The First Step of a Loner's Harem
"So, that's what happened."
"I can't believe it..."
Hearing about my past, the three of them were visibly shaken. Well, I've bounced back from it, so it’s not something they need to worry about too much.
"Still, if you stick around me, you'll probably hear some unpleasant rumors, so I think it’s better not to get too involved with me. Yuki-san, you’re my boss at work. Hinata-san, you’re the school nurse. Shino-san, we’re just old acquaintances. That’s more than enough."
"..."
None of them said a word. Sure, revealing my past doesn't change our relationship, but I'd feel bad if they were treated poorly because of me. It might even cause trouble with their work.
"That’s all I wanted to say, so don’t dwell on it too much. I’ll be lying down on my bed now. When you leave, please lock the door behind you. The key is here; you can return it tomorrow."
I returned to my bed, lay down, and closed my eyes. Slowly, I drifted to sleep while reflecting on my past.
---
I woke up suddenly. What time is it? Judging by the dim light through the curtains, it’s still dark outside. I guess I should check the time.
"You're awake, Yuuki-san?"
I turned towards the voice and saw Yuki-san sitting on a chair near my bed.
"Yuki-san? Why are you here?"
"Just rest for now. Everything’s fine."
She gently stopped me from sitting up, taking my hand. The warmth reminded me of something from long ago—my mother used to do this. No, now's not the time to get sentimental.
"Aren’t you supposed to be at work? Don’t you have responsibilities at the bookstore?"
"I’ve taken the day off. Seeing how unwell you were today, I thought it was necessary. So please, don’t think about anything and just rest."
"Uh… okay, if you insist."
Judging by her expression, trying to argue would be futile. I gave in.
Yuki-san refreshed the cold towel on my forehead. It felt so soothing—guess I really do still have a fever.
"Good night, Yuuki-san."
With the comfort of her warmth, I drifted back to sleep.
---
By morning, I felt a bit less sluggish than yesterday, though the feverish sensation lingered.
"Good morning. How are you feeling?"
"Yuki-san?"
She was still sitting in the same spot. No way...
"You stayed here the whole night?"
"I was worried. Here’s a change of clothes for you. I’ll prepare a light breakfast."
"Uh... okay, thank you."
What happened to Yuki-san? Even after hearing about my past, her attitude hasn’t changed. It’s confusing, but for now, I’ll use the bathroom and check on her.
"Seriously, what’s gotten into her?"
After finishing up in the bathroom, I headed to the living room and peeked at her. Why is she doing all this in my house?
"Hmm… Yuuki-san might like this and this..."
She was humming as she cooked breakfast. It’s nice to have homemade food, but her enthusiasm was baffling.
Ding-dong.
The doorbell rang. I guess I should answer it since Yuki-san’s too focused on cooking.
"Coming!"
When I opened the door, Hinata-san and Shino-san were there.
"Uh... why are you here?"
"Well, I wanted to try Yuki’s cooking for breakfast," Hinata-san replied.
You’re the school nurse, showing up at a sick student’s house to mooch breakfast? Seriously?
"It’s part of my charm as a seductive school nurse."
"Please stop bragging about that."
"So you agree that I’m charming?"
Talking to Hinata-san is exhausting. She’s always teasing.
"Good morning, Yuuki-kun. How are you feeling?" Shino-san asked softly.
"Better than yesterday. Are you sure it’s okay for you to be here, Shino-san?"
"I’ve actually started working at the school as a counselor, alongside Hinata. So, starting today, we’ll be colleagues."
"Wait... does that mean..."
"It means I’ll be with you from now on."
Great. Now both of them are working at my school. This can only mean more trouble for me—mainly because of Hinata-san’s antics.
"Enough chatter. Can we come in? I’m starving."
"Yeah, yeah. Come on in."
I led them into the living room.
"Yuki-san, Hinata-san and Shino-san are here."
"I see. Yuuki-san, you should be resting."
"I just got up to use the bathroom. Besides, breakfast smells too good to resist."
"Well, as long as you’re eating. Just take it slow."
Yuki-san set out a traditional Japanese breakfast: grilled fish, miso soup, and more.
"Yuki-san’s cooking is always something to look forward to."
"It looks delicious."
"Thank you for the meal," Shino-san said politely.
We started eating, and as usual, Yuki-san’s cooking was impeccable. It reminded me of my mom’s cooking—something I hadn’t had in years.
After breakfast, I decided to address the elephant in the room.
"So, why are the three of you here? Didn’t I say it’s better not to get too involved with me?"
Yuki-san looked straight at me, her eyes filled with determination.
"Yuuki-san, after hearing about your past, I was shocked. You seemed so composed when we met, I never imagined you’d been through such pain. But when you told us to stay away yesterday, it made me realize something."
Her gaze was unwavering, more serious than I’d ever seen it.
"I love you, Yuuki-san. No matter what your past holds, I want to stay by your side."
"I..."
I was stunned. This was the first time anyone had confessed to me like this. Before I could respond, Hinata-san chimed in.
"Sorry to interrupt your moment, but I also like Yuuki. Despite my quirks, you’ve never judged me or pushed me away. That’s why I want to be your girlfriend too."
"Hinata-san too?!"
And then Shino-san added quietly, "I love you too. This time, I want to be there to support you."
All three of them confessed... to me? What kind of surreal situation is this?
"Yuuki-san, we’ve heard your past and accept everything about you. So please, don’t let it hold you back. Just give us your answer."
I took a deep breath and made my decision.
"If you’re okay with my burdens... please, be my girlfriends!"
All three of them smiled warmly, and thus began the first chapter of my unexpected harem life.
---
Author's Note:
Let me know if you need any adjustments!
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