So You’re Telling Me I’m in My Popular Phase!?

Chapter 2: An Unexpected Little Sister!?

“Ah. Morning. Finally woke up, Onii-chan?”

When I opened my eyes, there—bathed in dazzling light—was the face of my middle school second-year sister, Ichikami Aki, still young but super cute.

I’m such a lucky guy to be able to see such an angelic face right from the morning.

“Ahh, it was a dream. Oops—good morning, my cute little sister.”

I woke up feeling reluctant to let go of that dream, but I exchanged morning greetings with the cute sister who woke me up.

Still, dammit, that earlier part was a dream, huh? I feel kind of disappointed, but rather than some delusion, reality is right here! Aki is cute! Yes, my angel!

“You’re annoying first thing in the morning. Actually, creepy. I used my precious limited morning time to come wake you up, and you’re talking about dreams? Complaining even though you got woken up by this me?”

She narrowed her eyes in a bad mood and glared at me sharply.

Did I do something to make her mad? Should I praise her more? Alright.

“It’s okay. No matter what happens, Aki is still the cutest in the world.”

“Seriously creepy. Just die once for now, okay?”

Die? I don’t wanna. Hrm, I really have to scold her for this one. As her big brother. As her big brother, okay!

“Aki! Don’t tell people to die! If I die, I won’t be able to see your face anymore! I won’t be able to hear your voice! I won’t be able to smell your scent! I won’t be able to feel your body heat! Aah, my cute little sister, I just want to eat you up. Teehee.”

“No… yeah, really annoying, creepy, go die.”

“I said don’t say that! Ah, but a blushing Aki is cute too.”

“Ah, yes, whatever. Just hurry up and come downstairs already, breakfast is ready.”

“Yay, Aki’s cooking is delicious so I’m looking forward to it.”

“What are you talking about? I’ve never made breakfast before, right?”

No, no, that’s where you say “shut up, go die,” right? Why are you just stating reality normally?

“…Well, fine. Let’s hurry downstairs.”

We had that casual, everyday sibling conversation—her mouth was still foul, but I confirmed her mood had recovered a bit, so I headed to the first-floor living room with my beloved sister.

Being able to understand even trivial emotions is a big brother’s privilege.

“Ah, finally up, Ryu? Breakfast is ready so eat quickly. You’ll be late for school.”

When we entered the living room, Mom was standing there in an apron watching the news.

When Mom confirmed Aki and I had arrived, she went to the kitchen, poured miso soup into bowls, and brought them to the table. Of course, we helped too.

Then, the three of us sat at the table and started eating. Dad must have already left for work.

Still, Mom seems pretty laid back, but her food is surprisingly good. Even breakfast is always elaborate…

Like, this is just for morning? Isn’t that amazing?

I thought to myself while looking at the food on the table.

In casual daily moments like this, I feel grateful for my mother’s existence. Well, I won’t tell her personally, though.

While I ate breakfast in silence, Aki was chatting with Mom.

Hey, Aki—you’re gonna be late for school~.

“Ah! Come to think of it, Onii-chan was having some weird sleep-talk today.”

“Eh? What, what? Tell Mommy?”

“Okay, wait a sec. Hey, I don’t know what you’re talking about—no wait, I kinda do know—but stop. Do not tell Mom about that.”

Aki tried to say something weird, so I hurriedly swallowed the food I was chewing and stopped her.

It was about time for me to leave the house, and I had a bad feeling about staying here like this, so I returned to my room, quickly changed clothes, shouldered the bag I prepared yesterday, and rushed out of the house.

“Well then, I’m off to school.”

“See ya.”

“Yes, yes, have a good day.”

I called out to the two of them and left the house.

My school is a high school a few dozen minutes’ walk away.

It hasn’t even been a month since I entered high school.

To make up for not being popular until now, I’ll definitely become popular in high school!