a "hehehe."
"A wonderful place, of course."
Oh... Mai's usual 'habit' is showing.
I asked Ajisai-san:
"...Where do you think?"
"Hmm... knowing Mai-chan, maybe a super stylish hotel cafe?"
"Still too naive, Ajisai-san."
"Eh?"
I acted like I understood Mai and wagged my finger.
"There's no way it's somewhere ordinary people would imagine. Knowing Mai, she'll definitely exceed our expectations in every way."
"In every way...!"
Ajisai-san clenched her fist and gasped. Mai listened to our conversation with a grin.
"So what's Rena-chan's guess?"
I glanced at Mai's profile. Judging from that suggestive smile...
"A luxury cruise ship tour...!"
"Eh?"
"And then the three of us go on a world trip!"
"What should we do, Rena-chan! I didn't bring my passport!"
"I'm sure that's been arranged too!"
"What about school!?"
"They've arranged for us to take classes online!"
"Waaa!"
As Ajisai-san and I got excited, Mai murmured "I see."
"That's another option. I'll try it next time."
"That would be a problem!?"
"I-I'd also cause trouble if I left home too long..."
"Then we'll invite Ajisai's family too. It's sure to be a fun trip."
"Waaaa..."
Seeing Ajisai-san cry out in admiration, Mai laughed without reservation. The scary thing is she'd probably really do it if she decided to...!
"Money is nice... When you have money, happiness spreads..."
"Of course, there's plenty of happiness that money can't buy."
Mai spread her hands lightly and smiled at Ajisai-san and me.
"For example, no matter how much money I piled up, I couldn't obtain Renako and Ajisai's hearts."
Ajisai-san giggled and agreed, saying "That's right."
But is that really true!
I feel like my heart could be bought with money relatively easily...!? With a PC equipped with the latest graphics card or a full set of gadgets used by professional gamers...!
But saying that would dampen this warm atmosphere, so I just made an agreeing sound like "That's true~." Because it might sound like I decided to date Mai because she's rich...?
That's when it happened.
The recent memory of literally 'happiness bought with money' flashed back in my mind.
The dimly lit store interior. A lady in a dress with an open neckline. Her gorgeous body leaning close, placing her hand on my thigh, with an adult smile bringing her lips to my ear—
"Uwaaaaaaaaaaaah!"
"Eh!?"
"R-Renako!?"
I looked back at the two with vacant eyes.
"Eh!? What happened!? Did something just occur!?"
"Eh!?"
"You suddenly screamed..."
"Really!? That happens sometimes! What a surprise!"
Now they're completely looking at me like I'm abnormal.
"M-Mai-chan... What's wrong with Rena-chan...?"
"I don't know... Hey, Renako. If something happened, you can talk to us about it..."
Actually, they're genuinely worried!
"I-I'm totally fine!? Peace peace!"
This is bad. Mai and Ajisai-san don't trust me enough to be fooled by such acting. Rather, because they trust me, they might be convinced something happened.
That's right. Though I hate to say it myself, since we started dating, I've gradually earned their trust. Even though there was a period when I was lost calling them A and B!
If that's the case, rather than suffering while keeping secrets, confessing would be easier. With our current level of trust, surely they'd understand there were circumstances.
Alright.
'Actually, Lucie-chan and I lied about being college students, used my sister's fake name, and went to a cabaret club! We played the King's Game for the first time! After leaving the shop, we went to a hotel together where I undressed her and we took a bath together, but since we're friends it doesn't count, right!'
Hehehe, how about that?
Surely they'd believe there was nothing improper! Right?
Impossible!!
Why, why did it come to this... God, why... The ones I love are Mai and Ajisai-san...
"N-now Rena-chan is silently bumping her head against a telephone pole..."
"And she's smiling too..."
I turned toward them while crying (but smiling with just my mouth).
"Sorry... I can't right now, but... someday, definitely someday, I'll tell you both..."
"Y-yeah..."
"What on earth happened..."
I weakly grabbed both their hands.
So warm... I wish this warmth could sterilize and disinfect my heart too...
By the way, I've been keeping in touch with Lucie-chan since then. Right now she's apparently focused on work she has left to finish in Japan.
Whether she'll stay in Japan from now on is up to Lucie-chan, but I selfishly hope she'll settle down in Japan...
Since we became friends, we could go to cabaret clubs together again☆
Just kidding!?
Close call. I'm starting to not know which thoughts are my real feelings. Have I really broken down...? Can I never go back to how I was...?
"Uu, Mai, Ajisai-san... Please hit me. Strike my cheek with all your strength... If you two don't hit me, I don't even have the right to embrace you..."
"Why Run, Melos...?"
"...It seems something really serious happened."
Mai nodded to Ajisai-san.
"Well then, shall we do it together?"
"You're really going to hit her!?"
"If Renako stays like this all day, this won't be a date."
"Th-that's true, but..."
Mai's hand reached out suddenly.
So abruptly!?
Even though I asked for it myself, I wasn't prepared at all when Mai—squeezed my cheek with a "squish."
"Ow."
"Hehehe. Come on, Ajisai too."
"Y-yeah... S-sorry...?"
Ajisai-san gently pinched my other cheek.
Then both released their fingers simultaneously. Ow.
"A-are you okay?"
I held my stinging cheeks. Hehehe, this pain will bring me back to my senses... The 'punishment' has been delivered. The evil corrupting this body has departed.
"Hehe, hehehehe, thank you... Ah, it hurts... I'm happy..."
"Sh-she's laughing..."
Ajisai-san was completely put off to the end.
Then she whispered to Mai conspiratorially.
"H-hey... If our girlfriend awakens to weird hobbies, what should we do...?"
"When that time comes, we'll have to try our best to understand."
"Uu... O-okay!"
Ajisai-san clenched her fists with determination.
That was incredibly cute, but it's not like that, okay? I didn't become a fan of S&M play or anything...?
Well, I suppose if Ajisai-san kicked me while saying 'Haah... This is why Rena-chan is such a hopeless person...' with Satsuki-san-level verbal abuse, I might awaken to new fetishes...
Actually, I wonder... that would just normally hurt... In that case, wouldn't it be doubly beneficial to have angelic Ajisai-san do something she'd absolutely never normally do, then afterward have her worry about me like 'Rena-chan, I'm sorry, did that hurt...?'...?
"Well, we've arrived."
While I was thinking such sacrilegious thoughts, Mai stopped in front of an unremarkable building.
Ajisai-san continued the earlier joke and looked around.
"This is... it definitely doesn't look like the entrance to a cruise, does it?"
Having completed my purification and returned completely to sanity, I slowly shook my head.
"No no. We can't relax yet, Ajisai-san. There might be a secret passage extending from the building's basement all the way to the harbor."
"That sounds illegal!?"
Guided by a chuckling Mai, we took the elevator to the building's fifth floor. When Mai unlocked and opened the door, what she showed us was yet another unremarkable apartment unit.
A 1LDK with a large kitchen. This is...
"A rental space?"
"Right."
Mai nodded at Ajisai-san's words.
Then, with the charming smile of a beauty excitedly wondering what to do to surprise us with pure goodwill, she announced:
"Today, I thought we'd have a dumpling party together."
"Dumplings."
"A party...!"
In a way, an even more surprising event than a world cruise...!
The dining table already had all the necessary ingredients and seasonings prepared.
"Mai-chan arranged this too?"
As Ajisai-san hung her coat on a hanger and asked, Mai smiled.
"Yes. I was preparing by myself since morning. It was fun."
"Why a dumpling party...?"
It felt wild to ask that question, but I was curious so I couldn't help it.
Mai put her hand to her mouth and said with a cool expression:
"I saw it on TV the other day and wanted to try it."
"..."
That was an incredibly trivial reason.
She sounds like an airheaded extrovert (prejudice)...
But Mai with a trendy, extroverted mindset is undeniably cute... Mai is so cute...
"But then, couldn't we have done this at Mai's house!? Where was the need to rent a space!?"
"This way would be more surprising, right?"
"You're too committed to surprising people!"
But that's Mai's cute point... I guess.
Well, that's right... Mai is cute. Mai is cute...
Imagining Mai enthusiastically preparing for a dumpling party since morning is incredibly heartwarming. Mai is always so earnest... Mai LOVE...
"I've never made dumplings by hand before."
While I was fumbling to take off my coat, Ajisai-san had already washed her hands in the kitchen and was happily arranging ingredients from shopping bags on the table. So efficient!
"Yeah, I'm inexperienced too. I think I prepared everything necessary, but if anything's missing we can go shopping later."
Looking at what was arranged: ground pork, cabbage, Chinese chives, green onions. There were dumpling wrappers too.
"First we make the filling."
"Right. I should have brought an apron from home."
"I prepared aprons for everyone too. Look."
"Wow, so cute~. Then I'll borrow one."
Mai and Ajisai-san laughed harmoniously together while putting on aprons.
Oh... so domestic and cute...! Wait, I need to put on an apron too since I'm working! Fumble, fumble...
"Alright. Mai-chan, what work do you want to do?"
"There's only one cutting board and knife set, so I'll leave the cutting to Ajisai. I'll proceed with other preparations."
"Okay!"
While I struggled with my apron, the two finished their quick coordination. It was decided we'd proceed that way.
Ajisai-san first washed the vegetables with water, and Mai opened the ground pork into a bowl. The two besides me began working.
...This is bad!
I know this feeling... It's the same as during cooking class, wandering around capable girls while waiting for every second to pass!
I don't want to be unemployed! Please give me some work too...!
"U-um! Is there anything I can help with...?"
I asked nervously. Then Ajisai-san would float a mocking smile saying 'Eh? Rena-chan can't do anything, right? lol Just sit there lol'... No! This is my past trauma!
The real angel Ajisai-san rhythmically moved her knife with a "chop chop" while smiling gently.
"Then, I'll entrust Rena-chan with an important job. We're going to make the filling and wrap dumplings now, so please prepare a large plate to arrange lots of dumplings on."
"Understood! Leave it to Renako!"
At Ajisai-san's words that somehow sounded like she was talking to a small child (she probably does this at home), I raised my hand like I was her elementary school little sister.
Ugh, Ajisai-san doesn't leave anyone out... I carried the plates while crying inside. I'd wanted to be in Ajisai-san's group since middle school... If I had been, I would have become even more emotionally dependent on Ajisai-san...
Always going to Ajisai-san during breaks, following behind Ajisai-san 24 hours a day... If Ajisai-san tried to go somewhere alone I'd track her down, and if she got along with other friends I'd demand she only talk with me... becoming that kind of woman...
Terrifying! What an unhealthy story!
I love Ajisai-san, but if that's all there was, it would be the end... I don't want to become someone who conveniently uses others for my own happiness...
But what if the roles were reversed...? If Ajisai-san followed me around 24 hours a day...? I'd be happy! You can depend on me emotionally as much as you want! Right!?
But Ajisai-san (unlike me) lives admirably, so that would absolutely never happen. The end—.
Just as I finished arranging the plates, Ajisai-san gave me the next mission with perfect timing. As expected of Ajisai-san! The angel who rules the kitchen!
"Then next, could you cook some rice?"
"Yes!"
I replied loudly, and then I froze in front of the rice cooker.
... Here I'll reveal a shocking fact.
I have never cooked rice!
Eh... What should I do? Rice... If I concentrate, will it become rice...?
This is bad. Cold sweat started dripping down.
Ugh, I don't want them to find out... I don't want them to know that I'm someone who hasn't cooked rice once in 15 years...! Ajisai-san always cooks for her family... Meanwhile, I just occasionally help my mom...
I am... My mood sank. Ah, I am...
I thought a "dumpling party" would be more fun.
This is more like a "expose and kill the woman who can't cook festival"...!
Or maybe I should pretend my stomach hurts and escape to the bathroom...? Then the rice would surely be cooked by the time I came back... yeah... I wouldn't have to expose my shameful state...
Actually... Isn't my mental tendency to always consider escape as the first move exactly what's shameful...?
Uuu... It's okay, Ajisai-san won't abandon me now... She won't...!
I gathered courage and called out to Ajisai-san who was working.
"U-um. Sorry, I actually have never cooked rice before!"
Ajisai-san stopped her knife and looked up.
"So, um... I'd like you to teach me..."
"Really?"
Ajisai-san smiled.
"Then let's do it together."
"Y-yeah!"
That's right. When you do anything for the first time, it's the first time... there's nothing embarrassing about it! Ajisai-san and Mai wouldn't laugh at me...!
I'm such a petty person who only thinks about making myself look good, so I really hate and struggle with exposing weaknesses... but I think it's better than always running away...!
Ajisai-san washed her hands, took the rice cooker's inner pot, lightly rinsed it with water, and scooped Mai's rice with a measuring cup.
"Hmm, let's cook about 2 cups. Like this, see."
"Y-yes."
"Put water up to the line, wash it like this, and repeat until the wash water isn't white anymore."
Ajisai-san stood behind me and reached her hands forward. Almost like hugging me.
E-eek...
My heart, which had been pounding with shame until now, started pounding for a different reason. I could feel Ajisai-san's body temperature through our aprons...
No, that's not it! I'm going to work hard to upgrade from Amaori Renako who can't cook rice to Amaori Renako who can cook rice! Listen properly to the explanation!
"Yeah, good job, good job... hehe, that's the way, Rena-chan."
Wait!
That's not good! Body temperature is one thing, but whispering in my ear is a lethal dose!
Because Ajisai-san's whisper voice is sexy!
And so we completed our rice washing in a two-person jacket state. Our first joint work, Ajisai-san... hehe... But I don't have time to say such things. I still feel like Ajisai-san's voice is soaked into my eardrums... hah, hah...
A-alright, let's cook it. I pressed the rice cooker's quick cook button. Click.
With this, I successfully cooked rice for the first time in my life...! So I won't forget this memory, maybe I'll try cooking rice at home sometimes too. Mom will probably be surprised. Like, you just washed rice, added the right amount of water, and pressed the rice cooker button, right?
Then Mai came over next to me.
"You looked like you were having quite a lot of fun."
"W-well, yeah!"
I puffed out my chest defiantly.
"Then how about we knead the filling together next?"
"I want to try it!"
Now that I'd cooked rice, I wasn't afraid of anything.
"It's like making hamburgers, right?"
"Oh, have you made them before?"
"No, but!"
Mai laughed as if looking at something endearing. Wh-what?
"Well then, like this... let's mix in the ingredients Ajisai cut for us with the seasonings and knead it."
"Yes!"
After dumping in cabbage, chives, green onions, and various other things, she added some pre-mixed seasoning liquid and Mai plunged her hands right into the ground meat.
The Oduka Mai is making dumplings... What a surreal image...
"Come on, Renako too."
"Y-yeah."
I tried to nervously stick my hands in from the front, flanking the bowl with Mai.
"Not like that, here."
"Eh... eh!?"
This time Mai embraced me from behind!
The same two-person jacket mode as before!?
"I-I can mix meat by myself!"
"No, there's a proper technique. I saw it on TV. Like this, drawing circles, firmly."
"Y-yes...!"
This is bad. Even scenes where I'd normally retort "That can't be right!" I can't refute because I'm overwhelmingly outmatched in knowledge...! I don't know anything about making dumplings...!
Mai wrapped her arms around me from behind, hugging me tight, and said:
"That's right... slowly, gently. Keep going until it gets sticky."
Uuuu...
Mai's whisper voice also seems more sultry than usual, but maybe it's my imagination...!?
While looking at Ajisai-san with lewd eyes is absolutely forbidden, I do look at Mai a little lewdly...! Because Mai is always beautiful, cool, has cute aspects, and we've kissed plenty...!
Plus when I look at Mai lewdly, she notices and gets embarrassed but also seems just a little happy... That's so endearing and torments my brain...
Mai has always said she likes both touching and being touched by someone she loves... So I become conscious of it!
No no! Don't think unnecessary thoughts, Amaori Renako! Right now, to make delicious dumplings, concentrate single-mindedly on kneading the filling!
Mai whispered from behind:
"Good, Renako... That's right, watch your strength. Yeah, you're doing well..."
Could dumpling-making possibly be something lewd...!?
I'm getting completely confused!
As I fell into a state of complete bewilderment:
"Huh? Isn't Rena-chan's face a bit red?"
"Eek!"
Ajisai-san peered into my face! Stop! Don't look at such an impure me!
"I-I don't think so! Maybe the heating is too strong!?"
"I'm actually a bit cold though?"
"Is that so I have a high body temperature I'm sure!"
"Hup."
"!?"
Even Ajisai-san hugged me! Why!?
"I'll mix-mix too!"
"Oh my. Maybe I should have gotten a bigger bowl."
"Hup, hup!"
"Hehehe."
To put it in terms—with Mai and Ajisai-san hugging and sandwiching me, I was like the filling wrapped in dumpling skin. Maybe I'll be cooked piping hot like this—
Dumpling-making really is something lewd, isn't it!?!?
"Haah... I'm so full..."
I slumped deep into my chair.
Not a single dumpling remained on the plate placed before the three of us. The rice I'd deliciously cooked was also completely finished.
The process of each of us wrapping the completed filling in dumpling skins was also fun.
Mai's wrapped dumplings were beautifully shaped like works of art, Ajisai-san's were big and voluminous, and mine were clumsy with skin torn in places.
Being able to tell at a glance whose dumpling was whose was also interesting.
I insisted I'd take responsibility and eat the dumplings I wrapped! But both Mai and Ajisai-san didn't mind and ate them happily.
Having people eat the dumplings I wrapped was... unexpectedly heartwarming.
With these three, even failure wasn't scary. We enjoyed experimenting—adding kimchi, trying cheese—and were completely satisfied.
"The dumpling party... was fun..."
"I'm glad."
Mai, sitting next to me, smiled brightly. No matter how full she was, Mai somehow remained elegant. Maybe her human mechanisms are different.
"Thank you for planning it, Mai-chan."
"You're welcome. But I was the one who wanted to try it. I thought it would surely be fun together with you two."
"Yeah, it was fun."
After laughing like that, Ajisai-san sitting across from me stretched lightly.
"Mm... My stomach hurts from being so full."
"Ahaha, yeah."
Ajisai-san looking pained from being so full is also cute... I wonder if her stomach is sticking out more than usual, all round... Nice, I want to touch it...
...Wait!? Isn't that perverted!?
I imagined Ajisai-san with her stomach showing and shook my head vigorously. Close call. I was saved by not being perverted. I almost became perverted. Phew, somehow I managed...!
I hurriedly changed the subject.
"Actually! Cooking is fun!"
"Right?"
When I stated that mundane observation, Ajisai-san laughed cheerfully.
"Cooking while thinking of someone is always fun."
"Like when Ajisai-san made cheesecake for us before?"
"Yup!"
Watching Ajisai-san narrow her eyes and smile so openly, affection overflowed in me.
So cute... I love her... ♡
Mai interjected with a know-it-all expression.
"Of course, today I cooked the dumplings while thinking of Renako and Ajisai."
"Whoa, Mai's getting competitive!"
"Then I cut the cabbage while thinking of Rena-chan and Mai-chan!"
"Isn't it a bit scary to think of that while cutting!?"
When I made that retort, Ajisai-san laughed saying "That's true!"
Somehow...
I feel so peaceful.
As if my feelings were getting through, Mai murmured:
"...This feels nice."
And then, as if convincing herself:
"My decision really wasn't wrong after all."
Hearing those words.
For just a moment, I noticed that Ajisai-san sitting across from me had an expression like she wanted to say something.
...Ah, um.
"I have something I want to tell you both again."
Mai turned her body toward us.
At her serious gaze, Ajisai-san also straightened her posture somewhat.
"Yeah."
Same with me.
Mai resolutely opened her mouth.
"The events stemming from my fiancée problem have caused you both all sorts of trouble. I'm sorry."
"No, not at all."
She'd apologized many times before. Besides, Mai was a victim too, so I didn't feel like blaming her.
But Mai shook her head as if even that was her responsibility.
"No, it's my family's problem. It was something I had to handle. So I decided."
Mai declared powerfully:
"No matter what happens, I want to keep dating you both. I'll do everything I can for that."
As if making a vow at a historic event.
"Spending today with you two made me feel it even more strongly. I like you both. I have romantic feelings."
At those words, Ajisai-san nervously pointed at herself.
"M-me too...?"
Mai nodded emphatically.
"Yes, of course."
'Ehhh!'
Our voices overlapped at her unwavering declaration.
Wh-when did this happen...!?
"Actually, I'd like to ask. Could there be a person who becomes lovers with Ajisai but doesn't come to like her?"
"Ehhh...?"
Ajisai-san cried out, but I nodded very strongly. What a persuasive theory. Too true.
Probably even if I knew nothing about Ajisai-san and was introduced to her for the first time as a marriage partner chosen by our parents, I'd surely fall for her on the spot. No doubt about it.
"Of course, those feelings are different from my romantic feelings for Renako. But Renako taught us that it's okay for the types of affection we direct toward each person to be different."
"I didn't do anything so grand."
"Hehehe. So I'll keep protecting our days together. No matter what happens."
Ajisai-san said with downcast eyes:
"When you say no matter what... I don't want Mai-chan to force herself."
"It's okay, Ajisai. I understand you have concerns. You're always a good person who values fairness and honesty. You're probably worried about the current situation where we're deceiving family with my engagement to Satsuki."
Being told directly, Ajisai-san nodded.
"...Yeah."
"Even so."
Mai received those feelings with dignity.
"Leave it to me."
Proudly, putting her hand to her chest:
"I'll never again say I'm leaving you both behind to go somewhere. I want to be with you both forever from now on."
It was a vow that resonated in our hearts.
Enough that Ajisai-san and I found ourselves entranced by Mai.
"Well... it might be late to say this now, but I wanted to properly convey my feelings."
Mai let slip a smile.
Ajisai-san also relaxed her cheeks.
"I was happy. Thank you, Mai-chan."
I also hurriedly nodded at Mai.
"Y-yeah. I'm happy to know Mai's feelings too!"
"A bit embarrassing."
Mai started rummaging through her bag.
"That's right. So as proof of my resolve, I prepared something too."
"Eh, what what?"
Mai held out a stack of papers to Ajisai-san and me.
...Hmm? I've seen this somewhere before.
"A romance business plan. Assuming quarterly lover contracts—that is, three-month operations—I've compiled our future life plans."
"Mai-chan!?"
"That's the thing I already did!"
Mai smiled with a "gotcha" expression.
"How was that? Were you surprised?"
Th-this girl... How much did she prepare for today!? You lovable woman...!
"I was surprised...! I thought Mai-chan was going to call me 'B' this time..."
"Don't make such elaborate things just for a one-shot gag... You're busy, aren't you..."
"But Renako's one-shot gag was quite elaborate too."
"I was serious!"
I shouted. Mai was laughing again.
"Sorry sorry. I was so happy with the love you gave me, I couldn't help wanting to imitate it."
Damn... My cheeks are getting hot now. That's right... I was seriously saying A and B...! My efforts were misdirected...!
Even after entering high school, even after my extrovert debut, even after getting girlfriends, I continue mass-producing embarrassing memories every second.
But, well...
Nothing went perfectly, but I think it's because I struggled and tried my best that I'm still here with these two now. Or at least I want to think that. Rather, I have to think that way to get by. Let me believe that even my past had meaning...!
That's when it happened.
Mai reached her hand toward my cheek.
"Renako."
"Mm...?"
Mai brought that beautiful face closer.
...Huh?
Quite naturally.
She kissed me.
Right in front of Ajisai-san.
"Hyaa...!?"
I heard a cute scream and involuntarily opened my eyes wide.
I pushed back against Mai's slender shoulders with all my strength.
"Wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-what!"
"What is it, Renako?"
Right in front of me, Mai's princess-like smile.
"What are you doing!?"
My face is incredibly hot!
"What do you mean? I kissed you."
"In front! In public! In front!"
Mai's smiling cheeks were also slightly red.
"'In public' sounds so formal. We're all three dating each other."
"That's true but...! That's true but...!?"
Ajisai-san was covering her face with both hands but clearly watching us through the gaps.
"Mai-chan and Rena-chan kissed..."
"W-we didn't!"
I lied like an elementary schooler.
"You did..."
Damn, it's no good! I can't fool her!
"W-we did...!"
Mai brought her face close again.
"Hehehe, you're cute, Renako."
"Y-you can't!?"
I made an X with both index fingers and rejected that approach with all my might.
"Why not? Are you leaving Ajisai out? That would be sad."
"But you don't need to show off like that!? Mai, you're embarrassed too, right!?"
"Well... somewhat. But I've resolved to protect my happiness with you two. For that, I want to feel an even stronger connection here and now."
Damn... this girl has a good face no matter what she's talking about...!
What she's saying sounds reasonable though...!
"Come on, Renako."
"N-no!"
Because it's embarrassing!
Ajisai-san breathed to calm her palpitations.
"Waaa... I saw people I know kissing for the first time..."
She fanned herself.
"I-I suppose..."
"I got all fluttery... But..."
Ajisai-san clenched her fist on the table.
"From now on, there might be occasions like this... so I have to get used to it...!"
"What kind of occasions!?"
Occasions where one of us kisses when we're all together!? That's not normal!
Gasp... but...
I'm a woman who chose to abandon normalcy and date these two... If that's the case, we three have to make our own rules...!?
It's true that every time Mai or Ajisai-san wanted to kiss, having one of us say 'Oh, sorry, I'm just going to go kiss...' and leave would be somehow more embarrassing...
Or rather, too sexy!
The atmosphere when they came back would clearly be 'Ah, these two just kissed...' and it would get weird!
In that case, maybe it would be better to be able to boldly kiss even in front of people...!? Like communication...!
I mean, in foreign movies and overseas dramas, married couples casually kiss in front of their children, right...? That kind of atmosphere... Right, then it surely wouldn't be lewd!
While I was conflicted, Mai had moved to sit next to Ajisai-san.
Eh?
"Well then, Ajisai."
Mai put her hand on Ajisai-san's back.
"M-Mai-chan..."
W-w-w-w-w-w-wait.
Mai slowly brought her face closer to Ajisai-san—
Ajisai-san also seemed to accept it, gazing back at Mai with moist eyes—!
Wait!
I involuntarily stood up with a clatter.
"U-um!"
Ajisai-san kept her eyes tightly shut.
Mai glanced back at me and floated a faint smile at the corner of her mouth.
D-did she stop...?
But then she turned back to Ajisai-san again—
Ahhh!?
Ajisai-san's, that,
She kissed her cheek.
A small lip sound "chu" was heard, and Mai smiled at me.
"What's wrong, Renako?"
I, who had been frozen in a pose like desperately reaching out to someone about to fall off a cliff, sat back down properly.
"Nothing... in particular..."
Th-this girl... is she playing with me...?
That's mean...! Being mean is mean...!
This won't do... Since Mai likes me, she has to be extra kind to me more than anyone else...! Being mean is forbidden...! Grr.
Meanwhile, Ajisai-san's face had turned as red as pickled ginger.
"It was my cheek..."
"Oh, would Ajisai have preferred the lips?"
Mai asked back teasingly (it's teasing!).
"Th-that's not what I meant...!"
Ajisai-san was flustered and talking like Kaho-chan!
"But you see, before... Mai-chan said... that eventually, I might... kiss you... so I thought... maybe..."
What conversation is that? I don't know about it.
"Hehe... So you've gotten in the mood for it."
"I'm a little conscious of it!"
"Ajisai is so cute."
"Geez..."
Mai petted Ajisai-san's head.
Such a nice atmosphere...
I was just a mob character watching two princesses.
Eh, what's with these two? Aren't they flirting too much? Are they dating? (※They are dating)
Ajisai-san is still holding her cheek with a dazed expression...
They look good together...?
"However, well."
Mai shrugged her shoulders dramatically.
"It seems the most important thing—Renako's emotional preparation—isn't ready yet."
"U-uweh!?"
Suddenly being brought into the conversation, the spotlight fell on the mob character.
"B-but! It's surprising!?"
"It was surprising..."
Ajisai-san, who had witnessed my kiss with Mai right before her eyes, made a fragile sound.
Right!?
"But..."
Putting her hand to her chest, Ajisai-san smiled slightly.
"...It might not have been... an unpleasant feeling..."
Uu... I see, so Ajisai-san didn't feel bad even seeing Mai and me kiss... That's most important...
Yet I...
I'd always insisted that I didn't understand feelings of jealousy. Even when Ajisai-san apologized for putting Kaho-chan on her lap, I made a '?' face.
When Mai became engaged to Satsuki-san, I thought "I see~." (Though before that, when I learned about Mai's engagement from the news, I was just a tiny bit shaken...)
But somehow... when Mai and Ajisai-san were about to kiss right in front of me, I felt "wait wait wait wait."
Is this because it was sudden? Or have feelings of 'jealousy' sprouted within me?
I-I don't know...! Maybe this is the rumored brain destruction...!?
Human relationships are so deep...! There are still so many emotions I don't know about~... I'm getting excited~ (fake cheerfulness).
"Well then."
Mai lifted one hand while smiling.
...Wh-what?
As I braced myself wondering if there was more to come, Mai said:
"Finally, it's Renako and Ajisai's turn."
... ...Eh?
We made awkward eye contact like shy people at an arranged meeting.
Kiss... you mean!?
Simultaneously.
I think our faces turned explosively red.
'No way!'
At that scream perfectly in sync with Ajisai-san, Mai laughed "ahahaha" for a while.
In public is still impossible!!
By the time we finished cleaning up and left the rental room, it was pitch black outside.
I took the train partway home with Mai and Ajisai-san.
The conversation never ran out on the way back either.
Talk about Christmas approaching soon, winter break, studying, the recent cultural festival, and what kind of date we should have next.
It feels like quite a lot of time has passed since we decided to date as three people.
But lately I've finally started to really feel like we're dating as three.
Even with all three of us together, both Mai and Ajisai-san have that warm, unguarded atmosphere like when we're alone together.
I can relax and be with them. This time feels incredibly comfortable.
"...Mm?"
Shortly after getting off the train, I noticed a message had arrived on my phone.
It was from Mai.
'Thank you for today. It was fun.'
I read and reread that short message over and over.
What should I do? I can't stop my mouth from relaxing into a smile.
Hahhh... A deep sigh escaped from the bottom of my heart.
I really like Mai...
Mai was cute preparing excitedly for the dumpling party since morning, she was beautiful being good at cooking, and she was cool declaring her resolve to us.
Truly a girlfriend with no flaws. Ashigaya's super darling. Miss Perfect.
But her mischievous side, the way she sometimes teases me meanly, is childish, and when she shows that innocent smile, ah, I can tell she's really enjoying herself and my chest grows warm. That's surely Mai's true face that only her lovers get to see...
Another message arrived.
'I love you, Renako.'