I became the boyfriend of the school's madonna, who had turned down numerous confessions, but somehow, without realizing it, I wasn't just playing a role anymore - Chapter 1

Episode 1: Towards the Festival with My Younger Sister.

“――Niini~!”

On the way back from school, when I arrived at the daycare my sister, Kokoa, attends, a small girl with short twin tails ran up to me.

Kokoa, my adorable little sister who just turned four-year-old.

“Kokoa, I’ve come to pick you up.”

“N!”

As I crouched down with open arms, Kokoa leaped into my embrace, rubbing her cheek against mine. She’s still as affectionate as ever.

By the way…

“When you call me, it’s ‘oniichan,’ not ‘niini,’ okay?”

“Noo… niini!”

Kokoa puffed her cheeks and vigorously shook her head from side to side.

Despite my attempts to correct her way of addressing me when she was younger, Kokoa seems to have grown fond of calling me ‘niini,’ and she’s not willing to change.

Well, it’s easy to call.

And she’ll probably adjust on her own as she gets older.

“Hello, Shirai-san.”

“Oh, sensei!”

While holding Kokoa, a woman in her early twenties with a warm smile, Sasagawa Misora, Kokoa’s daycare teacher, greeted us. She’s beautiful and kind, but the ring on her left ring finger suggests she’s already taken.

“Hello, Sasagawa-sensei. Thank you for always taking care of Kokoa.”

“No problem at all. Kokoa-chan is such a well-behaved and understanding child; it’s a pleasure looking after her.”

“N, Kokoa, good girl!”

Pleased with the compliment, Kokoa nodded proudly. She’s undeniably adorable.

“Are you ready to go home?”

“N!”

“I thought Shirai-san would come soon, so Kokoa-chan started getting ready to go home by herself. Right?”

Sasagawa-sensei, with a gentle smile, petted Kokoa’s head. Clearly delighted, Kokoa responded with a cute smile.

“Well then, we’ll be on our way.”

“Yes, please take care on your way home. Kokoa-chan, see you tomorrow!”

“Bye-bye!”

With Kokoa’s bag in hand, we left the daycare. As we headed home…

“Niini.”

Kokoa tugged at my clothes.

“What’s up?”

“I want to go to the festival.”

Festival? Ah…

“Is it about the one happening in town next Saturday?”

“N!”

Kokoa vigorously nodded.

Since we hadn’t informed Kokoa about the festival held in our hometown but rather in the city, her knowledge about it today likely came from the daycare. If she wants to go, I can’t leave her hanging.

“I’ll check with Mom, but it should be okay.”

“N!”

Seemingly eager, Kokoa nodded repeatedly. Since we don’t often take her far for outings, it might be a nice change. If it’s just for the festival, Mom will likely approve.

And so, we decided to go to the festival on Saturday.

　　◆

On that Saturday evening…

“Niini! Hurry up!”

Kokoa, dressed in a yukata, bounced around, urging me to move quickly. She had been looking forward to this day, so I couldn’t blame her.

The festival had been going on since noon, but we opted for an evening visit due to budget constraints.

“No need to rush; the festival isn’t going anywhere.”

“No, quickly!”

“Alright, let’s go.”

With my preparations complete and nothing forgotten, we seemed ready to depart. As we were about to leave…

“Nn…!”

Kokoa circled in front of me, arms wide open.

“Hmm…”

I understood what she wanted, but it’s a festival today…

“I want a piggyback ride!”

When I hesitated, Kokoa pulled at my clothes, expressing her desire to be carried.

“Once we get to the venue, you’ll walk, okay?”

“N!”

I’m concerned about navigating through the crowd while carrying her, but on the other hand, I worry about her walking in the bustling festival crowd.

Deciding to adapt as needed, I lifted her up.

“Festival, festival!”

As I hoisted her, Kokoa began to sway happily. It’s a bit heavy, but she’s cute, so I’ll let it slide.

“Is there anything specific you want to eat?”

“Hmm? Candy apples!”

“Alright, let’s get candy apples.”

“N!”

While discussing our plans, we headed toward the festival grounds.

Upon arrival…

“Stop, please!”

A scream, almost like a cry for help, reached us. It’s a festival, so various things are expected, but somehow, that voice sounded familiar.

The source of the voice was within the crowded area, and it seemed like something troublesome was happening.

“Niini…?”

Kokoa, too, seemed concerned, gazing up at me with anxiety. While I’d rather not get involved in a situation with a young child present…

“If it’s someone we know, it might be serious…”

Thinking so, I ventured into the crowd.