The kitten climbed up and gently rubbed against Nanashi's palm.
"Meow." (Did you save me?)
"Yeah. It felt like fate meeting you, so I decided to help."
The kitten widened her eyes and excitedly waved her front paws.
"Meow meow meow!" (I can understand you! Can you understand me too?)
Nanashi nodded. "I can."
The kitten perked up, tail and head held high.
"Meow!" (You're amazing!)
That's when Nanashi noticed—her eyes were red.
Something about them felt... familiar.
This kitten stirred memories, blurry yet lingering.
My roommate is a Cat? Haru?
Looking closer… she really did resemble her.
"Hey, kitty. Want to come home with me?"
"Meow?"
The kitten tilted her head, puzzled.
"You'll live at my place. Food, water—you won't lack anything."
"Meow meow meow." (You can't just give away your food! If you do, you'll go hungry.)
The kitten scolded him like a tiny, responsible teacher.
She was clearly speaking from experience.
"…"
This cat wasn't just cute—she genuinely cared.
Nanashi started liking her more and more.
He gently picked her up.
The kitten didn't resist. She trusted this human. He was kind, and wouldn't hurt her.
"Don't worry. I've got way more food than I can finish. Even with you around, it'll be more than enough."
"Meow." (I see...)
The kitten seemed to think for a moment, then gave a small, understanding nod.
"Meow!" (Then I'll help you survive too!)
She was so earnest that Nanashi smiled. "Alright."
"But I think I should give you a name. Otherwise, calling you 'you' would be a hassle."
"Meow? Meow? Meow?" (A name? What's that? Is it tasty?)
He chuckled and rubbed her fluffy head. "It's not food. It's something people call each other by."
"For example, my name is Nanashi. If someone calls out 'Nanashi' I'll respond."
"Meow?" (Nanashi?)
"Yep, that's me."
The kitten caught on. It was just like how she called Tiger Sister.
Nanashi thought for a moment. She really might be that Haru… so why not?
"How about I call you Haru?"
"Meow? Meow." (Haru? Sounds good.)
Nanashi gave it a try. "Haru."
"Meow!" Haru answered cheerfully.
Having a name brought a warm and fuzzy feeling to her heart.
Nanashi smiled.
Still… that name stirred memories.
Haru... who was she, really?
"Meow?"
Haru noticed his sudden silence and gently patted him with her paw.
"Don't worry. I'm not sad. I just… miss someone."
Snapping out of his memories, Nanashi looked at Haru and smiled again.
"Hey, Haru—I could use your help with something."
"Meow!"
"I'm back. I didn't take too long, did I?"
Nanashi returned to Yukino.
She shook her head gently. "No. What were you doing?"
"Nothing important. Let's go."
He took her hand and began walking.
Bathed in the golden glow of sunset, Yukino's cheeks were slightly flushed. She didn't pull away—instead, she held his hand back.
She didn't notice the small, warm bulge nestled inside Nanashi's coat.
"Do you want to come over to my place first?"
When they reached his house, Nanashi asked casually.
"W-Why?!" Yukino stiffened, instantly on alert—like a startled kitten, fur bristling.
Nanashi laughed. "Relax, I'm not thinking anything weird. Just come in and rest for a bit."
"…"
Yukino hesitated, but ultimately nodded.
She trusted him. He had never lied to her.
"Alright."
But she raised her left hand.
"The hand…"
They were still holding hands.
Nanashi grinned. "I'm not letting go."
He opened the door and pulled her inside.
The room was dark.
They took off their shoes and walked into the living room.
Still dark.
"No one's home?" Yukino asked, surprised.
Usually, someone was around at Nanashi's house.
Whether it was Eriri, Nezuko, Cocolia and Kanae, or even Leona and the others, someone was always there.
But today… silence.
As she reached to turn on the lights—
Nanashi stopped her.
Bang!
The lights burst on all at once.
Bang!
Fireworks exploded, scattering petals in every direction.
Yukino blinked—and then saw Sayuri carrying out a cake.
A chorus of voices rang out:
"Happy birthday, Yukino!"
Everyone was there—the Night Raider, Eriri, the Kamado family, Cocolia, Chito and Yuri, Megumi, Kanae, Marin, Miko, Yui, Chika, and even Kaguya.
Everyone Yukino had come to know through Nanashi had shown up.
All of them.
"Happy birthday, Yukino," Nanashi said softly.
He unzipped his coat—
And a tiny head poked out.
Haru blinked at the room, curious, before locking eyes on Yukino.
This must be the girl Nanashi was talking about.
"Meow!" (Hello!)
"This is..." Yukino looked at the kitten with excitement in her eyes.
"It's a birthday present. Didn't your old apartment not allow pets? You can keep cats now."
"I was going to give you something else, but I happened to meet Haru… and I figured you'd like her. You love cats, don't you?"
"Meow."
Haru let out a soft cry and leapt into Yukino's arms.
"!!!"
Yukino gently caught her and stroked her soft fur.
"Nanashi-kun..."
Her heart was pounding.
She was happy… truly happy.
"Yukino! I have a gift too!"
Yui handed her a small, beautifully wrapped box.
"Thank you, Yui."
"Hehe, Yukino, look at my gift!" Kaguya said proudly, pointing at a large box in the living room.
She clapped her hands.
The box sprang open automatically, revealing a giant Mr. Pan plush!
Yukino turned to Kaguya, gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you, Kaguya."
The shift in how she addressed her spoke volumes about their growing closeness.
"Kaguya-chan, your gift is way over-the-top," Chika teased.
Kaguya held her head high. "Naturally."
Sayuri clapped gently, smiling warmly.
"Let's place all the gifts on the sofa for now—time to blow out the candles!"
The lights dimmed once again.
The candles on the cake flickered like stars in the dark.
Nanashi carefully placed a birthday hat on Yukino's head.
Just as she leaned forward to blow out the candles, Eriri stopped her in a panic. "Wait! You have to make a wish first!"
Only then did Yukino remember.
With so many eyes watching, she closed her eyes and made a heartfelt wish—something she truly desired in that moment.
When she opened them again, everyone began singing the birthday song, led by Nanashi.
Her eyes sparkled in the candlelight.
Then—she blew out the candles!
The room erupted into cheers.
The lights came back on.
And the celebration truly began.
The party was lively—overflowing with energy and laughter.
There were so many people this time that it felt like the entire house was bursting with joy.
Though Miko had been nervous at first, she eventually warmed up to the atmosphere.
Of course, the aftermath was a disaster.
Leone and the others were completely drunk.
Akame and the others had to carry them home.
Sayuri, Kie, and a few others took charge of cleaning up.
Cocolia, ever elegant and composed, never drank too much. A once-Supreme Guardian, she now cleaned tables like a pro.
Nanashi took it upon himself to escort everyone home safely.
After all, he was the one who brought them here—it was only right to take responsibility.
Chika and the others offered to go back on their own, not wanting to trouble him.
But Nanashi flatly refused.
Without another word, he scooped Chika up and flew straight to her home.
In just a few blinks, they arrived.
Chika hadn't even processed what was happening yet.
"Eh?! So fast?!"
"Told you—it's no problem."
Nanashi gently patted her head. "Go on. I'll leave after you're inside."
Chika pouted slightly.
For some reason… she felt a little disappointed. It had all ended too soon.
"What's wrong?" Nanashi asked, noticing her hesitation.
"Um..."
Chika looked down, nervously twirling her finger. Then, in a whisper barely louder than a breath, she asked, "Um… are Nezuko-chan and the others your girlfriends?"
Nanashi nodded openly, choosing to be honest. "Yeah. Kie, Sayuri, and the rest too."
"!!!"
Chika covered her mouth in disbelief.
From the introductions earlier, she'd learned that Kie, Nezuko, Eriri, and Sayuri were all family—mother and daughter.
"Scared now?" Nanashi raised an eyebrow playfully.
"No!" Chika huffed, puffing out her cheeks.
Then she asked, voice as quiet as a mosquito's hum, "...So, is it really true I won't get pregnant?"
She'd been worried about this ever since… well, that night.
Nanashi didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He reassured her, "Don't worry. You'll be fine. And even if something did happen, I'd take full responsibility."
"...Okay."
Chika nodded shyly, then turned and hurried into her house.
She felt like her brain would explode if she stayed out there any longer.
Nanashi waited until she was safely inside, then moved on.
Next was Marin.
She gave him another kiss before they parted.
"Nanashi-kun, I hope I can have a birthday like this too. Will you spend it with me?"
"Of course," he answered with a smile.
After that, he escorted Miko home.
But just as they reached the door—
Her mother saw them.
And immediately mistook Nanashi for Miko's boyfriend.
Miko blushed furiously and shoved her mom back into the house before she could say anything else.
Then came Megumi.
She was calm and composed, like always.
There was no need for words—just a quiet, lingering kiss before she stepped inside.
Finally, Nanashi took Yui home.
But something was off.
She was quiet—so different from the cheerful, bubbly girl from earlier.
She didn't say a word the entire way.
And for once, Nanashi didn't know what to say either.
He simply made sure she got home safely.
Before stepping inside, Yui turned, gave him a small smile, and softly said goodbye.
Yui sat quietly by the door after returning to her room.
"…So those are Nanashi's girlfriends."
Now that she had seen it with her own eyes, a swirl of emotions ran through her.
She was confused—but not upset.
Because everyone looked genuinely happy.
She could feel it. That kind of warmth wasn't fake.
"Even… Yukino…"
Yui lowered her head, shame welling up inside her.
When she looked at Yukino, she had imagined herself in her place.
"If Yukino can do it… could I?"
A thought formed in her heart—one she couldn't shake.
Kaguya was the last to be sent home.
Because of her unique situation, Nanashi took her directly to her room.
"We're here. I'll head back now," Nanashi said.
"…Okay." Kaguya nodded shyly, still a little dazed from the surreal evening.
Like a breeze, Nanashi vanished.
"Ah—!"
She spun around.
Too late.
"…He's gone!"
Throwing herself onto the bed, Kaguya kicked at the covers in frustration.
"Why didn't I stop him from leaving?!"
She had changed again last night.
This was the new Kaguya.
The Ultimate Kaguya.
Traditional to her core, she'd always believed in love after marriage. But seeing her father's deep, unwavering devotion to her mother had moved her.
She was no longer uncertain.
Her decision was firm.
She'd met so many people today—seen their dynamics with Nanashi, read the atmosphere.
None of it changed how she felt.
Her mind was clear.
She wanted to get along with everyone, not for diplomacy's sake, but because she didn't want to cause Nanashi trouble.
The kind of thinking only a wife would have.
You could say she had skipped the dating phase altogether—leapt right into marriage and kids.
A romantic rivalry?
Sorry, not her style.
"Miss, you're back?"
Hayasaka knocked on the door gently.
Kaguya peeked out from under the covers.
"…Yeah."
"…"
Hayasaka stood silently at the door.
When did the young lady get home?
Why hadn't she noticed anything?
And what exactly did her young lady do while she was out?
Since gaining more freedom, Kaguya had become more unpredictable by the day.
Even the search history she found on her tablet yesterday left her full of suspicion.
Did her lady really take that step?
Hayasaka made up her mind—she needed to investigate Nanashi, the new student council president.