The Protagonist's Sister Loves Me, But She's Definitely a Yandere. - Chapter 02: The Contents of the Letter

Chapter 02: The Contents of the Letter

I somehow managed to escape from Hinata’s relentless questioning and was now headed to the classroom. 

But before that, I had one major event to take care of: opening the letter. I thought about where I should read this precious love letter from my angel —and decided on the courtyard. The reason was simple. While it’s packed with popular kids during lunch and after school, it’s relatively empty in the morning.

I plopped down onto a bench bathed in gentle sunlight and took a deep breath.

There weren’t many people around. I could see a few students here and there. Maybe they were on some committee, watering the flower beds and plants. At least no one seemed to be paying attention to me. Taking advantage of the moment, I pulled out the letter with trembling hands.

“O-Ohhh…”

Holding the love letter again, a pathetic sound escaped my mouth.

The pale pink envelope, shining in the sunlight, looked almost magical.

I forced down my excitement and took another deep breath.

To anyone watching, I probably looked super suspicious, but please cut me some slack. This was my first experience, and my heart felt like it was going to explode. This wasn’t a love letter for Mr. Popular Hinata Ichinose —it was for me. Staying calm was simply impossible.

“Alright… here we go.”

I—Shinji Usui—carefully opened the letter so I wouldn’t tear it.

There was a soft rustling sound as a piece of paper slipped out.

Oh, God, I know I’ve cursed you my whole life, but just for today, I want to thank you.

“I like you. I’ll be waiting behind the school building after classes today.”

The message was short. But I could tell the sender took their time writing it carefully.

Unfortunately, there was no name on it. Maybe they were just shy. I knew it was a bit creepy, but I couldn’t help imagining what kind of girl she might be.

To confess your feelings… that must take so much courage.

It could lead to a new relationship or completely ruin one. To write “I like you” in such an uncertain situation —she must be strong, serious, and a truly admirable person.

Or maybe she’s gentle and shy, like a small, timid animal.

This was a love letter. A treasure filled with someone’s heartfelt feelings.

I pinched my cheek in a panic, and the sharp pain told me this wasn’t a dream.

I took a deep breath and let out a silent scream.

“Yesss!! Spring has come for me, too!!”

It was May. The cherry blossoms had already fallen, but it looked like my spring had finally arrived, even if a little late.

I didn’t want some grand, dramatic romance like in novels or anime. I didn’t need someone rich or a stunning beauty either. I just hoped for a kind girl. That was enough.

Would an aquarium be good for a first date? Or maybe the zoo? We couldn’t skip the movies. Watching a romantic film, holding hands in the dark theater, and then nervously sharing our thoughts afterward with blushing cheeks. Ah, how wonderful! This was exactly the happiness I’d been looking for.

Until now, it had always been about Hinata.

Every day, it was Hinata, Hinata, Hinata. I was always the middleman, delivering love letters for him or watching girls hit on him even when we were just hanging out. But all those times, it was always about Hinata. I was just the extra.

“But! But still!”

This time, I was the protagonist!!

And because of that, I was moved to tears by this reality.

Okay, I wasn’t actually crying. But in my heart, there was a flood of emotions.

Wait, this can’t be happening. This doesn’t make sense.

“—Eh, who are you?”

That was the first thing she said. Like she didn’t understand what was going on.

At those words, a bad feeling jolted through my mind. No way.

The space behind the school building in the late afternoon was a bit dim, but the gentle glow of the setting sun added a romantic vibe.

It was the perfect place for a confession —or to be confessed to.

But the atmosphere between us felt like a funeral. A full-on funeral.

When I showed up behind the school, her face lit up with joy. Her cheeks turned red, and she looked excited. But when she realized it was me, her expression went blank, and she tilted her head in confusion.

And then she asked, “Who are you?” The sparkle of a girl in love was completely gone.

Her face now wore a clear look of doubt. Her eyes were clouded with uncertainty.

But still, she had called me here. That fact hadn’t changed.

The bad feeling and the alarm bells in my head kept getting louder, but I decided to ignore them for now.

“Uh, I’m Shinji Usui. …You called me to come here, right?”

“Huh? I called for Ichinose-kun. Wait, Usui? You’re the guy who’s friends with Ichinose-kun?”

“Yeah, kinda. Wait, hold on —did you just say you called for Hinata…?”

My worst fear had come true. Those two dreadful words —total disaster— filled my mind.

I felt a twitch in my cheek and pinched the bridge of my nose, sighing deeply.

Seriously? This kind of thing happens, too? How could I be so stupid? Getting all excited and letting my imagination run wild. Ugh, if there was a hole nearby, I’d crawl into it for at least five years. I just want to retire from life.

“D-Did I maybe… put it in the wrong locker?”

“Looks like it. Uh, well… just, you know, be more careful next time.”

Even though I was heartbroken, I somehow managed to comfort her. Maybe I’m a saint.

I didn’t have it in me to blame her when she looked so guilty. If this had been some kind of prank confession, I would’ve been even more devastated.

Besides, sadly, I was used to getting caught up in romance disasters.

I forced a smile and spoke to her.

“Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone about this. Just make sure you get it right next time.”

“Ah… yeah. I’m really sorry. I’m so sorry.”

She bowed her head quickly and rushed away.

I guess standing behind the school with the wrong guy was too much for her.

I watched her leave, then lightly bumped my head against the wall.

Ichinose, Usui —our lockers being next to each other because of the alphabet made sense. But still, how do you mess up the recipient of a love letter? I want a refund on my pure, innocent heart!

What was all that about movies and holding hands?!

Give me a break, you idiot! You moron!

Arrrrggghhhhh!!

“Damn it all!!”

—The next day, there was another letter in my shoe locker.

TLN:
Aiueo is the order of the first five Japanese kana characters, which are the vowels “a,” “i,” “u,” “e,” and “o”.