When Rikka found out her family would soon be welcoming a new member, she couldn't contain her excitement.
Without a second thought, she posted in the group chat she had created—a chat that connected her closest circle of friends.
Naturally, this group only included the girls who were close to Minamoto Senya.
Well… except for Kazusa.
It wasn't because of any prejudice or deliberate exclusion.
Rikka had met Kazusa a few times and thought she was quiet, but easy enough to talk to. Still, since Kazusa wasn't that familiar with the others in the group, Rikka hadn't invited her yet. She didn't want Kazusa to feel awkward—it was a small kindness in its own way.
But back to the point.
The message Rikka sent out was vague enough that it left everyone puzzled.
It wasn't until Eriri pressed her for details that the others understood.
They were all stunned at first, but soon congratulatory messages flooded in.
Once that topic ran its course, Rikka used the opportunity to extend an invitation.
She had been cooped up at home for a while and wanted to go out shopping.
Besides, there were some feelings of happiness that just had to be shared in person.
Unfortunately, everyone was busy that weekend—except Eriri.
Busujima Saeko needed to train. Her stamina was already beyond most people her age, but she refused to grow complacent. She had to push herself into peak condition before the upcoming kendo tournament.
Kasumigaoka Utaha was busy too. Her new light novel volume had sold far better than expected, and her publisher was lining up a string of fan events—signings, interviews, and even an appearance at an ACG convention. She needed to prepare thoroughly.
As for Yukinoshita Yukino, she was—as always—motivated by the example of a certain someone shining brilliantly before her eyes.
She wanted to stand tall beside him with confidence, so she was determined to push herself. That weekend, she was scheduled to study high school material with a private tutor.
She wasn't a natural athlete like Saeko, nor did she possess Utaha's unique literary talent. Her strength lay in her intelligence and diligence, so she would devote herself to studying, believing that was the right path forward.
It was a little disappointing, but Rikka was more than happy to have Eriri as her companion.
That weekend, the two of them met at the trendy Hakuhoshi Mall, a newly opened shopping complex.
Some storefronts were still hidden behind opaque panels waiting for new tenants, but most entertainment facilities were already open, and the place was buzzing with life.
Rikka had chosen this spot for a very simple reason—she had won a bunch of vouchers through various raffles. A steakhouse meal, ice skating tickets, and more.
Free was always best!
Maybe that shrine visit at New Year's really had boosted her luck.
It felt like her good fortune was finally back.
When the sizzling steaks arrived at the table, the two of them chatted casually as they ate.
Upon hearing that Aunt Junko had gotten pregnant even while on birth control, Eriri's face immediately showed concern.
In Japan, sex education was taught thoroughly from an early age—by fifth or sixth grade, students already had classes on the subject.
Eriri could never forget the awkward scene of their female health teacher using a banana and a condom to demonstrate proper use in front of the entire class.
And when the banana used for the demonstration was handed to her afterward, she hadn't eaten it like some of the others. Instead, she'd discreetly passed it to the girl sitting beside her… who then passed both bananas to a boy in their class who never turned down free food.
"The doctor said there could have been risks, but the initial check-up showed everything is fine. They told Mom not to worry too much, just to come in for regular prenatal exams. The main thing is that she needs to rest more—since the early months are the most important," Rikka explained.
Some of this she'd heard from her older siblings, but much of it came from her own initiative.
Ever since learning about the baby, Rikka had been remarkably mature.
She no longer tried to convince her sister to build a doghouse in their tiny yard—well, "narrow passageway" was a more accurate term—like the elderly neighbors had done for their pet.
Animals carried parasites, and it wouldn't be safe for their mother right now.
She had also thrown herself into researching online about pregnancy care, soaking up information until she became a walking encyclopedia on the subject.
Hearing this, Eriri relaxed a little.
Remembering her mother's request to buy fruit for Rikka to take home, she sipped her soup and said, "Let's stop by the supermarket later."
Rikka's eyes lit up. "How did you know I've got 15% off coupons for the supermarket nearby?!" She pulled several vouchers out of her plush keychain pouch like treasures.
Her mom had been craving sour things lately. The fruit shop near their house was too expensive, so Rikka planned to buy kiwis and mandarins at the supermarket with her discount coupons.
Eriri raised an eyebrow. "Where do you even get all these coupons?"
"Helping my family with errands. If you join enough local events at supermarkets or neighborhood associations, you get tons of them. My luck's unbeatable lately! If you ever want to try your hand at figure raffles at the hobby shop, just ask me!"
"…Maybe not right now, but I'll keep it in mind."
After finishing lunch, the girls wandered into a bubble tea shop.
As they waited for their drinks, Eriri fidgeted, gathering her courage.
She had been stewing over this question for nearly a week, avoiding her father in the meantime.
"Hey, Rikka… Can I ask you something?"
"Of course. If I know the answer, I'll tell you," Rikka said brightly, without hesitation.
These days, she was pretty sure Eriri was her closest friend. They shared hobbies, spent time together often—it was obvious.
"Do you remember when my dad invited us all out to eat?" Eriri asked cautiously, tracing little half-circles on the tiled floor with the tip of her shoe.
"Of course I remember! That meal was amazing!"
Rikka's eyes sparkled at the memory.
Not only had the food been delicious, but the theatrics—the dry ice smoke, the sudden flare of fire from alcohol—had been breathtaking. She'd filmed several short videos and uploaded them online, where they had gotten plenty of likes.
To this day, that dinner remained the best meal she'd ever had—well, tied with the time she'd been invited to Yukino's home. That dinner had been excellent too, but a homely feast could never quite compare with a professional culinary performance.
"So, after dinner… when Senya went home, did he… say anything?"
At that moment, everything clicked in Rikka's head.
She realized something she'd never thought about before.
Of course Eriri and Senya had always been close—so close that she never questioned it. But when her uncle had drunkenly blurted out those words at dinner, and when she noticed Eriri's cheeks blazing red like a ripe peach…
Even Rikka had understood.
Eriri might feel more for her brother than simple childhood friendship.
So now, with Eriri nervously asking this, what answer was she hoping for?
Rikka's brain spun faster than it ever had in her life.
"Senya said the food was delicious," she replied.
"…Just about the food? Nothing else?"
"Well, a few days after that dinner, he kept spacing out. Then he'd suddenly smile, like he remembered something really nice. That had never happened before."
Eriri's head snapped up, her blue eyes wide and trembling with excitement. "R-Really?"
Rikka nodded furiously. "Really! It lasted for days. Even my sister noticed. But when she asked him, he wouldn't say anything."
"…I see." Eriri pressed her lips together, barely suppressing a smile.
If his reaction mirrored hers, didn't that mean…
He hadn't been against her father's suggestion after all.
Her thoughts blazed hot and wild, too much for her to handle. She didn't dare imagine further.
For now, this was enough—enough to set her heart at ease.
Watching her friend's relieved, radiant expression, Rikka silently sighed in relief.
She didn't like lying, but she couldn't bear to disappoint Eriri.
Besides, compared to her uncle's blundering, she had handled things much better.
Maybe she really was getting smarter lately.
A clever little fox, that's what she was.
Still, it was tiring. Now that she knew Eriri's secret feelings, she had to be careful with her words and actions.
So this was what "growing up" felt like.
—
While Eriri was skating away her worries with Rikka at the rink…
Kasumigaoka Utaha had just finished her meeting with her editor.
Dressed in a pale suit and heels, her hair tied in a sharp ponytail, she looked every bit the capable young professional.
Checking the time, she searched for the nearest maternity store.
Once inside, she asked the clerk for advice and selected DHA supplements, vitamin B6, and folic acid.
Over fifty thousand yen's worth of prenatal vitamins.
Her family wasn't rich, and that was a hefty sum.
But for Senya's mother, she would spare no expense.
After all, without his help promoting her novel, she might have been abandoned by her publisher. Thanks to him, her work had survived, gained support, and was now thriving.
Honestly, if she weren't worried about overwhelming them with such an extravagant gesture, she would have bought everything Senya's mother might need for her pregnancy in one go.
Because one day, they'd be family.
…Utaha shook her head quickly.
What was she even thinking?
Still smiling, she stopped by a cake shop and picked up an assortment before heading to the Busujima household.
"Training hard, I see. I brought treats~"
Saeko welcomed her warmly, excusing herself to change out of her sweat-soaked kendo gi, leaving Senya alone with Utaha.
She handed him the paper bag. "For your mom. Just a little something from me—I hope she and the baby stay healthy."
Senya glanced inside, recognizing the expensive brands immediately.
So much for "a little something."
Still, he accepted it with a grateful smile. "Thank you."
"No need to thank me," she replied softly.
As she unpacked a slice of cake and slid it toward him, she noticed his gaze flicker—toward her crossed legs, her stockings revealed by the shift of her tailored pants.
Ah. So he noticed.
She couldn't resist teasing. "…Nice, isn't it?"
"…The cake?"
"No. This." She gestured slightly at her outfit.
Senya blinked, then smiled. "It suits you. You look like a sharp, confident woman today."
Good words—but not the words she wanted.
So she leaned in further, subtly adjusting her posture, letting the fabric ride higher up her calf.
And this time, Senya's eyes lingered.
"…Actually, it's more than just 'not bad.' Your legs are beautiful. The kind of thing you don't expect, but once revealed—it's a delightful surprise."
The directness of his gaze made her whole body tremble. Her ears burned red.
She quickly drew her legs back just as Saeko returned, saving her from further embarrassment.
—
Later that afternoon, Saeko went off to lead her kendo club, while Utaha and Senya took the same train back.
The carriage was crowded but not packed.
As they stepped off together, Utaha suddenly said, "You didn't wipe your hands this time."
"…What?"
"That time we went to the fireworks festival. You got off the train and immediately wiped your hands with tissues."
Senya paused, then chuckled. "So you remembered something like that?"
"Of course. Anything about you—I'll remember it."
Her calm voice carried a quiet intensity.
"…That time was summer. The metal poles on the train get sweaty, so I wiped my hands. In winter, that doesn't happen."
"…I see."
"You probably think I'm full of weird habits, huh?"
"…No. I like knowing things like that," she whispered, turning away quickly, her ears once again scarlet.
Clumsy yet daring. Weak yet persistent.
That was Kasumigaoka Utaha.
"See you next time," she murmured, retreating toward the opposite platform.
"Yeah. Next time," Senya replied, watching her go before boarding his own train.
—
That evening, he was back at the piano.
Winterma Yoko stood beside him, giving stern instruction.
"Playing isn't just pressing the right keys. You need to understand the emotion behind the music. Live it. Share it through your performance."
Senya pressed the keys harder, pouring his heart into the piece.
Kazusa sat quietly nearby, just like during those days they had once been quarantined together.
Now, every day after training with Saeko, he came here, practicing six hours straight.
His technique was solid—his timing, accuracy, control were all strong. But his expression, the emotional depth, still needed work.
And so he played, again and again, chasing perfection.
Time passed quickly.
Spring was nearly here.
His first year of middle school was drawing to a close.
And the Yulong Kendo Tournament loomed ever closer.