The SEES members were gathered at the lounge that evening , with the exception of the twins who had left for the velvet room . Mitsuru looked at her underclassmen and thought that maybe enrolling them in summer classes wasn't the best idea to cheer them up , which if wasn't obvious by how they groaned and objected to the idea earlier today , would definitely be obvious by how irritant they looked when studying . Frankly , the whole idea of studying during summer sounds like a punishment , and unless you're dedicated or responsible enough to think of your future , you wouldn't look at it any other way .
" you know ... " she tried again " summer festival begins tomorrow , so what do you say we put our studies on hold and go there ? "
" yes ! " Junpei screamed , as if life was blown into him once again " summer festivities ! Fun ! Chicks in Yukatas ! Here I come !!! "
' you're unbelievable ! " Yukari sighed
" so ... are we just gonna go there together ? "
" actually , I don't plan on going " Mitsuru shook her head " crowded areas aren't really my favorite place ..."
" negative " Aigis objected " summer festival is a mission that cannot be aborted , I will ensure everyone's participation "
" fine " Mitsuru sighed " nevertheless , the shrine is not that big , so it'd be bad if we go there as a crowd . That's why we'll go there as pairs ... so , which one would you go with ? "
" Minako ! " both Junpei and Akihiko exclaimed
" Minato " Yukari , Fuuka , and even Aigis said in unison
Everyone looked at each other as silence spread in the room ...
" oh .... ! I'm sorry , Yukari-san " Fuuka jumped " I didn't know you wanted to go with our leader ... I ... "
" don't .... don't be ridiculous ! " Yukari was now completely red all the way to her feet " I don't want to go with him ! "
" very welll " Aigis decided " then I shall be the one to accompany Minato-san "
" what ?! " Yukari found herself in a grinder between her emotions and her embarrassment " I didn't say you can !!! Why would you even ... ?! "
" I desire to be by Minato-san's side at all times . If there is a problem , I will address it promptly "
" I ... but ... argh ! "
" babe fight ! " Junpei exclaimed excitedly
" and why would you want to go with Minako , Junpei ? " Akihiko glared at him
" oh ... I didn't know this was your territory , man " Junpei casually shrugged " I just wanted to go with Minatan because of her cheerful nature which would make the festival more fun , but if you want to I can just back away "
" then ... then I'll go with Junpei " Fuuka quickly retracted her statement about going with Minato " you looked so upset about the exam , so I want you to have as much fun as possible during the festival "
" Aigis can't go with Minato ! " Yukari crossed her arms in absolute denial " she just can't ! She's ... she's a robot , she won't ... "
" I will accompany Aigis " Mitsuru suggested .
" objection " Aigis shook her head " I want to be accompanied by Minato-san "
" you want me to participate in the festival , even though I don't want to " Mitsuru said with a sense of purpose " therefore you should accompany me or I'll stay in the dorm instead "
" understood " Aigis finally yielded
" unbelievable ... " Yukari sighed , before realizing everyone was looking at her " no ! Whatever you're thinking isn't true ! "
At this moment , the front door of the dorm was opened , and the twins stepped in . Akihiko and Yukari hurried to the entrance to tell them about what was decided in their absence , followed by the rest of SEES . However , to everyone's shock and disbelief , the twins declined the offer .
" WHAT ?!!! " Akihiko and Yukari yelled in unison
" I think me and sis caught a cold " Minato sighed
" we were sneezing a lot in the velvet room " Minako laughed nervously " I'd really love to participate in the festival , but Minato insists that I rest up for today "
Aigis approached them and placed her hands on their foreheads , confirming their temperature was normal . However , Minato insisted that they were sneezing a lot during their visit to the velvet room , and this early sign of a summer cold could get worse if they don't rest . Instead of agreeing to it , Aigis was persistent to have everyone participate , so instead she said " you were sneezing because we have been talking about you two during your visit to the velvet room "
" you were ? "
" yes ... especially Yukari-san , who was very anxious to go with Minato-san to the summer festival ... "
" that's not ... " Yukari screamed , but as she noticed Minato looking at her with confusion and a little embarrassment , she grew even more embarrassed " why would a robot believe in superstition ?!! "
" if it is not a superstitious reason , then Minato-san and Minako-san have indeed caught a cold , and so they must miss out on the festival "
" oh ! So you were talking about us ?! " Minako exclaimed , willing to take any chance she could get if it meant participating in the festival " of course you were ! "
" fine ... " Minato sighed as he saw the hopeful look in Minako's eyes " let's take it easy and rest for now . Tomorrow we should have rested well enough for any cold to be no more at this point ... hopefully ... "
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The summer festival was very lively and exciting . Junpei was thrilled to see the festivities and the yukatas around him , it didn't really matter to him with whom he would spend the day so long as it's fun and exciting . Fuuka was a little embarrassed at how difficult it is to walk with a Yukata , but Junpei commented that this is what makes it so attractive .
" by the way , Fuuka , level with me here " Junpei said with a mischievous grin on his face " you actually wanted to go with Minato , right ? "
" eh ?! " Fuuka gasped , nearly tripping in her yukata , before stuttering a response " I ... I mean ... I'll be lying if I said I don't ..."
" so you do have a thing for our leader , right ? "
" w—well ... I ... "
" you don't have to be shy about it , just lay it on me if you feel like talking " Junpei said " of course , if you don't , that's fine ... "
" well ... ever since you guys saved me , I've been wanting to thank our leader , but I never got the chance to ... he didn't just save me , he comforted me and kept me company during that night until you managed to find me . He was the first person to care how I felt ... "
" of course he did , he has a sister so he knows how a girl feels better than anyone "
" yes ... by the way ... " Fuuka was still feeling cramped to share her feelings about Minato , even if she tuned down the density , so she took the first chance she could get to change the subject " you wanted to go with Minako-san? "
" yup ... Minatan is the literal incarnation of fun . She's always so upbeat and cheerful , she fits this festival as if she was born here ! Oh ! " Junpei suddenly exclaimed " of course , you're fine the way you are , Fuuka ! You're reserved , calm and sensible , so don't feel inferior to her for any reason ! "
" don't worry, I understand " Fuuka laughed gently
" anyway , I just wanted to go with her because I wanted to have fun , but if Akihiko senpai wants to be with her because ... you know , then I wouldn't stand in his way . Between you and me , though " Junpei knelt closer " I don't think Akihiko senpai really sees her that way "
" huh ? What makes you say that ? "
" well , I heard she was going out with him , but when I asked her she just shrugged and said he doesn't think of her like that . I mean ... why would he ? He's the champion of the boxing team surrounded by cuties from all directions and yet he chose no one . His main goal is to ' get stronger ' as Minatan had put it "
" what about Yukari ... ? " Fuuka hesitantly asked " does she ... like our leader ... ? I mean I haven't been here all that long so ... "
" oh ... so you guys are here ? "
Mitsuru senpai interrupted them , followed by Aigis . They were both dressed in beautiful yukatas , while Aigis's mainly hid her robotic features . Mitsuru told them she had to go with Aigis or she would go out on her own and cause a scene , and she also mentioned that the twins , Yukari and Akihiko were still preparing to leave when she left with Aigis .
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Minako and Yukari were finally ready to leave . As Minako descended the lounge , followed by Yukari , she was met first by her brother . The two looked very beautiful in their yukatas , but as Minato's eyes fell on his sister's before Yukari's , he sarcastically commented by saying " you look surprisingly cute in that "
" why thank ... wait ! " Minako frowned " what do you mean ' surprisingly' ?! "
" I mean I didn't expect someone like you to look this cute . Guess yukatas can make anyone cute "
" why you ! " Minako glared at her brother , before she evilly grinned " so I suppose Yukari's yukata isn't that special to you , huh ?! "
" Yukari ?! " Minato's eyes quickly darted to Yukari who was too nervous to look him in the eye and seemed to await his response , his eyes darted back to Minako who seemed to think she trapped him in checkmate
" so you think yukatas aren't that big of a deal ? Too bad , Yukari went through a lot of trouble to wear this to impress you , but I guess it was all for nothing ! "
" Minako ! " Yukari nervously tried to shut her down
" you're wrong " Minato exclaimed with an evil sense of purpose " Yukari looks so beautiful in a yukata , far more beautiful than you ! In fact , I'm starting to feel sorry for Akihiko senpai even as we speak ! "
" what did you say ?! " at this point , Minako was angry
" careful , you'll ruin the yukata "
" I'll ruin your stupid smug , smarty !! " Minako yelled at him , but was stopped by Yukari who wanted the twins to calm down , it wasn't the first time she found herself in a pincer between two angry siblings .
" Minako ! " Akihiko entered the dorm , but was shocked to see Minako in a Yukata and he was at a loss for words
" oh ! Um ... hi , senpai ... " Minako blushed at her unladylike appearance in front of Akihiko , and in her mind echoed her brother's voice as he said how sorry he felt for him
" you ... you look beautiful ... "
" oh .... thank you ... " Minako said appreciatively , before turning to her brother with a smug expression " guess senpai is more mature than you and appreciates good looks "
" good for you , have fun "
" oh I will ! "
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" I hope Minako didn't take it personally " Yukari sighed
" she didn't ... " Minato shrugged " remember when we were hypnotized and fought each other in Shirakawa Boulevard ? We later figured it was because we weren't on good terms with each other , so me and her agreed that should one of us crosses the line the other should pinch them to indicate it "
" pfft ! Really ?! " Yukari let a quick laugh at the idea
" yup ...it works more than you think ... anyway " Minato blushed slightly " I know I said it when I was trying to out-tease my sister , but that Yukata really suits you ... and not because it's a Yukata ... "
" th—thanks ... " Yukari turned red , and as she quickly sought to change the subject , she turned to a Takoyaki stand " oh , would you like to buy a package , one is too much for me to finish by myself so I figured we'd share it "
" sure " Minato walked to the Takoyaki stand and order a package , in his mind he shoved the memory of Elizabeth mumbling about a secret ingredient to the corner
" oh ! That's a cute girlfriend you got there ! Don't make her cry , you hear me "
Mind your business ! Is what Minato wanted to say , but he sighed and said as he received the package " thanks ... "
As he went back to Yukari to eat the Takoyaki , he found her blushing , even though she tried to play it cool , but she ended up burning her mouth from the hot Takoyaki . Minato chose not to bring up what the guy said . It's a tricky subject , if you said ' yes she's my girlfriend ' while she's not , you're putting yourself in an awkward situation . However , if you denied it when she secretly has feelings for you , you'd be hurting her feelings . Minato chose to turn a blind eye to her blushing as she could be just embarrassed from the world assuming she's in a relationship , and he knew she hated rumors .
As soon as they finished their food , they began their walk around the shrine . They eventually ran into Junpei , Fuuka , Mitsuru and Aigis . Aigis walked toward Minato and stood beside him , which had Yukari exhale with irritancy .
" and why is Aigis wearing a yukata ? " Minato looked at her with confusion
" it is important to wear the appropriate clothing for the appropriate occasion " Aigis responded " and yukatas are effective in hiding my robotic components "
" Aigis is quickly learning how to interact with people , it's so impressive ! " Fuuka exclaimed , who was fascinated by Aigis's artificial intelligence
" anyway " Mitsuru looked around " I don't see your sister , Arisato , nor do I see Akihiko around "
" they're hanging out on the other side of the shrine " Minato responded
" by the way , ladies " Junpei exclaimed " why don't the four of you hang out together for now , me and our leader would like to have a moment alone "
" we do ? " Minato looked at him with confusion
" what kind of stunt are you pulling here , Junpei ?! " Yukari hissed at him
" oh it's nothing , just a bro moment "
" a what ? "
" Junpei-kun... about what we ... " Fuuka seemed to have an idea what Junpei was talking about , and grew embarrassed
" enjoy your time , everyone ! " Junpei forcefully pulled Minato from between the girls and walked with him out of the shrine
" okay ... what is this this ' bro moment ' you want with me ? "
" you know , the ladies were fighting over you , dude ! "
" uh ... what ? "
" I mean it ... especially Yukatan and Ai-chan ! I was talking with Fuuka , too , and even she couldn't deny her feelings for you ! "
" what ... what are you trying to say ?! " Minato grew nervous upon hearing that
" I asked you this question back in Yakushima , and I'll ask it again , who's your favorite? Which one of these girls do you have a crush on ? "
" I ... I don't know what you're talking about ! " Minato blushed
" are you afraid of rejection ? Don't , they all want you , just pick one and she's yours ! If you want my advice , I think the one best suited for you is ... "
" oh ! Is that Minato ?! " A familiar voice interrupted them , it was Kazushi , followed by Yuko
" oh , Kaz ... didn't see you there ! " Junpei saluted them , but when the three turned around , Minato was no longer with them
Meanwhile , Akihiko and Minako were enjoying their time at the festival . Akihiko seemed to feel nostalgic about it , and the feeling escalated with Minako's cheerful indulgence . From toys , candied apples , to a mask shop which had a mask that resembled Koromaru .
" it's crowded here " Akihiko looked around " stay close so you wouldn't get lost "
" we can hold hands if you want " Minako said jokingly
" what do you mean ? I'm not gonna treat you like a kid " Akihiko laughed along
" that's true " Minako giggled
" man ... I can actually afford all of these ... " Akihiko said dreamily as he looked at the stands around him" back when I was a kid , I would just wander into the festival and leave without buying anything . Even with me and Miki's combined allowance we couldn't buy anything . Then again , it was mostly our fault now that I think about it . Some kids would save up their money and blow it at the festival "
" hm ... " Minako seemed to think deeply , before asking for two masks , she then gave one of them to Akihiko " this goes to Aki-chan in the past . Be sure to give it to him "
" huh ? Aki-chan in the past ? "
" yes ! Back when I was a kid , I lived with my aunt in Inaba and at the time we couldn't afford much . That's why last year she bought me and my brother two laptops and said those are for Mi-chan and Mint-chan in the past ! "
" thanks ... " Akihiko had a sad appreciative smile on his face , then he asked " what about the other mask ? "
" this mask resembles Koromaru , so I plan to use it when I play with him ! "
" yeah ... it should be nice "
Akihiko was very happy to be with Minako , it was almost as if his sister was before his eyes having fun . The two made their way to an iyaki stand , and Akihiko offered to pay for them . As he stood to pay for the food , the cook immediately commented on how cute his ' girlfriend ' looked in a Yukata . He immediately exclaimed in a defensive way " that's not true ! "
" oh ! Is it now ? " the cook said teasingly
" let's just eat ! " Minako was more indulged into the food , so much so that she burnt her mouth as she shoved the food inside without care for how hot it was , and she found herself nervously lost between chewing and blowing .
" it's not ... it ... " Akihiko murmured as he stared at Minako absentmindedly
" mmh ! " Minako painfully swallowed the burning fireball inside and felt it scorch her from the inside, before turning to Akihiko with a pained yet still somehow entertained expression " sorry ? "
" n—nothing ... "
" c'mon , senpai ! This festival happens once a year , so you need to live it to the fullest ! "
" r—right ... " Akihiko said to Minako in a suddenly serious tone " you promised that if you're troubled by something , you'd come talk to me about it , right ? "
" huh ? Why are we suddenly in this kind of conversation ? "
" well ... during our operation to defeat the full moon shadow , your brother told me and Yukari that you're scared of ... "
" oh ! A lucky draw ! " Minako suddenly blurted out while pointing at a stand in the corner
" but ... "
" c'mon , what did I say about living this day to the fullest , senpai ! I'll race you there ... waah ! " Minako suddenly tripped and nearly fell , but Akihiko caught her just in time , as she saw his face up close she blushed and murmured a quiet " thanks "
The two went to the stand , and the keeper explained the rules for them . The contestant would pick a present and keep it , and the prizes ranged from cheap junk to rare collectibles . Minako was determined to win something valuable , and when Akihiko saw her enthusiasm he offered to pay . Minako stuffed her hand in the box and stirred the contents , before grabbing a present and pulling it , but she didn't pull it out of the box , instead she kept stirring again in an attempt to mess with Akihiko who was watching her with curiosity . She finally grabbed a ball and pulled it . And to her surprise and joy she got the rare Frost family , of Jack Frost , Pyro Jack and Black Frost dolls in one ball . The owner was shocked to see her with such a prize , but she also said that she had won King Frost last year , which meant she now had the full collection in hand .
" wow ... I had no idea you're so lucky , Minako , but I'd hate for you to blow your luck on this one game "
" don't worry , senpai . Between me and Minato , I'm the lucky sibling ! " Minako cheerful walked away from the stand with a sense of triumph
" anyway , what I was trying to say is ... "
" my brother said I'm scared of death ? You didn't buy that , did you ? "
" uh ... what ? "
" c'mon , senpai . We blast our head with evokers to call our Personas , we're willingly submitting to death every night at least a dozen of times , you think I'll be able to call my Persona if I was scared ? My brother can be a worrywart , so don't mind him , 'Kay ? "
" y—yeah ... "
" I mean , I've wrestled with a Reaper , two giants , and even stopped a monorail on a collision course . It's true that I was scared at some point in my life , but I've been over it a long time ago "
" that's good to know " Akihiko nodded
" anyway , let's stop discussing this matter and just enjoy the festival ! "
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Man ... whoever said ' limitations breed creativity ' you were right all along .
Remember how we still haven't picked a girlfriend for Minato ? Well , it turned out we're already at the first optional date and we still haven't picked one , what a bind ! I tried looking at the rejected route for inspiration , but it was just sad to watch , so I decided to create my own pseudo-harem route ... thing ... hope it worked out well .
I tried to give every girl a chance to shine here , and I hope I did it well . The only person who still didn't express any kind of affection is Mitsuru , but that's because she's still not having any feelings for Minato ( she's still a contestant that can be chosen by you guys so feel free to consider her )
The other side of this ' sHOrT ' part is Akihiko's day with Minako . Just because I said that the two aren't in a romantic relationship doesn't mean that there won't be MinakoXAkihiko moments , and here's some . Hope you found it entertaining to read .
Another thing I decided to do differently here is to shift the narration to the other members of SEES instead of having it focused on the twins all the time . The reason I've been doing this is that the twins are my comfort zone since they're silent protagonists in the game so I can change them however I want , while with other characters I must remain within the cannon . This time , I tried to step out of the comfort zone , hope it turned out well .
Keep one thing in mind , the harem route is for comedic reason only . There will always be one lover for each of the twins , this is your chance to pick Minato's lover after I chose one for his sister of my own will . Remember that the deadline for this choice is at the end of 2020 , otherwise I'll have no choice but to go with my original choice . We're still short on opinions , and time is running out .
Nevertheless , I hope you enjoyed this part , and if you did feel free to vote , and I'll see you in the next part . Stay safe .
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The debate is closed , read the part about the results to find out who won