In Japan, summer vacation didn't officially begin until mid-July. But Yukinoshita Yukino's flight home was scheduled for a Saturday, which meant that both Sawamura Spencer Eriri and Minamoto Senya could go to the airport to meet her.
And of course, Takanashi Rikka had tagged along too. Yukino hadn't spoken much with her in the past, but she had always treated Rikka with quiet consideration.
Rikka wasn't sure if it was her imagination, but she often felt that the girl who presented such an aloof, cool exterior to the world behaved a little differently toward her.
She couldn't quite put her finger on how. But sometimes, the way Yukino looked at her felt oddly similar to the way Senya looked at her.
It was strange. Their genders and positions were completely different—one was her older stepbrother, the other a friend her own age. It shouldn't have felt the same.
Which could only mean one thing: she really was just that cute!
With that thought, Rikka puffed out her still-flat chest with pride, striding confidently through the airport under the curious stares of passersby.
After Senya had bought her that flintlock model, she had saved up her allowance and purchased a gray-and-black Gothic-style dress. It was thick in material and a little stuffy, since she wore safety shorts underneath out of modesty, but she felt it made her look both stylish and striking.
Her pale skin, delicate features, and doll-like face only added to the effect. No matter what she wore, she came across as an adorably fresh, youthful beauty.
Sweat aside, it was a worthwhile trade.
Aside from the three of them, the Yukinoshita family had naturally come to meet Yukino as well.
Eriri stood next to Rikka, chattering with her, though her eyes kept drifting toward the arrival gate. Her excitement about seeing Yukino again was impossible to hide.
Senya, meanwhile, had found himself trapped between Mrs. Yukinoshita and the elder daughter, Haruno, both seated on either side of him.
Facing both mother and eldest daughter at once, even Senya couldn't quite keep his composure. He looked calm enough on the surface, but sweat was beading on his back.
Mrs. Yukinoshita, what exactly are you trying to accomplish here? Are you seriously digging into my family's genealogy?
As for Haruno, well, she was clearly just having fun with it. But what was it about him that had piqued even Mrs. Yukinoshita's interest? His grades? His looks?
It's not like your daughters are lacking in beauty themselves…
Fortunately, Yukino's flight was not delayed. If it had been, Senya might really have had to come up with some excuse to escape and talk with Rikka and Eriri about shoujo manga instead of fielding questions on the global economic order.
He barely understood the domestic news, much less world economics. Any deeper and his cover would be blown.
When Yukinoshita Yukino finally emerged, a small travel bag slung over her shoulder, Eriri couldn't restrain herself. She rushed forward and hugged her tightly.
The frosty expression Yukino usually wore softened instantly into a smile. While patting Eriri's back, her gaze slid past her friend, landing first and foremost on Minamoto Senya.
It had only been a few months, but… had he grown taller?
Eriri had mentioned that he'd been practicing kendo. He seemed brighter, more confident—handsome, even.
Senya gave her a smile, and Yukino's lips curved in response.
On the plane, she had wondered whether he would come to meet her. After all, during her time abroad, he had almost never initiated a conversation with her.
They said that time and distance could make even the strongest relationships fade. But judging by the way things felt now… perhaps that didn't apply to the bond between them.
From kindergarten until now—over six years.
How many six-year spans did a person get in life?
"Long time no see. You must be tired," Senya greeted.
Yukino released Eriri, whose nose was still pink from the sudden hug. "Yes… long time no see. I'm back."
It was only a little after ten in the morning. Knowing she'd want to spend time with friends first, Mrs. Yukinoshita and Haruno took her luggage and headed home after reminding her to be back for dinner.
With the adults gone, Eriri grew more relaxed. Clutching Yukino's hand, she peered closely at her. "Yukino, did you lose weight?"
At that, Yukino's expression turned slightly exasperated. She had been living in the UK, staying with her mother's friends.
Since they were all British, the food had been very different from what she was used to.
It wasn't that she wanted to be picky—she couldn't exactly demand that her hosts cook Japanese food just for her. The nearby Japanese restaurants weren't very authentic, and she wasn't brave enough to wander too far alone in an unfamiliar country.
She hadn't gone abroad to indulge herself, after all, but to study. Such inconveniences were only to be endured.
It would only be two years, give or take. It would pass quickly.
"My weight hasn't really changed. I've grown a little taller, though… But let's not dwell on me. Don't worry, I've been drinking milk and eating fruit every day, so I've been getting proper nutrition. Instead—how has everyone been? It feels like forever since we last talked freely like this."
Perhaps because she had gone so long without casual conversation, Yukino found herself speaking more than usual.
With Senya and Eriri on either side and Rikka trailing along, the group felt lively as they rode the train into the city center.
As lunchtime approached, Rikka made a suggestion. "Yukino, since you've been abroad so long, you must be craving Japanese food, right? How about we eat at a Japanese restaurant for lunch?"
Her reasoning sounded considerate, but Rikka also had her own agenda.
Her family rarely made fried dishes like tempura at home, and she had been craving it for ages. This was the perfect chance to get both what she wanted and what Yukino needed.
The others agreed readily, so Rikka picked a place that "felt right" and led the way.
"Welcome!" the staff greeted as the four entered and were seated.
Two menus were placed on the table. Senya immediately pushed one toward Rikka, his gaze unusually gentle and indulgent as he reached out to pat her head.
"Senya… what's gotten into you?"
"Nothing. Just suddenly realized how incredibly cute my Rikka is."
"???"
The words came out of nowhere, with no context or warning. Rikka shivered, completely baffled. Across from them, Eriri and Yukino exchanged startled glances, whispering behind their menus.
"Did something happen to Senya while I was gone? Why does it sound like he's developing little-sister-con tendencies?"
"I don't know. He's never acted like this toward Rikka before…"
Once they had ordered, Senya's attention shifted.
After pouring Rikka a cup of tea, he quietly activated his system's "God's Eye" and let his perspective drift across the room.
His gaze settled on a nearby table, where a long-haired girl sat opposite a professional-looking woman in an office suit.
…