Chapter 5 | “Memories Beneath New Year’s Star”

Several days had passed since Karin’s visit, and today was New Year’s Eve.

“I’m here!” Livi’s voice rang out, bright and eager.

After exploring various places over the past few days, Livi had wanted to spend today at our house, so she’d come over.

“Good morning, Livi,” Charl greeted, her tone warm but teasing. “You’re full of energy this morning, aren’t you?”

“Oh, Lottie, morning!” Livi chirped back.

“Ugh, not again…!” Charl’s cheeks flushed as Livi planted a quick kiss on her cheek, her usual playful gesture sparking the familiar mix of embarrassment and indignation.

This exchange had become a daily ritual, and I was starting to get used to it. Charl always saw it coming, so if she truly minded, she could dodge. Her failure to do so hinted at her true feelings.

“Morning, Livi,” I said, grinning. “You found your way here without getting lost, huh?”

“Morning, Akihito! I’ve finally got the route down,” Livi replied, her cheerful smile lighting up as she kicked off her shoes.

“Is Kanon not here today either?” she asked, glancing around.

“Nope, seems she’s busy,” I answered. Kanon was always swamped around the end of the year and New Year’s, likely tangled in the demands of high-society circles. The thought that I’d probably have to navigate that world someday weighed on me a little.

“So, is Emma still asleep?” Livi peered at the small bundle in my arms.

“She woke up a bit ago but is still drowsy,” I said. After stirring, Emma had asked to be held, only to drift back to sleep in my arms. It was a holiday, so there was no need to rouse her.

“And Kaguya?” Livi asked.

“She’s in her room,” I replied. Kaguya had likely retreated to give Livi and me space, her thoughtfulness ever-present.

“Anyway, let’s head to the living room,” I suggested, leading Livi inside.

“Oh, is that a kotatsu…!?” Livi’s eyes sparkled at the sight of the kotatsu set up in the living room yesterday. Her reaction mirrored Charl’s from the day before, and I had to stifle a laugh. Kaguya-san had prepared it since we were hosting Livi for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s.

“First time seeing one?” I asked.

“Of course! Back in England, we keep our shoes on indoors!” Livi exclaimed. Charl had mentioned it before, but for them, even taking off shoes inside was novel.

“Hey, let’s get in!” Brimming with curiosity, Livi shrugged off her jacket.

Charl and Livi settled across from each other at the kotatsu, while I, with Emma in my arms, sat diagonally between them—Charl to my left, Livi to my right. From what I could tell, both girls had their knees tucked up, like in gym class, to fit comfortably. Stretching their legs would bother the person opposite, and sitting cross-legged would leave their toes outside the warmth, so it made sense. I couldn’t stretch my legs either, so I sat cross-legged, Emma resting on my lap.

“It’s so warm…!” Livi marveled, her voice full of wonder. “So this is what it’s like…!”

“Hehe, Livi, you’re like a little kid,” Charl teased, covering her mouth as she laughed softly.

But I hadn’t forgotten—yesterday, Charl had been just as thrilled and surprised when she first slipped into the kotatsu.

“…” Livi puffed out her cheeks, clearly miffed at being called childish, and shot Charl a look. Then, a mischievous grin spread across her face. She’d hatched a plan.

Charl tensed, bracing herself, but I decided to watch what Livi was up to. Livi’s hands disappeared under the kotatsu, rummaging briefly before she pulled something out. Socks…? Her own, by the looks of it. Had she taken them off because they felt bothersome in the kotatsu’s warmth?

No—that sly grin earlier suggested more. I kept my eyes on her.

“Eek…!?” Charl squeaked suddenly.

I glanced at her, noting her slightly flushed face and rigid posture. Catching my gaze, she shyly met my eyes before turning to Livi, her expression hinting at unspoken words. Livi, meanwhile, wore a cheeky, prankster’s grin, confirming she’d done something. Since it seemed like harmless teasing, I stayed quiet, observing.

“—!? A-again…!?” Charl gasped, squinting one eye and trembling slightly, as if enduring something.

Livi’s subtle movements suggested another prank. What was happening under the kotatsu?

“Phew… Nn… It’s ticklish…” Charl murmured, trying to keep her voice low so I wouldn’t notice.

Her cheeks were redder now, her breathing heavier. What on earth were they doing? I could peek under the kotatsu and find out, but they’d probably call me a pervert, so I refrained.

“Hehe♪” Livi giggled, clearly relishing Charl’s reactions. Her love for pranks shone through.

“Look, your beloved boyfriend’s watching. Is it okay to react like that?” Livi teased under her breath.

“—! S-stop it…” Charl whispered back, having caught the words with her sharp ears.

Charl’s body twitched, and the eye she’d kept open squeezed shut. She held out as long as she could but finally collapsed onto the table, her arms too weak to support her, dangling limply.

“Haha… As usual, you’re so wea—!?” Livi’s triumphant laugh cut off with a startled yelp.

“Hehe… You let your guard down, didn’t you?” Charl smirked, her voice tinged with victory.

Both her arms were under the kotatsu now. Though she’d seemed exhausted, she’d pulled off a counterattack.

“W-wait, Lott—” Livi stammered.

“Payback…!” Charl declared.

“Wah, hahahaha!” Livi burst into loud laughter, squirming uncontrollably.

Charl didn’t relent, and Livi writhed as if tickled. “Stop, using your hands is unfair, haha!”

“I don’t care…! You started it, Livi…!” Charl retorted, her teasing smile a rare sight.

The frustration from earlier had flipped her playful switch, and she was clearly having fun.

“Eek…! Hihihi…! N-no, my soles, hahaha…!” Livi squealed.

So that was it—Charl was tickling Livi’s soles with her hands. Since she called it payback, Livi must have been tickling Charl with her feet earlier.

“I didn’t even go this far…! Kyahaha… Hihi…! I-I was just stroking…!” Livi protested.

“Bad kids who make excuses need punishment,” Charl replied coolly.

“N-no more, hahaha! A-Akihito, help…!” Livi pleaded, tears in her eyes from laughter.

I’d been unsure where to look for a while, and her plea put me in a tough spot.

“Ah…” Charl froze, her hands stopping as Livi’s call reminded her of my presence.

“~~~~~~!” She yanked her hands back, blushing furiously and letting out a wordless squeak. She’d clearly forgotten I was there, so absorbed in the tickling.

“Um… I didn’t see anything, so don’t worry?” I offered with a smile, trying to ease the awkward silence as Livi panted, collapsed on the floor.

It didn’t work.

“I showed you something improper…” Charl mumbled, looking down.

Seeing this playful side of her was new, but knowing she had a mischievous streak, it wasn’t shocking. “That side of you is lovely too, Charl, so don’t worry,” I reassured her.

Her eyes widened in surprise. “No way, A-kun, you have that kind of taste…!?”

Uh, what was she talking about? I didn’t get it, but a new misunderstanding had clearly formed.

“—As the one entrusted with watching the house, I’d be troubled if you did anything indecent…?” A voice cut in, laced with a dark aura.

“’’‘—!?’’’” We all froze as Kaguya-san stepped into the living room, the door swinging open without a knock. She’d likely timed it to catch us off guard.

Her gaze swept over us, finally settling on me with a slow tilt of her head. “Kenny-sama is sweating, breathing heavily, with flushed cheeks and disheveled clothes. Charlotte-sama, your cheeks are red, and you’re sweating as well. Care to explain what you were doing?” she asked, her tone calm, her face expressionless—and utterly terrifying.

I hadn’t done anything… “Would you believe me if I said Charl and Livi were just playing around…?” I ventured. It was the truth.

“Kenny-sama aside, would Charlotte-sama do such a thing?” Kaguya-san replied, skeptical. Livi’s disheveled state might be believable, but she couldn’t imagine Charl causing it. To Kaguya-san, Charl was a refined, gentle lady—perhaps a bit clingy, but not this.

“I could never do something like that,” I said, choosing the answer most likely to convince her. It stung a bit to admit.

“Indeed, that’s true,” Kaguya-san nodded, convinced. Ouch, my pride…

“Both of you, it’s wonderful that you’re close, but please maintain some decorum. Especially, you shouldn’t show such improper behavior in front of a man,” she scolded.

“‘’Yes, we’re sorry…’’” Charl and Livi mumbled, heads bowed.

Kaguya-san’s leniency with Charl was clear—she let it go with just that. “Akihito-sama, please reprimand them instead of enjoying it.”

“I wasn’t enjoying it!” I protested, the blame somehow shifting to me.

“Oh…?” Kaguya-san’s eyes narrowed, dripping with doubt. Since I’d been watching Charl’s reactions closely, I couldn’t deny it too forcefully.

“Very well. Call me if you need anything,” she said, leaving quietly.

“A-kun, I’m sorry… It’s our fault you got in trouble…” Charl apologized, her voice small.

“Nah, it’s fine. It’s not like we got in real trouble,” I reassured her. After the hell of my childhood, this was nothing. Besides, Livi started it.

To avoid further scolding, we behaved, and I listened as Charl and Livi shared stories of their past.

◆◆◆

“—So, Charl was totally glued to Livi back then?” I asked, caught up in their nostalgic tales. Apparently, Charl had trailed Livi everywhere.

“She was so cute, you know? Following me like a little duckling,” Livi said, grinning.

“Tch, can we stop talking about that…?” Charl muttered, embarrassed, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere.

Since Emma-chan often followed me around, the sisters really were alike. “But Akihito wants to hear about Lottie’s past, right?” Livi pressed, knowing Charl couldn’t resist if it involved me.

“That doesn’t mean you have to tell embarrassing stories…” Charl protested.

“No, I think it’s really cute,” I said honestly, no flattery intended. That she’d kept it up until partway through middle school was genuinely adorable. Her father’s situation likely ended it, so I avoided that topic.

“Charl’s always loved Livi, huh?” I said.

“She’d sulk and get mad if I played with other kids, that’s how much,” Livi teased.

“~~~~~~! Both of you are so mean…!” Charl’s face burned, but she didn’t deny it, confirming it was true. Sophia-san had mentioned it too.

“Sorry, sorry,” I said, patting her head. Charl leaned closer, her mood lifting.

“…” Livi watched us intently. Oh right, she’d asked us not to flirt in front of her. She might think we were being lovey-dovey again.

“…Even if you look jealous, I won’t hand A-kun over…?” Charl said, misreading Livi’s gaze and clinging to my arm. Was this payback for the teasing?

“I’m not looking at you like that,” Livi said, pouting and turning away. Wait, was she actually jealous…?

“Nnn…?” Emma stirred in my arms, her sleepy eyes blinking open, easing the tense atmosphere.

“Good morning, Emma-chan,” I said, gently patting her head.

“Nn… Morning…” she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.

“Sleepy Emma is too cute…” Livi’s expression softened, the mood lightening instantly.

Livi, less familiar with Japanese, might not have realized we were just exchanging greetings. For her, Japanese wasn’t a priority like English was for us, unless you were into anime or manga like Charl.

“I wanna hold her…” Livi said, charmed by Emma’s adorableness. Since Emma had been wary of her in England, Livi likely never got the chance. Emma might be easier to hold while groggy, but I wasn’t sure how she’d react once fully awake, so I held off.

“We got caught up talking. Shall we start making New Year’s udon?” I suggested, noting it was already noon. No wonder Emma had woken up.

“I’ll go get Kaguya-san,” I said, starting to rise, but Charl stopped me.

“I’ll call her, so it’s fine. A-kun, stay with Emma and the others,” she offered.

“Got it, thanks,” I said, settling back down.

With Charl gone, I noticed Livi fidgeting under the kotatsu, glancing at me. “What’s up?”

“Lottie’s such a clingy girl but loves to take care of others, right? I was thinking she’d make a great wife,” Livi said, clearly proud of her childhood friend.

“She’s already kinda like that,” I admitted. Since moving in together, Charl had been cooking, helping with Emma, even sleeping beside me. Engaged or not, it felt like she was already my wife.

“Living together is pretty amazing, huh? Watching Lottie, you can tell she really loves you,” Livi said.

“Well, yeah… with how clingy she is,” I replied, chuckling.

“And you naturally pamper her, huh? I’m jealous. I want a boyfriend who’ll pamper me too,” Livi said, propping her elbows on the kotatsu, her cheeks in her hands, envy in her eyes.

So that’s why Charl had clung to my arm—Livi’s longing look had sparked her worry, despite Livi’s insistence she’d never pursue someone taken.

“I’m sure Livi will find a great boyfriend,” I said encouragingly.

“Hmm, who knows? Because of a certain someone, my standards for a boyfriend have shot way up,” she replied.

“Wait, you like someone?” I asked, genuinely curious.

“…” Livi gave me a deadpan look, as if to say, “Seriously, this guy?”

Did I miss something? “Uh…?”

“I thought it was amazing that Akihito won over Lottie, who’s so naive about love, but now I’m starting to think Lottie must’ve worked really hard…” Livi sighed, looking away.

Had I stepped on a landmine?

“So, Akihito, have you ever had a girlfriend before Lottie?” she asked suddenly, her curiosity piqued.

At that moment, Charl and Kaguya-san entered, both turning to me at her question. “No, never,” I said firmly, avoiding any misunderstanding with Charl.

Livi shrugged, a resigned smile on her lips. “I wonder how many people got sacrificed.”

“What are you talking about…?” I asked, confused.

“Nothing, just talking to myself. Right, Lottie?” Livi deflected, passing the conversation to Charl, who nodded awkwardly. Some unspoken exchange had clearly passed between the childhood friends.

“Why’s Livi here?” Emma asked, now fully awake, tilting her head.

“Morning, Emma. I came to hang out today,” Livi replied in English.

“Morning. We’re not going out to play today?” Emma continued in English, likely because we’d been taking Livi out the past few days.

“Today’s a chill day in the kotatsu~” Livi said, stretching out on the table with a grin. Emma copied her, sprawling out too.

“Emma loves kotatsu…!” she declared.

“Oh, I knew you and I would get along, Emma!” Livi beamed.

“Nn…!” Emma nodded.

Their shared free-spirited nature made them click. Emma might grow up to be like Livi someday.

“Hey, come here, Emma. Let me hold you,” Livi said, spreading her arms.

But— “I want Onii-chan,” Emma replied, clinging to me.

“Aw… Don’t you ever want someone besides Akihito?” Livi asked, pouting.

“Nn, Onii-chan’s the best…!” Emma nodded confidently. In truth, she’d sit on Sophia-san’s, Karin’s, or even Charl’s lap sometimes, but right now, she was set on me. A few hours later, she might happily go to Livi.

“Is it that comfy?” Livi asked, more curious than upset.

“Nn!” Emma chirped.

“Hmm…” Livi mused, but—

“You can’t sit on A-kun’s lap, okay?” Charl cut in sharply, overhearing while cooking.

“Wifey, focus on cooking~” Livi teased.

“Wifey!?” Charl’s cheeks flushed instantly, likely picturing herself as a bride. Despite their closeness, Livi’s playful jabs gave her the upper hand over the earnest Charl.

“…Charlotte-sama, shall I handle everything today?” Kaguya-san offered, sensing Charl’s distraction.

“N-no, I’m fine… Sorry…” Charl mumbled, resuming her cooking. Admitting she was rattled by “wifey” would be too much.

“Don’t tease Charl while she’s cooking. It’s dangerous,” I warned Livi. Kaguya-san’s concern was valid—Charl could hurt herself if flustered.

“Got it. But I think this one’s on Lottie. Her boyfriend-defense instincts are too strong,” Livi said.

I understood her point. Charl had been on edge just because Livi was watching. Still, her anxiety about me talking closely with someone else was natural.

“You know Charl’s like that, right, Livi?” I said. She’d known her far longer than I had.

“Yeah, true. Don’t worry, I’d never go after Lottie’s boyfriend,” Livi said, smiling resignedly. She reached for Emma’s cheek, and though Emma nearly swatted her away, she paused, recognizing Livi, and let her poke.

“Wow…! It’s so springy, like mochi, and so smooth…!” Livi exclaimed, thrilled Emma didn’t reject her. But her repeated poking—

“Nn…!” Emma swatted her hand away, annoyed.

Livi had been good at keeping her distance with Emma in England, backing off if Emma seemed uncomfortable. Now, with Emma warming to her, Livi’s restraint had slipped. She’d find the balance soon, and I’d step in if needed.

Later, the New Year’s udon prepared by Charl and Kaguya-san was ready, and we ate together, charmed by Emma’s adorable delight.

◆◆◆

“Wow, it’s snowing…” Livi said as we stepped outside to walk her back to her hotel that night. Her breath puffed in the cold, her cheeks flushed as she gazed at the falling snow with shining eyes.

“Doesn’t it snow a lot in England?” I asked.

“Not really! In London, snow’s actually pretty rare!” she replied. I’d assumed England, being farther north, would be snowier, especially with movie scenes of snowy landscapes, but apparently not.

“It wasn’t a white Christmas, but… snow on New Year’s Eve has its own charm…” Charl said dreamily, joining us outside.

Christmas Eve and Christmas held special memories for us, and snow then would’ve been magical. Still, the snow now was beautiful in its own way.

“Sorry, I want to walk in the snow, so you don’t have to drive me!” Livi said, changing her mind. She meant taking the train, not walking the whole way.

I felt bad for Kaguya-san but wanted to respect Livi’s wish. “Then we’ll walk you to the hotel,” I offered.

“No way, that’s too much!” Livi protested, shaking her head.

“I can’t let a girl walk alone at night, and it’ll be like a date for us, so it’s fine,” I said, glancing at Charl. Walking in the snow felt romantic, and I wanted to show Charl something. With little alone time lately, this was a good chance.

“I see, that’s the plan,” Livi said, her mischievous grin hinting, “Using me as an excuse? That’ll cost you.”

“Then I’ll look after Emma-sama,” Kaguya-san said, reaching out. Since Emma was in my arms, she meant for me to hand her over. Snow might make Emma sick, so I complied, especially as she’d fallen back asleep.

“Please do. We’ll be back as soon as we can,” I said.

“No need to rush. Take some time for just the two of you,” Kaguya-san replied, her kindness surprising. She seemed in a great mood, likely from holding Emma.

“Sorry, I forgot something. I’ll go grab it,” I told Livi and Charl, hurrying back to the house for something perfect for this moment.

“—Sorry for the wait. Let’s go, the train’s coming soon,” I said, slipping the item into my shoulder bag. I took Charl’s free hand, tucking it into my pocket to keep it warm, and nodded to Livi.

Livi, watching quietly, took Charl’s other hand and stuffed it into her own pocket. “Livi…” Charl murmured.

“I don’t wanna be left out. You’re walking me, so this is fine, right?” Livi said, implying, “You’ll have alone time on the way back, so let me join now.”

We needed to watch out for cars, but Charl looked happy, so it was fine. Hand in hand, the three of us walked to the station through the falling snow.

◆◆◆

“Alright, let’s play a ton tomorrow too!” Livi called out, waving cheerfully as I dropped her off at the hotel. Tomorrow was New Year’s Day, but she planned to come over as usual, eager to experience a Japanese New Year. Since it would be Charl and Emma-chan’s first Japanese New Year too, I wanted to make it unforgettable for all three of them.

“Good night, Livi,” I said warmly.

“Night~! Don’t get too carried away just because you’re alone, and get home soon~!” Livi teased with a cheeky grin, her words bold and playful. Charl’s face flushed crimson, and she stammered in protest.

“D-don’t imagine weird things…!”

“Haha!” Livi laughed, slipping into the hotel as if dodging pursuit. Her joking was likely a shield against the loneliness of parting, and I couldn’t help but smile.

“Honestly, that Livi…” I muttered, shaking my head.

“You two are really close, huh?” I said to Charl in Japanese, my tone fond. She was still indignant, but her expression softened.

“Well… we’ve been friends since we were little…” she admitted shyly, not denying their bond. The warmth of their friendship was touching to witness.

“Since we’re here, wanna walk around and see the illuminations?” I suggested. I’d wanted to show Charl the lights around Okayama Station, which had been up since November. She’d seen them briefly while dropping off Livi, but with snow falling tonight, they held a new kind of magic.

“They’re beautiful…” Charl murmured, resting her head on my shoulder and squeezing my hand affectionately. Alone now, she’d slipped into her clingy mode, and I felt my heart warm.

“Hey, wanna use this?” I asked, pulling the hand-knitted scarf she’d given me for my birthday from my shoulder bag. Her dreamy eyes widened in recognition.

“Oh, that’s…!” she gasped, understanding my intent.

“Stick out your neck,” I said gently.

“Yes…” Charl replied, brushing her hair aside to offer her neck. I carefully wrapped the scarf around her, then looped it around my own, connecting us with its soft warmth.

“Sorry I haven’t used it much,” I said, a little sheepish.

“No… I’m so happy…” Charl’s cheeks softened, and she clung tightly to my arm, tears glistening in her eyes. Her genuine joy melted me.

“This scarf feels nice, doesn’t it? And it’s warm,” I added, running my fingers over the fabric.

“Hehe… I’m warm all over from the inside…” she replied, rubbing her cheek against me. Healed by my clingy girlfriend, we strolled from Okayama Station toward a large shopping mall, the illuminations along the way captivating us. The mall’s glowing lights stole our attention, their brilliance amplified by the snow.

“It’s like we’ve wandered into another world…” Charl whispered, awestruck. I felt the same and led her toward another spot. I’d heard there were illuminations in a nearby garden, but with time short, we skipped it for now. Instead, we explored a 300-meter-long tunnel of lights and a river glowing like a path of stars, each sight filling Charl with delight and warming my heart in turn.

“—Alright, let’s head back,” I said as we returned to Okayama Station.

“…” Charl’s gaze dropped, her silence sudden.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, concerned. She’d been so happy moments ago—had I done something wrong?

“…While walking through the illuminations… there were so many couples being affectionate, weren’t there…?” she said hesitantly.

“Oh? Yeah, there were,” I agreed. New Year’s Eve had drawn more people than I’d expected, mostly couples, many openly affectionate in ways that felt a bit awkward to witness.

“Those people… they’ll probably spend the night together as lovers… and…” Charl’s voice faltered, unable to finish. Then her glistening eyes met mine, her hand squeezing tightly. Her unspoken wish was clear, and it stirred both understanding and conflict within me. I couldn’t fulfill it now.

“Sorry, we have to get back since Kaguya-san and Emma-chan are waiting,” I said gently, knowing her heart. Giving in to desire here would undermine my trustworthiness later.

“I want to go back… to our old house…” Charl pleaded, thinking I hadn’t understood. I’d made her hold back on her birthday too, and though I wanted to give in, I couldn’t.

“If Emma-chan wakes up with only Kaguya-san there, it’ll be tough, right…?” I explained, patting her head softly. Tears welled in her eyes, and she pressed her face into my chest, rubbing against me in frustration. She knew I wouldn’t budge, and this was her way of expressing it. We’d miss the next train, but I gave her time to sort through her feelings.

Finally, Charl looked up, her teary eyes resolute. “I’ll… give up, so… kiss me…” she whispered, pleading for something else. I hesitated, knowing a kiss might ignite her longing further, especially after making her restrain herself. But with nearly thirty minutes until the next train, I leaned in, the illuminations of Okayama Station glowing behind us.

One kiss wasn’t enough. Charl demanded more, her lips seeking mine repeatedly until we barely caught the train. Even then, she wasn’t satisfied. As we boarded, she muttered, “A-kun, you’re teasing me and being mean again…” I felt a pang of guilt for always making her hold back, and with my own limits nearing, I vowed to plan some alone time for us soon.

◆◆◆

“—Get up already.”

“Ow!?” A dull pain shot through my cheek, jolting me awake. Sitting up, I found Kaguya-san’s composed face before me.

“…Huh?” I mumbled, disoriented.

“Finally awake? Hurry up and get changed. We’re going,” she said calmly.

“Oh…” The reason for her waking me clicked. After returning from Okayama Station, Kaguya-san had asked if we wanted to see the first sunrise. Since it would be our first as an engaged couple, I’d promised Charl we’d go.

“A-kun, are you okay…?” Charl, already dressed and ready, peered at me with concern.

“Was I that hard to wake?” I asked, rubbing my cheek.

“No, it’s just… Kaguya-san calculated the time, including getting ready, and said we should let you sleep as long as possible. But, well… it seems waking you with one hit was part of the plan…” Charl explained, her tone a mix of amusement and sympathy. It was considerate to let us sleep after our late return, but Kaguya-san’s method was… unconventional. I’d have preferred losing sleep to a gentler wake-up.

“Thanks for explaining. I’d better get ready quick, or I’ll get scolded,” I said, hurrying to prepare. We’d checked the sunrise time and decided to go to the Ushimado Olive Garden over our second-floor balcony for a more memorable experience. Wake Alps, known for its stunning sunrise, was tempting, but the hike felt too strenuous for Charl, who wasn’t very athletic. Instead, we picked a hilltop spot with views of the sea and mountains.

“—It’ll take a while to get there, so feel free to sleep,” Kaguya-san said once we were in the car.

“Sorry for making you go out of your way for us,” I said, feeling guilty for dragging her out on New Year’s morning. Come to think of it, didn’t she need to visit her family? Despite knowing her for so long, I realized how little I knew about her personal life.

“This is no trouble at all. Besides, children should feel free to rely on adults,” she replied kindly, her calm demeanor unwavering. Grateful, we took her up on the offer to rest.

“—Hehe… They’re leaning on each other, sleeping so happily. Seeing this alone makes it worth it. Truly… I’m so glad you’ve found happiness.” In my dream, a cheerful, joyful voice laughed, but I couldn’t place it.

When I woke, we’d arrived at the Olive Garden. I gently roused Charl, picked up the still-sleeping Emma-chan, and stepped out of the car.

“There’s an olive shop, so let’s view the sunrise from its observation deck,” Kaguya-san instructed, her research thorough as always.

“Is it open this early?” I asked, noting it was just past 6:30 a.m.

“It usually opens at 9 a.m., but on New Year’s Day, it opens at 6 a.m. for the sunrise, so it’s fine,” she explained. That accounted for the surprising number of people gathered. It was thoughtful of them to open for this.

“It’s my first time at an olive garden…” Charl said, her curiosity piqued as she looked around.

“This olive garden has a spot popular with couples, known as a lovers’ sanctuary. There are other great spots for couples in Ushimado too, so perhaps you two could visit again?” Kaguya-san noted, catching Charl’s interest. I hadn’t expected her to know about romantic trivia, but her knowledge was impressive.

“A lovers’… sanctuary…” Charl repeated, her love for romantic things evident. The phrase intrigued me too, and I decided to look into it later for a future visit with her.

“Let’s come back together another time,” I suggested.

“Yes!” Charl’s face lit up as she nodded eagerly. I owed Kaguya-san for this.

We headed to the olive shop and climbed to the observation deck. “—It’s almost time,” Kaguya-san whispered as the sunrise neared.

“Shouldn’t we wake Emma?” I asked, glancing at the sleeping girl in my arms.

“Nah, she’d probably be grumpy waking up, and if she makes a fuss, it’ll bother others,” I reasoned. Emma-chan would likely prefer sleep over the sunrise, so there was no need to force her.

“Shall I hold her then?” Kaguya-san offered, thoughtfully giving me and Charl space.

I exchanged a glance with Charl and shook my head. “No, let us keep her like this. She’s not awake, but for us, being together matters.” Emma-chan was the one who brought us together, and we were here because of her. Just this once, even asleep, I wanted the three of us to share the sunrise.

“Understood,” Kaguya-san said, bowing slightly and stepping back. Charl snuggled closer, linking her arm with mine and resting her head on my shoulder. The horizon glowed orange, the sun slowly peeking from behind the mountains. Islands stood shadowed against the backlight, the sky gradually overtaken by warm hues. The sea reflected the sunlight, and clouds took on an almost three-dimensional depth. My first sunrise was breathtaking yet stirred a quiet sense of loneliness, leaving me oddly sentimental.

“It’s beautiful…” Charl whispered, her expression dreamy as she tightened her grip on my arm, as if unwilling to let go.

“It really is beautiful…” I agreed softly.

“Yes… I want to come see it every year…” she said, her words a subtle vow to stay together forever. Feeling the same, I released her arm and pulled her close by the shoulder. We watched the sunrise in silence, and once the sun was fully visible, we decided to save the rest of the view for next time and left the Olive Garden.