"So this is the place you said could help me unwind from all my built-up fatigue, huh."
Inside the Love & Peace Fish Therapy Spa, Hayasaka Ai followed Minamoto Senya into a private room.
The room was neat and square, its center left open. A soft leather sofa lined one side, while a small cabinet by the entrance held a delicate incense burner. Wisps of sandalwood smoke curled upward, filling the air with a clean, calming fragrance that made it easy to relax.
"Mhm." Senya nodded, gesturing for Ai to sit down beside him. Pulling out his phone, he showed her the shop's page—complete with photos and a 4.5-star rating. "Fish therapy not only promotes blood circulation, it's also surprisingly fun and relaxing. And since we've been walking around all morning, I figured it's the perfect time to rest."
Ai tilted her head thoughtfully.
Good thing I wore sandals today, she thought. In this heat, after a whole morning of walking, even if I don't usually get sweaty feet, they'd still smell a little if I'd been stuck in closed shoes all day.
Seeing her lost in thought, Senya looked puzzled, worried she wasn't interested. "If you're not into it, we don't have to force it. We can switch to something else."
Ai quickly shook her head. "No, it's not that. I was just… surprised."
"Surprised?"
"Mm. From how you described it earlier, I thought you'd take me to an arcade or something like that."
Senya chuckled. "Why would you think that?"
"Well, don't boys usually love those places? Racing games, pounding away at boxing machines…"
"That's just a stereotype. But if you want to, we can stop by later."
"Wouldn't that make it too late?"
"I don't mind. As long as you have time, we can go. Do you want to?"
Ai shrank her shoulders, answering softly, "...Yes."
Senya grinned. "Then that settles it. We'll go afterward. But first, let's pick a package."
Before leaving, the attendant had handed them a tablet to place their order—everything from the main fish therapy packages to optional services like oil massages and aromatic steam baths.
"Here, you choose." Senya passed the tablet over with gentlemanly ease.
But instead of taking it on her own, Ai set the tablet across her lap and leaned closer. "Let's look together."
Their heads nearly touched.
"Senya, have you ever been to a place like this before?"
"No. But I've heard about it for a while."
If it turns out to be good, he thought, I can always bring someone else next time. Especially Rikka—she loves trying out quirky stuff. She'd be thrilled.
"I see…" Ai murmured. So this is his first time too. Just like me.
Their first time together...
"The menu even has snacks and drinks," she noted.
Senya rubbed his stomach. "I'll skip the food. I basically ate all the yakiniku earlier. Still stuffed."
"Then at least a drink. What would you like?"
"Tea. Black tea."
"Got it."
Ai first ordered two teas, then turned to the fish therapy options.
That was when she noticed something unusual: they offered both foot baths and full-body baths.
Senya tapped his foot on a rectangular section in front of the sofa. "This part must open into the foot pool. And that big square in the middle—that's probably the full-body bath."
Comparing the room's layout to the promotional photos, his guess seemed right.
The full-body option even included disposable underwear and disinfected towels.
So they even have baths here? For two people at once…
Ai's mind wavered, but she quickly shook it off and chose the foot bath.
Not because of shyness—her personality wasn't like Eiri's modest restraint. If anything, she leaned closer to Utaha's boldness, able to act daringly without showing it on her face.
But in this case, Ai had her own reasons. There was no way she could strip down—not without exposing secrets she couldn't let slip.
Soon, the attendant returned. He lifted the floor panels to reveal a recessed pool, clear water bubbling as dozens of tiny fish darted about. After giving them a few instructions, he left again.
Senya kicked off his shoes and socks, dipping his feet into the water. His sudden expression change caught Ai's attention.
"How does it feel?"
He fought to hold back a laugh. "Kinda funny. You should try."
Ai's curiosity stirred. Today had already been packed with firsts—her first time hanging out one-on-one with a boy, her first time at an anime shop playing gacha machines, her first time facing down robbers… and now her first time trying a fish spa.
She slipped her sandals off, gently testing the surface with her toes before lowering her feet in.
"Mmhh—!"
Almost on instinct, she yanked her feet back out.
"How is it?"
"So ticklish!"
But… also kind of nice.
Steeling herself, Ai tried again. This time she managed to keep her feet in, though her body trembled as the fish nibbled between her toes and all around her soles.
Soon, soft gasps and uncontrollable laughter spilled out of her, and she collapsed sideways against Senya.
"Ahahaha—it tickles—hahaha—it's so weird!"
She clutched at his shirt, laughing helplessly in fits and bursts.
Senya steadied her with a smile. "As long as you're enjoying yourself. Looks like I chose well."
Happy? Of course I'm happy.
Ai couldn't remember the last time she had laughed so freely. The fish therapy was soothing, sure—but what really made her heart feel lighter was simply being here with him.
Later, the two of them headed to the arcade.
They played air hockey, whack-a-mole, motorbike racing, basketball toss, and claw machines.
By sunset, they walked out with prizes in hand, making their way toward the train station.
Ai hugged a huge squirrel plushie. After dominating the claw machines, she had traded in a pile of small toys at the counter for the one big prize.
In the morning, she had kept a polite, composed smile. But now, on the way back, her joy brimmed over. She practically skipped with every step, her lips unable to suppress their upward curve.
At the station, she offered him the plush. "Are you sure you don't want it? Your little sister would probably love it."
"No need. Her room's already full of them. You keep it."
"Alright. Thank you for today," Ai said softly, fiddling with the squirrel's ear.
"Don't mention it. I had a great time too."
She smiled.
The train arrived. Ai stepped aboard, turned back, and waved.
Senya lifted his hand in the same motion, waving her off.
On the way home, his phone buzzed with a message.
[Hayasaka Ai: Do you think we could go out again sometime?]
[Minamoto Senya: Of course.]
Ai read the reply, and warmth bloomed in her chest. Her lips curved into a radiant smile that filled the train car with sweetness, like honey carried on the air.
"You're back, Ai."
Returning to the Shinomiya estate, Ai met Kaguya in the hallway, just finishing her flower-arranging lesson.
"Wow, you bought so much. Looks like you had fun with your friends. That squirrel plush is adorable!"
Ai froze as Kaguya grabbed the plush from her arms, squishing its chubby cheeks. "Do you like it that much, milady?"
"Mhm!" Kaguya nodded eagerly, eyes sparkling with expectation.
Expressionless, Ai took the plush back. "It's an arcade prize. If you want one, you can always try for yourself next time."
Don't say things that raise people's hopes if you don't mean to give them something!
Kaguya puffed her cheeks in protest.
Still, her eyes caught the paper bag in Ai's other hand, where a rabbit plush holding a carrot and a silly-looking hedgehog peeked out. Both were pretty cute.
Ai noticed her gaze and calmly shifted the bag behind her. "These are claw machine prizes too. It only costs a hundred yen per try. With your skills, you'd have no trouble winning some yourself."
In other words: these aren't for you either.
"Ugh! You're so stingy!" Kaguya pouted.
"Don't be childish, milady. Cheap toys don't suit your status. But if you like, we can arrange for a professional artisan to custom-make one. Just write down your specifications tonight, and I'll have it commissioned. The finished plush could arrive within two weeks."
"Hmph! Forget it!"
Kaguya stormed off in a huff. After two steps, though, she turned back. "Oh, right. You got a package delivered. I had it left at your door! Hmph!"
Ai watched her go with calm detachment. Normally, if she had bought something to share, she wouldn't mind giving it to Kaguya.
But not today. These things carried a friend's feelings—and those couldn't be handed off so carelessly.
Still… a package? What had she ordered recently?
No way. Could it really have arrived already…?
Her pulse quickened as she hurried back to her room.
Sure enough, a rectangular package sat by her door.
She picked it up, slipped inside, and locked the door. After setting aside her shopping bags, she carefully unboxed it with scissors, heart thumping.
Inside were snacks and sweets—several boxes of pastries, a few packs of chips. But beneath them, wrapped in plastic film, lay a dress shirt. On top sat an envelope with a smiley face sticker and the words "Thank you…" written across it.
Ai's face flushed crimson, even her ears glowing red in the sunlight filtering through the window.
Here's what had happened.
Recently, Ai had followed Minamoto Senya's official public account—run by Rikka—and even joined the fan group.
By being active daily, reposting updates, and occasionally tipping, she was promoted to moderator.
A few days ago, Rikka created a smaller private chat with the moderators to thank them for their support. Talk turned to the idea of "thank-you gifts."
One fan joked that they didn't want generic souvenirs—they wanted Senya's personal belongings.
The chat exploded into chaos. Suggestions flew: his bath towel, his pillowcase, even his socks.
Ai stayed silent, quietly watching in disbelief. This is too much. Way too far.
Rikka eventually shut it down, warning them not to go overboard. Still, she added: If anyone really wants something, message me privately instead of spamming the group.
Against her better judgment, curled up in bed, Ai had sent a private message.
And now… the package had actually come.
A shirt Senya had worn.
Blushing furiously, Ai lifted it to her nose. The scent was unmistakable—the same as when she had been near him earlier that day.
But… what was she supposed to do with it?
Conflicted, she slipped into the shower, and afterward, without thinking too hard, put the shirt on.
It slid over her skin effortlessly.
In the mirror, the oversized hem just barely covered her thighs, her hips hidden from view.
She tugged at the sleeve ends with her fingertips, shyly swaying her arms.
The fabric was good quality, soft and comfortable. It'll make a perfect sleep shirt, she thought.
She lowered her face to the collar, inhaling deeply.
On his own way home, Senya checked Ai's profile panel:
[Hayasaka Ai: Combat LV5, Housekeeping LV5, Stealth LV4, Espionage LV4, Disguise LV3, Dance LV3, Voice Mimicry LV2, Lock-picking LV2…]
As expected of someone raised by a powerful family. Not only was she skilled in domestic work, she had an even wider range of abilities than Yukino.
The maid is seriously impressive…
Half an hour later, Senya arrived home.
Tokika was in the kitchen preparing dinner.
Rikka lounged in the living room watching TV.
Onscreen, a variety show featured a man living with four women—his "harem"—and even raising two children with them.
Rikka watched with sparkling eyes. "Wow, he's amazing! Dating four women at once, all living together—it feels almost magical!"
From the kitchen, Tokika rolled her eyes. "Magical? More like a shameless playboy. Stop watching this nonsense."
"It's fun!" Rikka stuck out her tongue.
Senya glanced at the screen but didn't comment. Still, it gave him an idea.
If even a greasy, mediocre guy like that can pull it off, then why can't I…?
"Where's Mom?" he asked casually.
"She went to visit a neighbor. She'll be back soon," Tokika replied.
"Need help with dinner?"
"No, just go take a bath."
"Alright." Senya was about to leave when Tokika added, "Oh, and try to be more careful with your clothes from now on."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
Sitting nearby, Rikka froze, her ahoge twitching nervously.
"You've lost buttons from two jackets already. I sewed them back on, but please take better care." Tokika kept chopping vegetables without looking up.
"…Oh. Thanks."
Senya didn't recall losing any buttons. But as his gaze shifted, he caught Rikka stiff as a board, sitting unnaturally straight.
Found the culprit.
He laid a hand on her shoulder, making her jump, and motioned for her to follow him upstairs.
Once alone, he lowered his eyes and asked, "Well? What trouble have you been stirring up this time?"
"Th-that's such a harsh way to put it…"
Nervous but not afraid, Rikka admitted the truth.
"So," Senya summarized, "because my fans asked for souvenirs, you decided it wasn't a big deal and cut off my jacket buttons to mail to them."
In Japan, there's a tradition: if a girl receives the second button from a boy's school uniform—the one closest to his heart—it means she has his true feelings. A symbol of romance, said to bring happiness.
Rikka nodded vigorously.
"You could've just bought random buttons and sent those. Instead, you gave Tokika extra work sewing replacements?"
"Lying is wrong! And those fans adore you. How could I cheat them?"
Senya sighed. "Fine. But don't do it again. It's weird."
"…Okay."
Still, she lingered.
Senya narrowed his eyes. "What else aren't you telling me?"
"Just small stuff! I also… um… sent a tie. And maybe… one shirt. But that's it, I swear!"
Pinching the bridge of his nose, Senya felt his blood pressure rise.
"No one normal asks for used clothes! Do you realize how creepy this sounds? If word got out, I'd look like a pervert."
"She didn't ask! She just said anything would be fine… so I looked in your closet and grabbed something…"
"You gave away my shirt?! Do you know how bad that makes me look? Forget it, I'll have Tokika discipline you—"
Rikka panicked. "No, please! I'm sorry, onii-chan! Senya-sama! Forgive me! Just don't tell Sis!"
Ever since Tokika quit the gymnastics club, she'd been relentless about tutoring Rikka. If she found out about this stunt, the punishment would be brutal.
Tears in her eyes, Rikka knelt neatly on the floor, tugging her ears pitifully.
Senya kept his stern face, though the scene almost made him laugh.
She upped the act, clutching his pants leg. "Onii-chan, I beg you! I'll do anything if you forgive me!"
She genuinely loved managing his fan account and groups—it was her pride and joy. She couldn't bear to lose it.
Senya stared down at her, amused. "Anything?"
"Anything!"
"Well… after a whole day out, I am a little sore."
"I'll give you massages!"
"For a month."
"A mon—okay!"
"Every day."
"…Okay!"
"No one's forcing you."
"Of course not. I want to."
Senya sighed. "Fine. But don't pull stunts like this again. Think about the consequences first."
Rikka beamed. "Got it! Want me to start massaging now?"
"Later. Come to my room tonight."
"Okay!"
..
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