Chapter 1

My name is Kyousuke Kousaka. For anyone who listens to my stories about my sister, you should feel very strange.

I understand my sister – Kirino very clearly. How bad her temper is, how unreasonable she is.

Of course...I, myself, also realize how much I hate her.

Some may have said that is not totally true.

Because although I constantly said how much I hate her, her problem has nothing to do with me, when she is in trouble, my attitude makes a 180-degree turn, with me running around trying to help her – That is why some people mistake me for a siscon.

But this is not the case.

A natural beauty of a little sister and a normal useless brother. How could I not feel jealous, how is it that I would not feel she is very unsightly?

I hope that you remember when Kirino got sick, at that time her novel was going to be made into an anime. During that period, again I tried to ignore her, tried to pretend she did not exist.

The reason is very common and quite disgraceful. Of course, it can be called a shameful excuse. But because this is a common reason, that feeling cannot be changed randomly.

This is real life, and not everything can have a solution. Anyone who lives for 17 years can understand that. Manga is different from real life. No matter how hard you try, sometimes it is impossible to reach your dream.

And some time, someone else can easily get past you, stand above you.

I am a normal guy. That is why I hate my beautiful, talented sister.

Sometimes, I want to defeat her, to crush her spirit.

That idea has been in my mind for a while. Anyone who has my problem should have that idea. I will not be fooled by her cute appearance – since every time, she treats me like a servant.

This is what I think from the bottom of my heart.

You deserve that – Haha! So funny!

But --- but...the result? All of you can see the result: I'm crying and there's Kuroneko's regret-filled face. Both of us, trying to protect Kirino's dream, enduring the mocking laughter.

There is no other way. We simply do not have any other choice.

No matter in the past or present, and even in the future, I can only do that -

because I'm her brother.

Right now, half of February has passed. I'm alone in my room.

For a student who is going to university in the next year, this is pretty normal.

"Ah... So tired..."

After one hour sitting at the table, I am completely exhausted.

Right now, the idea of taking a break to read manga or check the Internet for some favorite sites seem so pleasant. If it was a few months ago, I would have already fallen for the temptation, but –

"No, I can't waste the effort in the last hour."

Shaking my head, once more I face the table, clenching a pen.

I am not sure why I am working so hard.

It's such a simple thing, something anyone can easily do. It is just that before, I never had enough persistence and perseverance.

Although I always said I prefer an ordinary and normal life, this does not mean simply staying alive. Maybe I was too loose on myself before, using that as an excuse for my laziness...

Because of that, now I am at least trying to make some efforts.

This subtle change must be generated by my sister and her friend in these recent months.

Yes, it all began in June last year. Since I accidentally discovered my annoying sister's secret. My sister – who constantly had a cold relationship with me, suddenly came at me for "life consulting", and then I met Saori and Kuroneko.

I defended her interest in front of father, then we went to our first Comiket together.

Then the struggle between my sister and her closest friend, Ayase.

And just a few days ago, I solved all the commotion about her cell phone novel. ----

In the last 8 months, a lot has happened.

During my 17 year life time, there has been no time which has been more trouble than right now.

No matter good or bad, these things are enough to change a person's value.

"That has nothing to do with me." or "I have had enough..." – although I always think these things, the fact is that my "quiet days" have begun to feel like a distant past.

After many "life consultations", with the many problems that my sister has thrown at me, something has changed.

Both Kirino and I still hate each other, but our relationship has indeed changed.

There are new friends --- aarghhhh, my God, how long must I endure this life style? Deep down, sometimes I want to give up the struggle and return to my "normal" days.

But one day, my sister abruptly told me :

"Next time is the last life consultation."

Several days have passed, but my sister hasn't said a word about the content of the last life consultation – and I began to think that perhaps I heard it wrong.

There is no way my sister can say something like that.

But...for some reason, that sentence keeps hovering in my mind.

"Last life consultation" – what exactly is it?

I can't figure it out, so I go to the first floor to get something to drink.

In our house, to go to the kitchen, you must go through the living room. But the moment I open the door I can't help but stare.

That is because inside the living room, aside from my sister, are her friends that I have seen before.

It seems that her classmates have come to our home to play.

"...Tch!"

Immediately after she saw me, the familiar sound comes from the brown-haired refined girl.

That is my sister Kirino Kousaka, who, still wearing fashionable clothes, is deeply buried in the sofa.

"Ah! Onii-chan! How are you?"

And would be my sister's best friend and model companion, a beautiful dark-haired girl, Ayase Aragaki.

Both she and my sister are in 8th grade, but she shows a very calm disposition.

Oh, by the way, she is my natural enemy.

Her friendly attitude is simply an act. Deep down, she must be thinking "Do not come here, pervert...or I will kill you!"

And next to her is...

"Hi! How are you?"

Saying that with a disgusting smile is another of Kirino's friends, Kanako.

She has a petite, flat-chested body. Her hair is tied into two ponytails. At first glance, she looks like a normal school girl : mini skirt with leggings, cute uniform.

Right now, she is sitting beside Ayase on the sofa.

I hardly met her before, but why am I getting a déjà vu feeling?

"Hehe...Is Kirino's brother looking at me? So disgusting."

This girl is clearly speaking out loud, so I can hear it. She is as bad as Kirino!

Although I really want to leave this place, simply walking out is not an option.

Why? Why can't I turn away despite wanting to avoid them? Because I must go get something to drink.

"... Hello."

Having no other choice, I can only say hello, then quickly go through the living room.

Those little devils! Disgusting! I can't stand them! Seems like I can only wait to go back to my room by using the back door.

Ah...am I ashamed with that idea? Well, if you are in my shoes you would certainly understand my mood now.

I pull my tired body to the refrigerator and take out some water.

During that time, the girls keep talking loudly, so I end up listening to what they are saying.

"Huh? What I want? Why do you want to know something like that, Ayase?"

"Er... This... I just want to know. You don't need to think too much, just give me an answer."

"It seems that during the previous track competition, Kirino got a good ranking. So to celebrate, her friends want to give her a present."

"Hey hey, Kanako! How could you say it out loud like that?!"

"Why not? Just thinking about it is so troublesome, so we can just ask directly, right?"

Kanako replied with a clearly I-don't-want-to-give-Kirino-a-present voice.

If you speak bluntly like that, doesn't it affect your relationship?

However, Kirino replied with a gentle voice:

"Ah ha ha... No, no. There is no need for presents. Just knowing that you two care about me makes me happy."

Now I remember, she always acts like that with her friends at school.

Once she heard Kirino's reaction, Kanako burst into laughter.

"See? Even Kirino said she doesn't need a present. Besides, I want to use that money for clothes! You thought so too, right Ayase?"

Ayase quickly put her hand over Kanako's mouth.

"Ahaha. Kanako is joking again! Haha, how could we say such a relentless thing – we are friends, right?"

Kirino nods.

Tearing up, Kanako tried her best to nod, tears streaming.

"Ayase! I can't breathe!"

Then Kirino hastily played the peacemaker:

"Uhm, Ayase, you're going overboard!"

"Huh? Am I?"

Ayase released Kanako immediately.

After being released, Kanako hurridly took a few steps away from Ayase, gesturing at her angrily with her hand.

"You...do you want to kill me?"

"Of course not, Kanako. How could I do that to my friends?"

This was terrible! How can everything this girl says always have some different meaning?!

"Hey hey, both of you please calm down..."

"Can we please talk about something else? Here, look at my new earring."

"I got this from a Shibuya shop. Don't you think it is so pretty?"

It seems that Kirino only played peacemaker with 'friends at school' - Don't tell me she always does that at school? This is completely different than when she is with her otaku friends. In fact, I think that looks like a mask on her right now!

But she seemed happy, so I guess this is fine.

"Onii-chan, please give me a life consultation."

That is what Ayase asked me that night, after she went home.

My cell phone notified me that I got a new message from Ayase.

"Problems? What exactly is it?" Don't tell me...she means those doujinshi...

Ah...yeah, this might be it."

Still wondering, I already arrived at the meeting point. And that is the first thing Ayase told me.

"Life consultation? You are looking for MY consulting?"

"Yes."

Ayase nodded with a strange expression.

I once got into a fight with her, and after that she always thought I was "an incestuous brother who wants to kiss his own sister."

For various reasons, I can't resolve this misunderstanding, so I try to avoid her as much as possible.

In fact, I think she must have the same thought – of course I have no way to confirm this.

However... "life consultation..."

Have you heard this word from Kirino? I hate to say it, but this is not something you can just say and expect me to obey your every order!

However, the appearance of the beautiful and stubborn Ayase – despite her hatred toward me, made me concerned about what she wanted to discuss and I decided to hear her out.

But I think I have the idea now.

"Is it for Kirino's gift?"

"It is good that you understand now, so what should I give Kirino?"

"How could I know? In fact, I think 'Whatever is fine' is Kirino's real thought."

All she needs is something that YOU give her

"Of course I know that, but..."

Ayase looked down, hesitating – it seems like she wants to say something but can't find the right words to.

So, I express my opinion:

"And...why are you asking me? How could I know what a 14 year old girl likes? You must understand that better than me."

"Because...I don't know what she likes most..."

"What did you say?"

Her voice is so low that I can't hear anything, so I ask her again. This time, she answered me very loudly.

"I want Kirino to have a gift that she loves! So that is why I came to ask you!"

Wait just a second. You said you want to give Kirino something she loves...

Does that mean...

"I thought you still did not approve of Kirino's otaku hobby?"

"Yes, and I still don't approve of it! However, I consider this time to be a special case...so I want to give her something she loves... Besides, I have had some talks with Kirino about anime. "

"So that is why."

Like any normal middle school girl, Ayase really hates otaku.

But like our father, she is willing to try, little by little to understand Kirino's interest.

This is really touching, knowing that your friend is ready to go that far for you.

"But there is a problem."

"Like what?"

"It happened when she showed me some NENDOROID, and I said 'what is the purpose of collecting this?' and Kirino suddenly lost interest. And then she ignored me. I wanted to cry..."

"Ah."

"What is the purpose of collecting this?" This is not something you can say to an otaku...

However, ignoring her friend just because of that, my sister is really too narrow minded.

"So I want to use that gift to restore our relationship...and as an apology, this must be something Kirino loves...so I want to give her something like Nendoroid... That is why I ask for your opinion..."

"So that is it..?"

You still don't approve of Kirino's hobby, but you want her to be happy, want to give her something she loves most... So you run to her brother for a second opinion.

Looking at her, how could I reject her after hearing this?

"Got it. I will help you look for something that Kirino loves."

"Really?! Thank you!"

I was greeted with her most charming angelic smile, the same when we first met.

For this smile, finding a gift for my sister is just a child's play.

"Hmph, are you saying that you want to give me a gift? So disgusting!"

--- Sorry, I failed.

After I got home and met Kirino, that is the reply I received when I asked her what she wanted.

And the situation became that I wanted to give her a present, not Ayase, or so she thought.

This is a big misunderstanding.

"What are you saying?! And I bought you the earrings last Christmas."

"Hmph. This is just a cheap present, so this does not count."

"Okay, okay, so that is it? You just want to make fun of your brother?

Right?"

Kirino kept ignoring my question and changed the subject.

"By the way, every time I bring my friends here, please stop looking at them with lust-filled eyes. Not only is it rude, it makes me feel so gross."

"Lust-filled eyes? What are you talking about?"

"Don't act innocent! You looked at both Ayase and Kanako with those eyes, didn't you?!"

"Stop looking down on me! What do you mean 'lust-filled eyes?'. I have no such things. And besides, I just felt Kanako looked familiar."

"Do not lie to me! You were looking at them like this" (She makes her best interpretation of a perverted look towards me)

"You are thinking too much! And by the way, why should you care? You are not my girlfriend or something, right?!"

"!"

Kirino opened her eyes in shock, but the next moment she immediately answered.

"I will kill you! How could you say such a shameless sentence?!"

She starts hitting me with reckless abandon.

"Ouch! Ouch! Can you please just listen to me? This is all a misunderstanding!"

"What misunderstanding? Who is the one was pleased when called

'Nii-san' by Kuroneko? I know you are a siscon, but I will not allow her to call you that! So disgusting!"

"Hey, hey hey! This...it is not like I make her call me that."

I desperately tried to explain myself.

Kuroneko is one of Kirino otaku friends. She is a gothic lolita girl who always dresses in Maschera cosplay, and quarrels with Kirino a lot.

And since I went with her to investigate the solution of a certain event, we deceived others by claiming we were "siblings."

After that, even though the incident is solved, she still called me "Nii-san."

I think she only wants to make fun of me, but I don't hate being called that.

(Kirino NEVER does).

And since there is no way my real sister could call me that, at least somehow I feel relieved.

But for some reason Kirino seems to hate Kuroneko for calling me that. I honestly can't tell why that is.

"So, what exactly is it? Little sister role play? Did you pay her to do that?"

"I didn't pay her, and this is not little sister role play."

Pay my sister's friend so they will play a little sister's role in front of my real little sister... I can't even imagine it!

Do you think of me as that much of a pervert?

"Kuroneko is also my friend, there is no need for you to barge into our relationship."

"Yeah, right! Do whatever you want!"

[rapid footsteps are heard]

After she finished talking, Kirino dashed out of the living room.

According to this situation, I feel like it is impossible to ask what she really wants.

---

"Sigh... Throw a tantrum again, then leave without any explanation...what does Nii-san expect me to do?"

"Please stop this! And how long are you going to call me 'Nii-san'?"

"You don't want me to?"

"This is not that, but if our relationship gets any better, Kirino will be pissed."

Although she doesn't admit this, I think she feels her friends are being taken away by me.

"Hmmm. So let's keep our relationship like now and make her even angrier."

"Please, at least think about things for my sake, will you?"

"Don't worry, after two more months I will have another name to call you."

"What does that mean... Something will happen in two months?"

I'm taken aback by her words.

Kuroneko doesn't answer my question, just smiles to herself. Her look makes me feel a little surprised. I have never seen her smile naturally.

Compared to our first meeting, she can really open her mind to me now.

How could I say this? Well, only Kuroneko makes me feel that way.

Two of us meet in a café near a station along Shibuya.

What present will Kirino love?

Since I can't get anything out of her, I had to ask her otaku friends, and the result is this meeting with Kuroneko.

"It is almost time. Saori's message will be here any minute."

"Really? Saori seems like she's always busy, I wonder what kind of life she has."

Although me and Saori can be called 'close friends', I don't know anything about her private life. Of course, the same can be said about Kuroneko in front of me. Although she calls me "Nii-san," I don't even know her real name. Isn't it the same for all network relationships? We can easily get along, but we know nothing about the other person.

In the end, about Saori's mysterious life, Kuroneko made a conclusion.

"She has connections with an anime production company, a wide knowledge about that stuff, so... Really mysterious."

"You think so too?"

"Yes, but I think she doesn't want us to know about it."

In fact, I know that even if Kuroneko doesn't say anything.

"If Saori doesn't want to talk about it, of course we won't ask."

"You really are such a sweet girl."

"What are you saying? No need to praise me, I just simply state the already known facts. And I always speak my mind like this, don't pay too much attention to this kind of thing."

"Like that?"

This girl is so easily to please. All I need to do is praise her a little...

"No matter how embarrassed you are, there is no need to panic."

"Seems like you don't get it at all."

Because of anxiety, Kuroneko now turned to one side, drinks her coffee quietly.

A prolonged dead silence follows.

Although both me and Kuroneko have plenty of things to talk about like a doujinshi or various Kirino – related topics, we can't seem to find the right words. So the situation is now like this : two people sitting across from each other, don't know what to say. If this was Manami... Things would be different. At the very least, I would not feel awkward.

But now, sitting in front of me is not my childhood friend, in her stead, a young girl I have known less than a year...so I can't treat her like Manami.

"Ah." (Both)

The two people now open their mouths at the same time.

"Ah...well..." (Both)

And both fall back to silence once more. This is too much now.

"What! Are you trying to say something?"

"You are going to say something, right?"

Silence again. To avoid our lines of sight from crossing, we intentionally look in different directions and remain silent.

Wow... I really can't stand this atmosphere any longer...

I impatiently scratched my head, while Kuroneko whispered :

"About that... About...that thing that happened before..."

"Before?"

"Yes...uhm... when we were going home on the train."

"Ah, that time?"

Finally I understand, Kuroneko is talking about when we sneaked into the publishing company near Shinjuku – and then we went home directly afterwards.

I remembered that since Kuroneko is severely criticized by the editor, I said many things to encourage her.

"Although it has been a while, I still want to say thanks"

"Ah, there is no need to so formal!"

"To be honest, I have completely forgot what I said that time. And I should be the one say thanks. Because of my request, you agreed to go with me to the publishing company. I feel so embarrassed."

"Never mind, you still have to accept my thanks."

"Thank you very much."

You are welcome. Thank you, too."

She hesitated for a moment before opening her eyes, then continued to whisper without looking at me.

"If I have to go to that publishing company again… will you go with me?"

"But I doubt I will be of any help..."

"I know that."

I can understand her reasons.

She is only a middle school girl, yet she has to work with so many adults, anyone could feel afraid. So I agreed to her request.

"Then that's okay. I will go with you next time too."

"Okay..."

Her usual answer give me a sincere feeling. It gave me a déjà vu feeling.

Maybe because of this, so I'm not hesitant to agree to help her.

My past self probably would have said "This is none of my concern" or something to avoid this problem.

I really have changed, but I don't know who changed me.

"By the way, have you finished your next novel?"

"Nope. I haven't decided what to write..."

That is a problem when you want to write about too many things.

Writing a novel is not an easy task, after all.

"So… it seem that I have to wait for a while, right?"

I purposely let my tone smack of disappointment, so Kuroneko replied with a gloomy voice:

"So far, whether it is games, music, illustration, mangas or novels – I did all of this on my own, to satisfy my imagination. I feel like this is my most suitable arrangement. Of course, only a part of all this gets some results...but recently, my idea has slightly changed."

I think it is because she got some real experience when going to the publishing company.

But after hearing her spiel, I feel like the reason is not only that.

"And sometimes writing something with others seems to be a good choice too. Although I don't know if things will go smoothly...but at least I thought about it."

She now has the same interest with her friends.

Writing together – one of her friends said so, too.

And I'm also a part of these friends.

So I said to my cute, shy friend:

"Writing something together with congenial friends must be fun."

"Maybe..."

Although Kuroneko's expression hadn't changed a bit, I can say she is very happy right now, I can actually feel it from her.

And to that thanks to that, our awkward atmosphere starts to fade...

"Sorry for keeping both of you waiting!"

Saori waves her hand, walking to our seats.

"Yo!"

I waved back at her as she walks towards us.

Our nice discourse is interrupted when Kuroneko shot a glare toward Saori.

I have done it so many times, but still, allow me to introduce Saori.

"Saori" is actually her screenname. In real life, she is an otaku with a swirled glasses. Her height is about 180cm, and speaking in an accented manner is her specialty. She is very good at taking care of people and a good friend of mine and Kirino's. Even if we know nothing about her private life, it doesn't affect our friendship at all.

Using a loud emotional voice, she speaks:

"Then we should start immediately! Hum hum! The area around here is like a haunted house, so we should take a taxi to somewhere more interesting."

"Hey, hey...do you think we are here to play? I'm very busy, so I can't mess around with you now."

Kuroneko replies, seeming annoyed.

Saori, shocked, answers:

"No no. It is just that I saw a Meruru doll somewhere. I thought Kiririn-shi would be very happy if we gave her that. What about you Kuroneko? You don't look very happy..."

"....I'm fine."

After we left the station, by Saori's proposal, we go to various stores to pick a present that Kirino will really like (and Ayase will be willing to give).

"The only possible presents that I can think of right now – for example, maybe a Meruru doll from a crane game, or an eroge Kiririn-shi loves...or a rare doujin, what do you think Kyousuke?"

"Well..."

To be honest, aside from one particular gift that will not make Ayase freak out, I feel none of them have the something 'Kirino will love' requirement fulfilled at all.

"I feel like something is missing..."

"Like what...? Ah, right. If this is something we can buy from stores, then Kiririn-shi can probably buy that too. So we have to look for something that Kiririn-shi doesn't already have, which made it difficult now."

"Hmmm...among those things Saori mentions, Meruru doll should be the most suitable. Not only it is easy to find, it is not something forbidden."

"But the 'Kirino will love it the most' seems a bit inconsistent..."

By the way, we are sitting in a fast food restaurant, taking a break.

While licking her ice cream, Saori answers:

"Don't worry. I'm sure we will be able to find some wonderful gift for Kiririn-shi. If she has a 'track team celebration' then we will make one

'phone novel publisher celebration' too.

Haha... in fact me and Kuroneko have already discussed this matter So, this is also our "Getting a present operation meeting."

"You guys are really..."

I look at Saori and Kuroneko :

"Really...thank you so much!"

"Hum. I haven't done anything, as usual. All of this meddlesome plot is Saori's own idea."

Kuroneko returned with that comment.

Saori broke out into her strange laughter, then said:

"Yes! I'm such a meddlesome person! I do that of my own will, so there is no need to thank me."

"I know that, and I'm very grateful because of you"

"Hahaha, Kyousuke is really a spineless guy."

"I take back everything I said. Both of you are totally hopeless."

To my left, Kuroneko narrowed her eyes and looks at both of us But then Saori changes her mouth into a ω shape, exposing her lazy smile

:

"My god! Although you always call Kirino's cell phone novel worthless, you still go with us to pick a present for her? How could you do that, Kuroneko?

hahaha..."

"I just feel like those mediocre works will not last long, so I want to have some fun for now."

Recently, Kuroneko seems so cute when she is giving an insult, so I can't suppress a smile. Although she always speaks what she really thinks, those words do not only have one meaning. Knowing this, I'm no longer feeling uncomfortable because of Kuroneko's sharp tongue. However, if Kirino said the same thing, I would certainly feel very annoyed.

"Kyousuke, now today not only will you help Ayase-san, but you must also help me and Kuroneko find a gift for Kiririn-shi."

"Okay, I know we are back on topic of finding a gift for Kirino. But...we haven't able to find anything suitable until now. How are we going to find it?"

"Well...ah, is any Meruru doll suitable at all?"

"I think it is the best choice at the moment – but it seems there are still more appropriate gifts, and yet I can't think of any. So please, help me again, please!"

"No, no. I can somehow understand Kyousuke's feeling. He wants to give his sister a gift, so he needs to carefully select it, right?"

Err...in fact, it is not like what you're thinking.

While trying to explain myself, Kuroneko also joins our conversation :

"So in the end, you want something more suitable than a doll right? This must not be sold on stores, must be something she will love, easy to carry around, and valuable."

"Yes, that's right…. But is something got all of those conditions exist?"

".........."

Kuroneko gives no answer, just points ahead of herself.

She is pointing at the entrance of an anime shop we are going to pass next.

There is a big poster on both sides of the doors.

"This...this...is..."

When I look at these doors, my eyes widen in shock.

"Yes...This is it! This is what we are looking for!"

"...Can you say it again please?"

"Kirino is a crazy fan of anime Stardust Witch Meruru."

The next day, I meet Ayase again.

"I understand. If Onii-chan brought the DVD cover, then it must not be hentai."

Ayase took another look at the Stardust Witch Meruru DVD box and nods.

Somehow I got the feeling that if I didn't mention the heroine getting naked during her transformation sequence it would be for the better.

"Er, so what do you think about this 'not-for-sale Meruru figure'? Kirino should be very happy to get it. This is hard to get and for a fan it is very valuable."

"Even I'm not sure about this, but if Onii-chan says so...then it must be true."

Too bad, she still considers me an otaku. That is why she said that.

"So...how do you think?"

"Uhm...this is an anime figure, so there should be no problem."

"So?"

"The only problem this is a not-for-sale figure. And I'm not very clear on the method of getting it, so can you repeat that again?"

"Okay, as I just said, this 'MeruruEX' figure is an unique one, made by the prototype designer himself. As a big fan of Meruru, Kirino must really want it."

"Of course, there is no way to buy it"

I said this feeling a bit embarrassed.

"It is the prize for the winner of 'Stardust Witch Meruru cosplay contest'"

"You want me to participate in a cosplay contest?"

The light in Ayase's eyes disappears, she is visibly shaking now.

"Ah, yeah, I mean...you are a model...and a beautiful girl too...this kind of contest...I think it should be easy for you to win, right? Er...Ayase, are you angry?"

"Angry? How could I NOT be angry? How could I wear that rope–like costume and dance on stage? Do you want me to kill you? Pervert!"

"Wait wait just a second! Listen to me! I don't mean that you have to cosplay this character! Besides, you wouldn't look good in Meruru's outfit anyway."

To be honest, I also want to see her in Meruru's magical girl costume. But of course there is no way she will ever wear it, not to mention show it to me.

In order to give Ayase some recommendations, I have try to investigate some information about this contest. This cosplay contest is sponsored by the same company that holds the copyright of the anime, so it has a high standard to it. The previous winner is a girl named Bridget. She cosplayed Meruru's friend.

"Look at this...this is the picture of the winner in the previous contest. I believe even if you wear Meruru's provocative clothing, put on a super-provocative posture, you would still be unable to win against her."

"What are you thinking? I have no intention of doing that!? Idiot! Pervert!"

"Ah.. sorry, sorry! I just want to imagine it!"

"Idiot! Sex predator! Pervert!"

Although Ayase is blushing madly, she still picks up the magazine and says:

"Ah...you mean cosplay like this girl? She really look like the anime character..."

"Don't you think ?"

In fact, this is also my first time knowing how strong the foreign cosplayer is.

I can't even say this girl looks like the anime character. It seem like the anime character somehow jumped out of the TV and turned into this girl....

If she is also participating in this contest, then she will undoubtedly a powerful enemy.

"But it is not like we have no chance of winning. You are definitely prettier than her. And you are a professional model too. You should know how to bring out the best in any clothes. As long as we choose the right character, that foreigner will never be able to beat us – and when you become the winner, you can get the perfect present for Kirino."

"So that is it...I understand. According to what you said earlier, there is some character looked like me? So, what costume must I wear?"

"Well, this one!"

I pick up the magazine, turn a few pages and return it to Ayase :

"Dark Witch Tanatos Eros EX mode"

By the way, EX mode means that character will grow into an adult, and receive some kind of magic boost.

Tanatos is the demon king of this anime, first she lives inside a girl's body, then turns her into a 14-year old teenager...

"What?!?!?! She is almost naked! Die!"

Ayase used her demon king like appearance to launch a roundhouse kick straight to my face.

After I rolled a few times in the air, I managed to reply:

"...Wait! Let me explain first! Almost every reviewer is a male otaku! And Tanatos gets first place in the 'villain list!' According to my research, normally EX mode should become a woman, but this EX mode mixed in some loli, therefore this has the most effect with male otaku."

"You...shut up! Die, Die, Die! You want me to put on those shameless costumes? Have you done this to Kirino?! I must call the police!"

"No matter how perverted I am, there is no way I am that abnormal. If there is some brother make his little sister wearing such clothes to please himself, I will kill him."

"Saying so with a nosebleed is not convincing at all!"

"This is because you kicked me!"

What kind of dialogue is that? Why must I and my sister's best friend have to make with this senseless bickering? I only think that Ayase cosplaying

'Tanatos Eros EX mode' will be very successful....not like I want to see her in that outfit or anything.... I just made a suggestion! Everyone misunderstands me!

"I will say it again! I will NEVER EVER wearing that disgusting costume!"

"Then what about Kirino's present? Of course there are still some alternatives, but none of them is a 'present Kirino loves most.'"

"Ugh..."

When I mentioned this, Ayase falls into a desperate expression.

I really doing this for the sake of Kirino and Ayase's friendship! Really, I'm not lying!

"Then what are you going to do? I have told you all of our available choices, the decision is yours."

"In short, we need to be the winner of this contest, right?"

"Hmm?"

Ayase said something totally unexpected just now.

"As long as we are the winner, it doesn't matter if I wear these costumes or not, right?"

"Yes, however...other costumes will not generate victory against this foreign girl. We can't win with just your beautiful face."

"No. We can still win."

Ayase said, full of certainty.

For some reason, her confidence sent a shiver down my spine.

Ayase avoid my eyes, continues to speak :

"In conclusion, this cosplay contest is looking for someone who would look best in an anime character's outfit. Because of that, for someone like Evan Bridget, who looks totally identical to anime character, she will be easily become the winner, right?"

"Yes...but what are you getting at? No matter how you look at this, only

'Tanatos Eros mode EX' suits you."

Ayase gave the Stardust Witch Meruru DVD box back to me, then takes her phone out, allowing me to see a picture inside.

"I have an idea. Look at this"

"This...this is...!"

After I compare the DVD case and the picture, I'm totally dumbfounded.

Yes...yes! With that...we can totally win!

Some time passes, and today is the day of the cosplay contest.

I asked Kuroneko and Saori to help me with preparing the cosplay outfit, and I put them into a large cylindrical bag before going to meet Ayase.

Right now, I am under a large LCD screen on one of the main streets in Akihabara. By the way, per Ayase's instruction, I used some gel, wore a suit and brought some sunglasses. At first glance, there shouldn't anyone be able to recognize me. The reason for that is because ---- are, here they come.

"Sorry to keep you waiting! This is my classmate, Kanako Kurusu!"

"Nice to meet you! I'm Kanako Kurusu. Call me Kanakana."

And following Ayase, who is now trying to act cute, is none other than Kirino's classmate, that brat Kanako. She still has her twin-tails, wearing some kind of clothes both childish and stylish.

"Nice to meet you...Kanakana-chan. I'm Aragaki's manager, Kouhei Akagi.

There is no need to be too formal around me. Although I'm a manager, I just joined the company so I'm kind of like Miss Aragaki's helper. You can just treat me as a friend."

I feel a little nauseated with that much lying. While I'm afraid of being recognized, luckily Kanako doesn't seem to have noticed my true identity.

She takes out her phone, and answers:

"What? You are not a producer or anything? Damn it, I acted cute for nothing. And don't call me Kanakana like you know me. It is gross."

"Sorry...Miss Kurusu."

This brat... It is like Ayase said, she totally doesn't remember me. To her, my voice or my appearance do not leave even the smallest impression.

So, I'm now going to explain Ayase's "plan."

Ayase firmly opposed my plan to make her cosplay 'Tanatos Eros.' And her alternative plan has a bigger chance of success as long as we get one particular individual to participate in the contest. After listening to her plan, I also agree with her.

My thoughts are interrupted by Kanako's ranting:

"I will say this beforehand, however. I help you win this contest, in exchange you will have to recommend me to the president of your company."

That is why I got a déjà vu feeling before. Because she almost look exactly like Meruru!

Maybe because of her bad manners that I didn't notice it before...but her face, her physique...almost the same. Indeed, if she cosplays Meruru in this contest, then victory is at hand. When I compared her picture with the DVD box, I'm also shocked.

However, our problem is how to convince this brat to participate in the contest. Of course, Kanako is NOT an otaku. She doesn't even KNOW

Kirino's secret hobby. To be honest, there is no way we can tell her

'participate and win to get Kirino's 'present.' Not to mention that the present for Kirino is only a 'trivial matter,' so there is no way she will accept such humiliation. Asking her directly for help is impossible.

Then Ayase, with her dark, hollowed eyes said to me :

"I will lie to her and say this is a beauty contest. Then I will bring her here.

As long as we told her that if she won then we will recommend her as a model, she will be happy. Kanako wants to become a model after all. And I'm going to introduce her to my producer anyway, so we can hit two birds with one stone."

"But… when we give her cosplay costume, shouldn't she be able to see through that?"

"Let me deal with this trivial matter. As a precaution, please prepare

'Tanatos Eros' costume too."

If Kanako escapes, then Ayase will have to use that costume to step on stage...such a stubborn girl.

"I will get the present that Kirino loves most – no matter what it takes."

That is what happened a few days ago, so it lead to our situation today.

Sensing Kanako felt a little suspicious, Ayase smiles and says:

"No problem Kanako. In fact, I have told my producer about you too. We only need to win this contest then there will be some magazine companies that will ask you to be their model."

Why don't you say it is some Akihabara magazine company? You really are a good liar.

"Really? But you know I'm considered a loli right? I thought men prefer big ugly models than a petite cute girl like me..."

This brat … every time she speaks, she insults someone. How could middle school girl be so dark?

"Ahahaha, that depends on what kind of work. Besides, I feel like Kanako can easily win this contest, so that's why I invited you."

"Really? Really?"

After hearing some of Ayase's flattery, Kanako seems very happy.

She is the same as Kirino. I wonder what will her smiling face change into?

Ayase clapped her hands, said:

"Why don't we put your clothes on?"

Finally – the time to try the cosplay costume on. Of course Kanako is not going to change in a locker room, but a car instead.

We are currently in front of a parking lot in Akihabara. Because of her work, Ayase often sees a changing car parked here.

"I'm sorry because of the lack of space, when Kanako works she would also use that kind of car instead of locker room, so I think making a habit of it now would be good."

"Oh...so this is a changing car?"

Kanako makes a happy sound after she sees the car with the tinted windows all around.

In fact, while it is true that other models use that kind of car to change, the only reason we made Kanako change in here is no doubt for the contest results. If she changed with other cosplayers, she will find it very suspicious and may become angry. Although I feel a pang of guilt, there is no other way to do this.

"Go Kanako, hurry up! Today's costume is a bit special, so I will help you changed too."

"Oh...I really feel like an actress now!"

She really is an idiot... Aren't you feeling the slight bit suspicious?

I stay outside of the car, listening to them speaking. The door snapped shut- I can only hear minute sounds coming from inside:

"Well, Kanako, please take off your clothes."

I don't know why, but Ayase sounds like she is having fun...

"Ahn...don't touch my breasts!"

"My hands slipped, sorry! Ah, they slipped again! Sorry!"

"It is really dark in here... I don't know where do you going to touch..."

"Aha! Kanako, you're really ticklish..."

What IS going on the other side of this door?

After the door opens, Ayase steps out happily with Kanako.

Oh my GOD! When I see Kanako, I can't help but swallow hard. Because, right now Kanako looks exactly the same as Meruru. Instead of 'cosplay', I feel like Meruru is standing in front of me.

But... somehow, I don't feel her spirit.

Hey, hey Ayase...what have you done while helping Kanako change? Are you such a pervert?!

"Oh my god!"

Right after she get out of the car, Kanako immediately squats. Although she still looked pissed, if Meruru fans see her now they will certainly faint.

On the other hand, Ayase gives the driver a signal:

"We are all good here. You can go now."

[Puff, puff, puff, chatter, chatter]

The car drives away.

Of course, Kanako's clothes are still in that car.

"So....there is no turning back now...." I whisper softly to Ayase.

Oh...Ayase's actions are quite thorough and reliable, but why can't I shake the feeling of dread? How could I face her in the future?

"Now then! Let's head to the event!"

Ayase shows a happy smile, pointing to the stairs which lead to the cosplay contest hall.

While walking past a mirror, Kanako finds out about her strange clothes.

"Wh...wh...What is that...?!"

What a coincidence. Just like in "Stardust Witch Meruru" first episode, the heroine show exactly the same reaction when she becomes a magic girl.

After her shock, Kanako jumps up and uses her hand to cover her face while painstakingly checking her clothes. With a straight face, Ayase said to her friend who just turned into a magical girl:

"It suits you, Kanako."

"What?? Suits... suits... suit..."

"Yes. It suits you perfectly."

"Like hell it does! Aagrhhh..."

She goes quiet. Seems like she bit her own tongue.

With teary eyes, Kanako squats again, sticks her tongue out. There are still some bite marks left there. Look at her awkward appearance, Ayase smiles to me and says:

"What do you think? Cute, right?"

"Ah...er...yes, that's right."

I want to say "stupidly cute," but manage to hold my tongue.

Because of her normal attitude, now looking at her suffer, I can't help but want to bully her more.

"Ugh..."

Still squatting on the ground, Kanako looks at Ayase with fierce eyes.

"What kind of costume is this? No wonder it is so cold, there is almost nothing down here! And it looks like an anime costume – what the hell is this?!"

"My my...please calm down. You don't want to bite your tongue again, do you?" Ayase said, still smiling:

"Sorry Kanako, I forgot to tell you the contest today is actually a cosplay contest."

"Cos...what is that? Where have I heard that word...wait a second...isn't it...a contest to find a girl who is the most beautiful in anime character outfit? Right?"

Not really, since sometime males cosplay, too. But there is no way Ayase can correct it, because as expected, Kanako starts become angry. She quickly stands up and cries out:

"Why do I have to be in something stupid like that? I'm not doing it!"

However, no matter how she resists, Ayase still remains unaffected.

"Ah... so nerve-racking..."

"What? Nerve-racking? Don't play dumb, you ugly girl! Return my clothes! I want to change back to my clothes! Return my clothes back to me now! "

"Huh? Kanako, your clothes should be on the highway by now."

"What...?!"

She's obviously stunned by Ayase's comment.

Kanako turns around, panicking.

Seems like until now, she still hadn't noticed the car has disappeared...

Too slow...and sure enough, you are an idiot.

"You guys tricked me!"

"Yes, we tricked you!"

Ayase tilted her head to the side, then stuck her tongue out.

"So...what are you going to do? Are you going to use those clothes to board the train?"

This is absolutely a threat. Don't say such terrible things with a cute face, Ayase! You are too scary!

Really... She CAN really do anything for Kirino...

"Ah...uhm... Ah..."

Kanako look at Ayase's dim eyes, her expression changed into "Oh shit, this girl is serious."

I also think she is serious, so you should just accept your fate!

After a while, Ayase changed her tactics.

"Listen to me Kanako…. I understand that you are embarrassed, but this is also a work for professional model."

"Huh? Cosplay is also a part of model's work?"

"That's right. Some predecessor had to wear special clothes at work. So this activity is the same! Besides, there is a foreigner participating in this contest. If you win against her, then it will go on your better qualifications."

"Really ?"

Kanako... now she seems like she is going to agree.

"Of course it is! This is something only you can do Kanako! I can't win against that foreign participant! But you can win! Because your outfit is so cute!"

"Really? I'm cute? Oh hahaha, I knew it."

"Yes, yes, you are so cute! Kanako is the cutest girl, right ? Say something..."

I can only casually agree.

"Yes, you are really cute. In fact, I think you can even become an AV

(Adult Video) model."

"Go to hell!"

As usual, I get slapped.

"Ouch..."

A quick slap shut me up.

Ayase continues to praise Kanako:

"Here, take this wand! Oh...so cute! You can easily become the winner this time around!"

"Oh.. seems like I have no choice...Ahaha... since you want it so much, I will participate in this contest."

Looks like we successfully convinced her.

This stupid girl...I hope she will not get tricked again that easily.

For some reason, I'm afraid of this possibility.

"Stardust Witch Meruru! Start now!"

"WOOAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! HOAAAAAAAAAAAA! Meruru

–Kurara ----.HYAAAAAAAAAAA!"

When Meruru's voice actress, Kurara announces the cosplay contest, the crowd let out an exaggerated cheer.

"Seems like this anime is really popular..."

"Oh...what kind of atmosphere is it... I already feel dizzy..."

Me and Ayase are now quietly talking, both of us being overtaken by the atmosphere.

I already got the experience from Summer Comiket, but this is the first time Ayase joined an otaku activity, so she looks pained.

"Are you okay? Do you want to take a little rest?"

"I'm fine...I used desperate means to force Kanako into this contest. If I don't see it until the end, there is no way I can face her later."

Although Ayase looks pale, she's still pretending like nothing happened to her at all.

Under the sunny sky, the contest stage is set in a crowded area of Akihabara, under a big LCD screen. There are lights and a banner with

"Stardust Witch Meruru cosplay contest" on the screen. And now down here are more than 100 people coming to see this contest.

"This is an anime for kids right? Why are all these adult males here?"

"You are asking me...?"

Who could be able to answer such a hard question?

"May be it's proof that it's popular among all demographics?"

"...Maybe..."

She is still little uneasy, maybe more so now.

A sad truth is she may be right. Those adult male otaku are totally hopeless. Just a quick look can tell anyone about them: almost all dress in a Meruru pink jacket, waving various colorul sticks. In short, they look like soldiers or religious zealots.

Aren't you guys too excited? Looking behind us at the rest of the audience in the back, they are all stunned. They even keep a distance.

"Everyone! Thank you for coming!"

Kurara kindly waved her hand, responding to everyone's support. There is no doubt she is the culprit who caused such a crazy atmosphere. She is wearing a white hat, couped with a high-necked sweater, a black skirt and boots. Those clothes are pretty normal. But for some reason, the audience looks even happier. From the look of her fans, I can understand their feelings.

"Everyone! Welcome to the second official 'Stardust Witch Meruru' cosplay contest! This year we've got 23 participants! All of them will cosplay as a character from Meruru! I'll be your host, Hoshino Kurara! Everyone, let's have fun!"

"WOAAHHHHHHHHH! Kurara! Kurara! Kurara!" they shout in response.

Really, you otaku seem too excited. Your proficiencies make others can't help but wonder if you got some special training.

Ayase is trying her best to make distance, watching them from afar...But soon, her eyes stop in one place, and her whole body freezes.

"What's wrong?"

"Onii-san..look there..."

I followed her gaze, then let out a "ugh!" because of shock.

Because there is ----

"Yahoo! Kurara! Kurara! Hai Hai Hai!" Kirino shouts.

My sister is waving glowsticks like crazy. She's also wearing pink clothes, holding round fan of Meruru – completely become an otaku.

After witnessing her best friend's 'otaku mode', Ayase speaks like she has just seen a ghost:

"Is...is that.. Kirino? Am I wrong?"

"Yes, it is her."

I try to answer her as gently as I can. Because even I feel her appearance is a bit too much.

This should be expected! If we are here to get the prize, then Kirino here is completely normal! In fact, lucky for us that Kirino doesn't participate in that contest herself! If Kirino and Kanako meet each other on the stage...

Things would be bad... Real bad!

At least the situation is not that bad yet.

I try to calm myself. Next to me, Ayase breathes a sigh of relief.

"I'm glad I'm not participating in this... If Kirino saw me cosplaying in that, I'd die."

"But you seem interested in cosplay too..."

"What did you just say?!"

"Nothing! Nothing at all!"

At that time, Kurara points toward the sky, announcing:

"Everyone, there is a special prize behind me, please look at the screen!

This is the reward for our winner, a special EX Meruru figure! There is only one of these in the world!"

"AAAAAAAAA Kurara! Kurara! Kurara!" The chants continue.

After the screen shows EX Meruru special figure, all otakus let out a joyful cry.

"Yeah! Yeah! EX Meruru figure!I want it so bad! Dammit! Yeah ha! If only there were a character looked like me!"

Kirino seems super excited.

As expected, she really planned to participate herself. I turn to Ayase, saying:

"See that Ayase? I told you our present is perfect."

"It certainly seems so..." Ayase replied with a complex expression.

Because she just witnessed how much her best friend wants that figure, no wonder she has this expression. Then the next step is...

"I will go warn Kirino. She's only acting like that because she thought no one would recognize her here."

I step toward the crowd. If Kirino is here, then we can't allow Kanako to find out. And if Kirino keeps making such noise, then it would be hard for that to happen.

"Let's split up for now. It'll be harder to explain if she sees us together."

"Okay. Let's meet up where we met earlier, after this contest is over."

"Ah, please give this to Kirino for me."

Ayase removes her hat and gives it to me. I gratefully accept it then start moving. In the stage, Kurara is explaining the rules of the contest:

"I, five judges and all of you will decide who the winner is! We will use a device to measure your cheers – up to 50 points. And then the 50 points remaining will be decided by judges!"

...So basically, it is like a kindergartener's contest?

I try to find my way through the crowd, little by little.

"Every cosplayer has 3 minutes to perform. They can sing, dance or do both, which is even better!"

"YEAHHHHHHHHHHHH!" They are cheering again.

Kirino and the crowd let out a loud cheer. She sure doesn't care about what other people will think if they see her at the moment. But even though I can see my sister, I'm still unable to go anywhere near her. Damn! First is Summer Comiket, and now this, why does it seem like there are too many people here? Why are otaku so fond of sticking together?

During that time, the competition still continues.

"We will start with the first participant. From England, Evan Bridget-chan!"

"Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh!"

Resounding cheers go up.

Bridget is a blonde girl, and both she and her character, Dark Witch Al-chan is 10 years old.

"Bridget-chan is our previous winner – this time she also cosplays as Al-chan! So cute!!!!!"

Unlike Meruru's pink outfit, Al-chan's outfit was a black design. She wears a black cloak, holding a golden wand. Her childish face shows a cold and mature expression, and her long blonde hair is very suited with her clothes.

Even an outsider like me can realize that she has high completion of the character image. No wonder she is the previous winner of this contest.

Bridget goes straight to the center, without any greeting, she immediately begins her performance.

"Here! Taste my blade!"

She uses her fluent Japanese to call the crowd's attention, then uses awe-inspiring movement. Her gold-handled wand thrusts forward. Of course, there's no way such a move can be effective in real combat. But her moves are loveable and cute. She stays in the position for a second, and then her sword sweeps out, like she is trying to cut an imaginary bullet.

Finally, she jumps back, make a pose like she just defeated an enemy.

[...] Her wand moves faster and faster.

"Ya! Ya! Hiyah!"

Bridget suddenly drops low, then her wand moves up, ending in a horizontal slash. At this moment, I can even see the shadow of an imaginary enemy got cut down. And seems like I'm not the only one.

The crowd sudden becomes quiet, then….

UWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Cheers and applause can be heard from everywhere.

I have to admit she's got real talent. At first, I thought she won simply because she looks like character. But...just now...what a perfect performance. Seems like Kanako's victory is not so certain.

After I recovered, I realize that I had stopped and clapping. And right in front of me is Kirino, who is also clapping.

"Yeah! Real Al-chan, so awesome! So cute! Be my little sister!"

"Quite down, you idiot!"

I put a hat on my sister's head.

"Huh? Who are you?"

She steps on my leg immediately after that.

"Ouch!"

"You! At least look at me!"

"Huh? What are you talking about, idiot?"

"I'm not an idiot! You!? Can't you recognize your own brother?!"

After I removed my sunglasses, Kirino finally noticed who I was.

Her eyes widen in shock:

"Why are you here?!"

"That is a long story...For now, just do as I say and don't ask anything."

"What?"

"I have my reasons. For now, hide your face with that. You don't want your school friends to know about this right?"

"Is someone here?!?"

Kirino quickly pulls the hat down, looking around in panic.

Since the accident with Ayase, she really doesn't want her school friends know about her otaku hobby.

"We can talk later. But someone you know is participating."

"...Be sure to explain yourself later."

While me and Kirino are talking, the electronic boards are beginning to show Bridget's score. It is like a big electronic tower. The gauge starts to gradually increase. Everyone holds their breath, waiting for the outcome....

Then "bang!" Kurara reads the score:

"99! What a pity! But it really is good! Almost perfect! Maybe our winner is already decided!"

The cosplay contest continued smoothly. Bridget's performance is really good, makes the crowd reach a climax. After that, each participants is also a cute and lovely girl. Of course, otakus and Kirino are very happy. Many of them are just primary school girls, so me and my sister watch them with a smile.

By the way, there are some participants who join to practice their work in maid cafés, or just to get some pictures for their cosplay photo album.

So the contest continues with two dozen performances. But there is no one can getting close to Bridget, so the atmosphere is a little boring. Pulling her hat down, Kirino whispers to me:

"Hey, who is this person I know?"

"No, you should be able to tell when she comes out."

"In fact, I'm not sure about that..."

Aside from her appearance, Kanako is nothing like Meruru. If she keeps acting like a brat, then it will only make Meruru's fans angry.

If this happens, then Bridget will be the winner...

When I'm to the peak of worrying, Kurara finally calls that name:

"Now then, entry 21, Kanakana-chan, come on out!"

"Okay!"

Meruru's sweet voice answers, making Kurara pause.

"Huh?"

Even Kurara is surprised.

Then everyone is surprised when "Kanakana-chan" appears on the stage.

She looks exactly like Meruru, but we are more shocked after her first line....

"Stardust Witch Meruru! Starts now!"

Magic wand in hand, Kanako/Meruru gently turns around.This is the same action in the opening for the anime Stardust Witch Meruru.

At this time, music starts to play the Stardust Witch Meruru opening –

Meteor Impact

Meruru (Kanako) starts to dance with the music, her wand has been replaced by a microphone.

And then…

"Meru meru meru meru meru meru me

Meeru meru meru meru meru meru me

A shooting star twinkles in the space

shooting at the enemies with the Magical Jet

For the Earth, I've fell from the Land of Magic

Hello, I am Stardust Witch Meruru..."

What is she singing?!

This is too good! This girl is singing Meruru's theme song with a perfect dance! Is she actually an otaku too? No, that's impossible. Just now she doesn't even know what cosplay is, and she doesn't know she is wearing Meruru's outfit.

What... What is going on here?

"Shooting Star

Shooting Star

Flying towards your chest

With a giant power (sparkle!)

Bigger than a meteorite (sparkle!)

I'm aiming to your heart

So please, catch my full-powered full throttle magic Don't run away from it, eh?"

Meruru(Kanako) throws her wand up, then takes a step backward. Then she catches the falling wand, her eye twinkles.

I'm unable to say anything. When something unbelievable appears in front of you, people can only watch in awe. And then...not only me, but all the audience which is also stunned by her performance suddenly recovered ---

"Woo! Awesome! Meruru!"

"Kanakana-chan!"

"Wow! Excellent!"

The crowd burst into cheers and applause. This was the same... No, this is even better than Bridget's performance. While cheering, Kirino happily points to the stage:

"So cute! What is this? What is this? CG? An illusion? Is she 3D? 3D?"

"Calm down!"

"Oh crap, I got a nosebleed!"

Kirino uses a tissue to hold her nose, still talking nonsense about Meruru's performance just now.

"Aren't you a bit too excited? Go look in a mirror, is there any middle school girl looking like someone you know?"

"Thank you!"

On the stage, after her song, Kanako raises her wand, revealing her satisfied smile.

At that time Kirino turns to ask me:

"....When does this person I know come out?"

You...I know you are excited, but you shouldn't get a nosebleed due to your school friend!

Thanks to that performance, the second Stardust Witch Meruru cosplay contest ends up with Kanako as the winner. At the rewarding ceremony, Kanako holds the 'Special figure Meruru EX' in one hand and shakes hands with Bridget. Both of them are smiling, which means they are probably praising each other performance. If I remember correctly, Meruru's theme is 'friendship'. Maybe they are the same as Meruru and Al-chan?

After convinced Kirino to go home, I meet up with Ayase.

"See? I told you we can win."

"Uhm...uhm, she really is quite skilled."

"Yes! Kanako is skilled!"

I have never seen Ayase so happy before.

This girl is really proud of her friends. That is why Kirino's hobby made her so angry... those pure, innocent girls are very rare nowadays.

"I will go get Kanako's clothes, please go find her."

"Ah, okay"

After I split up with Ayase again, I go to the lounge to look for Kanako. Until now, I still unable to believe that brat is that skilled. I open the door, intend to give her congratulation.

Then I saw ----

"Man, this sucks. What is with those gross otaku freaks? Like I'd even think of coming within a hundred feet of them..."

Meruru/Kanako is squatting on the ground, smoking.

My jaw drops in shock, I'm unable to say anything.

You...you're...smoking?

My idol's image is completely destroyed! Where did your bright smile just now go?Bridget is standing in front of her, but she looks nothing confident like before. In fact, she looks timid and scared.

"Ka-Kanakana-chan, you can't say something like that...They all cheered for you..."

"What? Are you stupid?"

Kanako glares at Bridget, and then blows smoke in her face.

"Kuh! Kuh! .... Waaaa..."

Bridget start to cry –

"Waaaaa..! Meruru turned into a dark witch!"

Still crying like any child at her age, Bridget runs out of the room.

Seeing that, Kanako gives a remark:

"What a brat."

"You are the brat here!"

I shout, unable to stand it anymore.

"Oh? Ayase's manager? What...something wrong?"

"Something wrong? You...what are you doing? Stop smoking, now!"

"What? Are you blind? It's just some chocolate that looked like a cigarette."

"There is no chocolate looking like that! And there is some smoke leaking out! Here, give me your cigarette."

Without waiting for her reply, I took it and quickly put it in the ashtray.

"Ah, what, you thief. Why are you only mad at me? Just now Bridget was here too, why don't you lecture her too?"

"Shut up! Mind your own business! A middle school girl smoking?!"

"Well, let's speak about something else. What did you think about my performance?"

This brat...doesn't care the slightest about her actions.

Although I'm very angry, since she asked me first, I quickly blurted out:

"...How did you know that song? Did you know about that anime?"

"Oh...that?"

Kanako gives me a smug smile.

"Not only do I do idol auditions regularly, but I also go karaoke everyday.

So I can remember a song like that after hearing it once. Amazing, right?"

Err... yeah, you are really good. But your personality is another matter...

"What about that dance? You can't learn how to dance by looking at some static poster."

"That was an impromptu performance. I have some dancing experience too, so all I had to do is make some changes"

"…………"

You said it was impromptu dance, but it really looks like the original.

Seems like none of Kirino's friends can be considered 'normal.'

Howerver, this brat's personality is not just some minor flaw.

"But..."

"What?"

"You looked like you were having fun singing it. Was that an act? Were you just acting like it and making fun of the fans inside?"

"Well…"

After thinking for a while, Kanako smiles:

"It was fun. I like it when people call me cute. I think that 'moe' stuff is stupid, but I like the feeling of being worshipped then they go crazy over my singing and dancing."

"I see..."

After seeing her smile, I feel like she really can become an idol. However, for your own future, please stop smoking.

"Give me all of your cigarettes. I don't want to see you smoking again as soon as I'm out of sight."

"Geez..."

After that, I bring the Meruru EX figure to Ayase.

By the way, later I find out that Bridget returned with the police. They brought Kanako (still in Meruru's outfit) to their station. This later known as

'Akihabara girl incident'. I heard that both the police, Kanako's parents as well as Ayase forced her to quit smoking.

Chapter 2

Guys, what do you know about the "emergency escape button?"

As its name says, upon using it, the screen will immediately return to its normal appearance.

Of course, this is a function only found in erotic games.

When I got the particular game manual from Kirino and found out about the button, my eyes widened in shock.

For a high school boy who is playing these erotic games inside of an unlocked room, this function is extremely useful.

For example, just now, I'm playing one such game when my mom suddenly opens the door.

"Kyousuke! Could you go out shopping for me?"

I'm stunned speechless.

"Oh, my God----! Mom, how many times must I tell you to knock before entering!"

But, of course, there is no way I will make the same mistake again.

First, I use my body to cover the screen. Then I pressed the escape key.

Phew!

An excellent result! The image of a girl with open legs disappeared, replaced by a harmless blue sky.

I'm amazed! The company who developed the function is really amazing!

"Oh? Are you looking a porn sites on your little sister's laptop again?"

"Hah! What are you talking about, mom! Look at this screen, with its clear skies, as clean as my heart! How could this image be pornographic?--- Ah, by the way, mom, how could you know about porn sites?"

Kirino! She must have been the one to tell mom about porn sites.

"All right, all right, now go buy something for me, will you?"

"...Okay, mom."

See that? That is how I escaped from a crisis.

Ah...I have had enough of this place! I want to go to Manami's house!

That's what crossed my mind as soon as I left home.

Still, I had no choice but to go to the supermarket. Although it is near sunset, the shop was still crowded.

"I hope I can make it quick…"

However, I met an unexpected friend.

"Ah? Kyou-chan?"

"…Manami?"

In front of me is plain-girl-with-glasses Manami Tamura, my childhood friend.

"Kyou-chan? Are you here to buy ingredients for dinner, too?"

"Mmm… yeah…"

"So…ah…we hardly see each other, so how about we take a walk?"

After I saw her sincere smile, my unhappy mood immediately changed for the better, so I agreed.

"Okay."

I don't know why, but everybody in the Kousaka family seemed cold towards me, while the Tamura family always welcomed me with open arms. Sometimes, I felt as if they were my true family.

So, the two of us went to the fresh food section together.

"Kyou-chan, what will you be buying for dinner?"

"Let's see…" I took out a piece of paper that mom had given me.

"Potatoes, carrots, onions, curry powder… oh! Curry again? My mom always makes curry… I wish my mom could learn something new. She doesn't even know half of your recipes!"

"What?...No, I…I'm not that good…!"

"Don't be too modest," I said. "The last time I had dinner at your house, it was really good. You can make dessert, right? My mom can do that too, but she always prefers instant food!"

"Ah…ah… then, do you want me to make something for you again?"

"Really? That'd be great!"

Other people may say that conversation is boring, but for me, it is the most precious time in my life.

"Ah, right… Kyou-chan, about what happened before…"

"What do you mean?"

"The time when you stayed at my home… at night, we slept together…"

"Idiot! Don't say things that can be easily misunderstood!"

We only slept in the same room, with our futon placed next to each other.

Do you know how much trouble could have happened if my mom heard that?

"Ah, sorry, sorry…"

She still seems happy when talking about that time, without any hint of embarrassment.

Well, let's forget it, then.

Then, Manami said, "Do you remember, Kyou-chan? You said you want to invite me to your house?"

"Ah, I forgot about it already!"

"…You really forgot it…"

Manami sounds a bit angry.

I shrugged and smiled. "How about next holiday?"

"Really?"

"Well, my parents are going out on that day, so can you come help me cook something?"

"…So, ah, I will definitely come!"

"Let's go with that then!"

That's good! Now even if mom is away, I can still get a good meal.

"So, what do you want to eat? I can make whatever you want."

"Anything is fine with me. As long as you make it, there is no way it can be bad."

Today's events end here with this exchange.

A few days later, a Sunday morning.

As I had agreed with Manami, I brought her to my home.

We went to the supermarket to get ingredients, and we returned with two full bags.

During that time, Manami seemed very excited.

For example, sometimes she laughed, and then said:

"This... our family's present… is that okay?"

She asked that so many times, that I felt a little strange.

I could only reply, "Don't worry. And there is no reason for you to bring a present. Have I ever brought a present to your house?"

"But… it has been so long since my last visit…"

"No problem. Both of my parents are out today, so your present is unnecessary."

"Oh… right… your father and mother are not home…"

We finally got to the house.

"Go on in."

"Sorry for intruding…"

Just when we make the first step into my home, Kirino appeared.

"Hey…"

"Ah…"

They both looked directly at each other.

Then, their mouths fell open, and their eyes widened.

Oh, shit! I forgot! Even if mom and dad aren't home, Kirino is still here!

After a brief silence...

Kirino's expression changes. Her eyes looked like they could see right through me.

It is completely different from her usual gaze, which always stared at me like I were some kind of garbage.

It is also different from her Atilla's eyes, when she found out I'd used her laptop to look at porn sites.

How could I put it… It seemed as if she had just seen her arch enemy.

I could see her grinding her teeth.

Only a few seconds passed, but our entrance had turned the entire place into a static space.

"Ki…Kirino? This…. What kind of hateful attitude is this? Why are you so mad?"

Ah, you hate Manami, right? No, no, it seems more than just that. No, I need to do something fast… No matter how you look at this, Manami and Kirino are not going to have a friendly conversation…

What should I do?

While I was still trying to find a peaceful solution…

"Ah, good morning, Kirino-chan."

On the other hand, Manami seems like she doesn't realize what's going on, and she waves to Kirino. "Long time, no see! Do you remember me? I used to come over…"

"Sorry, who might you be?"

WHACK!

I can almost hear the sound Kirino makes when she cuts Manami off.

Although her tone is still polite, her words are bad.

For a brother's guest, this can be considered the worst attitude.

But Manami seems like she didn't take any offense. Still, with a smiling face, she says, "So, ah… what a pity… I guess you don't remember. Then once again, allow me to re-introduce myself. I'm Manami Tamura. Pleased to meet you!"

"What? Why should I listen to your introduction?"

This is not something you say to your brother's friend!

As her brother, I felt a bit angry at her attitude.

"Hey, Kirino, come here for a second."

"Ouch… hey!"

My sister pulls me away, leaving Manami in the living room.

Drag…drag…drag… BANG!

Kirino closes the living room's door.

Still holding my collar, she glares at Manami at the entrance.

She pulls my face closer, and says in a low, threatening voice, "What is going on? Why is this girl at our house?"

"…Because I asked her to come, but…"

"Huh? Why didn't I know anything about it?"

"Because… I didn't tell you?"

"Stop joking around! Kick her out! Now!"

"How could I do that! You… please calm down, a little…"

I push Kirino away, trying to convince her. "Why do you want to kick her out? Do you hate Manami that much?"

"…No…" Kirino whispered, still holding my collar.

I got the feeling that there was something else, but right now there was no reason for Kirino and Manami to not get along with each other.

Kirino coughed loudly, and then looked at me with murderous eyes. "In short, I just don't like her! And you! What do you think you're doing, bringing a girl over when mom and dad aren't home? That's so gross!"

"There's nothing to be worried about. I just want her to make lunch…"

Although I did choose the time, all I want is for Manami to cook something for me! I have absolutely no intentions for what you're imagining!

"And even if it weren't just for lunch, that'd have nothing to do with you.

You bring your friends here all the time, too. I don't want to hear that from you."

After saying that, I turned around. However, Kirino turned a bit red in the face.

"What, so are you saying that if I brought over a boyfriend, and had s-s-s-sex in the living room… y-you'd be okay with it?"

"How'd it turn into that?! We are not doing anything like that! That is a totally different situation!"

Besides, you don't even have a boyfriend. Please don't say ridiculous things.

"Anyways, I can't kick her out for no reason. I don't know why you hate her so much. However, if you don't want to see Manami, then just get out yourself."

"You want to kick ME out?"

"This… this is a misunderstanding!"

For God's sake, what the hell is she saying?!

However, it seemed like our argument was loud enough for everyone in our home to hear.

Crack!

The door to the living room opened, and we saw Manami look in.

She said in a worried voice, "Uhm… please… you shouldn't fight…"

Both Kirino and I look at Manami, and then turn away from each other.

"Tch… Disgusting!"

Kirino stuck her tongue out, and she seemed very unhappy.

"Hold back a little, will you? Or, I'll give you a lecture later!"

"You… you…"

But before I could say anything, Manami acted first.

She bowed to Kirino.

"Kirino-chan, I'm sorry for showing up so suddenly."

"…I will stareeeeeeeeeee until you die."

I can almost hear what Kirino is thinking, but Manami continued with her friendly determination. "Since I'd heard that your mom wasn't going to be home, I thought I might help out a bit with cooking and cleaning."

As usual, Kirino kept her hand across her chest, to show off an arrogant attitude, as if she were dealing with a servant. Is there any chance that in a previous life, those two were master and servant?

"No good?"

"I wonder…"

Compared to Kirino's arrogance, no one could guess that Manami was older, and even a guest. From an outsider's perspective, Kirino was holding Manami's reins.

Kirino said, in a mischievous voice, "Well, first thing's first, clean up the living room before you make lunch."

"You… since when can you command your brother's guest?"

Originally, I wasn't too sure I should interrupt their conversation. But when Kirino said that, I couldn't help but to scold her.

But, Manami replied happily to her 'master', "Yes, leave it to me!"

Kirino maintained her posture, her face expressing a strange reaction, and her whole body froze.

I think that she thought that Manami would be angry and leave, but with how Manami reacted, she didn't know what to do anymore.

"Then, I will borrow your refrigerator."

From the entrance, Manami brought all the bags we bought to the kitchen.

Without saying anything, Kirino watched Manami's reaction, and then she looked at me with angry eyes. I think she thought, "What is with that woman," because that's what is in my mind too.

Well, this is just like her…

While my sister and I still don't know how to react, Manami has changed herself into a housewife form. She immediately started to clean. With a duster in hand, Manami swept the air-conditioner filter, and then continued with the furniture. She actually looked quite skilled at this.

Suddenly, Manami looked at the sofa feet where Kirino was sitting.

"Ah, that… There is a coffee drip on the carpet… I'll clean it right away."

"This… oh."

Kirino's eyebrows knitted — so you did that on purpose?

Although Manami cleaned it up very quickly, the stain still remained.

"You can't clean the stain…"

"No problem. I can do it."

Manami placed the wiping cloth on the stain, and then placed the vacuum cleaner on top of it. The result? The stain is completely removed.

"See?"

"How… why…? No matter how much I tried, I couldn't ever remove it like that!"

"In case you accidentally spill juice or coffee on the carpet, you can remove it by using a vacuum cleaner and a cloth like that."

Is that another from the granny bag of wisdom, too?

Although Manami removed the stain, Kirino doesn't show any appreciation.

She still folded her arms across her chest. "What a stupid woman… you…

you only made me angry!"

With that, she turned and got out of the living room.

What the hell? I'm the only one who's angry here!

After Kirino left, me and Manami continued cleaning up.

Of course, I'm still thinking — why should I listen to my little sister's orders too? But seeing Manami's confident face, I could only help her.

"Well… finished, at last."

Finally, after an hour of cleaning, my messy living room turned into a room which I almost failed to recognize. It's not like mom is lazy, it's just that Manami's cleaning skills are so good, that the living room became a few times cleaner.

There is nothing on the floor, so the room seemed much bigger than usual.

"Everything is so clean now…"

"Ah, since I'm not familiar with the room, I couldn't get every corner…"

Why don't you feel satisfied when you complete hard work?

Everything is so clean now.

"Thank you for your hard work. I'll make some tea, so have a seat."

"Ah, thank you…"

Manami gave me a shy smile, then said, "Ah, please wait for me to make tea."

"No, let me do it. You are my guest."

"Ah… all right."

She obediently went back to the sofa. I got the feeling that she would happily do whatever I asked.

Really… giving her a wry smile, I came back from the kitchen with two cups of tea. "I'm looking forward to Kyou-chan's tea…"

"You're exaggerating too much…"

"No, I love to think that it's my reward for cleaning…"

After a single sip of the tea, Manami said, "It's really good! I feel like all of my fatigue is gone!"

"Okay, okay, thank you!"

I give her another wry smile.

Taking a sip of tea, I sat opposite of my childhood friend, enjoying this moment. "The taste is pretty common."

I don't know how, but now my family's living room has the same atmosphere as in Manami's house.

Staying with Manami, drinking tea, having a small chat… yes, this is the normal life I want.

But my precious time is shattered because someone forcefully opened the door.

Crack!

Kirino stepped into the living room.

She moves to toward the kitchen, and glanced at us.

"I just want to get a drink."

"Oh? I don't care. Hurry up and get lost."

"Hmp!" Kirino gives me a snort, walking out of the room.

Again, the living room filled with an awkward atmosphere.

Why does my little sister have to keep ruining my precious moments?

Couldn't she just stay in her room?

But it seems that Manami wants her to join us, so she invited Kirino. "We are taking a break after finishing cleaning. Kirino, would you like to join us?"

Kirino completely ignored Manami, going to the refrigerator, taking out a bottle of tea and drinking it.

Glup… glup…

Bang!

After she finished drinking, Kirino walked past us, but she suddenly stopped. "So this is the best you can do?" Kirino walked slowly to the rack, and grazed the edge with her finger. She pointed her finger upward, and said, "What is that? Isn't it dust?"

"What are you, some evil mother-in-law? I can't take it anymore!" I scold her.

"Ah, ah… I'm sorry! I will clean it up again!

"Manami! You don't need to listen to her!"

But Manami didn't listen to me. Panicked, she began to clean the shelf again. Somehow, this scene is similar to a certain "Cinderella" movie.

"Not only that! You've cleaned everything up so much that I don't know where anything is anymore! It looked messy before, but I knew exactly where I put everything. You overdid it."

How come this sounds like what a child said to his mother when he refused to clean up his room?

"You told her to clean everything! Then, now you said she overdid it! I think you only want to see Manami's bad side!"

In the future, she will definitely abuse her sister-in-law.

"Hey! There were some of my fashion magazines on the sofa. Where are they now?"

"They are right here!"

Manami stops cleaning and goes to the TV cabinet, opening the glass doors. Inside, there are many magazines, all of them neatly arranged.

"Here are the fashion magazines, here are the manga magazines…"

Why does Manami seem so polite towards someone younger than her?

The more I look, the more I feel like Manami is some kind of servant.

"…Oh, I see. However, originally, there was no room to put these magazines inside the TV cabinet. What about the other stuff inside? Did you throw it away? Ah — my nail polish was inside too. Although it looked empty, it was still usable…"

"I didn't throw them away. I put them all in here."

Manami pointed to the space next to the TV. There is a small box there, which contained the TV remote, the air-conditioner remote, Kirino's nail polish, and many other things. Not only that, but they are all arranged neatly, so that anyone can get what they want easily.

This is really convenient.

"Oh…" Kirino narrows her eyes, looking directly at the small box. Since she wanted to embarrass Manami, she is purposely trying to find fault with her work. However, since she couldn't find any, she managed to say, "Did we always have a box like that?"

"I reused an empty tissue box."

"What a shabby girl!"

Sorry, Manami, but I think so too. But the truth is now, everything is arranged orderly and the room looks quite refreshing. So I said to Kirino,

"Well? Any other complaints?"

"…"

"Go away, then."

Still sitting on the sofa, I wave my hand, signaling her to go away. In an instant, both of Kirino's eyes snap open, and I can almost hear the sound of her teeth grinding. If looks could kill, then both Manami and I would be dead.

"Wh… what is it? There is no reason for you to be so mad!"

"Remember this! I don't care anymore!"

BANG!

Leaving with her angry words, Kirino runs out of the living room.

Tap…tap…tap…tap!

I can hear her angry footsteps when she goes back upstairs.

"What is wrong with her? I really don't get it. Why is she becoming angrier?"

After Kirino left, I let out a tired sigh.

"Whew…"

What is going on? I only bring my friend home, and it turned into this!

Little sister VS Childhood friend.

If this were some kind of erotic game, then this would be called a jealous event. But, considering it's Manami and Kirino, there's no way that this can happen. I don't know what Kirino has in mind, but from now on, I can't let her meet Manami again. Once is more than enough. "Ah… I'm hungry.

Can you help me make something, Manami?"

"Yes! Leave it to me!"

Manami stood up, then skillfully wore the apron. She looked like any normal housewife.

"Let me borrow your kitchen for a while," she said, and smiled.

She always gives others a warm feeling, making them comfortable. My tired body from a few seconds ago has now completely disappeared. "Of course! You can make whatever you like."

Manami gave me a passionate "Yay!", and began to cook.

Humming a song, she quickly washed the vegetables, and then cut them with a kitchen knife. While my childhood friend is making lunch, I sit on the sofa, silently watching her back.

Although there was some trouble earlier, calling her today was the right choice.

This is the first time I saw Manami in our kitchen, but I still got a familiar feeling. Aside from her, I don't think there is any high school girl that could be so suited for the kitchen.

After a while, an aroma started floating around. "Ah… Kyou-chan, are you looking at me?"

"Don't worry, I was just thinking how much you look like a grandmother…"

"Ah… but I don't want to look like your granny…"

Hah! This feeling is great.

I'm filled with contentment. Maybe, I want a mother like Manami.

And then, after about thirty minutes, lunch is complete.

"Sorry for making you wait, Kyou-chan!"

I quickly said, "Thank you," and then stood up, intending to give her a hand.

"Ah, please, sit down. Just let me do it."

"No, let me help, too."

So, we ended up doing it together.

After the table is ready, Manami looks at the clock and says, "I wonder if Kirino-chan will come down and eat with us…"

You are too kind. Kirino treats you like a servant, and yet you still are willing to share. But what she said made sense. It is now 12 o'clock, and is the best time to eat lunch.

"Don't mind her, let's eat first."

"No… we shouldn't do that."

Manami disagrees with me, but I already knew she would.

Although I don't want to, right now, but I have no choice but to call my little sister down for lunch.

"I will get her then."

"Please don't fight like before," Manami says.

"I won't."

But, I don't know what the result will be, so I leave the living room with a worried mind.

I climbed the stairs, and went to my sister's room.

Knock knock!

"Hey Kirino! Lunch is ready! Manami is asking you to come eat with us."

Unexpectedly, right after I said that, the door opened, revealing Kirino.

"Lunch? I'll come down after I'm done with this call."

"Well.. okay…"

It was easier than I had expected. I thought that she would throw a tantrum again.

Although she still doesn't look very pleased, it was much better than before. "What is with your mood?"

"Hmph! Nothing!" Her mood is too much better. It has only been thirty minutes, and she changed that much? It's really surprising.

…But maybe she realized she was wrong, so she calmed down?

For now, the matter is solved. Although Kirino's mood was better, she doesn't say sorry to Manami. She just quietly eats lunch. "Come, Kirino. I don't know what you like, so please eat and tell me what you think."

"There is no difference… Ah, give me a little less rice than usual."

As usual, that is how she eats with my family. No watching TV, no speaking with anyone. Just quietly eating. Of course, she still answers if mom asks a question, but aside from that, she is the same as my father.

"Well, how about now?"

"A little bit less…"

"Why? Is it too little for you?"

"Your food has so many calories, so if I eat too much, I will get fat."

"It is so… ah…" Manami glanced at her waist.

Well, she is definitely a bit bigger.

This year, from autumn to winter, my childhood friend's waist is probably…

seven centimeters bigger. But don't worry. You shouldn't compare yourself with Kirino. Besides, she made those high calories because these are my favorites.

"Ah…"

The scene of my plain childhood friend sighing due to her getting a little fatter makes me smile—although, in fact, I prefer my girl willing to eat without holding back.

I'm not going to say it out loud.

But those Manami and Kirino are really different. Not only is their relationship bad, but every aspect of them is the opposite of each other.

"Let's eat then!"

"Thank you for the meal!"

"Thank you for the meal!"

In an awkward atmosphere, we start eating. On the table, there is crispy pork, a tomato dish, tofu, fish, and finally miso soup with seaweed. "This is really good!"

After my first bite, I can't help but praise Manami.

Really, it is delicious.

Of course, it's not like restaurant's food. But, if I had to choose, I would choose Manami's food.

"Really? That's great!"

Manami let out a sigh of relief.

I want to know what Kirino thinks too, but unfortunately she is just silently eating, not saying a word.

This is how she normally eats, so to avoid any more quarrel, I don't force her to say her opinion.

"This pork was mixed with onion and basil, and then fried twice later, right?"

"Yes! Kyou-chan said you like that, so…"

"I said that? Hah, but this is really delicious, so of course I'd like it…"

We enjoy our conversation while eating, and when I finished my second bowl…

Kirino stands up and with a blank expression, says, "Thanks for the meal.

It was good. Please, excuse me."

Then, Kirino quietly left the room. Manami keeps looking at Kirino's back, then she looks at me. "She said it is good."

I can only shrug my shoulders. Kirino is not someone to tell a lie so easily.

So just now, she did praise Manami.

Somehow, my feeling seems to be conveyed to Manami, who slowly smiled. Then she let out another big sigh. "Somehow, I felt so nervous!"

Are you a little girl just going through a little-sister-in-law's test?

If that is the case, then did you pass?

I can't help but laugh at this strange idea.

After lunch, I watch TV while Manami washes dishes.

She gently sits now next to me, embarrassed.

"What's wrong, Manami? If you need to use the bathroom, then it's to the right of the living room."

"No… I don't… Geez, Kyou-chan! You're teasing me again!."

"Sorry, sorry. So, what is bothering you?"

"I… I mean… Can I take a look at your room?"

"Huh? Of course you can, but there's nothing special there."

"That's great!" Manami happily claps her hands together.

Just like that, I bring her to my room.

My room is on the second floor, on the left.

This is the first time I let a girl into my room…yes, a girl, but this is Manami… Even so, I should have cleaned my room yesterday…

Yeah… I almost forgot that hidden under my bed is my porn collection… I should make sure she doesn't see that…

Kirino is probably inside her room, so nothing should interrupt us.

"This is my room. Go in."

Crack!

After I open the door to my room, my eyes unconsciously move to the front desk… shit! What the fuck!

"Ack!" I rushed to the desk, and used my whole body to block the laptop's screen from Manami.

Why, you ask? Because the laptop is showing an erotic scene!

And even worse, it is a 'little sister erotic'.

Why? Why did I have Kirino's laptop in my room? Why here? Why now!

Calm down… calm down and think, Kyousuke! How could I end up in this situation? Who set this trap in my room?

No no no no! This is too obvious. Aside from Manami and I, there is only one more person at home! Damn it, damn it! Damn you, Kirino!

That's why you left the living room so angrily, and then came back with your mood suddenly changed for the better? You set this trap up for fun?

Why did you do that? This is really too much!

Damn you! Damn you, Kirino!

"What's wrong, Kyou-chan?"

I can feel my cold sweat when I realize that Manami's looking at me.

My suddenly odd behavior left her stunned. You asked what is wrong…

how… how could I explain the scene of an erotica where a little sister raises her legs in an M shape…

"No… Nothing at all! Really... really nothing at all…"

"There is something…"

"No… Really, there is nothing at all! I just… just suddenly got an impulse."

Why am I giving such a lame excuse? But… this is bad… this is too bad…

If Manami sees that, then I can only commit suicide!

"Phew… phew… phew… phew…"

I focus, trying to figure out how to get out of this situation or at least some countermeasures. First, I keep using my body to block the laptop's screen, which is showing an erotic CG. And standing behind me is Manami. Now how could I escape?

Are there… are there any good ideas? Anything? Come on! Think! Think, Kyousuke!"

"Kyou-chan?"

Manami looked worried, slowly nearing me.

There is no time! No more time!

Buzz!

Suddenly this wonderful sound rings in my head!

Right, there is a solution!

Forced into a corner, my eyes focused on the escape button.

Yes—it is the 'emergency escape' button.

The erotic CG, which is enough to force me to commit suicide, will become completely harmless with just one press. Its existence is like an airbag in the car or a jet fighter's emergency escape seat. You can say that the function is created with only the purpose of helping the player. Fortunately, this certain game had the emergency function.

Ahaha, I really want to praise the game production company.

So---

Click!

In an instant, I press the emergency escape button.

"Phew…"

I wipe my sweat with the back of my hand.

Everything is okay now… The screen has been switched with a completely harmless image, and I finally let out a sigh of relief. "Ha ha, sorry to surprise you like that, Manami!"

But when I'm going to give Manami a hearty smile…

"Wow… wow… amazing!"

Manami is reading Kousaka Kyousuke's porn cache.

"Wait… where did you get that magazine?"

Pops pops!

When I take a look around, I realize that my secret porn cache, which is supposed to be hidden under my bed, is now casually scattered everywhere on the floor.

After I got into my room, my attention was only on the laptop… so… this is… how…

Damn you, Kirino! Even the devil himself is not as bad as you!

"Ah…"

I quickly snatch the porn magazine back from Manami's hand, then crawl around, trying to take my whole collection back.

Pops pops pops!

I have never been able to clean my room that fast.

Still dumbstruck, Manami can only say, "…It was all girls with glasses…"

"This is not like it! Well, they are, but that's not it!"

How can I explain it to her now?

With teary eyes, I continued to pick up my collection, and finally was able to push all of them under my bed.

The first time I let a girl into my room, she finds out about my secret porn collection, and even worse, that collection is something she should NOT

see…

This room is really full of traps! I think I almost got a heart attack….

But at least there shouldn't be any more problems.

Are there? I force my eyes towards Manami.

"Miss Manami… where are you looking at?"

Since I got another very bad feeling, my talking must've become a bit strange.

Maybe it's because Manami is blushing?

The bad feeling is still here, but when I look at where Manami is looking—there should be a completely harmless picture in the laptop's screen…

"…No…no way…."

I let out a sorrowful groan.

After I pressed the emergency escape button, the screen changed into a loli girl in a swimsuit, with a sexy posture, and under that image, a line read

"Onii-chan is a pervert who only gets turned on by his little sister!"

"Why! Why did it come out!"

"Kyou-chan… this… is.."

Wait, wait, what is going on? Why? Emergency escape function should work, would did this image pop out? The manual clearly said that there are several types of emergency escape images… don't tell me…

Is it because of some employee's sick jokes, that the emergency escape button has a chance of showing an erotic CG?

That must be it… damn it… you can just laugh it off... but have you ever thought about a guy's life which depended on this button?

But… but why is that happening to me?

So terrible.. you betrayed my trust…

"Kyou-chan, what does 'turned on' mean?"

Wait! This is not the time to blame some company!

I notice that Manami is now blushing, and she is looking at the CG with a surprised expression.

"Uhm… uhm…"

What can I say? Not only am I unable to think of anything to say, but I also feel that it's too late now.

Ugh! Now I'm in such a situation! What I feared most has just happened!

I remembered how panicked Kirino was when her friend found out about her otaku habit, and now I'm having the same experience.

This is bad! This is really bad!

I don't know what to do any more, and I can feel my heart beating faster and faster, while time seems slower. My sweat kept flooding out of my forehead, and I can't bring myself to look at Manami.

"Ah… that…"

Still blushing, Manami said, "I see…"

Then she smiles.

I see.

So you have no problems with that?

I want to ask her again, but I don't want to risk by saying it.

Luckily, my relationship with Manami won't be changed with just that.

My normal, smooth, daily life will not be destroyed.

So, because she saw my porn magazines full of girls with glasses, and my laptop with an erotic CG, Manami will not say, "Don't talk to me anymore."

But, what will she say to me now?

I can't ever forget that…

"Um.. Kyou-chan, um…"

Still having a shy smile, Manami said, "In the future, do you want me to call you Onii-chan, too?"

I cry on the spot. This is really too much now.

Chapter 3

(Otaku Girls Heartwarming Chat Number 1)

Participants:

■ Saori (Supervisor)

■ Kiririn@Meruru Third Cour Confirmed (˚∀˚)

■ † Fallen Saint Kuroneko of a Thousand Leaves †

<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="2"><tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">† Fallen Saint Kuroneko of a Thousand Leaves †:<td>Didn't I tell you that you are reading it wrong? I wonder how many times I have to explain it before you get it, you primitive woman. The word written as "Chiba" is read as "Senyou" [1]. In other words, it's representative of a thousand leaves dispersing elegantly.......

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">Kiririn@Meruru Third Cour Confirmed (˚∀˚):<td valign="top">Because I can't read it as anything else than Chiba www Fallen Saint Kuroneko of Chiba (smile) www

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">† Fallen Saint Kuroneko of a Thousand Leaves †:<td valign="top">......if...if you continue to mock me, you'll regret it.

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">Saori (Supervisor):<td valign="top">Well, well. Please calm down, both of you. More importantly, I've been meaning to ask Kiririn-san......

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">Kiririn@Meruru Third Cour Confirmed (˚∀˚):<td valign="top">Huh?

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">Saori (Supervisor):<td valign="top">Erm...... Kiririn-san, so what was all that about?

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">Kiririn@Meruru Third Cour Confirmed (˚∀˚):<td valign="top">Huh? Whatcha mean by 'that'?

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">Saori (Supervisor):<td valign="top">Isn't it obvious...... it's about Kyousuke Onii-sama.

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">Kiririn@Meruru Third Cour Confirmed (˚∀˚):<td valign="top">???

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">Saori (Supervisor):<td valign="top">Now, now, feigning ignorance? It's about the other day, when we went to Kiririn-shi's house to hang out.

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">Kiririn@Meruru Third Cour Confirmed (˚∀˚):<td valign="top">...... ah ---, that. Yes yes yes yes.

Geez, ain't it unbelievableee. Sulking all by himself, even our spirits became low 'cos of that 1|)!0†.

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">† Fallen Saint Kuroneko of a Thousand Leaves †:<td valign="top">...... hm, indeed, you could say that he seemed considerably depressed...... he hardly responded whenever I tried conversing with him. Right from the beginning, I've always thought he is a man with murky eyes, however, they were dead and far beyond that. Those were rape eyes'.

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">Saori (Supervisor):<td valign="top">The Kyousuke Onii-sama who has always been attending to our meetings, making comebacks cheerfully and pleasantly(making cheerful or/and pleasant comebacks), for him to become so dejected......

what in the world has happened?

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">Kiririn@Meruru Third Cour Confirmed (˚∀˚):<td valign="top">Heeheehee, about that ~ ah w, it's ain't really much of a big deal......

~~~~ Interlude ~~~~

<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="2"><tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">Saori (Supervisor):<td valign="top">...... well, well well...... Kiririn-san. That was a little too much.

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">Kiririn@Meruru Third Cour Confirmed (˚∀˚):<td valign="top">Eh ~ ? It's not my fault duh w the only thing I did was to start the game and put out all his erotica, in the end, he reaped what he sowed w I mean, pressing the escape button and setting himself up for self-destruction wwww hehh ww hweh www

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">† Fallen Saint Kuroneko of a Thousand Leaves †:<td valign="top">This is galling, so I adjure you to stop terminating your words with 'grass' characters[2]. And in the first place, if you had taken such effort to lay such an elaborate trap, it's your fault however I look at it.

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">Kiririn@Meruru Third Cour Confirmed (˚∀˚):<td valign="top">--- huh!? Wait a minute, why are ya putting the blame on me!? Weren't-cha the mastermind behind that trap to chase away that plain four-eyes? Over the phone, that is!

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">Saori (Supervisor):<td valign="top">Wait! The trap was thought up by Kuroneko-san?!

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">† Fallen Saint Kuroneko of a Thousand Leaves †:<td valign="top">......Fu, hmm. In reality, I never thought it would be executed......

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">Kiririn@Meruru Third Cour Confirmed (˚∀˚):<td valign="top">Stop making excuses yeediot! It's all yer fault ok! Whatcha gonna do about this mess! The one who's living with that melancholy thing is me, duh!

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">† Fallen Saint Kuroneko of a Thousand Leaves †:<td valign="top">Wh, I adjure you not to take advantage of the confused state of affairs to push the blame onto me. "A plain girl I dislike came to my house, and I can't help but feel pissed about it" ~, that came from you, didn't it? Grudgingly, I must admit I have to take partial responsibility, but that constitutes twenty percent at most. Please acquire the self-realization that the actual culprit must bear a far heavier punishment.

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">Kiririn@Meruru Third Cour Confirmed (˚∀˚):<td valign="top">What's that?! Aren't you saying whatever's convenient for you! It's yer fault, yers!

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">† Fallen Saint Kuroneko of a Thousand Leaves †:<td valign="top">Aren't you the one who's actually saying things that are convenient for yourself? Hnn, it's your fault, yours.

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">Kiririn@Meruru Third Cour Confirmed (˚∀˚):<td valign="top">No wayz 05:12, 19 July 2012

(CDT)~. The fault is yours and that plain girlz

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">Saori (Supervisor):<td valign="top">(#^ω^)

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">† Fallen Saint Kuroneko of a Thousand Leaves †:<td valign="top">→ Ah, oh...... could it be that......

you are angry?

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">Kiririn@Meruru Third Cour Confirmed (˚∀˚):<td valign="top">Uweh!? Seriously?

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">Saori (Supervisor):<td valign="top">B, both of you! How badly have you treated Kyousuke Onii-sama, whose care you have always been in! This is unbelievable!

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">Kiririn@Meruru Third Cour Confirmed (˚∀˚):<td valign="top">That aside, with your high-class lady manner of speech, your delicate preaching stinks, you knoww.

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">† Fallen Saint Kuroneko of a Thousand Leaves †:<td valign="top">On the Internet, she's probably

acting the role of a "Ojou-sama chara[3]" belonging to a higher echelon of

society. Purposely switching to that delicate personality with a matching speech pattern. Fu~, nicely done.

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">Saori (Supervisor):<td valign="top">Th, this is not about me and nor does it matter at all...... More importantly. Kyousuke Onii-sama is way too depressed...... I really want to cheer him up. Kiririn-shi, Kuroneko-shi, I shall have you cooperate with me.

Or rather, I shall have you take the initiative!

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">Kiririn@Meruru Third Cour Confirmed (˚∀˚):<td valign="top">Why, why do I have to do such a thing......?

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">Saori (Supervisor):<td valign="top">Please don't feign ignorance. Kiririn-shi should be well aware of it even without me saying this. Recently, you have been...... well, it's not like I don't understand your feelings.

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">Kiririn@Meruru Third Cour Confirmed (˚∀˚):<td valign="top">......che, you sure have a way with words............ So? What should we do about it?

<tr><td style="white-space:nowrap" valign="top">† Fallen Saint Kuroneko of a Thousand Leaves †:<td valign="top">My, my...... we don't have any other choice, it seems.

On that day, I was called out by mail Saori had sent and came to Akihabara.

"...... Geez, what's with me? I've come all the way here just because of that damn message......"

I grumbled gloomily as I was walking along the 'electronics street'.

"...... No good...... I can't take this anymore......"

My mood was still at its worst. The dazzling sun shining on the line of shops in March seemed to be mocking me. Slouching more than usual, with my hands in pockets, I dragged my feet as I walked. The reason behind my current sorry state was because I was still reeling from that incident some days ago, where Kirino had laid a trap which consequently led to my childhood friend seeing an eroge in my room.

...... Ugh, I want to die already.

No, it wasn't like Manami hated me now or anything serious of that sort.

Rather, Manami had appeared to be considering my feelings, and had never mentioned that matter again.

That was really tough on me! You get it, don't you? This feeling of helplessness.

Ahhhh, when I think back on the things in my life, my heart aches from the painful regrets......

Anyhow, the heartfelt hurt that I bear couldn't possibly be healed in just a week.

However for this day, after Saori enthusiastically beseeches me to attend

"Kirino-shi's Mobile Novel Release Commemorative Party," I had no choice but to come all the way here.

You see, the other day, Saori's-gang came with me to buy a present for Kirino.

I was returning that favor.

Seemed stupid. Although I didn't really feel like stepping out of my room, why of all things, did I have to celebrate for that devil?

But, but then...... The request came from none other Saori......

Since I've been frequently indebted to her, if I didn't return the favor when it's time to do so, I wouldn't be able to be at ease.

That's why I came here, not for Kirino's sake, but for Saori's sake.

So don't misunderstand.

"...... Err, it's here?"

I stopped abruptly, look up and saw a rather plain building before me.

To put it a little strongly, it felt kind of suspicious.

There were several signboards on the building and on one of them was written, "Level 3: Rental Room @ Akibatto". After checking the mail from Saori on my mobile, it seemed like I was in the right place.

"Rental room huh...... I wonder what this is."

This was something I found out later, but this place actually provides rooms that are like karaoke boxes as well as related equipment for rental to be used for meetings and such.

I took the elevator up. Upon reaching the third floor, the elevator door swooshed open. To my right was the counter for the receptionist and to my left was a corridor that was lined with several doors.

I noticed that each door opens into a rental room.

Normally, one will request for a karaoke room from the counter and get a room number, but even without doing that, I could tell my destination immediately. Because just by the side of the door nearest to me, was one of those signboards that direct people to ceremonial functions. Erm, well, you know this already right? Something like a party venue, that's what it resembled.

On that signboard was written something like the following:

"Venue for Kousaka Kyousuke's Personal Harem Party"

Hahhahha! Who is this Kousaka Kyousuke ~

Personal harem? Isn't this guy a fool? A hentai? What a shameful fella.

"It's my full name, shit... ~~!?"

Who was it! Which insolent person is shaming me publicly like that!

--- Probably Saori, I guess. Kirino and Kuroneko would probably die before using the word 'Harem'. There was no doubt that Saori definitely wrote that herself without letting the others know.

Muu ~ ...... since I really owe her a lot of favors, I really didn't want to say this but --- what the hell is this idiot doing to a crestfallen person! I'm going to cry!

"Yes, Kyousuke-sama Kousaka, right? Room number 301."

"...... Got it."

I acknowledged the receptionist Nee-san weakly, and stood beside the signboard that said, "Venue for Kousaka Kyousuke's Personal Harem Party". For some reason, only the door in front of me had a bell attached. It looked a little unnatural, and I could tell clearly that it was attached impromptu.

Hnn......? This bell...... There was a strange chilling feeling of déjà vu as I opened the door.

Clang. Clang clang ---

"Welcome back-gozaru! Master!"

Two maids in apron dresses were lined by the side receiving me.

I saw nothing and closed the door.

"........................ wha, what was that......?"

Both my hands were pressed against the door as I was muttering. Just now, there was a huge one on the other side, wasn't it!? I wasn't seeing things right!? Ma......id......? Was it really okay for a maid to have that kind of a build?

Wait, wait, wait a minute. I couldn't yet sort out the current state of affairs in my mind. No...... It's just that I couldn't believe what I just saw...... that......

First, I got to calm down.

Ok, my eyes were not playing trick with me. What I just saw is definitely real. I only want to pretend like it is not.

I swallowed nervously, took a deep breath, and then opened the door again.

Cling…cling…

"Welcome back! Mas--- Aarg…. I can't take it anymore!"

Right after I opened the door, the maid in front of me snapped.

She threw her maid headdress down, shouting:

"Why must I wear maid costume to greet him?"

"Wait Kiririn! Everything is fine when we practiced this earlier, so why do you turn into Asura now?"

I confirmed that the big maid I got a glimpse earlier is indeed Saori. But even wearing a maid costume, she still had her big glasses.

Standing near that was Kirino, wearing a brunette costume. She points her finger directly at my face and said:

"There is a big difference if this guy is here or not! I like to cosplay too, but there is no way my dignity can accept this humiliation!"

Hey hey! I don't know what is going on, but what about my dignity, too?

You are acting like I've completely disappeared right?

"……You guys…. What exactly is going on here…?"

Although I'm feeling a bit out of place, I try to ask anyway.

But Saori and Kirino keep quarreling, they don't pay any attention to my question.

I take a look around, and find out that this is a simple white room, about as big as 12 or 13 tatami mats.

White desk, office chairs, whiteboard, and 2 computers with one 32-inch LCD screen.

On the desk, there is a PSP.

By the look of it, they have probably come here to play something.

But why maid uniform? I really don't understand.

Well, there is no way this is a 'celebrate party for mobile's novel' isn't it?

While I was still trying to guess, Saori had stopped quarreling with Kirino, her face showed a 'oh damn this is bad' expression, hastily explained to me:

"Ahahaha. Just a taste of entertainment. This rental room also provides the maid costumes. So, what do you think? Cute, isn't it? "

How could such a tall maid exist?

Of course, I didn't say it aloud.

At least, there is no way for me to say that to someone I owed a lot.

"………..Is it cute? …."

" Woo…Moe."

"Ah… I mean… no!"

Crap! Since I said that without thinking, I tried to take it back.

And why are you having an 'as expected' expression?

…….After I dismissed Saori's maid outfit, her mouth turned into ω shape, said:

"Meow….."

I'm terribly sorry, but I don't know how to reach at all.

Still ignoring my confused face, Saori continued:

"…….Seems like Kyousuke-shi isn't very interested…Strange, I heard that you had a glasses fetish …."

"How could you know that?"

So you revealed your brother's secret too, Kirino?

My sister just shrugged, and gave me an 'I didn't say that, stupid'

expression.

You…How badly do you want to destroy my social standing?

This is not like that at all! Yes, there are many Meganekko in my collection, but it's just a coincidence.

In short, I have no such sexual interest.

After I explained that to Saori……

"Ahahaha……so the rumor about Kyousuke's secret hobby is true after all.

But, isn't it strange? I'm wearing your favorite outfit, aren't I?"

"I told you before that I don't have such a hobby. Why are you still leading our conversation toward a dangerous end? And by the way, your glasses are not normal at all. They're too big! Those two are completely different things, understand?"

"Ah… I understand your interest in Meganekko very clearly now."

Wait, did I just say something wrong?

Maybe I went a little too far.

I scratched my cheek, thinking what to say to them:

"……Anyway, I can tell that you intended to give me a surprise, but my little sister is here too…. So… Ah… I didn't see any 'moe' at all!/"

After hearing my answer, Saori's mouth turned into a ω shape again.

"……So that's it, Kyousuke means he prefers his sister wearing a special outfit…"

"Did you hear what I just said? I told you before, I'm not a siscon! "

She titled her head again. Oh god, doesn't she understand Japanese?

While I'm arguing with Saori, Kirino acted like she normally does, meaning she kicked me.

"It hurt…! Again…! You… You…! What are you doing?"

With teary eyes, I turned around and faced my sister's fierce eyes:

"You are so annoying. From the start, you do nothing but complain! After what I have done for you, why are you still not satisfied?"

"You don't know?"

"Of course not. Are you stupid? Look! Even when I worked as a model, I have never worn such clothes."

Folding her arms, Kirino gave out a "hmph!" and turned away.

Brown hair, and earrings normally don't go well with a maid outfit, but thanks to my sister's natural beauty, they look good.

Although I don't want to admit it, but she looked very cute.

While I gazed at her with mixed feelings, my sister turned her head toward me, and said coldly:

"…………Gross…What are you looking at?"

How could I not look? And why are you saying that while dressing as a maid?

What is going on here? I thought this was a celebration for Kirino's novel, so they were wearing maid outfit to greet me and then got angry when I don't show any reaction?

They are definitely hiding something from me! It was really suspicious.

"…Phew……"

But right now, I have no idea what they were doing.

At least, I know that this was not a celebrating party.

I should be more careful. They will probably try to do something again.

While remaining vigilant, I took a look around – then suddenly I noticed one thing.

Kirino and Saori were here – so one person was missing.

"Huh? Where is Kuroneko? Didn't she come today?"

"Ah… about Kuroneko…"

The glasses maid turned and pointed to the corner of the room.

Huh? There was something there…

"Ah!"

"………………………"

A maid wearing cat ears is hiding behind the curtain, her face slightly exposed.

"It is not what you think!"

Kuroneko immediately responded.

"………………"

I didn't know what to say to her, so all I was able to do is gaze upon this shy, cat-ear-maid.

She is wearing the same white maid outfit as the others, but she had a cat-ears and tail.

It really suited her, but honestly, I didn't know what to say.

Without any option, all I can do is stay silent.

After a while, Kuroneko looked away, and said:

"I said, this is not what you think!"

Seems like the lack of my reaction upset her.

The situation was quite embarrassing atmosphere and then, Saori quickly said:

"Ahaha, Kuroneko! Don't be shy, it suits you very well. Right, Kyousuke?"

"Yes yes. It suits you perfectly."

"Hmph! Flattery will get you nowhere."

She turned even further away, almost looking behind her.

At that time, her cat ears began to shake, her tail also curled up.

………Wooops…… Those clothes were amazing. They looked almost like the real thing.

Kirino seemed to agree with me. She stared at Kuroneko, and said:

"……Although, I don't want to admit it… You look really cute…."

Judging by her reaction, she just knew that the cat ears and tail could move.

In terms of fashion, my sister has her own definition, so she will not lie about appearances and clothing.

Even against someone she constantly quarrels, she still gives them her honest praise.

"Can you tell me where to get those cat ears and tail? Among our borrowed clothes, there are (were) no such things."

"I made them myself."

"Seriously?!"

Kuroneko's grim face relaxed a bit, she nodded.

Maybe she felt happy, and thanks to Kirino's sudden interest, Kuroneko began to explain about her cosplay.

There are three types of cosplay, include "Purchase", "Borrowed", and

"Homemade". Among them, "Borrowed" is the fastest and most disrespected method.

Unlike "Purchase", you don't need that much money, and unlike

"Homemade", you don't need sewing skills.

"But if you can make them yourself, then most of the time, it is very cost-effective. Of course, that requires the most effort: not only sewing skill, but also materials. In short, you still have to use a lot of money."

"So that is it…Wow… you are really amazing…"

Given Kirino's personality, it was quite surprising for her to praise Kuroneko.

Of course, I think she should keep doing that, because Kuroneko is indeed amazing.

She is also a pro gamer too –That girl is really smart!

However she was shy and had a tendency to become angry when she was praised. So as usual, she started speaking sharply to Kirino.

Curling her black tail and cat ears, she said:

"…………Can you… Please, stop trying to praise yourself every time you speak?"

"…………Woo…This… These clothes…I can't believe I lost to you…"

Kirino's hand covered her mouth, as she was trying to suppress her impulses.

Maybe she couldn't hold it in anymore, so she said something unusual:

"Hey hey… Next time, can you make a cat ears and tail for me too?"

"Huh?"

Kuroneko seemed to be confused by Kirino's sudden request.

She blinked, and said, uncertainly:

"Well…"

Then she glared at me.

Although it is not very clear, but the unspoken words were "your little sister is so annoying."

I shrugged, said:

"Could you do it for her?"

"…You'd have to give me materials…"

Kuroneko looked at Kirino's "Please?" expression and whispered.

Saori was just watching, and smiled.

So, three otakus and I gathered in this room.

All of us sat in front of the desk, the girls were still wearing maid outfits.

It felt like exaggerated when everyone was dressed – even for a party.

On the desk, there were two 32-inches LCD screen laptops connected to game portable consoles.

"This is the second time I used this room, so I know that we have a power supply, we can play games or do whatever we want."

Saori gave us a quick explanation about the room.

I only gave her an "hmph.", and then asked them a very basic question:

"So, what are we going to do now? I though this is supposed to be Kirino's celebration party, but why I got the feeling that I'm the main character here?"

"You are thinking too much …"

"Idiot…"

Both Kuroneko and Kirino answered me.

Not even Saori gave explanation as usual.

They really were hiding something from me.

Then Saori changed the subject:

"In short, my turn is over – next is Kuroneko's."

Kuroneko nodded, but I still didn't understand anything:

"Huh? Your turn?"

"Ahahaha, this is entertainment for Kiririn's party. We'll go around and each of us does something. Just now this was my performance, and next is Kuroneko's."

"So that is it. But since I didn't know about this, I haven't prepared for any performance."

"Ha-ha, it is okay. Kyousuke's reaction can be a very interesting performance already. "

What is that supposed to mean?

"Don't worry about trivial things."

"Like Kiririn said, don't worry about it. You just need to enjoy yourself."

"Hmph…well…if you say so…"

I gave her a wry smile. In fact, this was my original intention.

No matter how much I hate Kirino, I can't let it impact on how I treat Saori.

Now…I should just enjoy the show. There was nothing else I could do, after all.

"Are you finished?"

Kuroneko said, a bit angrily.

After everyone nodded, she began opening some kind of software.

"This is what I'm going to show you."

An illustration appeared on the screen.

On that illustration, there was a girl with a scorn on her face, and her hands were folded across her chest. Behind her was a boy with a useless face.

"The title is "Belphegor's curse."

"This is a manga I wrote for today, so I want to show you guys too."

I have seen her drawings before. She must be practicing herself, because even I could say that this one was much better.

Or had she changed her style? The character's chin was no longer too sharp.

Perhaps this lovely style gave the viewer a deep impression, the character looked like they were animated.

"…. Your drawing skill seems to have improved greatly in such a short time"

".......Thank you. I can rest assured now."

Kuroneko let out a relieved sigh.

Just now, these were her true feelings. She had said she wanted to become a manga artist, the result is that improved illustration.

She wasn't only very good at video games, she could also make her own cosplay costumes. And now she had made progress in drawing too.

At that rate, then her chance to take revenge on Mr. Kumagai is not far away.

I think it was a good thing, but…

"Wait a second, you! ……"

Speaking in my place is Kirino, with a scorn on her face, both her hands folded across her chest.

I think she also got the same feeling as I did.

Kirino said with a quite dispassionate voice:

"Can I ask a question?"

"What is wrong?"

"…………Why does this character look exactly like me?"

"…………And this unfortunate man kind of looks like me, too."

"Ahahaha – this is great! They look exactly the same as Kiririn and Kyousuke!"

Both I and Saori pointed that out.

After hearing that, Kuroneko nodded, smiling:

"………If you say so, then I'm even more confident."

She smiled? Compared to the her usual expressionless face, her smile is very cute, but -----

"This character is really based on me!"

"So I'm your model!"

Now this is not the time to be fascinated.

Both I and Kirino cried out.

"You…You…what do you intend to do?"

"Nothing at all!"

Kuroneko remains completely unaffected by Kirino's stare, and she shrugged, continuing:

"Like you said, I drew this special character with you as the model – is there any problem?"

"No… But I got a bad feeling …"

What a coincidence, Kirino. I got that same feeling too.

"...Sigh…'you give a criticism without even looking at contents… Like a manager… No one has the right to criticize a work without looking at it'

…Who said that anyway?"

"Ugh…"

Kirino could only grind her teeth.

That's right. No matter how much a bad feeling she has, Kirino can't say anything about Kuroneko's manga.

Regarding this, she was quite stubborn.

Even though she regretted it, my sister said:

"Continue……"

"Hmph… Thank you."

Kuroneko's face now revealed an evil smile, which made my bad feeling grow bigger.

"Then – this is my show."

Click! She pressed a button on the remote control, the screen started to change.

The first scene showed the girl, who looked like Kirino, sitting on the sofa.

Kuroneko started reading the content summary:

"My name is Kirino. I'm the most beautiful girl in middle school (self-proclaimed)."

"I will kill you!"

"Ah, calm down! Kiririn, calm down please!"

"But look, that is oblivious slander!"

"No no no! This is not Kiririn, just a manga character named Kirino! You two only look alike, there is nothing else! Beside, this story has just started!

You should wait for the rest!"

Saori holds Kirino back from behind, her face full of smiles.

I simply think it was interesting, so I kept silent and waited for the next development.

Let's just pretend that this has nothing to do with real life!

"What about 'self-proclaimed most beautiful middle school girl'? What kind of sentence is that?"

"Hmph! Then I will continue…"

With gloomy voice, Kuroneko said the next prologue lines.

Although it was just beginning, but this "Belphegor's curse" seemed to tell the story from a girl's point of view and that girl looked like Kirino.

There were many monologues, so we were able to understand the main character's thoughts and feelings.

In contrast, the other character's feelings were only described a little.

Uh...uhm… in short, this girl tends to understand others' words in the worst possible way, so sometimes misunderstandings occurred.

Sometimes, I wanted to shout to her: "Idiot, this is not like what you think."

About the content, I will give you a short version.

Kirino has an older brother named Kyousuke.

But their relationship was very bad; both of them completely ignored each other.

They never spoke to each other at home, they didn't even look at each other.

When they rarely spoke, only crude words came out.

There wasn't a warm brother-sister relationship.

"Hey…hey… this story……"

"…What? This is only a manga…"

I could only shut up.

Although I'm not Kirino, I agree that criticism should only be given after reading the entire story.

However, this story…… it was too much like me and Kirino….

Could it be that Kuroneko used her own point of view about Kirino to make this manga?

Anyway, let's get back to the summary short version.

Where were we? Ah, right, I was talking about how bad their relationship was.

But the truth is, Kirino got a secret she couldn't share with anyone.

For example, this is what happened when Kyousuke was in the bath.

After confirming that her brother was in the bath, Kirino immediately sneaked to the basket of his clothes.

She picked up something from that, then…

"…Ah…ah… This is onii-chan's underwear…[Gulp]…sniff…sniff…"

"Stop right there!!"

Both I and Kirino cried out.

Kuroneko looked at us and asked:

"What's wrong?"

"You know exactly what is wrong!!"

I wiped the sweat on my forehead and glanced at my sister:

"…Don't tell me…you really… took my underwear..?"

"I didn't! This…this…this is just in a manga!"

"Please don't stutter. It gives me a chill."

"You damn cat! Even it is a manga; your imagination has gone too far."

"………Why are you so mad? This is only a fictional manga."

With your attitude, anyone could misunderstand that the manga was reality, the real situation…

"…This…this…this…fine! Continue!"

My sister rarely quarreled with anyone, so she backed down easily.

"Really… Please don't interrupt me again. I can't show you the good part if you keep doing that"

After a "ahem", Kuroneko continued reading the monologue.

In short, in this manga, this Kirino girl was a super brocon.

On the surface, she hates her brother. But deep down, she actually loves him.

This story background…is so disgusting… I don't even want to look at it again…

---After stealing her brother's underwear, Kirino sneaked to her brother's room.

Since his room doesn't have a lock, she can freely enter and leave.

"What 'imagination' is that? This is too real! Hey, how could you know that my room doesn't have a lock?"

"Of course I did some real survey"

"You came once to my house….. Is that when you surveyed my home?"

"Hmph! Of course! Don't underestimate me!"

Okay…. This was still something possible. At least, the fact that my room doesn't have a lock is just a trivial thing.

"Please continue…"

"Good…"

Clank!

The next illustration showed up.

Kirino is searching for something under her brother's bed, her butt sticking outwards.

Then she pulled out, Kyousuke's precious porn collection in her hand

"Tch! It is all girls with glasses! Why doesn't he have any little sister ones?"

Then Kirino rushes forward, trying to cover the whole screen, shouting:

"I…I…I never said that!"

"That's unimportant! The important thing is why does Kuroneko know about my porn collection?"

"Hmm? Because I told her."

"In other words, not only you sneaked into my room, but you also searched under my bed?"

"Wait just a second! It is not my fault! I heard that from mom!"

"So mom is the culprit?"

Aaaaa…… why are the women in my house…

I think you guys understand now?

Never allow anyone to find out where you keep your collection.

While Kirino and I were quarreling, Kuroneko said, impatiently:

"…Can I continue?"

"Do as you like…"

I said that to Kuroneko.

I have given up on the struggle, so I decided to ignore the rest of this manga.

No matter what secret Kuroneko reveals, or what strange behavior, I will not say anything. Not even a word!

Kirino seems to have the same feeling, her hand support her cheek, her expression unhappy.

The manga continued…

---- Brocon Kirino has a natural enemy.

This is Kyousuke's childhood friend, Tamura Manami.

On the surface, Manami is a harmless girl. But the truth is, she is the reincarnation of Belphegor, and intends to steal other humans souls.

Because Kyousuke is the fallen angel Lucifer being reincarnated… etc…

What kind of story is that?

"………………………! Not good! I'm going to reach my limit………! Be patient Kyousuke…… be patient…"

"Aaaaa……A…Ugh…ahh……"

Biting her lip, Kirino tried to suppress her own destructive impulse.

"Ahahaha… Next comes the most interesting part of the story…"

After the story developed in an unpredictable direction, Kirino's love for Kyousuke moved the angel, so God sent Kuroneko to give her the holy lance[4] so she could battle against the demon Manami.

---- I was completely baffled.

Kirino used the holy lance to drive Manami into a corner, forcing her to use her own brother as a sacrifice.

And then, an unimaginable amount of dark magic spread out from Manami's body, and turned the human world into chaos.

The air turned into poison, the earth turned into rotten meat.

It was what Hell would look like.

Even Kirino was trembling, and she whispered:

"………How could this girl call forth 'judgment day'?"

"……To be continued…"

"What 'to be continued' here! With that much plot development, at this point there is no need to explain anymore!"

"My manga is not complete yet, so this can't be helped! What do you want me to do?"

"Hmph! I only want to know the ending. Well, this is expected. You can't draw a manga in a few days."

But Kuroneko blushed, and said:

"……Knowing that you want to see that…I'm delighted."

Both me and Kirino collapsed on the chair, unable to keep up……

By the way, Saori was still rolling on the floor laughing.

Really… Saori in a maid outfit… Kuroneko's manga… What are you guys trying to do? Are you trying to crush my mental health?

After everyone calmed down a little, Saori said loudly:

"So – let's welcome the main performance today! Kiririn's turn, please!"

Today's main event? Kirino's is the main performer?

I glanced at my sister, but she remained silent, an uncomfortable expression on her face.

"……………………………………"

Maybe Kuroneko's manga made her angry?

Hey hey… Are you going to ignore Saori again?

But…well, today is your party, so there is no need to force Kirino.

Although I thought that, but…

"………………………Kiririn? Kiririn? It is your turn "

"Hurry, you are too slow."

Why am I getting the feeling that both Saori and Kuroneko wanted to see Kirino's "performance?"

"Tch! I know that!"

Under their gazes), Kirino reached into her bag, and glanced at me. She was frowning.

"Well…"

Kirino shook her head, and then…

"--- PASS"

She turned in a random direction.

Hey hey… After preparing, you ended up Passing? Looks like she really didn't want to make her performance.

What do you hesitate for? Aren't you the one who prepared it?

"………You idiot… Don't you remember why you are here in the first place?"

Kuroneko harsh words came out first.

Aren't you exaggerating a bit, too? She only refused to make her show; there is no reason for you to blame her that much.

This is her party, at least try to be nicer to her!

"Come on Kuroneko, please try to understand that Kiririn is just shy."

Now Saori was scorning at Kuroneko.

……Shy? Based on what they just said, both of them already knew what Kirino's show was about.

Why was I the only one left in the dark?

Saori seemed to notice my doubt, she suggested in a cheerful voice:

"How about this? We will continue with another round."

"…That is the only way now…"

Kuroneko agreed.

"Then next is my turn again."

Saori coughed a few times, and then stood up.

What 'performance' is she going to make?

"Kyousuke, can you lie down and wait?"

"Sure…..but what are you intending to do?"

"Hm, hm! I only want to sincerely serve Kyousuke."

"Can you please stop speaking in such a disgusting voice?"

What did you exactly mean when you said 'serve'?

After playing numerous eroges, the word 'serve' normally brought me a satisfy feeling. But considering that she was wearing big glasses, I was unable to imagine anything erotic.

Serve… Serve me? What was she trying to do?

Although I'm kind of scared, but I still lie down.

"…………Like this?"

"Yes, perfect. Now, next is…"

After that, I immediately felt extreme pressure on my back.

"Ah! It hurts! Why are you stepping on me?"

"This is the special ocassion. A maid will step on master's back."

"Service ? Don't be ridiculous. This is torture. Aagr… So heavy…I said, you are so heavy… Please stop… I surrender!"

"Ah… Kyousuke, your mean words made me unable to forgive you!"

"Aagrh… Please get down! My bone is going to break."

"Woo… I want to hear that crisp sound."

Finally… The pressure on my back disappears.

"Phew………phew……phew……"

"So, how was it? Comfortable, wasn't it?"

"You… You……Ahhhh… I though I'm really gonna die! Somehow….I think I saw the afterlife."

I adjust my breathing and get up:

"What kind of service is that? A maid steps on master's back?"

"It is pretty common in Akihabra."

"What? Is it true?"

This answer caught me by surprise! Seems like I underestimated Akihabra!

After looking at my angry face, even Saori realized the pain I had felt. Her face showed a puzzled expression:

"Hmp…err… yes, it doesn't look like you enjoyed it"

"Of course, only a masochist could enjoy that kind of thing!"

Kuroneko's heel makes a cracking noise with the floor, she said with some amusement:

"Then…how about you let me step on you, too? This time lie down face up, okay?"

Did you want to kill me that much? Was this some kind of special sexual treatment?

You wanted me to lie down face up, but where were you going to step on?

By the way, in that position, I could see you underwear!

…First Kirino, then Kuroneko and Saori… Can you guys give me a break?

At least don't add insult to injury!

While I was still feeling awkward, Saori turned to Kuroneko:

"Then next is Kuroneko's turn, isn't it?"

"But I didn't expect this ….. Therefor I have not prepared any more to show".

Kuroneko was sitting on her chair, holding her knees. It was her usual thinking position.

By the way, she was wearing a skirt today, so I didn't know where to look at.

But Saori looked like she had expected that Kuroneko would say that, and stood up confidently:

"Ahahaha…I had expected that, so I brought a secret weapon: the newest video games."

"The newest video games is your secret weapon?"

Both I and Kirino asked at the same time. Even Kuroneko gave Saori a glance.

After confirming that everyone was interested, Saori nodded with excitement:

"Yes, here they are."

She turned on the second laptop and started the game.

It seems that the game was already installed.

Anyway, I remember that I had seen that screen somewhere before.

"Is it the PC version of Siscalypse?"

I asked, pointing at the screen.

On the screen was the title "SISCALYPSE", it was an eroge action game that Kirino likes.

"Didn't you just say that this was the newest game?"

"Uhm, yes! Look carefully, Kyousuke."

"Hm? Ah, right."

After I checked again, I noticed that the title was "SISCALYPSEα"

"Wow, this is new. Let's check the new function."

"Hmph……I don't understand anything…"

Next to me, Kirino nodded and explained:

"In short, it is like 'Dynasty Warrior' and 'Dynasty Warrior Extreme mode'

right? The only difference is this game uses character from SisxSis! Damn!

I was too busy, so I completely missed that!"

"Ahahaha, seems like Kiririn is really interested! Come, let's enjoy Kuroneko's gaming skill"

"I'm not interested!"

"Oh, I remembered that too!"

Yes, I remembered. Kuroneko is a pro in this game.

She demonstrated her god-like gaming skill at our last Comiket.

"Aren't you very good at this, Kuroneko? Show us your skills!"

"Mmmm…but I failed to become the champion in the previous tournament."

"Really? Someone could defeat you? Was the player that good?"

"Of course! My reaction speed is quite excessive, but…I have never thought that someone could keep up with me. Hmp… Maybe a special individual can suppress their limits sometimes... In order to win, I need to train harder and get used to the pros and cons of every character."

Although I didn't understand completely, at least I got that there are some players that are better than Kuroneko.

Saori laughed:

"Ahahaha, whether it is shooting game or fighting game, seems that many good players gather at the national tournament."

"So what is so special about this game? A secret move or something?"

"Don't rush, Kiririn. Let me finish. In this version, you can create and use your own character to fight like any other character."

"Hmph… And? Is that all?"

"No, no, I will talk about the main point now. This is the 'create your sister'

mode, it allows the player to change their character's clothes, face, hair, skin, height, weight, voice….etc., it is very detailed and easy to understand."

"And what does that mean?"

Kirino asked still confused.

Saori raised one finger and gave an example:

"For example, you can create a character that looks exactly the same as Meruru and play story mode without any problem."

"Really?"

She took the bait so easily.

"Of course it is true. Oh, by the way, about the secret weapon… Well, better let you see it with your own eyes"

Saori took the gamepad and choose the battle mode.

After choosing character, Saori's created sister appeared on the screen.

"Ah!"

Aside from Saori, everyone looked at the screen in shock.

"This… This character looks exactly like me! How… how can this be?"

"Ahahaha, it's like you. In addition to drawing that manga, Kuroneko also helped me created a character that looks like Kiririn."

Against Saori's joyful laugh, even Kirino could only give a wry smile.

Look like she didn't hate being made into a game character. In fact, she seemed excited.

"Can I really use a character who looks like me in this game?"

"Of course! That character is created based on Kiririn – here, take a look!"

After Saori choose 'preview', the character's data is showed on the screen

- Miniskirt, proud expression, both hands folded across her chest – indeed, it looked exactly like my sister.

"Ahaha, don't be surprised that easily!"

Picking up the controller, Saori made the character punch, kick, and…

"--- What? Gross! Are you an idiot! Die! Siscon!"

"Ahahaha – this game included some of your little sister's voice! Uhm, because all of them were recorded before publishing so… It is not as good as I wanted it to be… But, what do you think, Kyousuke?"

What did I think? This character looks like Kirino and insults in a voice similar to Kirino's during battle. But if I said that, then my real life little sister would undoubtly insult me with 'What? Gross! Are you an idiot! Die!

Siscon!'

"It is good! It looks very real, right, Kirino?"

"Hmph? What? You like a game character who looks like your sister?

Gross!"

So what did you want me to say? No matter what I chose, your affection level towards me was going to drop!

"But, Saori, you are amazing – you saw me in that outfit once, and yet you were able to create it so perfectly… Even that nail polish is the same color."

"Ahaha, in fact, I used a mod to create those clothes. May I use that character for some battles?"

"Yes! Yes!"

Kirino nodded, excited. When it was something she liked, she looked like an innocent child.

After I saw her expression, I was unable to bring myself to get angry…

At least she looked happy now. Today was her party, she should enjoy it.

Scratching my head, I watched Kirino's excitement.

Ahhhh…I'm really spineless. Even she had brought me so many troubles; I still wanted to help her to celebrate.

"I…I want to play now!"

Under Kirino's demand, Saori nodded, and then gave her the controller:

"Controller setting is default, character setup is almost the same as Kiririn's favorite character. However, there are still some minor differences."

"This can't be helped; you can't recreate my slender legs! So, should we start with level 50?"

"Ah, right. In this game, to make sure players can freely use their created character to fight, the game system allowed us to change levels. I have created a Kuroneko character too; do you two want to have a match?"

Hearing that, Kuroneko said:

"Ah, is that character you created with me as the model? You wanted me to be a part of this show, lowering my level to have a match with her?"

"Yes, yes!"

Saori answered.

Kirino snorted and whispered "this is no longer interesting."

Well…even if you chose the lowest level, the difference between them is simply too big.

How could her pride accept that unfair battle?

Just as I was thinking, Kirino spoke:

"No, you have to lower your level to 1"

Hey, hey it is too much!

You hate unfair battle, but you also hate a battle which you cannot win. So that's your solution? You want to enjoy the feeling of using a character who looks like you to beat a character who looks like Kuroneko – yeah, must be it.

This must have been my sister's true intention.

Even Kuroneko shouldn't able to win with such disadvantages, but strangely, she agreed.

"That is fine… However, I want to choose the battle ground. We will duel a single round. If both sides have the same amount of HPs after the time has run out, we shall move to the death mode.

Is that okay?"

"O…okay…"

Kirino is doubting because Kuro accepted such unfair terms, but they start anyway. Kuroneko choose the battle ground 'Arena'. This stage is the same as a narrow Roman Arena.

The screen split in two, showing the backs of two characters: "Kiririn" and

"Kuroneko."

Three…

Two…

One…

Fight!

Immediately after that, both of them dash at each other.

The level gap was clear: of course, Kiririn was much faster. If they exchanged blows, even if Kuroneko managed to strike back, she will still take greater damage.

In contrast, even if Kuroneko kept attacking for 60 seconds, she wouldn't able to reduce Kiririn's Hit Points to zero.

At least – that's what should happen, but…

"……You…you…die! Stop right here, let me hit you!"

"Ohohohoho, what, can't hit me?"

Kuroneko moved still slowly backwards, dodging Kiririn's onslaught without any visible effort.

Not only she was able to see through Kiririn's attack but she was able to use minimum action to dodge.

"…How about this!"

Being unable to land a single hit on Kuroneko, Kirino used her special move.

Lighting rushed out from Kiririn and surrounded Kuroneko. At the same time, she launched a series of ultra-high speed kicks.

With her current speed, it was impossible for Kuroneko to avoid those attacks. Even if she defended, the overwhelming power gradually reduced her HP.

So my sister was forced to use such dirty tactics, huh?

"Hmph! This is all within my calculation!"

Still sitting on the chair, Kuroneko used both of her hands to grip her controller, her fingers danced without slowing down.

[Click Click Click Click Click Click Click] ---

Kuroneko took Kiririn's combo kick head on.

"What a pity…"

"What…"

However, her HP remained the same without the smallest change.

A closer look showed that the character Kuroneko raised one finger, blocking all the incoming attacks.

It was "perfect-guard". If you could input the guard command at the same time as your opponent's attack was about to hit you, then you could block it without taking any damage.

Of course, it was normally a high level skill. But using that to block a series of high speed kicks –it was unbelievable.

"Wow…what a godlike skill…"

Even Saori was dumbstruck.

Even I could say that her skills were awesome. Just how much time had she spent on training?

On the screen, Kiririn's special attack ended, the lighting disappeared.

"Hey! How could you use such a dirty trick?"

"……Look at yourself. This is just a game, don't you have any shame?"

"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Stop running away, will you!"

Kirino focused her rage and continued trying to hit Kuroneko. However, her attacks were either dodged or missed; none of them came close to Kuroneko. To be honest, I think it was what they called "button-mashing."

"………Aarg…! …Arghhh……!"

Reaching her limit, Kirino constantly attacked at random.

"…Ohohohoho…The world is full of tragedy… Now your soul is going through the test too…"

Kuroneko kept making fun of Kirino – looks like that the stalemate was still far away.

From the beginning, both sides haven't taken a single hit.

Kuroneko was completely on defensive, it seemed that she didn't want to attack.

Indeed, against a level 1 attack power, a level 50 character could take several hits without much damage.

But that shouldn't have been the only reason for her lack of counterattack.

Even I was doubting, but the fight still continued.

Soon, the 60 seconds for the battle is almost run out. Normally, whoever had more HP is the winner, but now both sides are still at full HP. So, the special rule 'sudden death' was used.

"……….Ahahaha…enjoy your last moment…"

"…What…what?"

In a blink of eye, both Kirino and Kuroneko's hit points were reduced to almost zero.

"Oh? Why so surprised? I told you that if after 60 seconds no one wins, then 'sudden death' rule will be used. In other words, level is no longer a matter; whoever lands a hit first will be the winner. Come on, under the same conditions, fight me. Hmph! Unable to win after such a long time, that means you are going to lose now."

"Ahh……"

Kirino grinded her teeth in frustration.

Next to me, Saori let out an "Oh", and then asked me:

"Is it strange? If Kuroneko had landed a single hit, then she would have won when time's up. Why didn't she do that?"

"Of course, she wanted to beat Kirino in the most eye-catching way"

There is no way I could be wrong about this, because…

"Hhm hm hm hm… Ahahaha……hm hm hm…"

Kuroneko's excitement and evil smile meant that she clearly enjoyed the game.

But when I heard Kuroneko say "You lose," I suddenly remembered something.

Are you asking what I remembered? Sorry, guys, but what kind of game they are playing?

They are playing an eroge! Eroge, rating 18+.

"Hey…is it true that the loser's clothes will be destroyed, and their character will become naked?"

"Ahh…"

Kuroneko froze.

Kirino's attention switched to me, her face showed a surprised expression.

As I thought! Both of them hadn't noticed this… In this game, whoever loses … Their character, who looks exactly like them, will be stripped naked, then meet a hentai punishment.

Yes, that's what normally happens in this game.

This is not a strip mahjong [5], but a strip fighting.

I wonder who created such a shameless game …..

"Ahaha… Yes, yes, I forgot that! In the previous game, your character didn't get completely naked no matter what, so I didn't pay much attention to this."

Saori apologized.

As I feared. Saori, Kuroneko, and Kirino are all used to this so I'm the only one here who actually thought about it.

Saori continued:

"I'm very sorry…Not only they look like you two, but their measurement is the same, too! If you lose…"

Oh hell! This is bad! You mean if you lose, what appeared on the screen is a copy of your body in real life?

Suddenly, Saori straightened her chest:

"To be honest, this is my masterpiece!"

"Don't be proud of that! Why did you make such extra waste of effort, anyway?"

Kirino yelled at Saori, but she calmly replied:

"Ah, Kiririn, look at the screen"

"Oh…"

Kirino recovered and turned toward the screen.

Face with Kirino's great mistake, Kuroneko…

"Ah…ah……ah…"

She is even worse. She dropped her controller. And she is blushing madly.

"Hey…Kuroneko… Are you okay! This is not the time to panic!"

"Even…if you said…that…"

Well, seemed like she was really embarrassed. Even if it was a game, I doubt anyone can handle the scene where a character who looks like themselves got stripped.

I forget sometimes that Kirino and Kuroneko were just middle school girls.

At the same time, Kirino called me in panic:

"Hey, you siscon! Which side are you on? You want to see your sister getting stripped?"

"Of course not!"

But to be honest, it was true that helping Kuroneko didn't bring me any good.

At least, I'd prefer if 'Kiririn' could avoid hentai punishment.

"All right, Kirino! Take her down! Now!"

"You pervert!"

Kirino's punch hit me straight on my nose!

"Ughhh……You still get angry no matter what I say!"

"Yes, of course! Ah, I can't waste such chance! After that, you can look all you want!"

Kirino picked up her controller and resumed her attack.

Although she was not as bad as Kuroneko, she was clearly shaken. Any hit could knock out her opponent, but she still used the most powerful punch.

"Ah…………no……………"

Even when Kiririn's punch was coming, Kuroneko was still not recovered.

She finally picked up her controller, but she still stared at the screen, waiting for her defeat.

Because she looked so sad, so I cried out to her:

"Now! Strike back quickly!"

"!"

Maybe she heard me, Kuroneko pressed some buttons.

Maybe she was able to launch an attack, maybe not.

In less than a second, the winner was going to be decided, and the loser would be stripped naked.

Kuroneko or Kirino? The next moment revealed who was the winner.

Kiririn's spin kick and Kuroneko's punch connected….

"KO!"

At the same time, I heard a loud 'pow!' sound, and then something hit me straight in my face.

"What…the…"

My vision turned dark…

Thanks to that, I don't know who was the winner.

After I regained conscious, I noticed Kirino and Kuroneko were carrying a chair in front of me.

Still feeling a headache, I asked:

"……You guys… what are you going to do? Could it be…? You want to hit me again?"

"Of course not! What, are you still dreaming?"

Kuroneko whispered, slowly dropped the chair down.

About Kirino --- she threw it away, and then turned her waist…

Hey hey… isn't it Kiririn's special move?

I sighed and accepted my fate…

"Die! Siscon!"

KO!

……

After a few minutes, I was sitting on a chair so that Saori could help me treat my wound.

"It hurt………"

"……It's going to end soon, please be patient, Kyousuke."

Saori said in a worried voice, then she continued to use her borrowed first aid kit to clean my wound.

"Damn….. This is too much! Why do I have to endure this…...?"

Hearing my complaints, Saori said in a depressing tone:

"Sorry Kyousuke, it is my fault for making this…"

"No, no. This is not your fault at all."

I sincerely said that to Saori, then glance at Kirino and Kuroneko:

"Those two are to blame. After all, they hit me."

While I was receiving treatment, Kirino and Kuroneko were arguing in a sinister atmosphere.

Although this looked a bit different from their normal quarrel, but because I couldn't hear them, I didn't know what exactly was different.

Besides, I'm still angry.

"About that… Both are very aggressive and overly confident. I hope you can forgive them."

"There is no way I can do that."

At least they should apologize to me.

"---- What are you saying?"

"In short, this is your fault!"

"If you followed my advice from the beginning, we wouldn't have gotten into this mess!"

What were those two doing? Quarreling now? Again?

"Hey, you two. Come here for a second!"

Hearing that, Kirino and Kuroneko stopped quarreling and looked at me.

However, their reactions are clearly different.

Kuroneko keeps her head down and seems depressed.

On the other hand, Kirino wore a complex expression.

"Come here!"

Maybe they noticed my cold voice. Anyway, they both decided to listen to me and slowly came over.

"What…?"

Kirino whispered, while Kuroneko only looked at me, without saying anything.

I glanced at her, and then turned towards my sister.

Sigh…..What now?

To be honest, I wanted to yell at her. But I still remember that this was her party, she is today's heroine.

But I had to say something. I didn't expect she would apologize, but at least I want her to know that I have had enough.

Kirino was today party's heroine; I was only a minor character.

"--- Recently, I have been very depressed…"

"Wh-What…?"

Kirino was clearly nervous.

"I said, thanks to you, I've been very depressed."

"………"

"But we were going to celebrate today, so I thought I would set aside my problems and celebrate."

"…Ah…"

"But you only make me more and more frustrated."

"…This…this is a misunderstanding…"

Kuroneko whispered to no one.

But of course, I couldn't just accept that.

"Is it? The moment I stepped inside this room, I already noticed something was off, that you guys are hiding something from me. Then everyone shows up and it ends up with me injured, even Kirino's show is the same."

"Say, why am I the only one who's still in the dark? You guys tricked me into something, but none of you even thought about explaining to me."

"So, explain to me. Now, clearly. Otherwise, I don't see any reason for me to stay."

"We didn't mean to do that…"

Kuroneko's voice got weaker and weaker.

Normally, I would have already forgiven her. But now, I didn't want to do that. I had lifted my doubts before I asked that question.

"Then explain to me!"

"Hey hey, wait!"

Kirino interrupted, spoke to me in a fierce voice:

"What nonsense are you saying to my friend? Beside, don't you feel shame when you're scorning a girl younger than you? Gross!"

"What did you just say?"

As usual, I didn't understand why Kirino was angry, so I became angry too and asked her:

"What did you just say?"

"I said it is such a shame for you to take your temper out on a girl younger than you! Why are you angry! I can't believe it, why are you angry for such a trivial matter?"

Trivial matter, you said?

Why are you angry for such a trivial matter?

I suddenly remembered that she had said the same thing to me earlier, not long ago.

"Why are you angry for such a trivial matter?"

"It's just a prank, why are you so mad about it? She doesn't hate you because of that, does she? So everything is okay, isn't it…"

Maybe she noticed my death glare and shut up, but I didn't care anymore.

She just said something unforgiveable.

"I have had enough!"

I shouted out. This time, no half-serious scold, no frolic. Only pure anger!

"Sorry, Saori. But I have to go. Please enjoy your party."

I tried to be patient for Saori's sake. But I can't take it anymore.

"Even if I leave, things should be okay, right?"

I turned to leave.

"……A-……"

Kirino opened her mouth, trying to say something, but I ignored her.

I fully intended to go straight home, because I didn't know why I had to endure all this.

Saori and Kuroneko are both my friends. And no matter what Kirino is my little sister. However, I'm unable to NOT get angry.

Because we are friends. Because we are brother and sister, I couldn't stand them making fun of me.

"Please wait, Kyousuke!"

Saori ran to the door, blocking my way out.

It was the first time I have heard her speaking in such urgent voice.

Then Kuroneko stepped next to her and turned to face me.

She looked hesitant, and then she swallowed and looked at me with determination:

"In fact, we…"

"Wait!"

Kirino interrupted and stopped Kuroneko from saying anything else.

"………I……I will do it…Let me do it………"

My sister's expression was a mix between regret and frustration. She also seemed angry and determined.

In her hand was a paper bag, but I couldn't see what was inside.

"Out of the way!"

Her face made me even angrier.

"Hmph, what an attitude…"

An invisible spark blew up between us, our eyes locked into each other's.

"Kiririn!"

"You understand, right?"

"I know! I just have to do it, right?"

Kirino shouted, and then rubbed her brown hair:

"Ah……… why did this happen…?"

Biting her lower lip, she took a deep breath…

"…Here, Take it!"

She pushed the paper bag into my chest.

"………What?"

I couldn't help but repeat the question after I took another look.

Still flushed, Kirino replied:

"…I said you can have it!"

"…And I said 'what.' I have no idea what you are doing!"

I blurted out without thinking.

Of course it was strange. My sister with messy hair, pushed a paper bag to me, an angry brother. How could I just take it?

"Ah…you idiot! Idiot! That is a present!"

"Present? From you? For me?"

"Yes!"

Then Kirino lowered her head and said:

"I'm sorry I did all that."

"…"

I could only stare, unable to say a word.

Still keeping her head down, Kirino pushes the paper bag toward me again.

I unconsciously took it.

She looked at me for a second, and then whispered:

"…Thank you for everything."

--- Her words made my head blank for a moment.

Kirino was still looking down, as if she was waiting for my reaction.

But I was unable to respond.

Because I stayed silent, my sister lifted her head and looked at me.

Then she asked:

"……Did… You hear me?"

"Well…ah… Yes, I heard you."

To be honest, at first I didn't believe in my ears. It was too unexpected, so I needed a little more time to understand it.

Have I ever heard her speaking in that way?

"…………So…ah……thank you…"

After hearing my answer, Kirino let out a long breath. Holding her chest, she blushed madly, panting.

Kirino looked like she had just confessed, even I feel embarrassed. I could tell that I was also blushing.

"Kyousuke, please, allow me to explain and apologize to you. This party was something we planned to cheer you up. It was also meant for Kiririn to apologize to you. It's our fault you were upset. We're sorry."

"I'm sorry."

Saori and Kuroneko bowed to me.

"……….Is that why………"

I turned toward Kirino, asked:

"Hey, you know…why didn't you tell me about it?"

"…What do you want me to say?"

First, Kirino changed back to her normal self, and then slowly answered me:

"I'm really thankful for everything you have done for me. If you weren't there for me, I wouldn't have been able to convince Dad… And I wouldn't have made up with Ayase………"

She turned to Saori and Kuroneko, continued:

"And I wouldn't have met these two. Without anyone to talk to about games and anime, I'd be depressed, all alone. I don't know how things would be now."

"So…um…"

"That's how it is!"

She turned away immediately.

This girl…really… she didn't know how to say thank you…

But… I understood her feelings…

Next to me, I can hear Saori and Kuroneko's clapping, cheering for us.

Both of them were smiling – I felt like they were saying "It's great."

I understood everything now; though I was still unable to believe it.

Kirino...gave me a present–

Was I still dreaming?

"Hey…idiot…what are you crying about?"

"……Idiot…I'm not crying!"

"Stop that! That is seriously gross! Not like it's something to cry about!"

Kirino seemed to say something else, but I couldn't hear her.

I could only cover my face, trying desperately to suppress the tears.

Ah… How embarrassing… I was the brother here…

After a while, we went back to our seats, tears still in my eyes.

"Come on! Stop it! This is really gross!"

"Ahahaha… That's fine, right Kiririn! It means Kyousuke is really moved, don't you think?"

"…Well…this is true… But crying is…well…"

"…You have no right to say that. Look, you can't even look at me. By the way, you look very happy now!"

"Shut up!"

I have done many things to help Kirino.

I helped her to find some otaku friends. I helped her keep otaku hobby from Dad. I helped her make up with Ayase. For her novel, I sneaked into the publishing company.

But I decided to do all those things by myself.

No matter how much my sister hated me, no matter how much she pissed me off, or if I was jealous of her talents. I was her brother, so I couldn't help it.

It's so natural, that I couldn't help it.

That's why I didn't need thanks, and I didn't want any, either.

That's what I thought, and that hadn't changed.

But why was I still crying?

That's just unfair!

A surprise attack like this…

Aaaaa… I admit – I was happy because my sister thanked me.

I was so happy that I couldn't stop crying.

"Thanks, Kirino. I'll take good care of this present."

"Sure, sure. But don't say that yet. You haven't even opened it."

She gave me a cold answer, as usual.

But I didn't care, since her feelings had turned into the present in my hand.

"So, can I open it now?"

"Hmph! Whatever!"

"Okay."

I cleaned up my tears and opened the paper bag like it was a precious treasure.

Then, slowly, carefully, I unwrapped the paper.

In fact, I didn't care much about what was inside.

Whatever it was, I think I would be so happy that I'd cry again.

Slowly……inside was… a "SisxSis" CD game.

"……………………………………………………………What is this?"

I murmured.

I blinked a few times, but that CD didn't disappear…

A brief glare at Saori and Kuroneko showed me that their mouths were hung open.

It seemed like neither of them had expected such development.

With a bright smile, my sister said:

"That is a seriously godly game! You'd better play it!"

"You……"

After I was so moved, that's the result?

I didn't care about what was inside, this is the truth. But… To receive an eroge in that situation…I was rendered speechless.

"Think of it as me, and take real good care of it!"

I looked at the embarrassed Kirino who was rubbing her nose and relaxed slowly.

Because right now, she didn't laugh in her usual mocking way.

Really…this is your real feeling, isn't it?

To give me an imouto-eroge…

"Ha ha ha ha !"

I laughed. Because the situation was too stupid, I could only laugh.

- Or perhaps, this was her best thank you present.

"Hey? What are you laughing about?"

"Mmmm, yes… Ha ha ha…"

"Thank you, Kirino!"

I gently placed my hand on her head.

Surprised, Kirino blinked a few times.

I thought that after a few seconds, she would be angry and yell at me ----

My sister's present for me was an imouto-eroge.

You guys may say that is so ridiculous, but for us, that's pretty normal.

During this moment --- we look like an ordinary brother and sister.

Chapter 4

After the party, the relationship between my sister and me seems to have changed.

She sincerely apologized to me. Not only that, she gave me a present.

If this were a game, then after this event, my normally aggressive little sister would become shy and start to show me her feelings, especially if it were an imouto game.

In fact, in the eroge Atelier Kakuya, we should have started the hentai part.

Now would be the best time to prepare to watch some CG…

I cannot believe I am thinking that...

The only difference is this is real life, and things are not that simple, like in eroge. Humans are not that simple. Moreover, unlike in eroge, just because I finished some event do not mean that my affection points will go up or my relationship will suddenly change….

After the party, of course, Kirino knocked the hand on her head off. On the way home, she did not say a single word. She still calls me "you" instead of

"Onii-chan"…But to be honest, if she called me "Onii-chan", I might have a heart attack.

Well…

At the party, after I accepted my sister's gratitude, I thought we could have a better understanding of each other. In fact, our relationship has not changed much.

Of course, there are some changes, but the basics remain the same.

That is because although she honestly thanked me, I still hate Kirino. The reason is still the same, so I will not repeat it again.

No matter what I do, her affection points toward me will not go up. Because of that, I used to hate her for ignoring me. However, I am also the same, so I cannot blame her.

Her affection points are negative infinity now, so it does not matter if it increased one or two.

That is all that happened

Normally, we have a huge negative impression about each other, so this little change does not matter.

This is a matter of fact, is it not? Because of her, I have endured so many hardships, and considering how she treated me… Well, I think everyone gets the picture, right. …What? You said it is not just that.

Well….ah...maybe….Damn, of course, I knew that already.

Well…of course… my sister is a little cute….

Occasionally, when I help her with something…well…she indeed seems pleased…

…Hey! That is all! Is there any problems?

Hmp, for our current relationship to change, something big has to happen.

At least it should be like what happened 9 months ago….

A very big accident….

However, it is not as if such a thing will happen soon….

At the time, that is what I thought…

It is March now, and my second year in high school is ending in the next month.

It's Sunday morning.

"Whew…ah…."

When I yawned while walking downstairs, I accidentally knocked Kirino's shoulder.

"Ah…."

Although I tried to sidestep, I cannot avoid a slight touch at her shoulder.

Normally, after that would be a series of sinister shouting. I clenched my teeth, prepared for the inevitable, but….

"Ah, good morning…"

I am very shocked when she calmly says hello to me.

"Oh, good morning…"

My eyes widen in shock, Kirino gave me a slight nod, and then she entered the living room.

---Hey, what just happened? She said 'good morning' to me….

Not only that, she nodded to me. Is some kind of calamity going to happen?

Maybe North Korea is going to launch another nuclear missile again.

My sister's sudden change made me feel uncomfortable.

Because until yesterday, she still acted like normal! At the very least, she should leave right after saying hello …

Therefore, my doubt regarding my sister's action grows stronger.

When we were going to have breakfast -----

"Come on! Mom, Dad."

Kirino gave everyone his or her share. Mom and Dad took them, smiled and said:

"Thank you, Kirino"

"………"

Faced with that sudden change in behavior, I cannot help but wonder what is going on.

If this was Tamura's house, then it is understandable. However, this is the first time this happened in my family.

My Dad, who usually has a stony face is now smiling, that made me feel uncomfortable.

While I am still shaking, suddenly a bowl of rice appears in front of me.

"What is wrong? This is your share."

"What…? Ah….."

With a shaking hand, I took the bowl.

…You did not put poison in that …did you.

First Kirino gave everyone his or her share; now, from the kitchen; I can smell a seductive fragrance.

"Thank you for yesterday, Mom, Dad."

"Ah, this is nothing. We are happy too, right Dad?"

"Ah…right… It is worth my day off"

I do not understand what they are talking about, so I tried to ask.

My Mom gave me the answer:

"Ah, yesterday we visited Kirino's job."

"….What….Mom and Dad….Visited Kirino's job?"

Wait, how could that be?

Because Dad is not, (at least it is he shows) interested in Kirino's work as a model….so even if Mom asked, normally he will not agree.

However, my father – with his usual smile that made people uncomfortable

– replied:

"Ah...Um...this is not bad Kyousuke…She looks very cute."

"What are you saying, Dad! You sound like an old pervert!"

Being scolded by his own daughter, my father hastily replied:

"No…no, I don't mean that….Well…in short, even I don't fully understand, now I feel at ease, knowing that Kirino is trying her best at work".

Even he tried to regain his dignity, my Mom smiled mischievously and said:

"Ha, did you know Kirino; your father was mistaken as a pervert when he tried to take your picture".

"Oh? Really?"

"What are you saying…? Ah, if you helped me explain back then, things would have been much easier…"

"Oh? It is really embarrassing….' No, no….this is my daughter…Hey…Honey… Where are you! Come here!' "

"Don't mimic me!"

--- What is going on? ---

Strange…everything is so strange….What happened in this house?

Am I still dreaming?

Is that why everyone is so….strange?

"What is wrong, Kyousuke?"

"Something wrong Kyousuke?"

Mom and Dad asked me at the same time. I swallowed, asked:

"Are you…really my Dad?"

My father raised his hand….

Paw! A star appeared in my head!

"It hurt…."

"What did you just said?"

With upset eyes, my father told me that.

Well, this is my normal father after all.

"No...I'm not dreaming…This is really my father…"

"Ah, are you okay Kyousuke? Do you need to go to hospital?"

"Oh…Mom, you mean something entirely different, aren't you?"

Hearing our normal useless conversation….

"Phpp! Idiot!"

Kirino looks like she is having fun. However, unlike normal, her eyes don't show any sign of contempt.

The only difference today is my sister and how my family treats her.

After breakfast, I went back to my room.

Knock!

I opened the door, only to see Kirino standing here. Her hands are holding her skirt, and she looks hesitant.

"…What's up?"

"I have something to tell you… can you come to my room?"

Even the way she talks to me is different, much more gentle than usual.

To go into my sister's room….how many times I have done that until now.

The first time …. The first life counseling …. This was June last year…

9 months have passed…

--- Is that her last life counseling?

Looking at Kirino's back, I got a strange, mixed feeling.

There really was so much change…. Even we still live under the same roof, but….

9 months ago, at the same place…. I stood …but with different feelings, different reason…

I am now standing in front of Kirino's room.

"Enter."

"Okay."

The same dialog, repeatedly. My sister's room always had a nice smell, making me feel comfortable. In addition, maybe the pink furniture made the room much more enjoyable.

"Your room looks more beautiful than before."

"Really?"

Kirino replied coldly, then pointing to a small cushion, said:

"Sit down."

"Okay."

I sat down at that cushion. Before, my sister would get mad if I did that, but maybe she is used to that now.

"So…what did you want to talk about? Is that your last "life counseling"?"

Kirino kept silent for a while, and then answered me.

"Yes, that's one way to put that…."

"….?"

Okay, it is the same as "yes"

"Fine. Ask anyway."

"Hmp…."

Maybe my uninterested voice made her angry, Kirino looked like she was about to say something, but changed her mind:

"This is nothing…this…"

Again, she stopped. What is wrong? Is that so hard to say?

Well, although she seems strange, at least it was acceptable. If this is something, I could do for her ….

"I want you to buy me an eroge!"

"Don't make such ridiculous demand!"

I thought your last life counseling would be something big or special….but this? You are still the same Kirino!

Of course, this is much easier than if she asked me for advice, but I refuse anyway.

"Is that really your 'last life counseling'? "

"Yeah, you can say that…."

What did that mean?

"What is with you? You look so wimpy"

"Nothing… I just thought that compared to other life counseling, this one is too easy…."

"Isn't it a good thing?"

"I said 'too easy'"

While we were arguing, my awkward feeling slowly disappears.

"By the way, do you realize that I'm only 17?"

"So what?"

"So…..that means I can't buy eroge. All of them are 18+ only."

At that time, I suddenly remember something…

"By the way…..Kirino….how did you normally buy eroge?"

There is no way you can buy it at a game shop. Even if you bought it by the Internet, there are many limitations.

Kirino quickly replied:

"That's a secret. Of course, I've got a lot of ways to get one, but you don't need to know."

"Well…it's true that I'm not interested ….but why can't you buy this game the same way as before?"

"There is a little circumstance…Here, take a look."

Kirino pointed toward her laptop, which is showing the main site of a game company.

There is an announcement said that this game will be released at 12:00am, 6 days later in Akihabara.

"I'd never steal something like Onii-chan's pantsu!"

"3D custom imouto"

Both are the main products of this company.

Of course, there are other games from other companies, too. Like from M-Soft: 'The masochist devil', 'Lesbian's story'…

'All of this will be released in 12:00am! If you want to play it quick, be sure to go there! '

"…That's why I want you to go help me buy 'Onii-chan's pantsu' and

'Custom Imouto'"

What's with those abbreviations?

I can guess that '3D custom imouto' is about how you create an imouto, and then use her to play in game. However 'I'd never steal something like Onii-chan's pantsu '? I cannot imagine what kind of game is that.

Maybe you control the sister, and try to steal your brother's pantsu without getting caught?

"Hey? What's wrong?"

"Nothing…nothing at all…."

I do not even want to imagine about it anymore….

"So?"

"Err…wait…. You said it will be released at 12:00 am?"

"Yes. At exactly 12:00am, they will start selling it."

"---And you want me to wait in line? I won't be able to buy it without orders beforehand, will I?"

"No, that's fine. You can just make up an excuse"

"Then why do you need me to buy it? Can't you wait for the next day and buy it yourself?"

"Because I want to play that game as soon as possible."

The answer comes back almost instantly. Kirino continued:

"My plan is to sleep in the afternoon until you get it, and then play until morning, finishing at least one route."

"You really are an otaku…..do you want to play that badly?"

"Of course I would! Naturally!"

Is that what they call 'iron will'?

"But even if I agree to buy eroge for you… there are some problems…"

"Problems? Like what?"

"First is how to come back home."

In my home, curfew started at 6:30pm, dinner at 7:00pm. If you do not show up at that time, then there will not be any food for you tonight.

However, as a high school student, I can come home later than that time without any trouble as long as I call home beforehand. Therefore, that means getting out of the home is easy. The problem is….

"It will be released at 12:00am at Akihabara right? That means that when I get back, Dad will be very angry. And if he found out that I bought an eroge…."

I do not even want to imagine what will happen….

"I will take care of that. Before you come home, give me a call. Then I will check if Dad is sleeping. If he is not, I will find some way to get his attention."

So that means we have to exchange phone numbers, huh?

…I have never imagined that someday, I will exchange phone numbers with my sister.

A year ago, I had never thought about it.

"So, I will sneak in when you got Dad's attention? Can it be that easy?"

"That'd be fine….so, any other problems?"

I waved at her, sigh:

"You should know that I have never bought an eroge before. I can't just walk in and buy it, right?! I'm only 17!"

"I'm not sure about it…but….you should go there earlier"

Why must I risk myself like that?

That is why I cannot understand otakus.

"Please? This is the last time…."

Sigh…..at least compared to the other life counseling sessions, this one is indeed easier.

"Fine! I just need to go buy it, right?"

"Really? All right!"

"Real men don't go back on their words."

Sigh….I am so weak minded….

However, the sight of my sister clapping her hands, saying 'please' ….I think there is no brother in the world that can refuse her…

Kirino's eyes flash, then she said confidently:

"I've got an important mission for you!"

Like a commanding officer, with one hand at her hip, she pointed towards me:

"Bring the package back from the enemy's territories!"

"The package means eroge, right?"

I do not even want to know where she had that line.

Therefore, I nodded.

"All right all right. I got it"

However, I am still unable to shake the strange feeling…a last life counseling ….seems too easy.

Of course, easier is better, but….

Is that really the last life counseling?

Therefore, in the end, I told my parents that I would stay at my friend Akagi's home in order to sneak to Akihabara

By the way, that Akagi Kouhei is a member of the football team, who is also a friend of mine.

When he is not busy with training, we often go to some games together.

He is quite friendly with everyone.

"Sorry Akagi, can you testify that I'm staying at your house tonight?"

He agreed easily, and said "No problem, enjoy your time with Tamura" –

which means he somehow got the wrong impression.

Although sometimes he is noisy and troublesome, he is a good man.

This is my first time in Akihabara at midnight, so I was totally surprised.

"So…so cold…."

When I turned at the corner, the cold wind blew at my face. I put my hands in the coat pocket, trying to get some warmth. All stores were already closed, which made me feel even colder.

This is too cold. In the dark sky, I can imagine the fog is slowly eating the heat.

In addition, I did not bring an umbrella.

"Well, as long as it doesn't rain too hard, it would be fine."

Following the road, I came to where they sold the game.

In fact, this place is pretty close to the station.

When I came to the right place, there were already many people here.

At least about 50.

To my surprise, there was a lot of girls in there.

What game are they going to buy?

Were they the same as Kirino? This is so unbelievable.

Still thinking, I took a place in line and waited.

The entire nearby store was closed, and in front of me was a small sign that said the game would be sold starting from 12:00am.

"…."

By the way, some of the people in front of me were wearing some weird clothes.

One of them was wearing a t-shirt with a big picture of a girl from eroge.

Were you riding on the train with that t-shirt? If that is true, then he really is a true man.

Of course, there is no way I could do the same thing.

Maybe he could do that here, because everyone nearby is just like him?

However, I wondered if this is necessary. After all, tomorrow you can go to any game store and buy a disk. In addition, if you are too busy, then you can just order one online.

In other words, everyone here is the same as Kirino.

That is why despite the cold weather, they all came to Akihabara.

They cannot wait to play this game even if it is just one second later.

Are all otakus like that? I cannot understand them.

If the game company knows about this, they must be very happy.

Because that means so many players have such high expectations for their product.

This is impressive.

Maybe that is because not long ago, I myself saw how a publisher company works.

I have waited for a while, but there is still quite some time until 12:00am.

If I knew about it, I would bring a manga or something to read. Because I did not, I looked around, and discovered an amazing bicycle.

At a first glance, this is quite a good bicycle, but ….

There is a picture of an eroge character on the wheel!

The wheel is a disk-type wheel, with the picture of a smiling girl.

The impact almost made me close my eyes. To make such a wheel, the owner must be a weirdo.

"…Too much for me!"

I swallowed hard. The owner must be in the line now, isn't he?

Do not think about it. Just do not think about it anymore.

I shook my head and tried to concentrate on something else. Suddenly, the wind blew at me, making me put both of my hands into the pocket hastily.

"So cold…."

This is really so cold….

All the people in line must agree to that.

Not only the cold affected us, there were some people on the street looking at us with hard, cold eyes. Some office women pointed directly at us saying

"What are they doing in that weather…!" "Midnight selling!" "So this is the legendary midnight selling"

And there were some foreigners with frightened expressions, whispering to each other.

I did not hear it very clearly, but it sounded like…

"W...W...WHAT?"

"Midnight selling….Eroge..."

"OOH... HOHOHO... OH... Crazy..."

Please. We are all from Akihabara. At least be nice to us.

Damn. Why did even some Akihabara's people look at us with weird eyes?

"Ah ah..."

Can't you start selling sooner…? I want to go home already.

A quick look at my cell phone told me that it is now 11:30 pm.

"Phew…"

I lazily leaned against the iron gate and exhaled.

At this time, I got an unexpected meeting.

"Pardon me…. Is the place for midnight selling here?"

"Yes, that's right….."

I turned towards the questioner….

"Wahl!"

Both he and I let out a surprised cry.

"How could that be…?"

My body is frozen, my eyes stared at him. He is about my height, with a little droopy eyes, double eyelids plus chestnut short hair. He is wearing a quite eye-catching orange color down jacket.

In front of me, is the one I just asked to help me on the phone.

"A...Akagi?"

In front of me is Akagi Kouhei.

"Ky...Kyousuke?"

I think both of us are having the same expression now.

Because we are now queuing….. Can't you people guess what?

In other words, it is as if you meet a classmate in a DVD rental store, porn area. Ohhhhh…. What now?

By the way, this person is not supposed to be here!

"You….why…are you here?"

"That's my line…"

Both Akagi and I already understood what happened, but we still refused to acknowledge it.

"Ahahaha….today is cold, Kyousuke."

"..Yeah...that's right, Akagi, ahahaha"

We tried to have a normal conversation.

"……."

"…….."

A dead silence followed.

I swallowed hard...what is going on here…

I think I understood why this person is here, but…

Then suddenly, I remembered something, so I asked him:

"Hey Akagi! Didn't I tell you to tell my parents that I was staying at your house? You agreed to it, and yet why are you here buying eroge?"

"Err…well ...Kyousuke, you know, I got my priorities list, so…"

"You….are you saying that an eroge is more important than your friend?"

"I… I've got my reasons! You… do not have to worry. If your parents call my home, my sister will help protect you! I have asked her to, so there is no need to worry! Anyway, Kyousuke, you are not in the position to blame me! I thought you lied to your parents so you could spend time with Tamura that is why I agreed to help you! But, here you are, at Akihabara and queuing to buy eroge! I'm so stupid!"

"I…I've got my reasons too!"

Because of our argument, many people turned and looked at us.

Yeah, it was awkward.

"Reason? What reason, Kyousuke?

"Ah…"

How could I say it? How could I say my sister told me to come here and buy "I'd never steal something like Onii-chan's pantsu"… And it is an eroge… there is no way he will buy it.

But I still have to answer him.

"I...my reason is unimportant. What about you? Tell me then"

"Ah…."

With a sad expression, Akagi stayed silent, wiping the sweat on his forehead…

I think my face is the same.

"……."

We both stared at each other, no one speaking a word.

"…Looks like we both have our reasons…"

"..Yeah…it certainly seems that way…"

"Hey, Kyousuke…I've got an idea…we've never met each other here, right?"

"That's my friend, Akagi. Nice idea. We both didn't go to Akihabara, and we didn't come here buying anything."

"Of course we didn't buy eroges too!"

"Our friendship…"

"..Doesn't require any reason!"

We shook hands.

At that time, clack clack…. The iron door opened, and one employee stepped out.

"Now is the time, my friends!"

"Indeed it is!"

We shook hands again, listening to the clerk's speech.

"I know that you all have waited long enough. Customers with pre-orders, please come line up here!"

Looks like you can buy sooner if you have a pre-order, but neither I (nor Kirino) have it.

"I've got a pre-order, what about you Kyousuke?"

"Nope, I don't"

You've got a pre-order. I thought I understand Akagi pretty well, but seems like there is a lot to him that I do not know of.

Besides, what eroge is he going to buy?

Another little sister-themed eroge?

However, he has a real little sister…if he still is going to buy little sister-themed eroge…I feel sorry for this girl, having such a perverted brother.

Because we've got an unspoken understanding, I did not ask him "what eroge are you going to buy". Instead, I kept silent.

At that time, one staff member shouts out:

"Customers with pre-orders for Homoge[6] club, please line up here!"

"Ah, here I come" (Akagi)

"…Ohhhhhhh!"

A cold wind blew up in my spine; I immediately let go of my "dear" friend.

Because the game's poster included two muscle men hugging each other.

….My body was trembling in fear.

"A...Akagi… you you…. Are you…isn't that a homoge?"

"K...Kousaka! You are definitely misunderstanding!"

"..No...No... I didn't know that …you've got such a hobby…"

"Hey…wait… listen to me! We are friends, aren't we? Look, Kyousuke.

Just look into my eyes"

"Stay away from me!"

Gross! Disgusting! Now I understand Kirino's feelings too well!

"Isn't it a full on homoge? Do not come any closer! Sorry…I have never had such hobby like you…"

"Hey, Kyousuke, where did our friendship just now go to?

"I didn't remember have a gay friend"

"I'm not a homo!"

"Then what about the pre-order for the Homoge club? What is with that poster? I can't believe you are a homo!"

"It is true that I'm going to buy a homoge! I acknowledge that! But I've got my reasons for that!"

Looking like he's backed into a corner, Akagi finally spit it out.

"The truth is…"

"Hmp?"

"That homoge… My sister asked me to get it!"

"Your...your sister asked you to buy it? ------"

Then it is hopeless.

"----- How could that be! If you want to make up an excuse, then you need to find something better!"

I pointed toward Akagi:

"Your sister is still a middle school girl! No matter how you look at it, a middle school girl asking her brother to go buy an eroge is totally ----"

"--- possible, isn't it?"

"Hey…. Why did you suddenly accept it?"

"No… I did not doubt you…. You are right…the world is full of things that defy all common sense…"

It is all I can say, simply because it is the same for me. I am here buying eroge because my sister asked me to do it too. Even if Akagi is lying, I cannot blame him.

I also do not want to believe that my friend is a homo. I definitely do not want to.

"Hey Akagi… Does your sister…. like to play homoge?"

"Yes, she loves it very much."

Loves it very much….

Well, if there is a little sister who loves to play little sister eroge, then a little sister that loves to play homoge is very understandable. I turned around and took a look at all those girls in line at the homoge club.

Therefore, that is why even during midnight; there were so many girls here.

"Is...Is that what they call BL [7]?"

"No…how could I say it...there are many different types…"

"Okay, you don't have to say it!"

I do not want to hear about it anymore. I already knew that it has many types that are more than enough! Stop talking!

"– In other words, my sister is what they call a fujoshi [8]"

"Wife?"

"No, you take it wrong. Not "fu" in "wife" but "fu" in "rotten". She is what they call "rotten girl". In fact, I am not very sure about her mental state – I only knew that she has a strange love for forbidden loves. You understand?"

With a serious expression, Akagi explains it to me.

I think what he just said is important, but I am still unable to wrap my mind around it.

Is there a person like him, who explains his little sister's strange hobby to another?

Of course, his situation is a little different from me ---- but I understand his feelings, wanting to complain about his little sister's crazy behavior.

Therefore, I tried to listen.

"Sorry, I still don't get it. By the way, why did they call her "rotten girl"?

"Because it is rotten"

Akagi immediately answer. His words have a strange convincing tone, making me believe it. Although it also has an attitude of someone, who has already given up.

Therefore, I cannot just ask him "you mean her brain is rotten?"

I can only say:

"So that's why…"

"Yes, you understand?"

"Nope, I don't "

Akagi almost tripped. After standing straight up again, he moved closer to me:

"In short, she loves homo! Homo is awesome! Homo is the best! Just like that!"

"Don't say those things out loud!"

"Hey…Kousaka…Why are all those girls clapping? Am I that handsome?"

"Who knows?"

You idiot!

"Anyway, back to the topic…So because your sister loves homo, she asked you to come here and buy her a homoge?"

"Please don't press on this topic Kousaka…."

Akagi slowly shook his head.

I slowly nodded.

"So that is it…"

I understand your situation very well. In fact, I am in the same boat.

"The truth is very simple, but even if I told you, you still won't believe me."

"Hmp...Why?"

I am still processing this revelation.

I cannot believe that there is another brother who is in the same situation with me. In addition, he is with me the whole time.

"Hey Kousaka. Everything I just said is what my sister taught me. I'm definitely not a homo"

"I know I know… the more you explain it, the more I feel suspicious.

Anyway, don't mind me – go take a place in line, your store is already selling."

Maybe someday I will tell this person the truth.

"Okay, see you"

"Okay"

I raised one hand at him. Akagi smiled, and then turned around. He walked toward the homo group. All of the people gather there are girls, so he is a rare expectation.

I think all of them must be thinking that Akagi is a gay.

Poor guy…

When he gets to the last place in line, he turned at me, raised one hand and said:

"Kousaka! See you tomorrow at school!"

"Oh shit!"

Shit! They must be thinking that I am his boyfriend.

I can hear them whispering "Boy love"

Before I could explain, they already moved away.

A quick glance told me that it is now 11:50pm. There are many people behind me now, making the total count exceed 100.

I already believed this country is weird. Tonight, I am more certain about that. No matter "3D Custom Imouto" or "Homoge club", why did they have such a big gamer community?

A distance away, I saw a cameraman take a picture.

--- Why did he want to take a picture of a group of otakus?

At this time, a small doubt appeared in my mind

By the way, I later found out that – after they censored my face, they posted that picture on some website under the title "Youngster lined up at night" or "Weird bicycle"

At this time, the shop manager started to broadcast:

"We will start selling right away, so please wait just a moment. And please remember that the last train from Akihabara departs at 12:30."

They continued to give notice about the train schedule.

There are going to be many people unable to catch the train tonight, so they want to remind their customers about it.

"So customers who go by train, please pay attention –"

At this time, I still did not consider this.

"Hmp?"

Turning to the front, I can see the door was being opened.

Unlike the outside, inside the shop is quite bright.

That is why then the door fully opened, the sight gave a warm feeling I can almost heard otakus "Wow" somewhere.

After my eyes got used to the light, I can see eroges packed up like a small mountain.

For otakus, this place could be called heaven.

After I had gone inside, I noticed that there was a mountain of eroge near the entrance, and the other products were lined up clockwise.

The manager made sure that customers can buy everything they need in one round.

The staff said:

"We will start selling now! Now then, first 10 people in line ---"

Therefore, that is how they avoid too many customers rushing in and making things uncontrollable.

It is true that by only allowing 10 customers inside at once, for them this is the most effective method. However,

"I have a bad feeling…"

The problem is that method is very time consuming Can you guys hurry up please? I need to catch the last train.

If I knew about it, I'd had come sooner.

I remembered at the Summer Comiket, there were huge lines made by otakus. Next time I definitely will come sooner.

After a while, it is finally my turn.

I looked at my cell phone.

--- They said the last train is going to depart at 12:30 didn't they?

"….Damn...I'm not sure if I can make it"

I need to hurry! I will buy this game as soon as possible and run back to the station!

"Let's see… Underwear…underwear… here!"

I pushed forward, tried to get to "3D custom imouto" and "Onii-san's underwear's stand. Both of them have already sold a lot.

"Well…. At least I got this…"

However, my fear was quickly proven true. Although I ran as fast as I could, I still missed the last train.

"Ah…Damn!"

I dropped on the ground in front of Akihabara's subway station.

"….What now?"

There was no way I could walk home. Taking a taxi is also out of the question.

However, I also cannot just wait here for the first train in the next morning. I would definitely freeze to death

However, I have no idea what to do now!

Took a break near a light, I looked at my cell phone.

Because I needed to tell my sister that, I cannot come home tonight.

I glanced at the paper box.

---- Regret filled my heart.

"Kirino…She was looking forward to this…"

However, there is nothing I can do now. I am so useless.

With mixed feelings, I pressed the call button.

"---Did you get it? Where are you now? Are you nearby?"

She picked up almost immediately.

Her voice told me how happy she was.

…This girl….

She was waiting for me…

This must be what parents feel when they break their promises with their child.

"…I'm sorry. I'm still at Akihabara's subway station"

"…and…" Taking a deep breath, I said:

"--- The last train was already gone"

"Huh? What? What does that mean? When will you be back?"

"I already got the games you wanted, but when I got here, the last train had already left. Sorry, now I can only wait for the first train in the morning"

"..No way…this means… you can't get home tonight?"

"Yes...sorry...but I got your games"

"…Ah…what…now..."

Kirino's voice was filled with depression.

I could not believe this is the same girl who sounded so happy just now.

My heart hurts so much just from hearing that.

This girl always takes things seriously, even about a game.

No matter it is when she is happy, angry or sad, she always gives it everything she's got.

I cannot understand why, but I know how sad she is right now.

"…Is there...anyway...? Can you come home before morning?"

What a stubborn girl. Didn't I just say the last train has already left?

Just wait a couple of hours. If you want to play it that much, why don't you go get it yourself? Please do not ask me ----

---- There were no such ideas in my head.

Why? Normally, I would have said so.

This is only an eroge. Only a couple of hours.

However, no matter what, I could not say it.

I felt like I should – no, must not say it.

This is what I figure out later, when I recall this time.

However, at this moment, I can felt my sister's uneasy voice. I can also understand why there was a reason for her to want me come home before morning.

I did not fully understand my actions or my feelings anymore.

If she did not want to give up, then I should not give up either.

"I will think of something ---"

"Huh? You mean - ?"

"Just stay awake! I will definitely come back before morning"

Then I hung up immediately.

"Next ----"

Now what? The truth is, I had no idea what to do. The only thing in my mind is to come home as fast as possible.

All I had to do is come home, and give my sister her favorite eroge before morning ---

Just like that.

Ha ha…. I cannot understand myself….

I stood up, trying to stay focused.

First, check the current situation. Now it is 12:48pm. I have no cast on me right now and no ATM card either. I also have no friend with a car.

All right, next, I was going to ask all my classmates to find out if anyone lives near my home. If he can call me a taxi, then everything is okay.

Alternatively, I could ask Akagi for help. He is in the same situation anyway. Now, time is the most important matter.

I left the subway station and returned to the main road.

There, I found out what I needed.

--- The Bicycle.

I saw this same bicycle near the eroge shop.

My first thought is 'as long as I got this, I can go home'

However, there was a big problem.

Compared to taking a taxi, asking for help from a stranger may be better.

However, in my case, it is the opposite.

However, I have no other choice. In order to bring that eroge back for my sister, I was willing to swallow my pride.

Just as Kuroneko said, I could do some crazy things for my sister.

I tried to calm down and then approach the owner, asking:

"Sorry! Please let me borrow your bicycle!"

"What?"

His reaction is understandable.

If some random stranger suddenly asked me to lend them my bicycle, I would react like that too. Not to mention that if he agreed to my request, then he would not be able to get home. Therefore, my chances were slim.

However – I did not give up!

Bowing down, I asked again:

"Please! I have an emergency! I will definitely return it to you!"

"Are…are you kidding me?"

A normal answer again. How could someone lend his bicycle to someone he never met before?

"I need to quickly go home and play this game, how could I lend you my bicycle!"

That is your reason, huh?

I looked up. The one I was talking to is a male. He had short black hair, was tall, thin, wearing glasses, and around 20 years old. I know this is impolite, but his image fit perfectly with how I normally imagine otaku.

His jacket was also printed with a girl from eroge.

Wasn't he the one in front of me when I was in line?

"Wait…You… You are the one behind me who caused the ruckus about homo."

Seems like he noticed me too. Well, this is expected after being lined up together for so long.

However, the situation still did not get any better.

To show my sincerity, I kneel down; my head almost touching the ground.

"Hey hey…what are you doing?"

"Please help me! My sister is waiting for me at home! Please, let me borrow your bicycle! I will definitely return it! I will do anything you ask! So please ---"

"All right all right, please stand up. "

Before I could finish, he pulled me back up. I could not imagine that he had such strength. His expression was 'here comes trouble....'

"Well…I'm not fully understanding what is going on, but this is important right? And this is related to your sister?"

"Yes! That's right!"

"Then take it."

"Ha?"

What did he just said?

"I told you, take it!"

He gently stroked his bicycle, and then said:

"I will let you borrow it. Go, take it"

"Can...Can I?"

I am still unable to believe what just happened.

Why did he trust a complete stranger like me?

Noticing my unspoken question, he said:

"Err…. Well…. I saw what you bought earlier."

He said with a deep and sincere voice:

"To be honest, I also bought the same game. This is my favorite series; I have bought it since volume 1. Today, when I asked to have the day off, I fully expected to be fired. I wanted to buy this game as soon as possible, then immediately enjoy it. That is why… I believe whoever enjoys this game cannot be a bad person. I don't understand your situation, but we are the same, right?"

"Go, partner! Didn't you have something very important to do?"

"..What about you?"

"Don't worry. I've got plan B"

He sat down at the nearby wall and then took out his laptop.

"I can play it here"

"Didn't I say I'm going to play this game as soon as possible? Hey, this is my first time playing eroge outside, too"

Therefore, that is your plan B.

This person…really is an otaku among otakus. A true man among men.

I said with respect:

"Thank you very much! I will definitely return this kindness"

"Hmp, just go!"

He did not glance at me. His mind was already focusing on his laptop.

I bowed again, and then got on the bicycle.

I took a final look behind me. He was already playing, his eyes locked on the screen, his hand pressed the Enter key non-stop.

"All right…"

Taking a deep breath, I began to pedal.

Just 32km until I got home.

"Phew…phew…phew…phew…."

After two hours, I finally got home.

My body was covered in sweat. I rested for a few seconds.

"Phew…all right!"

I called my sister.

If my father is still awake, then I am finished.

"Why did you turn off your phone? How were you going to get home anyway?"

"I'm already at home"

"Ha?"

"I borrowed a bicycle from a friend to get home. Dad – is he still awake?"

"Wait a second."

I could hear the sound of footsteps. It looked like she went to check on my parent: "..They are asleep. Wait for me to open the door"

The door in front of me was opened; my sister appeared in her pajamas.

"Hmp…"

"A…"

Kirino slightly nodded and then let me get in.

"You are sweating too much. Here, wipe it off"

"Ah, thanks"

I used the towel she handed me to wipe myself.

"I will get you some clothes. Go take a bath."

"Ah, yeah, right…"

My parent believed that I am still at Akagi's house this night, so I had to take a bath as quietly as possible, and quickly changed into a new set of clothes.

My parent's bedroom is on the first floor. So after I finish changing, we sneaked back to the second floor in silence.

After she got to her room, Kirino placed one finger on her lip, and waved her hand.

Seems like she wanted me to get inside before giving her the game.

I nodded then entered her room. Kirino immediately closed the door behind me.

We let out a sigh of relief.

On the nearby table, her laptop was already on. However, I paid it no attention. Instead, I took out the two eroges that she required.

"Here, this is what you asked me to buy"

"Ah...Thank you. I'm sorry for making you do it"

"Ahaha, no problem – wait what about you? Is there something wrong?"

"--- Thank you – I am sorry ----"

I hardly believed that my sister could actually say it.

For nine months, although we have had numerous conversations, the number of times that she sounds sincere is less than five including right now. I wondered what happened to my sister today? Alternatively, this girl is actually a fake.

My little sister cannot be ---

"What are you saying? Are you an idiot?"

She scolded me again.

"What is with you today…? You are very different from usual …. Is there something wrong?"

"I said…"

Hands on her waist, Kirino is clearly angry now.

"What is with that attitude? Is...Is it that strange for me to thank you and say sorry?"

"Of course it is strange!"

It is like heaven and earth swapped positions! Look at your usual attitude!

After I said it, Kirino got even angrier.

"Right…." She turned to the side: "Right…you mean like this huh…"

She sat down, clearly upset.

Yes. This is my normal little sister.

"….."

Kirino began to tear up the paper box. After she finished, the eroge disk appeared in front of us.

Upon seeing the game, she immediately revealed an innocent smile.

She is still a child after all. Taking the CD game and game manual out, she smiled happily:

"Oh…wonderful...I must install this right now."

While humming a song, Kirino placed the game CD inside her laptop's CD

drive.

Installing an eroge right now is a bit risky, but whatever. As long as she is happy then it is ok. She looked like a child just getting a new toy.

I could not help but smile. All my efforts: going to Akihabara at midnight, lining up to buy eroge, then riding the bicycle 32km back home – all of them are worthwhile.

A quick glance at the clock told me that it now is 3:00am I stood up and turned towards the door.

"I'm going to get some sleep. Don't say up too late, you still have school tomorrow."

"…."

She did not seem to hear me.

"Hey, Kirino? Are you listening to me?"

"Huh? Ah…Ah, yes, I'm listening"

You obviously did not. You only focused on that eroge and paid no attention to your surroundings.

However, I understand your feeling. I understand your excitement when you tear that paper box to get the game you longed for.

"Ok, then ---"

"Ah, please wait…"

"What?"

I turned around; my hand was already on the doorknob Looks like she just finished install the eroge "Onii-Chan's underwear"

"---Do you want to --- play together? We haven't been able to play together for a while"

"……."

How many times must I repeat myself? I could not play little sister eroge with my real little sister!

Besides, I was very tired. I just wanted to sleep.

In addition, I needed to get up early and get out of the house before my parents wake up in the next morning too. I should tell her that ---

"…Can we?"

"…Just a little, okay?"

Why did I say it?

Strange! So strange!

Not only Kirino, but also myself is also acting strange…

Therefore, I played eroge together with my sister again.

By the way, we sat side by side in front of the laptop.

I was wondering why she chose her laptop before. Now I knew.

Because we can only play together with her laptop.

In short, she wanted to play eroge with me from the beginning. However, there was a problem…

"Hey….move aside …"

"No way! I couldn't see the screen if I moved anymore!"

Oooooo….

Why was I having to play little sister eroge in the night with my little sister?

…Can someone help me out of this?

This is no joking matter. Not only did we get embarrassed at some eroge scenes, but also the real problem was what if some important part of me showed a reaction while I was playing….then what should I do?

You idiot. Do you want me to say, "My jeans are folded "?

In addition, you too. Why are you laughing? This is a serious matter!

Ah…Damn….I can smell my little sister's pleasant scent.

Did she use a perfume?

"Why is your face so red?"

"Because I just had a bath"

Take a breath…Breathe out…Ok...Calm down….

Now I knew what a protagonist feels when he has to hide his super powers.

Then…I think I will explain a bit about the R18 eroge - "I'd never steal something like Onii-Chan's pantsu!"

In short, this is the sequel of another eroge that Kirino likes - "Make love with your little sister".

However, unlike other eroge from the same company, in this game there is only one little sister for you to choose.

"Does…that mean…there is only one route?"

As usual, Kirino explained it for me with an innocent smile:

"No. There is only one hero, but there are many routes! At first, you cannot get to all of them. After you beat the game a few times, you gain access to more options, leading to different endings. Beside, although each route is short, they are all well made. Every time, you started a new game; you can carry something from the previous time you play. Like in the "Metal gear solid" game, you only knew about each route after you get to them…."

Blah blah….

I understand one thing very clearly now:

This girl likes this kind of game very much and she likes to explain it.

Although all of this is unimportant to me, I still listened.

Maybe…maybe that is because only when Kirino talking about otaku stuff, we could be a normal brother and sister. It is like a cease-fire, or a special time for both Kirino and me.

However, I still didn't understand: why me?

If this was nine months ago, then it was understandable. At that time, she had no one to talk to about her hobby. Even her brother was no exception.

Now it is different. She has Kuroneko – and Saori too.

In addition, even with some difficulty… Ayase accepted her hobby too.

Kirino no longer needed to hide herself, she already has precious friends.

So naturally, if she wanted to talk about eroges, she could just go meet any of them.

I am no longer needed.

However, she still asked me for life consulting.

She asked me to buy her eroge.

Could this be …?

This is just a guess, but ----

Thank you, amici [1-Vol 1, chap 4]

I… a-also love you, amici… maybe [2 – Vol 2, chap 4]

---What do you expect me to say? Damn you siscon!

…Thank you very much.

Maybe my little sister did not hate me as much as I thought.

Maybe I am the only one who thought that we both hated each other.

Maybe our cold war is already over.

Time flew. By the time we finished the first route, the sky was already brightening up. By the way, those H-scenes really made me embarrassed, but I noticed that Kirino still focused on playing. Just as she said, she never paid any attention to them.

"Aw….."

I am so sleepy…at this rate; I am not going to get any sleep tonight.

I glanced at my sister. She was now crying because of the story development.

"Hic…hic…what a tragic ending…"

"It is not like this is your first time with a tragic ending, is it?"

"I can't believe it…Why are you not crying?"

With teary eyes, Kirino started lecture me.

What? Was the story truly that great?

Well…I am not really into this kind of game, so my view was probably incorrect.

"Hey, it is not like one of them is dead or anything. They can always just call each other, can't they?"

"Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! You don't understand anything!"

"…What...are you doing? Don't get angry…"

Because she kept yelling at me, so I could only endure it.

Kirino "Oooo…"and then said in a small voice:

"Three days ago, you still looked like a dead man. You even came to ask me 'what do you want me to do' "

"Ugh…."

I could not say anything back! What she said is the truth after all.

However, this did not change this games ending. A phone call can still solve any problem.

"All right, I got it. This is indeed a tragic ending. I take back everything I said, is that okay?"

"…Fine…"

Kirino said, clearly upset.

Now the situation is embarrassing again.

--- A few minutes later….

As a light was slowly entering the room through the window, I stood up:

"I'm gonna get some sleep now. At least I need some rest before Dad wakes up."

"Wait…wait a second!"

Kirino's panicked voice called me back:

"Is there anything you need?"

"I … Life consulting! I need a life consulting…!"

She said that after I just done her last life consulting.

It was the same as nine months ago, but…

I wanted to ask for a life consulting --- I sighed:

"Didn't you say your last life consulting is about buying eroge?"

"But this is not over yet!"

"Okay…"

Inside my mind, I wanted to ask how many 'last life consulting' you have.

After that, will you ask for another 'this is really that last life consulting' too?

All right…. It is not as if I did not expect that.

We are siblings, after all. We live under the same roof. There is no way I can escape my little sister's reach that easily.

I gave her a wry smile:

"So, what do you need?"

"Ah…"

Kirino slightly nodded then walked to her bookshelf.

There are only a handful of items in there. Maybe that makes it easier for her to get to her secret storage.

It has been a long time since the last time I saw this ---

Kirino moved the bookshelf to the side, revealed a paper door. Behind this is her secret otaku stash.

Looked like there are even more than before.

When I looked at her anime DVD and eroge disks, I noticed one thing:

"Is…is that…"

"Ah, yes. This is my present"

The present we were talking about is the special Meruru figure.

"I heard Ayase said that you helped her choose that present."

"Yeah…"

"To be honest, I'm very happy"

Kirino smiled.

Why are you talking about them now?

I could only say: "That's good to hear"

"Can you thank them for me?"

"You'd better do it yourself. Those two would probably feel happy, too."

"Yes...you are right"

Returning the figure to its position, Kirino placed her hands on her chest, and took a deep breath.

I have seen her doing that before. This was right before she showed me her hobby. This was exactly what she did to prepare herself.

"It has been a long time since our first time…"

Suddenly, Kirino turned to me, her face showed a radiant smile.

"Did you remember that time?"

"Yes, I remembered it clearly. You asked me 'Are you really not gonna look down on me' and I replied 'I will definitely not look down on you'"

"Yes…then do you remember the next line … I mean what I said later…"

"Hmp?"

What else did she say? Kirino noticed that I did not remember, she clenched her hand and said:

"That time I said 'Today, I can only let you see that much'"

"Ah, right. You said 'there are some embarrassing things inside'"

You also said 'because I'm not fully able to trust you yet'

When I remembered that, I suddenly have a thought: what she said that time means there is something even worse. That thought terrified me, because I can't even imagine what else could be more embarrassing than

'let's make love with your little sister'"

"About that…you protected my secret…you didn't look down on me…and you helped me a lot…"

Hey hey…what were you saying…Were you going to say….

"Even if it is embarrassing…but I'll let you see it anyway"

Whatever it is, I did not want to see it

---At least I stopped myself in time.

My little sister was going to show me some of her embarrassing things.

I did not know what those are, but the feeling of something unknown is going to happen…Can you imagine that.

However, I could not just turn around and leave. I could tell that this is the focus of her 'life consulting'

"Does that mean you trust me now?"

Kirino slightly nodded.

"Yes…I think"

"Ah…"

Why did this look as if I wanted to know her secret?

I never wanted to know it in the first place.

"So...ah...I'm gonna open it now"

Kirino quickly said, then opened the box.

Clank…

"Hmp? What is…?"

I picked up the game box that just dropped out.

"Ah, that's …."

Kirino said in a panicked voice. However, that is too late. I already saw the picture in the game box.

This picture showed an adult little sister completed naked from below the waist….

The game was named "Scatolo Sister" [9] WH…WH...What?

I blinked. Then I rubbed my eyes, and looked at the game box. Finally, I asked:

"Did you….eat…poop?"

"What?"

SMACK!

She slapped me. Then Kirino yelled:

"You...you…you…What the heck are you talking about! Gross!"

"But…but…"

So why is this game here? "Scatolo Sister" is definitely a hard eroge! How could you still refuse to admit it is yours?

It really is a super embarrassing thing. I have never imagined that she hides such thing among her eroge disks.

"This is a misunderstanding!"

Kirino hastily explained:

"This…this…wait, listen to me! This is important! Just listen to me!"

She was trying her best to explain. She was blushing madly, even her ears were reddened.

"I didn't know about this when I bought this game! Because …because I like the author, so I bought his game! I only found out about this after I opened the game box at home!"

"Okay…Okay! Stop right now, all right?"

"No! You do not understand anything! Hey, this is related to my dignity and image, so listen carefully!"

Your image could not possibly get any worse.

When you became a hardcore fan of imouto-eroge, your model image was already destroyed!

"I…I got it! You are not interested in that, are you? Okay, got it!"

"Did you really mean it? Or you just said it to comfort me?"

You are so hypocritical – but I understand. If it were I, I would say the same thing.

"I got it! You bought it because you liked the illustration. But when you opened it, you found out that this game is totally different from what you imagined, so you just left it there and didn't play it, right?"

"I… I already finished this game…"

"So you played it?"

Why could you not just lie and said "Yes"! Everything would be over if you said so!

Why couldn't you lie?

"Because I already spent money on that, so leaving it alone is such a waste! Besides, the only reason I still kept it is that I am a fan of this artist. I did not want to throw it away or give it back to the game store. That's why I kept it here…"

"Okay...Got it, I understand…"

"Really?"

"Yes. I completely understand now. But…you are amazing."

Even if it were my hobby, I would not ever dream of playing a poop-eroge, much less clear it. My sister really is something else.

"So…um…Should I continue?"

"Ah...right…yes, please"

I replied automatically, trying to get out of this dangerous situation as quickly as possible.

"Continue…huh?" That means she is going to show me her next secret embarrassing thing….

"Ah…I originally intended to show you that…"

What does that mean? Are you saying "Scatolo Sister" is just a normal item among them?

…Which means…?

I swallowed hard, noticing that Kirino had pulled out another paper box – a very BIG paper box, in fact.

"..Let me asked this beforehand, what is inside?"

"Ah…many things…."

Kirino did not realize my terror; she began to open her box. I can feel my heart beating faster and faster with every passing second.

The result – the truth is, at the first glance, there was nothing worth mentioning. There were a pack of doujins, some anime illustrations, paper bags and eroge boxes….But a particular notebook and an IPod caught my attention.

"This is more normal than I thought…"

Could this be?

No, of course this is not. My little sister could not possibly keep such normal things.

All right, listen up Kyousuke. You had better mentally prepare yourself. I Imagined that Kirino is about to show you something very unbelievable.

Done? Good.

Here is my prediction:

Kirino will bring out something even more terrifying.

I have been her brother for 14 years – I would probably be right about this.

So…for example, is that game's illustration showing two people – naked? I do not have the courage to confirm it ….

In addition, that pack of photos over there…what could they be? I have seen homosexuality and poop – what else could await me?

For a normal high school student, I cannot think of any good idea.

Because of that, all I can do is make some observations:

"Hey, about that…"

"Hmp…What?"

"Kirino, can I ask what is stored inside that IPod?"

I secretly hoped that her answer is 'music'.

"Oh? Ah, this?"

However, Kirino froze, unable to say anything.

You brought this out, but judging from your reaction….

Something dangerous must be hidden inside!

"Do...do you want to know?"

"No…no…There is no need to tell me."

"Oh…I see…"

…She sighs in relief? Therefore, this really is….

I am even more terrified. Does this mean everything inside is much worse than "Scatolo Sister?"

I cannot handle this. Definitely not! This is beyond my ability!

Kirino started to reach deep inside the paper box ----

"Ah, wait….First I want to show you this notebook…"

Wawa….

"Wait a second!"

Isn't it the most dangerous item here? Please spare me!

"I understand everything perfectly clear! There is no need for you to explain anymore! Can we please stop here tonight? Yes, we can just look at this together later! I really want to go sleep now!"

I desperately begged Kirino. I got a feeling that if I saw that notebook; something will forever remain in my mind.

"….Ah…ok…"

Kirino nodded weakly, but she quickly regained her normal cheerful attitude.

Then she pulled out another eroge box and handed it to me:

"At least take a look at this!"

"What is …this?"

"Lovely Sister Angel"? What do you want to do?

My face must have shown a puzzled expression.

"All right…"

Although I don't know why she wanted me to look at this, but since she asked me, there is no reason for me to not do that.

After Kirino heard that…

"Okay…"

She slightly nodded, but somehow she looked sad.

I opened the "Lovely Sister Angel" box.

There is no eroge disk or manual inside. Instead, inside are just some illustrations.

"Hmm? Isn't it an eroge box?"

"Nope, I use this as a treasure box. I kept every decoration I got inside here. Didn't you just see the EX Meruru figure nearby?

Did I? I am not so sure myself.

"So? What do you want to show me?"

"Yes…this…here I go"

Clank! Kirino suddenly opened the box, so I immediately back off.

However, inside is not like what I expected.

There are only a handful of items inside, and the first things she picked up are…

"…Is that…a family contact note?"<report card>

"Yes, this is from when I was in elementary school"

Why this? I send her an 'I don't understand' glance, but she just urged me to look inside, so I can only follow.

"There is the reason I started practicing track and field"

"…………"

I listened to my sister's story while look through her contact note.

However, I soon noticed something is off. From her first grade to her third grade, Kirino's gymnastics score was just "needs more practice "and her others scores were average. I expected all of her scores to be "excellent", so I am very surprised.

"The truth is I'm not very good at track and field. But…something made me very unhappy happened, so I started practicing track and field."

Kirino glanced at me.

It is possible that she was slow back then and someone made fun of her, or this gave her some unpleasant memories….

I turned to her fourth grade.

It is still "needs more practice"

However, from this point, her fifth grade is "good" and her sixth grade is

"excellent". Her results started climbing up.

This must be the result of her training.

Not only that, her other scores also slowly rose.

"Here are some medals I won from some tournaments."

Kirino showed me six medals.

Sixth placed, sixth placed, fifth placed, fourth placed, third placed, and second placed – sure enough, it slowly increased.

"This doesn't match with my current image, besides it is so embarrassing –

that's why I have never mentioned it to anyone. When I feel tired or depressed, I often look at this and feel 'do not look down on me, idiots' –

then I regain my spirit…."

Therefore, not only did she not forget her fundamentals, she also used her first failure as a lesson.

---- Do not look down on me, idiots ----

I knew that practicing track and field is not an easy task. In addition, for Kousaka Kirino – who started later than the other members did, it must be even harder for her.

"You are really great"

"Oh?"

Hearing me murmur, Kirino suddenly looked up.

Both she and I look directly at each other.

I do not know what to say. I honestly feel that she is great, but I cannot bring myself to praise her. After a few seconds, I said…

"If we both enter a race now, I probably wouldn't be able to win"

Even I felt that line was so boring.

Hearing that, Kirino's eyes widened and then she stared while laughing happily:

"Of course! Who do you think I am?"

She puffed out her chest in confidence.

No matter what her first motivation was, now after six years of training, she gained confidence with her own effort.

Because I'm just a normal guy, I feel this is so amazing. Ah, just as she said, she really did have the right to say 'who do you think I am'.

For me, I only wanted to enjoy a normal life.

I have never even considered giving up on this lifestyle.

However, right now, I knew that a part of this is a lie. That part is also using my gentle, plain childhood friend as a reason for laziness.

Kirino is the one who showed me that. Indeed, I should thank her for this.

Of course, as for 'how should I thank her' is a current problem.

I still do not know why did my sister show me all this.

Kirino carefully put her medals and notes in the box again, and then sealed it.

"Well…you see…" She opened her arms across her secret collection and spoke in a very sincere voice:

"This…and that…everything …all of them are very important to me."

"I know"

There is no need to repeat it again.

Why do you think I argued with Dad to save them?

Because I cared for your feelings, I was able to have a showdown with Ayase!

Kirino seems troubled, as if she does not know what to say.

"You said …you will help me protect my important collections, right?"

"Yes"

"Please keep doing that in the future."

"Of course I will, idiot"

Didn't I already say that long ago? I also have endured so much for this, how could I just give up on them?

I felt a little annoyed! Now her last life consulting is over, she still wanted me to provide after services.

I fully expected there would be some more 'last life consulting 'from her.

"This can't be helped. I'm your brother, after all."

"Yeah… you are right."

"Of course, why do you seems so troubled?"

I smiled:

"Hey, about that 'last life consulting' – is that over?"

"Yes."

Something is off. First, she asked me to go buy eroges for her, then she wanted me to play it with her, then she showed me some of her embarrassing things ---

Our last life consulting is similar to our first life consulting, but there is no development.

The first time Kirino asked me for life consulting, from her attitude I can tell that this is about 'I have no one to share my hobby' and 'I want to have friends with the same hobby'. However, today, I cannot figure out why she wanted that life consulting.

That is why I got an uneasy feeling.

It is as if…I chose the wrong choice…

….I should have agreed to look at her photo album earlier; there is probably nothing too strange there anyway.

"But I haven't done anything for you, is that okay?"

"Yes, that's fine"

However, she looks very satisfied.

She only had that look when I succeed in protecting her hobby from Dad, or when Ayase made up with her again. However, today I have not done anything.

I do not get it. Is this possible for me to help her without realizing it?

Still nodding, my sister smiled: "I feel like I can finally put down a boulder from my chest"

That smile – it brought back memories.

Yes…when she was small, she used to smile like that.

"Really?"

I turned around, raised one hand and stepped out of her room.

"Good night, Kirino"

"Right---"

Before the door closed, behind me, I can hear her saying:

"Good night, Aniki [10]"

The next morning, my little sister disappears.

The next morning, right after I came back from school, I went straight to my room to prepare for exams ----

"Phew….."

All right, I admit that I did not study.

Recently I did not get much sleep, so I ended up falling asleep at my table.

Of course, I only sleep for a few minutes at best.

I woke up with an "Ah!", then "Ah...Ah…" Even I do not know why I said that.

"Ah…ha…ha…"

It is as if I was in a dream --- a dream from so long ago….

When I woke up, only a few remnants of that dream remains, so I cannot remember it.

"Right…"

However, I remember one thing…

A warm feeling in my chest.

I felt thirsty, so I went downstairs. Here, I meet my mother who just came back from shopping.

"I'm home...? Kyousuke? Are you here to greet me?"

"I am just coincidently passing by. Let me help you"

I took the bag from her and brought them to the kitchen.

Here, I casually asked:

"By the way, where is Kirino? She hasn't come home yet, did she have club activities or work?"

However, my mother replied…

"What? What are you talking about?"

Yes, she said that.

I wanted to asked "what are you talking about", but managed to hold back.

This is just a trivial matter, after all.

However, later at night, Kirino still has not come home.

She always follows the rule to the letter, so she should have contacted our parents.

She is not the kind of girl who hangs out and causes problems, so it must be she is late due to club activities. Of course, I am not worried about her.

At dinner, I asked again:

"Where is Kirino?"

"You…what are you saying?"

My father's face showed a surprised expression.

"What do you mean?"

"Ah…so that's it…Kirino said she would tell you personally."

"What do you mean, anyway?"

"Kirino is gone"

"What?"

"She went to America today. In order to receive professional training, she will remain there until she finishes high school"

"What…what is going on?"

My father 'Hmp' continued:

"In a cross-training session not long ago, a foreign coach was interested in her. He said she has potential. I remembered that he also said that if she has experience in a foreign competition that would be huge help for her future. However, I still couldn't accept it…Don't you think this is too exaggerated?"

"………."

"In my opinion, I think that she should wait until she finishes high school. I also spoke with the current track team coach about a scholarship.

However, they said that even if we wait a single year, this could be a big difference. They said now is the best time for Kirino."

My father said that with an upset voice.

I still tried to suppress my anger, so I remained silence.

"Kirino said that she wants to test her limits. Of course, because she had no scholarship now, it costs a lot. I told her that I would not give her that much money, which is the truth. No matter what she said, I cannot allow a 14 year old girl to go alone to a foreign country. If something happened, we wouldn't be able to come to her immediately….And not to mention that her language…."

Dad…you are depressed too…

"But…In the end, didn't you still allow her to do that?"

"Hmp, she is very stubborn. I told her that I will not give her money, and then she showed me the necessary funds. She told me that she was saving her money from her model work and book royalties. What else could I say?"

Right. If she decided something, she would never listen to other's opinions.

"So…"

Kirino is gone.

I felt like I already had a premonition of it…

"Yes, that is right"

My father started eating dinner in silence. His daughter is gone, he should feel very lonely.

I did not say anything more.

Besides, she is gone. No matter whom I asked, I will not be able to understand her reasoning.

Everything happened right in front of me, but I did not notice.

That is why Kirino started writing – to get royalties.

Her recent changed attitude and ---- her last life counseling's purpose.

At that time, I already got a feeling of indigestion. But why did she give me such a satisfied smile?

Why did she leave without telling me a word?

She made a wayward decision then follows it on her own.

That has happened a few times before. I knew her personality very well, but….

I am neither angry nor surprised. Perhaps somewhere deep down in my heart, I had expected this day.

After dinner ended, I returned to my room.

For some reason, I stopped midway and opened my sister's room.

The door is not locked. Without light, the room is quite dark.

There is no change from the last time I was there. Everything is still clean.

There are only a few books on the bookshelf.

No one on the bed.

The PC still on the table.

There will not be anyone suddenly calling me to their room and forcing me to play eroge.

"Well, maybe this is better"

I said that to the empty room.

I returned to my room and dropped on my bed.

Instead of lying face up, I turned around.

My eyes look at the wall. This wall is thin, so normally I can hear every sound above average from the other side.

However, this will not happen again. There will not be any strange music or loud conversation on the other side. No one will come to my room at midnight then sit on top of me. No one will bring her troublesome friends to this house anymore.

I should feel happy. Because now, my normal lifestyle could continue again.

The last life counseling was a success!

However – what should I do next?

This time, I truly have been released from my little sister. However, can I just return to my lifestyle of nine months ago?

I felt that is impossible. I do not want to go back on my own words, but this is what I honestly feel.

Because my sister entrusted me not only her secret hidden behind the bookshelf, but also something else – something that cannot be seen.

Like the otaku's knowledge that she told me.

Like many of our memories together.

Like some new friends that I met thanks to her.

Even if Kirino is gone, those things are not.

They are still here with me.

All of them have fused together with my life, became a part of mine – an inseparable part of mine. That is why Kirino could happily nod.

She said "Ah…yes"

In short ---

That is how our last life counseling ends.

Everything next just happened.

Really…in the end, this girl is not a cute little sister at all.

Take care of yourself, idiot.

My name is Kousaka Kyousuke, second year in high school. I am 18 years old.

It is a bit embarrassing, but I am a normal high school student. I do not participate in any club. I do not have any special talent. Of course, I know about current eroge, or what my friends normally talk about, but I have no interested in them.

After school, I usually spend time with my friends, walk home with my childhood friend, or go straight home.

Sometimes….I participates in some activities.

Is that how a high school student is supposed to act? Sorry, but the truth is we all feel very 'normal', and we reject everything 'abnormal'

In addition, about 'normal', that means we act like others, following their way of life.

As long as we can do that, no matter how much we changed, we still can be called 'normal'.

It is spring now, on the road to school, two rows of cherry-blossoms are now in full bloom.

I am a third year student now.

In front of me, girls in new uniforms continue to our school, their faces full of hope. I remember when I was like that too.

Maybe Kirino is the same too.

"What's wrong, Kyou-chan?"

"Ah, nothing"

I answered my childhood friend while pulling my bag to the side.

"I hope we can continue in the same class this year"

"Yes, I hope so too"

Manami nodded slightly, but then she "oh"

"What's up?"

"Hey, Kyou-chan, recently you have changed, haven't you?"

"How?"

"Ah… I mean… you are gentler now."

"Ha…."

I poke her forehead.

"What do you think?"

"Oh….Oh…Do you want me to call you Onii-chan?"

"Please. Please don't! "

At that time, I saw her back.

In front of me, wearing a new uniform.

Her back seems so familiar.

I hurried to catch up with the new student, completely ignored what should I do if this is the wrong person and looked at her face…

Standing there ----

"Good morning, senpai."

References

1. ↑ Usually read as Chiba(千葉), this usually refers to Chiba Prefecture or Chiba City in Japan. 千 means 'thousand', and 葉 means

'leaf', and Kuroneko has chosen 'Senyou' as the reading of this kanji.

2. ↑ By 'grass', what Kuroneko meant was www, which looks like grass symbols in text. 'w' characters are often used by Japanese on the internet, email, text messages, as abbreviation for

'warau(笑う/わらう)', which means either 'smile' or 'laugh'. They are often used in the same way as 'LOL'.

3. ↑ Pronounced in Japanese as 'Kyara', it's the abbreviation for character (Kyarakuta).

4. ↑ This part is confusing, since in my raw, this word can mean both gun or lance/spear. I will use lance here.

5. ↑ A mahjong game where everyone take off one piece of clothes whenever they lose

6. ↑ Eroge based on themes about love between same sex, usually boys

7. ↑ Boys Love

8. ↑ can be translate as "rotten girl", but pronouce the same as "wife"

9. ↑ poop

10. ↑ The most respect way to address a male older than you. Normally refer to a older brother

Disclaimer

Under no circumstances would you be allowed to take this work for commercial activities or for personal gain.

Baka-Tsuki does not and will not condone any activities of such, including but not limited to rent, sell, print, auction.

Credits

Story

:

Tsukasa Fushimi

Illustrator

:

Hiro Kanzaki

Translator :

Chaos, larethian

Generated on Sun May 19 18:00:34 2013

Document Outline

Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai 4

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

References

Disclaimer/Credits