Volume 4 - CH 6

I have a punishment resting on my shoulders. This all started before when Yamazaki was constantly spamming messages at me because of his horror game trip, and in order to get back at him, I gave my messenger account and icon a bit of a horror beauty-up. The problem however, I forgot to change it back quickly enough, and scared Natsukawa in the process. Then again, rather than Natsukawa, Ashida was the one who really blew a fuse, and gave me an earful.

A punishment for me was decided, and I thought that I would be forced into some master-servant kind of ordeal, but…At first, I thought I couldn’t deal with the incident related to Ichinose-san. Even if I hadn’t asked Natsukawa or Ashida for help, I needed to properly think this through. However, instead of actually coming up with anything, I just walked in circles.

Leaving aside my consideration, the reason why Ichinose-san would go so far as to prostrate herself in front of me, begging to not make her quit work—Normally that would be something I could only ask for once we’ve gotten to know each other, and I earned her trust, but when dealing with a type like her, it might be better to forcefully drag it out of her. And, Natsukawa decided to force me into that as the aforementioned punishment.

“Sorry to create such a heavy atmosphere all of a sudden.”

“I was pretty surprised, but…If everything works out, then…”

“Just don’t make her prostrate herself anymore than that, okay.”

“Please, stop.”

“Ah…”

Ashida sure loves using words that completely destroy my mental health. Like hell I’d repeat the same mistake again. Thinking about that, I saw Airi-chan move a bit, and cling to Natsukawa again.

“Is it fine for Airi-chan to sleep right now?”

“A bit longer, yeah. She didn’t have an afternoon nap today…”

“Ai-chan…She sure was using up a lot of energy after all. You’re pretty amazing, Aichi, getting the full force of that every day.”

“I guess Natsukawa’s reflexes and motoric abilities weren’t just a heavenly gift after all.”

“Stop it already, I’m starting to feel worse about myself.” Ashida complained.

I heard a lot from Ashida that she feels a bit worried to know that Natsukawa has better reflexes despite not even being part of a club.

“Well…it really is a good type of exercise.”

“If so, then call us over again! I’ll help you!”

“R-Really…?”

“Maybe four times a week?”

“You don’t need to come that often!”

Damn it, if I was a girl as well, I could have joined in on their conversation…! At times like these, I’m really jealous of Ashida. She can stop by without raising any suspicion with Natsukawa’s parents. I want to cling to Natsukawa as well, while saying ‘Morning~’, you know. What if I did that? Oh, I just heard the clicking sound from the handcuffs.

“It’d be even better if Sajocchi came with us as well, right!”

“Eh!? T-That’s…”

Moron! Don’t just add me in the equation! How about you take my place and nonchalantly visit Natsukawa’s place, huh!? Imagine if Natsukawa’s honored father asked you ‘What is your relationship with my daughter?’, huh!? It’ll lessen your lifespan, I can tell you…!

“…O…”

“…Oh?”

Natsukawa seemed like she wanted to say something, and Ashida grinned as she returned a question. Normally, I’d throw a complaint in there, but my entire being told me to stay quiet here.

“—O-Only if you can…properly carry…Airi…”

“……”

Huh…Eh? Huh? Wait, what? What kind of condition is that? Are you kidding me? She says that, and yet has no feelings for me? That’s just too cruel, reality. I can’t even properly look at Natsukawa because she’s so cute. How am I supposed to hold back now, with these words from her, this scent of hers tickling my nose…

“…”

“…Move.”

“W-What…”

Ashida moved her hand around the sofa, poking me in the side. Not to mention her ‘Hurry up’ gaze she was giving me. Since Natsukawa was sitting between us, she probably was being considerate and didn’t talk any more than that…Not like I needed any consideration…

“A-Alright, I get it. I’ll embrace her.”

Shaken too much by this situation, I chose a wrong way of expressing myself. What am I, some playboy? Slowly but steadily, I looked to my right, only to find Ashida stare at me in disgust. Even more than when I told the story of Ichinose-san. I just chose the wrong word, okay.

At the same time, Natsukawa was giving me a stern gaze. Y-You’re wrong, okay, I didn’t mean it in such a weird way.

“…Can you do it?”

Luckily, Natsukawa didn’t take it any weird way. However, she must have taken my motivation too lightly, as she looked at me with a bit of annoyance. She sure does not hold back when it’s about Airi-chan. More importantly though, could you move away a bit? I might just propose to you at this rate.

“…Well, I’ve been always watching you carry her, Natsukawa.”

“…!”

“Natsukawa…?”

“I-It’s nothing…Nothing at all!”

“O-Okay…”

I was just trying to reassure her with a few words, but she for some reason averted her face. Is this what you call candy and whip? I probably won’t ever get over Natsukawa. Also, stop glaring at me, Ashida.

“T-Then…Here.”

“Eh, wha, too fast…!”

Natsukawa swiftly moved towards me, offering me Airi-chan’s small body. Pushed onto me, Airi-chan woke up with a confused ‘Mmm?’. Eh, that simple? I thought she’d be more careful about it…

“…Ah…here we go.”

“Mmm…”

“…”

I think I was doing pretty good. I was taught the small tricks and knacks, so no problems there. Carrying Airi-chan while sitting would have been a bit too tough, so I stood up and fixed my posture. Huh…did she grow since the last time I saw her? I heard that it’s rather body-type than age that matters.

I was wondering if I was doing alright, so I raised my head, only to immediately spot Ashida holding her phone camera at me.

“Hey, Ashida—Wait, Natsukawa as well?”

Right as I wanted to complain, Natsukawa joined in. Hey now, what about my evaluation? Wasn’t this supposed to be a test? Why did this turn into some photoshoot?

“Ah…”

Airi-chan gently moved her body, so maybe I wasn’t holding her right.

“…Caress Airi some more.”

“O-Okay…”

Being told, I remembered the scenery from back when Natsukawa was carrying her. Now that I think about it, Natsukawa would gently shake her left and right, or caress her head and hair. Trying to get a feeling for that seems tough, though. Going too far would make it like an amusement park attraction rather than a cradle.

“Yup, just like that.”

“I see——Eh?”

“Hm?”

Both Ashida and I let out a voice at the same time. Together with a sweet scent reaching my nose, Natsukawa approached me. She stopped right in front of me, and started caressing Airi-chan’s head like she was carrying her herself. Being sandwiched by Natsukawas was too much for me. Aren’t you…too close…Um, Natsukawa-san…?

She doesn’t even seem bothered at all, acting like this kind of distance is perfectly normal. Natsukawa’s hand moving between my chest and Airi-chan’s head made me feel itchy all over. In an attempt to ask for help, I looked over at Ashida, but she’s biting on her fingernail—Is she really jealous now?

Ashida caught on to my gaze, moved down her finger, and showed me an awkward laugh. It seems like she’s not planning on helping me at all, huh. If I showed any careless movement, it would end with me touching Natsukawa’s body. So, I held back. I wonder what’s awaiting me past holding back like this—Project X!

“O-Oi, Aichi, don’t just leave me out of this!”

“…Eh…Eh!? Ah!? I…”

“Sajocchi’s at his limit, so how about we chill a bit?”

“…!? A-Ah…”

There, my eyes met with Natsukawa’s. Her sparkling iris together with her delicate skin made me feel like I fell for her all over again. I might have just set eyes upon one of the greatest treasures humanity has to offer. I can look at these forever! Or so I was proudly declared inside of me, but the tension vanished when I saw Natsukawa’s shocked expression.

“Bare leg kick!”

Why, Ashida!?

*

After this turbulent moment, I somewhat managed to regain a steady breathing rhythm. However, Natsukawa was still throwing glances at me, sitting a bit further away. Since this continued for a few minutes, I just decided to completely ignore all of that. As for Ashida, she was still busy taking pictures of me from all possible angles.

Natsukaw spotted an empty glass on the desk, and headed to the kitchen. Using that opening, Ashida threw a complaint at me.

“…Hey.”

“I said I’m sorry.”

Come on, I’m enjoying the peak of my life, receiving the attention from both Natsukawa and Airi-chan, are you telling me to just throw that away?

“I thought she fell asleep pretty quickly, but looking at the time, that’s not really the case.”

“Ah, you’re right. Pretty different from 3-4pm.”

“Feels like evening already, right.”

Looking outside, the evening had started to turn orange. The light reflected on Airi-chan’s puffy cheeks had clearly changed. I felt the urge to poke my finger at it, but I was scared of natsukawa spotting me while doing so.

“So, could you wake up Airi? If she sleeps any longer, she won’t be able to stay calm at night.”

Natsukawa returned to us on the sofa, and asked me to wake up Airi-chan. I was unsure of what to do, so I just tried to handle it normally.

“Come on, Airi-chan, wakey wakey~”

“…Mmm…”

“You won’t be able to sleep at night~”

“……”

“Huh? Is this actually…pretty complicated?”

“Might be.”

Ashida and I looked at each other, showing a wry smile. So far, I was careful not to wake up Airi-chan, but I feel like I could have relaxed some more. Looking over at Natsukawa, she gave a brief ‘Can’t help it…’ and approached me with a faint smile. That short moment made me the happiest.

“Come on, give her to me.”

“Yesh.”

“Sajocchi, your face.”

Natsukawa swiftly moved her fingers between my chest and Airi-chan, which had me forget my reasoning for a second. Barely even heard Ashida’s complaint. I’m so happy that Airi-chan stayed asleep…

“Blegh!”

Only now did I realize that Airi-chan was holding on to my clothes. Because Natsukawa accepted her with quite the force, she almost strangled me, which had me let out a weird voice. Ashida, why are you taking a picture now? That’s exactly what I mean, you know?

Natsukawa took Airi-chan with her, and had her sit down at a dining table chair. Isn’t that…a bit dangerous…?

“Is that really okay?”

“This chair is pretty hard after all. She’ll feel uncomfortable, and wake up.”

“For your family, that is.”

“What do you mean by that?”

The effects showed fairly quickly after that, because Airi-chan let out an annoyed voice, and started fidgeting on the chair. She’ll probably wake up any second now.

“Guess we should head home once Airi-chan wakes up.”

“Right. She’d probably be sad if we split up while she’s sleeping.”

“Ah, um…”

I think I worked hard today. I must have. I know it’s weird for me to say that, but I think I deserve that. So, I’ll be retreating before her parents come home. Meeting her family is still way too large of a hurdle to clear. I need to prepare before challenging the Demon Lord’s castle.

“So…thanks, you two.”

“Don’t worry about it! Can I stay over next time?”

“A-Are you sure about that…?”

“Eh? I mean, I should be asking for that, hehe.”

Ahh, so jealous. I’m genuinely jealous of Ashida. She shows that expression of wanting to fall asleep between Natsukawa and Airi-chan. She could flirt around with Natsukawa without a worry in the world…Damn it, I wish I was born a girl…

“Sajocchi, will you sleep over as well?”

“I will die.”

“You won’t die, calm down.”

She probably meant to tease me, but I definitely couldn’t laugh about it. I will die for sure. I mean, Papa Natsukawa would walk past the room, maybe even tie me up? I’d have to sleep next to Papa Natsukawa’s bed. Then, he’d ask me about all sorts of embarrassing stuff. I would probably fall asleep mid-way and never wake up.

“Well, you know…If you’re about to lose against Airi-chan’s powerful endurance, I’ll become her plaything again.”

“Y-You don’t have to become her plaything.”

“I’m used to it because of Big Sis.”

“Heh…what’s up with that.”

“…!”

A sudden smile disrupted my heartbeat. There’s no greater joy than to make Natsukawa smile. Was it the topic about Big Sis? Must have been, right? Is that enough to make Natsukawa laugh? Maybe I should get some more material…Oh wait, there’s a lot more material than I remember. I have a lot of episodes with Big Sis. Makes sense that I have a trauma.

“…Mmm…Onee-chan…”

“Oh.”

“Ah! Ai-chan woke up.”

Just as Natsukawa stated, Airi-chan must have felt uncomfortable to sit on that hard chair in the kitchen. She was looking for Natsukawa, as her eyes wandered over the place, rubbed by her small hands. Right when Natsukawa was about to head her way with a smile, Ashida moved first.

“I’ll be going now~”

“Ah! Kei!”

Because of Ashida’s speed, Natsukawa couldn’t react in time. At the same time, I remembered the time Ashida was biting on her finger. Ashida, you…wanted to carry her as well, right? Ever since I came, she was more on the outside after all.

“Ai-chaaaan!”

“Waeh!?”

Airi-chan was raised high and high by Ashida letting out a terrified voice. Both Natsukawa and Ashida sure are not careful at all…Even if Natsukawa is used to it, Ashida isn’t.

“It’s me! Kei-chan!”

“Onee-chan…”

“Come on, Kei…”

“Look, high high!”

“Hey, calm down…”

Being lifted up and down, Airi-chan was unsure of what was going on, so she just blinked at Ashida in confusion. Well, it must be confusing to have done that to you right after waking up…Must be bad for the heart.

“And finally, a hug!”

“Mmm…”

Ashida generally holds back to her own desires and wishes when dealing with the people around her, so it’s rare to see her this honest. Natsukawa didn’t seem to see this as any danger, as she didn’t approach Ashida at all.

“Like I stole her popularity, huh.”

“Before, Airi was really clingy with Kei after all…”

“Figures.”

I can’t see Ashida being bad at dealing with children. Since she had known Airi-chan even before me, she should be a kind Onee-chan towards her. That being said, letting things end like this was something she didn’t want, so she at least wanted to show her face one last time. When I approached them, she looked at me with a threatening glare.

“Bye bye, Airi-chan. See you another time.”

“Fueh…?”

“Eh…Sajocchi, isn’t that pretty fast?”

“…I mean, it’d be awkward if her parents came home.”

“Coward.”

“Shut it.”

We were exchanging a few words with a quiet voice. No matter what Ashida says, running into Natsukawa’s parents would be a blunder. What exactly would be awkward? The fact that Natsukawa invited a boy to her home while her parents weren’t there. Hella awkward. If I was Natsukawa’s father, I’d record all my personal information, down to where I live and my history with her.

“Mm, Sajo~”

“Hm?”

“Uuuu…”

“See you again.”

While still being carried by Ashida, Airi-chan stretched out her arm towards me. The second I was giving my goodbye, she suddenly seemed disgruntled, how cute. I want to hug her myself. But, I just left it at a handshake.

“So…are you going home…?”

“Airi-chan woke up after all.”

“Yeah…But, sorry to have you come over here…Right after work…”

“Don’t worry, it’s not something that makes me use up a lot of endurance.”

“But, you know, that girl at work…”

“Well, it is my punishment. I can’t leave things awkward like that, so I’ll do something about it tomorrow.”

“I see…that’s fine, then.”

When I reassured Natsukawa that I would keep my promise, she showed a warm smile. Again, I never would have expected to receive such a smile from Natsukawa. Maybe it’s the change in environment, or maybe the encounter with Ashida, but a lot of things came together. Although my love has ended, I still feel blessed.

Ashida seems to be heading home at this time as well. Unlike me, she has no reason to be nervous in front of Natsukawa’s parents, so she might as well stay a bit longer, but…

As we headed towards the entrance, Airi-chan trotted after us with Natsukawa’s hand holding on to her. She blinked, fully awake. It seems that Ashida’s attempt to wake her up worked well. Though I’m sure that’s not good for her body.

“So then~”

“Sajooooo!”

“Oah!?”

Airi-chan walked away from Natsukawa, clinging to my leg. So cute…Ahh, I can’t take it…But I have to…! At this rate, I will take Airi-chan home with me…! Ahh, I definitely have a weird face right now…!

“Airi…come on, let go.”

“Uuuuu!”

Natsukawa picked up Airi-chan, and closed her eyes with a regrettable expression. To think she would be this reluctant to part. This is probably how I reacted when it was time to leave the amusement park. I just know I was really lonely and sad.

“Then, I’ll message you?” I looked at Natsukawa.

“Yeah, let’s talk again.”

“Same to you, Airi-chan.”

“Ah…yeah.”

Through Natsukawa, I can talk to Airi-chan again…No, wait. That would make me and Natsukawa have consistent exchanges, right? Isn’t that pretty hard in itself. I wonder, why am I getting closer with Natsukawa than back when I was actually being assertive? It might be a bit late to think about that though, and I’m happy. Even so, it’s an odd reality I live in. When I turned around to walk away, I saw Ashida open her arms.

“—Alright! So it’s my turn to jump at Airi-chan now!?”

“Fueh…?”

“Eh?”

We’re going home, Ashida.