I Was Reincarnated As a Man who Steals The Protagonist’s Childhood Friend - 10 - A New Member

“Can I stay here for the weekend?” my sister asked, settling down beside me on the sofa.

“Sure, you can stay here,” I replied, a sense of warmth and familiarity resonating in my words.

Her response was met with a quizzical expression. “Wait, is that it?” she inquired, seeming to expect more from my answer.

I chuckled softly at her reaction. “Well, what else do you want me to say? Alright then, you can stay here for as long as you like because, obviously, you’re my little sister,” I said playfully.

“Huh, I see.” she remarked, her tone laced with a mix of understanding and amusement. Without further ado, she turned her attention back to the TV, where a captivating cooking show had caught her interest.

“I see…” A smile danced across her face as she digested my response.

As the show played on, we both found ourselves engrossed in the culinary delights unfolding before us. The screen was filled with vibrant colors, mouthwatering dishes, and passionate chefs showcasing their skills. It was as if we were being transported into a world of flavors and creativity.

We watched in awe as the skilled chefs whipped up delectable meals, their enthusiasm palpable through the screen. The aromas seemed to permeate the air around us, igniting our own culinary imaginations.

Occasionally, we exchanged glances, sharing silent appreciation for the artistry and techniques on display. It was a comfortable moment of togetherness, where words were unnecessary as our shared love for food and the joy it brought united us.

As the cooking show continued, my sister’s smile remained, growing more pronounced with each passing moment. It was a smile that reflected the happiness of spending time together, of finding solace and enjoyment in the simplest of moments.

As the night wore on, my eyelids grew heavier from watching TV. Glancing at my phone, I noticed that it was already 10:00 PM. It was time to retreat to my bed and prepare for the upcoming day, uncertain if there would be any classes or if we would all be busy helping with the sports festival preparations.

Just as I was about to head off to my room, my sister suddenly stood up from the sofa, her attention drawn to her phone. “I’ll be going home for now, Aniki. I need to grab some clothes for staying over,” she informed me.

“Sure, I’ll walk you to the station,” I offered, deciding to accompany her. She gathered her bag and we made our way outside, locking the door behind us.

“Oh, that’s right. Here,” she said, handing me a small rectangular envelope. Curiosity piqued, I accepted it and opened it up. To my surprise, it contained money.

“Mom said it’s for your school tuition this month. Your allowance is also included,” she explained.

So that’s where Takeshi gets his money from. One mystery solved, I guess. Though I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt for receiving such a significant amount. However, Chisa assured me that it was intended for school-related expenses.

“Maybe I should consider getting a part-time job soon,” I muttered to myself, contemplating the idea.

“Hmm? Did you say something, Aniki?” Chisa asked, her attention caught by my murmuring.

“Oh, nothing. Shall we go?” I replied, dismissing my thoughts for the moment.

The two of us walked towards the nearby station. Despite the lateness of the hour, the surroundings were adorned with bright lights, casting an enchanting glow on the quiet neighborhood. There was a serene calmness to the night that made the walk feel peaceful, unlike the hustle and bustle of the morning rush.

After a pleasant stroll, we finally arrived at the station. The presence of people could be counted on one hand, a sight that brought a sense of relief as we didn’t have to worry about finding a place to stand in the crowded train.

“Well, I guess I’ll see you on Friday night?” I asked, looking at Chisa.

“Yes, Aniki,” she replied, a hint of excitement in her voice.

I observed my sister once more, noticing how different we looked despite being siblings.

“Then, I’ll see you this Friday, Aniki,” she said, a smile playing on her lips.

“Yeah,” I responded with a nod.

As her train arrived, Chisa boarded, and a few moments later, the doors closed. I watched as the train gradually faded from sight, carrying her off to her destination.

“Guess I should go home then.”

The Next Day

As I stood behind the door, peering into the room that housed Takeshi’s Photography Club, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of intrigue. The club’s meeting space was tucked away on the second floor of the school, occupying a room in the corner. I had only discovered Takeshi’s involvement in the club yesterday when I met Hibiki, one of its members.

Initially, I found it hard to believe her claim, as Takeshi seemed like an ordinary high school student in the doujin. No mention of any club activities or anything of the sort. To confirm Hibiki’s words, I had taken the opportunity to investigate the room last night, searching for any clues relating to it. It didn’t take long for me to stumble upon a bag containing a camera lens and the camera itself. The equipment appeared to be of high quality and quite expensive. It left me wondering why Takeshi had hid his equipment in the first place.

With a slight hesitation, I knocked on the door, hoping to catch the attention of anyone inside. However, no response came from within. Considering that it was already afternoon and our classes had recently ended, I surmised that I was probably the first to arrive.

“Well, I suppose I should find Hibiki first since she’s the only one I know in this club,” I mused aloud, setting out to locate her within the school.

Just as I was about to embark on my search, a familiar figure appeared in my line of sight. It was none other than Kobayashi Hibiki herself, approaching me with a warm smile.

“Ah! There you are, Ueno-san, you finally came!” she exclaimed, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. 

“Yo, Hibiki. So where are the others?” I asked her.

“They actually left early today, so it’s just going to be the two of us. Well, actually, make it three,” she replied with a hint of excitement in her tone.

“What do you mean?” I asked, intrigued by her statement.

“While you were out, someone from our school year expressed interest in joining the club,” she explained, a mysterious smile playing on her lips.

I couldn’t help but wonder who this new member could be. My mind raced with possibilities as I eagerly awaited their arrival.

“Ah, there she is. Nakano-san!” Hibiki called out, drawing my attention to someone approaching from a distance. But it wasn’t just anyone—it was none other than Nakano Hoshino.

“Hello, Kobayashi-san, Takeshi-kun,” Nakano greeted us with a warm smile, her presence bringing a sense of familiarity and comfort.

Well this is sudden.