The warm silence in the room was broken by a teasing hum.
"Well, well," Aisha said playfully, her fingers brushing Hana's hair as the twin rested her head on her shoulder. "Only you two are left."
Mei and Aoi both froze.
Aoi, half-covered by a blanket, peeked out from behind it like a startled bunny. Her wide eyes locked with Aisha's, only to retreat behind the cloth again, her cheeks bright pink.
Mei wasn't any better. Her face flushed instantly as Aisha's teasing words echoed in her ears.
"W-Wha—!?" Mei turned toward her, eyes wide. "D-Don't just say something like that out of nowhere, idiot!"
Aisha giggled, watching as Akane curled up beside Ito, her breathing soft and peaceful. Her radiant glow had dimmed into a warm pulse, like the steady heartbeat of someone finally at peace. Beside her, Hana had fallen asleep without a word, her gentle smile still lingering on her lips.
"You should've seen your faces," Aisha whispered with a laugh. "Priceless."
Ito looked down at the two sleeping girls wrapped in warmth and exhaustion. He gently pulled a blanket over them, brushing a lock of Hana's hair from her face. She leaned into his hand unconsciously, sighing softly.
He turned, his gaze falling upon Mei and Aoi. Both stiffened the moment his eyes met theirs.
"Alright," Ito said, his voice soft, affectionate. "Mei."
She jerked upright like a soldier being called by name. "Huh—!?"
He chuckled. "Come here."
Her entire face went scarlet. She stood, then sat back down, then stood again. "Y-You… you're so straightforward, it's ridiculous…"
She crossed her arms, puffing her cheeks slightly. "D-Don't think I want to, okay!? I-It's not like I've been waiting or anything!"
Aoi peeked again from behind the pillow, her eyes blinking slowly at Mei's outburst. She clutched the pillow closer to her chest and mumbled something inaudible.
Ito smiled and walked over to Mei, kneeling in front of her.
"Are you ready?" he asked gently.
"I—" Mei's mouth opened, then closed. Her eyes flickered downward, away from his gaze.
She sighed dramatically. "N-No! I'm not ready, okay? I-It's embarrassing…"
She folded her arms tighter over her chest. "Tch… I-I mean, look at me… Compared to everyone else, I-I'm…"
She trailed off. Her short blue hair fell over her eyes as she lowered her head. Her voice turned softer.
"I have the smallest chest… out of everyone here…"
Ito blinked in surprise. Then, without saying a word, he reached out and gently cupped her cheek.
She froze.
"You're perfect, Mei."
Her lips parted, eyes widening as she looked up at him.
"Every single part of you. I don't love you for your chest size or your looks. I love you—the girl who teases me with that sharp tongue and then looks away like she's about to melt. The girl who acts tough but hides how kind she really is."
Mei's breath hitched.
"I…" Her voice wavered. "I hate how easy it is for you to say those things…"
She looked away quickly. "Y-You better take responsibility if you make me fall harder."
He leaned in and kissed her forehead. "I already plan to."
Mei froze again—then gently swatted his chest. "I-I'm not crying! Idiot!"
Ito stood up and turned to the side, where Aoi was still hiding behind the fluffy pink pillow.
He smiled at her softly. "Aoi."
She squeaked, vanishing behind the pillow entirely.
"Aoi…"
Peeking out slowly, her eyes trembled. "Y-Yes…?"
"You don't have to if you're not ready."
She blinked. Her fingers clutched the pillow tighter.
"I-It's not that…" she whispered. "I… I-I want to…"
She bit her lip, staring down at the floor. "I… I just…"
Ito walked to the edge of the bed and offered her his hand. "Then will you come to me?"
Aoi looked up, her whole body trembling. Her breath was shallow, her heart racing. She had never felt more exposed in her life—even if she was still wearing pajamas. Being looked at, being called… being chosen like this…
But she couldn't resist.
Her legs moved on their own as she dropped the pillow and slowly took his hand.
"I-It's embarrassing…" she muttered.
"You're beautiful."
Her face turned crimson.
"D-Don't say stuff like that… I'm not…"
"You are."
He pulled her gently forward. Her steps were tiny, uncertain, but she came. Her whole body was hot—skin tingling, knees weak. When she finally stood in front of him, she couldn't even look him in the eyes.
"W-What… what do I do…?" she asked, voice barely above a whisper.
Ito leaned in and whispered against her ear, "Just stay with me. That's all you ever have to do."
Her legs gave a tiny shake. "Uuu… you're too much…"
Mei watched them from the bed, her arms still folded, but her blush was softer now—less defensive.
"…Idiot…" she muttered under her breath, glancing away.
Ito gently pulled Aoi down beside him on the bed. She climbed in slowly, still hesitant, but the warmth of his hand in hers gave her courage.
Mei sat stiffly on the other side, looking away and puffing her cheeks.
"D-Don't think this means I'm okay with this all of a sudden," she muttered. "J-Just don't leave me out. I won't lose to her."
Aoi's eyes widened. "I-I'm not trying to—!"
"It's fine," Ito said, holding both their hands. "You don't have to fight. I want both of you. Tonight… together."
Their faces turned identical shades of red.
Mei groaned. "G-God… kill me…"
Aoi just buried her face into Ito's shoulder, whimpering softly.
He kissed the top of her head.
"Let's take our time."
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END OF CHAPTER : 55 : ALL OF US : PART : 7 : MEI AND AOI TURN!
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