The Bounty Hunter

April 9th, 2089

Most of the day has passed since Akemi-sempai, Kira-chan, Vera-chan and I have been at the convention together.  Surprisingly enough, I have been getting along great with Kira-chan and Vera-chan.  It’s to the point where we can already speak casually to each other.  Kira-chan is friendly and cheerful, while Vera-chan reminds me a lot of Minato with her quiet and cool demeanor.  

They both get excited over the strangest things and everything seems new and interesting to them.  It’s rather amusing to watch.  When I woke up this morning I did not expect that I would become friends with my love rivals.  Uuuu, this is making things tough for me now.  It’s obvious to anyone that talks with them about it that they are head over heels in love with Minato, just like me.  It’s part of the reason why we are getting along so well. 

What do I do?  I thought that I could scare them off by bringing up my engagement with him, but that didn’t work with these two.  And since I am not Minato’s wife yet, I don’t have the right to prevent Minato from marrying them.  Unlike at the beginning of the new millennia, polygamy has become much more widespread throughout the world.  After the devastating 3rd World War there was a large gender imbalance between men and women, which forced religions and governments to promote polygamy to keep populations growing in order to replenish the enormous casualties from the conflict.

There were certain rules imposed however.  To marry additional spouses requires the approval of all the current spouses.  The spouses who are in the “harem” give up their right to have their own “harem”.  The inheritance of the shared parent is evenly split amongst the children while the non-shared parent’s inheritance is passed along only to their children. 

There are no additional legal rights to being the first spouse, second spouse, etc. although most harems have an unspoken seniority system amongst spouses.  It makes sense considering the earlier spouses allow the later spouses to join the harem.  There is no social stigma for being part of a harem, however.  Nowadays, polygamy is most common amongst the rich and powerful since they can afford it.  Having multiple husbands/wives is now seen as a status symbol of success.  I myself was almost married off as a 3rd wife when my dad was taking over his company.

Right now, Kira-chan, Vera-chan and I are sitting together as we are eating some snacks.  Akemi-sempai and Reiji-kun have left to meet some of Reiji’s otaku friends and Minato was currently being swarmed at the photo taking area so we are alone.  I was drinking my ice tea when Kira-chan suddenly spoke “So how long have you been in love with Minato?”  I ended up spitting out my tea comically at that upfront question.  “H-h,how did you know?”

I stammered as my face turned red.  “Too obvious.”  Vera-chan commented as Kira-chan nodded in agreement.  “Yeah, anyone who observed you around Minato for 5 minutes could tell.  Anyways, when was it for you?”  I was red faced as I responded “Since childhood.”  Kira smiled happily at that as her cat ears were cutely twitching, “Me too!”  Wait, she’s known Minato since childhood? 

But before I could ask her about it she dropped a bomb “Honestly I was a little nervous about meeting the other girl who Minato was in love with, but I really like you.”  Vera-chan nodded in agreement as my mind went blank for a moment as I forgot to breathe.  “H,he loves me!?!?” I grabbed Kira-chan by the shoulders, causing her to let out a “Nya!” in surprise, and I stared deep into her gorgeous amber eyes.  Wow, she even has a cat-slit pupil, how detailed is her costume? 

“Of course he does, silly!  He only smiles for the people he loves after all.”  She giggled a little bit at my shock before continuing “You’ve known him for a long time right?  Think about it.  He’s normally cold and indifferent to everyone, yet he is so kind and sweet towards you.  What other explanation could it be except love?”  …She’s right.  “But then why hasn’t he done anything?  I’ve made it obvious how I feel about him right?” 

At my words, Kira-chan and Vera-chan exchanged looks as if deciding on something.  Vera-chan then spoke up “If Terra admits his feelings for you, he’d have to tell you everything.  And he’s scared to do that.”  “Terra?”  They didn’t answer that question and instead Kira told me “Akemi-san and Reiji-san are gone, right?  We’ll leave now as well so you can be alone with Minato.  Waiting won’t change anything, confront him directly and see how true his feelings really are.  Make him tell you everything.  Good luck!” 

And just like that Kira-chan and Vera-chan got up and left me there to sort out my tumultuous emotions.  How do I confront Minato about this?  It seems like he has a big secret, what exactly is it?  Ah, looks like Minato has finally extricated himself from the photo section.  “Hey Hikari, where did the others go?”  “Kira-chan and Vera-chan said they’re headed home.”  “-chan?  Hikari, have you become friends with Kira and Veronica?”  “Yeah!”  As I said that he gave one of his wonderful smiles as he said “I’m glad to hear that.” 

Mou, it’s unfair that one smile has that much destructive power.  “I’ve also gotten kind of tired, do you mind taking me home?”  “Sure.”  He grabbed my hand and we left the convention.  He held my hand the entire way to my house.  I don’t know how to go about this, but I’ll wing it.  “Hey Minato, can you come over in an hour?  I need to talk to you about something.”  “Okay.”  He left, giving me time to prepare.  My parents aren’t home tonight, so this will be my best opportunity to confess.  I changed out of my cosplay outfit and put nothing on but a simple and easy to remove cotton dress.  I’ve decided to stake everything on tonight.