Love-Sick Chapter 1: Mana x Minato x Mitsu

"Today's the big day," Minato Amamiya thought to himself as he walked down the halls of Shujin Academy to the cafeteria.

He wasn't lying, today was a big day for him indeed. His hair was gelled up, his father gave him permission to wear his best cologne, and in his hands he had some roses and a box of chocolates. The reason Minato got all gussied up and had these gifts in his hands was because he was about to confess his feelings for Ryuji and Makoto's daughter, Himari Sakamoto.

For as long as he could remember, Minato always had a fondness for Himari. She was spunky, but laid back. Wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty, but she knew how to be a lady. She had her mother's brains, but also her father's sense of humor. "Whoever said perfection doesn't exist, clearly hasn't met Himari", Minato would think to himself.

However, everyone keeps telling the eldest Amamiya child that Himari only likes him as a friend, and has no intention of being anything more than that with him. Those words only fell on deaf ears as Minato thoroughly believed that he had a shot with her. And that's why he's doing what he's doing now. He knew that if Himari saw him in his dapper form and bringing her chocolates and flowers, she'd fall head over heels for him.

"I hope this works," Minato said, taking a deep breath as he entered the cafeteria.

He stopped for a brief moment and held his stomach, which started to hurt again. His stomach was hurting ever since he woke up. He figured it was just some intense 'tummy butterflies' as he had been planning on courting Himari for the last two weeks, saving up allowance so he could buy the flowers and chocolates in the first place, and he was probably nervous as a result. Like the other times his stomach hurt today, the pain subsided before he continued walking forward.

Minato went to the table where he, Himari, Nariko, Riku and Mai usually sit. He was surprised to see that Himari hadn't arrived yet and it was only Nariko, Riku and Mai there.

"Well look at you, Casanova," Mai said teasingly, "Who's the lucky girl?"

"Himari, guys," Minato proudly answered as he placed the flowers and chocolate on the table in front of where Himari usually sits.

"Are you sure pouring your heart out to someone who, we're all pretty sure, likes you only as a friend is a good idea?" Riku asked.

"Trust me, guys, Himari loves me. She just doesn't know it yet," Minato said, "But when she sees these gifts I bought her, she'll finally realize we were meant to be."

Minato's happy thoughts were interrupted when another sharp pain hit his stomach, causing him to wince.

"Are you okay, Minato?" Nariko asked.

"Yeah, it's just my stomach again," Minato said as the pain subsided again.

"Your stomach's been hurting you all day, dude," Riku said, "Maybe you should go to the nurse."

"No, I'm pretty sure it's just stomach butterflies," Minato said, "I'm just nervous and I really want this to go well."

"Last I checked, stomach butterflies don't hurt that much," Mai said.

"Ssshhh!" Went Minato as he saw Himari enter the cafeteria, "Here she comes! Play it cool!"

The four teens acted natural as Himari approached her seat at the table. She noticed the chocolates and flowers as she sat down in her chair, and she became utterly speechless as a light blush came across her face.

"You like it, Himari?" Minato asked.

"Chocolates, roses, are these for me?" Himari asked.

"They're all for you, from me," Minato began, "Himari, we've been the best of friends for the longest time, and there comes a time in every man's life when he wants something more. With that said, I must ask: Himari Sakamoto, will you go out with me?"

"M-Minato," Himari said with a remorseful frown, "I'm sorry, I can't."

"Huh," Minato said as he felt his heart slowly break, "Why not? Did I do something wrong? It's the flowers isn't it. Look, I was going to get sunflowers, but the store was all out and-"

"No, the flowers are beautiful," Himari began, "It's just that…I already have a boyfriend."

And with that, Minato's heart broke even more. Not helped by the reactions Mai, Riku, and Nariko had to watching this scene unfold before them.

"Oof!" Nariko went.

"Damn!" Mai shouted.

"Fuuuuuuuuuuuuu-" Riku groaned as he slowly fell out of his chair and laid down on the floor.

"Overreact much, bro?" Mai said as she looked at her brother on the floor.

"You have a boyfriend?" Minato asked, disheartened, "Who?"

"Hotaru Yajima," Himari answered, "We've been hanging out a lot recently, and he even let me participate in some of his more recent short films."

"How…How long have you been seeing Hotaru?" Minato asked.

"A couple of weeks," Himari answered, "He asked me to go out with him when we went to Bikari Boy after the shooting for his most recent short film wrapped up."

"Can I ask why you like him?" Minato asked.

"He's someone who knows what he wants in life," Himari said, "He wants to be a great filmmaker one day, and he does everything in his power to make his dream a reality. I love a man with vision. On top of that he's kind, respectful, honest, and totally trustworthy. He's just really charming and I feel safe with him. Also, have you seen his last comedic short film? It's clear Hotaru knows his way around a joke every now and again. He's just the whole package, really. "

Minato couldn't believe what he was hearing. He had his heart set on making Himari his girlfriend, and here she comes with the news that she's already seeing Hotaru. He tried his best to fight back tears and forced a smile as, even though they won't be together romantically at the end of the day, he genuinely wanted his beloved to be happy. Besides, there are worse guys Himari could've ended up with, and Hotaru really was a great guy and a very close friend to all of them.

"Well, Hotaru is a lucky guy," Minato said forcing a smile, "I hope he know how good he has it and that he makes you very happy."

"Thanks, Minato," Himari smiled, "You're taking this news better than I thought you would."

"Ah, you know me," Minato said, still keeping his cool, "I always try to accept my losses as gracefully as I can. Now if you'll excuse me, I just remembered I have to be somewhere else. Goodbye."

Minato then left the cafeteria as Himari, Nariko, Mai, and Riku, the latter of whom got back up from the floor, stared after him.

The rest of the day, Minato was miserable. He didn't want to talk to anyone or deal with anything involving romance. While he had to admit a small part of him was happy for Himari and Hotaru, he wished more than anything that he was with her instead of him. To make matters worse, Minato's stomach pains didn't go away at all. In fact, they've only gotten worse as time went on. Even as he walked home later that day with his younger sister Kimiko, he lacked a bounce in his step as he walked and he held his stomach the whole way. Kimiko was beginning to worry about her brother's well-being.

"Are you okay, Minato?" Kimiko asked.

Minato didn't respond, for he was too busy thinking about how his attempt to woo Himari went tragically awry. Kimiko didn't like her brother's demeanor one little bit. As they walked up the driveway to the front door of their house, she was hoping that their parents would know what to do to turn Minato's attitude back around.

Inside the Amamiya Residence, Ren and Ann were seen making out on the couch in the living room. The couple, unaware of what time it was, were trying to see if they could get to 'home base' before Minato and Kimiko got home. They were so into their game of tonsil hockey that they didn't even hear the front door open or their children enter the house.

Minato and Kimiko entered the living room, hoping to find their parents there, and Kimiko gagged at the display of affection that unfolded before them while Minato just stared in anger and disgust. He was so angered and disgusted by his parents act of romance that he couldn't help but shout.

"GET A FREAKING ROOM, LOVE BIRDS!"

Hearing their son yell like that startled Ren and Ann out of their make out session and they watched as Minato left the living room and ran up to his room.

"What the heck was that about?" Ann asked.

"I tried talking to him on the way home from school but he wouldn't answer me," Kimiko said, "I just don't know what's wrong with him."

"We'd better go check on him," Ren said as he and Ann got up from the couch and went upstairs to his room as Kimiko went elsewhere in the house.

Ren and Ann make it to Minato's bedroom door and gently knock on it.

"Minato it's us," Ren said, "Can we come in?"

"Go away," Minato somberly and painfully said.

Despite Minato's protests, Ren and Ann opened the door and entered his room. They found their son laying on his bed, his back turned away from them and hands on his stomach. They walked up to him and Ann soothingly rubbed her son's shoulder in an effort to comfort him.

"Minato, what's wrong?" Ann calmly said, "Did you have a bad day at school?"

"Yeah," Minato began, "I tried telling Himari how I felt about her only for her to tell me that she already has a boyfriend in Hotaru."

"Aw, son, we're sorry," Ren said heartbroken as he and Ann gave a frown. Seeing their son down in the dumps was enough to dampen their own spirits.

"I just thought that since I knew her ever since we were in diapers that we'd end up as more than friends," Minato explained, "I guess everyone else was right. Himari just viewed me as a friend and wanted to keep it that way. How does it feel, mom and dad, knowing that your son is a loser and an idiot in the game of love?"

"Don't talk like that, Minato," Ren said, "You'll find someone new. Girls are kind of like trains, if you miss your chance to catch the first one, another one will be coming in just a few minutes."

"Any girl would be lucky to have you," Ann chimed in, "Don't lose hope on finding your true love."

"I appreciate these kind words, guys, but I don't think I have it in me to love again," Minato said, "Even though Himari and I are still friends, the news that she was seeing Hotaru just crushed my spirit into oblivion."

Suddenly, Minato winced in pain as he held his stomach tight, startling Ren and Ann.

"And to make matters worse, my stomach really hurts!" Minato said.

"You said your stomach was hurting you before you left for school today," Ren said.

"I thought it was stomach butterflies, but I'm thinking it might be something else entirely," Minato said.

Being the loving mother that she was, Ann brought her hand to her son's forehead to feel that it was very warm.

"Poor baby, you're burning up!" Ann cried, "This definitely isn't butterflies. This is serious. We gotta get you to the hospital right away! Ren, get Kimiko and start the car!"

"You got it!" Ren said as he ran out of his son's room.

"Mom, I think you guys are overreacting," Minato said.

Gilligan Cut To…

Minato is seen in a hospital bed wearing a green and white hospital gown. In the room with him is Ren, Ann, Kimiko, and a surgeon.

"You're very lucky you brought Minato in when you did," the surgeon said, "Appendicitis can be very fatal if left untreated for long enough. Anyway, the surgery went off without a hitch, and your son will be just fine, Mr. and Mrs. Amamiya."

"Thank you so much, doctor," Ren said.

"How long will our son have to stay here?" Ann asked.

"We'll keep him here for about two days," The surgeon answered, "And it's recommended that he takes the rest of the week off from school so he can get some proper bed rest."

"Lucky," Kimiko pouted.

"Trust me, Kim, you don't want this," Minato said grimly.

"Since your son will be here the next two days, you should probably go back home and get him some things that he may need for his stay here," The surgeon said before turning to Minato and making his leave, "You take care of yourself, kid."

"I'll try," Minato said glumly, still thinking about his heartbreak earlier in the day.

"Appendicitis, I can't believe it," Ann said.

"How are you feeling son?" Ren asked.

"Well, my stomach's feeling a lot better," Minato began as he rubbed his belly, "But my heart still feels like it's been stepped on over and over again with cleats."

"Yeah, we know you're still saddened about you and Himari," Ren said, "But trust me, son, things will get better. Your mom and sister will stay here and keep you company while I go home and get you things that you may need. Anything in particular that you want?"

"Other than a change of clothes, my Funtendo Switch, and my favorite pillow, if you could find me that memory wiping pen from Gents in Gray (Men in Black) so I can forget that this day ever happened, that'd be great," Minato said.

Ren gave his kids and wife a hug before making his leave, "I'll be back soon,"

"Bye, dad, be safe," Kimiko said before she and Ann turned to Minato.

"You know, Minato, your sister and I are here for you if you want to talk," Ann said.

"Just leave me alone," Minato said as he covered himself up with the blanket to try and get some sleep.

Ann and Kimiko felt bad for Minato. He was truly devastated over not being with Himari, and they felt like there was nothing they could do to turn his mood around. All Ann and Kimiko could do now was hope that something, anything happens that can turn Minato's attitude back around.

The next day, after Ren went to work and Kimiko went to school, Ann went to the hospital to keep Minato company in case he was lonely. When she arrived at her son's hospital room, she found that her son was still depressed and despondent. Ann tried everything she could think of to cheer her son up. They took a walk down the hall so Minato could stretch his legs, she tried telling him some jokes, she even told Minato about the fun things they'd do together with Ren, Kimiko, and Morgana when summertime rolls around, but no matter what she tried, she couldn't get Minato to crack a smile.

Eventually, they made it back to the hospital room. Minato laid down in his bed and started playing on his Funtendo Switch while Ann sat idly by and watched her son wallow in his depression. After a few minutes, Minato set his game down and just stared at the ceiling.

"Hey," went Ann as she grabbed the remote to the room's television, "How about some T.V?"

She pointed the remote control at the T.V and it tuned in to EBC, A.K.A the English Broadcasting Company (BBC/British Broadcasting Company).

"Welcome back to the EBC's live coverage of the Royal Wedding," an announcer said, causing Ann to change the channel to something else. Unfortunately, she accidentally changed the channel to another romantic scene

This time it was the ending of a war movie. The setting appeared to be the mid 1940s, so around the time WWII ended. A young soldier sees the love of his wife and the two of them run at each other with arms wide open. The woman jumps into the young soldier's arms and she gives him a passionate kiss.

"I missed you, sweetheart," The soldier said as he stared into the woman's eyes.

"I prayed for your safe return every night, darling," The woman said before kissing her man again.

Ann changed the channel yet again, only for it to go to the famous scene from the moving From Now Until Forever (From Here to Eternity) where a couple is seen passionately kissing on the beach as waves crash over them.

"Please turn off the T.V, mom," Minato said, growing tired of these scenes of romance.

Ann turned the T.V off and watched her son continue to stare up at the ceiling and sigh sorrowfully.

"Oh, Minato," Ann frowned, "I don't know what else I can do to try and help you."

"There's nothing you can do, mom," Minato replied as a knock came at the door, "Come in."

The door opened and a nurse appeared in front of it.

"Minato, two guests are here to see you," The nurse said as Haru and Yusuke's twin daughters, Mana and Mitsu enter. The former is holding a gift basket that she and her sister had made, while the latter was holding her violin case in one hand and had a movie in the other.

"Hey, Minato," Mana and Mitsu said.

"Mana, Mitsu, hi," Minato said, delightfully surprised.

Ever since his trip to the beach with his family a few years ago, when Kimiko revealed that Mana and Mitsu both had a crush on him, he looked at the Kitagawa twins differently; he felt weird when he was around then, as if a very small part of him wanted to be with them instead of Himari. Up until now, he still viewed them as close friends, but that's all he considered them as, just friends. But now that Himari is seeing Hotaru, Minato was willing to let his guard down and see if their crush on him will evolve into something else.

"Maybe dad's right," Minato thought to himself, "Maybe girls are like trains in the regard that another one, or two, will be right around the corner."

"So, what are you girls doing here?" Minato asked.

"We heard about what happened to you yesterday," Mana said, "Both with your appendix and…well…you know."

"Yeah, Himari," Minato said, looking sad again briefly before perking himself back up to look at the twins, "But that's in the past, I'm fine now."

"Anyway, we figured you could use some cheering up, so Mana and I set up this gift basket for you," Mitsu said as she handed Minato the basket.

"That's very nice of you girls," Ann said.

"Yeah, thanks," Minato concurred as he unwrapped the basket. When he opened the gift basket up, he found some manga, a few puzzle books, some gift cards, a gold colored drinking cup, a colorful blanket, and a few snack foods.

"Wow, this is great, thank you so much" Minato smiled, "You girls didn't have to do this for me."

"We knew you'd like it," Mana smiled, "And for the record, we know we didn't have to, we wanted to."

"I also took the liberty of learning a new song for you," Mitsu said as she took her violin out of the case, "Hope you like Neale Dymond (Neil Diamond)."

Minato sat back in his hospital bed, while Mana took a seat next to him and Ann sat back in her chair, as Mitsu started playing 'Cracklin' Rosie' on her violin. Minato, Mana, and Ann were nodding their heads along to the rhythm, thoroughly enjoying Mitsu's playing. The noise of Mitsu's violin playing extended throughout the hospital. Crowd of patients, visitors, doctors, and nurses gathered around Minato's hospital room to watch Mitsu play. When she finally finished playing, everyone gave her a round of applause and she took a bow.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you," Mitsu said as she put her violin away and the crowd left to go about their day.

"Wow, Mitsu, you're really good," Minato smiled.

"I've had a lot of practice," Mitsu said, "My sister and my father both prefer the feeling of a brush in their hands, but me, I'm all bow."

"Wel keep up the good work, Mitsu," Ann said.

"We also brought a movie for us to watch," Mana said, "Mitsu and I know how much you like Harvey Panner, so we brought Harvey Panner and the Necromancer's Gem (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone)."

"Well what are we doing just sitting around for?" Minato said excitedly, "Pop that disc in!"

"Please excuse Minato," Ann said, "He's always been a huge Harvey Panner fan, and he's watched all of the movies, Necromancer's Gem especially, religiously ever since he was a child."

"Us too, Auntie Ann," Mitsu said, "Mana and I even took a quiz to see which house we'd be in. I'm in the Crowtalon House (Ravenclaw House)."

"I'm in Shufflebuff House (Hufflepuff House)," Mana said.

"That's so cool," Minato said as he grabbed his phone, "Let me see what house I'm in."

Minato took the Harvey Panner House quiz to see where he'd belong. The quiz lasted a few minutes, and afterwards he got the results.

"Hell yeah!" Cheered Minato, "I'm in Seraphgate House! (Gryffindor House)"

"That's so awesome," Mitsu said as she high-fived Minato.

"You're so lucky!" Mana chimed in.

"I know, Seraphgate is awesome!" Minato said as he put his phone down and laid back in his bed, "Now come on, let's watch the movie!"

Mitsu popped the movie into the DVD player attached to the room's T.V and she sits with Mana and Minato on the hospital bed as they, as well as Ann, watch Harvey Panner and the Necromancer's Gem. As they watched the film, the Kitagawa Twins stealthily snuggled up next to Minato, but he didn't seem to mind, he enjoyed being in their embrace and feeling loved. Ann took a glance at her son and the two girls, and she couldn't help but smile. Especially since it was the first time since the previous morning where she saw her son genuinely happy.

About two and a half hours later, the movie ended. Minato, Ann, and the Kitagawa Twins continued talking or playing on Minato's Funtendo Switch until visiting hours were over, in other words, it's time for Ann, Mana, and Mitsu to leave.

"Aw, is it time to go already?" Mana pouted.

"I'm afraid so," Mitsu said.

"I can take you girls home if you want," Ann said.

"Thanks Auntie Ann," Mana smiled.

"Thanks for dropping by girls," Minato said.

"You're so welcome, Minato," Mitsu said, "We were happy to spend the afternoon with you."

"You know, I'm here tomorrow too, and I'll be home from school for the rest of the week if you girls wanted to hang out again," Minato said with a blush.

"Oh, that would be wonderful," Mana said excitedly before turning to Ann, "Is that okay with you, Auntie Ann?"

"Of course," Ann smiled, "We'd be happy to have you girls over. Especially with how much you managed to cheer my son up. You girls are welcome over to our house anytime."

The Kitagawa Twins high five each other before both them and Ann give Minato a good-bye hug.

"Bye, Minato, we'll see you tomorrow," Mitsu said.

"Get well soon," Mana chimed in.

"Have a good night, sweetie," Ann said.

"Goodbye," Minato happily waved as his mom and the twin girls left his hospital room.

That night in the hospital, with his spirits lifted, Minato went to sleep thinking about the fun things that he, Mana, and Mitsu would get up to when they visited him tomorrow, and when they'd visit him when he comes home.

For that whole week, Mana and Mitsu hung out with Minato and helped him recover from his appendectomy. He was so happy being in the Kitagawa Twins' presence that he hardly even remembered his heartbreak over Himari. Things were going his way once again. Even after he made a full recovery from his surgery, Minato still went out with Mana and Mitsu just to hang out. They'd go to the arcade, the batting cages, the movie theater, Bikari Boy, the park, the library, just about anywhere one can go with his friends.

Minato even attended Mitsu's violin concerts and helped Mana with her art projects.

The more times Minato got the chance to hang out with the twins, the more he fell in love with them, and the more they fell in love with him. Minato worried that they'd make him choose which one he'd rather date, but when he confessed his feelings for them after watching the new Protectors of the Cosmos movie (Guardians of the Galaxy), they revealed that they both love him and they were more than willing to share him so nobody gets hurt.

After that date, it was official, Minato had not one, but two beautiful, kind hearted, and talented girlfriends on his arm. Minato had heard many stories about how his father Ren would date multiple women at the same time in his younger days, but he never would've imagined it would happen to him. And the best part of it was that the three of them actually made this 'three-way' romance work. Both Mana and Mitsu spent equal amounts of time with Minato, and he made sure he gave them equal amounts of his love and affection.

All in all, Minato was the happiest he had ever been in his entire life, and if it weren't for Himari getting together with Hotaru, as well as a case of appendicitis, he would never experience the level of joy he was in now.

This was the start of a beautiful 'throuple'.