The Seventh Seed

Higashino Makoto was silent for a moment, then reached out and gently took her hand.

Her hands were cold, and her fingertips trembled slightly.

"Not surprising."

Without a doubt, it was Mio Takamiya who did it.

"Okay, that's good. I was worried that Higashino- kun would think I'm a strange girl."

She nestled into his arms, her long hair brushing against his chin.

The shoulder straps of her nightgown had completely slipped down, and she didn't pull them up.

That night, Higashino Makoto did not go to see Mio.

Moonlight streamed in through the window, bathing the room in a silvery-white glow.

Shiori Itsuka lay beside him, her long hair spread out on the pillow, her face resting against his chest, her breathing steady.

"Higashino- kun."

"Um."

"You know what? I've always felt like I'm a very ordinary person. I'm not as opinionated Kotori Itsuka, not as athletic Mana, and I don't have any special skills. I guess I'm just good at cooking and stuff."

That's enough.

Is that enough?

That's enough.

The corners of her mouth turned up slightly.

"That's good."

She closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep in his arms.

In the middle of the night, the door was pushed open again.

Higashino Makoto opened his eyes, and moonlight streamed in through the crack in the door, illuminating the figure standing in the doorway.

She wore a white nightgown and a blue ponytail. She was half a head shorter than Shiori Itsuka and a Shiori Itsuka thinner.

Mana Takamiya.

She stood in the doorway, her hand on the doorknob, watching the two people sleeping peacefully in each other's arms on the bed.

After a moment of silence, she came in and closed the door.

"Mana?"

"Elder brother."

She walked to the bedside and looked down at Shiori Itsuka.

Shiori Itsuka was sleeping soundly, a smile still lingering on her lips.

She's come looking for you.

"Um."

I want to come too.

She took off her slippers, climbed into bed, and lay down next to Shiori Itsuka.

Three people squeezed onto one bed; it was a bit cramped.

Mana turned to the side and looked at Higashino Makoto.

The moonlight shone on her face, making her eyes bright.

"Elder brother."

"Um."

I like you just as much as I like my sister.

"I see."

She smiled slightly and closed her eyes.

That night, Mana Takamiya proved with her actions that she was indeed no less capable than Shiori Itsuka.

She has better physical strength and endurance, and although her skills are still raw, she learns very quickly.

It has a unique flavor.

The next morning, sunlight streamed in through the gaps in the curtains.

Higashino Makoto opened his eyes. To his left was Shiori Itsuka, and to his right was Mana.

Shiori Itsuka leaned on his shoulder, Mana leaned on his chest; both of them were fast asleep.

He rose quietly without disturbing them, and stood by the window, looking out at the sea.

A rustling sound came from behind.

"Higashino- kun."

Shiori Itsuka sat up, and the shoulder strap of her nightgown slipped down, so she pulled it up.

Her long hair was a little messy, and she still looked sleepy.

"Morning."

"Morning."

She stood up, walked to his side, and stood beside him at the window.

"Higashino- kun."

"Um."

"Kotori Itsuka's side..."

"What's wrong?"

She turned her head and looked at him.

Kotori Itsuka likes you a lot, but she's just too shy to say it.

Higashino Makoto looked at her.

"You actually spoke up for her at a time like this?"

"I'm her older sister, an older sister should help her younger sister."

Aren't you jealous?

Shiori Itsuka shook her head.

But I'd rather see her happy.

She paused.

"Besides, I know you won't belong to just me."

She smiled, a gentle smile carrying a hint of relief.

"So, rather than having you all to yourself, it's better to let you spend more time with them."

Higashino Makoto remained silent for a long time, then reached out and ruffled her hair.

"You..."

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

In the morning, Higashino Makoto stood at the door of Kotori Itsuka's room.

A wooden sign hangs on the door, with the words "Kotori Itsuka" written on it in pink ink.

He raised his hand and knocked three times.

The door opened a crack, and a pair of red eyes peered at him through the gap.

"What?"

"Shiori Itsuka sent me to find you."

"You come just because your sister told you to?"

"Um."

The gap in the door was a bit too big.

Kotori Itsuka stood in the doorway, wearing pink pajamas, with a white headband tied in her hair, and barefoot on the floor.

Her face flushed slightly, and she dared not look at him.

"Come in."

Higashino Makoto entered the room. Kotori Itsuka's room was small, and on the desk was a photograph of Shiori Itsuka, Kotori Itsuka, and Mana together.

The three of them laughed heartily.

Kotori Itsuka stood behind him, her hands behind her back, her toes touching the ground.

"Kotori Itsuka."

"Um."

Shiori Itsuka said you like me.

Kotori Itsuka's face flushed red.

"Sister... why does my sister tell you everything!"

I know even if she doesn't say it.

After all, Mio Takamiya had already made the arrangements.

Kotori Itsuka's face turned even redder. She lowered her head, and the hair ribbon hung down from the top of her head, obscuring her face.

And what about you?

"What?"

Do you like me?

Higashino Makoto didn't answer immediately. He turned around and looked at her.

She lowered her head, her body trembling slightly.

"Kotori Itsuka."

"Um."

"Raise your head."

She looked up at him, her red eyes slightly red-rimmed.

"Like."

Kotori Itsuka's tears fell. She didn't wipe them away, she just stood there, looking at him, tears streaming down her cheeks.

You're lying.

I'm not lying to you.

"Then why didn't you say so sooner?"

"Because you don't say it."

She paused for a moment, then smiled. Tears still clung to her face, but the corners of her mouth had turned up in a smile.

"You..."

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

She threw herself into his arms, wrapped her arms around his waist, and pressed her face against his chest.

"Higashino."

"Um."

"Hold on tighter."

He hugged her tightly.

That day, Higashino Makoto stayed in Kotori Itsuka's room.

She was more proactive than Shiori Itsuka and bolder than Mana, but afterwards she was more shy than anyone else, burying her face in the pillow and refusing to come out.

"Kotori Itsuka."

"Um."

Turn your head around.

"Don't want."

"Why?"

"I'm too ashamed to face anyone."

I want to see.

She was silent for a moment, then turned her head away.

Her face was as red as an apple, her eyes were red, and a shy smile lingered on her lips.

Have you seen enough?

"No."

"Abnormal."

"Um."

She smiled and leaned against him.

"Higashino."

"Um."

I know I like you.

"Yes, thank you."

Kotori Itsuka gently punched him.

"You should say something nicer."

I will always love Itsuka Kotori.

The corners of her mouth turned up slightly.

That's more like it.

Higashino Makoto looked at his palm.

The seventh seed has also begun to sprout.