Is There Such Thing as a Cute Little Stepsister? There is No Romance Between us~ - Chapter 19-20

‘Lucky’ Lighter

“Four leaf clover, huh? Thank you.”

“Actually, I met one of my classmates from school inside the store.”

“Eh? Is everything okay!?”

A high school girl buying a lighter…

It’s my fault for letting her to go there alone.

“Do you want me to explain to your friend about it?”

“It’s fine. I’ve already explained it myself. Please go ahead and try the lighter.”

“You sure? Okay then.”

It must be expensive.

I have to express my gratitude to Ruri for buying it.

She must really trust me for buying such an expensive gift for me.

“I promise to take a good care of it.”

From deep within my heart, I look deep into Ruri’s eyes and say so.

“Ah!? Yes! Thank you so much for accepting it!”

“…? No, I should be the one thanking you.”

When I think about it, we have spent quite some time here at Ameyoko.

“How about taking a little break then going to the zoo?”

“…sounds great! Where should we take a break?”

“In that case…”

I take out my phone and show Ruri the coffee shop I have looked up in advance.

“What do you think of this place?”

“It seems nice, let’s go!”

It’s about a five-minute walk from here.

The coffee shop we’re going has a bright atmosphere with a wood-based design.

It seems to be quite popular.

When we get there, even though we are seated right away, most of the tables are already occupied.

“There are quite a lot of customers here.”

“I suggested this place because the reviews online are great, but if we had been a little later, there might have been a line.”

“Yeah, you’re right…what would you like to order, Onii-sama?”

“How about the ‘Today’s Cake set’? It seems to be cheesecake. Since the weather it’s a bit cold today, I think I’ll go with the set and a cup of warm tea.”

“Then, I’ll have the same as you, Onii-sama.”

Not long after, our order arrives.

“Hmm, it’s delicious!”

“Yeah, the cake is moist and it has just the right amount of sweetness.”

“Did you do some research beforehand for today?”

“Yeah, that’s right. I rarely go to places like this, I spend most of my youth playing at game centres. That’s why I have to make preparations before going to places like this.”

Ruri is a girl after all, I want to make sure that she enjoys going out with me. To be honest, I’m not good going to places like this. That’s why I did a lot of research beforehand.

“Thank you.”

I feel a bit flattered as Ruri says so with a sweet smile on her face.

However, she is my stepsister and a high school girl.

I need to stay calm. Get a hold of yourself, Haruto.

“…is there something wrong, Onii-sama?”

“N-No, it’s nothing.”

Saying so, I drink my tea.

It’s Not Strange for Us to Go to The Zoo as Siblings

“Look! The lesser panda is standing!”

“Lesser pandas are indeed popular at zoos. Whenever I think of Ueno Zoo, I think of lesser pandas.”

I read it on the internet before, lesser pandas stand to get a better view around them or intimidate their enemies…

However, they don’t look intimidating at all.

Perhaps, they are just trying to get a better view around?

“Do you know, ‘lesser’ means small or miniature.”

“Small pandas…it’s indeed a fitting name for them. They are small and look like pandas after all.”

“I like big pandas, but I also like the small ones because they are really cute.”

“I see. Do you love animals, Ruri?”

“If it weren’t for the apartment, I’d love to have a pet.”

“I see. Well, maybe we can look for a pet-friendly apartment in the future…just kidding.”

“Heh!? T-The two of us searching for an apartment together? That sounds a bit…”

“A bit what?”

“N-Never mind! Please forget about it!”

Ruri waves her hands nervously.

Her face is blushing in red.

Maybe she has something in her mind?

Hmm…it’s hard to tell.

“Well, we do have a contract for our current apartment, so we won’t be able to move for a while.”

“…but when the time comes, let’s look for a place together.”

“No, you will be able to live on your own by then.”

“……”

For some reason, Ruri is glaring at me.

Did I say something wrong…?

“Well, it’s fine. I’ll pry open the castle gates.”

“What are you determined to do?”

“Let’s leave that aside, it’s giraffe time now!”

“Yeah. And in the next cage is…okapi? The giraffe is licking the face of the okapi.”

“They seem to get along well with their neighbours.”

“They are kept this way so that they can get along with other animals…animal psychology is indeed fascinating.”

“That’s true. Being caged up like this might be stressful for the animals after all.”

“Yeah, that’s why they are doing their best to reduce the animals’ stress level.”

“Look, the okapi is licking back.”

“They seem really close with each other.”

“They’re quite passionate with each other.”

Ruri seems a bit envious, but they’re both males.

Well, sometimes it’s best not to say anything.

“Next, let’s go see the pandas!”

Ruri pulls my arm as she says so excitedly.

I’m stunned by Ruri’s dazzling smile.

I want to see more of her smile.