Chapter 102 - Reverse harem?

When Hirose-san walked straight toward Tomoki, I felt a chill run down my spine for the first time... I've never seen Himari look that intimidating. Satou-san felt it too, and I noticed he was scared as well. But it seems the two boys in question didn't realize it. But I can't blame them since it was clear how much they had missed each other. Seeing Tomoki so happy that he cried after meeting his friend almost made me cry as well. “It's a pleasure to meet all of you. Thank you for taking such good care of him.” - Hirose-san said while bowing his head. I'm starting to wonder whether those two are really brothers by blood or not. They feel as if they were raised together, but I know Tomoki doesn't have a real brother. If I had to say why I think they look alike, it's because of how polite they are while also being humble and easy to talk to. I can see why Himari-san is crazy about him. “Guys, how about the three of us support them? I trust Hotaru. He'd definitely treat Himari well.” - Tomoki suddenly suggested. It's reassuring to hear him say that, but now I'm kind of worried that he might make his friend feel pressured. After all, after such a long time, anything could have changed since they last met. But at the same time, they're so unique that perhaps I shouldn't use my common sense to judge them. It's tricky. ... ♦♦♦ Ding dong, ding dong. “I'll go talk to Hotaru for a while.” - Tomoki said. “Sure, I'll head to my club.” - Satou-san said. “Yeah, I bet you two have a lot to talk about.” - I said. Then Tomoki went to his classroom. (Did you see the new transfer student? I think we have a chance this time.) (I'm going to start writing a love letter now. Wish me luck.) It seems everyone is after Hirose-san now. Fufu~ Good to know. But... “Guys, do you think I have a chance with Hirose-kun?” - Himari-san asked anxiously. Then Satou-san and I glanced at each other. “Unlike everyone else here, you've already met him. You have a better chance than anyone else.” - Satou-san said. “And as far as I can tell, he really likes talking with you. You need to have more confidence in yourself.” - I said. “But unlike everyone else, there's a nasty rumor about me.” - Himari-san said. “Well, this is... really something to be concerned about.” - Satou-san said. “Himari-san, since he's close to Tomoki, I don't think he'll blindly believe those rumors.” - I said. “I already told him everything I've done until now. I bet he even realized that my failed confession was about Tomoki.” - Himari-san was really feeling down... wait. “Wait... did you already tell him everything?” - I think Satou-san realized. “Yeah?” - Himari-san answered. “Did he seem startled or show any sign of being repulsed by you?” - Satou-san asked. “Not at all. Instead, he lifted my spirits and... hehe, he's always so kind to me.” “Himari-san, then that means you have a really high chance with him. The only thing I want to ask is whether you'd be okay if he wanted to have more than one girlfriend.” - I said. “That's... to be honest, I want him all to myself. I know it's greedy, but even so...” I understand you because I feel the same way. “Hmm... since he's almost Tomoki's twin, there's a high chance he'll only want one girlfriend. In my opinion, you should take advantage of the fact that you already know him and try to spend as much time with him as possible.” - Satou-san said. I'm honestly surprised that Satou-san is giving such reasonable advice to a girl about dating. “You're right... Yeah, I should do that! Thank you, both of you! Now I'd better head to my club.” Then Himari-san left our classroom. “Well, I guess we don't need to worry about Tachibana-san anymore. If Tomoki supports Tachibana-san getting together with Hirose-kun, then it's almost guaranteed they'll become a couple.” - Satou-san said. “Fufu~ You're right. If we trust Tomoki, I know he'll put in a good word for Himari-san.” “Yeah... but I'm still worried since Tomoki always thinks outside the box. It's a good thing, but...” “Don't worry. I feel the same.” I wonder what Mother thinks about this new male student. ♦♦♦ “So Ayame, how was the new male student? I only heard about him from the principal, but I want to hear your opinion.” - My mother said. “If I had to summarize him, I'd say he's like Tomoki's long-lost brother.” “Fufu~ I guess the Principal was able to find another treasure. I bet she's happy to have students like him at her school.” “I agree with you.” - I nodded with a smile. “Then, be honest with me. Do you perhaps have any interest in him... as a woman?” Just to be clear, Mother isn't testing or judging me. She's genuinely curious about what I think and what I want. If I happened to say "yes," she'd probably accept it and support me. After all, if Tomoki had no interest in me, then, logically speaking, pursuing Hirose-san would be a reasonable option. And if I wanted to be with both of them, I have the means to make that happen. Sure, our society revolves around polygamous relationships centered on men having harems. But there are a few cases of women having more than one man as a partner. Usually, those women have exceptional social status, wealth, and beauty. Even then, it's extremely rare. In fact, there have only been two women in history who ruled as empresses centuries ago. Maybe there are one or two nowadays, but most of the time those relationships only last for a short while. The reason it's so rare, even when a woman has all those qualities, is because men generally prefer a woman who isn't already in a relationship. I mean, why would they want to share when they can have one... or two... or even five women all to themselves? It's not like I want to brag, but I'm aware of how wealthy we are and how many connections we have throughout the country, and even overseas to some extent. My appearance isn't bad either. But none of that matters to me. “Mom... maybe if I hadn't met Tomoki, I would have taken an interest in him. But the man I love is someone who values fairness in a relationship more than anyone else. I want to be a woman who can proudly say that I love him while also being someone worthy of standing by his side. My eyes are only for him.” “You've really grown up... or maybe you've just become even more obsessed with him.” “Fufu~ I think it's both.” “Enough about our personal matters. Now, being serious, do you think he has the same potential as Morikawa-kun?” “Yes, I think he does. I can't wait to see how he'll pair up with Tomoki... no, not only with Tomoki, but with Satou-san as well.” “Satou... you mean the only son of the Satou Group?” “Yes. He's really changed, Mom! To the point that he's even giving advice to my friend Himari-san.” “I must say, this year has been full of surprises.” “I feel the same, Mom.” “Well, I still have a few things to take care of here.” “Sure, then I'll head to my room.” As I walked down the hallway, I crossed paths with him. “Good night, Father.” “Good night... Ayame, I heard from Sasaki there was another boy who received a scholarship. Is he...” Does Father perhaps think I've set my sights on him too? “Don't worry, Father. I'm not that shameless, so you can rest assured.” “It's not— I see...” “Father, is there something you wanted to talk to me about?” - Since Sasaki-san said he wanted to get to know me better, it wouldn't hurt to ask. “I... no, it's already late. You should get some sleep.” “Yes, Father. Good night.” I realized he'd changed a little... but only a little. Actually... am I expecting something from him? I guess I'm really tired. I should go to sleep. It seemed Father mumbled something, but I couldn't hear him clearly. Maybe that's for the best. ... “Congratulations on your performance.”