“Finally it’s here, today is the day...”
Yes, today is the anniversary of my death (just kidding).
Saturday morning. The time is 11:00 AM. The sky is cloudy. My heart is filled with rain.
No matter how much I’ve steeled my resolve, and even though I’ve overcome Neika’s messy situation and Rion’s ordeal, when I’m scared, I’m scared.
The meeting is at the station at 14:00. Moreover, the weather forecast says it will start raining heavily from tonight.
Maybe I don’t even have to go today. It would be a problem if I couldn’t get home because of the heavy rain.
...Alright, let’s reschedule. Let’s do that—*Vibrate, vibrate*.
Hm? Eh, a message from Riran...
Riran: Good morning. Don’t you dare run away.
Riran: (Stamp of a dog giving a sidelong glance)
Scary. Why can she read my thoughts? Is she an esper or something?
I instinctively looked around. Of course, Riran wasn’t there.
Akito: I know.
Akito: See you at the station at 14:00.
Riran: (Stamp of a dog saying “Wonderful!”)
And there, my escape route was gone.
Dammit. I’ve been working so hard lately. So why won’t God let me rest? Even I should have the right to a break. I’ll hold a grudge, God.
Anyway, I still have plenty of time until the meeting.
I took a shower and groomed myself. After that, I fueled up with some stomach-friendly jelly and a banana.
Ah—it’s no use, I’m so restless.
I didn’t realize meeting a partner's parents would make me this fidgety.
Ryuya, Leeza-san, I’m sorry. It’s late, but I finally understand how you guys felt.
Then, the living room door opened, and Kotono walked in.
She must have just woken up, as she was in her usual loose pajamas—hot pants and a camisole—letting out a huge yawn.
Must be nice to be so carefree, kid.
Also, put some proper clothes on. Dad would faint if he saw you.
“Huaaaa~~... Ah, Big Bro, mornin’...”
“Yeah, good late morning. It’s almost 12:00.”
“Mmm. My studies went better than expected...”
She rubbed her face with the back of her hand. She’s like a cat.
Kotono looked at me with sleepy eyes and tilted her head to the side.
“Huh? Big Bro, are you going somewhere? A date?”
“Ah... something like that.”
As expected, I can’t tell her that I’m invited to Riran’s house for a meal.
If I said that, the only future waiting for me is being teased to death or being smirked at until I die.
“Hoho. It looks like Big Bro and Riran-tan are getting along well. I’m happy for you.”
“Who do you think you are?”
“I am your little sister-sama. *Ehem*.”
Don’t “ehem” me. And stop puffing out your chest; your camisole strap looks like it’s about to slip off.
But... talking to Kotono like this actually eased my tension a bit.
Kotono is quite sensitive to others' feelings at times like this, or rather, she’s good at reading the air to liven up the place. I’ve been helped by her quite a bit, both in the past and now.
“Nyu? What’s wrong, Big Bro? Why are you staring at me? I think a brother who looks at his sister with lewd eyes should just d*e.”
“Scary, scary, scary!”
Kotono-chan, when did you learn such disturbing language? Big Bro is sad.
I was starting to relax thanks to Kotono, but now I’m feeling fear because of her.
“No, I just... I was thinking that Kotono’s Fated Person probably won’t get bored after marrying you.”
“Eh, are you hitting on me? Hitting on your sister, Big Bro, you’ve got quite the taste. In a bad way.”
“I am not hitting on you.”
So please stop looking at me like I’m trash.
Sigh... she used to be so obedient. Is this what they call adolescence?
Kotono took a smoothie out of the fridge and sat on the sofa.
“Hey, Big Bro. That means you aren’t bored being with me, right?”
“Of course. Being with Kotono is fun and interesting.”
“...Gross.”
“Why?!”
A sudden verbal abuse. This is adolescence (second time today).
“Gross, gross, gross~♪ Grossy gross~♪”
“Don’t put it to a rhythm. Even big brothers get hurt when they’re insulted, you know.”
Even so, was it just my imagination that she looked somewhat happy?
Kotono fiddled with her phone with a beaming smile. Honestly, this girl.
...Ah, before I knew it, it was already 13:00. I have to head to the station soon.
“Well, Kotono. I’m heading out.”
“Kaaay. Have a safe trip.”
I gave Kotono’s head a light pat before putting on my favorite leather shoes.
...Come to think of it, my heart has felt lighter at some point.
Maybe it’s because of my usual banter with Kotono... I think I’ll buy her a souvenir on my way back today.
I thanked Kotono in my heart and started walking toward the station.