After finishing my daily after-school training routine, I was in my room at night.
I was currently sitting in seiza on top of my bed.
In front of me was the smartphone I always used. The screen was open to my chat with [Riran]. Of course, the history was completely blank.
...What should I send...?
“‘Good evening’... no, that’s not it. ‘Nice to meet you’? No, it’s not the first time. ‘Hey babe, what kind of panties are you wearing right now?’ ...No, I’d be a pervert.”
Haa, it’s rare for me to be this panicked.
This is bad... Setting aside Neika and Kotono, I have no idea what to talk about when it comes to Kuonji.
Besides, if it were any other girl, I wouldn’t be this nervous... I guess it really is because she's my Fated Person.
It’s already past 20:00.
If it gets any later, it’ll probably be a nuisance... Oh, what the heck!
Akito: Good evening
Akito: (Sticker of a dog greeting)
Phew. First, a jab to test the waters.
And then, a notification sound immediately pinged, and a reply came back.
Riran: Yappo~☆
Riran: Jeez, Akito-kun, you're so stiff☆ Let's take it easy☆
“Who is this?”
Akito: Sorry, I got the wrong person.
Riran: Sowwy Sanata! It was my big sister just now! My big sister did thiz!
So it was her sister. So Kuonji is the younger daughter.
Besides, this person is panicking way too much. She's making so many typos. How cu—.
“Uguu...!”
What am I doing, almost naturally saying she's cute... Wait, I actually said it! Dammit, she’s throwing me off my game!
Akito: I see. Your sister seems cheerful.
Riran: Well, she’s always helping me out. Even now...
Akito: Were you doing something?
...Huh? It’s stuck on 'Read'?
Ping. Oh, there it is.
Riran: Studying! She was helping me with my studies!
Riran: My big sister goes to Teito University.
Akito: Teito, huh? That’s one of the top universities in Japan.
Akito: That’s impressive.
I study properly too, but I can’t imagine myself going to Teito University.
As expected of Kuonji’s relative, she must be a diligent and proper person.
Riran: B-By the way, about Saturday...
Akito: Yeah, we’re going out. Where do you want to go?
Riran: Sanada, is there anywhere you want to go?
Anywhere I want to go, huh...
Akito: Nowhere in particular.
Akito: What about you, Kuonji?
It stopped again.
Looks like she’s worrying about where to go.
I waited for five minutes. Finally, a reply came back.
Riran: There are too many places, I can't decide.
“Is she too cute or what...?”
This is bad, Kuonji’s cuteness has been reaching its peak lately.
...No, Kuonji herself probably hasn't changed. What changed was the way I look at her.
Knowing that we’re tied by the 『Red Thread of Fate』, I find her movements and words endearing rather than irritating.
I’m so simple and shallow it's pathetic...
Ping. Oh, a reply came back.
Riran: Personally, I think a love hotel might be good.
Riran: It would be a good way to get to know each other, right?
————.
Love hotel... Love hotel? Love hotel...
“Wha—!?”
Eh... Ehh!? Was that an invitation!?
I’d say it’s way too early, or rather, surprisingly bold! Well, as an adolescent guy, it’s not like I’m unwilling, and since I’m the type of man who eats the meal that's been set before him, I’m actually happy, I guess!
Ping. Oh, another one came.
Riran: That waz my big sis again!
Riran: Forgez it! Forget what I juzt said!
Riran: Just normal shopping! Normal, normal!
“Ah... Y-Yeah, that makes sense. Right, I see.”
Kuonji’s big sister, please stop, it’s bad for my heart.
...It’s a secret that I’m a little disappointed.
Akito: Tell your sister to stop because it’s bad for my heart.
Riran: I-I understand.
...A love hotel with Kuonji, huh...
N-No, no. Don’t think about it, me. This could technically count as sexual harassment if I’m not careful.
Riran: So, about Saturday, why don’t we go shopping since we’re at it?
Riran: Summer clothes should be going on sale soon.
I see, clothes.
Honestly, I don’t care much about clothes, but... it looks like Kuonji is looking forward to it.
Akito: Clothes, huh. I was thinking of getting some too, so that works.
Riran: Really?
Riran: Thank you.
Apparently, that was the right answer.
It would be bad to ruin Kuonji’s mood here.
Akito: I said I wanted clothes, but I don’t really know what kind of clothes I should buy.
Riran: In that case, I’ll pick some out for you.
Akito: That would be a help.
Riran: (Sticker of a dog saying "Leave it to me")
So Riran is a dog person too. I feel a bit of a connection.
Akito: Alright, let’s go with that.
Riran: Mm, sounds like a plan.
Riran: I have to prepare for tomorrow's classes.
Riran: So that's all for today.
Riran: Goodnight.
Akito: Yeah, good work.
Preparing for classes, huh... Come to think of it, I haven’t done that in a long time.
I worked hard in middle school, but I haven’t done it at all since entering high school.
............
“Maybe I’ll prepare for once.”
But first... I’ll go to the convenience store.
◆ Riran ◆
“Cal-onee-chan!”
“Sowwy~”
This sister of mine isn’t apologizing at all!
Karura-onee-chan ate her Gorigori-kun popsicle with a smirking face.
“But wasn’t it good? It’s faster to have sex if you want to get to know each other.”
“I’m saying that’s way too fast!”
Honestly, my sister is just...!
“Even for my little sister, you’re such a coward.”
“Fine, I'm a coward, hmph!”
“But, wasn't it Rila who came crying to me because she didn't know what to send?”
“Mugu...”
“Isn't it thanks to me that you were able to talk to him~?”
“Uguu...! ...F-Fine, I’ll give you my portion of the Gorigori-kun in the fridge.”
“Hehe. Thanks for the business~”
I’ll never be able to beat my big sister.
I thought so once again.