"Why don't you bring that girl over to my place sometime?"
It was Wednesday morning.
Minori-san, wearing a white shirt that clung to her body, accentuating her voluptuous curves that seemed uncharacteristic of a Japanese woman, and skinny jeans that exaggerated her ample hips to an almost excessive degree, suddenly dropped a bombshell.
Her proposal, delivered with a refreshingly bright smile befitting a clear morning, nearly made me tumble out of my chair.
"That's... isn't that a bit too fast?"
We'd only just become friendly yesterday! Inviting her home so suddenly... what was I supposed to do?!
"Are you free Friday night? Let's see, what's your name again...?"
"Hagino Kaede."
"Ah, right, right! Kaede-chan! I'd like to greet you properly, too, as Yosuke's mother."
Minori-san's usual serene smile was in place, but deep in her eyes, there was no trace of amusement...
She's probably up to no good, but now that both my stepmother and classmate know about me, the plan to introduce them isn't a bad idea.
The only problem is whether Minori-san and Kaede-san will actually get along.
"Is that all? A simple greeting and then we're done?"
"Who knows?" she replied with a sticky smile, placing the toast on the table.
"Yosuke-san, what are you imagining?"
"Uh, well... I mean..."
The mask of the proper married woman cracked, revealing a glimpse of her lewd nocturnal expression.
She was clearly expecting something from my answer.
Well, both my stepmother and Kaede-san are women with common sense, so the introduction itself should go smoothly enough.
But that's not what I'm worried about. My concerns lie in something much more erotic.
Minori-san and Kaede-san are undoubtedly dying to see how I'll interact with them.
This is almost certainly going to devolve into blatant small talk. I have no doubt about that. Minori-san will probably take the lead.
Then, a naturally lewd atmosphere will start to build. And before you know it, we'll be heading toward sex... If I may say so, I'm wondering if this means the two women will end up in a rivalry over me.
"Heh heh, it's written all over your face."
Minori-san is laughing at me.
She sees right through me, of course.
We've lived together for so long, and she's been watching me all this time.
"Just in case, I think I'll ask Kaede-chan if she's allowed to stay overnight somewhere else. That way we'll be prepared for anything."
It seems Minori-san isn't going to let this go easily either.
"Ugh, an overnight stay? That's going too far..."
Kaede-san's family would definitely oppose it. A high school girl staying overnight alone outside the house?
*****
"You can stay overnight at Yosuke's house?! Yes, yes! I'm definitely going!"
Her response was surprisingly immediate.
"Huh?! Your parents won't get mad?"
"Ah, it's fine, it's fine! My family's totally hands-off! Besides, I can just tell them I'm staying at a friend's house, right?"
She grinned, showing off her white teeth, and shook her slightly blue-black hair in twin ponytails. Kaede looked up at me, her beautiful eyes gleaming with a challenging glint. It was a different kind of intimidation or pressure than Minori-san's earlier—stronger, more assertive.
On the morning commute, surrounded by other students walking by, the beautiful girl tackled me without hesitation. She rubbed her body against me like a cat marking its owner's leg with its scent.
"Tell Yosuke's mom I said hello! Kaede Hagino is coming to pay her respects!"
"Hey, hey, hey, that voice!"
Kaede-san, who already has a naturally booming voice, raised it even higher than usual, startling nearby students who turned to stare at us.
Please, just lower your voice a bit. And that phrasing! You're already one of the most popular and eye-catching girls on campus—don't draw unnecessary attention from other students...
"Hey, did you hear that?"
"She's going to pay her respects!"
"That means..."
"Why is she even talking to a dork like Hachiya?"
See? Now the surrounding students are already buzzing with gossip!
"Hagino-san"
"Hmm? What's wrong, Yosuke? You suddenly sound so distant."
"Here's one suggestion from me. Oh, wait, actually, two!"
"Okay."
"First, let's agree not to use first names with each other in public."
"Huh? Why's that?"
"It draws too much attention."
"But I'm just as noticeable as usual."
"I feel a hundred times more eyes on me than normal!"
"A hundred times? You're exaggerating again!"
Notice... Notice where everyone's looking, Kaede!
Look around more carefully. See where most of the students' gazes are focused.
"Second, we shouldn't be so... affectionate in public."
"Hmm, 'affectionate,' is it? I usually keep this distance with everyone, you know."
"I'm not used to it, and it embarrasses me!"
"You're such a shy thing! How cute!"
Her fingertips poke my cheeks.
Ah, she's really enjoying this. When I get flustered, Kaede just keeps teasing me more. She's relishing this situation.
"Seriously, what's more embarrassing—being a high school student and not being able to openly date someone of the opposite sex? I always express my feelings for the person I like, whether through words or actions, with all my might!"
She tackled me again.
And in the end, she made me hold her hand like a couple.
"Whoa, Kaede?! What happened to you?!"
A female student noticed us and came over to ask.
"What do you mean, 'what happened'? It's obvious, isn't it?"
The beautiful girl puffed out her shoulders and stopped with a majestic air.
"You're dating him now?!"
"Yeah."
"Hachiya-kun?!"
"Of course."
"Wow! Congratulations! I knew you had your eye on him!"
"Thanks! I'm the type who goes all out to get what I want!"
Not knowing how to act in this situation, I watched as the two high-fived and Kaede said, "See you later!" with a smile. The female student then dove into the back of another group.
"So, you see. Something is embarrassing because you think it is. If you just accept it as normal, it's no big deal. Right?"
"Umm... I guess so?"
"Exactly! And it's not like I'll go around telling everyone everything. Our little secret will just stay between the two of us, tucked away in our hearts, okay?"
Our little secret, huh?
The beautiful girl grinned mischievously as she took my hand. So, we're already "that kind of relationship" now.
Even if we keep it secret, the vibe will probably give us away to the other students anyway.
It's embarrassing, but at the same time, there's a prickling kind of happiness. This feels like youth.
"Come on, let's hurry to school!"
Her slender hand led the way, her dazzling smile brightening the path.
The morning commute was just like any other.
But today, the scenery seemed brighter, more vivid, and more radiant than usual. I couldn't help but squint slightly.
My lips softened, and before I knew it, I was returning Hagino Kaede's smile.