Chapter Extra Episode -Field Trip 2

Saturday, December 31, 2016 – Tokyo, Setagaya Ward

Early in the morning, the six of us gathered and loaded our luggage into the black RAV4.

Our destination: Shiga Kogen's Hasuike Ski Resort. The girls had divided up the driving, each taking an hour-long shift. Meanwhile, the three of us boys took turns sitting in the front passenger seat, acting as navigators, feeding our girlfriends breakfast, and generally playing the role of supportive assistants. The backseat, though, was a different story; the four of us couldn't stop teasing each other, turning the car into a moving party.

Momoko was the first to take the wheel. After adjusting her seat, she started the car and drove smoothly. Her driving style matched her personality—calm and measured, neither too slow nor too fast, with a sense of careful precision. She kept her eyes on the road, avoiding every obstacle with calculated ease.

"Momoko, want some cookies?" I offered her a sandwich cookie, unwrapping a juice box and handing her a straw with my other hand.

"Sure," Momoko replied with a smile, opening her mouth slightly to take the cookie, never once taking her eyes off the road. When she reached for the juice, I playfully slipped my finger in alongside the straw to see her reaction.

She raised an eyebrow, glanced at me with a knowing smile, and lightly bit down on my finger. Her warm lips sent my heart racing.

"Don't distract me, Yuzuhiko," she teased, her voice soft but full of mirth.

I rubbed my nose, trying to keep cool, but inside, my heart was pounding like crazy.

An hour later, it was Miyako's turn to drive. She had a focused look as she took the wheel, and her steady, rhythmic driving put everyone at ease. Though she didn't drive fast, her control of the car felt secure and calming.

Kagami, sitting beside her, acted as her navigator and dutifully fed her snacks. "Miyako, there's a slight curve coming up. Take it slow... Yes, just like that, nice and smooth."

Miyako nodded, her eyes on the road, but occasionally glancing at Kagami with a soft smile as she took bites of the snacks he offered. Her serene demeanor made the whole car feel more relaxed.

Kagami even used a small fork to feed her slices of her favorite apple, carefully placing each one into her mouth. She lightly licked her lips afterward, a subtle gesture of appreciation. The two exchanged warm smiles, the atmosphere between them gentle and affectionate.

The last leg of the drive belonged to Kaoru, and the energy in the car instantly changed. She gripped the steering wheel, her eyes lighting up with excitement and her mouth curving into a grin. She seemed more like a race car driver about to enter a competition.

"Buckle up, everyone!" she declared. The moment her foot hit the accelerator, we all felt a rush of speed, and the car surged forward, making everyone in the backseat grab onto their seats for dear life.

"Kaoru, are you sure you're not driving too fast?" Shigeru asked, his voice steady but laced with a hint of unease as he gripped the door handle.

"Don't worry! It's way more fun like this," Kaoru replied, her enthusiasm unshaken. She expertly handled the car, taking sharp turns and passing slower vehicles with precise and daring maneuvers.

Shigeru shook his head, both impressed and slightly exasperated. "Should I be grateful you didn't become a professional racer?"

He then opened a box of snacks and tried feeding her to get her to slow down a bit. Despite his mildly worried expression, there was a hint of fondness in his eyes. Kaoru chomped down on the cookie he offered and flashed him a confident smile. "Thanks! Now I'm even more pumped up!"

She kept her speed up, playfully patting the steering wheel during a straight stretch. "Ah, this feels amazing!"

By the time our three-hour journey ended, our hearts were racing from both the excitement and the "thrill ride" Kaoru had given us. We stepped out of the car, half-laughing, half-breathless, feeling invigorated from the wild adventure.

The car was filled with laughter and playful banter, setting a lively tone for the rest of our trip.

Finally, the car arrived at Shiga Kogen. From afar, the blue sky framed the snow-covered mountains, painting a serene and pristine white landscape. The six of us couldn't wait to drop off our luggage in the hotel lobby. After a quick change into our ski gear, we raced outside, eager to unleash all the pent-up excitement in the snowy fields.

The ski slopes, covered in dazzlingly pure white snow, were lively and full of energy. Everyone split off to tackle different slopes, each eager to enjoy the expansive, snowy wonderland. Having grown up in Hokkaido, I was most familiar with snow, and among the six of us, I adapted the fastest. The steep slopes here didn't faze me at all.

Momoko stood beside me, eyeing the almost vertical drop ahead with a mix of doubt and hesitation.

"Yuzuhiko, isn't this slope way too steep? We're not going to get hurt, right?" Her eyes widened with concern, and she clenched her fingers slightly.

I flashed her a confident grin, patting her shoulder. "Don't worry. I'm here with you. It wouldn't be fun if we didn't make it a little exciting today!" I took her hand, feeling a slight tremble, but she didn't back down.

"Then... you'd better not let go of me!" Momoko said with a determined voice, though there was a hint of thrill in her eyes. I nodded, wrapped my arms around her shoulders, and we took a deep breath together. Standing firm at the top of the slope, we pushed off, and the speed immediately picked up as we descended. The biting wind rushed past our ears, and the world ahead was swallowed by the blur of white snow.

"Ah—!" Momoko screamed, and I pulled her even closer, following the arc of our skis as we navigated the descent. My heart raced with an unparalleled sense of exhilaration. In a brief airborne moment, I spun around and caught Momoko in a princess carry, making the leap feel even more magical.

"I told you I'd hold onto you and fly!" I laughed softly. Her eyes widened in surprise but soon transformed into a gaze of trust. She wrapped her arms around me, her cheeks flushed with both the cold and excitement. The slope propelled us swiftly down the mountain, and when we landed smoothly at the bottom, the feeling of accomplishment and joy was unmatched. After touching the ground, I finally set her down. She playfully complained, "If you do that again, I'm going to punch you!" But I could see from her smile that she had enjoyed every thrilling second.

Meanwhile, Kaoru and Shigeru had chosen an even steeper slope, eager for a "love race." Kaoru shot a challenging glance at Shigeru, her lips curling into a smirk. "Shigeru, how about a race to the bottom? Think you can keep up with me?"

Shigeru, usually composed and mild-mannered, raised an eyebrow and responded, "Don't underestimate me—I'm not planning to lose."

Before he even finished his sentence, the two of them simultaneously launched off, their skis slicing through the snow with incredible speed. Kaoru's athletic prowess shone through as she maneuvered effortlessly, her lime-green ski outfit flashing against the snowy backdrop. But Shigeru wasn't to be outdone. His low center of gravity gave him extra stability as they raced neck-and-neck. The two of them weaved intricate trails down the mountain, kicking up snowflakes that shimmered like twin galaxies.

As they neared the bottom, Kaoru executed a sharp turn, expertly shifting her weight to slow down gracefully. Shigeru mirrored her movement, and they reached the finish line side by side, exchanging smiles filled with exhilaration and mutual pride.

"Call it a tie?" Shigeru said, patting Kaoru on the shoulder with a proud grin.
Kaoru exhaled a puff of frosty breath, nodding, "Not bad, Shigeru~~."

Elsewhere, Kagami and Miyako opted for a gentler slope, gliding down together in a show of shared harmony. It was Miyako's first time skiing, and she looked wobbly and cautious, her every movement hesitant.

"Relax, take it slow," Kagami said soothingly, skiing beside her and offering encouragement with a warm smile.

But in a moment of distraction, Miyako's skis crossed awkwardly, and she tumbled sideways, rolling helplessly down the slope. Kagami, quick to react, tried to catch her but ended up getting caught in the cascade of snow and skis. The two of them tumbled together, becoming a comical, rolling snowball.

"Ah—!" Miyako cried out, a mix of fear and helplessness in her voice, while Kagami burst into laughter, unable to control their downward spiral. They finally came to a halt against a large tree at the bottom of the hill. A moment later, they poked their heads out of the snowbank, disheveled but laughing uncontrollably.

"Are you okay?" Kagami chuckled as he brushed snow off Miyako's face.
Miyako, her cheeks flushed, smiled sheepishly. "I'm fine... but that was embarrassing."

Kagami looked at her fondly. "You're still adorable, even when you fall."

By afternoon, the sunlight cast a warm orange glow on the snow, and we decided to have a snowball fight, splitting into two teams. Momoko, Kaoru, and I formed one team, while Miyako, Shigeru, and Kagami made up the other. The thick snow blanketed the ground, and soon, we were hurling snowballs at each other without restraint.

"Kaoru, cover me!" I shouted, as Momoko and I stealthily circled around, preparing a surprise attack on Miyako and Shigeru.

"Take this!" Momoko yelled, lobbing a snowball that smacked right into Shigeru's shoulder. He dramatically shouted, "I'm hit!" before counterattacking with a flurry of snowballs. Kaoru and I retaliated, sending a barrage of snow their way, driving them backward.

Kagami and Miyako were relentless in their attacks, coordinating perfectly. Miyako's laughter rang out joyfully, while Kagami provided cover fire, occasionally landing precise hits that left us scrambling.

"Watch this!" Kaoru laughed, flinging snowballs left and right with wild enthusiasm.

The battle raged on until we were all breathless, covered in snow, and laughing uncontrollably. Surrounded by snowflakes and the sounds of our laughter, a deep sense of happiness washed over me.

We spent the entire day reveling in the snow—skiing, having snowball fights, and riding snowmobiles, like carefree kids reliving our childhood. The memories of racing and playing in the snow would become irreplaceable treasures for all of us.

After the spirited snowball fight, we collapsed onto the snow, catching our breath and warming our frozen fingers. Shigeru, Kaoru, and Miyako volunteered to run to the guest service area to buy hot drinks, leaving Momoko, Kagami, and me to rest.

Momoko's eyes sparkled as she pulled me to my feet. "Yuzuhiko! Let's build a snowman! Just like the ones at the Sapporo Snow Festival!" Her enthusiasm was contagious, and I couldn't help but laugh and agree, joining her in shaping the snow into a round, classic snowman.

Before we knew it, our snowman had turned into a full-on snow festival masterpiece, complete with a hat and a cane. Momoko carefully drew a cute smile on its face and beamed at her creation. Just then, Kagami's actions caught our attention.

"Kagami, what are you doing?" Momoko asked curiously.
Kagami had somehow procured a large block of clear ice and unsheathed the katana he always carried with him. Using it like a carving tool, he began to sculpt the ice with a focused intensity. His blade cut smoothly across the ice, each stroke deliberate and steady. As we watched, the outline of a figure began to emerge.

We held our breath, transfixed. In less than twenty minutes, Kagami's ice sculpture took shape: a beautiful angel with outspread wings. With a final, graceful slice, the angel seemed to come to life, its delicate ice-blue eyes shining with an almost ethereal light. The angel had soft, wavy twin ponytails and an elegant expression, exuding a serene, sky-bound purity.

Momoko and I exclaimed in unison, "Is that... Miyako?"
Kagami paused for a moment, then smiled sheepishly, scratching his head. "Haha, I was just carving an angel from my imagination. It's a coincidence it looks like her... I guess."

Momoko covered her mouth, giggling. Her eyes twinkled mischievously. "Oh, really? Just a coincidence, huh? You 'accidentally' made it look exactly like Miyako?"

Kagami blushed, but his gaze toward the ice sculpture was filled with tenderness, as if it held his deepest feelings.

Just then, Shigeru, Kaoru, and Miyako returned with steaming hot drinks. They froze in their tracks, stunned by the sight of the ice sculpture.
"Is that... Miyako?" Shigeru asked, his eyes wide with astonishment as he compared the sculpture to the real Miyako.
Kaoru gasped, "This is incredible, Kagami! When did you learn to carve like this? You're like a professional ice sculptor!"

Miyako, however, was at a loss for words. She slowly approached the sculpture, her eyes widening in shock and disbelief. Her hands trembled as she took in the angelic figure, the lifelike blue eyes and signature twin ponytails mirroring her own. The sculpture radiated a pure, steadfast beauty.

With tears welling up, Miyako softly asked, "Kagami... is this really supposed to be me? Why... would you carve me?"

Kagami, looking flustered, rubbed his head and grinned. "It's just an angel from my heart. And it just happened to resemble you." His casual words couldn't hide the sincerity etched into every delicate detail of the sculpture.

Blushing, Miyako clutched her warm drink, her cheeks glowing. In a small, heartfelt voice, she said, "Am I really... the angel in your heart?"
Kagami met her gaze, nodding with a genuine smile. "Yes. This angel... is exactly how I imagine you."

Her eyes shone with emotion as she whispered, "Thank you, Kagami... This is the most beautiful gift I've ever received." Her voice was soft, but her gratitude was deeply felt.

Our friends exchanged knowing smiles as we watched the tender exchange. The air, fragrant with the aroma of hot drinks, felt warm and sweet despite the snowy surroundings. A silent understanding passed among us, as if the affection between Kagami and Miyako could melt even the coldest winter.

When we returned to the hot spring inn, it was New Year's Eve. The dinner was especially lavish, featuring Shinshu beef hot pot and hearty potato stew. The room filled with the aroma of the meal, bringing a rare sense of warmth and satisfaction. We gathered around the table, sharing laughter and enjoying the feast.

Just when I thought this festive dinner was the perfect ending, Momoko, Miyako, and Kaoru stood up with a mysterious smile. "Actually, we prepared some little gifts for you three," they said.

Surprised, we glanced at each other, not knowing what to expect. Momoko stepped forward first, presenting me with a deep red scarf she had knitted herself. Her familiar smile was tinged with a shy blush. "I made this scarf for you. Thank you for always being by my side, as both a friend and a lover... I'm truly grateful, and... I love you."

My heart skipped a beat as I looked into her sparkling eyes, and I felt the warmth of the scarf. I gently wrapped it around my neck, murmuring, "Thank you, Momoko... I love you too." The emotions in that moment were indescribable, as if the scarf held all our memories and promises.

Next, Miyako walked over to Kagami and handed him a deep blue handmade knife bag. Her voice was soft and sincere. "Kagami, you've always been so gentle and strong, silently protecting me. I'm so thankful for you, and I hope this knife bag becomes part of your work, just as you've become part of my life."

Kagami was stunned for a moment before he smiled. "Thank you, Miyako. This gift means a lot to me... I'll cherish it as much as I cherish you." Their eyes met, and a silent affection passed between them.

Finally, Kaoru gave Shigeru a dark green handmade notebook. Her usual cheerful tone softened, her eyes filled with warmth. "Shigeru, I made this notebook for you. Thank you for always being there, supporting me and giving me the courage to chase my dreams. I hope this book captures all your amazing ideas, and our memories together."

Shigeru ran his fingers over the notebook, his voice steady yet full of emotion. "Thank you, Kaoru. I'll record not just my creations, but every moment with you... You mean so much to me." Kaoru's smile grew brighter, and they shared a gaze full of silent promises.

Holding these thoughtful gifts, the three of us felt an overwhelming sense of love and connection. Once, we had been rivals, constantly at odds and full of banter. But after countless trials, adventures, and even brushes with death, we had become partners, each other's strongest supporters and truest loves.

Momoko laughed lightly. "Honestly, we never imagined those rowdy boys from back then would become our protectors and loved ones. It's a miracle we made it this far."

I couldn't help but laugh too. "Who would've thought we'd go from 'bickering enemies' to this...?" I gazed at her with deep gratitude. "Thank you for giving us a chance and staying by our sides."

Kagami and Shigeru echoed my sentiment, their gratitude clear as they looked at Miyako and Kaoru. The girls nestled beside us, and in that moment, it felt like the world only consisted of the six of us, holding on to each other tightly.

After receiving their thoughtful New Year's gifts, a comforting warmth settled over us. I clutched the scarf Momoko had given me, feeling the love woven into every stitch, still savoring the sweet words she had spoken. Suddenly, a thought crossed my mind.

"Wait... how are the rooms divided?" I asked, not expecting the mischievous smiles that spread across the girls' faces.

Momoko was the first to tease, winking playfully. "Oh, it's a surprising arrangement, I promise."

Kaoru raised an eyebrow at Shigeru, her grin mischievous. "Take a guess, Shigeru. What do you think we decided?"

Shigeru looked at us, then cautiously asked, "Uh... is it boys in one room, girls in another? Or maybe..."

Miyako giggled, clearly enjoying the suspense. "Nope! We went for something special: three double rooms, with one having... a single large bed."

"A large bed?!" My eyes widened, and a thousand scenarios ran through my mind, causing my face to flush.

Shigeru and Kagami froze, exchanging nervous glances at this unexpected revelation. Kagami gave a nervous chuckle, scratching his head. "Wow, you really went all out with the planning, huh?"

Momoko nudged me playfully. "What's wrong? Afraid?"

I laughed nervously, my heart racing. "Not afraid... just, isn't this a bit... bold?"

Miyako giggled softly. "We've lived together for nine months now, so this is just a little eye-opener for you guys!" The boys looked both relieved and apprehensive, as this arrangement was turning out to be full of surprises.

To decide who would get the coveted large bed, the girls made us draw lots. Momoko shook a bowl with three rolled-up paper strips inside, her smile challenging. "Go on. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance!"

Kaoru added, her grin mischievous. "Whoever draws it, don't regret it later!"

The three of us exchanged nervous and excited glances. The thought of sharing a room with our loved ones sent our hearts racing. Though the idea of being with Momoko made my heart pound, the possibility of drawing the large bed made me blush.

Shigeru drew first, unfolding the paper and sighing with a mix of disappointment and relief. "Two small beds..."

Kaoru patted his shoulder, teasing, "Don't worry. I'll make the next arrangement even more unforgettable."

Next was Kagami's turn. He took a paper strip and opened it, his expression a bit regretful. "Two small beds..." He handed the paper to Miyako, who smiled. "That's fine with me," she said sweetly.

That left me with the final paper strip. I unfolded it and saw the words "one large bed." My face froze. Was this real? Momoko and I were going to share a room with one large bed?

Momoko covered her mouth, giggling. "So, it's just us, huh? A 'little field trip anniversary' for us, I guess?"

I couldn't help but laugh, feeling both nervous and happy. This whole drawing game had turned into quite the exciting outcome. The atmosphere lightened as we playfully bantered, knowing that this night would be unforgettable.

Momoko pulled me along. "Let's play some table tennis! A trip isn't complete without a bit of friendly competition," she said with her trademark confident smile, as if she knew I couldn't refuse.

"All right, bring it on!" I laughed, bracing myself for her challenge.

Kagami, Shigeru, Kaoru, and Miyako joined us in the game room, eager to have a friendly match. The three pairs stood at separate tables, ready for a fun showdown.

Momoko was as energetic and competitive as ever. She gripped the paddle, her eyes full of determination. "Yuzuhiko, watch out!" she said, sending the ball flying toward me with a powerful spin. I barely managed to return it, surprised by her precise aim and tricky angles.

"Heh, thought you'd win easily?" she teased, grinning.
"Not a chance!" I replied, countering the ball back. Her movements were so lively and full of spirit that it made my heart flutter. As she moved, her yukata loosened slightly, revealing a glimpse of her collarbone, making me momentarily lose focus.

"Hey, are you daydreaming?" she taunted, giving me a playful look. I quickly refocused, while she kept playing with the agility of a mischievous cat.

Meanwhile, Kagami and Miyako's game was more relaxed. Miyako, a beginner, struggled a bit, but Kagami was endlessly patient. He smiled and encouraged her each time she missed, even slowing down to give her a chance.

"Oh no! I missed again," Miyako said, swinging her paddle clumsily. Kagami gently returned the ball, still smiling. "No worries, take your time. I'll be here to practice with you," he reassured her.

"Thanks," she said, beaming. With his gentle encouragement, she began to find her rhythm.

Across the room, Shigeru and Kaoru's match was a chaotic spectacle. They played as if trying to break the table. Shigeru's powerful smashes were met with Kaoru's equally fierce returns, each hit echoing loudly.

"Come on, Shigeru! Try this!" Kaoru shouted, sending a lightning-fast ball his way. Shigeru smirked and returned the shot with equal force. The ball zipped back and forth until it ricocheted off the wall.

"Hah! Still think you can beat me?" Kaoru taunted, her grin triumphant.
"Just wait till next round!" Shigeru replied, laughing despite himself.

The matches ended with all of us sweaty and laughing, and we returned to our rooms. As we changed into fresh clothes and headed for the outdoor hot springs, we realized it was nearly empty. Relieved to have the place to ourselves, we slid into the steaming water, sighing in contentment.

Just as we started to relax, Shigeru brought up an old memory. "Hey, remember that time at your place, Kagami? You never told us your family's bathhouse was co-ed," he said, chuckling.

I couldn't help but laugh at the memory. "Seriously! We almost drowned from shock when Momoko and the girls walked in!"

Shigeru gave Kagami a light punch, grumbling, "You really should've warned us! We were so caught off guard."

Kagami rubbed his head sheepishly. "Hey, it had been a while since I was home, and besides, you guys looked pretty happy then..." Before he could finish, Shigeru and I both gave him a playful whack.

Just then, familiar voices rang out. "Oh? What are you three chatting about so happily?"

We turned around and froze, eyes widening in shock. Momoko, Miyako, and Kaoru were standing at the edge of the hot spring. Without hesitation, they dropped their towels and stepped into the water. Our faces turned beet red, and we instinctively looked away, stiff as boards.

Momoko settled next to me, leaning in with a teasing smile. "Weren't there three guys who promised to give us back massages and help us enjoy the snow?"

Shigeru stammered, "Th-that was a joke..." his voice barely a whisper, hoping to escape further teasing.

Kaoru stretched leisurely, her tone mock-innocent. "Oh? I took that seriously. I was really looking forward to a nice massage."

Miyako laughed softly, glancing at Kagami. "And you, Kagami, didn't you offer to 'take special care' of me?"

I dared a peek at Momoko, meeting her playful gaze. My heart pounded wildly. This was pure, playful torment.

"Th-this is... too much!" I sputtered, my face burning as I laughed nervously, realizing there was no escape from their teasing. The girls giggled, thoroughly enjoying our flustered reactions. Momoko leaned in closer, and I felt the warm touch of her skin against mine.

My mind went blank as her arms wrapped around my neck from behind, and I felt her soft breath by my ear.

"Yuzuhiko~" she whispered, pressing her chest lightly against my back. Her warmth was intoxicating, making it hard to breathe.

"S-stop... Your chest...!" I stammered, my voice cracking. I could barely think straight, my usual composure shattered. My heart raced, and I swallowed nervously, feeling like I was about to explode.

A quick glance at Kagami and Shigeru told me they were equally flustered. Miyako embraced Kagami gently, her head resting on his shoulder, leaving him frozen in place. Kaoru leaned into Shigeru, her breath tickling his ear, making his face turn as red as mine.

We were reduced to a trio of blushing, nervous wrecks, overwhelmed by the girls' sudden affection. Memories of their teasing, their kisses, and their comforting embraces flashed through my mind. But nothing had prepared us for this kind of closeness.

My brain was a scrambled mess, and I could only silently cry out in my head, "This is way too much!"

Feeling the water's warmth and Momoko's gentle hold, I struggled to form a coherent thought. This tender, heart-pounding moment made me feel more vulnerable than any battle we'd faced.

"I-I think we've been soaking long enough," I stammered, my voice shaky. I gently moved Momoko's arms away and scrambled to get out of the water.

Kagami and Shigeru exchanged panicked looks, clearly just as overwhelmed.

"Yeah, too long... It's bad for our health!" Shigeru babbled, hurrying to follow me.

Kagami, normally so composed, also quickly untangled himself from Miyako's embrace, his voice unusually nervous. "We should... leave now for safety."

The three of us, now bright red and dripping wet, fled the hot spring in a desperate escape. We didn't dare look back, terrified of losing control. The girls watched us go, giggling softly.

Momoko leaned against the pool's edge, her voice full of affection. "They're so pure, even after everything we've been through together," she murmured. Her gaze was full of love, understanding the depth of Yuzuhiko's sincerity.

Miyako laughed, thinking back to Kagami's earlier flustered reaction. "That was the first time I've seen Kagami so nervous. He's faced death for me, yet he's worried about making me feel uncomfortable now." Her voice was soft, her heart full of love for his gentle, protective nature.

Kaoru chuckled, "Shigeru usually acts so mature, but he was the first to run away." She smiled at the snowy sky, appreciating his steadfastness and the innocence that still remained in their bond.

The girls whispered among themselves, their laughter blending with the gentle snowfall. They cherished the boys' love, knowing it was genuine and precious, born of countless shared challenges.

Later, at 11:50 p.m., we were back in our respective rooms, still red-faced from our earlier embarrassment. The girls sauntered in, wearing enigmatic smiles. I was sharing a room with Momoko, and inside was a large bed, perfect for two. The clock ticked toward midnight, marking New Year's Eve.

Momoko fiddled with the edge of the blanket, her pink eyes gazing at me with a tender smile. "Happy New Year, Yuzuhiko," she whispered, her voice filled with warmth. My heart raced.

"Happy New Year, Momoko," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. Despite our nine months of living together, the little things she did still made my heart race.

Momoko leaned in, resting her head on my shoulder. Her voice was low and gentle. "Nine months have passed... You're still so patient and gentle. But sometimes, I really want more. Miyako and Kaoru feel the same way..."

Her candidness caught me off guard, and my face turned red hot. The intensity of her love and the vulnerability she shared left me speechless.

In the next room, Kagami and Miyako sat on their respective beds. Miyako recalled the hot spring incident and chuckled. "Kagami, your reaction was so cute. You were so flustered," she teased.

Kagami blushed and rubbed his head, protesting, "Who's cute? I just didn't expect you to be so bold."
Miyako laughed, her gaze full of affection. "Happy New Year, Kagami," she said softly.

He replied, "Happy New Year, Miyako. Let's keep supporting each other this year, too."

In the third room, Shigeru and Kaoru were tidying up. Kaoru grinned, her eyes full of mischief. "Shigeru, your escape was hilarious."
Shigeru sighed, covering his face. "Who told you to surprise us like that? I wasn't ready."
Kaoru patted his shoulder, teasing. "Relax, it's New Year's Eve. Enjoy it."

Shigeru smiled back, his voice full of tenderness. "Happy New Year, Kaoru. Let's make even more beautiful memories together."
Kaoru's smile grew. "Happy New Year, Shigeru. We definitely will."

As the clock struck midnight, the six of us welcomed the New Year, our hearts intertwined more deeply than ever.