emptykhr

[emptykhr]

You Being Super Oblivious Of Them Flirting With You

( ✧ ) ────── boyfriend stories . fluff/light romance - no prns .

- [𝐜𝐡.] 3rd years

- [𝐩:𝐬] slow burn . one-sided pinning (resolved) . light comedy . mild suggestiveness . teasing/banter . slight jealousy

Note: I sat down to write cute flirty headcanons and instead accidentally wrote all of these guys having a romantic breakdown in about their crush being so oblivious about the flirting. 💀 Then I thought they where good and just decided to go with that as the prompt!

Trey Clover

It had been going on for weeks.

Subtle, harmless gestures at first—sharing his homemade treats, seeking you out in the hallways between classes, and always making sure there was a spare seat beside him at Heartslabyul’s long, rose-lined table. You always took it. Smiling up at him, laughing at his jokes, even leaning against his shoulder sometimes when the evenings stretched long and drowsy under the golden canopy of dusk.

And yet.

You were completely, utterly oblivious.

“You’re really good at baking, Trey,” you complimented one day as he handed you a small, ribbon-tied box of matcha-flavored sweets, his personal recipe he never shared. You bit into one, eyes lighting up in delight. “I don’t know how someone like you is still single.”

Trey blinked.

“...Someone like me?”

“Yeah! Tall, dependable, cute smile—you’re like...dad boyfriend material.”

If he had been drinking tea, he might’ve choked.

Dad boyfriend material?!

Despite the polite, affable smile he wore, a faint twitch of disbelief rippled across his temple. Trey had dropped so many hints—letting you taste frosting off his finger in the kitchen, gently brushing your hair out of your eyes when you leaned too close to the oven, even calling you “sweetheart” under his breath when you dozed off during a study session.

And yet, here you were. Thinking he was some domestic teddy bear.

The final straw came during a Heartslabyul tea party, when you reached over to wipe a crumb from the corner of his mouth with your thumb, completely unaware of how red his ears turned.

“You’re always such a mess after eating cake,” you scolded gently.

“You do realize,” he said slowly, looking into your eyes with a rare, unreadable intensity, “that I only ever bring you the first slice.”

“Huh? I just thought I was lucky!” you grinned.

That did it.

He leaned in, lowering his voice as he caged you between the chair and the hedge behind. His gloved hand gently tipped your chin up. “I’ve been flirting with you for months,” he murmured. “How much more obvious do I have to be, shortcake?”

Your mouth dropped open. “Wha—wait, what?!”

Trey laughed softly, finally letting his forehead rest against yours, the tension melting into something warm, golden, and soft. “I swear, you’re sweeter than my tarts and twice as dense.”

Cater Diamond

“Okay, I give up,” Cater announced dramatically, collapsing face-down on the common room couch. “I’ve tried everything, and they still don’t get it.”

From behind his phone screen, he peeked at you sitting nearby, nose buried in a magazine, completely unaware of his suffering.

It had started as a game at first—light teasing, exaggerated winks, the occasional compliment laced with glittering charm.

“Looking good today, babe~” he’d say, snapping a selfie of the two of you while slinging an arm around your shoulders.

“Thanks, Cater! You look amazing too, as always!”

But you always said it like a friend. With zero hesitation, zero fluster, zero realization. You treated his affection like background noise—a quirk of his personality.

Even when he’d rested his head in your lap after a long day and looked up at you with dreamy, sleepy eyes and whispered, “You’d make a perfect boyfriend, y'know... if you’d let me,” you just chuckled and patted his hair.

“Aw, Cater, that’s sweet. You’d be a great boyfriend for someone, definitely.”

Someone.

SOMEONE.

He practically screamed into his pillow when he got back to his dorm that night.

Every day since then had been a desperate escalation. He started bringing you your favorite snacks, styling your hair for fun, sending you good morning texts with pet names like “sunshine” or “my star.” You responded with gifs. Gifs.

Finally, in a move of last-ditch desperation, he planned the boldest romantic gesture he could think of.

Cater rented out the photo booth in town, the one with the glitter backgrounds and soft lighting. He dragged you inside under the pretense of wanting “a bestie shoot,” and waited for the moment the countdown began.

Three…

Two…

One—

He turned, cupped your face, and kissed your cheek.

Click. Flash.

You blinked at him.

“Cater?? What was that for?”

He stared.

“No, seriously. Are you okay? Did you think I was sad or something? You can talk to me, y’know.”

Cater threw his hands up and groaned.

“You’re the one I like!! You! Not as a friend, not as a selfie buddy, not as a human pillow—I like you, you dense little cinnamon bun!”

Your eyes widened. “Wait. Are you flirting with me?”

He looked like he aged five years in five seconds.

“Yes. YES, BABE. That’s what the last four months were. Flirting. Full-throttle, heart-eyes, rom-com level flirting!”

“…Oh.”

A pause. Then, sheepishly:

“So… wanna take another photo? This time, maybe I kiss you on the lips?”

Cater blinked at your soft smile and the way your hand found his.

And just like that, every ounce of frustration melted into sparkly euphoria. “Oh my Seven,” he whispered with a grin. “Finally.”

Leona Kingscholar

Leona was not a man known for patience. In fact, most of the time, he prided himself on getting what he wanted with the least amount of effort. He was sharp, cunning, and confident enough to know that most people would bend over backward just to get a sliver of his attention. So when he set his sights on you—you, with your soft laugh, bright eyes, and completely clueless smile—he assumed it would be easy.

It wasn’t.

It started small. He’d lounge in the botanical gardens where he knew you always came to study. He made sure to growl off anyone else who might sit nearby, leaving the two of you in your own little secluded corner. He'd toss you the occasional compliment, his voice lazy and low.

“Tch. That look suits you, herbivore. Finally got some style.”

You’d blink at him with that warm, clueless grin. “Oh? Thanks, Leona. My friend helped me pick this outfit.”

He resisted the urge to growl. Again.

Then he escalated. He’d sit closer—closer than anyone would consider “just friends.” He'd drop hints laced with suggestion, his amber eyes narrowing when you remained oblivious. He once even played with your hair, idly running his fingers through it while you yawned and continued taking notes on magical herbology.

It got to the point where Ruggie cornered you in the hallway, shaking his head in disbelief. “You seriously don’t get it? He’s basically marking his territory every time you’re near!”

“Huh? Leona? Nah, he’s just... touchy sometimes.”

Leona nearly tore his textbooks in half when he heard that.

The final straw came one warm afternoon when you plopped down beside him under the shade of a sprawling tree. You smiled and passed him a snack you'd made, and Leona, in a bold move of desperation and hunger for your attention, leaned down and bit into it directly from your hand, eyes locked on yours the entire time.

You just blinked and said, “You must’ve been really hungry!”

Leona threw himself backward into the grass with a groan, covering his eyes with his arm.

“Seven hells, you’re dense,” he muttered.

“Huh?”

He sat up again, eyes narrowed, voice husky. “Do I need to spell it out for you, herbivore? I’m not just hanging around you ‘cause I’m bored. I’m trying to get you to notice me.”

You tilted your head, confused. “But I do notice you…”

“No,” he growled, grabbing your wrist gently but firmly, tugging you closer. “Notice me. As in, I want you. You. Me. Together. You seriously didn’t get that?”

You froze. And then it hit you like a freight train. The closeness, the compliments, the touches, the possessiveness—

“Oh... OH.”

Leona smirked, fangs glinting in the sun. “Took you long enough.”

Vil Schoenheit

Vil was always graceful, always poised, always in control. He calculated every step, every glance, every smile. So naturally, when he decided to pursue you, he did it with the same precision he applied to a stage performance or a red-carpet event. Subtle glances, gentle compliments, a brush of his fingers across your shoulder. It was a slow-burning courtship that he expected would sweep you off your feet.

But instead?

Nothing.

Nothing but your charming smile and occasional, completely unbothered “Thank you, Vil!” or “You’re so sweet!” before skipping off to your next class.

He chalked it up to modesty at first. Maybe you were shy. Maybe you wanted to play hard to get. But by week three, when he sent you a handpicked bouquet of enchanted roses and you gave them to Professor Trein’s cat because “it matched her fur,” Vil nearly fainted on the spot.

So, he got bolder.

One afternoon, he strode into your dorm’s common room while you were curled up on a couch with a book. Wordlessly, he slipped beside you and sat right in your lap, settling as gracefully as ever, legs crossed, arm lazily draped around your shoulders.

You blinked. “Are you tired? You can sit here as long as you need.”

Vil’s eye twitched.

“Tired? No, darling, I wanted to sit somewhere comfortable and charming. Surely you understand the appeal.” He leaned in, his breath tickling your ear. “Or is my lap too forward for your delicate sensibilities?”

You laughed lightly. “Nope! You’re light. I didn’t even notice the weight. Kinda like a cat. A really fashionable one.”

Fashionable cat?!

Vil nearly stood up right then and there, scandalized. But no—he took a deep breath. Composure. Poise.

Until you reached up and started patting his head.

“You’re so pretty, Vil. I hope I can be as pretty as you one day.”

“…I’m not trying to be ‘pretty like you,’ I’m trying to be yours,” he hissed in exasperation, face dangerously close to yours.

You blinked again. “Wait… what?”

Vil’s patience finally snapped like a taut ribbon.

“For the love of all that is radiant—I have been flirting with you for months. I’ve complimented you, made time for you, bought you gifts, and now I am literally sitting on your lap! What more must I do? Wear a sign that says ‘I want to be yours’?”

You gaped at him.

“…I thought you were just naturally dramatic.”

Vil groaned, burying his face in your neck. “You’ll be the death of me.”

You awkwardly wrapped your arms around him, finally catching on. “Wait, so… you like me?”

He pulled back just enough to meet your eyes, expression softening ever so slightly. “I more than like you. But you, sweet potato, are so hopelessly dense.”

You laughed nervously, cheeks burning. “I’m really sorry… but, um… I like you too. I just didn’t think you’d like someone like me.”

Vil huffed, but a genuine smile curled on his lips. “Well, you’re mine now. And you’ll never be oblivious again, because I won’t give you the chance to miss it.”

Rook Hunt

To Rook, this was a challenge—a delicious, exquisite one.

He was well aware of how utterly unaware you were. The first time he realized, it was during archery club. He complimented the way your arms flexed as you pulled the bowstring, his tone sultry, his gaze locked on you like you were his prey.

You grinned and said, “Haha, thanks! I’ve been working out my shoulders. Good for posture!”

He tilted his head, lips curled in amusement. “Ah, ma colombe, you are truly a creature of mystery~”

But instead of giving up, Rook only doubled down. He started leaving flowers at your desk with poetic notes—sometimes with metaphors so thick they practically screamed “I am in love with you!”

You just thought it was a Rook thing.

“You’re so sweet! You write such beautiful stuff. Have you thought of joining the poetry club?”

Poetry club…?! Mon dieu, I am baring my soul!

He even tried the "accidental touch" method—fingers brushing yours when passing a book, hands lingering too long during sparring practice. Yet you never reacted with more than a casual smile and a “You okay?”

And Rook? He found it thrilling.

“This unawareness… this resistance… c’est magnifique!” he whispered one day, watching you from the balcony like a Shakespearean ghost. “You are like a doe in the forest, unaware of the eyes that follow you in reverent adoration…”

The final straw was when he kissed the back of your hand under the moonlight after walking you to your dorm. With an air of mystery and drama, he looked into your eyes and murmured, “Bonsoir, ma lumière…”

You giggled. “Wow, you really should join the drama club. That delivery was incredible.”

Rook clutched his chest like he’d been shot, but he was laughing too. Of course. Of course you didn’t get it.

But that just made him want you more.

“I shall make it my mission to pierce through the veil of innocence that blinds you, mon trésor,” he declared to the stars. “You will see me—not as a friend, not as a fellow student—but as the man who has adored you all this time.”

Idia Shroud

It was exhausting trying to flirt with someone who didn’t even realize you were the final boss in their dating sim.

Idia never considered himself bold—not IRL, anyway. Most of his romantic experience came from watching his OTPs go through slow-burn arcs in visual novels or tragic anime love stories. But when it came to you, he was trying. Like, genuinely. In his own glitchy, socially awkward way.

He’d wait outside your classroom “totally coincidentally” with his tablet in hand, acting like he wasn’t tracking your class schedule to the minute. He even upgraded Ortho’s AI recognition software just to find excuses to walk past you more often. He quoted romantic lines from his favorite games to you, hoping you’d get it—but every single time?

You’d just blink. Smile. Nod like he was being cute.

“Oh, that line was so poetic! Is that from a movie or something?”

“B-bro that’s from Stellar Lust IV! The confession scene where the star-crossed lovers reunite under a dying moon! Are you seriously not…? Nvm.”

One afternoon, he got bold. He invited you to his room. That alone should’ve been a confession—no one entered his sacred gaming lair unless they had maximum trust level.

He cleared off a place on the bed, installed RGB mood lighting, even had anime OSTs playing softly in the background. He hyped himself up for weeks for this. He was going to drop a flirt so obvious, even a level 1 NPC could read it.

“So, u-uh, you ever wonder what it’d be like to… y’know… date a genius tech prince who could hack into the city grid just to turn all the traffic lights green for you?”

You tilted your head. “That sounds dangerous… but also kind of cool? Is this part of your new game concept?”

He.exe stopped working.

The blue flames of his hair turned pink for half a second before sizzling back.

He mumbled something incoherent and turned back to his computer, pulling his hoodie so far over his head he looked like a turtle. “N-no, yeah, that was just… haha… worldbuilding...”

He’d keep trying though. One day, he’d craft a cutscene so perfect, even you couldn’t ignore the affection coded into every line.

Malleus Draconia

Malleus was not used to being ignored. Or overlooked. Or, heaven forbid—misunderstood. He was the Crown Prince of Briar Valley, the most feared and powerful student on campus. And yet, here he was, casting ancient spells to conjure glowing roses and coaxing fireflies into hearts over your tea cup—only for you to respond with:

“Wow, Malleus! You always make things so aesthetic!”

He blinked. "Aesthetic?"

“Yeah! Super vibey. You should be a party planner.”

He nearly short-circuited.

This had been happening for weeks. He’d memorized your schedule, just so he could “coincidentally” be where you were. He’d offer to walk you home under the stars, hoping for soft-spoken confessions—but you only asked him if he thought raccoons had hierarchies in their little trash kingdoms.

...You were enchanting. But you were driving him mad.

One day, after finding yet another love poem he’d slipped into your book returned with grammar corrections (you thought he was practicing his prose), he decided on something bold. Direct. Unmistakable.

“Child of man,” Malleus said one twilight evening as you both sat beneath a tree, “if I were to tell you that my heart beats differently in your presence, that the night air tastes sweeter when you laugh—what would you say?”

You tilted your head, thinking. “I’d say you have a really poetic way of saying you like hanging out.”

“I do not merely like hanging out,�� he said slowly, brow twitching. “I wish to court you.”

You stared. “Like… on trial?”

“…Romantically.”

“Ohhhh.”

Silence.

“Wait, me?!”

Malleus closed his eyes and inhaled. Patience. He could wait a thousand years more. But hopefully not.

Lilia Vanrouge

Lilia Vanrouge had seen centuries of war, peace, love, loss—and yet nothing, nothing, had prepared him for the sheer unshakable obliviousness that was you.

It started innocently enough.

He’d toss a wink your way whenever he passed by in the hallway. He brought you little trinkets from the village during his off-campus ventures—flowers woven into chains, sweets with hearts drawn on the wrappers, one time even a hairpin shaped like a bat. You had smiled and thanked him with the kind of radiant purity that could blind a mortal man. And then you tucked the bat hairpin in your pencil case.

Your pencil case. Like he was a math worksheet and not a 700+ year old fae trying to court you.

Still, he found it endearing. You were cute in a way that made his ageless heart ache, and he loved a challenge. So he tried harder.

“You know,” he drawled one afternoon, leaning over your shoulder with a voice like velvet, “in my youth, a suitor might serenade their beloved beneath the moonlight.”

“That’s sweet,” you said, eyes on your textbook. “Did they ever get noise complaints?”

He blinked. “...Noise complaints?”

“Well, if it was late and they were singing outside someone’s window… I bet a lot of people weren’t exactly swooning.”

For a moment, Lilia just stared at you. And then he burst out laughing, so hard he had to wipe a tear from his eye.

“You are either brilliantly teasing me,” he chuckled, “or heartbreakingly naive.”

You smiled at him, not understanding in the slightest.

The final straw came when he invited you for a midnight flight—romantic, intimate, just the two of you soaring above the moon-drenched trees. You screamed with laughter and clung to him the entire way, yelling about how cool it was and how friends like him were the best.

“Friends,” Lilia repeated afterward, voice soft and low as you happily ate the little picnic he’d prepared.

You looked up. “Yeah. I’m lucky to have you.”

He sighed with a small, defeated smile, but his eyes were warm. “The luck,” he murmured, “is all mine, dear.”

[emptykhr]

HI :) can I request a Leona x reader where the reader is used to being like the second choice and just assume that they are last pick or something sorry if it doesn’t make sense:)

LEONA X READER

Where you are used to being the second choice

How would Leona react if he saw that you were isolating yourself from people by thinking that you will always be the second choice?

You didn’t think much of it when your boyfriend didn’t sit next to you at lunch.

He didn’t say anything—just sauntered in, eyes half-lidded like he hadn’t slept a wink (you were pretty sure he hadn’t), and dropped himself beside Ruggie. The table was full today, and with no open seat beside you, you just smiled to yourself and poked at your food. It was fine.

You were used to it.

Being the afterthought.

Being the one people settled for when their first option wasn’t available.

"Hey, herbivore. Why didn’t you come to the Spelldrive training field yesterday?”

You glanced up from your food, blinking. Leona was standing above you, arms crossed like he was annoyed—but you could see the faint crease between his brows.

Worried, maybe. Just a little.

“Oh,” you said, brushing it off. “I figured you had plenty of people to spar with already.”

His frown deepened. “I asked you to come.”

“Yeah, but Epel and Ruggie were there, right? You don’t need me.”

“Didn’t ask if I needed you.”

You blinked. That…wasn’t the kind of thing Leona usually said. You looked back down at your food to hide the way your throat tightened.

“I don’t mind, really,” you said, keeping your voice casual. “I’m not the type people wait around for.”

There was a beat of silence, and then Leona crouched down in front of you. His green eyes were sharp now, focused.

“Tch. Don’t give me that crap.”

You startled. “What—?”

“You always say things like that. ‘It’s fine.’ ‘Don’t worry about it.’ ‘I don’t mind.’ Like you’re just… used to being overlooked.”

You tried to smile again, because smiling made things easier.

“Well, I kind of am.”

Leona's ears flicked, and you saw something shift in his expression. Something serious. Angry—but not at you.

“You think I’d waste my time chasing someone I don’t care about?” he said, low. “You think I’d ask you—not anyone else—if I didn’t want you there?”

You didn’t answer, so he leaned closer, until his shadow cast over you.

“Stop acting like you’re someone I settled for. You’re not last pick, Yuu. Not to me.”

Your throat closed up. The notebook in your lap blurred.

“…Then why don’t you ever say anything like this?” you whispered.

He sighed, frustrated at himself this time. “Because I thought you already knew.”

You gave a watery laugh. “That’s not how it works, Leona.”

He stared at you for a long moment, then sat down beside you, shoulder brushing yours. He didn’t say anything for a while. Just sat there, letting the silence rest between you like a blanket.

“…I’ll start saying it,” he said finally. “Even if you don’t ask.”

Your hand brushed against his. Slowly, you let it rest there.

“Okay,” you whispered.

And he stayed.

[emptykhr]

Okay so I loveddddd your writing of the let’s make out headcanons!!! Can you do a version where the character says it to the reader? Your writing is so good and you write the characters reallly well!!

the house wardens + jamil saying “let’s make out” every time YOU do something hot

summary: every time you do something attractive the housewardens can’t help but say ‘let’s make out’

trope: established relationship, suggestive themes, hurt/comfort, reassurance

info: name calling, cursing, self doubt, they/them pronouns, gender neutral reader, not proofread

characters: riddle, leona, azul, kalim, jamil, vil, idia, malleus

w/c: riddle: 373, leona: 398, azul: 346, kalim: 338 jamil: 366, vil: 424 idia: 424, malleus: 388

a/n: tysm! I always get worried i’ll mischaracterize someone but I really appreciate that <3 also sorry this took so long! I started a new job

Riddle

doesn’t know how to ask, will make up an excuse

gets shy and full on blushes

“we should make out.”

“w-what?” you accidentally painted the leaves instead of the rose.

“rule 879 states to make out with your partner when the sun is facing east after the first set of painted roses.”

you blinked. you were still working on the first bush of roses, you only painted three while there was still a lot more to go.

“we haven’t finished yet.”

riddles ears slowly turn pink. “it’s practically done.”

you could tell it was a lie but he looked so cute trying to justify his reasons.

“y’know you don’t have to make up stuff for us to make out, you could just ask.”

his whole face starts to turn a different color, “I did not make that up! it is the queens rules and I must follow them!”

riddle would never admit he was in fact making it up because you looked absolutely stunning, he loved spending alone time with you. the two of you were painting the roses, riddle was going to reward you with dessert but he couldn’t wait. you just being there, painting was making him flush and wanted to kiss you badly.

you laughed then grabbed him by his bow tie, pulling him closer to your face.

“well then, who am I to question the house warden? go on, you’re not going to break a rule aren’t you riddle?” you smirked as you fiddle with the ends of his bow tie.

riddle moved forward before he could process anything. his body moved faster than his brain so he lunged back, flustered.

“w-wait! ahem. it’s also the queens rule to do it in private… someone could see…”

“hmm what if it was the rule to do it in public? would you do it?”

“absolutely not! I don’t want to hear it from ace or trey… please let’s just go inside before I change my mind…” riddle was already rushing inside hand in hand with you, using his other hand to hide his red face.

“you’re the one that said it was a rule, you’re going to break that rule now mr. roseheart?”

he sighs, you’ll be the death of him.

Leona

nonchalant king

it’s not a suggestion, you ARE making out right then and there

there’s nothing more attractive to leona than you claiming him as your own.

he’s always been second to everyone and everything. but seeing you like this?

“we’re going to make out.” it’s not a question, he’s demanding it.

leona was waiting in the botanical garden for you, enjoying the quiet when he started hearing students near by. he tried to ignore it but he suddenly heard your voice, he wasn’t super interested in the conversation until he heard his name.

“you’re really dating leona? I bet he buys you whatever you want right?”

“what a gold digger. you’re only dating him for his money. plus he’s a prince, you hit the jackpot.”

“too bad he’s the second prince, not much going on. you should have tried for malleus.”

leona was getting pissed, he was going to march his way over there until he heard your booming voice.

“you’re lucky I don’t slap the shit out of you two. it’s none of your business, but for the record I am not dating him for his money. I couldn’t care less and he’s still a prince who has more class than you.”

your face darkened as you stalked close to them

“I’m dating leona for him, he’s the most sweetest and thoughtful person I know, and he knows how to treat people right instead of taking out his jealousy on other people.”

you were defending him, leona knew you could defend yourself but you were also defending him.

leona could have easily stepped in before the whole situation started but seeing how things played out, he’s glad he didn’t.

“is there a problem here?” leona was towering over the two as they were about to continue. shutting them up they shook their heads and left with a scoff.

“babe I’m sor-“

“we’re making out. now.” leona tugged you behind a tree, leaning down to attach his lips to yours, leaving you no room to deny, caging you in his arms.

leona is acting like a starved man by the way hes devouring your lips, leaving you no time to think.

“that was kind of hot herbivore.” it was extremely hot to him but he’s just going to show you how attractive he found you defending him was. just wait until you get back to his room.

Azul

full of bull

also will make an excuse, says it’s his payment for doing smth for you

“y/n dear, could you meet me in my office to discuss something.”

what did you do now… you don’t remember doing anything wrong.

you were helping out in the lounge since it was busier than usual.

once azul closed the door shut,

“I propose a deal. we make out right now and later.. and I’ll give you the day off tomorrow with some of our newest drinks that i know you love.”

honestly, azul has been stressed all day and is just throwing out random ideas to have an excuse to make out with you.

he’s not going to just straight up ask, this is a give and take world.

“uhm, but it’s still pretty busy out there—“

“I assure you they’re capable of running things for a few minutes. or hour..”

you were his escape and he needed it badly, it was a madhouse out there. he usually could handle it but it also didn’t help how attractive you looked while taking peoples orders, persuading them into buying more than what they came for.

“please my pearl, remember that time I babysat grim? you still owe me for that.”

that one time that happened two months ago that you’ll never let happen again.

you remember azul used that the last time he wanted to make out with you, but you weren’t going to rain down on his parade just yet.

you knew azul was just going to keep persuading you until you agreed. he would never outright say he wants to kiss you no, he has a reputation to uphold.

you sighed, wrapping your arms around his neck and smashing your lips against his.

he let out a squeal from shock, he didn’t expect that.

his face flush from that embarrassing noise he made but held you close, deepening the kiss as he felt his stress melt away. he’s not planning on letting you go anytime soon, the outside world can wait and deal with themselves.

Kalim

he just loves kissing you, you don’t have to be doing anything and he’ll still say it

will get pouty and pepper you with kisses until you agree

“let’s make out!”

"kalim... we're supposed to be studying right now."

"we have! don't I get a reward for studying? sometimes once I finish jamil gives me a treat!" kalim has been staring at you for the past 20 minutes.

you promised jamil to study with kalim and make sure he gets his work done but its not going so well.

"okay but you only answered two questions then started staring at me."

"you look so pretty! your serious face is so cute, how am I supposed to focus when you look like that! I want to make out with you!” he doesn’t give you time to say anything, kalim is already pouting and putting his best puppy dog eyes while peppering small kisses across your face.

“pleaassseee, just a small break then i’ll do my work! i promise!! pleaseee let me kiss youuu” he whines as he wraps his arms around your neck, practically on top of you while leaving sad kisses on your cheek.

“I need my daily y/n kisses or I can’t make it throughout the day! i’ve been deprived for so long…”

“I gave you a morning kiss, a kiss when I saw you, a kiss when you asked for one, a kiss when I left…”

kalim furrowed his eyebrows, “that doesn’t count! I need my daily make out kisses, completely different!”

you laughed at his kicked puppy look.

how could you say no to that face?

sighing you state, “alright. just for a minute then if you get an answer right i’ll give you a reward.”

“kisses reward?”

you nodded, “kisses reward.”

he giggling as he won, he slams his lips towards yours. playing with your hair as he deepens the kiss, he smiles every time you make little noises. kalim absolutely loves to kiss you silly and will do it every chance he gets.

Jamil

he just needs a break

usually says it at his breaking point so it’s really rough and quick sometimes

“let’s make out.”

it caught you so off guard. Jamil had pulled you into a storage room, you were carrying some paperwork you had to turn in but they soon were scattered from how quickly jamil pulled you in.

“w-what? babe I-“

“please, it will be quick I just…” his hand cupping your face as his lips brushed against yours, muttering against them

“I need this.” he murmured breathily before pressing his lips firmly while running his fingers through your hair.

“you looked so hot earlier,” he pushed you against the wall, gently squeezing your hip while traveling down kisses to your jawline

you didn't know how to react. it was rare when jamil showed pda especially this passionate in public. well you two were stuck in a closet but still anyone could walk in at any moment.

“you putting kalim and the others in their place.. you were so assertive.” his lips never leaving an inch away from you, “very hot of you.” he smirked as he looked up at you through his eyelashes.

he loves seeing how flustered you get because of him. he may not show much interest in public but that’s just because he’s a private person and loves teasing you when you two are alone.

he loves your little reactions.

“I-I just wanted them to give you a break”

“I appreciate you so much.” jamil sighs between your lips, rubbing circles on your hip while deepening the kiss.

jamil knew he should get back to his things but you were so addicting. how could he leave you right now?

he groans as he pulled away to look at you, smirking at your blown out expression

“let me show you how much I appreciate you, later tonight.” he winked before getting one last kiss then picking up your papers, leaving the room to turn in your work as if nothing happened.

jamil was completely unfazed unless you looked real close but you were red the rest of the day, clearly not thinking straight.

you will never get used to this side of jamil.

Vil

hear me out, he's secretly a freak

stress reliever

“are you sure it looks good?”

“my dear.. we’re not going out. we’re making out. right now.”

“w-huh?? but my outfit… is it not, or my makeup?”

the two of you were getting ready for date night, you had bought a new outfit for this occasion that you really liked but now you weren’t so sure if it looked good now.

vil on the other hand couldn’t look away. you looked absolutely radiant and you’re over here having second thoughts? please, he obviously needs to show you how good you look.

“my love you look stunning, there’s no need to worry.” vil was kissing you all over, you had some lipstick stains but he wasn’t going to tell you about that yet.

“baby.. we’re going to be late to our reservation..”

“we can reschedule or go somewhere else.”

vil couldn’t care less, he needed to make out with you now and show you how much he loves you.

“v-vil you’re going to mess up our makeup…”

he leans down, leaving more stains scattered across your neck and collarbone as he smirks against your warm skin.

“good. you look even more divine like this.”

he guides you to his bed not once breaking the kiss as he sets you down

“you’re perfect love, this outfit compliments you so well and you’re makeup looks even better now~” he smirks, caressing your face looking at you longingly

you turn to look at yourself through the mirror to see all the lipstick stains he left. you blush over how much of a mess you look.

“v-vil! I can’t go out like this! it’s going to take another 40 minutes to take this off and redo it.”

“why not? I think you look breathtaking, why not show everyone your beauty?” he mused, still trailing kisses over you.

“vil your makeup is messed up too” you state as you try to fix the smudges around his lips but he keeps diving back down into you.

“does it look like I can right now darling? right now I need to show you how much you mean to me. we can go out another day, I have all I need right here.”

vil cages you down before roughly yet gracefully devouring your lips.

he’ll do whatever it takes to make you feel comfortable in your own body just as you make him comfortable enough to look like an absolute mess in front of you, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Idia

he would mumble it, thinking you didn't hear it

he didn’t mean it! (he totally meant it he just doesn’t know how to ask)

"we should totally make out..."

"okay."

"wh-HUHH?? y-you heard that?? I-I didn't mean it!”

you were helping out idia with some equipment he needed to fix. you picked up a couple things from watching him tinker plus this was a great opportunity to spend time with him.

idia wasn’t in the best mindset today so he kept messing up and getting frustrated when it still wasn’t working right so you wanted to give it a try to help him out. you fixed it just like that in seconds.

he watched you in shock. not only did you fix in on the first try but the face you make when you’re focused was just too much for him.

a strand of hair fell in front of your face, he wanted so badly to tuck it behind your ear but that would be totally cringe otome vibes.

“idy you can ask if you want to, I won’t judge.”

the tips of his hair are pastel pink as he fidgets with his sleeves.

“w-what the… can I exist and restart.. there’s gotta be an autosave before this…” he murmurs mostly to himself under his breath

even when he really wants to kiss you, he still gets in his head so even when he wants to, you have to initiate it.

you hold onto his hands and kiss his cheek. “no need to restart. this route is perfect.”

he gasps while looking at you with full blown out eyes, staring at you like you just deleted his saved file.

“you’re an ultra rare SSR…”

you laugh as you place your lips to his. you couldn’t get enough of this dork.

idia fiddles with the ends of your shirt as he ease into the kiss. you’re too good to him, he doesn’t know how or why you picked him but he’s beyond grateful.

and just like that something flipped inside him, he curled his hand around your neck before taking the lead. he still has self doubt so he’ll slip up but when you encourage him he grows confident.

leaving you two breathless with his hair full pink with blue accents. he smiles at you before kissing your temple then diving back into your lips, holding your hand with his free one to ground himself, letting him know this is okay and he’s doing good.

“I must have crazy gacha luck to have pulled you..”

Malleus

you breathe and he’ll say he wants to make out

100% whip, simp, yearning man

“child of man. I believe we should make out.”

“hmm?”

the two of you were taking a nightly stroll that you usually do mostly every night when you can.

it was a peaceful night, you would share things that happened during the day or whatever popped in your mind as you held hands.

the conversation soon died down into a comfortable silence as you took in sight of the night sky.

malleus was too busy staring at you to appreciate the night. the way the moonlight hit your face just right making you eternal which made his face feel warm.

he wanted nothing more than to take your breath away if you’ll let him.

“I would very much like to kiss you. I want us to have a make out session and leave you breathless to show you how you make me feel every time I lay eyes on you.”

your face heated up with every word malleus spoke.

you stopped walking to process his request. malleus is a gentleman so will only make a move if you’ll let him, if you don’t want to he’ll understand. he will get pouty but wants nothing more than for you to be comfortable.

he waits patiently but has that longing look in his eyes with a hint of desire.

“o-okay.” you nod, still flush as malleus steps closer, one hand caressing your face as if you’re a piece of glasswork then dipping down to capture your lips.

he pulls back to see your face then dives back in. each time becomes longer than the previous kiss. he sure was making you breathless.

you finally had to pull back to get some air but malleus goes down to nuzzle your neck, occasionally leaving kisses.

“you are absolutely ravishing child of man. what you’re feeling is how I feel every time you’re near, and I adore it. I would want nothing more than to leave you sweet kisses and show the world my queen.”

you don’t know what makes you more breathless, malleus’s words or his kisses.

“you sweet talker, get over here.” you needed to shut him up before you exploded. you pulled him down and smashed your lips to his.

malleus was in paradise.

﹒⭒﹒⭒﹒⭒﹒

a/n: that scenario has been on my mind for leona but the others idk what to do T-T sorry if this is short! have a great day/night !

[emptykhr]

Ohh mu shayla 😭😭😭😭

BOOMMMM SHAKALAKAAAAAAA JADEEE???????

[emptykhr]

Donna: “James the cops are looking for you, we have to hide your half of Laura’s necklace!”

James:

[emptykhr]

Mama Leech: "You've arrived. My apologies for making you wait."

Oooh I finally met her! Mama Leech! She talks just like Jade, but in a feminine tone. She's very polite; completely unlike Maleanor who talks really aggressively lol.

Jade: "She is my mother."

Grim: "She's even larger than Jade........ And about twice taller than Riddle!"

RIDDLE CATCHING STRAYS 😭😂😭😂

Riddle: "I'M NOT THAT SHORT!"

OMFG RIDDLE JBDSAKDBNKASDN;LDAS

[emptykhr]

GOM + Kagami with an s/o who is taller then them

I write with y/n (for your name)// GIF is not mine

Tetsuya Kuroko

Since his team is all very large, it wouldn't be a problem. He's used to it. On the contrary, since he isn't the biggest himself, he often asks you if you can give him something from the shelf. Just like he does with Kagami. This would take away the insecurity you sometimes have about your size. On bad days, he would tell you that you look like a majestic goddess and that this is something special. Kuroko would also suggest you play basketball with him sometime if he hasn't already done so. With this he would want to show you in his own way that your size is something positive. For these wordless attempts to make you feel good about yourself, you love Tesuya.

Taiga Kagami

Kagami would be really impressed to have found someone taller than him. He himself is exceptionally tall, standing at 1.90m. The two of you would often jokingly argue about whether the 4cm that you are taller even count. According to Taiga, you wouldn't be able to tell visually that you're taller. I would definitely encourage you to play basketball. A) because he thinks it might suit you and B) because he can then practice with you against bigger opponents. Literally dies when you see your long legs in high heels. Like for real, he is blushing madly. So don't wear them too often!

Ryouta Kise

Since Ryouta is a model, he would be used to having tall (and especially beautiful) people around him, you would be no exception. What he would always tell you to calm you down. However, Ryouta would always drag you along to his shoots because he thinks the clothes would look amazing on you. Like the one time you accompanied him. Actually, you just stood there to watch. But then Ryouta came out of the dressing room very excited with the stylist. A long, blue dress with sequins and tulle doesn't fit any of the models. So ahtty Ryouta suggested you without further ado. He said thanks to your size it wouldn't stand up on the floor and would fit perfectly.

Daiki Aomine

One senses slight ego problems…the only one who could beat him, in terms of hight, were…well, you. This fact would give your ego a few small scratches. Especially if he said something stupid to you…bringing up the fact that you're taller than him would always get him to shut up. Like Taiga, he loves his legs in high heels, only with Daiki it has a different effect. Since you are lokking so gorgeous, he would instinctively steer any guy he could potentially flirt with away from you. And on the other hand…he would be glued to you, touching you whenever he could. If your dress had a leg slit…you bet he would slide his hand down your leg, under the dress. Such a horny man lmao.

Shintaro Midorima

Would ask the oracle when and under which star constellation you were born. Only to find out that it's almost the same as his. Which would explain a lot for Shintaro…he's tall, so you are too. Would secretly love that his large sweaters fit you almost right. Especially if you decide to wear them to school. Would put him straight into a coma. Especially when the boys ask if that isn't his sweater you're wearing. (Side note: Daiki would be so jealous of you and Shintaro). His mother would be happy that you were a similar size because Midorima doesn't seem so huge anymore. She would always tell you what a great couple you are.

Atsushi Murasakibara

Honestly…how? He's a goddamn giant himself…And that's exactly why he'd love it. With you he doesn't have to be careful and doesn't have to be afraid of crushing you. Since he is very lazy, he would also be happy that he doesn't have to move too much to kiss you since you are at eye level. He would love being able to be the little spoon while cuddling. Nuzzeling his face in the crock of your neck, as the slight vanilla smell of your hair would pass him by. He loved the vanilla shampoo and at that moment one of his rare laughs would appear on his lips. After all, you would be his tall, cute and lovely snack.

[emptykhr]

WEAR HEADPHONES!

NSFW

3 mins of Sylus eating you out and then fucking you.

All audio except for the music comes from the games. No AI.

[emptykhr]

MY SWEET BABIE JESUS

WHAHHEYDYAUHWHE YWYAHHE

[emptykhr]

Hiii can you do brother conflict like how would guys react when is ema(mc) in like Christmas dress (you can pick) theyy are doing something for school for she have to wear that.

At the risk of being crass, there are probably two groups. The 'oh, she looks so cute!' squad and the boner squad. I'm personally imagining the bottom left one... idk I think some of them would want to see what's under the shawl. Sorry that the bullet points are a bit short, it's difficult when there are 14 characters!! and now i'm about a week late for posting :P

Masaomi

Lowkey down for it but I don't think he'd recognize that feeling.

Surprisingly mature about it.

First person to offer a jacket if she gets cold

Ukyo

Oh he's in to it. Definitely. Did you SEE what he thought about in the Valentine's day special?

come sit on santas lap ema JKJKJK i'm just being mean

He'd personally prefer a longer dress though, for a formal Christmas ball

Kaname

come sit on santas lap ema deadass this time

'you can jingle my bells ;)'

sorry i love being mean to my favorite characters

definitely wants a little peek under the sweater. how 'cold' does the top have to be for it need to be covered?

Hikaru

While he'd definitely tease Ema about it, he probably wouldn't think about it too much. He's down bad for Ema, regardless of what she's wearing.

Perhaps he'd tease her about wearing something so short in the middle of winter.

Tsubaki

oh my GOD he's down so bad

he'd take even coal from such a cute santa

small chance he's carrying around mistletoe.

Azusa

In to it... but not obnoxious about it.

Plays it cool though!

Definitely thinks shes cute though

Natsume

It's sort of whatever

He'd love to see her in anything cute

It's on theme for the holidays though

Louis

Tbh probably gifted it to Ema in the first place.

He likely saw it on a mannequin and bought it thinking of her... not of how his brothers would react haha

Would want to style her up like she's debuting

Subaru

*clears throat* BONER SQUAD

BRIGHT RED

the color of his face matches the dress!

says nothing though. can't muster anything up

Iori

I think it would be a nice distraction for him

the holidays are rough, it seems, so spending it with someone in general is nice

he doesn't care much for the holiday theming though

Yuusuke

member 2 of the boner squad

stammering

but.... he matches her yknow?? so theyre like santa and mrs claus.... happily married couple of like 200 years.... so..... maybe it's an omen

Fuuto

teasing so much teasing!!

says ema looks stupid but. thinks shes cute!

Wataru

Doesn't quite get it yet :/

He sees his brothers acting a bit weird and doesn't know why.

He just thinks it's a cute outfit!

[emptykhr]

Brothers Conflict Season 2 Volume 1 #024

Masterlist || Next —>

translator’s note: This is an English translation of chapter #024 of Brothers Conflict— aka, the entire first chapter of Season 2 (Volume 1). This is my first time translating a light novel chapter, so I hope it reads okay. Please enjoy! :D

#024 — Pretending you don’t have a special someone.

A whistle rings out.

“Great job, Asahina!”

A voice calls out from the bench, right before the audience erupts into loud cheers of joy.

— It’s been five months since I’ve been admitted to Meiji University.

After passing my initial entrance exam, I’ve somehow made it to my first ever summer vacation as a university student.

Still, being on vacation doesn’t mean I can just slack off and do nothing.

“High School is about studying what and when you’re told. University is about discovering and deciding for yourself what you’d like to study.”

I still remember the president of the university’s words from during his speech at the entrance ceremony.

Just like he said, my classes have been requiring me to write and submit weekly reports, each with a theme that I’ve needed to decide upon myself.

I’d never expected to be taking any classes like that during my first year, but it’s school policy for all business majors to take it.

After summer break’s over, I have more reports due that I’ll need to turn in as well. That’s why these days, I’ve been going to the library about once or twice a week.

Early this morning, I’d gone to the library to do some research and compile some notes, until I’d barely gotten to a point where I was comfortable enough to stop for a late lunch and finally start heading home.

When I get to the main entrance, I see a large announcement in the middle of the bulletin board that the school usually uses to advertise different things like groups and events.

“From our Meiji University, a pro athlete’s been born!”

… is what’s written at the top of the board in a large font. Underneath, the following is written.

“A member of our basketball team, Asahina Subaru (a 4th year business student) has been officially recruited to become a pro player. Asahina will be making an appearance at these upcoming games during these dates at our school gymnasium. This is your chance to see a pro athlete in action! Admission to enter is free of charge. We wish all visitors a warm welcome!”

After that, there’s a list of matches and their dates and times lined up. When I look through them, I realize that the very first listed match is today— they should already be playing by now.

(Ah… Subaru-san’s playing a match right now.)

Subaru-san didn’t mention anything about it to me, though. For a moment, I find myself at a loss for what to do.

(But it’s happening at my school, though…)

It’s one thing if I didn’t know it was going on, but to pretend I didn’t hear about it and not go anyways would be rude.

Despite the lingering doubt and worry in my mind about going, I still make my way in the direction of the school gymnasium.

The audience seating is on the second floor, so I climb up the stairs once I get to the entrance of the gymnasium.

The very moment that I step out the stairs, I’m immediately met with the sight of Subaru-san jumping up to make a shot.

All the doubts and worries about coming to watch clouding my mind are immediately blown away by the beauty and fluidity of the movement.

“Subaru-san!”

Without thinking, I run up to the railing and shout.

“Nice shot!”

There’s a strange look on Subaru-san’s face as he looks from across the court to the audience seating, his eyes scanning the stands as if looking for something.

It isn’t long until his gaze finally settles in my direction.

At first, upon seeing me, there’s a surprised expression on his face. Then, slowly, it starts to morph into a smile. But, the smile doesn’t last long.

The moment that the whistle rings out signaling that the match is about to resume, Subaru-san’s expression immediately tightens once again, completely serious.

As soon as the match resumes, he begins to move swiftly towards the ball.

(Woah…)

I’ve watched some of Subaru-san’s matches before, but right now, Subaru-san looks like a completely different person from back then. Even an ordinary person like me can see the complete difference in his movements from the others around him.

(Amazing…)

He runs through and around the court, weaving in and out of the other players with a sense of fluid, masterful control.

I had arrived at the game right at the start of the fourth quarter, meaning there’s only one quarter of the game left.

Until now, the match was close enough to be anyone’s game. But in just a few minutes, Subaru-san has managed to score shot after shot, changing the tides of the game completely in his team’s favor.

Ultimately, in the end, it’s a complete victory for Meiji University.

There’s a cacophony of cheers and applause as the audience erupts into joy. I join in, clapping my hands as well.

(Amazing! Subaru-san was great! He scored so many points!)

For a while, the cheers continue, and the players bow at the audience before leaving the court. Once the audience sees the players leaving, they too start to filter out of the gymnasium.

(I think I’ll wait a little bit before I leave.)

The entrance is jam packed with people trying to leave, so I decide to stay in my seat to wait out the crowd.

Once it’s calmed down, I make my way down the hall and to the entrance.

At that moment.

“Thank you for today.”

I hear a voice ring out from behind me. When I turn around to look, I’m met with the figure of a uniform-clad Subaru-san, a towel slung over his shoulders.

Subaru: “I wasn’t expecting you to come today… but I’m glad you did.”

“Great work out there.”

As I say that, I make my way towards Subaru-san.

“You played really well.”

Subaru: “I… guess so. But today was just a practice match. It doesn’t say much about how a real match against an opponent would go.”

Subaru-san’s words are completely calm, not a trace of embarrassment or bashfulness in them.

Subaru: “But…”

The tone of Subaru-san’s voice changes.

Subaru: “How did you know about today’s game? I’m pretty sure that I don’t remember telling you about it.”

“Oh, I saw the notice.”

Subaru: “Notice?”

As I tell him about the notice on the school bulletin board I saw earlier, Subaru-san’s face twitches.

Subaru: “Those guys… I told them not to go around doing stuff like that.”

“But isn’t it okay? I mean, the stuff written on there is true, after all.”

Subaru: “No, I’m not a pro yet. The offer’s still just tentative.”

Subaru-san’s voice is firm and resolute.

Subaru: “I’ll sign an official contract once I graduate. Until then, I can’t be considered a pro. Either way, my skills are still…”

Subaru-san’s face tenses.

Subaru: “I’m not worthy of being compared to a real pro.”

“Huh?”

Subaru: “When I went to Kyushu, I saw pros practicing. They’re on an entirely different level. A completely different level. To compare myself to them, as I am now… it wouldn’t even be a competition.”

There’s a bitter frustration in his tone. But then, it changes into something excited.

Subaru: “Even so, when I think about how I felt in the moment, at the idea of getting to play like that, I was really… really happy. I’m really grateful that I can continue playing basketball.”

When I see the genuine smile on Subaru-san’s face, I can’t help but break into a grin as well.

(Subaru-san… I’m really happy for you.)

Just as I think that, Subaru-san suddenly breaks out into a violent cough.

Subaru: “Nnnnnnn—!!!”

“Wh-what’s wrong?!”

Subaru: “Th-that… that… your smile… er, n-nevermind. I just… had something caught in my throat, is all.”

Subaru-san swallows slightly exaggeratedly before continuing.

Subaru: “To be honest, my teammates are probably waiting for me. I might need to get going.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to keep you.”

Subaru: “No, I’m the one that called out to you. …it’s my bad.”

After a beat, Subaru-san speaks up again.

Subaru: “Hey.”

“Yes?”

Subaru: “... will you come to my next match, too?”

“Of course! I’d already planned on going to your upcoming games.”

Subaru: “I-is that so!”

Subaru-san gives me a smile. There’s a sense of relief in his expression.

“Oh, that’s right. Do you think you could let me know the dates your next matches will be on?”

Subaru: “Oh, yeah. I’ll message them to you later.”

“Got it. In any case, congratulations on today again!”

Subaru: “Ah, be sure to stay safe on your way home.”

Lightly waving goodbye, I start to leave. As I do, I can hear Subaru-san mutter to himself in a quiet voice.

Subaru: “Thank god. …she doesn’t hate me after all…”

(Huh?)

Unconsciously, I stop in my tracks. I turn to look behind me, watching the back of Subaru-san’s figure as he makes his way towards the locker rooms.

(Subaru-san….?)

For a moment, I hesitate whether or not to call out to him. But a feeling that I can’t quite place wells up in me at seeing the back of his figure as he leaves, and in the end, I don’t say anything.

★☆★

“Hey, isn’t that Asakura Fuuto?”

While waiting for the train to arrive at Meiji University station, I hear the chattering voices of some high school girls.

“That’s a member of your favorite idol group or whatever, right? What were they called again? Corset?”

“That isn’t even close! They’re called Forttê!”

“Oooh, right. What’s that even mean, anyways?”

“What does it mean..? Hm. I’m pretty sure it’s supposed to be the first letters of all the member’s names arranged into one word.”

(So that’s what Forttê’s supposed to stand for.)

“The first letters of their names?”

“Yup. There’s Asakura Fuuto, Narimoto Osamu, Seike Ryou, Takesue Takuma, Morishima Towa, and Akaboshi Eiichiro…. so, Forttê!”

“Eh? … ohhhh, I see, you’re talking about their first names. For a sec I thought you meant their last names.”

“Haha– oh, right, didja know that Seike Ryou’s been seen around here?”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Apparently, he attends Meiji University.”

(Huh? Really? So a member of Forttê attends my university.)

Before I realize it, I’m listening intently to their conversation.

“A university student, huh–. Asakura Fuuto’s a student too, right?”

“Yup. He’s still a high school student. But why are you asking about Asakura Fuuto? Are you a fan of his?”

“Not really, I wouldn’t say that, but– hasn’t he been in a lot of dramas lately? I feel like I’ve been seeing a lot of him in different stuff. Don’t you think he’s pretty talented?”

(Wow– I’m sure Fuuto-kun would be glad to hear that.)

The truth is that these days, Fuuto-kun’s been getting a lot more acting jobs. Since he also has his idol work to juggle alongside his acting, he’s been so busy that whenever I catch a glimpse of him at home, I can’t help but feel like he must be working really hard to improve.

“Oh, yeah, that’s right. Uh huh… he’s been in a lot of dramas lately.”

“Huh? Why’s your voice sound all dark and gloomy like that? Did I say something weird?”

“Sorry. No, that isn’t it… it’s just that I heard that that member in particular has been causing some quarreling in the group lately.”

(Ehh?)

“Really?”

“Yeah… I heard a bunch of stuff about it on the internet.”

“What? Are you sure that it isn’t just meaningless gossip?”

“Well, that’s what I thought at first too… but the thing is, that was before I’d seen all the Forttê members appear on TV, and then—”

(And– and then what?!)

In the very next second, the sound of an announcement reverberates throughout the whole platform.

“The train is arriving! Please be sure to stay behind the yellow line!”

The sound of the announcement is so loud that the sound of the two girls’ conversation is lost in it, and I don’t get to hear what they say next.

(The members of Forttê are fighting? Because of Fuuto-kun appearing in dramas?)

Since it’s internet gossip, there isn’t any saying whether or not it’s true.

(...still.)

Fuuto-kun’s always had a rather condescending attitude. If he looks down on people or takes an attitude with them while he’s at work, it’s possible that that animosity could be affecting his relationship with his coworkers.

(Even though I know I shouldn’t, I can’t help but worry… maybe just a little bit of digging wouldn’t hurt.)

I bring my phone out, searching up the words “Forttê” and “quarrel”.

Several seconds later, I’m met with a display of search results. My eyes skim through them, but none of them seem to match up with what the girl from earlier mentioned.

Next, I decide to look up “Asakura Fuuto” and “gossip”.

I’m met with the same lack of results. Just like when I looked up “Forttê” and “quarrel”, I don’t find anything that mentions Fuuto-kun having any sort of disputes with the other members of Forttê.

(Whew… thank goodness.)

A let out a little sigh of relief.

– That is, until I see it.

An article titled “Asakura Fuuto– Siscon Allegations”.

(W-what’s this?!)

When I click to read the article, I find that it’s about some of the comments that Fuuto-kun made during his speech to me on the day that I’d graduated– the same speech that Fuuto-kun had made during a live TV broadcast.

(Uwah… u-ugh, this is because Fuuto-kun said all that weird stuff…)

There isn’t a total fuss being made about it, but when I dig a bit further, I find some more articles, all mentioning the declaration he’d made during the broadcast.

(The next time I get the opportunity, I’m going to have to have a talk with Fuuto-kun about this.)

I sigh to myself before exiting the search engine on my phone.

★☆★

As I get off at Kichijōji station and start heading towards the mansion, I find myself passing by an arcade near the station.

Since the street is lined end to end with shops, it’s always super busy and crowded. Of course, since it’s a summer afternoon and everyone’s on vacation, that rings true for today, too.

I do my best to try and wade my way through the waves of people flowing all around me.

“Onee-chan!”

I suddenly hear a loud voice call out.

(Huh? Right now, that voice…)

I see someone waving at me from the front of a nearby fast food restaurant.

I recognize the “BC” crest on the pocket of their white shirt as part of the Bright Centrair school uniform.

“Ah, Wataru-chan.”

Wataru: “... Wataru-chan?”

I look up from his uniform to see Wataru’s face clearly upset, his mouth twisted into a dissatisfied frown.

“Er, sorry– Wataru-kun.”

After I correct myself, Wataru’s expression goes back to his bright grin from before.

Wataru: “Thanks, Onee-chan!”

Wataru-chan– or, er, Wataru-kun– throws the paper cup he’s holding in the garbage, and approaches me.

Wataru: “Hey.”

I remember a conversation that Wataru-kun and I had back when he’d first started middle school.

Wataru: “I’d like it if you could change the way you call me from now on.”

“Hm?”

Wataru: “I’d like for you to stop calling me “-chan”, since I’m in middle school now.”

“Oh, I see. I guess that makes sense. A middle schooler wouldn’t want to be called “-chan” anymore, would they? … in that case, does “Wataru-kun” work?”

Wataru: “Yup, that works! It’s a promise, Onee-chan!”

Even though I said I’d stop doing it, there are times where I accidentally call Wataru-kun “Wataru-chan” by sheer force of habit. Every time I do, Wataru-kun gives me the same dissatisfied pout he did just now, but I’ve been making the mistake less and less recently.

Wataru: “Onee-chan, did you go somewhere today?”

“Yes. I went to my school to do some research. What about you, Wataru-kun?”

Wataru: “Me? I had a mock exam today.”

“Is that so? It must be difficult having to take exams during summer vacation.”

Bright Centrair is well-known for being a cramschool. Even the first year middle schoolers who attend are expected to go to prep classes and take national-level mock exams, so their students get less days off than those from other schools.

Wataru: “Yeah. But I think I did well, at least…. ehehe.”

The truth is that Wataru-kun gets really good grades. At the end of his first semester, I saw his report card, and he got much higher grades than I ever did when I was in middle school.

I never really see Wataru-kun studying at home, so I think that he’s just naturally very smart and gifted.

(It’s stuff like this that makes me remember that Wataru-kun really is Masaomi-san and Ukyo-san’s little brother.)

Wataru: “Onee-chan, are you headed back home right now? Or do you plan on going somewhere else?”

“I’m headed back home.”

Wataru: “Then is it okay if we go together?”

“Of course it’s okay.”

The two of us chat as we walk through the arcade together.

Wataru: “And then, my teacher–”

Maybe it’s because he doesn’t have any difficulty studying or with academics, but Wataru-kun’s school life sounds very fun. He has a lot of friends, and it seems like he’s very popular and well-liked by his class as well.

As I think this while listening to him, Wataru-kun suddenly interrupts himself.

Wataru: “Onee-chan, am I boring you?”

“Eh?! I don’t feel that way at all, why would you think that?”

Wataru: “Well, it’s just that you’re going “uh-huh, uh-huh” and nodding along a lot. Isn’t that how people tune out stuff they aren’t interested in talking about or listening to?”

“That– that isn’t it at all.”

I reply, confused.

“You’re a very skilled storyteller, so I was just listening really intently.”

Wataru: “It’s okay, you don’t have to force yourself to lie to me.”

Wataru-kun’s face goes gloomy.

Wataru: “If I’m boring you, I want you to tell me. Because if you don’t… I won’t be able to fix it.”

“Like I said, that isn’t it at all.”

My voice is earnest as I speak.

“While it’s true that people tend to nod and hum and reply absentmindedly to try and feign paying attention, that isn’t what I was doing right now at all.”

Wataru-kun stares intently at my face before replying.

Wataru: “... okay, I understand.”

He bows his head down at me.

Wataru: “Onee-chan, what I said just now was kinda weird, right? I’m sorry about that.”

“I don’t mind at all– here, lift your face back up. Won’t you tell me the rest of your story?”

At that, Wataru-kun’s smile finally returns, and he finishes telling me the rest of his story.

“At any rate...”

As our conversation dies down, I mutter to myself without realizing it.

“Wataru-kun, you’ve really grown up, huh.”

Wataru: “Me? Grown up?”

“Yeah. I feel like you’ve matured a lot.”

Wataru: “Hmmmm…”

Wataru-kun stops walking, folding his arms as if in deep thought.

“What’s wrong?”

Wataru: “I’ve… grown up… an adult…”

After a moment of silence, Wataru-kun abruptly speaks up again.

Wataru: “No, that isn’t true. I’m not an adult yet.”

“Eh?”

Wataru: “Well, you still don’t want to be my girlfriend, right, Onee-chan?”

“W-Wataru-kun?!”

The two of us are still in the middle of the arcade. Since it’s an afternoon during summer break, there’s a large amount of people crowding the arcade.

“Huuuuuh, that kid just confessed his love for his big sister.”

“Amazing isn’t it, the fact that he did it in front of a crowd, too. Talk about a public confession.”

“Welllll, since it was cute, I’ll forgive it~”

People start to erupt into whispers all around us.

Wataru: “If I were really an adult, then you’d see me as a grown man– a member of the opposite gender, right? But you don’t see me that way. You still see me as a little kid–”

“H-hey, Wataru-kun!!”

I forcibly interrupt Wataru-kun.

“Let’s get heading home! It’s really hot out today and I feel like I might collapse if I stay out for much longer. So, uhm, let’s hurry and get going!”

I blurt out a bunch of babble that I don’t really even understand myself, grabbing Wataru-kun’s hand and dragging him away from the scene.

★☆★

Once we get to the mansion, Wataru-kun and I go our separate ways. I stop to pick up the mail before heading up to the fifth floor.

All of the Asahina family’s mail is always delivered to the first floor. Usually, someone will pick it all up from downstairs, and then bring it up to the fifth floor to sort through by address. Then, they’ll leave the sorted piles on the living room table.

Today, Masaomi-san and Ukyo-san both had received a few magazines addressed to them, so the pile’s rather heavy.

Since it would be difficult to sort through the mail while holding it all, I place the pile down on the table before beginning to sort through it.

In the middle of the pile, I see an envelope that’s addressed to me.

(Ah, that’s–)

The envelope looks official, a bit like the type that a company would use. Once I catch a glimpse of the cooperation that it’s direct mail from, I get an idea of who sent it.

It’s the name of the game company that Natsume-san works for.

Without thinking, my hand stops.

I look around for a moment in worry. It’s only once I’m sure that there’s no one else in the living room that I finally open the envelope.

Inside is an announcement for a new game that’s coming out. Natsume-san sometimes sends me lists of things like upcoming games and the stores they’re being sold at. They’re usually pretty simple and easy to understand, but also very impersonal.

But today’s list is different. A single title on the list is highlighted in bright ink, with the following written beside it.

This is a game that I helped make. There have been plenty of difficulties, but it’s finally complete. I think it turned out pretty well, so please give it a try!

(That’s right… it’s finally being released.)

Ever since he changed departments this spring, Natsume-san’s been really busy every day. Sometimes, he’ll send short messages about how his work’s increased so much that he’s been having to stay up all night in the office working, and I can tell that he’s been exhausted lately.

The past few months, we haven’t spoken or met up much since I can see how rough he has it and I haven’t wanted to bother him.

(But now he can finally take a breather again.)

At the thought, I can’t help but feel a little bit uneasy.

Now that he has the time, Natsume-san might visit the mansion. No– it’s his family’s home, so it’s only natural that he’ll visit eventually.

… when he does, how should I act with him?

Natsume: “Just as ordinary siblings. … no, I can’t.”

I remember the words that he’d muttered in my ear the night of my high school graduation party. And I remember the warm sensation at the nape of my neck as he—

(... – wait a minute!)

I try to calm the pounding of my heart down. I take a deep breath, breathing in and out until the warmth of the memory starts to clear from my mind.

(I can’t just be thinking about Natsume-san.)

I’m grateful for Natsume-san’s feelings for me.

But it isn’t right for me to be thinking only of him.

Because Natsume-san isn’t the only one who has confessed to having feelings for me.

(In any case, I should head back to my room.)

As soon as I finish hurriedly sorting through the rest of the mail, I leave the living room, Natsume-san’s letter in hand.

Once I get to the hall, I glance in the direction of the stairs. My room’s on the fourth floor. It’d probably be faster to head down the stairs instead of waiting for the elevator since it’s only a floor down.

I swiftly make my way down the stairs. My steps begin to gradually grow faster, and by the time I reach the landing, I’m practically running.

And then.

I see someone emerge from the elevator hall on the fourth floor.

There are two figures, the both of them resembling each other.

Azusa: “Huh?”

Tsubaki: “Oh, perfect!”

(Tsubaki-san and— Azusa-san?!)

Seeing the two of them come out of nowhere throws me off guard.

So much so that I lose my footing. I tumble over a step, and I’m suddenly sent flying, my body hurling forwards through the air as I trip and fall.

Azusa: “Watch out!”

Azusa-san yells.

When I look down, I realize that my body’s rapidly approaching the concrete floor.

(Ahhhh–!!)

I close my eyes as I brace myself.

Tsubaki: “G-guh!”

There’s a thud as my body crashes into something. But the impact isn’t as painful as I’d thought it’d be at all. Actually, it’s rather warm.

Tsubaki: “Oww…”

I hear a voice groan in my ear.

(R-right now–)

Gingerly, I open my eyes. I’m met with wide, uniquely glowing pupils obscuring my vision.

They’re eyes that I’ve gazed into countless times before– the brilliant gleam in them familiar.

“Tsu- Tsubaki-san?”

Tsubaki-san’s face is squished up close to mine.

His eyes are wide open, and his pupils almost look as if they’re trembling as they stare at me.

He’s so close that I can feel the warmth of his breath on my lips.

Tsubaki: “Ah…”

I can feel the heat of Tsubaki-san’s arms wrapped around me. We’re pressed together so tightly that I can feel the steady thrum of his heartbeat from through my own chest.

We’re both ice still, as if time has frozen in place.

After a moment, Tsubaki-san’s body finally moves, and he turns his face slightly away from me, breaking our stare.

Once he does, it feels as if time begins to gradually move again.

And I find myself finally beginning to register our position.

We’re both on the floor, at the bottom of the stairs, Tsubaki-san’s knees on the ground. He’s pressed up back-against the wall, with me on top of him.

I’m squished against him, the whole of my weight leaning on him as he holds me tight in his arms.

(That’s right..)

I begin to gradually get a grip of what happened.

I had tripped and fallen down the stairs. And Tsubaki-san caught me before I could hit the floor, crashing against the wall with me in his arms in his attempt to save me.

(... oh.)

My body suddenly shoots up as I register the situation.

“I– I’m sorry!”

I shout out as I straighten myself.

As I attempt to get up, I feel Tsubaki-san’s grip on me tighten.

Tsubaki: “Hold on… stay like this for just a bit longer.”

His voice is a soft, gentle murmur.

Tsubaki: “I don’t want you to hurt yourself. Wait a moment.”

I can feel someone’s presence beside me. Azusa carefully looks over my form.

Azusa: “Alright, it looks like she’s fine, Tsubaki.”

Azusa-san’s voice is calm.

Tsubaki: “Really? …. thank god.”

Tsubaki-san moves his arm away from me, letting me out of his hold.

Azusa: “Can you stand?”

As he asks me this, Azusa-san holds a hand out to me.

“Oh… yes.”

I take Azusa-san’s hand and stand up.

Tsubaki: “Whew, that was really surprising.”

Tsubaki-san braces himself on the wall behind him with his hand and stands up as well.

“I’m so sorry! … uhm, Tsubaki-san, are you okay?”

Tsubaki: “Huh, me? Eh, I’m totally fine.”

Even though he says he’s fine, Tsubaki-san’s grimacing.

“But…”

Tsubaki: “Like I said, I’m okay. A little crash like that’s nothing– I’m a guy, after all.”

Azusa: “That’s right. He’s just got a little bump right here.”

Tsubaki: “Owwwww!! Don’t touch it, Azusaaaa!”

“Er, um… are you sure you’re really okay?”

Azusa: “Don’t worry about it. I’ll be sure to take a look at it later.”

Azusa-san cracks a smile as he reassures me. Knowing him, I trust him to keep his word and handle it.

“Alright… but, really, thank you very much for saving me!”

I give the two of them a deep bow as I thank them.

Afterwards, Azusa-san holds something out to me.

Azusa: “Here.”

“... ah.”

In his hand is the envelope that Natsume-san sent to me.

Azusa: “You dropped this on the floor when you fell.”

“... I’m sorry.”

He hands the envelope to me.

(Did he notice that it’s from Natsume-san?)

Since the envelope has Natsume-san’s company’s logo on it, he likely did. However, Azusa-san doesn’t mention it.

(I’m curious, but if he isn’t going to mention it or ask about it, I won’t, either.)

Either way, I should probably get to leaving as soon as possible.

“Thank you again, Tsubaki-san, Azusa-san. Um, I’m going to head to my room now.”

As I thank them, I move to leave.

Tsubaki: “Ah, wait a sec.”

Tsubaki-san calls out to me.

Tsubaki: “The thing is, we were actually looking for you earlier.”

“Huh?”

I instinctively turn around to see Tsubaki-san pull something out from his pocket.

Tsubaki: “Here… this is for you.”

It’s a ticket to an upcoming event.

The title of an anime that Tsubaki-san’s the leading voice actor for and a large number ‘20’ are both written on it in a large font.

“What’s this?”

Tsubaki: “The anime that I’m in originally came out 20 years ago. So, they’re having an anniversary event. I’d really like it if you’d come.”

“An… event, huh.”

For a moment, I hesitate to accept the invitation.

I feel a bit overwhelmed as I remember Tsubaki-san’s previous confession.

“Even so– I still love you.”

The words that Tsubaki-san said to me that night at the theme park, after I had told him I can’t return his feelings, surface in my mind.

(What should I do..?)

If I accept, I might cause a misunderstanding. But since it’s clearly something that’s important to him, I need to think carefully about how to reply.

Azusa: “I understand what you’re probably thinking.”

Azusa-san interrupts my thoughts.

Azusa: “But this is different.”

Azusa-san looks at Tsubaki-san before turning towards me.

Azusa: “Tsubaki wants you to come see because this is a special, important occasion for him. As a voice actor.”

“As a… voice actor?”

Tsubaki: “Hey, uh, Azusa.”

Tsubaki’s voice cuts in.

Tsubaki: “I’m grateful for you trying to help me out, but I think that this is something that I would rather do myself, you know?”

Azusa: “Sorry, Tsubaki.”

Azusa-san’s attention turns back towards Tsubaki-san.

Azusa: “I just thought that it might be a little strange if you said it yourself.”

Tsubaki: “Ah– …. Well– … okay, yeah. I guess it would sound kinda weird coming from me, huh.”

Tsubaki-san goes silent at that.

After a moment, he opens his mouth again.

Tsubaki: “Still, I wanna at least say this.”

He looks at me.

Tsubaki: “This role is really, really important to me. And this event is really, really important to me, too, which is why it would mean a lot to me if you came to watch.”

He holds the invitation out to me once more.

Tsubaki: “So? Will you come?”

“.... yes.”

I give him my answer.

“I’ll go. Thank you very much.”

Tsubaki: “Thanks!”

Tsubaki-san’s face breaks into a bright grin.

Tsubaki: “Woah… I’m happy. I’m super, super happy.”

He lets out a sigh of relief.

Azusa: “Well, in that case, isn’t it about time that we get going, Tsubaki?”

Tsubaki: “Oh, yeah, you’re right.”

“Where are you two headed?”

Azusa: “We’ve still got some recording to finish up.”

Azusa-san replies.

Azusa: “We stopped by since we had a little time before we needed to head out.”

Tsubaki: “We’d planned on giving you the ticket real quick first. I mean, wouldn’t it have sucked if you’d made plans for that day before we could invite you?”

“That’s why?”

Tsubaki: “Yeah. I mean, like I said, this event is super important.”

He flashes me a smile.

Tsubaki: “I really, reaaaaaaaally want you to come since it means a lot to me. That’s why we went looking for you.”

With that, he and Azusa-san leave to return to work.

(An important event…)

I stare at the invitation in my hand. As I do, I can understand how an event like this would mean a lot to Tsubaki-san as a voice actor.

(But, is that really…?)

My heart starts to waver, and I can’t help but suddenly feel a sense of doubt rush over me.

My thoughts swirl through my head.

I only find myself becoming more and more worried. I can tell that being alone in my room will just make my anxiety worse.

(T-That’d be no good.)

I place both the invitation that Tsubaki-san gave me and the envelope from Natsume-san in the mailbox in front of my room and leave without heading inside.

★☆★

As I head down the stairs, I find myself still in deep thought.

But I haven’t managed to reach an answer at all yet.

Before I know it, I’ve already made my way to the first floor.

It’s already starting to get dark outside.

For a moment, I start to doubt whether or not I should go out. But I don’t really want to head back to my room right now, either.

(But it hasn’t gone completely dark, yet.)

As I think this, I begin to make my way to the front door.

“Chii-chan, wait a moment.”

I hear someone call out to me. I turn my head to see Louis-san in the hallway.

“Oh… hi.”

Louis: “Mmhmm, good evening.”

“Did you just get back home?”

Louis: “Yes, I got off a little bit early today.”

He gives me a gentle smile.

Louis: “Hmm?”

Suddenly, his smile is replaced with a worried expression.

Louis: “What’s wrong?”

“Umm…”

I do my best to shake away my inner thoughts and reply.

“It’s nothing.”

Louis: “Chii-chan.”

Louis-san’s voice is a bit stern.

Louis: “Lying is bad.”

“R-really, I’m–”

As I scramble for words, I meet Louis-san’s eyes.

There’s an earnest glimmer in them that robs me of my strength to keep speaking.

“... I’m sorry.”

I apologize in a small voice, looking down at the floor.

Immediately afterwards, I feel the air suddenly clear up, and I’m overwhelmed with a refreshing fragrance.

(What… is this?)

The refreshing fragrance grows stronger as a hand gently moves to caress my cheek.

It gingerly lifts my head back up, and I’m met with the sight of Louis-san’s kind, smiling face.

Louis: “... Chii-chan.”

Louis-san’s voice is soft.

“Yes?”

Louis: “Let’s go out and eat.”

“.... okay?”

– 20 minutes later.

We’re at a very fashionable restaurant inside Inokashira Park.

The building faces the park’s pond, which gives me a good view of the water, street, and the rest of the park right outside.

Even though it’s still a bit early for dinner, the restaurant is reasonably crowded. So much so that I’m a bit worried about whether or not we’ll be able to get a seat without a reservation. In the end, though, we’re quickly led to a table in the back with a very soothing atmosphere.

Louis: “The owner is a client of mine.”

Louis-san explains as he sits down beside me.

I’m slightly confused for a moment, but then I realize that the shop owner must be a regular of Louis-san’s. That must be why he seems so familiar with this place.

Louis: “The Japanese food here is yummy.”

Louis-san holds the menu between the two of us.

Our seats are close together, and I realize that this is meant to be some sort of couple’s seating.

They aren’t connected, but they’re so close together that you would only have to reach your arm out a little bit to wrap it around or touch the person beside you.

Louis: “Chii-chan, which would you like to eat?”

“Oh, um, I…”

I can’t help but feel uneasy about our seating. I wouldn’t mind regular seats, but these ones… I do mind.

Of course, Louis-san is different from Natsume-san and Tsubaki-san. But that doesn’t change the fact that he’s one of the Asahina siblings… and a man.

“I’m not really hungry right now. Plus, we have dinner soon, and…”

As I tell Louis-san this, I begin to stand up from my seat.

But as I do, Louis-san looks at me and suddenly hits his palm with his fist.

Louis: “Ah, that’s right.”

“Huh?”

Unprepared for the sudden gesture, I sit back down after losing my chance to flee.

Louis: “Dinner… mmhmm, dinner.”

Louis-san brings his phone out, and calls someone.

Louis: “Hello. … ah, Ukyo-niisan.”

(..... huh?!)

Louis: “Mmhmm, it’s Louis. You see, today, Chii-chan and I are going to be having dinner out together.”

(L-Louis-san?!)

Louis: “It’s alright, we won’t stay out late. … mmhmm… alright. Bye-bye, then.”

Louis-san hangs up with a pleased smile.

Louis: “Don’t worry about preparing dinner today, alright?”

“But…”

Louis: “Chii-chan.”

Louis-san stops me from finishing my sentence with a gentle smile.

Louis: “You don’t want to go back home… right?”

“Er…”

I find myself shocked at how suddenly Louis-san had pointed out my thoughts.

(But how did he know? I didn’t say anything about it…)

Louis: “Your eyes.”

His voice is calm as he explains himself.

Louis: “Your eyes give you away. If I couldn’t read your expression, I wouldn’t be able to call myself a beautician.”

“...”

Louis: “Everyday, I get a lot of customers.”

Louis-san looks upwards.

Louis: “They all have their own reasons for coming to my shop. Their own important, unique reasons.”

His gaze goes to me again.

Louis: “So it’s important for me to observe them, to understand them. Their hands, their shoulders, their legs… every little movement, every little gesture. Their faces are important to observe as well. But the most important are… their eyes.”

As he says this Louis-san’s eyes stare directly into mine.

Louis: “So I understand. What people wish for… and what they don’t.”

“Louis-san…”

It’s a strange feeling. Louis-san’s eyes are completely earnest, and yet, there isn’t a bit of strain or tension in them.

Rather, it feels like there are invisible arms that are wrapping me up in a comforting embrace.

(Ah…)

While I bask in the sensation, Louis-san breaks through my thoughts by speaking again.

Louis: “Chii-chan, could it be that you’re worrying about Natsume-niisan?”

“Huh?”

I’m stunned in shock.

I bring my hand to my mouth in an attempt to keep myself from yelling out in surprise.

Louis: “Or maybe you’re worrying about Tsubaki-niiisan and Azusa-niisan?”

“Um, um…”

Louis: “If not them, maybe it’s Subaru-kun you’re worrying about?”

“W-wait… hold on a second.”

I manage to squeeze out the words in a strangled voice.

“Why did you specifically name those four?”

Louis: “Oh, I heard.”

“Wh– … heard?”

Louis: “Juli-san let me know what’s been going on with them.”

“Eeehhh?!”

(H-how does Juli know about what’s been going on between us…??)

Louis: “I’m sorry for surprising you.”

Louis-san’s face clouds over slightly.

Louis: “But, you see, the two of us are the “Chii-chan Defense Squad”.”

Louis-san places his hand over mine.

Louis: “Juli-san’s been doing some investigating. For your benefit. And he’s been telling me about his findings, because you’re someone that we care about.”

(T-that’s…)

I’m overcome with a sudden realization.

Back when I was in high school, Juli spent the majority of his time in my room.

But after I’d started attending university, that’s changed– actually, I’d say that Juli rarely ever spends much time in my room anymore.

(So that’s what he’s been doing…)

I feel irritation starting to well up in me towards Juli.

I have no idea what exactly Juli’s “investigations” have been entailing, but the two of us are going to have to have a long talk about the meaning of personal privacy.

(I’ll have to grill Juli about this later.)

Louis-san’s voice interrupts my thoughts.

Louis: “Please don’t be upset with Juli-san. He’s just worried about you. And I’ve already requested that he stop.”

His face is still cloudy as he continues.

Louis: “I also don’t like the fact that he’s been investigating our brothers.”

“Ah… that’s right. I’m sorry for Juli’s actions.”

I bow my head down in apology. Once I do, I feel Louis-san move his hand from where it had been settled over mine, as he brings his fingers to the bottom of my chin.

Slowly, his fingers lift my head up.

Louis: “Maybe it’s this.”

“Huh?”

I have no idea what Louis-san is talking about, so I look at Louis-san in confusion.

“What do you mean?”

Louis: “What Natsume-niisan, Tsubaki-niisan, and Azusa-niisan, and Subaru-kun… and everyone else, feel for you.”

“Eh? Eh?”

Louis: “Chii-chan, you’re always so honest. You’re always so genuine and up-front.”

Louis-san brings his face close to mine.

Louis: “That’s why we all love you.”

“L-Louis-san…”

Louis: “We’re brothers. But as we’ve grown older, we’ve also gradually grown distant. By distancing ourselves from each other, we’ve become less likely to collide and get into conflicts.”

“....”

Louis: “While I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad thing, because of it, we’re not very good at some things.”

“What kind of things?”

Louis: “Being our true selves around each other.”

Louis-san’s face grows sad and regretful.

Louis: “Whenever we show our true selves around each other, we’re more likely to fight, and it’s very painful. That’s why we’ve stopped.”

Louis-san closes his eyes. I listen and wait until he opens them again.

When he does, he’s smiling again.

Louis: “Then you came, Chii-chan. You’re someone who we can be ourselves around, someone who sees us for who we really are. That’s why everyone’s so captivated by you.”

“...”

Louis: “Hey, Chii-chan.”

Louis-san whispers softly to me.

“What is it?”

Louis: “I think we should probably order soon.”

“Oh…”

I tear my eyes away from Louis-san’s face.

Louis: “What would you like to eat?”

“Um, um… whatever you like. I trust your judgement.”

Louis: “Mm, alright.”

Louis-san opens the menu again before speaking up, as if he’d just remembered something.

Louis: “Ah, Chii-chan, one more thing.”

“Yes?”

Louis: “There’s another reason why we all love you.”

My whole body suddenly goes still.

“Wha-what… what is it?”

I timidly ask Louis-san what he means, and he replies.

Louis: “... because you’re cute.”

“Eh…”

Louis: “Everybody also loves you because of how cute you are, Chii-chan.”

Louis-san’s smile is earnest as he says this to me.

★☆★

After Louis-san and I are done eating, we go back home to the mansion together, and I head to the fifth floor.

Since I’d saddled Ukyo-san with preparing dinner all by himself today by going out to eat with Louis-san, I figure that the least I can do is help with tidying up.

“I’m sorry, I’m back.”

I apologize as I move to enter the living room. In my hurry, I accidentally bump into someone while going through the front door.

“Oh–”

I feel a hand hold my shoulder to keep me steady.

Ukyo: “Are you alright?”

“... Ukyo-san. I’m sorry.”

Ukyo: “Welcome back home. Please, don’t worry about it.”

Ukyo-san’s holding a bottle of something in his left hand.

Ukyo: “It’s brandy.”

At seeing the direction of my gaze, Ukyo-san answers my unasked question.

Ukyo: “I thought we might drink some.”

Ukyo-san looks in the direction of the living room.

When he does, I realize that there’s another figure in the room.

Masaomi: “Ah, welcome home.”

Masaomi-san is sitting down on the sofa.

Masaomi: “You went out to eat with Louis, didn’t you? How was it?”

“Oh… it was really yummy.”

Masaomi: “I see, that’s good.”

Masaomi-san gives me a kind, gentle smile, and then turns towards Ukyo-san.

Masaomi: “Ukyo. Since it concerns her, don’t you think we should include her in our conversation?”

Ukyo-san sets the bottle of brandy he’s holding on the table next to two glasses.

Ukyo: “Do you happen to have time to spare at the moment?”

“Yes, I do.”

Ukyo: “Then, please take a seat.”

I do as he says and sit down on the sofa. Masaomi-san picks up the bottle of brandy and pours some into the two glasses.

Masaomi: “Since you’re still a bit young to drink alcohol, would you like me to get you something else to drink?”

“No thank you, I’m alright. I’m still full from dinner.”

Masaomi: “Alright. Forgive us for indulging a little bit, then.”

After he says this, Masaomi-san hands one of the now-filled glasses of brandy to Ukyo-san.

The amber liquid in their glasses swirls a little as they lift them up, bring them to their lips, and take a drink.

Ukyo: “Mmm.”

Masaomi: “Un… it’s a little strong. But still good, I think.”

The two of them sigh. Suddenly, I realize that they’re both still wearing suits.

Ukyo: “Masaomi-niisan and I both only got back home recently.”

Masaomi: “Maybe it’s a little more accurate to say that we’d been talking outside for a while.”

Masaomi-san gives me a pained smile.

Masaomi: “But haven’t quite managed to reach a conclusion yet. So, we decided to come home and continue our discussion here.”

“I see.”

I can’t help but wonder what kind of conversation Masaomi-san and Ukyo-san would have that would need to continue this late into the night. It must be important.

Ukyo: “Louis called me earlier telling me that you wouldn’t be able to help with preparing dinner today, but we actually ordered out tonight.”

“Eh?”

Masaomi: “Ah, don’t worry about it. Since you and Louis went out for dinner, Yuusuke and Wataru were the only other brothers left home. Wataru was actually rather excited to order whatever he wanted.”

As Masaomi-san says this, he goes to refill his now-empty glass of brandy.

Masaomi: “Well then… let me catch you up on what we’ve been talking about.”

Masaomi-san’s tone changes. He looks at Ukyo-san, as if requesting permission for something. Slowly, Ukyo-san nods at him.

Masaomi: “We were wondering whether or not you’d managed to get in contact with Iori recently.”

“Iori-san?”

Ukyo: “You see, pertaining to Iori…”

Ukyo-san speaks up.

Ukyo: “Since Iori left home, we haven’t heard anything from him.”

“Ah…”

Ukyo: “Furthermore, his bank account has no record of any recent activity or withdrawals.”

“Ehh?!”

Masaomi: “Iori’s a very bright kid.”

Masaomi-san enters into the conversation.

Masaomi: “So I’m sure that he’s managing to do well… but we can’t help but worry for him, at least a bit.”

“…”

We fall into a heavy silence.

Then, as if in an attempt to break it, Ukyo-san pours some more brandy into his glass. The sound is awfully loud.

Ukyo: “And so, we were wondering… if, perchance, you’d had any contact with Iori recently.”

“... me?”

Masaomi: “You see, Iori’s never been the type to talk to us much.”

Masaomi-san lifts his glass up, but doesn’t bring it to his lips.

Masaomi: “Since we’re brothers, you’d think that’s a little strange, right? But although we’re brothers, we’re also all very different people. Because we’re always together, there are some things that we can’t talk about with each other.”

Those are the same sentiments that Louis-san had expressed to me earlier.

Ukyo: “To be quite frank, we think that Iori has opened his heart to you more than he ever has to any of us. And so, we’d like it if you could tell us whether he’s said anything to you.”

“... I see.”

I answer in a small voice.

“He hasn’t made any contact with me at all.”

Masaomi-san and Ukyo-san watch me intently as I continue.

“No letters, no messages, nothing.”

The three of us are enveloped in silence again.

Masaomi: “... I see.”

This time, Masaomi-san is the one to break it.

Masaomi: “I understand. Thank you for your honesty.”

Ukyo: “Our apologies for suddenly questioning you about this.”

Ukyo-san adds in.

I understand that this is their way of saying that “I can leave now”, and yet, I find myself unable to stand up from the sofa.

Masaomi: “What’s wrong?”

Masaomi-san asks me when I continue to stay seated.

…. I’m still lost in doubt.

(I still feel as if I don’t understand my brothers as well as they do each other.)

I mean, they’ve known each other for their whole lives. I’ve only been part of their family for about two years.

That’s why I’ve always sort of thought that I don’t have much of a right to say anything about them to each other.

(However.)

Maybe I've been thinking about it wrong this whole time.

Over the past six months or so, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I really know about my brothers. About who they really are.

And that’s why I feel like maybe, just maybe, it’s okay for me to say my piece as well.

I’m a member of the Asahina family, too, after all.

“Um.”

As I think this, I instinctively open my mouth.

“I feel like there’s no need to worry about Iori-san.”

Masaomi-san and Ukyo-san carefully bring their attention towards me.

Ukyo: “Oh?”

Masaomi: “Is there a specific reason you think so?”

“Yes.”

I take a moment to gather my thoughts and think about how to best continue.

“Because Iori-san told me he would. Be okay, I mean.”

Ukyo-san’s doubtful expression grows puzzled.

Ukyo: “And when did this exchange with him occur?”

“The day of my high school graduation ceremony.”

Ukyo: “.... the same day that Iori left the mansion.”

“Yes. After Iori-san left the mansion, he visited my school, and we talked.”

Ukyo: “And Iori said this to you directly?”

“Yes. He’d congratulated me on graduating. Then, he told me that “I finally found the courage to fix things after this”.”

For the third time this conversation, we fall into silence.

But this time, the silence feels different. It isn’t as heavy as before.

Ukyo: “... I see.”

Slowly, Ukyo-san nods.

Masaomi: “Ah. So that’s what happened.”

Masaomi-san lets out a sigh.

“I trust Iori-san.”

I say.

“I think that we should have faith in him.”

I try to speak my mind as straight-forwardly as possible. Masaomi-san and Ukyo-san both exchange glances with each other.

Slowly, both of their faces begin to shift into their own unique versions of a slight smile.

Masaomi: “I’m sure that’s true… I’m sure that you’re right.”

Ukyo: “I’m of the same opinion.”

Masaomi-san sinks into the couch, leaning to look up at the ceiling.

Masaomi: “Hah… I’m a horrible big brother, aren’t I? I don’t even understand my own little brothers.”

Ukyo: “I’m no different. However, I believe that we’re starting to understand them better than before. We have someone here to teach us how, now, after all.”

Ukyo-san picks the bottle of brandy and both him and Masaomi-san’s glasses up as he rises to stand.

Ukyo: “Masaomi-niisan, I believe it’s about time we get some rest, don’t you think?”

Masaomi: “Mm, I guess you’re right… but I feel a little light right now. I think I drank a bit too much.”

“Um, in that case, I can handle cleaning up.”

Ukyo: “It’s alright. There’s no need for you to do that, I’ll handle it.”

“But…”

Ukyo: “Today, you’ve managed to ease a rather large worry of ours. It would be far exceeding overstepping to ask anything else of you.”

As he says this, he heads in the direction of the kitchen.

Masaomi: “Ahh, that’s right. I’d almost forgotten.”

Masaomi-san pulls something out from inside his pocket.

Masaomi: “Here you go. A letter from Kaname came for you.”

“From Kaname-san?”

Masaomi-san hands me a sealed envelope. It’s addressed to “Imouto-chan”.

Masaomi: “Kaname occasionally sends letters to me, keeping me updated on how he’s doing. Whenever he needs anything from any of our other brothers, he’ll send separate envelopes addressed to them inside of the larger envelope he sends to me, since the temple he’s currently at has a limit on how much mail he’s allowed to send out.”

“Huh, really?”

Ukyo: “Since he sends Masaomi-niisan all the letters that are addressed to those in our family, I can’t help but wonder who he’s sending the remaining of his allotted letters to.”

As he washes the glasses, Ukyo-san cuts in.

Masaomi: “Mmm, well, in any case… if you’d like to send him a reply, feel free to let me know, alright?”

“Alright, I will.”

Once I get back to my room, I open the envelope and pull the letter out from inside. Maybe it’s a little rude of me, but I can’t help but think that Kaname-san’s handwriting is unexpectedly neat.

— Dear Imouto-chan.

Has university been going well for you?

It looks like I’ll be staying here for a little while longer. I’m sorry that I can’t be there for you. However, I’ll do my best to come back home as soon as possible.

When that day comes, I hope that you’ll welcome me back home with a kiss.

Since it’s a special occasion, a kiss on the cheek should be permissible, don’t you think?

(Ahahaha…)

I can’t help but smile despite myself.

(However.)

I know that this isn’t all there is to it.

(I won’t let myself be deceived again, Kaname-san.)

Kaname-san lies sometimes. When he lies, he doesn’t do it to hurt people– he does it to protect them.

But I won’t let myself be fooled.

I can tell that Kaname-san didn’t write to me because he’s worried about me. There isn’t a trace of concern in his writing.

Rather, I can tell that Kaname-san wrote to me because he genuinely cares about me.

And that makes me really happy.

– At that moment.

(... ah.)

I begin to realize something.

(I think that I’m starting to understand my brothers more…)

Iori-san…

Kaname-san…

There are certain things I understand about them that Masaomi-san and Ukyo-san don’t.

Of course, it isn’t as if I understand everything about them. But I do think that I’m starting to learn more and more about them as people as time goes on.

(It’s… a nice feeling.)

I go on to read the second page of Kaname-san’s letter.

PS,

Imouto-chan.

If there ever comes a time where you find yourself lost, or you feel as if you’ve lost your way, I want you to believe in the path that you’ve paved for yourself. Don’t let others sway your heart. No matter which path you may tread, if it’s you who has chosen to walk it, I have faith that it’s the right one.

That’s the end of the letter.

(Kaname-san…)

At that moment, I feel a warmth rise up in my chest.

★☆★

(Alright!)

I check my reflection in my mirror one last time before exiting my room.

It’s been pretty rainy lately, but luckily, it seems like today’s gonna be sunny out.

(It might be hot out, but being hot’s better than getting wet!)

The anniversary event for the anime Tsubaki-san invited me to is today.

In order to make sure that I had suitable clothes for the occasion, I went and bought a new outfit to wear today.

The truth is, usually, Louis-san helps me with coordinating my outfits for stuff like this. Maybe it would have been better if I’d gone to him for help, but I figured that it would be a bit rude to expect him to help all the time, so I decided to pick everything for today out myself.

I wait for the elevator and head up to the fifth floor.

I’d already prepared a light meal to eat before I go. Yesterday, I’d made a sandwich and put it in the fridge to save for today.

When I head to the kitchen, though, an unexpected scene is waiting for me.

“Oh, good morning. … whew.”

Hikaru-san gives me a large, sleepy yawn.

He’s holding the sandwich I’d made the night before in his hands.

“Hikaru-san?!”

Hikaru: “Ah… D’you mind keeping your voice down a little bit? I might’ve drank a little too much yesterday.”

Hikaru-san is wearing a luxurious looking suit.

I get the feeling that he probably just got back home this morning.

“What were you doing?”

Hikaru: “Interview.”

As Hikaru-san off-handedly answers me, he casually throws the last bite of my sandwich into his mouth.

As the last bite disappears into his mouth, all the preparations I’d made yesterday disappear alongside it.

Hikaru: “Hm? Did I do something?”

Hikaru-san gives me an amused laugh.

“I planned on eating that sandwich for breakfast this morning.”

Hikaru: “Hm? I’d assumed that it was just leftovers from yesterday. You made it for breakfast?”

After a moment, Hikaru-san’s expression changes.

Hikaru: “Ahh, that’s right. Today’s that event, isn’t it. … I see. Ohhh, I see.”

Hikaru-san gets up from where he was sitting and stretches.

A strange stench emits from his suit and hair and through the kitchen. He smells of strong perfume, tobacco, alcohol, and something else I can’t quite put my finger on, all mixed together.

Hikaru: “So, given any mind to who you’ll choose?”

“Huh?”

Hikaru: “Hmmm.”

Hikaru-san laughs, amused.

Morning rays filter through the kitchen window and hit Hikaru-san, giving his face a sense of shadowy depth.

Hikaru: “It’s one of those three, then?”

“I don’t think I understand what you’re getting at?”

Hikaru: “Ahaha, even if you lie– … hm? Your face… you really, genuinely don’t have any idea what I’m talking about, do you? I guess they wouldn’t have mentioned it, huh.”

Hikaru-san’s smiling face reminds me of the joker in a deck of cards.

Hikaru: “Natsume will be attending today’s event, too.”

“Eh?!”

Hikaru: “The company that Natsume works for will be adapting the anime the event’s for into a game. So, he’ll be there too.”

“How do you know that?”

Hikaru: “Hm, I wonder?”

Hikaru-san shrugs his shoulders exaggeratedly.

Hikaru: “But what does him being there mean to you? Is it a bad thing? I wonder, what ever will you do with this love square you’ve found yourself entangled in?”

Hikaru-san takes a single step towards me.

Hikaru: “You always hear about love triangles, but love squares are a rather novel thing, aren’t they? … ahaha. Let’s see what you’ve got, then.”

“Our– our relationship is nothing like that.”

I reply.

“I’m just going to an event. It has nothing to do with anyone’s feelings.”

As I tell Hikaru-san that, I move to exit the kitchen.

– At that moment.

Hikaru: “You may say that– and you may feel that way– but is that how they think of it?”

Hikaru-san catches my hand.

“Hi-Hikaru-san–”

Hikaru: “Here.”

Hikaru-san picks his bag up with his other hand, and leads me to the bathroom.

Hikaru: “Did you really plan on going looking this plain? This isn’t anything to write home about at all.”

Hikaru-san points a finger at my clothes as he speaks.

Hikaru: “Here, you can consider this a thank you for the sandwich.”

As he says this, he opens his bag and brings out a small pouch. Inside are a bunch of different cosmetics and makeup tools.

Hikaru: “This may not be my best work ever, but… mmm, it should do the trick, at least. Don’t move unless I tell you to… got it?”

While I’m busy being taken aback at what he just said, Hikaru-san’s hands start moving with lightning speed, until my reflection in the mirror looks completely different.

(... ah.)

I’m left sitting in astonishment.

Hikaru: “Clothes are clothes, so there’s a limit to what I can do about them. Ah, it should be fine. Those three’ve never been a fan of the glitzy look, anyhow.”

Hikaru-san comes up from behind me, his body brushing up against my shoulders.

Hikaru: “So? What do you think?”

“Pretty…”

It’s the only answer I can think of.

Hikaru: “Good. … now, time for the finishing touch.”

Suddenly, Hikaru-san brings his arm around my body, before wrapping around it just below my chest.

“Eh???”

Hikaru: “Don’t move!”

In Hikaru-san’s other hand, he’s holding a pearl pink lipstick.

Hikaru-san twists the tube until a bit of it is sticking out, before smearing a bit of it onto the tip of his finger. He then sets the lipstick down, before bringing his finger to my lips.

His touch is tender and meticulous as he traces my lips.

Each time his body brushes up against my back as he moves, I can feel a rush of electricity jolt through me.

Hikaru: “Alright, all done.”

At that, he finally drops his finger from my lips, before resting his chin on my right shoulder.

Hikaru: “I wonder how they’ll react when they see you?”

Hikaru-san brings his fingertip to his lips, before licking the remaining lipstick off it with his tongue.

Hikaru: “Ahaha— ahahaha!”

Hikaru-san’s laugh echoes in my ears, both as beautiful as the delicate sway of a chime and as grating as the crash of a cracked bell.

Hikaru: “And with that, I bid you farewell, Imouto-san.”

As he says this, Hikaru-san grabs my shoulders and spins me around, pushing me away.

Before I know it, I’m sent stumbling out of the bathroom door.

★☆★

I’m on the first floor before I even realize it. I’d practically sprinted down the stairs of the mansion, frantic.

I lean against the wall at the front entrance, hunched over as I attempt to catch my breath. No matter how hard I try, though, I can’t seem to get myself to calm down.

It’s a while before I’m finally able to so much as walk again.

(I’m gonna miss the train at this rate!)

The event’s at Makuhari Messe, which is about an hour and a half away from the mansion.

In order to get there, I need to transfer trains, which means that if I miss one of them, I won’t be able to make it to the event in time.

But the outfit I’m wearing isn’t really made for physical activity, so it isn’t like I can run there.

(What should I do…)

I think worriedly.

“... get in.”

Suddenly, a car comes up next to me.

“Yu– Yuusuke-kun!?”

The car is one of the three that the Asahina family owns.

And sitting in the driver’s seat is Yuusuke-kun.

Yuusuke: “You’re headin’ to that event, right? I’ll drive.”

“Um… but…”

Yuusuke: “If you keep hesitating, we won’t make it in time.”

“Ah… you’re right. Thank you!”

I go to climb into the passenger’s seat. Once he sees that I’m inside, Yuusuke-kun steps on the accelerator.

Yuusuke: “This thing’s at Makuhari Messe, yeah?”

“Um, yeah.”

For the first time since I’d run all the way out of the mansion, I’m finally able to properly catch my breath.

“But why are you driving me?”

Yuusuke: “Might as well.”

Yusuke-kun replies while looking ahead.

Yuusuke: “I was already on my way to school, anyways.”

“Huh? But our school’s in Meiji, though? Makuhari Messi’s in Chiba!”

Yuusuke: “It’s cool. It’s still a while before I’ve gotta be there. I should be good enough on time to drive you before.”

“B-but, Meiji and Chiba are really far away from each other, aren’t they?! It’s gonna be a long drive back– this is a complete detour.”

Yuusuke: “... I mean, yeah. I guess.”

The car slows to a stop at a red light.

Yuusuke-kun turns his gaze toward me.

Yuusuke: “‘s only natural I’d offer to take you.”

“.... eh?”

Yuusuke: “Didn’t you go shopping for new clothes for today? It would suck pretty damn bad if something happened to them while on your way to something you’ve been looking forward to, right? If some idiot got your clothes dirty, or something else happened, you’d feel awful about it.”

“That’s true, but… still, why go to the trouble..?”

Yuusuke: “Would it be bad if I said it’s ‘cause I want to?”

After Yuusuke-kun says this, the traffic light turns green.

Yuusuke-kun turns his gaze ahead of him again.

Yuusuke-kun doesn’t say anything else. I’m unable to come up with a reply, so we’re left sitting in silence for a while.

Then, finally, I hear Yuusuke-kun mutter something.

Yuusuke: “It’s cool. Who cares what the reason is?”

(Yuusuke-kun…)

Yuusuke: “And anyways.”

Yuusuke-kun’s voice goes quiet as he whispers in a different tone.

Yuusuke: “The way you look today… is really dangerous. The hell am I supposed to do if you start attracting even more rivals..?”

(Eh?!)

I turn away from Yuusuke-kun as I exclaim to myself.

Yuusuke-kun doesn’t look or turn towards me, his focus not leaving the road ahead of him.

We don’t say anything else, and I’m left at a complete loss.

(Yuusuke-kun… what I heard him say just now…)

Before long, we’re entering the highway. When we do, Yuusuke-kun abruptly speaks to me in a serious voice.

Yuusuke: “Hey.”

“Wh-what is it?”

My voice comes out shrill.

Yuusuke: “I have something important I need to confess.”

As he says this, Yuusuke-kun’s face tightens. There’s an underlying sense of nervousness in his tension.

Yuusuke: “When I tell you this, I need you to stay calm. I need you to stay composed.”

“O-okay, yeah.”

Yuusuke: “You see, the truth is.”

Yuusuke-kun lets out a long, heavy sigh.

Yuusuke: “I only just got my license the day before yesterday. You’re the first passenger I’ve ever had.”

Complete silence.

“Eh— EHHHHHHH?!”

I scream out without thinking.

“I-I’ll be getting out now!”

Yuusuke: “It’s fine!”

“Nope, I’m good, it’s good, let’s stop!”

Yuusuke: “The hell we will! We’re already on the highway, we can’t just leave! ‘Sides, my instructor was always praising me for my driving and stuff. Don’t even worry about it!”

Yuusuke-kun’s voice echos from inside the car.

Despite the loud commotion of me and Yuusuke-kun inside the car, the summer sun shines brilliantly outside.

[emptykhr]

Brothers Conflict Season 2 Volume 1 #024

Masterlist || Next —>

translator’s note: This is an English translation of chapter #024 of Brothers Conflict— aka, the entire first chapter of Season 2 (Volume 1). This is my first time translating a light novel chapter, so I hope it reads okay. Please enjoy! :D

#024 — Pretending you don’t have a special someone.

A whistle rings out.

“Great job, Asahina!”

A voice calls out from the bench, right before the audience erupts into loud cheers of joy.

— It’s been five months since I’ve been admitted to Meiji University.

After passing my initial entrance exam, I’ve somehow made it to my first ever summer vacation as a university student.

Still, being on vacation doesn’t mean I can just slack off and do nothing.

“High School is about studying what and when you’re told. University is about discovering and deciding for yourself what you’d like to study.”

I still remember the president of the university’s words from during his speech at the entrance ceremony.

Just like he said, my classes have been requiring me to write and submit weekly reports, each with a theme that I’ve needed to decide upon myself.

I’d never expected to be taking any classes like that during my first year, but it’s school policy for all business majors to take it.

After summer break’s over, I have more reports due that I’ll need to turn in as well. That’s why these days, I’ve been going to the library about once or twice a week.

Early this morning, I’d gone to the library to do some research and compile some notes, until I’d barely gotten to a point where I was comfortable enough to stop for a late lunch and finally start heading home.

When I get to the main entrance, I see a large announcement in the middle of the bulletin board that the school usually uses to advertise different things like groups and events.

“From our Meiji University, a pro athlete’s been born!”

… is what’s written at the top of the board in a large font. Underneath, the following is written.

“A member of our basketball team, Asahina Subaru (a 4th year business student) has been officially recruited to become a pro player. Asahina will be making an appearance at these upcoming games during these dates at our school gymnasium. This is your chance to see a pro athlete in action! Admission to enter is free of charge. We wish all visitors a warm welcome!”

After that, there’s a list of matches and their dates and times lined up. When I look through them, I realize that the very first listed match is today— they should already be playing by now.

(Ah… Subaru-san’s playing a match right now.)

Subaru-san didn’t mention anything about it to me, though. For a moment, I find myself at a loss for what to do.

(But it’s happening at my school, though…)

It’s one thing if I didn’t know it was going on, but to pretend I didn’t hear about it and not go anyways would be rude.

Despite the lingering doubt and worry in my mind about going, I still make my way in the direction of the school gymnasium.

The audience seating is on the second floor, so I climb up the stairs once I get to the entrance of the gymnasium.

The very moment that I step out the stairs, I’m immediately met with the sight of Subaru-san jumping up to make a shot.

All the doubts and worries about coming to watch clouding my mind are immediately blown away by the beauty and fluidity of the movement.

“Subaru-san!”

Without thinking, I run up to the railing and shout.

“Nice shot!”

There’s a strange look on Subaru-san’s face as he looks from across the court to the audience seating, his eyes scanning the stands as if looking for something.

It isn’t long until his gaze finally settles in my direction.

At first, upon seeing me, there’s a surprised expression on his face. Then, slowly, it starts to morph into a smile. But, the smile doesn’t last long.

The moment that the whistle rings out signaling that the match is about to resume, Subaru-san’s expression immediately tightens once again, completely serious.

As soon as the match resumes, he begins to move swiftly towards the ball.

(Woah…)

I’ve watched some of Subaru-san’s matches before, but right now, Subaru-san looks like a completely different person from back then. Even an ordinary person like me can see the complete difference in his movements from the others around him.

(Amazing…)

He runs through and around the court, weaving in and out of the other players with a sense of fluid, masterful control.

I had arrived at the game right at the start of the fourth quarter, meaning there’s only one quarter of the game left.

Until now, the match was close enough to be anyone’s game. But in just a few minutes, Subaru-san has managed to score shot after shot, changing the tides of the game completely in his team’s favor.

Ultimately, in the end, it’s a complete victory for Meiji University.

There’s a cacophony of cheers and applause as the audience erupts into joy. I join in, clapping my hands as well.

(Amazing! Subaru-san was great! He scored so many points!)

For a while, the cheers continue, and the players bow at the audience before leaving the court. Once the audience sees the players leaving, they too start to filter out of the gymnasium.

(I think I’ll wait a little bit before I leave.)

The entrance is jam packed with people trying to leave, so I decide to stay in my seat to wait out the crowd.

Once it’s calmed down, I make my way down the hall and to the entrance.

At that moment.

“Thank you for today.”

I hear a voice ring out from behind me. When I turn around to look, I’m met with the figure of a uniform-clad Subaru-san, a towel slung over his shoulders.

Subaru: “I wasn’t expecting you to come today… but I’m glad you did.”

“Great work out there.”

As I say that, I make my way towards Subaru-san.

“You played really well.”

Subaru: “I… guess so. But today was just a practice match. It doesn’t say much about how a real match against an opponent would go.”

Subaru-san’s words are completely calm, not a trace of embarrassment or bashfulness in them.

Subaru: “But…”

The tone of Subaru-san’s voice changes.

Subaru: “How did you know about today’s game? I’m pretty sure that I don’t remember telling you about it.”

“Oh, I saw the notice.”

Subaru: “Notice?”

As I tell him about the notice on the school bulletin board I saw earlier, Subaru-san’s face twitches.

Subaru: “Those guys… I told them not to go around doing stuff like that.”

“But isn’t it okay? I mean, the stuff written on there is true, after all.”

Subaru: “No, I’m not a pro yet. The offer’s still just tentative.”

Subaru-san’s voice is firm and resolute.

Subaru: “I’ll sign an official contract once I graduate. Until then, I can’t be considered a pro. Either way, my skills are still…”

Subaru-san’s face tenses.

Subaru: “I’m not worthy of being compared to a real pro.”

“Huh?”

Subaru: “When I went to Kyushu, I saw pros practicing. They’re on an entirely different level. A completely different level. To compare myself to them, as I am now… it wouldn’t even be a competition.”

There’s a bitter frustration in his tone. But then, it changes into something excited.

Subaru: “Even so, when I think about how I felt in the moment, at the idea of getting to play like that, I was really… really happy. I’m really grateful that I can continue playing basketball.”

When I see the genuine smile on Subaru-san’s face, I can’t help but break into a grin as well.

(Subaru-san… I’m really happy for you.)

Just as I think that, Subaru-san suddenly breaks out into a violent cough.

Subaru: “Nnnnnnn—!!!”

“Wh-what’s wrong?!”

Subaru: “Th-that… that… your smile… er, n-nevermind. I just… had something caught in my throat, is all.”

Subaru-san swallows slightly exaggeratedly before continuing.

Subaru: “To be honest, my teammates are probably waiting for me. I might need to get going.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to keep you.”

Subaru: “No, I’m the one that called out to you. …it’s my bad.”

After a beat, Subaru-san speaks up again.

Subaru: “Hey.”

“Yes?”

Subaru: “... will you come to my next match, too?”

“Of course! I’d already planned on going to your upcoming games.”

Subaru: “I-is that so!”

Subaru-san gives me a smile. There’s a sense of relief in his expression.

“Oh, that’s right. Do you think you could let me know the dates your next matches will be on?”

Subaru: “Oh, yeah. I’ll message them to you later.”

“Got it. In any case, congratulations on today again!”

Subaru: “Ah, be sure to stay safe on your way home.”

Lightly waving goodbye, I start to leave. As I do, I can hear Subaru-san mutter to himself in a quiet voice.

Subaru: “Thank god. …she doesn’t hate me after all…”

(Huh?)

Unconsciously, I stop in my tracks. I turn to look behind me, watching the back of Subaru-san’s figure as he makes his way towards the locker rooms.

(Subaru-san….?)

For a moment, I hesitate whether or not to call out to him. But a feeling that I can’t quite place wells up in me at seeing the back of his figure as he leaves, and in the end, I don’t say anything.

★☆★

“Hey, isn’t that Asakura Fuuto?”

While waiting for the train to arrive at Meiji University station, I hear the chattering voices of some high school girls.

“That’s a member of your favorite idol group or whatever, right? What were they called again? Corset?”

“That isn’t even close! They’re called Forttê!”

“Oooh, right. What’s that even mean, anyways?”

“What does it mean..? Hm. I’m pretty sure it’s supposed to be the first letters of all the member’s names arranged into one word.”

(So that’s what Forttê’s supposed to stand for.)

“The first letters of their names?”

“Yup. There’s Asakura Fuuto, Narimoto Osamu, Seike Ryou, Takesue Takuma, Morishima Towa, and Akaboshi Eiichiro…. so, Forttê!”

“Eh? … ohhhh, I see, you’re talking about their first names. For a sec I thought you meant their last names.”

“Haha– oh, right, didja know that Seike Ryou’s been seen around here?”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Apparently, he attends Meiji University.”

(Huh? Really? So a member of Forttê attends my university.)

Before I realize it, I’m listening intently to their conversation.

“A university student, huh–. Asakura Fuuto’s a student too, right?”

“Yup. He’s still a high school student. But why are you asking about Asakura Fuuto? Are you a fan of his?”

“Not really, I wouldn’t say that, but– hasn’t he been in a lot of dramas lately? I feel like I’ve been seeing a lot of him in different stuff. Don’t you think he’s pretty talented?”

(Wow– I’m sure Fuuto-kun would be glad to hear that.)

The truth is that these days, Fuuto-kun’s been getting a lot more acting jobs. Since he also has his idol work to juggle alongside his acting, he’s been so busy that whenever I catch a glimpse of him at home, I can’t help but feel like he must be working really hard to improve.

“Oh, yeah, that’s right. Uh huh… he’s been in a lot of dramas lately.”

“Huh? Why’s your voice sound all dark and gloomy like that? Did I say something weird?”

“Sorry. No, that isn’t it… it’s just that I heard that that member in particular has been causing some quarreling in the group lately.”

(Ehh?)

“Really?”

“Yeah… I heard a bunch of stuff about it on the internet.”

“What? Are you sure that it isn’t just meaningless gossip?”

“Well, that’s what I thought at first too… but the thing is, that was before I’d seen all the Forttê members appear on TV, and then—”

(And– and then what?!)

In the very next second, the sound of an announcement reverberates throughout the whole platform.

“The train is arriving! Please be sure to stay behind the yellow line!”

The sound of the announcement is so loud that the sound of the two girls’ conversation is lost in it, and I don’t get to hear what they say next.

(The members of Forttê are fighting? Because of Fuuto-kun appearing in dramas?)

Since it’s internet gossip, there isn’t any saying whether or not it’s true.

(...still.)

Fuuto-kun’s always had a rather condescending attitude. If he looks down on people or takes an attitude with them while he’s at work, it’s possible that that animosity could be affecting his relationship with his coworkers.

(Even though I know I shouldn’t, I can’t help but worry… maybe just a little bit of digging wouldn’t hurt.)

I bring my phone out, searching up the words “Forttê” and “quarrel”.

Several seconds later, I’m met with a display of search results. My eyes skim through them, but none of them seem to match up with what the girl from earlier mentioned.

Next, I decide to look up “Asakura Fuuto” and “gossip”.

I’m met with the same lack of results. Just like when I looked up “Forttê” and “quarrel”, I don’t find anything that mentions Fuuto-kun having any sort of disputes with the other members of Forttê.

(Whew… thank goodness.)

A let out a little sigh of relief.

– That is, until I see it.

An article titled “Asakura Fuuto– Siscon Allegations”.

(W-what’s this?!)

When I click to read the article, I find that it’s about some of the comments that Fuuto-kun made during his speech to me on the day that I’d graduated– the same speech that Fuuto-kun had made during a live TV broadcast.

(Uwah… u-ugh, this is because Fuuto-kun said all that weird stuff…)

There isn’t a total fuss being made about it, but when I dig a bit further, I find some more articles, all mentioning the declaration he’d made during the broadcast.

(The next time I get the opportunity, I’m going to have to have a talk with Fuuto-kun about this.)

I sigh to myself before exiting the search engine on my phone.

★☆★

As I get off at Kichijōji station and start heading towards the mansion, I find myself passing by an arcade near the station.

Since the street is lined end to end with shops, it’s always super busy and crowded. Of course, since it’s a summer afternoon and everyone’s on vacation, that rings true for today, too.

I do my best to try and wade my way through the waves of people flowing all around me.

“Onee-chan!”

I suddenly hear a loud voice call out.

(Huh? Right now, that voice…)

I see someone waving at me from the front of a nearby fast food restaurant.

I recognize the “BC” crest on the pocket of their white shirt as part of the Bright Centrair school uniform.

“Ah, Wataru-chan.”

Wataru: “... Wataru-chan?”

I look up from his uniform to see Wataru’s face clearly upset, his mouth twisted into a dissatisfied frown.

“Er, sorry– Wataru-kun.”

After I correct myself, Wataru’s expression goes back to his bright grin from before.

Wataru: “Thanks, Onee-chan!”

Wataru-chan– or, er, Wataru-kun– throws the paper cup he’s holding in the garbage, and approaches me.

Wataru: “Hey.”

I remember a conversation that Wataru-kun and I had back when he’d first started middle school.

Wataru: “I’d like it if you could change the way you call me from now on.”

“Hm?”

Wataru: “I’d like for you to stop calling me “-chan”, since I’m in middle school now.”

“Oh, I see. I guess that makes sense. A middle schooler wouldn’t want to be called “-chan” anymore, would they? … in that case, does “Wataru-kun” work?”

Wataru: “Yup, that works! It’s a promise, Onee-chan!”

Even though I said I’d stop doing it, there are times where I accidentally call Wataru-kun “Wataru-chan” by sheer force of habit. Every time I do, Wataru-kun gives me the same dissatisfied pout he did just now, but I’ve been making the mistake less and less recently.

Wataru: “Onee-chan, did you go somewhere today?”

“Yes. I went to my school to do some research. What about you, Wataru-kun?”

Wataru: “Me? I had a mock exam today.”

“Is that so? It must be difficult having to take exams during summer vacation.”

Bright Centrair is well-known for being a cramschool. Even the first year middle schoolers who attend are expected to go to prep classes and take national-level mock exams, so their students get less days off than those from other schools.

Wataru: “Yeah. But I think I did well, at least…. ehehe.”

The truth is that Wataru-kun gets really good grades. At the end of his first semester, I saw his report card, and he got much higher grades than I ever did when I was in middle school.

I never really see Wataru-kun studying at home, so I think that he’s just naturally very smart and gifted.

(It’s stuff like this that makes me remember that Wataru-kun really is Masaomi-san and Ukyo-san’s little brother.)

Wataru: “Onee-chan, are you headed back home right now? Or do you plan on going somewhere else?”

“I’m headed back home.”

Wataru: “Then is it okay if we go together?”

“Of course it’s okay.”

The two of us chat as we walk through the arcade together.

Wataru: “And then, my teacher–”

Maybe it’s because he doesn’t have any difficulty studying or with academics, but Wataru-kun’s school life sounds very fun. He has a lot of friends, and it seems like he’s very popular and well-liked by his class as well.

As I think this while listening to him, Wataru-kun suddenly interrupts himself.

Wataru: “Onee-chan, am I boring you?”

“Eh?! I don’t feel that way at all, why would you think that?”

Wataru: “Well, it’s just that you’re going “uh-huh, uh-huh” and nodding along a lot. Isn’t that how people tune out stuff they aren’t interested in talking about or listening to?”

“That– that isn’t it at all.”

I reply, confused.

“You’re a very skilled storyteller, so I was just listening really intently.”

Wataru: “It’s okay, you don’t have to force yourself to lie to me.”

Wataru-kun’s face goes gloomy.

Wataru: “If I’m boring you, I want you to tell me. Because if you don’t… I won’t be able to fix it.”

“Like I said, that isn’t it at all.”

My voice is earnest as I speak.

“While it’s true that people tend to nod and hum and reply absentmindedly to try and feign paying attention, that isn’t what I was doing right now at all.”

Wataru-kun stares intently at my face before replying.

Wataru: “... okay, I understand.”

He bows his head down at me.

Wataru: “Onee-chan, what I said just now was kinda weird, right? I’m sorry about that.”

“I don’t mind at all– here, lift your face back up. Won’t you tell me the rest of your story?”

At that, Wataru-kun’s smile finally returns, and he finishes telling me the rest of his story.

“At any rate...”

As our conversation dies down, I mutter to myself without realizing it.

“Wataru-kun, you’ve really grown up, huh.”

Wataru: “Me? Grown up?”

“Yeah. I feel like you’ve matured a lot.”

Wataru: “Hmmmm…”

Wataru-kun stops walking, folding his arms as if in deep thought.

“What’s wrong?”

Wataru: “I’ve… grown up… an adult…”

After a moment of silence, Wataru-kun abruptly speaks up again.

Wataru: “No, that isn’t true. I’m not an adult yet.”

“Eh?”

Wataru: “Well, you still don’t want to be my girlfriend, right, Onee-chan?”

“W-Wataru-kun?!”

The two of us are still in the middle of the arcade. Since it’s an afternoon during summer break, there’s a large amount of people crowding the arcade.

“Huuuuuh, that kid just confessed his love for his big sister.”

“Amazing isn’t it, the fact that he did it in front of a crowd, too. Talk about a public confession.”

“Welllll, since it was cute, I’ll forgive it~”

People start to erupt into whispers all around us.

Wataru: “If I were really an adult, then you’d see me as a grown man– a member of the opposite gender, right? But you don’t see me that way. You still see me as a little kid–”

“H-hey, Wataru-kun!!”

I forcibly interrupt Wataru-kun.

“Let’s get heading home! It’s really hot out today and I feel like I might collapse if I stay out for much longer. So, uhm, let’s hurry and get going!”

I blurt out a bunch of babble that I don’t really even understand myself, grabbing Wataru-kun’s hand and dragging him away from the scene.

★☆★

Once we get to the mansion, Wataru-kun and I go our separate ways. I stop to pick up the mail before heading up to the fifth floor.

All of the Asahina family’s mail is always delivered to the first floor. Usually, someone will pick it all up from downstairs, and then bring it up to the fifth floor to sort through by address. Then, they’ll leave the sorted piles on the living room table.

Today, Masaomi-san and Ukyo-san both had received a few magazines addressed to them, so the pile’s rather heavy.

Since it would be difficult to sort through the mail while holding it all, I place the pile down on the table before beginning to sort through it.

In the middle of the pile, I see an envelope that’s addressed to me.

(Ah, that’s–)

The envelope looks official, a bit like the type that a company would use. Once I catch a glimpse of the cooperation that it’s direct mail from, I get an idea of who sent it.

It’s the name of the game company that Natsume-san works for.

Without thinking, my hand stops.

I look around for a moment in worry. It’s only once I’m sure that there’s no one else in the living room that I finally open the envelope.

Inside is an announcement for a new game that’s coming out. Natsume-san sometimes sends me lists of things like upcoming games and the stores they’re being sold at. They’re usually pretty simple and easy to understand, but also very impersonal.

But today’s list is different. A single title on the list is highlighted in bright ink, with the following written beside it.

This is a game that I helped make. There have been plenty of difficulties, but it’s finally complete. I think it turned out pretty well, so please give it a try!

(That’s right… it’s finally being released.)

Ever since he changed departments this spring, Natsume-san’s been really busy every day. Sometimes, he’ll send short messages about how his work’s increased so much that he’s been having to stay up all night in the office working, and I can tell that he’s been exhausted lately.

The past few months, we haven’t spoken or met up much since I can see how rough he has it and I haven’t wanted to bother him.

(But now he can finally take a breather again.)

At the thought, I can’t help but feel a little bit uneasy.

Now that he has the time, Natsume-san might visit the mansion. No– it’s his family’s home, so it’s only natural that he’ll visit eventually.

… when he does, how should I act with him?

Natsume: “Just as ordinary siblings. … no, I can’t.”

I remember the words that he’d muttered in my ear the night of my high school graduation party. And I remember the warm sensation at the nape of my neck as he—

(... – wait a minute!)

I try to calm the pounding of my heart down. I take a deep breath, breathing in and out until the warmth of the memory starts to clear from my mind.

(I can’t just be thinking about Natsume-san.)

I’m grateful for Natsume-san’s feelings for me.

But it isn’t right for me to be thinking only of him.

Because Natsume-san isn’t the only one who has confessed to having feelings for me.

(In any case, I should head back to my room.)

As soon as I finish hurriedly sorting through the rest of the mail, I leave the living room, Natsume-san’s letter in hand.

Once I get to the hall, I glance in the direction of the stairs. My room’s on the fourth floor. It’d probably be faster to head down the stairs instead of waiting for the elevator since it’s only a floor down.

I swiftly make my way down the stairs. My steps begin to gradually grow faster, and by the time I reach the landing, I’m practically running.

And then.

I see someone emerge from the elevator hall on the fourth floor.

There are two figures, the both of them resembling each other.

Azusa: “Huh?”

Tsubaki: “Oh, perfect!”

(Tsubaki-san and— Azusa-san?!)

Seeing the two of them come out of nowhere throws me off guard.

So much so that I lose my footing. I tumble over a step, and I’m suddenly sent flying, my body hurling forwards through the air as I trip and fall.

Azusa: “Watch out!”

Azusa-san yells.

When I look down, I realize that my body’s rapidly approaching the concrete floor.

(Ahhhh–!!)

I close my eyes as I brace myself.

Tsubaki: “G-guh!”

There’s a thud as my body crashes into something. But the impact isn’t as painful as I’d thought it’d be at all. Actually, it’s rather warm.

Tsubaki: “Oww…”

I hear a voice groan in my ear.

(R-right now–)

Gingerly, I open my eyes. I’m met with wide, uniquely glowing pupils obscuring my vision.

They’re eyes that I’ve gazed into countless times before– the brilliant gleam in them familiar.

“Tsu- Tsubaki-san?”

Tsubaki-san’s face is squished up close to mine.

His eyes are wide open, and his pupils almost look as if they’re trembling as they stare at me.

He’s so close that I can feel the warmth of his breath on my lips.

Tsubaki: “Ah…”

I can feel the heat of Tsubaki-san’s arms wrapped around me. We’re pressed together so tightly that I can feel the steady thrum of his heartbeat from through my own chest.

We’re both ice still, as if time has frozen in place.

After a moment, Tsubaki-san’s body finally moves, and he turns his face slightly away from me, breaking our stare.

Once he does, it feels as if time begins to gradually move again.

And I find myself finally beginning to register our position.

We’re both on the floor, at the bottom of the stairs, Tsubaki-san’s knees on the ground. He’s pressed up back-against the wall, with me on top of him.

I’m squished against him, the whole of my weight leaning on him as he holds me tight in his arms.

(That’s right..)

I begin to gradually get a grip of what happened.

I had tripped and fallen down the stairs. And Tsubaki-san caught me before I could hit the floor, crashing against the wall with me in his arms in his attempt to save me.

(... oh.)

My body suddenly shoots up as I register the situation.

“I– I’m sorry!”

I shout out as I straighten myself.

As I attempt to get up, I feel Tsubaki-san’s grip on me tighten.

Tsubaki: “Hold on… stay like this for just a bit longer.”

His voice is a soft, gentle murmur.

Tsubaki: “I don’t want you to hurt yourself. Wait a moment.”

I can feel someone’s presence beside me. Azusa carefully looks over my form.

Azusa: “Alright, it looks like she’s fine, Tsubaki.”

Azusa-san’s voice is calm.

Tsubaki: “Really? …. thank god.”

Tsubaki-san moves his arm away from me, letting me out of his hold.

Azusa: “Can you stand?”

As he asks me this, Azusa-san holds a hand out to me.

“Oh… yes.”

I take Azusa-san’s hand and stand up.

Tsubaki: “Whew, that was really surprising.”

Tsubaki-san braces himself on the wall behind him with his hand and stands up as well.

“I’m so sorry! … uhm, Tsubaki-san, are you okay?”

Tsubaki: “Huh, me? Eh, I’m totally fine.”

Even though he says he’s fine, Tsubaki-san’s grimacing.

“But…”

Tsubaki: “Like I said, I’m okay. A little crash like that’s nothing– I’m a guy, after all.”

Azusa: “That’s right. He’s just got a little bump right here.”

Tsubaki: “Owwwww!! Don’t touch it, Azusaaaa!”

“Er, um… are you sure you’re really okay?”

Azusa: “Don’t worry about it. I’ll be sure to take a look at it later.”

Azusa-san cracks a smile as he reassures me. Knowing him, I trust him to keep his word and handle it.

“Alright… but, really, thank you very much for saving me!”

I give the two of them a deep bow as I thank them.

Afterwards, Azusa-san holds something out to me.

Azusa: “Here.”

“... ah.”

In his hand is the envelope that Natsume-san sent to me.

Azusa: “You dropped this on the floor when you fell.”

“... I’m sorry.”

He hands the envelope to me.

(Did he notice that it’s from Natsume-san?)

Since the envelope has Natsume-san’s company’s logo on it, he likely did. However, Azusa-san doesn’t mention it.

(I’m curious, but if he isn’t going to mention it or ask about it, I won’t, either.)

Either way, I should probably get to leaving as soon as possible.

“Thank you again, Tsubaki-san, Azusa-san. Um, I’m going to head to my room now.”

As I thank them, I move to leave.

Tsubaki: “Ah, wait a sec.”

Tsubaki-san calls out to me.

Tsubaki: “The thing is, we were actually looking for you earlier.”

“Huh?”

I instinctively turn around to see Tsubaki-san pull something out from his pocket.

Tsubaki: “Here… this is for you.”

It’s a ticket to an upcoming event.

The title of an anime that Tsubaki-san’s the leading voice actor for and a large number ‘20’ are both written on it in a large font.

“What’s this?”

Tsubaki: “The anime that I’m in originally came out 20 years ago. So, they’re having an anniversary event. I’d really like it if you’d come.”

“An… event, huh.”

For a moment, I hesitate to accept the invitation.

I feel a bit overwhelmed as I remember Tsubaki-san’s previous confession.

“Even so– I still love you.”

The words that Tsubaki-san said to me that night at the theme park, after I had told him I can’t return his feelings, surface in my mind.

(What should I do..?)

If I accept, I might cause a misunderstanding. But since it’s clearly something that’s important to him, I need to think carefully about how to reply.

Azusa: “I understand what you’re probably thinking.”

Azusa-san interrupts my thoughts.

Azusa: “But this is different.”

Azusa-san looks at Tsubaki-san before turning towards me.

Azusa: “Tsubaki wants you to come see because this is a special, important occasion for him. As a voice actor.”

“As a… voice actor?”

Tsubaki: “Hey, uh, Azusa.”

Tsubaki’s voice cuts in.

Tsubaki: “I’m grateful for you trying to help me out, but I think that this is something that I would rather do myself, you know?”

Azusa: “Sorry, Tsubaki.”

Azusa-san’s attention turns back towards Tsubaki-san.

Azusa: “I just thought that it might be a little strange if you said it yourself.”

Tsubaki: “Ah– …. Well– … okay, yeah. I guess it would sound kinda weird coming from me, huh.”

Tsubaki-san goes silent at that.

After a moment, he opens his mouth again.

Tsubaki: “Still, I wanna at least say this.”

He looks at me.

Tsubaki: “This role is really, really important to me. And this event is really, really important to me, too, which is why it would mean a lot to me if you came to watch.”

He holds the invitation out to me once more.

Tsubaki: “So? Will you come?”

“.... yes.”

I give him my answer.

“I’ll go. Thank you very much.”

Tsubaki: “Thanks!”

Tsubaki-san’s face breaks into a bright grin.

Tsubaki: “Woah… I’m happy. I’m super, super happy.”

He lets out a sigh of relief.

Azusa: “Well, in that case, isn’t it about time that we get going, Tsubaki?”

Tsubaki: “Oh, yeah, you’re right.”

“Where are you two headed?”

Azusa: “We’ve still got some recording to finish up.”

Azusa-san replies.

Azusa: “We stopped by since we had a little time before we needed to head out.”

Tsubaki: “We’d planned on giving you the ticket real quick first. I mean, wouldn’t it have sucked if you’d made plans for that day before we could invite you?”

“That’s why?”

Tsubaki: “Yeah. I mean, like I said, this event is super important.”

He flashes me a smile.

Tsubaki: “I really, reaaaaaaaally want you to come since it means a lot to me. That’s why we went looking for you.”

With that, he and Azusa-san leave to return to work.

(An important event…)

I stare at the invitation in my hand. As I do, I can understand how an event like this would mean a lot to Tsubaki-san as a voice actor.

(But, is that really…?)

My heart starts to waver, and I can’t help but suddenly feel a sense of doubt rush over me.

My thoughts swirl through my head.

I only find myself becoming more and more worried. I can tell that being alone in my room will just make my anxiety worse.

(T-That’d be no good.)

I place both the invitation that Tsubaki-san gave me and the envelope from Natsume-san in the mailbox in front of my room and leave without heading inside.

★☆★

As I head down the stairs, I find myself still in deep thought.

But I haven’t managed to reach an answer at all yet.

Before I know it, I’ve already made my way to the first floor.

It’s already starting to get dark outside.

For a moment, I start to doubt whether or not I should go out. But I don’t really want to head back to my room right now, either.

(But it hasn’t gone completely dark, yet.)

As I think this, I begin to make my way to the front door.

“Chii-chan, wait a moment.”

I hear someone call out to me. I turn my head to see Louis-san in the hallway.

“Oh… hi.”

Louis: “Mmhmm, good evening.”

“Did you just get back home?”

Louis: “Yes, I got off a little bit early today.”

He gives me a gentle smile.

Louis: “Hmm?”

Suddenly, his smile is replaced with a worried expression.

Louis: “What’s wrong?”

“Umm…”

I do my best to shake away my inner thoughts and reply.

“It’s nothing.”

Louis: “Chii-chan.”

Louis-san’s voice is a bit stern.

Louis: “Lying is bad.”

“R-really, I’m–”

As I scramble for words, I meet Louis-san’s eyes.

There’s an earnest glimmer in them that robs me of my strength to keep speaking.

“... I’m sorry.”

I apologize in a small voice, looking down at the floor.

Immediately afterwards, I feel the air suddenly clear up, and I’m overwhelmed with a refreshing fragrance.

(What… is this?)

The refreshing fragrance grows stronger as a hand gently moves to caress my cheek.

It gingerly lifts my head back up, and I’m met with the sight of Louis-san’s kind, smiling face.

Louis: “... Chii-chan.”

Louis-san’s voice is soft.

“Yes?”

Louis: “Let’s go out and eat.”

“.... okay?”

– 20 minutes later.

We’re at a very fashionable restaurant inside Inokashira Park.

The building faces the park’s pond, which gives me a good view of the water, street, and the rest of the park right outside.

Even though it’s still a bit early for dinner, the restaurant is reasonably crowded. So much so that I’m a bit worried about whether or not we’ll be able to get a seat without a reservation. In the end, though, we’re quickly led to a table in the back with a very soothing atmosphere.

Louis: “The owner is a client of mine.”

Louis-san explains as he sits down beside me.

I’m slightly confused for a moment, but then I realize that the shop owner must be a regular of Louis-san’s. That must be why he seems so familiar with this place.

Louis: “The Japanese food here is yummy.”

Louis-san holds the menu between the two of us.

Our seats are close together, and I realize that this is meant to be some sort of couple’s seating.

They aren’t connected, but they’re so close together that you would only have to reach your arm out a little bit to wrap it around or touch the person beside you.

Louis: “Chii-chan, which would you like to eat?”

“Oh, um, I…”

I can’t help but feel uneasy about our seating. I wouldn’t mind regular seats, but these ones… I do mind.

Of course, Louis-san is different from Natsume-san and Tsubaki-san. But that doesn’t change the fact that he’s one of the Asahina siblings… and a man.

“I’m not really hungry right now. Plus, we have dinner soon, and…”

As I tell Louis-san this, I begin to stand up from my seat.

But as I do, Louis-san looks at me and suddenly hits his palm with his fist.

Louis: “Ah, that’s right.”

“Huh?”

Unprepared for the sudden gesture, I sit back down after losing my chance to flee.

Louis: “Dinner… mmhmm, dinner.”

Louis-san brings his phone out, and calls someone.

Louis: “Hello. … ah, Ukyo-niisan.”

(..... huh?!)

Louis: “Mmhmm, it’s Louis. You see, today, Chii-chan and I are going to be having dinner out together.”

(L-Louis-san?!)

Louis: “It’s alright, we won’t stay out late. … mmhmm… alright. Bye-bye, then.”

Louis-san hangs up with a pleased smile.

Louis: “Don’t worry about preparing dinner today, alright?”

“But…”

Louis: “Chii-chan.”

Louis-san stops me from finishing my sentence with a gentle smile.

Louis: “You don’t want to go back home… right?”

“Er…”

I find myself shocked at how suddenly Louis-san had pointed out my thoughts.

(But how did he know? I didn’t say anything about it…)

Louis: “Your eyes.”

His voice is calm as he explains himself.

Louis: “Your eyes give you away. If I couldn’t read your expression, I wouldn’t be able to call myself a beautician.”

“...”

Louis: “Everyday, I get a lot of customers.”

Louis-san looks upwards.

Louis: “They all have their own reasons for coming to my shop. Their own important, unique reasons.”

His gaze goes to me again.

Louis: “So it’s important for me to observe them, to understand them. Their hands, their shoulders, their legs… every little movement, every little gesture. Their faces are important to observe as well. But the most important are… their eyes.”

As he says this Louis-san’s eyes stare directly into mine.

Louis: “So I understand. What people wish for… and what they don’t.”

“Louis-san…”

It’s a strange feeling. Louis-san’s eyes are completely earnest, and yet, there isn’t a bit of strain or tension in them.

Rather, it feels like there are invisible arms that are wrapping me up in a comforting embrace.

(Ah…)

While I bask in the sensation, Louis-san breaks through my thoughts by speaking again.

Louis: “Chii-chan, could it be that you’re worrying about Natsume-niisan?”

“Huh?”

I’m stunned in shock.

I bring my hand to my mouth in an attempt to keep myself from yelling out in surprise.

Louis: “Or maybe you’re worrying about Tsubaki-niiisan and Azusa-niisan?”

“Um, um…”

Louis: “If not them, maybe it’s Subaru-kun you’re worrying about?”

“W-wait… hold on a second.”

I manage to squeeze out the words in a strangled voice.

“Why did you specifically name those four?”

Louis: “Oh, I heard.”

“Wh– … heard?”

Louis: “Juli-san let me know what’s been going on with them.”

“Eeehhh?!”

(H-how does Juli know about what’s been going on between us…??)

Louis: “I’m sorry for surprising you.”

Louis-san’s face clouds over slightly.

Louis: “But, you see, the two of us are the “Chii-chan Defense Squad”.”

Louis-san places his hand over mine.

Louis: “Juli-san’s been doing some investigating. For your benefit. And he’s been telling me about his findings, because you’re someone that we care about.”

(T-that’s…)

I’m overcome with a sudden realization.

Back when I was in high school, Juli spent the majority of his time in my room.

But after I’d started attending university, that’s changed– actually, I’d say that Juli rarely ever spends much time in my room anymore.

(So that’s what he’s been doing…)

I feel irritation starting to well up in me towards Juli.

I have no idea what exactly Juli’s “investigations” have been entailing, but the two of us are going to have to have a long talk about the meaning of personal privacy.

(I’ll have to grill Juli about this later.)

Louis-san’s voice interrupts my thoughts.

Louis: “Please don’t be upset with Juli-san. He’s just worried about you. And I’ve already requested that he stop.”

His face is still cloudy as he continues.

Louis: “I also don’t like the fact that he’s been investigating our brothers.”

“Ah… that’s right. I’m sorry for Juli’s actions.”

I bow my head down in apology. Once I do, I feel Louis-san move his hand from where it had been settled over mine, as he brings his fingers to the bottom of my chin.

Slowly, his fingers lift my head up.

Louis: “Maybe it’s this.”

“Huh?”

I have no idea what Louis-san is talking about, so I look at Louis-san in confusion.

“What do you mean?”

Louis: “What Natsume-niisan, Tsubaki-niisan, and Azusa-niisan, and Subaru-kun… and everyone else, feel for you.”

“Eh? Eh?”

Louis: “Chii-chan, you’re always so honest. You’re always so genuine and up-front.”

Louis-san brings his face close to mine.

Louis: “That’s why we all love you.”

“L-Louis-san…”

Louis: “We’re brothers. But as we’ve grown older, we’ve also gradually grown distant. By distancing ourselves from each other, we’ve become less likely to collide and get into conflicts.”

“....”

Louis: “While I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad thing, because of it, we’re not very good at some things.”

“What kind of things?”

Louis: “Being our true selves around each other.”

Louis-san’s face grows sad and regretful.

Louis: “Whenever we show our true selves around each other, we’re more likely to fight, and it’s very painful. That’s why we’ve stopped.”

Louis-san closes his eyes. I listen and wait until he opens them again.

When he does, he’s smiling again.

Louis: “Then you came, Chii-chan. You’re someone who we can be ourselves around, someone who sees us for who we really are. That’s why everyone’s so captivated by you.”

“...”

Louis: “Hey, Chii-chan.”

Louis-san whispers softly to me.

“What is it?”

Louis: “I think we should probably order soon.”

“Oh…”

I tear my eyes away from Louis-san’s face.

Louis: “What would you like to eat?”

“Um, um… whatever you like. I trust your judgement.”

Louis: “Mm, alright.”

Louis-san opens the menu again before speaking up, as if he’d just remembered something.

Louis: “Ah, Chii-chan, one more thing.”

“Yes?”

Louis: “There’s another reason why we all love you.”

My whole body suddenly goes still.

“Wha-what… what is it?”

I timidly ask Louis-san what he means, and he replies.

Louis: “... because you’re cute.”

“Eh…”

Louis: “Everybody also loves you because of how cute you are, Chii-chan.”

Louis-san’s smile is earnest as he says this to me.

★☆★

After Louis-san and I are done eating, we go back home to the mansion together, and I head to the fifth floor.

Since I’d saddled Ukyo-san with preparing dinner all by himself today by going out to eat with Louis-san, I figure that the least I can do is help with tidying up.

“I’m sorry, I’m back.”

I apologize as I move to enter the living room. In my hurry, I accidentally bump into someone while going through the front door.

“Oh–”

I feel a hand hold my shoulder to keep me steady.

Ukyo: “Are you alright?”

“... Ukyo-san. I’m sorry.”

Ukyo: “Welcome back home. Please, don’t worry about it.”

Ukyo-san’s holding a bottle of something in his left hand.

Ukyo: “It’s brandy.”

At seeing the direction of my gaze, Ukyo-san answers my unasked question.

Ukyo: “I thought we might drink some.”

Ukyo-san looks in the direction of the living room.

When he does, I realize that there’s another figure in the room.

Masaomi: “Ah, welcome home.”

Masaomi-san is sitting down on the sofa.

Masaomi: “You went out to eat with Louis, didn’t you? How was it?”

“Oh… it was really yummy.”

Masaomi: “I see, that’s good.”

Masaomi-san gives me a kind, gentle smile, and then turns towards Ukyo-san.

Masaomi: “Ukyo. Since it concerns her, don’t you think we should include her in our conversation?”

Ukyo-san sets the bottle of brandy he’s holding on the table next to two glasses.

Ukyo: “Do you happen to have time to spare at the moment?”

“Yes, I do.”

Ukyo: “Then, please take a seat.”

I do as he says and sit down on the sofa. Masaomi-san picks up the bottle of brandy and pours some into the two glasses.

Masaomi: “Since you’re still a bit young to drink alcohol, would you like me to get you something else to drink?”

“No thank you, I’m alright. I’m still full from dinner.”

Masaomi: “Alright. Forgive us for indulging a little bit, then.”

After he says this, Masaomi-san hands one of the now-filled glasses of brandy to Ukyo-san.

The amber liquid in their glasses swirls a little as they lift them up, bring them to their lips, and take a drink.

Ukyo: “Mmm.”

Masaomi: “Un… it’s a little strong. But still good, I think.”

The two of them sigh. Suddenly, I realize that they’re both still wearing suits.

Ukyo: “Masaomi-niisan and I both only got back home recently.”

Masaomi: “Maybe it’s a little more accurate to say that we’d been talking outside for a while.”

Masaomi-san gives me a pained smile.

Masaomi: “But haven’t quite managed to reach a conclusion yet. So, we decided to come home and continue our discussion here.”

“I see.”

I can’t help but wonder what kind of conversation Masaomi-san and Ukyo-san would have that would need to continue this late into the night. It must be important.

Ukyo: “Louis called me earlier telling me that you wouldn’t be able to help with preparing dinner today, but we actually ordered out tonight.”

“Eh?”

Masaomi: “Ah, don’t worry about it. Since you and Louis went out for dinner, Yuusuke and Wataru were the only other brothers left home. Wataru was actually rather excited to order whatever he wanted.”

As Masaomi-san says this, he goes to refill his now-empty glass of brandy.

Masaomi: “Well then… let me catch you up on what we’ve been talking about.”

Masaomi-san’s tone changes. He looks at Ukyo-san, as if requesting permission for something. Slowly, Ukyo-san nods at him.

Masaomi: “We were wondering whether or not you’d managed to get in contact with Iori recently.”

“Iori-san?”

Ukyo: “You see, pertaining to Iori…”

Ukyo-san speaks up.

Ukyo: “Since Iori left home, we haven’t heard anything from him.”

“Ah…”

Ukyo: “Furthermore, his bank account has no record of any recent activity or withdrawals.”

“Ehh?!”

Masaomi: “Iori’s a very bright kid.”

Masaomi-san enters into the conversation.

Masaomi: “So I’m sure that he’s managing to do well… but we can’t help but worry for him, at least a bit.”

“…”

We fall into a heavy silence.

Then, as if in an attempt to break it, Ukyo-san pours some more brandy into his glass. The sound is awfully loud.

Ukyo: “And so, we were wondering… if, perchance, you’d had any contact with Iori recently.”

“... me?”

Masaomi: “You see, Iori’s never been the type to talk to us much.”

Masaomi-san lifts his glass up, but doesn’t bring it to his lips.

Masaomi: “Since we’re brothers, you’d think that’s a little strange, right? But although we’re brothers, we’re also all very different people. Because we’re always together, there are some things that we can’t talk about with each other.”

Those are the same sentiments that Louis-san had expressed to me earlier.

Ukyo: “To be quite frank, we think that Iori has opened his heart to you more than he ever has to any of us. And so, we’d like it if you could tell us whether he’s said anything to you.”

“... I see.”

I answer in a small voice.

“He hasn’t made any contact with me at all.”

Masaomi-san and Ukyo-san watch me intently as I continue.

“No letters, no messages, nothing.”

The three of us are enveloped in silence again.

Masaomi: “... I see.”

This time, Masaomi-san is the one to break it.

Masaomi: “I understand. Thank you for your honesty.”

Ukyo: “Our apologies for suddenly questioning you about this.”

Ukyo-san adds in.

I understand that this is their way of saying that “I can leave now”, and yet, I find myself unable to stand up from the sofa.

Masaomi: “What’s wrong?”

Masaomi-san asks me when I continue to stay seated.

…. I’m still lost in doubt.

(I still feel as if I don’t understand my brothers as well as they do each other.)

I mean, they’ve known each other for their whole lives. I’ve only been part of their family for about two years.

That’s why I’ve always sort of thought that I don’t have much of a right to say anything about them to each other.

(However.)

Maybe I've been thinking about it wrong this whole time.

Over the past six months or so, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I really know about my brothers. About who they really are.

And that’s why I feel like maybe, just maybe, it’s okay for me to say my piece as well.

I’m a member of the Asahina family, too, after all.

“Um.”

As I think this, I instinctively open my mouth.

“I feel like there’s no need to worry about Iori-san.”

Masaomi-san and Ukyo-san carefully bring their attention towards me.

Ukyo: “Oh?”

Masaomi: “Is there a specific reason you think so?”

“Yes.”

I take a moment to gather my thoughts and think about how to best continue.

“Because Iori-san told me he would. Be okay, I mean.”

Ukyo-san’s doubtful expression grows puzzled.

Ukyo: “And when did this exchange with him occur?”

“The day of my high school graduation ceremony.”

Ukyo: “.... the same day that Iori left the mansion.”

“Yes. After Iori-san left the mansion, he visited my school, and we talked.”

Ukyo: “And Iori said this to you directly?”

“Yes. He’d congratulated me on graduating. Then, he told me that “I finally found the courage to fix things after this”.”

For the third time this conversation, we fall into silence.

But this time, the silence feels different. It isn’t as heavy as before.

Ukyo: “... I see.”

Slowly, Ukyo-san nods.

Masaomi: “Ah. So that’s what happened.”

Masaomi-san lets out a sigh.

“I trust Iori-san.”

I say.

“I think that we should have faith in him.”

I try to speak my mind as straight-forwardly as possible. Masaomi-san and Ukyo-san both exchange glances with each other.

Slowly, both of their faces begin to shift into their own unique versions of a slight smile.

Masaomi: “I’m sure that’s true… I’m sure that you’re right.”

Ukyo: “I’m of the same opinion.”

Masaomi-san sinks into the couch, leaning to look up at the ceiling.

Masaomi: “Hah… I’m a horrible big brother, aren’t I? I don’t even understand my own little brothers.”

Ukyo: “I’m no different. However, I believe that we’re starting to understand them better than before. We have someone here to teach us how, now, after all.”

Ukyo-san picks the bottle of brandy and both him and Masaomi-san’s glasses up as he rises to stand.

Ukyo: “Masaomi-niisan, I believe it’s about time we get some rest, don’t you think?”

Masaomi: “Mm, I guess you’re right… but I feel a little light right now. I think I drank a bit too much.”

“Um, in that case, I can handle cleaning up.”

Ukyo: “It’s alright. There’s no need for you to do that, I’ll handle it.”

“But…”

Ukyo: “Today, you’ve managed to ease a rather large worry of ours. It would be far exceeding overstepping to ask anything else of you.”

As he says this, he heads in the direction of the kitchen.

Masaomi: “Ahh, that’s right. I’d almost forgotten.”

Masaomi-san pulls something out from inside his pocket.

Masaomi: “Here you go. A letter from Kaname came for you.”

“From Kaname-san?”

Masaomi-san hands me a sealed envelope. It’s addressed to “Imouto-chan”.

Masaomi: “Kaname occasionally sends letters to me, keeping me updated on how he’s doing. Whenever he needs anything from any of our other brothers, he’ll send separate envelopes addressed to them inside of the larger envelope he sends to me, since the temple he’s currently at has a limit on how much mail he’s allowed to send out.”

“Huh, really?”

Ukyo: “Since he sends Masaomi-niisan all the letters that are addressed to those in our family, I can’t help but wonder who he’s sending the remaining of his allotted letters to.”

As he washes the glasses, Ukyo-san cuts in.

Masaomi: “Mmm, well, in any case… if you’d like to send him a reply, feel free to let me know, alright?”

“Alright, I will.”

Once I get back to my room, I open the envelope and pull the letter out from inside. Maybe it’s a little rude of me, but I can’t help but think that Kaname-san’s handwriting is unexpectedly neat.

— Dear Imouto-chan.

Has university been going well for you?

It looks like I’ll be staying here for a little while longer. I’m sorry that I can’t be there for you. However, I’ll do my best to come back home as soon as possible.

When that day comes, I hope that you’ll welcome me back home with a kiss.

Since it’s a special occasion, a kiss on the cheek should be permissible, don’t you think?

(Ahahaha…)

I can’t help but smile despite myself.

(However.)

I know that this isn’t all there is to it.

(I won’t let myself be deceived again, Kaname-san.)

Kaname-san lies sometimes. When he lies, he doesn’t do it to hurt people– he does it to protect them.

But I won’t let myself be fooled.

I can tell that Kaname-san didn’t write to me because he’s worried about me. There isn’t a trace of concern in his writing.

Rather, I can tell that Kaname-san wrote to me because he genuinely cares about me.

And that makes me really happy.

– At that moment.

(... ah.)

I begin to realize something.

(I think that I’m starting to understand my brothers more…)

Iori-san…

Kaname-san…

There are certain things I understand about them that Masaomi-san and Ukyo-san don’t.

Of course, it isn’t as if I understand everything about them. But I do think that I’m starting to learn more and more about them as people as time goes on.

(It’s… a nice feeling.)

I go on to read the second page of Kaname-san’s letter.

PS,

Imouto-chan.

If there ever comes a time where you find yourself lost, or you feel as if you’ve lost your way, I want you to believe in the path that you’ve paved for yourself. Don’t let others sway your heart. No matter which path you may tread, if it’s you who has chosen to walk it, I have faith that it’s the right one.

That’s the end of the letter.

(Kaname-san…)

At that moment, I feel a warmth rise up in my chest.

★☆★

(Alright!)

I check my reflection in my mirror one last time before exiting my room.

It’s been pretty rainy lately, but luckily, it seems like today’s gonna be sunny out.

(It might be hot out, but being hot’s better than getting wet!)

The anniversary event for the anime Tsubaki-san invited me to is today.

In order to make sure that I had suitable clothes for the occasion, I went and bought a new outfit to wear today.

The truth is, usually, Louis-san helps me with coordinating my outfits for stuff like this. Maybe it would have been better if I’d gone to him for help, but I figured that it would be a bit rude to expect him to help all the time, so I decided to pick everything for today out myself.

I wait for the elevator and head up to the fifth floor.

I’d already prepared a light meal to eat before I go. Yesterday, I’d made a sandwich and put it in the fridge to save for today.

When I head to the kitchen, though, an unexpected scene is waiting for me.

“Oh, good morning. … whew.”

Hikaru-san gives me a large, sleepy yawn.

He’s holding the sandwich I’d made the night before in his hands.

“Hikaru-san?!”

Hikaru: “Ah… D’you mind keeping your voice down a little bit? I might’ve drank a little too much yesterday.”

Hikaru-san is wearing a luxurious looking suit.

I get the feeling that he probably just got back home this morning.

“What were you doing?”

Hikaru: “Interview.”

As Hikaru-san off-handedly answers me, he casually throws the last bite of my sandwich into his mouth.

As the last bite disappears into his mouth, all the preparations I’d made yesterday disappear alongside it.

Hikaru: “Hm? Did I do something?”

Hikaru-san gives me an amused laugh.

“I planned on eating that sandwich for breakfast this morning.”

Hikaru: “Hm? I’d assumed that it was just leftovers from yesterday. You made it for breakfast?”

After a moment, Hikaru-san’s expression changes.

Hikaru: “Ahh, that’s right. Today’s that event, isn’t it. … I see. Ohhh, I see.”

Hikaru-san gets up from where he was sitting and stretches.

A strange stench emits from his suit and hair and through the kitchen. He smells of strong perfume, tobacco, alcohol, and something else I can’t quite put my finger on, all mixed together.

Hikaru: “So, given any mind to who you’ll choose?”

“Huh?”

Hikaru: “Hmmm.”

Hikaru-san laughs, amused.

Morning rays filter through the kitchen window and hit Hikaru-san, giving his face a sense of shadowy depth.

Hikaru: “It’s one of those three, then?”

“I don’t think I understand what you’re getting at?”

Hikaru: “Ahaha, even if you lie– … hm? Your face… you really, genuinely don’t have any idea what I’m talking about, do you? I guess they wouldn’t have mentioned it, huh.”

Hikaru-san’s smiling face reminds me of the joker in a deck of cards.

Hikaru: “Natsume will be attending today’s event, too.”

“Eh?!”

Hikaru: “The company that Natsume works for will be adapting the anime the event’s for into a game. So, he’ll be there too.”

“How do you know that?”

Hikaru: “Hm, I wonder?”

Hikaru-san shrugs his shoulders exaggeratedly.

Hikaru: “But what does him being there mean to you? Is it a bad thing? I wonder, what ever will you do with this love square you’ve found yourself entangled in?”

Hikaru-san takes a single step towards me.

Hikaru: “You always hear about love triangles, but love squares are a rather novel thing, aren’t they? … ahaha. Let’s see what you’ve got, then.”

“Our– our relationship is nothing like that.”

I reply.

“I’m just going to an event. It has nothing to do with anyone’s feelings.”

As I tell Hikaru-san that, I move to exit the kitchen.

– At that moment.

Hikaru: “You may say that– and you may feel that way– but is that how they think of it?”

Hikaru-san catches my hand.

“Hi-Hikaru-san–”

Hikaru: “Here.”

Hikaru-san picks his bag up with his other hand, and leads me to the bathroom.

Hikaru: “Did you really plan on going looking this plain? This isn’t anything to write home about at all.”

Hikaru-san points a finger at my clothes as he speaks.

Hikaru: “Here, you can consider this a thank you for the sandwich.”

As he says this, he opens his bag and brings out a small pouch. Inside are a bunch of different cosmetics and makeup tools.

Hikaru: “This may not be my best work ever, but… mmm, it should do the trick, at least. Don’t move unless I tell you to… got it?”

While I’m busy being taken aback at what he just said, Hikaru-san’s hands start moving with lightning speed, until my reflection in the mirror looks completely different.

(... ah.)

I’m left sitting in astonishment.

Hikaru: “Clothes are clothes, so there’s a limit to what I can do about them. Ah, it should be fine. Those three’ve never been a fan of the glitzy look, anyhow.”

Hikaru-san comes up from behind me, his body brushing up against my shoulders.

Hikaru: “So? What do you think?”

“Pretty…”

It’s the only answer I can think of.

Hikaru: “Good. … now, time for the finishing touch.”

Suddenly, Hikaru-san brings his arm around my body, before wrapping around it just below my chest.

“Eh???”

Hikaru: “Don’t move!”

In Hikaru-san’s other hand, he’s holding a pearl pink lipstick.

Hikaru-san twists the tube until a bit of it is sticking out, before smearing a bit of it onto the tip of his finger. He then sets the lipstick down, before bringing his finger to my lips.

His touch is tender and meticulous as he traces my lips.

Each time his body brushes up against my back as he moves, I can feel a rush of electricity jolt through me.

Hikaru: “Alright, all done.”

At that, he finally drops his finger from my lips, before resting his chin on my right shoulder.

Hikaru: “I wonder how they’ll react when they see you?”

Hikaru-san brings his fingertip to his lips, before licking the remaining lipstick off it with his tongue.

Hikaru: “Ahaha— ahahaha!”

Hikaru-san’s laugh echoes in my ears, both as beautiful as the delicate sway of a chime and as grating as the crash of a cracked bell.

Hikaru: “And with that, I bid you farewell, Imouto-san.”

As he says this, Hikaru-san grabs my shoulders and spins me around, pushing me away.

Before I know it, I’m sent stumbling out of the bathroom door.

★☆★

I’m on the first floor before I even realize it. I’d practically sprinted down the stairs of the mansion, frantic.

I lean against the wall at the front entrance, hunched over as I attempt to catch my breath. No matter how hard I try, though, I can’t seem to get myself to calm down.

It’s a while before I’m finally able to so much as walk again.

(I’m gonna miss the train at this rate!)

The event’s at Makuhari Messe, which is about an hour and a half away from the mansion.

In order to get there, I need to transfer trains, which means that if I miss one of them, I won’t be able to make it to the event in time.

But the outfit I’m wearing isn’t really made for physical activity, so it isn’t like I can run there.

(What should I do…)

I think worriedly.

“... get in.”

Suddenly, a car comes up next to me.

“Yu– Yuusuke-kun!?”

The car is one of the three that the Asahina family owns.

And sitting in the driver’s seat is Yuusuke-kun.

Yuusuke: “You’re headin’ to that event, right? I’ll drive.”

“Um… but…”

Yuusuke: “If you keep hesitating, we won’t make it in time.”

“Ah… you’re right. Thank you!”

I go to climb into the passenger’s seat. Once he sees that I’m inside, Yuusuke-kun steps on the accelerator.

Yuusuke: “This thing’s at Makuhari Messe, yeah?”

“Um, yeah.”

For the first time since I’d run all the way out of the mansion, I’m finally able to properly catch my breath.

“But why are you driving me?”

Yuusuke: “Might as well.”

Yusuke-kun replies while looking ahead.

Yuusuke: “I was already on my way to school, anyways.”

“Huh? But our school’s in Meiji, though? Makuhari Messi’s in Chiba!”

Yuusuke: “It’s cool. It’s still a while before I’ve gotta be there. I should be good enough on time to drive you before.”

“B-but, Meiji and Chiba are really far away from each other, aren’t they?! It’s gonna be a long drive back– this is a complete detour.”

Yuusuke: “... I mean, yeah. I guess.”

The car slows to a stop at a red light.

Yuusuke-kun turns his gaze toward me.

Yuusuke: “‘s only natural I’d offer to take you.”

“.... eh?”

Yuusuke: “Didn’t you go shopping for new clothes for today? It would suck pretty damn bad if something happened to them while on your way to something you’ve been looking forward to, right? If some idiot got your clothes dirty, or something else happened, you’d feel awful about it.”

“That’s true, but… still, why go to the trouble..?”

Yuusuke: “Would it be bad if I said it’s ‘cause I want to?”

After Yuusuke-kun says this, the traffic light turns green.

Yuusuke-kun turns his gaze ahead of him again.

Yuusuke-kun doesn’t say anything else. I’m unable to come up with a reply, so we’re left sitting in silence for a while.

Then, finally, I hear Yuusuke-kun mutter something.

Yuusuke: “It’s cool. Who cares what the reason is?”

(Yuusuke-kun…)

Yuusuke: “And anyways.”

Yuusuke-kun’s voice goes quiet as he whispers in a different tone.

Yuusuke: “The way you look today… is really dangerous. The hell am I supposed to do if you start attracting even more rivals..?”

(Eh?!)

I turn away from Yuusuke-kun as I exclaim to myself.

Yuusuke-kun doesn’t look or turn towards me, his focus not leaving the road ahead of him.

We don’t say anything else, and I’m left at a complete loss.

(Yuusuke-kun… what I heard him say just now…)

Before long, we’re entering the highway. When we do, Yuusuke-kun abruptly speaks to me in a serious voice.

Yuusuke: “Hey.”

“Wh-what is it?”

My voice comes out shrill.

Yuusuke: “I have something important I need to confess.”

As he says this, Yuusuke-kun’s face tightens. There’s an underlying sense of nervousness in his tension.

Yuusuke: “When I tell you this, I need you to stay calm. I need you to stay composed.”

“O-okay, yeah.”

Yuusuke: “You see, the truth is.”

Yuusuke-kun lets out a long, heavy sigh.

Yuusuke: “I only just got my license the day before yesterday. You’re the first passenger I’ve ever had.”

Complete silence.

“Eh— EHHHHHHH?!”

I scream out without thinking.

“I-I’ll be getting out now!”

Yuusuke: “It’s fine!”

“Nope, I’m good, it’s good, let’s stop!”

Yuusuke: “The hell we will! We’re already on the highway, we can’t just leave! ‘Sides, my instructor was always praising me for my driving and stuff. Don’t even worry about it!”

Yuusuke-kun’s voice echos from inside the car.

Despite the loud commotion of me and Yuusuke-kun inside the car, the summer sun shines brilliantly outside.

[emptykhr]

[emptykhr]

— PARADOX LIVE 5TH ANNIVERSARY VISUALS !! 💽

[emptykhr]

hi... looking for mutuals💗

[emptykhr]

azul having a villain origin story and floyd and jade just being born fucked up and evil I love those two weird fish

[emptykhr]

You Try to Sleep on the Couch after an Argument with: Vice-Housewardens + Ruggie

Other Parts: Housewardens; First Years ; Cater, Floyd, Silver, Rollo

Trey Clover

The argument wasn’t a loud one—no shouting, no slamming doors—just tense words exchanged with too much weight behind them. Trey’s voice had been steady, but his usual patience was stretched thin.

You, equally frustrated, had decided that the best course of action was to remove yourself before either of you said something you’d regret.

So, with a sigh, you grabbed a blanket and made your way to the couch, settling in with your back turned toward the bedroom.

Trey let out a heavy exhale behind you, but he didn’t stop you.

You shifted, adjusting the blanket, willing yourself to fall asleep. It didn’t work. The room was too quiet, too heavy with the remnants of unspoken words. You half-expected Trey to leave you there and go to bed, but then—soft footsteps. A rustle of fabric.

Kneeling beside the couch, Trey placed a hand on the cushion near your arm. His voice was quiet, steady in a way that made something in your chest ache.

“Come back to bed.”

You closed your eyes. “Not yet.”

A pause. Then, a soft sigh. Trey stood. For a moment, you thought he was giving up, finally going to bed without you. The thought left an unexpected hollowness in your chest.

But then, after a few minutes, he returned. You smelled the milk before you saw it—the faint scent of vanilla and honey curling through the air. When you cracked an eye open, there he was, sitting on the floor near the couch, a mug in his hands. He held it out to you.

“Here,” he said. “I know you have trouble sleeping when you’re upset.”

You blinked at him, heart squeezing against your ribs. “Trey…”

He didn’t push, didn’t insist. He just waited, his eyes gentle, patient in the way only he could be.

And just like that, your frustration melted. You took the mug, letting the warmth seep into your fingers. Trey didn’t move, just watched you with that quiet steadiness. Then, softly, he asked again,

“Come back to bed?”

This time, you didn’t hesitate.

You set the mug aside and sat up, only for Trey to immediately wrap his arms around you. His hold was firm, grounding. He buried his face in your shoulder and murmured, “I’m sorry.”

Your fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt, holding him just as tightly. “I’m sorry too.”

Neither of you moved for a long moment, staying there in the quiet. Eventually, Trey pulled back just enough to press a kiss to your forehead.

“C’mon,” he said, voice low, warm. “Let’s go to sleep.”

And this time, when he led you back to bed, you followed without hesitation.

Ruggie Bucchi

The couch wasn’t comfortable. You knew it, and Ruggie knew it. But right now, your stubbornness outweighed your need for a good night’s sleep. You yanked the blanket over yourself, muttering under your breath as you tried to arrange the cushions into something remotely acceptable.

Across the room, Ruggie watched you with wide, calculating eyes. He hadn’t said anything since you stormed off, but you could feel him thinking. And then—

“You remember when you ate my last donut?” he started, voice small.

You froze, narrowing your eyes. “…What?”

“My last donut. You ate it, and you said—” He changed his voice in a mocking impression of you. “‘I owe you one, Ruggie, I swear. Anything you want.’”

You groaned, burying your face in the pillow. “Oh my —”

“But it’s fine,” he continued, so dramatically forlorn you almost threw the pillow at him. “I guess I’ll just be all alone in that big, cold bed. No warmth. No love. Just me. Shivering.”

You lifted your head, ready to tell him off, but then—oh, no.

He hit you with the look.

Ears drooping. Tail flicking. Wide, guilt-inducing eyes that shimmered just enough to make your resolve crack.

You exhaled sharply, dropping your head back down. “You’re the worst.”

He didn’t respond. Just fidgeted. Shuffled his feet like he was actually nervous you’d say no.

And that? That got you.

With a groan of defeat, you sighed and opened your arms. That was all he needed. Ruggie practically launched himself onto the couch, slotting himself beside you in a space absolutely not designed for two people. His weight pressed against you, his tail flicking lazily as he tucked his head under your chin.

“…Knew you couldn’t resist me,” he mumbled, voice muffled by your shirt.

“Shut up.”

His arms tightened around you. A quiet beat passed, then—

“Sorry.”

Your hand found its way into his hair, carding through the strands. “Yeah,” you murmured. “Me too.”

Ruggie hummed, content. Within minutes, his breathing evened out, and despite the ridiculousness of it all, sleep found you too.

Jade Leech

The couch was lumpy. Or maybe you were just too angry to get comfortable. Either way, you buried your face into the pillow, inhaling deeply through your nose to keep yourself from snapping again. You just needed some space. Needed to not be in the same room as Jade and his infuriating, calmly amused expression.

“I can’t be around you right now,” you had told him before marching off, voice tight with frustration. And for once, he didn’t push. Didn’t smirk or throw another veiled comment your way. He simply inclined his head, watching as you all but collapsed onto the couch.

Now, wrapped in a too-thin blanket, you willed yourself to sleep. You were almost there—drifting, fading—when fingers ghosted over your hair.

Your breath caught, but you kept still.

Soft strokes. Careful, reverent, as if he thought you might break. It was so unlike him, so gentle, that you almost cracked your eyes open to confirm it was really happening. Then—

“…I’m so sorry.”

The whisper was barely there. But it wasn’t the words that made your heart lurch—it was the way his voice shook.

Jade Leech, ever unflappable, sounded unsteady.

He pulled back, and you knew he was about to leave. That should have been fine. You should have let him go.

But your bleeding heart had other plans.

Your hand shot out, grabbing his wrist before he could slip away.

He barely had time to react before you yanked him back—maybe a little too hard, because the next thing you knew, he was crashing onto the couch with you. A rare, wide-eyed look of surprise flashed across his face, so fleeting you almost thought you imagined it.

And then you pressed a kiss to his forehead.

Jade froze.

“I’m sorry too,” you murmured. “We can talk in the morning.”

For a long moment, he just looked at you, something unreadable in his expression. Then, slow and deliberate, he dipped down and pressed a lingering kiss to your cheek.

“…Very well,” he whispered.

His weight settled beside you, and this time, when you drifted off, it was to the sound of his steady breathing, warm and close beside you.

The couch standoff had been going on for way too long.

“I’m sleeping here,” you declared, arms crossed as you planted yourself firmly onto the cushions.

“No, you’re not,” Jamil shot back, equally stubborn. “I am.”

You narrowed your eyes. “I’m not taking the bed while you sleep out here.”

“And I’m not letting you sleep out here while I take the bed.” His arms were crossed now too, mirroring your posture, his sharp gaze unwavering.

For a moment, the tension held. Then, something about the sheer ridiculousness of it all hit you—both of you too annoyed to back down but too caring to let the other suffer the discomfort of the couch.

A laugh bubbled up in your chest before you could stop it. You covered your mouth, but the moment you let out even the smallest chuckle, Jamil’s eyes flickered with reluctant amusement. He exhaled sharply through his nose, shaking his head.

“This is stupid,” you admitted between giggles.

He sighed, running a hand down his face. “Yeah. It is.”

You grinned. “Bed?”

Jamil didn’t hesitate. “Bed.”

The moment you both settled under the blankets, the last traces of tension melted away. His arms instinctively curled around you, pulling you close, and you let yourself relax into his warmth.

“Sorry,” you whispered, pressing your forehead against his shoulder.

His grip tightened, lips brushing against your hair. “Me too.”

Neither of you said anything else. You didn’t need to. The steady rhythm of his breathing and the way he held you just a little closer said enough.

Rook arguing with you was already unexpected. That he let you march off to the couch without a poetic declaration or dramatic plea? Unheard of.

You cocooned yourself in the blanket, stubbornly facing the back of the couch. The silence felt unnatural—too quiet for someone like Rook. A part of you expected him to suddenly recite a Shakespearean sonnet about lovers quarreling.

Instead, something even more ridiculous happened.

You shifted slightly, just enough to glance toward the floor—and there he was.

Laying down right beside the couch on a thin blanket, arms crossed behind his head as though he had chosen the most luxurious sleeping arrangement in the world. His golden hair fanned out on the hardwood floor, and despite the clear insanity of the situation, he looked perfectly content.

You stared. Blinked. “Rook.”

“Oui, mon amour?”

“You’re on the floor.”

“Indeed.”

“You’re going to get sick.”

“Then I shall suffer beautifully, just as you do now, exiled from the comfort of our bed.” His eyes twinkled, completely unrepentant. “If my beloved must endure the cruel fate of sleeping alone, then I shall share in their hardship.”

You pressed your fingers to your temples. “Rook, go to bed.”

“I am in bed.”

“No, you’re on the floor, being dramatic.”

“Dramatic? Ah, ma chérie, I am simply a devoted man.”

You groaned, throwing your arm over your face, but the warmth in your chest betrayed you. It was impossible to stay mad when he was like this. Ridiculous. Completely, helplessly devoted.

Sighing, you reached out and flicked his forehead. He gasped theatrically, touching the spot as though you had struck him with Cupid’s arrow. Before he could say something absurd, you leaned down and kissed the spot gently.

“Come to bed, you idiot.”

His eyes widened slightly before his lips stretched into a dazzling smile. Without hesitation, he stood—and then immediately scooped you into his arms.

“Rook—?!?”

“Ah, mon amour, such sweet mercy! Allow me to carry you away from this exile!” He spun dramatically, pressing an exaggerated kiss to your forehead before striding toward the bedroom.

You should have expected nothing less.

You sighed against his shoulder, shaking your head. “You’re impossible.”

“And yet, you adore me.”

You couldn’t argue with that.

Lilia Vanrouge

You had firmly decided that you weren’t going to sleep in the same bed as Lilia tonight.

You needed space. You needed time to cool off. You needed—

Blink.

One second, you were wrapped in your blanket on the couch. The next? You were in bed.

You shot up, heart pounding. Lilia stood at the bedside, arms crossed, looking far too pleased with himself.

“Lilia.” Your voice was dangerously even.

“Yes, my dear?”

You narrowed your eyes. “Did you teleport me?”

A smug smile. “Would you rather I carried you?”

Oh, you were about to start another argument—

But then you noticed something. In his hands: a pillow and his own blanket.

You frowned. “What are you doing?”

Lilia hummed, casual as anything. “If my beloved insists on sleeping elsewhere, then I shall take the couch in their place. I have endured far worse in my lifetime—” his eyes twinkled mischievously “—but I’d hate for you to wake up with an aching back.”

You groaned, flopping back onto the mattress. “That’s so unfair.”

“To be this thoughtful and charming? I know.”

You shot him a look, but he simply smiled. You hated how sweet he could be even when you were still irritated.

With an exasperated sigh, you sat up and grabbed his wrist, tugging him toward you. He followed easily, his blanket forgotten as he slipped into bed. Without hesitation, he wrapped himself around you, chin resting atop your head.

His voice softened. “I’m sorry, dear.”

You exhaled, tension leaving your body as you relaxed into his hold. “…I’m sorry too.”

His lips brushed against your temple, and with that, the night’s quarrel was put to rest.

Masterlist