The Beautiful Girl Who Asked Me to Pretend to Be Her Boyfriend Didn’t Want to Break up With Me for Some Reason

Chapter 55: He’s Actually a Pretty Good Catch

After taking our baths, Shirafuji, Tansui, and I gathered in my room.

Shirafuji’s futon was already laid out, making it clear that she planned to sleep here.

However, there was still time before bed, and Tansui seemed to have more to talk about, so a little late-night gathering was underway—until…

“…Big brother, why are you sitting there holding Shirafuji like it’s the most natural thing in the world?”

“Well, even if you ask why… This is just how it always is at home. Maybe it’s a habit?”

“Hakuto’s lap is really comfortable. And since he just got out of the bath, he’s warm.”

As Shirafuji answered, resting her back against my chest, Tansui looked at me with an expression of pure disbelief.

Maybe… it wasn’t unreasonable for her to be this doubtful.

A lot had happened, and I had ended up in a state of deep distrust toward people.

That’s why the fact that I could do something like this with Shirafuji—something that required a solid level of trust—probably surprised Tansui.

“So Shirafuji means that much to you, huh, big brother? Hmm… I’m kinda jealous. She even had you dry her hair after the bath.”

“I dried yours too.”

“Yeah, but it feels really nice when you do it.”

“He’s very gentle and careful with his touch. Every time, I get so relaxed that I start feeling sleepy.”

“You’ve got magic hands, big brother.”

“Quit calling it something weird. Besides, I only got good at this because someone kept making all these requests every time I dried their hair.”

“Tansui knows nothing about that~.”

Tansui turned her face away with a pout, but her eyes were smiling.

She seemed to be in a good mood, and that was all that mattered.

“Well, when you left, I got tired of taking care of my hair, so I just cut it. Long hair is a hassle, you know? Though, it’s fun to play around with different styles.”

“Before I started dating Hakuto, just maintaining my hair was all I could manage. I was never good with my hands, so I couldn’t even tie it properly.”

“I won’t say I don’t feel a little reluctant touching such beautiful hair, but honestly, I enjoy tying it.”

“A woman’s hair is her life, so you have to treat it carefully, okay? Not that I’m worried about you, big brother. You’re skilled, meticulous, and a hopelessly kind caretaker.”

“…Was that a compliment?”

“Of course! What do you take me for?”

“A slightly cheeky, somewhat careless, but surprisingly observant little sister.”

“You’re flattering me too much! I’m getting all embarrassed now.”

Tansui let out a playful giggle, and I couldn’t help but smile along with her.

Talking with her was always easy and effortless.

“Hakuto and Tansui-san really get along well. Is it because you’re siblings?”

“I doubt most siblings are this close. In that sense, I guess I owe a lot to Tansui.”

“Well, we’ve been through a lot together. When things get tough, we help each other out. As a sibling, I like you a lot, you know? As a sibling, okay?”

“…Why did you emphasize that?”

“You know how it is in manga. There’s always that storyline where blood-related siblings secretly have feelings for each other… But big brother is just my big brother, and that’s fine.”

She gave me a look as if expecting agreement.

I understood what she was getting at, but still.

“Oh yeah, big brother. You’re definitely going to the cemetery and summer festival, but do you have any other plans?”

“Not really. I don’t have any friends here I’d go out of my way to visit. I was just planning to take Shirafuji anywhere she wanted to go and carry her bags if needed.”

“Huh… I see. You’re such an overprotective doting fool. I can understand why, though. Shirafuji is so cute, guys probably flock to her just by walking around town.”

“…I won’t deny that. But since Hakuto is always with me, I haven’t had any trouble in a long time.”

“So he’s properly playing the role of a bodyguard. That’s our big brother, alright. Good at housework, gentlemanly, kind, thoughtful… Though his face might be just a little scary. But overall, he’s actually a pretty good catch, huh?”

Tansui looked at me in admiration, and Shirafuji nodded in agreement.

Her assessment was pretty objective, and honestly, it wasn’t too far off the mark.

I was decent at housework and made an effort to act gentlemanly.

As for being kind and considerate… that was probably up for debate, but at the very least, I knew I was soft on my family.

As for my face being just a little scary… Was it really just a little?

That part might have been Tansui’s family bias talking.

I had a good relationship with my family, and I was close enough with my sister to have conversations like this.

All in all, a good catch… I’d like to believe that.

“…What’s with the sudden praise? Are you up to something?”

“I won’t say I’m not. My current objective is a late-night snack. Don’t you want some ice cream?”

“So you’re telling your visiting brother to go out and buy some?”

“It’s for your adorable little sister and lovely girlfriend. And you could take a nice nighttime stroll on the way.”