The System Won't Work Unless I Have Girlfriends

(Masamune pov)

Waiting in front of the door with Yaeko in my arms, I realized they still weren't ready to open it—whatever they were doing inside. And yet, when I saw them for the first time in a while, I couldn't help but think, These two have really grown up, huh.

Clack.

The door burst open as two sisters greeted me with wide smiles.

"W-Welcome, big bro Masamune!"

The younger girl, Yuzuru, beamed with a broad grin.

"You're Yuzuru, right?"

I looked at the short girl with her cropped black hair as she smirked.

"What's wrong? Don't recognize me with this look?" she teased.

"Yeah, you've turned into a full-time tomboy."

"Hehe!"

Yuzuru scratched her head. Back then, even with long hair, she always picked fights with the boys who tried to bully Shoko. That behavior made her seem boyish even then. Now, with her short hair, she really looked the part. Probably, she hasn't grown out of it yet.

I turned my gaze to the taller girl, who smiled at me shyly.

"Hyy," she greeted in an awkward tone.

I smiled back.

"Shoko. You've grown your hair out this time!"

I raised my voice slightly, hoping she could hear me clearly.

Shoko, who used to be just a brat, now looked a little more mature. She smiled back, fiddling shyly with the tip of her hair.

"Ngnnnnn." Yaeko stirred slightly, sleeping soundly in my arms.

"Sorry to ruin our little reunion, but can we put Auntie in her bedroom first before we catch up?"

Their expressions shifted, suddenly realizing their mother was asleep in my arms.

"Right! This way, big bro! But, how did you end up with Mom like this—drunk and all?"

Before she could finish, Shoko nudged Yuzuru sharply, making me chuckle.

"It happened because she was having fun with her former schoolmates, including my mother."

They both nodded, and I could tell this was news to them. Yaeko had probably never told them much about her social life.

Considering her cold personality, it made sense. She likely wouldn't volunteer such details.

As for me, my employment contract included a clause about keeping my identity discreet—not that I'm trying to stay anonymous, but to prevent unnecessary chatter.

Both Yuzuru and Shoko led me to what was clearly their mother's bedroom. I could tell with just one glance.

The room had a king-sized bed.

Gently, I placed Yaeko down, careful not to wake her. As I brushed against her shirt while adjusting her position, I sighed. Just how pent-up was she? Or was it Hana's influence that forced her to drink? Maybe both. With her workload and the responsibility of feeding her family, it made sense for her to feel this exhausted. Still, I admired how she managed her stress so well.

Glancing back at Shoko and Yuzuru, I saw them giggling quietly. Somehow, we had an unspoken agreement to leave the room.

Grab!

Something clutched tightly at my stomach.

"Hm?"

I looked down to find a pair of hands wrapped around me. Before I could process what was happening—

"GAAH!"

The hands yanked me backward with surprising strength. My helpless scream startled the siblings, who turned to look.

There, we saw a woman straddling me. The room, dimly lit by moonlight streaming through the partially open window, cast an eerie glow on the scene.

"Fufu~"

The woman giggled, a strange smile on her face. She loosened the ponytail in her pink hair, letting it cascade down to her waist. She looked down at me, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Hold up—who the hell is this Yaeko?!

"Aun—"

"Honey," she interrupted, her tone dripping with mischief, "since when did your stomach get this sturdy? Have you been working out? Let's check. It's been a while since we last… you know."

She's mistaking me for someone else?!

Wait, could she think I'm her ex-husband? But she hates men! Fuck. My arms and legs trembled as I struggled against her grip. She pinned my hands and locked my legs with her own, her hips pressing down like some kind machine I watched on YouTube.

What do I do?! Knock her out? No—she's a woman!

"Mom! What are you doing with big—"

"Oh dear…" Yaeko barely glanced at them. "Close the door, kids. This is too soon for you to see."

Then, she looked back at me with dangerously amused eyes. "Now… shall we continue?"

Fuck this cliché!

SHOKO! Don't just stand there blankly! And Yuzuru, cover your eyes or some—

"Hmm~ I've always wanted a boy, honey. So let's work hard… ton—"

Her words cut off as her head slumped against my chest. Yaeko had passed out again.

The hell just happened?

It started fast, and ended even faster.

Now the real question is… how do I face them again after this?

.

.

.

.

When it's already this late, I don't want to stay any longer—even for a chat—especially when the adults have fallen asleep, leaving me alone with the girls in their home.

I sigh inwardly. Mom is probably spending the night at the hotel with Hana. So, I'll be spending my time at home alone because Chinatsu is currently in Bali with Chika and her sisters. Sigh. Taking a holiday in a tropical country… so jealous. The reason they gave for not letting me come? "Go away! It's girls' time!"

Well, I'm just Ken. I mean… Masamune.

Shoko and Yuzuru accompanied me to the front door. After I finished putting on my shoes, I stood up and looked at them.

Yuzuru's face was stiff and awkward, while Shoko gazed at me with blank eyes.

"Uh…" I muttered. This was awkward. Yup, too awkward.

"That's right!" Yuzuru suddenly said, breaking the tension. "Masamune, big brother! Let's meet again later. You know, Sis and I often meet others at the bridge—like Ishida. Still remember him, right?"

Yuzuru, you're a genius! She's grown up to be so quick-witted.

"For real? Count me in. Let's do it, uh… in two days. Let's do that!"

Both Yuzuru and I laughed, breaking the silence. Then I glanced at Shoko, who gave me a faint smile. Since we were speaking loudly enough, I figured Shoko could understand us.

So, say something!

"I'm really sleepy. Then, good night, big bro."

Yuzuru bolted like a little duck trying to escape.

You little traitor!

{Shoko…?} I signed. {What's up?}

She tilted her head slightly, gave me a 'warm' smile, and then took a deep breath.

{Masamune, you've grown into a perv,} Shoko signed, her faint smile turning into a pout.

What? I'm a man. A man should follow his instincts, so what she said was technically a fact.

{Wait, you're… angry?} I signed.

Shoko frowned a little, puffing her cheeks like a balloon.

{Of course!} she signed, her body language exaggerating her feelings.

But honestly, I couldn't tell if she was really angry or not. If she was angry, it wasn't anywhere close to what I'd consider anger. She was just… silly. Pfft!

I hummed, then had a thought. It's summer break, so they should have free time, right?

{Wanna come with us to Hokkaido tomorrow?}

Shoko blinked in surprise. {Hokkaido…?}

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