There's something unsettling about bringing someone back to your secret hideout when "home" is a magically transformed cave you created yourself. Especially when those someones are childhood friends turned distant strangers now turned... whatever we were becoming. Add in the fact that we were all soaking wet, emotionally raw, and had just narrowly escaped both a violent confrontation and a raging thunderstorm, and you have all the ingredients for the world's most awkward sleepover.

"Um, welcome to my... place?" I offered lamely as I ushered the Kimochi sisters through the entrance.

Water streamed from our clothes, forming puddles on the smooth stone floor. The sisters huddled close, stepping cautiously over the threshold. Their eyes darted around, taking in the transformed cave with expressions of wonder and uncertainty.

I sealed the door against the howling storm, activating the protective enchantments with a gesture that still felt surprisingly natural. The security runes glowed briefly before fading to invisibility, and I felt the subtle shift in the air as the sanctuary's magics engaged.

Only then did I notice how Miyuki and Mochi were gripping my soggy uniform with surprising strength, pressing against me as if afraid I might disappear. For sisters who had avoided touching any male for years, this sudden physical dependence felt both miraculous and fragile—like holding something precious that might shatter at any moment.

My first instinct was to give them space, but their trembling suggested warmth and comfort were more urgent priorities.

"Let me show you around," I said gently, guiding them further inside. "There's hot water, food, and dry clothes. Everything we need."

My Transform-enhanced cave suddenly seemed like the sanctuary it was meant to be. All those hours spent reshaping stone, creating comforts, and preparing for hypothetical guests now felt like cosmic foresight rather than restless energy.

"This is... yours?" Mochi whispered, her eyes widening as she took in the polished stone walls, glowing crystal lights, and carefully arranged living spaces. The great hall alone was larger than most apartments in Tokyo, with multiple wings branching off into separate areas designed to comfortably house dozens.

"I created it," I confirmed, unable to keep a hint of pride from my voice. "Transform ability. Pretty useful for interior design."

"It's beautiful," Miyuki murmured, her gaze lingering on the constellations I'd etched into the ceiling.

I led them to the bathing chamber I'd created specifically for female guests—a spacious area with a large stone tub fed by the underground hot spring, complete with carved shelves for toiletries and hooks for clothes. The natural pool was large enough for both of them to stretch out comfortably, with smooth stone seating carved into the edges at various heights.

"The water's always hot," I explained, activating the flow with a gesture. Steaming water began filling the tub, the gentle sound of splashing echoing pleasantly against the stone walls. "Take as long as you need. There are towels on that shelf, and, um..." I hesitated, suddenly aware of a logistical problem. "Your clothes are soaked."

The sisters exchanged glances; tension visible in their shoulders.

"We have... other clothes," Miyuki said cryptically after a moment. "But they're not exactly..." She trailed off, a faint blush colouring her pale cheeks.

"Right, right," I said quickly, realising my mistake. "I'll find you something to wear. The bathing chamber is completely private, and your quarters are on the opposite side from mine." I gestured to the door. "Just leave your wet things outside, and I'll take care of them while you bathe."

"Thank you, Andie," Miyuki said, using my first name for what felt like the first time in years.

The simple act of hearing my name from her lips sent an unexpected wave of emotion through me.

I retreated hastily, giving them the privacy they clearly needed. Once outside, I rummaged through my limited inventory, finding materials that I duly transformed into two oversized t-shirts that might serve as temporary nightgowns. They weren't much, but they'd be better than nothing.

While the sisters bathed, I busied myself with preparation. I retrieved their sodden uniforms from outside the bathing chamber door, taking them to the utility room where I scrubbed them clean in the laundry basin before hanging them on the heat-stone racks I'd designed for quick drying. Then I returned to the kitchen, stoked the fire and started a simple stew with dried meat and herbs I'd gathered.

My thoughts wandered as I worked. How strange that we were here—childhood friends torn apart by circumstances beyond our control, now thrust together in another world entirely. The universe had a perverse sense of narrative convenience sometimes. If this were actually a light novel, the readers would probably be complaining about the lack of combat stats in my ability tree. "When is he going to get a proper power-up?" they'd ask. "Who ever heard of a hero whose main skills are interior design and awkward social interactions?"

My Appraisal skill automatically catalogued the properties of the drying process: [Heat-Stone Drying Rack] Elements: Transform-enhanced basalt, ambient magical circulation Effects: Accelerated drying without fabric damage, gentle warming, minor mildew prevention Notes: Particularly effective for delicate materials

In the bathing chamber, Miyuki helped her sister into the steaming water, both of them sighing as warmth seeped into their chilled bodies.

"Do you think we're safe here?" Mochi whispered, leaning against the smooth stone edge.

Miyuki considered this, absently tracing patterns in the water's surface. "I think... yes. He saved us. Again."

"It was really him that night, wasn't it? With Mom?" Mochi's voice trembled slightly. "All this time..."

"He never said anything." Miyuki's tone held wonder rather than accusation. "He just... let us pull away."

"He respected our boundaries," Mochi murmured. "Even when he didn't understand why."

The sisters fell silent, letting the hot water work its magic on their tired muscles and frayed nerves. After years of vigilance and fear around males, the simple act of relaxing in a safe space felt almost rebelliously luxurious.

"This is the first time I've felt... calm... around a boy since..." Mochi couldn't finish the sentence.

Miyuki squeezed her sister's hand underwater. "I know. Me too."

"Do you think we can trust him?" Mochi asked, though her tone suggested she already knew the answer.

"I think we already do," Miyuki replied softly. "Maybe we always have."

I knocked gently on the bathing chamber door about forty minutes later, careful to keep my eyes averted as I placed the clean, dry t-shirts just inside.

"Your uniforms are still drying, but these should work for now," I called through the cracked door. "Food's almost ready whenever you're done."

A soft "thank you" floated back to me—I couldn't tell which sister had spoken.

I returned to the kitchen area, stirring the stew and arranging fresh bread (courtesy of my increasingly useful Transform ability) on carved stone plates. My Appraisal skill automatically catalogued the nutritional benefits of our simple meal: [Herb-Enhanced Venison Stew] Primary Ingredients: Dried venison, wild onions, Azure Bellflower, Golden Cap Mushrooms Effects: Accelerated stamina recovery, minor mana regeneration, enhanced nutrient absorption Notes: Particularly effective for emotional exhaustion recovery

Perfect comfort food for traumatised isekai victims. If I ever got back home, I could write a cookbook—"Interdimensional Comfort Cuisine: Healing Meals for the Magically Displaced."

The sisters emerged as I was setting the table, both swimming in my oversized t-shirts. Their hair, still damp from the bath, hung loose around their shoulders—a stark contrast to the practical ponytails they typically wore. They looked younger somehow, more like the childhood friends I remembered from before whatever had happened to fracture our friendship.

"That smells amazing," Mochi said, her voice stronger now.

"Nothing fancy," I demurred, gesturing to the stone benches. "Just stew and bread."

We settled around the table, an awkward silence descending as we all seemed to realise simultaneously that this was our first meal together in years. I served them generous portions, then myself, focusing on the practical task to ease the tension.

"So," I began clumsily. "This world is pretty weird, right?"

A beat of silence, then both sisters giggled—a startled, genuine sound that warmed something in my chest.

"That's your opening line?" Miyuki asked, a hint of her old teasing personality breaking through.

"Hey, give me a break," I protested with mock indignation. "My small talk skills are rusty after four nights alone in another world."

Just like that, the tension cracked. We ate in more comfortable silence for a few minutes, the simple act of sharing food helping to bridge the years of separation.

"This place is incredible," Mochi said eventually, glancing around at the enchanted stone walls and glowing runes that subtly powered the sanctuary's systems. "How did you make all this?"

I explained my Transform ability and how I'd gradually expanded and improved the cave, describing the security enchantments that protected us from detection and the magical infrastructure that provided comfort. They listened attentively, asking questions about the design and construction that helped maintain the easy conversation. It was almost normal—just three old friends catching up.

Almost.

There was still a current beneath our interaction—unspoken questions, unacknowledged pain, and the looming reality of our situation. As the meal progressed, I felt the weight of my own secrets pressing against my conscience. If we were rebuilding trust, didn't that demand honesty?

"There's something I need to tell you," I said suddenly, setting down my spoon.

Both sisters tensed slightly, though they tried to hide it.

"It's about your mother," I continued, my voice catching. "Naomi-san."

Their expressions shifted from wariness to concern.

"What about Mom?" Miyuki asked, leaning forward.

I took a deep breath. "She's here—in Voluptaria, I mean. And it's my fault."

The words tumbled out in a rush then—how I'd gone to warn Naomi-san about the transportation circles, how she'd been caught in one while I managed to escape momentarily, how I'd been searching for her since arriving but had found no trace.

"I'm so sorry," I finished, my voice cracking with emotion I couldn't hide. "If I hadn't gone to your house that day, she'd still be safe at home. I promise I'm trying to find her. I won't stop until—"

I was cut off by the unexpected sensation of arms wrapping around me. Both sisters had moved to my side of the table, enfolding me in a tight embrace.

"Idiot," Miyuki whispered, her voice thick. "You were trying to help."

"Mom's strong," Mochi added. "And smart. If she's here, she's probably doing better than any of us."

Their forgiveness was so immediate, so instinctive, that I felt tears threatening. After years of separation and confusion, they still knew me—still trusted my intentions even when my actions had consequences neither of us wanted.

"Thank you," I managed. "For not hating me."

"We could never hate you, Andie," Mochi said softly, using my first name for the first time in years. The sound of it in her voice sent a wave of nostalgia through me.

"Not even when we were avoiding you," Miyuki added, pulling back slightly to meet my eyes. "That was never about you."

The elephant in the room—the reason for their withdrawal—hung in the air between us. I didn't push, knowing some wounds needed time.

Instead, I asked, "What happened after you were transported here? Where have you been all this time?"

The sisters returned to their seats, the moment of vulnerability passing but leaving a new warmth in its wake.

"We were transported to the selection phase with the rest of the class," Miyuki explained. "That white space with the twelve female entities offering choices."

"The Twelve," I nodded. "I met them too."

"We... weren't comfortable being around the boys," Mochi said, her voice softening. "Miyako, Airi, Hiroko, and Sakura noticed and helped us through the selection process."

"They shielded us, explained the system, guided us through our choices," Miyuki continued. "I selected Mnemonic as my job class." She hesitated. "It... it has abilities for healing memories and trauma."

The implication hung silently between us. She'd chosen a class specifically to help recover from whatever had happened in their past.

"And I chose Chirurgeon," Mochi added. "For physical healing."

"After the selection, we all materialised in this world, but we got separated from the main group," Miyuki said. "Whether by accident or design, we ended up alone in the forest. We've been on our own since then."

"Between us, we could handle most problems," she continued. "We've been surviving, hiding, trying to understand this world."

"Until Akira found us," Mochi said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "He's been... hunting us... for days. Said he finally had us where no one could interfere."

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

I felt a surge of protective rage at the thought of Akira stalking them through this alien forest, capitalising on their isolation and vulnerability. The umbranium dagger on my hip seemed to pulse in response to my anger.

"You don't have to worry about him anymore," I said with quiet certainty. "He won't hurt you again."

Something in my tone must have alarmed them because both sisters looked at me with sudden concern.

"Andie," Miyuki said carefully. "What did you do after we ran?"

"Nothing," I assured them, which was technically true. I hadn't done anything to Akira after they fled. Whatever had happened with that hooded figure was beyond my knowledge or control. "I just followed to make sure you found the sanctuary safely."

They seemed to accept this, though Miyuki's expression suggested she wasn't entirely convinced.

"What about you?" Mochi asked, clearly wanting to change the subject. "What happened after you arrived? How did you end up in this cave?"

I shared my own story—materialising in the moonpool, meeting Rurielle, fighting goblins with dancing sticks, creating the sanctuary, and briefly reuniting with our nerd classmates from home.

"Wait," Miyuki interrupted, eyes wide. "You fought off goblins with animated sticks and a mud bath?"

"And a flashlight app," I added with a straight face. "Very tactical."

They both stared at me for a moment before dissolving into giggles. The sound was so familiar, so reminiscent of our childhood together, that my chest ached with a curious mixture of joy and longing.

"Only you, Andie," Miyuki said, shaking her head. "Only you."

As we cleared away the dishes, Mochi asked hesitantly, "Do you know where the others are? Our classmates?"

I explained what I'd learned from Kazuki and the others—about the main camp, the social fracturing, and the disturbing abilities some of our classmates had acquired.

"So, the delinquents got mind control powers," Miyuki said flatly, exchanging a meaningful look with her sister.

"That tracks," Mochi muttered.

"Don't worry," I assured them. "According to Hiroko, she permanently removed those abilities from Kenji and Ryo. And my sanctuary is protected by multiple security enchantments. No one can find it unless I want them to."

I gestured toward the nearly invisible runes carved into the doorways and ceiling—complex patterns that warded against detection, intrusion, and malicious intent. The security system wasn't just physical barriers but a magical network that extended throughout the cave system, creating layers of protection against various threats.

"Tomorrow," I said, "I'll help you search for your mother. My Clairvoyance and Enemy Tracking abilities should make exploration safer."

"We'll help search too," Miyuki insisted. "Our skills complement each other well."

"And three pairs of eyes are better than one," Mochi added.

I nodded, feeling strangely content despite the circumstances. "For now, though, you both need rest. Let me show you to your rooms."

I led them through the great hall to the female wing, showing them the various options. "There are several single rooms if you each want your own space," I explained, gesturing down the corridor, "or there's a double room designed for sharing if you'd prefer to stay together."

The sisters exchanged one of their silent communication glances before Miyuki nodded toward the double. "We'd prefer to stay together, at least for now," she said softly.

"Of course," I said, showing them the spacious double room with two comfortable beds I'd crafted. "These quarters are entirely separate and across the sanctuary from mine in the male wing, so you'll have complete privacy."

"Thank you," Miyuki said simply.

I made sure they had everything they needed, then retreated to my own chamber at the opposite end of the sanctuary. The path between our wings was lined with softly glowing crystals I'd embedded in the floor—natural wayfinding lights that would help them navigate the cave in darkness if needed.

Despite my exhaustion, sleep eluded me. My mind kept replaying the events of the day—finding the sisters, rescuing them from Akira, their unexpected forgiveness regarding their mother.

We'd taken the first steps toward healing our friendship, but there was still so much left unsaid between us. Whatever trauma had driven them away years ago still lingered beneath the surface, a shadow that needed addressing if we were to truly move forward.

With these thoughts cycling through my mind, I finally drifted into a restless sleep.

I didn't know how long I'd been drifting in and out of sleep when I felt the covers shift. My eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the low light, and I saw two silhouettes slipping into the bed on either side of me. My breath caught in my throat as Miyuki and Mochi pressed close, their bodies radiating warmth. I could feel their vulnerability, their need for closeness, as tangibly as the softness of their skin against mine.

"Andie," Miyuki whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "Can we… stay with you tonight?"

I didn't hesitate. "Of course," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "Always."

Mochi's small hand found mine under the blanket, her fingers trembling ever so slightly. "We… we need you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

My heart swelled, and I pulled them both closer, wrapping my arms around them. Their bodies were soft and warm, their breaths steady against my chest. For a moment, we just lay there, the three of us, cocooned in the soft glow of the lamplight and the distant rumble of the storm outside.

Slowly, almost tentatively, Miyuki traced her fingers along my chest, her touch light but deliberate. I could feel her hesitation, her desire for connection battling against the walls she'd built around herself. I leaned into her touch, letting her know it was okay, that I was here for her. Her breath hitched slightly, and she leaned in, pressing her lips to mine in a soft, tentative kiss.

The Perfect Kiss ability activated instinctively, and the sensation was electric. Her lips were soft and warm, and the kiss deepened as she melted into it, her tongue brushing against mine. The connection between us sparked to life, amplified by Pleasure Transfer, and I could feel her emotions as vividly as my own—her longing, her fear, her desperate need for this.

On the other side, Mochi shifted closer, her small frame trembling slightly as she nuzzled against my shoulder. I turned my head, brushing a soft kiss against her forehead, and she let out a soft sigh, her body relaxing into mine. Her hands found my other arm, tracing the muscles there with timid curiosity.

"Is this okay?" Miyuki asked softly, pulling back just enough to look at me. Her eyes were dark and full of questions.

"More than okay," I murmured, my voice low. "I'm here for you. Both of you."

She smiled, a rare, genuine smile that lit up her face, and she leaned in to kiss me again. This time, it was deeper, more urgent, and I could feel the hunger in her touch. Mochi shifted, her hand moving to my chest, and I turned my attention to her, pulling her into a kiss of her own. Her lips were softer, more tentative, but no less eager.

Slowly, almost without realising it, our hands began to explore each other. Miyuki's fingers traced the lines of my arms, my chest, my stomach, while Mochi's hands were shy but persistent, tugging gently at the hem of my shirt. I let them undress me, their touches hesitant but sure, and my breath caught as their hands roamed over my bare skin.

When they pulled back to slip off their own clothing, the lamplight cast their bodies in a warm, golden glow. Miyuki's sheer lace babydoll clung to her curves, the G-string and garter belt highlighting her legs in a way that made my mouth go dry. Mochi's chemise was lighter, more delicate, her undergarments simpler but no less breathtaking. Their bodies were a study in contrasts—Miyuki's bold and commanding, Mochi's shy and inviting—and I couldn't tear my gaze away.

"You're beautiful," I whispered, my voice rough with emotion. "Both of you."

Miyuki's smile widened, and she leaned in, pressing another kiss to my lips. Mochi followed suit, her kiss softer, more tentative, but no less heartfelt. Their hands found mine, guiding them to their bodies, and I savoured the softness of their skin, the way their breaths hitched at my touch.

Their hands moved to my chest, pushing me gently back against the pillows. Miyuki moved first, straddling me with a confidence that made my heart race. Her hands roamed over my chest, tracing the lines of my muscles, while Mochi leaned in, pressing soft, tentative kisses to my neck and shoulder. I let my hands explore their bodies, tracing the curves of their hips, their waists, their breasts. Their breaths hitched at my touch, their reactions amplified by Pleasure Transfer, and I could feel the way their bodies responded to mine.

Miyuki's hands moved lower, tracing the lines of my abs before moving even lower. Her fingers brushed against my erection, and I let out a soft gasp, my hips twitching involuntarily. She smiled, her eyes dark and mischievous, and she shifted, sliding down my body until her face was level with my hips. Mochi followed her lead, her movements more hesitant but no less eager.

I watched as they exchanged a glance, some unspoken communication passing between them. Miyuki's hands wrapped around my shaft, her grip firm and confident, while Mochi leaned in, pressing soft kisses to my inner thighs. My breath hitched as they began to tease me, their touches and kisses working in tandem. Miyuki's hand moved in slow, deliberate strokes, her grip slick and smooth thanks to my Lubricating Touch. Mochi's kisses grew bolder, her tongue flicking out to tease the sensitive skin of my thighs, her breath hot against my flesh.

Then Miyuki leaned in, her tongue flicking out to lick the tip of my shaft. I gasped at the sensation, my hips twitching involuntarily, and she smiled, her eyes dark with lust. She took me into her mouth, her tongue swirling around my shaft, and I let out a low moan, my hands fisting in the sheets. Mochi watched, her eyes wide with fascination, and she shifted closer, her hands joining Miyuki's as they worked me in tandem.

The sensation was overwhelming, their touches and kisses working in perfect harmony. Miyuki's mouth was hot and wet, her tongue swirling around my shaft in a way that made my toes curl. Mochi's hands were tentative but eager, her fingers tracing the veins of my shaft, her nails gently scraping my sensitive flesh. Every touch, every kiss, was amplified by Pleasure Transfer, the sensation so intense it was almost too much.

And then Mochi shifted, her hands moving to my chest as she straddled me. I looked up at her, my breath catching at the sight of her above me. Her chemise was gone, her breasts bare, and she leaned in, pressing them to my chest. She began to grind into my erection without any penetration, the slickness there brushing over me smoothly with the help of Perfect Touch and Lubricating Touch. The sensation was electric, her soft moans filling the air as she moved against me. The faint, but unmistakable vibration of her movements against my cock below made my eyes blur. As she slid across my hard length again and again, caught fire from the friction. Her hair, silkier than warm water, fell across my chest with every movement of her hips.

Finally, Miyuki pulled back, her lips glistening. She crawled up the bed, pressing hot kisses to my chest and neck before finally claiming my mouth in a deep, passionate kiss. I could taste myself on her tongue, and the sensation was strangely erotic. She pulled back, her eyes dark with desire, and shifted, pressing her breasts to my face.

I didn't need any further encouragement. I leaned in, my lips wrapping around one of her nipples, and she let out a soft gasp, her fingers tangling in my hair. Physical Enhancement made the very contact both sensual and durable to keep the contact pleasurable without adding any tension. I suckled at her breast, my tongue swirling around her nipple, and she let out a low moan, her hips bucking against me. Pleasure Transfer amplified the sensation, and I could feel the way her body responded to mine, the way her core clenched with each flick of my tongue.

Above me, Mochi let out a soft moan, her hips moving faster against mine. I reached up, my hand finding her breast, and she gasped, her back arching as I teased her nipple. My Perfect Touch made sure each touch was perfectly in line with her feeling juvenile lines of pleasure as they responded. She ground against me harder, her moans growing louder, and I could feel her approaching the edge.

I flipped my attention back to Miyuki, my hand moving to her core. She was already slick and ready, her folds swollen and hot to the touch as my temperature-play heightened the sensations. I slipped a finger inside her, and she gasped, her hips bucking against my hand. I curled my finger, finding the spot that made her body sing, and she let out a low cry, her hands clutching at my hair.

"Andie," she gasped, her voice breathless. "Andie, I—I'm close."

"Me too," Mochi panted, her voice high and breathless.

I nodded, redoubling my efforts, my hands and mouth working in tandem as I brought them both to the edge. Their moans filled the air, their bodies trembling as they chased their release. The sensations were overwhelming, their pleasure amplified by Pleasure Transfer, and I could feel their bodies responding to mine, their core clenching, their breasts heaving.

Mochi came first, her body trembling as she cried out, her core clenching around nothing but sensations. The sight of her coming undone above me, her breasts thrust forward in the most spine-bending way, pushed Miyuki over the edge. She came with a low cry, her body convulsing as she ground against my hand, her core clenching around my fingers.

I pulled them both to me, my body vibrating with an intensity beyond what words could describe as I demanded they let loose and riding the afterglow of Tantric Energy as their bodies melted against mine. Their breaths came in ragged gasps, their bodies trembling as they rode out the aftershocks of their release. The twins curled against my chest in delicate abandon. I held them close, my hands tracing soothing patterns on their skin at that moment our connection was stronger than ever.

"Andie," Miyuki murmured, her voice soft and sated.

"Mmm?" I asked, pressing a soft kiss to her temple.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"Thank you," Mochi echoed, her voice barely audible.

I smiled, pulling them both closer. "Always," I whispered.

We lay there for a long time, the sound of the storm outside fading to a distant murmur as we drifted off to sleep, our bodies entwined, our hearts beating in sync.

I awoke to unfamiliar warmth surrounding me—not just the ambient temperature of my cave sanctuary, but the presence of bodies pressed close on either side. For a moment, I thought I was still dreaming, but the weight of arms draped across my chest and the soft, rhythmic breathing beside my ears were too real.

With careful subtlety, I opened my eyes to find myself sandwiched between the Kimochi sisters, both still sleeping peacefully. Miyuki's head rested against my left shoulder, while Mochi was curled into my right side, her hand resting lightly over my heart. The gentle intimacy of the position sent a wave of protective tenderness through me.

My memory of the night before rushed back—their unexpected appearance in my chamber, their vulnerability mixed with determination, the healing connection that had formed between us after years of distance. My cheeks warmed at the recollection, but there was no regret—only a profound sense that something long broken had begun to mend.

Mochi stirred first, her eyes fluttering open to meet mine. For a heartbeat, I feared she might recoil—that daylight clarity would bring regret or shame. Instead, her lips curved into a sleepy smile.

"Morning," she murmured, making no move to increase the distance between us.

"Morning," I replied, hardly daring to breathe.

Miyuki awakened a moment later, yawning against my shoulder before registering our position. Unlike her sister, she didn't seem remotely concerned about the intimacy of our arrangement.

"Told you we'd share," she said with sleep-hazed directness.

The words triggered a vivid sensory flashback to our classroom on that fateful day—sunlight streaming through windows, the smell of chalk and floor polish, the sisters answering questions about their ideal man during that impromptu discussion just before we were all transported to Voluptaria.

"Both of you?" Hitomi Yamada had asked, wide-eyed.

Mochi had nodded decisively. "Japan may not recognise polygamy officially, but in our hearts? We'd share."

The memory was so clear it felt like I could reach out and touch it—that surreal moment when they'd described their perfect guy (who sounded suspiciously like me) and declared they'd share him, right before our world had literally turned upside down. Back then, I'd choked on air, triggering a coughing fit that went unnoticed amid the classroom commotion.

I couldn't help the startled laugh that escaped me. "I thought you were joking that day in class. Right before... everything happened."

"Mmm, not entirely," Miyuki replied, stretching catlike beside me. "Though the circumstances were... unexpected."

"Thank you," Mochi said suddenly, her expression turning serious. "For being our hero. Then and now."

The simple sincerity in her voice caught me off guard. "I didn't do much," I demurred, uncomfortable with the praise. "Anyone would have—"

"No," Miyuki interrupted gently. "They wouldn't have. That's the point."

She shifted, propping herself up on one elbow to look at me directly. "For years, we pushed everyone away—especially boys. We had our reasons." Her expression clouded briefly before she continued. "But you never pushed back. You just... waited. Even when you didn't understand why."

"And when we needed someone," Mochi added, "you were there. Both times."

"I'll always be there," I promised, the words emerging before I could consider their weight. "Whatever you need."

The sisters exchanged one of their silent communication glances over my chest.

"We want to explain," Miyuki said softly. "About what happened. Why we pulled away."

"You don't have to," I said quickly. "Not if it's painful."

"We need to," Mochi insisted. "For us as much as for you."

Miyuki nodded in agreement. "But not right now. Soon, when we're ready."

"Whenever you want," I assured them. "I'm not going anywhere."

We lay in comfortable silence for a few minutes, the sanctuary quiet around us except for the distant sound of the underground spring bubbling through stone channels. It was peaceful in a way I hadn't experienced since arriving in Voluptaria—not just physical safety, but emotional security.

"So," Mochi said eventually, her tone deliberately lighter, "what's the plan for today? Mom-finding expedition?"

"Breakfast first," I replied, grateful for the shift to practicality. "Then we need to figure out a search pattern."

"I should probably get dressed," Miyuki added with a slight smile. "Our uniforms should be dry by now in the laundry room, right?"

"Yes," I confirmed, suddenly remembering. "They should be perfectly dry on those heat-stone racks I showed you last night. Sorry, I should have brought them to your rooms."

"No need to apologise," Mochi said with a playful nudge. "This worked out just fine."

As the sisters disentangled themselves and prepared to start the day, I found myself reflecting on the bizarre twist my isekai adventure had taken. One moment I'd been a solo protagonist with dancing sticks and mud-bath tactics; now I was part of a trio with childhood friends restored and secrets still to uncover.

If there's one constant in transportation to another world, it's that nothing goes according to expectation—not the skills you receive, not the allies you make, and definitely not the relationships you form. The deities who sent us here probably had some grand design in mind, but I was increasingly convinced they were making it up as they went along.

"Andie?" Miyuki called from the doorway. "Are you coming?"

I smiled, pushing away philosophical musings in favour of immediate concerns. "Right behind you."

Whatever came next—whether searching for Naomi-san, confronting more of our classmates, or eventually facing whatever purpose brought us to Voluptaria—at least we wouldn't be facing it alone anymore.

Though I did wonder what Rurielle would think when she eventually visited and found my sanctuary suddenly housing a trio of formerly estranged childhood friends with matching trauma and complementary healing abilities.

The universe really did have the subtlety of a sledgehammer sometimes.

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