The next morning. Breakfast time. Mikan works the kitchen while the others eat at the table. Lala feeds Celine in her high-chair. Momo steals a piece of Nana's food, angering the latter.
Rito sits in silence, staring at his food, lost in thought.
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At school, Rito walks the hall alone, passing the other students, still with his head in the clouds.
"Oh, Rito," says a soft voice. Rito stops and looks up. Haruna stands before him. The sight of her reddens Rito's cheeks.
"Oh, good morning, Sairen-I mean…Haruna," says Rito. Now it's Haruna's turn to blush. Ever since they confessed to one another, they've started calling each other by their first names. It makes them both happy, but still takes some getting used to.
"Good morning to you too," says Haruna. She shuffles her feet, not sure what next to say. Rito does the same.
Come on, man. Say something, he thinks. But before he can-
"Rito!" yells an energetic green-haired girl who comes flying out of nowhere, and hugging Rito from behind, making Haruna a tad jealous.
"Run!" says Rito.
"Good morning, Rito! You're looking as handsome as ever. Listen, Kyouko and I've got a big concert tomorrow night, and I wanted to give you this as soon as I could," says Run, handing him a VIP backstage pass.
"This is…" says Rito.
"Backstage access to the show, free of charge. You'll come, won't you?" says Run, looking up at him with big puppy dog eyes.
"I, uh…" says Rito.
"Oh, hey, Haruna," says Run, only just noticing the other girl.
"Good morning, Run," says Haruna.
"Perfect timing. I've got your pass here as well," says Run, giving Haruna another VIP pass. "I snagged as many of these as I could. I even told my manager I'd refuse to do the show unless I could have them," she says.
"Wow, really?" says Haruna.
"Uh-huh. You'll come too, right? Both of you?" asks Run.
"Well, uh," starts Rito, looking between Run and Haruna. If Haruna and others are coming too, it'll make things easier. "Yeah, I'm in," he says, smiling.
"Well, if Rito's going, then sure. I'd be happy to come," says Haruna. Run jumps for joy, hugging Rito and Haruna so hard, she's practically suffocating them.
"Thanks, you guys. Rito, I'll be sure to make it a special show just for you. Gotta go now. Got more of these to give out," says Run, darting off down the hall with a handful of VIP passes.
"She seems to be in good spirits," says Haruna.
"Yeah," responds Rito, absentmindedly. He watches Run disappear down the hall. Do my feelings mean nothing to you? Do I mean nothing to you? Her sharp words from the dream echo in Rito's mind, blocking everything else out.
"Rito?" says Haruna.
"Huh? Oh, sorry. I was spacing out," says Rito. At that moment, the school bell rings. "Haruna, do you, um, wanna walk to class together?" he asks.
"I'd love to. Let's go," says Haruna, blushing.
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The rest of the day carries on as usual.
Rito attends class, enjoys lunch, and wanders the halls. All the while, lost in thought. The conversation he had with Nemesis and Momo from the previous night always on his mind. Every now and then, he notices the girls from his dream.
In the hallway, Nana and Mea chat by the windows. When they notice Rito, Mea says hello while Nana just scowls.
In the classroom, Yui lectures Risa and Mio about their perverted behavior, and of course, they're not listening. Mio sees Rito and waves at him. Risa gives him a playful wink, making him blush. Yui, being the jealous tsundere that she is, clocks the exchange and shouts at Rito for no reason.
On the stairs, Saki boasts as she strolls down the steps with Aya and Rin in tow. As Rito steps out of their way, he catches Rin looking at him for a split second before she walks away.
In the library, Rito spots Yami in one of the aisles, reading a book. You're the target of my love. Rito still can't believe he heard those words from her of all people. She looks up at him. He freaks out, fearing the worst, and sheepishly waves. Yami turns around, ignoring him. Rito sighs and walks away. Yami buries her head in her book, hiding her blushing face.
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On the roof, Rito lays on the ground, staring up at the sky. The harem plan, he thinks. Could I really do it? Should I?
"Oh, there you are, Rito," says an unseen voice. Rito sits up to see Lala closing the door behind her. "I've been looking everywhere for you," she says.
"Hey, Lala. What's up?" asks Rito. Lala presents a VIP pass.
"Look at this! Run gave me one of these at lunch. I'm so excited, I can't wait to see her and Kyouko perform," says Lala.
"Yeah, me neither," says Rito before lowering his head.
"Hmm, something wrong?" says Lala.
"No, I…" starts Rito, scratching his head. Then he notices Lala looking at him; really looking at him. He takes a deep breath, and stands up. "Actually, Lala, there's something I need to tell you. You and Haruna both," he says. Lala tilts her head, wondering what could be so important for him to say.
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Night falls at Rito's house.
In the living room, Rito's mother, Ringo, and his father, Saibai, sit on the couch. Rito stands before them, having just dropped a bombshell.
"So, uh, yeah, Mom and Dad. That's how it is," says Rito. Saibai and Ringo say nothing for a moment.
"Rito, you realize what'll happen if you go through with this?" asks Ringo.
"This is some pretty heavy stuff, son. Are you prepared to deal with the consequences?" asks Saibai. Rito looks at them, eyes full of determination.
"Yes, I am," says Rito. Saibai and Ringo trade looks. Then they both smile at Rito.
"I'm proud of you, Rito," says Ringo.
"Huh?" says Rito, taken aback.
"You made the right choice, kiddo. If anything, I'm jealous of you," laughs Saibai.
"You mean, you're not upset?" asks Rito. Saibai and Ringo stand up, and embrace Rito together.
"Of course not. You're a young man now. All we want is for you to be happy and live without any regrets. If this is what you want, we'll support you," says Ringo.
"Ditto, Rito," says Saibai. Tears of joy start to well up in Rito's eyes. He hugs his parents back.
"Thanks, Mom and Dad. Seriously, thank you," says Rito.
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Mikan and Rito, both wearing towels, emerge from the bathroom, followed by an immense cloud of steam. While bathing together seemed unusual at first, both siblings have grown accustomed to it.
"So you're really going through with it?" asks Mikan.
"I've given it a lot of thought, and I've decided it's what I want," replies Rito, drying himself off.
"Is that so? And what did Lala say?" asks Mikan, also drying herself off.
"Well, I, uh, was going to tell her. But then I realized it'd be better if I told her and Haruna at the same time. Besides, Momo insisted she be the one to fill Lala in a little before I told her the rest," says Rito.
"Oh. Is it because the plan was originally Momo's idea?" asks Mikan.
"I think so. Momo means well, but she feels guilty for orchestrating the whole thing behind Lala's back. I didn't wanna deny her the chance to be honest with her sister," says Rito.
"And now here you are, being honest with yours. How mature of you," smirks Mikan. All dried off, the two siblings get dressed. "Wait, does that mean I'm the first you're telling about this?" asks Mikan.
"Well, I spoke to Mom and Dad about it. At first, I just wanted their advice. But really, I think it was their approval I was looking for. Now that I've got it, I wanted to tell you next. So yeah, I guess you are the first, in a way," says Rito.
"I was first," whispers Mikan as they get dressed. Then she heads for the door.
"Hey, Mikan," says Rito. Mikan stops and looks back at Rito. A serious expression on his face. He tilts his body into a bow. "I'm sorry," he says.
"Huh?" says Mikan while blinking.
"I'm sorry for everything," says Rito. "When Mom and Dad got busy with work, you stepped up and took care of me when I should've been the one taking care of you. Instead, I've done nothing but embarrass and worry you. I'm sorry for all the trouble I've put you through, and I know this decision of mine is gonna put you through a lot more of it. I also know saying sorry isn't enough, but I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. And I hope you understand that no matter how many wives, I mean, lovers I have, I'll only ever have one sister," he says. Then he steps forward and places his hands on Mikan's shoulders.
"Rito, what are you…?" baffles Mikan.
"And I'll only ever want one sister," says Rito with a gentle smile. "Mikan, I adore everything about you. I'm prouder of you than you'll ever know. And I love you. I love you so much," he says. And with that, he presses his lips against Mikan's forehead.
Mikan's face flushes red. Overwhelmed and embarrassed, she shoves Rito back, causing him to trip and fall onto the floor.
"You pervert!" shouts Mikan. Then she opens the door and darts out. Rito remains on the floor, flabbergasted.
A few seconds pass by, and then Mikan comes running back into the bathroom. Before Rito can speak, Mikan tackles him back onto the floor, hugging him tightly.
"Mikan?" asks Rito. Mikan snuggles against his body.
"I love you too, big brother," says Mikan with a smile on her face and a few faint tears in her eyes. She leans up and kisses Rito's cheek. "And I always will," she says. Rito smiles and hugs her back. The two siblings remain on the floor, locked in each other's embrace.
Outside in the hall, Momo leans against the wall, having eavesdropped on everything. She smiles and walks away with a purpose.
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In Lala's bedroom, Lala sits on her bed while Momo sits seiza-style on the floor.
Momo cries as she tells Lala about the harem plan, and apologizes for it. Lala is at a loss for words; it's unclear how she feels.
Then Lala stands up, kneels down and embraces Momo. She's smiling, not angry in the slightest. Momo cries harder and hugs Lala back, overjoyed to have such a forgiving sister.
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In Rito's bedroom, Rito chats with King Gid using a holographic communication device made by Lala. King Gid listens in earnest as Rito explains his plan.
When Rito finishes, King Gid gives him a thumbs-up. Rito returns the gesture.
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In outer space, the Dark Rover drifts pass the stars.
Onboard, Stem practices his combat skills in the training hall.
First, he faces a dozen training robots with only his fists and feet. Using an impressive volley of punches and kicks, he completely destroys all of the robots.
Then, a range of moving targets slides out of the wall. Stem's left robotic arm transforms into a laser gun, and he blasts every target to smithereens.
Finally, a cage containing a rabid alien hound (the size of a polar bear) opens up, releasing the beast. Stem draws a red energy sword from his belt. He and the alien hound charge each other, and-
SLASH! The alien hound slides across the floor, bisected. Stem sheathes his sword and turns to a holographic map, his gaze fixed on the planet Earth.
"You're next, Rito Yuki," says Stem.
Author's Note: There haven't been enough moments between Rito and his parents, so I included my own. And I'm gonna spoil this now; Mikan will NOT be part of the harem. She is Rito's sister, and that's all she needs to be. Speaking of sisters, I really enjoyed Momo apologizing to Lala and the latter forgiving her. Now Rito's about to begin his harem plan just as Stem approaches Earth. What will happen?