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ResetI apologize for the delay. It was one day during the summer break.
I was in Ichika's car, arriving at Haneda Airport. "We're here, everyone."
At the airport entrance, Ichika stopped the car and said so.
"...Thank you very much, Ichika-san."
Sitting next to me was Ina Nanako, a beautiful black-haired girl with an innocent and delicate appearance.
Her hair was free of any stray strands, and her large, wide eyes were charming.
Though she was Aka's twin sister, unlike Aka's active nature, she possessed a quiet, hidden beauty.
"Don't mention it, Ichika. Thanks for the ride." "Nah, don't worry about it."
We got out of the car and pulled our carry-on cases from the trunk.
"Hokkaido, huh? Sounds nice. I hope you bring back some souvenirs."
"Well, we're not exactly going there for fun..."
Now then, why was it that Nanako and I were going to Hokkaido?
A few days ago, Nanako came to me for advice.
"I... would like to go to an open campus event." Nanako was considering further education.
It was a university in Hokkaido... well, the University of Hokkaido, specifically.
The Hokudai open campus day was being held, and she wanted to go see it.
Since I wasn't comfortable letting her go alone, I decided to accompany her in my capacity as a guardian.
"It's fine. Just consider it a trip to Hokkaido just for the two of you—Nanako and me—and have a good time."
"But... wouldn't it be bad of me? Toward Ichika-san, Akari-chan, Rucia-chan... It feels like I'm monopolizing Teacher..."
Nanako was the type to worry about that kind of thing. Harmony is precious, or something along those lines.
"Ah... well, Nanako-chan. Sorry, but everyone actually goes out with Hikaru-kun quite a bit, individually."
"...Eh? E-e-e-e-e-e-e-e?!" A shocked Nanako. No, I guess that was the case...
"So... that's how it is, huh?"
"Yes. So... go ahead and monopolize Hikaru-kun to your heart's content."
Ichika smiled and gave Nanaeko a gentle pat on the head.
"Even just for the duration of the trip, be self-indulgent. Go ahead and run Mitsuboshi around like he can't keep up with you. Just like Akari-chan does."
"I-I understand. I'll try my best!"
Ichika looked at me and flashed a smile.
"Since that's settled, I'm leaving Nanaeko in your care." "Got it. So—" "Ah yes, see you later."
Ichika slid into the car and drove off with a crisp swish of her hair trailing behind. "...Akari-chan is?"
"Apparently she has to work at her part-time job." "...Rushia-chan is?" "She says she has a deadline coming up."
It goes without saying that Ichika also has work to attend to.
Nanaeko slumped down onto the ground in a heap, head hung low. "W-what's wrong?"
"...It's only me who has nothing on my plate."
Come to think of it, Nanaeko doesn't have any part-time jobs or club activities she's involved in.
I hope we can find something for her to do during this trip...
「Not at all. You're smart, and once you find what you really want to do, you'll dive right in with full dedication, I know that for a fact。」
「……Is that really true?」
Seeing Nanaiko look so anxious, I reached out my hand to her.
「Yeah. So come on, let's head out, shall we?」
Hesitantly, Nanaiko took my hand.
I gently squeezed her fingers in return, and she smiled shyly with a faint blush. 「……Okay.」
Nanaiko stood up and followed behind me, a slight step back. Ahead of us walked Akari and Midori Lake. Beside me walked Kurosha and Ichika.
And behind all of them came Nanaiko.
My lovers were... each holding their own distinct stance.
Only Nanaiko followed from behind me.
I hope that one day, she too will be able to walk in front, leading the way just like her sisters. 「Right then, shall we board the plane?」
And so, it was thus that we set off for Hokkaido. 【★Announcement】
The book version of the sister work by the master writer has finally been released! A story pairing with Madoi!
Please do! Please, I would be so happy if you’d pick it up! Buy here