The Kazuma family have some distant relatives with the last name Iida in Izu, but Kazuma Kiryuu had only recently learned as much. Originally, Kiryuu had planned to simply rent a high-end apartment after arriving in Izu. But after casually mentioning the idea to his parents, the news about distant relatives emerged—and the thrifty nature of the Kazuma household completely squashed the apartment plan. At least temporarily.
"Here's some water."
That evening, in the living room of the 'Iida' residence, a girl named Iida Kanako placed a glass of cold water in front of Kazuma Kiryuu.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Kanako smiled as she sat on a nearby couch, observing this distant cousin with curiosity. Golden-blond hair that caught the light, reddish-brown irises filled with warmth, and strikingly handsome looks. It was no wonder her older sister almost skipped work today just to wait at home for his arrival. Kanako had even heard that they used to play together as children.
"Kiryuu-kun, you took so long to get here! I was getting ready to call and pick you up," remarked Iida Maya, Kanako older sister.
"Sorry, I got distracted playing at the beach on the way here."
Kiryuu apologized, taking the opportunity to observe this distant cousin. Unlike Kanako ash-brown hair, Maya was a striking shade of red, which might have something to do with her career. From what Kiryuu knew, Iida Maya was better known by her stage name: Mizuki Kaya, a famed idol, singer, and voice actress.
Heh.
A famous voice actress—it seemed the world really was small sometimes.
"Is that so? How was it? Did you enjoy the beach?" Maya asked with a warm smile.
"It was... okay, I suppose," Kiryuu replied, hesitating slightly with an odd tone. Truth be told, the one beautiful thing about the beach was Kotegawa-senpai. Otherwise, his memories consisted primarily of sweaty guys in a diving equipment store drinking until they were practically naked.
Recalling the latter also brought Kitahara Iori to mind. Just as Kiryuu expected, Iori, who'd initially sworn he wouldn't fall in with the crowd, had quickly been absorbed by the boisterous group. Standing amidst the men, clad only in swim trunks, dual-wielding two-liter beer mugs, and making monstrous expressions...
Stop. No more. Recalling those scenes any further might make Kiryuu brain shut down.
Fuck, Kotegawa-senpai, please save me!
But the thought of her serene visage failed to materialize in his mind, so Kiryuu focused once again on Maya pleasant face.
"So, Maya-nee, where are Uncle and Auntie?"
"They went on vacation overseas not long ago, and not sure when they'll return."
Which meant for the time being, Kiryuu would be living under the same roof as two stunningly beautiful—yet safely distant—relatives? What was this, the ultimate anime trope come to life!?
After some deliberation, Kiryuu spoke hesitatingly, "In that case, maybe I should just rent that apartment after all."
"Nonsense, there's no need," Maya replied with an unwavering smile. "I'm usually very tied up with work and rarely home as it is. Plus, you and Kanako can look out for each other."
"Are you sure it won't be a hassle?"
"Not at all, and you'll save a considerable amount too. Apartment rents in Izu are no joke."
Kanako chimed in with a similar smile. "Or could it be that Kiryuu-kun has plenty of savings tucked away?"
"Nothing too extravagant," Kiryuu said, mentally calculating the millions in his bank account. Forget past girlfriends monthly allowances—it was legitimate income. Even his Toyota AE86 was self-bought, although tuning costs had been sponsored by a former girlfriend and her maid. Truthfully, taking all of Gunma extreme car mod enthusiasts into account, maintaining his car without external help might have bankrupted him.
"Then Kiryuu-kun worked part-time during high school?"
"Yes."
"What kind of job?"
"Drawing manga."
Kiryuu rather unexpected answer drew quiet surprise from both sisters. While Japanese high schoolers working part-time was common enough, typical positions leaned towards convenience store clerks or similar duties. When the sisters pressed Kiryuu to share the title of one of his works, however, he adamantly refused. And for good reason... Though his stories were technically wholesome, one particular series revolved around an older sister secretly sabotaging her younger brother to turn him into her darling, adorable little sister—all while covering their daily misadventures thereafter.
"Say, Kiryuu-kun, weren't you attending high school in Tokyo? What brought you to Izu for university? Were your grades not good there?"
Sensing Kiryuu reluctance to elaborate on his manga projects, Maya smoothly shifted conversation topics.
"It's more a personal matter," Kiryuu said vaguely. Being dumped in a cement-filled pillar and tossed into Tokyo Bay to sink wasn't something he intended to share.
Ultimately, after some light chatter about college schedules—both Kiryuu at Izu University and Kanako at Oumi Women University—they retired to their individual rooms to rest for tomorrow early start. Kiryuu, naturally, was escorted to his guest room by Maya herself.
...
By the following morning, Kazuma Kiryuu awoke trembling from a nightmare. Perhaps it was lingering guilt from yesterday "two-sisters conquest" comment, or maybe it was being surrounded by distant yet dangerously attractive cousins whatever the case, the subconscious horror was unforgettable. Decked out in his old high school uniform, Kiryuu had been tied like a package, awaiting cold judgment while facing two solemn ex-girlfriends. One deadly maid feature included too, eerily silent yet brandishing a dagger to the air.
...
Anyway, Kazuma Kiryuu remembered the last time he had such a dream—it was the night he nearly got busted just a few months before graduation.