The Case Where I Found Out My Big Sister with a Brother Complex Was Actually My Stepsister, Tried to Hide It, but She Found Out Immediately and Became Uncontrollable - 3

Chapter 3: My Friend’s True Nature

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“Tsumugu? Today’s lunch has miso soup, so since it’s still warm, make sure to let it cool a bit before eating, okay? You’ll burn your tongue otherwise, so be careful, alright?”

On the way to school, my sister said that while looking at me with concern. Normally, a high schooler being told something like this might find it annoying. But I knew Nee-san genuinely cared about me, so I didn’t feel that way at all.

“Got it. Thanks, Nee-san.”

“Okay.”

This kind of exchange was just part of our usual everyday life. I only walked to school with my sister about three times a week, but it was definitely more fun than going alone. As we walked along the school route, we passed by a neighborhood woman who we usually just exchanged greetings with in the mornings.

“Still lovey-dovey as always~!”

“Haha~ Well, we’re siblings after all.”

Just a short conversation like that.

And yet—my big sister’s cheeks were so relaxed, it looked like she might melt from happiness.

“Nee-san, I always tell you, but I don’t think that lady actually means it seriously, so you don’t have to take it so literally either…”

“I know! But, from an outsider’s perspective, we must look super lovey-dovey, huh! I mean, Tsumugu, your face looks kind and handsome, but I don’t look anything like you, so maybe we actually look like a couple instead!? If that’s the case, then I guess I can finally make peace with all the times I thought, ‘I wish I looked more like Tsumugu’~  Ahhh~ So embarrassing~”

“We really do have completely different faces, but I think Nee-san looks kind and beautiful too.”

“R-Really!? If you’re saying that, Tsumugu, then I’m happy—wait, you’re not saying stuff like that to girls in your class too, right?”

“I haven’t sa—”

Just as I was about to say “I haven’t,” I remembered something from the other day.

When Hasumi asked me if her unique way of wearing the uniform suited her, I told her it did. …But that was more like complimenting her fashion sense rather than Hasumi herself, right? At the very least, the only person I could compliment so casually like this was my blood-related sister. That much, I could say for sure.

“….I haven’t.”

“What was with that pause!?”

“It’s nothing.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“If Tsumugu says so, then it must be true!”

Nee-san said that with a smile, completely devoid of suspicion. As we continued our conversation, we were getting close to school, and I started seeing more students wearing the same uniform as ours… Hm?

“That outfit is…”

Coming from the opposite direction, there was a girl with light brown hair, stylish piercings, a school blazer tied around her waist, and a mini skirt. It was a bold take on the uniform and so that person must be… Hasumi.

“Oh hey, if it isn’t Tsunagi.”

As she came closer, Hasumi noticed me and called my name. Nee-san was staring in surprise.

“Ah, Nee-san, this is Sumire Hasumi. She’s a friend from my class.”

“Nice to meet you… This is my first time seeing Tsunagi’s big sister, but wow, you’re gorgeous—”

Just as Hasumi was about to say something, Nee-san grabbed both my shoulders and shook me so hard it felt like I was thrown onto a roller coaster.

“Your friend is a girl!? Eh!? All those times you said you were hanging out with a friend after school—was it with this girl!? Not a boy!?”

“C-Calm down, Nee-san… Well,  as you can see, Hasumi is definitely a girl.”

“I can’t calm down! Why didn’t you tell me sooner!?”

“D-Does it really matter if my friend is a boy or a girl…?”

“It does matter! I trusted you, Tsumugu~!!”

Shouting like that, Nee-san ran off alone in the direction of the school. Then Hasumi, looking apologetic, said,

“…Sorry, about that.”

“H-Hasumi, you didn’t do anything wrong. Nee-san’s not really at fault either… So, I guess I’m the one to blame?”

“You’re not at fault, Tsunagi. I can say with confidence that you’re not at fault.”

“If Hasumi is giving me her stamp of approval, I guess I can relax my mind now.”

“Yup.”

After that little exchange, Hasumi toyed with her stylish earring with her right hand and said.

“Since we’re both here… Let’s walk to school together.”

“Eh? Ah, yeah, that was my plan.”

“…! Then I’m fine with that… Let’s go.”

Hasumi and I headed to school together, chatting casually along the way.

I hope Nee-san is in a better mood by the time school’s over.

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