In the end, as a result of being pleaded with for this and that by Riran and Hiyori...
"We really overdid it.‐
"Ahaha... we took way too many, didn't we?"
At my and Asahiko-kun's feet were bags filled with a massive amount of stuffed animals and snacks.
No, seriously, I didn't think we'd be able to get this many.
This must be the effect of the 『Red Thread of Fate』.
Asahiko-kun and Hiyori have Vermilion threads.
Riran and I have Dark Scarlet threads.
Both are colors with outstanding economic compatibility.
I'm guessing, but if we sold these on an online shopping site, they'd go for a decent amount. In that sense, I can certainly agree that our economic compatibility is excellent.
Of course, I'm going to keep them all at home, though.
Riran and Hiyori, who had been egging us on, were now hugging dog and cat plushies with broad smiles on their faces.
"So fluffy♩"
"So squishy♩"
They really have great smiles. Just looking at them is healing. Asahiko-kun also seemed happy that he got so many prizes, eating some snacks with a satisfied look.
"Phew... man, real crane games are great, aren't they? It really feels like I'm actually winning them!"
"I've done online crane games before, but they really can't beat the real thing, can they?"
"Yes! I think I'm going to get hooked!"
Please don't get hooked. If Asahiko-kun plays seriously, he'll take too much and get banned from the store. I instinctively let out a wry smile and took a piece of chocolate snack that Asahiko-kun was eating.
"So, what now? Honestly, wandering around shops with all this luggage would be a nuisance."
"You're right... considering the time, shall we call it a day soon?"
Checking the clock, it was already past 18:00. Time had passed faster than I thought.
"Yeah, let's head back. Asahiko-kun, is your house far from here?"
"It's about an hour and a half by train, I think."
"Eh, seriously? Are you going to be okay?"
"I don't have a curfew, so it's fine, but... well, they'll certainly be worried about me."
Asahiko-kun scratched his cheek and shrugged his shoulders. I bet. He was sickly until just recently, yet he's been out playing for quite a long time. If he were my son, I'd definitely be worried.
Plus, Asahiko-kun bought various things too, and then there are the arcade prizes. Even without that, we've been walking around all day today. He must be tired, and it feels bad to send him home alone from here.
While I was wondering what to do, Riran opened her mouth and said, "In that case.‐
"Akito. How about having them come to our house?"
"To our house?"
"Yes. Then he can contact his family and have them come pick him up. What do you think?"
Hmm... true, if we do that, there's no need to worry about him collapsing on the way.
"Alright, let's do that. Is that okay with you too, Asahiko-kun and Hiyori?"
"Okey‐"
"I-Is it really alright? For us to intrude..."
"Yeah. Rather, we'd feel more at ease that way. We've had a fun day. It would suck if it were ruined by you collapsing at the very end, right?"
I mean, it would also leave a bad taste in our mouths. They say a field trip isn't over until you get home, and playing should be fun until the very end.
"...You really are kind, Akito-san. Then, I'll take you up on your offer."
Asahiko-kun contacted his home with his smartphone. It seems they can come for him in about two hours.
Having finished the initial contact, we headed toward the house.
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After returning home, we had dinner and were relaxing in the living room. Hiyori and Asahiko-kun must have been tired, as they were both asleep on the sofa together.
"Munya-munya..."
"Shupi..."
They're fast asleep. I thought about playing games with Asahiko-kun, but since they're sleeping so soundly, it would be a shame to wake them...
"Honestly. Playing, eating, and then sleeping—they're like children."
"It just shows how much fun they had."
"Akito, you spoil everyone too much!"
You say that, yet you're the one putting blankets over them.
"Akito, I feel like you'll become a dad who spoils his kids."
"I think Riran would make a good mother."
"Of course. After all, it's me."
Riran puffed out her chest proudly. But her expression immediately softened, and after confirming the two were completely asleep, she sat next to me and snuggled up.
Her face is close. Upturned eyes. Moist eyes. A good scent. Soft. Small. Warm.
All sorts of feelings rushed over me at once.
"But while kids are nice, I want to be spoiled too... or something."
"Ts... Of course. Riran is my fated person, after all."
I involuntarily averted my eyes. I mean, if she asks to be spoiled with a face like that, my reason, my iron will, and all sorts of things are in danger. Seriously, a mistake might happen. Well, we're connected by the 『Red Thread of Fate』, so it wouldn't exactly be a mistake, but still.
"Hmph. Why are you looking away?"
"Wait, wha—whoa!?"
"Kyat!"
When Riran pressed in and I leaned back, I lost my balance and ended up being pushed down. Just to be clear, I didn't push Riran down. Riran pushed me down.
Both of Riran's hands were next to my face. The distance was so close our chests were barely not touching. But because of that, her deep cleavage was saying hello.
I never expected us to end up in this position.
Both Riran and I froze in this unexpected posture. We could loudly hear each other's breathing.
What do I do? Uh, what do I do here? Is this that? Uh... what am I supposed to do, eh? What is this? What's going on, and what should I do?
Is this that? Should I be the one to make a move? Is it finally time to cross the line into 'Universe and Forever'?
Wait, am I an idiot! Hiyori and Asahiko-kun are right there next to us!?
"Riran. I'd appreciate it if you could move away soon..."
"............"
"Ri, Riran...? Ugh...!?"
Her hand gently touched my cheek. Riran's face slowly drew closer. This is... eh, wait, no way, this is bad—
Ding-dong.
""!?""
Bat—!
We scrambled apart at the sudden chime. Th-That was close... that was seriously close. Riran was dazed with a bright red face. I probably looked the same.
And then, the chime rang again.
"Ah... y-yes!"
I stood up hurriedly and headed toward the entrance. If that chime hadn't gone off then, by now...