Volume 3 Chapter 1/2 – Thanksgiving 1 – Swimsuit 48/ Thanksgiving 2 – Swimsuit Aprons (Adventurers’ Thanksgiving)

| Mihane Toudou

After Kyouko’s declaration and Yuma’s correction,

Kyouko asked, “Please wait for a moment.”

Leaving that remark, she took Yuma with her and headed to the bathroom.

I might be exhausted from all the chaos since yesterday. No matter how many times I think about it, the idea of a 4P keeps popping into my mind, and I can’t help but entertain it.

I know it’s wrong for siblings to be doing something like this.
I know that these thoughts should remain as mere fantasies.

Back when I was struggling with these feelings, there were times when I received confessions. But it never worked out. I couldn’t give up. Then why didn’t I make a move when it was just the two of us?

That’s right, I knew. What I feared most was being rejected by Kyousuke. I couldn’t just say, “It’s fine because we’re not actually related by blood.” It scared me more than anything. It’s been three months since he broke up with Aika. I couldn’t bear the thought of my feelings, simmering over three years, being rejected.

“You kept us waiting.”

“W-we’re back!”

“…”

The two of them were dressed in swimsuits.
Kyouko was in a white bikini that matched the color of her headband. Yuma wore a light blue bikini that matched the color of her glasses. Both of their cleavages were quite prominent.

“W-what’s with those outfits?”

“I had already informed Yuma when heading home. I mentioned that perhaps Kyousuke-san, who might be feeling down today, would appreciate it.”

“Well, unlike Kyouko or Mihane, I don’t have that good a figure. I can’t compete alone, so I figured, if I go as a set, maybe he’ll notice?”

Oh, right. You two have admired Kyousuke since long ago. That’s why you became friends.

“You both look beautiful.”

“Somehow, that’s a bit embarrassing.”

“U-uh, hehe.”

“Look, we’ve already made up our minds.”

“You still have last year’s swimsuit, don’t you? Go on, go change.”

“But…”

“Starting today, it’s time to stop thinking of yourself as just a little sister and make him see you as a woman. Fortunately, we have Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—a good 48 hours to work with at least.”

“During that time, let’s aim to change Kyousuke-kun’s perspective!”

“…”

Kyouko pointed at me with determination, while Yuma made a peace sign right next to her glasses.

Not a little sister, but a woman. Swimsuits. And 48 hours… This was the time Kyouko and Yuma were willing to spend with me to instill in Kyousuke the charm of seeing me as a woman.

“I’m going to ride Mihane-san’s coattails here, but I also want to be seen as a girl now.”

“Same here! I mean, I’m a high school girl after all! I want Kyousuke-kun to see that I’ve grown up too!”

“… Hehe, thank you both. I feel so much better now. You’re right. Absolutely.”

Though they said it was for themselves, it was clear they were giving me the push I needed. They kept their smiles, trying to reassure me.

That’s right, let’s start a revolution!

Breaking free from the identity of the stepsister. Yes, the dawn of womanhood begins now! Clenching my fists, I made that firm resolve.

If my words had already conveyed my affection so openly, the next step was to attack with visuals!

“None of that is going to get across to him.”

“Tsundere stuff never communicates properly.”

“Eh?”

◆　◇　◆

| Kyousuke Toudou

“I’m home.”

After getting along well with the two of them, I finally came back home. It seems Aika is staying over at Tomoka’s place. She said something about wanting to “teach me a lesson” next. Apparently, she needs Tomoka’s cooperation for that.

Thinking back, Aika had always been competitive, despite being shy. Because of that, she would often get me to help her out behind the scenes. This time, it’s probably something similar.

Well, she’s the type of person who would break up with me just to make me jealous, so even if she says she’s doing all this for my sake, she probably can’t stand things being too much in my favor, even unconsciously.

But, well, she’s cute, so it’s all good.

And so,

I came home ready to be scolded since I skipped school without telling Mihane. Not to mention, I ignored her calls.

I couldn’t take the calls because if I did, I wouldn’t be able to lie, and telling the truth would only make things worse. Ignoring was the only option I had.

I can handle being scolded, but I really hope she doesn’t sulk. Dealing with the mood swings of the Shrine Maidens in our party was a challenge back in that other world. Whether it’s in another world or on Earth, trying to “read the mood” of a girl is the most complex thing there is.

And so,

How am I supposed to read this situation?

“Come on, Kyousuke-kun, sit here.”

“Kyousuke-san, let me give you a massage until the food is ready.”

What greeted me upon my return was three girls in swimsuit aprons. I wasn’t expecting this. This was totally beyond my predictions. It’s just Thanksgiving, right? They’re blushing furiously, claiming it’s because they just happened to have swimsuits, and I was promptly guided to the living room sofa to be treated.

“I’ll massage your hands.”

“Then, I’ll take care of your neck and shoulders.”

“I’ll prepare the food.”

What is this? When did my home turn into a brothel?

During my long stay in a certain city in that other world, I would occasionally be treated this way in the brothels there.

It wasn’t on the menu, but it was a token of gratitude from the butterflies I had “helped bloom.” It was a massage without any actual “services,” something I often used when I was homesick.

It was purely soothing.

And remembering that,

Although I was usually attacked afterward.

And then I’d usually fend them off in return.

“Kyousuke.”

“Yes…?”

“Does it feel good?”

“Well, to put it mildly, it’s amazing.”

“Dinner will be ready soon, so please wait a little longer.”

“Okay… thank you.”

Mihane, wearing a floral bikini, turned to the kitchen, showing off her beautiful back and hips. Despite usually being a tsundere by default… what’s going on?

From this morning to swimsuit aprons? How did we get here? I have no idea.

Suddenly, I felt something soft against my arms and shoulders.

“Kyousuke-kun, thank you for everything.”

“Kyousuke-san, thank you for everything.”

I don’t think I’ve done anything deserving of this much gratitude… I wonder how things were five years ago?

It’s clear that this “Thanksgiving” is not just as simple as its name suggests. There’s definitely another intention behind it, but what could it be?

I don’t see any signs of resentment or scheming in their eyes…

And then, after not seeing Yuma and Kyouko in a while, all I got was a brief greeting, followed by them appearing in swimsuit aprons…

Well, it feels good, so I guess it’s fine.

Here, there’s a kind of comfort that magic can’t achieve.