A Case in Which My House Is a Gathering Place for Girls - Chapter 00: Prologue

“How’s the water temperature, Jinpei-kun? Isn’t it hot?”

I─Itsuki Jinpei is sitting on a bath chair and having my childhood friend wash my back in the shower, who has grown into a woman worthy of being called a beauty.

The name of my childhood friend whom I met again for the first time in more than a decade was Hanazono Kanna. As far as I remember, she was a pretty doll-like girl, but as a high school student, she was transformed into a beauty who could be converted into ‘the world’s greatest.’

Why am I taking a bath with such a childhood friend? I try to answer the question calmly, asking myself if I’m dreaming or not knowing how many times it will be.

“I-it’s all right… It’s just the right temperature. Thank you, Kanna.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Then next I’ll start washing your body.”

No, absolutely not. I want to say that, but for some reason, I can’t speak because Kanna hums and lathers my body soap happily.

“Being in the bath with you like this brings back childhood memories. We used to help wash each other.”

“Yeah, I guess we did…”

But that was before we even entered elementary school. It’s absolutely strange that we, as high school students, do this kind of thing. Even if my inner teenage boy is doing a mental fist pump, my reasoning tells me otherwise.

“Come to think of it, I recently heard from an acquaintance that one of the relaxations is body washing massage.”

“…Yes?”

“Oh, you haven’t heard of it? It’s where a woman uses fluffy bubbles to wash and massage someone’s whole body. My friend said it’s like a dream come true for guys.”

“Alright, I’m getting out of the bath right now to call your friend and give them a piece of my mind. What on earth are they teaching you!?”

If things go on like this, “reprimand” could very well end up being read as “gratitude.” While I’m lost in such foolish thoughts, Kanna seems to have finished her preparations.

“Well then, I’m going to start a body washing session now.”

“Did you just say session!? Did your friend teach you that term too!?”

“Hehe. Who knows? Oh, excuse me for a moment before I start.”

Then I heard a rustling sound, and my vision blacked out sooner than I could ask what she was going to do. It seemed that my head was covered with a towel, but I wondered if it was just my imagination that I felt the warmth of human skin.

“Even though it’s through a mirror, I’d still feel embarrassed if you saw me naked. So I hope you don’t mind the blindfold.”

She giggles shyly. But honestly, when she entered the bathroom earlier, she was already wrapped in just a bath towel, which was practically the same as being naked. Does she not realize this?

“I really wish you’d recognize how contradictory your words and actions are.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve been taught how to do it, so I’ll make you feel good. I’ll engrave a heavenly sensation onto your body♡.”

“Don’t end your sentence like that with a heart! I don’t need such a promise!? And for the love of everything, cut ties with that friend immediately!”

Suppressing the part of me that dares to feel excited about what’s about to happen, I struggle to maintain my composure. Sure, it’d be easy and tempting to let go of my reasoning and leave myself in Kanna’s hands, but doing so would signal the end of my life as I know it.

Because Kanna and I aren’t the only ones living in this house. There are others here—girls who are not only famous but also widely recognized. If they were to walk in on us right now…

“—Hey, Kanna. I don’t think it’s a good idea to sneak ahead.”

“—A violation of our alliance’s treaty. Such an act is unforgivable.”

It’s often said that gossip brings shadows. The sudden intrusion of these two at the perfect moment makes me wonder if my thoughts somehow broadcasted to them like a radio signal. The timing is so uncanny it gives me a headache. As for why they’re wearing swimsuits, pointing that out feels like admitting defeat.

“Why are Asakura-san and Sasazuki-san here? And why on earth are you wearing swimsuits?”

Even though Kanna protested as if she were representing my doubts, the two of them remained unflustered without any hesitation.

“Come on now. Someone who was about to start a bubble-covered body-washing session doesn’t have the right to talk. That’s the ultimate boomerang, you know?”

This cutting remark comes from Asakura Nao, who looks at Kanna with an exasperated expression. She is a beauty characterized by her sharply cropped hair and eyes that curve upward like a wolf’s. She’s one of the stars of Japan’s women’s track and field sprint ace, often hailed as a future Olympic gold medalist. Why she’s wearing the academy’s designated competitive swimsuit remains a mystery.

“What you are doing is contrary to public order. In other words, it’s guilty, you should leave Itsuki as soon as possible.”

The one puffing out her cheeks in indignation is Sasazuki Mika. With her soft, flowing long hair, large round eyes with a unique odd-eye coloration in which she exudes a mysterious atmosphere. She’s a beauty who once thrived as a child actress in the entertainment industry, earning the nickname “The Nation’s Beloved Daughter.” Like Asakura, the reason she’s wearing a swimsuit is equally mysterious.

“This is a contradiction in terms! There’s no reason considering you two are wearing swimsuits to criticize me! And for the record, this is not indecent behavior—it’s a proper massage!”

“It’s not about the proper massage. Maybe try saying that after taking a good look at yourself after you see what you look like.”

“I won’t let the momentum make the facts.”

Although the bathroom is not very large, one of the few quiet places in the house where I can relax now sparks with tension as the three beauties clash.

“I’m just trying to show my gratitude to Jinpei-kun in my own way, so please don’t disturb us!”

“There’s no need to do it while practically naked!? I think there are many ways to do it, such as wearing a swimsuit or on the bed for a massage!”

“Itsuki-kun, it’s cold, isn’t it? Let’s soak in the tub together.”

While Kanna and Asakura are engrossed in their argument, Sasazuki quietly slips past them as she takes my hand, and leads me toward the bathtub.

“”Don’t sneak ahead!!””

“…Tsk. They noticed.”

Sasazuki clicks her tongue discontentedly after being scolded by Kanna and Asakura in unison. And so, the three-way quarrel resumes once more.

“How could this have come to this…”

I muttered to myself while recalling the series of chaotic events that led to today.

It all began about a month and a half ago, back in March, during the spring break of my final year of school. That was when I received the devastating news that the high school I was supposed to attend had been shut down.

This unexpected and disheartening announcement was the catalyst for everything that followed.