That night, Lucas lay on his bed, his body still slightly exhausted despite his mind feeling light. Ever since his first night with Saeko and Saya, his life had changed in ways he never could have imagined. They were not just his lovers but an integral part of his daily life.
Saeko, with her calm demeanor, brought Lucas both peace and a burning passion whenever they were together. Meanwhile, Saya, with her spirited and tsundere attitude, always managed to make Lucas smile with her adorable antics. The three of them had found a balance in their relationship, and strangely enough, despite its unconventional nature, everything felt natural.
However, there was one side effect Lucas couldn't ignore—his stamina.
Every time he shared an intimate moment with Saeko or Saya, his body felt more refreshed the next day. It was as if his body regenerated faster, his muscles tightened, and his reflexes became sharper.
"This must be the effect of my skill," Lucas thought.
At first, he assumed it was just his imagination, but after experiencing it multiple times, he realized something was changing within him. His stamina had increased significantly, and his body seemed to adapt to every physical activity he engaged in—whether it was training, combat, or even... personal moments with his lovers.
The days that followed were filled with warm moments between the three of them. At school, they maintained a level of discretion about their relationship, but whenever possible, Saeko and Saya would find ways to be close to Lucas.
Saeko often met him during kendo practice, offering guidance and challenging him to duels that helped him improve.
Saya, on the other hand, frequently invited Lucas for walks after school, spending time together at the library or at her favorite small café.
Whenever the three of them gathered, their conversations always felt natural and comforting. Even though Saya and Saeko were different in many ways, they understood each other and shared Lucas without any major conflicts.
However, amidst this happiness, Lucas began to notice something strange.
Rei.
Lucas first noticed it during lunch break. Normally, Rei would sit with them—whether with Takashi and Hisashi or just her female friends. But lately, she had been spending more time alone or outright avoiding Takashi and Hisashi.
Of course, Takashi and Hisashi had noticed this too.
"Hey, Lucas." Takashi nudged his arm as they sat in the cafeteria. "Don't you think Rei has been acting… weird lately?"
Lucas raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Hisashi, sitting beside him, added, "She's avoiding us. That's not like her."
Lucas glanced toward Rei, who was sitting alone in the corner of the cafeteria, absentmindedly stirring her food without really eating it.
He sighed. "I've noticed it too. I'll try talking to her later."
Takashi gave a small smile. "Good. Maybe she just needs someone to talk to."
Hisashi nodded. "We'll try as well, but I feel like she might be more open with you."
Lucas smirked slightly. "More open with me, huh?"
Lucas finally got a chance to talk to Rei after school. He spotted her walking alone down the corridor, looking lost in thought.
"Rei!" he called out.
Rei stopped and turned around. When she saw Lucas, her eyes widened slightly, as if surprised that he was calling her.
Lucas approached her with a relaxed smile. "Do you have a moment? I'd like to talk."
Rei hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright."
They walked to the back garden of the school, a quieter place away from the crowd. Lucas gazed at Rei with a gentle expression, trying to understand what was on her mind.
"What's been going on with you lately?" Lucas asked directly. "Takashi and Hisashi also noticed that you've been distancing yourself from them."
Rei remained silent, biting her lower lip before looking up at the sky.
"Lucas… I've just been thinking a lot."
Lucas crossed his arms. "Can I ask about what?"
Rei looked at him briefly, then sighed. "About us."
Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Us?"
Rei gave a small, bitter smile and shook her head. "I mean… about my feelings."
Lucas waited, letting her speak without interrupting.
"I've known Takashi and Hisashi for a long time. They've been my friends since childhood. I should feel comfortable around them, but…"
Lucas remained silent, waiting for her to continue.
Rei bit her lip again before finally looking up and meeting Lucas' eyes directly.
"But lately… I feel more comfortable with you."
Lucas was momentarily surprised but remained composed.
Rei smiled sadly. "I've been trying to distance myself because I'm scared. I'm scared that I'm starting to have feelings for someone I shouldn't."
Lucas stayed quiet, allowing Rei to express herself.
"I know about Saeko and Takagi." Rei let out a small, bitter laugh. "I see how they look at you, how happy they are with you. And I…"
She lowered her head again, her hands clenching into small fists.
"I want to feel the same way."
Lucas gazed at Rei with softened eyes. He hadn't expected the conversation to take this turn.
Rei finally took a deep breath before giving a small smile, though sadness lingered in her eyes. "So, before I lose my courage…"
She looked at Lucas again, this time with a stronger gaze.
"Lucas, would you go on a date with me?"