All Beautiful Girls Want to Stick with Me

"Today we're performing the theme song from Tokyo Love Story, 'Sudden Love.' Everyone remembers the lyrics and melody, right?" Kotomi Izumi picked up her guitar.

"I didn't finish the whole series, but I've heard the theme song a lot," Yui Yuigahama nodded, signaling she was ready to sing.

"Let's do it," Yukino Yukinoshita replied concisely, her delicate hands already poised on the piano keys.

Kotomi began to play the intro, and Yukino followed right behind. The intro to Sudden Love was one of the most memorable parts of the song.

"Not sure where to begin."

"Time flows by silently."

"So many words welling up in my heart."

"All vanish without a trace."

"Your beauty is captivating."

"It makes it hard to express my feelings plainly."

"In this sunset that belongs to only us."

"Maybe the rain will stop soon."

"That day, that time, that place—"

"If I had never met you—"

"We would have forever remained—"

"Strangers who never knew each other."

It was after school, and the sky had already begun to turn gold with the setting sun.

The amber glow of dusk streamed through the window behind the three of them, casting a golden edge over everything in the second music room.

Voices, guitar, piano—the three sounds seemed to narrate the slow passage of time as it flowed with the melody.

As the song ended, perhaps feeling the warmth of the sunset on their backs, the three girls turned around at the same time to look out the window—this might have been the most beautiful sunset they had ever seen together.

"It's so beautiful."

Yui Yuigahama glanced slightly at Kotomi Izumi. It felt like those three words weren't directed at the sunset outside the window—but at the short-haired, snow-white girl beside her.

"I really like staying home during sunset, lying on my bed and lazily spending the last moments before night falls," Kotomi said.

"And at night?" Yukino asked—an unusual moment of initiative from her.

Kotomi shrugged and continued, "After a full dinner, I keep lying on the bed, play some games, watch anime, read novels and manga, then sleep."

"Hahaha, I thought you'd be super active at night," Yui laughed.

"No way. I'm not some dark-themed superhero who goes out at night to save the world from villains."

Kotomi always liked to mix in her own humor when she talked, which made both Yui and Yukino laugh. Their gazes involuntarily lingered on Kotomi.

Later on, if they ever looked back on today, the question would be—would they feel glad they witnessed such a beautiful sunset together? Or would they regret it, wondering: if they hadn't watched this sunset together today, maybe their relationship wouldn't have become so complicated?

So complicated that it caused pain for all three of them.

Even though none of them had done anything wrong… it was just that among the three, two had fallen in love with the same person.

Because Yui Yuigahama had to pick up Yuka from kindergarten, their practice session wasn't very long. Like most clubs, they would practice for another ten minutes after the activity-ending bell rang, then lock up and leave the second music room.

They had permission from the music teacher to use the room—otherwise they wouldn't even have the key—but it was still better to stay low-profile during rehearsal.

"Well then, I'm heading out. See you tomorrow," Yukino said to Yui and Kotomi.

"See you tomorrow. Whew… I feel like my singing improved a lot today. Thanks, Yukino, Kotomi."

"No big deal," Yukino replied with a small nod to Yui's thanks.

Since they each left school in different directions, it was rare for the three of them to walk home together.

But today, Kotomi and Yui would be leaving together. Kotomi's explanation to Yukino was:

"I want to get some cake from the dango shop. I've been craving it—thought I'd bring a few pieces home."

"It's just the same direction. Why are you explaining it to me?"

Yukino's voice was calm, like she didn't care why Kotomi was walking with Yui. But the slight upward curve at the corner of her lips hinted otherwise—as if Kotomi's explanation had actually lifted her mood just a little.

Kotomi noticed, and smiled helplessly in her heart: This little Yukino...

Yui, meanwhile, was happily anticipating walking with Kotomi and thinking about what cakes to recommend once they got to the shop, completely unaware of Yukino's subtle change in expression.

Kotomi first went with Yui to pick up Yuka from kindergarten. As they neared Hanamaru Kindergarten, they passed by a takoyaki stand.

"Boss, one order of takoyaki. Do they come in different sizes? Then give me the biggest one. Extra bonito flakes and seaweed, please."

"Little lady, what flavor do you want?"

"No spice. Just the regular sauce is fine."

"Got it."

The vendor nodded and got to work. Compared to other stands, this one was special—most places sold takoyaki of uniform size, but this stand offered jumbo-sized versions with more octopus in each piece.

Those with smaller appetites might get full after just two or three.

Naturally, the price was higher too—but the size made up for it.

"Craving takoyaki, Kotomi? I've tried making them myself before—followed the recipe exactly—but flipping the balls always made a mess. The video tutorials made it look so easy."

"Not for me."

Kotomi shook her head and smiled matter-of-factly:

"This box is for Yuka. Last time I picked her up, she really enjoyed takoyaki. Since I'm with you today and we happened to pass a stand, of course I had to get her some."

Hearing that it was for Yuka, Yui was touched by how kind Kotomi was—but still hurried to say, "No, no, that's too generous. You can't just buy her whatever she wants."

"It's fine. It's just once in a while. She hasn't had takoyaki in a long time, so I bet she's been craving it."

"But still…"

Yui tried to protest further, but Kotomi cut her off:

"It's already being made—we can't cancel now, right? Come on, don't be so formal with me. Yuka's sweet and thoughtful—I really like her. I want to spoil her like a little sister. It's been a while since I've seen her, so what's wrong with buying her something tasty?"

"Then at least let me pay you back," Yui said. She had been raised by her mother to never accept too much from others.

"Yui." Kotomi's tone grew firm. "If you insist on treating me like a stranger, I'm going to get mad. I don't like it when you act like I'm an outsider."

Kotomi's sudden seriousness startled Yui. She instinctively shrank back a little, worried she had upset Kotomi. Her nose twitched as she fought back tears. She reached out and grabbed the hem of Kotomi's shirt, whispering:

"I'll listen to you... Please don't be mad, okay?"

"Really?"

"Mm!" Yui nodded hard.

"Silly girl," Kotomi said with a laugh, then reached out and pinched Yui's cheek.

Yui had just finished singing, so her face and nose were still damp with sweat, and her cheeks were flushed. Anyone who sings often knows—it's a physically demanding activity. Kotomi seemed to enjoy this, even giving her cheek an extra firm pinch.

Ow—

Yui thought she'd truly upset Kotomi. Why else would she pinch so hard? Her teary eyes locked onto Kotomi's face. She didn't say it hurt, and she didn't try to pull away. Even if Kotomi slapped her, she'd probably just stand there and take it.

"Does it hurt?"

"Yeah…" Yui admitted—it really did hurt. Kotomi hadn't held back.

"Then why didn't you pull away?"

"I was scared you'd be mad..."

Kotomi paused, then said:

"You're so dumb and honest."

"You're not mad anymore?" Yui asked cautiously.

"If you treat me like a stranger again, I really will get mad next time," Kotomi warned—even though, truthfully, she hadn't been angry at all.

Yui pouted slightly and nodded obediently.

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