Rika, are you really okay with not telling your family beforehand?"
On the train, Eriri Sawamura sat next to Minamoto Senya, her concern showing as she asked.
Senya waved her hand casually, completely unfazed.
"Don't worry. I don't have a say in the big things at home, but I can handle the small stuff myself. Besides, Eriri, you're not an outsider. You've stayed over at my place before, so what's the difference?"
Eriri rubbed her hands lightly on her lap, feeling slightly guilty.
"I'm sorry. It's all because my mom insisted on this. I didn't mean to trouble you."
Senya's expression remained completely unconcerned.
"What's there to apologize for? I've stayed over at your house plenty of times. And since you had guests today and might be staying over, well, that's just how it is. But when I had lunch at your place earlier, I could vaguely hear your uncle and the guest arguing in the study. What's going on?"
"I'm not really sure. Mom didn't tell me the details," Eriri shook her head, unconcerned. "It's probably just work stuff. Nothing to worry about—Dad will handle it."
Senya tilted her head, clearly impressed, her expression turning solemn.
"Eriri's diplomat dad really is remarkable."
Eriri laughed softly.
"Don't exaggerate. And he's not really a politician—just a mid-level diplomat. When he's not working, he's an ordinary guy you can see anywhere, turning into a nerd who loves anime, or disappearing for days on end to go fishing."
"Ha! Uncle would know you're saying that behind his back."
"Hmph, he doesn't mind. He wouldn't dare say anything."
"That's nice… I want that kind of family standing."
"Your uncle doesn't dote on you like that…"
"Dad's great, but I also want to be above Toka and Senya…"
"That might be a bit difficult…"
The train slowed as it approached a station, and the two girls continued their casual chatter all the way.
After getting off, Senya walked along the familiar path home, greeting the flower shop owners, snack vendors, and craft stall owners along the street with cheerful politeness.
Eriri couldn't help but be impressed.
"Senya, you're incredibly popular around here."
Senya beamed.
"Well, since we moved here, whenever something's needed at home, it's usually me running errands. Over time, people get familiar with me, and it's not just helpful—it even earns a little pocket money. Why not?"
As they neared the house, Senya turned to Eriri, looking particularly proud.
"By the way, there's something really cool I want to show you."
"Something really cool?"
"Yeah, watch closely. Don't be too shocked!"
With that, Senya lifted her left hand to her mouth, forming the gesture for a whistle, and blew.
But nothing came out except the faint sound of air.
Under Eriri's slightly incredulous gaze, Senya awkwardly added her right hand, but still, nothing.
"Hah… haha… that's weird. I used to be able to do this. Looks like I haven't mastered it fully yet… Hey, Eriri, don't give me that look like you're scolding a child. Are you trying to match my sister?"
"I'm not. And anyway, I was born in March and you in June, so physiologically speaking, it's fair to say I'm your older sister."
"Damn it, Eriri, you little…" Senya plucked something from her skirt. "Watch this. You're definitely going to be surprised!"
Moments later, she brought it to her lips and blew three rhythmic notes.
"It's a whistle!" Eriri exclaimed in surprise. She had always thought the little shell-shaped accessory on Senya's skirt was just decoration, quirky but useless—but it actually worked as a whistle.
However…
"Senya, is that all you wanted to show me?"
"Of course not. Look up toward my house."
"Your… ah!"
Following Senya's gesture, Eriri looked up and saw a dark shadow swiftly approaching from the sky.
A crow flapped its wings and landed on Senya's head in an instant.
"Hohoho~" Senya stood proudly, hands on her hips like a trainer showing off a successfully summoned Pokémon, almost poking her nose into her friend's face. "Pretty impressive, right? Took a lot of effort to train Jetwing… huh!"
Eriri watched as Senya's confident expression shifted to one of embarrassment in the next moment.
The reason was the crow on her head suddenly pecked at her before she could say anything.
"Senya, are you okay?" Eriri asked, concerned.
"I'm fine! He's just playing around," Senya said.
The peck didn't hurt much. Jetwing's beak tapped lightly against her head, without using much force.
Senya frowned, holding Jetwing up in front of her.
"Hey, what's gotten into you? Forget all the peanuts I've fed you every day? Those are the fancy ones I can barely spare for myself!"
The crow turned its head, avoiding eye contact.
Eriri whistled softly.
"He looks bigger and smarter than last time I saw him."
"I spend every day with him, teaching him all sorts of things," Senya said proudly.
"That's amazing. I kind of want one myself." Eriri reached out carefully, and the crow nudged her hand in a friendly gesture, instantly winning her over. Her indifference toward birds disappeared—Jetwing had instantly claimed the top spot in her heart, above cats, dogs, and rabbits.
"You could, then he'd have company with my crow," Senya said happily, dabbing her forehead with a tissue.
It was April, the weather warm. Around three in the afternoon, the sun was strong, and standing in the open air made it feel a little hot.
"All right, I've shown you my summoning technique. Let's stop standing around and head back to talk."
"Okay."
Just as they spoke, Jetwing did something unexpected.
It landed on Senya's shoulder, flapping its wings loudly, as if startled.
The motion was so exaggerated that anyone seeing it would think a wild crow had attacked the girl.
"Ugh! What's wrong with you today?" Senya scolded, holding the crow tightly.
The bird "cawed," able to make only noise with its beak while being held firmly.
"Is it hungry? Wants you to feed it?" Eriri suggested.
Senya shook her head.
"No, he has plenty of food at home. This isn't about eating—he's just acting weird today…"
After a moment, Senya's expression turned panicked.
"Did he break my collectibles?!"
"My… collectibles?"
"Yes, my figures! He's done it before—he broke my Skeleton Hellhorse and tried to hide it under the desk. Took me ages to find out!"
Eriri could hardly believe a bird could do that.
But Jetwing, held firmly, lowered its head, looking guilty in a way that seemed almost human.
"This bird is too clever!" Eriri muttered.
Senya glared.
"If you do anything like that again, don't expect me to forgive you easily!" Then she glanced at Eriri. "Let's go."
Her pace quickened, driven by worry for her treasured collectibles.
Eriri followed, noticing the crow's low, resigned "cawing"—a sound that suggested, "Do what you want, I'm done trying."
Senya dashed inside.
"I'm home!"
Her loud announcement caused Toka to rush from the living room.
Senya, flustered, didn't notice her older sister's flushed face and rapid breathing.
Eriri did, but she only bowed politely.
"Toka, sorry to disturb you."
"Ah… Eriri! Welcome!"
Toka stood a few steps away, hands behind her back, not moving closer.
Jetwing, once inside, calmed down and stopped struggling or cawing.
Senya, confident that the bird had given up, let it go.
She put on slippers and told Eriri, "My sister, Eriri's family had guests today, so she'll be staying over."
"Okay, what do you like to eat, Eriri? I'll head out to the store later," Toka replied casually.
"Oh, you don't have to trouble yourself, Toka," Eriri waved her hands.
"No problem. You're Senya's friend, but also my guest. I was planning to go to the store anyway."
"Exactly. You'll see what Eriri likes—Arctic surf clams, sweet shrimp, fatty tuna. If it's fresh, buy extra."
"Don't speak for me just to say what you want!"
Toka barely noticed their conversation, still focused on Senya sleeping on the sofa.
She made a rare gesture, covering her embarrassment with habitual hand movements—a reflex.
"Senya's napping on the sofa. Keep your voices down…" But then she changed her mind mid-sentence. "…Never mind, I'll just wake him up."
She called out, "Senya!" twice, raising her voice.
Senya frowned.
"Eh? Let him sleep… there's no need to wake him."
"Eriri's here; we should entertain her," Toka said vaguely.
In reality, she realized Senya's current state was very noticeable. Protecting his dignity mattered more than letting him rest.
Senya was slightly frustrated but rational, aware that the opportunity for something earlier had passed.
He had seen Toka's hands approach, measuring his tented position, and had restrained himself.
If he had woken a minute earlier, he could have acted. Now, he had nothing but frustration.
Toka, flustered, hurried to the store, leaving Senya and Eriri in the entryway.
"Senya, I'm going to the store. Send me a message if you want anything," Toka said.
Senya and Eriri realized something at the same time.
"Uh, sister…" Senya hesitated.
Toka, crouched and putting on shoes, didn't look back. "Use your phone, remember?"
"I wasn't talking about that. Aren't you going out like this?"
Senya realized Toka had been dressed casually in a tank top and shorts.
Summer clothing might be fine on the streets for some girls, but not for modest Toka.
Realizing her lapse, she went upstairs silently to change.
Eriri, worried, asked, "Is something bothering Toka?"
Senya laughed.
"Nope. She probably just forgot after her nap. Even she can be scatterbrained sometimes."
"Ah, I see." Eriri nodded.
Senya waved and led her to the living room.
"Senya's home! Eriri's staying over tonight. You got back early—work went smoothly, huh… Um… Senya, why are you staring at me like that?"
Senya noticed his brother-in-law's cold, piercing stare.
It was dangerous, as if he were about to scold her, and sent shivers down her spine.
"Staring at you?" Senya held a pillow to cover her flustered reaction. "Am I?"
"…gulp." Rikka swallowed nervously and ducked behind Eriri. "Uh, Senya… I don't think I've done anything wrong recently, right?"
"You haven't done anything wrong."
"But… your expression is so serious…"
"Oh, it's probably just because I didn't sleep well. I'm in a bit of a morning grump, that's all."
"Then why don't you glare at my sister instead? I didn't even wake you up."
Rikka muttered under her breath. Realizing it wasn't her fault that Senya looked so displeased, she regained her confidence.
Senya closed his eyes and opened them again, his expression softening slightly. At least now, no matter how frustrated he felt, it wouldn't change anything. Besides, Eriri was innocent—he couldn't glare at her the way he did at Rikka.
Footsteps came from the stairs. Jikka, now changed into casual clothes, didn't pause for even a moment, nor did she say a word. She walked briskly across the living room and out the door.
Seeing this, Senya let out another slow sigh.
"Senya, you too… if you don't want to be disturbed, why not just sleep in your room?"
In the kitchen, Rikka poured cold drinks for herself and Eriri. "You know…" she said casually.
Senya's recently calmed irritation flared up again.
"You idiot… do you even understand what I want to sleep for? It's not sleep I'm after…!"
He let it go. She was a little fool. No point getting upset with her.
Eriri, sitting beside him with her hands smoothing the hem of her skirt over her lap, looked concerned. "Senya, you've been writing that novel for the sci-fi contest, right? And you still have school and work to juggle… aren't you overdoing it? You should get some rest."
"Thanks, but I don't really feel that tired. I just… fell asleep here without noticing."
Rikka, observing this interaction with her sharp eyes, noticed how Eriri clearly liked Senya. She squinted mischievously, wanting to tease a little.
"Oh my, Eriri seems really concerned about my big brother."
"Con… concerned? I'm concerned because we're friends! Just like how I care about you, Rikka. Friends naturally care about each other!"
"Eriri, I was just saying that casually, no need to get so worked up."
Rikka's teasing hit a nerve, and Eriri's voice instantly rose a few octaves.
"I'm not worked up!"
"Alright, alright. Anyway, drink your beverage. It's hot today, and people do get restless in this weather."
"…!"
Eriri accepted the drink and took a big gulp. Rikka drank half her cup in one go, sighing in relief. The cool drink washed away the heat from her body, reviving her completely.
"I'll go check my room first."
The silly Rikka still assumed that Kurai's earlier strange behavior was just her being guilty for mischief.
"I'll come too."
As always, Eriri was shy and embarrassed. Since Yukino left for overseas, she had increasingly noticed Senya's remarkable qualities. His allure, addictive to her senses, made her admiration grow every day—but she still had no idea how to interact properly with him.
When it was just the two of them, it wasn't just about showing affection; she didn't even know how to start a simple conversation. Shyness and hesitation made her instinctively avoid these moments.
"Eriri… sigh."
Looking at her little shadow following her upstairs, Rikka feigned a sigh.
"What?"
Eriri, feeling disappointed with herself for fleeing, answered weakly.
"Nothing. I just think that your floral dress today looks really pretty."
"Eh, really?"
"Really, really. Later tonight, we can take a long-overdue bath together."
"I don't really want to. Last time, you said I had small boobs."
"That's why! I want to see how much you've grown…"
"No way!"
Rikka's playful energy restored the cheerful mood between them.
In the living room, Senya took the chance to adjust himself slightly, then went to the bathroom to wash his face and calm down. His body relaxed, but the lingering fire in his mind was far from extinguished.
Taoist philosophy teaches that the cycle of day and night and the changing seasons are the result of yin and yang, and humans must follow these rhythms to achieve harmony—yin and yang in balance.
Senya just needed a moment to recall Jikka's delicate expression and the subtle touch from earlier…
No. He couldn't think about that—just the memory alone made him feel like he might explode.
Bending over the sink, he splashed cold water on his face again. Some matters simply had to be dealt with today, or else they would be harmful. He had to restore balance—properly.
It was just about time for his bi-monthly session with Saeko. He returned to his room and messaged her, receiving confirmation that she was ready. Jikka's earlier mistake was immediately forgotten; all his energy now focused on anticipation.
After changing, he greeted Rikka. "I need to step out for a bit."
Rikka, checking her precious collectibles, looked surprised. "Out now? When will you be back?"
"Not sure. If I'll be late, I'll message you." Senya waved and left.
Rikka poked her head out of her room. "Hey, you didn't say why you're going out."
"Some last-minute work," he called back vaguely.
The sound of the front door closing echoed down the hall. Senya was gone, with no telling when he'd return.
Eriri felt a pang of disappointment. She lacked the courage to approach him, to do anything. Yet she didn't mind quietly sharing the same space, just breathing in the air with him and watching him.
It was somewhat humiliating, but that alone was enough to give her fleeting satisfaction. And now, even that small satisfaction felt like a luxury.
Eriri let out a long, drawn-out sigh, like a salaryman after a month of overtime. "Is Senya always this busy?"
Rikka nodded. "Yeah. Ever since he got that Ranpo Award, he's been like this all the time."
"So tonight…"
"Well, at best, he won't be back until eight or nine."
"…."
Hearing that, Eriri flopped face-up on Rikka's bed, completely giving up.
Saeko Tokushima was taken aback by Senya's arrival—but also thrilled.
Though Senya had messaged to ask if she had time for sword practice, she sensed from his words that it was just an excuse. What he really wanted was the thing she had patiently waited for—and secretly longed for herself.
As soon as he stepped in, she linked arms with him and led him to her room.
Senya looked embarrassed. He had come for this, yet still wanted to preserve some dignity.
"Saeko, I came to practice swordsmanship—"
Saeko pressed a finger to his lips. The dim room, curtains drawn, made her expression dangerously seductive.
Her kimono loosened on the tatami, revealing a chest that was almost dangerously provocative.
"Hmm… then, for Senya, this is indeed a sword sharp enough to defeat me… I surrender. Please… punish me, Senya…"
The pleasure of temptation was intoxicating, yet moderation was necessary, requiring them to pace themselves. Both Senya and Saeko struggled against their impatience.
After a brief absence, seeing each other again, Saeko was immediately impatient, speaking in ways uncharacteristically flirtatious.
"My father went to meet a friend this morning. He'll be back around six…"
Saeko curled up in Senya's arms, her small hands seeking contact and kisses, speaking as if it were nothing. Senya could no longer resist.
"Saeko, wait a moment. It's really hot today, I've sweated… I should shower first—"
"It's fine… I'll help… clean you up…"
"!"
Senya tensed briefly, then relaxed, sighing with relief.
Tadashi Tokushima had spent extra time visiting friends and didn't return until after seven.
"Father, you're back."
"Yes… that Kawaguchi fellow is too friendly; I lost track of time. Huh, Saeko, you just started cooking?"
"I got caught up in sword practice…"
"Ah, makes sense. Then we can eat together. Though… your voice sounds a bit hoarse."
"I accidentally choked on a spicy rice cracker. I was hungry."
"Haha, rare for you. I'll go shower first."
"Okay."
Once her father left, Saeko could no longer maintain a composed front.
Senya's swordsmanship was exceptional—aggressive, precise, and now honed even further. Sweating from exertion, tissues were gone in a flash. Sweat poured onto the tatami, leaving wet patches.
"Amazing… Senya defeated me ten times in a row, and I only managed to beat him three times… what an embarrassing record…"
She rubbed her shoulders, feeling the strain. Senya's skill had become nearly unmatched, leaving her barely able to resist his attacks.
"Senya's gotten stronger… I used to match him a bit, but now… I can barely defend. He must still not feel satisfied…"
Saeko's hand flexed and released slowly, a small, torturous ache from exertion.
He was unusually energized today, perhaps from the long break in practice. His drive, his desire to win, seemed higher than usual.
What heights would his swordsmanship reach once he graduated high school, truly a man?
The thought brought a shy, expectant smile. But it quickly faded as she recalled how he had restrained himself earlier to avoid overexerting her weak body.
She had been the only one fully satisfied, while he had practiced restraint. That thought filled her with longing.
Determined, she picked up her phone and started a video call with Shiina Kasumigaoka.