Chapter 1 | “The Beautiful Foreign Student’s Plea”
The Sunday after weathering Charl’s silent pleas—Kanon-san and Kaguya-san were already here by morning.
Sophia-san and Emma-chan came along too.
“Alright, shall we get packing?”
Kanon-san flashed a bright smile, nudging us to prep for the move.
Apparently, we’re shifting to the new place today, hot on the heels of yesterday’s chaos.
“Lottie and I will tackle the room next door.”
Naturally, Sophia-san and Charl were sorting their own rooms too.
“Akihito’s got so little stuff, as you can see, so Kaguya, lend the girls a hand.”
Compared to Charl, who’s only been here three months, my belongings are pitifully sparse.
They’re a family of three, and Charl’s always getting cardboard boxes, so it’s no shock they’ve got more.
Those boxes seem to hold stuff Charl buys for her hobbies, probably from online shops.
She’s kept the details hush-hush, so I’m clueless about what she’s actually getting.
“Um, what if we all pack Akihito-kun’s room first, then move to ours…?”
As we started splitting tasks, Charl timidly raised her hand with a suggestion.
That’s rare for her.
“What? Packing’s not a group project—too many hands will just make a mess.”
But Sophia-san shut her down flat.
Charl’s face fell, and she began pinching my shirt sleeve with her fingertips.
Maybe she wants me to back her up—but honestly, Sophia-san’s got a point this time.
“No need to look that heartbroken…”
Noticing Charl’s sulk, Sophia-san scratched her cheek awkwardly.
“Charlotte-san, it’s just for a bit. You’ll be back with Akihito soon enough.”
Kanon-san offered a warm smile and patted Charl’s head.
Only a year older, her calm vibe makes her feel like a grown-up big sister.
At least, she treats Charl with the same sibling-like care I do.
“It’s fine…”
Even as she mumbled that, Charl clung to my sleeve.
What’s up with her?
We’re together most of the day, but we part ways for stuff like bathing without issue.
When Emma-chan’s awake, Charl focuses on her, and we split off if there’s work to do—so why’s she so clingy today?
Her attachment makes my heart skip, but I’m genuinely curious.
While I was mulling it over—.
“Onii-chan, wanna play?”
Emma-chan gave my sleeve a little tug.
Her head tilted adorably, but this wasn’t a question.
It was her way of roping me into playtime.
With Sophia-san here, maybe she wants a group game.
“Sorry, we’re about to pack for the move.”
I crouched to explain to Emma-chan.
I figured Sophia-san would’ve clued her in on the way, but her reaction says she didn’t know we’re moving today.
“Moving?”
“Yup. Emma-chan, wanna watch the kitties?”
Packing’s too tough for a kid, and she could get hurt wandering around.
I showed her my phone to distract her, but—.
“Emma wants to help Onii-chan…!”
Looks like Emma-chan’s set on helping me.
If she’s eager, I’m okay with it, but…
“How about helping Charl and the others?”
Since Emma-chan used to live next door, and Charl and Sophia-san are headed there, I thought it’d be smarter to send her along.
“No…! I wanna help Onii-chan…!”
But Emma-chan doubled down on sticking with me.
She keeps saying “Onii-chan,” so that part’s clearly a big deal to her.
Now what?
It’s just me and Kanon-san here, and watching Emma-chan might slow us down.
Charl would probably take her anyway.
“Then Emma-chan can stay here…!”
“Huh?”
Against my expectations, Charl lit up at Emma-chan’s choice.
That’s not like her.
Usually, she’d whisk Emma-chan away to keep her from bothering anyone.
Is it because it’s me?
“So obvious…”
“Hehe, so honest and cute.”
Sophia-san shot Charl a wry smile, while Kanon-san grinned with delight.
Did they both pick up on something…?
“C’mon, let’s wrap up the move today. Time to move out.”
Tasks assigned, Sophia-san nudged Charl’s back and headed out.
“Don’t try anything funny.”
Kaguya-san threw me a sharp glare before trailing after Sophia-san.
Well, it’s only natural she’d protect her lady.
Obviously, I’ve got no shady plans.
“Emma, what should we do?”
“Oh, could you pack towels and clothes into the boxes? Kanon-san, can you help her?”
Even if they’re helping me, we don’t need to work side by side.
They can handle the light stuff while I tackle the heavier things.
“Sure thing. Emma-chan, let’s do it together, okay?”
“Mhm…!”
Maybe it’s Kanon-san’s gentle vibe or their time at the Himeragi residence, but Emma-chan’s totally fine with her.
I can trust Kanon-san to handle it.
“Akihito.”
“Yeah?”
As I taped up a cardboard box, Kanon-san called my name.
Then, she leaned in close and whispered in a sultry tone.
“Actually, we’re keeping this room for a while longer.”
“What…!?”
Startled, I glanced at her, and Kanon-san was smirking, clearly enjoying my reaction.
You’d think it’s just a backup plan for the move.
But that voice…
“So, leave some towels and clothes here. The new place already has furniture and essentials, so we only need the bare minimum. That way, you and Charlotte-san can use this room whenever you want.”
As expected, she’s hinting Charl and I can sneak back here for some alone time.
“You didn’t have to go that far…”
“It’s for you, but also for Charlotte-san. She’ll want moments to cling to you without everyone’s eyes on her.”
Until now, it was just me, Charl, and Emma-chan, so we’d wait for Emma-chan to sleep.
But with Sophia-san, Kanon-san, and Kaguya-san moving in, things will feel different.
Even with our own room, their presence is hard to ignore.
It’s not exactly prime conditions for cozy couple time.
“Aren’t you spoiling us a bit too much…?”
“I’m your big sister, aren’t I? Spoiling you is my job.”
It’s almost overprotective, but… Kanon-san’s always been larger than life, hasn’t she?
“Charlotte-san is just too adorable. Even from the sidelines, you can see how desperate she is to stick by your side.”
“Haha… well, she’s honest to a fault. It’s a boyfriend’s perk.”
My own fault, but after a life of being shunned, having someone crave my presence feels like a gift.
Her love is so clear, it fills me with joy.
“Hehe… you two care so deeply for each other, and you’re both sharp kids. I don’t have to worry about you slipping up, so I can watch over you with ease.”
Kanon-san nodded, satisfied, glancing at Emma-chan.
“Sorry to keep you waiting. Shall we grab some towels?”
“Mhm…!”
Emma-chan, who’d been quietly observing, perked up when Kanon-san addressed her.
She probably didn’t catch our Japanese, but since it was Kanon-san talking to me, not Charl, she waited patiently.
She’s a star at daycare, and she’s more obedient with people she’s not super tight with.
Copying Kanon-san, Emma-chan started stuffing towels and clothes into boxes.
She’d volunteered to help, so she was giving it her all.
And the result—.
“Zzz… zzz…”
By the time we finished, she was wiped out and fast asleep.
We didn’t have much to pack, so it didn’t take long, but the new task must’ve drained her.
Now she’s snoozing peacefully on Kanon-san’s lap.
“Hehe… she’s like a little angel.”
Kanon-san, who adores kids, was happily stroking Emma-chan’s head.
“Emma-chan’s actually why Charl and I got together.”
Sure, Kanon-san and the others were scheming behind the scenes, but if I hadn’t helped a lost Emma-chan, Charl and I wouldn’t be close now.
At least, not close enough to date, right?
It all started when I helped Emma-chan find her way.
“What, making a pun with angels and Cupid?”
“Well, I know they’re not the same, but they kinda look alike.”
Angels are God’s messengers, while Cupid’s the Roman love god, if I’m remembering right.
They’re totally different, but in art, they’re depicted pretty similarly.
Maybe it’s the bow and arrow that sets them apart?
“Hehe, Emma-chan’s totally your Cupid, isn’t she?”
She must’ve had the same thought.
Kanon-san was grinning ear to ear.
“Well, you and the others were pulling strings behind the scenes.”
“That’s harsh. We agreed not to bring that up.”
In a rare move, Kanon-san shot me a half-lidded glare.
I don’t recall any such deal, but it’s probably an unspoken rule.
“I’m grateful, of course.”
Even if it was staged, I’m thrilled to be with a sweet, adorable girl like Charl.
Normally, she’d be way out of my league, no matter how hard I tried.
“I’m just glad my precious little brother’s girlfriend is Charlotte-san. Beyond being Onee-sama’s daughter, she’s elegant, kind, and puts you first.”
“Did you already know about Charl?”
Her tone made it sound like she did.
“I knew she existed, but Onee-sama kept Charlotte-san out of our world, so she never showed up at parties or events. I only heard about her through Onee-sama.”
Charl didn’t even know her mom was a CEO.
Maybe she was shielding Charl from political marriages or creepy adults.
She probably confided in Kanon-san since they’re close in age.
“Charl’s pure, for better or worse.”
She’s sharp, but that doesn’t make her immune to deception.
If someone faked a sob story, she’d probably buy it and jump to help.
That’s how kindhearted she is.
But in Kanon-san and Sophia-san’s world, that kindness could be a fatal flaw.
Kindness isn’t always a strength.
“That’s where you step in, Akihito. From now on, you’ve got to protect Charlotte-san, no matter what.”
Protecting her is a boyfriend’s duty.
—But it’s probably not that simple.
I have a hunch Sophia-san and Kanon-san expect more from me than just keeping her safe.
“I’ll protect Charl, no matter what.”
“Onee-sama believes you have the strength for it, which is why she entrusted Charlotte-san to you. And I believe in you too.”
“I’ll do everything not to let that trust down.”
I’ve got a lot to learn—everything I can.
So I can stand by Charl’s side in the future.
“I’m counting on you. Right now, Charlotte-san probably trusts you more than anyone.”
Kanon-san’s gentle gaze locked onto me, warm and direct.
That kind of stare made me flush with embarrassment.
“I’d be thrilled if that’s true.”
“With how much Charlotte-san leans on you, there’s no question.”
Leans, huh… that’s a blunt way to put it.
I can feel it myself, though…
“With her jealousy and deep love, you can handle it smoothly, right?”
Kanon-san dropped a bombshell with a dazzling smile.
She’s even clocked Charl’s jealous streak.
“When you phrase it like that, I’m not some saint who can just nod confidently… but it’s never bothered me.”
It’s proof of how much Charl loves me.
Honestly, it makes my heart soar.
If she ever hurt someone over it, that’d be different… but Charl’s too kind for that.
For now, her jealousy just makes her extra clingy.
“Please cherish her. To Charlotte-san, you’re probably irreplaceable.”
“Because I’m her boyfriend, right?”
“No, that’s not it.”
Kanon-san chuckled, giving me a you’re hopeless look before softening her expression.
“To her, you’re the one who’s saved her time and again, healing her heart’s wounds. After her father’s mess, she forced herself to act mature, unable to lean on anyone… so it’s only natural she’d cling to the one person who lets her be herself and pampers her.”
Like Kanon-san said, Charl was trying to be a father figure for Emma-chan.
That must’ve pushed her to act grown-up, and guilt kept her from relying on Sophia-san.
Deep down, she’s a clingy girl who’s always craved someone to depend on.
Her reliance on me means I’ve become that someone.
“I’d be over the moon if I’m that person for her.”
“Hehe, no doubt about it. If you vanished, Charlotte-san might be so crushed she’d take to her bed.”
Taking to her bed might be a stretch, but she’d definitely be down in the dumps.
“I’d never do it, Akihito, but don’t break Charlotte-san’s heart with some love triangle drama, okay?”
“Haha, that’s impossible. I’m not exactly a heartthrob.”
With a girl as incredible as Charl, I’d never look elsewhere, and no one’s lining up for me anyway.
Charl’s crazy popular, but she’d never cheat, so there’s nothing to stress about.
—Or so I thought…
“…”
For some reason, Kanon-san looked at me like I was a lost puppy.
Did I say something off…?
“Kanon-san…?”
“Your obliviousness is what’s terrifying…”
“Huh?”
“Never mind.”
Kanon-san brushed it off with a smile.
But it felt like she was holding something back…?
“A-kun…”
“Charl, what’s wrong!?”
At her voice, I turned to see Charl standing there, face flushed and eyes teary.
What the heck happened over there…?
“She’s just mortified because they found her stash of thin books.”
Sophia-san stepped in behind her, looking exasperated.
Thin books—doujinshi, right?
Must be the stuff Charl’s been ordering online.
Figures she’d be into that kind of thing…
I better brush up, or she might be let down when the time comes…?
“You didn’t have to tell A-kun…!”
It was clearly something she wanted kept secret, as Charl was visibly fuming—a rare sight.
“If I didn’t explain, it’d spark weird misunderstandings. Besides, we’re not keeping secrets, are we?”
Sophia-san was pointing to the no-secrets promise Charl and I made yesterday.
Sure, we said that, but I wouldn’t mind her keeping her hobbies under wraps.
Especially if they embarrass her.
“Ugh… A-kun, Mom’s being mean…!”
Out of arguments, Charl flung herself into my chest.
It’s exactly how Emma-chan acts when Charl scolds her.
Sisters through and through—so alike.
“There, there, it’s okay. I’ll accept whatever you’re into.”
Feeling for her, I patted her head to soothe her.
Honestly, this isn’t a huge shock.
From Charl’s past comments, I had a hunch she was curious about that stuff.
“…People aren’t always what they seem, huh…”
Kaguya-san, lingering behind Sophia-san, muttered to herself.
I was too far to catch it clearly.
But—.
“~~~~!”
Charl, with her sharp ears, heard every word.
She burrowed her face into my chest, squirming—it kinda tickled.
“It’s fine, isn’t it? She’s at that age.”
Like me, Kanon-san was smiling, totally supportive of Charl.
She’s laid-back, so she probably doesn’t care.
—Or so I thought… but then Kanon-san beckoned Kaguya-san over.
When Kaguya-san leaned in, Kanon-san whispered in her ear—.
“So, what kind does she like?”
—Asking something on the sly.
“Even you, Ojou-sama, aren’t fazed by this stuff, huh?”
Kaguya-san let out a resigned sigh.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen her like that with Kanon-san.
They kept whispering.
“I’m at that age too—just kidding. But I need to know my little sister’s tastes. So, what’s the vibe?”
“There were all kinds of scenarios, but mostly shy, gentle guys getting aggressively—”
“S-stop, please…!”
It was clearly a topic Charl wanted buried, as she pleaded, face red and teary.
Sophia-san probably teased her enough next door, so pushing further felt mean.
“Let’s drop Charl’s hobbies. She’s free to like what she likes.”
Avoiding “doujinshi” to spare Charl’s feelings, I used “hobbies” to shut down Kanon-san and the others.
Realizing they’d overstepped, Kanon-san and the rest gave Charl apologetic looks.
“I’m sorry, Charlotte-san. Like Akihito said, your hobbies are your choice, so don’t stress.”
“Sniff…”
Charl couldn’t shake it off as easily as Kanon-san’s words implied.
Now she pressed her cheek to mine.
Like a needy kitten, she started rubbing against me.
“There, there, it’s okay.”
I stroked her head gently, comforting her.
At this point, I had to pamper her completely.
Otherwise, her hurt feelings wouldn’t mend.
“…”
Sophia-san’s expression was conflicted.
Her daughter dabbling in adult books must weigh heavy as a parent.
Hold on, didn’t Charl mention she uses Sophia-san’s credit card for online shopping, not cash on delivery?
The card statements would reveal frequent purchases from niche stores—though Sophia-san might not have checked the details.
“Just… try to keep it in check, okay?”
Ultimately, Sophia-san seemed to brush it off.
In check, huh… how much was she actually buying?
I’m dying to know, but now’s not the time to ask.
“A-kun…”
“It’s fine, don’t stress. No one’s pointing fingers.”
In front of her mother and our big-sister figure, I kept doting on my teary, clingy girlfriend.
◆◆◆
“—So, this is the new place…”
Our new home wasn’t far from the old one.
In fact, it was just a short walk away.
But the house was way bigger than I’d pictured.
Not a full-on mansion, but a roomy two-story family home.
“The rooms are pretty generous too. Let’s check out Akihito and Charlotte-san’s room first.”
Kanon-san led the way with a warm smile.
The entrance and hallway were standard-sized, like any normal house.
Which meant the rooms themselves were impressively large.
“—Did they take out a wall or something?”
Our room was massive compared to the others, with an odd shape that made me suspect as much.
A king-sized bed, two wardrobes, a sleek big-screen TV.
Add in a towering bookshelf, two desks with chairs, a sofa, and some cushions.
There was even a closet, and the room still felt spacious.
Oh, and the furniture? All top-tier brands.
“Sharp as always. With all this space, you two can get as cozy as you like, right?”
“I don’t think the room size changes that…”
I flashed an awkward smile at Kanon-san’s teasing grin.
Charl, though, took it in a whole different way.
Her face flushed crimson, hands pressed to her cheeks as she fidgeted.
What was she picturing?
“Those doujinshi have really sparked her imagination…”
“Oh, come on, it’s fine, isn’t it? Better if one of them knows what’s up.”
Sophia-san sighed at Charl, while Kanon-san chuckled, egging her on.
What in the world were they chatting about?
“I knew she was into manga and anime, all that Japanese culture stuff, but when did she start with that?”
“I get it’s concerning as a mom, but no need to worry too much. It’s just Akihito, after all—he’d go along with whatever Charlotte-san throws at him.”
Okay, seriously, what’s their deal…?
Kanon-san’s giving me this soft, knowing look, and it’s driving me nuts.
“If you pull anything improper in front of Ojou-sama, you know what’s coming, don’t you?”
Then Kaguya-san crept up behind me, pressing something cold to my neck.
I haven’t done a thing wrong, I swear…!
“I’ll be careful…”
“Good.”
Pleased with my answer, Kaguya-san eased off.
Even though I’m slated to join the Himeragi household after graduation, her attitude hasn’t budged.
I’m starting to think it’ll be like this forever.
“A-kun…”
Charl gave my sleeve a few gentle tugs.
When I looked, her eyes were locked on mine, brimming with heat.
“What’s wrong?”
I swallowed hard, meeting Charl’s yearning gaze.
I had a hunch what she was after…
“…”
Charl pressed her face into my arm, nuzzling it with quiet insistence.
Those earlier daydreams must’ve flipped a switch in her.
She was craving closeness, no doubt.
“…Akihito, we’re gonna check the other rooms, so take your time. Your stuff won’t be here for a bit.”
Kanon-san spoke gently, her smile understanding.
She’d clocked Charl’s mood and was giving us space.
The Himeragi family butlers were handling our things, but it seemed they were stalling on purpose.
I was thankful for it all.
“Catch you later, Akihito-kun, Lottie.”
Sophia-san smiled, carrying a snoozing Emma-chan as she left.
Kaguya-san, of course, trailed behind them.
And just like that, it was only me and Charl in the room.
“A-kun…”
Alone now, Charl shot me that longing look again.
The time apart during packing, plus her emotional whirlwind, must’ve hit her hard.
“Close your eyes.”
“O-okay…”
I cupped her cheek, and Charl shut her eyes with a happy little sigh.
So sweet and compliant.
I tilted her chin up gently with a finger, leaning in slowly.
“Chu…”
Our lips met, her soft, warm touch sending a shiver through me.
And then—.
“Mmh… nn…”
Charl didn’t hesitate, her tongue slipping past my lips.
Like she couldn’t hold back anymore, she came on bold.
I had to steady myself, or she might’ve bowled me over.
“A-kun… I love you…”
Her voice was slurry, almost dreamlike.
Her eyes were hazy, her face so flushed she looked feverish.
Even that was impossibly cute.
“Yeah… I love you too…”
Our tongues tangled as I pulled her close, stroking her hair softly.
She’s usually so shy, but this bold side in moments like these? It gets me every time.
“Pwah… haa… haa…”
Out of breath, she finally pulled back, panting.
But—.
“One more…”
Not satisfied, she leaned in again, barely catching her breath.
“Hang on.”
“…”
I stopped her, and she gave me a pouty, pleading look, like a puppy denied a treat.
She was so adorable, it was killing me.
“It’s tough standing. Let’s sit for a bit.”
With that, I crouched, sliding one arm behind her back and the other under her knees.
Slowly, I lifted her.
The classic princess carry.
I knew from last time she melted for this.
“A-kun… that’s cheating…”
Her reaction caught me off guard.
“Huh?”
“When you do this, I… I can’t hold back my feelings…”
“…”
Oh, I get it.
I understand—but hasn’t her restraint already flown out the window…?
“No one’s around, so don’t worry.”
Swallowing a tease, I sat on the bed, still holding her.
Charl shifted to sit sideways, legs on the bed, arms looping around my neck.
And then—.
“Mmh… chu…”
She kissed me again, our tongues weaving together like before.
My kiss-hungry girlfriend might not stop unless I let her keep going.
I wasn’t planning to stop either—not until Kanon-san or the others called us.
We hadn’t locked the door, but getting up now felt like it’d break the moment.
I didn’t want to spoil the mood.
Kanon-san and the others would probably knock, and as long as we weren’t too lost in each other, I’d hear it.
With that in mind, I kept kissing Charl—.
“—Onii-chan, where aaare yooou!”
Emma-chan, awake and realizing we were gone, burst in with teary eyes.
…And that’s how it goes.
