Chapter 5 | Your Personal Idol

Several days had slipped by since I began staying at Rinka’s house. Initially, I wasn’t sure how things would unfold, but with Rinka’s parents frequently absent for work or errands, Kasumi-san staying over at a friend’s, and Rinka consumed by her idol activities, it was often just me and Nonoa-chan at the house. We’d spend our days playing games at home or heading to the park to chase bugs. It felt like paradise—or rather, I was mostly just keeping up with Nonoa-chan’s boundless energy.

By evening, Rinka and her parents would return. Rinka would dote on me, almost like a devoted wife (or so it seemed), her mother would greet me with warm, welcoming smiles, and Mikio-papa would toss out cryptic remarks that left me puzzled. All in all, I’d say my summer vacation was shaping up to be pretty fulfilling.

As those carefree days passed, I suddenly realized August had crept up on me. With Nonoa-chan keeping me busy all day, I hadn’t touched my online games, and exhaustion from our adventures meant I slept like a log each night.

“…Ngh.”

Stirring from a dream, I sensed morning had arrived and cracked my eyes open. Instead of the familiar ceiling, Rinka’s face filled my vision, so close it consumed my entire field of view. Our eyes locked at point-blank range.

“Uh, Rinka-san?”

“Oh, um… It’s nothing,” she mumbled, hastily pulling back and standing up, trying to reclaim her usual cool demeanor.

But I couldn’t let it slide. Sitting up, I pressed her directly. “Were you trying to do something to me?”

“No, nothing. I was just… looking at my husband’s cute sleeping face.”

“That close?”

“Yes. Don’t you want to gaze at something you love up close? It’s the same thing.”

“I-I see. Well… better than having my sleeping face photographed, I guess.”

“Oh, I’ve already taken nearly a hundred pictures of your sleeping face. They’re my greatest treasure.”

“That’s straight-up pervert territory, Rinka-san!”

A shiver of unease crept over me. I was starting to dread falling asleep, wondering what else she might be up to. As a hardcore gamer with zero stamina, keeping up with Nonoa-chan’s playtime left me utterly drained. Once I was out, I was dead to the world until morning. …Well, whatever. It’s Rinka, so it’s probably fine.

“You’re coming to my live show today, right?”

“Yeah, I’ll definitely be there.”

Today was Rinka’s solo live performance. Kasumi-san, Nonoa-chan, and I were going together, with Kasumi-san having returned home yesterday just for this. It’d be my first time at a live idol show. I’d always been curious but lacked the courage to attend, settling for watching performances on my phone. Today, though, was different—I was going to my first live show. With Kasumi-san and Nonoa-chan by my side, I figured I could handle the nerves.

“You’re heading out already?”

“Yes. I’m planning to leave soon,” Rinka replied, but instead of moving, she sat down right next to me.

What’s this about? As I wondered, Rinka fidgeted, her usual confidence tinged with a rare shyness. “Kazuto… I have a favor to ask.”

“…Sure.”

Her requests could range from adorable to outright shocking, so I braced myself, unable to let my guard down until I heard it.

“I want you to say, ‘Do your best,’ and… pat my head…”

A cute request, this time. Rinka peeked up at me, gauging my reaction. She knew I wouldn’t refuse, yet her embarrassment lingered, as if she couldn’t fully shake it off. She’d done far more embarrassing things before, yet her boundaries remained a mystery. Direct actions seemed to fluster her, but in private moments, she could be bold. When she was the one being clingy, she’d get shy, but when she was pampering me, she was perfectly at ease. Something like that.

“Kazuto… pat me…”

“—!”

What was this adorable creature?! Rinka’s voice, soft and pleading like a child’s, grabbed my right hand, urging me on. Gone was the cool idol—she was a clumsy little animal, craving affection. If the world saw her like this, she wouldn’t just be a popular idol; she’d dominate the industry entirely. It was an exaggeration, but her overwhelming cuteness made me believe it.

“D-Do your best… Rinka, do your best,” I stammered, my heart pounding as if it might burst.

“Mmn…”

I gently patted her head, and Rinka’s eyes narrowed in contentment, her lips curling into a faint, blissful smile. Lately, I’d been touching her head a lot, hadn’t I? Guess that meant we’d grown that close. The moment stretched for two or three minutes until Rinka, checking the time on her phone, stood up reluctantly.

“I’m heading out now.”

“Yeah, do your best.”

“For my cheering fans, and for you, Kazuto, I’ll give everything I’ve got at today’s live.”

Her sweet expression shifted to one of fierce determination, a declaration that left me in awe of how swiftly she could switch gears. That must be what made her a pro.

After Rinka left the Japanese-style room, Kasumi-san poked her head in, a mischievous grin on her face. “Flirting first thing in the morning, huh, you two?”

“…You saw that?”

“Didn’t see a thing. Just got the vibe you two were up to something.”

“Is that so…”

Embarrassment mixed with something else, warming my cheeks as I looked away. Kasumi-san chuckled, saying, “Youth is great, isn’t it?” before heading back to the living room. …No, Kasumi-san, you’re still very much in the middle of your youth, aren’t you?

☆

We arrived at the concert venue a bit early, a large hall capable of holding three thousand people, according to Kasumi-san. Our seats were in the sixth row from the front, near the center, with the stage ahead where Rinka would perform alone. When Star☆Mines took the stage, they used even larger venues, or so Kasumi-san had mentioned.

“Hey, are you nervous, Kazuto-kun?” Kasumi-san, seated to my right, asked with a hint of concern.

I shook my head silently, but the gesture likely betrayed my nerves. Crowded places and attention had always been my weakness, and just being in this concert venue sent my heart racing. I’d thought I could handle it, but apparently not.

“Haha, it’s not like you’re the one performing, Kazuto-kun.”

“I know that, but… thinking about Rinka up there on stage…”

“Oh, I get that. Watching someone close to you shine on stage makes you nervous too, right?” Kasumi-san nodded, her tone warm with understanding.

“Ei, ei!”

“Nonoa-chan?”

A cute cheer rang out from my left, and I turned to see Nonoa-chan standing in front of her seat. A headband adorned her head, and she wore an oversized Rinka T-shirt, waving a blue penlight in each hand with boundless energy.

“Um, this is how I cheer for Rinka-oneechan!”

“Got it, got it. Rinka will definitely be happy,” I said, unable to suppress a smile at her enthusiasm.

“Yay!”
Nonoa-chan’s face lit up with unbridled joy.
Her cuteness was overwhelming—almost dangerously so.
Waving her penlights with a radiant smile, chanting “Ei, ei!” with boundless enthusiasm, she completely stole my heart.

“Kasumi-san, please,” I pleaded, “let me adopt Nonoa-chan as my little sister. I’d devote my life to her happiness.”

“I get the sentiment, but could you not go there?” Kasumi-san replied, exasperated. “If we get any more eccentrics around here, my head’s going to burst.”

“I’m dead serious.”

“That’s what makes it worse!”

Kasumi-san’s icy glare pierced through me, but my view of Nonoa-chan as an angelic existence remained unshaken. Honestly, just being at the concert venue already felt worthwhile because of her.

With some time before the show began, I decided to shift gears and spark a casual conversation.

“Is Rinka really that popular, even among Star☆Mines?”

“Oh, absolutely,” Kasumi-san answered without hesitation. “She’s doing solo lives, after all. Nana-chan used to be the fan favorite, but now? Rinka might just have the most momentum.”

“Seriously…?”

“Her singing and dancing are top-notch, but it’s her discipline that wins people over. She comes off as cool, almost aloof, but she’s genuinely kind to her fans. That contrast—marketed as the cool type but secretly warm—adds to her charm.”

“…At school, though, she’s got a reputation for hating guys.”

“That’s different, isn’t it? Fans are fans to her, not just ‘guys.’”

“Makes sense…”

If Rinka were cold to her fans too, her appeal would likely take a hit, cool persona or not. In truth, she’s warmer than most girls I know.

From there, Kasumi-san and I chatted lightly to pass the time. Before I realized it, the venue had filled with fans, the air crackling with anticipation. It was hard to describe, but it felt like we’d been whisked away to another world, detached from the mundane.

☆

A few minutes past the scheduled start, the hall’s lights dimmed, plunging the space into darkness. A dreamy blue-white glow bathed the stage, and there stood Rinka at its center. My heart skipped.

Microphone in hand, she gazed forward, motionless. Her refreshing blue outfit, tailored for summer, revealed just a touch more skin than usual—or was that typical for idols? Her toned arms, the delicate curve of her neck, and her slender, shapely legs peeking from her skirt… But more than anything, it was her presence that captivated. Not a sharp, commanding intensity, but a quiet, overwhelming aura that held the room in its grip.

This was something no screen could capture.

My eyes were locked on Rinka, unable to look away. I’d thought of her as a cool-type idol, but that label felt reductive now. It wasn’t just her words or persona—it was her sheer presence on stage. So different from the clingy girl I’d seen this morning or the almost wife-like warmth she showed at home.

The moment Rinka appeared, the atmosphere shifted, enveloping every audience member in an instant. It was… otherworldly. Utterly otherworldly.

This was a true idol.

Star☆Mines had struggled in their early days, but in just a few years, they’d risen to fame, gracing media outlets. And within that group, Rinka Mizuki, the cool-type idol lauded for her performances, shone brightest. A genius who never slacked, blessed with extraordinary luck.

“Ah…”

Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed her performance begin. The song carried a mature, crystalline clarity. Rinka sang with light, graceful movements—not flashy, but elegant, her arms extending as if reaching out, her powerful expression and beautiful voice weaving a spell.

Every eye in the venue was fixed on her. Naturally. We’d all come for her, myself included.

If I were an idol aficionado, maybe I could’ve articulated something profound. But all I felt was an overwhelming impact, stirring my emotions to their core.

“Incredible…”

The gap between seeing her live and watching online was staggering. And in that moment, I realized something profound.

“…I’d fall for her even more, wouldn’t I?”

It was like discovering a new facet of the girl I loved. No, I’d known this side of her, but seeing it here hit me differently, resonating deep within.

I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Rinka.

And then—our eyes met.

It might’ve been my imagination. The audience was cloaked in darkness, most of us standing. But for a fleeting moment, I felt our consciousnesses align.

At school, Rinka and I couldn’t be open about our relationship. We’d exchange subtle glances in passing, small moments of connection. That’s why I felt it—like our eyes had truly met, our hearts briefly intertwined.

…Or maybe it was just my imagination.

This must be how guys get hooked on idols.

But one truth was undeniable: I’d loved Rinka for years, and today, she’d enchanted me all over again.

☆

“It was seriously amazing. What was amazing? Just… everything!”

“Kazu-kun, your vocabulary’s sunk below elementary school level…”

That evening, back at the Mizuki household after Rinka’s solo live, I called Nana Kurumizaka, brimming with excitement as I spilled my thoughts.

By the way, Rinka hadn’t returned yet. Probably tied up with post-live obligations. I wouldn’t know.

“It’s so different from watching videos. The intensity, the atmosphere—it’s just… different. And Rinka’s presence was unreal. It was overwhelming. My feelings for her are on a whole new level now.”

“All you keep saying is ‘incredible,’ Kazu-kun!”

“I can’t help it! If you saw her live, you’d get it, Nana.”

“I don’t just watch her—I perform with her,” Nana said with a wry smile, then added, her tone tinged with concern. “But… maybe it’s just me, but you’ve been acting a bit different since you started staying at Rin-chan’s place.”

“Me? No way.”

“‘Different’ might be too strong, but your vibe’s shifted. Like you’re leaning toward… cheerful weirdo territory.”

“If you’re calling me that, Nana, I’m doomed.”

“What’s that supposed to mean!? I want details!”

“I’m saying there’s no deep meaning,” I replied, dead serious.

No, really, Nana’s an incredibly charming girl. Not romantically, but I genuinely want someone like her to find happiness.

“…Still, have I changed?”

“I can’t pinpoint how, but yeah.”

“Lately, Nonoa-chan’s been looking like an angel to me. I might be sick.”

“Hmm… depending on what you mean, we might need to quarantine you…”

“I seriously want Nonoa-chan as my little sister.”

“That’s a bit much,” Nana said, but then her tone softened. “But I get it! Nonoa-chan is adorable. I’ve thought about wanting a little sister like her too.”

“Right?”

“But you know, Kazu-kun, you’re already Nonoa-chan’s big brother.”

“In a spiritual sense?”

“Not some mystical nonsense. You’re married to Rin-chan, right? That makes you her brother-in-law!”

“Brother-in-law, huh… damn.”

“Still not satisfied?”

I’d rather be her real brother. Thinking back, I used to wish for siblings when I was younger.

Remembering I’d been talking about Rinka’s live, I steered the conversation back.

“I think I’m getting hooked on live shows.”

“Really? Then come to Star☆Mines’ next live!”

“I’ll think about it.”

“That’s code for ‘not going,’ isn’t it!? You’re way too focused on Rin-chan!”

“Kidding, kidding.”

“…Really?”

“Yeah. I’ll go if I can.”

“Kazu-kun!?”

I was serious—it was just a joke. I genuinely wanted to see Star☆Mines’ live with all five members. That desire was growing stronger.

But I didn’t know all the members of Star☆Mines… There was Nana at the center, Rinka, and… who else? I vaguely recalled a third member at our school, but I hadn’t cared enough to remember clearly.

“By the way, Kazu-kun!”

“Yeah?”

“You’re staying at Rin-chan’s house… any progress?”

“Not really.”

“What!? It’s the perfect chance to get closer! Maybe we need to start Operation Get-Closer 2!”

Nana’s enthusiasm was infectious. Operation 2? Seriously…?

“Well, there’s a small change. She’s started calling me Kazuto without honorifics.”

“First names? That’s huge! Really huge!”

“Is it?”

“Yeah! It might seem small, but it’s a solid step forward, Kazu-kun! Just changing how you address someone makes a difference!”

“Yeah, I guess… It does feel like we’re closer.”

It was just a feeling, though. Our relationship hadn’t visibly shifted.

“You can call me Nana too!”

“Uh… Nana-san?”

“Haha, just Nana’s fine. We’re already close, aren’t we?”

“Just as friends, of course!” Nana added brightly.

She might’ve said it casually, but her words warmed my heart. This must be what it’s like to make close friends of the opposite sex.

“Alright, then… looking forward to it, Nana.”

“Yeah! Same here, Kazu-kun!”

“…You can call me Kazuto too.”

“Nope, that’s off-limits!”

“Why? You’re rejecting me after all that?”

Getting rejected after that flow? Was that even allowed?

Nana’s voice softened, calm and gentle. “Because… I think that’s Rin-chan’s privilege.”

☆

After hanging up with Nana, I started browsing idol live videos on my phone. A flood of clips appeared, and I didn’t know where to begin.

Settling into a corner of the Japanese-style room, I slipped on my earphones. I started with Star☆Mines’ live videos, then explored clips from idol groups I’d never heard of.

“…It feels a bit lacking.”

Maybe because I’d just experienced Rinka’s live in person hours ago, these didn’t hit the same. They were fun, but…

I kept watching, one video after another.

“Oh, this girl’s cute.”

“Yes, she’s cute, isn’t she?”

“Her dancing’s bold and powerful too…”

“So that’s the type you like, Kazuto.”

“This girl’s performing solo.”

“She’s been super popular lately.”

…That wasn’t my imagination.

Even with earphones, I heard a voice right beside me.

Slowly, like a creaking robot, I removed my earphones and turned my head.

Of course, there sat my girlfriend, the renowned idol Rinka Mizuki-sama, her expression cool and unreadable. I couldn’t tell if she was upset.

…When had she gotten back?

“Uh, Rinka-san?”

“What? Why don’t you go back to your videos? That girl’s, I mean.”

“…Are you mad?”

“Not really. I just thought… you’re getting really into idols other than me.”

“No, that’s a misunderstanding! I was just—!”

As I scrambled to explain, Rinka let out a soft “pfft,” a laugh she couldn’t hold back.

“…Rinka?”

“I know. After my live, you got curious about idol performances, right? So you were checking out other videos.”

“You totally get it! But that’s kinda scary!”

“What’s scary? I just know you’re not interested in any girl but me.”

“I-I guess…”

It was true, but hearing Rinka say it so confidently made me feel a bit strange.

“After all, you’re way too in love with me. So much that no other girl even registers. You’re obsessed with me. A husband who loves his wife too much… Honestly, what am I supposed to do with you?”

Rinka tried to maintain her cool facade, but her lips betrayed her, curling into a smile. She didn’t look troubled in the slightest. If she had a dog tail, it’d be wagging furiously.

…Oh, she’s in that mode, huh?

Realizing how deeply I cared for her and trusting me completely, she’d let go of any worries about me straying. It was comforting, but also a bit much.

“How was my live?”

“…It was amazing. Honestly, it stole my heart.”

“Is that so…” Rinka’s voice softened, a faint flush creeping onto her cheeks as she recalled the moment. “I could feel your passionate gaze. Being stared at like that… my heart wouldn’t stop racing.”

“You’re really incredible, Rinka,” I said, unable to hold back my admiration. “You move everyone’s hearts in the best way. I’m one of them.”

“It’s thanks to you, Kazuto.” Her tone was earnest, almost vulnerable. “I’m still an idol because of you.”

“…Yeah.”

I nearly brushed off her words, but something stopped me. Instead, I let them sink in, accepting them with a quiet nod. If my presence truly supported Rinka, then it was her effort that shone through. I wanted to keep being there for her, if I could.

“Hey, Kazuto.” Her voice brightened, a playful edge to it. “I worked hard today, didn’t I?”

“Yeah, you worked really hard.”

“So… I want a reward.”

“A reward…?” My mind raced. Another head pat? Or maybe something more?

What Rinka asked for caught me completely off guard.

“I want you to act spoiled with me.”

“Huh?”

“I want you to cling to me.”

“Not the other way around? You must be tired after the live.”

“That’s exactly why I want you to cling to me,” she insisted. “Petting a dog or cat that’s being affectionate is healing, right? It’s the same thing.”

“So I’m a pet now?” I teased, though my heart was already racing. “Fine, I’ll get really clingy.”

“Bring it on. I’d love that.”

…I’m in trouble.

Even if I agreed to be clingy, I had no idea how to pull it off. But if it was what Rinka wanted, I had to figure it out… somehow.

“Is there anything you want me to do?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

“Uh…” I hesitated, a flicker of guilt tugging at me as a thought surfaced. Looking into Rinka’s earnest gaze, I steeled myself and voiced my honest desire. “It’s not exactly acting spoiled, but it’s a request…”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“…Just for tonight, I want you to be my personal idol.”

☆

Be my personal idol.

Reflecting on it, this was the first time I’d ever made such a direct request of Rinka. Her eyes widened slightly before she nodded.

“I’ll get ready,” she said, then slipped out of the Japanese-style room.

Left alone, I buried my face in my hands. I really said that… No, we’re a couple, so something like this should be fine, right?

“Kazuto-oniichan! Play with me!”

Nonoa-chan’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts as she bounded in, tugging at my right arm. The suddenness of it threw me off.

“Sorry, I’m gonna play with Rinka soon. Maybe next time?”

“Nuh? Don’t leave me out!” Nonoa-chan puffed out her cheeks and turned away, her pout so adorable I almost caved.

“Tomorrow, then—”

“Oh! What’re you watching?” Her attention shifted in an instant, zeroing in on my phone. She grabbed it, staring at the idol live video playing on the screen. “Kazuto-oniichan likes idols too?”

“Well… yeah.” To be precise, I liked Rinka the idol. Other idols might be cute, but they didn’t stir anything in me beyond that.

“Cool! Then I’ll be an idol too!”

“Haha, nice. You’re so cute, Nonoa-chan, you’d definitely make it.”

“Ehehe!” Her grin was infectious, and I couldn’t help but smile back. Maybe the Mizuki family would produce a second idol star.

“I’m gonna go be an idol!” With that, Nonoa-chan darted out of the room. …Could someone become an idol that easily?

As I pondered this, my phone buzzed with a message from Rinka: Come to my room now!

Her preparations were done. What had she prepared…? My chest tightened with anticipation, tinged with a strange nervousness.

☆

Stepping into Rinka’s room, I froze, as if struck by lightning. Rinka stood before me—wearing her idol outfit.

It wasn’t the one from today’s live, but it was unmistakably hers: a cool blue ensemble with white accents and a cute ribbon at the chest. I recognized it instantly—the outfit from the only poster in my room, one I was particularly fond of.

“Right now… I’m your personal idol, Kazuto.”

“—!” My face burned, torn between thrill and embarrassment. I couldn’t meet her gaze. Your personal idol. That phrase hit like a sledgehammer.

“Thank you for always supporting me,” she said calmly, gently taking my right hand. “I’ll keep doing my best with you as my motivation.”

Was this… a handshake event? I stood there, speechless, unsure of what to do. Rinka’s expression softened, a teasing glint in her eyes.

“Are you nervous? You’re awfully quiet.”

“No, uh…” I stammered. “You’re just too beautiful, or too cute, or…”

“Have you rediscovered your wife’s charm?” she teased, her voice light but her cheeks faintly pink.

“More like… I’ve fallen for you even harder, yeah…”

“I-I see…” Rinka’s blush deepened. “You’re completely smitten with me.”

“…”

“…”

We stood there, hands clasped, both flushed and silent, the air thick with unspoken feelings. What was this situation? We’d grown used to light physical contact since we started dating, but this moment felt different—electric. Come to think of it, Rinka and I often ended up in these quiet, charged silences…

“You’re such a shy guy, Kazuto,” she said, breaking the tension. “It’s just a handshake.”

“Then look me in the eyes,” I shot back. “Your voice is getting a bit high-pitched too.”

“…Let’s take a two-shot next.” She dodged, her tone brisk.

I muttered to myself, She’s avoiding it. But I didn’t resist as she asked, “Can you take out your phone?”

I pulled it from my pocket and handed it to her. “Come on, get closer to me,” she urged.

“Oh, okay.” I leaned toward her, but a small gap—about two fingers wide—remained. Noticing this, Rinka closed the distance herself, her shoulder pressing firmly against my arm.

“Kazuto, got any pose ideas?”

“Nope, nothing. Are poses even a thing?”

“Yes. Though we can’t do big movements this time. Peace signs are safe, maybe?”

Rinka opened the camera app, switched to the front camera, and snapped the selfie. I barely registered what was happening before she handed my phone back.

I glanced at the photo. My smile was stiff, awkward, while Rinka’s expression was gentle, not quite a smile but effortlessly natural. Her ease with the camera was obvious—she was a pro.

“Your face looks… distorted, Kazuto,” she said, stifling a laugh.

“I don’t usually take pictures…”

“You could win a funny face contest with that.”

“It’s not that bad. From a different angle, it might look kinda cool… or not.”

“It’s fine,” she said softly. “No matter what face you make, my feelings for you won’t change. Even if you had an alien face.”

“Being compared to an alien isn’t exactly flattering!” I protested. “It’s making me lose confidence in my face. That’s a harsh comparison!”

I never had much confidence in my looks to begin with. Rinka was the only one who’d ever shown interest in me.

“Don’t misunderstand,” she said, her voice firm. “You’re genuinely handsome, Kazuto.”

“Through your Rinka filter, maybe…”

“No, really. Even the girls in our class say you’re handsome. Some were even thinking about confessing to you.”

“No way… I’ve never even been greeted by a girl.”

“That’s because Tachibana-kun and Saito-kun act like a barrier. You three are called the ‘Idiot Trio’ behind your backs.”

“The Idiot Trio!? That’s way too humiliating!”

“By the way, you’re seen as the leader.”

“That’s how people see me in class…?”

I’d thought I was like a potted plant in the corner of the classroom, but apparently, I was more noticeable than I realized. Maybe, if it weren’t for Tachibana and Saito, I could’ve had a wildly popular life…? Not that I wanted to be popular with anyone but Rinka.

I glanced at the photo again. “…My smile’s pretty bad.”

“You’ll get used to it.”

“Will I…?” Getting used to it meant taking more photos with Rinka, didn’t it? The thought warmed me. This was the first time I’d taken a photo with someone. My obsession with online games had kept my social circle small.

“What’s wrong?” Rinka asked, noticing my pause.

“Oh, I was just thinking it’s my first time taking a photo with someone.”

“Now that you mention it, yeah. My phone’s full of your pictures, though.”

“Those are what you call sneak shots.”

“There’s no such thing as sneaking when it’s my husband,” she retorted. “It’s your fault for showing me your handsome face or your cute face… It’d be weirder not to take pictures.”

“That’s criminal logic!”

“It’s not criminal logic—it’s husband-and-wife logic.” She paused, as if struck by a revelation. “Wait. I might’ve just discovered a new principle of marriage. A husband and wife love each other from the bottom of their hearts, without any doubts. That means loving each other so much you’d even commit a crime.”

“That’s exactly what I mean by criminal logic! One wrong step, and it’s a police matter.”

I got it—this was my girlfriend. I was curious about what kind of photos she’d taken, though. I’d have to ask to see them sometime.

“Hey, Kazuto. Is there anything you want me to do now?”

“…You’ve been saying that a lot lately. Are you being considerate because I talked about my parents?”

I wasn’t mad, but I wanted her to act like herself. Maybe my tone came off colder than I meant, because Rinka shook her head quickly, a hint of panic in her eyes.

“It’s a misunderstanding. I’m not being considerate.”

“Then why?”

“…The person I love is staying at my house. Is it so strange that I’d be over the moon?”

“Over the moon…?”

“I want to do something for my husband, to make him happy. Is that so weird?”

“No… it’s not weird.”

Setting aside the husband talk, I understood wanting to do something for the person you loved.

“I’ve been doing all the things I like…” she admitted, her voice softening. “So, yeah, maybe I’m being a little considerate. But I just want to make you happy with my own strength.”

“Rinka…” Her words hit deep, stirring something in me.

“I want you to want me more.”

“—!” My heart skipped. No guy could hear that and stay calm. I covered my face with both hands, overwhelmed by how impossibly cute she was.

Since arriving at her house, Rinka had been coming on strong, one moment after another. I wasn’t sure if she realized it—whether it was pure feeling or her playing the role of a wife—but it was pushing me to my limit.

“…Kazuto…?” Her voice wavered, her expression confused as she stood right in front of me.

I realized I was gripping both her shoulders.

“…You’re kinda scaring me right now, Kazuto…”

“Hey…?”

“When the person you love says they want you to tell them anything, to want them… it pushes you to your limit, you know.”

“W-What…?”

I remembered a line a friend from an online game once shared: “No matter how passive a guy is, when he’s with the girl he loves, he turns into a predator.” Back then, I’d laughed it off, thinking it was nonsense. A passive guy stays passive. …Now I understood. It was probably instinct.

“W-Wait…” Rinka’s voice trembled, her composure cracking.

“You’re the one who started this, Rinka.”

“I-I didn’t mean it like that!”

“Like what?”

“I mean…! I think it’s too soon for us to do that.”

“Doesn’t matter.”

I cut her off, my voice sharp. Even Rinka couldn’t hide her panic, her face flushed with distress.

“I-It’s still bright out!”

“In the room, sure. It’s pitch black outside.”

“M-My family’s here!”

“Yeah, they are.”

“—!” Her eyes widened, searching for an escape.

Unless something stopped me, I wasn’t going to hold back. Rinka’s words had piled up in my heart, driving me into a frenzy. My hands tightened on her shoulders instinctively.

“H-Hold on, Kazuto. Let go for a second.”

I released her, and she backed away slowly, as if overwhelmed.

“…W-We’re husband and wife, sure. But we’re still high schoolers.”

“Yeah.”

“It makes me really happy that you want me, but I’m not mentally ready…”

“Got it.”

“W-Wait, Kazuto… hold on…”

She mumbled excuses, but I didn’t care. I closed the distance again. Finally, her back hit the wall. I placed my hand against it, blocking her escape. This is that kabedon thing that was trending a while ago, isn’t it? I thought fleetingly.

“K-Kazuto… ah…” Rinka’s face was bright red, her mouth moving in a panic.

Seeing her so flustered reminded me of our first date. She was always talking about being husband and wife, but when I made a move, this was the result. Her attack power was overwhelming, but her defense was paper-thin—she’d gone all-in on offense.

“You’re not acting like a cool idol at all,” I teased.

She looked away, muttering softly, “I-I can’t stay cool… in front of you, Kazuto.”

“…” Seriously? Even now, she was tugging at my heartstrings.

I leaned closer, slowly. Resigning herself, Rinka squeezed her eyes shut. After she’d made the first move…

This was the third time I’d tried to kiss her. The first was when I visited her house. The second was on our first date. …Why hadn’t those kisses happened? Right—the first time, Kasumi-san came home and interrupted. The second time, Nonoa-chan got home and—

“—!”

Call it intuition. The moment I glanced at the door, it flew open.

“Kazuto-oniichan! I became an idol too! Look, look!”

Nonoa-chan burst in, beaming with an angelic smile.

…

Here we go. I knew this would happen. They say things happen in threes, and Nonoa-chan had said earlier, “I’m gonna go be an idol!” so it wasn’t entirely unexpected.

“Huh? What’re you doing with Rinka-oneechan?”

“Oh, uh… nothing.” I couldn’t think of an excuse and gave a wry smile, stepping away from Rinka.

Nonoa-chan looked puzzled but quickly shifted focus, flashing a cute smile. “Hey, Kazuto-oniichan! Am I cute?”

She was wearing a frilly white dress, holding the hem of her skirt as she posed the question.

“Yeah, super cute. Where’d you get that outfit?”

“Um, Kasumi-oneechan gave it to me!”

“Huh. Why does Kasumi-san have that…?”

“Ehehe! And look, I can do this too!”

In high spirits, Nonoa-chan began what was probably an imitation of Rinka’s dance—clumsy, barely coordinated, but impossibly adorable. She was definitely an angel who’d accidentally fallen from heaven.

Before I knew it, I’d moved away from Rinka, cheering for Nonoa-chan. “Go, Nonoa-chan! Show me more!”

“Yeah! Okay!”

Nonoa-chan and I were getting more and more excited, caught up in the moment. From behind, Rinka watched us, muttering softly, “Am I being ignored? Where am I supposed to vent these feelings?”