After dropping our bags in the room, we grabbed lunch at the hotel before heading out to shop.
”……Woah! It’s huge! So big!”
Our JK sis, Nanako with her black hair, was stunned by the sight before us.
We were standing in a massive shopping mall attached to KID Prince Hotel, right across from Karuizawa Station.
“It’s not just clothes; there seem to be shoe stores and accessories too, all sorts of things,”
Our JK sister, Aki the blonde gyaru, spread out a pamphlet, staring at it with genuine awe.
“Miss, are you okay? I thought crowds were something you couldn’t stand.”
One of my university friends, Niwagawa, offered a concerned look to the white-haired girl standing beside me.
“Thanks, Ichika. But don’t worry about it. Right now, in this setting, you aren’t bodyguards or anything like that. You’re just one of our friends who came out to have some fun.”
White hair and red eyes: Rinia Aida, a light novel author. Between this crowd and the heat…
Rinia wasn’t exactly the most athletic person, so I really needed to keep an eye on her stamina.
“Hey, hey! Okarin! Where do we start our tour?”
Akari grabbed my arm and said with a smile.
Poof, Akari’s breast bumped against my arm.
She had unfastened two buttons, leaving the upper part of her breast completely exposed.
Her breasts, slick with sweat, clung tightly to my arm, offering a pleasing sensation. “Akari.”
“Oho~♡ Isn’t Okarin getting all dizzy from the feel of Akari-chan’s big, raw milk?”
“There are people around; button up properly. You’re supposed to be a lady too, after all.” “Ah, yes sir.”
Akari hurriedly fastened her buttons.
“…So, so that’s how it is. I suppose we have to keep them closed, right?”
Nanako also hurriedly fastened her buttons.
“You both shouldn’t do such things. Showing too much skin when you’re young like that isn’t right.” “Ichi-hana. Are you saying that about yourself too?”
Rushia said to Inigawa, who was buttoning up, with a look of exasperation.
“Everyone should learn from Rushia.”
She put on her hat, wore a thin cardigan as protection from the sun, and made sure every button was fastened. “““Yeeaaah…”””
“I knew it. You’re such an adult. I have to admit that.”
“Oh? Well then, let’s go.” ““““Oh—!””””
The five of us walked together through the shopping mall.
With the roof overhead, Lucia seemed fine regarding the sunlight.
Stores lined up in a row along the walkways.
It was summer vacation, so there were quite a lot of people… but……
“Hey, hey, Oka-san, don’t you think there are weirdly a lot of people in black clothes?” “Is that so?” I looked around the surroundings.
Mixed in with the general public, there seemed to be quite a few figures in black suits and sunglasses… maybe.
“……I-Ichika, what’s going on?”
“……I suspect His Lord Kousan has bought out the shopping mall.” “……Grandpa! Stop it!”
“……Saburo and the other staff, along with their families, are playing the role of Sakura, so I don’t think we’ll be found out.”
Rusiatoshi and Hinogawa are whispering to each other.
The two of them seem to have known each other for a long time, and they get along pretty well.
”……Whoa! Such cute clothes!”
“Oh, check out that awesome pair of sandals you’ve got there!”
The twins’ eyes light up.
Young people are interested in fashion.
But Akari works part-time jobs, and Nanaiko is shut-in at home, so they rarely go out to shop.
……No, it’s probably that they’re holding back.
Even though I have a close relationship with them, we are still strangers. Naturally, they keep their distance.
Especially Akari feels like she’s overthinking things to the point where she can’t express her own desires. I think that’s not good for her.
Children should be allowed to be more self-centered.
“Akari, and Nanaiko too. If there’s anything you want, tell me and I’ll buy it for you.” ”「……Eh…?」” The two of them stare at me with wide eyes.
“O-Okayrin… it’s fine, I’ll buy whatever I want with my own money.”
“…Y-Yeah. Living here is more than enough, though…”
Ah, so she really was worrying about it. I shook my head.
“It’s fine, we’re on vacation after all. It’s a good idea to get something as a souvenir.” “‘But…’”
“Don’t worry about the money. I’ll buy you guys whatever you want. Don’t hold back and just tell me… or rather, if you keep holding back, that just makes me worry about it.”
Is saying it this way a bit cheeky? But…
“I see. Hmm… sorry, Okayrin.”
Akari seemed to catch the hint immediately, smiling wryly as she gave a small nod.
“Onii-chan! Let’s take you up on your kind offer!” “…Uh-huh, but—”
“No buts, no buts! It’s the perfect time to be spoiled~ And b-e-s-i-d-e-s~? It’s a present from your boyfriend.”
“…! T-That’s something I’d… like to have!” “See~?”
Akari looked at me and flashed a smile. Then, she bowed her head.
「Thanks, Okaya-senpai! Well then, I won’t hold back!»
”…Thank you, teacher!” The two of them laughed innocently.
Yeah, this is how it should be. Kids just need to demand whatever they want without worrying about what adults are thinking.
“If you or Hanagawa ever want anything, just say the word.” “«W-What?!”» Both of them stared in shock.
“O-Okaya… that’s a bit much, isn’t it…”
“T-that’s right, Okaya-kun. Besides, what about the money and all… are you sure?”
“Oh yeah, I still have my entire June bonus left over.”
Just buying stuff for these two feels wrong, though.
“I want to thank Lucia for providing the villa, after all. And I haven’t given Hanagawa anything in return, either. She’s been taking care of me since college, so…”
“Okaya… “Okaya-kun…” Both of them teared up. “Mmm…” ”? What’s wrong, Akari?”
Behind us, Akari was deep in thought. “You’re being kinda unfair~” ”…Unfair?”
Her older sister Nana tilted her head in confusion.
“It’s not fair, it’s just unfair… Look, it’s always Okaerin who makes our hearts so happy, playing with us like that…” ”…Where’s the unfairness in that?”
“I know, right? It’s about time we got to be the ones making Okaerin smile or surprising her… Ah! Hehe~ hehe. Sis-sis!” ”?”
Turning around, I saw Akeri whispering something into Nako’s ear.
”…So with it, …to, for Okaerin… let’s do it.” ”！ That sounds… awesome!!”
“Right!? Mph~♡ Akeri-chan might be a genius after all.”
”…Yesss. Akeri-chan, you’re totally right!”
“Yeah, right? Sis gets it~!” Nako patted Akeri’s head.
The younger sister hugged her older sister’s body and laughed with delight. “What’s up with the two of you?”
“«Hmm-hmm, nothing at all! Hehe♡»”
The two of them laughed together, with a mischievous air about them.
Akeri seemed as usual, but I thought Nako’s reaction was unusual.
“Well then, Okaerin, everyone. Let’s set off to the shopping mall!”