“Fufufufu… Stop clinging to me, you mischievous little thing.”

  “Nghh… Is it morning yet? Why are you getting up so early?” Only a small amount of light made it in through the blinds. Our room was still too dim for any reasonable person to consider getting out of bed.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you up. I have to make breakfast for everyone.” Hecate whispered while sitting on the side of the bed. I was clenching her nightgown, but she removed my hand gently before getting up.

  *Sigh…* Is this what it feels like to let go of happiness? I don’t think my heart can take it…

  My momentary depression was quickly washed away by what Hecate did next. She took off her nightgown with her back turned toward me and started changing into her swimsuit. Yes, we’re still doing that. She’s so bold! I gotta burn this sight into my memory!

  But alas, it was too dark to see anything. There was only a blurry silhouette amidst the alluring rustling of clothes. Well… It still gives me the chills. The idea of being in bed with a lover changing in the same room is really nice… It’s the same tingle I get when something comes out and is just as good as expected. Makes my legs all giddy!

  “Do you wanna come with me, or should I let you stay in bed? I can come wake you up when breakfast is ready.” Hecate finished adjusting her hair and turned to me. There was a little glow in her eyes.

  “I don’t know… I don’t really think I can go back to sleep, but… I can still feel your warmth here… It’d be such a waste to get up now!” What an embarrassing thing to say… I covered my face with her pillow and rolled around under the thin sheets.

  “Is that so?” It was Hecate’s first time watching me like this, but she shrugged it off. “We’re lovers now, so we’ll probably spend more nights together in the future. If you want to get up, I’ll help you get ready.” And then, I sat up and slammed the pillow on my lap. Not because I wanted to get pampered or anything… It just felt like rolling around in bed wasn’t going to lead anywhere.

  …

  But yeah, the swimsuit thing continues. I put mine on, and we opened the blinds just enough to let some of the morning light in. It’s a bit chilly right now, but at this time of the year, it won’t be long until it’s nice enough to walk around in a swimsuit. The nights are getting pretty hot, so the chill is actually a bit refreshing now.

  “Stand still, Iroha. I’ll brush your hair for you.”

  “Kay~” I sat in front of a dressing desk with a mirror reflecting Hecate behind me. The way she was brushing my hair looked like a maid taking care of a rich, young lady. You see that a lot in anime. It’s a bit embarrassing, but when I see how her eyes glow, I can’t really say anything.

  “Hey, Hecate… We kinda glossed over it yesterday, but I think there are some things you should know as soon as possible. You always said I had a lot of secrets, but I don’t want to keep things from you anymore… At least if you promise you won’t get mad… You won’t break up with me if I drop some truth bombs, will you?”

  “Of course not! I can’t even imagine what you could possibly say that would get me upset…” It was a good idea to ask her now, while she’s over the moon taking care of my hair.

  “Ahh… I’m glad you feel that way. You see, Carol and I… we… we’re already a couple.” She froze, and her peaceful expression showed a small crack for a moment.

  “Really…? Carol agreed to something like that…? I had no idea…” She then continued brushing my hair. “I guess I can’t complain about that… Congratulations, Iroha. But won’t Carol be angry that you started dating me too?”

  “Yeah… She’ll probably be a little angry… But it’s fine. I told her I was interested in multiple girls, and she still said she loved me. I’m dating someone besides her, and she’s mostly fine with it.”

  “Someone else? Don’t tell me you’re also dating Narumi… It’s not Katja, is it?

  “It’s not someone from the House…” Hecate twitched again. Somehow, that was a smaller shock to her than learning about Carol. “It’s a girl named Ririna. She’s a kind girl who’s very honest. It might not be easy for you to meet her, but I’m sure you won’t hate her…” Did I say too much? I do want her to know everything eventually.

  This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

  “I had no idea you were such a player… It’s a bit uncomfortable knowing you’re seeing people I don’t even know… I wonder where this is gonna go.”

  “Sorry… I know how weird it is, but I’m sure you’ll get along with Ririna just fine. I’ll try to think of a way for you to meet her as soon as possible.”

  Hecate resumed brushing my hair, and the undisturbed, blissful look returned to her face. “Hey, Hecate, isn’t that enough?”

  “Wait, wait… Just a little more… I finally have the chance to brush such a beautiful hair. I have to make sure it’s perfect.” Hecate brought her face closer to work on the finer details. “I’ll tie your side tail too. Just wait a moment.”

  “Have you ever brushed any of the others’ hair? Which one is your favorite?”

  “I’ve helped everyone here and there, but you’re the first one I’m brushing like this. Carol’s hair is the best right after yours, but she would never let me touch it like you do.” She finished taking care of my hair and put the brush down. She tied my hair slightly differently from how I do it, but it looked the same as always. “There. All done. I have to go to the kitchen now, or I won’t be able to finish before the others wake up.”

  She ran her hand through my hair on the back and placed a kiss on it. She then turned to the door to leave. This girl… This goes beyond liking blonde hair… She might have a fetish for it! What a perv! Still, somehow, this new side to her kinda suits her. In weird way… “Don’t leave without me!"

  …

  A lot happened after that, and eventually, we were all out hanging out near the pool. Carol was sitting at a table under the shade of an umbrella. Pouting, with her arms crossed and refusing to look me in the eye.

  “Sorry, Carol… I brought you a drink to make it up to you… Cheer up, okay?” She found out about Hecate. Or better yet, I told her. I had to. Now I’m standing out in the sun next to her, holding cans of soda.

  “Hmph! I already told you not to talk to me! I don’t wanna hear it.” Ahahaha… I really had it coming, didn’t I? She’ll probably forgive me if I keep trying, right? Behind her, Narumi and Katja were playing in the water, but they were too far and busy to hear us.

  “I love you, Carol. I swear… I wasn’t trying to make you upset.” The one saving grace is that she’s probably exaggerating how mad she is. She’s giving me the cold shoulder, but she hasn’t tried to break up. “Let’s make up, okay?”

  I pushed one of the cans closer to her, and she gave me a look of disgust. Am I making progress? She’s looking my way now. She ripped the can off my hand as rudely as possible. “I just don’t get it. You’re unbelievable. I can’t believe you hooked up with Hecate. Hecate, of all people!? How the hell did that happen?”

  She sipped half of the can before slamming it on the table. Then her rant continued. “I thought I could trust her. She was supposed to be the last person to ever become interested in you. Who came up with the stupid idea of deciding room assignments with rock-paper-scissors? I can’t leave you alone for a second, can I? If I were in the same room as you, this would never have happened!”

  “Ahahahha…” That’s it, Carol… Get it all out… If it’s for our relationship, I’ll tank it all!

  “It’s unfair for you to place all the blame on Iroha, Carol.” Hecate showed up next to me and put her tiny umbrella between me and her. “Our relationship was something the two of us decided, so I also share some of the blame.”

  “Of course you do! Why would you fall in love with Iroha? Are you okay in the head? It makes no sense. How does someone like you fall for an idiot like Iroha?” Yep… I’m an idiot… In hindsight, I should have come up with a better way to break the news to Carol. I was a bit too excited and told her everything plainly… There are times when being honest and straightforward is not the best thing to do.

  “That’s a complicated question, Carol. If I had to give an answer, I’d say that it’s a combination of multiple factors and circumstances. Iroha’s a good person and a charming girl. And it just so happened that things turned out like this.” Charming, huh? You’re making me blush. Still, why doesn’t she just say she likes my hair?

  “Stop squirming, you idiot.” Carol glared at me, then turned to Hecate. “Did Iroha trick you, Hecate? Do you know what she’s really like? You probably have no idea what you’ve gotten yourself into. The way she acted in front of us is nothing but a lie. She likes to act like she’s a hard worker and a reliable person, but she’s actually just a reckless idiot. And I’m not just talking about her stupid idea of dating multiple girls. She does things without thinking and somehow manages to make it all work out. But she’s absolutely stupid. Worse than Narumi at her worst!”

  “Gahh!” Her all-out slander shocked me. I’m worse than the girl who tries to act dumb on purpose? What does that make me? Oh well… At least Carol’s a cutie even when she’s insulting me… “??” She’s cute when insulting me? Why do I feel like this is the beginning of a very dark path for me? Can I still take that back?

  “Look at her dumb face right now. This is who Iroha really is. Can you really put up with that, Hecate?” Hecate moved her head and took a look at me, her face filled with curiosity. She was seriously considering what Carol was saying.

  “Well… I may not know everything about Iroha, but I’m sure it will be fine. If any of those things turn out to be a problem, I’ll tell her off and set her on the right path. That’s what a good lover’s supposed to do, right?” She’s an angel! The girl who constantly looks like a fallen angel is glowing like a pure angel right now! I love love you!

  “*Sigh!* It’s hopeless! She’s already acting like they’re married…” Carol facepalmed.

  “It’s okay, Carol. Nothing’s gonna change that much. I’m gonna keep paying attention to you, so don’t be mad. I’ll do whatever you want if we make up.” Those words caught both of their attentions. Right… You’re not supposed to say that, are you?

  “Anything?” Carol grinned.

  “Uhmm… Yeah…? Y- you wouldn’t force your precious girlfriend to do something outrageous, ri- right? What should I do?”

  “I have an idea, but I’ll have to save it for later. I’ll take you up on your offer, though. I forgive you, Iroha.” Carol stood up and extended her hand. What now? I have a feeling that I’m walking to my own demise if I shake her hand.

  “Ahahaha… Thank you, Carol…” I did it… It’s over…

  “What are you three doing over there?” With a loud voice, Narumi called out to us from the edge of the pool. “It’s the last day of our precious vacation, you know? Don’t blame me when you regret not making the most of it!”

  “Going!” I shouted back. “Narumi’s right.” I stealthily reached for Hecate’s hand and held both their hands. “It’s our first summer together. We should put the complicated stuff to the side and enjoy ourselves while we can!”

  “Fufufu… Well said… Let’s make some memories before it’s too late.” Hecate nodded with a smile and put her umbrella down.

  “Sure… It’s annoying, but whatever…” Carol let out a sigh, but it looks like she’s in! She grinned again after looking at me. “I’ll put up with it just to see that big dumb smile on your face.”

  “Ehh?” Was I smiling like that? I touched my face in surprise, and Hecate nodded as confirmation. “Don’t tease me like that! Come on, let’s go!” I turned my back on them and ran towards the pool to cool my head. How embarrassing… Still… It’s not even over, yet I’m already sure I’ll never forget our time here.

  *SPLASH!*