"With that kind of history, it can't be helped, can it?"
"Well, after having those circumstances explained to us..."
All the plans for today were finished, and we were talking about what happened during the day while eating dinner at home.
Riran seemed convinced as well. She was calm now, not irritated.
Well, it's more like she had no choice but to be convinced, or something like that.
"Well, the reason is clear now, so I can enjoy it to my heart's content. I won't lose, okay?"
"Yeah. I won't lose either."
I smiled back at Riran, who wore a fearless grin.
...Ah, that's right.
"Since we're at it, why don't we set a penalty?"
"A penalty?"
"Like, the loser has to do one thing the winner says, whatever it is."
"Pervert, lecher."
"I didn't say anything yet. You're the one being a perverted lecher for having that kind of thought, right?"
She held her own body as if to protect herself and directed a cold stare toward me.
Why am I being treated like the perpetrator here?
"But you're right. Since it's a competition, it might be good to have something like that... fine, I accept."
"That's the spirit."
"Hehe. In two weeks, I'll be having a Manchu Han Imperial Feast♪"
"Hey, wait, what are you planning to order?"
She wouldn't actually order that, right? Uh, right?
Since it's Riran, I'm scared she might actually be serious. My money...!
"Oh, honestly. It's a joke, a joke."
"Seriously, stop it, I'll go bankrupt."
"I said it's a joke! Jeez!"
Hmph. She turned her head away. Sorry, sorry.
Even so, a penalty, huh? I'm starting to have doubts after suggesting it myself.
Hmm...
"You don't have to worry so much... by the way, I've already decided."
"Eh, that was fast. What did you decide on?"
"I'm not telling you. Just be prepared."
I'm going to be asked for something that requires preparation!?
Riran seemed to be looking forward to it, humming while she ate her hamburger steak.
Well, even if I call it a competition, it's a team effort, so the outcome depends on the team... but oh well.
"Ah, that's right. I got a message from Kotono and Noa saying I should invite them over soon."
"Hehe, that's fine. Kotono-chan and Noa-chan must be lonely without Akito around."
"Sorry. Is next weekend or something okay?"
"Yes. I'll have to think about dinner... those two won't listen once they say they're staying over anyway."
As expected, she knows those two well.
They probably don't have much time since they're examinees, but they need to take a break once in a while.
It seems they've been working hard on their studies lately too.
Ryūya and Neika are also pestering me, but they can wait.
My cute sister and cute kouhai come first right now.
"Then, I'll leave it to you for the next holiday."
"Understood. It's been since the summer festival since I've seen Kotono-chan and Noa-chan, so I'm looking forward to it~"
Are you a relative's aunt or something?
◆
And then, Saturday.
When I returned home temporarily, Kotono and Noa were already waiting in the living room.
"Onii, welcome back!"
"Senpai, we've been waiting!"
"Yo. Are you two ready?"
""Totally!""
The two of them were holding a suitcase and a Boston bag respectively.
No, isn't that way too much luggage for just the two of them? How many nights are you planning to stay...?
"Of course, so that we can stay over anytime!"
"Please let us leave our stuff there, Se-n-pai♪"
Ah, so that's how it is.
"Fine. We have plenty of spare rooms anyway."
"...I've heard about it before, but what kind of house is so big that you have spare rooms?"
"Even if you ask me that."
It'll be faster if they just see it for themselves.
With that, I led the two of them. By the way, I'm the one carrying the luggage. Incomprehensible.
We headed toward the luxury residential area on the opposite side of the station. It's a familiar path for me, but it seemed rare for Kotono and Noa, as they were looking around restlessly at everything.
"Ooh~. I've heard rumors, but it really is nothing but huge houses, Senpai."
"Yeah. I couldn't get used to it at all at first either."
It's a normal sight for me now, though.
After walking through the luxury residential area for a bit and turning at a crossroad, our house came into view.
"Look, that's it."
"...So huge..."
"Onii, isn't that way too big...?"
"I told you, didn't I? It's big."
I opened the gate with biometric authentication and invited the two inside.
Even there, the two stood dazed, looking out over the garden.
"Living in a place like this with just two people..."
"Aren't you just winners in life..."
"It's completely thanks to the Red Thread, though."
If it weren't for the Red Thread, someone like me would have no connection or relation to a world like this.
"Hey Kotono. I wonder if we can live in a house like this in the future?"
"Who knows. I think this is a pretty special case."
"Ah, true. My parents are connected by the Red Thread too, but our house is normal."
In our case, it's the Dark Scarlet Thread.
Even looking at the history of the Red Thread, it's a miracle color that has only been confirmed for a few people.
It's not a reference at all. Even I think so.