The evening air was warm, buzzing with cicadas and the scent of grilled squid. Lanterns lined the narrow streets of the summer festival, casting everything in a soft golden glow.
David adjusted the cheap festival yukata Airi forced him to buy. "This thing's itchy," he muttered.
"You're lucky," Reika said, spinning once in her red yukata. "I look amazing."
"You're not wrong," David admitted, earning a smug grin from her.
Seika arrived a few seconds later in a deep blue yukata with silver flowers. She tried to hide behind a cotton candy stand, failing miserably.
"Why is she hiding?" David whispered.
"She thinks she looks weird cute," Reika said casually.
"I—!" Seika marched over, cheeks flushed. "Don't listen to her. I just… haven't worn something like this in a while."
David blinked. "You look great."
System Notification:
Mini-Flag: Honest Compliment
+2 Affection (Seika)
Seika fidgeted with the sleeve of her yukata, trying to hide her smile.
7:30 PM
They strolled past rows of game booths. Reika immediately challenged David to goldfish scooping.
He failed. Miserably.
She caught four.
"Natural talent," she bragged, holding her tiny bag of fish like a trophy.
Seika tried the ring toss next. On her third try, she landed the big prize: a plush tanuki.
"It's cute," she said, hugging it close.
"Like you," David said without thinking.
Seika nearly dropped the tanuki. Reika groaned.
System Notification:
Dialogue Impact Critical Hit
Seika Affection +3
Reika Affection -1 (Jealousy +1)
Hidden Rivalry Progressed
8:00 PM
The trio sat under a paper lantern tree, munching on takoyaki, yakisoba, and sweet crepes.
Reika poked David with her chopsticks. "You've got sauce on your cheek."
"Oh—"
Before he could wipe it, she leaned in and licked it off.
David blinked. Seika choked on her soda.
System Warning:
Spicy Event Triggered
Reika: Flirt Mode Activated
Seika: Embarrassment Level Rising
Potential Catfight in 3… 2…
"W-why would you—" Seika started.
Reika smirked. "He's mine tonight."
Seika's eyes narrowed. "We'll see about that."
9:00 PM
The fireworks started with a crackle, painting the sky in reds and greens.
David stood between the sisters on the bridge, hands awkwardly at his sides. The crowd cheered with each burst.
Then Reika leaned against him.
Then Seika did too.
He stood still, heart pounding. One hand bumped into Seika's. The other brushed Reika's. Both girls didn't move away.
System Event: Shared Affection Triggered
Quest Progression:
Route – Reika: 12
Route – Seika: 12
Bonus Unlocked:
Choice Pending – "Which Hand to Hold?"
David, of course, made the dumbest move possible.
He held both.
Reika blinked. Seika blushed. Neither pulled away.
System Update:
Hidden Route: Dual Sister Affection
Status: In Development
Main Quest Updated:
"Survive this emotional landmine for another 5 days."
Reward: TBD
Side Event: Fireworks Kiss (Available)
David looked at the sky, pretending he didn't see the prompt floating in his vision.
He was not ready for that level of drama.
"Tonight was fun," Reika said softly.
Seika nodded. "It really was."
David smiled, both hands still held tightly. "Yeah… scary fun."
The fireworks roared above.
But what exploded in his chest wasn't from the sky.
...
They walk home after the festival was… awkward. Not silent, just tense. Like everyone was thinking the same thing but nobody wanted to say it.
David, of course, was sandwiched between Seika and Reika again. Not exactly a bad place to be—unless you were emotionally constipated and bad with feelings.
Which David absolutely was.
They reached his dorm, shoes shuffled off quietly, and settled inside like they'd done it a hundred times. Reika flopped on the couch with a yawn. Seika sat on the opposite side, arms crossed.
David stood in the middle like a referee waiting for a punch to land.
Reika broke the silence. "So."
Seika blinked. "So?"
"You were getting real close during the fireworks," Reika said, narrowing her eyes.
"Me? You licked sauce off his face like it was a lollipop!"
David raised a finger. "Guys, can we not—"
"No offense, but I'm tired of playing second fiddle," Seika cut in, eyes sharp. "Every time I try to be close to him, you jump in and—"
Reika stood up. "Maybe I jump in because I know how I feel about him."
System Notification:
Tension Level: 89%
Warning: High-Risk Emotional Collision
Prompt Suggestion: Say Something Before They Break Each Other
David stepped between them, hands up like he was breaking up a bar fight. "Okay. No more yelling."
They both looked at him.
"I need to say something," he added, voice softer.
The room got very, very quiet.
David sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "I like you both."
Neither girl said anything.
"I mean it," he continued. "You're both… amazing in your own ways. And being with you these past weeks, it's been—"
System Prompt:
Choose Your Words Carefully
Current Affection Status:
Reika: 13
Seika: 13
Misstep Penalty: -3 Affection
Bonus Dialogue Option: Truthful Confession (Unlocks Stability Buff)
David exhaled. "I care about both of you. I'm not saying this to avoid choosing. I'm saying this because it's the truth. I don't want to hurt either of you. So please… don't fight. Not over me."
Reika bit her lip. "That's a stupid thing to say."
"But honest," Seika murmured.
Silence again. And then—
"Fine," Reika muttered, arms crossed. "I still think you're an idiot."
"Big idiot," Seika echoed, though she was trying not to smile.
Then came the kiss.
Reika stepped forward and kissed David, soft and slow, hand on his chest. She pulled back, looking him in the eye. "That was for being honest."
Before he could breathe, Seika kissed him too. Quicker, more awkward, but no less real. "And that was so you don't forget I'm serious too."
David stood there stunned.
System Notification:
Double Kiss Flag Triggered
Bond Strengthened
Relationship Route: Shared Trust – Initiated
New Perk: "Delicate Balance" – Able to maintain both affection routes without penalty… for now.
Main Quest Updated:
Title: "Maintain Harmony"
Goal: Keep both girls emotionally stable for 7 days
Reward: Parallel Slot Buff and Mystery Item
He chuckled nervously. "This is gonna get harder, isn't it?"
Seika rolled her eyes. "You think?"
Reika threw him a pillow. "Enjoy your emotional juggling act, lover boy."