The Protagonist's Sister Loves Me, But She's Definitely a Yandere. - Chapter 41: The Beginning of Summer

Act 3: Feelings That Can’t Be Ignored

Chapter 41: The Beginning of Summer

Summer was in full swing, and heatstroke warnings were being issued every day.

It was early July. On a Friday night, I tilted my head at my mom’s unexpected words.

“…A part-time job?”

Her suggestion came completely out of left field, and all I could do was repeat it like an idiot.

My parents were always busy with work. My mom, in particular, managed to juggle housework on top of her job. So when she said something, it wasn’t something I could just ignore. I looked at her, urging her to explain.

“You’re free, aren’t you? Start working tomorrow.”

“Wait, wait, that’s way too sudden. I have plans too, you know…”

“Oh? You have plans?”

Guh. I clammed up.

I didn’t have any plans.

There was the whole thing with Mimi, and the stuff with Runa —plenty to worry about. But aside from that, I had to admit I was pretty much a free agent. The sports festival was just a weird exception.

“Judging by that look, you don’t. Go on, think of it as helping people.”

It sounded like a hassle. But at the same time, I thought it might be a good way to clear my head. Confessions, stalkers, and all that other stuff… I needed some time alone to sort it all out.

“Helping people, huh. I don’t think I’m cut out for some grand part-time job.”

“Ah, it’s fine. The work itself is simple. It’ll just be hot.”

My mom adjusted the air conditioner, lowering the temperature.

“See, remember your uncle? The one who always gives you New Year’s money?”

I thought back to what she said —oh, that guy.

After a moment, his face came to mind, though it was blurry. We only ever saw our relatives during New Year’s and festivals, so I couldn’t remember his name, no matter how hard I tried.

“He’s running a food stall or something at the beach opening this year.”

“…So you want me to help with that. And having a guy around would be even better, huh.”

“Exactly! You catch on quick. He needs someone for the heavy lifting.”

Apparently, there was a paycheck involved. A last-minute part-time job offer.

Basically, it was going to be grunt work at a food stall or beach shack. It definitely sounded hot and exhausting.

But the reality was, my schedule was completely empty. Ideally, I’d be lounging at home in an air-conditioned room. That was the ultimate comfort. But staying at home would just make me overthink everything.

I’d end up with a bunch of unnecessary thoughts running through my mind, making it impossible to relax.

If that was the case, maybe it was better to stay busy, get paid, and get some exercise.

I shrugged and gave my mom a nod.

“Alright. Let them know I’ll help.”

“I’ll send you the address later. Make sure you’re there at the time they tell you. Thanks~!”

She said that and took a sip of her coffee. The conversation ended there.

When I went back to my room, the notification light on my phone, which I’d left on my bed, was blinking.

When I turned it on, I saw a bright message from Mimi.

[Are you free tomorrow?]

A hamster sticker, followed by a message asking if I was free.

What kind of nerve does she have? She’s way too bold.

She got rejected by the person she liked —well, whether she actually liked him is debatable. Then she declared she liked me and started following me around. She was the mastermind behind the stalker incident, after all.

“…It’s kind of awkward meeting her one-on-one.”

Even when she was caught, she acted totally carefree and kept getting closer to me.

Speaking of getting too close, Runa was the same way. These first-year girls were wearing me out.

While I was thinking of a reply, my phone buzzed out of nowhere.

[Are you free tomorrow?]

Speak of the devil —it was a message from Runa.

It was the same question Mimi had just asked. There’s no way they planned this together, so it was probably a coincidence.

…Guess I just have to be honest here.

[Sorry, I have plans tomorrow.]

I sent a short reply to both of them.

Almost immediately, they both messaged me back.

[Plans? You have plans, Shin-nii? What kind of plans?]

[What kind of plans? Shinji-senpai, you’re obviously free, right?]

First my mom, and now these two. What do they think of me?

“Do I really seem that free? …Well, they’re not wrong.”

Since there was no point in lying, I typed a message explaining that I had a part-time job and sent it to both of them. After waiting a bit without getting any replies, I figured they understood.

The address my mom sent wasn’t too far from here.

I’d have to wake up early tomorrow. The time was already set by the people I’d be working with. After setting an alarm on my phone and finishing my preparations, I went to bed earlier than usual.

――――――

Afterword

First, I want to apologize. I’m really sorry for the delay in updates.

It’s already been a month since I said I’d start writing Act 3. I’ll go commit seppuku now.

It’s all because of the busy season and society! Japanese people work way too much!

Now, I have some news —or maybe it’s more like a dream come true.

Even though updates have been slow lately, a comic adaptation project for this story is currently in progress! I can’t share details about the publisher or the release date just yet.

This is all thanks to everyone who’s been supporting me.

I’ll keep doing my best, so please continue to cheer me on!