The "Rui Hinamata Rotational Harem Schedule" (a name I am actively trying to purge from my memory, despite Kenji's insistence on using it constantly) creates a bizarre, artificial peace. My life is now segmented into clearly defined blocks of time, each allocated to one of the three girls currently vying for… well, whatever it is they are vying for. Control? Affection? The sheer satisfaction of driving me insane?
Tuesday: Aiwa Day. Characterized by shy smiles, delicious homemade snacks, awkward silences, and occasional bursts of LUNA-Lite brilliance during our mandatory literature project sessions (which are now held in the library, under the distant but eagle-eyed surveillance of Miki). Aiwa is adhering strictly to the "friendship" angle, but her blush-o-meter still hits critical levels whenever our hands accidentally brush. It is… confusingly sweet.
Wednesday: Rina Day. Dominated by "Sibling Bonding Activities," which usually involve her forcing me to watch terrible romance dramas while providing a running commentary on how our love story is much more compelling (and forbidden), or needing my "expert handler assistance" for Ectiqa projects that mysteriously require me to stand very close to her for extended periods. The physical affection boundary is constantly being tested, like a curious velociraptor probing an electric fence.
Thursday: Haruka Day. Focused on "Intellectual Stimulation and Cultural Enrichment." This translates to Haruka dragging me to obscure art galleries, critically analyzing my taste in music, or engaging me in complex debates about cosplay theory. It is less overtly affectionate than Rina's or Aiwa's approaches, but her cool, analytical focus on me is somehow just as intense, like being studied under a very stylish, very judgmental microscope.
Fridays: Designated Group Activity Day. Usually involves Cosplay Club meetings, which are now slightly less chaotic but still rife with passive-aggressive one-upmanship as Rina, Haruka, and Aiwa all try to impress me with their leadership skills and technical prowess.
Weekends: Alternating custody. This past weekend was Haruka's (art exhibit, followed by a lecture on existentialism), next weekend is Rina's (plans unknown, but likely involving glitter and emotional manipulation), the weekend after is Aiwa's (proposed trip to a specialized bookstore, pending approval from the Joint Rui Management Committee – aka Rina and Haruka).
It is structured. It is organized. It is completely, utterly insane. The open warfare has subsided, replaced by a cold war fought with scheduled interactions and strategic kindness. My friends watch this unfold with a mixture of horror and fascination.
"So," Kenji asks during a rare moment of non-scheduled freedom at lunch (Aiwa is mysteriously absent today). "Who is winning the 'Rui Bowl'?"
"It is not a competition," Miki sighs, sounding utterly unconvinced by her own words.
"It totally is," Kenji insists. "Rina-chan has the home-field advantage and the sibling bond. Haruka-sama has the cool, mature allure. And Aiwa-chan has the secret childhood promise and the LUNA factor! It is anyone's game!"
"Can we please not analyze my love life like a sports tournament?" I grumble, burying my face in my curry bread.
"Too late," Haruka says smoothly, appearing seemingly out of nowhere (it is technically Rina's supervision day, but Haruka plays fast and loose with the rules). "Kenji's analogies are crude, but his assessment is accurate. The variables are complex." She gives me an analytical look. "Though I believe the optimal outcome is becoming increasingly clear." (She means her, obviously).
Rina arrives a second later, looking flustered. "Ito! You are violating the schedule! Today is my Rui-supervision day!"
"I was merely ensuring the asset was not experiencing undue emotional distress during the unsupervised lunch period," Haruka replies coolly.
They start bickering about treaty clauses again. I just sigh. Even peace is exhausting.
I need an escape. A refuge. A place where Rina's sisterly affection, Haruka's cool analysis, and Aiwa's shy advances cannot reach me. A place where I can just… be.
Later that week, feeling particularly overwhelmed after a grueling "Joint Kenji Supervision" session (which mostly involved preventing him from accidentally gluing himself to Haruka's expensive props), I find myself wandering through the city, craving anonymity. My feet lead me towards a familiar haven from my middle school days: a large, slightly grimy, but wonderfully anonymous cybercafe tucked away on a side street.
Rows upon rows of computer terminals glow in the dim light. The air smells faintly of stale snacks and ozone. The only sounds are the clicking of keyboards, the whirring of computer fans, and the occasional frustrated yell from a gamer. It is perfect. No Rina. No Haruka. No Aiwa. Just me, a computer, and the glorious, uncomplicated world of online gaming.
I find an empty terminal in a quiet corner, pay for three hours, and log into 'Aethelgard Ascendant,' the game Rina and Haruka are currently the official faces of (a fact I try very hard to ignore). Time to lose myself in some mindless monster-slaying. This is exactly what I need.