All Beautiful Girls Want to Stick with Me

Yui Yuigahama was often teased by friends for acting too obedient around Kotomi Izumi. Saying she was "completely at her beck and call" might have been an exaggeration, but thinking about it… it wasn't entirely wrong.

Yui herself didn't know why she listened to Kotomi so much. Just now, when Kotomi had pretended to get angry, she hadn't dared to say a single extra word.

When Kotomi pinched her cheeks a little harder, it hurt, but Yui never made a sound—she just quietly endured until Kotomi let go.

Her cheeks were slightly red—not just from the pinch, but because she'd realized she acted a bit strangely whenever she was with Kotomi. That awareness made her shy.

Why do I feel like I'm a puppy that does whatever Kotomi says? Yui thought, blushing inside.

But then again… if she really were Kotomi's puppy… that wouldn't be so bad.

She could live at Kotomi's home, have her food and water given to her, even her entire life under Kotomi's care. When Kotomi took her to the park with a collar and leash, she'd look up at her tall, beautiful Kotomi, nuzzle her feet, and bark in affection. And if she made a mistake… Kotomi could punish her severely!

Hehehe…

Yui lowered her head, letting out a suspicious giggle like she'd just awakened to some strange new trait.

"Yui? What's so funny?" Kotomi asked, baffled by Yui's sudden hehe laugh. Had pretending to scold her earlier actually scared this dumpling silly?

"N-no, it's nothing!" Yui shook her head quickly. There was no way she could tell Kotomi about the little fantasy she'd just had.

In no time, the takoyaki was ready. Holding the box, she could feel the weight inside. No wonder it cost more than normal-sized takoyaki—it wasn't exactly a bargain, but it wasn't a rip-off either.

"Kotomi, you spoil Yuka too much. If she eats all this, she won't eat a proper dinner tonight," Yui said helplessly. She'd been raised to never accept too many favors, but ever since Kotomi had pretended to scold her earlier, she didn't dare offer to pay for the takoyaki anymore.

—I don't like it when you treat me like an outsider!

That line Kotomi had thrown at her still echoed in Yui's ears, and remembering it now brought a sweet smile to her lips.

Because, in a way, what Kotomi said matched a little wish in Yui's heart.

She liked Kotomi—wanted her as her girlfriend, wanted to marry her, to become family. Once they were together, she'd make sure her mom could finally rest and hand the dango cake shop over to her. She didn't dream of turning it into a big chain—she just wanted to keep it running steadily.

She imagined working hard with Kotomi, saving up for a down payment, buying a modest house. They'd probably have to budget carefully for the next twenty years, but sometimes they could splurge on a nice dinner. Everyday life would be about rice, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, and tea.

Even if they argued as a married couple, Yui decided that no matter whose fault it was, she would always be the first to apologize.

And when they turned thirty, maybe they'd consider adopting a child from an orphanage. Would Kotomi prefer a son… or a daughter?

Yui looked at Kotomi walking slightly ahead, her cheeks turning rosy. She reached out and gently hooked her pinky around Kotomi's.

"Kotomi, do you like sons or daughters more?"

"Eh?"

...

Hanamaru Kindergarten.

In the classroom, Teacher Shiro clapped her hands and smiled warmly.

"Kids, today was so much fun! I'd love to keep playing games with you, but it's getting late, and your moms and dads are already waiting outside. Please line up and put all the toys back into the toy box. Be good children, and when you play with your toys at home, remember to put them back too~ Don't forget your little backpacks and hats."

"Thank you, teacher!"

"As long as I get to play with you all, I'm never tired. See you tomorrow!"

Kindergarten kids could be a little odd sometimes—crying in the morning when they had to part from their parents, but in the afternoon at pickup time, refusing to leave because they wanted to keep playing.

For the teachers, it was impossible not to feel tired after a full day.

That's why the most well-behaved kids were often the ones they remembered most.

And among all the kids at Hanamaru Kindergarten, the easiest to take care of was Yuka. Other children might be smart and obedient compared to their peers, but Yuka was the type who was so considerate and well-behaved that it tugged at your heart.

The teachers all knew Yuka's mother was a single parent. For kids from single-parent homes, the kindergarten would offer a little extra care. For example, if a parent was too busy with work to pick up their child on time, the school would watch over them until 10 p.m. for free.

Several times a year, Hanamaru Kindergarten held parent–child activities, inviting parents or family members to join games, make sweets, shop for ingredients, and prepare lunch together.

At the beginning of next month, there would be another such event. The children were excited, chattering about it whenever they had a spare moment.

"Makoto, will your dad or your mom come for the parent–child event next month?"

"Both my dad and mom! I heard there are lots of toy prizes this time, and I'm going to win one! My dad's sure to win the tug-of-war—he's really strong!"

"Me too! Both my parents promised they'd take the day off from work for it."

"My mom and dad love me most—they'll definitely come no matter how busy they are! Yuka, will your dad or mom come?"

The little girl from the other class who asked didn't know about Yuka's family situation—she'd just said it casually.

"Hey! That's so rude! Apologize to Yuka right now!"

"Yeah, you can't talk like that! That's mean!"

"Don't mind her, Yuka!"

"She even fought me for the 'mommy' role last time we played house!"

Yuka's friends quickly came over, indignant.

"Eh? It's fine, really, don't fight," Yuka said with a smile, trying to keep the peace. But when she heard, 'My mom and dad love me most—they'll definitely come,' her eyes dimmed, though she kept her face composed.

"For the parent–child event… no one from my family will probably come. My mom runs a cake shop and is busy making sweets until late every day, and my big sister's in high school."

Just then, Teacher Shiro walked over, crouched down to Yuka's level, and gently placed her hands on her small shoulders.

"Hmph, then on the day of the parent–child event, I'll make sure we win lots of toy prizes together."

"Alright, you kids, don't linger in the classroom. If you're taking the school bus, head to the playground and wait for the driver. If you're being picked up, and you don't see your parents at the gate, don't leave alone—come back to the classroom and tell a teacher."

"Yes, bye-bye Shiro-sensei. Yuka, see you tomorrow."

"See you."

Teacher Shiro watched Yuka greet her friends and then walk alone to her cubby, where she took out her backpack, coat, and little yellow hat. Without any help, she put everything on by herself, and Teacher Shiro couldn't help but smile with a hint of sadness.

It was precisely because she was so mature that it made people's hearts ache.

Children often spoke without thinking, and sometimes their innocent words could still hurt—just like the little girl from the other class earlier. She hadn't known about Yuka's family situation and had only asked out of curiosity, but without meaning any harm, her words still hurt.

This semester's parent–child event… no one from Yuka's family will come again, will they? Teacher Shiro sighed inwardly. Since graduating college and starting at Hanamaru Kindergarten, Yuka had been the child she cared about the most.

So sensible, so clever, and so heartbreakingly endearing.

With most of the children already gone, Teacher Shiro smiled and said, "Yuka, take your time packing your bag. Don't rush. Check if you've forgotten anything—then I'll take you to the gate, alright? Is your mom or your sister picking you up today?"

"Thank you, teacher. It should be my sister," Yuka replied with a warm smile.

When Yuka finished packing, Teacher Shiro took her small hand and led her toward the entrance. Before they reached the gate, Yuka suddenly stopped, rose up on tiptoe to peek ahead, and then started hopping excitedly.

"Wow! Penguin Onee-chan came to pick me up! Eh? My sister's here too."

Wasn't that the wrong order? Teacher Shiro chuckled helplessly. Still, since someone had come to get her, she quickly walked Yuka over so they wouldn't be kept waiting.

Seeing Kotomi Izumi and Yui Yuigahama, Teacher Shiro released Yuka's hand, and the girl immediately dashed over to Kotomi.

"Penguin Onee-chan!"

Kotomi crouched down with open arms, letting Yuka run into her embrace, scooping her up in one smooth motion.

Yui, watching this scene, couldn't help twitching her mouth and pointing at herself as if to tell Yuka, Your real sister is right here!

Kids loved soft, warm things, and Yuka was no exception. She always enjoyed snuggling into Kotomi's arms.

Kotomi held her with the practiced ease of someone used to carrying children—after all, she still carried Aimi that way.

However… as Kotomi straightened up, she noticed that Yuka seemed to have gotten a little chubbier since the last time they met.

Adorably plump, yes—but definitely heavier to lift.

"Yuka, come down now. If you keep eating so much, one day even your Penguin Onee-chan won't be able to carry you," Yui said, noticing the slight strain on Kotomi's face.

Kotomi was about to say it was fine, but Yuka had already obediently climbed down from her arms.

Standing between Kotomi and Yui, Yuka glanced left at Kotomi and right at Yui. Then, with a spark of realization, she grinned, grabbed Kotomi's sleeve with one chubby hand and Yui's sleeve with the other.

"Penguin Onee-chan, you and my sister came to pick me up together—are you two dating now? Yay! My sister finally got her wish to win over Penguin Onee-chan! Go, Onee-chan, hurry up and marry her so Penguin Onee-chan can be my sister-in-law!"

Yuka's voice was naturally a bit loud.

And right now, it was pickup time at Hanamaru Kindergarten. When this little one shouted something like that at the gate, it was no surprise that she drew countless curious looks.

Most of the people picking up children were housewives, and when they heard her, they turned to glance at Kotomi Izumi and Yui Yuigahama, whispering among themselves.

Beside them, Teacher Shiro froze in place, glancing from Kotomi to Yui, unable to immediately process what kind of relationship this was.

"Yuka!" Yui's cheeks flushed red, and she quickly crouched down to whisper in her ear, "Don't say random things like that in front of Kotomi!"

Yuka looked at her sister with innocent confusion. Wasn't she always talking to herself about liking Penguin Onee-chan? How was that random? In her mind, if you liked someone, you said it. Why deny it?

Hmph.

Yuka smirked inwardly. Go ahead and be shy, Onee-chan. If you act now, I can still call Penguin Onee-chan my sister-in-law. But if you wait too long, she might end up with Mom instead. Then you'll have to call her… Mom!

Penguin Onee-chan—would she end up as her sister-in-law, or her second mom? Either way, Yuka thought, as long as she could be family with Penguin Onee-chan, she'd be happy.

She put on an innocent smile and said in her sweet little voice:

"But… I saw on TV that two people walking together are always a couple. Aren't you and Penguin Onee-chan like that, Onee-chan?"

With one naive comment, Yuka completely diffused the earlier "misunderstanding," making it impossible for anyone to stay suspicious.

The stares from those around them faded. To them, it was just a kid repeating something from TV—everyone knew you couldn't take children's words too seriously.

"Kotomi's not your sister's girlfriend. I just happened to come with her to pick you up today. Are you hungry?"

"Mm, my tummy's empty."

Yuka patted her little belly and nodded.

Sure enough, she had gotten a bit rounder—not only were her arms and hands chubby, but her little belly stuck out too.

That round little tummy made you just want to rub it.

"Here~ your favorite takoyaki."

Kotomi pulled out the box she had been hiding behind her bag. Yuka's eyes lit up instantly, and she began bouncing with excitement.

"Thank you, Penguin Onee-chan!"

After taking the takoyaki, she even leaned over to kiss Kotomi on the cheek.

Yui watched enviously—she wanted to be able to kiss Kotomi like that anytime too.

Instead of eating right away, Yuka picked up a piece with the skewer and offered it to Yui. "Onee-chan, have some."

"So sweet of you, but I'm full from lunch. You eat it."

Yui patted her head. Whenever Yuka got food just for herself, she always offered the first bite to Mom or her sister before eating. No one had told her to—it was just her habit.

"I'm full too," Kotomi added, knowing Yuka's habit well.

But Yuka still didn't eat. She turned to Teacher Shiro and held out the skewer. "Teacher, you have some."

"Eh?"

Teacher Shiro was stunned, not expecting Yuka to offer her a piece. She hesitated for a moment, then remembered what she'd learned in university—that you shouldn't reject a child's genuine gesture, but should judge and accept selectively. So, she crouched down and took the takoyaki from Yuka.

Wow… this piece is huge… and a little hot.

Huff huff… She blew on it a few times before eating it, then patted Yuka's head. "Thank you, Yuka. This takoyaki is really delicious. Take the rest home and share it with your mom. And remember, don't eat while walking, okay?"

"Okay!"

"Thank you for looking after Yuka today, Teacher Shiro. Sorry for the trouble. Yuka, say goodbye to Teacher Shiro," Kotomi Izumi said with a bright, genuine smile, giving a small, respectful nod—free of any pretense.

"Thank you. We won't keep you any longer, Teacher Shiro. We'll be going now," Yui Yuigahama quickly followed suit. She realized Kotomi was far too mature in social situations—she didn't seem like a high schooler at all, but more like an adult who'd been navigating the world for years.

Teacher Shiro glanced at Kotomi in surprise. It was rare to see a high schooler so composed and socially adept at just fifteen or sixteen. Though she herself was a new kindergarten teacher fresh out of college, with little experience, she could tell that this "Penguin Onee-chan" Yuka often mentioned was someone capable of great things.

"It's no trouble at all—it's my job. Take care on the way. Goodbye, Yuka." Teacher Shiro waved as they left.

On the way to the dango cake shop, Yuka behaved well, not eating her takoyaki on the road—though she walked quickly, eager to let her mom have some.

"Is Mrs. Yuigahama busy at the shop right now?" Kotomi asked. Coming along with Yui today wasn't just for sweets—she also wanted to see Mrs. Yuigahama and talk about illustrations.

"Mom texted me this afternoon saying she was tired, so she locked up the shop and went home to rest. She asked me to pick up Yuka after school and tidy up the shop. We're closing early today."

So Mrs. Yuigahama wasn't at the shop… Kotomi immediately felt a little less motivated to go.

"Would it be a bother if I still came to buy dessert now?"

"No, no—it's fine! Since we're closing early, you'll be the shop's last customer today," Yui said with a smile.

"Penguin Onee-chan, will you come have dinner at our house tonight?!"

Yuka, always thinking of ways to have Kotomi visit, seized the chance to invite her. She still hadn't decided whether Penguin Onee-chan should be her sister-in-law or her second mom…

She also found herself wondering—if Penguin Onee-chan married Mom, what would she call her two moms then?

—

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