When I woke up, I was lying on my back, and I felt a distinct heat radiating from the right side of my body.

Turning my head, I met Shion’s eyes. She was resting her head on my chest, smiling with pure, unadulterated bliss.

"Good morning, Sousuke-kun."

Her voice was sweet enough to melt sugar.

"Good morning, Shion."

Without another word, she leaned in, and we shared a long, lingering kiss.

"Mwah... chu... lero, lero, lero... slurp... chuuu..."

It was an intense, tongue-tangling kiss, but I could feel a weight of emotion in it that was far beyond anything we'd shared before. Up until yesterday, there had always been a sense of her trying to "serve" or please me, but now, her own raw desires were layered into the sensation. As a man, I was thrilled, but I wondered if she’d had a sudden change of heart.

When we finally broke apart, Shion’s eyes were feverish and moist.

"Being in love with someone who loves you back... it’s so much more wonderful than I imagined."

I see, I thought, a wave of understanding hitting me.

The reason for the change was simple: we had finally confirmed our feelings for each other. For my part, the fact that an incredibly attractive, charming girl like Shion—someone I'd never even had a chance with back home—was returning my affection made me so happy it felt surreal.

"Hehe... Sousuke-kun. Even after how much we did last night, you’re already getting big again."

"Ugh... sorry."

It wasn't just the "morning wood" effect; the sheer excitement of realizing my current situation was definitely fueling it. As she looked at the "tent" rising beneath the blankets, Shion’s smile shifted into something more bewitching.

"Sousuke-kun, can you sit up for me?"

"A-ah, sure."

Shion rose to a kneeling position on the bed, and I followed her lead, sitting upright. She leaned in for another kiss, but that wasn't all. Pressing the left side of her body firmly against mine, she reached down with her right hand and began to stroke my member.

"I want to kiss you a whole lot... so is my hand okay...?"

Shion devoured my lips while her hand moved in a steady, rhythmic motion—shuko-shuko. Her technique was a perfect recreation of the preferences she had "discerned" from me once before.

I responded to her kiss, giving a small nod of approval.

The exchange of saliva between our lips, the sensation of her smooth, warm skin and fluffy breasts against my chest, and the firm yet delicate friction of her slender hand—it was all perfect. How many men on this island could claim to have such a happy experience immediately upon waking? None. It had to be only me. Because Shion was only here.

"Mwah... if it starts to feel good, don't hold back for even a second. Just let it out whenever you want."

"Nngh...!"

It wasn't long before Shion’s hand was stained with my white fluid. Even after the pulsations stopped, she kept her hand moving gently and refused to break the kiss.

"...Lero... Sousuke-kun, you're still big. I'm happy about that, but we really should go make breakfast soon."

"You're... right. It's okay. I'll take out some water and a basin now, so you can wash up."

"Okay, but listen."

Shion looked at me with lingering desire before leaning her lips close to my ear.

"For the second round and anything after... let's wait until after breakfast, okay?"

"——!"

A jolt like an electric current surged through my entire body.

"Since you got big just for me, I'll be mad if you give it to any of the other girls, okay?"

She pulled back, pouting playfully as she stared into my eyes.

"A-ah... right."

"Hehe, good... Thank you for the water. I'll wash my hands now."

Shion had always been the kind of "refined and pure" beauty that every boy dreamed of, but now... having discovered love and the touch of a man, she was beginning to exude a charm that could only be described as demonic. The realization that I was the sole target of that charm filled me with an overwhelming sense of joy.

*****

At breakfast, bread finally made its debut on the dining table.

Today, we had a classic loaf of bread. Even something so simple was worth as much as a gemstone on this deserted island. We all sat together to eat sandwiches prepared by Shion, Chiyu, and Roa.

"Shii-chan, you're a genius... Marry me."

Shouko was practically shedding tears of joy. I felt the same. The taste was excellent, and since they were easy to eat, they’d make perfect portable lunches for our explorations.

"Hehe, sorry. I already have someone I like."

Shion replied to Shouko's joke with a smile. The way she glanced at me right as she said it made my heart race.

"So-kun, how is your beloved childhood friend's egg sandwich?"

"A-ah. It's delicious, Chiyu."

"Mm. Obviously. I put my heart into it."

"Sousuke-kun, how is my bread?"

"It’s incredibly fluffy and delicious. As expected of you, Shion."

"Hehe, thank you. Maybe it's because I put just as much feeling into it as Chiyu-chan?"

The silver-haired, blue-eyed, cool childhood friend, Chiyu. The black-haired, pure, orthodox beauty, Shion.

One with a blank expression and the other with a smile, they seemed to be... sparking off each other. The fact that it didn't turn into a sour atmosphere was a testament to the exquisite balance between them.

"The breakfast is unbelievably good and all, but... shouldn't we talk about the monsters?"

Yumekai spoke up after taking a sip of sheep’s milk.

"Since we got confirmation that abilities are effective against monsters, we also have confirmation that Yumekai-san’s barrier can block them. That’s a relief for all of us," Minori replied.

"The issue is exploration," I added. "But I think we can avoid encounters by splitting into the Micron and Mashiro groups and staying away from water sources. That said, I want to try fighting an Arvanche at least once this morning..."

"Mm. Typical So-kun. Even if we can avoid them normally, a time might come when we have to fight them for an event. It’s important to get used to it now so we can move when it counts," Chiyu said, showing she understood perfectly.

"I have no problem with that. My 'Attribute Magic' was originally meant for combat, after all."

Minori had been helping with gathering, but her original image of magic was likely that of a mage in battle. A monster fight would be the perfect place to exercise that.

"Seriously? I mean, we've had Mashiro take down wild boars before, but... ugh. But you're right. It would be the worst if we couldn't do anything in an emergency..."

"You don't have to force yourself to fight, Shouko. It’s about the right person for the right job."

There are definitely people who are fine with eating meat but psychologically can't bring themselves to harm a living creature. I didn't think that made her weak. As long as each person works on what they can do, that’s enough. It’s best if we can simply respect each other’s roles. I felt safe with this group because I didn't have to worry about that.

"Yeah, I agree. I don't think I’ll be much help in a fight either," Shion added.

"I also suspect I lack the aptitude for a 'combat maid' role..." Roa chimed in.

"I chose a barrier ability specifically because I can't handle that stuff. But I’ll help with exploration and gathering. Otherwise, my debt to you guys will just keep piling up," Yumekai said.

So, the combatants in our house were me, Minori, Mashiro, and Micron. The non-combatants were Shouko, Chiyu, Shion, Roa, and Yumekai. However, Shouko would move with Mashiro, and Chiyu would come along for support.

"Regardless, I think everyone should experience seeing a monster in person. Even if you leave the fighting to your companions, you need to be able to retreat immediately rather than freezing up when you spot one."

Everyone seemed to agree with that plan.

"First, we’ll head toward the water together so everyone can see an Arvanche. Those who feel °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° they can fight will fight. Once that’s done, we’ll move on to exploration. Also, I’m thinking of making this afternoon 'free time.'"

"...Accounting for the mental fatigue of facing monsters?" Chiyu asked, probing my intent.

"That's part of it, but we've also been pretty busy lately, right? I have a lot of supplies in my 'Inventory,' and I’ve been wanting to gradually create more personal time for everyone."

We could rush to gather more before the monster count increased, but our resource stockpiling speed was already impressive. We could afford to transition from two daily shifts to just a morning shift.

"I think it’s a great idea. As someone who usually stays home, I’d be happy to have everyone in the house more often," Shion said, clasping her hands in delight.

"I would also appreciate having more time to serve everyone," Roa added.

"I'm for it too. It means I can take proper time for my studies and magic practice," Minori said.

"Count me in! That’ll make it easier for Roa-chii and Serina to settle in too!" Shouko chirped.

"If Kuno, the leader, decided it, then fine..." Yumekai said. She might have felt like she could only pay back her "debt" if she was given work.

"Like I said yesterday, keeping the barrier up is your contribution to the party. But if you want to do more, there’s something I want to test using your ability. Can I count on you for that?"

"...Of course. You should ask for things like that more often."

"What are you going to do during free time, So-kun? Sex?"

Chiyu, please don't say things that freeze the breakfast table.

Well, "freeze" might not have been the right word; everyone except Yumekai seemed to get a bit fidgety.

"Uh, no. Since everyone was kind enough to let me choose, I was thinking of playing a game. I bought some software, after all."

What I’d picked yesterday was a single-player RPG, but once I could get more controllers, I wanted to pick a title we could all play together.

"Hehe, that’s a good idea. You work too hard, Sousuke-kun."

"Exactly! As the leader, you need to take the initiative in resting!"

"I agree. I want you to have some time to relax your mind, Sousuke-san."

"If we are talking about games, shall we prepare drinks and sweets? Shion-sama, shall we make them together?"

"Yes, let's."

"I'll be the one sitting next to So-kun, giving unsolicited advice every now and then."

Chiyu had always preferred watching me play over playing herself. Apparently, she found that plenty fun. Since many people enjoy watching "Let’s Plays" these days, it was probably a similar feeling.

"Well, everyone can spend the afternoon however they like. For now, let’s do our best with the morning session."

Everyone gave their respective affirmations.

With breakfast finished, it was time for our first encounter with a monster.