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 19

Episode 19: Little Sister’s Welcome

“―Neene~!”

At the station’s ticket gate, when Kokoa spotted the person she was waiting for, she waved both hands enthusiastically.

As a result, the person she was waiting for—Misaki noticed us.

“Hello, Kokoa-chan.”

“Hello~!”

Greeted by Misaki, Kokoa responded with a smiling face, clearly excited and eager for this moment.

“You came to pick me up?”

“Mm…!”

In response to Misaki’s question, Kokoa nodded vigorously. Her appearance seemed somewhat proud.

This time, since Misaki didn’t know the way to my house, it felt like she came to pick us up.

Come to think of it, how did Suzumine-san know where I live? There shouldn’t be anyone who knows at school…

“Niini.”

While I was lost in thought, Kokoa tugged at my clothes.

“What’s wrong?”

“Carry…!”

Bending down to Kokoa’s eye level, I found her with both hands wide open.

Given how she’s close to Misaki, I thought she’d be asking for Misaki to hold her, but it seems she wants me to carry her.

Honestly, I’m happy about it.

“―Here we go.”

Carefully wrapping my arms around Kokoa’s body to avoid dropping her, I slowly lifted her up. Immediately, Kokoa snuggled against me as if to say, “This is my spot.”

“Hehe, you two are as close as ever.”

Misaki looked at us with a warm smile.

Honestly, I’m confident that we’re the closest siblings in the world.

“I haven’t greeted you yet, hello.”

“―Huh!?”

After greeting her, Misaki visibly showed surprise.

Then, she looked at my face in an unexpected way.

It seemed like she wanted to say something…

“Misaki?”

“Oh, um… Hello…”

After a slight hesitation, Misaki returned the greeting with an obvious forced smile.

What on earth is bothering her?

“If there’s something on your mind, just say it.”

Encouraging her, Misaki subtly glanced at my expression.

Perhaps she wanted to confirm whether I really won’t get angry.

“…I was surprised because Raito greeted me.”

“Is there something you think of me…?”

Even as I said that, I somehow understood why Misaki might think that.

Now that I think about it, I rarely initiate greetings at school.

After all, most people I talk to seem to dislike it.

Still, I feel like I’ve properly said goodbye to Misaki…

“You need to be a good example for Kokoa.”

For now, I conveyed it concisely so that Misaki could understand.

“Ahh, I see.”

Seeming satisfied with the explanation, Misaki nodded multiple times.

There’s something a bit unclear about it.

“Greetings are important…!”

I don’t know how much she understood our conversation, but Kokoa, who had been listening, proudly said.

It’s the result of her usual education.

“Yeah, Kokoa, do you greet everyone properly?”

“Mm, I do…!”

“Good girl, good girl.”

I gently pat Kokoa’s head as she nods with self-satisfaction.

“Hehe.”

Just with that, she smiles happily, truly an angel.

“Really, Kokoa-chan is cute, isn’t she?”

“Because she’s an angel.”

“Hehe, yes, yes.”

I lightly brush it off.

I’ve gotten used to it.

“But seriously, it’s a bit surprising that I’m going to a boy’s house.”

As we walk towards my house, Misaki says something strange.

“If you want to go, you can go anytime, right?”

Misaki, with just a slightly interested look, would attract invitations from all around. At least, if she says, “I want to go” most boys would take her to their homes.

“Being like that isn’t good, you know?”

However, it seems she took my teasing the wrong way, and she gives me a dissatisfied glare.

“Niini, no teasing.”

Even Kokoa, who only picked up on the words, scolds me. I’ve been feeling it for a while, but if Misaki and I ever have a fight, Kokoa will probably take Misaki’s side.

“I’m not being mean.”

I can’t afford to make Kokoa an enemy, so I pat her head to distract her. When Kokoa, who had her head patted, squints her eyes like a cat and presses her head against my hand, it’s simple things like this that save me.

“Well, it might be a bit awkward, but don’t be too on guard. Since Kokoa is here, we won’t be alone.”

Misaki doesn’t seem nervous, but I tell her just in case. We still don’t know if anything would happen if it’s just the two of us, but as long as Kokoa is there, nothing wrong should occur.

“Thanks for being considerate.”

“You don’t need to thank me. More importantly, is it okay?”

“Hmm?”

Checking with her about today’s plans, Misaki tilts her head with a puzzled expression.

“Lunch, you’re making it, right?”

When I invited her to my house, she mentioned it. She makes lunch for me every day, so she might see this as an extension of that.

“Oh, that talk. Of course, it’s fine. I also want Kokoa to eat too.”

Seems like she wants Kokoa to eat, not me. Well, I understand the sentiment.

“Today’s meal, Niini’s not going to make it?”

“That’s right, Misaki will make it.”

“……”

Kokoa stares silently at Misaki.

At times like these, she’s thinking about something—

“Nh…!”

Having reached a conclusion, Kokoa nods vigorously.

She probably worried about the food, but she must have thought that it would be okay if Misaki made it.

“Is this a pass?”

“Seems like it.”

“Then, I’ll do my best not to disappoint your expectations.”

Misaki’s motivation seems to have risen, so I guess it’s all good.