''Ugh...''
Slowly, the senses are coming back to me.
Although experiencing the memory through Luna's channel does provide a very natural replication of reality, nothing beats the real real life. When I find it comfortable enough to lift my eyelids, a vast sky is directly in front of me—no, above me.
Instead of a refreshing blue, it is bearing a burning orange right now. Clouds scatter here and there, sailing across the space at a leisurely pace.
''...''
A hell of a lot has happened, huh.
Really, I had expected to come back from the memory with a changed mind, but I didn't think it would change this much. A lot of emotions are still in disarray, and a lot of ideals are in conflict with one another, but at the same time, I feel as though I have found a lost piece of myself.
Nevertheless, I need to focus on the moment.
Since there is something soft cushioning me from behind...
''Hu... you're finally back, Hanako.''
''...Hi.''
Turns out, I have been sleeping on Luna's lap the whole time.
As the goddess's face enters my sight, a sense of bitterness takes over me. She is neither sad nor happy, but just... bothered, somehow.
So, I quickly employ a method of lightening a woman's mood that has a one hundred percent success rate so far—kissing. It'll be even more effective if I kiss them down there, but the lips also work wonderfully.
''...!''
Ah... I guess there's something that never changes. Kissing Luna feels amazing.
''Hanako...''
''Heheh.''
''Really, you are...''
Looking at her smile now, maybe it isn't so bad after all.
----------------------------------------
They say if you don't use something, nominally a skill, for a long time, it will become worse.
I'd imagine the same goes for memory, too. Since I was practically away from this timeline for a few years, touching everything now feels strange—not physically, but metaphorically.
It feels weird to remember 'recent' events—like I'm accessing someone else's journals. It does get better as I continue, though.
Anyway, the first thing I want to do after coming back is...
''So... how did this happen in just a few moments?''
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In line with Liana's annoyed words, her expression becomes quite a spectacle as she discovers my newfound intimacy with Luna. For reference, we are hugging each other's waists right now.
Tina is here, too, and her face is arguably scarier than that of Liana, but we can't forget Sariel, whose perpetually smiling mouth doesn't match the suspicious glint in her eyes. Anna and Emy are also here, but they seem more curious than anything.
''Um, so...''
Yes. I'm trying to explain my 'sudden' relationship with Luna.
In reality, I had spent a few years with her, both as best friends and lovers, but only the two of us knew that. In this regard, I'll just need to be straightforward. It's not like I would hate it if they came at me with some sort of punishment anyway.
''Ahem.''
Taking a deep breath, I begin to summarize my experience within the memory—from the moment I was reincarnated for the first time all the way to the end of the old civilization.
I discuss my role in that story, their roles, and Luna's, too.
But of course, I also try to tread a bit carefully on the love story between us. Unlike the free woman that I was, I am now these girls' possession, after all. I wouldn't want them to reject Luna.
''Phew... that's all.''
'''' ... ''''
Needless to say, they seem to have a lot to think about. I'm sure they already had an idea after the virtual game shenanigans Luna pulled off some time ago, but the difference is that I now present these events as facts.
As I hold my breath and wait for their reactions, I notice that Luna doesn't seem worried at all. That gives me confidence, for sure.
''So... that is a lot to take in, but you ultimately want us to recognize your relationship with Miss Lunaris, correct?''
The first one to voice her thoughts is Tina, and she quite literally sees through me and my maneuver. Well, since it is not false, I obediently nod back.
Surprisingly, even after hearing that, most of them only make variations of an understanding expression. The sole exception is Anna, and being the naughty girl she is, her cheeks burn up instead.
Continuing the streak, Liana raises her hand, ''No, more than that, you said 'Hanako' was summoned by Aris?''
''Yes. What about it?'' I tilt my head.
''Can I have my memory of that period, then?'' The flat-chested elf requests. ''I want to see the real Hanako.''
''Oh, me too.'' Anna quickly agrees.
''Me three.'' Followed by Emy.
Soon enough, Luna and I are overwhelmed by the members who wish to regain their original memory. As much as I am happy that they want to see the original version of myself so much, I also have my reservations.
''It's a tragedy, you know?'' I smile bitterly. ''It's not... a pretty thing to see, let alone experience.''
''Hah. I couldn't care less. It's my memory. Refusing to have them is just cowardice.''
''I agree with that.''
''M-Me too!''
These gals... really. Did Luna already know this beforehand?
''Well, you do you, I guess. But don't go back and cry to me, okay?'' I utter after confirming it with Luna.
''Of course!''
''Oh, but how about you, mother goddess?''
''Hm?''
At Anna's question, Eva, who has been typing away on her laptop, turns to us. ''I already got my portion of memory. Go ahead without me.'' She replies.
And so, it ends up being five of my fiancés lying on two beds, ready to fall into a dream of themselves in another reality. Some look nervous, some excited, but all of them are determined.
''Then... have a nice trip, you guys.''
With a snap, Luna sends the five into the dream, leaving me and two goddesses behind.
''Fufu. Without them, it becomes a bit lonely, isn't it?'' Luna chuckles. ''Shall we do something together while waiting?''
''How long would it take for them to wake up?'' I ask.
''Perhaps an hour.''
''Hmm...''
You know, I suddenly have this idea...
See, no matter how positive those five are, they will inevitably become a bit slumped after witnessing the world end, so why don't we prepare a 'welcome back' thing for them?
''Hanako?''
''Shh. Come here, Luna.''
As I whisper some magic words into Luna's long ears, her face gradually heats up, and her deep blue eyes steal some glances at Eva. Nevertheless, without much hesitation, she nods.
''Then...''
Step by step, both of us approach the goddess of war, who is enthusiastically browsing some sort of social media platform.
''Hm?''
When we place our hands on Eva's exposed shoulder, she lightly turns around, her blood-red eyes casting some questions.
''Hey, Eva... would you mind showing me your dick?''
''...??''