Chapter 54

While everyone was still processing the events of the day in their own ways, at that moment, Satoru’s little sister, Chisa, was taking action.

“Ah, hello? Reika-neechan?”

“My, if it isn’t Chisa-chan. What’s the matter?”

“I just kinda felt like talking. Is this a good time?”

“Of course, for my adorable Chisa-chan, anytime is fine. But we usually just chat over messages, so what’s with the sudden call?”

It was after dinner and a bath that Chisa had decided to call Reika.

Not content with just hearing things from her brother, she also wanted to hear Reika’s perspective on what had happened that day.

“Well, you know, a lot seemed to go down today. Are you okay?”

“Oh my, did you get that out of Satoru?”

“Yeah, more or less. I mean, he looked totally wiped out.”

“Fufu, as expected of the sharp little sister. I imagine Satoru’s pretty exhausted today.”

“What about you, Reika-neechan?”

“Me? Satoru supported me, so I’m alright.”

“I see. That’s good. He said as much too, but I wasn’t sure how much I could trust his version.”

“My, that’s a rather harsh thing to say.”

“Also, I heard there was some serious flirting going on… S-so, what exactly happened!?”

“Oh my, Satoru said even that? That’s not like him.”

“Well, I may have threatened him a little…”

“My, that’s quite an alarming word. What exactly did you do?”

“I told him if he didn’t spill, I’d just ask you—and then tell Mom and Dad everything.”

“T-that’s pretty terrifying…”

“E-even you’re that shaken, Reika-neechan?”

Hearing how genuinely flustered Reika sounded, Chisa realized for the first time that her methods had been kind of extreme.

“T-that said, he only told me that you were flirting in secret on school grounds! He didn’t say how or what kind of flirting or anything like that!”

“I see. So that means you called because you wanted to hear the juicy details from me, is that it?”

“Yeah, pretty much… But to be fair, I was mostly worried about you, Reika-neechan.”

“Yes, I know. You’re such a sweet girl. Honestly, the person I had to deal with today is… quite experienced with manipulating people. Seems like she was trying to subtly suggest I’m just tying Satoru down.”

“That’s so off-base. People shouldn’t treat you like it’s some basic shallow relationship.”

“Fufu, your brother said something similar. You both always take my side.”

“Of course we do. Even if he doesn’t say much in front of you, Reika-neechan, he really laid into that girl once he got home. Haven’t seen that kind of ‘dark aura’ from him in a while!”

“If he finds out you told me that, he’ll definitely scold me. Though I’m a little happy to hear it.”

“It’s fine, it’s fine! So… what kind of flirting did you guys do?”

“I want to say, ‘That’s a secret,’ but since you asked so nicely… I said it was to help me deal with the situation that came up, and then I sort of acted clingy with him… you know?”

“…Sorry, my nose just started bleeding.”

“Wait, are you okay!?”

“I plugged it. I’m good. Please continue.”

“He pulled me close without hesitation and kissed me. I could tell he just couldn’t help how much he loves me, and that made me really happy… but I wonder if I’ll be able to keep holding back if he keeps doing that.”

“You did that at school!?”

“Yes, in the equipment storage room. We were in there for about thirty minutes, I’d say.”

“Hold up, gotta change this nose plug—it’s not stopping…”

“…Are you really okay?”

“Totally. It’ll stop eventually. Sounds like there’s nothing to worry about on your end. I’m relieved. Also, thanks for the feast!”

“Fufu, I have to give back to my devoted fan, right? But keep this a secret from Satoru, okay?”

“If you say so, Reika-neechan, I’ll keep my lips sealed!”

“Good girl.”

After they wrapped up the conversation about the events of the day, and Chisa swapped out her tissue plug again, she asked the one other thing that had been on her mind.

“Be honest, Reika-neechan—how do you really feel about Onii-chan not wanting to go public with your relationship?”

“Hmm… I do wish we could go public. But I know it’s something Satoru decided after considering what’s best for me, so I’m not dissatisfied.”

“I see. But doesn’t it make you uneasy, seeing other girls coming after him like today?”

“It bothers me a little, yes. But Satoru always shows me that he’s unwavering. And more than anything… I can feel that he’s becoming more and more ‘mine.’ That’s the most reassuring thing.”

“I’m so jealous Onii-chan has a gorgeous girl saying stuff like that to him…”

“Fufu. When you find someone you like and start dating, you can say the same to them.”

“No way I could do it like you. You two really do have a unique relationship.”

“That’s true… but when the time really comes and we need to be public, I know Satoru will support that decision no matter how reluctant he might be now. That trust is another reason I can feel secure.”

“Yeah… I get that. When it really matters, Onii-chan does always come through.”

“Exactly. Though lately, he’s been kinda wishy-washy, so I’m a little annoyed. I wish he’d show some more backbone.”

“Right!? Even today he said something like, ‘I’m not who I used to be,’ in a downgrade kind of way! Total cringe.”

“…Unbelievable.”

Their serious conversation ended there, and what followed was a full-on roast session on Satoru.

“Achoo! Ugh… why do I feel like someone’s talking crap about me right now…?”