I Won't Be a Loser

"I guess I should start preparing myself to meet your parents, then," Kiyoura Mai said with a soft chuckle, covering her mouth slightly with her hand.

Her body trembled slightly along with the giggle, and the breasts under her clothes bounced with it, drawing Haruto's gaze instinctively before he quickly looked away.

Mai, who had been attentively watching him, immediately noticed his fleeting glance. A faint warmth spread through her chest—part embarrassment, part something else entirely.

....

Sekai stirred, reaching out beside her and feeling something soft and warm. As she gradually opened her eyes, she saw the peaceful sleeping face of the girl next to her.

A faint fragrance lingered in the air. She instinctively moved closer, tempted to drift back to sleep. But then, the rustling sound of someone getting dressed reached her ears.

Opening her eyes fully, she turned her head to see Setsuna already up, buttoning up her clothes.

"You're awake already?" Sekai asked, sitting up.

"I woke up a while ago," Setsuna replied. "You moved around, so I figured you'd wake up soon. It's almost eight."

Sekai blinked, her mind catching up with the reality of the morning. It's already morning... and Setsuna's going home.

Trying to mask her disappointment, she asked casually, "It's the weekend. Why the rush?"

Setsuna paused for a moment, then cast a glance toward the telescope sitting by the window.

Although Sekai had previously insisted that she used it to stargaze, Setsuna had her doubts. After all, in all the years they'd known each other, Sekai had never mentioned an interest in star gazing.

In addition, after observing her own home and Haruto's apartment last night, Setsuna couldn't help but feel suspicious.

"I have plans with Haruto," Setsuna finally said with a soft smile.

Sekai felt her stomach twist.

"We agreed to spend the day together," Setsuna continued, her voice light but firm. "I want to 'graduate' with Haruto."

Since they are already dating and have become each other's lover, she can just tell the Sekai in front of her directly.

As she is just a friend, what right does she have to stop her?

This is a victory for being a real girlfriend!

Sekai's forced smile froze.

"…You're really just saying that to my face?"

Setsuna's expression remained calm, but there was a glint of determination in her eyes.

"I figured you might try to stop me again, so I thought I should be upfront with you."

Sekai let out a long sigh, ruffling her own hair in frustration. "So, you figured it out, huh?"

"I started noticing it from the way you've been acting lately," Setsuna admitted. "But no matter what you do, it won't change anything. Haruto is my boyfriend."

For a long moment, Sekai didn't respond. She simply stared at her childhood friend, emotions churning inside her. Then, finally, she let out a chuckle.

"…Good luck, then."

Setsuna smiled in return before turning to leave.

Sekai flopped back down onto the bed, exhaling deeply. She turned her head slightly, eyes landing on Kotonoha, who was lying beside her. Though the other girl's eyes were closed, her lashes quivered ever so slightly.

She's awake, isn't she?

Sekai smirked and reached out, pulling Kotonoha into a sudden embrace.

Feeling the warmth of the other girl's body and her slight, startled reaction, Sekai whispered mischievously,

"So… does this count as a breakup? So heartbreaking… boohoo…"

She felt Kotonoha's body gradually relax in her arms, and a warm fondness settled in Sekai's chest.

She really is too kind.

Meanwhile, on her way home, Setsuna's thoughts were still on Sekai. She really tried everything, didn't she?

But today, it would be different.

Tonight, I have to make things official with Haruto.

Even though they were dating, there was still a lingering insecurity in Setsuna's heart.

Their time together had been brief—barely a week since they'd met—but something about Haruto drew her in, something she lacked within herself. She didn't know what it was, exactly, only that when she was with him, she felt at peace, content.

It was a strange feeling. Illogical, even.

But not everything in life could be explained rationally.

Soon enough, she arrived home.

Stepping inside, she called out, "I'm home."

The house was quiet.

That's strange.

It was the weekend—her mother should be home.

"…Mom?"

Frowning slightly, she walked toward her mother's bedroom and gently pushed open the door.

Inside, Mai was lying on the bed, eyes closed, still fast asleep.