Prologue

The darkness enveloped everything. I couldn’t see a thing.

I found myself in a cramped, pitch-black space, the kind where opening my eyes made no difference from keeping them shut. Was this an enclosed room? I had no way of knowing. All I could tell was that I lay flat on my back, the surface beneath me unyielding.

“…”

Should I try sitting up? The thought crossed my mind, and I moved to rise—only to collide with something hard. Thunk! Pain shot through my skull, sparks flashing across my vision. I let out a low groan, “Guh,” clutching my head. Where in the world was I?

“N… suu, suu… nn.”

A soft, rhythmic breathing reached my ears, close enough to feel intimate. It was Rinka—her gentle, sleeping breaths. A faint, refreshing floral scent drifted through the air, stirring my memory.

“Oh… right,” I murmured. “I slept under the bed with Rinka.”

It all came rushing back. The last day of summer vacation, spent with the four of us setting off fireworks. We’d decided to make the most of the final night, gathering in my room for a lively time. When it came to sleeping arrangements, Rinka had suggested, almost playfully, “I want to sleep under the bed with Kazuto. It’s surprisingly nice.” I’d hesitated, naturally, but Risuzu had chimed in with her usual blunt logic: “…It’s the last day of summer vacation, and ignoring your loved one’s earnest request is kinda messed up.” Between the two of them, I didn’t stand a chance. Their coordination in moments like this was downright terrifying.

“What time is it?” I muttered, my voice barely audible.

Risuzu and I could linger, but Rinka and Nonoa-chan needed to head home soon. With school looming, they’d have to leave early to get ready.

“Kazuto… good morning,” a soft voice broke the silence.

“Morning… you’re awake, Rinka.”

“Yes. I sensed you stirring.”

“…”

Her words carried a faint stalker-like edge, though I brushed it off. She was my self-proclaimed wife, after all—cute, if a bit intense.

“Being in a dark, cramped space, pressed close to the person I love… it’s really nice, isn’t it?” Rinka’s voice was warm, almost dreamy.

“Uh, um… is it?” I stammered, caught off guard.

“I can feel your breathing, your warmth, so vividly. I once said the world of online games is a wonderful place, stripped of excess noise, but losing sight in the real world… it lets me immerse myself completely in you.”

Something soft and smooth slid around my arm—Rinka’s, clinging gently. “I love you, Kazuto. I never want to let you go… you’re my husband, after all.”

In bright places, Rinka often grew shy, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. But here, in the dark, she was bold, unguarded, her affection wrapping around me like a warm blanket. My heart raced, but I forced my rationality to kick in, rebooting my composure.

“Rinka… I’m happy to hear that. But today’s school—”

“N… mmm… nn, ah… mmm!” A distressed voice cut through our moment, coming from above.

Risuzu and Nonoa-chan were sleeping on the bed. That sound—it was Nonoa-chan. Was she having a nightmare?

I needed to wake her. “Hold on, Kazuto. Where do you think you’re going?” Rinka’s tone sharpened slightly.

“Nonoa-chan’s in trouble!” I replied, gently disentangling myself from her arm and crawling out from under the bed. Standing, I turned to check on Nonoa-chan—and froze.

“Fuh, ah… ah… nn!”

“…Gu, guhehe, Nonoa-chan… Nonoa-chan…!”

Unbelievably, Risuzu was clinging to Nonoa-chan in her sleep, her face buried against the younger girl’s cheek—sucking on it. It was absurd, almost grotesque.

“W-What are you doing!?” I blurted out.

“…Nnh?” Risuzu stirred.

“Nnu?” Nonoa-chan’s eyes fluttered open, blinking rapidly.

“Hey, Risuzu! What are you doing to our angel Nonoa-chan…!”

“…What am I doing?” Risuzu mumbled, still half-asleep.

“You were sucking on Nonoa-chan’s cheek!”

“…No wonder I was having such a blissful dream… chuu.”

“Stop sucking!” I snapped, rushing to lift Nonoa-chan from Risuzu’s grasp, pulling her to safety. Her right cheek was red, marked like she’d been bitten by an insect. “There, there,” I murmured, holding her close to comfort her.

“What’s all the commotion?” Rinka’s voice came from behind as she emerged from under the bed, rising with the graceful poise of the cool idol she was. Her sharp eyes scanned us, taking in the scene.

“I don’t quite understand the situation,” she said, her tone measured. “That said, I have one thing to say… I’m jealous of Nonoa being held by Kazuto. Oh, I know—let’s make a rule. From now on, every morning, the husband must hold his wife. Princess carry is acceptable, of course.”

“You’re going all out this morning, huh,” I said, a wry smile tugging at my lips. This was so Rinka. Oddly reassuring, in its own way.

“Rinka, listen. Risuzu was sucking on Nonoa-chan’s cheek.”

“What’s that?” Rinka’s gaze snapped to Risuzu, who lounged lazily on the bed, unfazed.

“…Rinka-san, hear me out too,” Risuzu said, her voice languid.

“What is it?”

“…When someone you love is nearby, you can’t help but want to chuu their cheek. It’s perfectly normal.”

“No way that’s normal,” I muttered.

“Yes, quite normal,” Rinka agreed, nodding as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. Of course she’d side with Risuzu.

“Nnu… it’s itchy…” Nonoa-chan whimpered, scratching her reddened cheek.

“Yeah, it’s itchy, isn’t it? After being sucked like that… Alright, I’ll scratch it for you,” I said, gently tending to her.

“Ha—Risuzu, can you suck my cheek too?” Rinka asked, half-teasing.

“…I’d rather suck your lips,” Risuzu replied, her tone deadpan.

“That’s a no. My lips are reserved for my beloved husband, Kazuto.”

“…Then, your thighs—no, I mean, your ch—thighs, please.”

“I’ve suspected this for a while, but Risuzu, you have an unusual fixation on my legs,” Rinka said, her voice tinged with suspicion.

Fixation? More like perverse obsession, I thought.

“Kazuto,” Rinka turned to me, her tone firm. “I’m delighted you’re doting on Nonoa. But as I’ve said many times, neglecting your wife is not acceptable.”

“I don’t mean to neglect you…” I protested weakly.

“Then hold me, right now. And then—”

“…If Onii’s holding Rinka-san, leave Nonoa-chan to me…” Risuzu interjected.

“No way! I’m not leaving her with you, Risuzu! You lolicon criminal!”

“…Calling me, a loli, a lolicon is nonsensical,” Risuzu retorted, unfazed.

“Hey, Kazuto, are you listening? Pay more attention to your wife,” Rinka pressed.

“Nnu… Kazuto-oniichan, my cheek’s itchy…” Nonoa-chan mumbled.

Two popular idols and an angelic little girl were all talking at me at once. My head spun.

This wasn’t the time for chaos. “Summer vacation’s over! Rinka and Nonoa-chan, get ready to head home!”

“Nnu, okay,” Nonoa-chan agreed softly.

“Fine. I’ll hold back for today,” Rinka said, a hint of reluctance in her voice. She took Nonoa-chan’s hand, and they left the room. Was I settling into the role of the beleaguered guy here?

“…”

“What’re you doing, Risuzu?” I asked, eyeing my stepsister, who sprawled across my bed like a lazy cat.

“…I’m on break.”

“Oh, right, you’re still on summer vacation.”

“…Summer vacation ended the day before yesterday.”

“Oh, the day before—wait, that’s not okay!” I exclaimed, realization dawning.

“…Your reaction’s kinda slow,” Risuzu said, smirking.

“Just go to school!”

“…You’re scolding me like an Onii-chan.”

“The day before yesterday… Risuzu, you’ve been home this whole time! You’re skipping school, aren’t you!?”

“…I’m mentally and physically exhausted from idol work. I need rest.”

“Ugh… that’s hard to argue with…” I faltered. As an ordinary guy, I couldn’t fully grasp the pressures of idol life. If Risuzu was genuinely exhausted, it felt harsh to push her too hard, especially knowing Rinka’s struggles.

“…roll roll,” Risuzu mumbled, tumbling lazily across the bed. What a slothful girl.

But as her brother, I had to step up. Idol work was tough, but letting her use it as an excuse wouldn’t help her grow.

“Risuzu. Go to school.”

“…No way.”

“Risuzu.”

“…Shut up.”

“Risuzu, to school—”

“Shaaa!!” Risuzu shot up, hissing like a furious cat, her body arched on all fours.

“A cat!?” I yelped, startled.

But I wasn’t backing down. I’d decided to support Rinka as her lover and Risuzu as her brother. “Risuzu! You’re going to school!”

“…Fuu, shaaa!!”

☆

“Ouch… she scratched me good,” I muttered, touching my right cheek as I walked to school. I’d managed to get Risuzu to go, but the cost was steep—a fresh scratch stinging my face.

“Yo, Ayanokoji-kun! Long time no see!” a voice called from behind.

“Oh, Saito. Been a while,” I replied, turning to see a bespectacled boy waving cheerfully. A wave of nostalgia hit me, like slipping back into normal life. I raised a hand in return, waiting for him to catch up.

“Nice weather today, huh? Still pretty warm,” Saito said, falling into step beside me.

“Yeah, it is.”

“But according to my calculations, there’s a 10% chance of rain this afternoon!”

“That’s just the weather forecast, isn’t it?” I shot him a deadpan look, and we continued walking side by side.

“This summer vacation, did you make any good memories with Mizuki-san?” Saito asked, his tone curious.

“Well… yeah. Good memories, I guess… looking back on it.” The whirlwind of summer vacation flashed through my mind—moments with Rinka, chaotic and unforgettable.

“It’s none of my business, but there’s something that’s been on my mind,” Saito continued.

“What’s that?”

“The other members of Star☆Mines. Kurumizaka-san seems supportive, but what about the others?”

“Oh…” I nodded. Rinka had mentioned wanting to explain our relationship to the group when the time was right. It was a potential issue, no doubt.

“Especially that Komori Risuzu. She’s known for her provocative comments, often rubbing fans the wrong way—oh, Ayanokoji-kun, what’s with that scratch on your face? Looks like a cat got you!”

“That was Komori Risuzu’s doing,” I muttered, shaking my head. “It’s nothing.”

We chatted casually as the school building came into view, its gate bustling with an unusual crowd.

“Hm, what’s with that crowd?” I wondered aloud.

As we approached, the buzz of excitement became clear.

“It’s Mizuki Rinka! She’s with Kurumizaka Nana!”

“They’re giving out autographs right now!”

“Those two look so good together, don’t they? Super cute!”

“I want an autograph! Autograph!”

The students were practically vibrating with enthusiasm, the crowd growing by the second. I peered through a gap to see Rinka and Nana at the center, signing autographs and shaking hands. They didn’t seem bothered—in fact, they looked like they were enjoying themselves, their smiles genuine as they interacted with fans.

“Man, this is wild. I’ve never seen anything like it,” Saito said, awestruck.

“Star☆Mines is getting more popular, so this kind of thing’s bound to happen,” I replied, watching from a distance with some time to spare.

“Hm?” Saito’s gaze shifted.

A sleek black car pulled up near the crowd, drawing every eye, even those fixed on Rinka and Nana. The car’s polished surface gleamed under the morning sun.

The driver’s door opened, and a man in a sharp black suit stepped out, his presence commanding. Ignoring the stares, he moved to open the back door.

…Who was this? My curiosity piqued.

“Could it be… Kiyokawa Ayane…?” Saito whispered.

“Huh?”

The back door opened, and a slender leg emerged, followed by a girl who looked like she’d stepped out of a European fairy tale. Her refined features were striking, almost otherworldly, with long blonde hair swaying in the breeze. Shorter than Nana but with the same poised posture as Rinka, she exuded confidence. Her eyes, briefly visible, glinted green. Was she a foreigner?

“Ah! It’s Kiyokawa-sama!”

“Kiyokawa-sama! Kiyokawa-sama!”

“Kiyokawa Ayane-sama! Uwoooooh!!”

“Hiiiiaaaaaaa!!” The crowd erupted, their fervor reaching a fever pitch as the girl stepped fully into view.

The students erupt like a volcano, their voices rising in a fervor that could rival a cult gathering. Kiyokawa Ayane glides gracefully toward the crowd, her movements fluid and deliberate, and flashes a radiant smile.

“Good morning, everyone. Are those… Rinka-senpai and Nana-senpai over there?”

“Ayane-chan!” Nana’s cheerful voice cuts through the noise as she waves enthusiastically. “Over here, over here!”

The throng of students around Rinka and Nana parts slightly, making way for Kiyokawa. I catch a glimpse of Rinka’s face, her expression softening into the gentle smile she reserves for those closest to her, like Risuzu. They seem tight-knit… So, that elegant girl must be—

“A member of Star☆Mines,” I mutter.

“Exactly. You didn’t know?” Saito shoots me a sidelong glance.

“Uh, maybe I saw her in a live video or something…?”

“Your memory’s terrifying. You don’t retain anything you’re not interested in.”

“Haha, that’s the life of a gaming addict!”

“That’s not something to brag about…” Saito’s tone carries genuine exasperation, a rare break from his usual composure.

…Anyway, wow. To think this school has three popular idols. That’s wild.

“She called Rinka and the others ‘senpai,’ so Kiyokawa’s a first-year?” I ask, still processing.

“Yup. Hard to believe she’s younger with that composure.”

“True.”

Kiyokawa chats happily with Rinka and Nana, every gesture refined, almost like a living work of art. She could step into a high-society ballroom in an elegant dress and fit right in. And arriving at school by car? Is that driver her personal chauffeur or something? Why make such a flashy entrance when she could just walk like everyone else… Attention-seeker?

“Kurumizaka-san’s the energetic idol, Mizuki-san’s the cool idol, and Kiyokawa-san’s the refined Ojou-sama idol,” Saito explains.

“What about Komori Risuzu?”

“The inflammatory, sharp-tongued loli idol.”

“That’s a whole different genre. She’s practically an outlier.” Is she even allowed in Star☆Mines with that vibe?

“Shall we head to class?” Rinka’s calm voice carries over the chatter.

The three idols—Rinka, Nana, and Kiyokawa—move side by side through the school gate, basking in the fervent gazes of their fans. Suddenly, Rinka glances back at me. Our eyes lock for a fleeting moment, and her lips curve into a soft, subtle smile before she turns forward again.

I watch her retreating figure, a faint smile tugging at my own lips. Rinka and I can’t openly talk in front of others, so even a brief moment of eye contact feels precious, like a secret shared between us.

Then, Kiyokawa turns to look at me. Our eyes meet, and her gaze is intense, almost probing, as if time itself freezes for those two seconds.

“Ayane?” Rinka’s curious voice breaks the moment.

“Oh, no, it’s nothing. Let’s go, Rinka-senpai.” Kiyokawa quickly turns, resuming her walk as if nothing happened.

Time flows again, but a strange unease lingers in my chest. What was that look about?