[Day 1]

Asahi never thought that having a good appearance would make dating any simpler. Drawing from his past experience, he could confidently conclude that physical appearance was an effective bait, while personality served as the captivating hook. In the peculiar case of the Busujima Twins, however, it was his caring nature that served as the bait. Shiori approaching on the very day she witnessed him showering Shizuka with kindness could not be a coincidence.

(My love is too charming for them.)

‘Klyscha, isn’t this Saeko more cold and distant?’

Sandwiched snugly between the mirror images of beauty, Asahi couldn’t help but draw comparisons between their contrasting demeanors. One sister radiated calmness, akin to a serene, ice-glazed lake, while the other exuded warmth and energy, evident in her smile and lively steps.

(They complement each other.)

‘Yup.’

Shiori gently nudged him. “Now I know why they call you the Quiet Prince. Don’t you have anything to say to the most beautiful twins of Fujimi High?”

His silence compelled the playful senpai into taking a jab at his title.

Having grown a skin thicker than a rhino, he simply smiled. “I was just awestruck by your bedazzling glamor.”

[–Shiori Busujima: Affection +3]

[–Saeko Busujima: Affection +2]

[–‘Shiori Busujima’ added to the Partner menu.]

[–‘Saeko Busujima' added to the Partner menu.]

Saeko concealed her appreciation behind a mask of indifference. Without his System, he might believe she disliked the compliment.

Shiori gave him a thumbs up. “Damn, you’re smoother than a lolita’s skin.”

The unexpected comparison threw Asahi off. “No way you compared that to a loli.”

“What can I say? Lolis are love. Lolis are life.”

Saeko lunged at Shiori and pinched her ear, twisting it as though punishing her.

“Shiori,” Saeko spoke coldly, making her sister shrink in terror. “Must you always speak without a filter?”

“Ouch… Saeko, that was a reference. A JoJo reference!”

He couldn’t help but chuckle. Their contrasting personalities made their exchange endearing. “You’ve played too much eroge.”

Shiori’s gaze snapped to him, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She looked at him like she found a kindred soul. “You also play them?”

He cleared his throat. “I’ve finished a few.”

Right as he answered, large hearts drifted over them.

[–Shiori Busujima: Affection +14]

[–Saeko Busujima: Affection +8]

Shiori pumped her fist in the air. “Let’s goooo.”

Saeko gently pulled Shiori’s ear again, bursting her bubble of excitement. “Calm down for a second.”

“Stop making me look like a kid in front of Asahi-kun. It’s unacceptable.”

“Then behave like an adult.”

Shiori rubbed her ear and clicked her tongue. “I refuse to acknowledge the law that counts every eighteen-year-old as an adult. From now on, only married people will be acknowledged as adults!”

Saeko's hand reached out again, but Shiori darted behind Asahi, using him as a barrier—

Shiori peeked out and stuck her tongue out childishly. “Heh, can’t get past my meatshield?”

—A meatshield.

Asahi’s brows twitched. “Shiori, what the hell did I do to deserve that fate?”

[–Shiori Busujima: Affection +2]

[–Saeko Busujima: Affection +3]

Shiori snickered maniacally like a villain. “Consider it an honor to be used by a beautiful lady like me.”

“Yes, My Lady.”

[–Shiori Busujima: Affection +1]

[–Saeko Busujima: Affection +1]

Saeko’s frown was a mix of exasperation and affection, as she watched her sister's theatrics unfold in the middle of the school corridor. “Shiori, you’re troubling him. Marikawa-kun, just say the word. I’ll throw her far away from you.”

“Oi, you make it sound like I’m sort of a parasite clinging to him!”

“Are you not?”

“...”

“We should get to the cafeteria before the break ends.”

“No,” Shiori refused firmly. “Asahi-kun, tell us if we troubled you in any way. I—I’ll never bother you again.”

Saeko’s expression turned serious, as she eagerly awaited his answer. Saeko seemed concerned that Shiori’s antics might overwhelm him, driving him away. Shiori wanted to test if he could endure her playfulness.

The siblings put him on the spot with their inquisitiveness.

Asahi shook his head. “No, it’s not troubling for me. Quite the opposite, actually. Your playfulness is kind of charming in a way.”

A bigger-than-average heart flew over Saeko’s head as her gaze softened.

[–Shiori Busujima: Affection +5]

[–Saeko Busujima: Affection +9]

“Awww, I’m blushing.”

“No, you are not.” Saeko raised an eyebrow. “I don’t think charming is the right choice of word for her. I was thinking more along the lines of ‘overwhelming.’"

“Hey!” Shiori pouted, then turned to Asahi with a mischievous smile. “Asahi-kun, you wouldn’t call me overwhelming, would you?”

Asahi paused, a hint of teasing in his sharp gaze. “Well, perhaps just the right amount of overwhelming.”

“Yes!”

Saeko crossed her arms. “She needs serious scolding.”

Shiori perked up on her heels and blew warm air in his ears. “Punish me daddy.”

He flicked her forehead without looking back. “You sisters get along so well.”

“Like you are so chummy with your sister,” Shiori whispered and patted his bicep. “Jeez, these muscles. I didn’t know you worked out.”

Saeko sighed, shaking her head. “Now you’re touching him without permission…” 

“I don’t mind it, Saeko.” Asahi reassured her. “Can I call you that? It’ll be confusing to address the two of you by the same last name.”

[–Shiori Busujima: Affection +9]

[–Saeko Busujima: Affection +5]

(My love, you’re speedrunning the twin sister route!)

He hadn’t done anything special outside of being welcoming to Shiori and playing along with their banter. His frankness made it so the sisters would want to be in his party after the undead breakout.

Shiori laughed, looping her arm with Asahi’s. “I insist you call us by our first names.”

When he turned to Saeko, she also nodded. “In private. It’s more comfortable to use my family name in front of other students.”

“Got it.”

[–Shiori Busujima: Affection +5]

[–Saeko Busujima: Affection +3]

Shiori patted his arm. “While we are on that topic. Asahi-kun, are you single?”

“Yeah.”

She leaned closer, almost resting her face against his arm. “The route begins…”