Postaza Mostaza ⭐

Now available ↓

Suito wa Hakumei (水都は薄明) Developer: HolicWorks Release date: January 30th, 2026 Links: VNDB, Twitter, DLsite A new 18+ Holicworks title about a city which is permanently enveloped in twilight. The story focuses on protagonist Mahora who’s a member of the Special Security Guards (Yonomori) who are tasked to kill the demons that suddenly started appearing in the city.

DRAMAtical Murder re:code (Nintendo Switch) Developer: NITRO CHiRAL Release date: December 25th, 2025 Links: VNDB, Nintendo store This is the 15+ rated version of the game that was originally released on the PSvita in 2014. The 18+ scenes were censored/modified to fit the age rating, but it does have a new route which focuses on the character Mizuki. Note that it’s only available in the Japanese Nintendo store, so you might need a Japanese Nintendo gift card to purchase it. It also only has Japanese language options.

Ani Asobi (兄遊び) Developer: Tennenouji Release date: December 12th, 2025 Links: VNDB, Twitter, DLsite A short new game by Tennenouji which focuses on two brothers. This isn’t really a story-focused game but more of an interactive 18+ game. I recommend checking the DLsite website for more details as almost all of the game’s images are nsfw lol.

Tsuitou (終灯) Developer: Studio Shirafune Release date: January 12th, 2026 Links: VNDB, Twitter, Booth, Website A short doujin BL visual novel based on Edogawa Ranpo's "The Demon of the Lonely Island". You can download this game for free on Booth. In a recent blog update they also mentioned that they are working on a new Showa era type of game, though they haven't released much information yet so I will probably add this later when we know more about it.

Hen'ai Necromanticism (偏愛ネクロマンチシズム) Developer: Aikawa Nemu Release date: February 27th, 2026 Links: VNDB, Twitter, DLsite, Website 18+ rated doujin BL game about a tale connecting humans and vampires, taking place in modern day Tokyo. You can download this game for free on DLsite.

Norn's Dine Developer: HIC* Release date: 2025 (first release), 2026 (update patch) Links: VNDB, Steam, Website 18+ BL game that focuses on protagonist Asahi who inherited his grandmother's restaurant ''Norn's Dine'' where he uses his skill as a cook to create a wide variety of dishes for his customers every day. The game has 4 different routes, but 4 additional routes are still scheduled to be released as a DLC. Other than Japanese, this game's also available in English and Chinese.

Upcoming releases ↓

Tokyo Gentou/ Tokyo Phantasmagoria (東京幻燈) Developer: Procyon (new BL branch of Orbit/CORE) Release date: 2026 Links: VNDB, Twitter New 18+ BL game project by Procyon. The story of this game takes place in a future in which humans live together with different lifeforms, who started appearing after a certain incident in 1996. The artist is Carnelian who's known for other 18+ BLVN titles such as Messiah and Fanatica. Their official Twitter account was still active this month, so I hope we will get more details about the release date soon!

This Game Is Not Real. Developer: Viv Release date: 2026 Links: VNDB, Twitter, Steam Not a visual novel, but an 18+ rated doujin game advertised as 'the worst BL game ever'. It's made by Viv who also created the horror adventure game Saihate Eki. It already has a Steam page with a bit more information which I recommend checking out.

Shinso no Yamai (深窓の病) Developer: Tedopoyo Release date: 2026 Links: VNDB, Twitter Focuses on the characters Hiwana and Yayo who get lost in a dream world. An exploration-type game which also has BL elements. Like most of the creator's games, this one will also have darker themes.

Haitai Kaisei (胚胎回生) Developer: Tedopoyo Release date: Unknown Links: VNDB, Twitter This game is connected to Boku no Saiai no which is another doujin game with BL elements and features the same characters. The age rating is 15+.

Sayonara Junsei, Mata Kite Seishun (さよなら純青、またきて青春) Developer: Nenaico Release date: 2026 Links: VNDB, Twitter, Website 18+ BL game by doujin group Nenaico. This game focuses on the protagonist Kazuya, who understands the pain of losing someone all too well. In his daily life, he has learned to appreciate the normal life he’s living. However, in doing so, he has ignored the lingering feelings of regret deep in his heart. His life begins to change after he stumbles upon the October issue of the Literature Club’s magazine, Hanaikada. The writer and artist have also created an all-ages BL game in 2019 called Narisokonai no Yosuga.

New MadaLabo 18+ project Developer: MadaLabo/MadaKubo Release date: Undecided Links: Ci-en, Twitter New 18+ BL game by MadaLabo, which was originally teased in 2022. According to their blog posts this will be a more light-hearted game compared their previous works (Hadaka Shitsuji and Kanja S no Kyuusai) and focuses on only 2 main characters. Like usual, the protagonist will be the top. MadaLabo recently launched a Ci-en page which is frequently updated with new information about the game, though right now the title is still unknown

Yuushuu no Mahoutsukai (幽囚の魔法使い) Developer: Samezaki Release date: Undecided Links: VNDB, Twitter, Booth A doujin BL game which focuses on protagonist Amon, who dreams of becoming a wizard. One day, he receives the news that he has been accepted as an apprentice to his idol. However, on his way there, he gets caught in a storm and ends up shipwrecked on an abandoned island. By chance he ends up in the island where his new master lives, yet his master's personality is completely different from what Amon expected. The trial version of this game was released a few days ago which you can now download on Booth!

Tomare Miyo (とまれ見よ) Developer: Ayama Team Release date: 2027 Links: VNDB, Twitter, Website 18+ doujin BL game which focuses on the frustrations, regrets and love in the afterlife. This developer has released 2 other BL doujin games in the past called Ore no ○ Yasumi and Yonin no Hanayome. The developer frequently posts updates on their Twitter account, so I recommend following that for more information.

Kanraku Prison (陥落プリズン) Developer: Ritomo Release date: Undecided Links: Twitter R15 rated BL doujin game in which the protagonist is sentenced to 100 years in prison, but escapes within 7 days after flattering the prison guards. The release date is currently unknown but the creator posts about the game pretty often on their Twitter account.

Kikai Densen (奇怪伝染) Developer: Kikyudo Release date: Undecided Links: VNDB, Twitter 18+ Mystery x BL novel game project by doujin group Kikyudo. The story focuses on honor student Seiji who takes out his daily frustrations on his classmate Toshiyuki. As a result of the bullying, Toshiyuki decides to end his own life. He however returns as some kind of supernatural being and decides to make Seiji's life a living hell. It was advertised as a ''male ryona'' game (a game in which the character is subject to physical/psychological abuse) so it's already confirmed that it will include dark themes. You can follow their Twitter account for updates, though they haven't been active since July 2025.

OUROBOROS if: CRAZY FOR YOU Developer: saiaku_exe Release date: Undecided Links: Twitter, Steam A doujin BL game by saiaku_exe. The protagonist, Chuni, suddenly gets trapped in the world of a gal game and is trying to find his way out. ''If I ignore all the heroines in this game and focus only on my childhood friend (boy) Mayumu, I should be able to return to my original world.'' The official Twitter page is still frequently updated.

Shinokemono (シノケモノ) Developer: RainEnd Release date: Undecided Links: VNDB, Twitter, Website 18+ doujin BL game which focuses on yokai and a world between the living and the death. This project was announced in 2023 and the website sometimes gets updated, but because it's made by a small team they mentioned that they're working on it at their own pace. Last time they updated their social media was in 2025.

Dear Dish Developer: Le:tec:Le Release date: Undecided (Possibly 2026 now) Links: VNDB, Twitter, Website Dark mystery 18+ BL game which focuses on protagonist Jack, whose brother mysteriously disappeared along with half of the village's children on the night of the harvest festival. Seven years later, he's about to find out more about what exactly happened that night. In March 2026 their official Twitter account posted that the production of the game was about 50% complete, so they are still actively working on it.

Psychic Eclipse code:green Developer: C-Garden NEXT-B Release date: Undecided Links: VNDB, Twitter A sequel of the original Psychic Eclipse game which was released in 2021. The story takes place in a world in which humans developed psychic abilities and most of the world is controlled by an AI network called Polaris. At the end of 2024, they announced that the release of the game would be postponed in order to further improve the quality of the game. They haven't announced a new release date, but they do still update their Twitter account occasionally.

Projects of which the status is currently unknown ↓

Love it Hunter! (ラビットハンター) Developer: Equal Life Laboratory Release date: Unknown Links: VNDB, Twitter, Website A futuristic biopunk 18+ BL game in which humanity was saved by new technological developments while on the verge of extinction. A trial version of the game was released in 2021 which did seem promising, but their social media account has not posted any updates since April 2024.

Cage -Remake- Developer: LOVE&DESTROY Release date: Unknown Links: VNDB, Twitter, Blog A complete remake of the 18+ BL games CAGE OPEN and CAGE CLOSE. In these games, protagonist Konno is forced to play a mysterious “game” together with 8 other participants. Two years ago they announced the hiatus of one of the writers and they haven't really posted anything since then. This project was crowdfunded, so I do hope it will get released one day.

Caricature Camera Developer: LOVE&DESTROY Release date: Unknown Links: VNDB, Twitter, Blog New 18+ LOVE&DESTROY title that I was thinking of adding to my cancelled BL game list, though officially the project is on hold according to a blog post from several years ago. The story focuses on protagonist Shinobu Kamo, who receives a job offer from a mysterious person after recently losing his job.

Akechi to Iu Otoko - A Danshaku-tei Satsujin Jiken (明智と謂ふ男 A男爵邸殺人事件) Developer: HolicWorks Release date: Unknown Links: VNDB, Animate New Holicworks project which was supposed to be a collaboration with Animate Games. I decided to include this but I'm not sure if it's really BL because the original announcement didn't mention it. It's still promoted on the Animate Games website but they haven't posted new information ever since its original announcement in 2022.

Kaeriji no Hana (還り路の花) Developer: Afflatus Release date: Unknown Links: Twitter, Website 18+ doujin game project set in modern day Tokyo. Protagonist Kanda Sakaki loses his job and has no choice but to move back to his family home. One day he meets four men, and together they end up walking down a path filled with resentment. Last year it was announced that development is currently suspended, but they hope to return to the project some day.

FANTASTICS＊TRANS―MaguKare― (マグカレ) Developer: Tonleiter Release date: Unknown Links: VNDB, Twitter, Official blog, Website 18+ BL game in which most of the characters are creatures who live in an aquarium. The last update on their social media was in 2023, so it's uncertain if they are still working on this project. They did release a side story which could be purchased at Comiket which they also sold on their Booth page in 2022.

FANTASTICS＊TRANS―Herbaria Darling― (ハーバリアダーリン) Developer: Tonleiter Release date: Unknown Links: VNDB, Twitter, Official blog, Website 18+ BL game from the same series as MaguKare, though in this game all of the characters are creatures who live in a botanical garden. If you recognize the art style, it's drawn by the same artist who did the art for Tokyo Onmyouji and the scenario writer is also the same! Just like MaguKare, it's uncertain if they are still working on this game because it has been a few years since they've posted any updates.

Gentle beams of light fell upon the tranquil stage.

30 students stood with their eyes facing forward

as if on the verge of accomplishing something great.

The conductor guided them with his hands.

The accompanist’s fingers ran across the piano.

At that moment—

I woke up.

The telephone downstairs was ringing.

In the blink of an eye, 

I shot from my futon like an arrow and grabbed the receiver.

The morning was silent save for the chirping of a single cicada.

Aomi: “Good morning. This is Aomi.”

Oosaki: “G- Good morning.”

Stumbling over my words, I bit my tongue.

Aomi: “My apologies for calling you so early.

I hope I didn’t wake you.”

Oosaki: “Not at all. I was already up and getting ready.”

As I said this, 

I raked my fingers through my disheveled hair.

Oosaki: “Where are you right now?”

Aomi: “At our accommodations. I just finished seeing off my students.”

Oosaki: “Good work.

In that case, I’ll head over shortly.”

Aomi: “My sincerest apologies.”

Hearing those words, I finally, fully woke up.

Aomi: “Regarding our plans for today…

Could we reschedule them for another time?

I’m afraid something urgent has come up.”

Oosaki: “Of course. Whatever you need to do comes first.”

Aomi: “I apologize again.

I’ll contact you later.”

Still clinging onto the receiver,

I stared at the morning sun streaming through the glass door in a daze.

Beyond the window, summer was already here.

However, I felt like its arrival didn’t concern me at all.

It would appear I’d be spending it alone regardless.

Urgent business, emergencies—these kinds of things happened to everyone.

That’s why one should always have a back-up plan to fill the rest of their day.

However, I seriously couldn’t think of anything else to do. Was I truly that dull?

A second cicada began to chirp.

Shizuma: “...Well, don’t you look free today?”

It was Shizuma-san who had spoken.

He was a scoundrel of a man, 

with eyes that smirked as he looked at me.

Shizuma: “Why the glum face so early in the morning?

Received a bit of bad news?”

Oosaki: “It’s none of your business.

Speaking of, I see you’ve invited yourself over again.”

Shizuma: “I like sleeping in your hallway. It’s nice and cool.

I won’t come over during the winter though, so you won’t have to worry then.”

He was a man who reminded me of summer.

Cicadas and evening storms and sunsets and—

Summer was full of surprises.

Unlike the gradual blooming and fading of spring cherry blossoms, 

and the slowly dropping temperatures and accumulating snows of winter, 

summer’s temperament was completely different.

It always came and went as it pleased.

Finally returning to my senses, I put the phone receiver down.

In Shizuma-san’s place,

I began rolling up the futon in the hallway.

Shizuma: “If you haven’t got anything else to do, why don’t the two of us go for a drive?”

Oosaki: “I’ll pass.”

Shizuma: “Aw, let me take you out for the day.”

Oosaki: “It’d be a bother.”

Shizuma: “What do you want for lunch?

Some kind of meat? Like yakiniku? Or steak?”

Oosaki: “That’s just what you want to eat.”

Shizuma: “Fine then, what would you like?”

Oosaki: “Nothing. I’m going back to sleep.”

Shizuma: “Sigh, you don’t get it do you?

I’m here for your sake.

Let your big brother take the loneliness away.”

Oosaki: “...”

Shizuma: “And since you just got rejected, I’ll even make you an extra special deal.

Just for today, I’ll do anything you want. A-ny-thing at all.”

Oosaki: “How kind.

In that case, please get out of my house.”

Shizuma: “Okay, okay, okay.

I’ll see you again sometime.”

Shizuma-san whistled sadly as he trudged out of the house.

The sound of his car engine began to fade into the distance.

I didn’t think he’d actually leave.

Did I really look that miserable?

—It was the beginning of August. The world was on summer break.

Aomi-sensei and his students had come all the way from Ooshima to Tokyo 

for the preliminary round of a choir competition.

The dream I had this morning 

must have been a manifestation of my worries for him.

The competition was yesterday, 

so he was supposed to spend his free day today with me.

However—

Urgent business.

I had missed my opportunity to ask what he meant by that.

Should I go to his accommodations anyways?

Would that be a burden on him?

As I stared at the receiver, 

the phone began to ring again.

Aomi: “—It’s Aomi. Is this Oosaki-san?”

Oosaki: “Yes.”

Aomi: “I apologize for my abruptness earlier.

I’m sure you have several questions.”

Oosaki: “Don’t worry about it.

You were in a rush, weren’t you?”

Aomi: “I was. However…

I was also wondering if you might be available to come too.”

Oosaki: “Of course.”

Aomi: “In that case, meet me on Enoshima.”

Oosaki: “Understood… Eh?”

Aomi: “Enoshima.

It’s spelled with the same ‘e’ as in ‘Ooe,’ ‘no’ written in katakana, and the character for ‘island’.”

Oosaki: “O- Okay.

I’ll head for Enoshima right away.”

Aomi: “Thank you.

I appreciate it.”

The phone line cut off.

On the other side of the receiver, 

I could feel Aomi-san on the move again.

I, too, hurried to get ready.

ʚɞ

—Enoshima is a small island located within Sagami Bay.

It hosts a shrine to the goddess Benzaiten, 

and is known as a tourist destination second only to Kamakura in the area.

The bridge connecting it to the mainland had been swept away several times in the past,

but this current iteration was built entirely of concrete 

to support foot traffic to and from the island—

I had no idea what sort of business would bring someone to Enoshima,

but I headed there anyway.

Strange as the situation was, I didn’t feel the slightest hesitation in my steps, 

and before I knew it, I was blending into the crowd like any other tourist.

I was first to reach the nearest station.

However, before long, the train from the city arrived.

A man descended, his clean-cut silhouette unmistakable.

Our eyes met immediately.

His suit was black. He wore a high-collared white shirt.

And in his hand was a frilly woman’s parasol—

Aomi: “Thank you for coming all this way.

It’s been a while hasn’t it, Oosaki-san.”

Aomi-san opened the parasol.

The ocean breeze ruffled its frills.

He leaned part of its shade towards me.

Aomi: “I’d like to apologize for earlier once again.

I must’ve troubled you with the phone call.”

Oosaki: “It’s fine…”

Aomi: “Let’s get going then.

To Enoshima.”

Oosaki: “C- Coming.”

Although his voice was soft, 

he moved with conviction—

The island and the mainland were connected by Benten Bridge.

There was nothing to obstruct the sun’s rays, 

causing a hazy mirage to appear 

and make the island seem further away than it truly was.

Cumulonimbus clouds rose in the distance behind Enoshima.

As if to hide from their stormy gaze, 

we shaded ourselves with the parasol.

Aomi: “I’ve already said this, but I’d like to apologize again.

Especially since you took the time to come out here during summer break.”

Oosaki: “My line of work is flexible anyway.”

Aomi: “My apologies.”

Oosaki: “By the way, how was the preliminary competition?”

Aomi: “We were eliminated.”

Oosaki: “That’s surprising.”

The club was only established this April, 

but I heard the students were all passionate about winning.

Not to mention, they were all under Aomi-san’s leadership.

Aomi: “Our division simply didn’t have the qualifications to win.

There were 7 members. 0 accompanists.

Since none of our students could play the piano, I had to take the role myself.”

The image of a small chorus in the midst of a large auditorium materialized in my head.

It would appear that the stage I had dreamed of this morning

was not meant for them, but some other school.

However, what I was most worried about was—

Oosaki: “How are your students?”

Aomi: “Focusing on the next competition and refining their strategy.

It was difficult. But they seemed to enjoy themselves. Everyone should be heading back now.”

I should’ve known to expect more from a club of volunteers.

It would take more than defeat to drain their spirits.

We walked down the bridge without incident.

There was sweat glistening on everyone around us.

However, I suddenly began to sweat for a different reason.

Aomi-san had his teaching expression on.

He was wearing a suit. His posture was stiff.

In comparison, I looked far too carefree.

My shirt was open. My bangs were thrown back.

…I had to get out of this immediately.

Yet, Aomi-san didn’t even look my way.

The island was the only thing in his sights.

Aomi: “—One of my students ran away from home.

The school contacted me this morning.”

At the entrance of the island was a bronze torii gate.

Various souvenir shops were crammed together along the slope.

This shopping street, Nakamise Doori, led up to the shrine 

and was already filled with tourists.

Oosaki: “Was it a member of your club?”

Aomi: “No, just another student.”

Oosaki: “I’ll keep an eye out for him then.

What does he look like?”

Aomi: “He’s most likely out of uniform.

And I’d imagine his hair’s a mess too.

However—

You’ll definitely know as soon as you see him.

Even if you’ve never met before.”

What a mysterious description.

Awaiting us at the end of the road was a second torii gate and a set of stone steps.

Enoshima Shrine was nestled within these mountains.

Aomi: “We aren’t heading toward the shrines,

but to the other side of the island.”

Oosaki: “Let’s go this way then.”

Enoshima was shaped like two mountains pushed together, 

resulting in its rugged terrain.

However, on its right side was a gentle path that circled the perimeter of the island.

It was a shortcut that could be used by people in a hurry.

There was no one on the path beside us.

Since the area was thickly shaded with trees, 

Aomi-san closed his parasol.

Aomi: “The student was a truant.”

Oosaki: “Was there something he didn’t like about school?”

Aomi: “I’m not sure.

As far as I know, he wasn’t being bullied.

He always made it to music class

and seemed to get along with his friends.”

Oosaki: “Then perhaps there were problems at home.”

Aomi: “His family was wealthy.

There was nothing he lacked.”

The gentle hills rolled on and on.

The droning of the cicadas grew louder.

I wanted to pause to wipe off my sweat, 

but Aomi-san didn’t stop for even a second.

His face held the same, stoic expression as always.

Aomi: “It was a winter night. Long ago.

I, too, ran away from home.

I was dissatisfied with my life.

I felt like I couldn’t stay there.

Even now, I can still remember the cold sting of trudging barefoot through the snow.”

Oosaki: “I’ve done something similar too.

Although my reason was more immature.

I was simply curious and went all the way to a distant rice paddy.”

The long stalks of rice had chafed against my fingertips.

It was a wholly unpleasant feeling.

As soon as I realized just how big the world was, 

I was seized by fear.

What I had felt was loneliness.

Aomi: “Back then, was there anyone who came for you?”

Oosaki: “As soon as I turned around, my grandmother was right there.”

Aomi: “In the end, adults can see right through children, can’t they?”

Aomi-san, too, 

probably had someone to pick him up, 

and brush the snow from his body.

Passing through the double mountains, the view suddenly opened up, clear and blue.

It was the ocean.

We made it to the other side of the island.

There was no one else who had ventured this far.

As we descended the stone steps, the two of us paused.

Ooshima was visible across the ocean.

The island where Aomi-san and his students lived 

looked striking against the horizon.

Oosaki: “This is the place 

I wanted to take you today.”

Aomi: “...Is that so?”

Oosaki: “I’m sure you’ve seen the ocean enough times by now.

However, I thought the view of Ooshima from here was quite breathtaking—”

Aomi: “Stop.”

He didn’t take his eyes off the sea.

Aomi: “When you go to see a mountain, you don’t praise another mountain.

The same is true for islands.”

Oosaki: “Did your mother teach you that?”

Aomi: “Yes.

If you do, it’ll cause the goddess of that land to grow jealous.”

Oosaki: “What a curious legend.”

Aomi: “No one wants to incur the wrath of another being. And neither do I—”

Oosaki: “Eh?”

I was certain that Aomi-san had looked right at me 

as he finished his sentence.

Pondering what he meant, I suddenly realized I’d been left behind.

Aomi-san was quickly descending the rest of the staircase.

He rushed to the end of the viewing platform, 

and began to wave the white parasol in the air.

Oosaki: “Aomi-san!?”

Aomi: “Oosaki-san. Raise this umbrella as high as you can.

Like a signal.

We need to reach that yacht.”

Floating on the water was a Snipe.

It had come from Ooshima, 

and was sailing straight toward us.

Taking the parasol, 

I began to wave it around like he asked.

The sunlight reflected off of it.

Noticing the price tag on the handle,

I realized Aomi-san must have bought the white parasol for this reason—

The yacht’s sails billowed in the wind and reflected a light back at us.

It was a reply.

Wait, it couldn’t be.

Of all the stupid things.

A tiny yacht sailing from Ooshima to Enoshima…

Aomi: “His family realized he had run away after noticing the yacht was gone.”

The outline of a larger ship appeared in the distance.

It was a patrol boat.

Unsurprisingly, it seemed this young man hadn’t anticipated any adults to make a move.

We moved down into the rocks to help guide the yacht to shore.

Noticing the situation, people began to gather along the coastline.

Every time the hull skipped along the water, 

a cloud of fine mist sprayed into the air.

It was a risky situation, 

and everyone was watching with bated breath.

It was dangerous.

It was foolish.

Yet, I couldn’t bring myself to blame the boy.

Oosaki: “Are you going to scold him?”

I was surprised by how meek my voice sounded.

Aomi-san’s eyes widened slightly 

before he looked away self-consciously.

Aomi: “I am not.”

Saying this, his gaze drifted back to the sea.

Aomi: “The phone call I got from my school 

was actually instructions to return to Ooshima immediately.

They wanted to ask me about the student.

However, I declined the invitation and came here instead.

I already knew.

Once that student set out to sea, he would neither return nor drown.

I understood this since the day I heard the sound of his piano—”

Aomi-san smiled at me.

Aomi: “He would arrive here no matter what.

I simply thought it’d be lonely if there was no one to greet him.”

Oosaki: “I hope I was able to lend a hand.”

Aomi: “I believe so. Thanks to your guidance, 

I think I was able to find myself an excellent, new pianist.”

The yacht suddenly hit a rock, 

and capsized in a matter of seconds.

I immediately jumped into the sea, 

and pulled the student into my arms.

The waves smashed the boat into pieces.

However, upon seeing his teacher’s face, 

the student sighed in relief and shut his eyes—

ʚɞ

We took a ferry back to the front of the island.

In the back seat of a taxi, the student had fallen asleep with Aomi-sensei watching over him.

There were no other passengers.

Aomi: “—I’ll take him home from here.

My apologies for not being able to thank you properly.”

Oosaki: “It’s fine.”

Aomi: “Well then.

Until next time—”

Then, the taxi coldly, mechanically drove away.

And just like that, I had been abandoned at the head of Benten Bridge.

Soaking wet and alone.

…How was I supposed to get home looking like this?

My eyes landed on the station telephone.

I could call Shizuma-san and have him drive me.

A man like him probably wouldn’t mind his car getting a little wet.

Though, even if he did complain, I wouldn’t really care.

However, my feet refused to move.

—When you’re on an island, you shouldn’t praise another island.

Suddenly, those words flashed through my head once again.

ʚɞ

It was dusk by the time I returned to familiar scenery.

I had chosen to walk to dry myself off, 

but since I was by the coast, 

my entire body was sticky with salt from the sea breeze.

My hair had stiffened, 

and my bangs refused to loosen up, 

so I had no choice but to sweep them back 

and trudge home in defeat.

I had gone out of my way to buy a new shirt for today.

There wasn’t a single speck of dust or hint of odor on it.

The pomade I’d used was even recommended by a hairdresser.

When they asked if I was going on a date, I hadn’t denied it.

If anyone saw how I looked now, the only apt description would be “miserable.”

However, if they asked me what I felt, 

I would probably describe it as “happiness.”

I had been moved by Aomi-san’s dedication.

This was the first time I’d seen his teacherly side from up-close.

It was everything I had wished to see—

ʚɞ

With the sunset blazing orange behind me, I opened the front door.

Inside the house was a dignified, 

deep blue silhouette waiting for me.

Oosaki: “Aomi-san?”

Aomi: “Please pardon my intrusion, 

but you’re late.”

Oosaki: “I thought you were going home.”

Aomi: “That was the original plan.

However, my student’s parents came to pick him up by plane.”

Oosaki: “Wealthy might be an understatement…”

Aomi: “The household owns five boats on the island.

In addition to three cars.

And one piano.

I suppose he must’ve been bored 

having grown up in such a family.”

It sounded like a luxury.

However, for the person in question, 

possessing such things might have been just as burdensome as not.

In any case, that chapter was now closed.

Aomi-san stood up, and slightly bowed his head.

Aomi: “I’ll be in your care for the next three days.

As originally planned.”

Oosaki: “Please, come inside—”

Aomi-san was here once again.

He began to unpack his meager belongings in a corner of the room.

Clothing, necessities, 

he moved like he already belonged.

Taking off his suit, Aomi-san changed into Japanese clothing.

As he finished tying his obi, 

he cast me a glance from over his shoulder.

Aomi: “Your cologne. It smells nice.”

Oosaki: “My… what?”

Aomi: “Your clothing and hair had the same fresh scent today.”

Oosaki: “Oh, well,

I didn’t do anything special.”

Aomi: “Then, I suppose it was just your scent, Hiiro-san.”

Summer truly was full of surprises.

The sunset suddenly intensified, 

bleeding light across our field of vision.

Oosaki Hiiro: “Kaede-san.”

Aomi Kaede: “Yes.”

Oosaki Hiiro: “Welcome home.”

He wasn’t anyone’s teacher, 

nor friend right now.

At this moment, all he was, 

was finally in my arms—