Chapter 1

"Hey Kirino, how about going out with me on Christmas?"

"Huh? Are you an idiot? Die!"

One day in December, right after the talk with Manami, and the reunion with Sakurai, as per usual my little sister was lying on the sofa reading a magazine. When I asked her that question, though she was surprised, she didn't even move her eyes away from the magazine when she answered.

I thought about it for a while.

"Alright, 9:00 AM on the 24th, in front of the subway station. Make sure you aren't late."

"Hey!"

Still lying on the sofa, Kirino looked up at me.

"How did you interpret it like that!?"

"Eh? Doesn't your 'Huh? Are you an idiot?' actually mean 'Okay, kiss ❤'?"

"No way!! Who would say that!?"

"In your eroge, there is a little sister who acts like that."

"Hm… Rinko-rin? You meant Rinko-rin —!"

As if she were a Super Saiyan, Kirino stood up, pointed her magazine at my face and yelled:

"That might be the case for Rinko-rin, but it's totally different for me! Even though it's true that my 'Huh? Are you an idiot? Die!' sounds similar to Rinko-rin's standard tsundere response, depending on the time and circumstances, it has a different meaning!"

"Such as?"

"Like… Like… In Rinko-rin's case, her circumstance is that her brother asked her to go out on a date with him for the third time. Here 'Are you an idiot?' meant 'I really want to go, but I can't be honest.' In Miyabi-chan's case, it meant 'I want to encourage aniki'!"

"So, doesn't that mean you agree with me in the end?"

Just as she had implied, Kirino was saying 'I really want to go, but I can't be honest,' so she yelled 'Are you an idiot?' right?

"I told you it's not like that! Don't mix up the game and real life! The point is, because Rinko-rin and I are two different types of little sister, even if the circumstances are the same we have different thoughts. Why don't you get it?"

"Hey, are you cold? You are barefoot all the time."

"Listen to what I'm saying!"

Kirino got mad, then she threw me a punch.

"Oh!"

Not bad. But for somebody like me who has trained with Ayase, such an attack is too easy to evade.

"Don't dodge! Pervert!"

"Ha… It's useless. Such attacks and insults will not work on me anymore."

"Could it be… because of the bad influence from Ayase and Kuroneko…"

Actually, I think it's more due to your bad influence. Since I've been insulted every day, I've grown used to it.

"Disgusting! You get turned on seeing your little sister wearing thin clothing?"

I only asked if you were cold and that is your response?

I felt like I was in the middle of a masochist test. What a pain.

In short… the "Huh? Are you an idiot?" just now, because Kirino-sama was not thinking the same way as in the game, I guess I have to guess and react accordingly… right?

I got it……

This girl is so annoying ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ !

Huh? Are you an idiot? Die! — I want to say that more than you.

I felt a little angry. At the same time, Kirino slowly recovered to her usual state. Her face was red (possibly due to her outburst just now) and she folded her arms across her chest.

"Why should I go out with you during Christmas anyway? Even more than that, two continuous years? Are you an idiot? No, really, are you an idiot?

You really are an idiot, aren't you?"

I never expected that she would unleash her "Are you an idiot?" three times in a row.

Just like Vegeta who had been backed into a corner, she went into attack mode.

Can anyone attempt to understand what each "Are you an idiot?" meant just now?

Based on my translation, it meant "…First of all, explain your plan. I will see if it makes me happy or not. Hmmph, try to convince me if you can"…

Probably. If anyone can translate Kirino's words better than me, please let me know.

"Kirino — Ah, listen. Here, sit down."

"Hmph…"

It seems like she wants to listen, at least for now. I sat down next to Kirino on the sofa.

"…Hey, scoot over a little."

"Right, right."

What a spoiled girl. I moved away as I was told, and then Kirino said with a hint of displeasure in her tone:

"And? Are you going to say something?"

"Christmas — let me explain why we should go out together."

"— Alright. Say it."

"First, there will be a lot of Christmas-themed eroge there."

"Yeah."

"Then we can go shopping in Akiba's stores."

"Eh? How did you know about that?"

"Because I've also read the magazine in your right hand — here, turn to page 145."

"—————————————"

For some reason Kirino seemed very troubled when she heard 'page 145.'

"…Eh?"

"Open it to page 145."

I repeated myself. With a complex expression, Kirino opened the magazine on the table.

"You found it pretty quickly."

"You folded it, didn't you? That must be why!"

After that small exchange, I pointed to the main topic:

"Akiba anime shop, Love-Love Christmas Fair ——— I heard that couples that visit that place will receive limited goods."

Just like the title said…

In short, it was a fair for otaku couples. Of course you don't have to buy eroge, I heard there was also a way to get promotional materials for products released based on what you purchased.

"You want this, don't you?" I said while checking my little sister's expression…

"………………………"

Based on her reaction, it seems I hit the bulls-eye.

"Eh… Well… True, I wanted to get the "Little H-Holy Night limited Christmas edition… I already planned on buying this eroge… but to waste my Christmas with you and buy eroge in Akiba is a bit ——"

"Hey, hey. I can't believe I am hearing such words coming from eroge master Kirino."

"I'm an eroge master, but I'm also a girl!"

Ah, she didn't even try to deny that she is an eroge master.

"Taking part in such activities during Christmas feels like I've failed as a girl… going to a couples event with you… No matter what, you and me…

Are a fake couple."

"Then, how about we take a walk around Akiba? Since we're going to go to Tokyo anyway, how about trying out some places with a Christmas atmosphere? — Like the Skytree, or something like that?"

"Skytree? On Christmas?"

"Yes. Don't you want to go?"

"Don't wanna."

…………Such a fast reply. I get it… This is how my little sister is. However, if I truly wanted to ask her out, I can't give up now. I quickly recovered and said:

"W-Why?"

"Because you are too plain."

"Ugh………!"

It would be fine if I gave up now, right?

"You mean my clothes… are plain?"

"No, everything."

"So, what do you want me to do?"

Die, right?

Arrgh, damn! No, no, no! I have thought hard about asking my little sister out to somewhere fun. What an idiot I am.

My conclusion is — My little sister is really annoying. Nobody would disagree with that, right?

"Hg… Grr…" Unable to take it any longer, I was about to turn back to my room.

"………Alright, alright. It can't be helped, then. Let me find you some clothes."

"………Eh?"

"Huh? What are you doing wearing that stupid expression on your face?

Like I said, go with me to the shopping district. I will pick up something for you. Hopefully something will improve."

"………Does that mean ———"

"To be able to go out with such a beautiful girl as me —— make sure you give me a good time."

…………

I froze with my eyes wide open for a while ———

"Yep, leave it to me!"

I showed her my usual reaction.

And then, as if in an instant, Christmas had arrived.

On a cold winter morning — as planned, we went outside separately and met up in front of the station.

I saw my little sister standing in front of the entrance next to the monorail.

— Those clothes, could they be… Aren't they the same as the clothes she wore during Christmas last year?"

Yes… One year has passed.

What a strange feeling. Kirino was looking very stylish and maintained an upright posture. Despite the fact she was wearing the same clothes, she looked much more mature now. It was just a year ago, yet it felt totally different.

Kirino was attracting the attention of other people in front of the station.

I felt a little proud, so I waved my hand and said:

"Hi, have you waited for a long time?"

Immediately, Kirino glared at me and scowled:

"——— You are way too late! How many hours did you plan on making me wait?"

"There's still more than 10 minutes before our meeting time, right? Every time I asked you out…"

I felt some of my enthusiasm slip away.

"Shut up. Hmph, you claim to understand what I want to say without saying it now, don't you?"

"'No quarreling while hanging out, and I need to arrived earlier to wait for you'… Right?"

"If you understand, why don't you just do it?"

"Because you left before me! How could I arrive before you!?"

"Why didn't you run?"

"………………"

If I ran and caught up with Kirino, she would probably get mad at me anyway… This girl.

Either way, a quarrel was unavoidable. Because that's how siblings are.

"——— Alright. Then……… Let's go."

"Um."

I raised my right hand. She obediently handed me her purse.

"Where?"

This annoying question 'Where?' must mean 'Where should we go first?'…

Probably.

"Let's go buy clothes first. You will help pick them out with me, right?"

"Of course. I don't want to hang out with such a plain guy."

"Yeah, yeah. Sorry."

I no longer felt anything toward such an insult. I actually felt a little comfortable since she was back to her normal self.

Maybe that's why Mikagami calls me an 'M'… I should reflect upon myself.

"…………" Just then I noticed Kirino staring at my face.

"? What's up?"

"Hmph, nothing. Why didn't you say anything all of a sudden?"

Kirino suddenly got angry, turned in another direction and started walking faster.

"Hey, wait for me — don't go ahead on your own."

I was used to this, but like usual, I was unable to understand my little sister's action.

"Don't walk so fast. We haven't decided where to go first. Don't go ahead on your own," I said as I caught up with her.

"Since you know no shops that sell clothes that suit you, just quietly follow behind me."

"……Ah, I see. Can you at least tell me our destination?"

I asked in a mocking tone, but somehow Kirino looked happy and replied:

"The same place that you bought the underwear."

Our destination was ———————

"Harajuku huh… It has been three years since the last time I came here."

The road of youth, Harajuku. I didn't mock that Chiba was a country side, but truly, the prosperity of Tokyo is abnormal. I unconsciously looked around in curiosity.

Yes. Three years ago… To fulfill a mission from Sakurai Akimi, I skipped class and came here to buy a pair of underwear. And I only came back here now.

"It's still so full of activities."

Harajuku was covered in Christmas colors… there were a lot of couples here.

Christmas date… probably.

They were still burning with passion in this cold weather. So admirable.

"So… we have to show others that we are a couple too."

"Ar-Are you an idiot!?"

How many times have I heard 'Are you an idiot?' up to now? So many times that explaining each of them is too troublesome. And I have no way to know if what I interpret is right or not.

"Didn't Kanako say it — Even when we walk side by side, we don't look like lovers at all."

"That's true."

You remember such a trivial matter? So admirable.

"What a pity."

"………You, do you want us to look like lovers to outsider? ……Ueeee ~

Disgusting"~"

"………There are couples everywhere, it would be less awkward if we did look like them, wouldn't it?"

"Hm, really. Oi… recently you are always full of yourselves."

"Huh~?"

What is it this time……? What caused your unpleasantness?

Kirino and I maintained a reasonable distance, but she suddenly glanced at me:

"In our previous talk, we had solved all of the misunderstandings between us. I know that you want to get closer but…"

"But what?"

"…………"

Kirino suddenly stopped and looked down.

"Don't act like my fake boyfriend."

"I'm not!"

Damn, I raised my voice in the middle of the street.

"Huh? You planned to just now, didn't you?"

"I told you I didn't!"

"You clearly wanted to ~~~ 'We have to show others that we are a couple too' and 'What a pity, we don't look like lovers.' You wanted to, didn't you?

With your super cute little sister!"

"I didn't mean it like that!"

Just all nonsenses. Now I understand politicians a little better.

"So, why did you say that, then?"

"!? I just said it by accident!"

"Huh? You really want to, don't you?

"No!"

"I want to do it so much~~ that I almost lost myself. You are so sensitive~"

I teased Kirino by mimicking her tone. She…

"*Jiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii*………!" Grit her teeth and stared at me.

"So, why did you say it then!? Don't say something so disgusting!"

"That's my line, you shouldn't be saying stuff like that!"

It's like a boomerang, hitting herself in the back like that!

"Oh, look at that couple!"

"They're having a lover's quarrel~~"

"——— Ha!"

By the time we had noticed, we had already attracted the attention of people around us.

"——— Let-Let's go!"

"…………It's all your fault. So embarrassing."

"It was yours."

"Huh!? It's all yours!"

We quarreled on the way in the street of Harajuku. Our destination was Omotesando Hills — After three years, it's my second time coming here.

But Kirino probably visited this place a lot.

"If you planned to go out with your girlfriend, don't you think that taking the train isn't appropriate?"

Still going on about that? This girl is still day-dreaming.

"Isn't it cooler to show up at the meeting place with a car?"

How could a car move easily in such a crowded street. Unlike Chiba, taking a bus would be three times more comfortable.

Of course I didn't say it out loud. Thinking for a while, I interrupted.

"What? Does that mean if I got a driving license you would go out with me?"

"Eh… eeeeeeeh?"

Hahaha, I managed to make Kirino let out a funny sound.

"Wh-What are you saying!"

"Hehe, because I'm a boy too. I want to have a driving license. I planned to get one after I graduate."

"Heh, hehh~ ………What a surprise."

"You once posted with Ayase in a Chiba Mazda poster right? Thinking back, I suddenly want to have a car."

"…………About that, thank you."

"Surely the poster of you two made an effective advertisement."

"Nope, it's meaningless even if it made you want to buy a car."

No no. Aside from me, when others look at it they would want to buy a car too, right?

Dad also seemed to like that poster.

"Haha… Hey Kirino, be sure to thank me. After I get my driving license I will give you a special seat."

"No thanks, sitting next to someone who just got a driving license like you seems like an invitation for accident."

"How about thinking back to what you just said a while ago!?"

You just said it's cooler to come by car, but now you don't like it even if I get a driving license. What am I supposed to do?

Are all girls like that, casually mentioning such self-contradictory words to what they said earlier? Or is it just my little sister's case?

I narrowed my eyes. At that time, my little sister raised one of her fingers and said:

"Until you can drive properly, I will enjoy going out with you."

Yeah, yeah, I see. Then I will try my best.

"…Woaa."

"Hooo……"

As soon as we entered the main entrance of Omotesando Hills, we let out a surprised cry. I thought that the Christmas light would only be lit up at night, but seems like I was mistaken.

Standing in the middle of the square was a brilliant eye-catching tree.

Especially in front of us, there was a tall tree decorated with light bulbs that slowly changed color over time.

From blue to white — under this wonderful scene, many couples were laughing happily together.

"Kirino, want to take a picture?"

"Oh, sometimes you have good ideas too."

"Alright, come in front of the tree. I will take a picture."

I received the digital camera from Kirino.

"A………… um, but…"

Somehow, Kirino looked hesitant.

Huh? Weren't you excited just now?

"Hey, what is wrong?"

As soon as I asked that, a young couple walked to us.

"If you don't mind, please allow me to help."

"In exchange, please help us take a picture too."

—————— I see.

"Then please."

————— *Snap*

And so, one memorial picture has been saved into the memory card.

After we bid farewell to the couple that helped us take the picture, I tried asking:

"Hehe, so you want to take a picture with me?"

"Idiot. Don't say something so gross."

We passed the entrance and saw numerous fashion shops.

……………Uumm.

I even saw the lingerie shop that I was forced to attack three years ago. It gave me a painful memory. Since I'm not comfortable with that kind of place, I felt my shoulders getting heavier.

"Fufufu, are you nervous?"

"Shut up. —— Hey, well…… which shop are we going to enter?"

"I told you just leave it to me. Unlike someone, I have carefully thought about it."

"Heh, then I'm looking forward to it — hey, but don't suddenly walk in some high-class shop!"

I hastily stopped midway, whispering in her ear, 'My budget is only that much' and raised five of my fingers.

"Uhm… ¥500 000?"

"¥50 000!"

Why is this girl's sense of money one digit more than normal?

It was hard for me to prepare ¥50 000.

I thought that when I mentioned that, she would complain — but unexpectedly, she didn't.

"Okay, then this shop will be fine."

"Re-Really?"

"Good shops don't have to be expensive — I told you just leave it to me."

Kirino said full of confidence. Still a bit nervous, I followed her into the shop.

I was so nervous that I almost wanted to hold her sleeve, but I managed to endure it — I entered the shop.

One hour later ——

"Oh, you look much better now."

I stood in front of the mirror and wore the clothes that Kirino picked; embarrassment evident on my cheek.

"Re-Really?"

"Yup~. As expected of Kirino-chan's boyfriend. ~"

Both Kirino and the staff praised me.

"No, no, he is not my boyfriend."

"Since it looks great, I will give you a little discount!"

"Eh~, really~? "

The staff and Kirino laughed with each other.

……………What the staff said was only flattery, which can only be half-trusted. The importance is Kirino's harsh comment about fashion.

"It's fine. Because I chose it. As long as the material is not too bad, surely it can be changed."

This girl has gone too far.

"…………Is it good?"

"Um, looks good!" She quickly replied with a smile.

"Really?"

"I meant the clothes."

"You are messing with me."

Kirino laughed "Ahahaha" together with the staff.

"…………Hmph…………"

My face reddened, I took another look at the mirror.

The jacket and shirt had cost ¥35 000.

——— Kirino has really good fashion sense.

Boys surely can change so much from clothes — I thought so too, and yes, I did think that I looked more handsome. Ummm… actually I'm a very simply guy.

My little sister was staring at me.

"——— Yes?"

"You don't like it?"

Wearing it made me feel a little proportionate.

I no longer felt weird when walking side by side with my beautiful little sister.

"It's not like that."

Of course, despite what I was thinking, I couldn't say it out loud.

——— I will get into trouble again, no doubt.

After the shopping, we ate something light and took the bus to Akihabara.

We walked around like usual, despite that it was Christmas.

As soon as we stepped out of the bus, a cold wind blew over us.

"Oh, oh, so cold."

Since we didn't get out from the center conductor but took the Showa Dori route, we had to take a detour, which made our route a little further. Since this place changed once every few months, no matter how many times I came here, I still sometimes got lost.

In Sena's language, it's 'Just like a self-developing dungeon.'

We walked past many shops, cafés, fast food stores, convenience stores, and cell phone stores.

The Akihabara station had gone through a lot of changes since the first time we came here for the offline meeting. The otaku's route was a bit further.

In the distance, there was a figure exhibition.

Yes… the otaku's street is Akiba now.

Just like my little sister.

"What are you looking at?"

I only thought so, I won't say it out loud.

Instead, I replied that.

"I'm used to it now, but somehow I remember the first time I came here."

"Uhm. Only a little more than a year ago, but I feel like it has been a very long time."

"I wonder why?"

"Isn't it because a lot of things have happened?"

"Yeah." It's true.

"I can't believe that under the cover of 'Stardust Witch Meruru' was the eroge 'Let's Make Love with your Sister!'"

"………That was the biggest change of my life."

Me too. I was so surprised when I saw it.

"Knowing the secret hobby of my very hated little sister."

"Life counseling with my very hated aniki."

"Both going to the offline meeting in Akiba."

"Then we met Saori and Kuroneko, right?"

Yup, that's right.

"If Saori didn't speak up back then… We wouldn't be here right now."

"………Um"

"Fu…… The first time you met Kuroneko, you two already had a huge quarrel."

"I told you that was her fault."

No, that was both of your faults.

A smile slowly appeared on my face.

"Back then, when she became your otaku friend — I was satisfied."

"…………I see."

Kirino turned away. Normally, she would keep walking, but today she said:

"……………That day, it was fun."

"I see."

I was pulled around in Akiba by three middle school girls.

You should have said that to me a year and a half ago.

Coming there together with you – isn't for naught.

We left the station and continued making our way toward 'Ani Shoubu Akina.' It's an otaku shop that was opened recently. The appearance of Goin made it look elegant, so it didn't stand out at Harajuku. On the big screen at the entrance, they were showing 'Stardust Witch Meruru.'

"Uoo……… It doesn't feel right. This stuff should be at Akiba."

"So many people."

Kirino looked at the entrance and said. The crowd was occupying half of the entrance.

"………Are all of them couples?"

"Re-Really? Maybe there are some fake couples who snuck in too."

Just like us huh? But isn't it too much? Is that because of the attraction of the discount for couples and limited goods?

Muttering quietly, we stood at the end of the line.

"Damn… So many people have a girlfriend……"

And yet I came here with my little sister.

………Otaku normally weren't welcomed.

Despite that today is Christmas, why are so many of them here…

"Stop complaining. I can't stand it."

"No, but…"

"Behave yourself ——— because you are the one who is the target of jealousy here."

I tried listening.

"Are you kidding me…", "This plain looking guy is going with such a cute girl……"

Just like Kirino said. When I thought about it, it's true that I brought the cutest 'girlfriend' here. I can see it from looking around.

But to say it herself! As expected of my little sister!

"Right, right."

I straightened my back. Although it was a bit — I tried to match with her.

Ten minutes later, we still hadn't gotten inside. The December weather is so cold, it's hard to stand in a place for a while.

When I walked past Yodobashi earlier, there was a place to play 3DS.

Some adult otaku were playing there in the harsh cold weather. So admirable.

Forget about it, my skirt-wearing little sister seemed to be colder than me.

"Cold isn't it? Stand closer to me."

"Um ♥"

No wait, that's a misunderstanding! Just now wasn't us! In front! In front, in front! The idiot couple in front of us just started warping around each other!

"…………………………"

Both Kirino and I stared at this idiotic couple.

"Wh-Why are you blushing!?"

"Sh-Shut up! This is their business!"

"Disgusting, disgusting, disgusting, disgusting! Are you an idiot!?"

"………You… You are even more disgusting."

"………………That shameless idiotic couple… Go home and latch onto each other…"

Kirino clenched her fist, looking down, her face reddened.

Seeing my little sister like that, I…

"Here." I took off my jacket and put it on my little sister.

"—————"

Surprised, Kirino's shoulders trembled slightly as she looked at me fiercely.

"…………Hm, don't do something unnecessary."

I pointed forward.

"………I can't do like that couple. Please forgive me."

"Sure, of course……"

"………That idiotic couple… Go do that at home."

I really hope that the sounds coming from behind weren't talking about us.

The line slowly moved forward, and we finally entered the shop. The first thing that caught my attention was a pile of manga and new novels. The popular anime on TV was also stacked up like a tower.

They made sure that there was enough space to get it, because most of those couples were going to buy them.

Truly, we are the only couple that was brave enough to go buy eroge……

"Hey, how are we going to buy a game here? I don't see any of them around."

"I think you only need to tell the staff the name of the game you are looking for."

Kirino looked at the cashier and said:

"…………I see."

This is a hard mission… Three years ago I might have felt happy, but right now I have no interest in shaming myself.

While we were talking, the line moved faster, finally it was the turn of the idiotic couple in front of us.

The man spoke with the cute cashier:

"Uhm, I want to buy a game."

"Okay, please tell me its name."

"I want to buy 'All-men's Christmas.'"

"………Eh? Eeh~tou……"

"Please get me the newest 18+ BL game, 'All-men's Christmas.'"

The poor cashier was forcing a smile.

Somehow, the man's voice sounded familiar. Like I have heard it somewhere before.

"And 'The Hot Guy and the Dakimakura' limited edition, please."

He is good. Really admirable.

………And then………

"Se-Sena-chi!?"

"Ki-Ki-Ki-Ki, Kirino-chan!? Why are you here!?"

"You too Sena-chi!"

——— I knew it———

I shrugged. In front of me is my junior, the glasses wearing, big breasted fujoshi: Akagi Sena. She and Kirino are pointing at each other.

"What are you doing here………?"

"Ko-Kousaka!?"

No man wants to get caught on the way to buy a homo eroge… But I knew him. He is Akagi Kouhei, my classmate.

"………What are you doing here……?"

"Don't you know it from looking? My target is the limited homo eroge with discounts for couples."

"With your little sister?"

"Yes!"

"Go to Akiba in Christmas to buy homo eroge? …Are you kidding me?

What are you doing?"

It's so sad that I want to cry.

"Don't mind me."

"Hey, so the idiotic couple who was wrapping around each other in front of us was you two!?"

"Wha-What are you siblings doing!?"

Both Kirino and I launched our attacks.

Immediately, Sena hastily waved her hand.

"No, no, it's not like that! I can't get a limited item without being a couple!

So, so, so there is no other way, right!"

Ah, idiot. If you say it out here…

"Dear customers? Are you two not a couple?"

See? The cashier found out.

"E, eh eh eh, ehtou….That……This………"

Sena shuttered.

In contrast, the aniki showed a calm attitude and put his arm over his little sister's shoulder.

"We are siblings, but we are also a couple….Is that a problem, onee-san?"

"…………No."

So cool Akagi ———!! There is nothing else the cashier could say.

This aniki is disgusting, but he is also so cool ———!!

"O, O O O, Onii-chan………what are you saying……!"

Embarrassed, Sena looked like she was about to die Poor girl — no, she reaps what she sows. The culprit of this situation is no one other than this fujoshi.

Kirino pulled me over and whispered, making sure that no one beside me could hear:

"…………Sena-chi's Onii-chan is so cool"

"Really?"

"No wonder he is your friend…."

"Don't place me on the same level with him!"

Please forgive me this time….

At that moment, Akagi has finished paying.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting. This is the limited version, 'All man's Christmas'."

"Thank you" Akagi pretended to be a cool guy and walked away.

"——-See you later Kousaka. "

"Yeah yeah."

I felt a little annoyed and replied simply that way.

….No, because we are also in the same situation that pervert thought was unavoidable, but I'm better than Akagi.

Like stand in a couple line with my little sister, then acting all lovely dovey like an idiot couple — what the heck, they're siblings!? Hm, it's not like I'm jealous or anything!

I turned toward the cashier, firmly believing that I could say something even more embarrassing.

A super pervert aniki that no one could imitate!

"——Sorry for keeping you waiting. What do you want to buy?"

"Today newest R18+ eroge, 'Christmas Holy night' and 'Little H-Holy Night'

limited edition figure!"

Of course, I decisively made that request.

"—— Do you have to raise your voice?"

"The more frank you sound the less embarrassment you feel."

"I'm not talking about you! I'm saying that I'm very embarrassed! They are whispering 'the boyfriend of that beautiful girl is now asking to buy an eroge'!"

"That eroge is for you in the first place."

"Now is not the time to talk about this!"

She kept getting angry at me after we finished buying, even when we visited other stores.

Although our primary object was to take part in this promotion, but to walk around in other stores…Well, maybe it's otaku's spirit.

———A middle school girl spending her Christmas by buying otaku items…what a method.

And so, after we bought a lot of things, we returned to the road leading to Akihabara's station. Of course, I carried all of the goods with both my hands and shoulders.

Now it is about 2:00 PM.

"Don't be mad anymore. Here, take a look at this."

I took the 'little H-holy night figure' and gave it to my imouto-loving little sister. Although I didn't tell you before, but of course this is a little sister-based eroge too.

"You, do you think that you can calm my anger with only a game — wow ~

so cute~!"

See? You did become calmer. Even I was surprised. To think it would be that effective.

"Look look at this…this is absolutely not a normal promotion gift! They clearly didn't go all out when they made this…! Wow wow! Look look at this pantsu's crease!"

"…Do you think that I'm someone who could tell the difference from a pantsu's crease?"

Maybe it's otaku's natural skill, but I don't have such ability.

"You look like you can…"

I look like I can? Impossible…

"Ah forget it — come on, put it away. If someone saw us now, they would say 'Damn, the girlfriend of this super handsome guy is having a bliss expression when checking a ero figure's pantsu'."

"What do you mean?"

My little sister shot me a ruthless and cold gaze.

"Alright, just take it."

And so, we kept moving in Akihabara's street.

Of course we moved around by subway. When I came to Tokyo, the thing that shocked me most was Tokyo's complex subway web.

At our home, although Chiba had its own rail system, but it couldn't hold a candle to Tokyo's.

Is it that the residents of Tokyo could understand all of it and use them effectively?

If they could, they must come from the future.

Too many trivias. Right now, we are on the subway leading to Oshiage's station (in front of the Skytree).

The car is quite empty. Kirino and I sat next to each other.

"Next is Skytree right? I have come here before."

"Yes."

"Isn't it too soon for sightseeing now? It's not even sunset yet."

"I know that. I have prepared carefully."

"Really?"

Kirino looked at me with doubtful eyes.

"Yes. Hey, I will make you look at me in a different light."

"Hee. You sound so confident."

"Yup"

Because I had made sure to prepare for today. Of course I didn't neglect anything.

Kirino brushed her hair and pretended to be arrogant.

"Well, what about that big pile? Going around with them is going to be hard."

Aren't they all of the things you bought?

Of course I didn't say it out, I only narrowed my eyes. If this was someone else, then their endurance would have already ran out.

"There, an eroge poster is sticking out. It's fine at Akiba, but do you plan to come to Skytree with that? Do you know what delicacy means?"

"Do you have to say it that way!?"

I drew my beam saber (ie, a magazine) from behind my back.

Tch…damn…why does the more I patiently endure, the more irritated this girl become?

It's not a ninja's training session!

I suddenly remember a training that involved jumping above a growing cedar tree every day. Looking back at the pile around me, I reaffirmed:

"I told you that I planned it all already. Even with that big pile or our time until evening, I planned for them all. Just leave it to me."

Just like me from three years ago.

Kirino immediately pouted and turned away.

"……If you say so….then I will believe you for now…….since we are going to break the rules today, you are the only who will be scolded if our parents found out."

Today, I told them that both of us were going to take part in a Christmas party at Manami's house.

So the truth is this is Manami's effort, not mine, but I didn't say anything.

Once more, Kirino stared at me.

"Okay, so now what?"

"Umu" I nodded and turned to Kirino, announced:

"I have booked a room in a hotel."

"Are you out of your mind!?" Kirino suddenly raised her voice.

"Hey hey, don't be so loud. This car is quite empty, but we are still in a subway."

But in her extreme agitated state, Kirino yelled:

"Sh, shut up! This is because you said something so unbelievable!"

"What part is unbelievable? Our stuff is both heavy and numerous, it's best if we left them at the hotel before going out, don't you think?"

"Non, nonsense! You took your little sister to a love hotel in two continuous years? How is that believable?"

"It's not a love hotel !"

"Ha, ha?"

"I booked a normal hotel!"

"I see."

Kirino blushed and had nothing else to say.

"You have to say it first ———!"

I clenched my hand and sighed 'hmph' in defeat.

"What are you complaining about? You are the one who misunderstood on your own!"

"That's because the way you said it was misleading!"

"No normal person would misunderstand that! You ero! Ero imouto! As expected of a little sister who lead her aniki into a love hotel at night!"

"Gininini………! That, that had a complex reason……and stop talking like that! What if someone heard us and misunderstood?"

And so on.

Inside the subway, our sibling's quarrel kept going without end.

Around 30 minutes later — we siblings are now inside a room of a hotel that is a distance away from the Skytree.

Of course that is just a cheap room. The furniture included a single bed, a middle size table and two chairs.

I dropped two big bags on my hand to the table.

"Phew——-Aa, so heavy."

I twisted my shoulders and turned toward my little sister. Kirino only stood near the door, she looked confused.

"What are you doing? Hurry up and go in."

Hugging herself, Kirino said:

"………….You are not going to do something weird, are you?"

"What? What weird stuff? No, I'm not going to do anything."

About stuff like going into the bathroom or losing control of myself…You are way too vigilant. Well, if I said it out then more trouble will drop on me.

"Recently, I felt that you look at me in a pervert light……"

She sounded really worried. Why is that?

Let me ask anyone with a little sister something for a reference, what would you do if you little sister said that to you?

But I don't even want to speak for myself anymore. I'm tired of that.

"Since we are here already, there is nothing that can be said at this point."

"………What………….!"

Why did Kirino sound so shocked? Did I say something wrong……?

Oh crap! Crap crap! Just now, isn't that the same words men use when they take a girl to a hotel!?

"Just, just now, I said it wrong. I didn't mean it that way!"

"I, I know, know, know it already……!"

Both me and Kirino were embarrassed. From an outsider's point of view, we both look like two idiots.

"Hey"

"Wh, what…….?"

"Recently, didn't you remain too vigilant?"

"—————"

Bull's eyes! Kirino's eyes widened. My question seemed like I hit her weak spot.

"That…………! That, that, that………!"

"Calm down. Otherwise you won't be able to finish your words."

Kirino has entered strong vibration mode, she kept saying 'that that that!'

nonstop.

"There is nothing like that!"

Finally, she let it out.

"No, right."

From her strong reaction, it's clear that I hit somewhere sensitive. There must be a reason for Kirino to become vigilant recently.

"………………"

Kirino stayed silent. She bit her lips. Maybe because of her recent outburst, her face was deep red.

I scratched my head and said:

"It's fine if you don't want to admit it. But I'm tired of those unclear things that cause a quarrel between us already."

Such honest words. The me from before would definitely not say it out.

Kirino finally calmed down and nodded.

"To tell the truth, the reason I became too vigilant….must be my subconscious……but that's my personal reason only, you don't have to pay attention to it."

"I see. Then I will leave it aside."

"Um, that's better."

We speak with each other. We solve our misunderstandings. We understand each other.

We let normal things become normal again.

We are so close now. Thinking back…we really have come a long way.

"But it's true that recently you looked at me with pervert eyes, right?"

"You come back to that?!"

I take it back. We can't ever understand each other for the rest of our lives!

"You think that I didn't notice? When I was lying down on the sofa, you looked at my body with ero eyes. Like my shoulder"

Kirino didn't seem like she was going to let it go, she slowly drew her face closer, she stared at me in a questioning-like glance.

"So? Speak it out!"

"…………I looked at your shoulder, the part wasn't covered by your clothes with pervert eyes? Fufufu…….sorry Kirino, that's a big misunderstanding."

I calmly answered in a deep voice:

"What I looked at …was your ass."

"Dieeeeeee————!!"

Kirino threw her bag at me full force. But that's useless.

"Oh, oh."

"Why are you stopping it? Accept your punishment!"

"Refuse. Kukuku….if you want to punish me, you need Ayase-like attack power."

"Hmph…recently you sexually harass your little sister too much!"

"Because we are siblings, it's fine if I look at your ass, right?"

"No it's not!"

Maybe so.

"I don't mind if you see my ass."

"I do! Gehaa gehaa……Aaa mou……my throat hurts."

See, that's because you screamed like an idiot.

I took a bottle of water in the hotel's refrigerator, opened it and give it to Kirino.

"Here"

Kirino silently took the bottle and drank it down.

"Puhaa………"

"Did you calm down yet?"

As soon as I asked, Kirino looked up and stared at me:

"I'm not, we are not done yet, but I will leave it aside for now."

What a persistent girl.

Kirino sat down on the bed and crossed her legs.

"What are you going to do now? There is still much time left until dark, how are you going to make me happy during that time?"

Um, good question.

"Hehe, try guessing."

"Ha ~ annoying, stop trying to show off, hurry up and say it."

"………………"

Can I have a day with this girl without feeling annoyed?

I recovered and raised one of my hands, pointed to the space in front of me.

"Consider our current place and condition, how to make you happy — it's not easy to guess, but give it a try!"

"Uhm!?"

Kirino suddenly become aware of the bed behind her – which I was pointing at. Her whole body stiffens.

"You, you, do you! You want to do me here…!"

"I'm not! Why do you always come up with such ero misunderstandings whenever I say something!?"

Could it be that you are tempting me? You think that I'm not the type to forcefully lay my hand on my little sister?

"Shut up! That's because you always answer in a misleading method!

Hurry up and answer me properly!"

"Okay okay…To tell the truth, I don't think there is room for misunderstanding here. Because in this place, there is only one thing that

'can make Kirino happily spend time'."

I pointed at the pile of bags on the floor.

"…Ah…."

My slow little sister seemed to have realized that too. What I wanted to do together with my little sister here ——-

Of course that is 'it'.

"Of course it's playing our recently bought eroge."

"…I see."

Kirino nodded. I let out a sigh of relief.

"You are the type that wants to play newly bought games as soon as possible. Even a few minutes, few seconds earlier is okay."

The night before you came to America, you asked me to come to this shopping district in the middle of the night.

"…Right, ah ~ …even if you don't ask, I did plan to play this 'Christmas holy night'."

What kind of method to spend Christmas is that?

"Ehehehe….playing games from the morning, then celebrating Christmas together! Isn't that a perfect tactic plan?"

"Didn't you tell me that to buy eroge at Christmas is a failure for a girl?

Don't say that to me again."

You no longer have any right to say that.

"Ha? What stupid things are you talking about? To spend a perfect 2D

Christmas is the same as a perfect real life Christmas."

"…I don't really think so."

Did I hear something similar long ago?

*Bang*

Kirino slammed on the bed.

"It's the same! As long as I'm happy, that's enough! No matter it's with you or with Seiya-tan ——"

Kirino suddenly stopped herself, her face reddened.

"Hey, your word are easy to cause a weird misunderstanding, you know?"

"I don't care!"

Now she is angry with herself

"Any, anyway…that's all! Got it!?"

"…Uhm. Allow me to make up for you since I made you give up on Christmas with Seiya-tan."

"…Then try…your best."

In some way, it's a showdown between me and the eroge.

Although literally speaking, this is a foolish battle, but for someone related like me (I said related and like, but it didn't have any special meaning!) 'To fight against the other's favorite' is an unavoidable topic.

A housewife and her husband.

An otaku boy and a school girl.

A special person and a normal one.

A little sister and her brother.

Everyone is the same. We have to carefully think about how to deal with

'the other's favorite'.

Because that is a part of them.

So — although I said a fight…Kukuku…how should I put it, I can't put it into words…in short eroge is actually on the same side with me.

Together with eroge, we are going to make the other happy.

"Alright! I brought a laptop with me, let's hurry and —"

"Wait a sec. Actually I also thought that way too!"

"Oh!"

What kind of development is that.

Kirino raised one hand and stopped me.

"I also brought my new bought notebook, let's install it in here."

She took a notebook out of her bag and showed it to me with a smile.

"Clang clang ~"

"………."

…It can't be true…It can't be real…

"Good, what are you spacing out for? Recently eroge is too big. If we want to play it quick we have to install it as fast as possible!"

"Right right…"

Once again, I feel that.

My little sister is someone who always surpasses my expectations.

About 30 minutes later — we are in the room, lights off.

On the table, there is the bustup of the main character in 'Christmas Holy night', named Christmas."

In front of her was a small Christmas cake.

The room was dark, the only light came from a romantic candle.

"…Wow wow…Christmas-chan ~ merry Christmas ~"

Kirino placed her hands on her cheeks, she looked at this bustup with a happy expression.

By Kirino's order, I bought that cake here. Standing to the side, I looked at my little sister…muttering.

"…Say, what religion is that?"

"Um? Did you say something?"

"I was asking what kind of weird scene is that."

"Ha? Don't you get it from looking?"

"I asked because I didn't get it!"

A darkened room lit up by candle fire. A cake in front of an eroge's laptop screen. Totally focus on that….

I think it's some kind of evil religion's ceremony.

"Oh wow…you really don't know…I'm so disappointed."

"Don't look at me with such pitiful eyes."

From a neutral point of view, you are the pitiful one here!

"This is something all eroge gamers know about. A ceremony to celebrate Christmas."

I know nothing about it.

Don't lie, okay?

Such tragic ways to pass Christmas, is this something that mankind could endure?

"Really?"

I asked her with a glimmer of hope.

"It's true. Otherwise, what is the purpose of that function in

'Christmas-chan and Christmas'?"

Christmas-chan's bustup can sing Christmas's song too. So that's the function you are talking about…

"Recently, most of the eroges have a similar function."

"Oh…Uhm."

I don't think I will need it. Doesn't that function only make the game heavier?

There is nothing real about it.

"Alright ~ then — let's sing."

"Ha?"

What did you just say?

Turning to the confused me, Kirino repeated herself:

"Let's sing."

……Her eyes are serious.

"Sing for me."

"…Sure sure."

And so, during Christmas's eve in a hotel, I sang with Kirino — together with the Christmas's song coming from the eroge.

This later became one of my unforgettable memories.

After that, we played the main route for a few hours.

"This is about time. Although it's not very good to stop when the route has just started developing."

"No, we are right to stop here."

Kirino turned off the game and stood up, straightening her back.

"Alright ~ I'm satisfied~ ~ I will save the rest until I get home!"

And so —

Next is to visit Skytree in the night!

We bought clothes at Harajuku, eroge at Akihabara, and played eroge at the hotel.

Together with my little sister.

After finishing those events, this year's Christmas has already surpassed last years, not to mention we only really entered Christmas after sunset —

what would happen next.

Although it's like I'm narrating the story….

"Clouds are everywhere! I mean….the sky is full of clouds!"

"Yeah…"

I hope you guys can understand my feelings, which right now I want nothing more than to escape this reality.

My current situation is —

At night, we came to Skytree's observation deck to have a look, but there were clouds everywhere.

Kirino was scared.

"What are we going to do? There is no way we can see the night at this rate!"

"Well well…just complain toward the heaven."

Although it's the heaven's fault, but clearly it couldn't calm my pissed off little sister.

"Kuh!"

Don't growl okay? Are you a beast or what?

"…Tch."

Together with the clearly pissed off Kirino, I started walking around in Skytree's observation deck.

The observation deck is a three floor, circle shaped building.

From the surrounding windows, we could clearly see all of Tokyo (although it's covered in clouds now) and some famous places, like souvenir shop, coffee shop or something. Based on what I heard…the price is very high…but this is a very nice place. First is Sumida.

"How should I put it. Here, it feels like I'm in a space ship."

"Ha? Wow, were you on a space ship before?"

"I was making an example."

From the look of it, her mood is still bad.

There were lots of couples that decided to spend a night here like us. The scene of men like me who are facing the same dilemma are everywhere.

"Hey hey, look Kirino, the girlfriend over here is laudably telling her apologizing boyfriend 'This can't be helped' in a gentle manner!"

Why don't you learn something from her? Thinking so, I pointed that couple to Kirino.

"That boyfriend is trying his best to apologize to his girlfriend — Look at yourself, you blamed everything on the heavens, what do you think about it?"

"Hey Kirino. Look what is that?"

I kept my attack. Kirino just blankly looked at me.

"Tch…really, so — what did you just say?"

"Look over here."

On a big screen, they are showing a scene of Skytree looking from here.

The movie is fast-forwarded a lot, because viewers can see both the scene in night and day.

"So cool. So I can see a scene like that."

"But it's all clouds now."

"Alright. Look, the fireworks are about to begin."

The fireworks began on the screen. Although I have seen many fireworks before, but this is the first time I saw fireworks from this angle.

The ball-shape of the firework can be seen clearly from here.

"….It's like Kirino's face."

"What are you saying?"

"Bwu, nothing. How about we go another round?"

"I want to visit the place they just showed on the TV, where they had a full-glass floor."

"Good. Then after that? How about visit the highest place and the lookout platform too?"

"But it's cloudy?"

…….

"Let's go have a look! We rarely get a chance like that!"

Bad luck keeps coming. To tell the truth, I expected my 'schedule' to take a look along the lookout platform!…Although my original object is done, but because it's cloudy my plan is now messed up.

"…Alright alright. I got it. Don't worry…I will be with you till the end."

"….Um."

After so many complaints and teasing, only now she showed a bit of tenderness.

…My little sister is really a cunning girl.

At least the situation will not get any worse —

Finally, just like my prayers has reached the heaven, when we are on the elevator leading to the lookout platform, a miracle happened in front of us.

" — It's snow."

" — White Christmas."

Kirino ran to the windows and clapped her hands.

"…Wow…"

We are not the only ones. Smiles appeared on the other's couple's face.

…When it was cloudy, I thought that I had a bad luck.

Haha, seemed like my luck is quite unpredictable.

I also smiled.

"…How is that. Beautiful, right?"

"It's not your credit anyway. You didn't say that you checked the weather forecast."

Kirino watched the outside scene without blinking. Her blank tone was unable to conceal her happiness.

"Haha, you are right. It's not my credit —"

Thank you, God.

The lights that don't lose to the clouds shine on the ground.

Down there — the pure white snow dance descends.

"………So beautiful."

"Really, in this case…it's good."

The more moved humans are, the less they speak.

Both of us stood there and looked at the street slowly getting dyed white by the snow.

Two of us.

Two siblings.

Around us, the other couples created private space for each of them.

I'm the same. I don't hear any sounds around us —

Alright.

" —Say, Kirino."

"Um? Yes?"

"About…what you are planning to do in the future."

I started talking about one of the main topics.

Both me and Kirino didn't look at each other. We kept looking at the street below.

"…Ah ah, you already heard?"

"Uhm…Yes, I have heard."

"From who? …Ayase?"

" — ah ah, you are right."

"….I see."

Our conversation stopped. I felt like an eternity has passed.

The truth is, our silence only lasted for about ten seconds.

"I…plan to go aboard again after graduation."

"……"

"I have made up my decision."

"……"

I didn't say anything and remained silent. We didn't look at each other.

Kirino didn't care. She made up her mind and said:

"I won't fall like last time. The last time, I have become aware of myself…I will frequently go home, I will keep contact with everyone…Saori will come to see me too."

"………"

" — Say something, will you?"

Kirino looked at me.

I slowly directed my eyes toward my little sister.

This time, our eyes met.

"About that…Kirino."

"……Yes?"

"I have someone I love."

And so, I said the decisive word.

Towards the most important person to me, I cut off my escape route in order to convey my feelings.

The issue of the person I love.

"……"

My little sister blankly listened to me. Maybe she was so shocked that she couldn't say anything.

"…Sorry."

I temporarily paused and directly looked into her eyes. Even until now, Kirino's expression didn't change.

A few seconds later…

A stream of tears fell down from her eyes.

"U….!"

She turned away and ran.

I blankly looked at her retreating back getting further and further.

Chapter 2

December.

At the apartment that I once lived, I faced Ayase.

On her head she was wearing the hairpin that Kirino had given her.

'Because this is a unique treasure — I only wear it on special occasions.'

She once told me that about the hairpin.

"Really… you make me not know how to deal with you."

She sighed, as if she was mocking me.

"Onii-san is a big liar."

Her voice became serious.

"Not only that, you are perverted, lewd, a siscon, lolicon, and a huge masochist."

Tears welled up in her eyes.

"Every time we met, you sexually harassed me, made me angry…"

Her voice was trembling and getting weaker and weaker.

"You are such a kind idiot; you like to butt your nose in other's business."

She wiped away her tears with her sleeve, her voice firm.

"Not only are you dense, unreasonable and kind, but you always troubled me —"

"But that is the Onii-san who I fell in love with."

She finally said it aloud.

You could say that I'm putting on a front, but listen. After hearing that confession — before hearing 'my answer', please remember the memories that I had accumulated with Ayase.

So turn back the clock, turn back the clock on our relationship and I will tell you the story of that time.

October.

I started living on my own and Ayase was tasked with 'managing me.'

Everyday she came to my home and acted like a housewife.

Heaven and Hell are unexpectedly close.

Although using that old saying as a start is a bit too much, I felt that was my recent daily life. Everyday, after I came back from school.

"Welcome back, Onii-san."

She wore an apron like an angel and welcomed me back.

Is there anyone who is happier than me now — of course not!

"I'm back, Ayase."

Next should be 'What kind of conversation is that! It's like we are newlyweds!'. Just when those thoughts emerged in my head.

"Um. Say — what is that?"

Just like a devil, she held a kitchen knife in one hand and an ero magazine in the other.

Is there anyone who is in worse condition than me now — of course not!

"………"

I froze at the entrance and broke into a cold sweat. I tried to break the current situation.

"… Ayase. Before we talk about the main topic — can you please drop the knife?"

"Why?"

Ayase's super cute face was too much, I wanted to take a picture of it —

but her eyes weren't laughing!

I, I should say that my instincts are screaming at me now ~ or should I say that we have to carefully think about our future.

"… Oh? Of course I can… however…"

Ayase coldly looked at me, said:

"In short, please come in first. Don't just stand here."

"… Thank you very much."

Actually, isn't this my house?

Ayase. Kirino. Kuroneko. Even Saori. Why did all of the girls I knew always do whatever they wanted here?

Phew… at least I didn't have to be worried about getting killed right now —

just when I thought so.

"… Hey Ayase. What is with that bugspray in your hand?"

"What do you think?"

"…Are there cockroaches in the house?"

"……… *Stare*"

"Don't stare at me!? What? Are you saying that I'm a harmful insect now!?"

"Oh! I'm surprised that Onii-san can be aware of that on your own, but please before I say anything, don't make assumptions and get angry."

"That's what you meant, isn't it!?"

Don't you think that's too much?

As expected from someone who broke Mikagami in just one day.

Replacing the knife with her new weapon, Ayase took a very cute pose,

*pzzzzz~ pzzzzz* and started a gas attack toward the air.

"That insecticide gas… is also poisonous to humans ~"

I thought it was just Ayase's way of beating around the bush for saying 'I want to kill you.' But there was no way I could do that same about the main topic, so I said:

"Okay, let's start talking about the main topic."

I spread out my hands and motioned for Ayase to sit down. We sat face to face, a pack of tied together ero magazines between us. Ayase spoke in a terrified tone and repeated her question from earlier.

"I will ask you again… What are those?"

"…… Ero magazines."

Directly to the point… It's not like I had a choice.

"Heh ~ uh, I see."

Ayase's eyes became dull.

Ah ~ my treasure… was going to be thrown away. I clearly hid it carefully, yet this girl could still manage to find out. What a scary girl.

"Onii-san… why are you looking at me with rebellious eyes? You, don't you think that it's very impolite to let a girl find out about those pervert magazines?"

"I clearly hid them properly. Don't you think it's strange for you to look for it and tell me about being impolite?"

"I'm was not looking for it! And — besides, it is not a good thing to have this at home!"

"I get it already, so please stop using the bugspray!"

My room stunk now.

"Any-any-any-anyway, that's it!"

*whap whap — bang!*

From the pile of tied up magazines, Ayase slammed a particular one on the table.

"Why is a magazine with my photo hidden in the same place with them?"

"… That's a very difficult question."

How should I say it.

"Is my swimsuit photo the same as those ero magazines?"

Yeah, your swimsuit is really ero.

However, since I swore that I wouldn't sexually harass her again, I couldn't say that to her.

So I said this instead:

"This is a misunderstanding, Ayase."

"… What part of it is a misunderstanding?"

"There is a photo of Kirino in a swimsuit in that magazine too."

"That is even worse! You pervert!"

*Bang* Both physical and mental violence burst open on my mind.

"You, you hit me with the bugspray? That is not what you use it for!"

"Don't try to change the subject! So, Onii-san did look at Kirino with pervert eyes…."

"That's why I told you it isn't like that!"

Until Ayase could accept this lie, how many times would I have to be a victim of her killer kick.

You guys can imagine the rest.

… In short, those were basically my memories with Ayase.

The life which was both Heaven and Hell continued.

On a Saturday, Ayase came to my house in the morning and started doing housework. Of course I told her many times that 'you don't have to do it at this level,' but the determined Ayase always replied with a smile:

" — Because this is Kirino's request. Besides, I can't — leave Onii-san alone."

From another point of view, she was an angel.

Although I wasn't boasting like a certain fanblog, it was only a matter of time before wings appeared on Ayase's back.

Ayase was wearing a cute and adorable bear apron.

Totally like a newlywed couple. What was that? She clearly went a little overboard.

Hey hey ~ Ayase, could it be that you liked me already ~ I could easily have a strange misunderstanding, you know ~.

I had to thank Kirino properly later.

"Onii-san, I'm going to use the washing machine now. I'm sorry for the noise."

"Ah ~ it's fine, don't worry."

Bathed in this happiness, I went to my table and started focusing on studying.

*Rugh rugh rugh rugh* I could hear the sound of the washing machine.

After about an hour of studying… I suddenly felt that someone was staring at the back of my neck.

"?"

I turned my head back and saw Ayase staring at me from the middle of the room.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, nothing at all."

"Ah."

I felt a little strange, but I turned back.

………………

……………… No, it bugged me very much!

I turned my head back again and found out that Ayase was staring at me with the same posture from earlier.

"… About."

"Oh! Yes!?"

"… Are you free?"

"……"

Ayase sat in the middle of the room, both of her hands slightly clenched and placed on her knees. Her eyes were looking this way.

… Seemed like I was right. Well, since she came so early, she finished everything that needed to be done early too.

"About that… please don't mind me and keep studying."

"I'm very concerned if you keep staring at me like that."

"So what do you want me to do, Onii-san?"

How should I know?!

"Are you making a fuss?"

"I'm not."

No matter whether it was your tone or your expression, you were clearly making a fuss.

"Uhm….it would be better if I can find something for you to kill time."

"For example? Like what?"

"… Books… and… stuff…?"

I glanced in a corner, where my tied-up treasures were laid waiting to be burned away.

"You, you want me to look at those ero magazine!"

"I haven't said anything yet!"

"This is sexual harassment! Pervert!"

"Why do you seem a little happy?"

"I'm not making such an expression!"

You clearly were! Damn… recently, this girl always interpreted my words as sexually harassment then got angry with me. In fact, I didn't mean it.

Could it be that she felt lonely because I stopped sexually harassing her?

— That couldn't be true, although her actions were so strange that I couldn't help but think about it in that weird way.

"Books are a no then… how about a game?"

"Onii-Onii-san…you are living alone to focus on your studies, why did you bring a game with you?"

"Ah, no, I didn't."

"Hoh ~ um… there is no way I could not confiscate it…"

She sounded like an overprotective mother! The current situation was really like that. Ayase's husband and children were going to have a hard time.

Ayase smiled, both of her hands started eagerly moving around.

"So… where is it hidden? I have checked everywhere in this room."

"Hey! What did you just say?"

"Oh! I'm the one who is charged with cleaning it, of course that is my duty right?"

"Don't tilt your head and make an I-know-nothing-about-it expression! Your actions have far surpassed a lover's level!"

"Love-love-lover….I only came to monitor you…Don't misunderstand!

Hmph!"

Aaaaaaaaaaaa! What a troublesome girl.

Right in front of my frowning face, Ayase energetically started looking for the game. What a pity, that game had already been installed on my laptop.

With that, everyone could pass their time.

And so, right now in this room, there was only one game —

'The Beginning of Imouto-wife ~ The Forbidden Life of the Two~'

There was only a single disk, so…?

… Not good.

The scene of Ayase happily searching for that game suddenly looked like a scene from Hell.

"… But, but… there is no problem."

I muttered to myself.

Why? Because after Kanako's devil-like rant, I had super-carefully hidden it away (of course I never played this game. Not once!).

Not only did I frequently change where I hid it (a drawer inside the kitchen, inside the shoe boxes and like), right now, it was hidden in a most secure place. Even Ayase shouldn't have been able to find it.

Why did I say so —

Let me surprise you. It was hidden in the corner of the room, inside the cabinet. And that cabinet was still covered with cloth. Ayase once looked inside and saw those ero figures, after that she didn't bother removing the cloth.

Ha ha… I won! That place was secure. My mind was really good.

"Hah oh! ~~ I see… So it was hidden in the cabinet?"

"How could you know?"

I was so surprised that I almost flew out. Ayase's dull eyes showed me a worried expression.

"Because… Onii-san kept looking that way, how could I not feel suspicious about that."

"Damn, damn it!"

I was so stupid. Ayase's action were clear without saying.

"So — game confiscated"

*Rustle* She took down the cloth. Because of the ero scene inside, Ayase blushed and took the sealed paper box.

"So this is it huh!"

"Wait… wait a second Ayase! Don't open it!"

"Why, why are you resisting so desperately?"

"Because, because that is —"

*Creek* I didn't have a chance to explain. Ayase had opened the box —

Little sister based eroge meet Ayase-sama.

"……………"

"……………"

That! Such horrible awkward silence! Not only Kanako, dad and now a third round?

Damn it! I want to kill God for this!

Even if you were going to expose me, don't expose me to such terrifying person!

"… T… T… This… this…."

However, the scene of Ayase embarrassed nearly to the point of crying…

made me a bit excited.

I didn't say it out loud. I only thought it, so it didn't count as sexual harassment, okay!

After mentally preparing myself to receive a killer flying kick, I focused to memorize the current erotic expression on Ayase's face. But the next development was unlike what I expected.

"… This…"

"Um? Yes?"

"… This… this…"

Ayase held the eroge, blushed and looked down. She said something that I couldn't hear.

She was so embarrassed that she couldn't voice it — that was what I thought. So I asked:

"Could it be… that you want to try this game?"

"How could I play that! Idiot!"

The atmosphere instantly disappeared.

"So, then what?"

"No… this game… Did Kirino gave it to Onii-san?"

"… Ah, yeah."

She didn't misunderstand.

"…… So Kirino… wants to do… this with Onii-san?"

"Hey hey! What messed up things are you saying?"

"Ah! I, I didn't mean it…! No, no she didn't want me. She actually wanted to come take care of Onii-san herself. That's what I felt when I saw this title!"

"———"

In an instant, my eyes widened.

----- It's fine if you don't come back, speak in a super refresh tone.

----- I will give you one chance to tell me to do anything.

"…… If that's true, then that's great."

I smiled from the bottom of my heart.

After she found out about the terrible eroge, Ayase cleaned up the room.

After that, whenever she was free, she began studying on her own.

Thinking back, she was going to graduate this year too… I was so sorry because she had to sacrifice her precious time to take care of me —

No, it was more accurate to say my heart was full of gratitude.

And the next day, Sunday afternoon —

"I'm back………… ah?"

When I returned home after visiting the convenience store for fruit juice, I saw an extraordinary scene.

Let me tell you about it.

Ayase had opened my wardrobe and tried to find my underwear.

"…… Ayase… what, are you doing?"

"Eek!"

Ayase subconsciously straightened her back. Seemed like she was too focused on that and didn't notice me until now.

"…… Onii-onii-Onii-san… Welcome back."

She turned and faced me, a pair of my underwear still in her hand.

I should say 'that line' now, shouldn't I?

"What welcome back!? I'm going to call the police!"

"W-wh-why-why-why… are you calling the police?"

"Look at the current situation!"

I pointed at Ayase.

"You are not an angel now! You are an underwear thief!"

"This is a misunderstanding!"

Still tightly holding my underwear in her hands, her posture wasn't the least bit convincing. I opened my mouth and spoke in a serious tone:

"I see… I finally get it. Recently… I only noticed it after I moved here — my underwear slowly disappeared without any explanation — so you are the culprit!"

"This is truly a misunderstanding!"

Those words couldn't explain the current situation. Ayase continued:

"Any-anyway… I'd rather kill you myself than steal such filthy things!"

"Your words don't make any sense!"

Did you mean 'I'd rather die than steal this thing'?

Why did it turn into me getting killed?!

"Anyway, please calm down first!"

"How could I calm down in this state?"

Come back home to find a beautiful girl searching through my underwear!

Of course I would feel confused.

"Before I call the police, I will ask you something. Ayase…what is your intention?"

"Really… Onii-san is so troublesome…"

Normally, I'm the one who said that.

Still tightly holding my underwear, Ayase said, as if she was angry at herself.

"I only want to wash Onii-san's underwear!"

"You don't have to wash underwear that is already inside the wardrobe!"

"Because!"

Ayase's eyes flared with anger, she placed my underwear in front of me.

"So why do you want to wash my underwear?"

"Oh… because…"

Because Ayase was mad, I was little taken back.

What? What did I just ask Ayase? Why was a beautiful girl mad at me because of 'washing underwear'? I totally don't get it.

"… You have to change underwear everyday when you take a bath, right?"

"I was asking 'why do you want to wash them?'"

Ah… I thought… I was slowly getting it.

"When I washed your clothes… I never found any underwear… so I think it's strange… thus today I searched your wardrobe!"

… I see… I thought that….

"I see….I can rest assured now. It's not for putting on the head, sniffing, or licking or something like that."

"Of course not! Don't imagine pervert things!"

In 'The Beginning of Imouto-Wife,' there were scenes like that.

What kind of pervert was I? The guys who made that game and Kirino who forcefully pushed it onto me were the real perverts.

"Because it's embarrassing to let a girl wash it for me… I washed it myself."

"There is no need for such unnecessary scruples. In the future, just leave them alone after bathing."

Such embarrassing lines, I couldn't believe that Ayase could bluntly say them aloud.

However, I wasn't scrupling. It was embarrassing. She didn't understand me at all. However the serious Ayase was quite terrifying too….

"I get it. Then I will throw then into the clothes basket after bathing."

I had no choice but to say that.

"Hoh, it's good that Onii-san understands."

Ayase looked satisfied, she straightened her chest. I looked at her hands and said:

"… Say, how long are you going to hold onto my underwear?"

"Ha!"

Pffff! Ayase's face turned deep red, she threw my underwear aside.

Just like some filthy thing! … Ah forget it.

I came home and set off a chain commotion, and finally it was about to stop…… Just when I thought so, Ayase crawled to me on all fours like a beast.

"So, Onii-san — please take them off."

"Ha!?"

Even with my high level criticize skill, at that moment that was all I could manage to say.

… What did this girl just say?

"Please take it off."

Ayase's eyes flashed, she repeated herself.

… No, no way… she is serious.

I could only dumbly stand in place. At my feet, Ayase was pulling my trousers down.

This was more unbelievable than just now! What was going on with this world?

"Why must I take them off?"

"Because I want to wash Onii-san's underwear right now — so please take them off."

"Wait what? I don't need to take a bath right now!"

"No, I came here because of Kirino's request!"

"Stop Ayase! Kirino surely didn't hope for you to do that!"

"Onii-san, what do you know about Kirino!"

The scene right now is 'I tried to convince the fearsome criminal Ayase.'

By the way, this girl…

"I thought that you wanted to strip me naked?"

"I-I don't! Just when I decide to do something, I can't remain calm until I do it properly!"

So she was very troubled unless she washed my underwear at least once, right?

Although I didn't fully understand, Ayase considered washing my underwear her mission. What a troublesome girl as usual.

"Alright… let me take them off properly!"

"Alright… hey… wait…! Don't take off my belt!"

Because Ayase pushed my feet, I fell backward.

On the other hand, like a beast, Ayase crawled up and began to pull my trousers —"

"How are you Kyousuke ~~~ I brought a gift to comfort you ~~~ Listen, this time, they taste really good — ah?"

At that time, Kanako appeared.

"………"

"……… No, no, it's not like that. Kanako… this is…"

"………"

Kanako's expression remained unchanged, she watched the situation and suddenly brought her cell phone to her ear.

"Kirino ~ Ayase is raping your brother ~"

"Stop!"

When Kanako said that was only a joke, I felt that Kanako was like a goddess from the bottom of my heart.

A few hours later —

"Really… I can't let my guard down around Kanako…"

"… I'm the one who can't let my guard down around you."

I was at my table and muttering in a tone that no one could hear.

"— Did you just say something?"

A terrifying voice boomed behind me. I hastily denied:

"Still, Ayase, there is no need to chase Kanako away. She did bring a gift for us."

Kanako brought her hand-made cake.

After explaining the misunderstanding to Kanako, Ayase said:

'It was decided that I'm the one who will take care of Onii-san, so what are you doing here!' (my own translation)

Basically, she meant it and chased Kanako away.

The poor Kanako could only leave the cake behind.

We shared this cake together. I had to properly thank her later —

And Manami too. Although Kanako didn't say it aloud, I knew that she took part in it… Thank you, you two.

"What is so bad with sharing it with her?"

"Ha…really, Onii-san is sweeter than cake[1]. To chase away every foreign thing that can interfere with your studies is my mission, which is one of the requests that Kirino made of me."

"I see. I myself think that I could relax and have a talk with Kanako."

"Hoh ~ uhm…Onii-san, do you want to have tea with Kanako?"

"Yeah, like that."

"………"

"? Is something wrong?"

She suddenly became quiet.

Suddenly, I felt that Ayase had just took a knife and pointed it at my back. I panickingly turned my head around.

She stared at me in a very bad way.

"Nothing… nothing at all."

"So…what is with your expression?"

Your gaze at me was like an arrow. But if I said that, she would consider it sexual harassment.

Ah ah, how troublesome. I had no choice but to keep silent.

"Say, how long are you going to take a break, Onii-san?"

"Oh! No no! I have always been studying right in front of you."

I wasn't slacking off!

"Based on my monitoring, you aren't focusing on study."

"Monitor? You just said monitor right?

"Yes. For example — you see, right now your hand has stopped moving."

"Ugh…."

She always stands behind me, so I was wondering what she was doing —

I never thought she did that…

"Since when did you become a mother-like character who monitors my studies?"

"Ah, that is a nice word. From now on, call me mother."

"Allow me to refuse. I have no such interest."

What would I do if someone saw me call Ayase mother!?

I would die.

"I see… If you wore glasses, you would look more like a supervising mother."

I didn't return to my studies and kept joking. But a voice that made me shudder sounded behind me.

"… Teaching stick… whip… where are they selling them…"

"I love study! Sir!"

She is not a supervising mother, but a demonic instructor instead.

Under the surveillance of this demonic instructor, I once again began to study.

To tell the truth, this time, my studies went much better than any previous session. Could it be that I was the type only able to grow up when being abused? It was really making me uneasy. If that was the case, then Kirino did choose the right person for this job —

I had been studying for two and a half hours, but my concentration was still good.

"U… uh…"

I straightened my back and then yawned "Hoh ~~"

With perfect timing, a cup of coffee came from behind me.

"Thanks for the hardwork, Onii-san. How about taking a break and drinking a cup of coffee?"

"Right right ~ Thank you ~"

I should have enjoyed her devoted services, but the only things on my mind at that time were:

'Carrot and stick.'[2]

Sorry Ayase. But your timing was too perfect so it felt creepy.

I turned to Ayase and said:

"… Say, are you always monitoring me from behind?"

"Of course? ~ Then I make coffee when the time is right."

If she answered it that way, I thought it was cute.

… So what was it? Was her action creepy or cute? I couldn't make a guess.

I drank a bit of coffee, a sweet aroma spread in my mouth.

"… It is good."

"Really? One piece of sugar, no milk…so that's it?"

"Ah ah… why do you know my favorite?"

"Oh hehe… it's a secret~?"

Although she was very cute when she was embarrassed, answer my question! It was so scary!

"Hoh… thanks for the drink."

I put the cup down. Ayase kept talking with me:

"Because today Onii-san tried really hard… tomorrow, I will make whatever you like to eat."

"Oh! Really?"

"Yes. And then, uhm…"

Ayase made a proposal:

"Onii-san, if possible… to change the mood, do you want to go shopping for food with me?"

"Of course I can!"

I reallyyyyyyyyy couldn't keep studying nonstop anymore.

"That's good to hear. Then tomorrow, okay."

"Okay."

Ah ~ now I was looking forward to it.

"Ha… I'd feel embarrassed if you are that happy. Ah, right. Today I have a present for Onii-san too."

"Oh oh? What is that? Today's services are really good!"

I said happily. Ayase replied with a gentle expression.

"This ~."

From the look of it, it was an A4 size paper with a round chart.

"What is that?"

"Onii-san's 24 hours schedule ~ what do you think, Onii-san?"

"I don't have to carefully look at it to see that there is no time to sleep in there!"

"Oh! According to Onii-san's learning skills, since when you have time to sleep?"

"I need! You look down on my learning skills too much! If I studied nonstop for a month I would die!"

"I'm only joking! Why are you acting so serious?"

"Because normally, I can't consider your words and action just now a joke!"

The stick following the carrot had arrived.

Ah ah… seemed like I couldn't slack off in my studies.

The next day, afternoon, I met up with Ayase in front of the bus station and went to the supermarket.

It was now October. The weather was clean but cold.

"It's so cold today, unlike Autumn."

I wore a thick scarf around my neck, my breath turned white.

"Isn't that a good thing to get rid of your sleepiness?"

Today Ayase wore — I think it's called tube top. She wore a strapless dress with a warm jacket outside. She looked like an adult.

By the way, I had to force myself to look away from her chest. So damned hard.

Although it might have already been too late, I still wanted to ask:

"You, why… eh… why are you wearing such bold clothes?"

What were you intending to do?

"I, I'm not. Because I had a photo shoot today, I came here without changing…"

I thought it was better to change. When I was about to say that.

"Ha!"

I forced myself to shut up. Long ago, there was a time when Kirino and I were in a similar situation.

'These are the clothes I wore when I took the photo shoot, then they just gave them to me ~ so I just kept wearing it. What do you think? Does it suit me~ ?'

At that time, I should have praised her.

However…

"Well, it's not bad, but…

"… Is something wrong?"

"Um… it's too bold. Isn't it a bit too early for a middle school girl?"

It's not like I didn't feel happy when seeing Ayase in those clothes. But I couldn't hide my worry.

"I will take this chance and speak my true feelings. The same for Kirino, swimsuits or those revealing clothes… I really hope that she will stop accepting them. Ah, although I think they're very cute… I don't think that your work is too careless, but, what I want to say is…"

What was I saying? Ayase would get mad.

But Ayase went 'puh' and laughed.

"Onii-san, you are saying the same thing as my father."

"Really?"

"Yes. You are worried about me — I'm very grateful."

"No, it's nothing… I just said something unnecessary, sorry."

"Hehee."

… Should I say it was awkward or embarrassing? Well, I should stop this topic.

We walked side by side and looked for other topics.

I looked at Ayase. In her hair, there was the hairpin Kirino gave her. The first time she wore it, I felt a little uneasy. Somehow, now I didn't feel that way anymore.

"You are wearing Kirino's hairpin again. It's more appropriate than before."

"Hehee ~ really ~?"

"Right, you seem more confident now. Say, is that because I'm now used to it?"

"It's not like that."

Ayase straightened her chest and said:

"I'm a model too. I will work hard on every aspect to become worthy of this hairpin."

"Hoh ~ … is that why? Is it the same for Kirino?"

"Onii-san, do you mean about this hairpin? You see, Kirino is naturally suited to it."

"… Hoh ~ uhm."

"By the way, Ayase. It has been a while since your last time wearing this hairpin."

"Ah ~ so Onii-san noticed too."

Because Ayase was too cute, I frequently paid attention to that, but of course I wouldn't say that out loud

"You can say so."

Ayase lightly touch her hairpin.

"Kirino gave me this hairpin…so it is very important to me. Because I only have one unique precious treasure like this — I only wear it on special occasions."

"? Aren't you wearing it now?"

Ayase placed one of her fingers on the corner of her month and said in a mischievous tone.

"I wonder why ~? What do you think, Onii-san?"

"Because, this is a special day?"

"Yes, you got it right. Then — what is it for a special day?"

"Uh ~ ….I don't know!"

Seeing my helpless situation, Ayase laughed happily.

"Really ~ such an idiot~"

"How could I know without you telling me?"

"No."

"What? What's wrong with telling me?"

"Hehe, no – means no. Ah, how about I give you a hint then?"

Ayase gently stroked her hairpin.

"Long ago, this hairpin — Kirino received this from 'somebody'. Because she treasured it very much, she couldn't wear it everyday. That's why she bought a lot of similar hairpins."

"Oh!"

"It was very hard to convince Kirino to give me even one."

"I see. But how is that a hint? I still don't understand."

"Oh, is that so? By the way, Onii-san."

"Yes?"

"You have such happy expression."

……………

"I do not."

Anyway.

No clear context. Simply random unrelated story —

A very long time ago, there was a time when the first year, middle schooler Kousaka Kyousuke once on a rare chance gave his little sister a present.

It was merely a 500 Yen hairpin.

So… there was no point thinking about it now.

We finally arrived at the station in front of the supermarket. Because the price was quite high, normally I never came here. Today, I only came here for Ayase. Hopefully I could have a decent dinner.

"So, let's hurry and start shopping."

Since Ayase was holding the basket, I naturally offered my hand.

"Let me carry it."

"Oh… ah, yes."

Ayase whispered and nodded once. What a wonderful girlish reaction.

Even I noticed my senses went over the top. I kept walking slowly and pretended to speak in a calm tone:

"So, what do you want to eat?"

"What do you want, Onii-san?"

"Anything is fine."

"Really… anything is the most difficult choice."

Manami said so too. By the way, in recent years, Manami had evolved to the point that she could use clairvoyance to predict what I wanted to eat and make it for me. Truly, I couldn't ask Ayase for the same thing.

"Hum ~ … what is good. Still, it's true that anything is fine. Because it's Ayase's handmade meal."

"E-even kind words are unnecessary."

"No, I'm telling the truth. Your cooking is amazing."

Compared to Kanako and Kirino and you would realize it soon.

Recently, I noticed that girls with motherly instincts like Manami or Kuroneko are ultra rare.

"How could you be that good? Do you frequency help out with housework?"

"Not exactly help, it's more accurate to say that I was taught at home.

When I was small, mother taught me to take care of cleaning and washing.

"Ha ~"

So strict. Although my father was scary too, he never asked us to do housework.

"Is it the same in the case of cooking?"

"No, that… because."

"… Could it be… you practice it because of me…?"

"Of course not."

With a blank expression, she denied.

"In the house work class, I was in the same group… so I prepared everything. Because I want Kirino to enjoy my delicious cooking."

"Ha, ha. So for Kirino huh."

Her feelings for Kirino had gone beyond friendship as usual. However, because of that Kirino became aware of Ayase's real cooking skill.

"Still, although I'm happy that Onii-san praised me, compared to onee-san, my cooking is not that good, right?"

"Well, it's true."

"… So blunt. Don't you think that it's better to be a little modest here?"

"In that kind of conversation, lying is not good."

"Hmph ~"

"Still, Ayase's cooking is really good. Today I'm looking forward to it."

"… Yes yes. Then allow this little girl to try her best."

Hm ~ she turned her head away. Ah… I made her angry.

Ayase glanced at me:

"If Onii-san isn't going to choose anything then I will make potato stew with beef."

"Huh? Is that your specialty?"

"No, it's Onii-san's favorite."

That is why I wanted to ask, why do you know everything about me?

"I heard about it from onee-chan. Didn't Kanako just make it for Onii-san?

Then I'm going to made potato stew with beef too."

I felt that her fighting spirit had awakened.

"So, let's choose some meat first ~"

Ayase raised her index finger, closed one of her eyes and showed me a very attractive smile. If it wasn't the current me, I would have fallen in love with her for sure.

"Alright."

When we arrived at the meat store, we were assaulted with pork's flavor.

Was that a tasting bar? The lady who was tending it called to us.

"The missus over here! How about it!? This beef is very cheap!"

"!"

! ~ Ayase's suddenly froze.

"No, thank you!"

Somehow, she looked shaken. She quickly walked away.

"Hey… what are you doing all of the sudden…"

"Nothing at all…"

She suddenly stopped, her cheeks reddened, she whispered:

"M-m-mi-missus…… Just now, did she mean me…?"

"Ha? Ah ah ah… I think she did."

"I, we… do we look like a newlywed couple!?"

Ayase suddenly stared at me and leaned over. Somehow, her atmosphere became so menacing.

"*Blew*, that, well, I think it's just a standard greeting. Like 'welcome' or

'please take care of me.'"

"I see. That's right."

"That's right. Because how could Ayase and I look like a newlywed couple?"

Look at our age, we were only a middle school girl and a high schooler.

"………… with, without thinking carefully it's truly like that."

"I know, right? Just now, you had a strange misunderstanding. You seemed shaken and confused, but don't worry. When we walk side by side, we just look like siblings."

Well, our appearance didn't really look like siblings.

"………"

"So? Are we going to keep shopping?"

"Of course!"

Somehow Ayase looked afraid, and began to walk faster.

…What is going on?

"Ah~ Kyousuke-kun."

After we paid for our stuff, I heard someone calling to me.

I turned my head around and saw an onee-chan who was holding a baby.

"Ack, isn't that Fate-san!?"

Since some might have already forgotten about her, let me reintroduce her

— she was Iori Fate Setsuna. The greedy editor who once tried to steal Kirino's novel.

The last time we met was during Summer Comiket —

I didn't even want to lecture her anymore.

"You have a child now!?"

"This is not my child!"

Fate-san hastily tried to deny. The baby she was holding broke into happy laughter.

"This child… Since I'm now working at a child center… alright? This is one of my junior's children… Although it's a bit cruel, a single mother is very busy. In fact… I'm in quite a lot of trouble."

"A lot huh."

"Yes, a lot. For example, I'm the one who created this group and commercialized it. I should have been hailed as a hero, yet somehow I was kicked aside! Like the advisor position, which was taken away from me. I managed to pay off all of my debt, but now I have no choice but to try all kind of work…"

"……… I don't want to hear anymore."

Everyone had their own troubles. If you wanted to rant about it, even a movie wouldn't be long enough. In this situation, even Kanako and Saori could tell. It's so much that no one could listen to them all.

This woman's drama, it was as good as a B-class.

"Say, Kyousuke-kun — are you hanging out with your girlfriend?"

"Eh"×2

Both me and Ayase let out a weird sound. I hastily waved my hand.

"No, no, it's not like that!"

"Huh, maybe. You don't really look like a couple."

That was right.

I started explaining things to Fate-san.

"This is Aragaki Ayase, Kirino's good friend — and my friend too."

"Pleased to meet you, I'm Aragaki Ayase."

"I'm Iori Fate Setsuna. Pleased to meet you, Aragaki-san."

"About that… have we met somewhere before?"

"No, I think it's our first meeting."

"I see… Sorry."

Ayase and Fate-san's introduction ended. Fate-san purposely clapped her hands and said:

"Oh right. Kyousuke-kun, Aragaki-san — it must be fate that brought us here together, can I ask you for a small help?"

"Eh! No ~"

"I haven't said anything yet!?"

Facing the unexpected reply, Fate-san was taken aback.

"O-Onii-san… that's unlike you…? At least hear her out…."

"No no. Her requests always cause a lot of trouble."

I didn't even need to hear it. I wanted to cut off all possible relationships with her.

"Besides, today I want to get home earlier so Ayase can cook for me. Then she could 'ah ~' and feed me. With such an important mission, please forgive me for not helping you."

"I'm not going to do that! Don't suddenly think of some evil desire!"

"Alright alright. Listen to your girlfriend, at least hear me out ~"

"I told you she is not my girlfriend —"

Ah… so annoying.

"Alright alright. I get it. I will listen, okay? Don't cause any more trouble here."

I had no choice but to say that.

"As expected of Kyousuke-kun! You really get it! Then please go to that bench over here."

Fate-san switched to her naïve-sounding tone (despite that she is in her twenties).

Her attitude gave me a bad feeling.

She pulled my sleeve… and I said:

"Since you asked us to move to somewhere else, that means it's going to take a while, right?"

"Of course not. My request can be said in one sentence."

"I'm going to play pachinko [3], please take care of this child while I'm away!"

"Take care of this child my ass!"

See, Ayase? This is a hikikomori for you.

That was why — on a bench, Ayase and I had no choice but to try to be nannies.

"… What the heck is with that hikikomori."

"… Sorry, Onii-san. Because I said 'at least listen to her'…I wasn't aware that she was such a hikikomori back then…"

"Since it's the first time you met her, it's already amazing that you could tell this much."

By the way, I was the one holding the child at the moment.

"It can't be helped then. If we weren't here, there is no way to know what this woman would do… I should say it could be worse."

Although I didn't believe that she would leave this child on the bench and play at pachinko, but even a one in million chance is worth worrying.

"But Onii-san has to study for the test…"

"Don't worry, she doesn't have much money. She will come back here in tears very soon."

She said she would repay me after she won, but that wasn't a very realistic future.

"……"

Because Ayase had a strong sense of responsibility, she was still blaming herself. Being too serious is quite troublesome too sometimes.

"Ayase, can you give me Fate-san's bag?"

"This one?"

"Yes yes."

I took the bag and checked the contents.

"Milk bottle, diapers, water bottle… used clothes… toilet paper… wet cloth… Alright, no problem — alright ~ good ~ good ~"

I adjusted the child strap [4] and made a funny face at him.

He gradually smiled with me. Such a good child.

"Good ~ good ~ good kid~"

"… Onii-san, you seem to be very skilled."

"I'm surprised myself. Seems like my body remembers. When Kirino was small — it was so long ago."

"Ah…."

Ayase looked like she had just remembered that I'm an elder brother with a little sister myself.

"I was about three or four years old back then, so I couldn't do something too difficult, but I remember changing her diaper or feeding her milk.

Mother must have asked me to do that."

"… Back then, what was Kirino like as a child?"

"A super moody child! She would cry if the diaper was not the same type she like. She chose her toy very seriously. And sometimes she cried in the middle of the night. Back then, each night was so noisy."

"Oh!"

"Father, mother and I, every day we tried our best to please her. To tell the truth, some people who don't have a child think that having one would bring a lot of happy memories, but actually they are only a minority."

"… Is, is that so?"

"Yes, it is."

Kids were only cute in your imagination.

Compared to reality, my little sister was someone who always abused me.

She was not cute at all.

While we were talking, the child expressed his displeasure.

"Alright alright ~ wait a sec."

I removed the tape and placed the child on the bench. After I prepared some toilet paper, I removed the diaper and cleaned him carefully.

"Of course, when Kirino got older, she is still the same."

"Please don't say this out loud!"

"Hahaha"

I smiled kindly. Then I said:

"Ayase, hold this child for me for a moment."

"Eh?"

Her eyes widened.

"Let, let, let me hold this child?"

"Yes, is that okay?"

Ayase looked at the cute moving little child, her cheeks reddened.

"No… it's not a problem… but… I have never held a child before."

"I will teach you. The most important thing is not to become nervous."

I helped Ayase put the child on his back and taught her how to hold him.

"Like, like that?"

"Yes yes. Good job… Alright, it's not going to be a problem. Can you please take care of him for a while? I will go buy a new diaper and come back immediately."

"Oh! P-please come back as soon as possible!"

"Of course."

I ran toward a convenience store and bought a new diaper. When I came back, Ayase looked very worried, she was trying her best to cheer the child up.

"How is that?"

"Ah, Onii-san — the child seemed to be about to cry…"

"Ah… since I just change the diaper… could it be that he is hungry."

"Then, then… what should we do?"

"Kuh…"

The bench that we sat on was next to a toilet, and there was a nursery next to it.

"Ayase, feed the child some milk."

"How could I do that, pervert!"

"You… you hit me with the water bottle? Do you want to kill me?"

"Because you tried to sexually harass me at this time!"

"I meant cow's milk! There is no way a middle school girl could breast feed a child!"

"Then why don't you say that from the beginning? Don't use such misleading words! Also, don't stare at my breasts!"

"I wasn't staring at your breasts! I stared at the child in front of your breasts!"

Although it is true that my eyes were drawn to your cleavage!

"Ha ~~~~~ really! Always always always —— Onii-san's existence is so perverted that it makes me misunderstand things!"

"I'm not like that! You are the one with such a perverted existence ~~!"

That ~ must ~ be ~ it! Because every time, you always think in a perverted way!

"That! This is too much…!"

The hungry child didn't care about our newlywed couple's quarrel — no, it was me and Ayase.

At this moment, the child made a scary action.

"Da~~~~~ (the child's innocent cry)"

*Tzzzz~~~~* (The child did something to Ayase's strapless dress)

*~~~~* (The sound of a very important part of Ayase exposed)

"Ah."

"Eh!"

Seeing my reaction, Ayase slowly looked down —

Time froze.

Then — one second later..

"Eh… eh, eek, eekkkkkkk"

"A-Ayase, let me… this is an accident!"

Although I panickingly tried to explain, a hot liquid fell from my nose.

This sealed my final chance.

"Yaaaaaa

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!"

*Thud!*

I can die without regret.

That was what I thought when my vision turned dark.

"— That was what happened between us."

"Ah… that was a unique kick that I had never seen before."

Luckily, I survived.

"Say, say, say! How could you talk about such an embarrassing old story!"

"Because you started talking about past experiences!"

Yes… after we talked about those experiences, we came back to reality.

At the apartment that I once lived alone, I faced Ayase —

I love you.

I — was confessed to by Ayase.

There were no tears in her eyes. Her feelings changed with each embarrassing memory she recalled.

"Really… a lot has happened."

"Yes… how nostalgic. It really is just a quick life."

I looked up at the apartment.

For two months, I had lived in room 201. In that small room, I spent a lot of time with Ayase. I did want to return home before, but when I moved back, I found out that I had some lingering feelings toward this place. That was normal, because there, I spent time together with Ayase —

That time must have given Ayase the desire to confess to me.

"Onii-san… your answer."

"A-A—Ayase."

"Yes."

"Sorry. I already have someone I love."

My answer had already been decided. She must have been aware of that already.

"…Idiot…"

Tears unceasingly fell from Ayase's eyes.

"Idiot!"

A heavy slap.

"Onii-san is an idiot! *Thud! Thud!*

Ayase hit my chest.

"Idiot idiot idiot!"

She kept pounding on my chest, like she wanted to convey her feelings to my heart.

"Why is it not me! You said you wanted to marry me! You sexually harassed me so many times!"

"Ayase… listen to me. I…"

"Don't joke around, we did perverted things together!"

"Wait a second, we never did anything perverted!"

In this solemn scene, I couldn't help but criticize her! I criticized her without caring for my life!

But, but that couldn't be helped, right? There is no way I could let that slide.

"We did! We clearly did! Don't pretend to be dumb!"

"No we didn't! Definitely not!"

Although I sounded like some terrible guy, I didn't do anything!

Right now, I don't have time to explain! But please believe me!

"I can't believe it… we clearly did…! Did you forget everything already…?"

With anger and tears in her eyes, Ayase's eyes shot at me.

"Back, back then — didn't, didn't didn't didn't didn't you see my breasts!?"

"That is the perverted thing you are talking about?"

The memories that we talked about just now! How confusing!

"That was an accident! The prank of a naughty child!"

"Is that perverted act is fine just because it was an accident!? Please take responsibility!"

"Can you please stop describing 'seeing your breasts' as something perverted!? What would you do if someone nearby overheard!?"

My reputation around here was already bad enough.

I don't need another 'very perverted incident' right now!

"Shut up shut up shut up! If you don't go out with me I will kill you!"

"A-Ayase!"

I raised my voice to interrupt her.

I lowered my voice after that, and spoke in the most serious tone I could muster to convey my feelings.

"— No, I can't go out with you. I have already decided."

I'm very happy. Very honored. But my answer won't change.

"… Eh"

Hearing my answer, Ayase was still angry, she snorted 'hmph.'

"I see. To answer like that at this moment, as expected of Onii-san."

She already knew my answer, but she still let out her anger and conveyed her true feelings to me.

"You're so cunning, you lying Onii-san. You only speak your true feelings at this time."

"Ayase…"

"…From the moment I met you, I had taken an interest in you."

"……"

"Before that, it seemed like I was mistaken. My favorite Kirino's Onii-san seemed very kind… if I married him, Kirino could be my sister… I once had that embarrassing fantasy."

Her cheeks slowly reddened with each memory.

"My fantasy slowly got stronger and stronger… Then Onii-san shattered it many times…Then each time I built a new dream on that new foundation."

Thinking back… after we met each other, a lot had happened.

We didn't have much contact, but my memories with Ayase were carved into my heart.

"Before I knew it, I had fallen in love with you."

Ayase forced herself a smile.

"………"

"………"

We paused and looked into each other's eyes

"Onii-san."

"Ah… yes?"

"Can you take responsibility for disturbing my heart?"

Because I couldn't go out with her to take responsibility, in that instant, I didn't understand what she meant.

"Really… Onii-san is so dense. Every time we part, isn't there something we always do?"

"A…ah."

'Pervert! Die!!!!!'

"Haha, you're right."

"Yes. That's right."

Even without saying, you guys should understand what was going on. I felt both a sense of melancholy and nostalgia.

I straightened my chest and prepared myself.

"Good! Come at me!"

She was going to send my flying again — although I didn't think it would quell her anger —

If this was the past, then tomorrow, we would return back to the way we used to be.

… I felt a little lonely.

"Here I come."

Hey… Ayase… you're taking a running start…?

Ayase quickly stormed toward me…

"———"

I closed my eyes and prepared to deal with the violent impact. But in the next moment, I didn't feel pain.

*Kiss*

I feel the touch of gentle lips.

"……!"

I opened my eyes and touched my cheek.

I felt like time had stopped. It was only a few seconds, but I felt like it was an hour.

Finally, Ayase slowly moved her lips away.

Her face red, tears still in her eyes. We looked at other from a close distance.

After giving me a violent good bye, she smiled and said:

"See you later, Onii-san. I hate you the most."

Chapter 3

On a December night, I ran in the streets.

Above me, dark clouds gathered, as if signaling incoming snow. The Christmas lights shone on me.

"Ha… ha… ha…"

The white breath once again blew past my cheeks. My lips were dry. My chest was pounding like there was no tomorrow. My limbs tried to draw as much strength as they could.

I was in very high spirits, so high that I wanted to cry out.

The reason why —

Because I was on my way to convey my true feelings to someone I cherished.

"… Kuroneko."

I whispered her name.

Kuroneko.

A girl to whom my little sister gave the embarrassing nick name 'the evil eye denpa girl.'

She always mimicked the words from her favorite anime. She always wore her gothic lolita clothes. She had pure white skin that made people wonder if she was sick. There was a mole below her left eye.

A soft beauty with red mystic eyes.

The first time we met —

"… Handle name, Kuroneko."

What a weird person — I thought so.

At best, she was only one of my little sister's friends. She had a hobby that I didn't understand and she wore strange clothes.

"…… This is for you."

"…… What? You don't want it? Or do you fail to understand human language?"

She was very dishonest.

"… E-evil eyes… denpa girl……? Ku, kukukuku… you finally said something that must not be said…"

Then, she became the first otaku friend of my little sister.

Because she was afraid of strangers, at the beginning she didn't speak with me.

"… Ho… I can't believe that you could manage to come here… It's worthy of praise."

When I was alone with her, I usually didn't understand what she was saying, so the atmosphere was quite awkward.

Then —

"Good morning, senpai."

Somehow, she became my junior.

"Please go out with me."

She became my girlfriend.

We had a lot of fun together, although we broke up in the end.

But even now, I still like Kuroneko.

I like her in a romantic way.

Here —

To end my story with Kuroneko, allow me to tell you a little about the past.

This was what happened with everyone —

The burning love between us like a small firework.

It was during Summer, when I just 'had a girlfriend.'

August. I started going out with Kuroneko. Our relationship was developing smoothly.

Thinking back, after our happy and embarrassing first date, I met Kuroneko almost every day. It was one of those days.

It was after I met Kuroneko's little sisters — Hinata-chan and Tamaki-chan, so it was around the last part of summer break.

That day, before noon, I went to Kuroneko's house to meet up with her.

I leisurely rested in the tatami mat covered tea room. By the way, after Kuroneko started going out with me — she returned to her usual gothic lolita clothes — in short, she dropped her 'Shironeko' mode.

"… Say — you really come here everyday."

"Didn't I tell you that I wanted to meet you everyday?"

"In that case… you can."

That is why every day, I rushed to my girlfriend's home like the wind.

Sometimes, when Kuroneko had to go to work, I usually saw her at the gate before she left.

"Could it be that I caused you trouble?"

I asked with a hint of uneasiness. Kuroneko didn't hesitate for a second, she shook her head

"I see. Then that's good."

"No, I'm not talking about that. What I'm worried about… is…"

"Yes? What?"

"… Seeing me everyday… will you quickly grow tired of me…?"

Kuroneko looked down and whispered, her words held no confidence.

"Ha?"

There was only one answer.

"What nonsense are you talking about? That's impossible."

"But, but… me and you… we don't have much in common to talk about…"

Kuroneko's voice sounded like she was about to cry. After I started going out with her, Kuroneko's weak side began to show. She was so cute that not only did I want to protect her and kiss ~ her, but my impulse to hug her had increased… so I was truly angry now.

Now is the time to borrow my little sister's line.

"Are you an idiot? We are going to create common topics to talk about now."

I gently pat the back of Kuroneko's head.

"Look, you even have that… what is that — black notebook called?"

"You mean… 'Destiny Record'?"

"Yes yes yes."

Because it's quite troublesome, I will only say it once. This 'Destiny Record'

was a black notebook that Kuroneko constantly wrote in, because she treated it like a prophecy book.

The content mostly included 'what Kuroneko wants to do together with me,'

'Kuroneko's ideal future' and 'Kuroneko's drawings about the future' —

things like that.

We followed this prophecy book and did a lot of ceremonies together.

—— Go on a date with senpai.

—— Let senpai know more about me.

—— Invite senpai to my home.

It was like that. Afterward — each time we finished a ceremony, our relationship grew deeper. So recently I was kind of looking forward to it.

"Kuroneko-sama, what's your next ceremony?"

I half teased her. Kuroneko smirked:

"… Ho… Kukuku… Black Beast…how well-intentioned you are looking forward to the next ceremony."

Give my girlfriend a bit of colour and she would open a painting shop.

She always called me a Black Beast? And… stuff…

So she had a strange servant, not a boyfriend. But in the end, servant and boyfriend were the same.

Just like a certain little sister who treated her aniki like her servant.

In front of me, Kuroneko spaced out for a while and said:

"… Okay. Then… when I checked the black prophecy, we hadn't done the

'master-servant contract'… Although it's of a lower ranking compared to the 'partnership contract', it's now suitable for you…"

While saying incomprehensible things, my girlfriend stretched her pantyhose-covered legs forward without clear purpose.

Oh? What? What do you mean?

"Come… lick them"

My girlfriend's head is broken!

You dare to do that without blushing?

"Who would want to lick them?"

"What… you disobey my order…?"

"Of course I will. I haven't been able to kiss my cute girlfriend yet, so why should I lick your feet instead?"

It sounded like a girl's line, but those were also my true feelings.

"Can, can you stop making it sound like my feet are dirty or something?"

Kuroneko pouted and tilted her head, saying:

"… How about you start licking at my toes?"

"Bwu… that's not what I'm trying to say!"

You want your boyfriend to lick your feet?

My girlfriend is a big pervert.

… Kuh, no choice then.

To convince Kuroneko and break the current atmosphere, I had no choice but to take a step back.

"Can I start licking from your thighs?"

"What!"

Kuroneko quickly pulled her skirt down, covering her thighs.

"This, this is definitely impossible… What, what what what a shameless male!"

"You are the shameless female here! I don't know what a loyal contract ceremony is, but I hope this is a lighter kind of play!"

"Don't, don't call it play —!"

Trembling trembling! Kuroneko's whole body was trembling.

"Hey hey! What —"

I took a closer look and found a black cat was licking my girlfriend's toes.

Gokou's family had a cat right… his name was 'Night'… wasn't it?

"Wait… please… stop."

The cat was bravely licking his master's feet. Hearing this order, he stopped and ran to me.

"Meow meow ~"

That meow sounded like… I just demonstrated for you. That's all this senpai can help you.

"Ha… what an annoying brat."

Kuroneko gently caressed her number one servant's head. From the depths of his throat, I could hear a satisfied purr.

… I was a little jealous of him. But please keep this a secret for me.

"— Okay, let's continue this ceremony."

From her room, Kuroneko brought the black notebook — 'Destiny Record.'

She flipped over some pages —

"This, this…"

Looking very embarrassed, she showed me what she wanted me to see.

Just a few seconds ago, she was so bold, but now she was so embarrassed. Since I started going out with her, I hadn't seen all of her cute sides.

I screamed in my head 'Kuronekoooooooooooooooo——!' while looking at the ceremony this time.

—— Go to the swimming pool with senpai.

"… Well, it is the summer after all."

I was a little disappointed… it wasn't something big, just a normal date.

"Good, let's go. Since we live pretty close, how about we go today?"

"…… A-are you perhaps dissatisfied?"

"Not at all, let's go. All right, um, if the nearby community pool is okay, let's go today?"

"You want to act immediately without thinking… but that's okay."

"Say, do you have a swimsuit?"

"Hoh…"

The smile Kuroneko was showing hinted that this was the right question.

That was it! That was the same expression she had when she let me meet

'Holy Angel Kamineko.'

"Kukuku… senpai, open your eyes wide and look. I have specially made a black magical robe 'Elven's clothes' for this ceremony —"

My girlfriend clumsily took something from behind her back. How should I put it — it should be called a 'gothic lolita cat-style bikini.' The main colour was black, with a white edge and cat ears, together with a tail.

"…Hoh… how is that? Is this good?"

"Is your head okay?"

"You… what did you say?"

"What are you saying! What kind of swimsuit is that! If I take my girlfriend to the swimming pool in this swimsuit, they will consider me a super pervert boyfriend!"

I couldn't stop myself from shouting.

"How, how could this be… It was so hard to make it…"

Kuh ~ Kuroneko's eyes started to get teary. My anger immediately disappeared, replaced with an awkward atmosphere.

"No no, well, you are very shy. Do you dare to wear this cosplay AV-like swimsuit outside?"

"Oh…? Ah…"

Kuroneko immediately flushed, making me blush too.

"You… what did you just say about my 'Elven's clothes'…"

Ah ~ I see. She didn't even think about 'what should I do after I wear this.'

My eyes suddenly flared with excitement.

"Even if you're fine with it, I'm not. Allow your boyfriend to strongly object to it. Such a revealing swimsuit, I can't allow other bastards to benefit from it."

"… Sen-senpai…"

Don't look at me with those eyes! I felt embarrassed when saying that too!

"That's right… just like you said… I didn't think about it carefully… sorry."

"It's fine… it's good that you get it."

I scratched the back of my head while Kuroneko smiled:

"So serious. Your little sister's revealing swimsuit photos are published in magazines, how about saying that to her?"

"Shut up. I don't accept that either. Even if I told her, she wouldn't listen anyway."

"… I don't think it would be like you think."

"Ha?"

"If you seriously asked her 'I don't want anyone else to see my little sister's body, can you please stop accepting jobs that are related to swimsuits?' I think she will listen."

"Really? Her will is not so easily affected."

"That's right. She is a strong willed girl. But I think she will accept your request."

"What is with your sudden confidence?"

"Hehee, who knows?"

And so, Kuroneko ended this topic.

"So… what now? About today's ceremony."

"I see… let's go buy a swimsuit, okay?"

"That's… not a bad choice."

"I know, right?"

This was a chance to give her a present too. Between a couple, it was a date no matter what we did.

"Still before that… um…"

"? Yes? Don't hesitate, just tell me what's on your mind."

"I want to see that swimsuit."

I hope you can understand.

"Eh!… eh!?"

"Although I won't allow you to wear it to the swimming pool, I want to see this swimsuit."

"Where, where do you want?"

"Right here."

A request made from the bottom of a boyfriend's heart to his girlfriend.

"……"

My sweetheart suddenly became silent, she blushed and looked at the

'Elven's clothes'.

I repeated myself.

"Change into it, right here."

"You don't have to repeat it. I heard you already."

Kuroneko made a >_< expression and tightly clenched onto her swimsuit.

"… You want me… to wear this… at home?"

"Isn't it a big waste if you don't wear it at least once?"

"… Although you are right."

"So what are you hesitating for? Didn't you make it to wear and show me?"

"You, you, so you are such a forceful man?"

"That depends on the situation."

For example, when I solved my little sister's life counseling.

Or when I lied to Ayase.

Still staring at the bikini, Kuroneko finally said 'ha,' like she just gave up.

"… I got it. Please wait here for a while."

Good! I made a guts pose in my mind.

After a few minutes of waiting… I suddenly realized that I was sitting on the middle of the tatami mat. I didn't intend to, but due to the tension and my expectation, I unconsciously moved to this position.

My heart was racing, my heart was racing…… Kuroneko ~~

Just now, my face was definitely disgusting.

Master and servant! So disgusting! Wow ~~~~~ even I noticed it myself.

You guys understand, right? That longing feeling when you waited for your girlfriend to change at the beach or the swimming pool.

To tell the truth, there was no need to go to the swimming pool anymore. I was already very happy.

I moved my knees around in anticipation. *Crank*…… I heard the small sound of the door opening.

Ah? Is she here?

"… Sorry to keep you waiting…"

I looked at the flushed Kuroneko gingerly coming this way.

"… Oh… Ah…!"

I was so shocked that my eyes almost popped out of their sockets. No, it couldn't be…but…

I said swimsuit, but right now Kuroneko (with her cat ears) was wrapping herself in a white towel.

"This, this this… what is that? That towel…?"

"No, it's not like what you think… this… ah… when I wear it… it's really embarrassing."

"Oh? Are you wearing the swimsuit underneath?"

"Of, of course I am!"

"You look way more ero when you wrap yourself in a towel!"

To be able to give me such a strange imagination!

Damn, so I was wrong.

"Re-really… what a shameless man."

"It's not important whether I have any shame or not. Hurry up and drop that towel."

Today, I was a very honest man.

Facing my purely desirous request, Kuroneko hugged herself like she wanted to cover her body.

"… Don't want to."

"Eh!"

We had come this far! I really wanted to see this swimsuit…

"You, your I-am-about-to-cry expression… I don't know what to do either."

Did I make such an expression?

Kuroneko nodded.

"I can understand your expectation. But… this humiliation… my soul can't stand it."

And then — Kuroneko's words became more and more denpa.

Or, how should I put it… she wanted me to talk with her in the same way?

If that was the case, then unless I made a new image to cooperate, it wasn't possible

I stood up and acted like an actor.

"So… what should I do?"

"… You asked 'what should I do?' This is something that can be understood without saying… 'Black Beast'… if you want me to become yours… then try your best to remove this 'darkness robe'… kukuku… if you can, that is…"

"I see… in that case, I won't hold back —"

I walked toward Kuroneko.

"— Here I come!"

"!"

I raised one of my hands and caught the 'darkness robe.' However, when I applied strength, I met unexpectedly strong resistance.

Kuroneko said in an anxious tone:

"… This, this can't be… to have such strength…"

"Kukuku… yield in front of my might!"

Then let me see your swimsuit!

Kuh! I increased my strength to pull the 'darkness robe' down.

"Ah, ah…"

Right in front of my eyes was Kuroneko's pure white skin in her gothic lolita bikini.

I was almost blind! I knew what would happen if I took that towel down…

but the stimulus was too strong.

Kuroneko started crying. Because of the humiliation, her noble body trembled.

"Ku… oh… such humiliation… even in my eternal life… I have never felt this way…"

Me too. I had never seen so much of Kuroneko's body.

To tell the truth, the act of forcibly stripping her clothes was too real, which made my heart race.

I swallowed and muttered:

"Have you prepared yourself… you are mine."

"— Eh."

Kuroneko's eyes widened, she looked down and muttered in a depressed tone.

"That, that's right. That's right… I… my whole body has been dirtied by you…"

In fact, after our first date, we hadn't even held hands a second time.

Kuroneko raised her head and stared at me with her teary eyes.

"Alright… from now on, I'll be your servant…"

"— Say ~ how long are you going to keep acting that way~?"

"Wah!" * 2

Who was that? Did you want to kill me? We looked at the one sneaking up on us.

Since I didn't know when, there was someone outside of the door.

Still licking her ice cream and watching our little drama, that was Kuroneko's little sister, Hinata-chan. Next to her was Tamaki-chan.

"You, you, you, you, you, you, you, you, you, you, you, you, you, you……"

"Since… since when… did you see?"

"Since onee-san came here in a towel~ "

Tamaki-chan answered.

Hey! Didn't that mean you saw everything from the beginning!

Next, Hinata-chan continued the assault:

"Hey, tell me the truth, what kind of drama are you playing?"

Kuh… how should I answer this.

While I was worried, Kuroneko answered in a denpa style:

"A little meat slave play."[5]

"No matter what, your answer is too much!"

Was that something you could tell an elementary school girl!?

"………… Disgusting."

Look, Hinata-chan still didn't get it.

"? Um ~ …onii-chan, what is a meat slave?"

"Don't ask me!"

Someone help me please! This is… well, I reap what I sow.

Ahah… my girlfriend's chuunibyou was so incredible.

How should I stop this topic… When I was thinking that, Tamaki-chan looked at her onee-san's swimsuit and said:

"Onee-sama, this swimsuit is so cool!"

"A-ara….really?"

Kuroneko seemed a little shy. She rarely smiled with anyone aside from Tamaki-chan. What a nice scene.

"Are you going to the beach? I want to go too!"

"You want to… go to the beach?"

"Yes!"

Tamaki-chan raised a fist in high spirits.

On the other hand, Kuroneko whispered 'I see…' and made a troubled expression.

"The beach… is very dangerous… what should I do…"

Kuroneko was someone who doted on her little sisters so much, so that reply was quite unexpected.

No matter if it's the beach or the swimming pool, if you want to go, then just go.

I was slightly puzzled, thus I asked Hinata.

"Because Ruri-nee can't swim… so she must lack confidence that she could take care of Tamaki-chan properly there."

"I see."

So that's why. I understand it now. Because she couldn't swim, she was unable to bring her little sister to swim. Not only would she feel insecure, she was worried that her little sister would see one of her weak sides…

and that's why she was troubled when her little sister said she wanted to go.

"Alright ~ just leave it to me."

"Sen-senpai? Are you saying…"

"Alright alright."

I met Tamaki-chan's eyes and said in a calm voice.

"Tamaki-chan, do you have your swimsuit?"

"Yes~"

"I see."

Probably a school swimsuit though.

"Hinata-chan, do you have a swimsuit too?"

"Huh? Yes I do… why do you ask?"

"Then let's go on a date!"

I grinned. Hinata's eyes widened in shock.

"Aha ~ … Finally, Kousaka-kun has noticed my beauty ~~ Sorry Ruri-nee.

Seems like Kousaka-kun likes me more IT HURTS!"

Hinata's ears were pulled by Kuroneko, she screamed in pain.

"Don't get full of yourself. So, senpai? What are you trying to say?"

"Simply put, let's go to the swimming pool together with everyone!"

"Swimming pool?"

"Swimming ~?"

Both Hinata-chan and Tamaki-chan asked me.

"Right. Although it was kind of embarrassing not going to the beach. We normal citizens can only go to the swimming pool."

Then I whispered to Kuroneko in secret.

"… Before we go with Tamaki-chan… say, tomorrow, let's go buy a swimsuit and have a special training session!"

"Eh!"

"Let me teach you how to swim."

"Ah…"

"Let's show your little sister your cool side."

"… Yeah."

Kuroneko nodded. Just finished with her ice cream, Hinata interrupted:

"Say ~ what are you two whispering about ~?"

"Hm hm… since we are lovers, we live to talk in secret."

"Ho ~ you dare to say something like that."

"So — right now, all of you go change into your swimsuits."

"Oh! Why?"

Hinata-chan voiced the question that both Tamaki-chan and I were thinking.

Kuroneko replied in a good mood.

"It's a rare chance for me to wear these 'Elven's clothes,' it would be a waste not to play in the water… let's bring out the plastic pool and play together."

Tamaki-chan was very happy. Looking at her satisfied little sister, Kuroneko turned to me.

"I will ask you to inflate it — senpai."

"Don't worry!"

The next day. Following our decision from the day before, I went shopping for a swimsuit together with Kuroneko.

Since this was the first time choosing a swimsuit for my girlfriend, I was nervous.

The night before, I rechecked all of Kirino's old magazines. I planned to do some research with them — but unfortunately, those magazines weren't suitable. All of their swimsuits looked slutty. The best that I could find was a blue and black swimsuit that Ayase wore on the cover. But that was a bikini too. Although that was what I thought, when I arrived at the shop…

"… You said there wouldn't be any bikinis, yet here you are in the bikini section."

Ah, my girlfriend was mad at me.

"Sorry sorry. I did say that we were here to buy a one-piece swimsuit."

"… As I said yesterday, I will leave everything to senpai."

"Really? Don't you have a favorite or something too?"

"… Ha, looks like you still don't get it. Hoh, that's why I said humans are…"

Kuroneko stopped and shrugged. She looked like she was acting, making me recall the first time we met. That was her most charming side.

And then —

"… Because it is a swimsuit I want to show to you, I will let you choose…

please don't force me to say it out loud."

She said with the same expression she recently started showing only to me.

"Alright, a suitable swimsuit for you… well, my fashion sense is not very good."

I felt embarrassed. To hide my feelings, I nearly ran toward the one-piece swimsuit section.

And then I helped her choose a swimsuit.

"How about this one?"

"Which one?"

"That one."

"… Unless I'm under a spell, there are only school swimsuits on this side."

"No no, I think that it will suit you."

I'm telling the truth, it suits you very much. Was there any swimsuit that suited Kuroneko more than that in the world?

"Sen ~ pai ~? … Unless you want me to curse you, choose properly."

Ah ah… she was angry now.

"Right right, sorry."

"Really… I already have a school swimsuit. What's the meaning of buying another one?"

"Sorry, I will choose properly. How about… this one?"

My next target was a pink one-piece swimsuit with a skirt-like edge.

"How about it? Although it looked quite childish —"

Eh? Suddenly, I noticed that Kuroneko was staring at the swimsuit I chose without blinking.

"… Wh-what a good swimsuit… Not bad, senpai."

Really? You really think so? I didn't expect that… well, it's not like I could say that out loud.

From the skirt-like edge it looked quite similar to the clothes she usually wore.

"Then… let's pick it?"

"Yes. That's good enough."

So simple.

By the way, Kuroneko paid for this swimsuit. What a girlfriend, she didn't give me a chance to pay.

In that aspect, she was so serious.

After buying a swimsuit, we went right to the swimming pool.

Before we went there with Hinata-chan and Tamaki-chan, I needed to teach Kuroneko how to swim.

We separated at the changing rooms. I changed into the swimming trunks she had picked out for me and came back outside.

"Ack… so hot!"

A sunny day, perfect to go swimming. I did some preparation exercise near the pool, carefully getting my body ready.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

My girlfriend arrived in the swimsuit I had picked out for her.

"… Alright."

Compared to the gothic loli bikini, it was less revealing, but my heart still raced.

It was racing even harder than yesterday. Maybe because this was a swimsuit that I had picked for her.

"Yeah… this is not bad."

"Really? … I'm happy."

Kuroneko shyly answered in a small voice, making me unable to help but pat her head.

Perhaps I hadn't been aware of that, or maybe I thought I was totally different.

… The truth was, I liked girls who were younger than me.

"Alright — then, first, before we start the swimming training session, let's do some exercise."

"Okay, got it, senpai."

"Not that. Say 'Yes, teacher.'"

I raised one of my fingers and said. She stayed silent for a while, then laughed:

"Yes, teacher — please take care of me."

"… Alright."

Ten minutes later — I made a new discovery about my girlfriend.

Right now, we were standing face to face in the swimming pool, the water only reached our chests.

"Kuroneko… you."

"… Yes?"

"Are you… an idiot when it is come to exercise?"

"………"

Seeming like she was hurt by my words, Kuroneko turned to the side.

Since she started the preparation exercise — no, when I secretly watched her during her gym class, I had faintly noticed it.

"First, your body is too rigid. It can't stretch."

When she leaned forward during stretching sessions, she couldn't touch the ground. I planned to help her, but as soon as I touched her back, she let out an erotic sound… Wrong! how could you make that sound in a swimming pool in the middle of the city — really.

"… Sorry, I'm in the indoor faction." [6]

"Even so… you are still young."

Manami was the same, her body was very rigid, just like a granny. When she stretched, she often made a sound like 'Hwu ~ ah ~ oh ~ hwu ~…'

Although Manami was very good at the breaststroke.

"Also, you are too afraid of water."

As soon as a little bit of water touched her face, she would have to wipe it away. When just her toes touched the water's surface, she would 'ya ya.'

This was unacceptable.

How could she bring her little sisters to the beach at this rate? Her onee-san's authority would be completely swept away.

I didn't fully understand what was with those people who are so afraid of water. They didn't have any problems when using the bathtub though.

"Why are you that way? Have you nearly drowned before?"

"… Hoh… long ago… probably a mental scar from my battle with the demon who ruled over the Aegean Sea."

"Don't answer me in that way."

"I, in my previous life I could swim too!"

That was the first time I had heard a beyond-era excuse.

"So… in the end, we have no choice but to keep trying."

Although from the looks of it, that would be impossible, let's see how far we could get.

First — underwater leg exercises. No wrong… first, I should teach her how to hold her breath underwater.

After more than an hour of training, Kuroneko was finally able to kick her legs underwater when I held her. Although I couldn't say she had 'learned how to swim,' a result was a result nevertheless.

"Phew!"

Kuroneko raised her head from the water. Then she shook her head to get rid of it, just like a cat.

"Good. Let's take a break and have lunch, alright?"

"Okay… ha… I can't do it."

"No way. You did make some progress."

"… But… to fulfill Hinata and Tamaki's request…"

"Although you can't do that now."

"In that case…"

Kuroneko wanted to avoid bringing her little sisters to the swimming pool when she couldn't swim.

"But there is some meaning to this. Even if Tamaki-chan falls over in the swimming pool, you could go save her, right?"

Before this, Kuroneko couldn't even do that… So I thought the training was worth it.

"Besides, I'll be there too."

"… No, don't say those cool-sounding words, senpai."

"That's impossible. As a boyfriend — making himself sound cool in front of his girlfriend is natural!"

"I see. I know how to do something as a girlfriend too."

Kuroneko got out of the pool and made a proud look.

"I have made bentou."

We left the pool and walked to a nearby park outside, found a bench and ate bentou.

Today, Kuroneko wore her 'Kamineko' outfit. As usual, she attracted a lot of attention. I was now mentally strong enough to withstand being gazed upon while taking a bath. I paid them no attention and walked side by side with my girlfriend. I really had become stronger.

It was the same box we used on our first date. Inside, the bentou was full of sandwiches.

"Lately, you don't make riceballs anymore."

"Oh oh. Although you like Japanese style food, when you eat bentou you prefer Western style food."

"Ah, now that you mention it, I agree."

Unexpectedly, I hadn't even noticed that myself.

I took a bite of a sandwich.

"Yeah! So good — a fruit jam sandwich, isn't it?"

"Yes. This is a chocolate sandwich, this is a lettuce sandwich, this is an egg sandwich. It's good if you can enjoy them."

"Yes, it's great."

"Really… if you have any requests, please don't be modest and tell me."

"No I don't."

The truth is I was very satisfied, I don't have any requests.

"If I think hard… then I'd prefer more meat."

"Meat huh…"

"Yes yes, like tuna, pork, a ham sandwich or something like that."

"I see."

"Also, I personally prefer a bigger sandwich, don't cut them so small."

"You said 'think hard' but you said a lot."

"You told me not to be modest."

"Yes, such personal opinions are valuable. Really, having a boyfriend with good taste is so hard. Then…"

Kuroneko picked up a small sandwich.

"Oh! What?"

"… Ahh…"

"What did you say?"

Your voice was too small. I couldn't hear you.

Right after I said that, Kuroneko blushed, her fingertips trembled —

"… Ahhhh ~~ please open your mouth."

"So, so that's why you cut the sandwiches into such small pieces!"

"This was a part of the ceremony too… Hurry and give up."

Ha, so embarrassing… do you want to kill me?

"Really --- ahah, can't be helped ---- here I come!"

"… Hoh… as expected of senpai. Alright, here I come… ahhhh ~~"

"A ~~ … ack, it's so embarrassing."

"Hehee… how about one more time? Alright, ah ~~"

"A-again?!"

Kuroneko looked like she was having fun during the meal. I was probably the same too.

And then —

After finishing our meal, we returned to the swimming pool — although I wanted to say that, reality wasn't the same.

After we finished eating and were about to head back.

"You two, please wait."

A police officer approached Holy Angel Kamineko-sama.

At first, both me and Kuroneko were caught off guard, we just blankly responded.

"Oh!"

"You mean us?"

Just like that. He started asking: "Yes. Are you two students? What is the name of your school? Can you answer some of my questions?" — those kinds of questions. Since it was now summer break, it wasn't easy to distinguish students.

"Ha…"

"…"

I felt that Kuroneko was afraid of him, so I answered almost everything he asked.

The first time I went to the swimming pool with my girlfriend.

Then we were questioned by a police officer.

The police officer smiled dryly, saying:

"Do you have something to identify yourself?"

"Ah ~ I have my student ID card."

I glanced at Kuroneko, asking: "Did you bring yours too?"

She only shook her head.

"Seems like I'm the only one who has it."

"No problem, let me take a look."

He took the student ID card from me, looked at it and nodded.

"Kousaka Kyousuke-kun… um, sorry. Recently, there was someone suspicious around this area, so I only stopped you to be prudent. It won't take too long."

"Someone suspicious? Ha ~ ha ~ ha!"

No matter what ~ we didn't look like anyone suspicious. Really, what is this police officer thinking?

Right, Kuroneko?

I glanced at my girlfriend.

"… Ho… ho… really… really rude."

"………"

There is someone suspicious here!

Ah ~ I see. Because the holy angel descended in Chiba park, a nearby police officer mustered his courage and came here to do his duty.

"Oh… that ~"

I broke into a cold sweat and returned my eyes to the police officer.

"Is this your girlfriend? What amazing clothes."

"Ha ha ha ha ha."

I could only try to laugh it off.

"Well, you see, this is… have you heard of cosplay?"

"Ah~ I know of it."

I could only lead him to think this way. However, an unexpected obstacle appeared.

"Cosplay? Hoh, you are wrong. This is a 'holy angel outfit.'"

"What is a holy angel outfit?"

Don't ask me!

"That ~ that… that is the name of the clothes she is now wearing…"

What kind of questioning is that, so painful!

"Why does your girlfriend have wings?"

How should I know!

When I was about to answer 'because she is an angel'…

"… Kuh kuh kuh… since you asked nicely, I will be merciful and answer you… That's my darkness after going through purification and 'reversed' to its light form… In other words, these are the wings of love. But that's just a cover up. When they reveal their true form, they will be even more magnificent…"

"Say, is your girlfriend okay?"

No, she is not.

"Anyway, can I take a look at your bag?"

"Sure…"

That was the first time I was questioned by a police officer, it was taking soooooooooo long.

Ah ah… really… ahh…

We only went out for less than half a month, but we had countless happy memories.

We had many 'first times' together. Although we never did any H-stuff.

And then —

— Break up with senpai.

The first time in my life, a girl dumped me.

But thanks to Kirino solving that misunderstanding, I understood that Kuroneko didn't do it because she didn't like me. She broke up with me because she wanted my little sister to come clean with her feelings.

And then, when I understood my little sister's feelings.

'Before I settle things with Kirino — I don't plan to go out with anyone.'

I said that to Kuroneko.

'Then I will try my best… to settle things with Kirino for my desired result.'

She said that to me, but it was now impossible.

I had decided to be the one to confess this time.

That was my promise to Kuroneko's father. Because I was an idiot siscon who couldn't betray his little sister's heart. All of this was my fault. Ruri was the savior who saved us siblings — so I didn't want to continue to torment her, didn't want others to freely evaluate her for showing me this much kindness.

… To tell the truth, I had said something ten times more embarrassing. The feeling was the same when I said that to Kuroneko's father at the hotspring street. Although I didn't know how we became mail-exchange friends in the end.

'After I settle things with my little sister, I will convey my feelings to Ruri.'

Now is the time to fulfill that promise.

"……… Ha… ha… ha… ha."

I didn't know since when, but the snow in December had turned into rain. I felt the temperature drop, the frozen world of darkness was getting bigger.

The light was slowly being devoured. Say — she usually said that she was

'a citizen of darkness.' I thought that was her imagination. But right now, that was what I was seeing.

"What she said was not all nonsense."

I couldn't help but laugh.

Somehow, I was infected.

At first, she was my little sister's friend, then she became my friend.

My junior, my lover — it happened in such a short amount of time, but we experienced it together.

Speaking in an embarrassing way, our hearts were together.

We covered each other's world.

"Ha… ha… ha…"

I could see Kuroneko's home.

The first time I came here, the street light was broken. Now it shone brightly.

It had been so long.

"Ha… ha…"

I stopped at her house's entrance and breathing hard, my shoulders were trembling. That couldn't be helped, I ran all the way there from the bus station.

I didn't exactly ask her to wait for me, so it wasn't really necessary to go in such a hurry.

Or rather, I was allured by the idea of settling this issue.

What exactly should I do? I myself didn't know.

"Ha… ha… ah…"

I looked up, my eyes widened.

Amidst the darkness, the street light was illuminating a spot, just like on a stage.

She was there.

"... How admirable of you to have made it. I commend you."

Still in her black clothes like the first time we met with her usual arrogant words.

… Really, why? I didn't remember telling her I was on the way to her home.

But I didn't feel surprise. Or rather, I felt it was natural.

It was finally time… both of us were thinking the same.

"Such nostalgic words."

"You are right."

We both slightly laughed.

"I didn't come here to speak about our memories. I have something to tell you."

"… Yes."

Such a straightforward answer. That meant she had already mentally prepared herself.

"…… I."

My memories burst forward.

Thinking back, that was such a happy time.

The first time since I was born, I was confessed to. I had a girlfriend. Those sleepless nights…

She conveyed her feelings to me through that black notebook. We went out together everyday.

During our first date, she arrived in such unbelievable clothes — although I was surprised, it was cute. Thinking back, that really was not something a normal person could do, but at the time I completely forgot about it.

Because back then, I loved a girl named Gokou Ruri.

I loved all of her weaknesses.

She was very shy. We only slightly touched hands, yet Ruri was blushing furiously.

Then she pretended to be used to it and tried to tempt me in an erotic way.

Then when I got serious she rejected me while looking like she was about to die.

Ruri's cooking was very good, yet she always made vegetarian bentou.

She was very good at doing housework, a strict yet caring big sister who always worried about her imouto.

But… she was a little… no that was wrong… a super denpa girl.

When we went to the electronics store, the bookstore, club activities, the game center, my house, her house, the swimming pool after we bought a swimsuit. Right right, holy angel Kamineko-sama was questioned by a police officer.

"… Hoh… hoh…"

What was going on… we clearly hadn't gone out for half a month.

Maybe some rain fell in my eyes, my sight was a bit blurry.

I closed my eyes. The green summer, the sound of cicadas, the sound of the wind, the smell of fresh grass all rushed back. Just like I was traveling through time, since the moment I started going out with Ruri until now.

"… Hoh… oh…"

"Ara ara, are you crying. I don't want to see it. Do you have… something…

to tell me?"

Ruri's voice carried a heavy twang. Even now, I understood what she was thinking like the back of my hand. There was no way I could be wrong.

"Ah… yes."

Really, I should have told her sooner.

I delayed it until now, because that summer was so happy.

The innocent love life was very very exciting. It was so happy that I couldn't carry it all by myself.

It was such a pity to let it end. I wanted to continue this clumsy, full-of-mistakes love, to keep it going longer and longer.

I still wanted to do it now. How could I not?

… But even in this case, I couldn't accept it.

At that moment I — not anyone else — made my decision, that summer would not continue again.

I couldn't stop myself from personally destroying her dream of an 'ideal world.'

No matter whether a promise from a previous life, or the destiny of a future life, or eternal love, I had betrayed them all.

… These are my wishes. The ideal world I will bet everything to realize.

Back then, we both shared a dream.

Her dream. Our 'future.'

Me. Ruri. Kirino and Saori. All of us laughing happily.

Maybe we would live together with her parents, with Hinata-chan, with Tamaki-chan.

Sena, president, Makabe-kun too. Maybe they would come over and play.

And, even further in the future — maybe our family would grow.

To tell the truth, I had even thought about names. Such ridiculous foolishness, right? I thought that we would quarrel because of our different views on life. Honestly, my worries were for naught.

Back then, I thought that two kids should be enough and stuff… how embarrassing.

In the end, I couldn't meet them.

"Ruri."

"What? Kyousuke."

Just like the beginning, we called each other like lovers.

Surely we wouldn't call each other by name again. Maybe we wouldn't even meet again anymore.

"Ruri… I… I…!"

I completely resolved myself and shouted:

"I, can't go out with you! Because I have someone I love!"

Afterward, I slowly, very slowly conveyed my feelings to her.

"………"

I told her everything, all of my truest feelings.

From the beginning until the end, Ruri didn't avert her eyes. She kept listening until I finished talking.

"…………"

She kept listening to me in silence.

That's why — no matter how much she cursed me with swear words afterwards, I had decided to say it out loud.

My mind was ready.

When I finished, she closed her eyes and remained motionless.

Despite the cold, she quietly stood there.

To repay her kindness, I was willing to wait for her no matter how long it took.

Finally, she —

"… Hoh… hoh… kukuku…"

She looked up and laughed without reason.

"— It's my loss. Well done."

She smiled, as if nothing happened.

"Such a confession, no one could do that aside from you."

She kept talking.

"Hoh, ara ara — seems like the stupid things you said had some meaning after all."

Despite that I was prepared to accept her curse that could kill me without regret, she didn't show any weakness to me… she even smiled… and showed concern for my words.

"You no longer have the right to be a citizen of darkness. So take your holy sword and save this world… as the one who crushed my first love, you should be able to do it."

I didn't know since when, but Ruri held a black notebook in her hands.

'Destiny Record.' It was our prophecy book, and now it was the collective of our memories.

She —

"!… You."

With a rustle, Ruri tore it apart.

"… You… what are you…"

Since it had come to this, I could understood without saying.

"… Now, I'm the holy angel 'Kamineko.' I have been reincarnated from a citizen of darkness into a white angel."

— Go on a date with senpai.

The moment we smiled with each other.

Now, it had turned into flying pieces.

"Senpai… about… is today… boring?"

"Thank you… you are so kind, senpai."

— Let senpai know more about me.

She showed me many sides of her that she didn't want to reveal to anyone else.

Those gentle memories were now being brutally torn apart and disappearing.

"You are so useless, senpai.

"Ruri-nee-chan's boyfriend —!"

— Invite senpai to my home.

Such a warm place that caused people to calm down. And those lively little sisters.

Those important things just escaped my hand. It all went somewhere I couldn't reach.

And —

"Handle name… Kuroneko."

— Go to the swimming pool with senpai.

"This is… for you."

— Hold a holy feast with senpai's pre-existence.

— Read the Darkness Scriptures with senpai.

"I'm not… qualified?"

"Was that boring?"

"I want to kill you."

— Build a new world with senpai in the Sea of Fantasy.

"Well, it's just like that."

— Watch fireworks together with senpai.

"… You look like Kaguya-hime."

"… I, I'm not…"

— Break up with senpai.

Those ceremonies that we attended together, our days we spent together, everything became small pieces and disappeared.

I could only blankly watch this happen, because I had no right to intervene.

Kuroneko who was doing all this also understood the basis of what was she doing. Rustle, rustle, rustle, slowly, slowly… the memories were ripped into shreds.

Finally, everything ended.

"— The curse has been lifted."

Our treasure. Our future. All of it fell onto the wet ground, became soaked and turned into an indistinguishable mass…

It had ended. Just like that.

"You are now free. Your current life… your next life then… we will never be together. Is that alright —?"

"… Kuroneko."

We called each other — in the same way we did before.

"Yes… from the beginning… oh…"

One drop.

"… I… already knew… oh…"

One more drop. Another one. Tears overflowed from her eyes.

"I already knew… this would be the result…"

The sobbing sound slowly became louder.

"… Eh… Oh… Uwahhhhh… Uwahhhhhhhhh……"

Just as the prophecy book predicted, she wept.

I couldn't avert my eyes. But no matter how painful it was, I couldn't cry with her. I no longer had that right.

"A a a a a a a… Uwa wa wa wa wa … Eh… Eh… A a a a a a a a!"

I once again tried to keep myself from crying and returned my eyes to Kuroneko.

"A a a a a… uwa wa wa wa wa…!"

I didn't know how long it had been.

"… Hu… hu… eh…"

Kuroneko raised her face ruined by the tears, she fiercely stared at me.

"The world has been swallowed by the darkness."

Using her evil-eyes and a chuunibyou to forget everything, how effective was it really?

"My name is!"

She mustered the rest of her strength and raised her voice.

"I'm the angel of vengeance 'Yamineko'! I'm an existence that denies all love!"

Such a painful curse was like an arrow, it pierced deep into my heart.

"I make a curse here! I curse every lover! I curse Christmas night! I curse everything in this world! I shall bring my hammer to destroy everything!"

Still screaming, Kuroneko made her curse and pointed at me.

"The biggest curse of my life… remember it well!"

Leaving those words behind, Kuroneko disappeared from my sight.

That happened close to the Christmas — December 20th.

Her 'biggest curse of my life' appeared four days later.

The day I conveyed my feeling to Kirino.

The stage returned to the snowy Christmas night on December 24th .

"Ha… ha… ha…"

I was running through Tokyo at night.

I ran after Kirino who had just listened to my true feelings.

"Ha… ha… ha… ha… hehehehe…"

Slowly, my spirits rose.

Now, there was nothing else I could do besides giving it my all — now, I was willing to do anything! Like a blazing flame was burning in my heart.

"Ho… ha… ha… ha…! Kirino — don't think it's over…!"

I should have said this was just the beginning.

This impatient girl, I still hadn't fully conveyed my feelings to her!

"I want to convey my feelings to you, but it's not just that."

I had to hurry and catch up with her, then tell her the last part.

Although from an outsider's point of view, catching up with my little sister was not really possible, but right now I felt like I was better than Amura.

Even if it was just an illusion created by my blazing spirit.

"Ha… ha… where are you Kirino — do you think you can hide from your aniki!"

That was, without a doubt, a crazy line.

Those couples who were waiting for the light turned to the screaming me in surprise.

"Ha… ha… now, I'm not Kousaka Kyousuke. I'm Super Kyousuke!"

I'm now invincible. Although I nearly forgot about it, that was what I felt when I bought the underwear for Akimi.

Such an excessively burning flame was what Manami hated.

But it couldn't be helped! Both the normal-loving me and the self-destructing idiot me, were me.

"Right right! Here you are!"

The tea-coloured hair that was carved into my heart entered my vision, I yelled. It looked like she had stopped at the red light too. Even in this situation, my little sister still followed the rules of society.

"Got you —!!"

My hand shot toward my little sister's shoulder —

"!"

In an instant, the light changed to green. Kirino immediately rushed forward and kept running. When she ran away, she didn't look at me, she just kept running straight ahead.

"So fast?"

Although I knew that she practiced track and field, it was unbelievable.

"Damn!"

I really couldn't catch her. Kirino's back was getting farther and farther away.

Damn it, this idiot's stamina was so good! I myself am breathing hard now!

What a monster!

Not, not good… if she cuts me off like this, it would really suck.

"Ah! Damn! Where is the itasha bike when I need it! Are there any friends with transportation here —!! President — !! Mikagami — !! Come here for me now!"

I seriously prayed for outside help. That was totally different from the me in middle school, my thinking was more flexible. Although my proud declaration that "I'm different from before! I've already grown up!" was a little bit strange, but it was more like an idiot.

Everyone was the same, growing up and degradation were only a thin line apart.

I avoided the side way which was filled with couples and ran along the street.

Finally, when Kirino's back was small like a bean, help arrived.

The rear windows of this 'Siscaly Minivan' that was running by my side since I-don't-know-when were rolled down.

"Kukuku… seems like you are having a harsh fight, cursed one."

A malicious voice sounding like a female ghost from a horror film rang next to my ear.

"……"

I turned my head around and paled immediately.

"… Hoh… Ara ara, you are making a

the-mentally-crazy-woman-that-I-dumped-four-days-ago-has-appeared face."

Somehow, her words sounded so harsh…

I didn't — make such a face. What kind of devil did you think I was?

My chest hurt so much… this curse…

I continued running and asked:

"… You… what are you doing here…"

"Hmph."

Kuroneko snorted without answering my question.

This time, the co-driver's seat window lowered, the most reliable face appeared.

"Kyousuke-shi! Hurry and get in!"

"Saori! You! Every time! You are such a reliable girl!"

Let's skip the part where I asked about the situation. I entered the car.

My trust in Saori had gone over the top.

Right after I entered the van, Saori spoke to the driver.

"Go, nee-chan!"

"As you wish!"

I looked at the driver, this was Saori's sister — Kaori-san.

Inside the van, Kaori-san was the driver, Saori took the co-driver seat, behind, on the left was Kuroneko, on the right was me. Also, in the place to hold luggage, there was a loudspeaker and computer screen. Probably to watch anime.

"Kyousuke-shi, it's fine as long as we catch up with Kiririn-shi right?"

"Ah! To tell the truth, I don't know what I should do now —"

"What discouraging words are you saying! Didn't I help you with planning for this date?

"I see. So that's why you knew where and when I would be."

"That's right. But when I thought about you two, I was worried very very very very very much —"

"Worried very much?"

"And finally, I invited everyone to 'Don't stalk the Christmas Eve date party'."

"What a strange name."

Why would you follow your friends' date because you were worried?

Besides, I felt like Saori was still hiding something.

"Say, since when were you following us?"

"It was a Christmas Eve's date, yet you two started by buying an eroge."

"That means you saw everything from the beginning!"

Those annoying guys had too much free time!

"By the way, Saori, you are the one who suggested Akihabara!"

Don't tell me to stop thinking about perverted things when you are the one who came up with this idea!

"Indeed I was — ahahahaha."

"She laughed it off."

"However, now our stalking has played an important role."

"Really. Thank you very much. Because of you — I can keep going till the end."

"I see."

Saori said and showed me a ω shaped smile.

Although it looked like something wasn't right, but — it was fine. Because there was no way Saori would do something bad to me.

Then, I turned to Kuroneko.

Just like the first time we met, her expression was cold.

"…… Kuroneko…"

"Kuroneko? You are wrong — now, I'm the vengeance angel, Yamineko."

… She was still angry. It was kind of awkward. But it wasn't because I was too self-conscious. It was all my fault.

I couldn't come up with a single excuse. I couldn't do a single thing for her now.

So I asked her directly.

"You… why?"

"To put the last nail in your coffin. For your demise."

"… I see… that's right…"

I understood her words.

Seeing me like this — maybe it would make Kuroneko feel a little better.

Of course, I wouldn't get angry.

"Then, I will show you."

"Yes, I'm watching."

We didn't say anything to each other afterward.

In the co-driver seat, Saori said:

"Nee-san, looks like we lost her —"

"Don't worry, I'm tracking her. Don't look down on my eyesight. If it's my cute little sister's request, then this proud sister of yours will do it."

"……"

Unlike my fragmented conversation with Kuroneko, they had a meaningful conversation.

"… Say, Saori. Aren't you mad at your sister?"

Why did Kaori-san turn into a siscon big sis?

"Yeah… at least I was, until recently…"

"We have made up."

Kaori-san said.

"We spoke our true feelings and solved our long time misunderstanding."

So simple — just like us siblings.

Like the Kousaka siblings, the Makishima siblings had a long story.

This was something that belonged to them, unless they told me, I wouldn't ask them.

But even so, I felt… felt so sympathetic.

"Saori. It's good that you made up with your sister."

I think so from the bottom of my heart.

"… That's right."

Saori blushed and smiled.

Still driving, Kaori-san also broke into laughter.

"After we solved our misunderstanding, just like you — I became my little sister's slave."

Don't group me and you together! — But I had no right to say so… I wanted to cry.

"While we were gossiping, the unmistakable tea-coloured hair was getting closer — get ready."

"Alright, got it."

Hearing Kuroneko's reminder, I held my breath and prepared myself. As expected, even Kirino couldn't outrun a car, we were getting closer.

"Hoh, luckily she doesn't seem to have noticed us — Nee-chan, let's circle around her."

"Ask me in a more moe-like character."

"Nee-chan ~ please ~?"

"That's right! — too bad we met a damn traffic jam."

I heard a screeching sound. Kaori-san slammed on the brakes.

"Kuh! To do something so embarrassing! — Kyousuke-shi!"

"Alright!"

I didn't need her to remind me. I rushed outside like an arrow. I could only trust my legs now. My little sister was very fast, normally I could never catch her.

— I was running after you… But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't catch up.

— I can only watch your back getting further and further away.

Ha… just like when we were small. However, unlike before, our roles were now reversed.

"This time, it's my turn to run after you…"

Just you wait, Kirino.

These rusty legs of mine aren't anything special.

Yet, I stomped on the ground as hard as I could.

Just this time, let me catch up with someone who was much faster than me, let me catch up with my proud little sister — Catch up!

"Kirino!"

"What—"

In that instant, I got ahold of Kirino's hand.

I will not let her run away again.

"Why, you…"

"No matter where my little sister hides, I can always find her."

I stopped and, breathing hard, continued:

"Because I'm your aniki."

Just let her think of it that way.

After that much distance, even Kirino was beginning to slow down. If I really could catch up, that would be a miracle. But this was fine, let me look cool for a bit.

While I looked like a dying dog, Kirino looked like she still had some stamina left, she stared at me.

"… Let me go."

"You ran away before I could finish. I will say it again, listen to me properly."

I have someone I love. And the last part was —

" — I love you. So don't go."

" — Ack"

Kirino's eyes widened, her whole body froze. Her face was all red, she looked like she was about to cry.

Really… just like the climax scene in a little sister based eroge.

And we siblings were — enacting this kind of scene.

And we did it in reality, it was much more amazing than in an eroge.

Today, Kousaka Kyousuke really said lots and lots of chaotic words.

That was fine! Even if I had to make a dictionary, I would convey my feelings.

"What… stupid things are you saying? Don't mix eroge and reality together! Brother and sister can't love each other! What about the girl who really, really loves you… What about her!?"

"I —"

When I was about to answer…

From behind me — 'my voice' rang.

"I! Love my little sisterrrrrrrrrrrrrr! That's why! I can't go out with youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!"

"What….!?"*2

Both Kirino and I recovered from our own little world and turned to the source of this sound.

Back there was the minivan where Kuroneko and the others sat.

The doors were all open, the volume turned to the maximum.

"I love her more than anyone else! I can't let her go! I want to stay by her side!"

"Your voice… Ack!? You, you, you, you, you ——"

"No! It's not me! It's me but it's not me!"

Kuroneko was the one who did that!… Her 'biggest curse of my life' meant this!

My 'long and long confession' toward Kuroneko from back then was now being broadcast loudly in the street.

"I have decided! I'm going to convey my feelings! So I can't answer your feelings!"

This girl… this girl… I had prepared it, the super cool confession……!

Am I going to waste this once-in-a-lifetime stage…!

That wasn't right. Forget it — in the end, I couldn't make it as cool as I'd hoped anyway.

Until now, all I could do was allow my emotions to run wild and let them decide the result.

… Thank you. For cutting off my escape route —!

"I love her so much that I can't help it! I'm a pervert who loves his own little sister!"

I knew, idiot.

Just watch!

My embarrassing confession was still broadcasting. But it no longer entered my ears.

It only served as background music to warm up the atmosphere for my confession.

In front of me, Kirino's face was deep red, her body trembling.

"You, you, you, you… that…"

"Just like you heard! I rejected them all! To confess to my own little sister!"

"Are you an idiot!? Do you know what you have done?"

"I know! Ayase too! Kuroneko too! All of them are cute as hell! All of them love me like hell! They want to marry me… aaaaaaaaaaaa what a waste—!

There won't be another chance like that in my life! I didn't even have a chance to touch a breast!"

I cried. I cried in remorse.

"I, what have I done…"

Really…

Unbelievable… no matter what… I never thought my confession would be this chaotic.

But there was no way I could stop now.

"But, I don't regret it!"

"Liar! Are you really not regretting anything now!?"

Such harsh criticism. What an obstinate girl.

"I'm not! I'm not I'm not I'm not! I'm definitely not regretting anything!"

"You, do you think that I will be okay with it?!"

"I don't think so! You are a proud noble flower! Although you are a pervert who likes eroge! But you are also someone who has common sense… I have prepared myself if you run away in disgust. It was so hard for us to reach this point, where we could communicate normally. I'm very afraid of going back to our previous state, where all we did was ignore each other!"

"Then why you…"

But even so, I wanted to convey my feelings.

Just like a certain someone who I rejected, who was now suffering, yet she continued supporting me from behind — how good she was going to be for me!

"Even if I know that I will be rejected! Even if I feel uneasy because maybe my confession will go unanswered! Even if I know that it will be painful after I'm rejected! My feelings, I will convey them no matter what!"

"———"

I have lied to myself. But now, I finally admitted that it was a lie.

Just like someone who demonstrated the courage to me — just like a certain cool girl!

"Didn't I tell you not to mix up eroge and reality."

"… So what of it?"

"Yes, I'm not like those amazing guys… I can't make a cool confession like in a game… I also don't have the courage to throw everything away and elope with you."

I slammed on my chest with a thump.

"But! I exist right here! I will not lose to those eroges!"

That is the only thing that I could win in, against those guys.

Those guys could only make their little sisters happy.

Not Kirino.

"Disgusting… disgusting disgusting disgusting disgusting disgusting…! So disgusting…! Really disgusting!"

Kirino yelled and shouted insults at me:

"You are the worst! You really are the worst! Hurry up and disappear! I hate you! I hate you so much! I haaaaaaate you the most! Love between siblings and the like only happens in eroge… In reality, it's so disgusting…!"

"A disgusting love doesn't exist in either eroge or reality! Listen well, Kirino

——!"

Compared to when I had a showdown with my father.

Compared to when I lied to my little sister's best friend.

I shouted my feelings out in an even louder voice.

"Don't go anywhere! Marryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy me!"

"YES."

Chapter 4

On Christmas night --- I confessed to my little sister.

I was more serious than when I had a showdown with my father. Way more serious than when I screamed and lied that I'm a siscon in front of Ayase.

I couldn't help but think about myself from a year ago.

Back then, I never thought it would turn out this way.

"YES"

That was Kirino's answer for my confession.

After that --- it was about one hour later. Saori's gang had left after giving Kirino a quick explanation.

Back then, it seemed like Kuroneko had a satisfied expression. That's normal though, her 'biggest curse of her life', without a doubt --- although I don't know if this was her original intention or not --- gets a huge victory.

Not only did it stop Kirino from going abroad again, it also gave me a heavy mental blow.

But I didn't have a single hint of a grudge. Or rather, I'd say that I was very grateful.

No --- not, 'rather'.

Really, thank you very much.

Because Kuroneko pushed me to the point of no return ----

I, Kousaka Kyousuke have been able to confess to my little sister.

From the result, Kuroneko's 'biggest curse of my life' had caused my determination to grow stronger.

Could it be that this is the result they wanted, thus they chose to act in this way?

But I didn't ask them. I could only keep my thoughts to myself. However, from her satisfied expression, this is what Kuroneko wanted. Because Kuroneko's chuunibyou made a lot of 'ceremonies' and greatly affected the Kousaka siblings.

There is no need to explain the reason.

On the other hand, Saori had a complex expression, like

'Did-we-overdo-it?'. By the way, Kaori-san was the one who laughed hardest here. Even when she drove back, she was still laughing. From the way the van shifted left and right, I hoped they could get home safety.

No matter what, after I'm done here, I want to meet Saori and Kuroneko again.

Although Kuroneko might not want to see me.

Well, that's something for later. Right now, I have something more important to do.

"What exactly is my current situation with Kirino?"

By the way, saying this doesn't mean that I'm nervous. I didn't intend to stall or anything

Hmph…how should I put it. Okay, listen.

An hour later, we came back to the hotel.

After that big confession.

Then we must have entered a sweet lovelove state --- is that what you think?

" --- So? How are you going to do it? Brother and sister aren't allowed to be married. It's disgusting."

See? She is exactly as capricious as before.

Let me repeat myself! Exactly like before!

Because my little sister forced me to kneel down! Kirino stood in front of me, her arms folded, her mouth in a へ shape, she looked at me with an uninterested expression.

Have you guys seen enough of my embarrassing story?

I clearly just confessed my love! I feel extremely uncomfortable now.

Of course, I endured it like before, just like those 'spineless main characters' in eroge who were questioned by imouto-sama.

"Ha…About that…Yes…I…love you."

"In a romantic way between male and female?"

"In a romantic way between male and female."

It's meaningless to be shy now. A quick and direct answer would be better.

"Hoh…huo….Eeeh!..."

"….Aren't you happy?"

"Shut up!"

Kirino immediately ferociously replied. Damn….even now, I still don't understand her. What a difficult girl.

However, even if she wasn't a difficult girl, the current situation is troublesome enough.

Ah, how should I put it.

Even when burning like before, we walked in this cold weather, drunk a cup of tea on the way ---- after an hour.

We came back to our senses.

We returned to this room and discussed what to do next.

Can the current me, who is not in 'Super Kyousuke mode' – the same guy who confessed in extreme high spirits (like I had taken stimulants) earlier overcome this trial? …Please help me.

"Eh, you said 'yes' just now didn't you? When I confessed to you."

"I did. So what?"

"That, in other words….you….love me…right?"

Although it looked like something natural, but this is a very important matter. I asked while still afraid of the answer.

Kirino's answer was …

"Ha~?"

Like that.

"Disgusting! Why are you desperately trying to get a clear answer? Are you that dense?"

"No, no, no! If I don't clear this up, how could I speak with you in the future!

We are discussing what to do next, aren't we!"

"That ~ is ~ why ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~"

She suddenly turned her head away.

"……………..Didn't I answer already."

"…That….'There is nothing romantic when you try to confirm an answer for a confession! Try to be aware of it for me!', is that what you meant?"

"Don't say it out! Idiot!"

Ah, I was right.

"I did it! This might be the first time I successfully guessed your true feelings! Isn't your aniki amazing!? Praise me!"

"So disgusting!"

*Thud*

"….Don't kick me like this."

Although I did get full of myself.

"Just now, 'so disgusting' had no other meaning, they're my true feelings."

"I understand that without you telling me!"

Damn!

"Don't worry, we are disgusting enough."

"Kuh…no, don't add 'we' in it!"

"Both me who confessed to my little sister or you who said okay, the situation is quite serious."

I'm aware of that myself. Because when I confessed, everyone (minus Kuroneko) (a lot, since today is Christmas) around were very surprised.

'Hey look, what are they doing?', 'Are they filming a movie?', 'Oh? Si, siblings!?', 'Really!', 'Wow, ahaha! Nicely done (Kaori-san)' ---- something like that. Although I was grateful for a group who applauded to me, but if today wasn't Christmas eve with the high spirited atmosphere, probably everyone would have acted like they were struck by lightning. In other words they were moved because of Christmas, while in fact they felt our behavior incomprehensible.

"…You are right."

Kirino showed a smile, as if she had given up.

"Um."

That was a normal reaction.

"We already knew it long ago. When we played eroge together."

"Our situation right now is the same as in little sister based eroge. Of course, society's reaction toward us would be the same as in those games."

"Aa, that's why --- let's discuss about what we are going to do next."

"Life counseling?

"------"

Hah….are you sure you would like to use that word again now?

I was scared for a moment, but I quickly adjusted and replied:

"That's right, life counseling. It won't be like our previous life counseling ---

no, not like a life counseling for my little sister."

"A life counseling for both of us."

Finally. After so long, it's time to storm toward the minefield.

After she said that.

Yes, this line – this exact line.

The most important matter for both me and my little sister has arrived.

Then, faced with my words, what is my little sister's reaction? You guys won't be able to think of it.

That was her answer:

"Neh, neh, before that, can we clear the nearly finished 'Christmas Holy night'?"

You, you!

"Are you kidding me!? It was soooo ~~ hard for me to say something so cool! Why do you have to play eroge when we are about to decide the most important matter for our future!?"

"Because when we left, we stopped right at the climax! When the main character just confessed! I have wanted to continue playing for a while!"

"Say --- by the way, what is your 'for a while' mean?"

"To tell the truth, since you confessed to me, I have been waiting to continue playing eroge."

"I can't believe it! You have ruined my perfect cool confession!"

"It's your fault for confessing to me that gave me the idea 'ah, I should hurry up and confess to Seiya-tan'!"

"For real? Really? So is that how my forbidden love with you is going to end!"

Even a century long love would be shaken by this! Why did I confess to this girl?

"Hey! Listen to me! I'm serious! You said we are going to have 'a Life counseling for both of us' --- right? Isn't it a very important decision? A turning point in our life, right? But --- but? This 'Christmas Holy night' is an eroge with a Christmas setting!"

"….So?"

"The beginning part is only one enjoyable part! If we wait for a few hours, this chance will go away…if it turns out like this, wouldn't it be better to see the climactic ending and get moved by this before talking about our primary topic - then we should naturally come up with some good ideas ...!"

It's like that! Do you understand? She asked me in an ardent tone and expression.

This girl is so disgusting!

"Ah, so, ah…then are you going to play?"

I gave up getting angry again. If anyone could reply in harmony in this situation, please let me know.

"Yes! Let's play!"

Completely oblivious to my disgust, Kirino started to act in an innocent way.

"…Really."

I will describe the room once again. One bed. One table. Two chairs.

Kirino's notebook lied on the table. By the way, we had already eaten all the 'tributes' while playing earlier.

"Alright ~~~~~"

Kirino brought the notebook with her and sat down on the bed.

"The chair is too hard, let's play here."

"Together?"

"Of course ~"

"….Alright alright."

How should I put it…I felt really complicated now.

Toward Kirino's capriciousness, I should feel regret…..

"What's with your wry smile?"

"You seem very happy, like usual."

She looked like she was truly having fun. Kirino showed a satisfied expression.

"Isn't it good?"

I thought about it and answered:

"Yes, there is nothing bad about it."

"…Do you think I'm disgusting?"

"Generally speaking, society will agree. But I definitely will not despise you."

"Absolutely?"

"Ah, absolutely."

"Really? Absolutely?"

"Yes. Absolutely sure." [7]

Do you guys remember …. that is ---- a conversation only we could understand.

Back then, I was only trying to end the conversation with my hated little sister as soon as possible.

But now is not the same. I thought so from the bottom of my heart.

Hearing my answer, Kirino also made a different reply. She shyly smiled and said ----

"Hehe…I know."

"That's right."

I sat down on the bed by my little sister's side.

*Click click*, Kirino moved the mouse and opened the eroge.

Then she glanced at me:

"Ah ~ how should I say it ~"

"…Yes?"

"Ah, ehhh, um…about."

What an incomprehensible girl.

"I feel, feel like I don't know how to express it. Please wait for me to carefully think before saying it out."

"I see. That's fine then."

"Um."

She glanced at me once more, our eyes --- met.

"However, there is one thing I could say clearly ---- I'm very happy."

" ----- "

I was shaken beyond expected, my eyes shot open.

"Thank you for loving me."

"…Oh."

That was all I could say even when I mustered all of my power.

Not good --- my heart is racing. My face feels hot. I remembered that at the beginning, it was like that too.

----- My little sister cannot be this cute.

Every time I saw my little sister's smile. Every time she thanked me, I always thought so.

"Thank you for stopping me from going abroad."

"Of course"

I gave a better answer than before…Probably.

"I – I thought that you were going to use that at this time."

"What?"

"That, you know? Our bet? If you got an A in the mock exam ---"

"Then you will become my slave?"

"No, we didn't have that bet!"

"Ara ara, then what is that?"

Haha --- I mercilessly spoiled the good atmosphere. This is my revenge for ruining my confession just now ~!

"Really, you don't remember!...'I will do whatever you say once.' – that agreement. I thought you were going to use that when I told you I want to go abroad."

Kirino looked down in order to prevent me from seeing her expression.

"I never thought…you would convince me to stay here….like this."

"Say, although I only think about it now….if I used 'this wish' to ask you to stay, will you stay? Will you not reject it?"

"Who knows…Although I have given up now, but back then I really had made up my mind…Right now my mind is very complicated, I will tell you after I sort it out."

"Um….however, 'this wish' huh….back then, I really didn't think of using it on you….Of course, I didn't forget about it."

"Then, then why?"

A pair of girly, moist eyes looked at me and asked.

Right now, Kirino probably wanted me to say something cool like 'I want to use my own power to settle things between us'. That is what I thought afterward, at least.

However, my answer to this anxiously waiting maiden with a racing heart is:

"Ah, of course it will be used to do some H-stuff with you ~ it didn't have any other uses."

"You should go die already! Pervert! Disgusting….is that something humans should do in this kind of situation?"

"Anyone would do the same if they have that kind of bet! Absolutely! I don't think that I'm a special pervert!"

"Don't you see that recently you have turned into a special pervert? You used 'it's fine since we are siblings' as a reason to sexually harass me."

"That's just your imagination."

"No way!"

"Alright alright ~ come and play eroge. Didn't you want to enjoy it?"

"Don't change the topic!...Although I do want to play."

This girl is so easy to tease. Just like Ayase.

Unconsciously, my dear little sister has devoted all of her attention to the eroge.

On the other hand, while I was playing eroge with my little sister, the atmosphere was becoming more and more erotic.

It's not my fault! But! The distance is too close.

I'm more sensitive than before! It can't be helped!

Totally oblivious to my distress, Kirino continued talking about eroge.

"By the way --- this 'Christmas Holy night' is about to enter the scene when those siblings go on a date during Christmas."

"I never thought the next scene following this save file was this."

"….There is the confession scene too."

"….."

I don't want to see it…Our feelings will surely substitute into the main characters.

"Didn't you plan to have 'A life counseling for both of us' after this?"

"Yes."

"Then this game could be used as a reference, couldn't it? See, our situation is quite similar."

"……."

Is this okay to take a reference from an eroge? Is this really okay?

I think that I now have a very complicated expression.

"…Anyway, let's have some fun."

"Um!"

And so ----

The game continued.

The screen appeared after the sweet sound 'Christmas ~~~~~~~~~! Holy

~ Night ~ ☆'.

"Hehee, let me load a save file ~♪"

Kirino chose the newest save file without hesitation.

Then the figure of the female protagonist appeared.

That is the scene when the protagonist invited his little sister 'Seiya' to a date.

"…Ohehehe….it's starting…Seiya-tan, so cute ~"

The one who made that gross sound just now was none other than my little sister.

The one Kirino was trying to conquer 'Seiya-tan' a girl with a noble, princess-like appearance and a cold nickname 'Snow Queen'. The female protagonist of this Christmas-themed game always wears Christmas-styled clothes. Since the appearance and the clothes are not matching, I personally don't think it is appropriate...I didn't mean it didn't suit her body, but…

I took a deep breath and spoke in a slightly reckless tone:

"Say, Kirino, don't you think that her clothes are vulgar?"

"A a a a a a a a! You absolutely must not say it out!"

She yelled so loudly. That meant ----

"….Sure enough, you think it's vulgar too."

"I knew it the moment I saw the game's package! But I endured to not say it out….!"

In this game, that Seiya-tan had great taste. She was wearing strange clothing, yet she received praise wherever she went in game.

Eh….somehow, it made me remember a certain hikikomori girl.

"Not only this girl. Those girls in this eroge sometime wear even more shocking outfits outside. They are all supposed to be normal school girls."

"Shut up! In this world…there are things that you can criticize and things that you cannot!"

"I, I see…"

Uh ah ah…she is really mad.

Looks like I stepped on a landmine.

"Um, sorry."

"It's good that you understand…Ohehehe, then adjust my mood. Seiya-tan, will you agree to go on a date with me ~"

* Kacha kacha kacha kacha*. Kirino continued reading the event that she had been waiting for.

Since the time for this had gone for too long, allow me to explain a bit about this eroge 'Christmas Holy night'. First, the female protagonist of this game, Seiya-tan was born on a Christmas night. Following an old custom, she still goes to an 'academy' despite that she is now 18 years old ( About this 'old custom', I'm not entirely sure, so Google it if you like) That's all for now. Now this is the current playing scene.

[ Seiya: "Oh, what…you said you have something to tell me on Christmas?"]

[Seiya: "Hoh…~ What? Are you asking me out? You really don't know your limits." ]

"This girl surely looked down on her onii-chan (the protagonist). Really annoying."

"That's the best part! Girls who are proud like this are cutest when they get all dere-dere!"

Kirino strongly advocated this case.

Even when those proud girls get dere-dere, their cute side only last for a blink of an eye.

Just like this girl, even after getting dere-dere, they still put up a façade.

"You, did you say something?"

"Of course not."

There is no need to say something that will piss you off.

"Say, you seem to like that kind of female protagonists."

"It wasn't like that at first, but because of Rinko from 'Sis X Sis', my love for tsundere had awakened."

"Hoh~um"

I have explained about 'Sis X Sis' so many times before, so this time I will be brief.

Long ago, Kirino forced on me one of her favorite eroge, which had a

'Rinko' character that had a quick temper exactly like Kirino.

"By the way, you have finished 'Sis X Sis', haven't you?"

Oh damn, I just dug my own grave.

"Let's talk about that later and play this game now."

"Mwu -----"

Kirino pouted, she was a little disappointed, but she kept clicking the mouse because she was more interested in the plot development.

[ Seiya: "Alright --- Onii-chan. I'm going on a date with you.]

[Seiya: "On my precious birthday --- how are you going to make me happy? ]

I looked at Kirino.

"This is the same thing you said earlier."

"Shut up. Because the setting is almost the same, it's unavoidable if we use the same words."

Is that so?

Maybe because Kirino thought the same she said 'it could be used as a reference' ---

What would it turn out in the end?

………….

After that, we passed some time in silence. Kirino was focusing on the game without saying anything. I also didn't speak a word.

The only sound in this room was from the game, sometimes leaking disgusting sounds like [Chu♪] or [Huh♪]

I'm not going to explain those sound, please use your own imagination.

The Christmas in game was proceeding smoothly --- there were no special events worth mentioning.

Ah ah, by the way, this game's setting is in a country called Yukiguni. It was modeled after Sapporo.

It was great that it snowed during our Christmas --- at least for us. But for those in-game characters, 'it's better because it didn't snow' and felt at ease.

The protagonist and the female protagonist are walking along the street filled with Christmas lights and watching the Christmas tree from afar and cracking jokes like 'We are siblings, but we look like lovers'.

"……."

This should be a funny scene, but somehow it felt very very serious.

And then ---

[*: I love you. Love you.]

[ Seiya: "…I…I…am your little sister?"]

The confession scene had arrived. To tell the truth, those clichéd plot lines weren't very strong. Among the little sister based eroge that my imouto forced on me, I had seen several similar scenes.

But, 'now' was unlike before.

In the game, [ I ] put the ring on my little sister's finger --- and started my confession.

[ *: "Even if you are my little sister, I love you. Let us be together forever and ever."]

Pretty good. I thought.

He dared to say that out, I was truly impressed. No one would think that

'those simple words' required immeasurable determination to speak it out.

Certainly, that confession meant that he had bet his entire life on it. He had walked into a road without turning back.

I took a deep breath.

[ Seiya: " ---- Um, me too…I'm thinking the same"]

The blessing snow fell down as they hugged each other.

Then the screen turned dark ----……..

"……..Uhm."

When the next scene was about to play, suddenly the screen jumped to the save screen. It was due to Kirino's action.

"Wh, what?"

"Right now --- my mood is very complicated…! It can't be moved easily…!

Ahh really! Pause pause!"

Kirino quickly saved and turned off the game.

She looked quite confusing.

So confusing despite that it was the climax scene that she had been waiting for.

"….Um..um…what is that…even an eroge master like me…couldn't play games in this mood…."

Kirino looked like she was about to cry.

A few seconds earlier, I was probably the same. Although there is no way I could express that in words --- but the closest word would be fear.

Although I should feel happy because their hearts finally connected, but, but….like that.

I understood Kirino's commotion very well. Because there was someone who was shaken in front of me, so I instead calmed down. At this time, the scene of the game turned into a prompt ---- I remembered.

"Kirino…wait a second."

"Eh….?"

"Alright, just wait."

I took something from my bag and gave it to Kirino.

"…Originally, I should have given it to you before…..like this guy."

"….You…This is."

"The Christmas present that you have been waiting for --- Merry Christmas, Kirino."

"…Ah…."

My present is a small jewel box. Kirino stared at it in surprise.

Finally…

"…Thank, thank you…."

With trembling hands, she took the box.

"Open it and take a look."

"Um."

Kirino followed my words. Her cheeks turned deep red. Really, even Kirino wouldn't throw a tantrum this time.

"This is….!"

"Hehee, are you surprised?"

"Isn't it what I asked you to buy at last year's Christmas?"

"Yes yes."

Right --- my present for Kirino was the ring at Shibuya 109 that Kirino wanted.

"Didn't you want it very much? But last year I didn't have enough money, so I could only buy those 10,000 Yen earrings for you."

I pointed at Kirino's ears. There, at her delicate earlobes, the earrings that I bought her last year were sparkling.

"…Um."

Kirino remained motionless and continued staring at this ring.

Will she like this present…? I nervously waited for her answer.

"Hey, hey hey hey, is that ---- an engagement ring…right?"

She uttered extraordinary words.

"Eh!?"

I received an unexpected shock, so I let out a strange sound.

"…It isn't?"

"Uhm ~… well, you can say so."

"What? So arbitrary."

Kirino was acting awkward. Learning from her, I pouted.

"Shut up. Actually, even I didn't think that I would propose to my little sister."

I planned to say something different during my confession.

It became like this due to the fault of some guys who love to stick their nose into other's affairs.

Kirino smiled happily.

"Say, brother and sister, aren't allowed to marry~?"

"You, didn't you say 'YES'!?"

"So what if I said ~~~~~ hehehehehe"

She laughed. What if I said --- what is this? Even though our hearts were finally connected, but I didn't understand what she was thinking.

Even if I really married her, that probably wouldn't change.

I really want to ask for experience from those couples who have dated for a long time, or married couples, something like that.

Do you understand what the other is thinking?

"Ah forget it ---- then…."

Kirino returned the ring to me.

"What? You don't want it?"

"No. I say…well, help me put it on."

"------"

Another unexpected shock. I'm really easily surprised.

"Let me…put it on? On your finger?"

"Yes. Good, hurry up."

"….It's very embarrassing."

"I'm embarrassed too."

Like she said, her face flushed, just like a female protagonist in a confession scene.

"…………"

I held the ring with a red face -----

"Do you want to marry me?"

….This idiot.

"I know"

I made up my mind.

"----- Here I come!"

Like a shouting before a battle, I put this ring on my little sister's finger.

"…It's really fitting."

"Yeah, a Christmas present --- and an engagement ring at the same time."

Unlike my calm outward expression, my mind was blank. Because, because because because because that's the first time I gave a ring to a girl in in my life.

I was worried that the ring might not fit (Although Kirino's finger size was included in the information that can be looked up in her magazines, and I also asked Saori to measure it in secret)

"Thank you. I'm very happy for this engagement ring."

"….You are welcome."

Those honest words resonated in my heart.

"Bah, although brother and sister can't marry each other."

"Don't pull me back to reality every time."

At least in the day I successfully confessed, allow me to enjoy this dream

--- really, what a cruel imouto-sama.

"I have told you many times before, don't mix up reality and games."

"You are right."

We live in reality --- not in games.

Even after our confession, after our hearts connected.

In the end, we will have to return to reality.

"On those little sister-based eroge that I gave you, most of the time both of them have a happy end without the story afterward."

Two of them live happily together forever. Congratulations, congratulations.

But just a small imagination could tell that waiting for them is not only happiness. But saying it out is too harsh, so let the story end here.

There are also endings that have very grim conflicts with reality, some with determination to break all obstacles, some with elopement and the like ---

the kind of endings where the battle of the anikis have just begun.

We will definitely show you that we are going to live happily --- just watch We couldn't have any references. The only reference that we could find only contained the confession part.

"Although you didn't play it, but many little sister-based eroge don't have that kind of ending."

Kirino spoke in a tone as if it's nothing.

"There are also those masterpieces with fierce struggles and tear jerkers."

"Um."

Is that so? There are eroges that show a sibling's love that faced harsh reality?

However, none of them appeared on the little sister-based eroge that I played.

None of them were included in the eroge that my little sister gave me.

Why? Do you understand why?

I understood.

Apparently it is a good narrating principle for the narrator to be somewhat crazier than the reader. I think I had gone overboard a few times. Sorry, I will not do that again.

Now, I'm not the 'me' from before.

Not Super Kyousuke.

So I decided.

"Thinking about it, those little sister-based stories are indeed pretty difficult to finish."

"What are you talking about now? It's not limited to little sister based eroge.

It's the fate of all little sister based stories. In manga and alike, the female protagonist is a little sister. No matter how good the author is, in the end they still have to face the 'blood-related sibling' obstacle, so after reaching the conclusion they don't know how to finish things up."

Blah blah blah ---- as soon as my imouto started talking about 'little sisters', she could keep ranting for a while.

Innocent and naïve --- yet very carefree and happy.

That is my little sister, who I unconsciously fell in love with.

"However, in the end, because they are brother and sister, marriage is extremely difficult. So there is a development that after they confess and marry, they find out that 'they aren't actually blood related'."

The biggest problem disappeared. Congratulations, congratulations.

"This rarely happens in eroge. Because the player will get angry."

"Angry?"

"Very angry. Sometimes an idiot will even break the disk."

Otakus are so scary!

"Two years ago, I saw an anime on TV that had the exact development that you just said. Bah, although the main story wasn't about 'sibling' love, so it was okay. But recently the industry has been rejecting those

'stepsister ending' tendencies. If they are not blood related, it should be made clear from the beginning that they are not blood related."

"I'm slowly failing to understand what you are saying."

Your nature is coming back.

"In the end, in a little sister based story, if it's the real imouto then writing the ending would be very hard."

"Really. Aren't you reaching the same conclusion?"

"So I say, did you hope for this kind of development?"

"I'm telling you, you are the one who shouldn't mix reality and games together!"

Although our appearances really didn't look alike.

But I honestly never wanted us to not have a blood related relationship!

If I told my story like that, then that means I lost my right as a narrator.

It's the same level of a lying narrator.

"Imagination is imagination. A dream is a dream. A game is a game….in reality, we are blood related brother and sister. We can't marry."

"If we don't decide --- what to do."

"Um."

Because Kirino turned off the game, we unexpectedly entered the main topic.

"Right, first we keep it a secret from Dad and the others."

"They will faint if they knew that their son and daughter entered a hotel during Christmas and spent a night here."

"Don't, don't make it sound so ero! Eh? Spent a night?"

"What are you talking about now? There are no more trains running at this hour."

"………….."

Kirino was surprised, she tightly hugged her body.

"…..I suddenly feel I might not be able to keep my virginity."

"Don't make it sound so serious! I won't do anything!"

"….Don't you think that what you said is useless?"

"What exactly do you want to do!?"

Well, even I think it's useless. But I felt I was unusually honest.

Even when I faced the ero-cat's temptation, I didn't eat her up. [8]. I felt like a man.

"Ahem. Back to the main topic. Anyway --- first, keep it a secret from Dad."

"Um."

Looking back, Dad's decision to throw all of Kirino's eroge was right. The result of this had developed into a super love story between brother and sister.

Of course, back then, I didn't lie when I shouted my lungs out with him.

Right now, I don't want to admit that our sibling situation is --- 'a bad thing'.

---- Dad still trusted me now.

And I betrayed his trust.

But even so, I will absolutely not allow this girl to cry, nor allow her to be hurt.

Kirino surely was thinking the same.

We can't do things like in the game, where we just expose everything and elope.

We siblings had our important parents, we had important responsibilities, and are living in a normal world. We couldn't just cut off everything.

Sorry, even though I wanted to keep going like Super Kyousuke, but in the end, I couldn't make the same carefree choice like those guys in game.

No matter what, we can't avoid carefully looking for a way, for an ending.

I also understand that it didn't exist.

So --- we could only keep it a secret. Of course we weren't going to keep it a secret 'forever'.

Even Kirino should be aware of it.

"So --- what should we do?"

A heavy meaning followed those words.

This is the hardest life counseling session until now. Just like the first time she asked me for a life counseling, I couldn't borrow 'granny's bag of wisdom'. While I couldn't think of anything and held my head in trouble.

"About."

She suddenly spoke:

"About…the truth is ….um um…."

As suddenly as it began, she hesitated. Looks like it's something very hard to say. I patiently waited for her to speak. The more important a matter is, the harder it is for my little sister to say it out..

"If you didn't confess to me today --- I planned to confess to you too."

" ----- Eh?"

I froze, as if something pierced my heart.

"What --- what do you mean?"

"Just like I said! Ah um….I also prepared myself to be rejected. Even if I bothered you --- or you think I'm disgusting….but, but….If I don't settle with my feelings….that was what I thought."

"And then, afterward, if, although I thought it was impossible --- what would I do if you said okay to me…so…I also have given it some thought."

"About 'afterward' --- you have also given it some thought?"

" ---- Um."

Kirino moved her mouth closer to my ear.

She whispered her 'secret request'.

" ---- What do you think?"

Simply put,….. it's a request during a life counseling session like before.

Contained many meanings --- a short, important request.

A request that included all of our 'troubles'

I ----

"It's good."

I answered with a big smile.

So that is it….she used that way….

Just like when she was an elementary schooler, Kirino let out an innocent smile.

"Hehee….really?"

"Ah, ah, really."

"Then, agreed." *2

So, we crossed our fingers and reached an agreement.

"Alright! Let's go with it!"

"Yeah! Let's hurry up and play eroge!"

"Hey!"

You are like that again!

"However, er, is this really okay?"

"Yes, no problem! I'm very excited, my mood is very comfortable, I can enjoy it now! Or rather, I could enjoy it even more than normal!"

"Haha, what, are you doing? What do you have in mind?"

"It could be our reference! 'Those brother and sister' had started going out

--- what are they going to do first? I'm looking forward to it."

Kirino repeated her words earlier. She looked even more excited than before.

"Understood. Then let's continue playing."

"Ok. Then ----'Christmas Holy night' returned ~!"

Full of excitement, Kirino reopened the game.

After we loaded the previous save file, the screen from earlier reappeared.

Yes yes, just now the aniki confessed his love to his little sister, she said ok, then they hugged each other in snow ---

Then the screen turned black, the scene was cut off.

"So, what is the next scene?"

* Click*. Kirino smashed down on the enter key.

The next scene was ----

[ Seiya: "Doing H-things immediately on the confession day --- what a troublesome man…"

An ero CG appeared

Don't do each other immediately after the confession!

But of course that's expected! Since this is an eroge!

"…………."

"…………"

However, for us who were so excited that we forgot everything, this is a very shocking development.

So both of our eyes widened.

"………"

"…………"

Time passed, both of us remained frozen. Finally, I managed to point at the screen.

"………………………..Say, are we going to make a reference with it?"

"Reference my ass!!!!"

So --- I and Kirino.

From brother and sister, we became lovers.

The next day. 5:00 morning.

The chirping sounds of the birds ---- that's impossible in this cold weather, but the lazy atmosphere of the morning filled the room. I casually laid my body on the chairs. On the other side, my little sister was sitting on the bed, wearing a bathrobe.

We --- didn't look at each other.

"…………."

"………….."

A strange silence lingered between us.

……No, no, no. It's not like --- we brother and sister did something strange!?

I'm telling the truth! Really! Although we said that we would take some references from this eroge, but when it showed an H-scene, the atmosphere between us became very embarrassing!

Afterward, both of us had a feeling 'Do, do you want to?'!

Say…! As a narrator, I don't have to tell you everything!

"..So? What now? Today we have to go to school. The closing ceremony."

Kirino whispered.

"Ah, I planned to skip it….What about you?"

"Tch, didn't you ask the same thing yesterday?....I will skip it too."

"Ha --- what bad behavior. Aren't you an honor student?"

To break this strange atmosphere, I pretended to relax. Kirino smiled happily 'you too'. I slightly smiled:

"That's right."

So we decided to skip the closing ceremony.

I slowly got up and slightly opened the curtain with my finger.

Outside was a scene of a snow country. Under the sunlight, the world shone brilliantly.

"Snow had piled up --- before going back, let's walk around the Christmas Street."

"Although this is okay, but we had already decided what do to next.

Shouldn't we tell those guys?"

"Today?"

"Today."

Isn't it too soon….

"Today is only day two since we started going out?"

And Christmas too….

"So what? Doesn't that mean we can date in any way we like afterward?"

"….."

My question had been rebuked coldly ---

"You are right."

I smiled, and said:

"It's indeed like you say."

"Hoh."

"Hehe."

We looked at each other and laughed.

"Since today is the closing ceremony, those guys would finish school quickly. Let's eat lunch together then go play together."

"Alright, then --- let's do it."

I, together with Kirino, Kuroneko and Saori.

Just like before.

Just like the first time we met.

We held an offline meeting.

So, at 11 o'clock, I and Kirino returned to Akihabara the second time. What we did during the morning? Of course we continued playing eroge, we just halfway finished another route.

By the way, last night we cleared 'Seiya route'.

However about the main character and the female protagonist who are siblings and lovers, the part after the H scene wasn't mentioned.

A a, really – you guys only care about your own pleasure.

You don't think about us at all ----

I got the feeling that many of you had wrong predictions of the ending.

"Aki ~ habara ~~! yeahhh ~ I always feel great coming here."

Kirino made a banzai posture and celebrated.

I smiled wryly and lectured her:

"Didn't you just come here yesterday?"

"I couldn't see this scene from the Radio Hall. Now it is natural."

A long time had passed since the first time I came to this street.

"Ah! GAMES[9] also has an event!"

"Hey Kirino. It's almost time. Let's talk about shopping after we go to the offline meeting."

"I know that. Say, don't come that close to me. People will think that we are dating."

"…….."

We, aren't we dating at the moment!?

I almost started lecturing her again!

"What is with your rebellious eyes?"

"You, do you hate going on a date with me?"

"Yes"

Another instant answer…..

"Well, but…you are my boyfriend."

Kirino made an annoying expression and held out her right hand.

"Can't be helped then ~ if you want to do it, then I will allow you to hold my hand."

"Shut up."

I'm really tempted to say the truth. Are you kidding me you bitch.

There are people who would say "Ah is that right -" then nodded and agreed with me.

Hmph…However…you are my girlfriend now.

Can't be helped then ~ if you want to do it, then I will hold your hand!

"Come."

"Um."

I held on her soft hand.

The first time we came here for an offline meeting, we separated and went to the meeting place on our own.

Today, we held hands and went there together.

The clothes of Kirino who is now walking by my side was totally different from yesterday. She didn't prepare herself to stay overnight, yet she brought a change of clothes. Girls are so amazing.

She probably realized that Christmas was approaching and chose the red dress. Unlike some female protagonist from an eroge, she was very beautiful. It's not because she is my lover that I said she was beautiful --- I truly think so. Still, in fact, today Kirino naturally attracted the gazes of the bystanders. (Independently of her outfit.)

Noticing that I unknowingly stared at her, Kirino's tsun side immediately appeared, she said in an angry voice:

"…What?"

"Nothing."

I blushed and walked away.

We walked side by side, our destination was the maid café 'Pretty Garden'.

The same place we held the first offline meeting.

We had come here many times before. We are now their regular customer

---

*Ring ring*

"Welcome back, master"

"And onii-san ♪."

Right after I opened the door, the familiar maids stood in two lines and greeted us.

The one who called me 'Onii-san' in a cute voice was 'Hoshino Kirara'-san.

Age unknown, a twin tailed onee-san. Looked like she has a sister who is Meruru's seiyuu, Hoshino Kurara.

After so many times coming here, we had become friends.

Today was the same, Kirara-san led us inside.

"The Lieutenant and the Queen are waiting for you inside ♪"

She said something I didn't fully understand it, and led us to our seat.

"Hello, Kiririn-san, Kyousuke-san."

"…Hoh…Kukuku…you dare to appear in front of me in two continuous days."

The plain looking Saori and angry Kuroneko.

"So Lieutenant and the Queen meant you guys!"

You really enjoy this shop's feature 'choose how the maid would address you'.

"Hehee, sorry for keeping you waiting."

We sat down in front of Saori and Kuroneko.

Kirino glanced at Kuroneko's slightly different gothic lolita, and asked:

"You, why do you have a pair of black wings?"

"….Hoh…this is the 'wing of darkness', which was caused by the collective of my negative thoughts painting those angel's wings black."

"I totally don't understand what you are saying."

Ah, so she has dyed them black.

Kuroneko, you…were as 'black' as our first meeting. Compared to when we were going out, her denpa characteristic was exactly opposite. Now she totally avoided my eyes.

Of course that is a natural reaction. Or rather, it's great that she was willing to meet me.

Kuroneko glanced at Kirino, and said:

"Then what happened next? What is the result of my 'biggest curse of my life' ---- give me a report."

"What is with your super triumphant look….because of your fault, we have to deal with all kinds of misery."

"Kuku…such great satisfaction."

The annoyed Kirino and the mocking Kuroneko. The atmosphere was slowly becoming sinister.

"Well, well, okay, let's leave it aside, you two. First, let Kiririn-shi talk about it, alright?"

Saori cleverly saved the situation.

Still like the same when we met, she is the type that makes people want to get close.

The only difference this time was that Saori came here in her normal appearance. Compared to her usual when wearing glasses, this one felt calmer.

"…Hm.". "Hm." Both of them stopped.

Then Kirino said "Then --- reporting" to enter the main topic. She slightly glanced at me. As soon as she did that, her cheeks turned red.

"We have started dating."

…….Stare…..The scene was totally silent.

Luckily, in the shop, there was almost no one else from us. The maid didn't hear us too.

The first one to have a reaction was Kuroneko. She nodded.

"Ah, I see. That's great."

Should I say it's as expected of her. Although this girl (maybe it's a decision coming from her evil eyes) probably soon predicted that things would become like this.

On the other hand, Saori…

"……….."

She froze, her mouth hung wide open. Although she should have prepared herself since she heard my confession, but to have that reaction….The first time I met Saori, although she showed a very incredible characteristic, but in the end she is still a normal human. This can't be helped.

"Really?"

"Really."

Like a parrot, Kirino answered.

"Not talking about an eroge?"

"Not talking about an eroge."

Now it's my turn to answer like a parrot.

"…I see…seems like you have decided."

Saori still looked surprised.

"To tell the truth, I , well, I have a hard time coming up with a comment. In the end --- can I just simply give you my congratulations?"

"That's enough."

"Hoh…Saori is so hopeless. You clearly already knew about that disgusting sibling relationship."

You don't have to say it that way, you know?

However, truthfully speaking, an eroge lover imouto and a siscon aniki, maybe it's natural for them to start dating.

Saori laughed :

"You are right."

"Thinking back, at first I thought you were a pair of suspicious siblings."

' ------ Ah, ah, I see. Is this your boyfriend?'

Saying that, at the beginning you really did have suspicions.

"You guys, really…."

"Listen to me…."

Both I and Kirino tried to voice our objection at our dear friends.

"Hohoh…well, about your story, although I don't have anything to say in the end. But there is another thing that made me so happy that I want to dance."

"Another thing?"

Kirino asked.

"Kiririn-shi can remain in Japan."

"Ah, um…I see…Yes, I'm not going to go anymore."

The result of yesterday's commotion --- Kirino gave up the idea of going abroad, she decided to stay in Japan.

Saori clapped her hands together in front of her chest and happily said:

"To tell the truth, I only wanted the four of us to be together, I don't care about other things."

She spoke her true feelings.

"Brother and sister dating each other or something like that, even if you enter a forbidden relationship that is okay, anything is fine."

"You are even worse than Kuroneko!"

"Ha ha ha."

Saori laughed and made a ω shape mouth.

Really --- I just thought you were the normal one around here. I want to take that back!

"Although just now was my true feeling --- however, I trust Kyousuke-shi. I bet that this time --- you know what to do in the end, don't you?"

"Ah, oh…"

I'm trusted!

"What will happen? Despite what you said earlier."

The me from before would undoubtedly pound on his chest and say "Leave it to me."

Now, I couldn't respond like that. Although I'm useless, but I had become more reliable.

Next, I had an enjoyable conversation with Saori. Like --- how did she make up with Kaori-san, like --- the relationship with other members of

'Otaku girls united!', some random things like that.

When I talked with Saori, she was still the same, who could skillfully make people happy.

Even without her glasses – as long as she is the host, I would join in a meeting no matter when.

"Kyousuke-shi, Kyousuke-shi."

"Uhm? Yes?"

"Looks like when we were flirting, there was something interesting next to us."

Saori pointed to the side.

What do you mean, flirting. I lectured her in my heart and followed her finger ---

"Ha!? What did you just say?"

"I said that your aesthetic is still horrible."

From the look of it, Kirino and Kuroneko just had a quarrel again.

Honestly…

"Kirino, don't raise your voice like this."

"This rude girl dares to despise the new Meruru."

Kirino looked angry, she yelled at Kuroneko.

"Hoh….It only shows a beautiful girl with some vulgar equipment in the same place. To casually incorporate those popular elements, Meruru is already falling."

"You are too stubborn if you think adding those popular elements is a bad thing ~. Are you an idiot, as long as it's interesting, it's okay! There are only about five or six sequels that succeeded with it, you don't have to overreact like that."

"Is that so? When Meruru falls behind those five or six works, don't you feel this sorrow '…hoh…so stupid, it's too late for a copy."

"It's not copying your anime, what is with your superior attitude? To tell the truth, as long as the copy is good, it's fine. Besides, if some similar works keep appearing, don't you think it's no longer a copy but a new series?"

"Hm, say whatever you like."

"How about you? Recently you seem to have immersed yourself in those popular chuunibyou love stories! You don't have any right to lecture me!"

"Popular? …Hoh…You really don't understand anything…."

"Ha?"

"….Kukuku…This anime, isn't only an anime…Everyone seems to think of it as a comedy chuunibyou story, but in reality, it's a message for my kind who have 'reincarnated'…That message…this roaring 'resonance' on my chest is the proof…."

Kirino turned to me with a troubled expression, she pointed at Kuroneko, and asked:

"What is she saying?"

"…Who knows?"

Actually, I don't even have a clue what you are saying.

"I'm afraid that --- among the producer there is someone who was able to recover their memories from their previous life."

No way!

"Their handle name is 'Darkness Alliance'…a place for those who had recovered their memories and 'power' in their preexistence to gather."

"By the way, this 'Darkness Alliance' is Kuroneko-shi's favorite anime's producer committee's handle name."

Thanks for the explanation, Saori. Even though I couldn't understand what a producer committee was.

Besides, even if those people recovered their memories and 'power' in their preexistence, to run around and make an anime --- how exactly free are you, 'Darkness Alliance'?"

"Really --- you two have been like that since the first time you met."

"You got a problem with that?" *2

Kirino and Kuroneko both turned their head toward me.

Yes yes. This is the same feeling during the first meeting between the four of us.

So nostalgic.

"…Hey, you say something too."

I turned to Saori and half joking said the same line from before.

"Kyousuke-shi. I'm going to say the same thing from before."

" --- Haha, looked like their affinity is unexpectedly high."

"You are right."

So many stories…honestly, so many different stories.

It's great if things could continue like this. That's what I thought.

We ate some dessert at the maid café before we went to the game center.

That was 'Otaku girls united!' common offline meeting.

When we were on the way, Kuroneko muttered:

"….Seeing you two openly holding hands while walking makes me unhappy."

"So what, we are dating, what is wrong with that?"

Kirino flushed and let my hand go.

"Really, you were so annoying since the beginning --- how long are you going to complain?"

"Don't underestimate my jealousy. Hahaha…I will be jealous of you till death."

There is nothing proud about it.

"Oh really ~ that's why you don't have any friends."

"…You, what did you say…? You dare to say something that must not be said…"

They are still quarreling.

"Say, Saori….I don't think it's nostalgic anymore."

"Really? In my ear, Kuroneko's subtext was ---- 'I planned to follow you two forever'.

"... And isn't that a bit too optimistic?"

"No it's not. If you still don't believe, how about looking at Kuroneko-shi's new contribute on Pixiv 'New Destiny Record'."

"What is that?"

"Don't, don't do that."

Hearing my conversation with Saori, Kuroneko quickly stopped her quarrel with Kirino and interrupted.

"Sa, Saori…You, you, you you you you, you knew…?"

Hearing that, Saori's mouth turned into ω shape, she smiled:

"Of course. I must be aware of my circle's members' activities."

"Oh…"

Kuroneko broke into a cold sweat and groaned.

"Ha ~ it looks interesting."

Kirino joined in the conversation.

"Your Pixiv account isn't it ---- I'm going to check it right away."

"Don't, don't do that!"

"Heheheh, don't worry ---"

With a mischievous look on her face, Kirino used her cell phone to look for the 'New Destiny Record'.

What kind of pictures would we see?

That was 'The current us.'

Finally, we came to the game center.

……Somehow, every girl around me liked the game center very much.

Both Kirino and Kuroneko's eyes started sparkling as soon as they set foot inside.

They quickly grabbed me and ran. Like a dog who was being led on a walk, I followed them and smiled wryly.

"Kirino, is there any game you want to play?"

"It has been a long time since I last played Siscalypse!"

"Want to play against me?"

"Ha! You sounded so confident. Wait until I beat you to a pulp!"

Holding hands, we walked toward the fighting game area deeper inside.

Those hardcore fighting games had all been pushed to a corner. Right now, the savior of this game center is a little sister based fighting game.

The roaring sound of killer moves before dying all revealed in front of me.

Haha, truly, this world is completely crazy.

So --- we fought five times, I had two victories and three losses.

Unexpectedly, our strength was very close. Could it be because I once asked Saori for a few beginner's tricks and trained myself…?That was back when I had only met Saori for a short amount of time. Is there anyone who still remembers?

In the game center, if we continuously fought against each other, we had to pay 100 Yen regardless of victory or defeat. So we stopped when we played enough.

"Oh, recently this Siscalypse remake version has so many new stages."

"Since it's popular, that's normal, right?"

I said like I understood it very well.

"Heh, it's a good tendency for you. I'm happy when you play more games."

Even a remake version, it's still fun to play. That is what she meant.

Should I say she always has positive thoughts or should I say she always thinks on the bright side.

"The next is ---"

I looked for Saori and Kuroneko. Kuroneko was playing a new fighting game and devastating her opponents one by one. The game counter showed a word '10 Wins'.

"She is still as strong as before."

Saori was standing next to Kuroneko, watching her play. By the way, Saori's natural face is very beautiful. Since she stood next to a girl in black gothic lolita clothing with a pair of black wings, they attracted a lot of attention.

Whenever we walked together, I always felt the same. I myself had already become accustomed to it.

Saori seemed to notice me looking at her, she gave me a meaningful smile.

'--- We will be here, you two go ahead.'

"Alright --- Kirino, where to next?"

"Um, what should I do?"

"How about the photo sticker booth? The Christmas limited one."

"You,… you always talk big when you make a proposal, yet when it's time to act you shrink into uncertainty."

"…Who cares. But I think it's not a bad idea. You see, when we were at a local place, we always ran into acquaintances. You are a famous fashion magazine model yourself, don't you feel troubled when someone you know found you out during your date?"

In fact, during our 'fake date', we met all kinds of nightmares.

Everywhere we went, we met someone we knew.

"Hoh ~ really? You want to go in a photo sticker booth with me?"

She clearly wanted me to say "Yes! Yes I do!". What an annoying girl.

"…….."

"Do you want to take a picture?"

"Yeah, I want to take a picture."

"Tch, what is with your tone --- hey, don't try to hold my hand!"

"Alright, let's go."

"Really…you are so forceful."

I took my little sister's hand and pulled her toward the photo sticker booth.

* Snap snap*

The last time we took a picture, we had a stiff expression.

What about this time ---? It should be better.

Seeing the finished picture, Kirino laughed 'Eheheh'.

"As expected, if an acquaintance saw this, it would cause a lot of trouble."

"Really?"

"Although it doesn't matter today --- but during our date at local places, we have to pay attention."

Saying that, we left the photo sticker booth.

"Ah? Kousaka?"

This strong familiar sound entered my ear, holding various meanings.

"Oh!"

I turned to the source, that was…

"Sa, Sakurai?"

My former classmate that I recently bid farewell to --- Sakurai Akimi?

I added a question mark, because she was wearing a very strange outfit that I had never seen before. From the look of it, the upper part looked like a bear costume hood. It looked like a child's pajamas.

This, this girl…her horrible fashion sense had evolved…

Compared to when I bid farewell to her, this one looked better. To tell the truth, I let out a sigh of relief. Because if I received a confession from a girl who wore a doll-like pajamas dress, it would be a scene from a comedy!

"If it's not Sakurai --- then who else could it be~"

Against the trembling me, Sakurai smiled, she seemed to be in a good mood.

"I'm your cute former classmate, Sakurai Akimi-chan ~"

"You idiot. Don't go out while wearing pajamas!"

"Ha --- it's not a pajamas! What you said is horrible!"

Still as good at counter-lecturing as usual.

"Kuh…from the way you failed to understand the charm of Kuma-san's dress, your fashion sense is still as bad as before, Kousaka."

"You are the only one in the world that I don't want to hear it from!"

Also, don't call this doll-like costume a dress.

"Say! Now is not the time for you to lecture me!"

Sakurai pointed at Kirino:

"Who who who, who is this! This girl!"

Ah ah -----

….Things became troublesome.

"………"

I glanced to the side. Noticing that someone was pointing at her, Kirino made a 'You meant me?' expression. Um, it's like that. I rubbed the back of my neck, as if saying 'Ah ah'.

"….Since I didn't run into any acquaintance, I let my guard down! How did it turn into this! Why did I have to run into you at Akihabara. Say, to meet you here now, does that mean you already had your winter vacation?"

"Although it's clear that you are trying to change the topic, but I will answer anyway! Recently I moved again, now my home is nearby! Then I skipped school!"

"Go to school more seriously!"

Why? Once again at a game center, I spoke with a terrifying looking girl, repeating the same words from three years ago? Did I travel through time?

"Today you have no right to lecture others, right ~?"

"Ugh."

True, I also skipped school today. I don't have any right to lecture Sakurai.

"Aha ~ so you did skip school too. Hehee, I was right ~ ------ so? This super cute girl --- what exactly is her relationship with you, Kousaka?"

Sakurai kept pointing at Kirino and angrily staring at me.

Why are you so mad? I'm not going out with you or anything.

When I was about to answer in hesitation.

"I, I'm this guy's girlfriend."

She calmly answered ----!

"You, you…."

"Isn't that the truth?"

"Yes it is…."

But you suddenly calmly spoke, of course I would be surprised.

On the other hand, after Sakurai got her answer…

"Eh…Girl, girlfriend? Kousaka's?"

She looked quite confused. Kirino politely smiled and repeated:

"Yes, girlfriend. Pleased to meet you, Sakurai-san…isn't it?"

"Eh, uhm."

"My name is ---- Kousaka Kirino."

"If you two are couple, why are your family names the same?"

That is a natural question.

What now Kirino? Should we say it's a coincidence?

"Because we are brother and sister."

"Ha!? Brother and sister? Blood related siblings who date each other!?"

"That's right."

That's right my ass!!!!!!!!

A a a a I'm getting out of here! What is with this development? Torture?

"……….."

I broke into cold sweat and looked at this terrifying conversation.

Shocked from the reveal, Sakurai said:

"For real? I said, is that real? You you you you you ! Ehhhhhhh!"

Although half falling into panic and half falling into madness, the sight of Kuma-san raging was quite amusing. Of course now I don't have time to laugh.

"Kou ~~~~~~~~~~~ saka~! You!"

"Ha, ha!"

"…..Before! You told me that 'I already have someone I love'!"

"…Yes I did."

"You meant your blood related little sister!?"

"Hahahahaha"

I could only laugh.

"I thought it must be 'this girl'! Since you said 'No matter whether it's now or three years ago, my answer is the same' ah ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ wait what? You already liked your little sister from three years ago?"

"No no. The one I liked three years ago and now are two different people!"

"Still! It's super easy to be misunderstood!"

"Right, don't you think that if I explained things clearly back then, it would be very troublesome?"

"That's not the problem ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~what

~~~~~~~ !"

I want to eat you! The female bear Sakurai made a pose like that.

"Back then, I said with deep meaning 'I understand', but the truth is I was totally wrong! I'm so ashamed! I looked like an idiot! Say! Say! Leave this aside for now! Although it's not good, but leave it aside! Little sister! Little sister what!?"

"What is wrong with going out with my little sister?"

I puffed up my chest, raised my head and said something that I would absolutely not say in front of my parents.

"I was rejected because you like your little sister! Don't do this Kousaka!

How about we start dating now!?"

A very straightforward request suddenly rushed forward.

"Don't want to. I love my little sister."

"Aa a a a a ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!"

Kuma-san held her face in a painful struggle.

Still holding a hand to her face, she pointed a finger at me.

"Hey! Wait! Let me --- please let me tell you how attractive I am as a girl!"

She was decisively rejected, yet she still said that!

There is a little shame in it, so I gave her some of my respect.

By the way, the culprit of this situation Kirino didn't join in. She just stood here and watched.

"…I feel that she is someone even weirder than you said."

"….You are right."

Once again, we returned our eyes to Kuma-san.

"Ah, I, this is my fantasy…or my desire. The first time I date a boy, I will do

~~~ this and ~~~ that…Because I'm a girl too."

"Right right."

What expression should I make? I don't understand anything.

"…So, for example?"

"Simply put, futon date!"

Futon date? What is that?

I didn't ask. Sakurai proudly began to explain.

"Now, I have an eight tatami mats room ~ First, I covered it with blanket!"

Hoh.

"A mattress wouldn't be too bad --- afterward, I prepared lots of ~ TVs ~

Computers ~ and snacks ~ games ~ manga!"

Hoh hoh.

"Then I decisively skipped school, spent the whole day with my boyfriend inside my room without leaving the blanket, playing all kind of games ---

how is that? Isn't it wonderful? Isn't it paradise?"

"….It's really like you."

"Yes, right right? I want to spend five years living like that ❤--- this is my dream! Dream!"

Her eyes were sparkling, just like my little sister when she talked about eroge.

Everyone had their own --- all kinds of circumstances.

"How about that Kousaka♪? Going out with me ~ in a futon date~❤?"

"Don't want to."

"Tch ~"

Sakurai pouted.

Then she laughed, like everything she said was a joke.

"Well, I already knew it would be like that. That's how you are, as soon as you have decided something then you would see it through."

"…Sakurai."

"Hehee. Although I was wrong before ~ this time looks like I wasn't."

Sakurai gently pulled her bear's hood down.

"See you later, bye bye~"

Hiding her face, Kuma-san waved at us.

"I will often be around here. Come find me some time."

"A ah, see you ----"

We met again, but we didn't talk much….

"See you later."

"Right!"

And so, I said goodbye to Sakurai.

A very easy goodbye, just like we could say the same thing 'tomorrow'.

After graduation….I will definitely come back here looking for her.

To report to her about my love, that I had no regret rejecting her ---- using the beginning 'how it turned out in the end~' or like that.

A few days later since I started dating Kirino, new year's arrived.

In the end, did I and Kirino live as lovers while being brother and sister ---

before I answer this question, let me tell another interlude ---

------ Kurusu Kanako.

Kirino's classmate and good friend. A brat who planned to become an idol, who had a good relationship with me.

No….I couldn't call her a brat anymore.

Unexpectedly, behind her façade, she is someone quite serious, always trying to improve herself – I had seen her development myself.

Someone who is much stronger than me.

That is my current impression of Kanako.

During January, I received a message from Kanako.

"I have a live performance at UDX, you ~ have ~ to ~ come! Alone!"

"Alright alright, I will come."

I made up an agreement with her to repay her for taking care of me.

So, I came to UDX at Akihabara.

I had a lot of memories here.

After I received a life counseling request from Ayase, I was introduced to Kanako…Back then, this brat totally forgot my appearance. At first she pretended to be a good kid and greeted me properly.

There were some more. Like the cosplay contest, anime's stage and like.

Closing my eyes, all those events seemed like they just happened yesterday.

Today --- there was a Meruru's stage event at UDX.

In the cheer, Kanako who was called 'The living Meruru' jumped on the stage and sang/danced..

"….Still as amazing at singing and dancing as usual."

No matter how many times I saw it, I still felt impressed. Even though she is quite small and totally not my type ----

But if she later became an idol, then I would be her first fan.

"Everyone, thank you ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~♪"

After she finished singing uncountable songs, Kanako turned toward the audience and raised one of her hands:

* Yo ya ya ya ya ya ya*! Kana kana chan! The otakus were cheering.

Right ~ right ~ she is so popular.

I also clapped my hands in admiration.

"Even though today is New Years, everyone came to listen to Kanako's singing, I'm very happy! Furthermore, today marks the tenth live show

~….The first time we met was at this place too. Do you remember, everyone?"

Rememberrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

The audience once again cheered loudly.

"I still remember too, that's amazing."

Next is probably the last song. Then --- after this live show ended, I should come see her.

That was my plan, but reality completely ignored it.

I really underestimated Kanako's straightforward characteristic.

"Cough cough, then ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ About….Today, Kanako has something very important to say."

Um? What is with Kanako?

"Something important?" "What could it be?" "Will she release a CD?"

The otakus started whispering.

And then -----

"You are here, right --- you agreed to repay me!!"

Suddenly, her tone changed.

Hey hey, you are doing live, is it okay to speak in your normal tone?

By the way, is she talking about me?

Kanako glanced around in the crowd, then it seemed like she found me.

"Kyousuke!"

She didn't use her microphone, instead she shouted with all of her strength.

"I like you! Go out with meeeeeeeeeeeeee -------------!"

Unexpected words.

"---------"

The whole crowd froze.

Hmph ~~ silent --- then a few seconds later, it suddenly became noisy.

….That is --- normal. Kanako…Kanako…Kanako.

This…girl…!

You have to pay attention to your surroundings when speaking!

This girl -----!!

"Hehahaha! Looks like I caught you! This way you aren't going to get away!"

Kanako waved her magic wand ---- and pointed it directly at me.

"Hurry up and answer, right here!"

*Kacha*

Like magic, when the magic wand was pointed at me, the spotlight focused on me.

Um….!? Is this real…?

Because of that, the noisy crowd returned to silence.

To avoid disturbing my answer to Kanako's confession.

Like Moses split the sea, the people around me moved to the side.

"….Ha ha."

I couldn't help but laugh. Even if she really is an idol, is it okay for her to do that?

Ah ~ damn…really ---- this way, I really can't escape…No matter how dense, how stupid a man is, he had no choice but to give an answer right here, right now. With only one move, she pushed me into this situation.

Ha…that kind of confession, I have never seen it before, even in an eroge!

"Kanako!"

With a dignified voice, I shouted my answer:

"I refuse! I can't go out with you! ---- Because I already have a girlfriend that I love above everything else!"

"………."

In an instant, Kanako's eyes widened, and then fearlessly flashed me a smile while revealing one of her canine teeth.

"Tch --- is that so. Then congratulations."

Kanako swept her magic wand aside in one hand.

Then --- like it was coordinated, lively music began to play.

"Prepare yourself! I will ~ definitely ~ become an amazing idol and make you regret it!"

Right after this over tune ended, the final song began.

"Stardust Witch Meruru! Start ~ now ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~"

The song's name is 'Meteor ☆Impact"

Chapter 5

It has been a while since that Christmas Eve.

Although I wanted to tell you guys about my story since I started dating my little sister, but don't expect an affectionate lover's story.

To tell the truth, basically something like that doesn't exist.

The second day after my confession, you guys already know that we participated in an offline meeting, where we didn't look like a couple of lovers. As usual, Kirino was all tsundere tsundere tsundere tsundere tsundere non stop --- you could say that she was even more than before.

Well, since we decided to keep this a secret from Dad – in some ways it was a good cover.

Although it was a cover, but the truth is I was very troubled. Now, there is absolutely no one who would know about us siblings 'going out'!

Absolutely! We didn't do anything like lovers!

So, Dad and the others shouldn't be aware of this.

I will explain my current situation.

About my non ambiguous nor love-filled, a very normal day in my new life.

That was a morning during vacations ----

My name is Kousaka Kyousuke. Although it's kind of strange to say this about myself, but I'm a very normal high school boy.

A morning. When I was waking up from my half-sleepy state.

"….Um…Uh…."

My head was still fuzzy, I felt like something was different from usual.

There was still some time left until Spring --- since my room didn't have air conditioning, I turned off my heater before going to bed, so every time I wake up in the morning, I would wake up with a complaint 'my god, this weather is so cold'.

But, but….today, I felt 'somehow, it's a bit warm today'.

When my mind became clearer, I opened my eyes ----

---- Then.

" ----- Eh?"

Kirino was sleeping soundly in front of me.

"Hew…hoh…."

"…What..!? Ki, Kirino!?"

Ack! I quickly got up and pinched my face --- it's not a dream.

This is reality.

Kirino is sleeping next to me! In her pink pajamas!

I remembered that a long time ago, when Kirino first forcefully asked me to play eroge, she said that:

' ---- Say, say, sleeping so soundly and defenseless beside you, what do you think? Surprised, right?'

"Oh, oh oh oh oh….! I really was so surprised ….!"

Because of this shock, my voice was a bit hoarse. I meant this situation is so ….!

Hey, if this is an eroge then now should be the time for some event CGs!

Although I used an unbelievable example, but the truth is, it was like an event from an eroge….

Yes, it was …. 'Let's love little sister!'. The first scene after the game started!

*Gulp* The moment I realized that, options appeared in my head.

[Seeing Kirino sleep soundly, I….][10]

[1. Embrace her tightly, but gently.]

"Rejected!"

Do I wish to die!? To embrace my sleeping little sister and stuff, what kind of a crazy stunt is that…!

Thinking back, the main character of 'Let's love little sister!' is definitely a hero.

Even if I'm dating my little sister now, I could only shake my head when faced with this situation….

[2. Get out of bed quietly so I won't wake her up.]

"Mwu…"

A very normal choice. That is the first choice that a player would discard, but in reality that was the only possible choice! Back then, I chose [3. Kick her out of the bed without question.], but now I didn't even think about choosing it.

" ------ What are you doing to Shiori-chan?!"

That's why I said I get it. I had no intention of repeating this choice again.

…However, she sure looked cute while sleeping.

I smelled a fragrant smell…My heart started to race….

"…….."

[1. Embrace her tightly, but gently.]

[1. Embrace her tightly, but gently.]

[1. Embrace her tightly, but gently.]

"I, I I I I I, what am I thinking….!"

No! No! Because there is someone in the outside world who is controlling me to make this choice….!

Of course that is impossible, but it was exactly what I felt. Just like 'a main character who was controlled to make a choice by the player', my body betrayed my mind and moved on its own again. I once more raised a hand.

And -----

[4. Gently touch her a little.]

"Ya!!!!"

Ack!!

"You, what are you trying to do with your little sister!"

"Wow ah a a a a a a! Hey, I…you, you are awake!?"

I thought that I would be scared to death! She suddenly opened her eyes and like!

We both shouted in panic:

"Did you pretend to sleep just now!?"

"I didn't! I woke up when you let out that weird sound!"

"Then open your eyes!"

If you did that, then this incident wouldn't happen!

"Shut up! Don't change the topic! Just now…you, you, you, you, you ----"

Just like Ayase, Kirino shyly covered her breasts.

"You want to touch my breasts, don't you!"

She said it in such an ugly way.

"I…do not…"

"Look into my eyes when answering. You want to touch them, right? Did you touch them?"

"No, I didn't touch them."

I gave her a decisive answer.

"Ha? You obviously touched them, didn't you?"

"I told you that I didn't touch them…So troublesome…I only briefly poked your clothes?"

"You poked at my breasts' place, didn't you! You --- Pervert! You are the worst! Die!"

We immediately quarreled around just after waking up --- look! It didn't look like there was any loving feeling, alright?

I seriously asked:

"Tch, what is wrong with that? We are dating, aren't we?"

"What? Your make-an-excuse skill has leveled up?"

"Because of your fault for waking up when I was watching, I totally didn't feel like I touched them."

"So you did touch them! Assaulting your little sister while she was sleeping

--- I can't believe it!"

"What about the main character of 'Let's love little sister!'? He even hugged his soundly sleeping imouto. That was okay?"

"That is a unique case, because that is love. You aren't allowed, because that's out of your beastly desire."

"It's not like that. I'm overflowing with my love for you!"

"Ah ~ really…you have a response for everything…."

Kirino glanced at me with her half closed eyes. Recently, she didn't like to resort to violence as much as before, so I wasn't as afraid of her as before.

If that was a girl whose name started with 'Aya', I would have been kicked half to death.

I also glanced at her with half closed eyes.

"So? Why were you sleeping on my bed?"

"…………Whatever is fine."

She blushed and muttered.

"Don't look away. Look into my eyes when answering."

"Tch."

Kirino clicked her tongue in an annoying tone, slightly glanced at me, muttered for a while before answering :

"…you would do."

"Ah?"

"…I said I wanted to know what you would do, if I slept by your side."

"………"

Not good, I'm very embarrassed!

I became silent. Kirino seemed to misunderstand something, she hastily continued:

"You, look, you --- didn't you say that before."

"Eh?"

"During Christmas, after we came back home…didn't you cry. You cried a lot. Super ~~~~~~ miserable! You even said 'Kuhhhhhhh! Me too…I want a 'futon date' very much' ~~~~~~~~~~~!!"

"Hurry up and forget it."

"You even said 'although I was trying my best to remain calm and disinterested in front of her', 'The dream of Sakurai is the dream of every male'."

"I beg you, please stop!"

I said that? Although back then I was speaking gibberish while confused, but this is indeed a bit extreme.

"You even said 'Oh…oh…I want to wrap myself and my girlfriend in a blanket….'. You even cried. Really, you cried a lot."

"Is that true?"

I totally had no memories like that. Could it be that she exaggerated? Or did I forget about it to prevent further damage to my heart?

"So, I felt like maybe you would like to do that with me. I was so hesitant."

"….Yes, sorry."

I could only apologize.

"So…you slept with me this time just to give me a 'futon date'?"

"Um, yes."

If what you said is true, then you really are a commendable girlfriend.

You don't have other hidden meanings, right?

"Really…only because of that? Then let's start getting affectionate ~"

"About a third of it."

"Please clarify yourself."

"Another third of it…I just said it earlier."

….I said I wanted to know what you would do, if I slept by your side.

About that…although thinking about it made me blush, but Kirino definitely wanted me to do something to her. Anyway, please don't get all tsun-tsun.

"What about the third part?"

"Ha? Why do I have to tell you everything?"

That's right. That reaction was more like you.

If it was me from before, I would lecture her 'I totally didn't get it. Why don't you say it out?'. But today I would let her be.

How about a wise answer?

By the way ---

Recently, every day we were like this.

Right? We didn't get affectionate every day.

Another day, another morning. I was studying in my room when Kirino ran to me and said:

"I want to hold a 'lover's ceremony', come help me prepare after you finish studying."

She sounded like she was copying Kuroneko's words.

However, something like a 'lover's ceremony' is exactly the affectionate love-love feeling I have been waiting for! So I happily replied.

"I will triple my speed, so wait for a moment."

Thus I accelerated my studying to the point where I finished before noon and came to Kirino's room.

*Clank clank*

"Come in."

"Right."

She no longer opened the door to strike at my face.

As usual, my little sister's room had a unique fragrance. Since our first life counseling, despite that I had come in several times, but even now – I felt nervous and a hint of embarrassment, like in a game.

"….I always feel that the amount of stuff inside this room has increased."

"Don't look around so intensely. Say, did you only notice it now?"

Since you increased them slowly, one by one, I didn't notice it before.

"I see ----"

I let out a big sigh.

" --- You already won't move away anymore."

Thinking back, it was the same when she came back from abroad. She visited Akihabara and bought a lot more eroges than usual --- back then, she was so happy.

"That's right."

Ha, she looked so happy.

Since Kirino didn't have to separate from that stuff anymore, she became really happy.

Really, a fearsome existence.

"Ah, can you save time by starting to explain?"

"What do you mean?"

"'Lover's ceremony'."

"Isn't it already obvious, you idiot!"

It would be stranger if I understood!

"That's because you are too dense. Alright, sit down, I will tell you."

From her higher position, she pointed to the cushion on the floor.

"Alright alright."

I sat down like she said.

That was the same position for our life counseling.

"So? What are we going to do today?"

Facing my question, Kirino blushed in embarrassment, and said:

"Lover and like…..Don't they….leave a mark in each other's room….?"

"Is it necessary?"

"It is!"

Based on my limited love experience --- ah, so that's what she meant.

Although I got it, but I didn't have to say it out loud.

Now, it's time for a story between me and Kirino.

"But, isn't that something which is formed naturally? You see, for example, this cushion that I'm sitting on."

Wasn't that --- during our first life counseling, you threw it at me?

Don't you remember?

Since then, every time I came to Kirino's room, I was told to use that cat cushion.

She said 'Use that and sit down.'

"True, now that is your dedicated cushion. However, that was because since it touched your ass, I didn't want to use it anymore."

So it's that kind of reason again!

"But, but! Leaving a mark in each other's room, shouldn't it be done naturally?"

"What is wrong with doing it on purpose?"

"Well, that's right. So what do you plan to do?"

" Because ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ my room has a lot of stuff right now, so!"

I had a bad feeling. Kirino smiled brightly to me:

"I will give you one of my most precious treasures, so you can put it in your empty room!"

"Isn't that because your room is now full, so you want to forcefully take my room!"

You said 'lover's ceremony', but how did you dare to make it sound so nice!

"You are wrong. I will also take something from your room back to mine."

We both broke into laughter.

"There is only essential stuff in my room! If you took anything, I would be in deep trouble."

"There must always be something, right?"

Something…For example, my room is now like your storage.

"There are only some ero magazines…do you want them?"

"Want them my ass! What kind of boyfriend would give his girlfriend ero magazines?"

"But I don't have anything else."

"Tch…then I will choose myself. Come on, let's move to your room."

Kirino said and stood up.

…So you really wanted to do that 'lover's ceremony'.

Ah ~ so troublesome. My room has become more crowded…

"Wow….After checking again, your room really has nothing!"

"Who cares."

I muttered toward my 'girlfriend-sama' who was checking my room.

The truth is, I really didn't have anything.

Let me explain. My room only had a bed, a table, a bookshelf and ---- a wardrobe. I also had a cabinet I got from Mikagami and a laptop from Saori.

The manga that I have finished reading would be thrown away, and I have no interest worth mentioning, thus I couldn't increase my stuff even if I wanted to.

Although I don't know how many guys are similar to me, but at least there is Manami.

"Didn't I say so already, there is nothing here. So I can't exchange anything between us."

"This is okay."

" --- Listen to me! My uniform! What should I do if you take it away!"

Kirino took my uniform from the hanging rack.

Shirt, tie, jacket and trousers – a complete uniform.

"If you take it away, I can't go to school anymore!"

"When you need to use it, just come to my room and get it."

"Are you asking me to come to your room every morning in my underwear?"

"Die! There is no aniki who would go into his little sister's room totally naked in this world! You pervert! Wear normal clothes before coming to my room! 'Good morning, Kirino. I will take this first' – like that."

"So ~ I ~ said! Why should I do something so troublesome?!"

"That's because your room doesn't have anything else. So, that's decided!"

*Clank*

"……"

She really took my uniform away!

"Really…."

I weakly chased after Kirino back to her room. Coming inside, I noticed she was happily hanging the trophy she just took from my room on the wall.

"Good. See. Your uniform is now a part of my room's decoration. Aren't you honored?"

"Yeah yeah."

"Good, now it's your turn."

Allowing my little sister to take my uniform, in exchange, now it's my turn to take something from Kirino's stuff. Although she called it a 'lover's ceremony', but I didn't get any benefit.

There is a limit to my kindness.

"Alright. First is this, Meruru figurines."

Should I place it in my cabinet? Still, it's truly better to leave it inside your hidden closet.

"One by one, slowly. Be careful! I will kill you if you drop this."

"Right right…say, 'lover's ceremony' and like…aren't there other ways to do it?"

"Ha? Like what?"

"Like buying an identical pair of cups, or an identical pair of toothbrushes, or something like that."

"You dare to make such an ero association! Pervert!"

What? I didn't say anything strange!...Did I?

Being able to make such an ero association, you are the perverted one here! You could even associate a cup or a toothbrush with something ero.

You really are as perverted as Sena.

"Tch, shut up, hurry! There are a lot of things I want to move to your room!"

"Okay."

How could I say it ….

And so --- in the name of 'lover's ceremony', my room started to turn into a storage.

Kuh…My room…Kirino had painted it in her color….!

Although it wasn't as bad as before….Because the reason Kirino's room couldn't store any more stuff was that during the time I lived alone, she turned my room into imouto-paradise. Although I forced her to change it back, there was no way to put everything back in her room.

Maybe my little sister is a unique case….but otakus are the type of creatures that refuse to throw anything away.

'If you talk about treasure, then all of them are treasures, no doubt!' --- they would make that excuse, but there should be a limit to it.

Even if she used my room, someday that same problem will appear again.

….I need to remind her of that.

"Say Kirino --- even taking a hundred steps back, I can only take this. I can't take anything else. I truly don't have anywhere to store them."

"You could put my eroges on your empty bookshelf."

"Are you kidding me?!"

You bitch, your imagination has run wild! What if someone saw a bookshelf full of eroges in a high schooler's room, who had a little sister himself? I could only die!

"You are dating your little sister, so why are you still saying that now…"

"They are two different stories!"

Really…

"Can't be helped. I will give you the all-age versions then."

"Mwu…"

Even the all-age version is bad, right? For example, the eroge's title 'Let's love little sister'….

"…I understand."

I nodded….Kyousuke ---- You! You spoiled your little sister too much! You are so stupid!

"Where?"

"Over there, inside that hidden closet."

"Around here?"

"Yes."

I followed Kirino's instructions, opened the closet and put my hand inside.

Wasn't there 'Scatalo*Sisters' around here?...I, I'm not brave enough to put that on my bookshelf!

I ignored my nasty imagination and focused on finding those eroges'

all-age versions.

And ---

"Ah…this is…"

"What?"

"Ah…."

Not only did I find the 'Scatalo' --- I also found the carton that Kirino solemnly sealed away.

This is the third time I noticed it.

The first was the night before Kirino went abroad.

Back then --- Kirino only let me see a part of it. It was part of the reason Kirino started to practice running and her record when she was still slow, together with her race medals and handbook.

About the IPod and the album which were stored together inside ----

"Next time, next time I will let you take a look!"

------ I didn't have a chance to look at them.

The second time was when Kirino just came back, she brought Kuroneko to our home.

Toward Kirino who was proudly showing her secret treasures, I asked her

----

" ---- Kirino, what exactly is inside this album?"

"---- I definitely will not allow you to see."

The second time, I also wasn't allowed to see.

"Say, Kirino ---"

Sometimes, life is like an eroge, sometimes not.

" --- Do you want to take a look?"

"…Yes, I do. Although you didn't let me see it before….I will beg you again, please let me take a look."

Unlike eroge, there is no save and load option ---

"….You can….I will allow you to take a look."

However, even if I made the wrong choice, I could still re-correct it.

A few minutes later ----

I and Kirino were sitting face to face, the carton in the middle of us.

It was the carton that held Kirino's secret. Inside, there was a lot of stuff.

Like doujin, 'Lovely ♡ Sister angel' box ( it held a notebook of some kind inside it), an old IPod…and an album.

"What…is inside?"

I put my hand on the cover of this album and asked.

Pictures --- Or something else?

"Who knows…How about you open it and find out?"

"Alright…then I'm opening it now."

*Crank*

I flipped through each page.

"This is…."

What I saw in the album is…..

"Old photos?"

"Yes, that's right."

The thick album was filled --- no, unexpectedly, it was filled with something natural. Photos. Four photos per page, old photos.

The photos inside were arranged according to the order of years. I could see the main characters of each photo --- mostly me and Kirino --- slowly growing up.

Also --- I had a strange feeling.

"Um…About?"

"…You noticed."

"It couldn't be…."

…..I felt like I remembered something, but ----

If this is a detectives novel, then I would receive a flash in my mind. But unfortunately, my mind is not that good.

"I feel, feel like something is very strange, but I can't say it out. Can you tell me?"

I asked her directly.

"You, did you see our family --- Dad's album?"

"…I did."

That was during our first life counseling ----

" ----- Kirino's album? So what of it?"

"Ah!"

" ---- There is absolutely no picture of mine."

"A a a…."

Ha! I came back from my memories, my eyes fixed on the album on my hand.

"My, my photos!"

Yes, there was no 'my photo' in Dad's album, but there were a lot in this album. I thought that Dad didn't like me ----

"So all of it was here!"

Surprised, I blurted out.

"Why, why are my pictures here?"

"That is because….ah…"

Kirino lowered her voice, looked away and pouted.

"Because I like onii-chan's pictures the most."

"…..Ack."

I felt like a blade just buried itself in my chest. What a shocking revelation.

"Although after I entered middle school, I didn't put anything else in."

Because…that was when she started hating her aniki.

"I see ----"

As if I'm in a trance, I accepted everything…then looking at the album again.

Each page, each photo….showed me the time in the past when our sibling relationship was still very good.

I felt like I was watching the time I had forgotten.

"…Um."

"Yes?"

"Take this…you should listen to it while looking."

Kirino gave me her hand, which was holding a small earpiece.

The other side was plugged in the IPod.

"Put it on."

"…..Alright."

You wanted to…listen to it together, right?

We sat down side by side, each of us had an earpiece and looked at the album.

Slowly.

"Because it's a bit old…hopefully it still works."

"What is inside? Old songs?"

"…."

Kirino didn't answer me immediately. I felt like she was confused, or rather embarrassed.

"You, long ago…you asked me 'So, why do you have these eroge about little sisters?' and 'Why do you like little sisters?' like that."

"…A a."

When I became aware of my little sister's secret hobby, that was my first question.

About it….indeed ----

"B-But, why's that?"

"Huh?"

"Like, why do you like sisters? I'm not saying that it's bad or anything….

but the games you collect, normally men would be buying them, right? And they are…… some of them aren't supposed to be sold to under-18 year olds. It just absolutely doesn't fit your image. Why did you… What's the reason you began to like those kinds of things? What made you like it? Is there something behind it?"

"That is… well…I…I don't know myself!"

"You don't know? But… isn't it about yourself?…"

"Because, because…! I-It just turned out this way! I don't really know why… Just when I realized, I was already in love with it…Maybe it all began when I saw an anime at a shop…"

---- We once had that conversation.

"Back then, although I said 'I don't know', I didn't lie…However, there was something I couldn't tell you."

Kirino glanced at her IPod.

"What I couldn't say back then…is in here…the last file."

And so.

In front of us brother and sister…the recording began to play.

To the future me.

This is a message from the past.

Compared to now, Kirino's voice was more childish.

Ah…where should I begin…

Um, although I think that because it's me, I should understand, but I recorded this for myself in order to never, never forget today's thoughts.

If I forget about today's thoughts, then I'm no longer myself.

If the one who is listening to it is no longer myself --- although I think it definitely won't come to this --- please listen to my voice and remember.

This feeling of absolute, absolute non-acceptance.

This feeling of absolutely not losing.

And about the onii-chan that I love the most.

"Kirino…this is…"

"Noisy. Shut up."

Have I become an adult? Or am I still in high-school? What jobs have I taken? Am I able to run as fast as onii-chan?

Have I become like onii-chan, a cool and gentle onee-chan?

Have I made onii-chan admit defeat --- made him praise me 'Kirino you are amazing"?

Now I am absolutely unable to do that --- if someday I could, then I would be happy.

Very, very happy.

Starting from today, I will strive to achieve this dream.

Although it would be very unlikely, but I will definitely reach my dream --- I have made up my mind.

Crank crank. Kirino stopped the recording.

"That was during elementary school --- around third year or so. When I was about to go abroad…I planned to let you listen to this."

"Back then, if I had listened to it…and read this album…what would you do?"

"Um ~ ….I would be very relaxed and happy, I might not even come back to Japan again."

"I see…then the decision to not listen to it back then was the right choice."

"…From now on…is when I entered sixth-grade."

Meaning right before Kirino entered the cold war….that must be it.

Would I understand 'why Kirino likes little sister based eroge' from listening to this?

Kirino said:

"That is the last part."

For the future me.

Listening to the previous recording, ah, I felt so embarrassed.

Right now, when you are listening to this, you might feel embarrassed when thinking back to 'me'? ---- sorry, but please continue listening.

The future me --- did you marry the one you love most?

Today, someone told me that this is impossible. That person told me not to tell it to anyone.

I was very angry.

But what that person said is definitely true…What should I do, I'm so confused.

Very troubled.

I wanted to talk with someone about it, but I couldn't talk with Dad, Mom or even the most trusted person about it….Although I feel that they will certainly act like nothing happened, but still I couldn't tell them.

If I lose, everything will be ruined. Things will become like that person said.

I knew it will definitely turn out like she said. I'm very scared.

I only have one chance.

When the time comes, gather your courage.

Then, please think about it. Please carefully think about it. Search for the hint.

In the end, what should I do to avoid failure.

In the end, what should I do to make my dream come true.

In the end, what should I do to make him love me.

In the end, what should I do so we can remain together.

Now, I don't know the answer to those questions.

That's why.

I want to have a little talk with the 'me' in the future.

With 'me' who has become amazing --- no.

The 'me' who is listening to this.

Neh --- I, what should I do?

Final Chapter

And so.

Together with my girlfriend, we continued to respond to the 'earliest life counseling' from my little sister that traveled through time.

In our own way, we kept thinking hard and spent everyday as the best we could.

From an unknown moment, this exciting life, even the extremely unusual love with my little sister had become my favorite normal lifestyle.

Although it sounded strange, I didn't find it contradictory. Everything happened so naturally.

Playing eroge with my little sister. Dating my little sister. Quarreling with my little sister… and sleeping together with my little sister.

'Let's love little sister ♪'

Although I should lecture myself for doing that, I couldn't.

Life sometimes was so hard to understand.

"… What is wrong, Kyou-chan?"

Right now, just like usual, I was on my way to school with my childhood friend.

"Thinking back about the past — since this is the last time I'm going to walk on this route to school."

"… You are right. It's so emotional."

Now it was Spring. Although there was still some time until the cherry blossoms, the street had already been painted with the cherry's pink colour.

"Yeah."

"Thank you for taking care of me for a long time."

Still holding her bag, Manami bowed to me. I also bowed and smiled wryly.

"Me too — please also take care of me from now on."

"— Ah, me too."

A very ordinary and pleasant conversation.

Since kindergarten, Manami had been together with me. We were going to the same university — however.

This was going to be the last time we went to school together like today.

I once again started moving forward.

Today was our graduation ceremony.

We came to school early today. That was because I had something I wanted to finish during my last day as a high schooler. Seemed like I wasn't the only one though, many other guys thought the same. When I arrived at the classroom, I found that half of my classmates were already here.

"Hi~" "Morning."

I greeted them and walked to my seat and put my bag there.

"Hey ~ Kousaka."

I heard Akagi's voice, so I replied "Oh~ Akagi."

"We are going to go separate ways from now on."

"Ah ah, I feel so happy about it — still, it's not like we aren't going to see each other for the rest of our life."

But even then, we weren't going to have that many chances to see each other.

Because Akagi was going to a different university from me.

Not only Akagi, most of my friends were the same. Like my friends from middle school, I rarely got a chance to meet them.

Seeing high school classmates at a reunion after many years — that kind of event was familiar among adults.

Akagi knew about it too.

"That's it."

But we pretended to not be aware of it and laughed with each other.

Among my class, some of my classmates were doing the same.

"Kousaka. Thank you for taking care of me for three years."

"Really. Because I hung out together with you, I have been looked down on so many times. Do you remember when you turned 18, we went to an ero store in Akihabara?"

The commotion we caused in front of that love doll with this idiot was one of the memories that I wanted to forget.

"Haha, that kind of thing happened."

"After that, Sena got all kinds of misunderstandings, it was really bad."

"Ah! I don't want to hear, I don't want to hear!"

It would be a fujoshi ending, no doubt.

"A ah, by the way, Sena —"

"!"

Akagi looked like he already guessed what I was about to say.

His face became like a demon's.

"Stop, Kousaka."

"I heard that she is going out with Makabe-kun."

"Wow ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Covering his own face, Akagi-aniki let out a dying scream.

"God damn it! That brat! He dared to greet me 'How are you, aniki'! I definitely will not accept it! That brat does not have the right to call me aniki

—!"

I could understand your feelings, please come back to your senses.

Really…

In the end, you still showed me your own style.

About an year ago, I became aware that my good friend, Akagi Kouhei was a stupid siscon. After the sudden chance meeting in Akihabara, we had a lot of conversations about 'little sisters.' We even had a disgusting duel to find out who had the cuter little sister.

Although so many things had happened — I knew one thing.

— Even if this guy didn't have a blood relationship with his little sister, he would absolutely not go out with her.

Akagi loved his little sister from the bottom of his heart — but he was still within the boundary of sibling love.

… Ara ara.

In the end, I couldn't become an aniki like him.

But I also had a dream about a relationship between an aniki who dutifully fulfilled his role and an imouto who did the same.

There was still some time until the graduation ceremony. I left the lively classroom and walked in the corridor.

I could hear the sounds coming from other classrooms.

This was the last time I could hear the sound of shoes colliding with the floor

Someday, when I became an adult, I would remember this special atmosphere at a school… just thinking about it made me feel sad.

When I graduated from middle school, I didn't feel that way.

When I graduated from elementary school… how did I feel? I didn't remember.

No matter if it was the light from the windows or the spring atmosphere, they were all the same as yesterday. But it made me so reluctant to leave.

I took a look at this school where I had spent three years.

"…… Yeah yeah."

I didn't know since when, but I was standing in front of the Game Research Club's room. Recently I hadn't had much chance to come here, besides I only joined during my third year, so I didn't have many memories here —

it's not like that!

I had many memories here.

"— I like homo! I'm a fujoshi!"

… The first thing I remembered was this line. As expected, the impact was too great.

And.

"— Senpai."

"— Ha."

I let out a self-mocking sigh. Really, what a guy I was.

I brought my hand to the door handle.

I knew that this door was surely locked, but I still tried to pull it open.

Just like in the past —

*Crank*

"… Eh?"

How could this door open? — I didn't even have time to be surprised.

"Ah, good morning — Kousaka senpai."

A gracious greeting from Sena — and she wasn't alone.

"Good morning, Kousaka-senpai."

"Hi, Kousaka-kun."

"Oh, brother! You are late!"

Many greetings came to me.

Makabe-kun. President. The other members… Everyone was here.

Just like — in the past, when we gathered after school.

"A a a… Good morning, Sena, Makabe-kun — and good morning to you too, president."

I greeted everyone, then asked:

"Why did everyone gather here?"

"Can you please not ignore me!?"

The one with teary eyes who raised an objection just now was Mikagami.

Somehow, he was wearing my school's uniform.

"It's not like I didn't notice your existence. So answer me, why is an outsider here? What about your school?"

"My school's graduation ceremony had finished yesterday. So today, I came here to congratulate everyone in this Game Research Club."

"Hmph —"

Although he sounded honest, there was something abnormal about all this.

However, if it was Mikagami, he could easily get a uniform for himself.

Sena ignored Mikagami and answered my question.

"I — somehow I unconsciously came to the club room… then I found out that everyone was already here… ehehehe."

"What the… so everyone was the same as me?"

"Yes. Looks like everyone gathered here was thinking the same."

Sena and Makabe-kun smiled and looked at each other.

Haha, looked like their relationship was quite good.

"However — really, you two stick with each other like glue."

"Ah… ahahaha."

Makabe-kun blushed while Sena pouted.

"What do you mean?"

"No no, I thought that since Makabe-kun is a victim of Sena's imagination, he would discard any romantic feelings."

"Ahahahahaha…"

Makabe-kun kept laughing dryly. Sena poked him with her finger.

"We are the same in this aspect! This guy looks serious on the outside, but inside he is a pervert."

You don't have the right to tell me that. That was what Sena meant.

Yes, looked like the other guys in the Game Research Club agreed, they all nodded their head.

"Wait a second! Why did even Mikagami nod too? Wasn't it your fault that I became a fool in front of everyone!?"

"Ah… you are right… back then Kaede-kun was so scary."

A while ago, Makabe asked Mikagami to improve a figure for him.

Because Mikagami changed the big breasted figure into a flat chested one without permission, Makabe was very angry.

"Ha? Ha? You cut it off? You cut off the breasts of a big breasted figure…?! You bastard who doesn't know anything! Your gross aesthetic has become rotten! You lolicon! I like big breasts the most!"

I remembered that he shouted that.

You guys understand the feeling when you see someone acting totally out of character, don't you? I was so scared.

Thinking about it, maybe those two were really suited to be a couple.

"Still, no matter what, congratulations — try to convince her onii-chan too, okay."

"Yes! I will do my best!"

"Oh, nice answer."

"Kousaka-senpai, please help me convince my onii-chan too!"

"Don't want to. I don't want to fight against an aniki whose little sister just got a boyfriend."

"… Ah, spoken from real experience."

Who cares.

"Say, I have heard about it from Kirino-chan!"

"What!"

Sena whispered to me:

"Seems like you two have started dating."

"Phfff!"

She told Sena too?

No matter what — this must not reach our parents' ears.

"Don't worry. I won't tell anyone."

"… I will trust you for now. Say… what do you think of it?"

For a little sister with a brother like Sena, what did she think of my relationship with Kirino — I really wanted to know.

Sena calmly replied:

"Um… If I and onii-chan — even if I think about it this way, it's impossible."

"… I see."

That's right.

"However."

Sena looked like she remembered something, she smiled wryly.

"Still, if someone kept talking nonstop about someone while seeming so happy… you know? — 'Right, right, just do what you want.' — 'There's nothing wrong with that, is there?' That was what I thought."

Sena looked back at Makabe-kun and smiled at me.

"Don't worry about us, Kousaka-senpai. Try harder. In the end, even I don't know what is the best… I couldn't even say 'congratulations'… but I will support you two."

"Ah ah, thank you."

Really, the conversation just now gave me such a strong push.

When we finished talking, a gentle voice slowly said:

"I think it's great."

It was Mikagami. Looked like he noticed what we were just talking about.

By the way, this guy also knew about Kirino's and my secret.

"Heh, I felt that you would say that."

Because this guy liked siblings' 'forbidden love' the most.

"Although I have said it before, there will be some obstacles when siblings want to marry each other — but I have successfully married a 2D girl."

"What is with your righteous expression! That is not the current problem!"

"It's the same. Marriage is not something the law can decide, it's something you decide for yourself. True, based on this country's law, I couldn't marry Rinko. But so what?"

Mikagami is so cool ~

But please don't group a character in an eroge together with my little sister.

"To tell the truth, as long as you have love, money and health, life is like a simple game, right? Although before you had it, life would be very hard, for someone who already has all of it, what should they be afraid of?"

"I'm not as good as you think. Beside, there are things that are very important to me too."

"Image and the like?"

"That is important too."

"Then, allow me to tell you a story to help you gather your courage."

Mikagami raised one of his fingers and spoke seriously.

"At a certain place, there was a talented young, rich and cool designer who was also a fashion model."

Are you talking about yourself? Don't call yourself cool.

"Because he was very cool, he was popular with girls."

I want to kill you now.

"But he had a secret."

"The truth is, he was an otaku, wasn't he?"

"To — protect his image in society, he hid the fact that he was an otaku who liked to play eroge."

I have heard a similar story before.

"But one day, something unfortunate happened to him."

Oh?

"During a New Year Meruru's concert celebration, I — no, he used his connections to sneak in. There, he became friends with a girl who cosplayed Alpha Omega."

Although there were many occasions when I wanted to lecture him, I held back for now.

"After the celebration ended, he used his car to take the sleeping girl back to his home — but unfortunately a reporter saw him. In the next week's magazine, they showed a picture of him holding that girl in bridal style, thus the situation became worse."

"This is not a joking matter!"

"Then, his twitter account was swarmed by a large amount of unsympathetic abusive fans. He was tagged as a disgusting otaku, a lolicon, his original gentle image was shattered, his evaluation points dropped significantly. Despite that, he didn't do anything to have a guilty conscience."

If you do have ulterior motives, I'll kill you!

"He was very troubled. If this continued, not only he himself, but this girl's heart would also be hurt. And the leader, that girl who cosplayed as Meruru also scolded him greatly."

I could easily imagine this scene.

"Then… what?"

"So he made up his mind and held a meeting at Nico. There, he said 'I'm not a disgusting lolicon otaku. I have married a 2D girl. I like 2D loli. I have no interest in 3D loli.' He even made sure to emphasize this point."

"……"

…… What the hell, this guy became the main character of the story.

"In the end, his image was totally changed. Although the old image was totally destroyed — but it was not like the sky was falling. He still kept living happily everyday, to pass every day."

"……… I see."

"Do you feel your courage now?"

"Yeah yeah."

It was like a word of encouragement from a senior who had stormed a minefield.

There was no way I could refuse this.

And then.

"Ha ha ha!"

A forthright laughter rang in the room.

"In the end, all of you are so interesting! I'm very happy, you guys!"

"President" * N

Everyone's eyes were drawn to the speaker.

It was no one other than Miura Gennosuke, the club's president.

Although he had stayed back several years, this time he had decided to graduate.

And he was going to a famous university. So scary.

"Finally graduating — congratulations."

"Hahaha, don't cry because of loneliness when I'm not here, Makabe."

"No way, I'm very happy. Since from now on… I no longer have to make shitty games."

Although his words were harsh, no one truly understood what was on his mind.

"You really said that — still, I leave it to you from now on, new president."

"Yes. Thank you for all your hard work."

In this instant, the president seat of the Game Research Club was transferred to Makabe-kun. Although I only joined for a year, I felt happy having known them.

"Hahahaha! I have been waiting for this! Kuh ~ so moe! I have to record all of this in my mind!"

… A certain fujoshi was having filthy rotten fantasies when seeing men parting ways.

"Listen well!"

President stood up and opened his folding fan.

"I will make the best game company in the world. I will create a game that you guys would love so much, you wouldn't be able to let it out! To fulfill this dream, I have decided to go to a university to get more power! To find more friends who share my dream! I know that I can't do this with my ability alone — however, I will not give up! So that I won't regret it later, so that I can raise my chest and say I have done my best! And all of this —"

The president looked at me, Makabe, Sena, the other members —

Finally, he looked at Gokou Ruri's seat and said:

"Was taught to me by you guys!"

Every member recalled the time we spent together.

The welcoming party for new members, the big commotion during that party, the first time we took part in a contest, the first time we made a game… the second time at Comiket — all those activities that happened.

Everyone was recalling those memories.

"Although right now, I don't have enough power. But in the future I will lend you a hand — since this is a game that president made, I couldn't just watch some seriously shitty games being released in this world."

"Ehehe, if the pay is good then I will go for an interview too."

"Kuhaha, what a big mouth juniors! — don't forget that we had passed down the spirit of this Game Research Club since it was founded! Do not allow anyone to lecture the president because of a shitty game!"

"Did we have that rule?"

"I don't know about it."

— Those juniors started to lecture president again like usual.

"See you later!" "Do your best!"

"Right."

That was our Game Research Club, with our unique style of questioning and answering.

After the graduation ceremony, when our last class meeting was over, we would never come back to this classroom again. In the corridor, the sounds of 'Goodbye' and 'See you again' were ringing in my ears.

Like spring break, some people asked others to hang out later.

"Kousaka, want to come with us?"

Even if they asked me, I only said 'sorry' and rejected them.

So, after saying goodbye to some of my close friends, I went directly back home — that was impossible.

Today, there was something big waiting for me.

For me, this was something even more important than the graduation ceremony, a turning point in my life.

To let the school forever remain in my mind, I slowed down.

The song 'Honoured the Teacher' from the graduation ceremony [11] still rang in my ears.

Today was the time for goodbyes.

"— See you later."

I raised one hand and left the school without looking back.

At that moment.

"— Who are you talking to?"

Next to me, a teasing tone appeared.

"! Don't scare me like that!… Really."

The speaker was Kirino. She was wearing a uniform, a cylinder holding the diploma in her hand.

She totally ignored my objection and continued:

"Could it be ~ are you saying goodbye to your school?"

"What is wrong with that?"

Although hearing you say that is so embarrassing! Damn, I was so emotional, but you ruined the atmosphere.

"Say, why are you here? It's not where we decided to meet."

"What are you saying? Because my graduation ceremony was already over, I came to get you. Hurry up and thank me!"

Kirino proudly folded her arms. Then she carefully stared at my clothes.

"? What?"

"Hmph ~ Looks like I didn't get that."

"Get what?"

"………"

Kirino didn't reply, she suddenly put her hand on my stomach —

* Crash*

"So, second button[12], get."

Ah! Not only the second button, she pulled down all of the buttons off my uniform!

Kirino proudly dropped her booty into her purse, then raised her hand toward my head.

"Hehe — I will take your tie too."

"Don't pull it! It hurts! Can't you wait for me to give it to you!"

Are you a robber?

"I felt like you wanted to strip me naked… really, here, take it."

"Yep."

She still put up a happy expression.

"Since this is my last time wearing this uniform, I will give you everything if you want. Say, recently this uniform was left in your room all the time."

"… Everything… not bad — Good, then I will take them all."

"Wait until we get home."

"Of course! Are you going to take them off here!?"

Of course I couldn't do that. I only wanted to remind you to keep you from stripping me naked.

"Okay, then… let's go."

"Yeah."

I started moving, my bag on my back. Kirino ran after me and walked by my side.

We sometimes passed each other, now we could walk side by side.

I had spoken this line so many times before… really… a long time ago.

'From now on, we siblings will continue living in happiness.

Congratulations, congratulations' — then the ending of this story would follow.

If this was Kirino's favorite light novel, then that would be the end of it.

But since we had something unresolved, our story continued.

A bit more

"———"

When we were about to reach home, we slowly stopped.

Because we found someone we had expected.

"Yo."

I raised one hand and greeted this person.

That person seemed to notice me, she smiled and waved her hand back.

"Kyou-chan, Kirino-chan."

The place was the nearby park, at the crossroads leading to the Tamura and Kousaka households.

At the same place Manami waited for me everyday, she was waiting for me and Kirino.

"As I said before, I have come for a fight."

This is — the final battle.

Let's bite the bullet and get it over with.

We sat down on a bench in the park. I sat in the middle, Kirino on my left, Manami on my right.

"Do you remember? There are so many memories at this park."

"Yeah. When we were small, the three of us often played in this sandpit."

"You remembered. So unexpected."

"Just some small fragments."

This park was close to my house and was pretty big. It was a suitable place for kids to play.

Recently, this place also witnessed the quarrel between Kirino and Ayase, my life counseling for Ayase. It had many memories about Ayase too, but long ago, this was our playground.

This would also be a suitable place for the stage of the final battle.

We remained silent for a while, but Manami was the one who spoke first.

"This time, you completely avoided talking to me."

"……"

Manami must have meant 'Kirino and I going out.'

I had spoken to Kuroneko and Saori, while Kirino told Ayase.

But no one told Manami. Really, what a bastard I was, to act that cold toward my most important childhood friend, so insincere. Although I knew that, I decided to keep it a secret from her. For the same reason that I lied to my parents.

"Sorry. Are you mad?"

"No, I'm not mad."

"I see."

…… There was a hidden meaning in her words.

"Because I had already known from long time ago."

I thought that even if I lied to her, she would to come know it sometime when I wasn't aware.

It was like that. Because Manami understood me even better than I did myself.

That's why when I said 'it,' I had a premonition that soon in the future, something big would happen.

But there was one thing I didn't understand.

"Why 'today'?"

If she knew about my going out with Kirino, it was natural for her to come to us sooner.

Yet why didn't she interfere before —

"Because today is a turning point of our lives, don't you agree?"

Manami tilted her head. Although at the first look, she didn't even fully understand it herself, that was not the case. Manami wasn't someone who would lie. Worst case, she would just avoid speaking her true feelings. At least compared to me, she was more aware of it herself.

"… Turning point huh. That's right."

Kirino stared at Manami who was talking.

Not the same kind of 'unreasonable mixed with hatred' gaze, but a gaze like a declaration of war.

"I'm no longer a middle school girl. So don't treat me like a child anymore."

"'Don't treat me like a child anymore,' isn't that something only a child would say?"

"Ah, so what?"

… Not good. Maybe I was sitting in the wrong place.

Why did I decide to sit between them anyway?

The heavy, serious atmosphere was coming from between them (which was also my position).

"Then I will do as you said — I won't treat you like a child."

Although Manami said she wasn't mad, that was the way she talked when she was really mad.

"Kirino-chan. Isn't it enough? If you were an adult now, you would understand."

"Ah, sorry, what are you talking about? ~ I can't understand without you explaining it clearly for me ~"

So annoying… although she didn't speak to me, I wanted to hit her.

While Manami replied in her unique scary manner.

The situation was so tense. And Kirino was speaking in a mocking tone.

"So, Manami-nee-chan —"

Suddenly, she forcefully hugged my arm.

"I ~ am going out with ~ Kyousuke."

"… I see. Then?"

"Still pretending to be leisurely ~? You have clearly not reconciled with this, right ~"

"……"

"Regret ~ right? Regret it so much, right? Kuahaha ~"

"……"

"Ah! Speechless! Hahahahahahaha! I won ———!"

Kirino stood up from the bench.

"Kiririn big victory —! I always ~~~~~~~~~~ wanted to see that expression on your face!"

She was so excited that she started clapping her hands.

"Say, what are you feeling right now? Manami nee-chan, I stole Kyousuke from you, what do you feel?"

That's enough you bitch! Don't play with my childhood friend like that!

When I was about to scold Kirino, a shocking scene happened.

Thud! Manami's fist drove itself into Kirino's stomach.

Hey!

Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

"Ack…! You, what are you doing!?"

Kirino covered her stomach, aside from anger, there were tears on her face.

On the other hand, although I didn't see Manami's expression, she replied in her usual peaceful tone:

"That is what I felt just now."

"~~~~~~~~~———— Ya!~

Kirino furiously grit her teeth

*Slap*! Kirino fiercely slapped Manami's face.

*Slap*! Manami immediately responded with another slap to Kirino's face.

"You, you two, stop…!"

I recovered and put myself between them, but the end result was that I received both of their attacks.

"It hurts!"

I was nearly sent flying! What the heck! Are you two trying to kill each other?

Although Kirino was breathing hard, she fiercely stared at Manami.

While Manami had a swollen face, she still looked at Kirino in cold silence.

Despite that their images were totally opposite, their aura wasn't something a girl should be capable of.

I really really didn't want to intervene, but I couldn't just do nothing.

"Both of you, stop!"

"She attacked first!"

"But wasn't it Kirino-chan's fault just now?"

Even I wanted to punch your stomach.

"I only wanted to vent out my hatred after all those years, what is wrong with that — besides, now is the time for revenge!"

Kirino screamed and rushed toward Manami. Manami covered her face, but Kirino's long nail still scratched it.

"……!"

Manami frowned because of the pain and began to struggle together with Kirino.

"Kuh…!"

Kirino took the same posture and engaged Manami.

"You…!"

"Kuh!"

They pulled each other's hair, scratched each other and beat each other up — while shouting insults at each other at the same time. Because both of them didn't know how to fight, it turned into a close ranged stalemate.

That was how girls fight when revealing their true feelings.

That was truly a scene from Hell, please spare me.

"You always always always get in my way! I had been extremely angry at you, even when I was a kid!"

"… Isn't Kirino-chan the one who always gets in my way?"

"A ~ ha ~ didn't you say you had already forgotten about my existence~ ?"

"… Kuh!"

"Ah! I was right! You liar!"

"… Wooooooo! If only Kirino-chan didn't exist! Everything would have gone smoothly!"

"Don't put the blame on others!"

"… Ya!"

"— It hurt ~ ah, so that's it! You finally said it! You…!"

"Always always always always like that, I have been together with him for more than ten years! I will absolutely not lose to Kirino-chan!"

"I have been together with him since birth! I'm his little sister! I definitely will not lose to some childhood friend —!

It must end now —

"YOU! TWO! STOP RIGHT NOW —————!"

While I endured their attacks and forcefully separated them, both of them let out some tears. This miserable state shouldn't appear on a girl.

"Ha… ha… have you two calmed down?"

"… Hmph."

"………"

Maybe my roar worked, they separated and stopped attacking each other.

All three of us were covered in scratches. What a super miserable meeting.

"Please consider this my request, don't fight anymore. If you two can fight, how about sitting down and having a 'talk' about it?"

"Ha? Is there anyone saying anything about a 'talk'?"

"She said 'I have come for a fight.'"

"… What…"

A fight, not a verbal fight, but a real fight?

I totally misunderstood! How could I know about that! This is not a fighting story!

Both of them had prepared themselves to shed tears for this final battle…

but there was no need to go that far!

"I understand your intention, but violence is not the answer!"

"Right now I feel very refreshed."

"Because we have spoken our true feelings."

But don't try to understand each other through a fight! Are you two arch-nemeses in a fighting manga?

Still, when I thought about it, before this, both of them were incapable of fighting, so now they decided 'let's have a fight.'

There was some progress. Although an innocent had been hurt.

"Really… my glasses were broken. So horrible."

Manami calmed down and took off her glasses.

However, when she did that — the feeling she emitted totally changed.

"Now… it's my turn. Kyou-chan, Kirino-chan."

"… What?"

"What?"

"Since no one mentioned it to you, I will tell you two this."

Entering the terrifying mode from three years ago, Manami slowly spoke:

"I feel that for brother and sister to become lovers is very disgusting — I feel it is very abnormal, to the point of being extremely strange. I think that most people will feel disgusted by it."

She spoke very slowly, just like her. But I felt an irresistible pressure.

"Of course, brother and sister aren't allowed to marry. Your parents would be against it. The truer Kirino-chan's feelings are, the harder to change them when she got older, everyone would be unhappy. No one can change that, no one, even you, Kyou-chan couldn't go against it."

Then Manami came to a conclusion.

"That's why, Kirino-chan, Kyou-chan, isn't it enough already? Wake up from your dream and face reality —"

"Please come back — to a normal pair of siblings."

That was the reality that Kirino had to face three years ago.

The same ethical sense that we were now facing.

"… Kuh…"

Today, someone told me that this is impossible. That person told me not to tell it to anyone. But what that person said is definitely true… what should I do, I'm so confused.

"I see. You two had another fight long ago."

What the hell. Back then when I was a brat, the first time I met a setback

— they had a similar encounter? I deeply understood, girls really are precocious. Back then Kirino was only an elementary schooler? When I was in grade five or six, I still played with mini-lasers and such. When I thought about it, I felt so surprised because of the difference in our mental ages.

"Manami also used such a harsh reality against an elementary school girl."

"Right now, toward you two, I think what I did wasn't enough — now three years later, I will not allow you two to continue this nonsense like a bunch of kids."

At the time of graduation, I was no longer a high schooler, Kirino also was no longer a middle schooler.

We weren't kids anymore. So listen to an adult's ethical sense — that was what Manami meant.

"Kyou-chan."

"… What?"

"What do you feel when you rejected a girl's confession because you already love your little sister?"

"……"

"Kirino-chan."

"What?"

"After you enter high school, what do you think about a little sister who feels proud because she is going out with her onii-chan?"

"……"

"When you two hit twenties, thirties, can you two give the same answer like now? Do you still think it's right to do that? How are you going to face your close friends and explain it? If they blamed that you were affected by those eroge, can you fiercely deny their objection? Can you explain and make them accept you two?"

"……"

"—— Please answer me."

What kind of Demon king-like preaching? What a terrifying hell on earth.

I could understand Sakurai's example back then.

Like using holy water on an undead creature.

Even when I was hot-blooded in my third year of middle school, I would never press people so much.

"About that, actually we —!"

Kirino was about to say 'our agreement,' but I raised a hand to stop her.

Because the fight between Kirino and Manami had come to an end.

Although I made an exaggerated comparison about this and a final battle, the truth was Manami was not a final boss. The last boss of this story, the enemy that we had to face had never showed itself.

I turned toward it, or them and said:

"I don't care!"

I said that.

"Alright, listen well — you are right, we were wrong. We knew that what we are doing is outrageous. Ethics, common sense, image. Eroge doesn't lack protagonists who would say that they are all so boring and discard them all. I feel that they are pretty cool, and I don't think they are a boring dream.

All of them are important ways of thinking. I want to be a normal high schooler, want to continue living happily, thus I also think that there are many rules that have to be followed."

That's why common sense and reputation existed everywhere in this world.

Because all of them were correct. However —

"But I want to break them! Because I have something far more important!"

"… Hm… you understood it clearly, yet you still say that?"

"Yes!"

"… Kyou-suke…"

Kirino muttered in a satisfied tone. Manami glanced at her, then her eyes returned to me.

"Then, what if… I said I want to 'report everything between you two to your father,' what would you do?"

"Please don't do that! I will be killed!"

I begged her with all my might. With teary eyes, I clapped my hands together and begged Manami-sama.

"………"

Manami stayed silent. The atmosphere became tense.

Kirino whispered:

"… You are so useless."

Shut up! This is not a joking matter if things really turned out this way!

What can I do aside from begging for Manami-sama's mercy?

"Cough cough."

I deliberately cough to hide my feelings.

"Manami!"

"What?"

"Forgive us!"

"Even if you are so determined… what if I say no?"

"I will kneel down in front of you and beg! I will do anything you ask me!

Please, just don't separate us!"

Otherwise, Dad would be very sad. I would be forcefully separated from Kirino.

I was a bastard who betrayed his father's trust.

But it couldn't be helped. Although saying that won't solve anything, but it truly couldn't be helped.

Everything had its own priorities.

"You aren't… joking, are you?"

"Of course. I'm always serious!"

"Yes, I know."

Just like Manami told me, I was a normal human.

Things that were impossible were impossible and things that couldn't be done just couldn't be done

But there was no way to skip 'choices'.

Even if it turned bad, even if it turned impossible, there was no way I couldn't choose.

Even if I had to throw away something important, I would have to make a choice.

Just like right now.

"Even if you kneel down and beg me, if I said 'since I'm unhappy, I want to hinder you,' what would you do?"

"……!"

This girl… I swallowed.

"Then — well, I really have no other way."

I laughed, as if I had given up.

"I could only learn from those aniki protagonists from eroges."

Their happy lifestyle was totally different from my preferred ordinary lifestyle. No matter what, I thought their reckless way of life without caring about consequences was extremely difficult in real life. For an ordinary mortal like me, it was not the way of life I chose.

So I rejected their lifestyle, as long as I wasn't pressed to the limit, I would continue to maintain my current life. However —

If I was pressed to my limit, then I would have to make a choice. I had prepared myself to lose many things in order to protect something important to me.

"I see… then…"

Seeing how serious I was, Manami gave up on her question.

"What if, I beg you to stop… to think about it one more time… I will kneel down and beg you, what would you do?"

"… You."

"What would you do?"

That was the first time in my life I saw such a desperate expression on her face.

Her sincere eyes made my heart feel like it was being cut —

"Even then, I will refuse."

I answered, as if I wanted to throw away everything.

"Then… then…!"

Manami's voice began to tremble.

"What if I, I said… I like Kyou-chan… please go out with me from now on, right here… what if I confessed to you, Kyou-chan?"

"!"

"… If I said that, will you remain by my side?"

A single tear fell down from her face.

"——"

A confession while crying — what terrible timing.

But because of that, I realized. No, because Manami said that… I finally understood.

I was really an idiot bastard.

My childhood friend was always like that, worries about others before worrying about herself — always willingly embracing those bad things to herself. If it was me, I would never be able to do that.

Manami understood me better than myself.

Ahah, I had already known long ago.

That's why she confessed her love for me now. You big idiot. The best childhood friend in the world.

The memories I shared with Manami flooded my mind.

I bit my lips and held back my tears. I absolutely must not cry now.

"— Even if I have to give up everything, I won't give up on this love."

Back then, that was the decision that Kirino made.

"— Even if she is my little sister, I still love her."

Another eroge protagonist had made that choice.

That is why, I —

"I choose Kirino."

I felt like I faintly heard a clicking sound. Of course this meant I had chosen this route, unable to turn back. And I didn't plan to turn back.

"I…"

I shouted the same lines from before.

"—I—"

This time, it wasn't a lie. These were my true feelings.

"I! LOVE! MY LITTLE SISTER! KIRINO —————————————!

I did try to look for a way out, but there was no escape route for me. There was also no bright future. But I would not give up.

I could only keep walking down this route.

"………… I see."

Hearing my full answer, tears fell down from Manami's eyes… she smiled.

"So disgusting."

Her voice was very relaxing. So I laughed and replied:

"Yeah! Incest is the best! I will show you the imouto route's ending!"

*Slap*

"This is the worst possible answer."

"Don't slap me while smiling!"

"Isn't that Kyou-chan's fault?"

"Yes."

Although a corner of my mouth was bleeding.

Although Manami's eyes were red and swollen from crying But just like in the past, we smiled with each other.

That must be the end of our first love, which never began.

After Manami left, I was alone in the park with Kirino.

After being released from such a tense situation, I let out a sigh.

"Hoh ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ah ah, I passed a tough challenge."

"Passed a tough challenge — like hell!"

*Thud*. Kirino's slap and lecture arrived at the same time.

"What, what, what, what… was that just now? You, you, are you stupid!?"

"You aren't speaking Japanese at the moment — ouch ouch it hurts!"

Don't hit me like that — really.

Kirino's entire face was deep red, her emotions were a mess.

"Idiot! Idiot idiot idiot idiot!"

"Why am I an idiot? How could I understand without you explaining it for me?"

"Everything! Everything everything everything everything! — no, not just now… how stupid are you going to be for my capriciousness? Do you understand!?"

"I already understood."

But I didn't do that for my little sister. I did that for myself.

"Do you really understand? Because you love your little sister… so many people, so many people… had confessed to you… Normally you clearly aren't someone who is popular — you are a big idiot!"

"True. I felt that I couldn't allow them to waste their youth on me.

Something so amazing like that will never happen a second time in my life."

I had done something irreparable.

Even if I asked a hundred people, they would all answer that I'm an idiot.

In the future, when I think about my ugly true feelings that I had spoken just now, I would cry.

How big of an idiot I was.

But even then, that was my decision. I made the choice of my own free will.

In that case, I will have to wrap this up.

"Say, how gross! Both of us are so gross. Unbelievable!"

"You are right."

Abnormal. Gross. Unbelievable.

That's how it was. I couldn't deny it even if I wanted to.

"Clearly, brother and sister aren't allowed to marry! We have to keep it a secret! When everything is over… there is no one left by your side! Yet you

—!"

Once again — Kirino was about to say the 'agreement' that she almost said just now, but I stopped her.

I put my hand on my crying messed up little sister and gently caressed her hair.

"What are you saying now?"

I smiled.

In the beginning, weren't you a disgusting middle school girl who played eroge and didn't dare to face society?

I was only infected by you.

I wasn't a guardian aniki, I was another disgusting person in the party.

"Alright, Kirino —"

Right now, my current smile was definitely brighter, more innocent than three years before.

"Let's get married."

That was something I only said once in my life, something I had prepared long ago.

So, we held a wedding for just the two of us.

The place was the same church where I came to get Kirino some time ago.

Inside the silent church, were two rows of wooden chairs on both sides. In the middle was a cross and the altar. The colourful glass windows radiated solemn light.

In front of the altar — I was wearing a suit, standing face to face with Kirino, in a pure white wedding dress.

"… I'm surprised. You had made such grand preparations."

"Since Christmas, you kept saying 'brother and sister aren't allowed to marry,' didn't you?"

About clothes, venue and changing techniques, I had used all of my connections that I could gather. I'm sorry for depending on outsiders' help from the beginning till the end.

"So, this, you… Will you marry me?"

What would I do if she said no. I was trembling inside while asking her.

"You don't want to?"

Kirino shook her head.

"I will."

Kirino immediately hugged me from the front.

"You didn't refuse…! I'm so happy! Really, really happy!"

"… I see."

I was embarrassed. Thinking back, this was the first time she hugged me from the front since we started dating.

It was a little sad.

The church was cold and empty, as if foretelling our future. But I felt warmth in my heart.

Kirino slowly looked up.

There were no guests to bless us, no priest nor our parents.

We looked at each other for a while.

Finally, Kirino slowly opened her mouth.

"Aniki."

"Mm?"

"Kyousuke."

"Yes?"

Kirino called to me twice, as if there were two of me there.

"Thank you for putting up with my capriciousness until now."

"Ha — you are welcome — why are you still saying that now? You are ruining the mood."

I smiled wryly. Kirino also slightly smiled.

"Right now… I'm remembering so many things from the past."

"What a coincidence, me too."

So many different things had happened.

From a small opportunity, I had reconciled with my little sister who was on bad terms with me.

It had been nearly two years.

In two years, we created many memories together.

If we immersed ourselves in those two years' 'recall CG', we wouldn't finish in our lifetime.

Still hugging me, Kirino said:

"… You know I... I'm glad I'm your little sister… what about you?"

"… Idiot."

Do you have to ask?

"Me too — in two years, I was running back and forth for your life counseling. All of these were shocking things. But I don't think it's a bad thing. Hanging out with a bunch of idiots and doing stupid things…

quarreling with you every time… I even became your otaku comrade — it was very fun."

"I see."

"It's great for me to be your aniki."

"… I see. That's good then."

Kirino nodded in satisfaction.

The end result of our 'few months of going out together' — you guys should be able to understand without me saying.

Finally —

There was no miracle between us like in a game.

The wall between brother and sister still stood, we couldn't do anything about it.

We could only helplessly wait for this 'agreement day'.

Kirino said in a teasing tone:

"So? What are we going to do next?"

"Of course… since this is a wedding, what else could it be."

"What is that?"

"Kuh… mm, you already knew, didn't you?"

"Ehehe."

Kirino let out her unique laughter.

"… Yeah."

Kirino closed her eyes and slightly raised her lips.

I gently hugged the back of my bride —

I kissed my little sister.

"… Ah ~ ah, I did it!"

"We did it."

After the wedding ceremony, we laughed mischievously like children who just successfully made a prank.

"Since it's you, it doesn't feel so bad."

"… Do you have experience to make a comparison?

"Of course this is my first time! Besides, I didn't mean the kiss. I meant the wedding!"

Kirino showed an angry expression.

"I see… thank you. My preparation wasn't in vain."

"Then… this is a good chance. Per our agreement, let's end it here, okay?"

"Alright." I forced myself to make a cheerful smile, "Let's do it."

"Yeah."

Kirino smiled and nodded.

During Christmas — we made an 'agreement'.

— Before graduation, we are a pair of 'limited time' lovers.

— After graduation, we are a normal pair of siblings.

For a pair of siblings who loved each other, this was a realistic ending.

We didn't need Manami to tell us.

Back then — that was what Kirino was about to say when I stopped her.

Kirino was definitely scared. True, we only needed to tell her that to make the situation better, but considering what I said — thinking back, I wanted to die.

However, this was fine. Because I had spoken my truest, most honest and sincere feelings.

Back then, there were no lies among everything I said. All of them were my true feelings.

So — because of that agreement, we became a pair of 'limited time' lovers, we were able to love each other to the best of our abilities, without regret.

But it all ended today.

"Alright, all done!"

Kirino used both of her hands to push me away.

"I will return this back to you."

Then, she took off the engagement ring. That was the ring I put on her finger on Christmas.

I still held onto Kirino's back with one hand, the other silently received the ring…

"…………"

"…………"

"Alright, how long are you going to affectionately hug your little sister? We aren't lovers anymore, hurry and let me go."

"Alright alright."

From lovers, we returned back to being siblings. Both returned to the single status.

There was no one by my side anymore, and I couldn't change that no matter what.

That was my choice.

We changed into our uniforms and left the church.

During this time, our hands didn't meet.

Epilogue

"Aki ~ ha ~ bara ~! You have to mention new eroge when you mention spring!"

"Really, you said something so incredible right after passing the ticket counter."

As usual, I lectured her. After graduation, even though she was in her first year of high school now, imouto-sama hadn't changed one bit.

Right after the spring break began, I went to Akihabara together with Kirino.

The warm sunlight shone on the electronics street.

"Do you know why you are here today?"

"Of course, to buy all those eroges released during vacation! The latest in Imouto Dreamwork series!"

"Wrong! To take part in the 'Otaku Girls Unite!' offline meeting!"

Your head is always thinking about eroge.

With sparkling eyes, Kirino looked at the changing Akihabara.

"Of course I know. Because today, we will introduce some new members."

"Yes, that's right — I wonder what the members Saori invited are like."

'Otaku Girls United' total members didn't just include me, Saori, Kirino and Kuroneko. There were other members, who regularly held offline meetings.

Our group, to be accurate, could only be called a sub-group of 'Otaku Girls Unite!'. During our first offline meeting, whoever was unable to fit in was invited by Saori, then added me… to form the 'missed the big group' team.

I felt — Saori was giving us special care.

Looked like this group was going to add some more members… ah, since they hadn't even met yet, let's call them 'temporary' for now.

"— The truth is, I want to invite you two to this second meeting."

Ha… two years ago, we just joined the group, now we were about to add some new members. I was so moved.

"Who knows what kind of people they are? It'd be great if there is a girl who is like a little sister ~"

"You know… it might be a boy."

"Didn't it read 'Otaku Girls Unite!'?"

"Since I'm going to be there, there is no limitation like girls only."

"Right~ we will know when we meet them."

"You are right."

We talked with each other while walking toward the meeting place.

When we were about to take a turn, Kirino suddenly exclaimed happily

"Ah!"

Then she ran toward a shop.

"Meruru's new merchandise! Magical ring ~!"

Looked like it was a copy of a 'magical ring' from the Meruru anime.

"Hey, buy it for me."

"Ha? Why do I have to buy a toy ring for you?"

I am clearly not your boyfriend anymore.

"Buy it yourself."

"Tch, since we are brother and sister, what is wrong with that?"

"What kind of unreasonable excuse is that?"

"You really don't understand, do you? — Listen well, little sister is the one to ask her onii-chan for something in a cute way."

"Then ask me in a cute way! Then I will think about it."

"Eh? I'm already super cute?"

I didn't mean your appearance! Your way of asking was absolutely not cute!

"What is so bad about it, hurry up and buy it for me, you cheapskate."

"… Kuh… ha ~~ alright, I got it."

In the end, as usual, I gave up to her capriciousness.

"Hehe ~ Thank you ~"

Although she was still not very honest, it was great that she thanked me.

Damn… I spoiled my little sister too much.

I needed to pay her back somehow.

Kirino had a satisfied expression while I followed her to our destination with a long face.

Because it was morning, when we left the main street, there weren't many people around.

"Ah, I almost forgot."

I stopped. Kirino also stopped and turned her head to face me.

"What?"

"You see, our bet 'I will do whatever you ask me once' — I still haven't used it."

"That's right — did you think of a way to use it?"

"Yes ~"

"To think of it while walking on Akihabara's street, I have a bad feeling…

well, let's hear it first."

She still showed an incredible expression.

I took a few steps toward Kirino and waved my hand, signaling her to come.

"Good, then come closer."

"Ha~? What? Come closer is your request?"

"Yes, come here."

"Alright alright. Is this okay?"

"Alright ~"

— Suddenly, I kissed her.

"You…!"

Thud! Kirino pushed me away.

"What, what are you doing!? What about our agreement!"

To my flushed little sister, I smiled and said

"Since we are brother and sister, what is wrong with that?"

"How could it be —————!"

Kirino fiercely pointed her finger at me:

"I told you, this is not an eroge! We are going to have a life counseling when we get home!"

Leaving those words behind, my little sister ran toward our meeting place.

The direction that Kirino was running toward — what kind of new members were waiting?

Mwu, if we got along together for a long time, shouldn't we introduce ourselves like a fujoshi?

… Ah ah, really — couldn't be helped.

So… even if it will take a long time, I will tell you.

Listen closely.

About the astonishing secret between me and my little sister.

About my experiences in two chaotic years.

About the story between a super capricious little sister and a super normal aniki.

From a life counseling which could happen between any siblings, but there was a special love story inside.

If you could have a laugh, then it's my pleasure.

About the ending of this story, it must be like that.

"Alright ~ what are you waiting for!? Hurry up!"

"Alright ~ alright ~"

— My little sister cannot be this cute.

Afterword

This is Fushimi Tsukasa. Thank you for buying the 12th volume of "Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai".

How did you find this last volume? I would be glad if you enjoyed it.

5 years have unknowingly passed since I started writing this story. There might be students amongst the readers who have surpassed the protagonist's age during this time.

Even now, it seems only like yesterday when I first started writing about the lives of Kirino, Kyousuke, and everyone. Since then, many things have happened... this LN has led to the production of 2 seasons of anime, manga, (PSP) games, figures, card games, lots of 2D fan-art... even now as I end this series, Kirino and everyone seem to be doing really well.

Many people are able to imagine the voice, expressions, and actions of the various characters of the story, and as such, sometimes, it can also become a common subject in conversations.

With that, I thought it really seemed as if the characters are actual people in real life.

Of course, all of this couldn't have happened with just my power alone.

Many people, as well as the media, have lent their strength.

If you liked any of the story's characters, or if you felt that any character felt like a real person, I don't really feel the same delight as a parent of a child being praised. Instead, I feel I've gained a lifetime's worth of happiness.

Even though I bid farewell to all of you with this last volume of the story, please, even if just a little, remember Kirino and everyone else. If, many years later, you were to inadvertently think about the characters of Oreimo, you could try imagining how they are doing in their lives right now, or something. They could be continuing with their life counselling, or they could be walking along the streets of Chiba or Akiba... Perhaps they could be happily living their lives in such a crazy manner as always. Or so we might think.

To all who wrote in fan letters. And to all who read this story to the end. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I believe that all of you, who have read this long, long story of Kyousuke to the very end, will continue to be good friends with Kirino and gang.

2013 April Fushimi Tsukasa

References

1. ↑ She meant naïve 2. ↑ http://en.Web.taisachnhanh.cloud/wiki/Carrot_and_stick 3. ↑ Pachinko on Wikipedia

4. ↑ Child strap : to secure a child and make it easy to carry him/her in the back/chest like a bag

5. ↑ Kuroneko was saying Nikudorei, which could be a reference for Bishima Nikudorei, an JAV from 1986 OR literally meant a slang word for sex slave.

6. ↑ Meaning she prefer indoor activities.

7. ↑ Volume 1, chapter 1

8. ↑ Meaning do …this and that ….

9. ↑ Name of a shop 10. ↑ Volume 1, Chapter 2. Not exactly words, but I will keep it that way 11. ↑ 仰げば尊し

12. ↑ Japanese school uniform#Gakuran

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, oldpier

Generated on Fri Jul 19 11:26:02 2013

Document Outline

Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai 12

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Final Chapter

Epilogue

Afterword

References

Disclaimer/Credits