My Eccentric Harem

The decision had been made: Aqua chose to stay. For the first time since the system entered Aoyama's life, he felt a sense of stability—mixed with an overwhelming rush of emotions he hadn't fully processed. Aqua was now, officially, a part of his life, and something about that thought both terrified and excited him.

The glowing Spin button lingered in the air, waiting for his command, but Aoyama dismissed it with a wave of his hand. "Not now," he muttered to himself. "Let's get through today first."

Instead, he turned to Aqua, who was fiddling with the stuffed dolphin she had named "Splashy." She looked more relaxed than she had in days, but there was still a faint vulnerability in her expression.

"So," Aoyama began, clearing his throat awkwardly, "I was thinking... since you're staying and all, maybe we should... go out."

Aqua blinked, looking up at him. "Go out? Like, out-out? A date?"

"Well, yeah," Aoyama said, scratching the back of his neck. "I mean, that's what couples do, right?"

Aqua's eyes widened, and then she broke into a wide grin. "Aoyama, are you asking me on a date?"

"Don't make it weird," he muttered, his cheeks turning red.

Aqua giggled, standing up and clasping her hands together dramatically. "I'd be honored to accompany you, my dear boyfriend."

Aoyama groaned, already regretting his decision. "Why do I feel like I'm going to regret this?"

---

The next morning, Aoyama found himself standing outside the train station, nervously waiting for Aqua. He had dressed in his best casual clothes—a simple button-up shirt and jeans—but he couldn't shake the feeling that he looked out of place.

"Sorry I'm late!" Aqua's voice rang out.

He turned to see her rushing toward him, wearing a light blue sundress that complemented her hair perfectly. She had tied her usual ponytail into a loose braid, and her face was lit up with excitement.

Aoyama blinked, momentarily stunned. "You look... nice."

Aqua grinned, twirling slightly. "Nice? That's it? I spent twenty minutes on this, and all I get is 'nice'?"

"Okay, fine," Aoyama said, rolling his eyes. "You look great."

"That's better." Aqua hooked her arm through his. "Now, where are we going?"

---

Their first stop was an aquarium—Aoyama's idea, inspired by Aqua's love of water. As they wandered through the exhibits, Aqua was like a kid in a candy store, pressing her face to the glass and marveling at every fish and sea creature they passed.

"Look at that one!" she exclaimed, pointing at a bright blue tang. "It's so cute!"

"You're supposed to act like an adult on a date, you know," Aoyama teased.

"Where's the fun in that?" Aqua shot back, sticking her tongue out at him.

Despite her antics, Aoyama found himself smiling more than he had in a long time. Watching Aqua's unfiltered joy was strangely contagious, and for once, he felt like he could relax.

---

After the aquarium, they grabbed lunch at a small café overlooking the harbor. Aqua insisted on ordering the most expensive dessert on the menu—a towering parfait topped with whipped cream and fruit.

"You're going to regret that later," Aoyama warned as she took a massive bite.

"Worth it," Aqua said, her face practically glowing with happiness.

Aoyama chuckled, shaking his head. "You're ridiculous."

"And you love it," Aqua said confidently.

He didn't respond, but the faint smile on his face spoke volumes.

---

As the day drew to a close, they found themselves sitting on a bench overlooking the ocean. The sky was painted in hues of orange and pink, the waves gently lapping at the shore below.

"This was fun," Aqua said, leaning back and letting out a contented sigh. "I'm glad you dragged me out."

"I didn't drag you," Aoyama said. "You practically dragged me."

"Details," Aqua said, waving him off. She turned to him, her expression softening. "But seriously... thanks, Aoyama."

"For what?" he asked, surprised by her sudden sincerity.

"For making me feel... human," she said quietly. "I've spent so long trying to prove I'm a goddess, but... maybe it's okay to just be me."

Aoyama felt his chest tighten, and before he could stop himself, he reached out and took her hand. "You don't have to prove anything, Aqua. You're... enough. Just as you are."

Aqua's cheeks turned pink, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she leaned her head on his shoulder, a small smile playing on her lips.

"You're sappy," she murmured.

"Yeah, well... you're stuck with me," Aoyama said, smirking.

"Good," Aqua whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of the waves.

---

As they walked home that evening, the glow of the Spin button reappeared in the corner of Aoyama's vision. Aqua noticed it too and smirked.

"So," she said, her tone teasing, "are you going to spin the wheel and add someone else to this 'harem' of yours?"

Aoyama hesitated, glancing at her. "Are you okay with that?"

Aqua shrugged, though her eyes sparkled with mischief. "As long as I'm number one, I don't care who else joins. Besides, they'll never beat me."

Aoyama chuckled, shaking his head. "You're impossible."

"Spin it, Aoyama," Aqua said, nudging him. "Let's see what happens next."

With a deep breath, Aoyama pressed the button. The wheel spun, names flashing by in a blur. Finally, it slowed, landing on a new name written in fiery red letters:

---

Albedo – Overlord

---

Aoyama groaned, running a hand through his hair. "This is going to be a nightmare, isn't it?"

Aqua laughed, hooking her arm through his. "Probably. But hey, at least it'll be entertaining."

---

To Be Continued...